F1 news LIVE: Russian driver Nikita Mazepin facing ban from FIA as Mercedes monitor Red Bull sidepods

The first round of Formula One testing is in the bag ahead of the new 2022 season and there are only three weeks left until the first race, the Bahrain Grand Prix, in what promises to be a packed calendar. Each team has now unveiled their new car with vital data logged at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Lewis Hamilton finishing quickest ahead of the next round of testing on 10 March in Bahrain.

But there was the fascinating innovation displayed by Red Bull and their sidepods, which got a close inspection from Hamilton. Quite how valuable they promise to be is unclear with the riegning champion Max Verstappen seemingly strategising his runout in Barcelona without pushing for the absolute fastest time.

There will be one less race after F1 confirmed last week the Russian Grand Prix will not take place following the escalating crisis in Ukraine. Sebastian Vettel had already made clear that he would boycott the race, with Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto revealing that teams met last night “to try to understand what the situation is and how to cope and how to manage it”. Meanwhile the Andretti family have made clear their intentions to enter F1, in a move which made all of motor sport sit up and take note. Michael Andretti said that his father revealed his Formula One aspirations last week to show the FIA there is strong public support for an expansion team — and he would need a decision from motorsports’ governing body in the next month to be properly prepared for a 2024 debut.

Follow all the latest news and updates from F1 below.

Latest F1 news

• Russian driver Nikita Mazepin’s Formula One future expected to top agenda at emergency meeting

• Mercedes monitoring ‘interesting’ Red Bull sidepods

• Lewis Hamilton considered retirement at the end of last season

• Mario Andretti awaiting FIA decision over new team proposal

• Ukraine federation calls for FIA ban on Russian licence holders

Enzo Trulli takes next step to follow father Jarno Trulli to F1

12:30 , Jack Rathborn

Enzo Trulli has taken the next step to follow his father and former F1 race winner Jarno Trulli after being confirmed on the grid for F1 alongside Carlin.

The 16-year-old won the Formula 4 UAE Championship last season, tallying four wins and landing a podium in the Euroformula Open Championship with Carlin.

The Italian has now been elevated to F3 with Brad Benavides and Zak O’Sullivan.

“It is with great pleasure that I announce my commitment with Carlin for the 2022 FIA F3 Championship,” said Trulli. “I am so happy to stay in the Carlin family for this fantastic experience, after a very successful first season with them in the Euroformula. I am truly thankful to Trevor Carlin and the team for believing in me.

“Of course, it’s going to be a learning season for me, considering the limited experience I have and the limited mileage available in the car. Yet, I’m ready to work hard and to support the team’s work and progress, in order to bring Carlin on top of the F3 list. It is such a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to starting the learning process!”

Fernando Alonso among top four drivers in F1, claims Alpine technical director

12:15 , Jack Rathborn

Alpine technical director Pat Fry considers Fernando Alonso to still be among the elite drivers in Formula 1 and includes the Spaniard inside the top four.

“Fernando is among the top four drivers,” Fry told Motorsport.com.

“He helps us to do everything better, all the time, and that’s an encouragement, having driven different types of cars in his Formula 1 career,” said Fry.

“It’s useful to have different opinions when you’re changing to such a different car.”

Lewis Hamilton supports F1’s decision to stop drivers collectively taking a knee

12:05 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton supports Formula 1‘s decision to scrap drivers all taking the knee together before races.

The pre-race ‘We Race As One’ moment was brought in for start of the 2020 season and saw drivers given the opportunity to take a knee on the grid to protest against racism and promote social justice.

Hamilton is a forthright proponent of equality inside and outside of the sport and was a driving force behind Mercedes’ all-black race livery used during the last two seasons.

The FIA, however, earlier this year confirmed that the pre-race opportunity would be removed for the 2022 season which begins next month.

Lewis Hamilton supports F1’s decision to stop drivers collectively taking a knee

F1 2022 season: Important dates

11:57 , Jack Rathborn

It’s a busy build-up to the start of the 2022 F1 season, and now we’re in March, there are the first two races of the calendar to look forward to - so note these dates in your diary:

• March 10-12: Testing Bahrain

• March 11: Drive to Survive Season 4

• March 20: Bahrain Grand Prix

• March 27: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

FIA reject Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of ‘biased’ stewards

11:50 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton’s accusations of possible bias among race stewards has provoked a quick response from the FIA.

The Mercedes man spoke on Wednesday about a lack of diversity in the stewards’ room, calling for more female representation among those in the hotseats, adding that it “would be awesome to have a male and female as the two race directors.”

However, he also added his claim that some individuals currently in position failed to always take an objective view on situations, allowing their personal feelings for drivers to get in the way of applying regulations.

FIA reject Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of ‘biased’ stewards

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz tops most laps complete at Barcelona testing

11:40 , Jack Rathborn

Nikita Mazepin defended by Haas after Jeremy Clarkson’s X-rated insult

11:35 , Jack Rathborn

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has backed Nikita Mazepin after the Russian driver was abused by Jeremy Clarkson on Twitter over his stance on the Russian Grand Prix.

The race, due to be held in Sochi on 25 September, has since been cancelled following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and F1 are set to hold further meetings to discuss the crisis.

F1 said the Russian Grand Prix is “impossible to hold” in the current circumstances after initially coming under pressure when four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel refused to compete at the race in the wake of the Vladimir Putin-backed invasion.

Nikita Mazepin defended by Haas after Jeremy Clarkson’s X-rated insult

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell top testing times in Barcelona

11:25 , Jack Rathborn

F1 hint at ‘something different’ for Drive to Survive as season four trailer revealed

11:20 , Jack Rathborn

Formula 1’s chief executive has hailed the impact of Drive to Survive on the sport after the release of the trailer for the fourth series of the Netflix show.

The behind-the-scenes documentary has granted new fans unprecedented insight into the workings and personalities of the F1 grid and has been reported to have been a key driver in resurgent popularity of the sport, particularly in the United States.

The success of Drive to Survive has triggered a number of imitations, with MotoGP among the sporting organisations launching behind-the-scenes documentaries.

F1 hint at ‘something different’ for Drive to Survive as season four trailer revealed

Valterri Bottas reveals new helmet for 2022 F1 season with Alfa Romeo

11:10 , Jack Rathborn

Lando Norris’ Q&A with McLaren

11:05 , Jack Rathborn

Norris on day or night races: “Night races!”

While The McLaren driver’s standard breakfast is “yoghurt and oats.”

While Norris has also confirmed he’ll make a return to iRacing in the near future.

‘He didn’t expect me to overtake him’: Max Verstappen lifts lid on Abu Dhabi final lap in new documentary

10:55 , Jack Rathborn

Max Verstappen has revealed new details around the dramatic final-lap shoot-out at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that saw the Red Bull driver beat Lewis Hamilton to the Formula One title at the last race of the season.

The season-deciding race was embroiled in controversy after former race director Michael Masi allowed some but not all cars to unlap themselves under a safety car, putting Verstappen behind Hamilton on fresh tyres following Nicolas Latifi’s late crash.

Masi has since been removed from his post, but Verstappen’s title stood and the 24-year-old is set to defend his championship starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 20 March.

Ahead of the 2022 season, a new documentary on Verstappen has been released that shows the dramatic final lap at he Yas Marina Circuit and offers some fresh insight from the Dutchman on how he passed Hamilton on the final lap to win the title.

Max Verstappen lifts lid on Abu Dhabi final lap in new documentary

Antonio Giovinazzi tipped for F1 return if Nikita Mazepin is banned

10:47 , Jack Rathborn

Antonio Giovinazzi could be in the running to replace Nikita Mazepin at Haas if the Russian driver is banned from competiting in the 2022 Formula One season, it has been reported.

Mazepin’s future in F1 is in doubt and the Russian is set to be at the top of the agenda at an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

F1 has cancelled the Russian Grand Prix in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine and the sport is under growing pressure to follow the lead of Uefa and Fifa after they took the joint decision to suspend Russia from all club and national fixtures.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has said Mazepin’s future is out of his hands and suggested that reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi could make the step up to join Mick Schumacher if the Russian is unable to compete in the 2022 season.

Antonio Giovinazzi tipped for F1 return if Nikita Mazepin is banned

Ukraine's motorsports federation calls for ban on Russian drivers

10:27 , Jack Rathborn

Ukraine’s motorsports federation has called on Formula One’s governing FIA to ban all Russian and Belarusian license holders from taking part in its competitions, which if accepted could put Russia’s Nikita Mazepin out of the sport.

The call for a ban was part of a list of proposals put forward by the Federation Automobile de l’Ukraine (FAU) to Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Sunday in response to a letter written by the FIA president offering the body’s full support to the FAU after Russia launched its invasion into Ukraine.

Formula One on Friday said it will not race in Russia this season, adding it was “impossible” to do so under the “current circumstances”.

Mazepin already faces an uncertain future with his Haas team set to work on resolving it this week, along with the future of their partnership with Russian potash producer and title sponsor Uralkali, which is owned by Mazepin’s father.

The 22-year-old, who drives alongside Mick Schumacher and made his debut last year, has so far raced under a neutral flag as part of doping sanctions imposed on Russia but competes on a Russian license.

Haas, as part of the Uralkali sponsorship deal, have run their cars in a Russian flag-themed livery.

The U.S.-owned team, however, have already taken all Uralkali branding and Russian flag colours off their car, running it in an all-white livery on the final day of Barcelona testing on Friday.

The FIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposals put forward by the Ukrainian federation.

The proposals included calls to prohibit the use of Russian and Belarusian state symbols during FIA events, the holding of FIA events in Russia or Belarus, the staging of events sanctioned by the Russian motorsports federation in the occupied territories of Ukraine and the exclusion of all Russian and Belarusian members from the FIA.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation”.

Lando Norris Q&A for McLaren

10:17 , Jack Rathborn

Norris has already delivered some insight into life as an F1 driver.

His pre-race ritual is simple: “Sleep”.

While he has shared how the new tyre size in F1 this season, alongside the guards that surrounds them, hinders his view in the cockpit.

He says: “A little bit yeah. But we will notice how bad it is at a Street Circuit!”

Lando Norris takes over McLaren social accounts

10:06 , Jack Rathborn

Lando Norris has taken over McLaren’s social accounts this morning.

After a highly promising testing in Barcelona, Norris is eager to connect with the fans.

He’s laid out some rules though.

New F1 team would need to offer $1billion, claims Toto Wolff

10:00 , Jack Rathborn

Any new team in Formula 1 would need to offer $1billion, according to Toto Wolff.

The Mercedes F1 team principal has discussed the sport expanding amid interest from ex-F1 driver and IndyCar champion Michael Andretti to enter a team for 2024.

Andretti has been in talks with the sport’s governing body the FIA, submitting unspecified “paperwork” with the view of launching a team to be known as Andretti Global, which would be the first new team since Haas in 2016.

‘It’s not a place I want to be going’: F1 drivers praise decision to cancel Russian Grand Prix

09:50 , Jack Rathborn

Lando Norris and George Russell have welcomed Formula One’s decision to cancel the Russian Grand Prix due to the country’s attack on Ukraine.

Formula One said on Friday that the race in Sochi, due to be held on 25 September, would be “impossible to hold in the current circumstances” following the Vladimir Putin-backed invasion on Ukraine this week.

The race has yet to be replaced on the F1 schedule but the sport’s stance against Russia was universally agreed upon following a meeting of its teams on Thursday, and backed by several drivers at pre-season testing in Barcelona.

F1 drivers praise decision to cancel Russian Grand Prix

‘My team don’t make mistakes’: Lewis Hamilton confident Mercedes will deliver title-winning car

09:40 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton has full faith Mercedes can deliver him a car ready to challenge for a record eighth world championship after he controversially missed out last season.

Two months and 11 days after last year’s controversial finale in Abu Dhabi – which saw Hamilton denied a record-breaking eighth title – F1 emerged from its winter hibernation with its first pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Wednesday.

“Every year is exciting but this one is completely brand new,” the Briton said. “I have seen designs of our car obviously but this is the first time you get to see the other teams out there on track.

Lewis Hamilton confident Mercedes will deliver title-winning car

F1 Drive to Survive season 4 release date and everything we know

09:27 , Jack Rathborn

Drive to Survive will soon return to Netflix and the story arc surrounding the season is sure to focus on Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s title race.

The pair went toe-to-toe throughout the 2021 season and pushed each other so hard they went into the final race of the season on equal points. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix turned into one of the most controversial sports moments as Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the last lap.

Race director Michael Masi allowed some cars to unlap themselves and others not after a safety car was deployed. This meant Verstappen was right behind Hamilton and an inquiry into the race is underway.

F1 Drive to Survive season 4 release date and everything we know

Lewis Hamilton finishes fastest on final day of F1’s opening pre-season test

09:10 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton finished fastest on the final day of Formula One’s opening pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

The seven-time world champion ended the afternoon running just 0.095 seconds ahead of new team-mate George Russell as Mercedes completed a one-two.

Sergio Perez finished third, one place ahead of Red Bull team-mate and defending world champion Max Verstappen, who was six tenths off Hamilton’s pace.

Lewis Hamilton finishes fastest on final day of F1’s opening pre-season test

Max Verstappen says Michael Masi was ‘thrown under the bus’ by FIA

09:00 , Jack Rathborn

Max Verstappen has given his backing to former Formula One race director Michael Masi, saying it was “unfair” that he was sacked from his role and suggesting he needed better support from the people who appointed him in the first place.

The Red Bull racer was the direct beneficiary of Masi’s final notable decision, when he opted to unlap only the cars between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton before the final race of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of the 2021 season.

Verstappen then surged past Hamilton to claim the race and win the title in the process, setting into motion a chain of events which included rumours of Hamilton retiring, a new set of protocols for decision-making over F1 rules in-races and a changing of the guard with Masi disposed of as race director.

Max Verstappen says Michael Masi was ‘thrown under the bus’ by FIA

Michael Masi ‘received death threats’ after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy

08:45 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Masi, the man accused of denying Lewis Hamilton an eighth world championship, received death threats following last season’s contentious Abu Dhabi finale, according to Christian Horner.

Red Bull team principal Horner also took aim at Formula One for abandoning race director Masi, and said the Australian’s family has also been targeted by fanatics.

Horner’s comments come a day after world champion Max Verstappen accused the sport’s rulers of throwing Masi under the bus following his recent dismissal.

Michael Masi ‘received death threats’ after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy

Nikita Mazepin’s Formula One future expected to top agenda at emergency meeting

08:35 , Jack Rathborn

Formula One’s governing body will stage an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Ukraine.

It is understood that the future of F1’s sole Russian driver Nikita Mazepin is set to top the agenda.

The president of the Automobile Federation of Ukraine, Leonid Kostyuchenk, has demanded the FIA bans all Russian and Belarusian drivers from competing outside of their own countries.

Mazepin’s F1 future to top agenda at emergency meeting

Guanyu Zhou reveals ‘compromise’ on journey to making F1 history

08:30 , Jack Rathborn

Alfa Romeo driver Guanyu Zhou has admitted he made a “compromise” in order to create history and become the first Chinese driver in F1.

The F2 alumnus shone with Alpine last season before clinching a switch to the team’s academy line-up, linking up with Valtteri Bottas in a new-look Alfa Romeo line-up.

“It is always good to be the first to make a breakthrough and for my country, motorsports started much later than for European countries,” he said.

“So it is very tough to be following the ladder of motorsports and arrive to where I am today.

“Of course, there is quite a lot of compromise that needs to be taken by myself, by my family and the team behind me.

“I am very proud of my country and I think a lot of people want to be coming out abroad and watch me race because obviously, there is no Chinese Grand Prix this year.

“My job is to focus on this season and to do well this season and show my full ability as a race driver.

“I think the guys will keep supporting me from home so it is good to have them.”

Christian Horner predicts Red Bull’s Mercedes rivalry to be 'as pertinent as ever’

08:20 , Jack Rathborn

Christian Horner maintains the rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes will be “as pertinent as ever” entering the sport’s new era.

“Certainly, we hope that there is going to be an equally exciting year, ideally a little less exciting at times, but an exciting season ahead and I think there could be some other competitors joining that battle as well,” said Horner.

“Particularly with a clean sheet of paper with these brand new cars, it’s a complete reset.

“It’s arguably the biggest regulation change in the last 40 years but I’m sure the intensity of the rivalry between the teams and the drivers will be as pertinent as ever.”

Sergio Perez reveals improved preparations with Red Bull

08:10 , Jack Rathborn

Sergio Perez has revealed how familiarity can help him improve this season with Red Bull ahead of a fascinating 2022 F1 season.

“It is a lot better, definitely, to be in a second year with the team,” Perez said.

“Arriving and already knowing who to speak to, knowing how the car felt last year and how it is like this year.

“It is really enjoyable to do a second year with the team and I’m looking forward to these new regulations.”

Mercedes monitoring ‘interesting’ Red Bull sidepods

07:59 , Jack Rathborn

Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott admits the team will “have a think” about how Red Bull’s innovative new sidepods work after their first sighting at the pre-season running in Barcelona.

“It’s a problem we’re all facing,” Elliott said to the official Formula 1 YouTube channel.

“The reality is we’ve just got to learn as quickly as we can. We’re doing as much testing as we can here [in Barcelona], and we’ll do a lot of simulation work back at the factory.

“It will be about how we either solve that, or how we deal with it and mitigate it in the first races.”

Rule changes could help McLaren and Ferrari says Brawn

Monday 28 February 2022 17:03 , Michael Jones

Formula One managing director Ross Brawn says the new rule changes for the 2022 F1 season could play into the favour of McLaren and Ferrari who have had more time to focus on this year’s car.

Brawn was in charge of the Honda team when McLaren and Ferrari were locked into a fierce battle for the titles in 2008 and, when Honda folded and became the Brawn team, the new regulations introduced in 2009 saw the previous year’s title protagonists fall down the order, with Brawn and Jenson Button taking both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships respectively.

With Mercedes and Red Bull putting all efforts into Hamilton’s and Verstappen’s pursuit of the drivers’ title in 2021 Brawn believes something similar could happen again this year.

The tables may have turned on Mercedes and Red Bull allowing the likes of McLaren and Ferrari to take advantage of the major rule changes.

Brawn admits he does not believe it will have a tremendously high impact – at least not to the extent of 2009.

“Mercedes and Red Bull could be impacted,” he said. “Last year, human resources were devoted to fighting a very intense world championship. Some of the teams further back didn’t have that consideration.

“If I had been Ferrari or McLaren in the very early part of last year, I would have put everything into the 2022 car.

“That is what happened in 2009. The year before there was a big battle between Ferrari and McLaren and they fell flat on their faces. I don’t think it will be that severe but is a good point.”

The teams head to Bahrain for the second test between 10-12 March, before contesting the first race of the season at the Sakhir International Circuit a week later.

Netflix tease ‘Drive to Survive’ season four with new trailer

Monday 28 February 2022 16:53 , Michael Jones

Formula One fans were given a glimpse at what is to come in the upcoming season of Netflix’s behind-the-scenes docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’ when a new trailer for season four dropped today.

The new episodes will release on March 11^th and will cover the 2021 F1 season including the dramatic world title battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

The championship title was decided in the very last race of the year in a contest full of drama and controversy in Abu Dhabi capping off the story of two rivals who collided on the track at Silverstone, Monza, and Saudi Arabia, in a bid to become world champion.

The trailer includes a bunch of soundbites, the most notable of which came from seven-time world champion, Hamilton, who was presumably referring to his title race with Verstappen when saying “It’s constant warfare."

Gasly happy with AlphaTauri’s testing performance

Monday 28 February 2022 16:37 , Michael Jones

Pierre Gasly was impressed by the performance of his AlphaTauri AT03 and despite a small crash on the final day of testing in Spain he was left with the feeling of positive anticipation for Bahrain’s official pre-season test in March.

Gasly completed 187 laps over the three days of testing in Barcelona which is more than Lewis Hamilton while the AlphaTauri team managed 308 laps between them.

Gasly said he’d been “super excited” to try the new breed of F1 car, and it seemed AlphaTauri’s AT03 did not disappoint.

“I must say I was super excited, especially with this new car, just to understand a bit more how it works and have a sort of idea how my feelings will be inside this new car.

“And it’s been really good, it’s been really positive straight out of the box; I felt quite confident inside the car and it kind of responded the way I wanted. Obviously there’s still a lot of things to work on, but it was a pleasing start.”

However, his final day was restricted to just 40 laps thanks to a crash in the morning.

“Unfortunately, I locked up my tyres during the morning running and damaged the car, but testing is about finding the limits and we’ve still been able to gather a lot of valuable data over the three days,” he explained.

“This is of course only the first test, and we have a lot to analyse before the three more days of testing in Bahrain.”

Alonso finds positives in Alpine’s car despite early end to run in Barcelona

Monday 28 February 2022 16:21 , Michael Jones

Fernando Alonso is impressed with Alpine’s A552 despite being forced to end the final day of testing early last Friday.

Alonso and teammate Esteban Ocon covered 264 laps across the three days at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya which put them towards low down in mileage covered for the week.

But, the two-time world champion was upbeat in his assessment of the car saying: “We believe we have made a step forward on the engine, on power, but also on everything.

“I think the engine has been updated in many different areas, so, let’s see if we can be a little bit competitive on that side.

“And keep… the reliability that we had last year; it was one of the strongest points of the car, finishing all the races and having no issues at all. So yes, you need to combine those two things: the performance and finishing the races.”

Alonso is now looking forward to the final preseason F1 test in Bahrain to make up for lost time adding:

“Until we go to Bahrain, we don’t know even what the others did as well on the engine side and how much progress everyone did this winter.

“There is new fuel, so we all lost performance with the new fuel, and we all try to recover that. So, let’s see in Bahrain.”

McLaren preparing F1 test programme with 2021 car

Monday 28 February 2022 16:06 , Michael Jones

McLaren is readying a test programme with their 2021 car this year to help youngsters like IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward get more F1 experience under their belts.

The team have been considering O’Ward as a potential Formula One driver for a long time but opportunities for him to race in F1 cars have been limited to just last year’s Abu Dhabi rookie test.

F1’s rules making it mandatory for teams to run rookies in at least two Friday practice sessions this year means O’Ward is likely to get some action on grand prix weekends in 2022 and McLaren want to make sure he is as prepared as possible so have committed to running the test programme to help him out.

They can do this due to a change in the F1 testing rules which no longer bans teams from testing previous year’s cars.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown said that the new regulations meant his team would commit to testing its 2021 MCL35M for young drivers.

“In F1, for the first time in a while, because of the big rule change, you’re allowed to test last year’s car,” said Brown. “So, we want to have a test programme like we used to have in the past.

“We have to put someone in for two [free practices on GP race weekends] by the F1 rules, but we haven’t decided who to put in. But he’s [O’Ward] certainly a candidate.”

Daniel Ricciardo praises McLaren team after solid week of testing

Monday 28 February 2022 15:44 , Michael Jones

Daniel Ricciardo is pleased with the reliability of McLaren’s new car after three days of testing in Barcelona and says his team have done a ‘great job’ of building it from scratch.

There is an exciting buzz around Formula 1’s new season with all new cars that could upset the familiar running order of the last decade or so.

McLaren and Ferrari both had successful pre-season test runs and there are hopes that both teams could battle Mercedes and Red Bull for victories and maybe even the championship this year.

It is, of course, too early to make any kind of prediction with another pre-season testing scheduled for early March but Ricciardo is happy with what he has seen from his MCL36 so far.

“[It was] a good day from many angles. I think reliability was great,” he said. “That’s on the team and everyone who’s worked hard to put this car together, so massive thank you to them.

“They’re pretty awesome to build a whole new car, put it on track and have it run so smoothly, so big thanks to them again.”

Safety changes to “very dangerous” Saudi Arabian circuit

Monday 28 February 2022 15:29 , Michael Jones

The promoters of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have outlined the details of changes being made to the circuit after it was declared “very dangerous” during its debut on the F1 calendar last year.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit was declared the fastest street track in the world prior to the Grand Prix in early December when it hosted the penultimate round of the season.

However, over the course of the weekend that certain aspects of the venue were concerning given the fast speeds. Max Verstappen crashed in qualifying and there were two red flags in the opening 15 laps of the grand prix, as well as other accidents in support series across the weekend.

The promoters, the Saudi Motorsport Company, detailed the alterations being made for this year’s race saying that driver sightlines will be improved at "several of the circuit’s corners".

These include turns two, three, 14 and 21 "where the barriers will be moved back between 1.5m and 2m.

"Likewise, the barrier on the right-hand side of turn 27 will be moved back by around 1.5m to widen the track at this point. In all cases except turn 27, the track limit/edge will remain the same.

"In addition, further modifications will also be made to turns four, 16, 22 and 24 after consultation with the drivers who requested a smoother barrier on the apex so that they can potentially brush it as they pass.

"To accommodate this, SMC is installing a steel plate which will effectively wrap around the concrete barriers given them the smooth surface they require to favour the lines the drivers take around the record-breaking course."

Schumacher urges people to “hope and pray” for Ukraine

Monday 28 February 2022 15:10 , Michael Jones

Haas driver Mick Schumacher has urged people to “hope and pray” for Ukraine following the county’s invasion by Russia last week.

Formula One has axed the Russian Grand Prix from the 2022 schedule and it being urged to ban competitors holding Russia and Belarus approved licences including Schumacher’s teammate Nikita Mazepin.

Schumacher said: "Obviously, I think we all heard the horrible news that the war had started and I think that is something which affects us all. It is something which makes me personally and is really sad to see.

“In terms of the effect on the team, I am not the right person to answer that question but I think we should all hope and pray for Ukraine.”

Asked how he had managed to mentally remain focused on testing given the apparent turmoil within the Haas team, Schumacher added: “I guess that the easiest way of answering this would be to say I’m just trying to constantly focus on what we have to do, on the work.

"But obviously, it is difficult at times to see what is also going on outside in the world.

“I think, right now, it is just important to balance both things I guess. I’m trying my best.”

Hamilton backs F1 stance on WRAO messaging

Monday 28 February 2022 14:59 , Michael Jones

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has backed Formula One’s stance to no longer allow drivers to take part in a formal WeRaceAsOne ‘moment’ ahead of the start of a Grand Prix but has called on the sport to be ‘mor impactful’ with its messaging on societal topics.

Part of F1’s decision to remove the moment came from CEO Stefano Domenicali’s wish to show more action on such topics rather than simply drawing attention to them and the sport will not prevent drivers from showing their own backing for causes they believe to be important.

Speaking at the Barcelona test when asked about what could be done going forward Hamilton backed F1’s stance saying: “I have not put a huge amount of thought to it but I do think what Stefano said made sense, that it is about action now.

"So that is something I look forward and hope we will see over a period of time.

"Things like, for example, I had a great call last year with all the teams about getting included in this charter, so every team is trying to push for diversity.

"I guess really instead of just talking about these things and making those gestures, really pushing.

"But I don’t know whether we need to have that one moment, we should be able to do it at any stage really but I did feel like the overall slogan last year with all the different things compounded into one... I think we can do more and be more impactful somehow.

"I don’t know what that is just yet."

However, the decision to remove the WRAO moment blindsided some of the F1 drivers with Sebastian Vettel explaining that he wasn’t consulted on the removal despite being one of the most vocal advocates for equality and director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association while McLaren’s Lando Norris said he “couldn’t accept doing nothing.”

New F1 cars 2022: Teams launch Red Bull, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari

Monday 28 February 2022 14:24 , Michael Jones

Formula 1 teams are launching their new cars for the 2022 season, as a new era takes hold.

2022 sees F1 undergo a significant regulation change which has led to a completely new era of car design, meaning there is potential for the grid order to be shaken up and for backmarker teams to challenge further up the grid order. The new rules will require teams to have nailed the finer details of the transition in order to succeed.

The regulation change has been devised in order to increase the quality of racing in F1. The return of ground effect aerodynamics is designed to allow drivers to follow one another more closely and encourage more intense wheel-to-wheel racing, while a five-inch increase in the width of the Pirelli size is part of plan to allow drivers to push harder for longer.

In terms of universal visual changes, this year’s cars have small winglets covering the tops of the front tyres, the front and rear wings have been simplified, and intricate bargeboard designs have been outlawed.

Some teams, including Red Bull, have launched ‘showcar’ versions of their 2022 machinery so far, with the livery slapped onto a default vehicle designed to hide any ingenious aerodynamic developments teams may have designed over the winter.

New F1 cars 2022: Teams launch Red Bull, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari

Verstappen says Red Bull car will be ‘completely different’ in Bahrain

Monday 28 February 2022 14:06 , Michael Jones

Formula One world champion, Max Verstappen, claims that his Red Bull RB18 will seem ‘completely different’ when the next round of testing takes place in Bahrain.

Verstappen manages 206 laps around Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona last week across three days of running in the RB18’s proper track debut.

Verstappen was fifth overall in the mileage stakes and Red Bull were fourth overall – setting 34 less laps than Mercedes over the three days.

Verstappen said: “It’s difficult to rate [the session]. What was positive is the car was running smooth, I was happy with the balance – but Bahrain is going to be completely different, so heading into race one, the car will be completely different as well.

“For me, I just focussed on doing a lot of laps and try to really nail down every single aspect of the car.”

The final day of testing was very stop-start after an early stoppage for Fernando Alonso before Alpine, Alfa Romeo, Haas, AlphaTauri and Aston Martin ended their running early.

“It was alright,” Verstappen added when talking about day three. “Of course, quite a few red flags so... we could not complete our whole programme. But everything was working well, the car felt good, it just continued from what I did on Day 1, [which was] the most important objective here for us.

“The car runs really well. In general, the weight is a bit up, but I really enjoy driving the car, it has a nice stable balance and I think they look cool as well – that’s always nice to jump into.”

Sainz unsure where Ferrari stand despite strong testing

Monday 28 February 2022 13:50 , Michael Jones

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz says he has ‘no clue’ were his car stands amongst the front-runners for this season’s Formula One championship despite a promising start in testing.

Saniz topped the driver char with 236 laps around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week and Ferrari as a team covered more mileage than anyone else over the three days.

Sainz’s Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap time on day two but finished just half a second off the overall best time set by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton on the final day.

The encouraging start for Ferrari has seen drivers and team principals point to them as one of the strongest teams so far but Sainz insists that it is ‘very early days’ for Ferrari’s new F1-75 car.

“I can imagine why you guys are starting to take conclusions and maybe try to put a bit of a pecking order,” Sainz said.

“But for us, really we have no clue, and I think no-one has no clue of which fuel loads [and] which engines modes is everyone running.

“So we cannot confirm or deny that we are happy or sad, because we really don’t know where we are at all. I think [in] Bahrain, maybe it will start to get a bit easier to start to guess where everyone is.”

Ferrari in good shape after testing

Monday 28 February 2022 13:33 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff agrees with George Russell’s assessment that Ferrari look in good shape after the first pre-season tests and believes they might have the most powerful engine in the field.

“We have the feeling that Ferrari currently has the most powerful engine.” said the Mercedes team principal.“But we’ve only had three days of testing and winter testing can be deceiving.”

Mattia Binotto, Wolff’s counterpart at Ferrari disagreed though saying his team were ‘not the favourites, we’re outsiders.’

Alpine’s Fernando Alonso agrees with Wolff telling Spanish broadcaster TVE: “Ferrari seem to be the fastest right now, which is amazing and great news for Spain as a whole. I also mention Mercedes, who also appear to be very fast.”

Lando Norris has also noted on the seemingly fast car from Ferrari but also added that Mercedes and Red Bull look good.

Toto Wolff talks price of new F1 team

Monday 28 February 2022 13:19 , Michael Jones

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has had his say on how much it would cost Andretti Global to bring a new team to Formula 1.

It’s a crazy amount of money.

He said: “Every team that is joining needs to add value. It’s not only by paying a $200m entry fee but it needs to demonstrate in my opinion what it can do for all the other teams and for Formula 1 and the FIA. Only then the sport will grow.

“We are the absolute pinnacle, this is the Champions League or the NFL. And redistributing franchises on the go is not how it should be. It’s not the intention of F1 and the FIA either.

“But if a real brand with good people, necessary funding, not only the $200m but probably you need more around $1bn if you want to play in this club straight from the get-go – then why not?”

New F1 team would need to offer $1billion, claims Toto Wolff

Norris and Russell disagree over strength of Mercedes

Monday 28 February 2022 13:04 , Michael Jones

Lando Norris disagrees with Mercedes driver George Russell’s assessment that McLaren and Ferrari are ahead of the Mercedes car following the first pre-season test in Barcelona.

McLaren’s Norris topped the first day of testing with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc quickest on day two having completed 78 laps. However, Mercedes and Red Bull displayed their speed on the final by locking in the top four spots with Lewis Hamilton leading Russell for a Mercedes 1-2 on Friday.

Following day two’s testing Russell implied that McLaren and Ferrari were leading the way in pre-season saying: “Some teams, a red team and an orange team in particular, look very, very competitive, [Mercedes are] certainly not ahead, [I’m] pretty sure of that.”

But, Norris believes Mercedes are stronger than Russell is letting on and reckons that Mercedes and Red Bull are still the teams to beat.

“George obviously topped the timesheets [on Friday morning] so if he thinks we’re strong, we’re going to think he’s strong,” he said

“I think if there’s any team on the grid right now that you expect to be at the front when it matters it’s going to be Mercedes and probably Red Bull.

“I don’t think we’re in an amazing place. I think we’re in a good place. We had a car which as soon as we put it on the track worked well.

“Of course, there’s always some new things and some unexpected issues here and there but it’s been a good start,”

Russian Grand Prix cancelled

Monday 28 February 2022 12:49 , Michael Jones

Formula 1’s Russian Grand Prix has been cancelled in the wake of the invasion into Ukraine.

F1 have decided the race, scheduled for Sochi on 25th September, is “impossible to hold in the current circumstances” following Vladimir Putin’s incursion into the country that began on Thursday.

A statement read: “The FIA Formula One World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together. We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.

“On Thursday evening Formula One, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.”

Formula 1 cancel Russian Grand Prix in wake of Ukraine invasion

Russell wants to bring back active suspension to solve porpoising issue

Monday 28 February 2022 12:30 , Michael Jones

Pre-season testing in Barcelona last week threw up some surprises for F1 teams. One of the biggest was the way their cars suffered extreme bouncing down the straights due to the aero properties of the 2022 challengers.

This occurred the last time ground effect was allowed in F1 back in the early 1980s and is a phenomenon triggered by downforce pushing the car further down to the track at high speed before the airflow suddenly stalls rising the car thanks to the loss in load.

This cycle repeats as the car flies down the straight and is nicknamed ‘porpoising’ for the similar way a porpoise rises in and out of water when swimming.

Formula One has banned the use of sophisticated hydraulic suspension systems – which were previously allowed – and F1 teams are currently at work trying to find solutions to the problem.

George Russell believes that a simple way to improve the new generation of cars would be to re-introduce active suspension. Speaking about ‘porpoising’ after watching a video of Charles Leclerc’s car doing it Russell said:

“We just saw with the Charles video just how bad it was for them, so, I think we will need to find a solution.

“I guess if active suspension was there, it could be solved with a click of your fingers. And the cars would naturally be a hell of a lot faster if we had that.

“I’m sure all the teams are capable of that, so that could be one for the future. But let’s see in Bahrain. I’m sure the teams will come up with some smart ideas around this issue.”

Active suspension was banned in F1 ahead of the 1994 season, as part of a push to cut back on driver aids that were dominating the sport and despite a push to evaluate a return for it, F1 has elected not to allow it to come back yet.

Russell felt that active suspension would be a good fit for the current cars, as it would help drive down lap times as well.

“I think it’s clear if we had active suspension, the cars will be a hell of a lot faster for the same aerodynamic surfaces, because you’d be able to optimise the ride heights for every corner speed and optimise it down the straight for the least amount of drag,” he said.

“So, it’s an easy way to make the cars go faster. And if you think of a safety aspect, then potentially [it’s an improvement]. I’m sure there’s more limitations. I’m not an engineer. But we wouldn’t have this issue down the straight, that’s for sure.”

Ukraine federation calls for FIA ban on Russian licence holders

Monday 28 February 2022 12:08 , Michael Jones

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week, the Ukrainian motorsport federation has called on the FIA to place a ban on Russian licence holders including Formula One drives Nikita Mazepin.

Five days after the invasion began peace talks are underway on the border of Belarus after the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, amongst other Ukrainian cities, was hit with regular missile strikes from the Russian military.

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel said he would boycott the Russian Grand Prix this season if it were to go ahead but Formula One announced last week that it would not be racing in the Russia this September. A decision that had the of both drivers and teams.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem offered his ‘full support and the support of the FIA’ to the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU) following the invasion and in response the FAU president Leonid Kostyuchenko said the federation would welcome ‘possible measures of support from the FIA for the postwar period, when all state resources will be directed to recovery.’

The FAU also requested moves against both Russia and Belarus by the FIA that would impact competitors from both nations. This includes a ban on those racing with licences issued by the Russian and Belarus federations in countries outside their home nations.

Haas drive Nikita Mazepin races with a licence from the Russian Automobile Federation and his future is in doubt after Haas removed all branding from Russian title sponsor, Uralkali, from the car for last weekend’s testing in Spain.

Mazepin wrote on Twitter last week that he was “not in control over a lot of what is being said and done” but he was “choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best” for Haas.

He drove for the team on the final day of testing in Barcelona last week with a white car livery.

Drivers react to Russian GP cancellation

Monday 28 February 2022 11:50 , Michael Jones

Formula 1 have decided not to have a Russian Grand Prix in the wakes of their invasion of Ukraine. Many of the drivers put up to the media were asked about it at the press conference.

Haas driver Mick Schumacher said: “We all heard the horrible news that war started and I think that’s something that affects us all. Personally [it] makes me really sad to see [this].

“In terms of the effect on the team I’m not the right person to ask, but I think we should all hope and pray for Ukraine.”

And Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz added: “I’m happy that everything has been cancelled.

“Innocent people [are] losing their lives, at this time you have to put everything in perspective of what’s going on in the world,” says Stroll. “It’s very scary times and we definitely have to just pray and hope things will be OK. It’s very hard to watch, I think Formula 1 has definitely made the right decision.”

Bottas excited after move to Alfa Romeo

Monday 28 February 2022 11:31 , Michael Jones

Valtteri Bottas has spoken out about his 2022 move to Alfa Romeo and how he believes it wall allow him to become the ‘best version’ of himself.

Bottas spent five years driving alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes and watched the Brit claim four out of five championships and notch wup 50 wins compared to Bottas’ 10 during the same period.

Speaking at the Alfa Romeo team’s unveiling of the 2022 C42 challenger’s colours Bottas said: “I am excited. It’s a new challenge for me, it’s a new project in a way and you need a certain mindset for it. And I’m absolutely ready for that at this stage of my career, where I’ve already gained quite a bit of experience.

“I absolutely feel that I have so much more to do to get better and so much more to give to this sport.

“As a driver, I think you never stop learning, as long as you want to. So of course, I’m always looking at areas that I can be better, and it truly feels like now I can just be the best version of myself instead of trying to be something else and trying too hard.

“But in the end, it’s going to be a team effort and I don’t see me as the only leader of the team. We’re in this together – that’s the feeling.”

Bottas’s start to pre-season running with Alfa Romeo did not go according to plan, as he managed just 54 laps across three days at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as Alfa Romeo struggled with both porpoising and various mechanical faults.

Hamilton calls 2022 pre-season the ‘most exciting and interesting’

Monday 28 February 2022 11:14 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton ended three days of pre-season tests at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain on top with the fastest lap time and the 37-year-old spoke about his excitement at getting behind the wheel of the new cars.

He told the media: “Arriving and looking down the pit lane and seeing all the different cars, I think it’s one of the most exciting and interesting seasons that I’ve ever embarked upon.

“It will be interesting to see where everyone comes out and where we stand in the first race.”

“I think every year’s exciting,” he continued, “but of course [in] previous years it was an evolution of the previous year’s car, so in this one, it’s completely brand new. I’ve seen the designs of our car over several months, but now to see everyone’s car out there, you’re trying to get a close eye to see what is different, if there is anything, why certain teams have chosen a certain route in terms of sidepod design, front wing and the floor.

“So, I think it’s the most exciting [year], and again, you have absolutely no idea where you stand.”

The standings at the end of testing saw Hamilton on top on Day 3 with his teammate George Russell second on the timesheets ahead of the Official Pre-Season Test in Bahrain in March.

Andretti Global looking at Haas acquisition

Monday 28 February 2022 10:54 , Michael Jones

Michael Andretti is keeping his options open as he awaits the FIA’s decision about setting up a new F1 team for the 2024 season.

If the application is successful Andretti would have to pay a $200 million entry fee that would be split among the current 10 F1 teams and has admitted he does not personally have the funds but has enthusiastic partners backing Andretti Global.

"They want to do this and do it right and be competitive. They’re not in it to just be in it. They’re in sports already and they think Formula One is very attractive at the moment... the popularity in the U.S. growing. The timing is perfect." Andretti said, although he would not reveal his investors.

However, the preference for Andretti Global is to purchase a current team rather than start one from scratch and the company has reached out to Haas owner, Gene Haas, about a possible buyout.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, team Haas removed the logos of its Russian sponsor from its cars during F1’s preseason test in Spain while team principal Guenther Steiner said he was not sure if Russian driver Nikita Mazepin will be able to compete this season.

Steiner also said there had been no recent contact from either Michael or Mario Andretti, but Michael Andretti revealed that if Haas would sell to him, Andretti Global could be on the F1 grid next season.

"He doesn’t want to sell. If he wants to sell, tell him to call me. That makes it a lot easier for us," Andretti said.

"The last conversation I had with him was probably around October or November. He told me he didn’t care if he’s running in the back, says it works for him anyway.”

Michael Andretti responds to Toto Wolff’s ‘dilution’ comments

Monday 28 February 2022 10:36 , Michael Jones

Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, believes that adding two more cars to the F1 grid would reduce the competition and revenue to teams but Michael Andretti doesn’t share that view saying:

"Toto’s going out there, ‘What do you bring to the table?’ I think we bring a lot, and I think we’ll bring a lot more than what we’ll be diluting.”

Andretti put forward the case of Formula One’s expansion in the United States – there are currently two US races planned this season with a third expected to be added to future calendars – as well as a huge rise in popularity thanks to Netflix docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’ which gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the sport.

“That’s our case. The American market is still untapped, but obviously with the Netflix series, that’s really brought a lot of popularity.” Andretti said.

“I believe we can bring more longevity to the Netflix series to have a real American team with an American driver. I believe with our brand, I think it could keep a lot of interest going for a lot more years."

F1 does not have an American driver, but Andretti hopes to bring in 21-year-old Californian Colton Herta should his plans for a new team progress to the next stage.

Andretti attempted to buy the Sauber team last year and would have put Herta in one of the cars had the deal not collapsed, prompting him to file the application with FIA in December.

Andrettis waiting on FIA decision for new F1 team

Monday 28 February 2022 10:17 , Michael Jones

1978 F1 champion, Mario Andretti, took to Twitter last week to outline his son’s plans for an expansion team revealing that Andretti Global had applied to the FIA to set up a new team in time for the 2024 season and was awaiting a decision.

His son, Michael Andretti, confirmed on Friday that his father revealed his Formula One aspirations to show the FIA that there is strong public support for a new team in the hope that motorsports’ governing body would come to a decision soon.

Amid preparations for IndyCar’s opener in St. Petersburg, Michael Andretti said he had expected FIA’s decision in January and that he and his father have grown restless as the application sits unresolved.

"I think we check every box," Michael Andretti said. "We’re a long way down the road with a manufacturer. There’s nothing that should us hold back from being accepted.

“But our thing is, the clock’s running, so we need to get this going ASAP. Because two years sounds like a long time. But it’s not a long time.

“We’ve got a lot to do, a lot to build. We’ve talked to a lot of people. They’re just sitting on the sideline waiting to see this thing go, and we can build a real credible team. I’m excited if we can get the approval, we can come in looking good.”

Hamilton contemplated retirement after F1 title defeat

Monday 28 February 2022 09:59 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton seriously contemplated retiring from Formula One after losing the world title to Max Verstappen in December. The 37-year-old was beaten in a controversial conclusion to the final race in Abu Dhabi which saw Verstappen overtake him on the final lap to win his first world championship and deny Hamilton a historic eighth title.

Hamilton kept a low profile after the loss and admitted to RacingNews365.com that he considered stepping away from the sport during his time away.

"Naturally, I think at the end of any season, probably for those that are around my age, of course you’re thinking about the future,” he said.

“You’re thinking about, what are the next steps? What are the right steps for you to take, and what’s right for you in terms of overall happiness?

"So I always evaluate all my options. I did make a commitment to the team earlier on in the season.

"And ultimately, I love what I do. I love being a part of a team. I love working with - and I’ve said it so many times - everyone towards a common goal.

“And I feel at my best, so why do I need to leave?”

Despite the reflections over retirement Hamilton decided to continue and posted the fastest lap time of testing around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over the weekend.

F1 news

Monday 28 February 2022 09:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

Formula One is gearing up for the new 2022 season and is only three weeks away from the first race, the Bahrain Grand Prix, of a packed calendar. The new cars took to the track last week at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya where testing began over three days, and they will be back out for more testing on 10 March in Bahrain.

However, there will be one less race after F1 confirmed last week the Russian Grand Prix will not take place following the escalating crisis in Ukraine. Sebastian Vettel had already made clear that he would boycott the race, with Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto revealing that teams met last night “to try to understand what the situation is and how to cope and how to manage it”.

Meanwhile the Andretti family have made clear their intentions to enter F1, in a move which made all of motor sport sit up and take note. Michael Andretti said that his father revealed his Formula One aspirations last week to show the FIA there is strong public support for an expansion team — and he would need a decision from motorsports’ governing body in the next month to be properly prepared for a 2024 debut.