F1 news LIVE: Russian Mazepin dropped by Haas and Verstappen contract fallout

Russian driver Nikita Mazepin has been removed from Haas’s racing line-up for the upcoming Formula 1 season, the team has confirmed. Mazepin’s position had become increasingly uncertain during Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine, even after the FIA ruled that the 23-year-old would be allowed to continue racing under a neutral flag following an emergency meeting earlier this week.

Mazepin’s father, Dmitry, a Russian oligarch who is the majority shareholder in chemical company Uralchem and one of Haas’ major sponsors, was pictured with Vladimir Putin as recently as in January. Haas removed Uralkali branding from its car during pre-season testing in Barcelona as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerated and the team have now confirmed that they have terminated their contract Mazepin and the company.

A statement released by Haas read: “Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin. As with the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”

In other Russia news, Formula One will not be returning to Sochi after terminating their contract for the Russian Grand Prix and stating “Russia will not have a race in the future”.

Follow all the latest news and reaction below.

Formula One latest news

• Confirmed: Nikita Mazepin dropped by Haas

• Mazepin statement: Haas ‘ignored’ my offer

• Michael Masi was ‘turned’ by Red Bull in F1 season finale, says Toto Wolff

• Red Bull tie down ‘best driver on the grid’ Max Verstappen

• Drive to Survive review: F1 fans will be gripped by a series still way ahead of the pack

Statement from Nikita Mazepin

10:19 , Jamie Braidwood

“Dear fans and followers, I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated. While I understand the difficulties, the ruling from the FIA plus my ongoing willingness to accept the conditions proposed in order to continue were completely ignored and no process was followed in this unilateral step.

“To those who have tried to understand, my eternal thanks. I have treasured my time in F1 and genuinely hope we all be together again in better times.

“I will have more to say in the coming days.”

Haas sack Russian driver Nikita Mazepin

09:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Haas did not announce who would be replacing Mazepin and joining Mick Schumacher for the start of official pre-season testing on 10 March. The 2022 Formula One season then gets underway at the Bahrain Grand Prix on 20 March.

The American-owned team are expected to name a replacement next week, with reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of double world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, linked with the seat. Former Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi has also been tipped as a potential replacement.

BREAKING: Haas remove Russian driver Nikita Mazepin despite FIA ruling

09:22 , Jamie Braidwood

A statement released by Haas read: “Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin.

“As with the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”

BREAKING: Haas remove Russian driver Nikita Mazepin despite FIA ruling

09:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Russian driver Nikita Mazepin has been removed from Haas’s racing line-up for the upcoming Formula 1 season, the team has confirmed.

Mazepin’s position had become increasingly uncertain during Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine, even after the FIA ruled that the 23-year-old would be allowed to continue racing under a neutral flag following an emergency meeting earlier this week.

Mazepin’s father, Dmitry, a Russian oligarch who is the majority shareholder in chemical company Uralchem and one of Haas’ major sponsors, was pictured with Vladimir Putin as recently as in January.

Haas removed Uralkali branding from its car during pre-season testing in Barcelona as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerated and the team have now confirmed that they have terminated their contract Mazepin and the company.

Haas remove Russian driver Nikita Mazepin despite FIA ruling

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 20:00 , Karl Matchett

Aston Martin have work to do with their new car before the 2022 season gets underway, claims Jolyon Palmer, with the former F1 driver suggesting there wasn’t too much to get excited about in the first test in Spain.

With another test run to come in Bahrain before the campaign gets underway, Palmer notes that even minor upgrades can have a big effect - so there’s no need to panic even though improvements are required.

“In Barcelona it was tough – from the outside at least – to spot any obvious signs that they’d made much progress towards the front end of the grid,” Palmer said in his Formula1.com column.

“The car looked snappy and hard to drive, particularly in the low-speed final sector, and it was also the car I saw porpoise the most on one particular lap, as it was launched almost fully into the air down the start-finish straight.

“Sebastian Vettel had the better of the running, and looked the more likely to get a tune out of it as well, but they don’t look like they have the car in the sweet spot just yet.

“It could be the case that minor set-up changes can transform the performance though, as engineers are constantly getting to grips with how to maximise this new generation car.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 19:40 , Karl Matchett

Max Verstappen is already one of F1’s best-ever drivers and won the championship last year by getting “inside” Lewis Hamilton’s head, says David Coulthard.

The former racer pointed to the Dutch-Belgian’s overtake at the Yas Marina Circuit last year, which won him the title, as evidence of his driven nature and says his young starting age means he’s already mature by Formula One standards.

“I knew he would either crash and become World Champion, or catch up and become World Champion. So yes,” Motorsport.com reports him saying in a documentary.

“But I didn’t expect him to make his overtake so early. That just showed his fighting spirit. As soon as there’s a gap, even if it’s not really a gap, he goes for it.

“That makes him a worthy champion in my eyes. He managed to get inside Lewis’ head and Lewis knew he had to leave room. No other driver has that effect on Lewis.

“Lewis is a fantastic driver and deserved to win that race, but I also think Max deserved the title because of his fighting spirit.

“He is remarkably mature for his young age. Let’s not forget that he was 17 when he entered Formula 1 and he won his first grand prix when he was 18. That he took that opportunity and triumphed makes him exceptional.

“All Formula 1 drivers are good, just like all Premier League footballers are good. But it’s about finding the guys who are exceptional.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 19:20 , Karl Matchett

Ferrari produced some of the standout early showings in the Barcelona warm-up circuits last week, but team boss Mattia Binotto isn’t placing too much emphasis on the performance of the new F1-75 - largely because he expects Mercedes to bump up their own output soon.

Several teams were still running early versions of what will be the new vehicles, with a second round of testing in Bahrain set to see upgrades unveiled.

Lewis Hamilton had suggested Ferrari might be months ahead in development this year due to decisions taken halfway through last season - but Binotto still expects it to be the other way around.

“I’m pretty sure that [Mercedes] will be two or three months ahead of us by the time we will be in Bahrain,” said Binotto.

“So I think that it’s very difficult today to judge the performance and the relative competitiveness between the teams.

“But what’s important for us was to collect data here, and I think we can be satisfied for the amount of laps we did, collecting data and again, and will be analysed back at Maranello.

“I heard that there will be rumours that our competitors will bring big updates and upgrades. So I’m more concerned myself, I think, than Hamilton on ourselves.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 19:00 , Karl Matchett

Formula 1 teams are launching their new cars for the 2022 season, as a new era takes hold.

2022 sees F1 undergo a significant regulation change which has led to a completely new era of car design, meaning there is potential for the grid order to be shaken up and for backmarker teams to challenge further up the grid order. The new rules will require teams to have nailed the finer details of the transition in order to succeed.

The regulation change has been devised in order to increase the quality of racing in F1. The return of ground effect aerodynamics is designed to allow drivers to follow one another more closely and encourage more intense wheel-to-wheel racing, while a five-inch increase in the width of the Pirelli size is part of plan to allow drivers to push harder for longer.

In terms of universal visual changes, this year’s cars have small winglets covering the tops of the front tyres, the front and rear wings have been simplified, and intricate bargeboard designs have been outlawed.

Here’s everything we’ve got for the new cars:

New F1 cars 2022: Teams launch Red Bull, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 18:40 , Karl Matchett

We know by now there are plenty of alternations to some much-changed cars in Formula One this year - now Mercedes are revealing a few secrets behind theirs.

The W13 was launched recently and Hywel Thomas, managing director of Mercedes, and Mike Elliott, technical director, got together to explain what has really changed in the car Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will be driving this year.

“In terms of regulation changes it’s twofold: the shape of the car and with the completely different rules, the aerodynamics - it’s changed front to back,” Elliott detailed.

“The car is shorter than last year by regulation, the whole electrical layout is changed and we’re back to convention springs suspension.

“Lots of detail right the way through the car.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 18:20 , Karl Matchett

Max Verstappen’s new contract at Red Bull places him among the sport’s top earners with Lewis Hamilton, but Red Bull are delighted to have the deal done - even if it’s a decision well outside their norm.

Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, pointed out that deal handed out represented not only a different approach within Red Bull but an acknowledgement of the massive potential Verstappen has for the forthcoming years.

“I won’t talk about the numbers, but I can only say that both parties are very satisfied and will remain,” said Marko said to F1 Insider.

“The fact that we rate Max highly is apparent from the duration of the new contract. Normally, Red Bull does not make such long commitments.

“It’s no secret that character at Red Bull is a very important quality, which we value very much.”

If Verstappen sees out the entirety of the deal with no unforeseen absences he will break Michael Schumacher’s records for most seasons with a team and most race starts for a single team.

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 18:00 , Karl Matchett

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the Netflix series Drive to Survive has had a great impact for F1 in terms of attracting a new market and new audience - but insisted that future version have to keep adding “value” to the sport, otherwise a renegotiation would be required.

“There is no doubt that Drive to Survive has had an incredible effect, mainly on the new audiences, and also in other new markets like US for sure,” Domenicali told Wall Street analysts ahead of the season four launch.

“And this will continue, and I can anticipate to you that you have to stay tuned to the new series, because I’ve just had the possibility to see it, and it will be fantastic, with the right tone. And as you can imagine, with what has happened last year, there will be a lot of action. So that’s good.

“I think that it’s important for us to be with Drive to Survive, with our Netflix friends, up to the moment where we believe that we’ll make sure that it’s a differentiating factor.

“If it’s becoming just a different way to speak about F1 without adding, or giving to the F1 platform any added value, maybe I think it’s better to renegotiate and see with Netflix and with the other partners what could be a possibility to do something different in the future.

“But for sure, this platform has been a vital part on the growth of awareness, mainly with the young generation and with newcomers of F1. And for that we need to thank that vision, and the process and the quality, that has been really very, very good.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 17:45 , Karl Matchett

Valtteri Bottas says he notices a difference between former team Mercedes and his new environment at Alfa Romeo, but he’s enjoying getting to grips with working at a smaller team.

Lewis Hamilton’s former team-mate was replaced by George Russell for the forthcoming 2022 season and opted to switch to the rival team after having initially questioned his own desire to continue in Formula One - though he acknowledged he “never seriously considered” leaving the sport.

Now he’s readying himself for a new set of objectives and expectations after helping Hamilton fight for the title last season and points out he’s still in an “adaptation phase” as Alfa Romeo, like the other teams, get used to the new car and new rules in place for this season.

“I would say you definitely feel the difference. First of all, the size of the team is quite a bit smaller, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing, and at least so far I’ve been enjoying it,” he told assembled media.

“There’s so many new people, new things to get used to and learn.

“And still I would say I’m in the adaptation phase of actually getting properly to know the team and how everything works, but that’s part of learning.”

Full story here:

Valtteri Bottas ‘enjoying working with smaller team’ at Alfa Romeo

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 17:30 , Karl Matchett

Toto Wolff has suggested that former FIA race director Michael Masi was “turned” by Red Bull in last year’s Formula 1 Season finale, which saw Max Verstappen win the drivers’ championship after overtaking Lewis Hamilton on a controversial final lap.

Mercedes’ Hamilton had led for much of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and was on course for a record eighth title, but a decision made in part by Masi ensured the race did not finish behind a safety car, allowing Red Bull driver Verstappen to get past his rival, win the race and secure a maiden championship trophy.

Masi has since been relieved of his duties as FIA race director ahead of the 2022 season, and Mercedes chief Wolff makes clear his opinion of the Australian in Duel: Hamilton vs Verstappen – a new Sky Sports documentary, the first episode of which will air on Sunday.

In the documentary, Wolff says: “[Red Bull sporting director] Jonathan Wheatley has done his job; he’s turned Michael Masi, the race director.

“Not only in Abu Dhabi but before, and probably Max owes him a lot.”

Full report here:

Michael Masi was ‘turned’ by Red Bull in F1 season finale, says Toto Wolff

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 17:15 , Karl Matchett

Esteban Ocon says he and Fernando Alonso work extremely well together and are always offering each other potential improvements, as the Alpine racers look for another improved season in 2022.

Alpine Renault came fifth last year in the constructor standings, while Alonso just cracked the top 10 and Ocon finished one behind in 11th in the driver standings.

“We complement each other,” Ocon told Canal Sports Club. “We don’t give each other advice, we work together.

“If I try a setup on the car and it works, there will be no secrets. It will be on the table, we will discuss it. If we have a question for each other, we tell the truth.

“We’re not fighting for the championship together. If that happens, it might be closer.

“For the moment, it’s not the case. It’s great to work with a double World Champion. For me, to be with him in this team is a great opportunity.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 17:00 , Karl Matchett

The FIA earlier in the week stated that drivers from Russia or Belarus were able to continue partaking in motor racing, but only under a neutral FIA flag.

Now they have updated their code of conduct this morning in relation to those affected, issuing a “driver commitment” document to be signed which bans any flags, symbols or shows of support for the nations involved.

Notable points include:

• The display of Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours or flags are banned in public and across all social media platforms, including those countrys’ autombile federations

• Russian/Belarusian flags, emblems, symbols, and words linked to the two countries are banned from display on uniforms, cars, clothing, accessories, equipment or other personal items

• The playing or singing of the Russian/Belarusian national anthem at any event or area controlled by the FIA is banned

• No comments, actions or conduct which could be construed as support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine are allowed

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 16:45 , Karl Matchett

We’ve already covered the likely impending departure of Nikita Mazepin from Haas, with reports in Germany suggesting the “separation” is likely to occur soon.

But while initial reports stated reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi would be filling the void as Mick Schumacher’s team-mate, German outlet Bild now claim instead that Antonio Giovinazzi could instead be in the frame to replace the Russian.

He was with Alfa Romeo last year but lost his seat and was set to this year combine Ferrari reserve duties with racing in Formula E, but now a quickfire return to F1 may be on the cards.

Guenther Steiner, the Haas team principal, did recently suggest that Fittipaldi would have “first call” on stepping up for 2022.

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 16:30 , Karl Matchett

Zak Brown, the chief executive of McLaren, has accused Red Bull of being “a bit brutal” on young drivers and “ruining a few” that had the potential to succeed in Formula 1.

Max Verstappen secured his first F1 world title in 2021 having progressed through the ranks at Red Bull, following the achievements and career path of four-time drivers’ championship winner Sebastian Vettel.

While Daniel Ricciardo would also be counted as a success of Red Bull’s driver development program, helmed by Helmut Marko, Brown believes that the team has been detrimental to a number of promising young drivers.

Mexican driver Pato O’Ward is now a highly-competitive youngster in IndyCar with McLaren, and Brown thinks that O’Ward warranted greater opportunities than those afforded him by Christian Horner and his team.

“[Pato O’Ward] definitely slipped through the cracks,” Brown said to The Race.

“I think Red Bull, while he was there, they only gave him about three races [in junior categories]. But if you look at Red Bull’s history other than Max, they have let a handful of great drivers slip through their hands.

“I think they’ve ruined a few that I think had it, but weren’t given enough opportunity.”

Full report:

Red Bull have ‘ruined a few great drivers’, McLaren chief claims

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 16:15 , Karl Matchett

Sebastian Vettel departed Ferrari for Aston Martin after the 2020 season, but only managed to finish 12th in the driver standings last season and the team know they have to offer more to keep him around.

Vettel won four championships with Red Bull earlier in his career and team principal Mike Krack knows Aston Martin need to offer a faster car if they want to keep the German around beyond a second season.

“It’s clear that a guy like Sebastian, a four-time World Champion, he doesn’t want to be 15^th or 12^th or P8, that’s clear,” Krack told assembled media.

“It’s our task to deliver a performing car or, say, a performing structure because I think Sebastian is a clever guy. He will not be focusing just on this year’s car or whatever but focusing more on what is happening and if he sees the potential.

“So if we can manage to offer this to him, I think we have a chance to keep him for longer. To be honest with you, I have not spoken with him about it – this is something that will have to come.

“But all in all, it is our task to deliver the right package, then Sebastian will stay and other drivers will like to join.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 16:00 , Karl Matchett

Toto Wolff has laid the blame for ex-race director Michael Masi’s mistakes in the 2021 season firmly at the door of the FIA and Red Bull, insisting that the relationship between Mercedes’ rival team and Masi was a problem for some time and that the governing body should have put distance between them.

Ultimately, the Mercedes chief feels that Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley had undue influence on the race director, who has been replaced for the new season, which Max Verstappen ultimately benefitted from.

“He’s [Wheatley] turned Michael Masi the race director, not only in Abu Dhabi but before, and probably Max owes him a lot,” Wolff said in a Sky F1 documentary.

“I haven’t spoken to [Masi] and I don’t want to speak to him ever again. His decisions were wrong and I’m sure that he regrets them

“The FIA should have seen much earlier that there was a problem. There was a problem with the structure. There was a problem of personalities.”

Wolff also acknowledged that he felt sorry for Verstappen, as the manner of his win last season meant the focus and the fall-out was on the controversy rather than the champion.

“I feel for Max. He merits the World Championship, but there’s only talk about Abu Dhabi.”

F1 fans will be gripped by a series still way ahead of the pack - Drive to Survive review

Friday 4 March 2022 15:45 , Karl Matchett

Speaking of Drive to Survive, our Sports Feature Writer Vithushan Ehantharajah has taken a look at what to expect from season four and, fair to say, it is an absolute sledgehammer of high-impact viewing:

“Barely a minute into season four of Drive to Survive and we’re all in. A compilation of crashes, expletives, explosions and wry smiles from some of the most recognisable faces on the planet, grimaces and sharp-tongued utterances from some of the richest people. The retelling of one of the most remarkable campaigns in all of sport has not even begun, and yet already the compulsion is to tell it to shut up and take our money.

“On Friday, 11 March, Netflix will throw open the doors of Formula One’s 2021 season with the expectation that it will break the records set by the previous three. To have bared real-time witness to the rollercoaster that culminated in Max Verstappen’s maiden title in remarkable fashion was to have watched something very special. And throughout a year where the narrative turned just as sharply as the cars on the track, the anticipation of the newest offering of Drive to Survive was almost too great to comprehend.”

Read Vithushan’s full five-star review here:

Drive to Survive review: F1 fans will be gripped by a series way ahead of the pack

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 15:30 , Karl Matchett

One of the many interesting snippets to come from the forthcoming Drive To Survive series, following F1 throughout last season, also involves Haas and Nikita Mazepin’s father Dmitry.

He is the owner of Uralkali, the main sponsor for Haas in 2021, but racefans.net report on how he threatened to pull his funding for the team if they didn’t switch chassis between Nikita’s car and team-mate Mick Schumacher.

At the Spanish Grand Prix he told the team that they had to “switch the cars” because “everybody knows that someone has an advantage,” after the Russian constantly finished behind his German counterpart.

“If it doesn’t change, I will send an official letter that we stop financing and stop racing. It will be a huge problem with the money,” he said.

Ultimately, it is Haas who have taken the decision to part with Uralkali, severing ties with the sponsor in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 15:15 , Karl Matchett

Nikita Mazepin is, by the FIA’s official ruling, allowed to compete in Formula One this year - albeit under a neutral flag and with his father’s company, Uralkali, having been removed from the team’s livery branding.

The relationship between driver, sponsor and F1 team has been an uneasy one and events in Ukraine seem to have led to a total parting of the ways, with Sky Germany reporting that Haas have “separated” from Mazepin and reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi will take over for testing in Bahrain.

He would then be Mick Schumacher’s new team-mate for the season if no further changes are made for the long term, with the Brazilian-American having raced twice at the end of the 2020 season.

Mazepin failed to land any points last season, in what was his debut campaign in F1.

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 15:00 , Karl Matchett

Max Verstappen has been hailed as the best driver in Formula One following the announcement of his extraordinary £200milllion deal with Red Bull.

The five-year contract extension, which could earn Verstappen as much as £40million-a-season, is arguably the most lucrative in F1 history, and will see the world champion remain at Red Bull until the end of 2028.

Verstappen’s current contract, worth around £20m-a-year, was due to expire at the end of next season. But the Dutchman, 24, has been rewarded for beating seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to the title.

Verstappen’s salary hike matches the 37-year-old Hamilton’s £80m two-year Mercedes deal.

“To have Max signed with Red Bull through to the end of 2028 is a real statement of intent,” said team principal Christian Horner.

“Max was the outstanding driver of last year. He was the world champion and mentally it takes that pressure off. He has that first tick in the box, but I don’t think anything will change in the way he goes racing.

“He will give 110 per cent, and with new engine regulations for 2026 we wanted to make sure we had the best driver on the grid secured for that car.”

Full report:

Red Bull delighted to tie down ‘best driver on the grid’ Max Verstappen

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 14:45 , Karl Matchett

Aston Martin have work to do with their new car before the 2022 season gets underway, claims Jolyon Palmer, with the former F1 driver suggesting there wasn’t too much to get excited about in the first test in Spain.

With another test run to come in Bahrain before the campaign gets underway, Palmer notes that even minor upgrades can have a big effect - so there’s no need to panic even though improvements are required.

“In Barcelona it was tough – from the outside at least – to spot any obvious signs that they’d made much progress towards the front end of the grid,” Palmer said in his Formula1.com column.

“The car looked snappy and hard to drive, particularly in the low-speed final sector, and it was also the car I saw porpoise the most on one particular lap, as it was launched almost fully into the air down the start-finish straight.

“Sebastian Vettel had the better of the running, and looked the more likely to get a tune out of it as well, but they don’t look like they have the car in the sweet spot just yet.

“It could be the case that minor set-up changes can transform the performance though, as engineers are constantly getting to grips with how to maximise this new generation car.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 14:30 , Karl Matchett

Max Verstappen is already one of F1’s best-ever drivers and won the championship last year by getting “inside” Lewis Hamilton’s head, says David Coulthard.

The former racer pointed to the Dutch-Belgian’s overtake at the Yas Marina Circuit last year, which won him the title, as evidence of his driven nature and says his young starting age means he’s already mature by Formula One standards.

“I knew he would either crash and become World Champion, or catch up and become World Champion. So yes,” Motorsport.com reports him saying in a documentary.

“But I didn’t expect him to make his overtake so early. That just showed his fighting spirit. As soon as there’s a gap, even if it’s not really a gap, he goes for it.

“That makes him a worthy champion in my eyes. He managed to get inside Lewis’ head and Lewis knew he had to leave room. No other driver has that effect on Lewis.

“Lewis is a fantastic driver and deserved to win that race, but I also think Max deserved the title because of his fighting spirit.

“He is remarkably mature for his young age. Let’s not forget that he was 17 when he entered Formula 1 and he won his first grand prix when he was 18. That he took that opportunity and triumphed makes him exceptional.

“All Formula 1 drivers are good, just like all Premier League footballers are good. But it’s about finding the guys who are exceptional.”

Ferrari expect Mercedes to unveil upgrades in testing at Bahrain

Friday 4 March 2022 14:15 , Karl Matchett

Ferrari produced some of the standout early showings in the Barcelona warm-up circuits last week, but team boss Mattia Binotto isn’t placing too much emphasis on the performance of the new F1-75 - largely because he expects Mercedes to bump up their own output soon.

Several teams were still running early versions of what will be the new vehicles, with a second round of testing in Bahrain set to see upgrades unveiled.

Lewis Hamilton had suggested Ferrari might be months ahead in development this year due to decisions taken halfway through last season - but Binotto still expects it to be the other way around.

“I’m pretty sure that [Mercedes] will be two or three months ahead of us by the time we will be in Bahrain,” said Binotto.

“So I think that it’s very difficult today to judge the performance and the relative competitiveness between the teams.

“But what’s important for us was to collect data here, and I think we can be satisfied for the amount of laps we did, collecting data and again, and will be analysed back at Maranello.

“I heard that there will be rumours that our competitors will bring big updates and upgrades. So I’m more concerned myself, I think, than Hamilton on ourselves.”

New F1 cars 2022: New livery for Red Bull, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and more

Friday 4 March 2022 14:00 , Karl Matchett

Formula 1 teams are launching their new cars for the 2022 season, as a new era takes hold.

2022 sees F1 undergo a significant regulation change which has led to a completely new era of car design, meaning there is potential for the grid order to be shaken up and for backmarker teams to challenge further up the grid order. The new rules will require teams to have nailed the finer details of the transition in order to succeed.

The regulation change has been devised in order to increase the quality of racing in F1. The return of ground effect aerodynamics is designed to allow drivers to follow one another more closely and encourage more intense wheel-to-wheel racing, while a five-inch increase in the width of the Pirelli size is part of plan to allow drivers to push harder for longer.

In terms of universal visual changes, this year’s cars have small winglets covering the tops of the front tyres, the front and rear wings have been simplified, and intricate bargeboard designs have been outlawed.

Here’s everything we’ve got for the new cars:

New F1 cars 2022: Teams launch Red Bull, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari

Mercedes explain the biggest changes to W13 car for 2022 F1 season

Friday 4 March 2022 13:45 , Karl Matchett

We know by now there are plenty of alternations to some much-changed cars in Formula One this year - now Mercedes are revealing a few secrets behind theirs.

The W13 was launched recently and Hywel Thomas, managing director of Mercedes, and Mike Elliott, technical director, got together to explain what has really changed in the car Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will be driving this year.

“In terms of regulation changes it’s twofold: the shape of the car and with the completely different rules, the aerodynamics - it’s changed front to back,” Elliott detailed.

“The car is shorter than last year by regulation, the whole electrical layout is changed and we’re back to convention springs suspension.

“Lots of detail right the way through the car.”

F1 latest news

Friday 4 March 2022 13:30 , Karl Matchett

A look around social media at what the teams are up to today, then?

Red Bull and Ferrari are among those admiring their new looks this season, whether it’s the car livery or the new outfits the drivers have - complete with new-look Oracle branding for the former - while McLaren are taking a peek into the past.

Think they should probably let Lando back on the Twitter page, he was entertaining!

Helmut Marko highlights how Max Verstappen’s new contract is a sign of Red Bull faith

Friday 4 March 2022 13:15 , Karl Matchett

Max Verstappen’s new contract at Red Bull places him among the sport’s top earners with Lewis Hamilton, but Red Bull are delighted to have the deal done - even if it’s a decision well outside their norm.

Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, pointed out that deal handed out represented not only a different approach within Red Bull but an acknowledgement of the massive potential Verstappen has for the forthcoming years.

“I won’t talk about the numbers, but I can only say that both parties are very satisfied and will remain,” said Marko said to F1 Insider.

“The fact that we rate Max highly is apparent from the duration of the new contract. Normally, Red Bull does not make such long commitments.

“It’s no secret that character at Red Bull is a very important quality, which we value very much.”

If Verstappen sees out the entirety of the deal with no unforeseen absences he will break Michael Schumacher’s records for most seasons with a team and most race starts for a single team.

Stefano Domenicali highlights where Netflix series must keep benefitting F1

Friday 4 March 2022 13:00 , Karl Matchett

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the Netflix series Drive to Survive has had a great impact for F1 in terms of attracting a new market and new audience - but insisted that future version have to keep adding “value” to the sport, otherwise a renegotiation would be required.

“There is no doubt that Drive to Survive has had an incredible effect, mainly on the new audiences, and also in other new markets like US for sure,” Domenicali told Wall Street analysts ahead of the season four launch.

“And this will continue, and I can anticipate to you that you have to stay tuned to the new series, because I’ve just had the possibility to see it, and it will be fantastic, with the right tone. And as you can imagine, with what has happened last year, there will be a lot of action. So that’s good.

“I think that it’s important for us to be with Drive to Survive, with our Netflix friends, up to the moment where we believe that we’ll make sure that it’s a differentiating factor.

“If it’s becoming just a different way to speak about F1 without adding, or giving to the F1 platform any added value, maybe I think it’s better to renegotiate and see with Netflix and with the other partners what could be a possibility to do something different in the future.

“But for sure, this platform has been a vital part on the growth of awareness, mainly with the young generation and with newcomers of F1. And for that we need to thank that vision, and the process and the quality, that has been really very, very good.”

Valtteri Bottas ‘enjoying working with smaller team’ at Alfa Romeo

Friday 4 March 2022 12:45 , Karl Matchett

Valtteri Bottas says he notices a difference between former team Mercedes and his new environment at Alfa Romeo, but he’s enjoying getting to grips with working at a smaller team.

Lewis Hamilton’s former team-mate was replaced by George Russell for the forthcoming 2022 season and opted to switch to the rival team after having initially questioned his own desire to continue in Formula One - though he acknowledged he “never seriously considered” leaving the sport.

Now he’s readying himself for a new set of objectives and expectations after helping Hamilton fight for the title last season and points out he’s still in an “adaptation phase” as Alfa Romeo, like the other teams, get used to the new car and new rules in place for this season.

“I would say you definitely feel the difference. First of all, the size of the team is quite a bit smaller, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing, and at least so far I’ve been enjoying it,” he told assembled media.

“There’s so many new people, new things to get used to and learn.

“And still I would say I’m in the adaptation phase of actually getting properly to know the team and how everything works, but that’s part of learning.”

Full story here:

Valtteri Bottas ‘enjoying working with smaller team’ at Alfa Romeo

Michael Masi was ‘turned’ by Red Bull in F1 season finale, says Toto Wolff

Friday 4 March 2022 12:30 , Karl Matchett

Toto Wolff has suggested that former FIA race director Michael Masi was “turned” by Red Bull in last year’s Formula 1 Season finale, which saw Max Verstappen win the drivers’ championship after overtaking Lewis Hamilton on a controversial final lap.

Mercedes’ Hamilton had led for much of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and was on course for a record eighth title, but a decision made in part by Masi ensured the race did not finish behind a safety car, allowing Red Bull driver Verstappen to get past his rival, win the race and secure a maiden championship trophy.

Masi has since been relieved of his duties as FIA race director ahead of the 2022 season, and Mercedes chief Wolff makes clear his opinion of the Australian in Duel: Hamilton vs Verstappen – a new Sky Sports documentary, the first episode of which will air on Sunday.

In the documentary, Wolff says: “[Red Bull sporting director] Jonathan Wheatley has done his job; he’s turned Michael Masi, the race director.

“Not only in Abu Dhabi but before, and probably Max owes him a lot.”

Full report here:

Michael Masi was ‘turned’ by Red Bull in F1 season finale, says Toto Wolff

Alpine pair working in harmony with ‘no secrets’ between Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon

Friday 4 March 2022 12:15 , Karl Matchett

Esteban Ocon says he and Fernando Alonso work extremely well together and are always offering each other potential improvements, as the Alpine racers look for another improved season in 2022.

Alpine Renault came fifth last year in the constructor standings, while Alonso just cracked the top 10 and Ocon finished one behind in 11th in the driver standings.

“We complement each other,” Ocon told Canal Sports Club. “We don’t give each other advice, we work together.

“If I try a setup on the car and it works, there will be no secrets. It will be on the table, we will discuss it. If we have a question for each other, we tell the truth.

“We’re not fighting for the championship together. If that happens, it might be closer.

“For the moment, it’s not the case. It’s great to work with a double World Champion. For me, to be with him in this team is a great opportunity.”

FIA publish code of conduct for Russian and Belarusian drivers

Friday 4 March 2022 12:00 , Karl Matchett

The FIA earlier in the week stated that drivers from Russia or Belarus were able to continue partaking in motor racing, but only under a neutral FIA flag.

Now they have updated their code of conduct this morning in relation to those affected, issuing a “driver commitment” document to be signed which bans any flags, symbols or shows of support for the nations involved.

Notable points include:

• The display of Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours or flags are banned in public and across all social media platforms, including those countrys’ autombile federations

• Russian/Belarusian flags, emblems, symbols, and words linked to the two countries are banned from display on uniforms, cars, clothing, accessories, equipment or other personal items

• The playing or singing of the Russian/Belarusian national anthem at any event or area controlled by the FIA is banned

• No comments, actions or conduct which could be construed as support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine are allowed

Antonio Giovinazzi could replace Nikita Mazepin at Haas

Friday 4 March 2022 11:45 , Karl Matchett

We’ve already covered the likely impending departure of Nikita Mazepin from Haas, with reports in Germany suggesting the “separation” is likely to occur soon.

But while initial reports stated reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi would be filling the void as Mick Schumacher’s team-mate, German outlet Bild now claim instead that Antonio Giovinazzi could instead be in the frame to replace the Russian.

He was with Alfa Romeo last year but lost his seat and was set to this year combine Ferrari reserve duties with racing in Formula E, but now a quickfire return to F1 may be on the cards.

Guenther Steiner, the Haas team principal, did recently suggest that Fittipaldi would have “first call” on stepping up for 2022.

Red Bull have ‘ruined a few great drivers’, McLaren chief claims

Friday 4 March 2022 11:30 , Karl Matchett

Zak Brown, the chief executive of McLaren, has accused Red Bull of being “a bit brutal” on young drivers and “ruining a few” that had the potential to succeed in Formula 1.

Max Verstappen secured his first F1 world title in 2021 having progressed through the ranks at Red Bull, following the achievements and career path of four-time drivers’ championship winner Sebastian Vettel.

While Daniel Ricciardo would also be counted as a success of Red Bull’s driver development program, helmed by Helmut Marko, Brown believes that the team has been detrimental to a number of promising young drivers.

Mexican driver Pato O’Ward is now a highly-competitive youngster in IndyCar with McLaren, and Brown thinks that O’Ward warranted greater opportunities than those afforded him by Christian Horner and his team.

“[Pato O’Ward] definitely slipped through the cracks,” Brown said to The Race.

“I think Red Bull, while he was there, they only gave him about three races [in junior categories]. But if you look at Red Bull’s history other than Max, they have let a handful of great drivers slip through their hands.

“I think they’ve ruined a few that I think had it, but weren’t given enough opportunity.”

Full report:

Red Bull have ‘ruined a few great drivers’, McLaren chief claims

Aston Martin face fight to keep Sebastian Vettel after 2022

Friday 4 March 2022 11:21 , Karl Matchett

Sebastian Vettel departed Ferrari for Aston Martin after the 2020 season, but only managed to finish 12th in the driver standings last season and the team know they have to offer more to keep him around.

Vettel won four championships with Red Bull earlier in his career and team principal Mike Krack knows Aston Martin need to offer a faster car if they want to keep the German around beyond a second season.

“It’s clear that a guy like Sebastian, a four-time World Champion, he doesn’t want to be 15^th or 12^th or P8, that’s clear,” Krack told assembled media.

“It’s our task to deliver a performing car or, say, a performing structure because I think Sebastian is a clever guy. He will not be focusing just on this year’s car or whatever but focusing more on what is happening and if he sees the potential.

“So if we can manage to offer this to him, I think we have a chance to keep him for longer. To be honest with you, I have not spoken with him about it – this is something that will have to come.

“But all in all, it is our task to deliver the right package, then Sebastian will stay and other drivers will like to join.”

Toto Wolff blames Red Bull and FIA for Michael Masi mistakes last Abu Dhabi

Friday 4 March 2022 11:00 , Karl Matchett

Toto Wolff has laid the blame for ex-race director Michael Masi’s mistakes in the 2021 season firmly at the door of the FIA and Red Bull, insisting that the relationship between Mercedes’ rival team and Masi was a problem for some time and that the governing body should have put distance between them.

Ultimately, the Mercedes chief feels that Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley had undue influence on the race director, who has been replaced for the new season, which Max Verstappen ultimately benefitted from.

“He’s [Wheatley] turned Michael Masi the race director, not only in Abu Dhabi but before, and probably Max owes him a lot,” Wolff said in a Sky F1 documentary.

“I haven’t spoken to [Masi] and I don’t want to speak to him ever again. His decisions were wrong and I’m sure that he regrets them

“The FIA should have seen much earlier that there was a problem. There was a problem with the structure. There was a problem of personalities.”

Wolff also acknowledged that he felt sorry for Verstappen, as the manner of his win last season meant the focus and the fall-out was on the controversy rather than the champion.

“I feel for Max. He merits the World Championship, but there’s only talk about Abu Dhabi.”

Drive to Survive review: F1 fans will be gripped by a series still way ahead of the pack

Friday 4 March 2022 10:45 , Karl Matchett

Speaking of Drive to Survive, our Sports Feature Writer Vithushan Ehantharajah has taken a look at what to expect from season four and, fair to say, it is an absolute sledgehammer of high-impact viewing:

“Barely a minute into season four of Drive to Survive and we’re all in. A compilation of crashes, expletives, explosions and wry smiles from some of the most recognisable faces on the planet, grimaces and sharp-tongued utterances from some of the richest people. The retelling of one of the most remarkable campaigns in all of sport has not even begun, and yet already the compulsion is to tell it to shut up and take our money.

“On Friday, 11 March, Netflix will throw open the doors of Formula One’s 2021 season with the expectation that it will break the records set by the previous three. To have bared real-time witness to the rollercoaster that culminated in Max Verstappen’s maiden title in remarkable fashion was to have watched something very special. And throughout a year where the narrative turned just as sharply as the cars on the track, the anticipation of the newest offering of Drive to Survive was almost too great to comprehend.”

Read Vithushan’s full five-star preview here:

Drive to Survive review: F1 fans will be gripped by a series way ahead of the pack

Mazepin threatened to withdraw sponsor over Haas car last season

Friday 4 March 2022 10:30 , Karl Matchett

One of the many interesting snippets to come from the forthcoming Drive To Survive series, following F1 throughout last season, also involves Haas and Nikita Mazepin’s father Dmitry.

He is the owner of Uralkali, the main sponsor for Haas in 2021, but racefans.net report on how he threatened to pull his funding for the team if they didn’t switch chassis between Nikita’s car and team-mate Mick Schumacher.

At the Spanish Grand Prix he told the team that they had to “switch the cars” because “everybody knows that someone has an advantage,” after the Russian constantly finished behind his German counterpart.

“If it doesn’t change, I will send an official letter that we stop financing and stop racing. It will be a huge problem with the money,” he said.

Ultimately, it is Haas who have taken the decision to part with Uralkali, severing ties with the sponsor in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Haas to confirm they have ‘separated’ from Nikita Mazepin

Friday 4 March 2022 10:20 , Karl Matchett

Nikita Mazepin is, by the FIA’s official ruling, allowed to compete in Formula One this year - albeit under a neutral flag and with his father’s company, Uralkali, having been removed from the team’s livery branding.

The relationship between driver, sponsor and F1 team has been an uneasy one and events in Ukraine seem to have led to a total parting of the ways, with Sky Germany reporting that Haas have “separated” from Mazepin and reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi will take over for testing in Bahrain.

He would then be Mick Schumacher’s new team-mate for the season if no further changes are made for the long term, with the Brazilian-American having raced twice at the end of the 2020 season.

Mazepin failed to land any points last season, in what was his debut campaign in F1.

Red Bull delighted to tie down ‘best driver on the grid’ Max Verstappen

Friday 4 March 2022 09:53 , Karl Matchett

Max Verstappen has been hailed as the best driver in Formula One following the announcement of his extraordinary £200milllion deal with Red Bull.

The five-year contract extension, which could earn Verstappen as much as £40million-a-season, is arguably the most lucrative in F1 history, and will see the world champion remain at Red Bull until the end of 2028.

Verstappen’s current contract, worth around £20m-a-year, was due to expire at the end of next season. But the Dutchman, 24, has been rewarded for beating seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to the title.

Verstappen’s salary hike matches the 37-year-old Hamilton’s £80m two-year Mercedes deal.

“To have Max signed with Red Bull through to the end of 2028 is a real statement of intent,” said team principal Christian Horner.

“Max was the outstanding driver of last year. He was the world champion and mentally it takes that pressure off. He has that first tick in the box, but I don’t think anything will change in the way he goes racing.

“He will give 110 per cent, and with new engine regulations for 2026 we wanted to make sure we had the best driver on the grid secured for that car.”

Full report here:

Red Bull delighted to tie down ‘best driver on the grid’ Max Verstappen