In the round-up: Christian Horner says there is no chance Fernando Alonso will drive for Red Bull next year.
Show which drivers and teams you are supporting
Which F1 drivers and teams are you supporting this season? Here's how you can show your support for your favourite on the grid on RaceFans:
- Log in with your RaceFans account (sign up here if you don't have one)
- Select Edit My Profile from the top-right menu
- Select F1 Teams and Drivers
- Make your selections then click Save Changes
Links
Your daily digest of F1 news, views, features and more from hundreds of sites across the web:
Red Bull rule out signing Alonso (Sky)
"We don't have space. It's a shame to see Fernando in the lack of competitive situation he is in but there is no room at the inn within Red Bull."
Lewis Hamilton encounters more tyre trouble in Baku (ESPN)
"I think today I had 20 per cent more yellow flags than ever before so it just shows how tricky it is with these tyres."
Perez wants Baku crash kerb changed overnight (Motorsport)
"We had a word with Charlie (Whiting) regarding turn eight (in the drivers’ briefing) and I think he’ll have a look and will try to improve it for us for tomorrow."
Sebastian Vettel Q&A: I had to use reverse three times! (F1)
"Today I’ve probably passed that part 60 times – and 30 times you think that you won’t make it. You push it to the limit, of course, but this is the completely wrong spot to overdo it."
Sainz annoyed by 'ungentlemanly' ban call (Autosport)
"I apologised, and people tend to keep going on and on about it. In Canada on Sunday I was watching onboards of Baku, and people on Friday in Baku are still thinking about Sunday in Canada, and asking for race bans, which I don't find very gentleman or polite."
F1 could learn a few things from the magnificent Le Mans 24 Hours (The Guardian)
"I wonder what (Chase Carey) made of his time last weekend in the Loire countryside, where around 250,000 people – more than for any F1 event – gathered to watch 60 cars of various shapes and sizes race around the clock in the hands of 180 largely unknown drivers. It was everything he appears not to want and it was magnificent."
F1 2017 Classic Car Reveal - Williams (Codemasters via YouTube)
Villeneuve’s insecurity showing through: McDonald (The Star)
"If I was Jacques, describing my own performance post-1997, I would call it one of the worst - if not the worst - in the history of motorsport. But he wouldn’t and I won’t."
Got a tip for a link to feature in the next F1 Fanatic round-up? Send it in here:
Social media
Notable posts from Twitter, Instagram and more:
So @HulkHulkenberg @PWehrlein @lance_stroll and @danielricciardo were the only ones not on any off-track expeditions #F1 #BakuGP
— Niharika Ghorpade (@Niha1567) June 23, 2017
Never have I experienced such farcical 'security' nonsense as here@#AzerbaijanGP.Ineptitude beyond belief &stressful to the nth degree #F1
— Darren Heath (@F1Photographer) June 23, 2017
F4SEA agreement with FOM for 6 F1 support race slots, 2 race at the Singapore F1 and 4 races at the Malaysian F1 GP
— Formula 4 SEA (@Formula4SEA) June 23, 2017
Put your hands together for our mechanics! Both crews came together and worked hard and now car #11 is ready for action! #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/7KKAgT4e7M
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) June 23, 2017
Top tip for avoiding diversions due to street F1 races. Reverse down a 5 lane motorway. pic.twitter.com/2IbWHpNFj5
— Rob Dob (@robdob20) June 23, 2017
#F2 qualifying red-flagged after @luca_ghiotto crashed at turn 15. #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/iAufM1CpCL
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) June 23, 2017
Oh dear, #F2 qualifying is restarted… and then immediately red-flagged again. Seems they've not quite cleared everything up. #AzerbaijanGP
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) June 23, 2017
I'm watching #fp1 at #BakuGP … it looks like a ghost town… an @F1 race in an abandoned city
— Rich Walker (@ChooseFreeWill) June 23, 2017
Lots of questions on why Grosjean got a ban for his Spa 2012 crash but Sainz didn't for his at the last race in Canada. #F1 #CanadianGP
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) June 23, 2017
Recall the stewards in 2012 said Grosjean's ban was partly because he "eliminated leading championship contenders": https://t.co/cskBW5nZaH
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) June 23, 2017
Hearing Fred Vasseur to Sauber, allegedly offered Sport Director job in Monaco but did not wish to move to CH, but TP is different.
— Fritz-Dieter Rencken (@RacingLines) June 23, 2017
One clipped tyre and you are heading towards a solid brick wall? @fia safety consistancy on point as usual.
— Alan Dove (@Karting1News) June 23, 2017
- Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory
Comment of the day
Much has been said about how bad the Honda experience has been for McLaren, but can the manufacturer stand to tough it out any longer?
It really makes me wonder how long the Honda big-wigs will allow this brand – damaging farce to continue?
The return on investment is simply non existent. They seem to be like a rudderless ship, drifting further behind the competition
Michael Brown
From the forum
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Andrew Smith, Daniel and Inc0Mmunicado!
If you want a birthday shout-out tell us when yours is via the contact form or adding to the list here.
HUHHII (@huhhii)
24th June 2017, 0:05
The headline seems about right. Who’d want Alonso anyway? Having him in a team means guaranteed problems for team motivation. Red Bull has many better options, and continuing with their current line-up is just one of them.
Ricky Johnson (@bamboo)
24th June 2017, 0:37
Guaranteed problems for team motivation? Guaranteed?!?
You’ve worked for Minardi, Renault, McLaren or Ferrari Im guessing?
Sven (@crammond)
24th June 2017, 1:08
I wonder when people are going to get Red Bulls “junior team” concept with Toro Rosso and stop including them in silly season rumours and headlines. Red Bull just does not hire outside drivers (and did so only when RBR was newly founded and Toro Rosso didn’t exist), they are taking their drivers from their junior program exclusively. Neither Alonso nor Hamilton nor anyone already in F1 but outside of the Red Bull family will drive a Red Bull.
@HoHum (@hohum)
24th June 2017, 1:52
If RedBull is the Inn does that mean TorroRosso is the manger ?
Kringle
24th June 2017, 4:50
No car for a bed,
the little Lord Alonso lays down with HANS round his head.
Driving Gods in the night sky look on in dismay.
Another years racing was whittled away.
@HoHum (@hohum)
24th June 2017, 13:46
:-)
BigJoe
24th June 2017, 8:40
Stop trolling this is a good forum. Alonso had one big argument with Martin Whitmarsh and they made up after half an hour, that was it, it’s documented by the court hearing. Stop being bitter and spoiling this website.
Takeitlightly
24th June 2017, 9:39
As if Alonso would like to work with the brokeback managers Horner and Marko…
If Alonso would move, it will be on a Renault since its the most realistic opening for him.
Wesley (@)
24th June 2017, 18:50
@huhhii
“Who’d want Alonso anyway? ”
A team with lots of money that wants to win races.
hunocsi (@hunocsi)
24th June 2017, 0:12
No place at Red Bull, but could there be one at Mercedes? I wonder if Hamilton saying yesterday that Bottas earned his place for next year was a sign that he feels some movements coming that he doesn’t like, especially with Toto pointing out that Bottas is in an uncomfortable situation.
MaroonJack (@maroonjack)
24th June 2017, 6:34
I think Alonso will replace a second driver at Ferrari or Mercedes. Most likely Ferrari, as Kimi just isn’t delivering and he’s already past his prime. Bottas is ten years younger, has greater potential and still has a lot to achieve. But a lot is depending on which team will end up second in the Constructors Championship. If Merc loses because of their 2nd driver not delivering, they might be tempted by Alonso. These are the only logical options in my opinion. No other team can give Fernando a championship winning car. And gambling on McLaren making a huge leap forward next year is too much risk for Alonso at his age. Another year without a competitive car is something he can’t afford.
MaroonJack (@maroonjack)
24th June 2017, 6:36
This, or IndyCar.
NoName (@noname)
24th June 2017, 7:43
@maroonjack It won’t hapen i’m sure. Mercedes is a no go for Alonso considered how he black mailed McLaren-Mercedes, i also heard that Mercedes’s top managers don’t want him. Ferrari is a no go zone either for Alonso.
BigJoe
24th June 2017, 8:38
No he didnt blackmail anyone the court hearing document is online for you to read. He shouted something at Martin Whitmarsh then appologised half an hour later. Stop being bitter and ruining this forum.
MaroonJack (@maroonjack)
24th June 2017, 9:28
I think that with a driver like Alonso there are no strict “no go” zones.
Todfod (@todfod)
24th June 2017, 6:44
@maroonjack
I just don’t see it happening at Ferrari… strictly because of their 1 rooster philosophy. I do see Ferrari losing the WCC (and possibly WDC) this year only because of Kimi’s poor performance. They’ll definitely do some soul searching to hire a strong #2 driver, but there’s no way they’ll swallow their pride and get Alonso back. I’m pretty sure Vettel’s contract has a ‘No Alonso’ clause in it as well.
MaroonJack (@maroonjack)
24th June 2017, 7:27
@todfod I think Vettel’s contract ends this year, so 2018 at Ferrari is a blank slate and they might just swallow their pride to end the Great Championship Draught.
But there is another possibility, albeit bit silly. There are unconfirmed rumours coming from German and Italian media about Vettel having some kind of pre-agreement with Mercedes. So imagine Vettel switching to Mercedes, and Bottas paired with Alonso at Ferrari.
hunocsi (@hunocsi)
24th June 2017, 7:38
@maroonjack Vettel definitely won’t stay with a weakened contract, especially against Alonso, I’m pretty sure he’d rather move to Mercedes if Alonso would return (which I think is very unlikely).
MaroonJack (@maroonjack)
24th June 2017, 9:26
@hunocsi The contract doesn’t have to be weaker. They might convince him to race alongside Alonso and offer something else in return. That is: if ther is “no Alonso” clause, because Vettel himself said: “I’m signing my contract. I’m not signing other people’s contract, so it’s not my decision,” said Vettel. “But I’m ready to race whoever comes along.”
Wayne
24th June 2017, 18:56
Agree 100%
sward (@)
24th June 2017, 0:17
I’m interested in how Codemasters, per their F1 agreement, can run the FW18, the MP4/4, and FW14B in cigarette livery without the sponsor on it, yet can’t run the Williams FW40 in the red Martini livery without the sponsor?
Neiana (@neiana)
24th June 2017, 0:39
Most countries that have a ban or obstruction in place for alcohol are far more lenient against tobacco use and cigarettes. That is all.
Ricky Johnson (@bamboo)
24th June 2017, 0:59
Yep, if you were to run the alcohol livery even without the name you can put a big fat zero next to Middle East sales.
Alianora La Canta (@alianora-la-canta)
24th June 2017, 12:00
Liveries are relatively simple to change, should Codemasters discover there are parts of the world that will not accept cigarette liveries on games in the desired age bracket.
dan
24th June 2017, 0:31
Hey @robbie see it is not just me saying JV was poor after 97 in fact i would say he was poor from 96. Damon Hill ws hardly good was he?
Juan Melendez (@juanmelendezr1)
24th June 2017, 1:39
I used to underestimate Alonso for his crying manners, and toxic personality, but after his Indy500 excursión I feel nothing but respect for that man, is hard to be in a safe place like f1, making millions, and then fly to the USA and put your bum on the line in a crazy-dangerous race like that just for the joy of racing, that said I want Alonso back in Ferrari, so he finally get the chance to race his hated nemesis Sebastian Vettel, the level of hatred between those two guys is like no other.
OmarRoncal - Go Seb!!! (@)
24th June 2017, 2:14
@juanmelendezr1 If I skip a day at work, I got that day discounted from my salary. I guess Alonso can venture into as many races as he wants, because:
a. He is Alonso, not Omar Roncal.
b. His contract must have a clause that, in case of that junk of a car he has at Woking, he can venture into other categories.
Too bad Honda keeps letting him down in F1 AND in Indy as well. If he enters a lawnmowers race, he’d better stay away from Honda!
NoName (@noname)
24th June 2017, 7:46
@juanmelendezr1 It won’t hapen mate.
@HoHum (@hohum)
24th June 2017, 1:55
Kudos to the 1st. person who finds the previous version of the Guardian article without C C being substituted for B C E .
Sumedh
24th June 2017, 2:23
So Seb got an exit clause only in 2011 after winning the championship. I would be interested in knowing what were the specifics of the clause – was it driver position or constructor position in the championship table.
Plus, it shows how much confidence Red Bull had on their abilities to make a winning chassis and their junior driver program. They kept Webber on just 1 year contract and Seb with an exit clause for 2 years.
Ricky Johnson (@bamboo)
24th June 2017, 3:04
My understanding is his exit clause was triggered if he was lower than 5th in the WDC by the end of the European season (Italy), which was the case in 2014.
This paved the way for him announcing his Ferrari deal at the Japanese GP that year.
Virolet
24th June 2017, 7:49
And that’s why Seb was ”slower” that his team mate…so it can activate this clause. He had seen an opportunity and took it. Every driver wants to drive for Ferrari, and having won 4 word championships , there was nothing for him to prove at Red Bull. But it’s easier for haters to say that he was bad that year .
sward (@)
24th June 2017, 3:16
Just watching qualifying from Brazil ’98. Giancarlo Fisichella spins off into a gravel trap. They bring a digger out to retrieve him. Martin Brundle then begins to hide his head in hands and says “if a car gors into that, unfortunately they will be pushing up daisies”.
I’ve been watching F1 for a long time. I know Brundle had his crash in Japan ’94, that led to his belief in the statement above. However, I still can’t get over every time he says it, over the course of his career, how prophetic it is to Jules Bianchi’s crash.
Alianora La Canta (@alianora-la-canta)
24th June 2017, 13:43
With eerie timing, Tom Coronel’s WTCC car hit a fire lorry in a practise session this morning, showing that even that apparently wasn’t enough for all world-class motorsport series to get the memo…
Selbbin (@selbbin)
24th June 2017, 3:33
You can’t really say Les Mans is something to look at in order to find out why it’s so successful compared to an average F1 race. Part of the Les Mans success is it’s generally a one off. Yes, there is the WEC, but Les Mans is a famous, historic race. Indy 500, while also part of a series, is also hugely successful as a single race and attendance skyrockets over normal Indycar races, which are pretty cheap anyway. Indy 500 had 300k crowd, while Phoenix had about 15 -20k. More people would attend Monaco if it was affordable and there were enough seats. I know a few people that went this year to Monaco who don’t watch F1 at all. Ever. But they know Monaco because it’s a famous race and went to see it for that reason alone. The Tour de France attracts far more attention than most other bike races. People gawk at famous things and people. Fame and heritage plays a huge part of general interest, but that gets watered down when you add demanding prices and take things off free to air. It also depends on capacity. Even with high prices, Spa is sold out. Melbourne is sold out. Monaco is sold out. Monza is probably close. Yet despite it’s lack of heritage, you add twice as many grandstands to Melbourne and halve the prices, you’d get Les Mans figures on race day. Easily.
Minardi (@gitanes)
24th June 2017, 5:28
Regarding the piece about JV, he certainly did have a major drop-off in pace sometime around 2001-2002 or so, with it never to return. But, to say he hasn’t won anything since is not quite correct – he did share victory in the Spa 1000 km race for Peugeot in 2008!
Marian Gri (@)
24th June 2017, 6:09
I guess we knew it already. If they were interested in his services they would have done something about it in the past years. So, if they didn’t get him while he was 30, how “interesting” can he be (anymore) at 36-37?? Let’s be honest, ALO has a major problem in finding a top seat… simply because they have good enough drivers already to win champs, every top team could use a better car.
MaroonJack (@maroonjack)
24th June 2017, 6:42
It will be close between Mercedes and Ferrari this year and it might boil down to performance of their #2 drivers. Both teams might consider a strong replacement for next year, so I think both drivers are in a vulnerable place, with Kimi being much closer to the end of his career.
Todfod (@todfod)
24th June 2017, 7:07
I agree. I’ve been saying the same since pre season testing. It was an easy decision to put Valterri as a #2 driver in that Merc because Mercedes enjoyed such a massive advantage to their rivals. Now when the going gets tough, you want 2 drivers to maximise the points haul over the length of a season. So the issue of managing two top tier drivers should be welcomed in exchange for a more competitive shot for the WDC and WCC.
The same goes with Ferrari. It’s only when they actually started fighting for the championship did they realise what a liability Kimi has been. If they don’t win the WDC and WCC this year, Kimi’s lack of competitiveness will probably be the primary reason.
It will be interesting to see who they take in 2018. I have a feeling Valterri will step up later this year and be able to retain his seat at Mercedes, but Kimi will flounder and be replaced in 2018. The problem is that both Red Bull drivers will be locked in for 2018, so the 2nd seat will be a hard one to fill at Ferrari. I can only assume that they will approach Perez and maybe Sainz for that role, but neither are as strong as they would want the Ferrari #2 to be.
George.be
24th June 2017, 9:34
Ferrari could go for ALO, but this would bring an instability to the team, in house fights and gives them no long time perspective. Say what you want, ALO is spewing too much poison, and Ferrari’s most successful years were with a clear 1-2 status between their drivers. ALO and Kimi are both in the last years of their career. Performance wise I’ll not comment, since I’m not sure that ALO is doing as great is he’s boasting: His teammate is the only reference, and that reference is handicapped on so much levels, it isn’t halfway fair: ALO gets the updates first, doesn’t do fuel-saving and can set the car up to his liking. Vandoorne needs to do what he’s being told to do, with the “lesser car” and a setup decided by engineering, restricted consumption, … while learning the tracks in a machine that needs to be managed not to break down. End results for both: 0 points. Compared to Button last year, ALO wasn’t that great either
Wayne
24th June 2017, 19:02
Pure drivel…
F1Junky
24th June 2017, 6:57
My comment is for here.
Pretty much what I said in the last round up.
F1Junky
24th June 2017, 6:54
Pretty much what I said in the last round up.
AliceD (@aliced)
24th June 2017, 7:35
If I were in the Ferrari team I would seriously consider Bottas to replace Kimi next year. Not only are you getting a top driver, but also someone with very valuable insider information about your biggest rival and how the Ferrari compares to the Merc.
Fran
24th June 2017, 8:09
I’d rather someone spectacular in a Ferrari like Verstappen or Ricciardo
GtisBetter (@)
24th June 2017, 9:25
The rumors are heating up that Kimi will get another 1 year contact. I wouldn’t be surprised. Ferrari is probably waiting for one of the RB drivers. But if Kimi stays, i don’t suspect a lot of movement in the drivers market.
Roth Man (@rdotquestionmark)
24th June 2017, 10:49
What a terrible, unpleasant, bitter article by Norris Mcdonold on Villeneuve. That guy needs to weigh up his life.
Robbie (@robbie)
24th June 2017, 14:19
Yeah at other times he has been complimentary to JV, so he must just think Stroll needs all the Canadian support he can get. Reading JV’s other quotes have him saying the Stroll family told him at the start of the season the results will speak for themselves, so JV is just playing off what the family themselves have said.
Anyway Norris has said other disagreeable things in the past on other racing related topics so it should be no surprise that as ‘poor’ as he is thinks JV is for saying what he did, Norris is being no more mature by sweeping under the carpet the stuff that JV has done which only Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi have also done in the history of racing.
Joao (@johnmilk)
24th June 2017, 12:44
I wonder if the situation at Sauber has something to do with the Honda engine deal as well?
Don’t know if that sort of decision could be made only by Monisha and what good could come from sacking her due to it.
She needs to write a book doesn’t she?