Formula 1 - Season 2020

[asharab.butt]

Renault is not looking like in a healthy situation with respect to finances and that is why Vettel going their is less likely but Mercedes is a solid option either to replace Bottas or if Hamilton decide not to extend his contract with them and leave.

Exactly! Danny Ric left renault and he probably knew of development for their cars once the new regulations come into play. So it isn't looking nice for renault.

[genius83]

F1 races may be smaller, less profitable events in a “post-Covid world”
Formula 1’s highly lucrative races may become less profitable as a result of the pandemic, the sport’s commercial rights holder has admitted.

Ferrari first approached Sainz over Vettel’s seat after last season ended
Carlos Sainz Jnr has revealed Ferrari first approached him about joining their team for the 2021 F1 season during the off-season.

The other tracks F1 could race at in 2020
The 2020 F1 calendar originally consisted of a record-breaking 22 different races.

Stroll tipped to appoint Mercedes executive in charge of Aston Martin
Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll has been tipped put a former Mercedes executive in charge of the Aston Martin car maker he invested in earlier this year.

Stewards usually persuade drivers their penalty decisions are correct – Salo
FIA driver steward and former Formula 1 racer Mika Salo has given insight into how the sport’s often controversial penalty decisions are made.

F1 plans to freeze teams’ power unit designs in 2023
Formula 1 intends to freeze teams’ power unit designs from the 2023 season, ahead of the introduction of new engine regulations.

F1 teams to be limited to 80 staff each at “Closed Events”
Formula 1’s races behind closed doors will officially be referred to as “Closed Events” when the championship starts in July.

[genius83]

UK government ‘will allow Silverstone F1 races to go ahead despite quarantine’
The British government will allow Formula 1’s planned races at Silverstone to go ahead in spite of the new quarantine arrangements which will come into force next month, according to a report.

Stroll appoints Mercedes chief as Aston Martin president
Racing Point team owner Lawrence Stroll has appointed a long-time Mercedes executive as the new president of carmaker Aston Martin.

Alonso? Vettel? Bottas? Who should Renault hire as Ricciardo’s replacement?
Renault are giving themselves time to decide who should take the seat Daniel Ricciardo has left vacant for the 2021 F1 season.

McLaren to cut 1,200 staff from group including F1 team
McLaren has announced it will make major job cuts as a consequence of the pandemic.

F1’s ‘aero handicap’ rules will get much tougher in second year
Proposed new F1 rules which will set different restrictions on how much aerodynamic development each team can do will become tougher in the year after they are introduced.

Lower budget cap, ‘aero handicap’ and more cost-saving F1 rules officially approved
The FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved new rules for the 2020 and 2021 Formula 1 seasons, mostly aimed at reducing teams’ costs.

New rules will make F1’s top teams “dinosaurs”
Formula 1’s new rules will make the top teams “dinosaurs”, Racing Point technical director Andrew Green has predicted.

‘It’s been two years since Monaco and I’m craving another win’ – Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo says he is “craving” a chance to win again, two years since his last F1 victory.

Dutch Grand Prix officially postponed to 2021
The promoters of the Dutch Grand Prix have confirmed the race will not go ahead this year.

Why Abt isn’t the motorsport job loss that matters most this week
Audi’s decision to fire Daniel Abt from its Formula E team two days ago sent the motorsport world into convulsions.

[genius83]

An F1 race at Silverstone this year may be more trouble than it’s worth
F1’s post-hiatus building blocks are gradually dropping into place as the sport emerges from shutdown and furloughing of staff.

Vietnam still seeking 2020 date for first F1 race
The promoters of the Vietnam Grand Prix remain hopeful of agreeing a new date for their race on the 2020 F1 calendar.

Williams offers team for sale after £13m loss and terminates Rokit sponsorship deal
The Williams Formula 1 team has announced the beginning of a formal sale process after its financial results worsened again in 2019.

Williams name could disappear from F1 after sale
The Williams name could disappear from Formula 1 as a result of the team’s decision to put itself up for sale.

Renault confirm they will stay in F1 after announcing €1.8bn cost cut plan
Renault’s Formula 1 team will remain in the sport despite the carmaker announcing plans to make €2 billion (£1.8bn) in savings over the next three years.

Williams to reveal new 2020 car livery after ending Rokit sponsorship deal
Williams has confirmed its original livery for the 2020 F1 season will never be raced after the team terminated its deal with title sponsor Rokit.

‘Williams are not in long-term decline – we’ve had two bad years’
Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams says the decision to offer the team for sale is the best option to secure funding and protect its future.

[genius83]

F1 to confirm Silverstone double-header as government gives approval
Formula 1 is poised to confirm details of its plans to hold two races at Silverstone in August after the British government gave assurances the events can go ahead despite new quarantine rules.

“I know who you are and I see you”: Hamilton tells F1 stars not to ignore racial injustice
Lewis Hamilton has challenged his fellow Formula 1 stars to speak out against racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, which has led to rioting in several American cities.

Two teams not supporting reverse-grid race plan for double-headers
A proposal to introduce reverse-grid races at two rounds this year will not go ahead unless two teams join the others in backing the plan.

New aero handicap rules will make F1 a “fairer fight” – Williams
New rules which will handicap how much aerodynamic development each team can conduct based on their championship positions will make the sport a “fairer fight”, says Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams.

“I was completely wrong”: F1 drivers respond to Hamilton’s call to challenge racism
Eight Formula 1 drivers have responded to Lewis Hamilton’s call for the sport’s stars to condemn racial injustice following the death of George Floyd.

F1 teams return to work ahead of first race next month
Formula 1 teams have reopened their factories just over one month ahead of the first race of the heavily delayed season.

Six F1 races in seven weeks raises concerns over spare parts
F1 teams have expressed concerns they could run out of spare parts when the season begins with an unprecedented run of six races in seven weeks.

F1 officially confirms first eight races for start of 2020 season
Formula 1 has officially confirmed further details of its plan to begin its heavily delayed 2020 season next month.

First eight F1 races of 2020 confirmed
Round Race                         Location             Dates                 Support races
1     Austrian Grand Prix	   Red Bull Ring        July 3rd-5th          Formula 2, Formula 3
2     Steiermark Grand Prix        Red Bull Ring        July 10th-12th        Formula 2, Formula 3
3     Hungarian Grand Prix         Hungaroring          July 17th-19th        Formula 2, Formula 3
4     British Grand Prix           Silverstone          July 31st-August 2nd  Formula 2, Formula 3
5     70th Anniversary Grand Prix  Silverstone          August 7th-9th        Formula 2, Formula 3
6     Spanish Grand Prix           Circuit de Catalunya August 14th-16th      Formula 2, Formula 3
7     Belgian Grand Prix           Spa-Francorchamps    August 28th-30th      Formula 2, Formula 3
8     Italian Grand Prix           Monza                September 4th-6th     Formula 2, Formula 3

[genius83]

Hamilton is discovering his potential to achieve another kind of greatness
Had the 2020 F1 season started on time, Lewis Hamilton might already have equalled Michael Schumacher’s record 91 career grand prix victories.

F1’s first races without fans will have ‘strange atmosphere’
Formula 1’s first closed events with no spectators presents will seem strange, AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost said after the championship’s resumption was announced today.

No extra free-to-air F1 races planned this year
Formula 1 does not plan to increase free-to-air television coverage of races this year despite the first rounds of its delayed season being closed to spectators.

F1 shelves reverse-grid qualifying race plan again
Formula 1 has again been forced to abandon plans to introduce reverse-grid qualifying races due to a lack of unanimous support from teams.

Hamilton says he was “overcome with rage” in reaction to Floyd killing
Lewis Hamilton said he “failed to keep hold of my emotions” in his response to the killing of George Floyd last week.

F1 will not cancel races if a driver tests positive for Covid-19
Formula 1 will not cancel races if a driver or other paddock members tests positive for the Covid-19 Coronavirus.

Williams expects decision on potential sale within four months
Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams wants to secure new funding for her team – potentially through a sale – within the next four months.

FIA thought they’d made DAS “too difficult” to build – Allison
Mercedes technical director James Allison has given new insight into how the team consulted with the FIA on the design of its innovative Dual Axis Steering system.

Mercedes keeping options open on Vettel in case Hamilton or Bottas leave, says Wolff
Sebastian Vettel could be an option for Mercedes if Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas decide to leave the world champions, team principal Toto Wolff has said.

Poll shows most fans did not support reverse grid race plan – Wolff
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has explained why his team opposed plans to introduce a reverse-grid qualifying race at two of this year’s races.

Mercedes to share reserve drivers with McLaren
Mercedes will make one of its reserve drivers available to McLaren if the team needs a substitute driver this year, RaceFans has learned.

Wolff supports Hamilton’s “vocal” calls to tackle discrimination
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff supports Lewis Hamilton’s efforts to tackle discrimination and highlight Formula 1’s lack of diversity – and said his driver has said made him think differently about racial issues.

New 18-inch tyres will make F1 cars up to two seconds slower – Allison
Formula 1’s new 18-inch tyres will be a step backwards for car performance but could make the competition closer, Mercedes technical director James Allison says.

Racing Point also sharing Mercedes reserve drivers with McLaren
Mercedes has made arrangements to share its reserve drivers with two other teams if they are required during the 2020 F1 season.

Reverse-grid qualifying race plan “didn’t come from Liberty” – Brawn
Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn says Liberty Media is not behind a plan to introduce reverse-grid qualifying races into F1.

F1 extends race contracts with circuits holding events behind closed doors
Some promoters who have agreed to hold F1 races behind closed doors this year have extended their contracts.

F1 budget cap ‘may’ lead Mercedes to expand into other series
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff indicated there is a chance the team could look at racing in other series alongside its Formula 1 and Formula E projects in the future.

Ferrari believe 2020 is the right time to try reverse-grid qualifying races – Binotto
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto explained why the team supported F1’s latest unsuccessful attempt to introduce reverse-grid qualifying races.

Aero handicap is like the NFL draft pick for F1 – Brawn
Formula 1’s managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn says its new aero handicap regulations are a way of ‘gently’ levelling the performance of F1 teams without resorting to gimmicks like success ballast.

“You could’ve saved thousands of lives”: Hamilton appalled by British government’s pandemic reaction
Lewis Hamilton has strongly criticised the British government over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

[genius83]

Mugello could host Ferrari’s 1,000th race following Italian Grand Prix
Ferrari could celebrate its 1,000th world championship race appearance in front of its home crowd this year at a new venue for the series.

Mugello among possible venues for extra European F1 races – Brawn
Formula 1 could hold more than eight races in Europe this year and Italy’s Mugello circuit is among the possible venues, the series’ motorsport director Ross Brawn has told RaceFans.

Ricciardo joins critics of reverse-grid qualifying race scheme
Another Formula 1 driver has criticised the proposed reverse-grid qualifying race scheme which the sport has twice tried to introduce in the past nine months.

Mercedes discovers the ‘new normal’ with test at Silverstone
Mercedes has begun its preparations for the start of the 2020 F1 season next week by conducting a two-day test at Silverstone.

Hamilton takes over as Mercedes continue test at damp Silverstone
Lewis Hamilton has returned to the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time since pre-season testing as Mercedes continues running at Silverstone.

Moto GP cancels Mugello round as F1 eyes potential extra Italian race
Moto GP has officially announced the cancellation of its race at the Mugello circuit, which has been tipped as a surprise addition to the F1 calendar.

Mercedes are ‘not considering Vettel’, says Bottas
Sebastian Vettel is not in contention for a drive at Mercedes next year, Valtteri Bottas believes.

F1 considered reviving ‘dropped scores’ points system in case drivers miss races
Formula 1 discussed reviving a 30-year-old rule which allowed drivers to ‘drop’ their worst results this season.

[genius83]

Why an F1 return to Indianapolis would make a lot of sense
It’s almost four years since Liberty Media arrived on the scene and ponied up the dough – eight billion dollars of it – to buy Formula 1.

An F1 race on Bahrain’s “almost oval” Outer Circuit is a smart idea
I was beginning to get a bit worried about some of Ross Brawn’s plans for Formula 1.

Official:
F1 cancels races at Suzuka, Baku and Singapore
Formula 1 has cancelled three races as a result of the pandemic.

Imola renews F1 licence as sport polls fans over new venues for 2020 races
The Imola circuit has announced it is renewing its FIA grade one licence which permits it to hold Formula 1 races, as the series indicates it is considering multiple European venues for grands prix.

Renault is first F1 team to add anti-Covid 19 face masks to its merchandise range
Renault has become the first Formula 1 team to add a face mask to its official range of branded merchandise.

[genius83]

F1 not looking to expand beyond 10 teams in near future – Brawn
Formula 1 has no short-term plans to add new teams to the series despite the interest some have shown, according to motorsport director Ross Brawn.

F1 can use Bahrain’s short track but not Silverstone’s – Masi
Formula 1 can race on Bahrain’s Outer Circuit, race director Michael Masi has confirmed.

Hanoi or second Shanghai race could replace cancelled Suzuka round
Formula 1 is exploring different options for racing in Asia in the second half of 2020 following the cancellation of Suzuka’s round of the world championship.

[genius83]

Verstappen tested GT3 car at Algarve circuit which is bidding for F1 race
Max Verstappen could stand to benefit from recent experience if Formula 1 makes a rumoured first visit to Portugal’s Autodromo do Algarve later this year.

Mercedes’ F1 engine architect Cowell to step down
Mercedes’ managing director of powertrains, Andy Cowell, is to step down from his position, the team has announced.

F1 mustn’t miss opportunity offered by 2026 engine rules change – Brawn
Formula 1 must make the most of the opportunity offered by the change of engine regulations planned for 2026, says the championships’ managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn.

Gasly stayed out of France for two months as a precaution after cancelled Australian GP
Pierre Gasly has described how he did not return to France for two months following the cancelled Australian Grand Prix in case he had contracted Covid-19.

Hamilton criticises Marko over disputed quote
Lewis Hamilton has criticised Helmut Marko following reports of comments allegedly made by the Red Bull motorsport consultant referencing his support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Hamilton has ‘hastened’ F1’s push for greater diversity
Formula 1 planning a “major announcement” on its aims to promote greater diversity and inclusion in the near future.

Stroll drives Racing Point’s 2020 car in preparation for F1 season start
Racing Point ran their RP20 at Silverstone today in preparation for the delayed start to the 2020 F1 season next month.

Marko story Hamilton reacted to was false, publisher admits
The publisher of a story about Helmut Marko which prompted a fierce reaction from Lewis Hamilton on social media has retracted it and admitted the quote it was based on was false.

Leclerc drives Ferrari’s SF1000 through Maranello
Ferrari signalled its readiness to begin the delayed 2020 F1 season by sending Charles Leclerc on a drive through the town of Maranello in their SF1000.

The “big learnings” Racing Point gained about F1’s new normal from their Silverstone run
Yesterday Racing point became the first team to run their 2020 F1 car since pre-season testing as they held a promotional day at Silverstone.

Haas has not sold stake in team, says Steiner
Gene Haas has not sold any part of his stake in his Formula 1 outfit, team principal Guenther Steiner has said.

F1 plans to use contact tracing app for Covid-19 cases
Formula 1 plans to use a contact tracing app to identify any paddock member who may have come into contact with someone who tests positive for Covid-19.

Rear floor change means teams need “front-to-back” aero rethink for 2021
Formula 1 cars will be slower next year because of the changes being made to their rear floors, Racing Point’s technical director Andrew Green believes.

[genius83]

Mercedes aim to bring “chunk” of car development to first race
Mercedes is planning to bring several of the upgrades it originally planned for the first half of 2020 to next month’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.

Ricciardo: McLaren move was harder decision than switch to Renault
Daniel Ricciardo says his decision to join McLaren for the 2021 F1 season was a harder call to make than his move to Renault last year.

Zanardi airlifted to hospital after accident during handbike race
Former Formula 1 driver and two-times CART IndyCar champion Alex Zanardi champion has been taken to hospital following a crash during a handbike race.

FIA approves new Return to Racing F1 rules package
The FIA has approved a new ‘Return to Racing’ rules package setting down how grands prix will be run during the pandemic.

Zanardi’s condition “very serious” following surgery for head injuries
Alex Zanardi has been moved into intensive care after undergoing three-hour surgery on the head and face injuries he suffered in a crash during a handbike earlier today.

F1 missed ideal opportunity to introduce reverse-grid qualifying races – Steiner
Formula 1 has missed an ideal opportunity to test whether reverse-grid qualifying races would improve the competition, says Haas team principal Guenther Steiner.

Zanardi in serious but stable condition following night in hospital
Alex Zanardi remains in a serious condition after being transferred to the intensive care unit at the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital near Siena yesterday.

Hamilton reveals The Hamilton Commission to promote diversity in motorsport
Lewis Hamilton is forming a new commission to use motorsport to engage young black people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Outcome of Zanardi’s surgery not yet clear, says doctor
The surgeon who operated on Alex Zanardi says it won’t be possible to judge the extent of his injuries until he regains consciousness.

Zanardi’s condition remains stable after second night in hospital
Alex Zanardi remains in a stable condition after undergoing surgery for head and facial injuries on Friday, the hospital treating him has reported.

Racing Point only planning one update for 2020 car
Racing Point is unlikely to bring more than one significant update for its car once the 2020 F1 season begins.

F1’s announces new ‘#WeRaceAsOne’ initiative including anti-racism drive
Formula 1 is launching a new initiative called ‘#WeRaceAsOne’ including a new rainbow logo which will feature on all cars when the season begins next week.

No change in Zanardi’s condition after third night in hospital
The hospital treating Alex Zanardi has reported no change in his condition following his third night in the intensive care unit.

[genius83]

Michael Andretti reveals he had a Ferrari contract for 1992
Michael Andretti revealed he nearly emulated his world championship-winning father Mario by racing for Ferrari in Formula 1.

Sky to air four F1 races free-to-air in Germany after replacing RTL
Pay television Sky Deutschland will take over from free-to-air station RTL as Germany’s F1 broadcaster from 2021, in a long-term deal believed to be worth around $60 million.

Pandemic forced F1 to “hit the pause button” on changes to the sport – Brawn
The pandemic has forced Formula 1 into “a slight reverse gear” on some of the major changes it had planned for the future, motorsport director Ross Brawn has admitted.

Vettel testing 2018 Ferrari at Mugello
Ferrari is using its 2018 Formula 1 car to conduct a test at the Mugello circuit today.

Zanardi spends fourth night in intensive care
Alex Zanardi’s condition remains unchanged following his fourth night in intensive care at the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital in Siena.

10 days to the new season: How the pandemic has already changed the championship
This weekend should have been the 10th rounds of the 2020 F1 season. Instead, we’re 10 days away from the long-delayed start of the first official practice session.

[genius83]

Pandemic showed F1 teams lacked a “safety net” – Steiner
The Covid-19 pandemic showed Formula 1’s budget cap should have been agreed years earlier, says Haas team principal Guenther Steiner.

Mercedes is likely destination for former Williams title sponsor Rokit
Former Williams title sponsor Rokit, who split from the team earlier this year, is expected to switch loyalties to their engine supplier Mercedes.

Hospital to issue no further updates on Zanardi unless condition changes
The hospital treating Alex Zanardi says it will not issue further updates on his condition, following discussions with his family, unless it changes significantly.

[genius83]

New Williams driver overalls indicate heritage colours will return in coming livery change
Williams will reveal a new look for its FW43 in the coming days following the departure of title sponsor Rokit.

Red Bull are latest team to test ahead of F1’s return
Alexander Albon is driving Red Bull’s RB16 in a filming day at Silverstone today ahead of the start of the season next week.

Carey provides $1 million to kick-start F1 diversity foundation
Formula 1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey has put $1 million (£797,000) of his own money into a new foundation offering apprenticeships to promote diversity in the sport.

F1 limits team members on grid in latest rules changes
The FIA has published updated rules for the 2020 F1 season governing the organisation of its ‘closed events’.

[genius83]

Less frequent Covid-19 tests for F1 staff at Closed Events
Formula 1 personnel will be tested for Covid-19 every five days instead of two under revised protocols for races which will be held behind closed doors when the championship begins next week.

Williams reveals new livery after split from Rokit
Williams has revealed its revised livery for the 2020 F1 season following its split from Rokit.

Williams New Livery

Renault’s car will be “very different” at first race compared to Australia
Esteban Ocon says Renault will bring a significantly revised car to the first race of the 2020 F1 season next week.

No pre-race tests for Alfa Romeo, Williams or Haas
Three of Formula 1’s seven teams will not conduct any live track running before the first practice session for the new season one week from today.

Ocon already practising Algarve circuit for possible F1 race
Esteban Ocon has been practising the Autodromo do Algarve on his home simulator in case the Portuguese circuit is added to the 2020 F1 calendar.

F1 criticises Ecclestone over racism comments and states: “He has no role in our organisation”
Formula 1 has criticised Bernie Ecclestone following comments the former CEO of the championship made about racism in an interview earlier today.

Red Bull will be ‘chomping at the heels’ of Mercedes, predicts Brown
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown suspects Red Bull have overtaken Ferrari as the closest challenger to Mercedes during the off-season.

Ricciardo: No awkwardness at Renault despite decision to leave
Daniel Ricciardo says he expects to get “back to business” as normal at Renault despite his decision to leave the team at the end of the year.

Here is the Timing Schedule for the next weekend's Season Opening Austrian GP:

Austrian GP
Friday
Practice Session 1   14:00 To 15:30
Practice Session 2   18:00 To 19:30

Saturday
Practice Session 3   15:00 To 16:00
Qualifying Session   18:00 To 19:00

Sunday
Race                 18:10 To 20:10

[genius83]

Green light expected for Mugello and Algarve F1 races
Two circuits which have never previously held rounds of the world championship are expected to be added to the 2020 F1 calendar in the near future.

Mercedes reveals new black “end racism” livery for F1 car
Mercedes has revealed a new black livery for its Formula 1 car emblazoned with the motto “end racism” on its Halo.

Mercedes New Black Livery

[genius83]

Zanardi undergoes second neurosurgery
Alex Zanardi has undergone a second operation on his brain at the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital following his crash of June 19th.

Changes to £2.3bn loan will help F1 survive “difficult time” – Carey
Formula 1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey says revisions to the terms of a £2.3 billion ($2.9 billion) loan will give the sport greater flexibility to withstand the financial trauma of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Renault appoints Sirotkin as second reserve driver
Sergey Sirotkin will return for a third season as Renault’s reserve driver, the team has announced.

Seidl wants McLaren to restart work on new wind tunnel “as quickly as possible”
McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl wants the team to restart work on its infrastructure projects, including completion of a new wind tunnel, as quickly as possibly.

Red Bull have Honda engine upgrade for Austrian Grand Prix
Red Bull will begin the season with an upgraded Honda power unit at its home race this weekend.

F1 drivers may ‘take a knee’ to support anti-racism at Austrian GP, says Norris
Formula 1 drivers may show their support for anti-racism protests by ‘taking a knee’ at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, according to Lando Norris.

Phone call from Hamilton led to Mercedes’ black livery switch
Lewis Hamilton instigated Mercedes’ decision to run a black livery for the 2020 F1 season as a stand against racism.

[genius83]

Zanardi’s condition remains stable following second surgery
The hospital where Alex Zanardi is being treated reported he remains in a serious but stable condition after undergoing a second neurological operation yesterday.

Ferrari to introduce major car update at Hungarian Grand Prix
Ferrari intends to introduce a major update to its SF1000 at the third round of the season in Hungary after taking a “significant change of direction” with its development programme.

Ocon: I’ve changed everything I do to minimise virus risk
Esteban Ocon says he’s changed every aspect of his life to minimise his chance of catching the Covid-19 coronavirus.

F1 should aim to rid itself of “artificial overtaking devices” – Seidl
McLaren Formula 1 team principal Andreas Seidl hopes the sport can one day remove performance-levelling rules and “artificial overtaking devices”.

[genius83]

Netflix crews filming McLaren and Red Bull at Austrian Grand Prix
Netflix filming crews will be embedded with McLaren and Red Bull at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.

Mercedes reveal new race suits to match ‘end racism’ livery
Mercedes have revealed the new black race suits Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will wear as part of the team’s rebranding following the introduction of its ‘end racism’ livery.

New ‘#WeRaceAsOne’ rainbow livery for F1 Safety Car
The Formula 1 Safety Car will carry a new livery promoting the sport’s ‘#WeRaceAsOne’ initiative from this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.

Hamilton: ‘I thought me being here would break down barriers but it’s not done enough’
Lewis Hamilton says he considers it his responsibility to use the platform he has to urge others to condemn racism and promote diversity.

Cooler temperatures for F1’s first of two races in Austria
Dry conditions are expected as the 2020 F1 season begins with an unprecedented double-header at the Red Bull Ring.

Detection loop replaces kerb to enforce track limits at two corners
Kerbs have been changed at the final two corners on the Red Bull Ring to reduce the risk of cars being damaged if drivers run wide.

Grosjean “very confident” Haas have solved problems which blighted last season
Romain Grosjean believes Haas have solved the problems which blighted their 2019 campaign and will be more responsive to the feedback of their drivers.

Sainz deserves his Ferrari chance, says Norris
Carlos Sainz Jnr’s performance last year shows he deserves his promotion to Ferrari next season, his McLaren team mate Lando Norris has said.

Verstappen: Shorter season doesn’t change approach to title fight
Max Verstappen says the shortening of the 2020 F1 calendar won’t make him more inclined to take risks in pursuit of the world championship.

Vettel “surprised” Ferrari chose not to extend his contract
Sebastian Vettel says he was surprised to learn from team principal Mattia Binotto that Ferrari had decided not to extend his contract beyond the end of the year.

Hamilton expects show of unity from drivers ahead of Austrian GP
Lewis Hamilton expects all drivers to make a show of unity ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, but said it won’t necessarily involve them ‘taking a knee’.

Ferrari “99% sure” they will struggle more than last year
Ferrari are convinced they are heading into the 2020 F1 season on the back foot because their new car isn’t quick enough.

Hamilton to wear ‘Black Lives Matter’ helmet at Austrian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton has revealed the helmet he will wear for the Austrian Grand Prix which bears the ‘Black Lives Matter’ slogan.

Vettel will follow team orders if it makes sense but won’t “make Charles’s life easy”
Sebastian Vettel says his impending departure from Ferrari at the end of the year won’t make him any more or less likely to follow team orders during races.

Red Bull requests “clarification” from FIA over Mercedes’ DAS
Red Bull has asked the FIA to clarify the legality of Mercedes’ controversial Dual Axis Steering system.

[genius83]

Hamilton leads Mercedes one-two, Ferrari only 10th in first practice
Lewis Hamilton led the first official practice session of the Formula 1 season at the Red Bull Ring.

Austrian GP
Practice Session 1
Pos Driver             Car                   Time      Gap
 1  Lewis Hamilton     Mercedes              1:04.816s  -
 2  Valtteri Bottas    Mercedes              1:05.172s  0.356s
 3  Max Verstappen     Red Bull/Honda        1:05.418s  0.602s
 4  Carlos Sainz Jr.   McLaren/Renault       1:05.431s  0.615s
 5  Sergio Perez       Racing Point/Mercedes 1:05.512s  0.696s
 6  Lando Norris       McLaren/Renault       1:05.621s  0.805s
 7  Alexander Albon    Red Bull/Honda        1:05.701s  0.885s
 8  Daniel Ricciardo   Renault               1:05.860s  1.044s
 9  Kevin Magnussen    Haas/Ferrari          1:05.907s  1.091s
10  Charles Leclerc    Ferrari               1:05.924s  1.108s
11  Lance Stroll       Racing Point/Mercedes 1:06.074s  1.258s
12  Sebastian Vettel   Ferrari               1:06.077s  1.261s
13  Esteban Ocon       Renault               1:06.270s  1.454s
14  Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo/Ferrari    1:06.360s  1.544s
15  Kimi Raikkonen     Alfa Romeo/Ferrari    1:06.365s  1.549s
16  Pierre Gasly       AlphaTauri/Honda      1:06.404s  1.588s
17  George Russell     Williams/Mercedes     1:06.495s  1.679s
18  Nicholas Latifi    Williams/Mercedes     1:06.906s  2.090s
19  Daniil Kvyat       AlphaTauri/Honda      1:06.943s  2.127s
20  Romain Grosjean    Haas/Ferrari          1:46.361s 41.545s