tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55459103364665715552024-02-20T20:06:23.227-05:001 Racing MindThis website is dedicated to publicizing the news and occurrences arriving from the Formula 1 auto racing tour. Content created by Chris Nagy.Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-993826267108512312021-05-22T20:26:00.002-04:002021-05-22T20:46:25.882-04:00Leclerc Tops Monaco Qualifying But Race Spot in Jeopardy After Crash <html>
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<p><span> </span></p>
<p>In the conclusion of the Spanish Grand Prix, there was <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.what-the-teams-said-race-day-in-spain-2021.1vZoIiHbYnppxl0yEFVPHK.html">a noteworthy statement made by
Scuderia Ferrari’s team driver Charles Leclerc</a> ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. He asserted that the group’s strength in the third
section of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during the Spanish Grand Prix was an indication that
the Italian Formula 1 team would be strong on <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/05/2021-formula-1-season-monaco-grand-prix.html">the Monte Carlo temporary street course</a>. </p>
<br>
<p>Following Friday’s on-track action in Monaco, Leclerc's admittance was supported in spectacular
fashion. In the second practice session the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. finished
first and second fastest. Entering qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, there was a realistic chance
the Ferrari team could capture their first pole position since the 2019 Mexican Grand Prix. In the
hands of the event’s home country favourite, the red car squad prevailed in qualifying although a
major setback could remove the Ferrari race car from the top place on Sunday’s grid. </p>
<br>
<p>Posting a lap time of 1 minute, 10.346 seconds on the time chart of the Q3 session, Charles
Leclerc’s #16 Ferrari clipped the turn 15 barrier in the late seconds of the final qualifying session
and would crash. A red flag ended qualifying cementing the Monegasque driver as the fastest and
provisional pole sitter for the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc’s starting position is
contingent to the extent of the damage to the Ferrari SF21 race car. At the time this qualifying recap
has been written, the Ferrari team has stated there was no serious damage spotted to the #16 car’s
gearbox but an additional inspection will take place prior to Sunday race. A change to the gearbox
could require the incurrence of a five-grid place penalty. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p>Said to have mixed feeling regarding the pole effort, Charles Leclerc ended his post-race Ferrari
statement saying “Whatever the outcome, I will give my all tomorrow. It feels great to be at home
and to see all the fans around the track. It’s Monaco, it’s very unpredictable, and also challenging
for us drivers, especially in the race with so many laps.”</p>
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<br>
<p>If not for the wrecked car at the end of the qualifying session at Monaco, Scuderia Ferrari would
have had a lot to celebrate. In addition to Charles Leclerc’s top time, Carlos Sainz Jr. delivered a
solid performance on Saturday ultimately resulting in a fourth place starting spot on Sunday’s grid.
The struggles of the 2020 Ferrari Formula 1 team are well-documented but the COVID-19
pandemic also changed the historic brand’s intentions to commemorate their 1,000<sup>th</sup> grand prix start.
Meant to take place at the 2020 Monaco race, the event’s cancellation and the reworked Formula 1
schedule caused for a race on Ferrari’s Mugello circuit to be the thousandth event for the team in the
series. </p>
<br>
<p>Hampered from mounting a late session charge for the pole, Max Verstappen finished Monaco
Grand Prix qualifying in the second place position. Along with Ferrari, Red Bull Racing team has
displayed the most consistent front-running pace during this weekend on the 19-turn, 3.337-kilometer track. Verstappen was quickest in Saturday’s practice while teammate Sergio Perez posted
the fastest time in the first practice session on Friday. Perez will start the Monaco Grand Prix in
ninth place as the Mexican was unable to find the same pace as Verstappen throughout qualifying
citing dropping track temperatures and traffic. </p>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFE8ipXwWBHvvgKFoqcN_lj2R0WYpRh0UNr6k2-EALtl9-8IUMoujRr7kDnlGbWtpZ3nJ4VpyDefykns1fl4SpJe1IacojNk1ZrfuierJjM6vtoUjDB0PaUTCkfZLHpQ_U94nEbB1lSQ/s1000/22-saturday-montecarlo+Steven+Tee+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFE8ipXwWBHvvgKFoqcN_lj2R0WYpRh0UNr6k2-EALtl9-8IUMoujRr7kDnlGbWtpZ3nJ4VpyDefykns1fl4SpJe1IacojNk1ZrfuierJjM6vtoUjDB0PaUTCkfZLHpQ_U94nEbB1lSQ/s600/22-saturday-montecarlo+Steven+Tee+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Steven Tee/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>The often-dominating force of the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 Team showed a more temperate
performance on the tight street of Monaco. Valtteri Bottas settled for third on the grid for Sunday’s
78-lap event citing the late red flag as costing him a chance to take pole. The winner from <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/05/lewis-hamilton-wins-his-fifth.html">the last
Formula 1 race in Spain</a>, Lewis Hamilton has appeared out of regular form during this weekend
through practice and qualifying. Though Hamilton progressed into Q3 in qualifying, he experienced
a lack of grip in his #44 Mercedes-AMG race car mustering a seventh place starting spot for the
race. </p>
<br>
<p>Running historic Gulf oil colouring for the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, McLaren Racing had a
qualifying outing that netted mixed results. Lando Norris will start Sunday’s main event from the
fifth grid position but Daniel Ricciardo, 2018 winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, failed to post a top-10 time in Q2 and settling for 12<sup>th</sup> place. The remainder of the top 10 starters is also the lone team
entrants that broke into Q3. Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly will roll off the grid in 6<sup>th</sup>
place, 2011 and 2017 Monaco winner Sebastian Vettel will start 8<sup>th</sup> for Aston Martin Racing and
Antonio Giovinazzi scored an impressive 10<sup>th</sup> place starting spot for Alfa Romeo Racing. </p>
<br>
<p>Haas F1 Team’s Mick Schumacher crash in the final practice and was unable to post a time in
Saturday’s qualifying at Monaco. The Formula 1 rookie will start at the rear for Sunday’s race.</p>
<br>
<p>Start time for the 78-lap, 2021 Monaco Grand Prix is set for 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. Eastern time).</p><br>
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2021 Formula 1 Season</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Monaco Grand Prix</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Qualifying Results</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
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Pos #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Car #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Driver</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Team</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Engine</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1</TD><TD>
16</TD><TD>
Charles Leclerc</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2</TD><TD>
33</TD><TD>
Max Verstappen</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
3</TD><TD>
77</TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
4</TD><TD>
55</TD><TD>
Carlos Sainz Jr</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
5</TD><TD>
4</TD><TD>
Lando Norris</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
6</TD><TD>
10</TD><TD>
Pierre Gasly</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
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7</TD><TD>
44</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
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8</TD><TD>
5</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel </TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD><TD></TD> <TD>
</TD> </TR>
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9</TD><TD>
11</TD><TD>
Sergio Perez</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
10</TD><TD>
99</TD><TD>
Antonio Giovinazzi</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
11</TD><TD>
31</TD><TD>
Esteban Ocon</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
12</TD><TD>
3</TD><TD>
Daniel Ricciardo</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
13</TD><TD>
18</TD><TD>
Lance Stroll</TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
14</TD><TD>
7</TD><TD>
Kimi Raikkonen</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
15</TD><TD>
63</TD><TD>
George Russell</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
16</TD><TD>
22</TD><TD>
Yuki Tsunoda</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
17</TD><TD>
14</TD><TD>
Fernando Alonso</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
18</TD><TD>
6</TD><TD>
Nicholas Latifi</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
19</TD><TD>
9</TD><TD>
Nikita Mazepin</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
20</TD><TD>
47</TD><TD>
Mick Schumacher</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-25397478178109854802021-05-21T20:49:00.002-04:002021-05-21T20:49:37.596-04:002021 Formula 1 Season: Monaco Grand Prix Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZeU5rltmmgfElubHoLws5qz2zHGexJz2bzt5Wna10nJIacFI61pKPs57O3gqrjwlVX_Pvg8ceIKom7ceQCpDf-XcX0QOP97KWxE85HWJAcCY0iN2L4mRO20Y3YHId8OG0lvS4366sIs/s1159/Monaco+gp+track+2021.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZeU5rltmmgfElubHoLws5qz2zHGexJz2bzt5Wna10nJIacFI61pKPs57O3gqrjwlVX_Pvg8ceIKom7ceQCpDf-XcX0QOP97KWxE85HWJAcCY0iN2L4mRO20Y3YHId8OG0lvS4366sIs/s600/Monaco+gp+track+2021.jpg"/></a></div>
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Monaco Grand Prix</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
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Race Date</TD><TD>
May 23, 2021</TD> </TR>
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Location</TD><TD>
Monte Carlo, Monaco</TD> </TR>
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Track Name</TD><TD>
Circuit de Monaco</TD> </TR>
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Course Length</TD><TD>
3.337-kliometer (2.074-mile)</TD> </TR>
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Laps</TD><TD>
78</TD> </TR>
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2019 Pole Winner</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD> </TR>
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2019 Pole Time</TD><TD>
1:10.166</TD> </TR>
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Past Five Grand Prix Winners</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
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No Race Held in 2020</TD> </TR>
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2019</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
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2018</TD><TD>
Daniel Ricciardo</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer</TD> </TR>
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2017</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel</TD><TD>
Scuderia Ferrari</TD> </TR>
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2016</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
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2015</TD><TD>
Nico Rosberg</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-16875649285106368222021-05-10T14:12:00.001-04:002021-05-10T14:12:26.086-04:00Lewis Hamilton Wins His Fifth Consecutive Spanish Grand Prix<html>
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<p>The fourth event of the 2021 Formula 1 season, <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/05/2021-formula-1-season-spanish-grand.html">the Grand Prix of Spain</a> was the second week in a
row that drivers and teams of the top open wheel racing series were pressed into competition. So far
in this grand prix year, a fierce battle between Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Red Bull
Racing led by drivers Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen has delivered on the pre-season precise
of being a close, enduring affair. In qualifying, Hamilton’s #44 car narrowly bettered the Honda-powered race machine of Verstappen for what was <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/05/for-hundredth-time-for-hamilton.html">the British driver’s 100<sup>th</sup> career Formula 1 pole</a>. </p>
<br>
<p>With two fairly equal competitors in 2021, the results in the past three grand prix events ended in
favour of the party that avoided a major mistake. For the third time in four races, Lewis Hamilton
would be the driver closest to perfection as he sailed to the win at the Spanish Grand Prix. </p>
<br>
<p>While the majority of the race was led by the Honda-powered Red Bull race of Max Verstappen, the
Dutch driver was unable to hold off the rush of the #44 Mercedes. Placed on a two-pit stop strategy,
Hamilton was trailing the Red Bull Racing entry shortly before he took a set of scuffed medium
compound tires on lap 42. Falling to almost 24 second behind Verstappen when he returned to the
track after leaving pit road, Hamilton methodically ran down the #33 car with lap times often a
second faster than the leader. At the start of lap 60, the Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes AMG race car
superior grip and some assist from DRS was too much for the Red Bull Racing pilot. Taking the
lead into turn 1, Hamilton comfortably drove to his fifth consecutive victory at the Circuit de
Barcelona-Catalunya. </p>
<Br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji84Q3Qu1c8qvHXyXW2sLROHH-fpkwuJSqXqs0Ven-b8nyBzbDbYl3le4uekzSza96eD44XmC_LrioTMV67cqVogUmb5J83-5YIE_WbzviEHJzLkhGq1YMdhITAdVjoWAxSkScomKxAGI/s1000/29-sunday-barcelona+Charles+Coates+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji84Q3Qu1c8qvHXyXW2sLROHH-fpkwuJSqXqs0Ven-b8nyBzbDbYl3le4uekzSza96eD44XmC_LrioTMV67cqVogUmb5J83-5YIE_WbzviEHJzLkhGq1YMdhITAdVjoWAxSkScomKxAGI/s600/29-sunday-barcelona+Charles+Coates+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Charles Coates/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>“What a day! It was a remarkable job by the whole team again this weekend and it’s so good to see
fans back here.” said the defending Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion in a post-race release from
the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team adding his pleasure to see several Union Jack flags in the
grandstands. Lewis Hamilton’s 98<sup>th</sup> career victory in the series places him in a 14-point lead in this
season’s point standings after four races. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p>An opening start where Max Verstappen shot to the lead over the polesitter Lewis Hamilton was not
effort to secure victory in Spain. Hindered by a tire change on the first pit stop that lasted more than
four seconds and leading on worn medium compound tires towards the end of the Spanish Grand
Prix, Verstappen came up short of winning again at the track where he claimed his first Formula 1
victory in his debut with Red Bull Racing in 2016. Verstappen’s second place finish comes with the
consolation of claiming the race’s fastest lap. The #33 Red Bull Racing car was summoned to pit
road for soft compound tires in the successful campaign for the extra point in the event. The 2021
Spanish Grand Prix was Max Verstappen’s 100<sup>th</sup> start with the Red Bull Racing team. </p>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnjjmYgENxGvQ_ey22JIRtkQ5ngKnGS0rPzKpmgn6tdLSOeCOs-2QMuE2DnYlkl0b31qYbF_RGrPSYbC8CKgvWVJq-mnaN3gCval5nehT6dJGJhvSkT9ETsHKhSeb5xr-vxcZArbyqAE/s1000/14-sunday-barcelona+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnjjmYgENxGvQ_ey22JIRtkQ5ngKnGS0rPzKpmgn6tdLSOeCOs-2QMuE2DnYlkl0b31qYbF_RGrPSYbC8CKgvWVJq-mnaN3gCval5nehT6dJGJhvSkT9ETsHKhSeb5xr-vxcZArbyqAE/s600/14-sunday-barcelona+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<p>As was the case with Hamilton and Verstappen finishing in the same spot as their qualifying
position, third and fourth place on the starting grid crossed the line after 66 laps in the same spot.
Valtteri Bottas grabbed the final podium spot with his Mercedes AMG race car while Charles
Leclerc crossed the line in the fourth position. Overcoming a difficult qualifying outing where the
Mexican settled for eighth place, Sergio Perez drove his #11 Red Bull Racing vehicle to fifth place
at the end of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix. The top-finishing McLaren Racing entrant of Daniel
Ricciardo settled for sixth place. The Australian described the event in a post-race press release
saying, “It was a good weekend. I would say the best weekend so far as a whole and I felt like I got
the maximum out of the car today.”</p>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvspM_v8bvmNsbtcfmalF541gnPwjgnnZUVcxg6cD-W4_S0cpnyRN8vMqkOka39WEZcmq4jxJOlZgL_lk8eyoiAsATJaMgk98HKbsLCkARefG9TQDOKOftW3q-5tUU0Pd1RBC2rDDOhI/s1000/M267337+Jiri+Krenek+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd..jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvspM_v8bvmNsbtcfmalF541gnPwjgnnZUVcxg6cD-W4_S0cpnyRN8vMqkOka39WEZcmq4jxJOlZgL_lk8eyoiAsATJaMgk98HKbsLCkARefG9TQDOKOftW3q-5tUU0Pd1RBC2rDDOhI/s600/M267337+Jiri+Krenek+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd..jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>The second Scuderia Ferrari car drive by Carlos Sainz Jr. was the highest-finishing Spanish native in
the 2021 Formula 1 race on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso
came across the line in 17<sup>th</sup> place after a gamble to gain a top-10 finish on a single pit stop strategy
on medium compound Pirelli tires failed to pay off. Alonso’s Alpine F1 Team teammate Esteban
Ocon insured the squad gained points in the Spanish Grand Prix taking ninth place behind the
McLaren Mercedes of Brit Lando Norris. Ocon was the only driver to collect points after the warm
66-lap event on a single tire change. Pierre Gasly finished 10<sup>th</sup> and took the point final of the event
in what was an aggressive fight for the spot in the final laps that involved Fernando Alonso and the
Aston Martin F1 Racing Team’s Lance Stroll. The only driver not running at the end of the Spanish Grand Prix was Sceuderia AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda who retired on track due to a yet-to-be unidentified issue.</p>
<br>
<p>The next race on the Formula 1 racing calendar is the historic Monaco Grand Prix with the main
event scheduled for May 23<sup>rd</sup>. </p>
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<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
2021 Formula 1 Season</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><FONT FACE="±&P ô}:" SIZE="5"><b>Spanish Grand Prix</FONT></B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Race Results</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Pos #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Car #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Driver</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Team</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Engine</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1</TD><TD>
44</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2</TD><TD>
33</TD><TD>
Max Verstappen</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
3</TD><TD>
77</TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
4</TD><TD>
16</TD><TD>
Charles Leclerc</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
5</TD><TD>
11</TD><TD>
Sergio Perez</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
6</TD><TD>
3</TD><TD>
Daniel Ricciardo</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
7</TD><TD>
55</TD><TD>
Carlos Sainz Jr</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
8</TD><TD>
4</TD><TD>
Lando Norris</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD><TD></TD> <TD>
</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
9</TD><TD>
31</TD><TD>
Esteban Ocon</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
10</TD><TD>
10</TD><TD>
Pierre Gasly</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
11</TD><TD>
18</TD><TD>
Lance Stroll</TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
12</TD><TD>
7</TD><TD>
Kimi Raikkonen</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
13</TD><TD>
5</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel </TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
14</TD><TD>
63</TD><TD>
George Russell</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
15</TD><TD>
99</TD><TD>
Antonio Giovinazzi</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
16</TD><TD>
6</TD><TD>
Nicholas Latifi</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
17</TD><TD>
14</TD><TD>
Fernando Alonso</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
18</TD><TD>
47</TD><TD>
Mick Schumacher</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
19</TD><TD>
9</TD><TD>
Nikita Mazepin</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
20</TD><TD>
22</TD><TD>
Yuki Tsunoda</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-10012169767668431732021-05-08T20:05:00.000-04:002021-05-08T20:05:00.032-04:00For The Hundredth Time For Hamilton: Mercedes Driver Grabs Milestone Pole In Spain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlflnnzaENe23paptKWc7wuIIIS9Hbt1mPMAlZwNxsQucpqmkHW3nwUHruBB0JRIYGUN3fULl2ytW3xtMWeIAq_biMT8Kne_7GyTMQIxJ6bYCPIntOih09PF3UMK4vWdz-FKPA7L2lULQ/s1620/M266796.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlflnnzaENe23paptKWc7wuIIIS9Hbt1mPMAlZwNxsQucpqmkHW3nwUHruBB0JRIYGUN3fULl2ytW3xtMWeIAq_biMT8Kne_7GyTMQIxJ6bYCPIntOih09PF3UMK4vWdz-FKPA7L2lULQ/s600/M266796.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Lat Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
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<p>Lewis Hamilton’s performance in qualifying is one attribute that will establish the knighted British
driver as true legend in Formula 1. A tally beginning at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix on Circuit
Gilles Villeneuve, Hamilton’s career count for pole positions eclipsed the previous series record set
by Michael Schmacher of 68 in 2017 on the weekend of the Italian Grand Prix. Since the latter part
of the 2017 Formula 1 season, the driver of the #44 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team car has gone
on a tear in qualifying collecting 11 of 21 possible race poles in 2018 and the top spot in 10 of 16
races last year. Entered in his 270<sup>th</sup> Formula 1 event this weekend at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/05/2021-formula-1-season-spanish-grand.html">the Circuit de
Barcelona-Catalunya hosting the Spanish Grand Prix</a>, Lewis Hamilton has set a new mark of
greatness.</p>
<br>
<p>Lewis Hamilton muscled his Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance race car around a 16-turn,
4.675-kilometer track in a time of 1 minute, 16.741 seconds in Q3 to take his 100<sup>th</sup> career pole
position. Battling Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen throughout all three qualifying sessions, the
Brit’s #44 car edged out the Dutch driver’s Honda-powered machine by 0.036 seconds. In three of
the four races this year, the front row has been shared by a Mercedes AMG team car and a Red Bull
Racing vehicle. </p>
<br>
<p>While Verstappen mounted a challenge against the Mercedes machines in Q3, Red Bull Racing’s
Sergio Perez finished qualifying lacking the pace of his teammate. A spin out by Perez in turn 13
during a Q3 lap hindered the performance of the #11 Red Bull Racing vehicle. The Mexican driver
will start the Spanish Grand Prix in 8<sup>th</sup> place. </p>
<br>
<p>Less than a tenth of a second slower than Max Verstappen, the second Mercedes race car driven by
Valtteri Bottas will start third for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix. Bottas was quicker than Hamilton
during the opening two stages of qualifying but settled comfortably into the second row in the
conclusion of Q3. </p>
<br>
<p>The Scuderia Ferrari team had a very acceptable showing in Spain at the end of Saturday’s
qualifying. Gaining pace throughout the three practice sessions, Charles LeClerc and Carlos Sainz
Jr. will both start Sunday’s grand prix in the top 10. Leclerc posted a strong 1-minute, 17.510-second lap time in Q3 to place himself in the second row beside Valtteri Bottas. Qualifying sixth and
sharing the third row with the Alpine of Esteban Ocon, Sainz recorded a time just 0.002 quicker
than the McLaren Mercedes driven by Daniel Ricciardo. The teammates of Ocon and Ricciardo
(Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris) also found their way into the top 10 for the 66-lap race. </p>
<p> </p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYeYyQJxC-QgE0148_Oibfk0aK9pj-UEvH8m5WALWJsLExknDUpzaoGBe5Vfn-BmSb_CZ-bVCGpY_B20r2vjqQ35311IG7yk6mQwy5lLN7F3XmBH89JUerH4sOpwsVdZ31BwQ4qKLKws/s1000/3-saturday-barcelona+Mark+Sutton+Pirelli+LAT+Images.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYeYyQJxC-QgE0148_Oibfk0aK9pj-UEvH8m5WALWJsLExknDUpzaoGBe5Vfn-BmSb_CZ-bVCGpY_B20r2vjqQ35311IG7yk6mQwy5lLN7F3XmBH89JUerH4sOpwsVdZ31BwQ4qKLKws/s600/3-saturday-barcelona+Mark+Sutton+Pirelli+LAT+Images.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<p>Teams not appearing in the top 10 in a 2021 starting grid for the first time will be Scuderia
AlphaTauri and Aston Martin Racing. Lance Stroll finished Q2 just 0.008 seconds short of tenth
place driver Fernando Alonso in the session. Pierre Gasly’s Honda-powered AlphaTauri was 0.008
seconds off the mark set by 11<sup>th</sup> place Stroll. </p>
<br>
<p>Entering the triple digits in his career pole tally, Lewis Hamilton’s pursuit towards pushing his
victory towards the century mark will face a statistical challenge. After the first three races of the
2021 season, the driver starting on pole failed winning on Sunday. </p>
<br>
<p>The 2021 Spanish Grand Prix is will start at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. Eastern Time). </p>
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2021 Formula 1 Season</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" >Spanish Grand Prix</FONT></B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Qualifying Results</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Pos #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Car #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Driver</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Team</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Engine</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1</TD><TD>
44</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2</TD><TD>
33</TD><TD>
Max Verstappen</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
3</TD><TD>
77</TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
4</TD><TD>
16</TD><TD>
Charles Leclerc</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
5</TD><TD>
31</TD><TD>
Esteban Ocon</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
6</TD><TD>
55</TD><TD>
Carlos Sainz Jr</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
7</TD><TD>
3</TD><TD>
Daniel Ricciardo</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
8</TD><TD>
11</TD><TD>
Sergio Perez</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD><TD></TD> <TD>
</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
9</TD><TD>
4</TD><TD>
Lando Norris</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
10</TD><TD>
14</TD><TD>
Fernando Alonso</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
11</TD><TD>
18</TD><TD>
Lance Stroll</TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
12</TD><TD>
10</TD><TD>
Pierre Gasly</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
13</TD><TD>
5</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel </TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
14</TD><TD>
99</TD><TD>
Antonio Giovinazzi</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
15</TD><TD>
63</TD><TD>
George Russell</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
16</TD><TD>
22</TD><TD>
Yuki Tsunoda</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
17</TD><TD>
7</TD><TD>
Kimi Raikkonen</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
18</TD><TD>
47</TD><TD>
Mick Schumacher</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
19</TD><TD>
6</TD><TD>
Nicholas Latifi</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
20</TD><TD>
9</TD><TD>
Nikita Mazepin</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-69023075510304723302021-05-07T03:08:00.000-04:002021-05-07T03:08:25.844-04:002021 Formula 1 Season: Spanish Grand Prix Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJlcKQdS3s2ulOFhAU0OEx25_CzSwVjc0zdlOARk6itSiktboIabwucH0tNgT1KEAq_-xRINP6c3XnDUR2pyxTCxJdW6AjjzaqoqlymyMcozUJiGKCb5Iq1Q2GBGpVgtPydcGsiBh_eI/s999/Circuit+de+Barcelona+Catalunya+2021.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="999" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJlcKQdS3s2ulOFhAU0OEx25_CzSwVjc0zdlOARk6itSiktboIabwucH0tNgT1KEAq_-xRINP6c3XnDUR2pyxTCxJdW6AjjzaqoqlymyMcozUJiGKCb5Iq1Q2GBGpVgtPydcGsiBh_eI/s600/Circuit+de+Barcelona+Catalunya+2021.jpg"/></a></div>
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<TR> <TD></TD> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Spanish Grand Prix</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
Race Date</TD><TD>
May 9, 2021</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
Location</TD><TD>
Montmelo, Catalonia, Spain</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
Track Name</TD><TD>
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya </TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
Course Length</TD><TD>
4.675-kilometer (2.905-mile)</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
Laps</TD><TD>
66</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2020 Pole Winner</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2020 Pole Time</TD><TD>
1:15.584</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Past Five Grand Prix Winners</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2020</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2019</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2018</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2017</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2016</TD><TD>
Max Verstappen</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer</TD> </TR>
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</HTML>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-67163741425711406232021-05-04T16:32:00.003-04:002021-05-08T20:05:39.472-04:00Lewis Hamilton Repeats As Portuguese Grand Prix Winner<html>
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<p>Hosting its first Portuguese Grand Prix last year as part of Formula 1's shuffled schedule caused by
the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Algarve International Circuit in the town of Portimao invited
the 2020 drivers to a 4.653-kilometer course defined by elevation changes, heavy braking and a
long front stretch that served as an effective DRS zone. The venue holding its inaugural Formula 1
race gained noteworthiness when Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Lewis Hamilton claimed his
record-setting 92<sup>nd</sup> career victory in the top open wheel series. A little more than six months after the
British driver achieved the monumental win, Hamilton extended his tally for all-time victories with
the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix. </p>
<br>
<p>The 97<sup>th</sup> Formula 1 win for the current driver of the #44 Mercedes-AMG race car, Hamilton started
2<sup>nd</sup> on the grid for the 66-lap event but had fallen to third place early. Following the completion of
the first lap, a collision between the Alfa Romeo race cars necessitated a safety car. The #7 machine
of Kimi Raikkonen lost its front wing on the front stretch after hitting the rear of teammate Antonio
Giovinazzi. Raikkonen retired from the race while Giovinazzi persevered to finish 12<sup>th</sup>. With the
resumption of green flag racing on lap 7, Max Verstappen’s Honda-powered Red Bull race car
snuck by Hamilton’s Mercedes.</p>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3FDGjNCde3SQSnelEGis5pDXdoXd35UgwtudQHBzc2j1wLWGqSe7nm0j6MGGgRZ6d4uPy-k73k7W9oovaYmNO-wltQlEd8BA1kiT5pP8_I78EXuc3TnrbIGsCzn7GRO4F4zGrXsx0iY/s886/Portstart-source.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="886" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3FDGjNCde3SQSnelEGis5pDXdoXd35UgwtudQHBzc2j1wLWGqSe7nm0j6MGGgRZ6d4uPy-k73k7W9oovaYmNO-wltQlEd8BA1kiT5pP8_I78EXuc3TnrbIGsCzn7GRO4F4zGrXsx0iY/s600/Portstart-source.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: American Honda Motor Co., Inc</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>The Portuguese Grand Prix’s polesitter, Valtteri Bottas led the race through the opening 19 laps
until his teammate mounted a resurgent effort. Lewis Hamilton retook the second-place spot for lap
11 and would snatch the lead from Bottas on lap 20 maintaining the top spot until his only pit stop
on lap 37. Though Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez took possession of the lead of the grand prix
by virtue of a long 51-lap opening stint on a set of medium compound Pirelli tires, Hamilton would
catch the Mexican pilot before the #11 car’s pit stop. </p>
<br>
<p>The majority of the field required just a single pit stop with the timing of the tire change differing
depending on strategies. Besides Sergio Perez’s long stint on medium construction Pirelli tires,
Lance Stroll extended a set of soft compound rubber to 39 laps on his #18 Aston Martin with the
Canadian ultimately settling for 14<sup>th</sup> place in Portugal. Two exceptions to the single stop plan were
the second and third place machines pitting with a handful of laps remaining in the Portuguese
Grand Prix with sights set on the championship point for the fastest lap time. On lap 63, Valtteri
Bottas came to the attention of his Mercedes-AMG crew that mounted soft compound Pirelli tires to
his #77 car. As Bottas was able to post a 1-minute, 19.865-second lap time on the penultimate lap in
the race, Max Versteppen launched into his pursuit for the fastest lap in the grand prix. On the final
lap, the #33 Red Bull race car would record a lap time of 1 minute and 19.849 seconds. However,
the Dutch driver would learn during his post-race interview that the fastest lap effort was deleted for
exceeding track limits. </p>
<br>
<p>Crossing the line 29.148 seconds ahead of second place, Lewis Hamilton described his 97<sup>th</sup> career
Formula 1 win as a “physically and mentally” tough race in post-race comments on the Mercedes
AMG team website. The victory allowed the Brit to place some distance between him and Max
Verstappen in the drivers’ points standings. Hamilton is now 8 points ahead of the Red Bull Racing
competitor after three races. </p>
<br>
<p>On the podium, the two Mercedes-AMG drivers were split by the second-place finishing Max
Verstappen. An attempt at a Mercedes-AMG team 1-2 finish was defeated as a result of a faulty
exhaust sensor on Valtteri Bottas’ vehicle. Hovering roughly 1.5 seconds behind Verstappen with
about 15 laps remaining, the sensor caused the Mercedes-Benz power unit in the #77 car to go into a
protection mode that gave Bottas less straight line speed for a period during the event’s latter stage.
</p><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSzfb0-MwEbwEpJsNksnutoO4U_z2082t98ESK5kDrUK6HlPq38sX_bSmX0TdFetyIZTKXawQCkx3TNWUzbcBBg17QgQqH1mhWrTWc2Ph1rJoFZgOxaU9WlEm-oZd5IqBFTx50Z2Fa1o/s1620/M265860+LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSzfb0-MwEbwEpJsNksnutoO4U_z2082t98ESK5kDrUK6HlPq38sX_bSmX0TdFetyIZTKXawQCkx3TNWUzbcBBg17QgQqH1mhWrTWc2Ph1rJoFZgOxaU9WlEm-oZd5IqBFTx50Z2Fa1o/s600/M265860+LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>In fourth, Sergio Perez’s extended time on medium compound tires was enough to keep the Mexican
driver’s Honda-powered Red Bull race car ahead of Lando Norris. Sitting third in the drivers’
championship after Portugal, Norris is five points ahead of Valtteri Bottas thanks to top five finishes
in all three grand prix events so far in 2021. </p>
<br>
<p>Charles Leclerc charged from an eighth place starting spot to finish the Portuguese Grand Prix in a
sixth place for Ferrari. With cars crossing the line in seventh and eighth on Sunday, the Alpine F1
Team is currently fifth in the constructors’ points. Frenchman Esteban Ocon narrowly placed ahead
of teammate Fernando Alonso capturing two additional championship points. Australian Daniel
Ricciardo made the biggest move up the running order in the 66-lap race at the Algarve
International Circuit. Struggling to get a decent lap in qualifying resulting in a dismal 16<sup>th</sup> starting
spot, the McLaren Racing driver rose to finish in ninth place. Ricciardo is one of five drivers who
has scored points in all three races in the current season. Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly battled
hard in the final laps to take the tenth and final point-paying position as the #55 Ferrari of Carlos
Sainz Jr. dropped out of the top-10 late due to tire graining.</p>
<br>
<p>The 2021 Formula 1 tour’s next round has competitors cross the border from Portugal to Spain for
an event on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The 2021 Spanish Grand Prix weekend starts on
May 7<sup>th</sup> and concludes with a 66-lap race on Sunday, May 9<sup>th</sup>. </p><br>
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2021 Formula 1 Season</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Portuguese Grand Prix</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Race Results</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Pos #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Car #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Driver</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Team</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Engine</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1</TD><TD>
44</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2</TD><TD>
33</TD><TD>
Max Verstappen</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
3</TD><TD>
77</TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
4</TD><TD>
11</TD><TD>
Sergio Perez</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
5</TD><TD>
4</TD><TD>
Lando Norris</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
6</TD><TD>
16</TD><TD>
Charles Leclerc</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
7</TD><TD>
31</TD><TD>
Esteban Ocon</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
8</TD><TD>
14</TD><TD>
Fernando Alonso</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD><TD></TD> <TD>
</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
9</TD><TD>
3</TD><TD>
Daniel Ricciardo</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
10</TD><TD>
10</TD><TD>
Pierre Gasly</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
11</TD><TD>
55</TD><TD>
Carlos Sainz Jr</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
12</TD><TD>
99</TD><TD>
Antonio Giovinazzi</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
13</TD><TD>
5</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel </TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
14</TD><TD>
18</TD><TD>
Lance Stroll</TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
15</TD><TD>
22</TD><TD>
Yuki Tsunoda</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
16</TD><TD>
63</TD><TD>
George Russell</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
17</TD><TD>
47</TD><TD>
Mick Schumacher</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
18</TD><TD>
6</TD><TD>
Nicholas Latifi</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
19</TD><TD>
9</TD><TD>
Nikita Mazepin</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
20</TD><TD>
7</TD><TD>
Kimi Raikkonen</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-49912687585868205022021-05-01T18:54:00.002-04:002021-05-08T20:06:18.263-04:00Bottas Takes Pole After Breezy Qualifying in Portugal<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LVJ343-iKV8B7ZCe41HatUoQgoJNyQ9xus-Z2heSa5A-VIoAdXFc1DFKEaKkod1cKPM-bhyphenhyphenA1P4MdDPFgl1uyS18fOSJunPPiRNl5e2otFW0l-ju-vh5dtkvGIS7BLPdX1ffkTWsCaM/s1000/M265565+LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LVJ343-iKV8B7ZCe41HatUoQgoJNyQ9xus-Z2heSa5A-VIoAdXFc1DFKEaKkod1cKPM-bhyphenhyphenA1P4MdDPFgl1uyS18fOSJunPPiRNl5e2otFW0l-ju-vh5dtkvGIS7BLPdX1ffkTWsCaM/s600/M265565+LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
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<p>The 2021 Formula 1 season first three races has three different drivers leading the field to the grid
placement for Sunday.</p>
<br>
<p>By a super tight margin of just 0.007 seconds, Finland’s Valtteri Bottas has edged out his Mercedes-AMG teammate Lewis Hamilton for the pole for the Portuguese Grand Prix on <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/05/2021-formula-1-season-portuguese-grand.html">the Algarve
International Circuit</a>. Bottas’ first pole for the year, the effort by the two Mercedes drivers was
enough to secure the team’s its first front row lockout in the 2021 season. </p>
<br>
<p>The German factory team’s capturing of the first two starting spots was a coup after two previous
events where the Red Bull Racing car of Max Verstappen broke up what was a common sight after
qualifying in 2020. Verstappen did set a 1-minute, 18.209-second lap time in Q3 that would have
put the Dutch driver on pole for a second time this season but the time was erased due to his #33 car
exceeding the track limits in turn four. Both Red Bull Racing cars are positioned on the second row
on the grid ahead of the 66-lap race with Verstappen settling for third fastest and Sergio Perez fourth
after Q3. </p>
<br>
<p>The #77 machine’s 1-minute, 18.348-second pole-earning lap time in Saturday’s Q3 session came
on a slippery track under windy conditions. Winds gust up to 30 kilometer per hour played havoc
with a number of drivers through the time trials for Sunday’s main race. There was also uncertainty
between whether the soft or medium compound Pirelli tire was preferable for recording the quickest
lap. Lewis Hamilton set a time of 1-minute, 17.968 seconds in Q2 using the medium compound
racing slicks. However, the fastest lap times for all the Q3 entrants came on sets of the softest
construction tires. </p>
<br>
<p>Lando Norris is the highest starting McLaren for the Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday positioned
beside Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. The second McLaren driven by Daniel Ricciardo struggled with
traffic as well as tire grip through the opening Q1 session and failed to post a lap better than 16<sup>th</sup>
fastest. Starting in ninth place will be Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly while tenth place for
tomorrow’s Portuguese Grand Prix will be held by Sebastian Vettel. The qualifying performance for
Vettel was his first time in Q3 with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team.</p>
<br>
<p>The 66-lap 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix is set to start time of 3 p.m. (10 a.m. Eastern time) on
Sunday.</p>
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2021 Formula 1 Season</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
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Portuguese Grand Prix</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
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<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Pos #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Car #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Driver</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Team</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Engine</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1</TD><TD>
77</TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2</TD><TD>
44</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
3</TD><TD>
33</TD><TD>
Max Verstappen</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
4</TD><TD>
11</TD><TD>
Sergio Perez</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
5</TD><TD>
55</TD><TD>
Carlos Sainz Jr</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
6</TD><TD>
31</TD><TD>
Esteban Ocon</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
7</TD><TD>
4</TD><TD>
Lando Norris</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
8</TD><TD>
16</TD><TD>
Charles Leclerc</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD><TD></TD> <TD>
</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
9</TD><TD>
10</TD><TD>
Pierre Gasly</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
10</TD><TD>
5</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel </TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
11</TD><TD>
63</TD><TD>
George Russell</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
12</TD><TD>
99</TD><TD>
Antonio Giovinazzi</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
13</TD><TD>
14</TD><TD>
Fernando Alonso</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
14</TD><TD>
22</TD><TD>
Yuki Tsunoda</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
15</TD><TD>
7</TD><TD>
Kimi Raikkonen</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
16</TD><TD>
3</TD><TD>
Daniel Ricciardo</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
17</TD><TD>
18</TD><TD>
Lance Stroll</TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
18</TD><TD>
6</TD><TD>
Nicholas Latifi</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
19</TD><TD>
47</TD><TD>
Mick Schumacher</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
20</TD><TD>
9</TD><TD>
Nikita Mazepin</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD></TD> <TD></TD> <TD></TD> <TD>
</TD> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-72510849895799524512021-05-01T04:01:00.000-04:002021-05-01T04:01:10.332-04:002021 Formula 1 Season: Portuguese Grand Prix Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyq5Gp0u8MZ6JIVMeuX_kQWuC_ApioXleFXaG6-uHauKOKmOvcM7ZaRisoIL1Xs2tUvqmn42Z6iSlS68ypb27FCwOwwScB48xi_54TYUjS25Eg6-uTaafNhRt-a7Hv71SL4EaF0IzRD0/s873/Algarve+International+Circuit.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="873" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyq5Gp0u8MZ6JIVMeuX_kQWuC_ApioXleFXaG6-uHauKOKmOvcM7ZaRisoIL1Xs2tUvqmn42Z6iSlS68ypb27FCwOwwScB48xi_54TYUjS25Eg6-uTaafNhRt-a7Hv71SL4EaF0IzRD0/s600/Algarve+International+Circuit.jpg"/></a></div>
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<TR> <TD></TD> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Portuguese Grand Prix</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Race Date</B></FONT></TD><TD>
May 2, 2021</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Location</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Portimao, Algarve, Portugal</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
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Track Name</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Algarve International Circuit</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
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Course Length</B></FONT></TD><TD>
4.653-kilometer (2.891-mile)</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Laps</B></FONT></TD><TD>
66</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
2020 Pole Winner</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
2020 Pole Time</B></FONT></TD><TD>
1:16.652</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Past Five Grand Prix Winners</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2020</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Held at Circuito do Estoril </B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1996</TD><TD>
Jacques Villeneuve</TD><TD>
Williams-Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1995</TD><TD>
David Coulthard</TD><TD>
Williams-Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1994</TD><TD>
Damon Hill</TD><TD>
Williams-Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1993</TD><TD>
Michael Schumacher</TD><TD>
Benneton-Ford</TD> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-6944815460312166132021-04-30T05:01:00.005-04:002021-05-08T20:07:10.679-04:00Verstappen Scores Win While Mercedes Slips Up in Emilia Romagna Grand Prix<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpL6Q0uj7WM-qXCwbZP1zDrTqV6cksmp9AFjQOE0wouBgTTiCQsB4m0aG9LG_XWH_i7cyGFLkuQo6JtAa0R95DJ-R0c_JzrZUJFQxsdiL_B8ZDys4Sa7YisgWOtoSXAQnjnc36xTzrN8/s1000/33-sunday-imola+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpL6Q0uj7WM-qXCwbZP1zDrTqV6cksmp9AFjQOE0wouBgTTiCQsB4m0aG9LG_XWH_i7cyGFLkuQo6JtAa0R95DJ-R0c_JzrZUJFQxsdiL_B8ZDys4Sa7YisgWOtoSXAQnjnc36xTzrN8/s600/33-sunday-imola+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div><html></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/LAT Image/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
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<p>The second race of the 2021 Formula 1 season was a wet and wild affair thanks to some April
showers on <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/04/2021-formula-1-season-emilia-romagna.html">the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari</a> prior to the start of the 63-lap event.
A soaked race track presented to the field of 20 drivers and cars at the beginning of the Emilia
Romagna Grand Prix provided an antagonist as they adjust to the young season. As the water and
slickness of the Imola circuit would claim almost every driver off-guard at some point in the Sunday
event with varying consequences, a charging Red Bull driven by Dutch driver Max Verstappen
weathered the on-track storm best.</p>
<br>
<p>The #33 Honda-powered Red Bull Racing machine of Verstappen capitalized on a well-timed
launch at the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to aggressively take the lead from <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/04/one-before-one-hundred-hamilton-grabs.html">polesitter
Lewis Hamilton</a>. The Red Bull race car had roared from third place on the grid to edge out the
Mercedes AMG machine into the second corner. Hamilton battled Verstappen through the opening
set of turns but would fall back to second after clipping the track curbing causing minor damage to
his car.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-Ell7rcUvJ2fGEhKGT6DiQIe4TmdR7LpVGGmohrlkOwkyzv7XXW1FEe90dHkICkq6TjF0fWSPw2snKCERB1yNfRsIDP9zNcCUqTkFgAf1BMNFejh_1gJZ5rcg7RSWVoAKZTa7MwYzgc/s887/rainpass-source+%25281%2529.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="887" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-Ell7rcUvJ2fGEhKGT6DiQIe4TmdR7LpVGGmohrlkOwkyzv7XXW1FEe90dHkICkq6TjF0fWSPw2snKCERB1yNfRsIDP9zNcCUqTkFgAf1BMNFejh_1gJZ5rcg7RSWVoAKZTa7MwYzgc/s600/rainpass-source+%25281%2529.jpg"/></a></div>
</a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>While rain subsided for the actual race, the conditions on the wet Imola track proved treacherous as
many drivers started on intermediate compound Pirelli tires. On the formation lap, Ferrari’s Charles
Leclerc spun on cold tires through the driver from Monaco quickly returned to the track and hold on
to his fourth place grid position. The first retirement of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix came on the
opening lap when Williams Racing’s Nicholas Latifi crashed in the second sector of the track. The
Canadian lost control of his vehicle entering a corner when he locked up his rear wheels under
braking. When he rejoined the track, he made contact with the Haas F1 Team driver Nikita
Mazepin. This incident would be one of two occasions a safety car period was called.</p>
<br>
<p>The second safety car of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix came after a roughly one-lap period in the
middle part of the race where both Mercedes AMG cars appearing in the gravel traps in separate
incidents with one retiring. On lap 31, second-place runner Lewis Hamilton slid off track at turn 7 as
he was lapping the Williams Racing car of George Russell. Although Hamilton’s #44 car was
stationary for several seconds he was able to rejoin the race in seventh place. The reason for the
safety car occurred on lap 32 as the #63 car of Russell and the #77 Mercedes AMG entry in the
hands of Valtteri Bottas crashed. Battling for ninth place ahead of the entry to turn two, the drivers
collided on the narrow track causing both to retire.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQ5L7GAt2lq1HNOXZYqgEPQw6jnek61Lr1ipA_xgGJUXYlmpCaQq3SvlCQsFnFvRsubkXXnaplgs_rKvYeWTch5jaKfzbHW3Wxw7JUrM8k2ov0OIGTesbwHV8taFfXgE9dF6424ee6Bw/s1000/M263886++LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQ5L7GAt2lq1HNOXZYqgEPQw6jnek61Lr1ipA_xgGJUXYlmpCaQq3SvlCQsFnFvRsubkXXnaplgs_rKvYeWTch5jaKfzbHW3Wxw7JUrM8k2ov0OIGTesbwHV8taFfXgE9dF6424ee6Bw/s600/M263886++LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>As Max Versteppen maintained a steady lead through the closing laps at Imola, Lewis Hamilton
masterfully salvaged his race. On lap 55, the #44 Mercedes AMG car was able to overtake Leclerc’s
Ferrari for third place and would stalk the McLaren-Mercedes race car driven by Lando Norris for
the runner-up position. With the aid of DRS, Hamilton sailed by the McLaren just after the start of
lap 60 to take the second place spot. Thanks to setting the fastest lap time of the Emilia Romagna
Grand Prix on lap 60, Lewis Hamilton set maintains the drivers’ championship point lead arriving at
the Portuguese Grand Prix.</p>
<br>
<p>Max Verstappen’s 11<sup>th</sup> career Formula 1 victory, the Dutch driver’s win at the 2021 Emilia
Romagna Grand Prix gives a lot of hope for a season-long rivalry with the seven-time and reigning
Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton.</p>
<br>
<p>Crossing the line in third place, Lando Norris’ second career series podium is redemption for the Brit
after losing third place in qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Saturday due to
exceeding track limits in the run. </p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia_EqgDqX1e4cbrtpPvUi5ZOqhapZfjJjUXMp5fhxsRL8Dag51T02Grx4ao_AqCH1kDS8Ugdz3PHgpF0Ahw_KKxeMRH8Kiz5FMnXkVQaTngWkFtn9OCQYUL7EDhZKXBqOAAOuYSfjVIY/s1000/30-sunday-imola+Steven+Tee+LAT+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia_EqgDqX1e4cbrtpPvUi5ZOqhapZfjJjUXMp5fhxsRL8Dag51T02Grx4ao_AqCH1kDS8Ugdz3PHgpF0Ahw_KKxeMRH8Kiz5FMnXkVQaTngWkFtn9OCQYUL7EDhZKXBqOAAOuYSfjVIY/s600/30-sunday-imola+Steven+Tee+LAT+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Steven Tee/LAT Images/Pirelli </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>In fourth and fifth place after 63 laps at Imola, Scuderia Ferrari had a quietly successful team effort.
Charles Leclerc led his new-for-2021 teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. across the finish line. Daniel
Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso rounded out the top 10
for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.</p>
<br>
<p>The next Formula 1 event will take place on May 2<sup>nd</sup> as teams return to the Algarve International
Circuit for the Portuguese Grand Prix. </p>
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2021 Formula 1 Season</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B><center>
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B><center>
Race Results</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Pos #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Car #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Driver</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Team</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Engine</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1</TD><TD>
33</TD><TD>
Max Verstappen</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2</TD><TD>
44</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
3</TD><TD>
4</TD><TD>
Lando Norris</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
4</TD><TD>
16</TD><TD>
Charles Leclerc</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
5</TD><TD>
55</TD><TD>
Carlos Sainz Jr</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
6</TD><TD>
3</TD><TD>
Daniel Ricciardo</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
7</TD><TD>
10</TD><TD>
Pierre Gasly</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
8</TD><TD>
18</TD><TD>
Lance Stroll</TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD><TD></TD> <TD>
</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
9</TD><TD>
31</TD><TD>
Esteban Ocon</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
10</TD><TD>
14</TD><TD>
Fernando Alonso</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
11</TD><TD>
11</TD><TD>
Sergio Perez</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
12</TD><TD>
22</TD><TD>
Yuki Tsunoda</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
13</TD><TD>
7</TD><TD>
Kimi Raikkonen</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
14</TD><TD>
99</TD><TD>
Antonio Giovinazzi</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
15</TD><TD>
5</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel </TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
16</TD><TD>
47</TD><TD>
Mick Schumacher</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
17</TD><TD>
9</TD><TD>
Nikita Mazepin</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
18</TD><TD>
77</TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
19</TD><TD>
63</TD><TD>
George Russell</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
20</TD><TD>
6</TD><TD>
Nicholas Latifi</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-76691093183591881742021-04-30T00:40:00.002-04:002021-05-08T20:07:44.520-04:00One Before One Hundred: Hamilton Grabs 99th Career Pole at Imola<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E10-F4BRC9eHASjnczCBAxyWu08t6PAEpNvt1JRB6h1uK8SWLSiMVWDx7roXasLWr-NFS2EhJuvwpsx0dKxbn-ovX7828CpDkyoluvNf2wabrCeKl2QG3u14e5F-8YT2OmXbL_DiN7U/s1000/38-saturday-imola+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E10-F4BRC9eHASjnczCBAxyWu08t6PAEpNvt1JRB6h1uK8SWLSiMVWDx7roXasLWr-NFS2EhJuvwpsx0dKxbn-ovX7828CpDkyoluvNf2wabrCeKl2QG3u14e5F-8YT2OmXbL_DiN7U/s600/38-saturday-imola+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
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<p><span> </span></p>
<p>Having returned to the Imola Circuit for the first time in 15 years last season as part of an
improvised grand prix schedule, Formula 1 cars return to the Italian track for the second year in a
row for the second event in the 2021 season. In qualifying for the season-opening Bahrain Grand
Prix, <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/03/verstappens-early-red-bull-rush-takes.html">Max Verstappen driving for Red Bull Racing unseated Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s</a>
seven-year hold on claiming pole in the first grand prix. Although the Mercedes team captured
ultimate glory with Lewis Hamilton winning the main feature on Sunday, the first race of 2021
showed the German factory team used to owning the top of the front row was going to face a major
threat from the resurgent Austrian-based squad. </p>
<br>
<p>In qualifying for the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the Mercedes AMG team recaptured the
pole position for the first time since the last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix. With a 1-minute, 14.411-second lap time around the 4.909-kilometer race track, Lewis Hamilton place his Mercedes AMG
F1 W12 E Performance race car in the prime spot ahead of Sunday’s 63-lap event. On pace to
become the first Formula 1 driver to hit the triple digits in career pole positions, Hamilton’s triumph
came under pressure of both Red Bull Racing drivers. Sergio Perez was just 0.035 seconds short of
the lead Mercedes AMG driver’s top time while teammate Max Verstappen was 0.087 seconds off
the pole sitter’s best effort. </p>
<br>
<p>Charles Leclerc and his Scuderia Ferrari team mounted an excellent charge in Q3 securing a second
row spot at Imola. Recording a time just 0.050 seconds slower than the Ferrari, Pierre Gasly appears
to have an edge in qualifying at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/04/2021-formula-1-season-emilia-romagna.html">the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari</a> in two events.
Gasly and his Honda-powered AlphaTauri will start fifth for the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
after qualifying fourth for the race last year. Gasly’s AlphaTauri Yuki Tsunoda suffered a hard
crash in the early stages of the Q1 session losing control with his car in turn 15. The Japanese driver
left his vehicle unhurt and will start the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the rear. </p>
<br>
<p>Repeating a trend occurring in qualifying during last fall’s Formula 1 event, a multitude of drivers
had times deleted due to exceeding track limits. Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez, Nicholas Latifi and
Pierre Gasly all lost a lap time due to placing their vehicles beyond the allowed track boundaries
during the three sessions in qualifying. In the Q3 session, Lando Norris’ best lap that was fast
enough to place the #4 McLaren-Mercedes in third place was disallowed after exceeding track limits
in turn nine. Norris settles for a seventh place starting position for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand
Prix. </p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwSau69arOwiYTsCuvJvGm9AZ-xCE2ylMd_NxyEYHN1Y8tb6jt6rUWGD9R_-6evuXYpDDwKJd4xTxFEU_GINNcrglBDh20mo9lebtAdQ2UCn-QMMw9FHzcaR84UPguugMHyVOueUFOW0/s1000/29-saturday-imola+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwSau69arOwiYTsCuvJvGm9AZ-xCE2ylMd_NxyEYHN1Y8tb6jt6rUWGD9R_-6evuXYpDDwKJd4xTxFEU_GINNcrglBDh20mo9lebtAdQ2UCn-QMMw9FHzcaR84UPguugMHyVOueUFOW0/s600/29-saturday-imola+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>Qualifying for the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix included also produced one of the best efforts
for Williams Racing in a long time. Leaving the 2020 Formula 1 season without scoring a
constructors’ championship point, both cars advanced past the opening Q1 session. After Q2,
George Russell placed his #63 car in 12<sup>th</sup> place while Canadian Nicholas Latifi earned a 14<sup>th</sup> place
starting position for Sunday.</p>
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<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
2021 Formula 1 Season</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD COLSPAN="5"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="5" ><B>
Qualifying Results</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Pos #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Car #</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Driver</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Team</B></FONT></TD><TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="4" ><B>
Engine</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
1</TD><TD>
44</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2</TD><TD>
11</TD><TD>
Sergio Perez</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
3</TD><TD>
33</TD><TD>
Max Verstappen</TD><TD>
Red Bull Racing</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
4</TD><TD>
16</TD><TD>
Charles Leclerc</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
5</TD><TD>
10</TD><TD>
Pierre Gasly</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
6</TD><TD>
3</TD><TD>
Daniel Ricciardo</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
7</TD><TD>
4</TD><TD>
Lando Norris</TD><TD>
McLaren F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
8</TD><TD>
77</TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD><TD></TD> <TD>
</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
9</TD><TD>
31</TD><TD>
Esteban Ocon</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
10</TD><TD>
18</TD><TD>
Lance Stroll</TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
11</TD><TD>
55</TD><TD>
Carlos Sainz Jr</TD><TD>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
12</TD><TD>
63</TD><TD>
George Russell</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
13</TD><TD>
5</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel </TD><TD>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
14</TD><TD>
6</TD><TD>
Nicholas Latifi</TD><TD>
Williams Racing</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
15</TD><TD>
14</TD><TD>
Fernando Alonso</TD><TD>
Alpine F1 Team</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
16</TD><TD>
7</TD><TD>
Kimi Raikkonen</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
17</TD><TD>
99</TD><TD>
Antonio Giovinazzi</TD><TD>
Alfa Romeo Racing</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
18</TD><TD>
47</TD><TD>
Mick Schumacher</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
19</TD><TD>
9</TD><TD>
Nikita Mazepin</TD><TD>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
20</TD><TD>
22</TD><TD>
Yuki Tsunoda</TD><TD>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</TD><TD>
Honda</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-60095402609902797722021-04-16T02:01:00.002-04:002021-04-16T04:03:55.775-04:002021 Formula 1 Season: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Preview<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN">
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<TABLE BORDER>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Race Date</B></FONT></TD><TD>
April 18, 2021</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Location</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Imola, Emilia Romagna, Italy</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Track Name</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari </TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Course Length</B></FONT></TD><TD>
4.909-kilometer (3.050-mile)</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Laps</B></FONT></TD><TD>
63</TD> </TR>
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<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
2020 Pole Winner</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
2020 Pole Time</B></FONT></TD><TD>
1:13.609</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Past Five Grand Prix Winners</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2020</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
As San Marino Grand Prix</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2005</TD><TD>
Michael Schumacher</TD><TD>
Scuderia Ferrari</TD> </TR>
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2004</TD><TD>
Feranando Alonso</TD><TD>
Renault</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2003</TD><TD>
Michael Schumacher</TD><TD>
Scuderia Ferrari</TD> </TR>
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2002</TD><TD>
Michael Schumacher</TD><TD>
Scuderia Ferrari</TD> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-55058950128952102992021-03-29T04:31:00.001-04:002021-05-08T20:08:26.674-04:00On Track for Victory: Hamilton Fends Off Verstappen for Bahrain F1 Opener<html><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBB-R6TsU4sgClwCj03PUZAJrPH1iFCOxsy-GBColemWkMylQ0NFzqp04JgUBXliwQRlQQtdyoW79Z1A_pblEmruT7dHmgi_jITA17LRJ9HwKCI71-7_JF0-gw2C4o3uz0PirBMOb6eo/s1644/M261392.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1644" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBB-R6TsU4sgClwCj03PUZAJrPH1iFCOxsy-GBColemWkMylQ0NFzqp04JgUBXliwQRlQQtdyoW79Z1A_pblEmruT7dHmgi_jITA17LRJ9HwKCI71-7_JF0-gw2C4o3uz0PirBMOb6eo/s600/M261392.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
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<p>Following a 2020 Formula 1 campaign hindered the COVID-19 global pandemic that delayed the
start of the season to July and resulted in a vast shuffling of the schedule towards a 17-race tour that
ended in December 13<sup>th</sup>, the participants and fans of the 2021 season for the motor racing grand prix
are hoping that the majority of surprises will be restricted to the race track for 23 events. Despite the
sanctioning body limiting teams to running modified versions of their 2020 chassis, the changes
applied towards the assembly in this year’s grid are substantial. Seven of the ten teams have shuffled
their driving rosters, Two teams adopted new identities and McLaren has switched from Renault to
Mercedes-Benz power are also charges appearing on the 2021 Formula 1 grid. </p>
<br>
<p>What remains unchanged is the premise that this could be another season where the Mercedes-AMG
Petronas F1 Team is the favourite to win week after week en route to a potential eighth consecutive
Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship title. The team and its driving lineup consisting of Finland’s
Valtteri Bottas and seven-time drivers’ champion and 94-time grand prix race winner Lewis
Hamilton is expected to face a fierce fight from Red Bull Racing. The hungry, aggressive Dutch
driver Max Verstappen is and the Austrian-based race squad’s newly-acquired veteran pilot Sergio
Perez are both expected to act as a foil to the German team. </p>
<br>
<p>With more than three months of building anticipation, a new Formula 1 season starting with <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/03/2021-formula-1-season-bahrain-grand.html">the
2021 Bahrain Grand Prix</a> would put speculation aside for on-track results. During Saturday’s
qualifying on the Bahrain International Circuit, <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/03/verstappens-early-red-bull-rush-takes.html">Max Verstappen and his #33 Honda-powered Red
Bull Racing car claimed pole</a> ahead of the two Mercedes-AMG runners. As the 20 cars completed
the formation lap for the first race of the season, the second Red Bull Racing machine driven by
Sergio Perez stopped on the track. The shutdown for Perez was brief and the #11 was able to
continue but had to relinquish his 11<sup>th</sup> place starting grid and started the grand prix from the pit road.
The incident also required a second formation lap necessitating in a lap being removed from the 57-lap distance of the Bahrain Grand Prix. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CJEiLVucsDD5t-M-pWpoh2UB8eSjaC46DSCbUysEvIAfObrRd3Xgb4RwD4KL1zBO2gG7rdfazfltnYqrlEMndK0nyU0ri5ZLJNtwspm1QyumzrxZ0jJNp1ArysfAXAF8Y80lXwOCMaM/s1000/17-sunday-sakhir+Charles+Coates+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CJEiLVucsDD5t-M-pWpoh2UB8eSjaC46DSCbUysEvIAfObrRd3Xgb4RwD4KL1zBO2gG7rdfazfltnYqrlEMndK0nyU0ri5ZLJNtwspm1QyumzrxZ0jJNp1ArysfAXAF8Y80lXwOCMaM/s600/17-sunday-sakhir+Charles+Coates+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Charles Coates/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Now a 56-lap event, the opening round on the 5.412-kilometer featured a successful start for Max
Verstappen, the grand prix was short for Nikita Mazepin. The Russian making his debut with
Uralkali Haas F1 Team didn’t make it beyond the third corner of the Bahrain International Circuit
losing control under throttle on the first lap. A safety car called to tend to the stopped Ferrari-powered Haas F1 Team car.</p>
<br>
<p>Full speed action on track resumed after lap three but the race was slowed in the late stage of lap
four for debris on track. Pierre Gasly received front wing and floor damage to his AlphaTauri
machine after contact with the McLaren of Daniel Ricciardo. Though the AlphaTauri driver would
continue, Gasly was out of contention. Unrelated to the incident but occurring on the same lap, Mick
Schumacher spun his #47 Haas F1 Team coming out of the fourth turn. Starting in his first Formula
1 grand prix, the 2020 Formula 2 champion and son of sporting great Michael Schumacher resumed
after the spin to finish in his debut race.</p>
<p> </p>
<br>
<p>Pit stops came early for many taking new tires between lap 12 and lap 18 planning a two-stop
routine. Exceptions to the pit strategy included Sebastian Vettel and Sergio Perez. Buried deep in the
grid misfortune in qualifying concluding in a 17<sup>th</sup> place outcome, Vettel’s first run with Aston
Martin Racing saw him climb as high as 7<sup>th</sup> place attempting a single pit plan that involved a single
stop on lap 24. For Vettel, the strategy failed to garner the results he desired with a penalty added
late in the Bahrain Grand Prix when he rear-ended Esteban Ocon’s Alpine race car compounding
what was a difficult debut with Aston Martin Racing. In his first race with Red Bull Racing, Sergio
Perez’s troubles prior to the race’s start resulted in him playing catch-up in the #11 car. The Red
Bull Racing team pitted the Mexican during the safety car period on lap two and was able to stretch
his next stop to a slightly later time than the other competitors. Sergio Perez would ultimately
operate on a three-stop plan amounting to an impressive finish.</p>
<br>
<p>Retirements in the Bahrain Grand Prix were relatively light through the first half of the event with
Nikita Mazepin being the only driver out. A growing list of drivers on the sidelines before the
conclusion of the first Formula 1 race of 2021 would first add the #14 Alpine of Fernando Alonso.
In the race where Alonso returned to the series and team related to his two drivers’ championship
titles, he would retire to the garage on lap 34 due to rear brake issues. Pierre Gasly failed to finish
the grand prix parking his AlphaTauri machine late due to lingering damage caused in his opening
lap collision and the Williams Racing FW43B race car of Canada’s Nicholas Latifi also dropped out
before the chequered flag due to a lack of power suspected to be a boost leak. </p>
<br>
<p>Vehicles exceeding course limits at the Bahrain International Circuit’s turn four were a persistent
problem during practice and resulted in several times in qualifying being deleted. During the race,
Lewis Hamilton’s line through the corner was cautioned against for exploring too much of the
boundaries of the track. However, the race stewards enforcement of the track limits through turn
four actually served to aid Hamilton in his quest for victory. </p>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lP1HGjZlbo4MAw-2mvI3IlpKlJ8I3i0zJtzrm0kLhtcCX6ifminxB5OGsAkWjIvgwoO3e-_Tt_-s3cOVj0vWtr4RnebH90EjzPN2AqhD7KSTsMQ42D4R-w5ERTsVJr-5cKfi1uNNy0I/s1000/21-sunday-sakhir+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lP1HGjZlbo4MAw-2mvI3IlpKlJ8I3i0zJtzrm0kLhtcCX6ifminxB5OGsAkWjIvgwoO3e-_Tt_-s3cOVj0vWtr4RnebH90EjzPN2AqhD7KSTsMQ42D4R-w5ERTsVJr-5cKfi1uNNy0I/s600/21-sunday-sakhir+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Verstappen and Hamilton swapped the top spot in the Bahrain Grand Prix during pit stop exchanges
with Hamilton gaining first place after the #33 Red Bull machine pitted on lap 39. Rejoining the
track 5.4 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen began to chase down the Mercedes-AMG racer closing to within DRS range (a one-second interval) by lap 51. On the 53<sup>rd</sup> lap, the
rapidly closing Verstappen pounced on the #44 Mercedes-AMG race car with a charge from turn
three down the straight heading into turn four. Along the outside of Hamilton into the fourth corner,
Verstappen’s #33 Red Bull Racing car would prevail on the way out of the turn. However, the new
leader would be forced to surrender the position back to Hamilton due to Verstappen running wide
through the weekend’s infamous corner. As the Mercedes-AMG race car regained the lead, the Red
Bull Racing driver was unable to mount a meaningful challenge in the remaining laps of the race. </p>
<br>
<p>Standing on the top spot of a Formula 1 podium for the 95<sup>th</sup> time in his career, Lewis Hamilton’s
victory in the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix was a hard-fought effort operating on 11-lap older hard
compound tires than his Red Bull Racing rival. Already holding and expanding records including
most career wins and most career poles, the recently-knighted Brit claimed the all-time record for
laps led by a single driver. Hamilton is currently vying for a record-breaking 8<sup>th</sup> Formula 1 World
Drivers’ Championship with his third consecutive victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix acting as a
good start on that amazing, competitive journey.</p>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2T-FG_Y-AWHf7UPZFL72DIt-3mu-4-tADroxvyGkASMPpB3zpZhcfb8g5CQlxbSVW9hLRXk5rCIie86KWixLznh5sDQKnCsl99bMuvaJ4YbB4QcAcjuJb8DiCnSmH_o8ZlXcubUyvVc/s1620/M261408.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2T-FG_Y-AWHf7UPZFL72DIt-3mu-4-tADroxvyGkASMPpB3zpZhcfb8g5CQlxbSVW9hLRXk5rCIie86KWixLznh5sDQKnCsl99bMuvaJ4YbB4QcAcjuJb8DiCnSmH_o8ZlXcubUyvVc/s600/M261408.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<Br>
<br>
<p>Crossing the finish line just 0.745 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen’s second place
result came after a strong effort from pole. As the first grand prix of the 2021 season, the presence of
the Dutch driver’s #33 Honda-powered Red Bull Racing machine haunting the Mercedes-AMG cars
of Hamilton and Bottas throughout the weekend provides hope for one of the more competitive
seasons of Formula 1 in years. Despite the Red Bull Racing team missing out on winning their first
season opening Formula 1 round since 2011, the organization can be pleased for both the pressure
applied by Verstappen as well as a magnificent recovery for Sergio Perez. After 56 laps, the
Mexican’s debut for the team netted a solid fifth place finish. </p>
<br>
<p>Taking third place and the final podium spot in the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix is the second
Mercedes-AMG race car driven by Valtteri Bottas. The finish was a great result for the Finnish
driver considering a troublesome second pit stop where an issue at the right-front wheel of the #77
car translated into a 10.9-second stop. Bottas was pitted for a third time on lap 54 in what was a
successful bid to snag the point for the fastest race lap away from previous holder Max Verstappen. </p>
<br>
<p>Cars finishing in fourth and seventh place are both examples of an initially promising reunification
for McLaren and Mercedes-Benz. Starting from seventh place, Lando Norris drove a steady race at
Bahrain to take the highest spot short of the podium. Daniel Ricciardo’s first appearance in the
orange and blue ended with a respectable seventh place run. </p>
<br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj7rmWATDdW6hiGuIj-UomT32bTHJ0gqLxDmk6QAp7LBL3zu6Lm9_AZKjDPwpGscXzRmFWdcwcNcs4ESSc3rBOh-8rPl9Jr444QWJ2Ly-vy5Njdul_gxWuISihpeqR9Wf8sN8Jx46I8I/s1000/24-sunday-sakhir+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj7rmWATDdW6hiGuIj-UomT32bTHJ0gqLxDmk6QAp7LBL3zu6Lm9_AZKjDPwpGscXzRmFWdcwcNcs4ESSc3rBOh-8rPl9Jr444QWJ2Ly-vy5Njdul_gxWuISihpeqR9Wf8sN8Jx46I8I/s600/24-sunday-sakhir+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Pirelli.jpg"/></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
<br>
<p>The fourth and final team to have both drivers finish in the top-10 is Scuderia Ferrari. Eager to put
aside a much-maligned 2020 effort, the famed Italian group brought Charles Leclerc home in sixth
place and Carlos Sainz Jr. to the chequered flag in eighth. </p>
<br>
<p>Kicking off his Formula 1 racing career in fine fashion, 20-year-old Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda
scored points in his first race. Tsunoda’s debut with AlphaTauri saw the rookie battling through a
tightly-contested mid-pack battle where he out-muscled Lance Stroll on the last lap for ninth place.
Scoring a point in the first grand prix for the newly-branded Aston Martin Racing team, Stroll’s
tenth place result is only the second time the Canadian collected a point in the opening round of a
Formula 1 season. Though just a single point in their return to the grand prix grid after 71 years,<span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif">Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team’s captured an honour that eluded its predecessor organization that
operated in 1959 and 1960. </span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif">The second round for the 2021 Formula 1 season is scheduled for Italy’s Imola Circuit (also known
as Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari). The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif"> </span>race is slated
for April 18<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">2021 Formula 1 Season</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Bahrain Grand Prix </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Race Results</span></p>
<br>
<br>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in">
<table width="593.92px" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.203333in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif"></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Pos #</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.203333in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold">Car #</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.203333in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold">Driver</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.203333in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold">Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.203333in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold">Engine</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"> </span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"> </span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"> </span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"> </span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"> </span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">1</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">44</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Lewis Hamilton</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-Benz</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">2</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">33</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Max Verstappen</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Red Bull Racing</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Honda</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">3</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">77</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Valtteri Bottas</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-Benz</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">4</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">4</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Lando Norris</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">McLaren F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-Benz</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">5</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">11</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Sergio Perez</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Red Bull Racing</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Honda</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">6</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">16</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Charles Leclerc</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Ferrari</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">7</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">3</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Daniel Ricciardo</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">McLaren F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-Benz</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">8</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">55</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Carlos Sainz Jr</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Ferrari</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">9</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">22</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Yuki Tsunoda</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Scuderia AlphaTauri</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Honda</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">10</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">18</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Lance Stroll</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-Benz</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">11</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">7</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Kimi Raikkonen</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Alfa Romeo Racing</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Ferrari</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">12</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">99</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Antonio Giovinazzi</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Alfa Romeo Racing</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Ferrari</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">13</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">31</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Esteban Ocon</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Alpine F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Renault</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">14</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">63</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">George Russell</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Williams Racing</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-Benz</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">15</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">5</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Sebastian Vettel </span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-Benz</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">16</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">47</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mick Schumacher</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Uralkali Haas F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Ferrari</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">17</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">10</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Pierre Gasly</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Scuderia AlphaTauri</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Honda</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">18</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">6</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Nicholas Latifi</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Williams Racing</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mercedes-Benz</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">19</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">14</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Fernando Alonso</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Alpine F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Renault</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="table1column1" width="10%" style="height: 0.170833in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">20</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column2" width="9%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">9</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column3" width="23%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="center" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Nikita Mazepin</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column4" width="40%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Uralkali Haas F1 Team</span></span></p>
</td>
<td class="table1column5" width="18%" style="padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; height: 0.170833in" align="right" valign="top"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Ferrari</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-86948220485529103542021-03-27T16:18:00.002-04:002021-05-08T20:08:53.140-04:00Verstappen's Early Red Bull Rush Takes Pole in Bahrain <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY7ztd0YLfxbTUhwSdhew5ZU_nkXAMsrkOj2gTE9arvmdc1CYzsc8cAQOqvP_-x9KevXyrVK2MftHxA4RhTM9cPsCNhJAviCLUgVFNe0vfhHiGVaOx0HLP88CoIT5syovQCmeBQgN5II/s1000/23-saturday-sakhir+FIA+Pool+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY7ztd0YLfxbTUhwSdhew5ZU_nkXAMsrkOj2gTE9arvmdc1CYzsc8cAQOqvP_-x9KevXyrVK2MftHxA4RhTM9cPsCNhJAviCLUgVFNe0vfhHiGVaOx0HLP88CoIT5syovQCmeBQgN5II/s600/23-saturday-sakhir+FIA+Pool+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="600" /></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: FIA Pool/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>
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<p>An all-new season for Formula 1 has arrived with a slew of pre-season storylines set to be explored
as engines turn over for <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/03/2021-formula-1-season-bahrain-grand.html">the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix</a>. </p>
<br />
<p>A consistent source of astonishment and a fair level of distain of competitors is the dominance of the
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. A constant fore-runner since the series’ adoption of the current
turbo/hybrid power unit format, Mercedes-AMG with Valtteri Bottas as well as seven-time and
reigning Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton continued to have winning pace last
season. However, the 2020 season gave glimpses that Red Bull Racing could potentially achieve the
enviable task of matching the performance of the German factory team. Max Verstappen’s Honda-powered race car frequently had the pace to fill the mirrors of Bottas and Hamilton last year, At the
2020 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen and Red Bull Racing put on an impressive
showcase taking pole along with <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/maximum-effort-nets-max-verstappen.html">the race win convincingly</a>. Though just one event, Red Bull
Racing’s performance on the Yas Marina Circuit gives reason to consider 2021 may present
Mercedes-AMG with battle unlike any experienced since their seven consecutive Constructors’
championship-winning seasons. </p>
<br />
<p>Ahead of Formula 1's season-opening 57-lap event, the 5.412-kilometer Bahrain International
Circuit hosted Saturday qualifying to set the grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Setting fastest time in
the Q1 session, Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing team became concerned with the
underside of his #33 RB16B race car after the Dutch driver rode a track curb. Though he was
bettered on pace in Q2, Verstappen valiantly fought to take pole for the Bahrain Grand Prix late in
Q3. Shortly after Lewis Hamilton grabbed the top spot with a 1-minute, 29.385-second lap time, the
Honda-powered Red Bull flew across the start/finish line setting the pole of 1 minute, 28.997
seconds. Accounting for his top grid position at Formula 1'a last race of 2020, Verstappen has
become the first non-Mercedes driver to score back-to-back poles since Charles Leclerc
accomplished the feat during the 2019 campaign. </p>
<br />
<p>Though Max Verstappen provided Red Bull Racing with a major reason to celebrate after Bahrain
Grand Prix qualifying, the second car driven by new team driver Sergio Perez had a less successful
outing. Perez will start 11<sup>th</sup> after attempting to advance beyond Q2 on medium compound Pirelli
tires. </p>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmkBaR0pAKhc3aUC9wghTJDCkp5HlkaXdWwesRPnjZH6UBZgvhKPIA8E_9xUxCavMzfEsVT_KPHFoZibJFx8fHDtl7fjecpnlVGX9rJc0qTV8XHWJvo0YbZmV9MWrsyBELFB2dwcVf68/s1000/M261102+Sebastian+Kawka+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+ltd..jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmkBaR0pAKhc3aUC9wghTJDCkp5HlkaXdWwesRPnjZH6UBZgvhKPIA8E_9xUxCavMzfEsVT_KPHFoZibJFx8fHDtl7fjecpnlVGX9rJc0qTV8XHWJvo0YbZmV9MWrsyBELFB2dwcVf68/s600/M261102+Sebastian+Kawka+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+ltd..jpg" width="600" /></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Sebastian Kawka for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix ltd.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p
<br />
<p>Lewis Hamilton starts second for tomorrow’s Bahrain Grand Prix as the defending winner of the
event. Setting a top time in the Q3 session that was 0.589 seconds short of Max Verstappen’s
benchmark, Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas will launch from third on the second
row of the race grid alongside Charles Leclerc. Leclerc and his new teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. gave
Scuderia Ferrari and their Tifosi to cheer taking the top two spots in the Q2 session aided by the use
of soft compound tires. Sainz will start the Bahrain Grand Prix in eighth place. </p>
<br />
<p>Pierre Gasly’s Honda-powered AlphaTauri race car was fifth fastest in Formula 1 qualifying and
will start the race beside Daniel Ricciardo who is making his debut with McLaren. McLaren’s return
to Mercedes-Benz power showed promise for the squad through Friday practice and contributed to a
sixth place after qualifying for Ricciardo and seventh for Lando Norris. </p>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_L-qF-9eItUtsJlum8mAx3hMeoBpKYw_jEfGOP3b_VoHEjGGH01yMrl9mcNQWyrl1TNpo98r6BljEBTGVpbz83rK4vDnQiJ4fkD0nyJBohrKiRGHRaKEc-kZB_SnEAryUCD4AUp3zbE/s1000/36-saturday-sakhir+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_L-qF-9eItUtsJlum8mAx3hMeoBpKYw_jEfGOP3b_VoHEjGGH01yMrl9mcNQWyrl1TNpo98r6BljEBTGVpbz83rK4vDnQiJ4fkD0nyJBohrKiRGHRaKEc-kZB_SnEAryUCD4AUp3zbE/s600/36-saturday-sakhir+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="600" /></a></div></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/LAT Images/Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p
<br />
<p>Two-time Formula 1 drivers’ champion Fernando Alonso’s return to Formula 1 racing after a two-year hiatus sees the Spaniard in ninth place ahead of Sunday’s main event driving for Renault’s
rebranded Alpine F1 Team. Aston Martin Racing, the rebranded entity that was known as Racing
Point last year, starts 2021 with a top qualifying effort coming from Canada’s Lance Stroll who will
roll off the grid in tenth place. Stroll’s high-profile new teammate Sebastian Vettel will start the
Bahrain Grand Prix in 17<sup>th</sup> place after being impeded by local yellow flags in his Q1 session run.</p>
<br />
<p>The 2021 Formula 1 season opener is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. local time or 11 a.m. Eastern
time. </p>
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<center><h1>2021 Formula 1</h1></center>
<center><h1>Bahrain Grand Prix</h1></center>
<center><h1>Qualifying Results</h1></center>
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<table border="">
<tr> <td><font face="Arial" size="4"><b>
Pos #</b></font></td><td><font face="Arial" size="4"><b>
Car #</b></font></td><td><font face="Arial" size="4"><b>
Driver</b></font></td><td><font face="Arial" size="4"><b>
Team</b></font></td><td><font face="Arial" size="4"><b>
Engine</b></font></td> </tr>
<tr> </tr>
<tr> <td>
1</td><td>
33</td><td>
Max Verstappen</td><td>
Red Bull Racing</td><td>
Honda</td> </tr>
<TR> <TD>
2</TD><TD>
44</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
3</TD><TD>
77</TD><TD>
Valtteri Bottas</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</TD><TD>
Mercedes-Benz</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
4</td><td>
16</td><td>
Charles Leclerc</td><td>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</td><td>
Ferrari</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
5</td><td>
10</td><td>
Pierre Gasly</td><td>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</td><td>
Honda</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
6</td><td>
3</td><td>
Daniel Ricciardo</td><td>
McLaren F1 Team</td><td>
Mercedes-Benz</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
7</td><td>
4</td><td>
Lando Norris</td><td>
McLaren F1 Team</td><td>
Mercedes-Benz</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
8</td><td>
55</td><td>
Carlos Sainz Jr</td><td>
Scuderia Misson Winnow Ferrari</td><td>
Ferrari</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
9</td><td>
14</td><td>
Fernando Alonso</td><td>
Alpine F1 Team</td><td>
Renault</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
10</td><td>
18</td><td>
Lance Stroll</td><td>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</td><td>
Mercedes-Benz</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
11</td><td>
11</td><td>
Sergio Perez</td><td>
Red Bull Racing</td><td>
Honda</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
12</td><td>
99</td><td>
Antonio Giovinazzi</td><td>
Alfa Romeo Racing</td><td>
Ferrari</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
13</td><td>
22</td><td>
Yuki Tsunoda</td><td>
Scuderia AlphaTauri</td><td>
Honda</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
14</td><td>
7</td><td>
Kimi Raikkonen</td><td>
Alfa Romeo Racing</td><td>
Ferrari</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
15</td><td>
63</td><td>
George Russell</td><td>
Williams Racing</td><td>
Mercedes-Benz</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
16</td><td>
31</td><td>
Esteban Ocon</td><td>
Alpine F1 Team</td><td>
Renault</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
17</td><td>
6</td><td>
Nicholas Latifi</td><td>
Williams Racing</td><td>
Mercedes-Benz</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
18</td><td>
5</td><td>
Sebastian Vettel </td><td>
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team</td><td>
Mercedes-Benz</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
19</td><td>
47</td><td>
Mick Schumacher</td><td>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</td><td>
Ferrari</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>
20</td><td>
9</td><td>
Nikita Mazepin</td><td>
Uralkali Haas F1 Team</td><td>
Ferrari</td> </tr>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-52138685074328714612021-03-26T00:47:00.002-04:002021-03-27T12:37:50.159-04:002021 Formula 1 Season: Bahrain Grand Prix Preview<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN">
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<TABLE BORDER>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Race Date</B></FONT></TD><TD>
March 28, 2021</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Location</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Sakhir, Bahrain</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Track Name</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Bahrain International Circuit </TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Course Length</B></FONT></TD><TD>
5.412-kilometer (3.363-mile)</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Turns</B></FONT></TD><TD>
15</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Laps</B></FONT></TD><TD>
57</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
2020 Pole Winner</B></FONT></TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
2020 Pole Time</B></FONT></TD><TD>
1:27.264</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="3" ><B>
Past Five Grand Prix Winners</B></FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2020</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2019</TD><TD>
Lewis Hamilton</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2018</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel</TD><TD>
Scuderia Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2017</TD><TD>
Sebastian Vettel</TD><TD>
Scuderia Ferrari</TD> </TR>
<TR> <TD>
2016</TD><TD>
Nico Rosberg</TD><TD>
Mercedes-AMG</TD> </TR>
<TR> </TR>
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<TR> <TD ROWSPAN="9" COLSPAN="3">
Following the decision to postpone the Australian Grand Prix, the originally planned opening round for the 2021 Formula 1 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix will host the first race on this year's calendar. First hosting a Formula 1 back in 2004, Michael Schmacher won the inaugural event from pole driving for Ferrari. The Bahrain International Circuit's 15-turn race course has proven itself to be a high traction, highly abrasive track. Since 2014, the Bahrain Grand Prix has taken place as a night race with the race start time occuring just after sunset.</TD> </TR>
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Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-27305820898186368842021-02-12T01:20:00.002-05:002021-02-12T01:20:55.264-05:001 Racing Mind: 2020 Formula 1 Year In Review <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeG3JZgF688woizxfHFnmt10VNTfMv3AHsYE8zNwmRpZN_sWG27Go7X3PG146Isrcjdkh-a72cYRx_yonTq4S6O1kZE6sVpO5AqUUgRZbFW5DlxyEV2kPrxnMH_T9cHOd6DmQqM_UKSY/s1200/M255582+LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeG3JZgF688woizxfHFnmt10VNTfMv3AHsYE8zNwmRpZN_sWG27Go7X3PG146Isrcjdkh-a72cYRx_yonTq4S6O1kZE6sVpO5AqUUgRZbFW5DlxyEV2kPrxnMH_T9cHOd6DmQqM_UKSY/w640-h426/M255582+LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p>A year many of us are pleased to have in the rearview mirror, 2020 presented some unprecedented challenges as we pursued (and continue to pursue) a manner to globally battle COVID-19 while attempting to maintain as much normality as possible. As a series intended to transverse across five of the Earth’s seven continents, the 2020 Formula 1 championship needed to be greatly shuffled their travel schedule in order to provide an entertaining 17-round season. </p><p>Operating under the improvised, abbreviated calendar, this past year’s Formula 1 competition was held with some complications but ultimately concluded as a season of note. For <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/lewis-hamilton-locks-up-seventh.html">the seventh-time in his career</a>, the recently-knighted Sir Lewis Hamilton claimed the World Drivers’ Championship winning 11 of the 2020 season’s 17 grand prix events. Although the dominance of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team fielding drivers Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas spent another season at the front of the majority of the time, there were a number of impressive feats performed throughout the 2020 Formula 1 paddock. The surprise win of Pierre Gasly at the Italian Grand Prix, Sergio Perez's long-awaited first victory and a re-ignition of the Mexican's career, Canadian Lance Stroll's first pole on a wet Intercity Istanbul Park circuit for the Turkish Grand Prix and the one-off showcase of George Russell at the Sakhir Grand Prix were so of the bright spots defining a sport's 70th Anniversary season. </p><p>As teams and drivers prepare for what will be a challenging 2021 tour, 1 Racing Mind wishes to shed light on their performances in the past year’s 17-race calendar. In addition to grading the team and their driver lineup during the 2020 Formula 1 season for the following race squads, this review will also contain detailed highlights:</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_12.html">Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_32.html">Red Bull Racing</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_89.html">McLaren Racing</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_43.html">BWT Racing Point F1 Team</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_92.html">Renault DP World F1 Team</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_2.html">Scuderia Ferrari</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_84.html">Scuderia AlphaTauri</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_83.html">Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_11.html">Haas F1 Team</a> </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending.html">Williams Racing</a></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-50500143254326500102021-02-12T01:14:00.000-05:002021-02-12T01:14:34.200-05:001 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT6nyEcwntYJSc_NNMUW8ihaWY9vxo5-fY8FYhkgsLRuqH0puxOAyfHyDPT_5JKYl6xfEn_GwGhOpVAAT1sPl579jnoZHurW3Ht0TiuWeY2G36rtFerhvir-Gnm97G2GxxgPTC9irGA4/s1200/M251046+Steve+Etherington+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT6nyEcwntYJSc_NNMUW8ihaWY9vxo5-fY8FYhkgsLRuqH0puxOAyfHyDPT_5JKYl6xfEn_GwGhOpVAAT1sPl579jnoZHurW3Ht0TiuWeY2G36rtFerhvir-Gnm97G2GxxgPTC9irGA4/w640-h426/M251046+Steve+Etherington+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: A</h2><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall: </h3><p>In a narrative that has grown impressive and tiresome at the same time depending on fan allegiances, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team captured the 2020 Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship handily as drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas combined to net victories in 13 of 17 grand prix events. Throughout the 2020 season, the organization’s drivers, staff and leadership were seen as a dynasty in the sport where they have won seven consecutive team titles. The Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance race car demonstrated itself to be the latest in some finely-tuned and engineered Formula 1 challengers from the squad. Only one retirement was recorded for this year’s Mercedes-AMG racer with a power unit failure on Valtteri Bottas’ car during the Eifel Grand Prix.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>It’s hard to pinpoint a specific moment in the entire season that stands off beyond the others for showing the greatness for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Winning 13 races in 2020, the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team finished first and second a total of five times with Lewis Hamilton taking the top spot on every occasion. In <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/lewis-hamilton-wins-inaugural-tuscan.html">the Tuscan</a>, Portuguese and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the team also scored the pole and fastest lap of the event either with Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Although Mercedes-AMG rolled to what could easily be assessed as another dominant title defence in 2020, this season was not flawless. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both suffered from massive tire degradation at the end of the British Grand Prix though Hamilton still crossed the finish line first at Silverstone on only three inflated Pirelli tires. However, tires were also the source of what could be the biggest team blunder of <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/chequered-flag-for-checo-perez-wins.html">the season at the Sakhir Grand Prix</a>. During a safety car period, the Mercedes-AMG team decided to pit both cars (the #77 of Valtteri Bottas and the #63 being raced by George Russell in a one-off appearance) for tires but mistakenly mixed up the set installed on Russell’s car. With some of Bottas’ tires going on Russell’s vehicle, the #63 needed to return to pit road to correct the matter while the #77 finished the race on used tires. </p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team's Drivers:</h2><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#44 Lewis Hamilton: A</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED7ONWXGI3vcItmWHl4hK2b0c2GSecoosuSwpakh05F63Z0eRw-zQB6Z21wmjSgNovplTcncEF6PF-aaOS6v2TWdLBv-tsx1zx_JXvFpx9jvJrl57sePPy33GDZMDo4lhCQmfURmRCpw/s1200/M252173+LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED7ONWXGI3vcItmWHl4hK2b0c2GSecoosuSwpakh05F63Z0eRw-zQB6Z21wmjSgNovplTcncEF6PF-aaOS6v2TWdLBv-tsx1zx_JXvFpx9jvJrl57sePPy33GDZMDo4lhCQmfURmRCpw/w640-h426/M252173+LAT+Images+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season:</h3><p> Although Lewis Hamilton has been the face of Formula 1 almost every year since 2014, the 2020 season gave the British driver a reason to be seen as a true motorsport legend. </p><p>Despite the schedule shortened to just 17 races, Hamilton tied a personal record for wins in a single season with 11 victories. Competing since 2007, Lewis Hamilton passed and/or prepared to set records in the series including a quest for Michael Schumacher’s 91 career all-time victory tally. Hamilton tied the mark in at the Eifel Grand Prix held on German’s Nurburgring (receiving a Michael Schumacher race helmet from the past legend’s son Mick) and took sole ownership as the winningest Formula 1 driver at the Portuguese Grand Prix. With his last race of the 2020 coming at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton currently holds 95 career grand prix victories. In the year that <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/lewis-hamilton-locks-up-seventh.html">the driver claimed his seventh world championship</a>, he was also recognized outside of the cockpit of his Mercedes-AMG race car for social activism throughout the season. Lewis Hamilton’s successful 2020 campaign was accomplished in just 16 races due to sitting out <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/positive-covid-19-test-parks-lewis.html">the penultimate round due to a positive COVID-19 test</a>.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>With Lewis Hamilton finishing first in 11 races in 2020, there could be at least 11 occasions to cite as the best single grand prix performance for the year. Winning <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/08/a-tireless-effort-nets-lewis-hamilton.html">the British Grand Prix</a> while running the final lap on a flat tire is certainly going down as one of the most bizarre Formula 1 victories in his career (in addition, most of Formula 1 history). Hamilton also had three percent races (win, pole and fastest laps) in the Hungarian, Tuscan and Portuguese Grand Prix.</p><p>T<a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/lewis-hamilton-locks-up-seventh.html">he Turkish Grand Prix</a> might be one of the most impressive race efforts of the season starting sixth and eventually mastering the wet Intercity Istanbul Park circuit. Despite an early struggle, Hamilton recovered and emerged with his dominating style with wet tires changed to intermediate tires. At the end of 58 laps, the #44 Mercedes-AMG race car crossed the line 31.6 seconds ahead of second place Sergio Perez.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>In the 16 races he ran in 2020, Lewis Hamilton finished no lower than seventh place. That result came at the Italian Grand Prix after a penalty when he and his Mercedes-AMG pitted when the pit road was closed during a safety car period. Arguably losing the race due to the miscue in Italy, Hamilton’s next race in Russia also contained another rare mistake with the #44 Mercedes-AMG car. Practice starts conducted by Lewis Hamilton at the beginning of the Russian Grand Prix led race stewards to levy a pair of 5-second penalties. Hamilton also lost second place due to a penalty in the opening event in Austria after being found at-fault for making contact with Red Bull Racing driver Alexander Albon.</p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#77 Valtteri Bottas: B</span></h2><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMjUzHjBKwrNJROxXNQ-tqyOaNfV3A81jTdDue0Ej-h0KaerhIIeyBsvwsOvWx3vN8sG9NVIaYbrOKTUxmg3O50n07gyZqixaNW4CBdALdntSQ3n-kK2GdSUDOheKslnG090riVziir0/s1620/M233145.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMjUzHjBKwrNJROxXNQ-tqyOaNfV3A81jTdDue0Ej-h0KaerhIIeyBsvwsOvWx3vN8sG9NVIaYbrOKTUxmg3O50n07gyZqixaNW4CBdALdntSQ3n-kK2GdSUDOheKslnG090riVziir0/w640-h426/M233145.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Entering Formula 1 in 2013 with Williams Racing, Valtteri Bottas joined the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in 2017 chosen to fill the driver's seat vacated by Nico Rosberg who retired as the 2016 drivers' champion. Participating with the Mercedes-AMG team for the fourth consecutive season, Bottas is a frequent front-runner. </p><p>During the 17-race 2020 Formula 1 tour, the driver of the #77 Mercedes-AMG race car stood at the top spot on the podium after two grand prix events. In addition to the two wins, Bottas finished in the top-three on 11 occasions. </p><p>However, with Hamilton being Bottas’ teammate at Mercedes-AMG, his entire Formula 1 season campaign since 2017 has been measured against an awe-inspiring benchmark. Achieving some great performance in 2020, Bottas has also been less consistent than his teammate.</p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>For the second consecutive year, Finland’s Valtteri Bottas secured the place of placing “Best of the Rest” in Formula 1 behind Lewis Hamilton.</p><p>Two of Bottas' 11 podium results included victories at the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix and the Russian Grand Prix. For the Austrian Grand Prix held on the Red Bull Ring circuit, the Finnish driver piloted his #77 car to the pole position on Saturday and commanded Sunday's 71-lap main every leading from start to finish. His victory on the Sochi Autodrom came in a race where pole-sitting teammate Lewis Hamilton made a costly error before the start of the event. Bottas' win at the Russian Grand Prix also consisted of him scoring the extra championship point for scoring the fastest lap.</p><p>Valtteri Bottas’ second place finish in the drivers’ points standings were locked up on at the season finale in Abu Dhabi maintaining a 9-point advantage over Max Verstappen. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Although Valtteri Bottas has been able to maintain his position as being the second-best driver on the Formula 1 grid supported by the 2020 drivers' standings. However, one of the downsides is that the points differential between the first and second place drivers in the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship this past season was 124 points. Certainly racing against the greatest driver of a generation is daunting but the gap between Mercedes-AMG pilots does spawn questions. </p><p>Valtteri Bottas’ Achilles Heel throughout the 2020 Formula 1 season has come at the start of races on Sunday. On more than one occasion, the Finnish driver would lose multiple positions within the first lap of a grand prix. One of the first instances of a poor start by Bottas occurred at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/07/hamilton-wins-hungarian-grand-prix.html">the Hungarian Grand Prix</a> where the pilot of the #77 Mercedes-AMG race car mentioned reacting to the wrong light in his cockpit disturbing his race start. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#63 George Russell (Round 16): A</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eEmjH1jTcRQf8FGv5wDdfhUG8QYxne-5cqq_qH2EzJCkMMRrewiEXOooA-0EyjKnstXf4rUtmKL2_oH1CBTFwI1sqXh3OXIbB2AkKLbd5gks4kscpAxaMhvdPn8IkRM1Qeips78GNSs/s1200/M254516+Steve+Etherington+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eEmjH1jTcRQf8FGv5wDdfhUG8QYxne-5cqq_qH2EzJCkMMRrewiEXOooA-0EyjKnstXf4rUtmKL2_oH1CBTFwI1sqXh3OXIbB2AkKLbd5gks4kscpAxaMhvdPn8IkRM1Qeips78GNSs/w640-h426/M254516+Steve+Etherington+for+Mercedes-Benz+Grand+Prix+Ltd..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>The #63 rode only once on a Mercedes-AMG race car this Formula 1 season but made a massive impact on the tour. Williams Racing regular driver George Russell was called over to the German factory squad when <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/positive-covid-19-test-parks-lewis.html">Lewis Hamilton was sidelined due to a positive COVID-19 test</a>. While Russell’s major triumphs for most of the 2020 season has been cracking Q2 in his Williams race car, <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/bottas-edges-russell-for-sakhir-grand.html">the Sakhir Grand Prix presented the Brit the opportunity to take pole position</a> coming short by just 0.026 seconds from the top time set by Valtteri Bottas. Qualifying and the race showcased the driver’s ability to be a formidable competitor. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The Sakhir Grand Prix was a remarkable performance for George Russell as a driver. Not only did Russell maintain a steady pace throughout his weekend substituting for Lewis Hamilton but was in position to capture a surprise victory running strong as the race reached two-thirds distance. The chance to win in one of the greatest drives in the Brit’s career was foiled by an uncharacteristic mistake made by the Mercedes-AMG crew. Also overcoming a tire puncture late in <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/chequered-flag-for-checo-perez-wins.html">the Sakhir Grand Prix</a>, George Russell achieved a career-best Formula 1 finish of ninth place while also gaining credit (as well as the extra race point) for setting the fastest lap of the event. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>George Russell’s outing with Mercedes-AMG has been both a massive achievement and disappointment as a stellar driving performance fell victim to misfortune. </p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </p>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-36988223857436805612021-02-11T21:21:00.001-05:002021-02-11T21:21:57.005-05:00 1 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: Red Bull Racing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_6F3MpCy4rcLQoRWX2WXmDeVXRaKkKs7GXX01VFY8N8qZVpJT8j8v91D_EKov4Bk1t4QGmNkYuZhqi7HFjk3SUhhaGs3U3R5FJB5YxSP5Mmv8RlJWdKuz0t-FQEC3fKW9kTxmYnnMPc/s1200/bahrainsunday23+Andy+Hone+Lat+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_6F3MpCy4rcLQoRWX2WXmDeVXRaKkKs7GXX01VFY8N8qZVpJT8j8v91D_EKov4Bk1t4QGmNkYuZhqi7HFjk3SUhhaGs3U3R5FJB5YxSP5Mmv8RlJWdKuz0t-FQEC3fKW9kTxmYnnMPc/w640-h426/bahrainsunday23+Andy+Hone+Lat+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Andy Hone/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: B+</h2><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Although Red Bull Racing has lost its dominant position in the Formula 1 tour in 2014 with the arrival of the turbo/hybrid powerplant format, the colourful race cars fielded by the Austrian energy drink company has maintained a place as a top-three team. For the 2020 season, Red Bull Racing entered its second year using Honda-supplied power unit installed in their RB16 chassis. While the team drivers mentioned handling complications with the vehicle at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the race car performed well overall.</p><p>In the hands of Max Verstappen, the #33 RB16 race car was a formidable entrant seen as being one of the few competitors capable of nearly matching the pace of the Mercedes-AMG race cars evident by three fastest race laps, two grand prix wins and a pole. Red Bull Racing’s second driver Alexander Albon encountered a less consistent outing in the #23 machine as he navigated his first full season with the team. Albon did manage to stage some noteworthy runs in 2020 including his first career Formula 1 podium. Deservingly, Red Bull Racing finished second in the Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship after the year wrapped.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season:</h3><p><br /></p><p>With two race wins in the 2020 Formula 1 campaign, Red Bull Racing’s top triumphs in the season were actually more impressive that just claiming the top podium positions. Max Verstappen’s victories at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/08/verstappen-and-red-bull-sure-footed.html">the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix</a> and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were the direct result of Red Bull Racing outfoxing the German factory team on race day with an advantage. The first victory of the year at the Silverstone Circuit saw Red Bull Racing exploit a weakness with the Mercedes-AMG cars’ ability to manage tire wear. At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen finally ended up on the best side of a qualifying fight with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Following a great start, the Dutch driver’s second win for Red Bull Racing appeared to be better suited to the Yas Marina Circuit.</p><p>Scoring a total of 14 podium finishes between both drivers in 2020, <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/hamilton-wins-bahrain-grand-prix-marred.html">the Bahrain Grand Prix</a> served as the team’s best overall result. Aided by Sergio Perez’s late race retirement, Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon snagged podium finishes behind grand prix winner Lewis Hamilton. The double podium result for Red Bull Racing in the third-to-last event in 2020 was the first for the team since the 2017 Japanese Grand Prix.</p><p>Beyond the accomplishments of the drivers, Red Bull Racing’s unsung garage crew staged one of the most breathtaking exhibitions at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/07/hamilton-wins-hungarian-grand-prix.html">the Hungarian Grand Prix</a> before the race started. During the formation lap for Formula 1 cars on a wet Hungaroring race track, Max Verstappen’s and his vehicle on intermediate tires slid wide in turn 12. Impacting the safety barrier resulting in damage to the left front suspension and front wing, the #33 car was quickly attended to by the Red Bull Racing mechanics. A grateful Verstappen was able to finish second in the event thanks to his crew’s efforts. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Assembling a 2020 season that saw them functioning as the only viable challenger to Mercedes-AMG, Red Bull Racing ended the year as the second-best outfit. Most of the times outright beaten by the German automaker’s Formula 1 team, there were occasions where opportunities for better results slipped away. Despite finishing in the runner-up position in the Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull Racing failed to score points in three grand prix events. McLaren, Racing Point and Renault only had one race apiece where neither vehicle finished in the top 10. Several mechanical problems and Max Verstappen’s unlucky involvement in an opening lap of the Sakhir Grand Prix proved costly.</p><p>Red Bull Racing has been spoiled by their wealth of grand prix talent that existed within their Scuderia Toro Rosso affiliate team. Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo all followed a route from the so-called ‘junior team’ to Red Bull Racing. In the past two seasons, the Austrian-based team has fielded two entries with noticeably varying consistency. While the #33 Verstappen car was a stable frontrunner, the second drivers have been seen as underachievers. Dropping Pierre Gasly in the middle of the 2019 season, Red Bull Racing put Thailand driver Alexander Albon behind the wheel for the remainder of last year and the full season in 2020. Albon has encountered much of the same obstacles of Gasly with Red Bull Racing. Receiving a new race engineers ahead of the British Grand Prix, the Thai Red Bull Racing pilot eventually gain two podiums but his performance remained uneven.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team's Drivers: </h2><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#33 Max Verstappen: A-</span></h2><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t_AqRvQYUDetc4t7dtbhoMhv6SzDzFFbKiUn12p7K2jHbntlO5osZ6RZY-RF3aVc5jNx_WPM9hbE53uUGaxCTs-vhj9ejTh8LdHWZ8lBczXP35FpY3IE70x9fXVIFTWD1_sPpgx9F0Q/s1200/19-silverstone-sunday+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Image+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t_AqRvQYUDetc4t7dtbhoMhv6SzDzFFbKiUn12p7K2jHbntlO5osZ6RZY-RF3aVc5jNx_WPM9hbE53uUGaxCTs-vhj9ejTh8LdHWZ8lBczXP35FpY3IE70x9fXVIFTWD1_sPpgx9F0Q/w640-h426/19-silverstone-sunday+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Image+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>When the Dutch driver joined Red Bull Racing in the fifth round of the 2016 season, it was clear to the motorsport world the name Max Verstappen would become a spotlight athlete. In his sixth full season in Formula 1, Max Verstappen maintains a fierce level of aggression on the race track but continues to assert an attitude that some could call abrasive at times. </p><p>The Dutch driver led the charge for the Red Bull squad in 2020 and was ultimately seen as ‘the best of the rest’ compared to the dominating performance of the two Mercedes-AMG team competitors. In 17 races, Verstappen claimed 11 podium finishes and the fastest laps in three grand prix events in addition to victories at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix and <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/maximum-effort-nets-max-verstappen.html">the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</a>. On four occasions, Verstappen was voted by fans as the Driver of the Race. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Max Verstappen was the only non-Mercedes-Benz powered Formula 1 entry to stand at the top of the podium. On two occasions in 2020, Verstappen took the chequered flag in first place beating the Mercedes factory team. </p><p>The season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was perhaps the best drive by Max Verstappen. Taking the race’s pole by a narrow .025-second maring for Valtteri Bottas, the Dutch racer presented a masterful performance on Sunday reminiscent to some of the showing Mercedes-AMG were able to orchestrate in races this past season. Maintaining his lead from the start, Verstappen would cross the finish line 15.9 seconds ahead of Bottas.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Max Verstappen finished on the podium in all but one race when the vehicle remained running at the end of a grand prix. On the flip side of that number, the 2020 season featured five retirements for the #33 Red Bull Racing RB16 race car. For two of the DNFs, Verstappen was caught in an opening lap crash including <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/chequered-flag-for-checo-perez-wins.html">the Sakhir Grand Prix</a> where he had a hypothetical chance at winning if he remained in the race based on the way the event transpired. Verstappen also suffered a retirement at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola when a sudden tire failure sent him off the track and out of the race while running second.</p><p>With only Haas F1 Team driver Kevin Magnussen recording more DNFs in 2020, Max Verstappen’s failure to finish likely cost the Dutch drive the runner-up spot in the World Drivers’ Championship ending the season nine points behind Valtteri Bottas.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#23 Alexander Albon: C+</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yRxtzLTCQAvS25ulYqV111f12kmSFDLW-m41lp4FqpG-OIQe7ognZghw2ISGqQp80k7Zgz3ZjhIMRuaCbGszCq1_NlalQk55xh3mWhlNL9iQJ1poobyxMW0KRk9bY6coKr4xSvWr9w4/s1200/25-mugello-sunday+Charles+Coates+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yRxtzLTCQAvS25ulYqV111f12kmSFDLW-m41lp4FqpG-OIQe7ognZghw2ISGqQp80k7Zgz3ZjhIMRuaCbGszCq1_NlalQk55xh3mWhlNL9iQJ1poobyxMW0KRk9bY6coKr4xSvWr9w4/w640-h426/25-mugello-sunday+Charles+Coates+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Charles Coates/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Thanks to the high profile mid-season driver change pushing Pierre Gasly out of the team in favour of Alexander Albon, the Thai racer was almost immediately on the hot seat to perform in 2020. In his first full year with the Red Bull Racing squad, Albon proved to be less effective in races than teammate Max Verstappen but did manage some accolades. A <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/lewis-hamilton-wins-inaugural-tuscan.html">first career podium at the Tuscan Grand Prix</a> allowed Albon to become the first athletic competing under the flag of Thailand to claim such an honour in Formula 1. Adding another podium later in the season, Alexander Albon succeeded in proving himself behind the wheel of the RB16 race car. However, being constantly measured against a teammate that ended the 2020 season with two wins and eleven podium finishes were inevitable causing the driver of the #23 car to be judged against a high standard. </p><p>Alexander Albon finished the 2020 Formula 1 tied with McLaren’s Carlos Sainz Jr. with 105 points in the season-long drivers’ standings but a second place scored by the Spaniard resulted in the Red Bull Racing driver settling one position behind in 7th place. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>In a unique grand prix held at Ferrari’s Mugello race track, Alexander Albon took his first career podium finish crossing the line behind the pair of Mercedes-AMG race cars. The podium result at the Tuscan Grand Prix was essentially an overdue honour for the Thai driver. Running within the top-three late in the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix as well as at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, Albon’s hope to celebrate on a stage was foiled both times after contact with Lewis Hamilton. </p><p>Although Alexander Albon was outranked in many aspects of the 2020 Formula 1 by Max Verstappen, the Thai driver leaves the past season better in one discipline. Albon finished all but two grand prix events compared to Verstappen’s five race retirements.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Alexander Albon performance during the 2020 Formula 1 season has been a roller coaster. Though he succeeded in putting the #23 Red Bull Racing car in a podium spot twice, the 17-round calendar also featured some less than stellar outings and missed opportunities for better placement. On lap 58 of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Albon spun as he battled Racing Point’s Sergio Perez for fifth place costing him and his team a point-paying finish. Albon was also out-qualified by Verstappen in every grand prix event in 2020 and earned a second row grid position on just three occasions. </p><p>The lofty expectations of Red Bull Racing are difficult for many qualified Formula 1 drivers to live up it during a season. Alexander Albon performed well but not good enough for Red Bull Racing to field him in Formula 1 competition for 2021. His team elected to pick up hot free agent Sergio Perez to be the teammate to Max Verstappen next season with Albon remaining with the squad as a development driver. </p><div><br /></div>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-42110318947511809222021-02-11T21:03:00.001-05:002021-02-11T21:03:56.783-05:00 1 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: McLaren Racing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzedTd3q6MHN0vfKkig8hXRhXl5cdxvIAz7-Zqb3LmhorafO2ZiH8gbOkwU_bKeOcENuRbdQxqSMEpqPV4cMUXiASkOlOsjSOv01F4p4gaiWy_1_Z2yvFSu8aa-luzRWAvoToEJPFxUQQ/s1200/monzafriday6+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzedTd3q6MHN0vfKkig8hXRhXl5cdxvIAz7-Zqb3LmhorafO2ZiH8gbOkwU_bKeOcENuRbdQxqSMEpqPV4cMUXiASkOlOsjSOv01F4p4gaiWy_1_Z2yvFSu8aa-luzRWAvoToEJPFxUQQ/w640-h426/monzafriday6+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: A-</h2><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>During the 2019 season, McLaren Racing was seen as on the road to recovering much of its historical reputation for being a contender in Formula 1. The 2020 Formula 1 season was another step forward to once-again asserting itself as a podium-fighting squad. Drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr. each grabbed a podium result with McLaren in 2020 with their Renault powered machines. Overcoming <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/1-racing-minds-2020-formula-1-mid_48.html">reported financial concerns</a> caused due to the Coronavirus pandemic, McLaren Racing’s reward was a third place finish in the Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship following an aggressive fight with Racing Point and the Renault F1 Team for the honour. </p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The McLaren Racing organization has made a clear and concerted effort in recapturing much of its past glory after struggling through the midpoint of the 2010s. This year, the Woking-based race team was a solid point finisher with both drivers. The Russian Grand Prix was the only instant in 2020 where the team left a race weekend without scoring a top 10 finish. The McLaren Racing team also pulled together a great deal of consistency in the last remaining races that contributed greatly to their third place in the constructors’ standings for 2020. In the final five grand prix events, both cars finished in point-scoring positions.</p><p>The Renault-powered MCL35 also proved to be a pretty quick machine over the course of the year. On three occasions during the 2020 Formula 1 season, McLaren team cars captured the fastest lap of the race. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>For the team in general, the 2020 Russian Grand Prix could be seen as their most disappointing outing. In the only race where McLaren Racing failed to score points, Carlos Sainz Jr. crashed on the opening lap overshooting the second turn on the Sochi track and hit the wall after failing to rejoin the circuit. Lando Norris continued through the event attempting to push the hard compound Pirelli tires he received on lap 1 to the 53-lap distance of the Russian Grand Prix. In the last laps of the event, the #4 McLaren race car had difficulty maintaining the pace to retain a top 10 finish and ultimately needed to make a late pit stop coming across the line in 15th place. </p><p>Another unfortunate moment for the McLaren Racing team came at the Belgian Grand Prix. Before the start of the race on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the power unit of the #55 machine of Carlos Sainz Jr. refused to engage. Sainz had qualified in seventh place for the weekend’s main event.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team's Drivers</h2><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#4 Lando Norris: B+</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEKtB1gPqNavd7dDAWYFViaGZIlYaxO04jR3Z3DTmRrqXDCNrW2j8NZA2N7bcyn2-f9-SJ8Cxmk0SWuHQellMj1xqKBjbVMljA3pkg8RgAkGd_nXybOlFy0jbJzwUZxqYzPXX4va9YRw/s1200/13-spielbergsunday+Steven+Tee+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEKtB1gPqNavd7dDAWYFViaGZIlYaxO04jR3Z3DTmRrqXDCNrW2j8NZA2N7bcyn2-f9-SJ8Cxmk0SWuHQellMj1xqKBjbVMljA3pkg8RgAkGd_nXybOlFy0jbJzwUZxqYzPXX4va9YRw/w640-h426/13-spielbergsunday+Steven+Tee+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Steven Tee/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Lando Norris entered his second season in Formula 1 returning to McLaren Racing in 2020 and the 21-year-old continued to show talent and some blossoming expertise behind the wheel. In the opening round of this season at Austria’s Red Bull Ring, he scored his first career podium result. Despite the shortened season, Norris racked up almost twice the amount of points in the season-long championship compared to 2019. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Lando Norris enjoyed a very consistent season with the McLaren Racing team failing only to finish one event on the entire 17-race calender. The biggest achievement in his young Formula 1 career occurred at the Red Bull Ring. A track where Lando Norris had tied his season-best result in his rookie year, the Austrian circuit hosted his first series podium finish after Mercedes-AMG driver Lewis Hamilton was issued a five-second penalty. Norris crossed the line in fourth but was 4.8 seconds behind Mercedes elevating him to his new career-best finish. In many events, Norris mirrored the efforts of his more veteran teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. ending the 2020 season with a qualifying average almost identical to the Spaniard. However, Norris bettered his now-former McLaren teammate by taking the extra championship point for fastest lap in two grand prix events compared to Sainz’s one.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Lando Norris’ efforts behind the wheel of a Formula 1 in 2020 were nowhere near as rage-filled as some of his Twitch game play streams. For a sophomore season in the top open wheel racing series on the planet, Lando Norris enjoyed a quiet yet successful campaign that did not contain too many major moments of failure. Missing the points on four occasions in the season, three of those times came in consecutive races. The <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/valuable-victory-for-valterri-bottas-in.html">Russian Grand Prix</a> was due to Norris losing on the team’s gamble with hard compound tires, the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring ended with a power unit issue (his only DNF of the 2020 season) and the Portuguese Grand Prix’s 13th place finish was a result of a collision between him and the Racing Point car of Lance Stroll.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#55 Carlos Sainz Jr.: B+</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLSZ62BTJlDlin-fmU-JlHhy7g3nkk_YJpbTA6S6Zky2Fku6sUbG6u7cDRMe1nLJ1phRh_yUfrprRVUEV-tmdaTlPJyF07KMz4Zxfx9MxtOpbA7McXPrwwiXNaLaOYg10NL2ktK3KV14/s1200/monzasunday26+Glenn+Dunbar+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLSZ62BTJlDlin-fmU-JlHhy7g3nkk_YJpbTA6S6Zky2Fku6sUbG6u7cDRMe1nLJ1phRh_yUfrprRVUEV-tmdaTlPJyF07KMz4Zxfx9MxtOpbA7McXPrwwiXNaLaOYg10NL2ktK3KV14/w640-h426/monzasunday26+Glenn+Dunbar+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Glenn Dunbar/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Finishing in sixth place in the 2020 Formula 1 Worlds Drivers’ Championship points standings, Carlos Sainz Jr. had one of the best years in his professional career. A driver in the series since 2015, Sainz entered his second year with McLaren Racing in 2020 achieving several career firsts. At the Styrian Grand Prix held on the Red Bull Ring, the driver of the #55 race car set the fastest lap that was also a lap record for the present configuration of the track. Later in the year, Sainz obtained a runner-up finish at the Italian Grand Prix on the Monza circuit. One-half of the driving team that contributed to McLaren’s third place in the Constructors’ Championship, Carlos Sainz Jr. is taking his talent to Scuderia Ferrari. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The Styrian Grand Prix was one of two showcase events for the Spanish driver’s 2020 Formula 1 campaign. Falling short in the race finishing in ninth, Carlos Sainz Jr.’s outing in Austria was one where the #55 car qualified a strong 3rd place in wet weather and posted the fastest lap on Sunday. However, the highlight of Sainz’s 2020 season (and Formula 1 career so far) has been the Italian Grand Prix. Placing himself in a position to pounce when the majority of traditional frontrunners were out of contention, Sainz and McLaren had a chance at victory. After pursuing eventual winner Pierre Gasly closely in the late laps, <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/grand-day-for-gasly-alphatauri-driver.html">Carlos Sainz Jr. earned his second career podium finish</a> and first time as the runner-up driver. Through 17 rounds of the 2020 Formula 1 tour, the Spaniard earned his season-best championship tally of 105 points. </p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Carlos Sainz Jr.’s best Formula 1 finish to date came in a middle of an unlucky streak of grand prix events. Prior to the Italian Grand Prix, Sainz was sidelined in <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/mercedes-and-hamilton-dominates-in.html">the Belgian Grand Prix</a> when his car’s power unit failed before the start of the event. In the two races following Monza, the #55 McLaren suffered early race retirements. At the Tuscan Grand Prix on the Mugello track, Sainz first suffered damage to his car in the opening lap. He would later be caught up in a multiple car crash following a safety car period on lap five. The following event in Russia had Carlos Sainz Jr. crashing on the opening lap after unsuccessfully attempting to rejoin the track through a run-off area. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-45981129244352524342021-02-11T20:47:00.001-05:002021-02-11T21:04:38.466-05:00 1 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: BWT Racing Point F1 Team<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXYE2okVIj6nVXYkh18DUiAbV1DzgAp7yhXHkH_TwJgNaNRsm4OyBRlgiPfv3a78DyDWBORx6cEsa1MIlx3F-wPdQ7HW9ARqEIPpkK0ti5dd-TTl-q3EBKD411hPqi-Y6urEOLQFvB5U/s1200/nuumlrburgringsunday24+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXYE2okVIj6nVXYkh18DUiAbV1DzgAp7yhXHkH_TwJgNaNRsm4OyBRlgiPfv3a78DyDWBORx6cEsa1MIlx3F-wPdQ7HW9ARqEIPpkK0ti5dd-TTl-q3EBKD411hPqi-Y6urEOLQFvB5U/w640-h426/nuumlrburgringsunday24+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: A-</h2><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Racing Point name in Formula 1 will only exist for two and a half seasons as the team prepares for a massive rebranding for 2021. However, in the twilight of the short-lived Racing Point identity, the squad focused around pink team colours has left a meaningful footprint in the sport. For many races in 2020, the organization’s RP20 was a common sight running in the top 10 (often in the top five) of grand prix events.</p><p>Racing Point’s driver lineup consisting of Mexican Sergio Perez and Canadian Lance Stroll both had career years in 2020 with the young driver scoring his first Formula 1 career while the veteran pilot captured a prized win in the Sakhir Grand Prix. Both Racing Point drivers had to sit out races due to positive COVID-19 tests resulting in Nico Hulkenberg joining the group for three events performing more than respectable efforts especially based on limited practice. </p><p>Though Racing Point established itself as a solid contender this season evident by its fourth place finish in the World Constructors’ Championship, the team’s infancy as a top-contending organization showed on several occasions this past year. A reliance on technology from Mercedes-AMG was also a major factor in Racing Point’s success but ended up being a double-edged sword creating one of the biggest controversies in the Formula 1 paddock.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season:</h3><p> Racing Point found its target during the 2020 season. After struggling to find traction in the 2019 competition, the group maintained itself as a solid top five constructor this past season. In occasions holding its own against Mercedes-AMG and Red Bull Racing, Racing Point posted two monumental achievements late in the season. Under treacherous conditions in Istanbul, Lance Stroll took pole for the Turkish Grand Prix. On race day, Stroll maintained the lead early but eventually fell down the running order as a result of tire issues. The Canadian driver was also in position to take Racing Point’s first Formula 1 win at the Italian Grand Prix but settled for third in that race. With two races remaining in his tenure at Racing Point, Sergio Perez stormed to victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>For the first part of the Formula 1 season, the Racing Point team’s RP20 race car came under scrutiny for its design resembling last year’s Mercedes-AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+ initially resulting in the vehicle being branded a “Pink Mercedes’ by some. Although the similarities were dealt with by humour, other teams felt more seriously about Racing Point’s 2020 challenger. The Renault F1 Team would file a formal complaint after the second round of the season focused on the RP20's rear brake duct design. After an investigation by the FIA it was determined the team used a 2019 rear brake duct design that was unused until this season. Though the computer-aided design template was legally obtained last year, using the design as the basis for the 2020 car was judged for being an infraction. Costing the team 400,000 euros, the addition penalty of 15 points proved significantly more expensive. Racing Point was seven points behind McLaren Racing who took third place in the 2020 Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship. </p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team's Drivers:</h2><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#11 Sergio Perez: A+</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX1Q2NTVPbGzEXDP7TOVsZ7COZo86-fANF5q1hQCdMEwcNSQoHkF5Gzn3kBy4CL-ypcKDGkyh_NtORQ4bN-U8IKYS9Ex-ShYg9o9-dneWE6AFmu6BJf8JJlJBqE1j3SZrDuMjlrcQqX8/s1200/27-sakhir-sunday+Zak+Mauger+LAT+Image+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX1Q2NTVPbGzEXDP7TOVsZ7COZo86-fANF5q1hQCdMEwcNSQoHkF5Gzn3kBy4CL-ypcKDGkyh_NtORQ4bN-U8IKYS9Ex-ShYg9o9-dneWE6AFmu6BJf8JJlJBqE1j3SZrDuMjlrcQqX8/w640-h426/27-sakhir-sunday+Zak+Mauger+LAT+Image+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zak Mauger/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Reaching the mark of completing in 190 grand prix events in 2020, Sergio Perez entered the season as one of the longest competing Formula 1 drivers that had not won a race. At the beginning of the year, the 30-year-old Perez who spent a majority of his career in the series driving mid-mark race cars was one-half of the driving team piloting Racing Point’s steadily quick RP20 machine. For the Mexican, the 2020 season would serve as a reward for a team he supported when it was known as Force India and remained part of following a consortium headed by Lawrence Stroll bought the organization. Demonstrating an ability of picking up points in almost every start he made, Perez’s presence in Formula 1 appeared to be precarious as Racing Point decided within the season that their 2021 plans would involve Sebastian Vettel replacing him. Determined to leave a lasting mark on the team as well as secure a 2021 ride, Perez was on a mission in the late rounds of the 2020 calendar. Becoming a Formula 1 race winner in the second to last race with Racing Point, Sergio Perez accomplished both late season goals.</p><p>For the 2021 Formula 1 season, Segio Perez takes <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/perezs-plum-2021-ride-checo-joins-red.html">his reignited determination to the Red Bull Racing team</a>. </p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The crowning achievement of what was a banner season for Sergio Perez is naturally <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/chequered-flag-for-checo-perez-wins.html">the much-lauded victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix</a>. Recovering from being a casualty of opening lap contact from the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, Perez’s charge placed him in prime position when the pair of Mercedes-AMG race cars fell out of contention due to poorly executed pit stops. Perez’s victory in the race in Bahrain was a popular moment late in the 2020 Formula 1 season and certainly played a major part in cementing the Mexican’s place with Red Bull Racing for 2021. </p><p>Besides the win, Sergio Perez’s 2020 season is still an impressive campaign finishing fourth overall in the World Drivers’ Championship. With exception to the two races he missed because of a COVID-19 diagnosis, Perez finished in the top 10 in all two events. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Sergio Perez became the first Formula 1 driver to be affected by the Coronavirus in 2020. Testing positive for the virus just before the British Grand Prix, Perez was sidelined for the famous United Kingdom event as well as a special second event held on the Silverstone Circuit called the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. With Lance Stroll showing eye-catching pace with his Racing Point car during practice at Silverstone, there would have been a strong likelihood that the Perez would have been able to at least mirror the lap times.</p><p>The final four races for the Mexican at Racing Point were a period of highs and lows. Sergio Perez’s two podiums were accompanied by two race exits before crossing the finish line. His retirements in both races came late in the season and were the result of power unit failures.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#18 Lance Stroll: B</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD_ivJ0zY-fOfbpZtucqAMXZE8EkSpgLAaY9yWpIhQy3XgQ79TyUkoZJAcCzD1t8vaZqsbJ5ABHwjpKswmUEETRVo7l7s5vNMaEkero1e6kEaUjkO_Z6SqUe7os-Xr2AV3vztktx9NNA/s1200/monzasunday22+Steven+Tee+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD_ivJ0zY-fOfbpZtucqAMXZE8EkSpgLAaY9yWpIhQy3XgQ79TyUkoZJAcCzD1t8vaZqsbJ5ABHwjpKswmUEETRVo7l7s5vNMaEkero1e6kEaUjkO_Z6SqUe7os-Xr2AV3vztktx9NNA/w640-h426/monzasunday22+Steven+Tee+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Steven Tee/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Having entered his fourth season in Formula 1 in 2020, 22-year-old Lance Stroll is perhaps one of the most scrutinized athletes in the sport. Since his arrival in 2017, the merits of Stroll’s presence in the driver’s seat were questioned by some citing his father’s and family’s wealth. However, this assumption discounting the Canadian’s place in the Formula 1 fails to account for his Italian F4 and F3 European Championship titles as well as what has been some more than decent drives between 2017 and the end of 2019 for teams away from the top tier. </p><p>The 2020 season presented the first true test for Lance Stroll in Formula 1 as the Racing Point team had become a legitimate podium contender. The year started strong with a streak of point scoring finishes spanning seven races but was broken by a troublesome middle portion of the series. Thanks to a pair of third-place finishes, Stroll’s season ended with a 11th place in the drivers’ standings. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season:</h3><p>Lance Stroll demonstrated consistent race pace early in the 2020 Formula 1 season thanks to a career-best run of consecutive point-paying positions. The 22-year-old Canadian would also set a career-high amount of total top 10 finishes in Formula 1 that included a two podium finishes. At <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/grand-day-for-gasly-alphatauri-driver.html">the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, Stroll posted a third place result</a> that was the highest finish for the Racing Point team’s short history at that time in the season. The second podium for Lance Stroll accompanied the triumphant victory of teammate Sergio Perez in the Sakhir Grand Prix. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>At the fourteenth round of the 2020 Formula 1 season, Lance Stroll proved himself to be superior among competitors <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/stroll-scores-first-formula-1-pole-in.html">in qualifying for the Turkish Grand Prix</a>. A Saturday event undertaken on a wet and slippery Intercity Istanbul Park track, the #18 Racing Point race car posted a lap time in Q3 besting teammate Perez as well as beating the efforts of Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen for the top grid position. Stroll became the fifth youngest Formula 1 polesitter and would lead a sizable portion of Sunday’s main event.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>There’s a belief in auto racing that sometimes a driver needs to lose a race before they can win one. In 2020, Lance Stroll was presented with at least three potential opportunities that could have been grand prix victories but failed.</p><p>The first major chance for the Canadian to pull off a Formula 1 win this past season came at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix. Lining up in second for a standing start following a red flag period on lap 28, Stroll could not get the traction needed for an effective launch and fell to fifth place by the end of the lap. At the Sakhir Grand Prix, the #18 Racing Point car failed to pass the Renault of Esteban Ocon during the middle portion of the event. Stroll’s teammate Sergio Perez did accomplish the feat and ultimately ended up in the position to take the win. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>Though the two previously mentioned incidents ended with the consolation of a podium result, Lance Stroll settled with far less in a grand prix where he started on pole. At the Turkish Grand Prix, Stroll maintained the lead early and pulled out a gap on wet weather tires but suffered after intermediate tires were mounted to his Racing Point on pit stops finishing ninth.</p><p>In addition to his unfortunate missed chances for an initial Formula 1 victory, Lance Stroll had a demoralizing streak of not scoring a point after his podium at Monza. Stroll crashed in the Tuscan Grand Prix due to a tire failure, collected in an opening lap incident in Russia, withdrew from the Eifel Grand Prix because of illness and had poor outings in Portugal as well as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#27 Nico Hulkenberg: A</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX5Fr4uagf0LD-qxkQDS2hzeb7dr7mSNvT7gdSQ4GFy4XgmhSUky0XmvF6vgZ_ChpCq70uLgn2EAWXFup1PFkGqjes9P-vS8DM0k4RDsswB-q8rQZfOh-jJsUoPj-TCAGL8YTTkz11Hc/s1200/10-silverstone-saturday+Glenn+Dunbar+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX5Fr4uagf0LD-qxkQDS2hzeb7dr7mSNvT7gdSQ4GFy4XgmhSUky0XmvF6vgZ_ChpCq70uLgn2EAWXFup1PFkGqjes9P-vS8DM0k4RDsswB-q8rQZfOh-jJsUoPj-TCAGL8YTTkz11Hc/w640-h426/10-silverstone-saturday+Glenn+Dunbar+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Glenn Dunbar/ LAT Image/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Time and again, there are drivers in Formula 1 that proves how unfair the sport is to some very skilled individuals. Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg first drove for the Williams Racing team in 2010 after demonstrating his championship-earning abilities in the defunct A1 Grand Prix and GP2 Series. In the middle of his Formula 1 career, Hulkenberg participated in <a href="https://www.carfyi.ca/2015/06/porsche-purrs-to-17th-overall-le-mans.html">the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans</a> where he was part of the overall winning driving team behind the wheel of a Porsche 919 Hybrid prototype sports car. However, after nine competitive season in Formula 1 (ten including the 2011 season where he served as reserve/test driver for Force India) the German’s career was relegated to mid-to-lower field teams. Often over-achieving with the vehicles he competed in, he was never able to earn a grand prix podium result by the end of 2019 when the Renault F1 Team decided not to retain Hulkenberg. While many Formula 1 fans expressed support for Nico Hulkenberg in Formula 1, a 32-year-old driver who had not won in the series was vulnerable as a newer, younger crop of competitors are always climbing through the ranks. </p><p>Without a ride for 2020, Nico Hulkenberg’s talent would return to the Formula 1 grid on three occasions with Racing Point. Hulkenberg would substitute for the team’s regular drivers Sergio Perez for both races at the Silverstone Circuit as well as for <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/10/bottas-becomes-king-of-hill-after.html">Lance Stroll at the Eifel Grand Prix on the Nurburgring track</a>. Despite little preparation for two of three events, the German’s efforts were strong and resulted in his appearances receiving well-deserved praise. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>In the three appearance with Racing Point during the 2020 season, Nico Hulkenberg’s reserve call-up succeeded as creating a buzz around every event. Piloting his #27 Racing Point RP20 race car during the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, Hulkenberg compiled some barn burner laps in qualifying on Saturday in an effort that placed him third on the grid. The German pulled off a seventh place finish after 52 laps during the Sunday main race.</p><p>Nico Hulkenberg’s third and final run in the 2020 Formula 1 season earned him the “Driver of the Day” recognition. Initially intending to spend the race weekend as a personality with German television, Hulkenberg was called to replace an ill Lance Stroll at the Eifel Grand Prix on Saturday. With no practice time, the German qualified in 20th place but drove to an eighth place result. By a considerable margin, Formula 1 fans voted Nico Hulkenberg as the Driver of the Day for the race at his home track. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Nico Hulkenberg’s worst showing in 2020 was not the result of actions of the German but rather a clutch bolt. After qualifying 13th on Saturday for <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/08/a-tireless-effort-nets-lewis-hamilton.html">the British Grand Prix</a>, Hulkenberg’s #27 Racing Point refused to start for the formation lap on Sunday. Hulkenberg and his Racing Point RP20 were sent to the garage before having the ability to a turn. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-16145613754168861262021-02-11T20:24:00.002-05:002021-02-11T21:08:37.853-05:00 1 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: Renault DP World F1 Team<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NgkXU39ZyEyVvSYyxSxTMcTlOfuSqMs5UuSnZ548W18bQBtpgPPsH27Z63UZ34kDLw4cBtixa9vUl-enN7FZTLCMf6KDQHw_v_XFBJvq2lH6oyL1HxGcqUWAzgStBOi5MIkJAEokrsg/s1200/2bd0-c1cc-4a9a-4c978230590f_6cd0fe7823ff50166b95e3515d1d6feca221f16b+Renault+Sport+XPB+James+Moy+Photography+Ltd..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NgkXU39ZyEyVvSYyxSxTMcTlOfuSqMs5UuSnZ548W18bQBtpgPPsH27Z63UZ34kDLw4cBtixa9vUl-enN7FZTLCMf6KDQHw_v_XFBJvq2lH6oyL1HxGcqUWAzgStBOi5MIkJAEokrsg/w640-h426/2bd0-c1cc-4a9a-4c978230590f_6cd0fe7823ff50166b95e3515d1d6feca221f16b+Renault+Sport+XPB+James+Moy+Photography+Ltd..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: XPB / James Moy Photography Ltd./ F1 Renault Group</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: B+</h2><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Besides Racing Point, the Formula 1 constructor name that comes to mind when mentioning biggest year-to-year gains is the Renault DP World F1 Team. The 2019 season was regarded as a disappointment when accounting the team’s commitment, resources and driving talent. Competing in a 2020 season that was four races shorter than 2019, the French automakers’ grand prix team came a point short of doubling their total point tally in the constructors’ standings. Though the Renault name has a storied history in Formula 1, the results since their 2016 return to the sport as a factory constructor team had been a rough affair up until this past year. </p><p>Renault DP World F1 Team’s 2020 challenger, the R.S. 20 race car, showcased itself as not only a reliable top-10 finisher but as a vehicle that could be a spoiler in some grand prix races. Three times, the race car was driven to a podium finish including a runner-up position at the second-last race of the season. Navigated around the Formula 1 tracks by the popular Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo teamed up with new Renault pilot Esteban Ocon. Ricciardo captured a pair of third-place finishes while Ocon claimed a surprise runner-up finish at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/chequered-flag-for-checo-perez-wins.html">the Sakhir Grand Prix</a>. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>On-track success for Renault DP World F1 Team was marked by Seven races for the Renault DP World F1 Team ended with both cars finishing in the top 10. </p><p>Not an event that accounted for one of their three podium results in 2020, the Belgian Grand Prix was probably one of the most triumphant moments for the team. A track known to demanding supreme engine power as well as stable handling for some challenging corners, Renault’s R.S.20 race cars and drivers gave a profound demonstration of the team’s potential. Daniel Ricciardo started fourth and finished fourth while Esteban Ocon qualified sixth and gained a spot to finish fifth in the race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. In addition to the consistently strong effort over 44 laps, Ricciardo recorded the fastest lap in <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/mercedes-and-hamilton-dominates-in.html">the Belgian Grand Prix rac</a>e. The Australian and the Renault team would also post the fastest race lap in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></h3><p>A weak outing for the Renault DP World F1 Team was <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/08/hamilton-wins-fourth-consecutive.html">the Spanish Grand Pri</a>x. While it was a common sight to see at least one of the R.S. 20 race cars within the first five rows of a grand prix grid throughout 2020, Daniel Ricciardo started the event in 13th place and Esteban Ocon would leap on the opening lap from 15th place. This result for the team came after a Friday practice session where Ricciardo was fourth and Ocon was ninth. On race day, neither driver was able to significantly improve from their grid positions over the course of the 66-lap ordeal on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team's Drivers</h2><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#3 Daniel Ricciardo: B</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyxdHefcaILGMxRdg14bE8B35NVrRGkdMh3wBYGjjrK4YjkazqnVTHviCeU2kr0fr13zf_13cITsiK6dQkfkoJlRsj6WZTtoCn58QkNhZkl1_qc5Hgyy61LHFJqbNS4n6CKIygqcx4c0/s2048/65be-7545-834f-4760aa82fd45_6595757fa565a74d2b416ee25dafaa2a89b1dcd1+Renault+Sport.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyxdHefcaILGMxRdg14bE8B35NVrRGkdMh3wBYGjjrK4YjkazqnVTHviCeU2kr0fr13zf_13cITsiK6dQkfkoJlRsj6WZTtoCn58QkNhZkl1_qc5Hgyy61LHFJqbNS4n6CKIygqcx4c0/w640-h426/65be-7545-834f-4760aa82fd45_6595757fa565a74d2b416ee25dafaa2a89b1dcd1+Renault+Sport.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: XPB / James Moy Photography Ltd./ F1 Renault Group</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Leaving Red Bull Racing after the 2018 season for the Renault DP World F1 Team, it was seen as a well-calculated gamble for Daniel Ricciardo joining an organization that possessed resources to be a leading contender in the sport but lacking track success since their 2016 return. While entering the 2019 season with great positivity and optimism, Ricciardo endured a somewhat disappointing 21-race run scoring the least enough of drivers’ championship points since he was with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2013. </p><p>In the second year of a two-year contract with Renault DP World F1 Team, Ricciardo announced prior to the start of the 2020 Formula 1 season in July that he would jump to McLaren Racing for 2021. Despite the news the driver would be departing the team, the Renault organization remained supportive of the Australian throughout the past year realizing their mutual interests of a strong 2020 campaign. Over the course of 17 races, Daniel Ricciardo scored points in 14 events and finishing in the top-5 in the final results 7 times.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>In the opening nine races of the 2020 Formula 1 calendar, Daniel Ricciardo finished fourth on three occasions with one of those being an exceptionally strong performance at the Belgian Grand Prix where he started a season-best fourth on the grid. Knocking on the door for a podium finish through the first-half of 2020, the Australian was finally able to partake in his personal ritual of drinking champagne out of his driving shoe with a third place finish at the Eifel Grand Prix at Germany’s Nurburgring. Ricciardo would return to the podium two races later at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/hamilton-and-mercedes-celebrates-big.html">the Imola circuit for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix</a>.</p><p>Daniel Ricciardo has also been the Renault DP World F1 Team’s primary source of speed behind the wheel of the R.S. 20 race car. Out-qualifying his teammate Esteban Ocon on all but two occasions over 17 races, Ricciardo made the Q3 session in qualifying for all but three of the seventeen events. The Australian driver was also the source of Renault’s two fastest race laps of the season at the Belgian Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. </p><p>Daniel Ricciardo’s season-long points total were enough to place him fifth in the 2020 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship. </p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Experiencing a very consistent season in the top-10, Daniel Ricciardo’s only major faltering came in a two-race span. </p><p>The first of the outlying races for the Ricciardo was the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix held on the Silverstone Circuit. The weekend for the #3 car started off well earning a fifth place grid position during a Saturday qualifying session but Sunday’s main event was deflating for the Australian. On lap 31 while competing in the middle of a tight battle between 8th and 12th places involving drivers Daniil Kvyat, Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz Jr. and teammate Esteban Ocon, Ricciardo spun his Renault coming out of Silverstone’s turn three. Daniel Ricciardo finished the race in the 14th place spot. </p><p>Following the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, the Spanish Grand Prix was generally regarded as a lousy weekend for the entire Renault DP World F1 Team. Ricciardo showed a moment of brightness for the organization when he was fourth fastest in the second Friday practice session but the event went downhill during Saturday and Sunday. Starting 13th, the driver of the #3 Renault settled with a 11th place result.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#31 Esteban Ocon: B-</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8pSe0xj1iE80XOYsfqP5UBYAUNrCLqx84i_mugg7OPkQtPNTAHOIB4JwKvLO1XejZSO9vBE-ILRpaWuR4IoE0NoELA8zUMjG_CAQ1fCBEVSYdRZncqiznoti9fLBdcHHIrZp8USeAes/s1200/8d06-646e-c8d6-4fe8a2722a78_6bf1b43a25547ef29d173e09b4c8323cf2b1e63d+Renault+Sport+XPB++James+Moy+Photography+Ltd..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8pSe0xj1iE80XOYsfqP5UBYAUNrCLqx84i_mugg7OPkQtPNTAHOIB4JwKvLO1XejZSO9vBE-ILRpaWuR4IoE0NoELA8zUMjG_CAQ1fCBEVSYdRZncqiznoti9fLBdcHHIrZp8USeAes/w640-h426/8d06-646e-c8d6-4fe8a2722a78_6bf1b43a25547ef29d173e09b4c8323cf2b1e63d+Renault+Sport+XPB++James+Moy+Photography+Ltd..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: XPB / James Moy Photography Ltd./ F1 Renault Group </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>The most elite form of racing in the world, Formula 1 is an exclusive club only a handful of motorsport drivers gain entry. With only 20 driving spots in the field in the current tour, hundreds of aspiring auto racing athletes compete for a slim chance simply to drive a Formula 1 machine in a single grand prix. Last year, French driver Esteban Ocon was squeezed out of the sport after <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2016/08/rosberg-hot-lap-wins-belgian-gp-pole.html">competing with the former Manor Racing for a nine-race stint ending the 2016 Formula 1 calendar</a> and two season with Force India. For 2020, Ocon rejoined the premium open wheel racing tour by signing with the Renault DP World F1 Team. </p><p>One of only two driver moves heading into the 2020, Esteban Ocon’s arrival to Renault coinciding with the complications of the shortened, altered competitive season resulted in a potentially greater challenge for the Frenchman than other returning drivers. Despite posting ten top 10 finishes in the 17-race Formula 1 season, Ocon was viewed as having more difficulty than Renault teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Ocon’s #31 car suffered four retirements during the 2020 season compared to just one by Ricciardo but the French driver’s races were cut short three times by mechanical issues.</p><p>Esteban Ocon ended the season strong in the second-last event in Bahrain capturing a runner-up finish.</p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>After a one-year hiatus from Formula 1, Esteban Ocon scored four championship points in his debut with Renault by finishing the Austrian Grand Prix in eighth. “It felt good to be back racing properly today. Finishing in the points is a great result, especially as I’m still a little rusty!” said the Frenchman in a post-race press release from Renault after the event on the Red Bull Ring. </p><p>Over the span of the first 15 races, Esteban Ocon’s best finish has been a respectable fifth place in an overall strong effort for the entire Renault DP World F1 Team. The 16th race of the 2020 season was a career-defining event for Ocon occurring on the 3.543-kilometer track within the Bahrain International Circuit. Starting in the middle of the grid in 11th place, the French driver of the #31 Renault moved up the field of Sunday’s 87-lap main race thanks to a single pit stop strategy and some spiffy driving through the early stage of the tire run. Aided in part by the mayhem of the latter third of the Sakhir Grand Prix, Esteban Ocon held on to second place capturing his first-career Formula 1 podium.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Rejoining the Formula 1 tour after a one-year absence, Esteban Ocon quite possibly experienced one of the longest learning curves (besides Williams Racing’s Nicholas Latifi) among full-time drivers in 2020. In truth, Ocon’s performance with Renault DP World F1 Team was pretty close to the consistency he displayed in 2018. However, his previous stint in Formula 1 did involve Force India’s turbulent mid-season transition to Racing Point’s ownership. The big downside to Esteban Ocon’s 2020 season was his efforts were overshadowed by his Renault teammate.</p><p>Only twice in qualifying for the 17 events of 2020 was Ocon able beat Ricciardo for grid position. Ocon also missed the top 10 in event qualifying on 8 occasions while his Australian teammate had just three events where he placed outside of the Q3 session. </p><p>Esteban Ocon experienced four of the total five retirements recorded by the Renault DP World F1 Team but that was more due to bad luck than driver-related causes. In fact, all of Ocon’s DNFs are attributed to mechanical failures such as an overheating problem in the Styrian Grand Prix and failing hydraulics at the Eifel Grand Prix.</p><br />Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-50791446957434840802021-02-11T20:03:00.001-05:002021-02-11T21:08:10.986-05:00 1 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: Scuderia Ferrari<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4Ge1XAau-gHrdCRJ5DJzZyWrBeK49_nqH-yTf6M9ie9zFjLeIPXENXWNUHixGpZKuuHVVlkKK8wDzcNA9v0S0ndEoNL6bzECR3-nQpqz-fTxLRHZqQr2b0u1LI00QP0WgqB53Cke3BU/s1200/20060-turkish-gp-race+Scuderia+Ferrari+Press+Office.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4Ge1XAau-gHrdCRJ5DJzZyWrBeK49_nqH-yTf6M9ie9zFjLeIPXENXWNUHixGpZKuuHVVlkKK8wDzcNA9v0S0ndEoNL6bzECR3-nQpqz-fTxLRHZqQr2b0u1LI00QP0WgqB53Cke3BU/w640-h426/20060-turkish-gp-race+Scuderia+Ferrari+Press+Office.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office/ Ferrari S.p.A.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: C-</h2><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></h3><p><br /></p><p>Entering 2020, Scuderia Ferrari and fans of the team had reason to look forward to what the upcoming Formula 1 tour had in store. In 2019, Charles Leclerc’s debut season with the squad started strong and eventually winning two grand prix events. Ferrari’s Formula 1 team heading into 2020 was also set to celebrate running their 1,000th grand prix event. Originally planned for the Monaco Grand Prix but complications caused by the coronavirus had it replaced with an event on the Italian sports car company’s Mugello track. Unfortunately, the 17-race schedule brought a great deal of disappointment and ridicule for the historic organization.</p><p>Complications with the SF1000 race car magnified by a power unit that appeared to be among the weakest on the grid have relegated Scuderia Ferrari to the position of a mid-marker team throughout 2020 scoring just three podium finishes during the entire season. In five races, the squad failed to score a single championship point. The Ferrari team also experienced sizable differentials in performance between their two drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel. With the announcement of Vettel not returning to the team in 2021 coming before the first race of the 2020 season, it was unclear how this would affect driver/team chemistry. </p><p>As the year progressed, communications between the Ferrari and their German driver appeared spotty at best. Charles Leclerc’s showing with Scuderia Ferrari was noticeably stronger than Sebastian Vettel benefiting from the Italian team’s increased attention and a contract with spanning to 2024. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Though the Scuderia Ferrari team’s 2020 campaign is regarded largely as an embarrassment, the Italian organization’s season was not without some accolades.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>The strongest finish in the 2020 Formula 1 season for the team as a whole came at the Turkish Grand Prix. An event plagued by a soaked race surface, the effects of the power deficit of the Ferrari SF1000 were nullified by the field’s universal struggle for traction. After 58 laps, the Ferrari drivers finished 3rd and 4th with Sebastian Vettel leading his teammate Charles Leclerc to the chequered flag.</p><p>Another worthwhile grand prix took place on the Ferrari-owned Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello. The event served as a party commemorating Ferrari’s 1,000th Formula 1 start and was accompanied with the pageantry permitted due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19. Running a special dark burgundy paint scheme for the Tuscan Grand Prix, Leclerc managed to lock his #16 car into fifth place for the start of Sunday’s race. Both Ferrari SF1000 race cars survived the two multi-car wrecks at the beginning of the 59-lap event and finished in the points with Leclerc crossing the line in eighth and Vettel taking tenth place. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>What hasn’t been said about the disappointing performance of Scuderia Ferrari in 2020? Almost every aspect of the team was out of sync during <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/1-racing-minds-2020-formula-1-mid_82.html">this past season of racing</a> resulting with no wins or just three podium finishes. Two races for the Ferrari team ended with neither vehicles finishing an event with one of the being the Italian Grand Prix. </p><p>Their SF1000 race car appeared to have had handling issues that popped up even before the season started. In preseason testing at Barcelona, Ferrari team was struggling to outdo their 2019 lap times. Attributing it to a deliberate intention to give more downforce to the SF1000, the engineering approach apparently backfired for Ferrari and the team admitted there were flaws in the vehicle’s design heading into the season-opening race in Austria. However, the focus on downforce may be a contributing factor to why the Turkish Grand Prix, a race where grip was at a premium, was the team’s best overall event in the 2020 season.</p><p>The Ferrari power unit found in the factory cars as well as customer organizations Haas F1 Team and Alfa Romeo Racing was also cited throughout the season as inferior to the competition. (Possibly a result of having to re-engineer their gasoline engine after an alleged exploit was discovered). </p><p>The sixth place result in the Formula 1 constructors’ standings is the worst year-old finish for <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2015/03/when-formula-1-constructor-champions.html">Scuderia Ferrari since the 1980 season</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team's Drivers </h2><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#16 Charles Leclerc: B-</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPs-pvLQUb_rhPPg_N0NERnHQR9SEt2amlAf8BSW271LunKuPH2m-O1Sv_KW6i6bmiQe4HTaVGTSacrh6HTqrYH9N7MjXKxnUi42L-CdQvT8cPwYyC4CncF3rij_zgOEQgsRP-021x_XE/s1200/20040-tuscan-gp-friday+Scuderia+Ferrari+Press+Office.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPs-pvLQUb_rhPPg_N0NERnHQR9SEt2amlAf8BSW271LunKuPH2m-O1Sv_KW6i6bmiQe4HTaVGTSacrh6HTqrYH9N7MjXKxnUi42L-CdQvT8cPwYyC4CncF3rij_zgOEQgsRP-021x_XE/w640-h426/20040-tuscan-gp-friday+Scuderia+Ferrari+Press+Office.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office/ Ferrari S.p.A.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>After making a big sensation with Scuderia Ferrari in 2019 by scoring 10 podium finishes and two wins, Charles Leclerc’s second season with the ‘Prancing Horse’ was somewhat underwhelming. Collecting just two podiums in the 2020 obtained within the first four events of the Formula 1 season, Leclerc experienced a fairly average season fighting with an SF1000 race car that is admittedly not up to par with the front-running teams this past year.</p><p>Charles Leclerc asserted himself as the dominant driver within Scuderia Ferrari. The native of Monaco steadily out-qualified Sebastian Vettel starting an average of four positions higher over the course of the 17-race tour. The season-end drivers’ standings also showed Leclerc was superior to his teammate on race day garnering an eighth-place finish the overall drivers standings. </p><p>The 2019 season proved Leclerc has the ingredients to be a Formula 1 superstar and the current limitation of Scuderia Ferrari’s race car is not deterring optimism for the his future.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>From seventh place on the grid for the 2020 Formula 1 season’s opening round on the Red Bull Ring, Charles Leclerc raced to his best result of the past year. Though he crossed the line in third, a 5-second time penalty issued to Lewis Hamilton promoted Leclerc to second place. Charles Leclerc second and final podium of the 2020 season came after the chaotic ending to the British Grand Prix claiming third after qualifying fourth at Silverstone.</p><p>Following the British Grand Prix, the driver of the #16 Ferrari SF1000 race car hovered near the podium spots on multiple occasions. Leclerc qualified and finished fourth on three occasions.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The 2020 Formula 1 for Charles Leclerc’s best efforts was largely limited to the vehicle he drove. Finishing fourth at the end of the 2019 campaign, Leclerc had to settle for a World Drivers’ Championship finish of eighth in the season that recently concluded. </p><p>Though Charles Leclerc did a fine job for most grand prix events salvaging a point finish, there were also four retirements with two caused following opening lap collisions where the Monaco native admitted fault. During a weekend described by Ferrari’s media relations with a release titled “Weekend to Forget”, the Styrian Grand Prix contained one of the lower moments for Leclerc. On turn 3 of the first lap, the #16 Ferrari embarrassing collided with teammate Sebastian Vettel knocking the rear wing off the #5 Ferrari race car. Vettel retired at the end of the opening lap while Leclerc placed his car in the garage on lap four. “What happened today is clearly my fault, there’s nothing else to say. I take full responsibility. I made a mistake and apologising is not enough. We need to take every opportunity and today we could have had one, because even though we might not have the performance to collect a lot of points at the moment, every single point is important and anything can happen in the race, as we saw last week.” Leclerc stated on the post-race press release from Ferrari.</p><p>The second lowlight in Charles Leclerc’s 2020 season was the opening lap DNF at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/chequered-flag-for-checo-perez-wins.html">the Sakhir Grand Prix</a>. On the Bahrain International Circuit’s outer layout, Leclerc was duelling with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull race car and Sergio Perez’s Racing Point vehicle for third place from the start and attempted a late braking move heading into turn four. Barely edging Verstappen into the corner, Leclerc surprise Perez with his overly aggressive entrance colliding with the pink Racing Point car. Leclerc and Verstappen ended their race in the turn four retaining barrier. </p><p>Charles Leclerc also missed an opportunity at a third podium finish in <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/lewis-hamilton-locks-up-seventh.html">the Turkish Grand Prix</a> held at the Intercity Istanbul Park track. Running third and attempting to pass Sergio Perez’s Racing Point RP20 race car for second place on the final lap, Leclerc locked up his brakes heading into the track’s turn 12 and fell to fourth. Following the race, teammate Sebastian Vettel who finished third complimented Leclerc in the team’s press release saying, “I can understand he is very angry about what happened, because in many ways, I see myself in him. But he is so strong that very soon, this day will be completely unimportant in his mind. He drove a great race.”</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#5 Sebastian Vettel: C-</span><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZHsAHy7MJrspOocW2B8LOHxwTvmtWJU9Bo4omF0jOlyD6jBd7iI8L5Dc65MnDJxljxi2XW-qa3zaotiVu0R_8meRRB93JcqTdOk2-tcqpT6X36bmIYwCN9YSr3Dma4wghSlpQnUjJzo/s1200/20017-scuderia-ferrari-turkish-gp-gallery-friday+Scuderia+Ferrari+Press+Office.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZHsAHy7MJrspOocW2B8LOHxwTvmtWJU9Bo4omF0jOlyD6jBd7iI8L5Dc65MnDJxljxi2XW-qa3zaotiVu0R_8meRRB93JcqTdOk2-tcqpT6X36bmIYwCN9YSr3Dma4wghSlpQnUjJzo/w640-h426/20017-scuderia-ferrari-turkish-gp-gallery-friday+Scuderia+Ferrari+Press+Office.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office/ Ferrari S.p.A.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>When four-time Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Sebastian Vettel joined Scuderia Ferrari in 2015, it was strongly implied that the pairing was expected to provide the strongest challenger against the aligned powerhouse of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG. Though Vettel and Ferrari were able to show signs that they could rival the Silver Arrows team in several seasons leading up to 2020, the group constantly came up short. By the end of the 2019 Formula 1 calendar, it became apparent the German’s time with the Italian team was going to be nearing an end as Vettel’s teammate Charles Leclerc was frequently outperforming him and won Ferrari’s favour. News in May of 2020 that Sebastian Vettel was not returning to Ferrari following the end of the yet-to-be run season came as little shock. </p><p>When the 2020 Formula 1 season got started in Austria, observers wanted to see how the pending split of driver and constructor would impact the performance of the #5 Ferrari SF1000 race car. A case could definitely be made that Sebastian Vettel and Scuderia Ferrari a difficult dynamic during their final season together. In addition to dealing with the troublesome 2020 race car, Vettel had one of his worst full-time campaigns in Formula 1. Scoring top-10 finishes in 7 of the 17 races, four of the final five races of 2020 ended with no points being gained. This drought period would include Vettel’s only podium finish of the past year in Turkey.</p><p>Sebastian Vettel has signed to be part of Aston Martin’s Formula 1 race program for the 2021 season. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>A driver considered to be a podium contender, Sebastian Vettel’s 2020 Formula 1 season was light on successes. An incompatibility with a slow SF1000 race car gave Vettel a difficult time throughout much of the past year. </p><p>One major shining moment for Sebastian Vettel was a podium finish scored in a tricky race at the Intercity Istanbul Park track. Positioned in eleventh place on the grid at the start of the Turkish Grand Prix, the 33-year-old German had a breathtaking launch on the wet circuit and masterfully weaving his way up to fourth place on the first lap. Running in fourth spot in the final lap, Vettel’s teammate Charles Leclerc was ahead challenging the #11 Racing Point race car of Sergio Perez for second place. Heading into turn 12, Leclerc made a mistake allowing Vettel to take third place. </p><p>Although the season did not go well for the German driver, Sebastian Vettel left Scuderia Ferrari with kind words. “This race is not one I will remember. But what I will remember are the gestures of all the team members, the mechanics, the engineers, the catering guys and so on. I think the energy has been different today and I felt that, and will carry it with me forever. I will miss Charles. Obviously he gave me a headache here and there, and we are at very different stages of our lives and careers. But he’s certainly a good kid and I think he will go a long way, he will be the man of the future. I hope he gets the car he deserves.” Vettel said in a post-race Ferrari press release following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The 2020 season is a stretch of racing in Formula 1 that depicted Sebastian Vettel well off his form as a multiple time world drivers’ champion. Finishing the season 13th in the 2020 drivers’ standings, the campaign is seen as one of the worst in the German’s entire full-time career in the series. </p><p>Throughout most of 2020, Vettel was bettered on pace by teammate Charles Leclerc on a race weekend. Starting with qualifying, the average result for Vettel’s #5 Ferrari was 13th among full-time entrant. Sebastian Vettel only broke into the Q3 session of qualifying three times during the season with his best grid position being 5th for <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/07/hamilton-wins-hungarian-grand-prix.html">the Hungarian Grand Prix</a>. Racing with the SF1000 race car proved challenging as 10 grand prix events saw Vettel leaving without scoring a single point. In the final eight Formula 1 races of 2020, Vettel classified in the top 10 at the end just twice.</p><p>Entering the Austrian Grand Prix with confirmation that Sebastian Vettel was leaving Scuderia Ferrari at the end of the year, there was some belief the German wasn’t receiving the same level of support from the team as Leclerc. The on-track results seem to add some credence to this allegation but it’s unlikely the team would want one of their vehicles to underperform. </p><p>Sebastian Vettel leaves Scuderia Ferrari in a similar position as Alain Prost and Fernando Alonso as championship drivers who fell short of winning a championship driving for the Prancing Horse. However, it’s worth noting that the parting during this difficult season appeared to be done on friendly terms by the end of the <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/maximum-effort-nets-max-verstappen.html">Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</a> with “Grazie Seb” being found throughout the team’s garage.</p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-13107082669727790002021-02-11T19:51:00.002-05:002021-02-11T21:07:45.136-05:00 1 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: Scuderia AlphaTauri<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMcv2bCsylSbF7_SezxGBYLGf1NFdPLxW47HA-pA1T6mN2BBEBhicGiEgIBB5WBbk__L_XkD0xKXf2duUrrA9jRVV5swr35wzS5c6OwQG5LZ_qUuEjDI1qct4L6WQ9vaJIC2LbpVcTbQ/s1200/4-friday-yasmarina+Gasly+Zak+Mauger+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMcv2bCsylSbF7_SezxGBYLGf1NFdPLxW47HA-pA1T6mN2BBEBhicGiEgIBB5WBbk__L_XkD0xKXf2duUrrA9jRVV5swr35wzS5c6OwQG5LZ_qUuEjDI1qct4L6WQ9vaJIC2LbpVcTbQ/w640-h426/4-friday-yasmarina+Gasly+Zak+Mauger+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Zak Mauger/ LAT Image/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: B+</h2><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>A team known under the Toro Rosso name from 2006 to 2019, Scuderia AlphaTauri made it clear that their rebranding is more than just a superficial change limited to a team name and colours. Under the same ownership as Austria-based Red Bull Racing but having a home base in Italy, <a href="https://alphatauri.com/en-ca/">AlphaTauri</a> made it clear the constructor will no longer operate as a junior team used mainly to develop drivers. </p><p>The 2020 Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Red Bull Racing influence remained strong, however, with a driver lineup consisting of two pilots that had previously competed under Christian Horner-led squad. Russian driver Daniil Kvyat and Frenchman Pierre Gasly have both shown to be promising Formula 1 talents but were dropped by Red Bull Racing in rather demoralizing manners. </p><p>As the season got underway, Gasly seemed to get the most out of the team’s AT01 race car. Receiving the same Honda power units as what is used to propel the Red Bull Racing cars, AlphaTauri’s AT01 was gifted with ample performance towards the rear portion of the vehicle. Both AlphaTauri drivers scored points in the first two rounds of the 2020 Formula 1 season on the Red Bull Ring in Austria falling in line with the expectations many observers had for the team. Triumph later at the season with Pierre Gasly’s victory at the Italian Grand Prix was an unexpected surprise in the Formula 1 world but also showed how the organization can capitalize when the situation allows.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Scuderia AlphaTauri definitely made a powerful statement in the sport in their inaugural season. Capturing points in all but two grand prix events in 2020 would have been a reasonable achievement for the team to have expected. However, AlphaTauri over-achieved at the year’s eighth round at the historic Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. </p><p>Starting in 10th place on the grid for the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, the #10 AlphaTauri AT01 race car piloted by Pierre Gasly advanced through the field early. In a race that featured a safety car period, red flag stoppage and a second standing start, Gasly drove a near flawless grand prix as he would outshine all competition to win the Italian Grand Prix. The victory for AlphaTauri occurred on the same track where team won the 2008 event under the name Scuderia Toro Rosso. </p><p>Although Scuderia AlphaTauri did not return to the podium in the remainder of the season, Daniil Kvyat scored fourth for the team at Imola while Gasly best finish after his Monza win was fifth in Portugal. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Statistics would show that the Turkish Grand Prix was the team’s most disappointing event with both cars qualifying in the lowest five positions and failing to score points in the Sunday main feature being only the second time in the 2020 season Scuderia AlphaTauri did not have a car finish in the top 10. However, the wet race weekend proved drastically challenging for the entire field.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Team's Drivers </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#10 Pierre Gasly: A-</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9h6s-3YnFrL62BL2IUa8vzVbM6mbrfNi_9zccH0UMuPhB1JP92XqcWbeAQ85IKuncSo66s9uNPQQUKaul4wiqIpqHTFifQZwmOq_gVgA-rBanxyXgy0KKTlZbYFaL0oMmhyV_WQZi_w/s1200/Gaslystand-source+American+Honda+Motor+Co+Inc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9h6s-3YnFrL62BL2IUa8vzVbM6mbrfNi_9zccH0UMuPhB1JP92XqcWbeAQ85IKuncSo66s9uNPQQUKaul4wiqIpqHTFifQZwmOq_gVgA-rBanxyXgy0KKTlZbYFaL0oMmhyV_WQZi_w/w640-h426/Gaslystand-source+American+Honda+Motor+Co+Inc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: American Honda Motor Co Inc</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>By the middle point of 2019, Pierre Gasly was possibly at the lowest point in his short Formula 1 career. Receiving the call-up from Scuderia Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing, the Frenchman was under pressure to at least maintain a close pace with the team’s top driver Max Verstappen. Gasly sadly fell short of Red Bull Racing’s expectations resulting in him being sent back to Toro Rosso in the middle of the 2019 season. For the remainder of year, Pierre Gasly worked to rebuild his confidence in the sport. A second-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix did a lot to lift the spirits of the driver and secured a position with the newly rebranded team for 2020.</p><p>With the start of the 2020 Formula 1 season, the popular French driver continued to showcase his skills. Gasly finished seventh in the opening round in Austria but placed out of the top 10 in the Styrian Grand Prix and suffered a gearbox failure at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Initially appearing to be another season as a mid-marker, the <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/grand-day-for-gasly-alphatauri-driver.html">Italian Grand Prix at Monza was a breakout moment</a>. With the help of some extreme circumstances in the September race at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Pierre Gasly added himself to the exclusive fraternity of Formula 1 race winners. </p><p>Through the remainder of the 2020 Formula 1 after his great victory, Gasly ran respectfully highlighted by the collection a fifth place finish at the Portuguese Grand Prix and a pair of sixth place results. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Pierre Gasly’s 2020 season will be defined by the Italian Grand Prix win. Though his path to the upset victory was aided by the struggle of typical Formula 1 front runners, Gasly still drove a magnificent race that involved fending off a determined McLaren race car wheeled by Carlos Sainz Jr. in the event’s closing laps. The victory by Pierre Gasly came shortly past the one-year anniversary for when is rejoined the team and functioned as a popular moment in the season as the elated Frenchman took to the podium. The French driver was the first by a competitor to win a Formula 1 race since 1996 when Olivier Panis drove his Ligier to win the Monaco Grand Prix. </p><p>Although the win at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix was unexpected, many Formula 1 observers would have correctly guessed that Pierre Gasly would have been on a mission to prove himself still recovering from his forced departure from Red Bull Racing in the middle of 2019. With Scuderia AlphaTauri, Gasly showed some brilliant speed in qualifying as well as over the course of races. The Frenchman’s was able to break into the Q3 session in 11 of the 17 grand prix events posting a season-best effort of fourth at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. For the Sunday main events, Gasly grabbed a top 10 result in 10 of the 17 rounds.</p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Suffering three retirements during the 2020 season, Pierre Gasly’s latter two DNFs were perhaps the most disappointing. </p><p>One week after his first grand prix win, Gasly and the rest of the Formula 1 tour converged on the Mugello circuit to run the Tuscan Grand Prix. Celebrating in Monza, Gasly’s second week racing in Italy was a deflating experience. After qualifying a season-worst 16th place, Pierre Gasly retired from the race on the opening lap after he was caught between Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean entering turn two. </p><p>The second and final time Pierre Gasly’s #10 car failed to make it to the chequered flag was at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/hamilton-and-mercedes-celebrates-big.html">the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix</a>. In a race where he launched from a season-best grid position of fourth place, Gasly exited the event after just eight laps completed after his car suffered a coolant leak. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#26 Daniil Kvyat: B</span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFxWGuFh_XOPUOlVpKtmND7oIkBPzeAIKfnrguErgqR3Eoz8m1v-nGusbdLNgK2W8v-SkLKiBZk3-tinvA6tQ_j8_FpKCl1nE7W5VHyKLxdMOTFwXydZ381kouDbPI87GGK8PmkFi5ik/s1200/Kvyat-source+American+Honda+Motor+Co+Inc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1200" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFxWGuFh_XOPUOlVpKtmND7oIkBPzeAIKfnrguErgqR3Eoz8m1v-nGusbdLNgK2W8v-SkLKiBZk3-tinvA6tQ_j8_FpKCl1nE7W5VHyKLxdMOTFwXydZ381kouDbPI87GGK8PmkFi5ik/w640-h540/Kvyat-source+American+Honda+Motor+Co+Inc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: American Honda Motor Co Inc</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>First competing in <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2014/07/1-racing-mind-2014-formula-1-mid-season_73.html">Formula 1 during the 2014 season</a> at the age of 19, Russian driver Daniil Kvyat spent much of his career in the open wheel series part of Scuderia Toro Rosso. With the name change to Scuderia AlphaTauri, the team selected to keep Kvyat after a decent 2019 campaign that included a podium at the German Grand Prix. </p><p>Paired with Pierre Gasly during the 17-race 2020 Formula 1 season, Daniil Kvyat would prove to be a reliable runner within the middle of the field. Kvyat scored points in the conclusion of seven events and failed to finish for just two grand prix races. His first DNF was a suspension failure in the Austrian Grand Prix while the second incident occurred on lap 12 at the British Grand Prix. Attributed to a failure of a rear tire, Kvyat’s #26 AlphaTauri AT01 was sent into a sudden spin in the Maggots section of the Silverstone Circuit and, despite travelling through a gravel trap, heavily impacted the track retaining barrier. Daniil Kvyat fortunately left his wrecked vehicle unhurt after the crash and returned the following week to take 10th place at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix also held at Silverstone.</p><p>A fixture on the competitive Formula 1 circuit for six seasons, 26-year-old Kvyat ends the 2020 season with an uncertain future in motorsports as AlphaTauri has replaced him with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for 2021. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season:</h3><p>For only the second time in his career, Daniil Kvyat scored a point-paying finish in his home grand prix in Russia crossing the line at the Sochi track in 8th place. The only other time he posted a top-10 run in the Russian Grand Prix was in 2015 when he drove for Red Bull Racing. </p><p>The best race result of the year for Daniil Kvyat was a fourth place at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix held in Imola. The Russian driver narrowly missed out on a chance at a fourth career podium crossing the finish line 0.821 seconds behind the Renault of Daniel Ricciardo. </p><p>Kvyat finished the 2020 Formula 1 season in 14th place in the drivers’ standings with 32 points scoring just one fewer point than his former Red Bull Racing teammate Sebastian Vettel. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>In the Bahrain Grand Prix, Daniil Kvyat’s #26 car was connected to two major accidents at the beginning of the race. </p><p>During the rush of the first lap of the race coming out of turn 3, Romain Grosjean’s Haas F1 Team car aggressively swerved down into the path of Kvyat making minor contact. While the #26 AlphaTauri vehicle continued largely unaffected, the Haas VF-20 race car of Grosjean heavily impacted the track retaining wall. “On the opening lap, I was a bit angry at first with Romain for his move, but then I was just worried about him because I saw the flames and how bad the crash was - I was just hoping he was OK and fortunately it wasn’t as bad as it looked.” Kvyat stated in a team press release following the Bahrain Grand Prix.</p><p>Daniil Kvyat’s second incident occurred shortly after the second standing start of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Proceeding through turn eight at the 5.412-kilometer Bahrain International Circuit track, Kvyat’s AlphaTauri AT01 made an adventurous move low on the #18 Racing Point entry driven by Lance Stroll. The two race cars made contact with the point of impact sending Stroll to flip upside-down and out of the race. Kvyat was handed a 10-second time penalty ruled to be at-fault for the impact. </p>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-48463330322727354712021-02-11T19:42:00.005-05:002021-02-11T21:07:05.367-05:001 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: Alfa Romeo Racing<h2 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuranRxCGsvojmHzOcvn8B-yLD8yCgSv1GOj3vsnxG9zm98AyS_YRbc0aLrI8pb6b4m7XnkwAjvGkqI7mdobEnZrN0EdMVhyIExBFK5A5VaiMD-CfuOhcnbIOCt9gbCyglJkcclSKWhY/s1200/2-istanbul-saturday+Charles+Coates+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuranRxCGsvojmHzOcvn8B-yLD8yCgSv1GOj3vsnxG9zm98AyS_YRbc0aLrI8pb6b4m7XnkwAjvGkqI7mdobEnZrN0EdMVhyIExBFK5A5VaiMD-CfuOhcnbIOCt9gbCyglJkcclSKWhY/w640-h426/2-istanbul-saturday+Charles+Coates+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Charles Coates/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: C-</h2><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>The <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2017/08/1-racing-minds-2017-formula-1-summer_29.html">former Sauber Formula 1 team’s</a> second year operating under the persona of Alfa Romeo Racing has been deep disappointment. Scoring 57 points in the Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship for the 2019 season after 13 top-10 finishes, the squad collected just 8 points 2020 in 5 top-10 results. Although the 2020 schedule contained four fewer events than the previous season’s calendar, Alfa Romeo Racing’s deteriorating performance this past season was also clear on the track. In qualifying, team drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi settled with an average placement of 16.8 before accounting for grid penalties.</p><p>Alfa Romeo Racing’s partnership with Ferrari has been alluded to by observers as the reason for the lackluster 2020 campaign. The Ferrari power unit performance deficit in competition was viewed as an anchor to Alfa Romeo Racing as well as <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2021/02/1-racing-minds-formula-1-season-ending_11.html">Haas F1 Team</a> and specifically Scuderia Ferrari throughout the year. </p><p>The driver lineup for the team consisting of 2007 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi performed decently throughout the 2020 season with the failings of the Ferrari-powered C39 race car. By the end of the year, both the highly-experienced Raikkonen and Giovinazzi who were running in his second full-time Formula 1 campaign gathered four points apiece. </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season:</h3><p>Gaining points in just 4 of the 17 grand prix events on the 2020 Formula 1 calendar, Alfa Romeo Racing team’s top 10 result at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was a particular high moment in a fairly lowly season. At the end of <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/hamilton-and-mercedes-celebrates-big.html">the 63-lap event on Italy’s Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari commonly recognized as Imola</a>, the cars draped in Alfa Romeo colours flew to a double-point scoring finish. Electing to use a single pit stop plan for both cars, the execution involved contrasting strategies. Finishing ninth, Kimi Raikkonen’s #7 machine started on medium compound tires and waited until lap 48 to take on soft compound Pirelli rubber. The #99 car of Antonio Giovinazzi left the race grid on soft compound Pirelli tires but pitted to receive medium compound tires on lap 10. </p><p>Though the team technically competes under Sauber’s Swiss flag, Alfa Romeo Racing’s most successful run for the 2020 season coming at an Italian race would have provided an extra sense of thrill with the accomplishment. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Lacking engine power and finding no other significant advantage to overcome it, Alfa Romeo Racing faced trouble scoring top 10 finishes throughout 2020. Although the team’s C39 race cars were mechanically reliable with a total of five race retirements between their two entrants, they were non-factors in a number of grand prix events. </p><p>While Alfa Romeo Racing’s pit road strategy call paid off with points at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, their plan at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/09/grand-day-for-gasly-alphatauri-driver.html">the Italian Grand Prix at Monza</a> was a major miss. For what was a chaotic event, both Alfa Romeo cars were running in the top-five aided by the opportune deployment of a safety car early in the event. Another safety car quickly turning into a red flag period brought forth after Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari crashed proved costly for Antonio Giovinazzi when the team pitted the #99 while the pit road was closed. Running second for a brief time when racing resumed after the red flag, Kimi Raikkonen faded as his soft compound tires wore falling to what would be a 13th place finish. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Team Drivers</span></h2><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#7 Kimi Raikkonen: B-</span></h2><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwGyNdSNlnoUgVRqe-tODxrKMchi86NA3_g7wJH6zDe3w3ID3p_C7PvEy7zqeua-oEzjF0F8ppxgVka3Nq78sXRighIPIcQNrt-raeN1GyD9-7mRB5iyBhG1drDn_Twp-I0MszJdWEKs/s1200/16-silverstone-sunday+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwGyNdSNlnoUgVRqe-tODxrKMchi86NA3_g7wJH6zDe3w3ID3p_C7PvEy7zqeua-oEzjF0F8ppxgVka3Nq78sXRighIPIcQNrt-raeN1GyD9-7mRB5iyBhG1drDn_Twp-I0MszJdWEKs/w640-h426/16-silverstone-sunday+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Turning 41 years old in October of 2020, Kimi Raikkonen is defying conventions in modern Formula 1 that favours younger pilots. As the 2007 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion, the Finnish competitor first competed in the series in 2001 after barely qualifying for the sport’s Super License due to limited car racing experience. Raikkonen suited up to run his 18th season on the tour competing for a second season with the Alfa Romeo Racing team realizing that the squad may lack race-winning prowess of previous teams such as Ferrari and McLaren but eager to keep fighting for grand prix honours. </p><p>In 2020, Kimi Raikkonen claimed a pair of Formula 1 records related to his endurance in the sport. Raikkonen’s 323rd start in the series the Eifel Grand Prix game him the recognition for being the driver with the most Formula 1 starts. The Finnish driver also gained the top honour for having the most grand prix entries. Secured to race for Alfa Romeo Racing for 2021, Kimi Raikkonen is set to place the mark higher. </p><p>On a competitive front, the Finnish endured a rather difficult 2020 season with an outmatched race car. Raikkonen accomplished scoring points in his #7 Alfa Romeo Racing car twice over the course of 17 races.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season:</h3><p>Though the season was limited in success, Kimi Raikkonen was provided with a few opportunities to remind his fellow competitors as well as other race observers that he still has hunger that led to his 2007 Formula 1 championship. </p><p>The veteran Finnish pilot for Alfa Romeo Racing would end two grand prix events in ninth place. The first came as Raikkonen survived the Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello slotting between the Ferraris driven by Charles Leclerc and former teammate Sebastian Vettel. His second point-scoring finish was part of a double-point scoring effort by his race team at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. In the second effort, Raikkonen ran until lap 48 on medium compound tires before making his one and only pit stop in the event.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>Raikkonen would crack the top-10 in qualifying once during the 2020 season under tricky driving conditions on the weekend of the Turkish Grand Prix. The #7 car would place 8th on the grid after the Q3 session concluded.</p><p>Although he would ultimately finish an unremarkable 13th place, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa Romeo Racing team staged an amusing showing during the middle stage of the Italian Grand Prix on the Monza track. Following the second standing start in the race, the Finnish driver and his #7 Alfa Romeo C39 race car ran in second place for several laps before his soft compound Pirelli tires wore out. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Though Kimi Raikkonen competed valiantly in 2020, the year on the track was a mostly miserable outing. Scoring just four points in the drivers’ standings after 17 races, Raikkonen’s season-ending tally is the worst in his Formula 1 career (this includes the Finnish driver entered Formula 1 in 2001 when only the top-six finishers in a grand prix received points).</p><p>Suffering only one retirement during the season in the opening round in Austria, Kimi Raikkonen spent the large portion of the year finishing well out of the points in a lackluster C39 race car. Qualifying was particularly dreadful for the driver of the #7 Alfa Romeo Racing entry concluding three events as the slowest driver in the initial Q1 session. Though comparing relatively equally to teammate Antonio Giovinazzi’s time trial performances throughout 2020, Raikkonen was out-qualified by the Italian driver of the #99 car 9 times in 17 grand prix events.</p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#99 Antonio Giovinazzi: C+</span></h2><p><span style="white-space: pre;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhrpGBfvquJy_iVz4o-3QLkkeu6nsu_94DmffszUE2k52HgJy8JIBpurWTL6UhD4dvGjbBqyelSpfP8mT-iRjCta53-clKgxlceQx0YJM7b0PdwgOk9LC4CRGpKevDXfzna9Gen7FaLM/s1200/nuumlrburgringsunday9+Zak+Mauger+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhrpGBfvquJy_iVz4o-3QLkkeu6nsu_94DmffszUE2k52HgJy8JIBpurWTL6UhD4dvGjbBqyelSpfP8mT-iRjCta53-clKgxlceQx0YJM7b0PdwgOk9LC4CRGpKevDXfzna9Gen7FaLM/w640-h426/nuumlrburgringsunday9+Zak+Mauger+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Zak Mauger/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>For Italy’s Antonio Giovinazzi, 2020 was the sophomore driver’s second full-time season of competition with Alfa Romeo Racing. Giovinazzi entered Formula 1 after climbing the motorsport ladder through junior open wheel series and the occasional sports car start. In 2015, he finished runner-up in the drivers’ standings to current IndyCar driver Felix Rosenqvist in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. The next year, Giovinazzi ran in the GP2 Series and came eight points short of the drivers’ title scored by Pierre Gasly. One of the greatest honours earned by Antonio Giovinazzi was claiming victory at the 2015 Masters of Formula 3 event taking pole and winning ahead of current Williams Racing driver George Russell. </p><p>The Italian’s tenure in Formula 1 has been a mixed affair. Debut for a two-race stint with the Sauber F1 Team in 2017, Giovinazzi’s only full season in the sport prior to the 2020 season concluded with just four top-10 finishes over 21 races last year. A fifth place scored in the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix remains his best result in the series. The 2020 season was a struggle for the 27-year-old Italian as he competed with the Alfa Romeo Racing team’s uncompetitive race car. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season:</h3><p>Finishing in the points in three grand prix events during the 2020 season, Antonio Giovinazzi’s best result was ninth place at the Austrian Grand Prix. </p><p>However, as a driver competing under the Italian flag, Giovinazzi’s tenth place finish at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola likely served as a great moment over the 17-round Formula 1 calendar. “I am really happy for the team’s result and, of course, for scoring points in my home Grand Prix. It has been a very strong race, especially starting from last place, and finishing in the top ten really was the most we could do.” said Giovinazzi in a post-race Alfa Romeo press release following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. </p><p>Advancing into the Q3 session in qualifying one time at the Turkish Grand Prix, Antonio Giovinazzi’s performance in Saturday time trials often outpaced his more experienced teammate Kimi Raikkonen.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>In what is a relatively short Formula 1 career, Antonio Giovinazzi has been involved in some spectacular crashes. In his second-ever time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the 2017 Chinese Grand Prix weekend, <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2017/04/hamilton-heralds-strong-2017-offensive.html">Giovinazzi crashed twice in qualifying and during the race</a>. The Italian driver fortunately walked away from both accidents on that weekend in China.</p><p>At the 2020 Belgian Grand Prix, Antonio Giovinazzi experienced another hard wreck in his career. During the race on the fast Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the driver of the #99 Alfa Romeo Racing C39 race car slipped exiting turn 14 on lap 10 crashing into track retaining wall. A wheel/tire assembly from Giovinazzi’s car flew into the path of Williams Racing entrant George Russell leading to his race retirement. Both drivers were unhurt and walked out of their machines. </p><div><br /></div>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-67012500304591770992021-02-11T19:33:00.005-05:002021-02-11T21:06:13.890-05:001 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: Haas F1 Team<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmz9pPMDimcsft2H467F-UbJE0LY_BRw8yUiaAeukbObP3ZztKIoqX6isepTB2mucV0ld0Zq8zB24w3qnS_gOuFf5eSruNbOf2D9ioF4EbYw4B-yhzCWYxpBoMm_VQPQPQrmQaey9NuE/s1200/monzasaturday11+Andy+Hone+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmz9pPMDimcsft2H467F-UbJE0LY_BRw8yUiaAeukbObP3ZztKIoqX6isepTB2mucV0ld0Zq8zB24w3qnS_gOuFf5eSruNbOf2D9ioF4EbYw4B-yhzCWYxpBoMm_VQPQPQrmQaey9NuE/w640-h426/monzasaturday11+Andy+Hone+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Andy Hone/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: D+</h2><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>An organization that seemingly avoided the growing pains of building a competitive squad in Formula 1 when they scored points in three of their first four grand prix event in 2016, some could argue the Haas F1 Team’s fortunes acted in reverse following their 2019 and 2020 outings. For the fourth season returning with veteran drivers Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean, the American-owned race team struggled throughout the 2020 season with a slow Ferrari-powered VF-20 machine. Along with experiencing the same performance issues from their powertrain as other Ferrari entrants, other flaws with the VF-20 design caused drivers to cite the race car as lacking balance and grip. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>To start, a highlight of the Haas F1 Team’s season and underperforming VF-20 race car was not based on its competition. The first lap crash of Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix was visually one of the scariest impacts seen in modern Formula 1. The impact caused the Haas F1 Team’s vehicle to sheer into two and erupt in a fiery explosion. However, even as the cockpit portion of the race car had jammed into the track’s metal retaining barrier, Grosjean was able climbed out with assistance from emergency workers. While the French driver suffered severe burns to his hands and ankles, the injuries were fortunately minor compared to the scope of the crash. The halo structure as well as the safety engineering built into Formula 1 cars including the VF-20 provided an astonishing result equal to a race victory. </p><p>Knowing that their VF-20 race car lacked the pace to competently contend for top 10 finishes, the Haas F1 Team undertook some inventive tactics to gain the three points they received in 2020. During <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/07/hamilton-wins-hungarian-grand-prix.html">the Hungarian Grand Prix</a> as most of the field started on intermediate tires, both team cars were brought to the pits on the formation lap for slick tires noticing the drying Hungaroring circuit. Although the team was penalized for the manner they performed the tire change, Kevin Magnussen was able to capture a tenth place finish. At <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/10/lewis-hamilton-ties-michael-schumachers.html">the Eifel Grand Prix on German’s Nurburgring race track</a>, the Haas F1 Team kept Romain Grosjean on track as many racers pitted under a safety car and ultimately crossed the finish line in ninth place. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The season was overall ugly for the Haas F1 Team. Not as embarrassing as last year when a very public sponsorship dilemma served as a distraction, Haas F1 Team’s 2020 campaign resulted in even fewer points. Ending the 2020 season, the Haas F1 Team vehicles recorded the most retirements in Formula 1 with nine (Kevin Magnussen also withdrew from the Turkish Grand Prix after 55 laps but was classified for the event). </p><p>The VF-20 race car as well as its Ferrari powertrain is cited as a leading culprit to the Haas F1 Team’s dismal performance in 2020. Lacking grip and usable power, the pace of the squad’s vehicles was hindered at every track on the tour. During the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, the Haas F1 Team entered Saturday qualifying on an optimistic tone after Friday practice but ended the time trial promptly with 16th and 17th place starting spots. The team’s only double race retirement for the 2020 season came at the opening round in Austria where both cars dropped out of the event due to brake issues. </p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team's Drivers: </h2><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#8 Romain Grosjean: C</span></h3><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM9rIsftRHR2PQDvzgHqFOOc0dhkAh-Rvo1IvxOmFfBBtdyEITshZuoLnuoWA2eiX2TIRPIwDazxVxo35cpysS_CQ0_5OmJyyQHEN9_qvOgKaJRBDXLiSHh9_mG6QAxcsUqgv0KZlVJY/s1200/7-spielbergsaturday+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM9rIsftRHR2PQDvzgHqFOOc0dhkAh-Rvo1IvxOmFfBBtdyEITshZuoLnuoWA2eiX2TIRPIwDazxVxo35cpysS_CQ0_5OmJyyQHEN9_qvOgKaJRBDXLiSHh9_mG6QAxcsUqgv0KZlVJY/w640-h426/7-spielbergsaturday+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Romain Grosjean joined the Haas F1 Team during the organization’s opening season in the sport in 2016. Competing in his fifth and final year with the American-based team, the French driver has endured the most turbulent run. After a 2019 Formula 1 season where Grosjean struggled to capture eight points with the Haas F1 Team, 2020 was a bitter disappointment. In his 15 races for during this past season, he was only able to finish a single event in the top 10. While the performance deficit with the Haas VF-20 race car was evident, Grosjean would be more open with the issues of the 2020 machine when it became clear he would not be returning to the team for 2021. Grosjean’s career in Formula 1 has come to a less than ceremonious end being forced sit out the final two races after surviving a scary crash in <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/hamilton-wins-bahrain-grand-prix-marred.html">the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix</a>. </p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Running the 2020 season with a vehicle that has noted issues, Romain Grosjean had few opportunities to make his veteran experience behind the wheel count. Grosjean’s best start in the 2020 Formula 1 season was a 14th place at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix on the Silverstone Circuit being one of three occasions the Frenchman left the Q1 session in the year. The highest finish for Romain Grosjean in 2020 came at the Eifel Grand Prix where he crossed the line in ninth and grabbed two championship points.</div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The foreseeable conclusion of a Formula 1 career started in 2009 and involved many podium finishes in 2012 and 2013, Romain Grosjean’s 2020 campaign on the track was less than glorious. Not only did Grosjean miss out on points in 14 of 15 races, he wasn’t even close to competing for a top 10 finish. One of the most difficult races for Grosjean’s 2020 campaign was the Haas F1 Team’s disastrous outing at the Spanish Grand Prix. After finishing the weekend’s first two practice sessions in the top-6, the #8 car qualified 17th and would the main event in finish 19th place. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#20 Kevin Magnussen: C-</span></h2><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46Lru6IIw6I4h2-jPIsb7PT2evsSxpaMjnlbsMxOsmyfLf63DJxmbDS7aegsMg0Hksoba8hsdzkTmBMwYSJUUIdcy8XY2ttku1cJGr_O8vr2FNGKYafjyz5xg8cN_epNvgqcGFv5xXcU/s1200/fridayportimao10+Magnussen+Charles+Coates+LAT+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46Lru6IIw6I4h2-jPIsb7PT2evsSxpaMjnlbsMxOsmyfLf63DJxmbDS7aegsMg0Hksoba8hsdzkTmBMwYSJUUIdcy8XY2ttku1cJGr_O8vr2FNGKYafjyz5xg8cN_epNvgqcGFv5xXcU/w640-h426/fridayportimao10+Magnussen+Charles+Coates+LAT+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Charles Coates/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Making his debut in Formula 1 with McLaren 2014, Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen closed out his career in the series with the conclusion of the 2020. Son of Jan Magnussen who had 24 career starts in Formula 1 wrapped up by a career-best sixth place finish at the 1998 Canadian Grand Prix, 28-year-old Kevin enjoyed 119 starts in the series with his best race result coming in his debut in <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2015/03/a-commanding-2015-formula-1-debut-win.html">the 2014 Australian Grand Prix</a> with a runner-up finish. Unfortunately for Magnussen, the second place result in his first Formula 1 event would be his only podium result after six full seasons on the tour. Competing with the Haas F1 Team for the fourth year in 2020 netted Kevin Magnussen one of the worst overall seasonal campaign scoring just one point. In 2021, the Danish driver will follow his father’s career footsteps into sports car racing. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Set to be Kevin Magnussen’s final Formula 1 points-paying finish in his career came at the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix. Owed largely due to the Haas F1 Team choosing to pit both of their cars for slick Pirelli tires at the start of the race, Magnussen finished event in ninth place. He was demoted to tenth after receiving a 10-second time penalty resulting for his team aiding their driver on a formation lap breaching sporting regulations for radio communications. </p><p>In three grand prix events, Kevin Magnussen and his Haas F1 Team’s #20 race car were able to escape the first round of qualifying ultimately gaining a 15th place result in qualifying results. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Similar to his teammate Romain Grosjean, Kevin Magnussen had to compete with a less than stellar VF-20 race car that was often found near the back of the Formula 1 grid. During the Belgian Grand Prix and Tuscan Grand Prix weekends, Magnussen’s #20 machine was the slowest vehicle in qualifying. In addition to driving a disappointing competition car, the 2020 season for the Danish driver was also marked by several retirements. Kevin Magnussen failed to be running at the finish of 7 of the 17 races with reasons for retirement consisting of mechanical issues, being caught in a multi-car wreck at the Tuscan Grand Prix and a tire shortage at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#51 Pietro Fittipaldi (Round 16 & 17): C</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpQd9w7zsIOXTqdzY6J1ctN_vlyGT-RYLaS3NOwxcaLrNsmy9UoTKhhJL4WfxWsLIRfdGe80GCKrvNFLNRE7j5u03Tjt1TY9h_8weur0gVQjaONJuVbaCqDo3-7Kmhld5QmbY54Ycl9k/s1200/19-saturday-yasmarina+Andy+Hone+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1200" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpQd9w7zsIOXTqdzY6J1ctN_vlyGT-RYLaS3NOwxcaLrNsmy9UoTKhhJL4WfxWsLIRfdGe80GCKrvNFLNRE7j5u03Tjt1TY9h_8weur0gVQjaONJuVbaCqDo3-7Kmhld5QmbY54Ycl9k/w640-h418/19-saturday-yasmarina+Andy+Hone+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Andy Hone/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>With regular driver Romain Grosjean sidelined due to injuries suffered the lap one crash in the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Haas F1 Team called up their test driver Pietro Fittipaldi to complete the final two races in the 2020 season in the open seat. The grandson of two-time Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Emerson Fittipaldi and nephew of racer Max Papis, the 24-year-old driver is American born but competes under the Brazilian flag winning several titles open wheel-style feeder series. With a strong racing pedigree, Pietro Fittipaldi debut in Formula 1 came with the Sakhir Grand Prix finishing in 17th place. Fittipaldi also completed with the team for the 2020 series finale. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Though finishes of 17th and 19th place in two grand prix events are not generally worth accolades on the surface, Pietro Fittipaldi performed admirably for the circumstances presented to him. Added to the driving lineup of the Haas F1 Team within a week as a substitute entrant for <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/bottas-edges-russell-for-sakhir-grand.html">the Sakhir Grand Prix</a>, Fittipaldi’s expectations were kept modest with finishes in both races proving to be an achievement when looking at the broader picture. Team Principal for the race squad Guenther Steiner expressed satisfaction for “Pietro (Fittipaldi) did a good job in his first race having not driven a Formula 1 car in a year.”</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season:</h3><p>Pietro Fittipaldi’s second race at the 2020 Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi proved slightly more disappointing than the Sakhir Grand Prix due to issues with his #51 machine. Ending qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix one step up from his debut one week earlier Bahrain International Circuit but starting 17th due to other opponents’ grid penalties, Fittipaldi Haas F1 Team VF-20 race car was able to run ahead of teammate Kevin Magnussen during the early part of the race on the Yas Marina Circuit but encountered an overheating problem that required an added pit stop dropping him to finish at the last car running on the race.</p>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545910336466571555.post-412625954578743342021-02-11T19:05:00.002-05:002021-02-11T21:05:29.235-05:001 Racing Mind’s Formula 1 Season Ending Team Report Card: Williams Racing<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAgSTdMyIwJ-ZSdAWJ2_0A_oh3o_U_0v53Sta2b9nUaFAFF1QauGY_oyIQipz_Sn1Zlicha4oB-UUsTScGBPPdzI-P2zsAyrk0BI-sU_cv-zsfVLsqbzNuuql1By5n2EURZlwoidTDV0/s1200/11-saturday-yasmarina+Steven+Tee+Lat+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAgSTdMyIwJ-ZSdAWJ2_0A_oh3o_U_0v53Sta2b9nUaFAFF1QauGY_oyIQipz_Sn1Zlicha4oB-UUsTScGBPPdzI-P2zsAyrk0BI-sU_cv-zsfVLsqbzNuuql1By5n2EURZlwoidTDV0/w640-h426/11-saturday-yasmarina+Steven+Tee+Lat+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Steven Tee/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team Grade: C-</h2><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>With the year of 2020 has been tough time for almost everyone, the Williams Racing team and its personnel were almost a financial casualty what ended up being a more than three-month delay in the Formula 1 season. With a sale of the team in August securing at least the short-term future of the organization, founder Sir Frank Williams as well as his daughter and deputy team principal Claire Williams left the team ahead of the middle of the season. The new Dorilton Capital ownership will continue to use the Williams team name as well as the FW designation for race cars. </p><p>As off-track issues for the team were in the process of being resolved, the team arrived at the season opener in Austria with sophomore Formula 1 driver George Russell paired Canadian Nicholas Latifi who finished runner-up in the Formula 2 championship in 2019. For the first time since the team’s opening season in 1977, Williams Racing finished a Formula 1 season without a constructors’ championship point. Despite the fact Williams Racing finished 2019 with a point, this year’s on-track performance appeared more improved.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Although Williams Racing failed to score championship points during the 2020 calendar, the team did come close to a coveted top-10 finish. The organization’s drivers finished in 11th place in four grand prix events (three times by Latifi and once by Russell). A major shining moment for Williams Racing and their FW43 race car was George Russell in qualifying. In 9 of 17 grand prix events, Russell escaped the initial Q1 session in qualifying often outrunning Alfa Romeo Racing and Haas F1 Team vehicles for the short, timed outings on Saturday.</p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Although the 2020 performance by the team showed improvements on-track compared to the 2019 season, Williams Racing’s best efforts were still well off the pace of the team’s efforts five years ago. The main reason for the team’s finishes of 11th place were race retirements of fellow competitors. With close not being close enough to gain constructors’ points this year as neither George Russell or Nicholas Latifi were given a chance to mount a true fight against on-track competition.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Team's Drivers</h2><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">#63 George Russell: B+</h2><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rdoqN2UlVjRPXVoNwfVfrfAUQTRlr7wEbXaG3MZkg-1CwE7Y57OLlfOLbUVM5Ry5A1IGpEvMnhCLREyk2mOjnOh1JfwpR1rSmVijyDaKwM4wIRBISeZN-0Fr04hbPkro4ONQB-i8DCQ/s1200/30-friday-yasmarina+Glenn+Dunbar+LAT+Images.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rdoqN2UlVjRPXVoNwfVfrfAUQTRlr7wEbXaG3MZkg-1CwE7Y57OLlfOLbUVM5Ry5A1IGpEvMnhCLREyk2mOjnOh1JfwpR1rSmVijyDaKwM4wIRBISeZN-0Fr04hbPkro4ONQB-i8DCQ/w640-h428/30-friday-yasmarina+Glenn+Dunbar+LAT+Images.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Glenn Dunbar/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season:</h3><p> In his second full year of competition in the top open wheel racing series, 2018 Formula 2 champion George Russell spent much of the 2020 season in the latter half of the race field. Despite not being within the top 10 for the majority of the year, Russell garnered a great deal of attention for his ability behind the wheel of a lower tier race car. His expertise has been on full display during qualifying for several grand prix events successfully mustering runs in the FW43 race car that allowed him to escape the Q1 session. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The best qualifying placement for George Russell for 2020 came at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he and his Williams Racing team claimed 12th place. The Brit’s best finish of the year came at the one-off Tuscan Grand Prix at the 5.245-kilometer Mugello circuit where he was behind the 10th place Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel late but lost ground as the 59-lap race concluded. George Russell’s season performance with Williams Racing has been overshadowed by his effort with the Mercedes-AMG team.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Though George Russell displayed a remarkable amount of competence in his sophomore year, his 2020 campaign with Williams was not without a few follies. The most unfortunate mishap for Russell came at <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/hamilton-and-mercedes-celebrates-big.html">the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix</a> held on Italy’s Imola circuit. During a safety car period in the latter stage of the event caused by a tire failure on Max Verstappen’s Honda-powered Red Bull race car, Russell was running in 10th place. As Russell was waiving his vehicle in order to warm his tires, the British driver spun and crashed into the track barrier. Potentially the best chance for a Williams point finish in 2020, the effort ended in an embarrassing retirement. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">#6 Nicholas Latifi: C+<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></h2><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz4UKRSTY1Si4afRXw-3iv_1W9jLfO93uVA_tACQJ3O-V6nPPaKJcum26agz94doIhuy-1Hxu5Mtfoz6-kTL8tcekAQwCAyXW3-ASJREpQglPiQQJ6V810FEvbqMo8eOoPoETgCLualI/s1200/spilbergsunday14+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz4UKRSTY1Si4afRXw-3iv_1W9jLfO93uVA_tACQJ3O-V6nPPaKJcum26agz94doIhuy-1Hxu5Mtfoz6-kTL8tcekAQwCAyXW3-ASJREpQglPiQQJ6V810FEvbqMo8eOoPoETgCLualI/w640-h426/spilbergsunday14+Mark+Sutton+LAT+Images+Pirelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Sutton/ LAT Images/ Pirelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>Representing one of two driver changes for the 2020 Formula 1 season, Canada’s Nicholas Latifi was the only rookie competitor to take the grid for the 17-race schedule. Combining factors such as his rookie status in general, the complications of COVID-19 in starting this year’s race season and the instability of Williams Racing earlier this year, it could be argued Latifi faced a more difficult than normal freshman start in Formula 1 competition. Although the 2019 runner-up in Formula 2 appeared to struggle to match pace in qualifying with teammate George Russell, race results were respectable considering the situation. Latifi finished 11th on three occasions and failed to finish in only three races. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><p>The only rookie involved in the 2020 Formula 1 tour, Nicholas Latifi had a rough initial outing as a new pilot installed in a struggling team during an uncertain year. Latifi’s first season in the series involved starting around the back of the grid for almost every event but also contained some steady race performances. Incredibly, three of the four 11th place finishes by Williams Racing were achieved by the Canadian. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Latifi’s overall performance in qualifying lagged behind his teammate George Russell in every event in the season. The Turkish Grand Prix was one of the more miserable outings for Nicholas Latifi. After a <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/11/stroll-scores-first-formula-1-pole-in.html">Saturday qualifying that started with a wet and slippery Q1 sessio</a>n where many drivers struggled, Latifi was unable to record a clean timed lap. Allowed by the race stewards to start the 58-lap main feature from pit lane, the Canadian was finished Sunday's event in 19th place retiring due to crash damage.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">#89 Jack Aitken (Round 16): C+ </h2><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overall Season: </h3><p>A 25-year-old British-Korean driver with career accolades including the 2015 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 championship and a second-place overall result in the 2017 GP3 Series, Jack Aitken has spent the past three years as a Formula 1 reserve driver. After two years as a back-up and test driver with Renault, Aitken joined the Williams Racing team in 2020 and would be granted his first Formula 1 series start at the Sakhir Grand Prix as George Russell was called over to the Mercedes-AMG race team. Jack Aitken’s debut outing went as expected with a lower-tier team but also contained an unexpected element. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Achievements During 2020 Season: </h3><div style="text-align: left;">In his first Formula 1 start, Jack Aitken ran admirably for a driver called up from the Williams Racing reserve role to race with less than a week’s notice at a largely unfamiliar track 3.543-kilometer ‘Outer Circuit’ at the Bahrain International Circuit. In qualifying for the Sakhir Grand Prix, Aitken was less than a tenth of a second slower than Nicholas Latifi. Completing all 87 laps of the race in Bahrain, the driver piloting the #89 car crossed the finish line in 16th place. </div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Shortcomings During 2020 Season: </h3><p>Although Jack Aitken’s first start ended with the a finish, his debut with Williams Racing did ultimately have an unperceived impact one of the race team’s regular drivers. On <a href="https://www.1racingmind.com/2020/12/chequered-flag-for-checo-perez-wins.html">lap 61 of the Sakhir Grand Prix</a>, Aitken spun his Williams on the circuit’s 11th turn and lost his front wing colliding with a barrier. Though Aitken continued to the pit for a new front component, the debris of the incident drew a virtual safety car that would later become a full safety car. Williams Racing’s season-long driver George Russell was leading the event in a Mercedes-AMG race car at the moment of the changing race condition. While by no means intended and certainly also not to blame for the Mercedes-AMG’s pit stop disaster that happened two laps later, the aftermath of Jack Aitken’s spin created circumstances contributing to Russell missing out on a Formula 1 victory.</p><div><br /></div>Car FYI Canadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385111734084151060noreply@blogger.com0