Australian GP: Race - Re-Cap & Results

AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX - RACE

    The first race of the 2016 season got off to a slightly dramatic start when the start was actually aborted. This was due to Daniil Kvyat not making it back to his grid-slot after the pre-race formation lap. The drivers then had to take another formation lap while the Red Bull crew helped get Kvyat's car off track and back to the garage.

    When the lights went out, it was Sebastian Vettel who stormed right by the two Mercedes drivers and his team-mate, Raikkonen, had no issue doing the same thing. Hamilton and Rosberg were quick to go after them, not wanting to waste any time.

    On lap 18, Esteban Gutierrez and Fernando Alonso were involved in a high-speed collision. Alonso clipped the back of the Haas, which spent Gutierrez spinning nearly 3 times before resting in the gravel. However, for Alonso, it was a lot more than just a spin. His McLaren got airborne and flipped twice before crashing in pieces into the barrier. Gutierrez was quick on the radio to ask if Alonso was OK. Both drivers are OK and Alonso was able to crawl out from under the wrecked McLaren. Both drivers were checked at the on-site Medical Centre and passed checks before being released.

    The race was red flagged for about 10-15 minutes while the track was cleaned up. Drivers got a chance to go into the pits, get out of their cars and change tyres if they wanted to. Rio Haryanto and Kimi Raikkonen were the next two cars to retire. Haryanto retired during the red flag period due to a driveline issue and Raikkonen due to his engine. Raikkonen had entered the pits later after the race had resumed and his airbox caught fire. He quickly jumped out but it was race over for him.

    Marcus Ericsson recieved a drive-through-penalty for his crew working on his car past the 15-second-signal. However, it didn't matter much as he retired later in the race due to what is believed to be either a suspension or brake issue. He had reported feeling "Vibrations" in his back tyres during the race.

    The Toro Rosso duo found themselves battling intensely with the renault of Jolyon Palmer and things got pretty heated. Verstappen had been running in a higher position earlier on, but the team had pitted Sainz first, despite him being further back. He then asked if the team would allow him to pass Sainz due to him being faster than his older team-mate, but he was denied this situation and the two ended up colliding just slightly. No major harm done, but tensions were running high.

    Vettel lost out on the win and it was mostly due to a troubled pit-stop. He ended up chasing Hamilton down to try for 2nd, but with two laps left, Vettel spun out and ended up off track for a moment before he was able to get back into the race. He did finished 3rd and got Ferrari their first podium of 2016. Nico Rosberg won the race, just ahead of Hamilton. A good start for Mercedes as well.

    Haas definitely had reason to celebrate. While Gutierrez was unable to finish the race, due to the collision, their other drivers, Romain Grosjean, was able to bring home 8 points by finishing in 6th place. A remarkable start for the new American team. And many more point finished to come undoubtedly. Also good news for Renault with both cars finishing the race. Although not in the points, they came very close.

RACE RESULTS: 

1. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes-Mercedes / Germany / + 25 Points

2. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain / + 18 Points

3. Sebastian Vettel / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany / + 15 Points

4. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER / Australia / + 12 Points

5. Felipe Massa / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil / + 10 Points

6. Romain Grosjean / Haas-Ferrari / France / + 8 Points

7. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India-Mercedes / Germany / + 6 Points

8. Valtteri Bottas / Williams-Mercedes / Finland / + 4 Points

9. Carlos Sainz / Toro Rosso-Ferrari / Spain / + 2 Points

10. Max Verstappen / Toro Rosso-Ferrari / Netherlands / + 1 Point

11. Jolyon Palmer / Renault-Renault / Great Britain

12. Kevin Magnussen / Renault-Renault / Denmark

13. Sergio Perez / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico

14. Jenson Button / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain

15. Felipe Nasr / Sauber-Ferrari / Brazil

16. Pascal Wehrlein / Manor-Mercedes / Germany

RETIRED - Marcus Ericsson / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden / Suspension/Brakes?

RETIRED - Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland / Engine

RETIRED - Rio Haryanto / Manor-Mercedes / Indonesia / Driveline Issue

RETIRED - Esteban Gutierrez / Haas-Ferrari / Mexico / Collision

RETIRED - Fernando Alonso / McLaren-Honda / Spain / Collision

DID NOT START - Daniil Kvyat / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER / Russia / Electrical Issue

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

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Jules Bianchi in Hospital after crash at Suzuka

Jules Bianchi, 25, is currently in the ICU at a local Japanese hospital after a horrifying crash at Suzuka. 

The French driver had crashed into a recovery crane that was currently preparing to take away the stricken Sauber of Adrian Sutil. Sutil was there when the accident happened. He said it was very similar to his own crash, but "With a different outcome" 

Jules arrived at the nearest hospital VIA ambulance and underwent emergency surgery for severe brain injuries. He was confirmed as breathing on his own, but unconscious. We have been told there is a possibility of an update later today. 

This is the only confirmed news we can give you and we refuse to make any speculations. We will update when given confirmed information. We also refuse to post or share any of the accident photos.

This is a really hard time for everyone, including Bianchi's family. Please keep him in your thoughts & prayers.

Forza Jules, we're thinking of you.

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended.

German GP: Race - Re-Cap & Results

Race - Re-Cap

Another GP down, and the next one is in just a few days as the Hungarian GP is back to back with Germany. But before we talk about the Hungaroring - It's time for this weekend's race re-cap.

The weather was sending down buckets of rain during the GP3 and GP2 races that took place before F1, but when the weather cleared up during the drivers parade, teams and drivers knew they had to make critical tyre choices and plans for pit-stop strategies, now that rain was nowhere in sight.

As soon as the lights went out, the cars were off and Rosberg was eager to get a lead in front of Bottas. Meanwhile, Bottas just wanted to stay ahead of his team-mate Felipe Massa, who in the first lap was involved in a massive accident when him and Kevin Magnussen collided. Massa was sent into a flip and skidded upside down for a few seconds, before his car landed right-side-up and came to a halt. Massa emerged uninjured, but angry at how his race was ended.

Kevin Magnussen was able to keep his car going and the Dane managed to get the McLaren to the end of the race and even score points for the team.

Lewis Hamilton who started from 20th after a bad crash in Q1 and a penalty for needing his gearbox changed, managed to jump up to 10th within just a handful of laps. He was closing in on a tight wheel-to-wheel battle involving Raikkonen, Vettel and Perez. All three were trying to overtake one another and Raikkonen lost quite a few pieces off the nose of his car. Perez was trying to avoid getting hit after earlier when Daniil Kvyat collided with the Force India. While neither suffered damage, Kvyat later retired due to an ignition failure that caused his Toro Rosso to burst into a roar of flames. He was quick to jump out, unharmed.

Lotus was also unlucky when Grosjean's car lost power seemingly due to a cooling problem. His team-mate, Pastor Maldonado was able to finish the race, although it was another no-points finish for them. 

The only other retirement to take place was Adrian Sutil, whose car spun out and stopped in the middle of the track. Lots of speculation and confusion over why no safety car was called out. Instead, yellow flags were waved and marshals risked their lives to run out and push the Sauber off of the track. 

Up in front, Rosberg had a miraculous lead over Bottas, around near 16 seconds. Bottas, meanwhile, was concentrating on keeping Hamilton behind. The Briton had made it all the way up to 3rd place and was closing in on the talented Fin. Rosberg, who suffered a retirement at Silverstone, went on to win this race, his Home GP and Bottas held off Hamilton long enough for another Second place finish.

McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen both finished in the points despite Jenson having an odd accident with former team-mate, Lewis Hamilton. At one point, Hamilton thought Jenson was going to let Lewis pass him during a sharp corner turn. This, however was not Jenson's intention, but was just giving himself needed room to avoid a collision with Lewis. However, they ended up bumping cars. While the two settled this after the race, it looked pretty intense on track.

Force India had another strong performance with Hulkenberg finishing 7th and Perez in 10th. Another double-points finish for the team and they stand in 5th in the constructors championship. 

Here are the final results of the 2014 German Grand Prix.

RACE RESULTS:

1. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes-Mercedes / Germany / + 25 Points

2. Valtteri Bottas / Williams-Mercedes / Finland / + 18 Points

3. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain / + 15 Points

4. Sebastian Vettel / Red Bull-Renault / Germany / + 12 Points

5. Fernando Alonso / Ferrari-Ferrari / Spain / + 10 Points

6. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull-Renault / Australia / + 8 Points

7. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India-Mercedes / Germany / + 6 Points

8. Jenson Button / McLaren-Mercedes / Great Britain / + 4 Points

9. Kevin Magnussen / McLaren-Mercedes / Denmark / + 2 Points

10. Sergio Perez / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico / + 1 Point

11. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland

12. Pastor Maldonado / Lotus-Renault / Venezuela 

13. Jean-Eric Vergne / Toro Rosso-Renault / France 

14. Esteban Gutierrez / Sauber-Ferrari / Mexico 

15. Jules Bianchi / Marussia-Ferrari / France

16. Kamui Kobayashi / Caterham-Renault / Japan

17. Max Chilton / Marussia-Ferrari / Great Britain

18. Marcus Ericsson / Caterham-Renault / Sweden

RETIRED: Adrian Sutil / Sauber-Ferrari / Germany / Accident

RETIRED: Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso-Renault / Russia / Ignition Failure

RETIRED: Romain Grosjean / Lotus-Renault / France / Cooling 

RETIRED: Felipe Massa / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil / Accident

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended.

Canadian GP: Race - Re-Cap & Results

If you missed the Canadian GP this morning, then you missed quite race. This one was up there with Bahrain. Filled with excitement, drama and some scary moments. There were a lot of retirements, disappointed drivers and also a lot of smiles from the people who finished in the Top 10. Before we get into the re-cap, I'd like to take a moment to say we are planning on debuting a website by the end of the year, while we also continue to post here.
    

   The race opened with a first lap accident between both Marussia drivers, Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton. This happened when Max clipped Jules' rear wheel and sent Jules into a spin. There was quite a commotion as many cars were rounding the turn at the time of the collision. Pieces of debri were flying and landing on the circuit. The safety car was called out immedietley. Both Jules Bianchi and Max chilton had to retire due to the accident. 

    The next person to retire was Caterham's Marcus Ericsson, who endured issues with his engine. Retiring was the only option. He wasn't the only one to have to miss out on the rest of the race, as his team-mate also had to retire due to suspension failure. That already puts the race at 2 Team Double-Retirements. Marussia & Caterham. Lotus was another team to end up with a double retirement, when both of their cars had troubles as well. 

    By this time, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were batteling it out with eachother, when they were both notified by the team that both cars were suddenly suffering from what appeared to be the same problem. While Nico Rosberg was able to carry on, the Mercedes team had to retire Hamilton's car, as it was all over the place from suffering brake loss. A very disappointing end to Hamilton's strong run throughout the season. His last retirement was all the way back in Australia, the first race of the 2014 Season. 

    Daniil Kvyat and Esteban Gutierrez both retired with only a few laps left in the race. It's always devastating to see rookies fighting so hard and then ending up with car troubles. Throughout the season so far, Sauber drivers, Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil have noted that the car is hard to control and is often "Snappy" at the rear, making it very easy to spin-out. Kvyat, who has managed a good tally of points with the Toro Rosso, has now had two consecutive retirements. His last, being in Monte Carlo, Monaco. But just when you thought everything was fine and dandy, the worst of the accidents was yet to come.

    On lap 66-67, Sergio Perez, who was fighting to stay in Second, radioed to his team that he had no brakes, not to mention that he'd also been running without DRS for quite awhile, so the brakes just topped the issues he was struggeling to keep under control. While he sounded calm over the radio, he fought hard to not lose his position, but he couldn't, and Daniel Ricciardo made a pass on him. Sergio, now in 3rd, was fighting around the second to last lap, when Felipe Massa came soaring up behind him. One second it seemed everything in the stands had gone silent, until Massa's car jumped over the Force India, sending them both spinning and smashing into the wall/barriers. Peices flew off of their cars and went flying, while the impacts sounded like blasts.

    Luckily, both drivers escaped without injuries. Both able to climb out of their wrecked cars, were later checked out by medical staff and send to a local hospital for mandatory checks. Both passed and were released later. Many people will argue about who caused the accident. But in the end, unfortunately, it was Perez who was handed a 5-Place-Grid-Penalty for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. Not only he, but Max Chilton was given the same penalty as well, for hitting his team-ate, Jules.

    The safety car was called out for the last lap, but before that, Daniel Ricciardo made a pass on Nico Rosberg and was able to take home his first F1 victory and also, Red Bull's first win of the 2014 season. Rosberg finished in Second, while Vettel nabbed 3rd, to share the podium with Daniel. A huge congratulations to Daniel on his first win. I can only imagine how thrilling it must be.

    Personally, while I'm disappointed the race had a bad ending for a lot of drivers, we are absolutely thankful no one was hurt. We must appreciate that the drivers were not injured and will be able to continue in their careers. With that being said, let's go ahead and look at the results from this amazing, crazy and breath-taking Grand Prix.

RESULTS:

1. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull / Australia / + 25 Points

2. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes / Germany / + 18 Points

3. Sebastian Vettel / Red Bull / Germany / + 15 Points

4. Jenson Button / McLaren / Great Britain / + 12 Points

5. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India / Germany / + 10 Points

6. Fernando Alonso / Ferrari / Spain / + 8 Points

7. Valtteri Bottas / Williams / Finland / + 6 Points

8. Jean-Eric Vergne / Toro Rosso / France / + 4 Points

9. Kevin Magnussen / McLaren / Denmark / + 2 Points

10. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari / Finland / + 1 Point

11. Sergio Perez / Force India / Mexico / + 0 Points / DNF (Accident)*

12. Felipe Massa / Williams / Brazil / + 0 Points / DNF (Accident)*

13. Adrian Sutil / Sauber / Germany / + 0 Points / (One Lap Behind)*

14. Esteban Gutierrez / Sauber / Mexico / + 0 Points / DNF (Energy System Failure)*

RETIRED:

Romain Grosjean / Lotus / France - Wing

Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso / Russia - Drive Train

Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / Great Britain - Brake Failure

Kamui Kobayashi / Caterham / Japan - Suspension Failure

Pastor Maldonado / Lotus / Venezuela - Power Unit Failure

Marcus Ericsson / Caterham / Sweden - Engine

Max Chilton / Marussia / Great Britain - Accident

Jules Bianchi / Marussia / France - Accident

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk.

Bo copyright infringement intended.

Monaco GP: Race - Re-Cap & Results

What a race. Another one has been completed on the 19 Race calendar, so let's just jump right into it.

Before the race started it was noted that Jules Bianchi would start from 21st after a 5-Place-Grid-Penalty was put in place for an overnight gearbox change. Marcus Ericsson was starting from the Pit-Lane due to his collision with Massa in Qualifying.

But before the race could even start, Maldonado could not get around for the formation lap and his team wheeled him off to the side. After a few moments, it was clear he would not start the Monaco GP. It was later announced that he had a Fuel Pump problem.

When the lights went out, all cars sped down the first corner and there was instant contact between Jenson Button and Sergio Perez, unfortunately that ended Perez's race. He told reporters later that he's already looking forward to Canada in 2 weeks. 

Vettel and Kvyat retired with car problems about a half hour into the race and Sutil crashed hard into the barriers after coming out of the tunnel. That was the end of the race for him as well.

Gutierrez, the only Sauber left was now in the points and trying hard to stay there. Marussia's Jules Bianchi was coming close as well. 

Up in the front, Alonso lost 3rd spot to Daniel Ricciardo, while Hamilton fought to pass Rosberg, who was leading in 1st since the start. Rosberg was not going to let Hamilton get this win.

Jean-Eric Vergne was the next unlucky drier to retire with the same car issue as his team-mate, Kvyat. And thus, it was a double-retirement for the Scuderia Toro Rosso team. 

With less than 20 laps to go, Kimi Raikkonen was fighting to stay in the points and was in 9th, but trying to pass Gutierrez was proving tricky for the Fin, who could just not get around the Sauber, that was until Esteban's back tyre clipped a barrier ever-so-lightly and he was spun. Raikkonen drove by quickly, while Esteban's race was unfortunately ended. 

Meanwhile, Bottas had retired due to a failed Power Unit. The retirement count was piling up as it usually does in Monaco. With it being one of the most dangerous Grand Prixs, every driver knows the percentage of not finishing the race raises.

Kimi and Magnussen were now side by side, having a late-in-the-race overtake battle, and they were heading around the hairpin when Kimi took the Ferrari's nose into the wall and Magnussen, trying to break, bumped into the back of the Ferrari. Shockingly, this did not end either of their races, but the points were not going to Raikkonen now.

Bianchi was now holding 8th, but told he had a 5-Second-Drive-Through-Penalty. He opted to not take the penalty and finished the race in the points, making it Marussia's first points finish since the team was known as "Virgin" back in 2010.

After the race, however they added the 5 seconds to his race time, thus moving his result to 9th instead of 8th, which then went to Romain Grosjean. Either way, Marussia still got points, moving them ahead of Sauber in the Constructors Championship.

Nico Rosberg did not let Hamilton have a last minute pass, but it didn't matter. Hamilton was losing speed, due to having his vision blurred by dirt in one of his eyes. Nico took home the win, with Hamilton in Second and Ricciardo in 3rd.

Although Perez was victim of a collision, Nico Hulkenberg managed to bring home 10 points, finishing in 5th for the Sahara Force India Team.

Now, onto the final results!

RESULTS:

1. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes / Germany / + 25 Points

2. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / Great Britain / + 18 Points

3. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull / Australia / + 15 Points

4. Fernando Alonso / Ferrari / Spain / + 12 Points

5. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India / Germany / + 10 Points

6. Jenson Button / McLaren / Great Britain / + 8 Points

7. Felipe Massa / Williams / Brazil / + 6 Points

8. Romain Grosjean / Lotus / France / + 4 Points

9. Jules Bianchi / Marussia / France / +2 Points

10. Kevin Magnussen / McLaren / Denmark / + 1 Point

11. Marcus Ericsson / Caterham / Sweden / + 0 Points

12. Kimi Raikkonen / Lotus / Finland / + 0 Points

13. Kamui Kobayashi / Caterham / Japan / + 0 Points

14. Max Chilton / Marussia / Great Britain / + 0 Points

DID NOT FINISH:

Sergio Perez / Force India / Mexico / Collision

Sebastian Vettel / Red Bull / Germany / Engine

Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso / Russia / Exhaust Failure

Adrian Sutil / Sauber / Germany / Crash

Jean-Eric Vergne / Toro Rosso / France / Exhaust Failure

Valtteri Bottas / Williams / Finland / Power Unit Failure

Esteban Gutierrez / Sauber / Mexico / Crash

DID NOT START:

Pastor Maldonado / Lotus / Venezuela / Fuel Pump Failure

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Check back soon for articles on the upcoming Canadian GP!

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.

No Copyright Infringement Intended.

Penalty Points - Who has them?

Any F1 fan is aware that the sport of Formula 1 Racing goes through never-ending changes. Some of those changes include rules & regulations. This year introduced the new "Penalty Points System" - A new way of punishing a driver for doing a fault. 

If a driver causes a collision, or does some sort of other disapproving behavior, the FIA/Stewards can choose to give them Penalty Points &/or another punishment such as a Grid Penalty, a Drive-Through penalty or even a Race Ban. Penalty Points are put on the drivers' Super License and once they have 12 Points, they have an automatic race ban. 

So, with that said, I'll be keeping track of the total of points that the drivers have throughout the season! Let's go ahead and take a look at how things are at the moment.

PENALTY POINTS COUNTER:

1. Pastor Maldonado - 4 Points
2. Jules Bianchi - 4 Points
3. Valtteri Bottas - 2 Points
4. Kevin Magnussen - 2 Points
5. Adrian Sutil - 2 Points

If a driver is not listed, it means he does not currently have any penalty points.


Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
No copyright infringement intended.
 

Spanish GP: Qualifying - Re-Cap & Results

Welcome to the re-cap and results of the Qualifying for the Spanish GP Weekend! Race starts in a little under 6 hours.

For those who don't know how Qualifying works, it's devided into 3 rounds.

Round 1, 18 minutes on the clock, all the cars go around and compete to get fastest lap times. 6 slowest are knocked out and the slowest cars in round 1 were: Max Chilton, Jules Bianchi, Marcus Ericsson, Kamui Kobayashi, Adrian Sutil and Pastor Maldonado, who actually did not get to set a time after he crashed. He then had to get permission from stewards to race later today. Maldonado will start from the back of the grid.

Round 2, 15 minutes on the clock, the rest of the cars go out and the next 6 slowest are: Esteban Gutierrez, Kevin Magnussen, Sergio Perez, Jean-Eric Vergne, Nico Hulkenberg and Daniil Kvyat. During this round, Kevin Magnussen was unable to improve due to power unit problems.

Round 3 gives the last 10 drivers 12 minutes to see who can go fastest and get Pole Position, also known as the very front spot on the grid. Vettel's car stopped after he lost second gear and afterwards recieved a penalty for having to change his gearbox, moving him from 10th to 15th on the grid. Lewis Hamilton claimed Pole Position.

Here is how the final grid looks after penalties were put into place for Vettel, Maldonado and Vergne.

1. (Pole Position) - Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / Great Britain

2. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes / Germany

3. Daniel Ricciardo / Redbull / Australia

4. Valtteri Bottas / Williams / Finland

5. Romain Grosjean / Lotus / France

6. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari / Finland

7. Fernando Alonso / Ferrari / Spain

8. Jenson Button / McLaren / Great Britain

9. Felipe Massa / Williams / Brazil

10. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India / Germany ^

11. Sergio Perez / Force India / Mexico ^

12. Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso / Russia ^

13. Esteban Gutierrez / Sauber / Mexico ^

14. Kevin Magnussen / McLaren / Denmark  ^ 

15. Sebastian Vettel / Redbull / Germany v

16. Adrian Sutil / Sauber / Germany

17. Max Chilton / Marussia / Great Britain

18. Jules Bianchi / Marussia / France

19. Marcus Ericsson / Caterham / Sweden

20. Kamui Kobayashi / Caterham / Japan

21. Jean-Eric Vergne / Toro Rosso / France  v

22. Pastor Maldonado / Lotus / Venezuela v

^ = Promotion of 1 space due to Vettel's Grid Penalty.

 v = The driver was demoted a certain number of spaces due to the according penalty. 

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.

No copyright infringement intended. 

F1Insider Featured Article: Maldonado VS. Gutierrez

While many fans and critics were slamming F1 for being "Boring" this season, many were silenced after the Grand Prix of Bahrain, where there was enough action to make up for the lag that came with the last half of the 2013 season. While many of the features of the Bahrain race were amazing, with the Mercedes duo getting a double-podium and Sergio Perez making an incredible podium finish for Force India, we must not forget that there came bad with the good.

We will not be forgetting the crash between Pastor Maldonado and Esteban Gutierrez, a crash that had my heart racing with panic. With less than half the race left, Maldonado had just pitted and was emerging from the pit-lane, behind Gutierrez, who did not see the Lotus coming up behind him. The Sauber took the corner and Maldonado tried to squeeze in to a gap that was clearly not there. A very dangerous move, indeed. The Lotus made sharp contact with the Sauber, sending it up into the air to flip over, before landing heavily right-side-up. It appeared Maldonado had no damage to his car as he sped-off, leaving the scene, meanwhile Esteban sat in his car, shocked by the event and radiod his team asking, "What was that?"

The young rookie then climbed out of the car, unassisted and took a look at the damage that been done to his Sauber. (His chassis is currently going to be replaced for the Chinese GP.)

While we're all extremely thankful and relieved that Esteban had no injuries and is doing ok, I don't feel the penalties given to Maldonado are enough for what occurred. During the race, after the accident, Maldonado was given a 10-Second-Drive-Through-Penalty. He was also given 3 Penalty Points to his super license and a 5-Place-Grid-Penalty for China. but do those 3 penalties really compare to a race ban? 

For example, back in 2012, at Spa, Romain Grosjean caused a very big accident, involving multiple cars and he was given a race ban. Why should Maldonado get any less? The Venezuelan driver has been involved with many accidents, which of most he's caused. I think the choice not to give him a race ban for China was not the best choice, but F1 is unpredictable and sometimes unfair.

I'm curious to see what happens in China, especially if they end up racing side-by-side. One thing is for sure, the safety of the modern F1 car is a lot different from how the cars from the 60's and 70's were built. If the accident had happened back then, the driver would've probably not survived. So, the drivers are very lucky to be living in a day and age where the cars are built a lot better and safer.

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
No Copyright Infringement Intended.

 

Bahrain GP: Race - Re-Cap & Results

    The Bahrain GP is now over, and let me just start by saying it was the most thrilling and exciting race of this season so-far. 

       This was a very special race as it was the official 900th Grand Prix of Forumula 1 and it also marked Jenson Button's 250th GP start. With Nico Rosberg on Pole and his team-mate Lewis Hamilton starting beside him, it was a sure thing that Mercedes was going to dominate this Grand Prix and they absolutely did just that. 

    Rosberg spent most of the race leading, but it wasn't long before Hamilton took over and gained 1st Position. It was also a very exciting race for Force India, when Sergio Perez held 3rd for pretty much the entire race and gave Force India their second Podium, the first one being in 2009. For Sergio, it was his first Podium with Force India and his 4th Podium altogether. His last was in Monza in 2012. Sergio's team-mate, Nico Hulkenberg became unlucky when he got trapped by The Williams and Daniel Ricciardo, who passed him on the last few laps. He still managed to finish 5th, bringing Force India into 2nd for the Constructors Championship and 3rd for the drivers Championship. Perez, who was unable to start in Malaysia is now currently in 9th for the drivers Championship.

       It was an unlucky day for McLaren when they faced a double-retirement due to a sort of Clutch failure/issue. Also enduring a double-retirement was Sauber, with Adrian Sutil retiring with damage from a minor incident with Jules Bianchi. Meanwhile, Esteban Gutierrez was unable to continue racing when Pastor Maldonado came speeding into him and flipped his car into the air. The Sauber came crashing down heavily and abruptly. Esteban remained still for a few moments, before he climbed out of the car, unharmed and without assistance. He was sent to a local Hospital for a routine check-up and tests and was released later with no injuries or harm done. However, what Maldonado did was extremely dangerous and he was given a 10-Second-Drive-Through-Penalty, along with a 5-Place-Grid-Penalty for China and 3 Penalty points on his Super License. To me, this seems not enough for what he did. I would highly prefer a race ban for Maldonado.

   Other unlucky drivers included Jean-Eric Vergne who had to retire with damage to the car and Marcus Ericsson who had an oil leak. Redbull finished in the top 10, with Ricciardo in 4th, unable to get past the incredibly fast Sergio Perez, while Vettel finished in 6th, unable to pass Sergio's fast team-mate, Hulkenberg. The Williams finished in 7th (Massa) and 8th (Bottas) - Not the ideal race they had in mind, but at least they were able to both finish the race.

  Now, on to the final results from the race!

RESULTS:

1. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / Great Britain - + 25 Points
2. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes / Germany - + 18 Points
3. Sergio Perez / Force India / Mexico - + 15 Points
4. Daniel Ricciardo / Redbull / Australia - + 12 Points
5. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India / Germany - + 10 Points
6. Sebastian Vettel / Redbull / Germany - + 8 Points
7. Felipe Massa / Williams / Brazil - + 6 Points
8. Valtteri Bottas / Williams / Finland - + 4 Points
9. Fernando Alonso / Ferrari / Spain - + 2 Points
10. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari / Finland - + 1 Point
11. Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso / Russia - + 0 Points
12. Romain Grosjean / Lotus / France - + 0 Points
13. Max Chilton / Marussia / Great Britain - + 0 Points
14. Pastor Maldonado / Lotus / Venezuela - + 0 Points
15. Kamui Kobayashi / Caterham / Japan - + 0 Points
16. Jules Bianchi / Marussia / France - + 0 Points
17. Jenson Button / McLaren / Great Britain - + 0 Points / Finished over 90% Of the race.
18. Kevin Magnussen / McLaren / Denmark - + 0 Points / RETIRED / Clutch Issue
19. Esteban Gutierrez / Sauber / Mexico - + 0 Points / RETIRED / Accident
20. Marcus Ericsson / Caterham / Sweden - + 0 Points / RETIRED / Oil Leak
21. Jean-Eric Vergne / Toro Rosso / France - + 0 Points / RETIRED / Accident
22. Adrian Sutil / Sauber / Germany - + 0 Points / RETIRED / Accident

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
No Copyright Infringement Intended.


 

"Risk At Full Throttle" - An F1Insider Featured Article: A tribute to Ayrton Senna & Inside look at the dangers of F1

Formula 1 is and always has been a thrilling, exciting and heart-racing sport. The problem? It's also dangerous. This is an inside look behind the risks of being a Formula 1 driver and also a look back at Imola 1994, for a tribute to Ayrton Senna, who would've been 54 today.
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    Cars are dangerous. Motorsport cars? More dangerous. Not many people would be willing to risk everything they had, the way that the drivers of Formula 1 do on a race weekend. They're not 100% protected in their suit & helmet. And their car? Some people say it's a death trap disguised in paint and sponsors. Although a fatality has not occurred to a driver since 1994, it doesn't mean there is no danger.

    Many factors play a part in making the sport dangerous. Speed, fire, tight corners, tire combustion and many more. Drivers know that before every race there is a possibility that they will not make it out alive, that they will not be able to see their friends and family again, but yet they still go out and race. What could possibly drive them to do such a risky task? Is it the passion they have for the sport? The will to win and become a champion? Or is it the rush they get, when they're going at maximum speed, their blood pumping hard through their veins as they hit maximum G-Forces and fly around corners, focusing hard not to make a single mistake.

    On May 1st of this year, it marks the 20th anniversary since the tragic loss of the Late Ayrton Senna, who died instantly in his accident at Imola in 1994. It was only the 3rd race of the 1994 F1 season, a race no one can forget, and even people who are not fans of the sport, know about that day. But it was not just race day that endured such tragedy, as during Qualifying the day before, Roland Ratzenberger from Austria, was in a fatal accident as well. Other injuries took place during that Grand Prix weekend, including other drivers and even marshals and mechanics. It was one of the most dangerous events on the calendar. Along with it being 20 years since the event, it was also the last death for a driver in the sport.

    With the 2014 season already started and the first race completed without any injuries, every day is a blessing for the 22 drivers that complete this years grid. Every lap they complete is a miracle. The drivers go through a number of steps to reach the maximum safety that can be achieved. They wear helmets, have fire resistant suits and of course, the car itself has multiple rules and regulations on what is safe and what is not. Multiple stewards and mechanics overlook the car and make sure there is no flaw that could cause the driver his life. But it's not always the car that is the problem, there have been many times a driver error has caused an accident, usually they aren't fatal, but it doesn't matter. A driver must maintain ultimate focus at all times or they can raise the risk of an accident.
   
            Circuits also play a part in the dangers of the sport. Although all the current circuits are up to safety standards, it doesn't mean they aren't dangerous and risky. The circuit of Monaco and the Nurburgring in Germany are prime examples. Back in 1976, it was there at the Nurburgring, that Niki Lauda endured the worst accident of his career and almost lost his life when he crashed and his car burst into flames. He suffered severe burns and was hospitalized for weeks. Other drivers, like Senna were not as lucky to escape with scars, but instead lost their lives. In one rare fatality, Chris Bristow in 1960 died when he crashed and was thrown from his car and into a barbed-wire fence, decapitating him on impact. Inexperience played a part in his death, many people say he was not ready to be driving in Grand Prixs.
   
           One of the more recent accidents that sparked a concern for the Monaco circuit and its safety was the accident of Sergio Perez during Qualifying in 2011. After exiting the Nouvelle Chicane. He was hospitalized but returned to the season after missing the race at Monaco and the Canadian Grand Prix. People complain the chicane is dangerous and should be removed, while others say it's safe and it's all just a part of the sport.
   
     So now, with all that said, let us go back to The Italian Grand Prix of 1994. Senna had retired from the first 2 races of that season and with the third race upon him, he was looking for a win. But after Ratzenbergers' death, things had changed. Senna looked nervous before the race and was seen praying in his car, in the garage just before the start. His family was there to support him and watch him race. Some say Senna knew he was going to die, that he had spoke to God and was prepared for that day. Others think he never saw it coming, but that his fear had distracted him from performing at his usual level. When Senna came around the Tamberello corner, it was there he crashed into the wall at nearly 150Mph. There were attempts to treat him and take him to a hospital, but he had almost immediately succumbed to his injuries.
   
      Senna was a legend, a hero and an overall kind soul. He is a house-hold name and his legendary life lives on in conversation, in family and in Formula 1. He is celebrated in multiple stories, articles and documentaries. The drivers of the new age have expressed how he was an idol and an inspiration in getting them into the sport. Although no one can predict what will happen during this season, one thing is for sure. There will always be a risk and there will always be danger. But it is those things that contribute to the passion of racing, the passion that is Formula 1.

RIP
Ayrton Senna (1960 - 1994)
Legend, Hero & Champion

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
Image belongs to: f1sasha.com

Kobayashi crashes Ferarri at Moscow Event.

The Moscow City Racing event took place on Sunday, and Kamui Kobayashi crashed the Ferarri F60 into a barrier, when he lost control on the slippery grounds. Kamui was unhurt, but probably pretty embarrassed. The Ex-F1 driver is currently driving for Ferarri GT. He made this statement after the accident.

"The track was very slippery and there was a marked bump at that point, which is why I hit the barrier. A shame, but I am pleased the team let me out again after a few minutes. It was great to be able to represent Scuderia Ferarri at such an important event. For this I would once again like to thank the team and its sponser Kaspersky Lab. It is important to be able to bring Formula 1 close to the public with promotional events like this: a shame about the rain as otherwise the crowd might have been even bigger."

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.