Latest news with #Constructors'Championships
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Ted Kravitz thinks Christian Horner ruled out Red Bull bonuses after Monaco GP
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has reportedly given up on winning the Constructors' Championship, which could have financial implications for some staff Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz has shared that Red Bull 's team principal, Christian Horner, seems to have thrown in the towel on winning the Constructors' Championship, which could spell financial trouble for some of the team's staff. The Monaco Grand Prix saw Lando Norris clinch his first victory, with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri taking third place behind local favourite and Ferrari ace Charles Leclerc. McLaren continues to rack up crucial points in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, leading the latter by a staggering 319 points after eight rounds. They are a massive 172 points ahead of Mercedes, who sit in second place. Current four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen finished fourth in Monaco, while his Red Bull colleague Yuki Tsunoda only managed to secure 17th place. Red Bull are currently third in the Constructors' Championship with 143 points, just one point ahead of Ferrari. Given the seemingly unbridgeable gap between them and McLaren, it appears unlikely they'll be able to close the deficit - a sentiment apparently echoed by Red Bull's team principal, as per Sky Sports ' Kravitz. During 'Ted's Notebook', where Kravitz shares his insights on the latest race and gathers reactions from the paddock, he revealed a telling comment made by Horner about the fate of the Constructors' Championship, reports the Express. The Sky Sports F1 reporter interpreted Horner's words as a sign that those with performance-related bonuses might miss out. "Christian Horner on the Constructors' Championship, I thought was interesting earlier in the weekend," Kravitz said. "In a bit of change since Sergio Perez was in the team, he said: 'Well I think we have to discount the Constructors' Championship.'" Kravitz continued: "Obviously, they kind of do because they haven't found a solution to somebody scoring points with their second car. That's the first time Horner has actually said it. So, if you work at Red Bull and you're after a bonus for winning the Constructors' Championship, I think you can whistle goodbye to it this year." Horner's comments came before the weekend's Grand Prix, where he emphasised the team's dedication to Verstappen's pursuit of five consecutive championships—a record only possessed by Michael Schumacher's dominance with Ferrari in the early 2000s. "Our full focus is on the driver's championship," the Brit declared. "Obviously [if] both cars are scoring, and the more that Yuki works his way up the order, the bigger role he can play. I mean, you saw him play a small role today, working hard to keep Oscar behind him for a crucial lap or so. "But yes, for us, all focus is on that drivers' championship. We've got a very clear number one in our team, and that's where, obviously, the main focus is." Verstappen, currently third in the Drivers' standings, was visibly frustrated after Monaco, where a mandatory last-lap second pit stop saw him drop from first to fourth, watching Norris, Leclerc, and Piastri zoom past to snatch the podium spots. The latest regulation introduced in Monaco this year drew the ire of drivers, with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon echoing Verstappen's discontent. "You can't race here," the exasperated 27-year-old said to Sky Sports F1. "It doesn't matter what you do. One stop, 10 stops. Even at the end, I was in the lead, my tyres were completely gone and you still can't pass. "Nowadays with an F1 car, you can just pass an F2 car around here. I get it but I don't think it's worked. We were almost doing Mario Kart. Then we have to install bits on the car and maybe you can throw bananas around! Slippery surface!"
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
How Brawn GP became the surprise Formula 1 team that beat all odds to become champions
Brawn GP (via Getty Images) In 2009, a tale was witnessed that still echoes around the F1 paddock: that of the emergence of Brawn GP. Conceived out of the wreckage of the Honda F1 team , which suddenly walked away from motorsport in the midst of the global financial crisis, Brawn GP had all the ingredients for disaster. But instead, it made history as it went on to win both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in their sole season of competition. From Honda's departure to Brawn's crisis rebuild Moore on the Grid: BTS at 3 Sisters Circuit Summer Sprint Round 2 When Honda announced its departure from Formula 1 at the turn of 2008, it left hundreds of engineers, a nearly finished car, and a well-equipped facility in Brackley on hold. But Team Principal Ross Brawn was not about to walk away. He brokered a management buyout and rescued the project in the nick of time. With a new entity—Brawn GP—they required an engine partner. Whilst Ferrari were supportive, Ross Brawn opted to partner with Mercedes-Benz, a move that saved the team beyond 2009. At the heart of this miracle was the BGP001—a nondescript-looking car in its white, sponsor-less colours, but beneath which lay technical brilliance way beyond the competition. Perhaps most strikingly, it boasted a double diffuser—a cunning reinterpretation of the new 2009 rules permitting an additional air channel beneath the car, producing far greater downforce. While the majority of the grid had interpreted the rules conservatively, Brawn GP took advantage of a loophole. Only Toyota and Williams had used similar designs, and none of them had done it as well. Other teams complained, but the FIA declared the diffuser legal, leaving everyone else scrambling to catch up. Even though Brawn GP seemed to have emerged out of nowhere, the car was a result of rigorous Honda R&D before their withdrawal. Honda had spent lavishly on wind tunnel testing—utilising several in the UK and Japan—and even tested hybrid system components that would set a precedent for future F1-era innovations. The team was so far in front of development that it even had an effect on the 2009 aero shift; employing sophisticated CFD simulations and taking advantage of technical loopholes well ahead of competitors had made adjustments. Outside of the diffuser, the BGP001 's aerodynamic solution was full of innovation. The front wing, specially designed, assisted in better tyre wake management, with the adjuster on the inboard section instead of being concealed within the endplates—increasing outwash capacity. The wing itself had a multi-element endplate and double cascade configuration to better control airflow, with the addition of a complex bargeboard system and high-mounted wing mirror struts providing additional vortex creation. A broad, metal bib beneath the chassis contained ballast, aiding aerodynamic equilibrium. A 'snowplow' configuration splits this space and tapers airflow towards the car's underfloor, vital for optimising diffuser efficiency. Although 2009 saw the introduction of KERS to Formula 1, Brawn GP decided against it. Honda had experimented with hybrid technology prior to their departure, even testing nose-mounted battery locations—a revolutionary concept needing special FIA crash test clearance. However, the changeover to Mercedes power and alternative chassis configuration rendered the fitting of KERS impossible. Despite this, the natural aerodynamic efficiency and weight distribution of the car more than made up for the lack of energy recovery. Competitors such as Red Bull Racing and McLaren eventually came up with their own versions of the double diffuser , but their designs were frequently limited by suspension design. Red Bull's RB5, featuring pull-rod rear suspension, had little room to fit in the extra airflow channel. By the time their rivals caught up—midway through the season—Brawn GP had a lead that no one could challenge. Jenson Button won six of the first seven Grands Prix, while his teammate Rubens Barrichello scored two more victories towards the end of the season. A championship fairytale With minimal mid-season evolution courtesy of budget restraints, Brawn GP fell back on the sheer genius of its out-of-the-box package. Even with upgradations by richer teams during the season, the early-season supremacy was enough to win both titles. The 2009 Drivers' Championship was won by Jenson Button, while in its sole season of existence, Brawn GP won the Constructors' title. Ross Brawn had achieved the unthinkable. Also read: Brawn GP's 2009 title-winning F1 car sold for a staggering $3.8 million at Miami Grand Prix Now, the BGP001 is remembered as a championship-winning car which brought together imagination, determination, and vision when presented with a golden opportunity.
IOL News
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
McLaren holding cards as F1 title battle heats up after Piastri win in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
McLaren has their fate in their own hands – and only they can spoil the party. The 2024 Constructors' champions took another confident step toward defending their crown, with Oscar Piastri clinching his third win of the season and Lando Norris collecting valuable points with a fourth-place finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this past weekend. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Surrey-based outfit have now stretched their lead at the top of the standings to 77 points over second-placed Mercedes (111), who, despite not winning a race yet, remain the most consistent challengers behind McLaren. As the grid heads to Miami in a fortnight, Obakeng Meletse breaks down three of the biggest talking points ahead of round six of the 2025 Formula 1 season... Norris must fight way out of tight corner McLaren has unquestionably been the team to beat so far, leading both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. But within the orange camp, the dynamics are shifting. Oscar Piastri has emerged as the more composed and consistent contender, while teammate Lando Norris – despite his effort and raw pace – has struggled to convert performances into results. Costly errors and poor qualifying runs have seen the Briton slip from the top of the standings, as he is now trailing his Australian teammate by just 10 points. With Miami presenting another street circuit where overtaking can be limited, qualifying will be critical. For Norris, correcting his one-lap pace might be the key to reigniting his title challenge. Lando and Oscar on the mic 🎤 Appreciating the team's efforts 🧡#McLaren | #SaudiArabiaGP — McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 20, 2025 Leclerc steps up as Ferrari eye momentum Charles Leclerc continues to prove why Ferrari sees him as their long-term spearhead. Despite years of inconsistent machinery, the Monegasque has remained a steady performer – and this season, he's quietly delivering once again. While all eyes are on Lewis Hamilton's high-profile move to Maranello, it's Leclerc who's delivering results. A podium finish in Saudi Arabia marked Ferrari's first of the season, and he's clearly responding to the added pressure of partnering with the seven-time world champion. Hamilton, still adjusting to the red garage, hasn't quite matched Leclerc yet. But with Ferrari just 33 points off Mercedes in the Constructors' standings, a united push from both drivers could prove decisive in the months ahead. Podium moments in Jeddah 🏆 — Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 21, 2025 Verstappen still in the hunt Max Verstappen may not have the fastest car on the grid this year, but what he lacks in machinery, he makes up for in pure grit. Currently sitting third in the Drivers' Championship, the four-time champion has quietly closed the gap to just 12 points behind the leader. With a car that performs strongly on tracks that take kindly to high downforce, there are a few upcoming races where the team should have the upper hand. Historically, they've struggled on street circuits, particularly those filled with tight, slow corners. But as we've seen before, the 27-year-old behind the wheel can make all the difference.
Times of Oman
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
The mastermind powering Aston Martin's 2026 F1 vision
BEIJING: Few engineers have shaped Formula 1 like Andy Cowell. As head of Mercedes' powertrain division, he helped create the engine that powered the Silver Arrows to seven consecutive Constructors' Championships between 2014 and 2020 - an era of dominance that redefined what technical excellence looked like. So when Cowell returned to F1 after four years away, it was reasonable to assume he'd join another top team. Instead, he chose Aston Martin - a squad with serious ambition but a middling track record. Why? "I missed Formula 1," Cowell told Xinhua before the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. "I love the industry and the high pace of performance development, and Lawrence's vision to take a team that had fallen into administration and chart the journey to the top of the sport is a great challenge to be part of." 'Lawrence' is Lawrence Stroll, the Canadian billionaire and fashion mogul who purchased the cash-strapped outfit known as Racing Point in 2018. Since rebranding it as Aston Martin, Stroll has poured money into expanding infrastructure, attracting top talent, and laying out a multi-year plan to reach the front of the grid. A NEW KIND OF CHALLENGE But five years into the project, results remain elusive. A promising start to 2023 gave way to a lackluster 2024, prompting the removal of technical director Dan Fallows and the demotion of ex-team principal Mike Krack, whose place Cowell has taken. However, despite hiring Cowell and luring legendary designer Adrian Newey away from Red Bull, Aston Martin remains mired in F1's lower midfield, sitting only eighth in the Constructors' championship after four races of 2025. Stroll's hands-on approach - "phone calls every other day, visits to the factory each week," - has made him one of the sport's most involved team owners. But there's a growing sense that the team needs more than investment and energy. "For a long time, success for this team was just surviving a season," Cowell says. "Now the target is to reach the front of the grid. That requires a completely different mindset." In leading the transformation from underdog to polished contender. Cowell's task goes beyond engineering. "It's about understanding what makes the fastest race car, and how to align the whole organization around that." At Mercedes, Cowell fit into a finely-tuned operation. At Aston Martin, he's helping construct one from the ground up, all while trying to stay competitive. It's a balancing act many teams struggle with, especially in F1's tightly congested midfield, where fractions of a second can separate glory from anonymity. ALL ROADS LEAD TO 2026 Despite an underwhelming set of results so far in 2025, much of Aston Martin's current focus is aimed at 2026, when the sport undergoes a major technical reset. That year, Aston Martin will also become a full works partner with Honda, installing a power unit tailored to their chassis and developing their own transmission for the first time. It's a technical leap that could level the playing field, if executed well. Cowell calls it "a big change point," one that comes with "big expectations and big opportunities." Newey, who joined Aston in March, is already focusing on the 2026 car, contributing to early concept decisions and helping shape the team's long-term design philosophy. But focusing too far ahead can carry its own risks. While rivals like McLaren and Red Bull continue developing race-winning cars in the present, Aston Martin risks becoming a team in permanent rebuild. Cowell insists that's not the case. "We're doing everything we can to maximize performance this year," he says, while also building the "tools and methods" needed for the future. He acknowledges the fine line between short-term performance and long-term vision, and that the path isn't always linear. "There hasn't ever been a moment in my career where I felt we'd reached perfection," he said. "There are always things you can do better." That relentless pursuit of improvement is also a reflection of F1 itself - a sport where no one waits for you to catch up. The challenge for Aston Martin is that time marches on, and the expectation gap is widening. The question remains: can Aston Martin emulate Mercedes' title-winning pedigree? "That's not entirely in our control," Cowell says. "All we can do is improve. Whether we win comes down to our relative performance compared with our opponents. At some point, we'll look up and say, 'we're doing okay.'" It's a sober answer from someone who's been to the mountaintop and knows how hard it is to get back. For now, Aston Martin is still climbing - still searching for the rhythm, results and reputation of a true contender.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Red Bull Is Probably Going To Fire Liam Lawson After Just Two Races: Report
Twenty-three year old Red Bull number two driver Liam Lawson could be out of a job after just two Grands Prix in the big leagues as Max Verstappen's teammate. The young New Zealander was hired to replace the departing Sergio Perez after a season of poor results from the Mexican elder statesman, who was in turn hired to fill the slot after a revolving door of Red Bull junior drivers didn't pan out. Despite a few flashes of brilliance from Daniel Ricciardo, and two Constructors' Championships with Perez, perhaps Lawson's failure to deliver results in the second Red Bull will force the team to come to terms with its inability to build a car that suits anyone but Max Verstappen. Or the team will just keep struggling and putting more potential race winners on the F1 career chopping block. Liam Lawson delivered middling but reasonable results as a stand-in for the Red Bull junior team Racing Bulls, and believed he was ready for the call up. "I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to win," exclaimed Lawson at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix. At the season-opening Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago Lawson qualified 18th, started from the pit lane, and crashed out of the Grand Prix after 46 laps. Hoping for redemption at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend, Lawson qualified dead last in both the Sprint and the GP, and scored zero points across the weekend. Meanwhile his teammate Max Verstappen managed to push the same car to Q3 in all three qualifying sessions so far this season and come home with two podium trophies and a fourth-place finish, collecting 36 points to Lawson's goose egg. Read more: F1's Mario Kart-Inspired Saudi Track Proves It Has More Money Than Sense Lawson's highest finishing position this year was Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix where he finished twelfth. That doesn't sound so bad, it's just outside the points, of course. But when you consider that his position was improved by Fernando Alonso's brake failure retirement, Yuki Tsunoda's late race front wing failure, and three cars disqualified, it doesn't look good. Lawson finished more than three seconds behind Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar in the allegedly slower car. "I think Liam still has got potential. We're just not realizing that at the moment," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "I think the problem for him is he's had a couple of really tough weekends. He's got all the media on his back and the pressure naturally grows in this business. I feel very sorry for him. You can see it's very tough on him at the moment." The obvious candidate for the seat is Racing Bulls lead driver Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver was passed over for the seat, despite performing better than any teammate Red Bull could throw at him. The next race on the schedule is Tsunoda's home Japanese Grand Prix, however, and putting him in an unknown car could be a PR nightmare for the team if Tsunoda also fails to grip the Red Bull reins in a similar fashion to Lawson. According to Lawson, the Racing Bulls car is much easier to drive than the Red Bull is at the moment. Verstappen likes his car set up with a very sharp front end and a loose rear, which is quick if you can handle it, but many drivers struggle to extract the most of it like Verstappen obviously can. According to Spanish racing media reports gathered by Lawson could be on the outs altogether, potentially benched as Red Bull's reserve driver. If Tsunoda does get the call up, that would leave an empty space in the Racing Bulls team which would need to be filled ahead of the round in Japan. Team boss Helmut Marko was spotted in the Alpine hospitality on Sunday to talk about potentially hiring 2024 Williams driver and Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto for the opening. This could be complicated, as the Argentine indicates he's been linked to replace equally underperforming rookie Jack Doohan in the Alpine. It will be interesting to see how much of the F1 grid changes, if any, for the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks time. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
