Race Weekend Central

Slipstream Saturday: News from the Saudi Arabian GP as the F1 Show Must Go On

F1 Grand Prix Of Saudi Arabia Practice

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 25: Sparks fly behind Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 25, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202203250569 // Usage for editorial use only //

Formula 1 faces the issue of racing in Saudi Arabia as the Houthi separatists attacked a nearby Aramco oil facility. After more than four hours of meetings between the governing body, the drivers, and the team principals, the race will proceed as scheduled. Currently, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc looks to be leading the way.

F1 Review: Ferrari Starts Strong, Magnussen Surprises, McLaren Mystifies

Bahrain Haas Onz2913 174

Haas F1 celebrates after their drivers finish fifth and 11th at the F1 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix (credit: HaasF1 Media)

Ferrari started the F1 season with a 1-2 showing at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Red Bull faltered at the end of the race allowing Mercedes to earn vital points. McLaren looked like a mess as their former driver Kevin Magnussen scored a fifth-place finish for Haas.

Slipstream Saturday: Ferrari & Red Bull Lead in Bahrain; New Car Issues Abound

leclerc

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 18: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 18, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202203180427 // Usage for editorial use only //

Ferrari placed its drivers at the front in the first two practices of the Bahrain GP, with Max Verstappen looking to start his title defense off right. Other teams, like Mercedes, McLaren, and Alpine face struggles with the new F1 car.

F1 Midweek: Checking the Sportʻs Pulse with a Season-Opening Roundtable

Formula 1 Testing In Bahrain Day 1

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 10: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 10, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202203100708 // Usage for editorial use only //

Before the lights go out to start the 2022 Formula 1 season, our writers offer a roundtable to discuss some of the notable storylines. 

Change at Aston Martin F1 as Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer Departs

Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal And Ceo, Aston Martin F1, Is Interviewed

Istanbul Park, F1, GP, Turkey Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal and CEO, Aston Martin F1, is interviewed

Aston Martin announced on Wednesday (Jan 5) that team principal Otmar Szafnauer had left the team.  The surprise move leaves no one in the position as the team focuses on readying the 2022 car.  For now, his duties will be handled by a number of A-M’s leaders until a new principal is appointed. Szafnauer had …

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F1 Midweek: Saying Cheers to 2021 in Roundtable Fashion

Max Verstappen

(Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images via Red Bull Content Pool)

This week the Frontstretch Formula 1 crew looks back at the 2021 season.  From the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to Esteban Ocon’s surprising win to the question of how many races the US should host, they offer their thoughts on many of the year’s top storylines. Favorite moments of the season Caleb …

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F1 Midweek: Examining the Abu Dhabi GP Ending and What To Do Differently

2021 Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton start overtakes Verstappen Peter Fox Getty

(Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images via Red Bull Content Pool)

This week we’ve got a roundtable discussion on the controversial ending to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that saw Max Verstappen benefit from race director’s Michael Masi strange decision-making process.  First calling off having lapped cars unlap themselves, then reversing the decision, then pulling in the safety car without the one-lap grace period all amounted …

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F1 Review: Hamilton and Verstappen Taking Title Drama to Abu Dhabi

2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Sunday Lat Images

2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Sunday (credit: LAT Images / Mercedes AMG)

This past weekend, Formula 1 made its first trip to Saudi Arabia to break in the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, a street course by the Red Sea designed by Hermann Tilke.  Highlighted as the fastest road course in the world, the narrow lively track provided wild theater for the penultimate race of the season. Lewis Hamilton …

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Williams Racing F1 Founder Sir Frank Williams Passes Away Aged 79

Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Bahrain Grand Prix Practice Day Sakhir, Bahrain

Frank Williams (GBR) Williams Team Owner. 19.04.2013. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Practice Day © XPB Images / Williams Racing

Sir Frank Williams, the longest-tenured team principal in Formula 1 history, spanning over 50 years, passed away today (Nov 28) at the age of 79.  Williams, who had a brief career as a driver, was best known as the founder of Williams Grand Prix Engineering (Williams Racing) an organization he started in 1977 and left …

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F1 Review: Hamilton Rising as Red Bull Undergo a Soap Opera Weekend

F1 Grand Prix Of Qatar

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 21: Second placed Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing stands on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Losail International Circuit on November 21, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202111210382 //

This past weekend, Formula 1 made its first-ever visit to Losail Internation Circuit in Qatar.  From that information alone, there should have been a good reason to believe that Lewis Hamilton would walk away with the win.  He has made a habit of winning inaugural races and followed this trend after doing so last year …

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F1 Review: Hamilton Brilliant in Brazil; Mercedes Motivation

2021 Brazil Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton waves Brazilian flag Jiri Krenek Mercedes

(Photo: Jiri Krenek via Mercedes AMG F1)

Lewis Hamilton scored his 101st Formula 1 win on Sunday in Brazil.  His stellar performance, starting from tenth and claiming the win, further fanned the fires for the driverʻs championship and closed the gap to Max Verstappen (332.5 – 318.5). The Sao Paulo Grand Prix featured a wonderful battle between the top two drivers, though …

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