F1: A Different Shade of Red at Monza

And Nah, we’re Not talkin’ about 50 Shades of Red…

 

Uncharacteristically, I got up bright ‘n early for the live airing of the Italian Grand Prix from Monza. Musing to myself over how I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d “watched”, Err listened to a Grand Prix? As I think it was the Mighty Spa’, aka Spa-Francorchamps? But does it really matter?

 

Perhaps I’m being cynical here? But I also found it amusing how la Scuderia, nee Ferrari was running another special tribute livery scheme at what’s called the Temple of Speed.

 

Although I thought it was cool that Ferrari was running a “One-off” tribute motif wrap celebrating the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda’s 1975 Formula 1 championship. With this year’s SF-25chassis mimicking the correct shade of  rosso. The Blanco (white) piping and engine cover, and the silver, metallic (aluminum) rear wing that the 312T sported; per-carbon fibre.

 

Along with the car numbers in Old School roundels and the driver’s names in cursive, plus special wheels, albeit I don’t know if this was just another paint change or what? Whilst the drivers will wear retro overalls, with Sir Lewis’s helmet adorning Lauda’s name. Along with the team also wearing retro “Kit” during the weekend…

 

As Rega’, aka Clay Regazoni  won the Italian Grand Prix with Lauda finishing third fifty years ago at Autodromo Nacional Monza.  Clinching both the F1 Constructors and Drivers titles for Scuderia Ferrari for the first time in eleven years, to the ecstasy of the ravenous Tifosi!

 

I say cynical, since Ferrari seems destined to go winless this season, and the pre-season Honeymoon has long since faded over Hamilton joining la Scuderia…

 

Although the weekend started off on the right note with Lewis Hamilton being fastest overall in Friday’s (Free Practice) FP-1 session. With Charles Leclerc qualifying fourth, and Hamilton fifth. Before Hamilton’s five place grid drop penalty for ignoring double waved Yellow flags at Zandvoort.

 

Leclerc made the race’s start interesting by jumping ahead of Oscar Piastri into third briefly. But would ultimately finish where He started, (fourth) and Hamilton would finish sixth. As the Ferrari’s simply didn’t have the pace of the McLaren’s, or the Red Bull on Sunday.

 

Although nobody can keep pace with the McLaren’s over race distance right now…

 

While we all know it was Max Verstappen cantering away from the field after a brief skirmish with Bosom Buddy Lando Norris. Ultimately beating Lando by 19 seconds enroute to setting the All-time fastest ever F1 race, completed in One Hour, 13mins and 24.325 seconds. Beating Michael Schumacher’s previous 2003 mark by one minute, Bravo!

 

While I know I’ve actually seen the original 312T, Nos. 11-12 in action at Laguna Seca during the Monterey Historics over 30 years ago now, Yikes!

 

Meanwhile, we also know about Lewis Hamilton proclaiming during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend that He felt Useless and Ferrari should replace Him with another driver, after a dismal qualifying effort.

 

As Hamilton at age 40, has definitely struggled to come to grips with His new surroundings after 12 years at Mercedes. Even if He’s paid a King’s ransom to drive for Maranello…

 

I bring this up since I noticed that Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure fame noted how Statistician Russ Thompson  noted how only a dozen. Hum, who drove the No. 12 forever in IndyCar, Eh?

 

Only 12 drivers who’ve turned age 45 since 1956 have won an IndyCar race; and only one in the 21st century. Meaning the odds are definitely stacked against Will Power.

 

But then again, statistics noted that no Formula 1 driver with 300 starts or more had ever won a Grand Prix. Which naturally Hamilton went onto break this stat by winning twice in 2024; winning the British Grand Prix on His 344th start! Before belatedly winning the Belgian Grand Prix after teammate George Russell’sdisqualification, Youch! Netting Hamilton a staggering 105 Grands Prix total, Momma Mia!

 

As Lewis is only the second F1 driver to make more than 350 Grands Prix starts, and will join Fernando Alonso in the 400 Grands Prix starts club at the end of next season.

 

Hamilton is nearly five years younger than Power, so who knows? Whilst F1’s elder Statesman Frederico Suave (Alonso) is still competing fiercely at age 44.

 

Then again, 19yr old Italian Wunderkind’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who replaced Hamilton at Mercedes this season. Was given a five second time penalty for driving erratically during His Home race. Having pushed Alexander Albon onto the grass at High speed! Leading to the teenager incurring another penalty point to His FIA Super Licence, for a total of five.

 

Whilst 20yr old Oliver Bearman not only was given a ten second penalty at Monza. But also notched a further two penalty points to His license for His contretemps with Carlos Sainz. Having amassed ten, jus two shy of the threshold for an automatic one race ban. With Bearman needing to keep His “nose” clean until November’s Brazilian GP. As the maximum of 12 points is for one year, before points are dismissed… 

F1: Where will Horner go Now?

And can Red Bull turn around its Sinking Ship?

 

Have to say it came as a surprise to Mwah, reading the news over Christian Horner, the Pied Piper of Red Bull Racing being released of His duties as CEO effective immediately on Wednesday morning, July 9th.

 

Horner, alleged of “Bullying” and sexually harassing a female Red Bull employee, His personal assistant at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season, in which the Daily Mail is calling a sext texting scandal, claims that Horner has gotten His “Cumuffins”, which I find overly rich…

 

As Horner was cleared twice from this sexual harassment allegation by two separate Barristers, and had seemed to weather the storm, especially after Max Verstappen won His fourth, consecutive World Championship last year.

 

While I do not condone any form of sexual harassment, I find the Hypocrisy of one of His fiercest critic, once fondly known as Jos the Boss Verstappen dubious at best! Since Verstappen Senior seemed to be spearheading the charge for Horner’s dismissal over a year ago.

 

As why is no one writing about Jos’s former multiple Domestic Assaults? Having surrendered to Dutch police in January 2012, spending two weeks in Jail for Attempted Murder! Having supposedly tried to run down His former girlfriend, before being released due to lack of evidence.

 

This followed His ex-girlfriend being taken to hospital in November, 2011, after physical beating by Jos. For which the former 24 year old girlfriend, when Jos was 39 said had happened before.

 

Not to mention being fined and given three months suspended jail sentence in 2008 for domestic violence against his ex-wife, Max’s Mum. Or being convicted of Assault for breaking a man’s skull at a Karting track some ten-plus years prior…

 

Although I’m in no way defending the Dutchman’s unscrupulous antics. I’m now wondering if the Headline about the team imploding if Horner remained in power after the sex-texting scandal by Jos, stemmed from His personal experience?

 

Like Him or not, Horner led Red Bull to eight F1 Drivers and six Constructors Championships over His twenty-plus tenue as leader of Red Bull. Not to mention 124 Grands Prix victories in 405 starts, the fourth most ever by a Formula 1 team.

 

Therefore, at age 51, I cannot see Horner being finished in F1, and three current F1 teams jump out immediately to Mwah as possible landing destinations. Even though it sounds like Horner is on mandatory “gardening Leave” for the moment.

 

Horner has been rumoured to be on Ferrari’s radar previously, which He’s turned la Scuderia down previously to stay at Red Bull. Seeing currently embattled Team Principal Frederic Vausser landing the job.

 

But if F1 Pundit Ralf Schumacher is correct over Horner not appreciating criticism, then Ferrari seems like a bad fit. Since the Italian press is constantly castigating Scuderia Ferrari over its poor performance, and continuously demanding the dismissal of whomever is in charge! Not to mention uprooting wife Geri Halliwell and family to Italy.

 

No, for Mwah the two most likely future destinations would seem to be either Alpine or Cadillac.

 

The move to Cadillac would be brilliant, giving them instant creditability. Not to mention somebody in charge with a winning pedigree. Although not sure how this would work out for current boss Graeme Lowdon?

 

Although again, the TWG Group seems intent on running the F1 operation out of its Fishers complex in the future, implying that Horner would need to move to another country. Unless perhaps Lowdon became Deputy Team Principal and oversaw the Stateside operation?

 

While I’d say the most logical choice would be Alpine, provided it gave Horner a long enough leash to turn the franchise around. Since they’ve got a nasty habit of dumping leadership routinely!

 

Although reportedly, Horner is good friends with HMS Monogram’, aka flavour Flav’, nee Flavio Briatore, who may be quick to snap up the services of His friend?

 

Whilst what about Steve Nielsen? Just confirmed as the team’s new Managing Director, effective September 1st. As Nielsen will be responsible for day-to-day operations.

 

But being a truly British team based at Enstone, and supposedly with updated premises, this would be the most convenient for Horner. As who knows where it could lead?

 

While you’d have to think that Aston Martin’s a longshot, since I think there’s already too many Cooks in the kitchen! And how would Adrian Newey feel about re-uniting with Horner?

 

As only time will tell where Messer Horner lands, provided He does return to Formula 1 in the future, which feels inevitable to Mwah…

 

Meanwhile, Laurent Mekies, previous Boss of Racing Bulls takes over as CEO of Red Bull Racing. As the Frenchman began His Formula 1 career with Arrows, and engineered several F1 drivers at Minardi and Scuderia toro Rosso. He spent a brief stint as the FIA’s Safety Director and Deputy Race Director. Then moved to Ferrari as its Sporting Director before becoming Racing Bulls Team Principal.

 

Alan “Bat” Permane becomes Racing Bulls new Team Principal. Which will be interesting to see how the ‘lil bulls progress?

 

As Racing Bulls were currently tied for seventh place with Aston Martin on 36 Markers apiece, in the vaunted Constructors Championship before Mekies moved to Red Bull. With Sauber vaulting five points ahead to sixth, thanks to Nico Hulkenberg’s excellent third place finish at Silverstone. 

Do “One Off” liveries matter?

The iconic “Yellow submarine” that Scott McLaughlin captured pole aboard last year at Indianapolis. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Golly, that sure is a purdy lookin’ racecar… Whale’ it was before ScottyMac’ wadded it up during Sunday morning’s Fast Twelve Shootout practice session, Youza!

 

Yeah, I know Y’all are saying but what about this past weekend’s Indianapolis 500 qualifying,  Righto? Which certainly didn’t lack for drama!

 

Being Blind, have I reminded Y’all lately? Obviously I cannot “See” what all of the special One-off liveries look like? Or if they’re flattering or not?

 

During the Miami Grand Prix, Formula 1 fans were up in arms over la Scuderia’s One-off livery interspersing title sponsor HP’s blue and white into the traditional rosso livery, which I know I scribbled ‘bout here on No Fenders a year ago…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/05/ferrari-turns-blue-chasing-red-bull.html

 

As the Ferrari SF-25 sported HP’s blue and white on it’s engine cover, rear wing and wheels in a nod to their one year partnership, which began at Miami last year. With Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton wearing with and blue overalls as part of the One-off asymmetric livery.

 

As one disgusted Tifosi wrote that it was like putting pineapple on pizza! Another saying it could be the worst livery ever. And another saying that Ferrari was morphing into Williams in front of our very eyes on Social media!

 

Referring to those iconic, and good looking HP sponsored Williams BMW racecars of the early Ought’s…

 

Meanwhile, Racing Bulls ran a One-off bright pink racecar at Miami, promoting it’s Energy drinks owners new summer peach flavour, including the drivers wearing magenta overalls.

 

While Sauber also joined the Miami Party-theme train. Running what was called an “Art Car”. Which apparently saw the teams traditional colours “Shaken, not Stirred” in a blender? Although the press release claims that what appears to be dripping wet neon green and black hues were applied to it’s C45 chassis. Along with the drivers overalls, pit wall and garages, to commemorate Miami’s vivid Art scene…

 

Arse-suming Y’all know about Arrow McLaren’s One-off “Artic” white Indianapolis 500 liveries, part of this year’s Never Stop Racing campaign. As the Nos. 5-7 Arrow McLaren’s will feature a base coat of white with driver specific colours, while Kyle Larson’s NO. 17 will be white with blue accents.

 

As have to say to Mwah, I think their 60th anniversary McLaren Indy 500 racecar liveries of 2023 were far superior! But what do I know, especially since I cannot see any of them, Y’all…

 

Yeah, I understand why we’ve got to wait until after the Indy road course’s tune-up Grand Prix is run before we can start dolling out those One-off Indianapolis 500 liveries. As this makes me think of the Super bowl and everybody Ah-Waitin’ and grading that year’s commercials.

 

As don’t know who’ll have either the best or worst Indy 500 livery? But when I think of worst, I immediately think of Count Dracula’, Err Rinus VeeKay’s black ‘n yellow polka dot thrown in a blender mobile from a few years ago, Hya!

 

Whilst we know that Conor Daly won’t be running any Polka Dot block chain El Speciale livery this year. Although it’ll be funny if He runs a Union 76 theme car when I believe Shell is the official fuel partner of IndyCar, Righto?

 

Having since learned that Daly’s car is running AM/PM sponsorship, along with Circle K, and possibly ARCO? Since I think they’re all owned by Atlantic Richfield Petroleum.

 

Whilst I Arse-sume that at least ScottyMac’, aka Scott Mclaughlin will once again be driving the iconic Pennzoil “Yellow submarine”. With no idea what reigning two-times Indy 500 winner Josef Schlick’ Newgarden will carry? Although presume Will Power will have some El Speciale Verizon “paint” scheme again, Eh?

 

Thus, not knowing half of this year’s Indy 500 liveries. Although I did learn who the obscure primary sponsors of Castroneves and Marco Andretti’s rides. Along with Marcus Ericsson’s Allegra car said to “Pop!” And that beautiful #51 Miller High Life car of Jacob Abel’s unfortunately not celebrating the “High Life” on Sunday.

 

 And thanks to the thoroughly GOOBERED, Cough-Cough, Uhm “New & Improved”, NOT! Racer website, with much difficulty, I learned that Abel’s Dale Coyne Racing teammate Rinus VeeKay’s primary sponsor is askROI. With NO askROI jokes here about where’d the missing three miles per hour go?

 

Busting up in laughter when IndyCar Radio Network’s Turn 3 reporter Jake The Riddler’ Query said VeeKay’s sponsor is askROI, and He’s asking where the speed went right now…

 

Whilst obviously, I cannot see what they look like? And hence, cannot be swayed by their marketing efforts. Or tell Y’all which cars look “Cool” and which don’t. Or how well this marketing exercise works?

 

As Derek Daly had a good point about the lack of “brand” recognition that’s long been IndyCar’s hallmark in the following Racer article.

 

https://racer.com/2025/05/08/a-letter-to-roger-penske-color-confusion-and-the-quest-for-young-indycar-fans

 

But I do think it’s cool that the Prema Racing cars run in an Italian Flag motif of white, green and red. As how ‘bout that Robert Shwartzman!

 

Are, You, Ready, to G-O Racing?         

Domination, Indeed!

Although that’s not the word that came to mind…

 

What can I say about the utter domination of two drivers this past weekend, Eh?

 

As IndyCar Radio’s Mike Gravelly’ James kept saying the word domination when describing Alex Palou’s performance at thee Barbers’. As I’d say that Palou took the Barber shears to His competition! Leading a Mega’ 81 of 90 laps at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama Sunday.

 

As I simply marveled over Palou’s domination, cruising home to a 16-plus seconds lead, for which all I could say was the word Annihilation!

 

And if you thought the IndyCar race was boring, well, I fell asleep just past the halfway point of the Miami Grand Prix! Although the first 13 laps were certainly exciting! And how can you not appreciate Verstappen’s tenacity, Eh!

 

But as Sky Sports F1 lead pundit Kroftie’, aka David Kroft said later on. The two McLarens were in another Post code Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium! And Oscar Piastri’s winning by 36+ seconds over Mercedes third place George Russell was total Annihilation!

 

As I’d thought that Palou had put a Beatdown on the IndyCar field, which He did! Now leading the championship by 60 points over unlikely second place Christian Lundgaard. But what does Piastri’s tour de force say about Formula 1? Claiming McLaren’s first three-peat by a driver since Mika Hakkinen during 1997-98, Crikeys!

 

Ironically, I heard ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin musing sometime over the weekend about Clean Air, as there’s those words again…

 

While you’d have to give Lewis Hamilton an A+ for sarcasm during the Miami Grand Prix. First telling His Ferrari team to have a Tea break while they’re at it! Regarding swapping positions with teammate Charles Leclerc.

 

And then when told to let Leclerc back by and having to wait for Him to overtake. When Lewis’s race engineer told Him that Williams Carlos Sainz was 1.4 seconds behind. Hamilton quipped do you want me to let Him by too? 

Disappointment abounds over Airwaves, at Racetrack

Can you Hear me now Fox and IndyCar Radio? As I just remembered that ‘Ol Internet  Error code 404…

 

Jumping ahead of myself here. But as David Land recently used the word “Optics” in His discussion regarding the Thermal Club IndyCar race. I’d have to say that MotoGP has a Ginormous optics issue Stateside!

 

As seriously, the lone United States Grand Prix isn’t even aired live, WTF! And dually treated like the proverbial Red Headed Step Seester’ by being aired at 6:30PM Pacific on FS1. Although that’s only if the NASCAR race at Martinsville doesn’t run long, or the NHRA experience any problems…

 

As how many people will either know about where the MotoGP race is being broadcasted or care about tuning in?

 

“It’s A Shame, such A Shame

No one was able to ease the pain

A Red-Headed Wild Flower

Growing in the wrong garden”

 

Sing it Little River Band…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAe7ARwDYzU

 

Yet this No Fenders post is supposed to be about the Thermal Club IndyCar race, along with the Chinese Grand Prix Formula 1 held in Shanghai, which for Mwah, were both fairly processional races. Whilst I’ll leave the debate over whether or not IndyCar should return to the Thermal Club for others to pontificate over.

 

Surely Y’all have read, heard or witnessed FOX’s “Brownout” during the Thermal Club IndyCar race. Which according to the IndyStar’s Nathan Browne lasted for 20 mins from approximately lap 28 to 42, when a circuit breaker “tripped” itself in one of the two IMS Productions Broadcast Trucks. As the root cause seems to have been the Heat, with the Fahrenheit nudging up against 90 degrees ambient.

 

Yet one must say it’s a sad state of affairs when your default is to switch to the NASCAR race in progress whilst trying to fix this failure…

 

Being ensconced once again on the tranquil Vashon Island for the St Pete IndyCar season opener. I grew very annoyed with the multiple Dumping's the IndyCar Radio Broadcast had during the race. Even totally losing the broadcast twice, for which I just had to wonder if it was our internet service on Ye Island? Although as far as I know, no Washington Sate ferry’s have “accidently” cut any telecommunications cables from the Mainland, but I digress…

 

Yet the Thermal Club’s IndyCar Radio broadcast mimicked St Pete’s, Urgh! As perhaps the new IMS Production trucks have a new Bark ‘O Meter installed? Since it seems that whenever Mark Gravelly’ James goes into full-stop manufactured frothing, Screaming excitement, the Intrawoods’ drops the broadcast! Thus again, the programme went “Dark” on the opening lap of the race, as I frantically refreshed the page to try finding out what I’d missed? When apparently Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco tried His Bestest Paul Tracy Chrome Horn treatment on ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin. With Sparky’ chirping at McLaughlin after the race…

 

Then again, the Internets’ feed Dumped when James went into a lather over Alex Palou chasing down the race’s leader Pato O’Ward, WTF! Actually it was All of the excitement over Palou going wheel-to-wheel with Christian Lundgaard which I had to frantically refresh. And then again at the finish of the race!

 

Hmm, perhaps the new, waxed string used for IndyCar Radio events melted in the Coachella Valley Heat, Eh?

 

And this doesn’t include when the broadcast was dropped momentarily before resuming broadcasting. With James noting how they’d lost timing and scoring during the race, presumably when FOX had gone Dark for those twenty minutes.

 

Although there was less dropping of the broadcast for this second race of the season. Nonetheless, when Dumping at the race’s crucial points, it just makes the whole event feel overly disjointed and somewhat hard to enjoy! Since after all I’d Arse-sume that most of us loyal, diehard racing Aficionados tune-in for entertainments sake, Eh? And I’d guess that the touted Youth Generation Demographic IndyCar is so desperately chasing doesn’t put up with such continuing nonsense!

 

Meanwhile,you’d have to say that the Chinese Grand Prix was even duller than the IndyCar race, for which I was happy with the outcome of Oscar Piastri, my Numero doce F1 driver leading wire-to-wire. As the only real excitement during the Sunday morning’s 9AM Pacific replay,Err Encore presentation with copious amounts of the Mothers shoe Polish lady Nicole Briscoe’s insessant interuptions was the Ferrari Boyz’ playing Argie-Bargie. As what front wing endplate Ma? As Leclerc is Faster than you Louis, please confirm…

 

Nope, the real Shanghai fireworks occurred some three hours after the race, when both Suderiea cars were DQ’ed, the first time in Ferrari’s 75yr history to have both racecars disqualified from an event! Although Pierre Gasly’s Alpine was also disqualified.

 

Both Gasly and Leclerc’s cars were disqualified due to being underneath the minimum weight, presumably due to running ultra-long stints on the Hard Pirelli tyre compound, having both been one kilo underweight, i.e.; 2.2lbs.

 

As recall that George Russell was stripped of His victory at Spa-Francorchamps last year when suffering a similar fate, having run an extra-long stint on the hard rubber compound, albeit several other drivers at Shanghai also ran long stints to no detriment. Meaning that Ferrari and Alpine simply cut the margins too close.

 

Hamilton’s Ferrari SF25 was disqualified for excessive plank wear, with the minimum allowance being 9mm after race’s end. WithLouis’s Ferrari measuring 8.6mm on both the RHS and Centerline, and 8.5mm on the LHS, or visa-versa, since I don’t remember now. Other than the “Jabarock” glass infused “plank” to prevent teams from running their chassis too low was worn below the minimum ground clearance, and so it goes…

 

And that’s before we even get to Red Bull’s latest round of Driver Whackamole! Whilst hopefully IndyCar can sort out it’s media transmissions issues before Long Beach, which presumably will be another Hot race? 

Presenting the 2025 Formula 1 Senior Member Rookies

Although a total of four Grands Prix Ain’t exactly a large sample size…

 

It has been a very long times since I can recall such an abundance ‘O Formula 1 rookies joining the grid. Which according to my informal archives, last occurred nine seasons ago in 2017. As Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll remain upon the F1 Grid. Whilst the 2019 and 2023 seasons saw four F1 rookies apiece. With 2019 featuring the top three F2 finishers: Lando Norris, George Russell and Alexander Albon. Whilst 2023 F1 rookies Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri remain on the grid…

 

Oliver Berman

Team: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team

Nationality: United Kingdom

Birthplace: Havering, London

DOB: May 8, 2005; Age: 19

Car No. 87

 

Believe that “Ollie”, aka Oliver Bearman is still a rookie, albeit having made three starts last season, substituting for Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari and Kevin Magnussen at Haas. As His three Grands Prix starts excluded Him from participating in the Post Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Ollie’ began racing Go Karts at age seven, capping a very successful Karting career in 2020, before graduating to Single Seaters.

 

Bearman made His racecar debut in the 2020 ADAC (German) Formula 4 series and scored His maiden win at the Hockenheimring. Later that year He made His debut in the Italian F4 series and also claimed victory at Vallelunga.

 

Twenty Twenty-One was a magical year for Bearman, as the Bloody brit’ dominated the Italian F4 Championship, sweeping the title with eleven wins! And then claimed the German F4 Championship title with a further six victories.

 

The following year, Oliver graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship, driving for Prema Racing alongside Jack Crawford and Arthur Leclerc. Bearman wound-up third overall and claimed one W’, the Sprint race at thee Mighty Spa, aka Spa-Francorchamps. He also became a Ferrari Academy driver that year.

 

For 2023, Ollie made the step up to FIA Formula 2, continuing with Prema, alongside Mercedes Junior Driver Frederik Vesti. Bearman would claim sixth in the championship with four wins, including an impressive “double” at Baku. Becoming just the fourth F3 rookie to win both Sprint and feature races on the same weekend.

 

Continuing with Prema, now partnered by Mercedes Junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Bearman had a disappointing season, finishing 12th overall with three Sprint race wins to His credit.

 

Bearman missed the Jeddah and Baku rounds due to deputizing as reserve driver in F1. First in a last minute call-up for Carlos Sainz Jr. having an emergency appendectomy, where He finished a sensational seventh for Ferrari!

 

Next Bearman scored points again as Kevin Magnussen’s substitute at Azerbaijan, where the Dane’ was serving a one race ban. Finishing P10 for Haas. Then slithered home P12 at Sao Paolo after being given a 10 second penalty for colliding with Williams Franco Colapinto.

 

Jack Doohan

Team: BWT Alpine F1 Team

Nationality: Australian

Birthplace: Gold Coast, Queensland

DOB: January 20, 2003; Age: 22

Car NO. 7

 

Yes, Jack Doohan is the son of five times GP500 Grand Prix Motorcycle World Champion Mick Doohan. Interestingly, Jack began Go Karting at age nine with a go Kart given to Him by none other than  Michael Schumacher!

 

After a successful Karting career, Jack made His single seater debut at age 15 in 2018, when competing in the F4 British championship. Racing for Arden alongside Red Bull Junior Driver Dennis Hauger, Doohan finished fith overall with three wins.

 

Next Doohan raced in the F3 Asian series, finishing Vice Champion, Er runner-up twice consecutively. Along with racing for Double R Racing in the Euro Formula Open series.

 

Doohan then graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship for 2020, where He had less than stellar results driving for HWA Racelab. The following year He moved to Trident, where one of His teammates was David Schumacher, son of Ralf.

 

Jack made history at the Spa-Francorchamps round by becoming the first driver to win two races in a weekend. Yet ultimately lost the F3 title to Dennis Hauger; who will contest His rookie Indy NXT campaign for Andretti global this year

After contesting the final two rounds of that year’s Formula 2 season, Doohan raced His first full FIA F2 season for Virtuosi Racing alongside Marino Sato in 2022. Doohan scored three poles and three wins enroute to sixth overall in the championship.

 

For 2023, Jack remained with virtuosi and finished third overall on the strength of two poles and three victories, before leaving F2 at season’s end.

 

Having been a Red bull Junior Driver between 2017 and 2021, Doohan switched to the Alpine Academy for 2022, and got His first taste of Formula 1 machinery in Qatar that year. Making His Free Practice (FP) debut at Mexico City, and then again at Abu Dhabi. Also participating in that year’s post Abu dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Continuing His testing duties for Alpine the following year, Jack was named as the team’s reserve driver for the 2024 F1 season, before making His Formula 1 debut at the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the ousted Esteban Ocon.

 

Not sure why I felt compelled to track Doohan’s F1 debut outing, other than I suppose I was curious how He’d acquit Himself? Thus recording the following weekend’s positions, beginning with Friday’s (Free Practice) FP1 outing: P19-19-14-20-15.

 

Thus finishing 15th in His first Grand Prix, where He dorve the team’s No. 61 entry, Arse-sumedly it’s reserve car number.

 

As now the pressure surely rachets up, with the season commencing Down Under on Home soil in Bloody Melbourne, March 16^th, Righto? Where the Aussie’s will be delirious over having two of their Mates’ on the Formula 1 grid… 

F1 goes testing, TPC Style

But Don’t expect to see them in Action, until at least Bahrain…

 

In all of the hype surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, and His total immersion to Scueria Ferrari culture. Read a good article by Racer’s Chris Medland on Formula One’s  Testing Previous Cars (TPC) programme. Hey if the Bloody Brits’ can Chuck round vernacular such as Vice champion and Box-box-box George! Then I can Bloody scribble programme, but I digress…

 

As TPC is designed to allow Formula 1 teams the ability to go testing in F1 chassis being two years old, with the previous three seasons machinery allowed. Making 2021-23 F1 chassis eligible for TPC duty this season.

 

And thanks to Haas’s new technical alliance with Toyota, the smallest F1 team on the grid will run its maiden TPC outing with Toyota’s assistance. Having tested a Haas VF-23 at Jerez recently. Where race drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman ran one day apiece, with Ritomo Miyata getting “seat-time” at the end of each day.

 

As Mercedes joined Haas in Jerez, running one of its earlier F1 chassis. Presumably the F1 W14 for Kimi Antonelli, with no word about George Russell.

 

Reportedly Mercedes has been running the young Italian whose full name is Andrea Kimi Antonelli in a multitude of older spec Mercedes machinery in its attempt to get Him properly prepared for His forthcoming F1 rookie campaign.

 

Naturally there was much Buzz over Sir Lewis’s debutante outing in scarlet, when Golden Child’ and Charles Leclerc ran around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in Ferrari SF23 and F1 75 racecars. While another outing for the duo was planned for Barcelona a week later.

 

While the media reported that Lewis looked like a Mafia Don on His first day in Maranello. Wearing either a double breasted dark blue or black suit with gray trench, err overcoat over His shoulders. Uhm, strike the pose Lewis, Meow!

 

Hmm, why did visions of Michael Jackson looking like a “Dandy” in the epic video Billie Jean come flashing into my Head, eh?

 

I believe that I read that F1 teams are now allowed  only 1000km (Kilometers) or a paltry 621 miles in “Old Money” as Professor’ Steve Matchett would say. Leading me to wonder how this exact mileage is monitored?

 

As teams are required to notify the FIA a minimum of 72 Hours prior to commencing TPC activities. And provide the chassis designation, drivers, venue etc. for the FIA Delagate and other competing Formula 1 teams knowledge of such activities. While I’m guessing this also allows rival teams to share a race track and “Pool” circuit expenses, if desired…

 

Although it sounds like not all ten F1 Constructors carry out extensive TPC programmes, or are required to? As I’m guessing its just the FIA mandate of running at least two rookies per season the teams are bound by.

 

As I understand the mileage, Err kilometers limit is presumably a cost saving measure. But it seems like a bit more mileage could be allowed, which in turn gives more opportunity for F1 cars to be raced around the world. Or even better yet, give Fans a second opportunity to witness testing during the second half of the season?

 

Yeah, I know, the season’s already too Gory long! But these TPC tests give the media something more to write about, and give F1 media exposure… 

F1: Alonso officially Starts His 400th Grand Prix

Frederico Suave’s name atop the IMS Scoring pylon.  (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“It’s a New, Endurance Record!”

 

Its strange how Formula 1 celebrates any and all milestones. Since initially I was slightly Cornfuzed over All of the hubbub commemorating Frederico Suave, aka Fred Alonso’s 400th Grand Prix weekend at Mexico City.

 

Especially since I’d already noted to Thyself that Alonso’s 400th Grand Prix Start, which is the more significant number to Mwah wouldn’t occur until December 1st at the Qatar Grand Prix.

 

Nonetheless, the number 400 be it Grands Prix weekends or Starts is absolutely mind blowing! Although I’d argue that this truly staggering statistic has been significantly watered down by the fact that Liberty Media has pushed the number of Grands Prix per season to an insane 24! And is seeking to nudge it to 25, WTF!

 

Conversely, I find it somewhat surprising that I still vividly remember Fernando Alonso’s Minardi PS01 chassis. Running a somewhat long in the tooth European badged Ford VJ Zetec R 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10 lump’. For which its funny reading how the engine rated at 735bhp @16,000RPM’s was considered “obsolete!” Or definitely not cutting edge…

 

Having seen this tidy, mustashioed Minardi racecar in person at Indianapolis during His rookie Formula 1 campaign for the Minnowesqe back markers during the 2001 Formula 1 season. Along with another Ice Cream eating Finnish F1 rookie named Kimi Raikkonen.

 

Its funny reading how Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto weren’t even born yet! Or that Oscar Piastri was born the year Alonso began in formula 1. Or that Lando Noris and Guanyu Zhou were only two years old. And the list goes on and on…

 

Won’t try recapping Fernando’s entire Formula 1 career, or racing career in general, since it would take way too many pages. Since I still cannot scribble a short story here upon No Fenders. Nor do I know how much content my loyal readers want?

 

But I do tend to recall that Alonso took a year “off” following that Minardi campaign as Renault’s test driver; being the former Benetton F1 Team. And then in 2003, although I don’t recall the venue anymore, Alonso had a massive shunt, totally destroying His Renault racecar in shades of that horrific looking crash Martin Donnelly endured!

 

Alonso quickly became the scourge of Formula 1 for Mwah, since He ended Herr Schumacher’s F1 reign by having the audacity to become World champion back-to-back in 2005-06. And quickly became known by the moniker anointed by Blogmeister Miguel, Ferdi the Putz!

 

Although I knew the die had been casted that day when Michael Schumacher was powerless to get around Alonso at San Marino, with Alonso winning ahead of the German on Home soil…

 

Next Alonso, whom I’ve been calling Frederico Suave for years now, spent an acrimonious year at McLaren with Bosom Buddy Lewis Hamilton. For which I think we All know haw that went, Ci!

 

Alonso slinked back to Renault, who were on the decline for 2008-09, before moving to la Scuderia. Driving for Ferrari between 2010-14. With one of my favourite memories being Alonso unable to get around the lowly F1 rookie Vitaly VO5’ Petrov, ironically driving for Renault. And Alonso wildly gesticulating at Petrov was No. 1 after losing the 2010 F1 World championship to ‘lil Syd’ viddle, aka Sebastian Vettel!

 

Then there was the ill-fated move to McLaren Honda for 2015. Where Alonso famously complained about the Honda PU being worse than a GP2 engine! Even though Honda and its Red Bull Power Train derivative Power Units (PU) have been Uber successful since 2021!

 

Fernando then moved back to le Reggie for His Formula 1 return in 2021, albeit the team had now been rebranded as Alpine. With Alonso on a two year contract, being “ousted’ when the team thought it had successfully elevated Oscar Piastri to a race seat…

 

Fernando moved to Aston Martin for 2023, where He’s currently under contract until 2026, when He’ll become 45 years old!

 

As Alonso’s last Formula 1 Pole was secured at the 2012 German Grand Prix. With His latest win coming at His Home Spanish Grand Prix in 2013, both driving for Ferrari. With the Smarmy Spaniard currently ranked seventh overall with 32 career wins and 22 career Poles to date.

 

As I’ve gone “Hot ‘n Cold” over Alonso during His amazing racing career, mostly cold…

 

Although I thought it was great when Mclaren’s Zakery’ Brown and Alonso decided to skip the 2017 Monaco GP in favour of a “One-off” Indianapolis 500 entry with Andretti Autosport. As the Fernando mania was great for IndyCar! And Alonso was very impressive, before His Honda lump’ went Kuhblamoe with 21-laps remaining!

 

Yet it was even sweeter when What’s His Name, Err Kyle Kiser had the audacity to Bump Alonso from the field for the 2019 Indy 500 in the Minnowesqe Juncos Racing entry!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/05/indy-500-dragonslayers.html

 

As Alonso’s reputation for Mwah was forever tarnished during Renault’s Crash Gate, when teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed in order to trigger a Safety car deployment! Allowing Alonso to ultimately win the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

 

While I’ll admit I had to look it up to see if I remembered correctly that He was also involved in Espionage Gate? Better known as Stepney Gate,when in 2007, McLaren was fined a record $100 million for Nigel Stepney trying to bring Ferrari Intellectual Property to Woking. Whilst Renault got off with a knuckle wrap for its IP improprieties…

 

Alonso’s also had a knack of wearing out His welcome, with His three year McLaren contract mutually ended after one season. Or leaving Ferrari early, along with also departing McLaren early a second time, after His interest waned at the underperforming F1 outfit.

 

Alonso has also spent time in Sports Cars, both in IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC) Having won the 2019 Rolex 24 driving for Wayne Taylor Racing. Along with the 24 Heurs du Mans back-to-back with Toyota between 2018-19. And winning the 2018-19 WEC Le Mans Prototypes (LMP) title with co-drivers Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima.

 

As Alonso claimed the mantle for most Grands Prix starts when overtaking Kimi Raikkonen in 2022. For which the Finn had surplanted Rubens Barrichello, the first driver to make more than 300 Starts. While Alonso could conceivably become the first to a staggering 450! But Aston Martin would have to extend His contract even further…

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/10/f1-alonso-moves-into-p1.html 

Ferrari turns Blue Chasing Red Bull

Although totally changing colours did little to Help!

 

Casual Formula 1 viewers couldn’t be blamed for thinking there was something wrong with their television set’s reception when tuning into this year’s Miami Grand Prix. Like Hold on Vern’, Thars something wacky going on with the colour settings! Try movin’ those Wabbit’ Ears Vern…

 

As for reasons unknown, la Scuderia’, nee Ferrari’s traditional Rosso corsa racecars were appearing to be two different shades of Blue!

 

Although we quickly learned that this was ultimately another marketing gimmick, celebrating Scuderia Ferrari’s signing of computer giant HP as their new title sponsor. Even though the team claimed it was in Honour of the 70th Anniversary of Ferrari’s involvement in North America.

 

Yet I’m cornfuzed why this isn’t being trumpeted as the 75th Anniversary of Ferrari’s presense in North America? Since noted Ferrari Factory agent Luigi Chinetti began importing Ferrari’s to the United States in early 1949. With some Chap named Briggs Cunningham finishing second at Watkins Glen aboard a Ferrari 166MM Spyder in ’49.

 

Yes, that’s the same Luigi Chinetti who gave Ferrari it’s first 24 Heurs du Mans victory Wayback’ in Gory 1949! When the naturalized Italian drove a super Human 22.5 Hour total! Spelled only briefly by the evocative Ferrari 166MM Barachetta’s owner and co-driver Peter Mitchell-Thompson.

 

As Chinetti also established N.A.R.T., known as North American Racing Team in 1958. Going onto win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965 with the controversial Ferrari 250LM prototype.

 

Accroding to the Daily Mail, Alberto Ascari wore light Blue shirts and Hat during His two Formula 1 World Championships for Ferrari during 1952-53. While John surtees, Chris Amon, Lorenzo Bandini and Ludovico Scarfiotti all wore light blue Overalls during the 1960’s.

 

Niki Lauda wore light blue overalls for His 1974 debut season at Ferrari, before switching to rosso for the ’75 F1 campaign. While teammate Clay Regazoni wore Dark Blue the same season

 

Most famously, John Surtees won the 1964 Formula 1 World Championship driving a blue and white Ferrari 158. As reportedly Il Commendatore, nee Enzo Ferrari was so outraged that the FIA wouldn’t recognize His Ferrari 250LM prototype for Homologation, He threatened to never race in Rossa corsa again!

 

Thus Surtees and teammate Bandini Ferrari’s ran the final two rounds of the ’64 championship in the blue and white national colours of the United States under the N.A.R.T. paint scheme at Watkins Glen and Mexico city.

 

While Ferrari ran a special “One-off” Red and White paint scheme in Honour of those glorious 1970 Championship winning racecars of Lauda and Jody Scheckter, during the inaugural modern day Las Vegas Grand Prix last November.

 

As the Ferrari SF24 and it’s drivers will be adorned in Astro la planta And Astra Dino, with the first being the light blue hue. Whilst the latter dark blue hue’s name pays homage to Enzo Ferrari’s son known as Dino.

 

Yet Scuderia Ferrari has also seen multiple F1 chassis race in solid yellow. Including when the privateer Equipe Nationale Belgium entry of Olivier Gendebien appropriately finished fourth at the 1961 Belgian Grand Prix.

 

As Scuderia Ferrari claimed a 1-2-3-4 sweep. With Factory drivers Phill Hill winning. Wolfgang von Trips second and Richie Gintherthird ahead of Gendebine. Which I believe is the only time an F1 Constructor has swept the first four finishing positions…

 

But when I think of Hewlett Packard and Formula 1, I immediately Flash back to those early 2000’s superb Williams BMW racecars with Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher at their keyboards…

 

And speaking of Williams, I hope that former Team Willy’ and current Red Bull Designer supreme Adrian Newey goes to Ferrari next year!

 

Naturally, after I’d initially finished scribbling these thoughts. On May 1st no less, for which Y’all should know the significance of the date regarding Formula 1 History. Making it somewhat odd, since that’s arguably Newey’s and Williams Darkest Day. When Ayrton Senna died driving His Williams FW16 Renault V-10 racecar.

 

As Y’all may enjoy this video upon the history of Imola, which you can watch below…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQvDQy7ADfU

 

Red bull announced that Adrian Newey would indeed leave the team in the first Quarter of 2025 and spend His remainng time at Milton Keynes finishing the RB17 Track Car.

 

Apparently this means that Newey, now 65 cannot start His next F1 Engineering assignment until 2026? Although next year’s F1 chassis will be a bit of lame Ducks due to the impending, massive rules change for the 2026 F1 season.

 

Meanwhile, Newey’s possible future employer disappointed by only adding splashes of two different blue hues to it’s Rosso corsa racecar at Miami. Although both drivers Overalls at least were blue…