All the latest news from the racing world!
F1
After the controversy around Mercedes being sponsored by Kingspan, a firm heavily linked to the Grenfell Tower disaster, the team has ended the deal which lasted less than a week. You have to say it was a big mistake for the team to enter into negotiations with them, whilst the investigation into the fire is still ongoing, especially as these few weeks have been crazy enough for them!
Porsche have admitted that they are looking at their options in F1 for the future, and if they do join F1, it could be at the cost of Formula E! After Mercedes announced they would leave FE for focus on F1, it would be another huge scoop if they could get Porsche on side too. With the new engine rules in 2025, I believe there is a very strong chance that Porsche may join the sport, at least as an engine partner, if not more!
On the eve of his retirement from the FIA, rumours are circling that Todt might be set to return to Ferrari, which would be a surprising revelation. I personally doubt it, unless it is simply in an advisory role, but if he did bookend his FIA career at Ferrari, I am sure conspiracy would be rife as to his loyalty whilst leading the governing body!
IndyCar
NBC pundit Paul Tracy will leave the team for the coming season, after spending 8 years working with them. A controversial figure on and off the track, you cannot deny he brought something to the booth that was missing, whether it be hot-takes, or arguing with Townsend Bell. It will be a shame to see him go, but he will likely be replaced with fellow Canadian Hinchcliffe, which to me is a fair swap!
On a foggy Sebring, there was a rookie evaluation test, with drivers who all came from Europe taking part! De Vries topped the session for Meyer Shank ahead of Ilott, as all the drivers got plenty of laps under their belt. Watch out for the two Mercedes FE drivers coming to America in 2023!
Other News
In a very unexpected revelation, current Toyota WEC driver, Kobayashi, has become Team Principal of the WEC programme for Toyota too. This is a huge commitment for him to undertake, as driving alone is difficult in WEC. Personally, I don’t get it, as in a long WEC race, you need the Team Principal to be a calm head, who leads the team, and how can he do that when he is racing himself. It almost makes me think that Toyota don’t care as much about WEC as before, and didn’t want to commit anyone new to the role.
It was the Bathurst 1000 over the weekend, and whilst the scoresheet may say pole to win for Mostert, they didn’t do it the easy way, as they shredded a tyre midway through the race, losing them many positions. They fought back though, passing the very fast 888 car of Van Gisbergen, and 6 of Waters, to steal the win back. Shayne wouldn’t have 2021 go all his way, as a late tyre issue cost him a podium, as he did all he could to stay with Mostert. Kostecki completed the podium behind Waters, who notched up another 2nd place, whilst the rookie is showing great potential for 2022!
-M
Meaning of Motorsport 