Former world champion’s typically forthright reaction after US Grand Prix reveals frustration of five-year wait for victoryKimi Räikkönen is clearly a popular winner and there was a sense of relief that in his fifth year since rejoining Ferrari he returned his first win for the team in his second stint. It was a long time coming, 2,044 days since his last victory, for Lotus at the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. “Fucking finally” was the Finn’s typically forthright reaction. He had earned it, with a perfectly executed drive begun by beating Lewis Hamilton through turn one. Ferrari may have dispensed with his services next season but the US Grand Prix proved that Sauber will have a driver still able to bring...
Briton and his team wanted to close it out in Austin but Ferrari’s superior strategy meant his late charge came to nothingHaving crushed any challenge from Ferrari in the second half of the season, Lewis Hamilton might have been expected to complete a simple denouement to secure his fifth title at the US Grand Prix.The fight we were denied for the title, however – which will still surely be decided in Hamilton’s favour at the next round in Mexico – was at least rescued by a thrilling, dramatic race in Austin, racing that would be welcomed at any round, championship decider or not. Related: Kimi Räikkönen makes Lewis Hamilton wait for F1 title with US GP win Continue reading...
The F1 title race comes down to fine margins and the absence of racing knowledge at Ferrari has been evident as Mercedes has taken controlWhen Sebastian Vettel poked the nose of his Ferrari alongside the flank of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull as they hurtled into Suzuka’s Spoon corner on the eighth lap of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, he was doing what racing drivers do. Or so he claimed later.“If I don’t go for that gap, and the gap is there,” he said, “I might as well stay at home.” Related: McLaren reach their nadir in Japan as Vietnam prepares to welcome F1 | Giles Richards Continue reading...
Ferrari had looked strong going into the Italian Grand Prix but did not make the most of it while Max Verstappen shows the trait of champions in believing he can do no wrongFerrari and Sebastian Vettel must have concerns about how they did not manage to return the win that had looked so likely as the Italian Grand Prix weekend progressed. Related: Pressure on Lewis Hamilton in F1 duel the ‘highest I can ever remember’ Related: Lewis Hamilton wins Italian Grand Prix after early clash with Sebastian Vettel Continue reading...
The famous circuit stages the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday but it needs a new deal with Formula One’s owners to keep goingThere are few Formula One circuits that stir the heart quite like Monza, where the sense of history and passion for the sport is palpable. There are fewer still where you can reach out and touch the fabric on which this tradition has been built. The past is still very much in evidence but at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, for Ferrari and for Monza, the future is very much the most immediate concern.Walk the grounds inside the track and its grand history is clear. It is being maintained and developed as a sort of automotive listed building....