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☆ Wolff says F1 risks disarray if Massa succeeds in title bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 19 (Reuters) - Formula One risks disarray in the unlikely event of Felipe Massa winning a threatened legal claim for the 2008 world championship, according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. The Brazilian lost that title by a point to Britain's Lewis Hamilton, then at McLaren and now at Mercedes and a seven-time world champion. "I don't think he has a case, to be honest," Wolff told reporters at the latest edition of the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend. "For me this is like watching a telenovela or soap opera playing out in front of me," added the Austrian. Wolff had said earlier that Massa's case was sure to set a precedent and Mercedes were watching "with curiosity".

Persons: Felipe Massa, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Britain's Lewis Hamilton, Wolff, Massa, Wolff's, I'm, Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Michael Masi, Alan Baldwin, Ken Ferris Organizations: Ferrari, Massa, McLaren, Mercedes, Singapore, Prix, Austrian, Thomson Locations: Singapore, Abu Dhabi, London

☆ FIA issues written warning to Red Bull's Marko for Perez comments
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Marko, 80, apologised last week after referring to Perez as a "South American" who was less focused than dominant Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen or the team's now-retired champion Sebastian Vettel. "We can confirm that Helmut Marko has received a written warning and been reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motor sport in line with the FIA Code of Ethics," said an FIA spokesman at the Singapore Grand Prix. Perez said on Thursday he had accepted a personal apology from Marko, whose comments continued to provoke a strong reaction in the paddock. It was not the first time Marko had referred to Perez as a South American, although the Mexican comes from Guadalajara which is geographically in North America. "I'm Italian so I know that sometimes we have been facing the same comments," said Alfa Romeo's Alessandro Alunni Bravi.

Persons: Gilles Villeneuve, Sergio Perez, Helmut Marko, Evan Buhler, Marko, Perez, Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, hasn't, Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, Zak Brown, Verstappen, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Alan Baldwin, Ken Ferris Organizations: Prix, Grand Prix REUTERS, Rights, Red Bull, FIA, Singapore, Formula One, Mexican, One, Thomson Locations: Montreal, Canada, Rights SINGAPORE, Austrian, Mexican, Guadalajara, North America, Mexico, South America, London

☆ Mercedes watching Massa case with interest, says Wolff
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Former Ferrari driver Massa lost that title by a point to Lewis Hamilton, now at Mercedes and a seven-time world champion. The Brazilian, 42, says an alleged "conspiracy" denied him the title because the sport's leaders knew the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was manipulated but took no action until a year later. Wolff suggested that outcome could also be challenged if Massa were to succeed with his case. "The FIA commented on the 2021 race with a clear statement so that's why we are looking at it with interest," he said. The governing FIA said in March 2022 after an enquiry that "the results of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the FIA Formula One World Championship are valid, final and cannot now be changed."

Persons: Felipe Massa, Edgar Su, Felipe Massa's, Toto Wolff, Massa, Lewis Hamilton, Nelson Piquet, Fernando Alonso, Wolff, Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Michael Masi . Wolff, Alan Baldwin, Ken Ferris Organizations: Singapore, Circuit, Rights, Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault, FIA, Abu, Prix, Thomson Locations: Singapore, Rights SINGAPORE, Abu Dhabi, London

☆ Verstappen hits back at Wolff over 'Wikipedia' comment
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Wolff made his comments after this month's Italian Grand Prix, where Mercedes were beaten by both Ferraris as well as the two Red Bulls. Asked at the Singapore Grand Prix for his reaction, Verstappen said he was not disappointed. Verstappen, who is 145 points clear of team mate Sergio Perez in the championship and set for a third title well before the end of the season, suggested Wolff should focus on his own team. "We knew that we just had to work harder, try to be better and try to get to that level. Hamilton is currently fourth in the standings, 200 points behind Verstappen.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Jennifer Lorenzini, Toto Wolff, Wolff, Mercedes, Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Lewis Hamilton, Hamilton, George Russell, Bull, Alan Baldwin, Toby Davis Organizations: Prix, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Prix REUTERS, Rights, Mercedes Formula, Ferraris, Red Bulls, Singapore, Thomson Locations: Monza, Italy, Rights SINGAPORE, Austrian, London

☆ Hamilton set to race into his 40s with Mercedes
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

SummaryCompanies Hamilton staying at Mercedes in 2024 and 2025New contract will see him race into his 40sUnchanged lineup with RussellMONZA, Italy, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said he had never been hungrier to win after agreeing a new deal to race on with Mercedes until the end of 2025, and into his 40s. That would put Hamilton on a level with Red Bull's dominant double world champion Max Verstappen as the highest-paid drivers. MOST SUCCESSFULHamilton last won a race in 2021, with Red Bull and Verstappen in 2022 ending Mercedes's record run of eight successive constructors' world titles. The team are second in the current standings but a mighty 285 points behind Red Bull, who have won every race. Russell joined the Mercedes lineup last season as replacement for Valtteri Bottas and took his first victory in Brazil -- the last time Red Bull were beaten.

Persons: Hamilton, Russell MONZA, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Briton George Russell, Max Verstappen, We've, we've, Red Bull, isn't, Russell, Valtteri Bottas, Toto Wolff, Lewis, it's energising, Wolff, Alan Baldwin, Ken Ferris Organizations: Mercedes, Briton, Prix, Hamilton, McLaren, Thomson Locations: Italy, Hamilton, Brazil

☆ Mercedes lick wounds after worst result yet in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The eight points scored marked the first time this season that Mercedes had failed to take at least double figures from a weekend. "I think we stayed out catastrophically too long (in the first stint)," Wolff told Sky Sports television. "I'd rather have a fast race car and a mediocre result even if it hurts," said Wolff. The situation is never one person or one department... that was absolutely subpar from all of us and that includes me. Writing by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Yves Herman Acquire, Toto Wolff, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Russell, Wolff, Lando Norris, George, Max, Lewis, Ferrari's Carlos, Sainz, It's, Alan Baldwin, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Prix, Hamilton, Sky Sports, Briton, McLaren, Thomson Locations: Zandvoort, Netherlands, ZANDVOORT, London

☆ Verstappen takes Dutch GP pole for third straight year
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-26 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The outcome left Red Bull's runaway championship leader perfectly placed for a record-equalling ninth successive win on Sunday, with his team chasing a 14th straight victory. Norris, fastest when the session was halted with four minutes remaining after Charles Leclerc crashed his Ferrari, ended up second. Verstappen's time of one minute 10.567 seconds on a drying track was 0.537 faster than Norris could manage. FINAL SESSIONThe pole was Verstappen's eighth in 13 races this season and 28th of his career. New Zealander Liam Lawson, making his F1 debut as replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri, qualified in last place.

Persons: Norris, Russell, Max Verstappen, McLaren's Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Max, George Russell, Mercedes, Alex Albon, Williams, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, Bull's Sergio Perez, Verstappen's, Logan Sargeant, Albon, Sargeant, Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff, Hamilton, Aston, Lance, AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda, Tsunoda, Lewis, Wolff, Sainz, McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Ferrari, Liam Lawson, Daniel Ricciardo, Red, Alan Baldwin, Hugh Lawson, David Holmes Organizations: McLaren, Williams, Prix, Zandvoort, Ferrari, Briton, U.S, Verstappen, New, Red Bull, Thomson Locations: London

☆ Verstappen chasing record-equalling ninth win in a row
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The 25-year-old Red Bull driver can count on a capacity crowd cheering him all the way as he returns home more dominant than ever. Red Bull are meanwhile chasing a 14th successive win, and 13th of this season, with the run dating back to Abu Dhabi last year. "I'm excited to get going with the second half of the season now and what better way to start than in the Netherlands," said Verstappen. "There is no change to the team’s strategy or objectives, only a change in some personnel as outlined before the break. Zandvoort is an exciting fresh start for all of us and I’m sure everyone at the team is ready for the challenge."

Persons: Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel's, Sergio Perez, Bull, Abu Dhabi, Germany's Vettel, Red Bull, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, Fred Vasseur, Frenchman, Robert Shwartzman, Carlos Sainz's, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Szafnauer, Bruno Famin, Alan Baldwin, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bulls, Monegasque, Zandvoort, Aston, Renault, Thomson Locations: Zandvoort, Abu, Netherlands, Belgium, Monza, Austrian, London

☆ Verstappen wins Belgian Sprint with Piastri second
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-29 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

SummaryCompanies Verstappen wins sprint from pole, Piastri secondChampion now 118 points clear of team mate PerezPerez retires after clash with HamiltonGasly third for AlpineSPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium, July 29 (Reuters) - Red Bull's Max Verstappen won a rain-delayed and shortened sprint race from pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday to stretch his Formula One lead to 118 points. Australian rookie Oscar Piastri started and finished second for McLaren, after leading briefly during a safety car period, with Frenchman Pierre Gasly a morale-boosting third for misfiring Alpine. Half the field followed Piastri straight into the pits at the start to change to intermediate tyres while Verstappen stayed out on full wets. I could come in first but then I might be blocked by other cars, there might be a safety car and then you lose out massively. "This is a sprint race, we want to see them racing," he said.

Persons: Perez Perez, Hamilton Gasly, Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, Frenchman Pierre Gasly, Sergio Perez, Mercedes's Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, McLaren's Lando Norris, George Russell, Mercedes, Gasly, Anthoine Hubert, Verstappen, Bull, Aston Martin's, Fernando Alonso, Max, we've, Perez, Hamilton, Ferraris, Norris, Red, Christian Horner, Toto Wolff, Leclerc, Alan Baldwin, Hugh Lawson, Clare Fallon Organizations: Belgian, Prix, McLaren, Spa, Briton, Red Bull, Thomson Locations: Belgium, Verstappen's, Pouhon, Eau Rouge, Stavelot

☆ Mercedes Performance Improves After Adjustments to Its Racecar
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Ian Parkes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

After qualifying was finished for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix in March, Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, condemned his own car. “We got the physics wrong, and now we need to correct it,” Wolff said. “We gave it our best go, and now we need to regroup, sit down with the engineers and decide the development direction we want to pursue in order to win races. “We hit our targets, and that showed us that it is simply not good enough.”Weeks later, at the Monaco Grand Prix, Mercedes introduced an upgraded version of its W14 car. There was also a new floor and front suspension.

Persons: Toto Wolff, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Max Verstappen, Red Bull, “, ” Wolff, ” Weeks, Mercedes Organizations: Prix, Mercedes, Monaco Locations: Bahrain

☆ Mercedes' Toto Wolff shares his tips on leading a superstar team and 2 key values for long-term success
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

For me, the notion of control freak is: know everything that's going on, but not interfering in everything that's going on. Toto Wolff Team Principal of Mercedes F1"And when you win, have no sense of entitlement... Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell currently stand in fourth and seventh in the drivers' rankings, respectively. Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton (R) and George Russell (L) currently take the fourth and seventh placing in the 2023 Driver Standing respectively. "So for me, the notion of control freak is: know everything that's going on, but not interfering in everything that's going on... and getting that balance right."

Persons: Toto Wolff, Eric Alonso, Wolff, Mercedes, Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Red, Max Verstappen, It's, Peter Fox, Williams Organizations: Jeddah Corniche, Getty, Mercedes, Petronas F1 Team, Energy Asia, Petronas, Abu, Grand Prix, Anadolu Agency, Prix, of Russia, Sochi Autodrom, Hamilton Locations: Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Malaysia's, Kuala Lumpur, Grand, Sochi, Russia

☆ Toto Wolff says Mercedes' next upgrade package will be at Silverstone
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailToto Wolff says Mercedes' next upgrade package will be at SilverstoneMercedes' team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged that "we got the physics wrong" after new regulations were introduced last year. He said the team's goal is to "come back and fight for the championship."

Persons: Toto Wolff, Mercedes Organizations: Silverstone Mercedes

☆ Verstappen favourite for Red Bull's 100th win
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Red Bull have won 23 of the last 26 races, and 17 of the last 18, and will be only the fifth constructor to hit 100. Verstappen won last year in Canada from pole position ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, the seven times world champion who has won a record-equalling seven times there. "Of course, last year's win is still in my mind so hopefully we can do something similar this weekend," said Verstappen. Mercedes overtook Aston Martin for second place in the constructors' standings after Spain, where they were Red Bull's closest rivals. Ferrari received a morale boost last weekend when they won the Le Mans 24 Hours and enjoyed a strong weekend in Montreal last year.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Albert Gea, Ayrton Senna, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Red Bull, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Perez, Hamilton, Toto Wolff, Wolff, Aston Martin, Red, Lawrence, Lance, Jacques Villeneuve, Fernando Alonso, Alonso, Ferrari, Fred Vasseur, Alan Baldwin, Toby Davis Organizations: Prix, Spanish, Prix REUTERS, Circuit, Sauber, Bull, Austrian, Mercedes, CNBC, Reuters, Aston Martin, Le, Thomson Locations: Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain, Montreal, Dutch, Canada, Milton Keynes, Spanish, Monaco, New York, Canadian

☆ Mercedes' Wolff: Hamilton's new contract is coming in days, not weeks
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMercedes' Wolff: Hamilton's new contract is coming in days, not weeksToto Wolff, team principal and CEO at the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss Sir Lewis Hamilton's status on Mercedes, how significant Hamilton's role is on the team, and more.

Persons: Mercedes, Wolff, Toto Wolff, Sir Lewis Hamilton's Organizations: Mercedes, AMG Petronas

☆ Lewis Hamilton lauds ‘amazing result’ for Mercedes with first double podium of the year, as Max Verstappen wins the Spanish Grand Prix
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Mercedes secured its first double podium of the year as Lewis Hamilton finished second and George Russell third at the Spanish Grand Prix, another race once again won by a dominant Max Verstappen. “What a result for our team,” Hamilton told Sky Sports afterwards. “A sign of things to come hopefully,” Russell told Sky Sports afterwards. Really pleased to be on the podium.”Russell and Hamilton finished on the podium behind Verstappen. While Red Bull has exerted its dominance since, Hamilton finished sixth in the drivers’ championship last year and Russell finished fourth.

Persons: CNN — Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Max Verstappen, ” Hamilton, “, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Russell, Sergio Perez, ” Russell, we’re, Hamilton, Verstappen, Hasan Bratic, Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari, ” Mercedes ’, Toto Wolff, Bull, ” Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Sky Sports, Bulls, Prix, Aston, Ferrari, Getty Locations: Red, Abu Dhabi, British

☆ F1 teams analyse crane photos for secrets of Red Bull floor
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MONACO, May 28 (Reuters) - Formula One rivals hope to discover some of dominant Red Bull's most closely guarded secrets from photographs of the underside of Sergio Perez's car after it was craned off the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. The floor is the most aerodynamically sensitive area of the car, with ground-effect sculpting responsible for much of the performance. Monaco marshals typically use cranes to clear stranded cars from the metal-fenced track because of the close confines and lack of runoff. "So the teams will be all over those kinds of photographs. "There’s a lot of very excited aerodynamicists up and down the pitlane looking at all of that."

☆ Miami Grand Prix: How to watch and everything you need to know as F1 returns to Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( Charlie Webster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Despite more competitive sessions, fans were left disappointed with the lack of overtaking in last week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. What happened last yearIn last year’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix, Ferrari locked out the front row in qualifying with Charles Leclerc taking pole position and teammate Carlos Sainz starting P2. Max Verstappen is the only previous winner of the Miami Grand Prix. Only a chaotic Australian Grand Prix, in which Pérez began from the pit lane after crashing in qualifying, has prevented a perfect start for Red Bull. Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty ImagesFlorida-born rookie Logan Sargeant will be hoping to score his first F1 points at his home Grand Prix.

☆ Mercedes car "a nasty piece of work" fumes Wolff
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MIAMI, May 6 (Reuters) - Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff slammed the Formula One outfit's car as "a nasty piece of work" on Saturday after a frustrating qualifying effort for the Miami Grand Prix left the Austrian scratching his head and at times speechless. But it has been all downhill from there with Russell qualifying sixth for Sunday's race and Hamilton 13th, his worst ever qualifying at any circuit in the United States. "It's the lack of comprehension of what it is, that makes this car such a nasty piece of work. "I think that the car is not a nice car, not a good car and I wouldn't even be able to point out fundamentally it's just...," paused Wolff searching for the right words. "That's worse than I thought because we have 20 months on since we were last time in Miami and the car is just marginally better," said Wolff.

☆ Watch CNBC's full interview with G42 CEO and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWatch CNBC's full interview with G42 CEO and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team CEOAbu Dhabi royal backed artificial intelligence company G42 and the Mercedes F1 team are partnering to explore ways to deploy AI software and solutions into the team's operations to deliver critical insights. CNBC's Dan Murphy sits with G42 CEO Peng Xiao and Mercedes F1 Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff to speak about the partnership, incorporating AI technology in sports and AI regulation.

☆ Ferrari's Leclerc denies talks with Mercedes: 'Not yet'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 27 (Reuters) - Ferrari's Charles Leclerc denied on Thursday he was talking to rivals Mercedes after a nightmare start to the Formula One season, but his 'not yet' comment was unlikely to dampen speculation. Leclerc has scored only six points from three races so far, retiring twice. Not for the moment," the Monegasque told reporters in Baku when asked about media speculation in Italy that his discussions with former champions Mercedes were an open secret. "For now, I am fully focused on the project I am in today, which is Ferrari and I fully trust and am confident for the future. Asked if Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had called him, Leclerc replied: "No.

☆ Formula One under scrutiny over balance between safety and entertainment
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Stewards had hoped racing would decide the winner but the carnage only served to trigger a third red flag and a processional win behind a safety car for Red Bull's Max Verstappen. DAMAGE BILLSStriking the right balance between safety and sport has long challenged Formula One, which moved to tighten its safety car rules after controversy hit the title-deciding 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Officials no longer have such discretion but the application of safety car rules continues to flummox drivers and team bosses alike. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he was not sure when to expect a standard safety car versus a virtual one or a red flag after incidents. "Standing starts are the most vulnerable part of any grand prix and we did three of them," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

☆ Masi's door open to Mercedes but Wolff won't be knocking
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The choice is theirs," Masi told News Corp media. "I've always had an open door policy and will always have an open door policy, since the moment that I arrived in this F1 paddock and that continues." Hamilton said on Thursday he had no plans to meet Masi and was only focussed on his future. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff echoed Hamilton, saying he wanted to leave the past behind. "No," he said when asked if he would meet Masi.

☆ F1 needs Perez to keep performing at his best
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, March 20 (Reuters) - Sergio Perez may have had his best race yet in Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix but Formula One desperately needs the Mexican to keep it up in a season turning into a tale of two Red Bull team mates. Verstappen won 15 of the 22 races last year to Perez's two triumphs. "We've had those years where we were as strong, but it's a meritocracy," the Austrian told reporters when asked about the sport's popularity taking a hit if Red Bull kept winning everything. Perez agreed: "I think we did a great job," he said of the race in Jeddah. "I don't know if it's my best weekend so far with the team, but I'm sure Melbourne will be even better."

☆ Even from 15th, Verstappen remains a big threat
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 18 (Reuters) - Red Bull's Max Verstappen will start the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 15th place but none of his rivals were ruling out the Formula One championship leader fighting for victory on Sunday. Mercedes driver George Russell, who qualified third on a circuit where overtaking is relatively easy, expected to see Verstappen in his mirrors. "We saw what Max did last year from 15th in Spa and he's got a faster race car this year." Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who will start 12th after qualifying second but with a 10 place grid drop, said Red Bull were on another planet. Red Bull boss Christian Horner preferred to praise Perez's pole lap.

☆ F1 team bosses have their own light-bulb moment
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-26 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The late McLaren boss Teddy Mayer liked to compare Formula One drivers to interchangeable light-bulbs, declaring "you plug them in and they do the job", and nowadays the same might be said for team principals. The Frenchman is on his third different team, after stints at Sauber and Renault. "It shows also that the role of the team principal is maybe sometimes also a bit over-rated because if you can change it so quickly and there is no big impact, it tells also something. Sauber, with Swedish billionaire Finn Rausing as chairman of the board, will become the Audi works team from 2026. "But other than that we must not forget that F1 teams have developed into big organisations where the owners are not any more the team principals... some have engineers as team principals, some have more an old-fashioned rule."

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