In the round-up: Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has been accused of “arrogance” and a “lack of professionalism” for failing to respond to questions over human rights abuses in Bahrain, scene of this year’s opening round.
In brief
Domenicali criticised over human rights
Domenicali has previously said F1 can bring about positive change in repressive regimes and would be prepared to cancel races in countries “if we see something that is not going to the right direction”.
However Lord Scriven, who is the vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Democracy and Human Rights in the Gulf, told the House of Lords yesterday he had repeatedly written to and emailled Domenicali and received no reply.
“It is Mr Domenicali’s arrogance, lack of professionalism and engagement that has left me with no alternative than to seek this debate and to seek further regulation of F1 and such other sporting bodies based in the UK when it comes to their practices,” he told the chamber, according to The Guardian. “His leadership of F1 is damaging the reputation of his sport as he refuses to engage with the issues around F1 and human rights.”
In a recent letter to Domenicali he added: “Your choice not to engage with me makes it clear you do not have robust evidence of F1’s positive impact on human rights and a lack of due diligence on mitigating risks has been carried out if at all.”
F1 has been approached for comment. Lord Scriven made a similar criticism of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem last year.
Aston Martin still fifth-fastest – Krack
Krack believes his team are still the fifth-fastest on the 2024 grid despite Fernando Alonso beating both Mercedes, a Ferrari and a McLaren at the last round in Jeddah.
The team finished fifth in the constructors’ championship last season and has been fifth after both of the opening rounds of the season so far.
“We’re fifth fastest in race trim and a little faster in qualifying,” Krack said. “In Bahrain, we achieved the maximum result given the pace of the car. In Saudi Arabia, we overachieved a little with Fernando’s fantastic drive to secure a top-five finish.
“Our goal is to close the gap to the front. We are making progress, and we have some small updates for Melbourne, which are part of our continuous development plan throughout the season.”
Magnussen’s first podium “a lifetime ago”
Ten years on from making his grand prix debut in Melbourne and taking a podium finish for McLaren, Kevin Magnussen says it’s “very frustrating” to have gone so long without returning to the top three.
“It feels like a lifetime ago,” he admitted. “A lot has happened since. It’s a nice thing. I’m proud of having gotten on the podium in my first race, but at the same time, it’s very frustrating to have done ten years and not get back on the podium.
“Every time I come here I get sort of that feeling back. And in itself, doing your first race in Formula 1 is special, no matter where you finish and then to get on the podium was just insane on that weekend. So a lot of memories, for sure.”
Doohan deserves F1 shot – Ocon
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon believes the team’s junior driver, Jack Doohan, deserves an opportunity to race in Formula 1.
Doohan finished third in last year’s F2 championship and is not racing this season. Ocon sympathises with his team’s reserve driver.
“No doubt that Jack deserves to drive more in Formula 1, deserves to have a shot at least in F1 in one race,” Ocon said.
“He’s obviously helping a lot with the simulator work that he’s doing with the team and he’s a great asset to us and a great character and team player as well. And he’s done some really good work when he stepped in in FP1s in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in the last two years and it’s a shame not to see him racing definitely and I wish him the best for the future.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Audi sees high Formula One costs as parent VW seeks efficiencies (Automotive News Europe)
Audi chief financial officer Juergen Rittersberger: ‘With the introduction of cost caps, specifically with it comes to the development of the chassis and motors, F1 is significantly more ‘plan-able’. In comparison to previous years, it’s more affordable.’
My first time in an F1 simulation: ‘I spectacularly skid off the track and crash’ (The Guardian)
‘My problem is not speed but sharp turns. Probably anyone with a lead foot can floor the accelerator and go at 250km/h on the straight, which is what I do. The pedal’s revs become loud vrooms as the minimalist scenery on screen whizzes by. But even with pre-emptive braking in the lead-up to corners, I spectacularly skid off the track and into gravel, crashing into safety barriers. At one sharp bend, I turn the steering wheel with such force that, when I hit a wall, it begins to spin quickly by itself in protest.’
Bernie Ecclestone: Formula E ”level” with Formula 1 (Formula E)
”I thought it wouldn’t last. I thought the first race would be the last. So I am very pleased to see that technically it has become very good. Technically, it’s Formula 1 level.”
Thermal could be key to Ilott’s 2025 IndyCar hopes (Racer)
”I’m looking forward to Thermal with a road course where there’s more room to push and feel the car out. That was important for me at the Barber test, to get an idea of what the car can take in a more unrestricted environment, because they will have little differences in how they behave. But I view this as, ‘you’re coming here to do a job’, which is fill in and do the best job you can in that environment in a short space of time. I’m pretty excited more than feeling pressured.”
Brunch and F1 debut chat with Ollie Bearman (Oliver Bearman via YouTube)
F1’s most recent rookie recaps his unexpected grand prix debut weekend.
The WORST F1 Team Logos you’ve ever seen (Mr V’s Garage via YouTube)
A look at the very best – and very worst – F1 team logos in the sport’s history.
Ranking Geoff Crammond and Papyrus sims from Best to Worst (Ted Meat via YouTube)
Finnish hardcore simracing enthusiast Ted Meat attempts to determine the ultimate old-school PC racing sim.
We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it to us via the contact form.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Hamilton WC 09, Juan Pablo Heidfeld, Shaneb457, Chris and Mike Shefford!