Jordan's Track Talk

Tag: FP1

  • Bearman to drive in FP1 for Haas

    Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that Oliver Bearman will make his next practice outing with the squad at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, adding to a recent run out in Imola.

    Ferrari-backed Bearman is one of the hottest prospects in the paddock at present, having underlined his junior credentials with a starring stand-in performance for Ferrari at this year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

    A previous Italian and ADAC F4 Champion, and third-place finisher in F3, the 19 year old Brit is now tackling F2 alongside official F1 reserve driver duties for Ferrari and Haas.

    While his current F2 campaign has been a rollercoaster ride so far, leaving him 13th in the standings after five rounds, however Bearman continues to impress when given the opportunity in F1 machinery.

    He first appeared in FP1 for Haas at the 2023 Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix and sampled the VF-24 during the recent Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend.

    Bearman, who is set to complete four more FP1 runs with Haas as the season goes on, will replace Nico Hulkenberg for the opening 60 minute session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

    Haas are yet to confirm either of their two drivers for next season, with Hulkenberg heading to KIck Sauber and Kevin Magnussen attempting to extend his latest stint at the team into what would be a fourth campaign since returning to Haas in 2022.

    Thanks to top-10 finishes in Saudi Arabia, Australia and China, Haas sit seventh in the constructors’ standings after nine of this year’s 24 scheduled rounds, 21 points behind RB and two ahead of Alpine.

    Of course we are evaluating him. If he is not [under] consideration, we wouldn’t be running him in FP1, and the next time he’s going to be in the car is in Barcelona.

    I don’t particularly have a timeframe, it’s more about getting the right driver for our team. We are still a pretty small team. To have somebody experienced, somebody who’s got a really good work ethic, to integrate with the team well and really push the team forward… that’s what we’re looking for, so we’re talking with several different drivers.
    Komatsu on the drivers market and Ollie Bearman.

  • Doohan set for FP1 sessions

    Formula 2 racer, Jack Doohan will get behind the wheel for the Alpine F1 team during first practice in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.

    The 20 year old is currently sitting fourth in the F2 drivers’ standings with one round remaining.
    Doohan – now into his second season with the Alpine Academy – previously took part in the same two FP1 sessions for the outit during the latter stages of the 2022 campaign.

    Despite his first outing in Mexcio City being cut short due to “anomalies” on his Renault power unit, the Australian admitted that the memory of making his Formula 1 weekend debut was something he would “cherish forever”.

    Now Doohan will return to the cockpit when he drives the A523 with F1 teams required to run a young driver – defined as someone who has started no more than two Grands Prix – in two FP1 sessions per season.

    The Abu Dhabi weekend will feature both the Formula 1 and Formula 2 season finales so it is likely to be a busy event for Doohan who enter the F2 final round with a seven point advantage over fellow Alpine Academy driver Victor Martins.

    Very grateful to BWT Alpine F1 team for the opportunity to drive the A523 in Free practice at the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Can’t wait to go through the motions in a weeks time and hop into the car!

    Doohan took to Instagram to share the news.

  • Aston Martin’s Drugovich set for FP1 outing

    Aston Martin have confirmed that test and reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich will make another appearance for the team this weekend as he will be behind the wheel for free practice 1.

    Drugovich, who secured the 2022 Formula 2 title at Monza 12 months ago, will replace Lance Stroll and line up with Alonso for the opening 60 minute session.

    It comes after the 23 year old stood in for the injured Stroll during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, where he got his first taste of Aston Martin’s 2023 challenger.

    Drugovich made his practice debut with Aston Martin at last year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi and has been driving the 2021-spec AMR21 at circuits around Europe- Silverstone, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and the Red Bull Ring.

    I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of the AMR23. The car felt great when I drove it in pre-season testing and it will be fascinating to feel how it has improved since then. I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator helping to develop the car, so understanding how that correlates to the real thing will be super valuable for me too. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for me to demonstrate what I’ve learnt through my testing programme. Since Bahrain I’ve done many more miles in an F1 car so I have an even better understanding of how I can deliver valuable feedback for the team.

    Drugovich on the opportunity.

    We are delighted to be able to provide Felipe with another opportunity to drive the AMR23. He demonstrated his capabilities in pre-season testing, with a vital contribution to the team’s initial development of the car. Monza will offer another chance for Felipe to work closely with the engineers and mechanics and build his confidence in a critical session for the team. We look forward to maximising this session together.

    Mike Krack, Aston Martin team boss.

  • Shwartzman to take on FP1 outings

    Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal has revealed that reserve driver Robert Shwartzman will get behind the wheel of the SF23 in both the team’s allocated rookie FP1 sessions this year – starting with the Dutch GP this weekend.

    Shwartzman has been a part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2017, and since leaving Formula 2 at the end of 2021 – where he finished runner-up to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri – he has been serving as Scuderia’s reserve driver.

    Ferrari’s decision comes of the back of the rule that was introduced at the start of 2022 that requires all 10 teams to give a minimum of two FP1 sessions to a young driver throughout the season.

    Shwartzman has plenty of experience in F1 machinery, having taken part in both FP1 sessions for Ferrari last year, as well as having driven in the post-season young test for the team in 2022 and 2021 – where he also drove for Haas.

    And with Ferrari having two academy drivers in Formula 2 – Oliver Bearman and Arthur Leclerc – Vasseur explained why the decision was made not to give either a run out in F1 machinery this year instead of Shwartzman, due to wanting the drivers to focus on the championship.

    Robert will do Zandvoort in Carlos’ car, and he will do another one – probably Abu Dhabi in Charles’ car. Because (Zandvoort) was the choice of the driver. I gave them the choice to do it, where they want to do it. I know that it is not an easy situation but Carlos… it’s not so easy to decide. Because for sure you can’t do it in Singapore, in Japan, in Las Vegas. Also, you have some Sprint events in Austin, Qatar, also that you can’t do it. Then you have the races with tyre allocation, a bit different, so it is also tricky to do it, meaning at the end of the day you don’t have so many options.

    Vasseur on Shwartzman FP1 outings.

  • Vesti to make F1 debut for Mercedes

    Mercedes junior driver and F2 championship contender Frederik Vesti will take part in an official F1 session for the first time later this year, during Free Practice 1 in Mexico.

    Vesti, 21, sits second in the F2 standings – 12 points behind Sauber-backed Theo Pourchaire with three rounds remaining, having claimed four wins and seven podium finishes so far this season.

    Having made his F1 test debut with Mercedes at the end of 2022 season in Abu Dhabi, the Danish driver’s next step will be the opening 60 minute session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

    Each Formula 1 team is required to run a rookie driver in two FP1 sessions across the season, defined as a racer with less than two grand prix of experience.

    Toto Wolff believes that with Vesti impressing in Formula 2, this FP1 outing will now serve as the next key step in his progression.

    I’m incredibly proud to be doing the FP1 session in Mexico City with the team – it’s a dream come true. To think in less than two months that I’ll be doing my first official Formula 1 session with Mercedes, who have won eight consecutive constructors’ championships, is amazing. This has been my dream since I was very young and something I’ve been fighting for through my whole junior career. It’s taken a lot of hard work, and this is a very important step for me on my journey. This has been my dream since I was very young and something I’ve been fighting for through my whole junior career. It’s taken a lot of hard work, and this is a very important step for me on my journey. I want to thank Mercedes for this incredible opportunity, as well as my sponsors and manager for always believing in me. I can’t wait to be driving W14 for the first time.

    Vesti on the test.

    Fred has executed an impressive Formula 2 campaign so far this season. Driving in an FP1 session is the next step in his development and we’re looking forward to giving him that opportunity. Fred has executed an impressive Formula 2 campaign so far this season. Driving in an FP1 session is the next step in his development and we’re looking forward to giving him that opportunity.

    Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff.

  • Doohan FP1 sessions

    Formula 2 racer, Jack Doohan will be making his Formula 1 race weekend debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix when he drives for Alpine in the opening practice.

    Doohan, is part of Alpine’s Driver Academy, will tackle the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Esteban Ocon’s car. As well as this he will get a second outing in FP1 in the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP.

    Mexico will be the second time the 19 year old has sampled 2022-spec machinery, having completed the permitted 100km of running on demonstration tyres during the teams filming day at Monza last month.

    Doohan, son of five time 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick, has also tested last year’s Alpine this season through test days in Qatar in May, Monza in June and Budapest in September.

    The Australian, is currently fourth in his debut season in F2, having stepped up a class after finishing second in F3 in 2021. He has won three races this season, plus scored three further podiums and three pole positions and is in the hunt to claim third in the standings.

    Doohan is Alpine’s most high-profile junior driver following the departure of F2 champion Oscar Piastri who will be making his F1 race debut alongside Lando Norris at McLaren next year.

    I’m extremely grateful to Alpine for giving me this opportunity to drive in Free Practice in Mexico. It’s always a huge honour to be entrusted to drive a Formula 1 car, so to have the opportunity on a Grand Prix weekend is very special. Ultimately, the aim is to be doing this every week and this experience is another step closer to achieving that goal. I’ve prepared as best as I can, and I think it’s going to be very exciting to experience the car at this type of circuit with the high altitude and very high top speed. I’ll work hard on the day, do everything the team sets out and, at the same time, enjoy the moment as I know it’s going to be a unique opportunity.

    Jack Doohan on FP1 sessions.

    We are very pleased to announce Jack will join the team in Mexico and take over driving duties for Free Practice 1. We have all been impressed with Jack’s progression across many areas this season and he’s deserving of this chance as we continue to nurture his high potential. It’s important to give our young drivers opportunities to test Formula 1 cars and our Academy programme has proven to be successful in doing just that. We expect Jack to work hard during the session and take as much as he can from the experience of being involved in a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.

    Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal.

  • Sargeant to race for Williams if enough SL points

    Team Principal of Williams, Jost Capito has said that Logan Sargeant will be racing for the team, alongside Alex Albon in 2023 IF he manages to get the requisite Super Licence points in the final Formula 2 round later this season.

    Sargeant replaced Nicholas Latifi in the Williams FW44 during last Friday during free practice 1 at Austin, and in doing so became the first American driver to run in an F1 session since 2015.

    On Saturday, Capito announced that the American driver will step up to a full-time race seat with Williams if he gets his F1 super licence.

    The 21 year old currently sits in third in the 2022 Formula 2 standings, behind Theo Pourchaire and Champion Felipe Drugovich, Sargeant needs to finish fifth in the standings, or sixth provided he gains the two extra points for completing the season without receiving any penalty points, in order to acquire the 40 Super Licence points needed to make it to F1.

    Yeah, we feel he’s ready to race. under the condition that he has enough Super Licence points after Abu Dhabi, he will be our second driver next year. He’s had one season in F2, and I’m a fan of getting young drivers as quick through as possible into Formula 1 because the series below, the cars compare to Formula 1 cars… so get him in as quick as possible and find out if he’s capable of staying in Formula 1 for a long time, which we believe he is. And his first year in F2, and he won races, and he has been qualifying very strong all these years in his career – and we believe he’s absolutely ready to get into Formula 1. Yeah, I think we can have a rookie because with Alex we have a still young, but also very experienced driver. He is established so well in the team, fantastic results, he’s working well with the team – so we can put the rookie alongside him

    Jost Capito.

    FP1 Sessions-

    Logan will be borrowing Albon’s car in Mexico and Latifi’s in Abu Dhabi as well as getting a full day in the car at the Young Driver Test at Yas Marina Circuit.

    Williams also say he will be completing a number of private testing days and extensive simulator work adding to the development work he has already carried out as part of his Williams Academy role.

    I’d like to start by saying thank you again to Williams Racing and Dorilton Motor Sports for giving me the opportunity to drive on home turf yesterday (Friday) here at COTA. It was one of the most enjoyable moments of my career so far. I’m very grateful to be given further time in the FW44 at Mexico and Abu Dhabi. My aim is to make the most of every minute in the car and with the team to build on the progress I’ve made in Austin and throughout my time on the simulator at Grove. Of course, my focus is on finishing my Formula 2 season in Abu Dhabi in the best position possible, and I’m sure my time in the FW44 will keep me sharp and ready for the F2 finale.

    Logan Sargeant on the latest news.

    Logan showed a high level of understanding during his FP1 debut in Austin and provided useful feedback to help in the team’s preparations for the rest of the weekend. We are providing Logan further opportunities in Mexico and Abu Dhabi to integrate himself with the team trackside in both free practice sessions and the Young Driver Test as we work hard to support Logan in his efforts towards earning the FIA Super Licence. It’s great that as a team we can provide invaluable time for Logan to get behind the wheel of the FW44 to continue his development as a Williams Academy Driver and harness his talents. We’re looking forward to seeing how Logan progresses this season and finishes out his last race of the season in Formula 2.

    Williams Sporting Director, Sven Smeets.

  • Palou and O’Ward FP1 runs

    IndyCar drivers, Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward are set to make their Formula 1 race debuts this season, when they run in the first practice sessions for McLaren.

    Both drivers have previously driven last year’s McLaren car in private tests, but are now getting a taste of current F1 machinery in a Grand Prix weekend environment, as McLaren look to fulfil their two young drivers practice runs.

    The 2021 IndyCar Champion – Palou will be taking over Daniel Ricciardo’s car for FP1 at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix at Austin.

    Meanwhile, Arrow McLaren SP driver, Pato O’Ward will be taking the wheel of Lando Norris’ MCL36 in first practice at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

    I’m so excited to be making my F1 weekend debut. It’s great to be driving in the United States in front of fans that may have seen me race in IndyCar. Having driven the 2021 McLaren MCL35M in a few tests now, I can’t wait to put the MCL36 through its paces. I look forward to helping the team in their preparation for the 2022 United States Grand Prix.

    Alex Palou on driving for McLaren.

    I can’t wait to get out on track in Abu Dhabi. I’ve developed as a driver and had a lot of fun testing last year’s car with the team, so it will be a great experience to drive the MCL36. Thank you McLaren F1 for the opportunity.

    Pato O’Ward on driving for McLaren.

    We’re pleased to give Alex and Pato the opportunity to take part in Free Practice sessions with McLaren. With Alex’s great successes in IndyCar, it will be useful for the team to get his feedback on the car and for us to continue to evaluate him as a driver. Alex and Pato impressed with their recent tests in Barcelona and Austria and we’re excited to offer them the experience in the MCL36. It’s a great chance for them to showcase their skills on Formula One’s global stage, where the focus will be to help the team prepare for the race weekend and not on ultimate lap times.

    Andreas Seidl, McLaren Boss.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjse7paI8z6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Pourchaire to make FP1 debut

    Sauber Academy driver, Theo Pourchaire will be making his F1 race weekend debut at the Circuit of the Americas during the United States Grand Prix. Where he will be driving in first practice for Alfa Romeo and he will also be one of the teams reserve drivers for 2023.

    Pourchaire, joined the Sauber Academy in 2019 and will be taking over Valtteri Bottas’s C42 on Friday in Texas. The Frenchman has previously driven for the team in a private test, he got to sample the C38 car at the Hungaroring in 2021.

    Currently 2nd in the Formula 2 standings, Pourchaire has taken home 3 wins and 3 further podiums, he currently has 164 points to his name and will be wanting to score more in the final round in Abu Dhabi.

    Theo has been delivering great performances over the course of this season, as well as during the previous years. We have been working closely with him for almost four years now, as a member of our Academy, and we have been impressed by his constant progress and development as a driver first and, equally importantly, as a person. We are delighted to give him his first Free Practice outing next week: it’s a well-deserved opportunity, and I’m confident he will once again impress us with his performances, as he will help the team gather valuable data ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

    Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur.

    I am thrilled to be making my Free Practice debut in Austin; it will be my second time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, but in some ways, it will feel like it’s the first time, as this time it will be during an official Grand Prix session. It feels like a dream coming true, and I want to thank Alfa Romeo F1 Team for putting their trust in me and granting me this amazing opportunity: I am looking forward to being on track, and I will make sure to get the most out of it and to do my best to support the team as they prepare for the United States Grand Prix.

    Theo Pourchaire on his FP1 debut.

    Ever since he joined the Sauber Academy back in 2019, Théo has shown impressive progress. He has been a title winner in 2019 and a contender in 2020 in F3; in F2, particularly this season, he’s given his all and was in the battle for the title for most of the championship. He is, without any doubt, one of the most promising young drivers coming through the ranks, and it’s a pleasure for us to finally see him stepping up and earning his first Formula One Free Practice outing. From the very beginning he impressed us with his professional approach and dedication to always give his very best on- and off-track, and we can’t wait to see him further unlocking his potential on track.

    Alfa Romeo’s Sporting Director, Beat Zehnder.

  • Fittipaldi to complete FP1 sessions for Haas

    Pietro Fittipaldi, took to social media to say he will be taking part in FP1 for Haas in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.

    As part of the 2022 Sporting Regulations teams must, in two FP1 sessions, field a driver who has not taken part in more than two Grand Prix.

    The Brazilian-American reserve and test driver Fittipaldi, is currently in his fourth season with the team.

    The 26 year old stood in for injured Romain Grosjean at the final Grand Prix of 2020, making his starts at Sakhir and Abu Dhabi with a best finish of 17th.

    Fittipaldi didn’t get much choice on when he will be fulfilling the role, as Brazil we only have two practice sessions due to the Sprint. The team is also running Ferrari-affiliated Antonio Giovinazzi in FP1 at the United States Grand Prix.

    I’m super happy to announce that I’ll be driving the VF-22 in FP1 at Mexico and Abu Dhabi. I want to thank Haas F1 team for the opportunity. I drove the VF-22 for the first time in Bahrain at the Official Pre-Season Tests but now to drive it during a race weekend is an amazing opportunity, so thank you to the team.

    Pietro Fittipaldi on his FP1 sessions.

  • Rookie FP1 sessions complete so far

    At the start of 2022, the FIA approved a change to the sporting regulations that would give fresh talent the chance to get behind the wheel of an F1 car.

    During two FP1 sessions this season, every team on the grid have to give up both of their cars to make way for a rookie driver. To qualify for this, the rookie can’t have taken part in more than two Grand Prix and will have to have enough SUper Licence points.

    Despite the fact this is mandatory, many teams on the grid still haven’t shared details of who they have lined up and when it actually happens, there are only 4 races left…

    Three teams haven’t completed one session yet those being Alpine, McLaren and Haas. There’s only 4 races left so teams may want to get the hurry up…

    Here’s how many rookies in FP1 each team has used so far this year:

    TeamRun 1Run 2
    MercedesNyck de Vries – French GP
    Red BullJuri Vips – Spanish GP
    FerrariRobert Shwartzman – United States GP*
    Alpine
    McLaren
    Alpha TauriLiam Lawson – Belgian GP
    Aston MartinNyck de Vries – Italian GPFelipe Drugovich – Abu Dhabi GP*
    WilliamsNyck de Vries – Spanish GPLogan Sargeant – United States GP*
    Alfa RomeoZhou Guanyu – Bahrain GP
    Haas
    * To be Completed but confirmed.

  • Shwartzman FP1 run

    Robert Shwartzman, Ferrari test driver will be taking part in FP1 for the Scuderia at the 2022 United States Grand Prix.

    Shwartzman will be getting his first stint at the wheel of the 2022 Ferrari F1-75, having drive the 2021 car this season at Mugello in July and at Fiorano in September alongside reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

    The 22 year old, finished runner-up in the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship and will be taking part in two FP1 sessions for Ferrari, the first one being at the Circuit of the Americas on October 21st.

    In 2022, teams must run a driver who has taken part in two Grands Prix or fewer in at least two FP1 sessions.

    For us, it’s Robert Shwartzman that will do our two FP1s. You are right in saying that you would not pick races like Singapore or races where the race drivers need more running. I don’t think we have an issue in doing it during one of the weekends where we have Pirelli testing.

    Laurent Mekies, Racing Director.

  • De Vries, FP1 run with AM

    Nyck de Vries will be taking part in FP1 for the third time this season with a third different team, he will be taking Sebastian Vettel’s Aston Martin in the first practice session for the 2022 Italian Grand Prix.

    The 27 year old, ran in FP1 for Williams in place of Alex Albon at the Spanish Grand Prix, as well as subbing in for Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in France.

    As per the 2022 regulations, each team needs to allocate two practice sessions to field a driver that has not competed in two Grand Prix. Aston Martin are yet to announce who will be taking part in the remaining practice session.

    I am really looking forward to driving for AMF1, particularly at such a legendary circuit as Monza. It will be my third FP1 session of the season, and in the third different Formula 1 chassis, and these opportunities have given me a fantastic insight into how Formula 1 cars and teams function and operate. I hope I can bring a fresh perspective to the AMF1 team and can undertake a run-programme that proves beneficial to us both.

    Nyck de Vries on his FP1 session.

    We are delighted to welcome Nyck to our team, and we look forward to working with him at Monza. I have watched Nyck’s career with great interest – he drove brilliantly to win the Formula 2 title in 2019 and underlined his class by winning the Formula E World Championship in 2020/2021, so we are looking forward to gaining his perspectives and insights about our car. His achievements show that he clearly deserves a shot at Formula 1 – and, hopefully, this opportunity to get behind the wheel of the AMR22 will allow him to showcase his abilities to the wider world.

    Team Principal, Mike Krack.

  • Lawson FP1 run

    Liam Lawson will be making his Formula 1 debut on Friday, as Alpha Tauri have announced that the Carlin driver will take over the reins of the AT03 for the opening Free Practice session at Spa-Francorchamps.

    The New Zealander will be getting behind the wheel of Pierre Gasly’s car, as part of the two young driver sessions, F1 teams are required to run this season.

    So far in his 2022 season, the 20 year old has two wins and six podiums to his name, and currently sits eight in the Drivers’ Championship.

    Part of their junior programme since 2019, the Red Bull and Alpha Tauri reserve driver got his first taste of F1 machinery with the Italian team last year during the post-season Young Drivers’ Test in Abu Dhabi and will now be taking the track following Formula 2’s Practice session.

    Super excited to say I’ll be doing my first FP1 this weekend in Spa. I honestly couldn’t think of a better place to do it, it’s going to be a very exciting feeling. It’s a historic track and a place that I’ve always enjoyed driving, so in a Formula 1 car it’s gonna be incredible. I’ve been doing a lot of sim work over the year as well leading up to this, so I think the prep has been really, really good. Obviously, I had my first outing last year in December and since then, honestly, I’ve been dying to get back in the car.

    Liam Lawson on his FP1 outing.

  • Haas to run GIO

    Ferrari reserve, Antonio Giovinazzi will return to Formula 1 as he runs for Haas in FP1 at both the Italian and United States Grand Prix.

    The Italian driver lost his race seat at Alfa Romeo at the end of 2021 after three seasons with the team. He then embarked on a racing career in Formula E with Dragon Penske Racing whilst dovetailing the Ferrari F1 reserve role with Haas driver Mick Schumacher for this season.

    The team announced the news ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix – the first race after the summer break. Haas announced Giovinazzi would test the VF-22 at Monza and COTA, with Ferrari keen to give the Italian some time in the 2022 spec machinery.

    This isn’t the first time the 28 year old, has performed such duties with Haas before, having completed seven FP1 sessions in 2017.

    However, Haas will still be obliged to make their car available for two further Free Practice 1 sessions this year under rule 3.12.2 of the Sporting Regulations. Haas reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi is eligible for this as he has only raced twice for the team in 2020.

    We’re happy to welcome Antonio Giovinazzi back to the team for the two FP1 outingsWe’re happy to welcome Antonio Giovinazzi back to the team for the two FP1 outings. Ferrari were keen to give Antonio some seat time in a current-spec Formula 1 car on a race weekend and we were naturally happy to assist. We enjoyed a similar situation back in 2017 with Antonio and Ferrari – the clear difference between then and now is the experience he’ll have gained competing for the previous three seasons in Formula 1 and the feedback he’ll be able to give us in Italy and America. I’m looking forward to seeing Antonio again and having him back in the paddock with us.

    Haas Team Principle, Guenther Steiner.

    I’m so glad to have the chance to drive again in official F1 sessions. Besides simulator driving, it is important to test a true car and I can’t wait to put my suit and helmet back on. It’ll be an opportunity to get confident with the new generation cars – it’s the best way to be ready if I were called as reserve driver. Driving on challenging and exciting tracks as Monza and COTA makes it even more thrilling. Thanks to Haas F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari – I’m looking forward to giving my contribution to the team that counted on me already in 2017.

    Antonio Giovinazzi on his FP1 sessions.

  • Sargeant set for FP1 debut

    Williams have announced that their academy driver, Logan Sargeant will be making his Formula 1 race weekend debut at this years United States Grand Prix with the Formula 2 racer set to drive in the first practice session at the Circuit of The Americas.

    Sargeant, is currently competing in his first season of Formula 2 and has already impressed, notching up two wins and collecting a further two podiums to sit third in championship.

    The American, will now get his second taste of Formula 1 machinery this time on home soil in Austin having first run in a Williams at last years post season test in Abu Dhabi. He will drive Nicholas Latifi’s FW44 for the 60 minute session and will be helping the team with set up preparations, as well as getting his first Grand Prix weekend action under his belt.

    Logan joined the Williams Driver Academy,where they announced it at the last year at the US Grand Prix. The 21 year old is the first American to be on the grid.

    I’m super excited to be given this opportunity to drive my first Free Practice in Austin. To be given the chance at the US Grand Prix is something extremely special to me. A massive thank you to Williams for putting the trust and belief in me to do a good job. The goal for me will be to learn as much as possible in the new generation of cars. I’m looking forward to making the most of this experience and really enjoying it.

    Logan Sargeant on his FP1 session.

    Logan has demonstrated a great level of ability and maturity so far this season through his accomplishments both on and off the track. He’s delivered race winning performances in Formula 2 matched by his hard work during simulator sessions. It felt only right to reward these achievements with the opportunity for him to take part in a Free Practice session at Austin. We’re looking forward to seeing him get behind the wheel of the FW44 and seeing how his performance and feedback help the team’s preparations for the race in Austin.

    Sven Smeets, Williams Sporting Director.

  • De Vries gets FP1 run

    Mercedes have announced that their reserve driver, Nyck de Vries will be behind the wheel of the W13 during the first practice session of this weekend’s French Grand Prix in place of Lewis Hamilton.

    The FP1 run for the 27 year old, is a part of the 2022 sporting regulations, that teams are obliged to run rookie drivers in two FP1 sessions across the season. Red Bull and Williams have already completed one session so far.

    This will be the Dutchmans second FP1 outing of the season, he took the wheel of the Williams FW44 in place of Alex Albon at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this season.

    This isn’t the first time De Vries will be in a Mercedes car, he jumped in the Merc at last year’s post-season Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test as well as 2020. He is currently the reigning Formula E Champion, taking the title for Mercedes last year alongside fellow Mercedes reserve, Stoffel Vandoorne. Again, De Vries is driving in Formula E sitting eighth in the standings with four races left.

    Nyck is replacing Lewis in first practice this weekend, as part of the allocated sessions for young drivers this year. So, we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on. Our understanding of the W13 is growing with every lap and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results. While we were quicker in Austria, we still weren’t quick enough to challenge at the front. We need to keep chasing those final few tenths and bringing new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France. Paul Ricard is a very different track and challenge. It has smooth tarmac and a wide range of corner types, along with long straights. The aim will be to make further inroads on the gap to the front and hopefully be back on the podium.

    Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principle.
  • F2 Barcelona – Day 1

    F2 Barcelona – Day 1

    Round 4 for Formula 2 this weekend, lets take a look at how the first day went.

    Free Practice-

    Felipe Drugovich led the way in free practice after multiple red flag stoppages. The MP Motorsport driver, was almost a full half-second clear of the pack, with Jehan Daruvala and Logan Sargeant his closest challengers.

    Olli Caldwell and Marcus Armstrong both brought out the red flags during the session, with the Campos Racing driver spinning and hitting the wall at Turn 9. Meanwhile Armstrong became beached in the gravel at Turn 4 as drivers struggled for grip.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Drugovich, P2: Daruvala, P3: Sargeant, P4: Doohan, P5: Lawson, P6: Vips, P7: Iwasa, P8: Pourchaire, P9: Hauger and P10: Williams.

    Qualifying-

    Before we start looking at the qualifying result, Ralph Boschung has withdrawn from this weekend as he is suffering from neck pain and wasn’t able to continue after the practice session.

    Virtuosi Racing’s Jack Doohan, left it last minute as he stormed to his second pole position in Formula 2, the Aussie managed to hold off an extremely late charge from HiTech’s Juri Vips which saw the Estonian driver leap up from last to second and ahead of ART’s Frederik Vesti in third.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Doohan, P2: Vips, P3: Vesti, P4: Daruvala, P5: Sargeant, P6: Iwasa, P7: Pourchaire, P8: Hughes, P9: Williams and P10: Drugovich.

    Drugovich was meant to be starting on pole position for today’s sprint race but, he has a 3 place grid penalty for impeding Theo Pourchaire, so he now will be starting 4th. That promotes Calan Williams to pole position and Jake Hughes onto the front row.

  • F3 Barcelona – Day 1

    F3 Barcelona – Day 1

    We are back at Barcelona for Round 3 of the Formula 3 2022 Championship, lets take a look at how the first day has gone.

    Free Practice-

    For the second round in a row, ART Grand Prix’s Victor Martin set the pace during practice, clocking in a 1:32.196. With the cooler early morning temperatures, it was somewhat leisurely start to running as the 30 car field, turned their focus towards the end of the session.

    Initially, the Carlin trio led the way with the Williams Racing Academy driver, Zak O’Sullivan setting a benchmark of 1:35.420. 15 minutes in and Van Amersfoort Racing’s Reece Ushijima leaped to the top of the timesheets, becoming the first driver to break the 1:34s barrier.

    Title contenders Arthur Leclerc and Victor Martins were nip and tuck on track with less than a tenth between them. The PREMA Racing driver went quickest, only for Championship leader Victor Martins to go 0.076s quicker.

    Martins ended the session fastest, ahead of Leclerc. Stanek slotted into third, just over half a second behind the leading time. Jak Crawford was fourth ahead of Imola Sprint Race winner Franco Colapinto and pole-sitter last time out Maloney. Oliver Bearman made it three PREMAs inside the top seven ahead of Kaylen Frederick.

    Qualifying-

    Roman Stanek left it late but secured himself pole position ahead of Victor Martins. The Trident driver had made an early error in the session but rebounded brilliantly to take pole position in the final moments of the day.

    Alex Smolyar followed ahead of Isack Hadjar and Arthur Leclerc, who will have to make up places to fight with his championship rivals ahead. Meanwhile Juan Manuel Correa made it inside the top 10 on his return.

    The full top 10 are: P1: Stanek, P2: Martins, P3: Smolyar, P4: Hadjar, P5: Leclerc, P6: Bearman, P7: Collet, P8L Frederick, P9: Crawford and P10: Correa.

    Times for tomorrow-

    Sprint Race- 10:00am – 10:40am (BST).

  • Round 4- Rome E-Prix

    Round 4- Rome E-Prix

    Round 4 of the Formula E season has took place today, so lets take a look at how it is gone.

    FP1-

    Championship leader, Edoardo Mortara led the way in the first practice session with a time of 1m 40.022s, whilst Jaguar’s Mitch Evans came close behind in second followed by reigning champion, Nyck de Vries in third.

    All 22 cars made it out for the session, while Nick Cassidy spent time in the pits after only competing two laps with a suspected driveshaft issue, the Brit made it out towards the end to complete 6 laps in total.

    With the cool morning temperatures impacting breaking, a lockup from Jake Dennis saw the Brit avoid a narrow miss through the chicane. With seconds to go, Rowland suffered damage after contact was made with Jean-Eric Vergne, sent him into the wall on the chicane through Turns 12 and 13.

    The top 10 were: P1: Mortara, P2: Evans, P3: de Vries, P4: Da Costa, P5: Frijns, P6: Vandoorne, P7: Lotterer, P8: Sims, P9: Bird, P10: Sette Camara.

    FP2-

    The DS Techeetah and former Rome winner, Jean-Eric Vergne topped the timesheets in the final practice ahead of qualifying with a 1m 39.082s. Ahead of Pascal Wehrlein in second and Sam Bird who went third fastest.

    More problems for Mahindra’s Oliver Rowland, as he wrestled with his car sliding through Turns 12 and 13- the same spot he crashed earlier on. That same chicane stopped the running of Andre Lotterer as he clipped the inside of Turn 13 causing him to stop on track before a red flag came out.

    The top 10 were: P1: Vergne, P2: Wehrlein, P3: Bird, P4: Dennis, P5: de Vries, P6: Evans, P7: Da Costa, P8: Mortara, P9: Vandoorne and P10: Frijns.

    Qualifying-

    Stoffel Vandoorne claimed his 7th Formula E pole, as he lined up against Robin Frijns. Heading down in Turn 3, Frijns lost time in the final, handing the lead to the Mercedes-EQ driver. Despite his best effort to catch him, Frijns failed to make up for lost time.

    The pole marks Mercedes-EQ third Pole in four rounds, as the Mercedes power train continues to prove its dominance in the electric series. Could Stoffel turn the pole into a win? He already has a win here in the Eternal City last year, so it could very much be possible.

    The top 10 are: P1: Vandoorne, P2: Frijns, P3: de Vries, P4: Da Costa, P5: Vergne, P6: Dennis, P7: Wehrlein, P8: Lotterer, P9: Evans and P10: Rowland.

    Round 4-

    Jaguar TCS Racing, Mitch Evans takes victory on the streets of Rome for the second time in his career. Evans dominated, pulling away from the field to lead Envision’s Robin Frijns in 2nd and Mercedes EQ’s Stoffel Vandoorne in third.

    Despite starting on pole, Vandoorne let his lead slip on the streets, giving way to a determined Mitch who stormed to victory after starting ninth. For the reigning champ, it wasn’t all good though, the Mercedes driver failed to finish the race, retiring after slowing on track and slipping down the order.

    Home here, Antonio Giovinazzi, finished 18th after a steady race at the back of the grid- still adjusting to the challenging nature of driving on street circuits, Giovinazzi will be looking to make more of an impact in tomorrows race.

    Nudged from behind early on in the race, Edoardo Mortara behind, Oliver Rowland hit the barrier on Turn 7, with the cars behind being backed up. Shortly after this, Max Guenther crashed into the barrier on Turn 11- the safety car was brought out whilst his car was recovered.

    Times for tomorrow-

    Free Practice 3: 07:30am – 08:00am (BST), Qualifying: 09:40am – 10:55am (BST), Round 5: 14:00pm – 15:00pm (BST).

  • Every driver to sit out of an FP1 session

    Every driver to sit out of an FP1 session

    Young drivers, are due to be given an increased chance to show what they are made of this year, with each driver set to sit out of an FP1 session.

    This is set to come into play after team bosses agreed in Mexico that two FP1 sessions must be reserved for young driver running which starts this year. Rookie tests in the latest cars are few and far between apart from the young driver test at the end of the season.

    Normally junior/reserve drivers get the opportunity to privately run F1 cars during the season but they only take place in older machinery due to the cost implications involved.

    Over the years, there has been lots of complaints about the lack of opportunities for young drivers to show their capabilities in Formula 1 cars.

    Ross Brawn had spoke previously about how Friday running is set to include young rookie drivers in the future. After thoughts of a mandatory rookie to run in each Fp1 session by a different team, the rule of two weekends per team has offered the freedom for the teams to decide when they want to use their younger drivers.

    Brawn is also putting in place that teams do not use more experienced runners, in the way that Alfa Romeo have previously used Robert Kubica in FP1 for example.

    With AMuS says drivers will need to have had fewer than two F1 starts to qualify as a rookie under these rules.

    “Friday running is coming in,” F1 managing director of motorsports Brawn told Autosport back in September 2021. “And we are being very careful about how we define a rookie. Let’s wait and see how we define it. I think it’s next year they will need to run a young driver on a Friday, every team a certain number of occasions.”

    My Opinion-

    I think this is a good idea, it gives young drivers an opportunity to show teams what they are made of and potential for a seat in the future. Also it gives the young drivers more experience and learn about an F1 car and the way it works and a get to know the team too.