2023 F1 News and Prediction League

[pharvey]

Chinese GP to be cancelled because of the country's Covid policies

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/63713326

China's return to the Formula 1 schedule will be cancelled next year as a result of the country's Covid policies, BBC Sport has learned.

Formula 1 has not visited China since 2019, but was due to return for the fourth race in 2023 on 16 April.

China's zero-Covid policy has led F1 to conclude the race cannot go ahead.

The key sticking point is that F1 staff would not be given exemptions from quarantine requirements in the event of suffering a Covid-19 infection.

F1 feels that it cannot ask teams to go to the country for the race in Shanghai with the risk that staff could be detained for days if they caught coronavirus.

China's latest rules demand that anyone found with Covid-19 must spend five days at an isolation centre plus three days isolation at home.

F1 chairman and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali has not yet officially called off the race, but the decision is considered an inevitability.

F1 declined to comment on the situation.

The sport is not expected to seek to replace China with another race, so the calendar will be cut to 23 races - still an all-time record but one event fewer than F1 had originally planned.

China's cancellation will leave a four-week gap in the 2023 schedule between the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 2 April and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku on 30 April.

Domenicali is said to be holding talks with authorities in Baku in an attempt to persuade them to move the race forward a week to 23 April, but is meeting resistance.

If Baku cannot be persuaded to move, it is expected that the gap will be left unfilled.

F1 is also in talks to extend Azerbaijan's race contract, which is due to end next year.

F1 had been expected to drop the race to make way for other new entrants, such as the planned race at Kyalami in South Africa.

But Azerbaijan, which pays one of the largest fees of any race, is expected to sign a new 10-year deal.
Which races will be sprints?

F1 has been fine-tuning its analysis of which tracks are best suited to hosting sprint events - which feature a shorter race on Saturdays to set the grid for the main grand prix - and is close to settling on the six races that will host them in 2023.

F1 is planning for these to be: Azerbaijan, Austria on 30 June to 2 July, Belgium on 28-30 July, Qatar on 6-8 October, the United States GP in Austin on 20-22 October and Brazil on 3-5 November.

F1 had wanted to host a sprint event in Saudi Arabia, the second race of the season on 17-19 March, but Saudi authorities have baulked at the fee being demanded.

However, the idea of a sprint being held at the event in Jeddah has not been ruled out. If talks resume and an agreement is reached, it would be likely to replace Qatar.

The number of sprint events held is doubling next year because F1 is keen on them as they increase revenue and television audiences.

These events feature a short, one-third distance race on Saturday afternoon in place of qualifying. The result of the sprint decides the grid for the main Grand Prix, with qualifying moved to Friday to set the grid for the sprint.

[PeteC]

2023 season to have record 24-race calendar

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/62974075

A record 24-race calendar has been confirmed by Formula 1's governing body for the 2023 season.

The new race in Las Vegas and the return of Qatar and China makes next year the longest ever season despite the loss of the French Grand Prix.

The season begins in Bahrain on 5 March and ends in Abu Dhabi on 26 November.

Las Vegas will be the penultimate event on 18 November, while China has been given a 16 April date after a three-year absence due to the Covid pandemic.

Monaco and Belgium have retained their places after securing new contracts - Monaco's until 2025, F1 announced on Tuesday; Belgium's only for one year.

The British Grand Prix will be held on 9 July.

There remain some doubts about China as a result of the country's management of Covid, in which lockdowns remain an ongoing strategy.

F1 will want reassurances from the Chinese government as to how it plans to manage any positive cases before the race goes ahead next year.

The calendar is put together by F1 but was confirmed on Tuesday by the world motorsport council of governing body the FIA, as dictated by protocol.

There were no details of the events that will be 'sprints', with a shorter race on the Saturday deciding the grid for the main Grand Prix.

F1 wants to increase the number of these from three to six in 2023, and agreed this with the teams in spring, but FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem has so far been blocking the plan.

The FIA said in April that it wanted to study the impact of increasing the number of sprints on its staff and resources.

Ben Sulayem has asked for increased financial input from F1 for the FIA in return for his agreement, according to numerous senior sources close to the situation.

An FIA spokesperson told BBC Sport on Tuesday that there had been "no hold-up" on the sprint events but that it was "just not what's being announced today".

Pressed on why it had taken five months to still not reach an agreement, the spokesperson said they "were not aware there was a specific deadline".

F1 president Stefano Domenicali said the increased number of races was a reflection of the fact that "Formula 1 has unprecedented demand to host races and it is important we get the balance right for the entire sport.

"We are very pleased with the strong momentum Formula 1 continues to experience and it is great news that we will be able to bring our passionate fans a mix of exciting new locations such as Las Vegas to the Championship with much loved venues across Europe, Asia and the Americas."

Ben Sulayem said the record calendar was "further evidence of the growth and appeal of the sport on a global scale".

Despite the expansion, there is no place for a race in South Africa in 2023.

Domenicali flew to South Africa in June to meet with representatives of the Kyalami circuit, but a deal could not be finalised for the sport to return to Africa.

Kyalami, a fixture on the calendar in the 1970s and early 1980s, last held a Grand Prix in 1993 and there has been no F1 race on the continent since then.

However, F1 is still working towards having Kyalami back on the calendar in 2024.
2023 F1 calendar

5 March: Bahrain (Sakhir)

19 March: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)

2 April: Australia (Melbourne)

16 April: China (Shanghai)

30 April: Azerbaijan (Baku)

7 May: Miami

21 May: Emilia Romagna (Imola)

28 May: Monaco

4 June: Spain (Barcelona)

18 June: Canada (Montreal)

2 July: Austria (Red Bull Ring)

9 July: United Kingdom (Silverstone)

23 July: Hungary (Budapest)

30 July: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)

27 August: Netherlands (Zandvoort)

3 September: Italy (Monza)

17 September: Singapore (Marina Bay)

24 September: Japan (Suzuka)

8 October: Qatar (Losail)

22 October: USA (Austin)

29 October: Mexico (Mexico City)

5 November: Brazil (Sao Paulo)

18 November: Las Vegas

26 November: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

[pharvey]

2023 season to have record 24-race calendar

Down to 23 unless the Chinese GP is replaced.... Heavy season either way.

[pharvey]

A bit of a turn-around, but at least he's staying in F1

"Daniel Ricciardo has rejoined Red Bull as third driver for the 2023 season.

The 33-year-old Australian had been looking for a way to stay in Formula 1 after his McLaren contract was terminated at the end of the season.

He will assist Red Bull with testing and simulation work as well as commercial activities, the team said.

Ricciardo said he was "truly excited" to be returning to the team for whom he won seven grands prix between 2014 and 2018, before leaving for Renault.

Team principal Christian Horner said: "It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family. He has enormous talent and such a brilliant character.

"I know the whole family is excited to be welcoming him home.

"In his role as third driver, Daniel will give us a chance to diversify, assisting in the development of the air, aiding the team with his experience and knowledge of what it takes to succeed in F1.""

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/63733765

[pharvey]

"The Ferrari team principal, Mattia Binotto, has resigned and will leave his post at the end of December. It has been reported that Binotto may be replaced by the current Alfa Romeo principal, Fred Vasseur, but Ferrari have only stated in their announcement that a new principal will be appointed in the new year."

[pharvey]

High time to be fair. - will certainly reduce travel and costs for the teams..... Though F1 highly unlikely to achieve net zero carbon by 2030.

F1 Planning to Split Race Schedule Into Regionalised Calendar

"Formula One has confirmed its commitment to introducing a regionalised calendar in future seasons. As part of its goal of reaching net zero carbon by 2030 the sport will attempt to rationalise a calendar that is currently inefficient and detrimental in its environmental impact.

In 2019 F1 committed to reaching net zero and has been adopting new practices to fulfil its target. The sport published its report into the progress made on sustainability, diversity and inclusion on Tuesday.

The report catalogues F1’s actions including introducing remote broadcasting operations, redesigning freight containers enabling the use of more efficient aeroplanes and using 100% renewable energy in the sport’s offices.

However by far the greatest part of F1’s carbon footprint is generated by air travel to and from race meetings. Next year the calendar is still planned to be 24 races and includes, because of previously agreed contractual arrangements, scheduling that entails unnecessary flying.

The race in Miami is to be held immediately after Azerbaijan, Canada is set between Spain and Austria. Japan is followed by Qatar and then the US GP and at the end of the season, Las Vegas is followed by Abu Dhabi.

The report confirmed that “planning for a future calendar regionalisation was under way”. It is expected the new schedule would see the sport compete in four regions, each hosting its own “season” comprised of the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and east Asia/Australia.""

Full Article @ https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/ ... d-calendar

[pharvey]

Could be interesting given his father's relationship with LH! Unfortunately, can't say I rate "Junior" though..

Mick Schumacher in The Mercedes Reserve Driver Seat After Leaving Ferrari

"Mick Schumacher has been announced as Mercedes’ reserve driver for 2023 after parting ways with Ferrari.

The Italian manufacturer announced on Thursday morning that Schumacher, 23, had left the company by mutual agreement after four years working together.

He joined the Ferrari driver academy in 2019 and progressed to Formula One two years later by driving for their partner team Haas, but he was dropped for next season in favour of Nico Hulkenberg."

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/ ... otor-sport

[PeteC]

This is not going to go down well. Now besides controlling every nut and bolt on a race car, they try to control speech and actions as well.

F1 drivers barred from political statements unless approved

https://www.bangkokpost.com/sports/2465 ... s-approved

[Nereus]

This is not going to go down well. Now besides controlling every nut and bolt on a race car, they try to control speech and actions as well.

F1 drivers barred from political statements unless approved

https://www.bangkokpost.com/sports/2465 ... s-approved

Yes, I at first thought that also. But I agree it is no place to be spruiking controversial comments.
The drivers are on contract and should be obliged to follow the rules of that contract. Keep personal opinions out of sport, there are more than enough "social media" BS places to voice an opinion.

[lindosfan1]

This is not going to go down well. Now besides controlling every nut and bolt on a race car, they try to control speech and actions as well.

F1 drivers barred from political statements unless approved

https://www.bangkokpost.com/sports/2465 ... s-approved

What have politics have to do with racing. Trying to police what political statements are allowed is a restriction in freedom of speech. They have no right to enforce this rule.

[handdrummer]

This is not going to go down well. Now besides controlling every nut and bolt on a race car, they try to control speech and actions as well.

F1 drivers barred from political statements unless approved

https://www.bangkokpost.com/sports/2465 ... s-approved

What have politics have to do with racing. Trying to police what political statements are allowed is a restriction in freedom of speech. They have no right to enforce this rule.

Is there freedom of speech rules outside the US?

[pharvey]

"A Storm Brewing"? Christ, there's been disagreements galore for several years - why would F1 and the teams be so against Andretti I wonder. With GM backing, it's basically a US car/team which would surely be good for the US market? C*ck all to do with the financial power of GM as there are Caps in place (although Red BS tends to ignore them )

Formula 1: Andretti Bid Row Reflects Turbulent Relationship Among F1's Powerbrokers

There is a storm brewing in Formula 1.

"On the face of it, the dispute has blown up over the potential entry of the US-based Andretti team with car company Cadillac.

But this is just the medium through which it is being played out. In reality, it's about the usual - power, money and influence.

And while the debate could have been handled behind closed doors, the governing body's president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has gone public.

In doing so, he has provided a window into the latest in a series of disagreements between the FIA, commercial rights holder F1 and the teams that have marked his tenure since he took office at the end of 2021."

What is the dispute about?

"At its core, the row revolves around the desire of US racing legend Michael Andretti to enter F1 with his own team.

First, the 60-year-old tried to buy the Sauber team last year. When that fell through, Andretti announced plans to set up his own team. That, too, was met with reluctance from F1's power brokers, who were not convinced the project was solid enough to add the required value to a sport that is experiencing a significant growth in global interest, especially in the USA.

Andretti was effectively told: "Go away and find a car manufacturer to support your bid, and we'll look at it again."

So he did. He landed a big one - American icon General Motors, formerly the world's biggest car company and still one of the largest, announced last week that it would join forces with Andretti using its luxury brand Cadillac.

Andretti now feels he has done enough, and the FIA also sounded convinced, saying in a statement last week that it was "particularly pleasing to have interest from two iconic brands."

But F1 was lukewarm. It talked about the "great interest in the F1 project at this time, with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others", adding: "Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA."

On Sunday, Ben Sulayem put out another statement on Twitter.

"It is surprising that there has been some adverse reaction to the Cadillac and Andretti Global news," he wrote.

"We should be encouraging prospective entries from global manufacturers like GM and thoroughbred racers like Andretti and others."

The odd thing about this was that there had not been any "adverse reaction" to the Andretti news - at least not publicly."

Continued @ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/64210632

[pharvey]

Worth a read

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/arti ... BzfoX.html

[Nereus]

When they're all back in position, the Race Director will initiate the start sequence. This involves five lights turning on, before blinking out one by one, and away they go for the Grand Prix.

Is this a change, or have I been watching it wrong? As far as I can recall, ALL the red lights go out at once, they switch on one by one?

[pharvey]

When they're all back in position, the Race Director will initiate the start sequence. This involves five lights turning on, before blinking out one by one, and away they go for the Grand Prix.

Is this a change, or have I been watching it wrong? As far as I can recall, ALL the red lights go out at once, they switch on one by one?

Certainly a change as far as I'm concerned.