2021

Aston Martin has struck another major blow when it comes to its recruitment campaign. This time, the British team has recruited Heath Cade who will be Chief People Officer for the team. What makes it so special that Cade has been recruited by Aston Martin is the fact that he previously worked as the Human Resources Director at Red Bull Racing. It’s not the first time that Aston Martin has taken personnel away from the Austrian team. Dan Fallows and Andrew Alessi preceded him in doing so. Team principal Otmar Szafnauer is pleased with the appointment of Cade: “The arrival of Heath Cade is our latest significant appointment as we continue to put the structure in place to allow Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team to deliver at the very highest level in the months and years ahead”, he told the Website of the British team. Cade himself is happy with his move from Red Bull to Aston Martin: “There is a clear roadmap for success being laid out by the leadership and it is very motivating to see significant investment in both people and facilities.” Aston Martin’s goal is to win the world title one day, and with the recent acquisitions behind the scenes, the team seems keen to achieve that goal as soon as possible. At the moment the title still seems far away. The team is seventh in the Constructors’ standings with 48 points.

Valtteri Bottas’ five-place grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix is “not a real punishment”, Red Bull have claimed. The Finn was given the sanction by the stewards after causing the multi-car collision at the start in Hungary, which left Max Verstappen’s car damaged and wiped out Sergio Perez. However, given the usual pace advantage between Mercedes, Red Bull and the rest, team boss Christian Horner sees little real impact on Bottas’ race this weekend. “Great strategy from Mercedes,” he told Auto Bild. “Valtteri did a great job for them by knocking out both of our cars. “He gets the penalty for the next race, but he makes up for that in two laps at Spa,” he added. “It’s not a real punishment.” Red Bull’s biggest point of anger after the incident was it added to the ever-increasing bill for crash damage this season, with Helmut Marko claiming Mercedes had already cost the team $3million. “It [the grid penalty] doesn’t repair the damage he did to us,” Horner continued, “especially when you look at the budget cap. The effects are immense, the costs are brutal. “The first impressions indicate that Perez’s engine is no longer operational either. “It’s very frustrating, also for Honda, because it doesn’t come from reliability, but from accidents that we did not cause.” The stewards later explained that the wet conditions meant they were more lenient towards Bottas and Lance Stroll, who made a similar mistake behind. Looking ahead to Spa, a key battle will be over wing levels and who can optimise Sector 1 and Sector 3 without losing out in the middle.

Schumacher documentary film is set to be released on Netflix on September 15, and will explore Schumacher’s success in F1 and life off-track with full support from his family. The film was announced in July, but Netflix has now released the first trailer for the documentary. The trailer features interviews with Schumacher’s father, his wife, and his two children, including current Haas F1 driver Mick Schumacher, who says: “When I look at him, I think, ‘I want to be like that.’” Current Aston Martin F1 driver and four-time world champion Vettel is also part of the trailer, having looked up to Schumacher throughout his racing career. Schumacher marks Netflix’s latest foray into F1 and motorsport after achieving considerable success with its Drive to Survive docu-series that is currently filming for its fourth season. The film was described by Schumacher’s long-serving manager, Sabine Kehm, as the “family’s gift to their beloved husband and father” at the time it was announced. “Michael Schumacher has redefined the professional image of a racing driver and has set new standards,” Kehm said. “In his quest for perfection, he spared neither himself nor his team, driving them to the greatest successes. He is admired all over the world for his leadership qualities. He found the strength for this task and the balance to recharge at home, with his family, whom he loves idolatrously. “In order to preserve his private sphere as a source of strength, he has always rigorously and consistently separated his private from his public life. This film tells of both worlds.” Schumacher director Vanessa Nocker said that Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, had been “our greatest support in this” in making the film. “She herself wanted to make an authentic film, to show Michael as he is, with all his ups and downs, without any sugarcoating,” Nocker said. “She was great and brave enough to let us do what we wanted, and so we respected and kept her boundaries. A very inspiring, warm woman who made a lasting impression on all of us.”

On Monday reports surfaced that Toto Wolff and Lawrence Stroll had been investigated for insider trading. Both men don’t seem to have to fear a penalty, as it seems that there is not enough evidence. For Wolff and Stroll Sr. it’s all good. Wolff invested 30 million in Aston Martin shares and by coincidence, Tobias Meurs, then CEO of Mercedes-AMG, suddenly became the most senior man at Aston Martin. Another six months later, Mercedes also invested around 200 million. Aston Martin’s share price skyrocketed and one share is now worth 60 percent more than it was before Wolff stepped in. The Financial Times writes: “Financial regulators have looked into suspicions of insider trading in shares of Daimler and Aston Martin, including the purchase of a stake in the British luxury car maker by Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Formula One boss.” There has indeed been an investigation, because of course it is a coincidence, but the British International Business Journal states that reports of asymmetric information have proved unfounded. “BaFin, the German market regulator, said it had investigated trading at Daimler and had also passed information to its colleagues at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) about trading in Aston Martin shares. BaFin said it had found no evidence to proceed with an investigation. A person familiar with the matter said the FCA had not launched an investigation.” Wolff not only has a stake of just over one percent in Aston Martin. The Austrian is also a major shareholder in Mercedes’ Formula One team. He holds 33 percent of the shares, alongside Daimler and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Earlier on Wednesday it was announced that Valtteri Bottas and George Russell will ‘fight each other’ in Thursday’s press conference. It has now also been announced that Max Verstappen will be competing with Charles Leclerc. The Dutchman has not sat alongside his Ferrari rival at a Thursday press event before this season. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez will speak to the media at the same time as Lewis Hamilton. Perez, like Bottas and Russell, will also be asked which team he thinks he will drive for in 2022. Lando Norris, as current number three in the world championship, will be asked about his expectations of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. He will see generation rival Nicholas Latifi alongside him. The press conference starts at 12:30hrs. Belgian GP press conference line up

Toto Wolff says his Mercedes squad is eager to resume at Spa its title battle with rival Red Bull, which he insists is “far from over”. Mercedes regained the upper hand in the Constructors’ championship before F1’s summer break, having outscored Red Bull at Silverstone and at the Hungaroring, albeit with circumstances and luck lending a helping hand. Lewis Hamilton leads Max Verstappen by just 8 points in the Driver’s standings, while Mercedes’ advantage over Red Bull stands at 12 points, despite the Milton Keynes-based outfit scoring more wins this season than its opponent, or six victories versus four for Mercedes. “This has definitely been one of the most intense F1 seasons that I can remember, so far,” said Wolff in the Brackley team’s Belgian Grand Prix preview. “The battle is far from over and after a few weeks away from the track, we’re all really excited to get back to work. “The shutdown is such an important time for the entire team. The chance to relax and recharge is invaluable, especially with such a busy second half of the season coming up, and the fight we have ahead of us. “We’re all racers at heart though, so while we enjoyed the well-deserved time off, we’re also eager to get back to doing what we love: racing!” Since the start of the hybrid era in F1, Mercedes has won four times at Spa, while Red Bull’s last win on the Ardennes track dates back to Daniel Ricciardo’s triumph in 2014. Regardless of which team or driver prevails next weekend at Spa, Wolff insists its still a long road to Abu Dhabi. “We head to Spa-Francorchamps in a good position,” said the Austrian. “We lead both Championships and the W12 feels in a better place, after the upgrades introduced at Silverstone and an encouraging showing in Hungary. “But we know there is a long road ahead and so much can still happen in this season of ups and downs. “Spa is a track that we all know and love, one of the true F1 classics with its iconic corners, long-flat out sections and beautiful scenery. “It’s a hugely challenging track for both the drivers and the cars, with the longest lap of the season, lots of elevation change and some very high g-forces. “The weather is also notoriously unpredictable at Spa and always throws a curveball our way. With the Belgian Grand Prix always producing exciting and fun racing, it’s the perfect place to start the second half of the season. Bring it on!”

Formula One announced a new sponsored award on Tuesday for the driver who completes the most overtakes during the course of a season. The award, carrying the name of cryptocurrency partner crypto.com, lines up alongside those offered for the fastest lap and fastest pitstop. Formula One said in a statement that it was “designed to celebrate the bravery exhibited by drivers who make bold moves in pursuit of success.” Some social media critics suggested it could also be a reward for poor qualifying, with top drivers who started out of position more likely to make a significant number of overtakes during the race. Formula One said Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel had completed the most overtakes so far, as the championship comes out of its August break in Belgium this weekend, but gave no figures. New broadcast graphics will appear live during races to highlight overtaking possibilities and to keep fans up to date with the standings. The winner will be presented with a trophy at the end of the year.

Before the start of this season it was no secret that the lines of communication between Wolff and the Verstappen family were very small. The Mercedes team boss was charmed by the young Dutchman, but Max Verstappen was committed to Red Bull Racing. Wolff repeatedly said he would consider the Dutchman if a seat became available at the successful team. Of course, after everything that has happened this season, that remains to be seen. In any case, Wolff thinks Verstappen is fine at Red Bull, and so he says in conversation with Soymotor.com: “I think Verstappen and his entourage are very happy with the position they are in. Red Bull is their team and their home, so why not keep it that way? I think we have our plans with our drivers, Ferrari has a great line-up, Lando Norris at McLaren seems pretty settled, so I think the trajectory is set.” Although Mercedes has not yet made a decision, Wolff gives the impression that they are only looking within their own ranks for a driver for 2022: “We are not looking for a driver.” The Mercedes team boss is still hinting at the summer break to tie the knot: “We want to make the decision in the summer break. There are different opinions within the team and the Daimler management. We just have to get together and say, ‘Okay, what do we think?’”

Honda are in the thick of the World Championship fight in 2021. Max Verstappen and Red Bull are making it a memorable season for the Japanese manufacturer, who won’t rule out an F1 return in the future. Although Honda are preparing to leave F1 following the conclusion of the 2021 season, the Japanese manufacturer could return to the sport in the future if it aligns with the company’s vision. Honda currently supply Red Bull and AlphaTauri with engines, but they are departing in order to focus on carbon neutral technology. However, Director of Motorsport, Masaya, Nagai says the door isn’t closed on a return to F1. “The power source is changing [in 2025 or 2026],” Nagai told Motorsport.com. “The way of racing can also change through carbon neutral development. If that suits us, we may consider participating again by then. “That moment can always come, but it’s not an issue at the moment.” Honda are in the thick of the World Championship fight thanks to the efforts of Red Bull and Max Verstappen, however Nagai says the manufacturer aren’t reconsidering their decision to leave F1. “Our ideas haven’t changed, so we won’t reconsider our withdrawal,” Nagai added. “That is why everyone is very excited about this season, and I think that is why we have been able to achieve the results we have. “Besides, the season isn’t over yet. We want to race without regrets, that’s the main thing.” Red Bull will take on the running of Honda’s power units from January 2022 when F1 introduces a freeze on power unit development for three years.

At its heart Formula 1 is about gadgetry. The fastest car usually wins, not the quickest driver. But even now, when more than ever winning and losing comes down to minute mathematical increments of tiny technical tweaks, nothing still sells F1 like some good old-fashioned personal needle. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen don’t seem to like each other much. Competing for the world drivers’ championship means an edge in relations is inevitable. You don’t get to the top of a multi-billion euro sport and industry by not squaring shoulders against your closest rival. But this appears more than that. A considerable whiff of “feeling” lingers from last month’s British Grand Prix when in the midst of a thrilling duel for the lead Verstappen decided to go for an ambitious lunge up Hamilton’s inner only to get the door firmly and spectacularly shut in his face. The Dutch prodigy ended up slamming into a tyre wall at high speed. Verstappen and his Red Bull team cried foul. Hamilton shrugged a response that basically boiled down to “fortunes of war”. And overjoyed F1 bosses quietly hugged themselves at having a real grudge match on their hands. Not everyone gets motor-racing’s technical jargon. Anyone can get two guys who’ve got the hump with each other. It’s no coincidence that F1 really catches the popular imagination when the whole bloated “Brmm Brmm” business gets boiled down to two people going toe to toe. Devotees might be able to recall what horsepower was generated by the McLarens both Senna and Prost sat in back in the day. But no engineering qualifications were necessary to recognise a pair of competitors so maddened with fear the other might win that it felt reasonable to deliberately plough into them. Schumacher did the same with Hill. Mansell and Piquet always looked on the verge of a punch-up. Hunt and Lauda actually got on pretty well but the clash of styles and personality was gold for a mass audience. Apparently Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen are great mates too, bonding over an unlikely love of badminton. But no one ever makes movies about the admirably reasonable. So as the Grand Prix circus resumes after a summer break in Belgium this Sunday it finds itself a lot more relevant to a lot more people. Even the most casual armchair viewers ghoulishly watching the start and the first corner for crashes are likely to pay attention for longer, which is gold for those flogging F1 through all sorts of media. In many ways it’s a classic tale. Hamilton has been top dog for a long time. If he wins the drivers’ championship again this year it will a record eighth. He has already won more Grand Prix than anyone ever. Victory in Belgium will be a scarcely believable 100th race win. He is a statistical phenomenon in terms of pole positions and podium finishes, and might really be the best ever. Verstappen is the young pretender, brash and full of a swagger that is perhaps inevitable when you’re 23, unfamiliar with financial pressure, and assured of never wanting for company. Just the thought of Hamilton in the mirror was enough for other drivers to fold; Verstappen is cocksure enough to assume the chequered flag is unfurled just for him. Since Silverstone he has pointedly referenced Hamilton’s supposed celebrity lifestyle, saying he would never hang out with people just for his profile. Instead he painted himself as a much more down to earth figure, one that perhaps his 1.9 million Twitter followers can relate to more readily than a sometimes painfully earnest world champion reportedly worth over €300 million. Except this is no straightforward story of some young rebel taking on the establishment figure. Verstappen is from a racing family. His father is an ex-F1 driver. Once Verstappen Jnr started showing talent in karting there was little difficulty in presenting the peak of the sport as an attainable goal. It is in stark contrast with Hamilton’s unlikely and pioneering rise to stardom from an under-privileged background in England and becoming the first black driver in F1. Crucially, though, and unlike golf with its coldly cynical Player Impact Programme for boosting publicity through social media, there doesn’t appear to be anything ersatz about Hamilton versus Verstappen. It’s no Ali-Frazier rivalry. But there’s enough differences between the two men to make it both believable and box office. That’s good news for F1. Halfway through the season, and with as many as a dozen races still to go, the potential exists for a championship duel to rank with any that have gone before. Hamilton has a tiny eight-point lead – basically a single sixth-place finish – that is principally a result of that already notorious Silverstone shunt. So Verstappen is essentially level and armed with a grudge. Vital to everything is the unlikely coincidence of the two best drivers ending up in two cars that appear to be as quick as each other. Motor-racing wonks have been contemplating whether a budget cap introduced this year due to the pandemic has left teams relying on their 2020 cars and so inadvertently provoked a competitive beano between Mercedes and Red Bull. Technological development is in many ways the point of F1. It’s ironic then that hitting the brakes on that could pay off in increased public interest. Considering the budget cap for teams on the grid means they have “only” $150 million each to spend there’s no escaping the sport’s overwhelming corporate nature. So any future new normal will still be principally about the science and engineering necessary for making one car go faster than the rest. But there’s a certain reassurance in how all the high-tech bells and whistles still can’t provoke public curiosity quite like a lightning fast feud.