Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Verstappen eases to Austrian win, Austrian GP contract extended to 2030, and other big updates from around the world of Formula 1.
Max Verstappen secured a dominant victory in the Austrian Grand Prix, extending his lead in the championship to 81 points ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Charles Leclerc claimed second place after a battle with Perez, thanks partly to solid defense from his teammate Carlos Sainz. Verstappen showcased an impressive performance throughout the race, passing both Ferraris and maintaining a comfortable lead until the end. Despite his team's request to conserve tires, Verstappen opted for a pit stop to set the fastest lap of the race.
Click here to read the full article by Andrew Benson (bbc.com).
The Austrian Grand Prix will continue until at least 2030 as a new agreement has been reached. Austria returned to Formula 1 in 2014 after renovating the Red Bull Ring, which hosted the race from 1970 to 1987 as the Osterreichring. Austria recently signed a four-year deal to host the race from 2024 to 2027, and now an additional three years have been added. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed gratitude to the partners in Austria for their support, ensuring the race's continuation.
Click here to read the full article by Phillip Horton (motorsportweek.com).
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner expressed frustration with the Formula 1 stewards' "inconsistent" decision-making process after Max Verstappen avoided punishment for allegedly impeding Kevin Magnussen in qualifying. Steiner believes that the stewards would not have been as lenient if a Haas car were involved in a similar incident. The stewards based their judgment on video and audio evidence, concluding that Magnussen did not have to take significant evasive action. Steiner's criticism highlights the perceived inconsistency in the stewards' decisions based on the drivers involved, contributing to the ongoing debate about consistent rule application in Formula 1.
Click here to read the full article by Edward Hardy (formula1news.co.uk).
An 18-year-old Dutch driver died in a T-bone crash at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, raising concerns and pressure on Formula 1 to take action. The incident, similar to a fatal crash in 2019, occurred in hazardous weather conditions. Fernando Alonso and other drivers believe changes should be made to the dangerous section of the track, with some suggesting a ban on wet weather racing. The tragic event has sparked calls for improved safety measures, protection for young drivers, and a reevaluation of the balance between risk and excitement in the sport.
Click here to read the full article by Andrew Maitland (grandpx.news).
Red Bull racer Sergio Perez faced criticism for his aggressive battle with teammate Max Verstappen during the Austrian Grand Prix sprint, with concerns raised about his future with the team. Red Bull's motorsport advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, expressed disappointment with Perez's actions and lack of teamwork. However, Verstappen and Perez had a conversation to resolve the issue, and Red Bull boss Christian Horner downplayed the incident, emphasizing the team's one-two finish. Perez's poor qualifying performance placed him in P15 for the upcoming race, making a repeat of the incident unlikely.
Click here to read the full article by Andrew Maitland (grandpx.news).