Gasly: Verstappen Clinches Title If Leading Post-Jeddah

In Focus: Key Motorsport Developments

Gasly Backs Verstappen for Championship Glory

As the 2021 Formula 1 season draws to a nail-biting close, AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly has weighed in on the intense championship fight, firmly believing that Max Verstappen holds a significant advantage. Gasly, a former teammate of Verstappen at Red Bull, sees the Dutch driver as the favourite to clinch his maiden world title, especially if he manages to leave the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah with an extended points lead. The season has been a truly captivating spectacle, with the battle between Verstappen and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton becoming one of the most memorable in F1 history.

Despite acknowledging Lewis Hamilton’s formidable competitiveness, particularly at a new and challenging circuit like Jeddah, Gasly remains convinced that Verstappen’s current points buffer is critical. “Max has the point advantage,” Gasly stated, underlining the psychological and strategic edge it provides. “I see him winning in the end, and he’s got two races. It’s only two races, he’s got eight points advantage, so he’s clearly in the better position.” This eight-point lead means Verstappen controls his destiny to a greater extent, making every session and every race lap profoundly important for both contenders.

However, Gasly was quick to temper expectations, recognizing that the battle is far from over and will not be an effortless victory for Verstappen. “I don’t think it’s going to be an easy one” for Verstappen this weekend, he added, anticipating a fierce challenge from Mercedes. “I think Mercedes is going to be very strong here.” The newly constructed Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with its high-speed sections and tight walls, is expected to favor cars with strong engine power and excellent aerodynamic efficiency, areas where Mercedes has historically excelled. The high-stakes environment means both teams will be pushing their machines and drivers to the absolute limit.

Ultimately, Gasly believes the outcome of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be pivotal. “But if he arrives in Abu Dhabi with the points advantage, I think he’s going to get the championship.” The final race of the season in Abu Dhabi will serve as the decider, and carrying a points lead into that event would undoubtedly relieve some pressure from Verstappen, placing it squarely on Hamilton to deliver a flawless performance. The Frenchman expressed immense satisfaction with the thrilling nature of this year’s championship, describing it as “entertaining.” He added, “Obviously we don’t see all the action, racing with them but seeing everything that happened through the season it’s a pretty good year.” Gasly’s hope extends beyond the current season, as he looks forward to a future where “more and more” cars are fighting for the championship, promoting a healthier and more exciting sport for fans worldwide.

Leclerc’s “Weird” Chassis Experience in Qatar

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc faced an unexpected challenge during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, experiencing a “weird” feeling from his car that was later attributed to a cracked chassis. The problem, a critical structural integrity issue, was discovered only after the qualifying session had concluded, putting immense pressure on his mechanics. The team had to work swiftly and tirelessly to switch his chassis before the race, a monumental task under tight logistical constraints. A cracked chassis can profoundly affect a car’s handling characteristics, stability, and ultimately, its performance, making it nearly impossible for a driver to extract maximum pace.

Leclerc elaborated on his experience, explaining the unsettling sensation he felt behind the wheel. “The car felt weird,” he recounted. “We haven’t gone through all the checks yet of this chassis. How much did it affect the performance? I don’t know. But I just didn’t have the right feeling for qualifying.” For a Formula 1 driver, the “feeling” from the car is paramount, especially in qualifying when fractions of a second can determine grid positions. A lack of confidence in the car’s behavior due to an unforeseen structural issue can compromise a driver’s ability to attack corners and push to the limit. While Ferrari continued to investigate the precise cause and full impact of the crack, the incident highlighted the extreme stresses F1 cars endure and the relentless pursuit of perfection required by teams to ensure both performance and driver safety.

Red Bull’s Aerodynamic Arsenal Ready for Jeddah

Red Bull Racing, deeply entrenched in the championship battle, is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Sergio Perez, the team’s second driver, has assuaged concerns regarding Red Bull’s adaptability to medium downforce setups, asserting that the team possesses a comprehensive range of rear wing configurations for the high-speed Jeddah circuit. This comes after the team encountered issues with a slimmer, lower-downforce rear wing flapping at high speeds during the Qatar Grand Prix, which forced them to revert to a maximum downforce setup for that race.

The ability to select the optimal rear wing is crucial for any Formula 1 team, as it dictates the balance between downforce (for cornering grip) and drag (affecting straight-line speed). For a circuit like Jeddah, characterized by long straights and fast, sweeping corners, finding the perfect compromise is key. Perez confirmed the team’s readiness: “I think it’s all under control and [we have] no issues with it.” He further emphasized, “we have available every single rear wing on our car” for the Jeddah race. This flexibility is a significant advantage, allowing Red Bull to fine-tune their car’s aerodynamic profile to best suit the demanding new circuit, potentially giving them an edge in a championship where every tenth of a second counts.

Mortara Dominates Formula E Pre-Season Testing in Valencia

The electrifying world of Formula E kicked off its pre-season testing in Valencia, where Venturi driver Edoardo Mortara emphatically set the fastest overall lap time. Piloting a car powered by defending champions Mercedes’ powertrain, Mortara clocked an impressive 1’25.763, nearly a full second quicker than the previous best set by Mercedes factory driver Stoffel Vandoorne. This strong performance signals Venturi’s potential competitiveness for the upcoming season, leveraging the proven technology from their powertrain supplier.

However, a notable aspect of the Valencia test was the significantly slower lap times compared to the previous year. In 2020, Max Günther set a blistering 1’11.760, a stark contrast to Mortara’s best this year. This dramatic difference was not due to a drop in car performance but rather a deliberate alteration to the circuit layout. For the 2021 test and the subsequent Valencia Eprix, Formula E utilized an adjusted track configuration featuring added chicanes. These chicanes were strategically introduced to better simulate the tighter, more technical street circuits typical of Formula E, ensuring that pre-season testing more accurately reflected race conditions. Furthermore, in the previous season, even the chicane traditionally used in earlier years on the start/finish straight was temporarily removed. This measure was implemented during the pandemic to mitigate the risk of bodywork damage and conserve vital spare parts, which were in short supply across the motorsport world due to manufacturing and supply chain disruptions.

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Social Media Buzz from the Paddock

Catch up with some of the most notable posts and interactions from Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms, providing a glimpse into the paddock’s activities and driver personalities:

A change of colour for the Aston Martin Safety Car and Medical Car this weekend – British racing green is out, the colours of the Saudi Arabian flag are in.#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/VeVz9Nh3Ej

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) December 2, 2021

RaceFans reported on a visually striking change for the Aston Martin Safety Car and Medical Car for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The traditional British Racing Green livery has been temporarily replaced with a new design incorporating the vibrant colours of the Saudi Arabian flag. This special livery is a nod to the host nation for its inaugural Formula 1 event, adding a unique local flavour to the safety vehicles that will patrol the new Jeddah Corniche Circuit this weekend.

• For more official F1 accounts and key figures to follow across various platforms, explore our comprehensive F1 Twitter Directory, an essential resource for staying connected with the sport.

Further Reading: Motorsport Links of Interest

Here’s a selection of compelling articles and reports from around the motorsport world, offering deeper dives into critical issues and fascinating insights:

Saudi Arabia: F1 Events Risk Whitewashing Abuses (Human Rights Watch)

Human Rights Watch has issued a strong statement regarding Formula 1’s inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, warning that such high-profile events risk “whitewashing” the Saudi government’s concerning human rights record. The report urges the Formula One Group and participating artists to actively leverage their platforms. They call on F1 to publicly pressure Saudi authorities to release unjustly detained dissidents and human rights activists, including those imprisoned or restricted for advocating for women’s right to drive. HRW suggests that refusal to participate in the events, or at least a strong public stance, would send a clearer message, highlighting the ethical dilemma faced by global sports organizations operating in countries with controversial human rights records. The debate centers on whether engagement can genuinely foster change or simply serves to legitimize existing practices.

Lewis Hamilton: I turned down Anna Wintour – I can’t afford to catch Covid (The Times – subscription required)

In an insightful interview with The Times, Lewis Hamilton revealed the extraordinary sacrifices he makes to maintain peak performance and avoid contracting Covid-19, especially during a fiercely contested championship season. Hamilton recounted declining an invitation to a high-profile event, the British Fashion Awards, where he was slated to sit at a prestigious table with fashion icon Anna Wintour. His reasoning was clear and direct: “Last night it was the British Fashion Awards and I was supposed to be on a really nice table and sitting with Anna and I was like, ‘I have got to be up training, I have got to be focused, I cannot risk getting Covid.’ I have made every sacrifice.” This candid admission underscores the immense dedication and disciplined lifestyle required of elite athletes, particularly in an era where health protocols and the risk of infection can derail a championship bid or an entire season.

Clear words from Bernie Ecclestone: Hamilton should have resigned for Schumi (RTL)

Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone sparked controversy with his characteristically outspoken remarks, suggesting that Lewis Hamilton should have retired from the sport to preserve Michael Schumacher’s legendary record. Ecclestone stated, “In fact, I’m surprised that Lewis didn’t say at the beginning of the year: I’m resigning, I don’t want to win more races or world championships than Michael.” These comments, made on German television station RTL, reflect a sentiment among some traditionalists who view records as sacred and perhaps prefer a singular, undisputed GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). However, such a perspective overlooks the competitive drive inherent in every top athlete and the very essence of motorsport: to push boundaries and achieve new milestones, constantly redefining what is possible in the sport.

Racing for Sir Frank and remembering his legacy (Nicholas Latifi)

Williams driver Nicholas Latifi penned a heartfelt tribute to the late Sir Frank Williams, the iconic founder of the Williams Formula 1 team, reflecting on his profound legacy. Latifi shared personal anecdotes that painted a vivid picture of Sir Frank’s unwavering dedication and presence at the team’s factory. “He basically lived at the factory,” Latifi recalled, emphasizing Williams’s deep personal commitment to his team. He added, “When I was having a quick break during sim sessions I’d often see him outside taking a breath of fresh air, surveying the surroundings, and chatting to employees as they passed by.” These intimate details highlight Sir Frank’s hands-on approach and his genuine connection with every individual in the team, embodying the spirit of a true racer and a revered team principal whose influence continues to resonate throughout the paddock.

Piastri expecting plenty of variables at ‘unique’ Jeddah circuit but remains confident he can extend title lead (Formula 2)

Oscar Piastri, the dominant force in the 2021 Formula 2 championship, expressed his anticipation for the numerous variables presented by the “unique” Jeddah circuit, while maintaining confidence in his ability to extend his title lead. The Australian driver acknowledged the inherent challenges of the new street circuit: “There will be a few variables. Yellow flags will be a big one because it’s a street circuit and the margin for error on a circuit like this is basically zero.” He highlighted the increased risk of high-speed incidents and the unpredictable nature of street circuit racing, where even a minor mistake can have significant consequences. Despite these “un-controllables,” Piastri remains focused on his performance: “but in terms of what I can control, I’m confident that we can be quick.” His methodical approach underscores the mental fortitude required to succeed in a championship-deciding round on an unfamiliar and demanding track.

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Comment of the Day: F1 Frog on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Ahead of the much-anticipated inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah, F1 Frog shared a deeply critical and thought-provoking comment, raising significant concerns about the event from multiple perspectives. Their extensive critique touches upon human rights, track safety, and the underlying motivations for F1’s presence in the region.

To be honest, I am not at all impressed with the running of the Saudi Arabian GP this weekend. Obviously the first reason for this is the human rights problems that Hamilton and others have spoken up against. It is very disappointing to hear Domenicali claiming that F1 going there will improve the situation, when not going would be far better as the leaders of the country would see that they have to improve human rights if they want large events like a Grand Prix. Clearly it is just about the money.

F1 Frog begins by expressing strong disapproval regarding the human rights issues associated with Saudi Arabia, echoing concerns voiced by prominent figures like Lewis Hamilton. They challenge F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s assertion that the sport’s presence can instigate positive change, arguing instead that a boycott would send a more unequivocal message, compelling the nation’s leadership to address human rights if they wish to host prestigious global events. This perspective highlights the ongoing “sportswashing” debate, where critics suggest that hosting major sporting spectacles can serve to distract from, or legitimize, a country’s controversial practices, with the financial incentives outweighing ethical considerations.

The second major concern raised by F1 Frog pertains to the safety of the new Jeddah Corniche Circuit. “The second reason to be concerned about the race is that I am just not very confident about the safety of the track. Having seen computer simulated laps of it, it looks extremely fast, but with walls so close the likelihood of a high-speed crash, and another car colliding with the crashed car, seems too high.” This apprehension stems from the track’s design—a high-speed street circuit with unforgiving barriers in close proximity to the racing line. The potential for serious high-energy accidents, and the elevated risk of secondary collisions involving other cars, is a significant worry for many observers, particularly given the unprecedented speeds expected on a street circuit.

Adding to these safety anxieties is the remarkably late approval of the circuit. “And the fact that it has only been approved the day before practice is considerably more worrying. Had it been approved months ago, preferably before the race was confirmed on the calendar, that would be convincing that it had been properly checked, but leaving it so late makes it seem like a close call, and with the financial loss of cancelling the race now F1 may be more inclined to give the race the go-ahead in a situation like this.” The eleventh-hour green light for the track raises questions about the thoroughness of the safety inspections and the potential influence of financial considerations over safety protocols. F1 Frog implies that with the massive investment and logistical effort already expended, the sport might be pressured to proceed with the race even if safety margins are tighter than ideal, contrasting this with the clear-cut decision to cancel the Belgian Grand Prix due to extreme weather conditions.

F1 Frog concludes by expressing a broader disillusionment with the sport’s direction. “Obviously, the counter to this is that they didn’t try to race in Spa, but that was very clearly too dangerous. Given that the track isn’t even exciting anyway, I think it is very obvious that money is the only motivation for this grand prix, and it saddens me that Liberty’s intentions have turned out to be no different to Bernie Ecclestone’s, when they initially seemed to be such an improvement. Hopefully I will be wrong and the track will be fine, but I would prefer for this race not to be taking place.
@f1frog

The comment finishes by lamenting what they perceive as a shift in Liberty Media’s priorities, suggesting that their reign, initially promising a more fan-centric and ethically conscious approach, has ultimately converged with the commercially driven decisions characteristic of the Bernie Ecclestone era. Despite hoping for a safe event, F1 Frog’s preference remains for the race not to happen at all, underscoring the deep ethical and safety concerns that persist among a segment of the Formula 1 fanbase regarding the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This sentiment encapsulates a critical debate about the balance between commercial expansion and the sport’s values.

Happy Birthday to Motorsport Enthusiasts!

We’d like to extend our warmest wishes to all celebrating their special day today! A very Happy Birthday goes out to Riise, Speed Damon, Colm, and Rick! May your day be filled with joy, exciting racing, and everything you wish for. Here’s to many more years of thrilling motorsport action!

On This Day in Motorsport History

• Today, we remember the birth of Roberto Mieres in 1924. This talented Argentinian driver competed in Formula 1 during the 1950s, a challenging era for motorsport. Throughout his F1 career, Mieres demonstrated consistent performance, achieving three impressive fourth-place finishes. Despite his evident skill and competitive spirit, he never quite managed to secure a coveted spot on the podium. His career highlights serve as a reminder of the fierce competition and the razor-thin margins that separated drivers from top honors in the golden age of Formula 1.