2021

McLaren is “observing” and “monitoring” the premier electric series Formula E. The Woking based Formula 1 outfit, already now in Indycar, surprised the motor racing world last Friday by revealing it is entering Extreme E – the off-road offshoot of Alejandro Agag’s Formula E concept. McLaren supremo Zak Brown admits he is also considering entering the world endurance championship. And the team has also announced that it has a contractual “option” with Agag to enter Formula E for the 2022-2023 season “as part of (our) ongoing evaluation of potential new motorsport platforms”. “McLaren Racing is precluded from competing as a team in Formula E while McLaren Applied is the exclusive battery supplier to the series,” McLaren explained. “However, with that contract expiring at the end of the 2021-22 season, the team can now consider participation. “McLaren Racing will spend 2021 continuing to evaluate the feasibility of entering the series against a range of established criteria before deciding whether to proceed,” McLaren said in a statement. Brown admits that McLaren has been “closely observing” Formula E “for some time”. He also says the “financial situation” at the company is “extremely strong”. “Yes, we are financially very healthy, which is allowing our competitiveness in Formula 1, has allowed us to look at Indycar, has allowed us to enter Extreme E,” said Brown.

According to reports, Toto Wolff has informed George Russell’s management that the Brit will replace Valtteri Bottas next season. There has been speculation about the Brit replacing Bottas ever since he impressed when standing in for Lewis Hamilton at last season’s Sakhir Grand Prix. That speculation has only ramped up this season as the Mercedes driver has failed to impress, trailing his team-mate and the Red Bull pair in the Driver’s Championship. Now, both F1 Insider and Sky Italia have suggested that the decision has been made and an announcement is imminent. “Information from F1-Insider.com coincides with that of Sky Italia,” said the German site. “According to this, Mercedes junior George Russell is to replace the Finn Valtteri Bottas in 2022. “Mercedes team boss Dr. Toto Wolff is said to have already told Russell’s management – i.e. himself – that he should be ready.” Helmut Marko believes that it would be the “logical” thing for them to do, even if it’s not what Lewis Hamilton wants, as has been rumoured in the past. “It would be the logical step,” he told the site. “You can’t hold it off any longer. Otherwise, the funding no longer makes sense. Even if Hamilton won’t be happy.” If Bottas was indeed to be dropped by his current employers, his options regarding a seat for 2022 would be scarce to say the least, with many drivers having multi-year contracts. One seat that would be free is, of course, the one that Russell currently occupies at Williams, and Marko wouldn’t be surprised if the Finn ended up back where he started his career. In fact, he believes that it’s the only option he has, and has ruled out any chance of Red Bull making a move for him. “Bottas doesn’t have to call us. There is no space,” the Austrian added. “Actually, I can only imagine a swap with Russell. I think Williams will be the only option for him.” Both Bottas and Russell have stated a desire to have their futures wrapped up sooner rather than later, with the Finn saying it’s a case of the sooner the better and the Brit wanting clarity by the summer break. “I think, naturally, we all want something decided either way by the summer break, really,” Russell told Autosport. “I think it’s in everyone’s best interests.

Aston Martin Racing team boss Otmar Szafnauer says that Aston Martin’s goal is to win a World Championship by 2026 at the latest and compete for them sooner. The British company returned to the world of Formula 1 this season with the team formerly known as Racing Point undergoing a rebrand. They’re very much a midfield team this year, but like every over outfit, will be hoping to move up the order when the new regulations are introduced next year. In fact, Szafnauer has stated that they’re aiming to be fighting for titles as soon as three years from now, and want to be winning them two years after that. “If we could be a World Championship contender in three to four years, it would be a success. I think we would consider winning the World Championship within five years as a success,” he said as per motorsport-total.com. “If we look at the teams that have recently won multiple world championships in a row, it took Mercedes four years to buy Brawn, ” “And as far as I can remember, the time frame at Red Bull after buying Jaguar Racing was a similar one, also three to four years.” Brawn GP became Mercedes after the 2009 campaign in which they ended up winning both World Championships, but despite that, it still took a long time for the German team to become the dominant force that they are, with the outfit not claiming a title double until the start of the hybrid era in 2014. Aston Martin on the other hand are a team that, with their previous identity, were permanently in the midfield with P4 in 2020 being their best-ever result in the Constructors’ Championship. The team principal does admit, because of that, it could be a slightly longer journey to the top for Sebastian Vettel and co. “We are starting on a lower basis, I think,” he added. “When Mercedes bought Brawn, the team was just world champion. We were fourth a few times and were never contenders for the World Championship.” Szafnauer recently revealed, as part of their mission to win titles, the team are in the process of expanding their workforce from 535 to roughly 800, while a new wind tunnel and factory are also currently being developed by Lawrence Stroll’s team.

Marcus Ericsson and Kevin Magnussen are the latest ex-Formula 1 drivers to experience success whilst competing Stateside in Detroit. Over two years on from making his IndyCar debut, former Caterham and Sauber/Alfa Romeo driver Ericsson can now call himself an IndyCar race winner after winning a chaotic first race as part of a weekend double-header at the Chevrolet Grand Prix of Detroit. Ericsson is now the seventh different winner in as many rounds in IndyCar and the relief of finally claiming his first victory was clear for all to see. “It’s been such a long time for me. It’s been tough. I feel so good,” Ericsson told reporters at Belle Isle. “It was still a bit disappointing in qualifying [starting P15], but we knew we had a good race car — particularly once things fell my way. “It feels really good. It was about time. I thought, for once, the [last] laugh was on my side. I think we deserved that.” There was no such joy for Romain Grosjean, though, who crashed out at Turn 9 with five laps remaining. But there was also delight for Kevin Magnussen at the same venue just a few hours later, who was able to turn his first IMSA pole into a first career win since 2013. “I haven’t won a race since 2013 and it feels great,” Magnussen said. “The whole season we have been fast, but just not getting it to the end. We led a lot of laps this year and finally the right laps. Chip Ganassi Racing had an impressive weekend [referring Ericsson’s IndyCar win earlier]. I was happy to contribute to that with a win as well. “Coming here and knowing I was going to be able to fight for wins was a real privilege. “To go racing with this awesome car at these awesome tracks with this team is a dream. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be able to do that. “To come out of this weekend with the big trophy it’s pretty special. I am back in a winning situation and really enjoying it.” Magnussen was asked the almost inevitable question of whether he would one day like to return to Formula 1 – but only a very unlikely scenario would see that happen.

Scuderia AlphaTauri has announced a new partnership with ICM.com, a UK-based global multi-regulated financial service provider and confirmed Fantom – a leading smart contract platform – as an Official Team Partner. ICM.com is an international online Foreign Exchange (FOREX) and CFD trading firm that operates globally. The new relationship, which began at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix, is the first year of an exciting venture for the two outfits that wish to continue to develop a strong partnership for many years to come. The partnership with Scuderia AlphaTauri will accelerate the global brand awareness strategy of ICM.com through marketing campaigns across the team’s social and digital platforms. Furthermore, prominent branding will feature on a variety of team collateral; with both drivers displaying the logo on their race apparel and team kit, as well as further brand visibility throughout the garage environment and on the AT02. Commenting on the announcement of the new partnership, Team Principal Franz Tost said: “I’m pleased to announce this exciting partnership with ICM.com who, like Scuderia AlphaTauri, operates on a global scale every day. As a team that competes in an international championship, we are exposed to FOREX transactions daily, which is one of the core competencies of the ICM.com business. It’s great to welcome such a future-oriented company to our team and we look forward to building a strong relationship together this season.” “We are excited to enter the world of Formula One with this team partnership – the highest class of single-seater racing, distinguishable by its otherworldly-looking cars and phenomenal speeds, added Shoaib Abedi, Founder and CEO of ICM.com. “With a cumulative audience of almost 2 billion television viewers and a highly engaged fan base, the partnership with Scuderia AlphaTauri will add significant value to ICM’s brand awareness strategy. With races in 23 countries Formula 1 is a truly global platform, aligning with ICM’s global vision which currently covers over 20 countries,” he said. Furthermore, the Faenza-based team entered into a partnership with Fantom, which is a global blockchain platform designed for instant transactions with low costs and is revolutionising the user experience.Setting the groundwork for a digital financial system, Fantom focusses heavily on eco-friendly technology and has dramatically reduced the energy consumed in the blockchain process. Holding a similar high-tech driven philosophy to Motorsport that regularly disseminates its innovation into the real-world, Fantom also sees real-life applications of its platform in industries such as pharmaceuticals and education. This partnership will allow Fantom to utilise the team’s established platform to continue its staggering growth on a global scale, with the logo visible on the top of the halo of the AT02 at both the Monaco and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. Furthermore, Pierre Gasly will continue his Brand Ambassador role with Fantom, displaying the logo on his cap throughout the season. “This is another great partnership for Scuderia AlphaTauri and I’m happy to welcome Fantom on-board.” commented Tost. “As a team working at the pinnacle of motorsport, we’re always interested in new, innovative technologies and Fantom shares with us a constant hunger for success, which put them at the forefront of the blockchain industry, while operating sustainably. “We are pleased to support their continuing growth on a global scale and I look forward to seeing the Fantom logo displayed on our cars as we race through the streets of Monaco,” the Austrian concluded. Harry Yeh, Quantum Fintech Group Managing Director said: “We are extremely excited about this partnership. Fantom’s technology is incredibly fast but at the same time it is following a green and eco-friendly approach, which aligns perfectly with the Scuderia AlphaTauri F1 team and with the ambitious sustainability strategy of the sport. “I haven’t been this bullish about a tech start-up investment as I am with Fantom. We want to continue to attract even more people globally to the platform through this partnership.”

Mclaren driver Daniel Ricciardo has sent some encouraging words to a young F1 fan who has been a victim of bullying. A message was posted on Twitter by the youngster’s parent explaining that bullies had stolen his McLaren cap and stomped on it, leaving the boy with marks on his face. This came to the attention of Ricciardo, who responded by sending a positive message as well as the promise of a brand new cap. “Sorry to hear this, but don’t stress buddy,” the Australian wrote on Twitter. “Makes you look tough! Bullies are the weak ones, don’t forget that. “I’ll sort you out with a new hat and some other goodies. Stay up lil homie” McLaren themselves also reacted to the boy’s story and made it clear that, with the help of Ricciardo and Lando Norris, they would make sure that he would receive some new merchandise. “To all the kind and wonderful fans out there who have supported this strong young man, we just want to let you know that together with @LandoNorris and @DanielRicciardo we’ve got him covered,” a Twitter post on the McLaren account read. “Bullying is a scourge and we stand with you all against it.”

The puncture and subsequent crash of Max Verstappen at the Baku Grand Prix will be fresh in the minds of many Formula 1 fans. Despite the speed of the car when the Dutchman lost control and the ferocity of the crash, the damage to the Red Bull car is not too bad, Motorsport reported earlier today. “The car from the Milton Keynes plant has not reported any structural damage to the chassis,” reports the Italian branch of Motorsport.com. “However, the integrity of the transmission will need to be checked. If necessary, it can be replaced without penalty.” “The left rear suspension is most likely damaged, this due to the sagging of the rubber.” There is still disagreement over what exactly caused the Dutchman’s puncture. Pirelli insists it was dirt on the track, an interpretation that several drivers have already questioned. At the front of the car the damage is not too bad: “At the front it should be sufficient to replace the nose and front wing, because the body remained intact and at the rear only a dent in the structure was noticed.”

McLaren will race off the beaten tracks next year, with the papaya squad entering the second season of the Extreme E all-electric series. The Woking-based outfit’s commitment to Extreme E is a major coup for the adventurous climate-aware off-road racing series that takes its competitors to remote parts of the world. McLaren’s presence as the tenth team to join Extreme E is “probably the biggest news in the short history of Extreme E,” said series co-founder Alejandro Agag. “Extreme E’s mission is to use sport to build awareness and accelerate clean technology innovations that benefit the mobility industry and beyond,” added Agag. “To have McLaren on board, which symbolises the highest level of racing and automotive innovation, is a huge endorsement that what we have delivered in just our first two races of Season 1 has already created real impact in motorsport. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Zak and the powerhouse McLaren Racing team to Extreme E, and it’s safe to say, we can’t wait to see how the team performs in its first off-road, electric racing debut. Season 2 just got very exciting!” McLaren racing boss Zak Brown told the media that the manufacturer “didn’t have the luxury of waiting another six months” to join Extreme E given the series’ growing momentum and the prospect of it being “sold out quickly” according to Brown. “From the moment Extreme E was announced we have been following the progress of the series closely,” added the American who already has a personal stake in Exterme E through as a partner in Andretti Autosport. “Our attention was immediately drawn by the innovative format of this motorsport platform, in particular the ability it gives us to accelerate and boost our own overarching sustainability agenda, which shares the same priorities of decarbonisation, waste reduction, diversity and equality. “At the same time, it will enable us to reach a new audience with an innovative race format, connect with a new generation of fans through content served across a variety of channels and provide partners with a purpose-led competition platform to align with and share in a positive, powerful narrative. “From the outset, McLaren has always been at the forefront and never afraid to push new boundaries. “This new venture is true to our roots of participating in a variety of categories, innovation and bravery. “Extreme E is paving new ground in motorsport as a force for good in confronting some of the biggest challenges facing our world today and in the future. “While Formula 1 will always remain at the centre of our world, like INDYCAR and esports, our entry into Extreme E is additive to the McLaren Racing franchise and will complement and help support all our programmes. “We will be competing against big names we’re very familiar with from F1 and INDYCAR but, like all series we compete in, the competition objective is clear: we are there to win.”

Lewis Hamilton is in negotiations with Mercedes to sign a new contract to keep him in Formula One until at least the end of the 2022 season. Lewis Hamilton is reportedly willing to accept a lower basic salary in negotiations over a new Mercedes contract but is eager to include a clause that entitles him to a significantly bigger bonus for winning the Drivers’ Championship. Seven-time Formula One world champion Hamilton is only under contract with the Silver Arrows until the end of the current 2021 season. After six races, Hamilton trails Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by four points in the championship after a rare mistake at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last time out led to a 15th-placed finish. But the Briton is expected to battle the Dutchman all season long in a duel that could go to the wire across the 23-race calendar. In the background, talk about Hamilton’s future in the sport continues with Hamilton turning 37 next January and currently out of contract at the end of the season. Motorsport.com reports that Hamilton is willing to agree a wage cut in order to agree a new deal with world champions Mercedes. Yet in order to do so, it is claimed he wants to double the bonus he currently receives for winning the title. The report claims a deal will only guarantee Hamilton stays at Mercedes an extra 12 months although there will be an option for an additional year to take the agreement until the end of 2023. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is said to want a resolution to the matter by June 15 as he seeks to finish negotiations as quickly as possible. This year, Hamilton did not sign a new one-year deal until February, nearly two full months after the conclusion of the 2020 season in which he tied Michael Schumacher for the most driver’s titles of all time. There are said to be several aspects of a deal still to be thrashed out with it claimed Hamilton has asked Mercedes to secure him a future position in Daimler’s structure. That is because once he finishes racing, he is keen to continue his work improving diversity in F1. In fact, the defending champion – who has 98 race wins and 100 pole positions – insists he is more passionate about campaigning for diversity than he is about winning more titles.Hamilton has launched his own commission to look into the reasons why those from minority backgrounds are not as well represented in motorsport.

There is a chance that Valtteri Bottas will follow in the footsteps of Nico Rosberg. And that’s not saying goodbye to Formula 1 with a world title, but stopping driving in the premier class of motorsport after his last team was Mercedes. Indeed, Bottas looks set to be replaced by George Russell, but there are few alternatives to continue his career. Many of the seats for 2022 are already taken, as many drivers switched to other teams and signed contracts for at least two years. Examples are Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. The Italian branch of Motorsport.com analyses that his former employer Williams seems to be the only option, should Bottas have to leave Mercedes after this year. At best, Alfa Romeo Racing could be added as an option should Kimi Raikkonen decide to leave. Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and AlphaTauri have basically finalised their line-up for 2022. Red Bull will not enter the race anyway. Bottas should have left after last season. McLaren and Renault were willing to offer Bottas a two year contract. The Finnish driver, however, decided to go for his chances with Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton, a choice that seems to have turned out badly.

Although the two are rivals battling it out for the F1 World Championship on track, Max Verstappen has stated that away from the bright lights his relationship with Lewis Hamilton is a healthy one. The Dutchman is looking to unseat his Mercedes rival after years of dominance, as Hamilton has won the last four F1 titles to pull even with Michael Schumacher on the all-time list with seven. As a result the battle for the championship is all the more intense this season with Verstappen looking to get his name on his first, however the Dutchman made it clear that the two championship contenders get on well away from the track. “We race each other hard. And I think that’s exactly how you want it to be, isn’t it?,” Verstappen told BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. The two drivers have an age gap of over 10 years, but nevertheless Verstappen would have no issues having a beer with Hamilton. “Well, you know, we are different generations,” Verstappen added. “But of course. Outside of the track we get on really well.” While the mutual respect is clearly there, the Dutchman isn’t taking a back seat to Hamilton despite the Mercedes driver’s impressive accomplishments. “As a driver, you always have to believe that you are the best,” Max added. “And do I? Of course.”