F2 bosses back drivers’ ethical race choices

Motorsport Insights: Navigating Global Challenges and Pre-Season Pace

Formula 2 Team Bosses Address Politics and Driver Autonomy Amidst Global Tensions

Following the significant decision to cancel the Russian Grand Prix – a fixture that Formula 2 was also scheduled to be a part of – team bosses in the fiercely competitive junior category have voiced their opinions on the delicate balance between sport and politics. A consensus emerged regarding driver autonomy, with several principals affirming they would respect a driver’s individual decision not to participate in a race under challenging circumstances.

François Sicard, the Team Principal for DAMS, articulated a common sentiment within the paddock. “I think we only have to respect the choice of the driver if he doesn’t want to drive,” Sicard stated, emphasizing the importance of individual agency. He further elaborated on the principle of separating sporting events from political landscapes, even in times of grave global importance. “For me, we should separate this from the politics orientation, even when there are serious matters. But we should separate and we should keep the sport going on.” This perspective highlights the inherent tension between the desire for sport to remain an apolitical arena and the undeniable impact of geopolitical events on its participants.

Rob Niessink, representing Formula 2 newcomers Van Amersfoort Racing, acknowledged the gravity of the current international situation. “We all understand that we’re living in a horrible era now,” he remarked, extending well wishes to all those affected by ongoing crises. However, reflecting on the FIA’s decision to cancel the Russian Grand Prix due to force majeure, Niessink conveyed a pragmatic view from the team’s standpoint. “It seems for us at this moment, it’s not relevant.” He continued, underlining the intense focus required to compete at this level: “If we concentrate and focus on the sport, that’s already difficult enough.” Niessink stressed the sporting community’s role in maintaining a neutral stance where possible and supporting young talent. “Politics is something we, as sport, should keep a sort of neutral position [on] as much as possible and focus on helping young kids that need our support. And we do what we need to do and wish the rest of the world all the best,” he concluded, outlining the team’s commitment to its core mission.

Trevor Carlin, head of the renowned Carlin team, echoed the complexity of the situation. “It is very tricky for us, as it’s very tricky for everybody involved from our side,” he admitted. Despite the challenges, Carlin confirmed his team’s operational commitment: “If a race meeting is going on and we are entered to it, we will go.” Yet, he firmly reiterated the respect for driver choice, a crucial aspect of professional motorsport. “If our drivers choose not to go, we would totally respect that and we wouldn’t run their car,” Carlin explained, showcasing a compassionate approach to athlete welfare and personal conviction. He expressed hopes for a swift resolution to the crisis in Ukraine, anticipating a return to normalcy where such difficult conversations would no longer be necessary for the motorsport community.

Daruvala Sets Blistering Pace on First Day of Formula 2 Pre-Season Testing in Bahrain

The highly anticipated 2022 Formula 2 season roared into action with its pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit, a vital opportunity for teams and drivers to fine-tune their machinery ahead of the championship. On the opening day, it was Jehan Daruvala who immediately showcased his intent, setting the fastest lap time. Competing for Prema Racing, Daruvala posted an impressive 1’42.074 during the cooler evening session. This formidable lap put him more than half a second clear of the second-fastest driver, Calan Williams, who managed a 1’42.590.

Formula 2 and Formula 3 are conducting their pre-season tests concurrently over three days, strategically dividing track time. Each series runs for half of the afternoon and half of the evening sessions in Sakhir. This split allows teams to experience a variety of track conditions, from the warmer afternoon temperatures to the significantly cooler, more representative conditions of the evening, crucial for understanding tyre degradation and car balance. Daruvala’s early dominance in Bahrain signals a strong start for the Indian driver and his Prema team, setting an exciting precedent for the upcoming season where every fraction of a second will count.

Maloney Leads the Charge: Rookie Zane Maloney Tops Formula 3 Times in Bahrain Test Opener

Following a similar testing schedule to Formula 2, the Formula 3 championship also began its pre-season preparations in Bahrain. The first day saw the 2022 rookie class making an immediate impact, with Zane Maloney from Carlin claiming the top spot on the timesheets. Maloney’s best lap, a 1’47.614, was recorded during the later session, a period when track temperatures drop as dusk settles over the circuit, often providing optimal conditions for fast lap times.

The competitive nature of the rookie field was evident, as fellow newcomer William Alatalo secured the second-fastest time for Jenzer, clocking in at 1’47.783. Not far behind, returning driver Jak Crawford, representing Prema, posted the third-fastest time with a 1’47.799. Both Alatalo and Crawford’s impressive laps were set during the afternoon session, highlighting their adaptability to different track conditions. Maloney’s performance is particularly noteworthy, suggesting he could be a significant contender in his debut F3 season. These early results from Bahrain underscore the intensity and talent pool within Formula 3, promising a thrilling championship fight.

W Series Kicks Off Pre-Season Testing at Iconic Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit

The all-female W Series championship commenced its pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a renowned venue for motorsport development. On the initial day, a strong contingent of drivers from the series’ ten teams took to the track to begin their preparations for the 2022 season. Among those completing valuable laps were familiar names like Jamie Chadwick, Abbi Pulling, Marta Garcia, Nerea Marti, and Jessica Hawkins, alongside emerging talents such as Bruna Tomaselli, Lena Buhler, Emely de Haus, Megan Gilkes, and Tereza Babickova.

This group will continue their testing efforts the following morning before a switch occurs in the afternoon, allowing the other half of the 20 confirmed test drivers to experience the circuit. It’s an essential opportunity for these athletes, as the majority of the 20 drivers participating in the Barcelona test are still vying for a confirmed 2022 race seat. The pressure is on to perform and impress potential teams.

Alice Powell, the formidable 2021 and 2019 runner-up, is set to return to the W Series this year. Although she did not participate in the first day’s running, Powell shared her positive connection with the Barcelona track. “I’ve raced here before, in 2012 – I had a really good result here, from 26th to 11th in GP3 so I like the circuit, good track. I’m looking forward to getting out on track tomorrow afternoon,” she commented, recalling her past success. Powell holds the distinction of being one of only two women to have ever scored points in GP3, underscoring her talent and experience.

For the upcoming season, Powell has joined the newly formed W Series team, BSM. She expressed her enthusiasm for this partnership, highlighting a long-standing relationship. “I’ve known them for a little while, my first big sponsor when I moved into cars in 2008 in Ginetta Juniors so really nice to be back partnered with them and looking forward to hopefully having a good year with them,” Powell elaborated, emphasizing the personal connection and shared history that brings an added layer of anticipation to her 2022 campaign.

Social Media Pulse: Motorsport’s Digital Conversations

Beyond the track, social media provides a vibrant platform for real-time news, opinions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from the motorsport world. Here’s a look at notable posts from Twitter and Instagram, capturing diverse aspects of the racing universe:

.@MichaelAndretti tells SBJ that he was trying to line up an American team principal for his prospective @F1 team but lost out on them because he didn’t have the go-ahead from the @FIA.

🔳 When pressed, Andretti confirmed that person was Otmar Szafnauer, now with @AlpineF1Team. pic.twitter.com/DE0EUaF9Vf

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) March 2, 2022

This tweet from Adam Stern highlights the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by Michael Andretti in his ambitious bid to establish a new American Formula 1 team. Andretti revealed that the lack of official approval from the FIA hampered his ability to secure a desired American team principal, who was later confirmed to be Otmar Szafnauer, now with Alpine F1 Team. This sheds light on the complexities of entering the elite world of Formula 1.

We’ve been busy during the off-season! 🔨

Work is continuing on-track as we connect the #Silverstone Wing to the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel via a short but spectacular walk over the finish line 🏁 pic.twitter.com/IT2TXDqWhW

— Silverstone (@SilverstoneUK) March 2, 2022

Silverstone Circuit shared an update on their off-season developments, showcasing exciting construction progress. They are building a visually striking pedestrian bridge that will connect the iconic Silverstone Wing hospitality complex directly to the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel. This enhancement promises to significantly improve visitor experience and access, offering a unique vantage point over the finish line.

Born to race, ready to win! 👊🏼 Say hello to our 2022 @Formula2 livery 📸

3D Licensed by @RaceSimStudio / Livery by @seanbulldesign #F2 #RoadToF1 pic.twitter.com/YzBqTYNppB

— Hitech Grand Prix (@HitechGP) March 2, 2022

Hitech Grand Prix unveiled their striking 2022 Formula 2 livery, generating buzz among fans eagerly awaiting the new season. The design, credited to Sean Bull Design, was showcased in a stunning 3D rendering by RaceSimStudio, highlighting the team’s readiness and ambitions for the upcoming “Road to F1” challenge.

Checking out the view at T10… 👀 #wseries #rethinkracing #preseasontesting pic.twitter.com/dxyU2hZLAd

— Sarah Moore Racing (@smgirlracer26) March 2, 2022

W Series driver Sarah Moore offered fans a glimpse from her perspective during pre-season testing, sharing a captivating view from Turn 10. Her post, tagged with #wseries and #preseasontesting, captured the anticipation and focus of drivers as they prepared for the upcoming season, embodying the spirit of #rethinkracing.

Kyle Kirkwood, lid on and primed to pound out his first laps @TXMotorSpeedway.

Was informed JR Hildebrand helped @AJFoytRacing with the shakedown this morning. #INDYCAR #RookieTest pic.twitter.com/SpVqLy74qN

— Joey Barnes (@JoeyBarnes85) March 2, 2022

Journalist Joey Barnes provided an update from IndyCar’s rookie test at Texas Motor Speedway, featuring Kyle Kirkwood. He reported that Kirkwood was ready for his initial laps, and noted that veteran driver JR Hildebrand assisted AJ Foyt Racing with their morning shakedown. These crucial tests allow rookies to adapt to the demanding oval circuits ahead of their season debut.

Here’s my personal opinion, for what it’s worth. The world is in crisis. Sport simply isn’t important enough for us to absolve ourselves of our responsibility to support the international community’s obligation to stand with a sovereign state that’s being illegally attacked.(1/3) pic.twitter.com/efqW60hqDQ

— Matt Bishop 🏳️‍🌈 🏁 (@TheBishF1) March 2, 2022

Matt Bishop, a prominent figure in motorsport, shared a poignant personal opinion on the ongoing global crisis. He argued that sport, while significant, should not allow the community to shirk its responsibility to support a sovereign state under attack. This powerful statement reflects the growing debate about the moral obligations of sporting organizations and individuals in times of geopolitical conflict.

#NASCAR: Richard Childress in a call with reporters now says he was inspired by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy when he said “he didn’t want to leave, he just needed ammunition.”

So Childress called Ammo Inc. and they are sending a million rounds over the next 2 days.

— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) March 2, 2022

NASCAR team owner Richard Childress made headlines with a profound gesture of support. Inspired by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s plea for “ammunition” rather than evacuation, Childress contacted Ammo Inc., arranging for a donation of one million rounds to be sent to Ukraine within two days. This act highlights the solidarity within the sporting community during international crises.

A few stills from the new season four of Drive to Survive which arrives on March 11th.

Is there anything you want to know about how Netflix covered the 2021 #F1 season?

Ask below and we’ll aim to include in our review. pic.twitter.com/3X7RhOQSVq

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) March 2, 2022

RaceFans shared a sneak peek with stills from the highly anticipated fourth season of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” set to be released on March 11th. The post invited fans to submit questions about how the series covered the dramatic 2021 F1 season, promising to incorporate them into their upcoming review. The show has been instrumental in broadening F1’s global appeal.

• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Essential Motorsport Links and Further Reading

For those seeking deeper dives into various motorsport topics, here are some intriguing links that offer insights into gaming, sustainability, and junior formula racing:

F1 2022 to Feature Supercars and Cross-Play, But No Story Mode (Xfire)

Reports suggest the upcoming F1 2022 video game will introduce exciting new features for fans, including the ability to drive supercars and the highly requested cross-play functionality, allowing players on different platforms to compete together. Enthusiasts will also be pleased to hear that, according to sources, the game will finally incorporate long-awaited VR support, enhancing the immersion for many. While a traditional story mode appears to be absent, these innovations promise a fresh and engaging experience for racing simulator aficionados.

Air Pollution and Carbon Neutrality Aren’t the Same Thing (Lucas di Grassi)

Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi offers a compelling perspective on the distinct differences between air pollution and carbon neutrality in this thought-provoking article. He argues that there is no single “silver bullet” solution for addressing the complex challenges of carbon neutrality and air pollution. Instead, di Grassi advocates for a multifaceted approach, emphasizing that a combination of diverse technologies and applications must be developed in parallel. This holistic strategy, he believes, is essential to minimize humanity’s environmental and health impact while simultaneously advancing global quality of life through faster, better, and improved innovations. His insights are particularly relevant to motorsport’s push for sustainable practices.

Esterson ‘Getting to Grips’ with GB3 Challenge (BRDC GB3)

In this update from the BRDC GB3 Championship, driver Alex Esterson shares his experiences during recent testing, expressing satisfaction with the varied conditions encountered. “We’ve been pretty lucky with the weather so far and we’ve had a mix of wet and dry running so it’s all we could have asked for really as we’re prepared for anything, so it’s been good,” Esterson commented. He highlights the constructive learning process for both himself and his team as they adapt to the car and the challenges of the GB3 series, indicating a promising start to their development programme. These early testing sessions are crucial for young drivers to understand their machinery and prepare for competitive racing.

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it in via the contact form.

Comment of the Day: Verstappen’s Future and F1 Loyalty

With speculation swirling around a new, highly lucrative, and remarkably lengthy contract for Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, the motorsport community is abuzz with questions about driver loyalty and motivation. Today’s featured comment from Sjaakfoo delves into why the reigning world champion might choose to remain with his current team rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere:

Makes sense, no reason to move if you’re happy in the team and happy with the people involved. I’m sure he’ll have some performance clauses in there if need be, he’ll also still will be only about 30 by the time this contract runs out.

Like, unless you have some childhood dreams about driving for a certain team (like Vettel and Ferrari), why move from a team that can give you a race and even championship winning car?
@sjaakfoo

Sjaakfoo’s insightful comment perfectly encapsulates the prevailing sentiment. For a driver like Verstappen, who has found a highly competitive home at Red Bull, equipped with a championship-winning car and a strong working relationship with the team, the motivation to depart is minimal. The comment highlights the pragmatic considerations of a top-tier athlete: stability, a proven winning package, and harmonious team dynamics often outweigh the allure of change. While some drivers might chase a “childhood dream” team, as Sebastian Vettel did with Ferrari, for others, continued success and comfort within a familiar environment are paramount. The financial incentives and potential performance clauses in such a long-term deal further cement this bond, ensuring that Verstappen remains a key figure in Red Bull’s quest for sustained dominance in Formula 1 well into the next decade.

Happy Birthday! Celebrating a Motorsport Enthusiast

We extend our warmest wishes and a very Happy Birthday to Seaney_T! May your day be filled with joy, celebration, and perhaps a touch of motorsport excitement. We hope you have a fantastic day!

On This Day in Motorsport: The Dramatic 2002 Australian Grand Prix Opener

• Twenty years ago today, the 2002 Formula 1 season kicked off with an unforgettable bang at the Australian Grand Prix. The race began with immediate chaos as Ralf Schumacher, driving for Williams, spectacularly launched his car over the back of Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari. This chain reaction crash at the very start of the race involved multiple cars, including the reigning world champion Michael Schumacher, who was caught up in the melee caused by his brother and teammate. Despite the dramatic opening, Michael Schumacher, demonstrating his unparalleled skill and resilience, navigated through the wreckage and went on to claim a remarkable victory in the season-opening event. This memorable race underscored the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and the critical importance of staying out of trouble, especially in the opening laps.