Tag: Race Preview

2020 Eifel GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

Can Lewis Hamilton match Michael Schumacher’s win record this weekend?

Or can Valtteri Bottas push on after his win in Russia?

Will there be any more stewarding or penalty controversies?

Can Alexander Albon have a strong weekend and ease some pressure?

Will the cold weather throw up any curveballs? Will we get a wet and wild weekend?

The Track

The Stats

Track Length: 5.148 km

Laps: 60

Race Distance: 308.617 km

First Grand Prix: 1951

Race Lap Record: Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | 2004 | 1:29.468

Outright Lap Record: Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | 2004 | 1:28.351

Most Driver Wins: Michael Schumacher | 1995, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006

Most Constructor Wins: Ferrari | 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1963, 1964, 1972, 1974, 1985, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006

The Weather

The Quotes

Christian Horner | “The shifting focus within the automotive industry has led to Honda’s decision to re-deploy their resources and we understand and respect the reasoning behind this. Their decision presents obvious challenges for us as a team but we have been here before and with our strength in depth we are well prepared and equipped to respond effectively.”

Max Verstappen | “I’m just concentrating on what I have to do, and that’s try and drive the car as fast as I can…with an engine in the back. I hope I’m not going to end up like Fred Flintstone and paddle it myself!”

Sebastian Vettel | “Michael is my hero so obviously we all would like, I think first and foremost that Michael could be here this weekend and see his son taking that step.”

Kimi Räikkönen | “Obviously we have some talks with the team. It’s my decision in the end and we’ll see what it comes to be. I enjoy the racing, but obviously we have more fun when we do better.”

The Photos

The Predictions

Podium

Pole Position

Fastest Lap

Driver of the Day

2020 Russian GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

Can Lewis Hamilton match Michael Schumacher’s win record this weekend?

Or will Valtteri Bottas continue his good form of past years at the Sochi track?

Or could a team other than Mercedes win the Russian Grand Prix for the first time?!

Can Alexander Albon push on now that he’s claimed that first podium?

Who will top the midfield battle?

The Track

The Stats

Track Length: 5.848 km

Laps: 53

Race Distance: 309.745 km

First Grand Prix: 2014

Race Lap Record: Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 2018 | 1:35.761

Outright Lap Record: Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 2018 | 1:31.387

Most Driver Wins: Lewis Hamilton | 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019

Most Constructor Wins: Mercedes | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

The Weather

The Quotes

Lewis Hamilton | “[Breaking the win record] will happen at some stage. I’m not quitting any time soon – I can’t tell you how it will feel or what it will mean. There are other bigger issues happening in the world. Of course it’s an honour, but it doesn’t really mean anything.”

Sebastian Vettel | “On one hand, I will be sad because Michael is still my hero. On the other hand, I will be very happy for Lewis. He deserves all the success he has had. It has always been a number that has appeared impossible to reach. Seeing Lewis’s track record, he was getting closer and closer, and it is a question of time before he reaches that.”

Max Verstappen | “[The idea of reverse grids] is artificial and trying to create a show, which is not what F1 stands for. The cars will end in the same position. The fastest car should be in the front. That’s what everyone works for. F1 is about pure performance.”

Daniel Ricciardo | “[Monza was] exciting but it was organic. I’m just worried if we kind of add it in an artificial way and mix-up the field and every driver is getting an F1 win, does the value of an F1 win hold what it does today? That is the fine line and balance.”

The Photos

The Predictions

Podium

Pole Position

Fastest Lap

Driver of the Day

2020 Tuscan GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

How do you follow the last grand prix?!

Will the drivers manage any overtaking around the Mugello track?

Can Mercedes bounce back from their messy weekend?

Can Ferrari produce anything worthy of the occasion on their 1000th race?

The Track

THE STATS

Track Length: 5.245 km

Laps: 59

Race Distance: 309.497 km

First Grand Prix: 2020

Race Lap Record: n/a

Outright Lap Record: n/a

Most Driver Wins: n/a

Most Constructor Wins: n/a

The Weather

The Quotes

Sebastian Vettel | “I’m extremely proud to say I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021. It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company.”

Otmar Szafnauer | “Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team.”

Sergio Pérez | “To the current administration, led by Lawrence Stroll, I wish nothing but the best in the future. I don’t have a plan B. My intention is to continue racing here but that would depend on finding a project that motivates me to continue giving my 100% each lap.”

Charles Leclerc | “I have a feeling it might be better than the last two weekends. It should be a bit more positive.”

The Photos

The Predictions

Podium

Pole Position

Fastest Lap

Driver of the Day

2020 Italian GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

What effect will the new ban on engine ‘party modes’ have over the weekend?

Will it bring Mercedes back towards the field as planned?

How badly are things going to go for Ferrari at their home race?..

Can Daniel Ricciardo challenge for a podium?

THE TRACK

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THE STATS

Track Length: 5.793 km

Laps: 53

Race Distance: 306.720 km

First Grand Prix: 1950

Race Lap Record: Rubens Barrichello | Ferrari | 2004 | 1:21.046

Outright Lap Record: Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 2020 | 1:18.887

Most Driver Wins: Lewis Hamilton/Michael Schumacher | 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018/1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006

Most Constructor Wins: Ferrari | 1951, 1952, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1966, 1970, 1975, 1979, 1988, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010

THE WEATHER

The Quotes

George Russell | “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Frank and Claire. They gave me my shot in F1, like they have done for so many drivers, engineers, mechanics and countless others over the years. Thank you for everything. We’ll keep driving like hell to honour the Williams name.”

Lewis Hamilton | “[We will have] better race pace. We lose a little bit [in qualifying] but it’s not the end of the day. Everyone will lose something but some more than others. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for us. I find it amusing because the FIA said it was so they could manage everyone’s use of the engine but Red Bull said they were pushing for it. Completely different reasons.”

Sebastian Vettel | “It is not going to be an easy weekend for us, last weekend we were a little bit worse off than normal. I hope we can be back to normal, but these kinds of tracks hurt us.”

Charles Leclerc | “No miracles expected but hopefully we can be a bit better this weekend.”

The Photos

The Predictions

Podium

Pole Position

Fastest Lap

Driver of the Day

2020 Belgian GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

Can anyone (well, Max Verstappen) challenge the Mercedes? They haven’t won here since 2017…

Will a better result in Spain help motivate Sebastian Vettel?

Or will Ferrari just struggle terribly around the power-sensitive Spa track?

Will the pressure increase further on Alexander Albon?

Could we have a wet and wild Spa weekend?

THE TRACK

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THE STATS

Track Length: 7.004 km

Laps: 44

Race Distance: 308.052 km

First Grand Prix: 1950

Race Lap Record: Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 2018 | 1:46.286

Outright Lap Record: Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 2019 | 1:42.519

Most Driver Wins: Michael Schumacher | 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002

Most Constructor Wins: Ferrari | 1952, 1953, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2018

THE WEATHER

The Quotes

Lewis Hamilton | “If you take away Max’s DNF (retirement) in race one away, we would be very close in points. They have had very strong results. Maybe in qualifying we do have the edge. But in races we are a lot closer. We are not even halfway through the season. I absolutely keep my eye on them. They are absolutely still a title runner and we need to stay on our toes.”

Charles Leclerc | “Spa-Francorchamps has a special place in my heart. While it is here that I took my first win, it is also where we lost our friend Anthoine last year. He will be in our thoughts.”

Renault | “Beyond the decisions, the matters at issue were vital to the integrity of Formula 1, both during the current season and in the future. Reaching this strategic objective, in the context of the new Concorde Agreement, was our priority. The controversy of the start of this season should be put behind us, as we need to focus on the remainder of an intense and unique championship.”

Pierre Gasly | “Spa is my favourite track and racing through all those high-speed corners is a great thrill. I really enjoy driving it and have had great races there in the past. However, this year, returning to Belgium will also be a sad moment, because it is just one year ago that Anthoine lost his life after that terrible accident in the F2 race in Spa.

The Photos

The Predictions

Podium

Pole Position

Fastest Lap

Driver of the Day

2020 Spanish GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

Will Mercedes experience issues with their tyres again?

And can Red Bull then challenge for another win?

Will Sebastian Vettel leave his Silverstone troubles behind him?

How will Sergio Pérez deal with the strain of driving an F1 car post-virus?

Will anyone pull a Maldonado?

The Track

The Stats

Track Length: 4.655 km

Laps: 66

Race Distance: 307.104 km

First Grand Prix: 1991 (Barcelona) | 1951 (Spanish GP)

Race Lap Record: Daniel Ricciardo | Red Bull | 2018 | 1:18.441

Outright Lap Record: Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 2019 | 1:15.406

Most Driver Wins: Michael Schumacher | 1995, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Most Constructor Wins: Ferrari | 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2013

The Weather

The Quotes

Sebastian Vettel | “At the moment it is not all plain sailing and all calm; it is rather rough seas. But I have to do the best I can which is staying focused and waking up and trying to do the best I can.

Lewis Hamilton | “[The ban on high-power modes in qualifying] is obviously to slow us down but I don’t think it will get the result they want.”

Sergio Pérez | “Any place I visited after Hungary was done being super cautious, with very extreme lines. I was well aware of what is going on. I haven’t done anything different to the rest of the paddock. I am not willing to take any blame for that because anyone can get it. I was just the unlucky one.”

Valtteri Bottas | “[Hamilton and I] have been neighbours. But this isn’t always as cosy as it sounds. Roscoe dropped a big turd outside my door last time.”

The Photos

The Predictions

Podium

Pole Position

Fastest Lap

Driver of the Day

2020 70th Anniversary GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

With softer tyres and higher temperatures, will there be further tyre dramas?

Can Alexander Albon have a clean weekend?

Will Sebastian Vettel find some pace after struggling in the midfield last weekend?

Can Valtteri Bottas put a dent in what is now an ominous gap to his teammate in the standings?

Surely The Hulk can catch a break and at least get to race this time?!

THE TRACK

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THE STATS

Track Length: 5.891 km

Laps: 52

Race Distance: 306.198 km

First Grand Prix: 1950

Race Lap Record: Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 2020 | 1:27.097

Outright Lap Record: Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 2020 | 1:24.303

Most Driver Wins: Lewis Hamilton | 2008, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020

Most Constructor Wins: Ferrari/McLaren | 1951, 1954, 1956, 1958, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2018/1973, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2008

THE WEATHER

The Quotes

Romain Grosjean | “I think we are not very happy that the tyres go that way. The tyre should lose completely the performance and force you to pit before it actually explodes or punctures.”

Valtteri Bottas | “I’m very happy to stay with Mercedes in 2021 and build on the success we’ve enjoyed together already.”

Lewis Hamilton | “It’s a special year and I don’t take that lightly. To fight for a championship in a time like this is empowering and exciting. Who would have thought there could be change?”

Charles Leclerc | “I’ve always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today’s world. To whoever is using my image to promote their wrong ideas, please stop.”

The Photos

The Predictions

Podium

Pole Position

Fastest Lap

Driver of the Day

2020 British GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

Who will replace Sergio Pérez at Racing Point after his positive test?!

If it is The Hulk, surely he won’t finally get his podium in the ultimate redemption arc?!?!

Can anyone challenge Mercedes?

With a very different layout to the first three grands prix, will any teams suddenly prosper at Silverstone?

Will Alexander Albon have a better weekend with a new race engineer?

The Track

The Stats

Track Length: 5.891 km

Laps: 52

Race Distance: 306.198 km

First Grand Prix: 1950

Race Lap Record: Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 2019 | 1:27.369

Outright Lap Record: Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 2019 | 1:25.093

Most Driver Wins: Lewis Hamilton | 2008, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

Most Constructor Wins: Ferrari/McLaren | 1951, 1954, 1956, 1958, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2018/1973, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2008

The Weather

The Quotes

Sergio Pérez | “I’m extremely sad – definitely one of the saddest days in my career. The amount of preparation we put into this weekend to be 100% ready, I knew I had a great car underneath me, that the team had done a fantastic job. I’m really sad that this happened, but it just shows how vulnerable we all to this virus.”

Lewis Hamilton | “It’s going to be super weird. The British Grand Prix is the best grand prix, particularly because of the fans, the thousands that turn up and create the spectacle.”

Sebastian Vettel | “The main reason for being here is to perform, but we cannot ignore what is happening outside our racing bubble. And the fight against racism around the world that has taken off in the last couple of weeks and months is completely justified because this is not fought and over, or dealt with overnight.”

Ferrari Chairman John Elkann | “Today we are laying the foundations for being competitive and returning to winning when the rules change in 2022. I am convinced of it. Binotto has the characteristics and skills to start a new winning cycle.”

The Photos

The Predictions

Podium

Pole Position

Fastest Lap

Driver of the Day

2020 Hungarian GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

The Burning Questions

Can Ferrari make some progress this weekend (and maybe not immediately crash into one another)?

Will Lewis Hamilton match Michael Schumacher’s record for the number of wins at one GP with an 8th triumph in Hungary?

How will Racing Point respond to the protest about their car?

Will the interview requested by Sebastian Vettel (with Martin Brundle) prove to be a major announcement?

With more thunderstorms forecast, could it be another wet and wild weekend?

The Track

The Stats

Track Length: 4.381 km

Laps: 70

Race Distance: 306.630 km

First Grand Prix: 1986

Race Lap Record: Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 2019 | 1:17.103

Outright Lap Record: Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 2019 | 1:14.572

Most Driver Wins: Lewis Hamilton | 2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019

Most Constructor Wins: McLaren | 1988, 1991, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012

The Weather

The Quotes

Sebastian Vettel | “The truth is that I don’t have a contract to sign, I haven’t signed anything for next year. It’s not that close, as you think.”

Sergio Pérez | “I’m with the team, and as far as I know I have a contract. We will see what happens in the next weeks, but from my point of view I’ve got a contract with the team and I fully believe in the future of the team.”

Lewis Hamilton | “I am not saying that everyone is going to take a knee, but over time as we get to talk about it more often I would like to think we will all be together in the understanding of it.”

Jenson Button | “[Fernando Alonso] is at the top of his game still and I think it’s great that the two-time world champion is going to be racing back in Formula 1. He is a very fiery character and we don’t really know how it’s going to end up with Renault, but I need to congratulate them for bringing him back to Formula 1.

The Photos

The Predictions

PODIUM

POLE POSITION

FASTEST LAP

DRIVER OF THE DAY

2020 Styrian GP preview

Posted on by James Mackenzie

THE BURNING QUESTIONS

Will we see much difference in pace from anyone since the last race?

Can Ferrari bring some updates in time for this weekend?

Will there be fewer mechanical issues now that the cobwebs are gone?

Can Lewis Hamilton claw back some ground on his teammate?

With thunderstorms forecast through the weekend, will we have a wet and wild qualifying and/or race?

THE TRACK

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THE STATS

Track Length: 4.318 km

Laps: 71

Race Distance: 306.452 km

First Grand Prix: 2020 (Styria) | 1970 (Spielberg) | 1963 (Austria)

Race Lap Record: Kimi Räikkönen| Ferrari | 2018| 1:06.957

Outright Lap Record: Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 2020 | 1:02.939

Most Driver Wins: Alain Prost | 1983, 1985, 1986

Most Constructor Wins: McLaren | 1984, 1985, 1986, 2017, 1998, 2000, 2001

THE WEATHER

THE QUOTES

Lewis Hamilton | “I don’t feel like I need to refocus. My race was pretty strong. I need to do a better job but I wouldn’t say I was distracted. I am focused on both – trying to fight and win this championship but also fighting for equal rights.”

Max Verstappen | “I was just trying to be polite and nice by saying I could imagine [Vettel rejoining Red Bull], but at the moment the team is very happy with both of us and I am very happy with Alex.

Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri | “We know there’s lots of work to do. This is certainly not the grid position that a team like Ferrari should have. It’s clear that we have to improve on all fronts. The only solution is to react.”

Fernando Alonso | “It’s an extremely happy day for me coming back to F1 first but also to the team with which I had the best experience in the category.”

THE PHOTOS

THE PREDICTIONS

PODIUM

POLE POSITION

FASTEST LAP

DRIVER OF THE DAY