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?         

F1: The Sting of Max

Ah, to “Float like A Butterfly”. Uhm, where’s’ Good ‘Ol George Foremen to Knock Yuhs Out!

 

After wading thru the pandemonium Ye Bloody Daily Mail rag was frothing about over thoust Axing of Liam Lawson. I have to say I mused to Thyself how la Scuderia must be most content to have the pressure taken off of them regarding their first ever double disqualification from a Grand Prix, eh? Although Ferrari will need to drastically improve at Suzuka, results-wise. Seriously, lagging behind Williams in the Constructors standings, Yikes!

 

Whilst I doubt I’ll ever be a fan of Max Blunderhead’s, nee Naximilian Verstappen. You cannot underestimate His driving prowess. As last year’s Sao Paolo Grand Prix still clearly stands out as His best drive to me.

 

Not to mention the immense amount ‘O pressure the Dutchman relieved for Red Bull by winning from pole on Sunday…

 

No, what peeves me off is the Free pass the Hierarchy at Red Bull Racing seemingly is getting somewhat, with it’s Mega’ Damage control spin job. Touting how this is being done to save Lawson’s future and for the good of the team, Bully!

 

Since I can no longer recall how long I’ve been scribbling here on No Fenders about der Helmut tossing out drivers like luke warm bathwater, Ja Volt! As how far back do we wish to go?

 

While the Pied Piper of F1 Chris Horner serenely states that they’re looking forward to Yuki Tsunoda’s vast wealth of experience to help sort out the troublesome RB21, Seriously? Hmm, why didn’t Horner and Dr. Helmut Marco see fit to put the Japanese driver in straight away? Or does the reported increase of Honda money have something to do with this change of heart?

 

As the names Scott Speed, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Sebastien Bourdais immediately spring to mind. While being reminded of Jaime Alguersuari, Jean-eric Vergne, Sebastian Buemi, etc.

 

Not to mention the harshness Nyck de Vries suffered during His ten race outing at Alphatauri. Before somebody named DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo replaced Him, and so it goes…

 

While it’s also been well documented over the fortunes of Maximus’ Hothead’s past Red Bull F1 teammates Pierre Gasly who was swapped mid-season for Alexander Albon. And then Albon being demoted to test and reserve driver in favour of Sergio Perez. All suffering crushing blows to their F1 careers as Verstappen’s teammate at the Big Bulls’ outfit since the Dutchman’s arrival in 2016.

 

Going back even further, it was also pointed out how Daniil Kvyat suffered a similar fate accompli as Lawson has. Although the Russian driver was at least given a full season before being demoted to Scuderia Toro Rosso in order to make way for Formula 1 Wunderkind Max Verstappen. While Gasly also suffered the same demotion before ultimately moving onto Alpine…

 

The saddest statement or indictment of Red Bull’s driver blunder is the fact that Lawson lasted only half as long as Japanese driver Yuji Ide did for Super aguri in 2006, Youza! Especially since I’d rate the 23yr old Kiwi’ Lawson as a far superior talent vs. Ide!

 

While to underscore the brilliance of Verstappen, to date Max has won 64 of Red Bull’s 123 victories, which I believe equates to over 50%! Not to mention His 41 pole positions equals more than one third of the team’s 104 to date. As Red Bull quickly approaches it’s 400th Grand Prix, a mere pittance vs. Ferrari’s All-time ledger of 1,100 and counting! Although Red Bull is only celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary in Formula 1 vs. Ferrari having raced since 1950.

 

While at least Marco’s willing to admit that Red Bull is missing the genious of Adrian Newey, as even Max says this year’s RB21 is a handful to drive!

 

Yet Tsunoda’s placement at Red Bull can surely only be seen as a stop-gap measure with Honda becoming Aston Martin’s Werks’ Power Unit (PU) supplier beginning next year. While Honda Racing Company president Koji Watanabe  has already confirmed that Honda’s funding of drivers at Red Bull will cease at year’s end. Thus presumably leaving the door open for either Lawson to return, or Isack Hadjar to join the roiling Hot driver barbeque at Red Bull.

 

But I’d say that Red Bull’s bigger problem is keeping Verstappen, since inevitably the Dutchman will either move to another F1 team or retire from the sport, leaving Red Bull in a vacuum! As Red Bull seemingly has nobody in it’s vaunted Junior Academy to emulate Max’s impressive winning tally for the Energy Drinks company…

 

As Grizzled F1 Journo’ Joe Saward notes, only two Red Bull Junior Academy drivers have won Grands Prix for Red Bull, i.e.; Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. With Pierre Gasly winning once for Scuderia AlphaTauri, whilst Vettel made history winning both Toro Rosso and Red Bull’s maiden Grand Prix victory, if I remember correctly?

 

Meanwhile one of Red Bull’s two Blowhard, as ironically Joe Saward noted being somewhere in Hornerwald prior to the latest Red Bull Messopotamia. Noted that it wouldn’t be surprising for Lawson to outqualify Tsunoda in the Racing bull, which is noted for being quick in Qualie’.

 

And talk about pressure, as Yuki will be under immense scrutiny by His Home Nation’s Fans…

 

As this gives Alpine’s rookie Jack Doohan a slight reprieve, making me think of the following scenario. Imagine that Williams had justdumpedCarlos Sainz Jr. who’s reportedly been struggling for pace in the FW47 after just two races in favour of Alpine/Williams reserve driver Franco Colapinto…

 

As the Box score will show that Tsunoda finished P12 at Suzuka, with Lawson P17. Although one race doesn’t make a very large sample size. And in fairness to Lawson, Yuki’s in His fifth full season having just made His 90th start in Japan. While Lawson has only raced two partial seasons as a replacement driver, having just capped His 14th start

 

 As Formula 1 is a brutal sport, perhaps even Blood Sport, Eh? As the $64k question now is how well does Lawson progress from this setback? Or will the Red Bull Hierarchy see fit to replace Lawson at season’s end?

 

While “Wouldn’t It be Ironic”, (Alanis) if Verstappen and Tsunoda became future teammates at Aston Martin… 

Raging Bulls Showdown in Suzuka

But Don’t forget about Monsieur Hadjar, Wee-Wee!

 

Even though it was Alpine’s Jack Doohan’s Mega’ crash which arguably was thee Talking Point of Friday’s two practice sessions at Suzuka. Much Attenzione was being paid to the intra-squad Scrum of Red Bull’s “Junior” drivers, i.e.; Yuki Tsunoda v Liam Lawson. For which I decided to follow along…

 

Tsunoda wowed the Home crowd straight out of the box during (Free Practice) FP1, finishing an electrifying sixth for Red Bull, with newly demoted Liam Lawson P13 back at Racing Bulls. Yet Lawson flipped the script in FP2, with an impressive fifth, whilst Tsunoda was a lowly P18, the first driver in the 1:30’s.

 

Yet even more impressive was Lawson’s Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar, who finished third in FP2, while the Wunderkind they’re all chasing, i.e.; Max Verstappen was eighth in FP2. With Max fifth and Hadjar eight inFP1.

 

Saturday’s FP3 saw the Red Bull quartet led by Max Blunderhead in fifth. Followed by Tsunoda ninth, Hadjar tenth and Lawson 12th.

 

Qualifying saw the two drivers not on our “Watch list”, i.e.; Verstappen and Hadjar once again outperforming the two Red Bull protagonists. With Hadjar getting much made over His apparent discomfort during Qualie’s Q1 session, when apparently His lap belt(s) were too tight!

 

Sky sports lead “Punter” Kroftie’, aka David Kroft deftly let Theodorre, not Lenny Kravitz due the heavy lifting on this subject. With Kravitz musing over how apparently Hadjar was in immense pain from His belts being too tight upon His lower extremity. Saying He wasn’t sure if His boxers or briefs were balling up underneath His Firesuit. Before saying that guest Pundit Jacques Villeneuve had more experience on the matter, before brief banter about fireproof boxers…

 

Whilst Kravitz prattled on about non-ferrous materials in regards to the F1 chassis titanium skid blocks sending sparks into the overly dry grass and igniting multiple grass fires! For which there inturn caused multiple Red Flags to be thrown in order for workers to dose each fire…

 

Reportedly the rookie Frenchman got the matter straightened out between Qualie’ sessions, feeling much better during Q2 and once again outperforming, by qualifying a fine seventh!

 

Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson were in lockstep with each other. Ultimately Lawson qualified one place ahead of a dejected Tsunoda. With Lawson P13 and Tsunoda P14 after Williams Carlos Sainz Jr. was demoted three places for blocking Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton on a “Hot” lap, and would start P15.

 

Verstappen put in what Frederico Suave, nee Fred Alonso called a magical lap, as nobody, including MaxiMillions’ saw Him pulling a Wabbit’ from His Nomex underwear, HaHa!

 

Pipping McLaren’s Lando Norris by one hundredth second for pole on His final “Flyer” qualifying lap! Being Blunderhead’s 41st pole position, for which Verstappen was obviously overjoyed.

 

And then the “Money” round, nee Sunday’s race certainly wasn’t worth staying up until thoust wee hours of the morning! As I opted for the Sunday morning encore presentation Chock-Oh-Block Full of the Mothers Shoe Polish lady Nicole Briscoe cooing in our ears…

 

As I found it to be a very  dull race, dare I say another F1 Snoozefest? As Verstappen led wire-to-wire from pole. With the only time Lando Norris got close to overtaking Max was during the duo’s lone pitstop, where they came out virtually wheel-to-wheel, with Norris going onto the grass in order to kee from hitting Max. Before it was Game over!

 

Isack Hadjar dropped one position to Lewis Hamilton, finish eighth. While Tsunoda trundled home P12. Obviously not what Yuki or His adoring Japanese fans wished for.

 

While Liam Lawson went backwards during the race, finishing two positions behind another under fire driver, Alpine’s Jack Doohan. With Lawson finishing a rather lackluster P17… 

Japan’s Next Wave?

Although will any of these prospects succeed to the Pinnicle of Motorsport?

 

As my working title was Japanese Drivers Logjam…

 

Japan has a long, storied history with formula 1. As the very first Japanese driver to Enter a international Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) sanctioned race fifty years ago was Hiroshi Fushida, who failed on both of His entries with the uncompetitive Maki Engineering F101 normally aspirated 3.0-liter Ford-Cosworth DFV V-8 racecar.

 

Hiroshi’s Cossie’ lump’ “Done blown Up!” at that year’s Dutch Grand Prix, for which the team didn’t have a spare motor! And then He failed to qualify (DNQ) at the 1975 British Grand Prix.

 

Hiroshi also contested the SCCA’s Can Am and Trans Am series Stateside. And made history alongside countryman Tetsu Ikuzawa, when they became the first two Japanese drivers to compete in the 24 Heurs du Mans. Driving a Mazda  Wankel rotary powered Sigma MS73 (SARD) in the 1973 event.

 

Japan’s first Formula 1 race was the epic 1976 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway, where a further four Japanese drivers entered their country’s inaugural Grand Prix; Masahiro Hasemi, Kazuyoshi Hoshino, Masani Kuwashina and Noritake Takahara.

 

Although reputedly Kuwashina’s sponsorship Cheque failed to materialize, scratching Him from competing, i.e. DNS. (Did Not Start) Being replaced by Hans Binder.

 

Whilst Hasemi, Hoshino and Takahara all contested the race, becoming Japan’s first three Formula 1 drivers. Although I’d surmise this accomplishment was totally overshadowed by that year’s Mega’ F1 Drivers championship showdown between Niki Lauda and Jame Hunt, which is wonderfully documented in ‘lil Ronnie Howard’sexcellent Rush movie…

 

Kazuyoshi Hoshino’s nickname was “The Fastest Man in Japan”, which is pretty “Heady” suff!

 

Reportedly there have been 21 Japanese drivers to attempt a Grand Prix to date, with 18 making starts. Which I won’t attempt chronicling! Other than three have stood on the third step of the podium. First Aguri Suzuki in1990. Followed by arguably Japan’s “Greatest” driver Takuma sato in 2004. And finally K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi in 2012. With Kamui now firmly established as a Sports Car star; including a World Endurance Championship (WEC) title and 24 Heurs du Mans and Rolex 24 wins to His credit.

 

Currently, Yuki Tsunoda is the only Japanese driver competing in Formula 1, entering His fifth season driving for thee ‘lil bullz’, aka Racing Bulls. Which you’d have to say that Tsunoda’s inclusion in Formula 1 is backed by Red Bull’s engine, Err Power Unit (PU) supplier Honda. Even if Honda “withdrew” from full Factory F1 involvement at the end of 2021.

 

Yuki did finish a very respectable fourth overall in FIA Formula 3, and third overall in Formula 2 with Four poles and three wins before graduating to then AlphaTauri in 2021. Yet with Honda becoming Aston Martin’s Werk’s PU supplier beginning next year, the only option I “See” for Tsunoda is becoming one of Aston Martin’s reserve drivers.

 

But Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 FIA F2 champion has been the team’s reserve driver since 2023. And obviously neither Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll seem intent on departing Formula 1 anytime soon…

 

Ironically, Tsunoda turns 25 one day after Helio Castroneves 50th birthday on May 10th…

 

Ritomo Miyata who turns 26 this August, appears to be Japan’s best bet for joining the F1 Circus in the future. As Miyata will contest His sophomore season of F2 this year driving for ART Grand Prix. (#15) Having finished P19 overall last year for Rodin Motorsport.

 

Ritomo is a member of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Driver Challenge programme, along with being a multiple title winner. Having won both the Super formula and Super GT Championships in 2023. Along with the 2020 Super Formula Lights and 2016-2017 Japanese Formula 4 titles.

 

Miyata was diagnosed with Autism early in life and is an ardent “gamer”. Having won some 500 iSports races!

 

Thanks to Toyota’s technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team, Miyata tested a Haas VF-23 at Jerez recently. Where race drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman ran one day apiece, with Ritomo getting valuable “Seat-time” at the end of each day.

 

Although Miyata’s trajectory seems aimed more for eventual Hypercar duty in the WEC for Toyota, unless a seat on the Formula 1 grid opens up…

 

Although Ayumu Iwasa, who currently competes in Super Formula might have something to say about that . As the 23yr old Red Bull Junior Driver and Honda Formula Dream Project member has already tallied two seasons in formula 2. Finishing fifth and fourth overall respectively between 2022-23. And finished fifth overall last year during His rookie Super Formula campaign.

 

Ayumu helped make “Waves” at last year’s Japanese grand Prix, driving in His first Free Practice outing during FP1. Driving alongside Racing Bulls “teammate” Tsunoda. Having last tested for RB during last year’s Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Ryo Hirakawa (Age 31) is a Toyota Werks’ (TGR) FIA World Endurance Championship driver, having won two WEC titles along with the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans. And was announced this January as an Alpine F1 test and reserve driver.

 

As I’m guessing the latter has something to do with team principal Oliver Oakes and Hitech Racing’s involvement with TGR in it’s Junior Open Wheel Racing categories. As Hitech TGR competes in both the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships.

 

Interestingly, and this is purely conjecture on my part. But this arrangement gives Toyota two possible paths to future Formula 1 involvement. But that’s just pure conjecture Folks!

 

Lastly, Kakunoshin Ohta made His IMSA GTP debut at this year’s Rolex 24 as part of Meyer shank Racing’s No. 93 Acura ARX06 entry. As the 25yr old Japanese Sports Car driver will also drive the No. 93 at this year’s Watkins Glen and Indianapolis endurance rounds.

 

Kakunoshin also recently tested for era Motorsports, aboard it’s No. 18 LMP2 entry during the Pre-Sebring 12 Hours test in February. And was slated to ad further LMP2 outing to His busy 2025 schedule.

 

Then naturally, as I was putting this story to bed, word came that indeed Ohta would race for Era Motorsports at both the Sebring 12 Hours and later Road America races in the LMP2 category. With HRC US further cementing it’s “ties” with Era Motorsports in a collabourative effort to promote young Japanese drivers to Sports car racing. As Era has already restored previous Acura Sports Car prototypes for Historic Racing…

 

This is just further speculation. But with HRC US (Honda Racing Corporation) President David Salters recently noting how Honda would like to take it’s Acura GTP racecar to Le Mans, could we see Iwasa or Ohta as part of the drivers lineup? 

Presenting the 2025 Formula 1 Rookies Class

But who’ll come out on top. And who’ll perform best overall in their respective F1 careers?

 

Can the 2023 Formula 1 season really be that long ago? Or is it just due to the immeasurably long 24 Grands Prix calendar? That its hard to remember just two years ago we had four “Fresh Faced” F1 rookies on the grid.

 

Whilst I realize it’s a totally different era, but fifty years ago, there were 18 F1 rookies, including the three who failed to qualify. With a total of 63 drivers attempting to participate that season, Youza!

 

Whilst I’ll freely admit I know very little about any of this quintet ‘O aspiring Formula 1 drivers…

 

Gabriel Bortoleto

Team: Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

Nationality: Brazilian

Birthplace: Osasco, Sao Paolo

DOB: October 14, 2004; Age: 20

Car No. 5

 

Interestingly, Gabriel’s father is the CEO and co-owner of Brazil’s Stock Car Pro series. Not to mention coming from a wealthy family, with part of their fortunes coming from creating an internet company that merged with Vero in 2023.

 

The family also runs the KTF Racing team in Stock Cars and Karting, and Gabriel’s elder brother Enzo formerly raced in F4 and British F3…

 

Gabriel began Karting at age seven and made His single seater debut in 2020, in the Italian Formula 4 series. Which seems to be one of the main proving grounds for aspiring racers

 

After stints in the Formula Regional European and Formula Asia series, Bortoleto graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship, driving for Trident in 2023. He got off to a strong start with an early win, and led the championship until the season’s end. Winning the title with two victories in His maiden campaign.

 

For 2024, Gabriel moved up to FIA Formula 2, driving for Invicta Virtuosi Racing, alongside Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini.

 

Gabriel fought all season long vs. Isack Hadjar for the title, scoring His first Feature race win at Austria. And then becoming the first Formula 2 driver to win from last place at Monza.

 

Entering the season finale on Yas Isle, bortoleto led Hajar by 0.5 point! Increased to a four point lead following the Sprint race. Then finishing Vice, Err runner-up on Sunday to claim the title. Becoming only the seventh rookie to win the championship and fourth to do the “double” as a rookie. Following the likes of Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri.

 

Gabriel joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme between 2023-24 and is under the “tutelage” of A14 Management, owned by Fred Alonso. As McLaren released the Brazilian in order to be signed by Sauber for 2025, before becoming the Audi Werks’ F1 team in 2026.

 

Isack Hadjar

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team

Nationality: French

Birthplace: Paris, France

DOB: September 28, 2004; Age: 20

Car No. 6

 

Isack Hadjar was the final driver confirmed for the 2025 F1 season as Liam Lawson’s replacement at thee ‘lil bulls’, aka Racing bulls operation. The French born Algerian driver began Karting at age seven and made His single seater debut in 2019 in the French formula 4 series. Having first raced in the Ginetta Junior Sports car category.

 

The following year Hadjar finished third overall in the French F4 championship with three win, before graduating to the Formula Regional European and Formula Asian series. As Hadjar’s best weekend appropriately came during the Monaco outing, where He scored His first FR European win along with a runner-up finish.

 

Hadjar finished third overall in the 2022 FR Asian series driving for Hitech, before racing in that year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship also with Hitech. Where His season started off with a “Bang at Bahrain”, being declared the winner after Oliver Bearman received a time penalty.

 

Yet Hadjar who was in the title fight didhimself no favours when crashing on the final corner during qualifying in Monza, colliding with Kush Maini in the race and ultimately finishing fourth overall, before moving onto the FIA Formula 2 championship the following year.

 

Continuing with Hitech in Formual 2 where His teammate was Yank’ Jack Crawford, Isack had a typical, difficult rookie season. Finishing 14th  overall in the standings, two points behind Crawford.

 

For 2023, Hadjar switched to Campos Racing where He fought tooth ‘n nail for the championship title vs. Gabriel Bortoleto. Yet once again, the pressure was too great, as Hadjar stalled at the start of the season finale’s final Feature race!

 

As Hadjar had built up a 36 point lead with four wins prior to the Summer’s break before having to settle for vice Champion behind Bortoleto. Yet being a Red bull Junior driver beginning in 2023, it was only natural to promote Him to the Racing Bulls Formula 1 team. And I like His honesty, saying He’s scared of being a formula 1 driver! But expects to compete for reaching Qualie’s Q3 (Top 10) sessions and score points. And is even hopeful of scoring His first podium finish.

 

As this is the rookie F1 driver I know the least about, but have to say I like His bravado, and will be interested to “See” how He fares vs. established teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

 

As the legendous’ Der Helmut, aka Helmut Marco says Isack is fast but impulsive! Whilst Hadjar himself admits He’d like to drive for Red bull one day, but only if merited… 

Still just One Seat remaining in Formula 1?

As whose got the Biggest Wallet of All?

 

Leading up to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit Of The Americas, nee COTA weekend. Scuttlebutt suggested that current Sauber F1 driver Valtteri Bottas was on Pole to retain His seat another year at Sauber. Being the lone, unconfirmed seat for the 2025 F1 season. With the seat remaining open after Carlos Sainz, Jr. rejected Audi’s offer, and went to Williams instead for 2025.

 

Although some had said not so fast Valtteri! With the likes of the promising Formula 2 points leader Gabriel Bortoleto being mentioned. Along with current Williams F1 rookie sensation Franco Colapinto. With Mick Schumacher being a perceived longshot.

 

Next, an even more distant long shot was added to the “Spin cycle”. With current Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen’s name being mentioned…

 

Interestingly all three of these Young Turk’ drivers are “tied” to other Formula 1 outfits. With Bortoleto being a McLaren Development Driver member, and Colapinto a Williams F1 Academy driver. Whilst Mick is the current Mercedes GP test and reserve driver. Along with being a current Alpine Sports Car Pilote’ in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

Yet initial scuttlebutt claimed that Bortoleto and Colapinto weren’t available, even though Williams F1 Boss James Vowels has said He’s open to loaning out Colapinto next year; naturally for the right price!

 

While former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner has told Schumacher to go to IndyCar if “Plan A” doesn’t work out! And Hans-Joachim Stuck advises Mick against joining the Sauber/Audi project.

 

As it’ll be somewhat interesting to “See” how this pans out. Or will it just be anti-climatic with the obligatory press release telling us how excited Bottas is to get to work at Sauber next season? For which we all hold our breaths, as Mattia Binotto says He’d like to confirm the second driver by mid-November…

 

Meanwhile in other Audi ownership news regarding Sauber. Surely you’ve all read or heard that management shook up the pecking order during this summer. With the dismissals of Audi’s Sauber project manager (CEO) Andreas Seidl and Sauber Chairman of the Board Oliver Hossman.

 

Installing former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto as the new team leader. As Binotto, who shortly turns 55 becomes it’s Chief Operation and Chief Technical Officer. While Gernot dollner replaces Hossman as Chairman of all Sauber companies.

 

Longtime Red Bull Racing F1 member, and the team’s current Sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, whose been at the team forever! Will become Sauber’s new Team Principal next year. As the staff exodus from Red Bull continues. Hmm, like Rats leaving a Sinking Ship?

 

Whilst two more key team additions have been announced. With former Ferrari F1 Sporting director and strategist  Inaki Rueda, who previously worked with Binotto. As Rueda will become the team’s new Sporting Director, punting Beat Zehnder to a role with the legacy side of Sauber.

 

While Giampaolo Dall’Ara will become the team’s new Race Engineering boss at the Hinwil factory. Not to be cornfuzed with the legednous’ Giampaolo Dallara, the 87yr old proprietor of Dallara Automobili.

 

As Dall’Ara is a former Sauber employee who’s been running His own consulting company since 2016, according to Racer’s Chris Medland.

 

Now the only question remaining, is can Sauber pull itself up from last upon the F1 Grid?

 

But that was before reading more scuttlebutt regarding Liam Lawson’s arrival at Racing Bulls as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement. Suggesting it could trigger a contest between the Kiwi’ and RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda, to potentially become Max Verstappen’s teammate next year. As the rumours persist that Checo’, aka Sergio Perez is still on shaky ground regarding His new two year contract extension. With Red Bull’s Pied Piper Chris Horner sending mixed signals about will He, won’t He return next year?

 

While there was quite the kerfuffle upon social media over what appeared to be Lawson giving Perez the middle finger at 300 clicks’. (186mph) With the Kiwi’ youngster telling Checo He’s Number One in Mexico City, Ole! As the two protagonists fought over P17 on the grid…

 

Thus, if one of the two Racing Bulls drivers were promoted, this would leave a seat open for current FIA F2 and Red Bull Junior driver Isack Hajar. So may be there’s still two seats not confirmed for 2025 yet? You make the call.

 

While the latest rumour over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend was that McLaren has agreed to release Gabriel Bortoledo from His contract in order to go to Audi on a long term deal. As Sauber made official what had been reported on Wednesday, November 6th, selecting Bordoleto as Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate beginning in 2025.

 

Meaning that “serve” has moved to Red Bull to decide over who’ll partner Max next year? With Horner having dropped by the Williams Hospitality “Villa” over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend to chat with Team Principal James Vowles over Franco Colapinto’s availability… 

Some “Quick” Double S’ weekend race thoughts

And No, that’s not for S**T! But my OH, so Clever slang for Saudi Arabia and Saint Pete…

 

It’s Funny how your tastes & priorities change over your lifetime. Since as of this past Thursday, I was still undecided on whether or not I wanted to “waste” my time “watching”, Err listening to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Saturday morning before the live airing of Indy Cars St Pete Qualifying. Especially since they “butted” up against each other…

 

As I still cannot adequately explain why it was completely Fantasmic when Der Terminator’, nee Michael Schumacher was crushing the opposition weekly at la Scuderia, ergo Ferrari! But now, I don’t have the time, interest or patience to witness MaxiMillions similar domination of the sport I once so cherished.

 

As I must say, I feel somewhat like Grizzled F1 Journo’ Joe Saward’s feeling “Dirty” over the Bahrain GP weekend. And I find the whole Horner Gate affair to be rather Sleezy! Which has done nothing more than turn me “Off” even further towards thee Pinnicle of Motorsports, nee Formula 1!

 

And thus, with a certain precocious Chihuahua fondly known as Hang 10’ Hilo here upon No Fenders, and in My Heart! Who surprisingly showed up on my Doorstep unexpectedly over a week ago! Not to mention Verstappen’s utter domination of the field in Bahrain with a 23-second Whitewashing! Well, Y’all can probably guess which way I was leaning, Eh?

 

Whilst I cannot say I’m overly surprised also by the ongoing investigations regarding FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. For which I’d simply say that there’s multiple Power Struggles occurring in F1, which has always been it’s nature! Since what was ‘Ol Uncle Bernaughty’s maxim? Oh Yeah, Divide and Conquer!

 

Since obviously certain elements wish to see the removal of ye Pied Piper Chrstian Horner and Messer Ben Sulayem! Which perhaps is All a concerted power vacuum of Liberty Media to completely control the sport and spice up the Show? Since Fernando Alonso’s Quip Hits the mark the best. Saying F1 is Dull On track and needs the scandals off-track, or something to that effect…

 

At the last moment, albeit the “Universe” told me in Spades I shouldn’t be trying to “watch”, Err listen to the Grand Prix. I opted to switch on, mostly because I was curious how 18yr old teenager Oliver Bearman would do as Carlo Sainz Jr’s replacement.

 

Yet with Catherine “babysitting” me thru my Open Heart surgery recovery’s convalescence, who wanted to run a load of laundry during the Grand Prix, albeit promising to close the laundry room’s door…

 

Preceded by the telephone obnoxiously ringing during the F1 Broadcast. And with MaxiMillions leading again and disappearing off into the sunset, Err Moon’s rising underneath the floodlit race track. I simply elected to switch off Thy Telie’ with more than halfway left to go. Although I did snort over the F1 Pundit whom proclaimed Eat, Sleep, Win again when calling Verstappen over the line first to the Chequered Flag once again, yawn! Upon later watching the F1 race Highlights package.

 

Thus Ollie’ Berman had just moved up to ninth place when I switched off, with the Englishman being either the twelfth or fourteenth English F1 driver to race for la Scuderia, nee Ferrari – depending on whom you believe? Did an excellent job by finishing a credible seventh deputizing for Sainz Jnr, who’d had emergency Appendicitis surgery over the weekend. With both Carlo Sainz and Berman’s father being shown standing together in the Ferrari garage during the race.

 

Although Arse-sumedly Bearman will go back to His “Day Job” of racing for Prema Racing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, where He’s a multiple race winner. Whilst Sainz Junior returns to His Ferrari cockpit Down Under in bloody Melbourne…

 

The other point of interest for me is the raging battle Heating up between the two Racing Bulls drivers. As I’d expected DannyRic’ to be waxing Yuki Tsunoda. But the Japanese driver has outqualified Daniel Ricciardo 2-0 I believe. With the duo being tied 1-1 on race results. With the Bahrain GP’s results being engineered by Racing Bulls, when Tsunoda resentfully pulled over to let Ricciardo by for P13. Before the Japanese driver gave Daniel the Irvine “swerve” during the races Cooldown lap!

 

As DannyRic’ needs to pick up the pace to give His Dream of returning to Red Bull next year any Hope!

 

Thus I just eagerly awaited IndyCar Qualifying from ST Pete instead. Although my new “Vilan” Josef Newgarden captured His first Pole position since Belle Isle, 2022. And the 17th of His career, BOO!

 

Hey, what did the late Robin Miller say about “Hate is Good!” As I’ve gotta have somebody to root againxt now that Hulio’s effevtively out of the picture… 

F1: The Plight of Daniel Ricciardo

    Although I suppose it’s Not as Bad as Simon Pagenaud’s lingering Concussion predicament…

 

Typically steer away from what I consider Puff pieces, unless it regards one of the cadre of racing drivers I like.

 

Case in point was deciding to “read”, Err listen to a Puff piece upon Racer.com Me Thinks? About how “Pumped” DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo was about the upcoming second half of this year’s Formula 1 season. Noting how He’d spent the Summer Break training to get Himself Fit for the forthcoming stretch ‘O races.

 

As Ricciardo had been Red Bull’s reserve driver and getting His “Mojo” back by working on their simulator, along with being a Red Bull Ambassador, before replacing the rudely discarded rookie Dutchman Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri, after the Dutchman had only been given a paltry ten races to “impress” the likes of Der Helmut’, aka Dr. Helmut Marco.  

 

As I, like Arse-sumedly many others have been guessing that Ricciardo’s return to F1 at Scuderia AlphaTauri is simply a tune-up for replacing Checo’, nee Sergio Perez at Red Bull next year, Righto?

 

Since Marco did little to quelch this speculation by stating prior to the Dutch Grand Prix that Sergio wasn’t 100% certain for next year…

 

Naturally I felt bad for Daniel after ironically He broke His Hand whilst taking evasive action to not Slam into Countryman Oscar Piastri at Zandvoort during Friday practice.

 

As the rookie Aussie’ who replaced DannyRic’ at McLaren this season had spun on the blind, banked Turn-3 corner ahead of Ricciardo. With Daniel reportedly not being able to remove His Hands from the steering wheel quickly enough before impacting the wall!

 

I first learned about the incident when perusing my NFB Newsline for The Blind’s Reuters Motorsports News feed Friday morning. But what I found annoying was that Reuters, London Telegraph, etc. Noted that Ricciardo had broken His wrist. And others like The Guardian and Racer were saying He’d broken His Hand.

 

As I really get tired of this Shoddy, misleading reporting. Like is it His Hand or wrist Dudes?

 

Thus after looking up what a Metacarpal is, technically both descriptions are correct. Since apparently the Metacarpal are the Bones between one’s fingers and wrist, connecting each other. But still, it would be nice for everybody to say the same Gory words…

 

AnyHoo’ regardless, Ricciardo was not medically cleared to compete and was summarily replaced by the team’s reserve driver Liam Lawson. Although reportedly sacked Nyck de Vreis was still on AlphaTauri’s Driver’s “rolls”, and would have been a popular choice at Zandvoort.

 

Yet Red Bull further stuck the knife into de Vries when the team elected to give the 21yr old New Zealander His debut Grand Prix start instead.

 

While Ricciardo flew to Barcelona to undergo surgery to “Clean-up” His Metacarpal break in order to recover as quickly as possible.

 

With rumours initially suggesting that Ricciardo would be targeting a return to the cockpit at the Singapore Grand Prix, despite it being a highly physical race.

 

Ricciardo’s Hand surgery was successful with a plate and screws being inserted to aid recovery, with Red bull haveng subsequently said that rookie Lawson will “Deputize” at this week’s Italian Grand Prix, and until ricciardo’s ready to return to His AlphaTauri cockpit.

 

Thus I can only Hope DannyRic’ makes a speedy, but Full recovery before returning to action either at Suzuka or Austin later this season.