Binotto: Three Power Units ‘Too Few’ for Demanding F1 Calendar

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has voiced significant concerns regarding the current Formula 1 regulations limiting drivers to just three power units (PUs) per season. He asserts that this allocation is insufficient for the ever-expanding race calendar, leading to an excessive number of grid penalties that detract from the sport’s appeal for fans.

The 2022 Formula 1 season, comprising 22 races, stipulates that all drivers are restricted to three main power unit components (Internal Combustion Engine, Turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, Energy Store, Control Electronics, and Exhaust System) for the entire championship. Should any driver exceed this allocation by introducing an additional component, they are assessed with a grid penalty, which can range from a few positions to starting from the back of the grid, depending on the number of components replaced.

This regulation has become a recurring point of contention, particularly evident in races like the recent event at Monza. The Italian Grand Prix saw almost half of the field serving grid penalties, including Ferrari’s own Carlos Sainz Jnr, who was one of eight drivers affected. Such scenarios often result in a jumbled starting order that bears little resemblance to the qualifying results, making it challenging for spectators to follow and understand the race narrative.

Binotto candidly stated, “I think the amount of penalties [at Monza] are too many. It’s difficult for a fan, I think, to see a car on pole and not starting on pole because he’s got grid penalties or whatever.” His comments underscore a widespread sentiment that these penalties, while a consequence of enforcing cost control and reliability targets, are inadvertently harming the fan experience.

The Ferrari boss further suggested that a review of the power unit regulations might be necessary. “Maybe the three power units for each driver are too little at that stage for what we have achieved. Maybe we need to reconsider as well for the next season’s.” This call for reconsideration is particularly pertinent as the 2023 F1 calendar is projected to feature a record-breaking 24 races. An increased number of races will inevitably put greater strain on power unit components, making the current three-unit limit even more challenging to adhere to without incurring penalties. The potential for more races marred by grid penalties raises questions about the long-term viability and fairness of the current system, prompting a crucial debate about the balance between technical regulations and competitive integrity in Formula 1.

Alguersuari Recounts Abrupt Red Bull Exit and Lingering Impact

Former Formula 1 driver Jaime Alguersuari recently shared the profound difficulty he faced coming to terms with his unexpected departure from Red Bull’s junior team, Toro Rosso, in 2011. Alguersuari, who made his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso as a teenager two-and-a-half years prior, found himself abruptly dropped from the team, a decision that has left a lasting impact on him.

In an interview with El Confidencial, Alguersuari recounted his astonishment upon learning of his fate the day after attending a sponsor event. He detailed the blunt manner in which the news was delivered by Franz Tost, the then-team principal of Toro Rosso. “Franz Tost called me the day after the Cepsa event at eight in the morning to tell us that Red Bull couldn’t help us anymore and that he had bad news,” Alguersuari revealed. He added, strikingly, “And he hung up on me. Because I guess he didn’t want to talk to me.” This abrupt and impersonal dismissal highlights the often-harsh realities of the competitive world of Formula 1, especially within the Red Bull driver development program.

Distraught by the news, Alguersuari immediately sought clarity from Red Bull’s influential motorsport consultant, Helmut Marko. Describing his attempt to understand the situation, Alguersuari recalled, “I pick up the phone, and I call directly to Helmut Marko. ‘This is a joke?’. ‘You already found out, right?’ ‘What’s this about, Helmut?’ And he tells me: ‘I couldn’t do anything.’” Marko’s response further solidified the finality of the decision, leaving Alguersuari with little recourse or explanation.

More than a decade later, Alguersuari admitted that the experience continues to affect him. He described the relentless pressure within the Red Bull system, stating, “At Red Bull, in Formula 1, you didn’t live in peace, even with great results. You did a great job and you never left feeling like the job was done and everyone is happy. Your rivals congratulated you more than the people on your team.” This candid reflection paints a picture of an environment where exceptional performance was merely the baseline, and true satisfaction or security was elusive. He concluded by drawing a parallel to the demanding nature of the Red Bull school, stating, “And you’ve lived that feeling since you were fifteen. Nothing was ever enough. And if you look, it’s Max Verstappen’s pattern with his father. That is the Red Bull school, the one I lived through.” His insights offer a rare glimpse into the psychological toll and unique culture of one of motorsport’s most successful, yet demanding, driver development pipelines.

FIA Formula 3 Teams Announce Drivers for Post-Season Testing in Jerez

The critical post-season testing for the FIA Formula 3 Championship is set to commence, with two prominent teams, Jenzer Motorsport and Charouz Racing, having confirmed their driver lineups. These tests are an essential part of the motorsport calendar, providing an invaluable opportunity for young talents to demonstrate their capabilities and for teams to evaluate potential drivers for the upcoming season.

The three-day test event will be held from Wednesday, September 21st, to Friday, September 23rd, at the renowned Jerez circuit in Spain. This track, known for its challenging layout and diverse corners, offers an excellent proving ground for single-seater cars and drivers alike.

Jenzer Motorsport has announced an exciting roster of drivers for their test sessions. Among them is Alex Garcia, a rising star from the Euroformula Open series, who will be looking to adapt his skills to the F3 machinery. He will be joined by two promising F4 racers, Nikita Bedrin and Taylor Barnard, both eager to make a strong impression as they aspire to climb the motorsport ladder.

Meanwhile, the Charouz team will feature a mix of experienced and emerging talents. Alessandro Formularo, who already competed in the final F3 round at Monza with the team, will be back, aiming to build on his experience. He will be accompanied by two talents from Formula Regional championships, Nicola Marinangeli and Matias Zagazeta, who will be keen to show their pace in a new environment. Completing Charouz’s lineup is F4 driver Emerson Fittipaldi Jnr, carrying a legendary name into the next phase of his racing career. These tests are crucial for both the drivers, who seek to secure their seats for the next season, and the teams, as they begin to shape their strategies and lineups for future championship campaigns.

Motorsport News Roundup: Key Stories from Around the Web

Stay informed with the latest happenings in the world of motor racing:

Ex-Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone set to go on trial for tax fraud (Euro News)
Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is scheduled to face trial in the UK on Monday for alleged tax fraud. The 91-year-old, who for decades was the sport’s commercial rights holder, stands accused of failing to declare approximately €400 million in overseas assets. Ecclestone has publicly denied the charge, setting the stage for a high-profile legal battle that will undoubtedly draw significant attention from the motorsport world and beyond.

Lewis Hamilton praises ‘open communication’ between F1 drivers and FIA president (Independent)
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed his appreciation for the improved ‘open communication’ between Formula 1 drivers and the FIA president. Hamilton highlighted the unified front presented by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), emphasizing their collective desire to contribute to making racing better. This closer dialogue between drivers and governing bodies is seen as a positive step towards addressing critical issues and ensuring the sport’s continuous improvement and safety.

McLaren driver Lando Norris may be about to claim unwanted F1 record from Nico Hulkenberg (Express)
McLaren’s Lando Norris is on the verge of claiming an unfortunate Formula 1 record previously held by Nico Hulkenberg: scoring the most career points without a single race victory. Following his seventh-place finish at Monza, Norris’s career points tally climbed to 394, putting him perilously close to surpassing Hulkenberg’s record. This statistic, while highlighting his consistent performance and talent, also underscores the elusive nature of a maiden F1 win for the young Briton.

‘I played a lot of F1 on the Playstation!’ – Soren Waerenskjold reveals key to victory at World Championships (EuroSport)
In a delightful and unexpected revelation, Soren Waerenskjold, the new men’s U23 World Time Trial champion in cycling, credited his PlayStation Formula 1 gaming for his victory in Australia. The Norwegian cyclist explained that his extensive virtual F1 experience helped him master cornering techniques, proving that sometimes, the most unconventional training methods can lead to championship success across different sporting disciplines.

The second FDA-ACI Scouting Camp gets underway in Maranello (Ferrari)
Ferrari’s Driver Academy (FDA) and ACI (Automobile Club d’Italia) have launched their second scouting camp in Maranello, Italy, aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent. The camp features promising young drivers including Brando Badoer and Sebastiano Pavan from Italy, James Egozi from the USA, and Alex Dunne from Ireland, all competing in various junior single-seater and karting categories. This initiative is crucial for Ferrari’s long-term strategy in developing future F1 stars.

Max Verstappen and almost bulletproof Red Bull leave Ferrari far behind (Guardian)
The Guardian reflects on Max Verstappen’s seemingly unshakeable performance and Red Bull’s commanding dominance, which has effectively left Ferrari struggling to keep pace in the Formula 1 championship. Despite early season technical challenges, Verstappen, with the unwavering support of a meticulously honed team, orchestrated an extraordinary comeback. The article highlights how Red Bull’s precision and collective effort have contrasted sharply with Ferrari’s less refined strategies and execution, drawing a vivid analogy of Ferrari “flailing across the battlefield with all the finesse of an armoured elephant.”

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.

Social Media Insights: Trending Topics in Motorsport

Explore notable posts from various social media platforms, offering unique perspectives and updates from the motorsport community:

The closest thing that Formula 1 has to a monarch is at the funeral service of the actual British monarch at Windsor Castle right now pic.twitter.com/r1kzFJ1Dnb

— Sean Kelly (@virtualstatman) September 19, 2022

Sean Kelly, a well-known F1 statistician and commentator, shared a thought-provoking observation from Windsor Castle. His tweet highlighted the presence of a figure widely considered “the closest thing Formula 1 has to a monarch” at the funeral service of the British monarch, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural connections between the sport and the British royal family. The accompanying image provided context to this unique juxtaposition of two worlds.

You may not know this, but many of the people who bring @F1 and other forms of motor sport to life week in, and week out, are the same people working on bringing a very different event to the world today. Many heroes behind the camera over the past 10 days, and especially today.

— Dave Nelson (@f1broadcasting) September 19, 2022

Dave Nelson, an expert in motorsport broadcasting, offered a fascinating insight into the dedicated professionals behind the scenes. He pointed out that many of the skilled individuals responsible for bringing Formula 1 and other motorsport events to screens globally are the very same people involved in broadcasting major national events, such as the recent state funeral. Nelson’s tweet served as a tribute to these “heroes behind the camera,” acknowledging their versatility and tireless efforts across diverse high-profile productions.

When in Paris #MSC47 pic.twitter.com/70pg2dTqcO

— Mick Schumacher (@SchumacherMick) September 19, 2022

Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher shared a personal moment with his followers, posting an image with the caption “When in Paris #MSC47”. The tweet, accompanied by a picture, likely showed Schumacher enjoying his time in the French capital, offering fans a glimpse into his life outside the intense world of F1 racing. Such posts provide a valuable connection between drivers and their fan base, humanizing the athletes.

Meet Kendrick 🌟

The Lead Track Marshal is an avid #F1 fan who has attended every single edition of the #SingaporeGP since 2008. Get to know more about what his role entails and the moment he decided he wanted to be a part of the #F1nightrace 🏎 pic.twitter.com/w4y85pS7U7

— SingaporeGP (@F1NightRace) September 19, 2022

The official Singapore Grand Prix Twitter account introduced followers to Kendrick, a dedicated Lead Track Marshal. The post highlighted Kendrick’s profound passion for Formula 1, noting his attendance at every Singapore GP since its inception in 2008. The tweet invited fans to learn more about his crucial role in ensuring safety and the moment he decided to become an integral part of the thrilling F1 night race, celebrating the unsung heroes of motorsport.

Short ovals. Doubleheader. Iowa Speedway.

Take a look inside the weekend at @iowaspeedway with @RGrosjean in this episode of Outside the Line.

Watch here: https://t.co/KpGTQjqkAz#AllAndretti pic.twitter.com/OmtXq7TjMO

— Andretti INDYCAR & INDY NXT (@AndrettiIndy) September 19, 2022

The Andretti INDYCAR & INDY NXT official account promoted an episode of “Outside the Line,” offering an exclusive look into a race weekend at Iowa Speedway. The feature focused on Romain Grosjean’s experience at the doubleheader event on the challenging short oval. The tweet encouraged fans to watch the video, providing a deeper dive into the team’s dynamics and Grosjean’s perspective during the intense IndyCar action, reinforcing the #AllAndretti brand.

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

Debating F1 Superlicense Requirements: A Call for Flexibility

A perennial point of contention within the Formula 1 community revolves around the stringent Superlicense eligibility criteria. Reader AlanD has eloquently articulated a compelling argument against the current, often criticized, system, which he believes is overly rigid and unfairly restricts talented drivers from reaching motorsport’s pinnacle based on a mathematical formula of junior category results.

I also think it reasonable for F1 to say that drivers must have an appropriate amount of single-seater open-wheel racing experience to qualify but it is how you measure that experience which is the problem. It isn’t as if drivers can pick and choose which series to race in, or which cars to drive, they can’t do extra hours in their spare time to qualify. Herta has a ton of experience driving in Indy, he has learnt all the basic skills needed for the open-wheel format, but not had the car under him to get the superlicense points. People here are saying that he only finished 10th last season, as if that validates the FIA rules. It doesn’t.

F1 drivers who have gone to Indy have not blown the field away. Takumo Sato, seven years in F1, drove for Jordan, BAR, SuperAguri, has spent 13 years in indy, best championship position 7th, most years well ouside the top 10. Jean Alesi, disqualified from the indy 500 for lapping so slowly he was considered a safety hazard. Stefan Johannsen drove for McLaren and Ferrari, went to indycar and never won a race in four seasons. Nelson Piquet, destroyed his indycar in the wall when trying to get into the pit lane. So if Sato etc were considered good enough for F1, how can you possibly block drivers like Herta?

I feel that provided a driver has an appropriate amount of experience and maturity, and is seen to be competitive, it should be up to teams to decide if they want that driver in there car, not for the FIA to decide who has driven the right sort of races according to their algorithm.
AlanD

AlanD’s core argument champions the idea that while experience in single-seater open-wheel racing is essential, the method of quantifying this experience via Superlicense points is flawed. He highlights the case of Colton Herta, an accomplished IndyCar driver, who despite possessing extensive experience and fundamental open-wheel racing skills, falls short on Superlicense points due to the FIA’s specific qualifying series and point allocation system. AlanD challenges the notion that Herta’s 10th-place finish in a highly competitive IndyCar season should invalidate his F1 aspirations, questioning the FIA’s rigid application of rules.

To further bolster his argument, AlanD draws insightful comparisons with former Formula 1 drivers who transitioned to IndyCar. He points out that even seasoned F1 veterans like Takuma Sato, Jean Alesi, Stefan Johannsen, and Nelson Piquet did not consistently dominate the IndyCar series, with some even struggling significantly. If these drivers were deemed capable enough for Formula 1, AlanD logically queries how the current system can justify blocking talents like Herta, who demonstrate clear competence in an elite motorsport category.

Ultimately, AlanD advocates for a more flexible and team-centric approach. He firmly believes that if a driver demonstrates sufficient experience, maturity, and competitive ability, the decision to offer them an F1 seat should rest with the teams themselves, rather than being dictated by the FIA’s prescriptive algorithm. This perspective sparks an important discussion about the future of driver talent pathways and the balance between regulatory control and genuine sporting merit in Formula 1.

Happy Birthday to Motorsport Enthusiasts!

Wishing a very happy birthday to our fellow RaceFans community members: Americantifosi, Aus_Steve, Calum, Deadman, Geemac and Saints! We hope you have a fantastic day celebrating your passion for motorsport!

On This Day in Motorsport History

• September 20, 2007: The Infamous ‘Spygate’ Scandal Unfolds Further. Fifteen years ago today, a week after the FIA had imposed a colossal $100 million fine on McLaren as part of the explosive ‘Spygate’ affair, the governing body inadvertently leaked sensitive Ferrari and McLaren data. This significant breach occurred when the FIA published the full transcript of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) hearing, accidentally revealing confidential technical information and intensifying one of Formula 1’s most controversial episodes, which saw allegations of intellectual property theft rock the paddock.