By Chris Medland | January 15, 2021 4:09 AM
Formula 1 will run another Virtual Grand Prix series starting at the end of January featuring current and former drivers, this time to raise money for charity.
During the lockdown that hit Europe in March of last year, racing was halted and a number of drivers turned their attentions to Esports, with F1’s official Virtual Grand Prix events featuring half of the grid at various stages.
By Edd Straw | January 15, 2021 9:25 AM
Last season felt like a wasted one for Charles Leclerc, a young driver in a hurry to conquer Formula 1 after a superb rookie season in the midfield with Sauber in 2018, then breaking through as a race winner on his promotion to Ferrari the following year. Instead, he had to scratch around for results, requiring a slice of good fortune to claim a couple of podium finishes and usually having to be satisfied with lower-profile points finishes even on a good day.
By Chris Medland | January 15, 2021 7:56 AM
McLaren can push ahead at greater speed with new development projects thanks to its latest investment from MSP Sports Capital, according to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.
During the Abu Dhabi race weekend last month it was announced that US-based MSP would be purchasing an initial 15% — rising to 33% by 2022 — stake that will give McLaren an injection of £185million ($245m) over the next two years.
By Chris Medland | January 14, 2021 6:57 AM
Charles Leclerc has become the fifth Formula 1 driver to test positive for COVID-19 and is currently self-isolating at home.
The Ferrari driver announced via his social media channels that he has been undergoing regular testing but self-isolated after being informed a close contact of his had the virus. A subsequent test result also came back positive for Leclerc, who is suffering from mild symptoms in Monaco.
By Chris Medland | January 14, 2021 5:29 AM
Alpine has unveiled a temporary winter livery for its Formula 1 team as part of a wider brand launch by Renault.
What was the Renault F1 team will become Alpine this year, at the same time the wider company is looking to put significant investment and resource behind the sports car brand in order to lead innovation.
By Chris Medland | January 13, 2021 6:32 AM
Sebastian Vettel will bring the best out of Lance Stroll when the pair work together as teammates, according to Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer.
Aston Martin opted to replace Sergio Perez with the four-time world champion ahead of its first season back in Formula 1, rebranding what was the Racing Point team. Vettel brings with him huge experience and is the third most successful driver in history in terms of race wins, and Szafnauer believes the German’s track record will be of huge benefit to Aston as it looks to move up the grid.
By Chris Medland | January 13, 2021 5:51 AM
Formula 1 insists it is committed to introducing new regulations in 2022 following a report that they could be delayed, dismissing the suggestion as false.
New technical regulations were originally set to be brought in this year, completely changing the dynamics of the cars and closing up the field with more restrictive rules that are also designed to improve racing.
By Chris Medland | January 12, 2021 12:56 PM
Formula 1’s pre-season testing will take place in Bahrain following changes to the opening rounds of this year’s calendar.
When the first race was scheduled to be in Australia, pre-season testing was set to take place from March 2-4 at the usual venue of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. However, following the postponement of the race in Melbourne and a reworking of the calendar that now has Bahrain hosting the season-opener on March 28, testing has now been moved.
By Chris Medland | January 12, 2021 8:06 AM
New Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the sport has proven it can react to COVID-19 uncertainty and execute a 23-race calendar this year, even if additional schedule changes come in the wake of the postponements of Australia and China.
What was supposed to be the season-opener in Melbourne has moved from March 21 to November 21, meaning Bahrain will now kick the season off on March 28.
By Chris Medland | January 12, 2021 7:50 AM
The organizers of the Australian Grand Prix are hoping their rescheduled race could prove to be a championship decider after switching to a November date.
Melbourne traditionally opens the Formula 1 season, but due to ongoing difficulties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the race has already been postponed and rescheduled for November 21.
Race of My Life: Ian Titchmarsh on the 1957 F1 European GP
F1 News: The highs and lows of Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari tenure
Coronavirus news – live: UK vaccine volunteers to be deliberately infected as NHS contact tracing app launched
F1 News: Teams approve cost cap, aero handicap changes
Mercedes avoids gearbox scare at F1 Styrian GP with “solid step forward”
Vettel’s final Ferrari race at F1’s Abu Dhabi GP “an emotional day”
F1 teams agree in principle to 2023 driver salary cap of $30m
Albon avoids media speculation over his F1 future with Red Bull