In the round-up: Alexander Albon admitted that Williams have to understand why he was so quick in the sprint race
In brief
Williams surprised by sprint pace
Williams driver Alexander Albon says Williams have to work out why he was so fast during Saturday’s sprint race.
Albon rose from 17th on the grid to cross the line with the final point in eighth, before being promoted to seventh after Charles Leclerc’s penalty. He said his car “came alive” in the race.
“A bit of carnage, which always helps, a good strategy and a good pace, actually,” Albon said.
“The wind dropped massively today in the race – the first time it’s done it all weekend – and the car became alive. So the grip I had, it felt equal to all the top cars around me, if not quicker. A bit of a surprise and something we actually need to understand a bit why but it puts us in a good place for tomorrow.”
Lawson rues “big mistake”
AlphaTauri rookie Liam Lawson admitted he had made a “big mistake” by spinning out of the Qatar sprint race.
Lawson retired from the opening lap of the race after losing control of his car into turn two. It was his first failure to finish any race he has participated in since stepping into Daniel Ricciardo’s seat.
“Obviously a big mistake for me and I’m obviously very sorry to the team,” Lawson said. “It just really caught me out.
“Turn one was really good, [I was] on-line, had made up some places. Then turn two, I saw a lot of cars having big slides, but by then I’d already committed to, I guess, the speed that I was taking in and they checked up and I basically just lost it. So yeah, big mistake.”
Pirelli to hold meeting with teams
Formula 1 tyre suppliers Pirelli are set to hold a pre-race meeting with all ten teams prior to today’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Pirelli alerted the FIA on Friday night to concerns over suspected damage to their tyres caused by high kerbs at the Losail circuit. As a result, the track limits were moved 80cm closer in between turns 12-14 with a contingency plan of enforcing a compulsory minimum of three tyre changes in the race, should further tyre examinations reveal causes for concern.
RaceFans understands that a meeting will be held between Pirelli and teams this afternoon ahead of the race, to discuss the findings of Pirelli’s analysis.
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Pirelli to be awarded new F1 tyre deal (BBC)
‘Pirelli is to be awarded Formula 1’s next tyre contract but it is likely to be the Italian company’s last, BBC Sport has learned. Bridgestone was approved as a potential supplier by governing body the FIA but commercial discussions saw F1 chairman Stefano Domenicali choose Pirelli. The deal is set to be announced in the days after this weekend’s Qatar race.’
Meet the team behind Max Verstappen’s success (Sky Sports)
‘Sky F1’s Karun Chandhok meets some members of the Red Bull team who have contributed to Max Verstappen’s incredible success.’
Max Verstappen breaks unique 40-year F1 streak after title win in Qatar sprint (Independent)
‘Max Verstappen has become just the fifth driver in Formula 1 history to clinch the world title on a Saturday – and the first in 40 years. It marks the end of a streak dating back to 1983 of drivers clinching the world title on a Sunday, the traditional day of a grand prix race. The last title-clincher on a Saturday was Nelson Piquet in 1983, who won the championship at the season finale in South Africa – with the grand prix held at Kyalami on a Saturday.’
Peter Bayer: ”He was in the simulator on Monday and he said that he could, you know, go almost until the end, but it was not 100%. And we didn’t want to rush things.And given that, again, on the other hand, we have this amazing luxury of having a top third driver who can jump into the seat, with Liam… together we decided to give him a bit more time and he should be in the car in in Austin.”
BMC launches the Teammachine R in collaboration with Red Bull (Cycling News)
‘BMC, who has enjoyed a partnership and collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT) for some time now, has launched its latest road bike in the form of the Teammachine R. Following on from the launch of the new Speedmachine time trial bike around a month ago, the brand is now also releasing its new road frame which it is calling ‘the ultimate race bike’.’
‘Qatar Creates, the movement which curates, celebrates, and promotes cultural activities within Qatar, today unveiled two custom-design racing helmets created by Qatari artists in partnership with Pierre Gasly, the Formula 1 driver for the Renault Alpine Team. Crafted by Qatari artists Shouq Al Mana and Alanoud Al Ghamdi, the helmets blend sport and culture in their intricate designs.’
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Social media
Notable posts from X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and more:
⭐⭐⭐
What an amazing year! It is incredible to be part of this team, @redbullracing 🙌 Thank you to everyone at the track and back in the factory for all the effort that has gone into this year to achieve this, we can all be very proud 👏
To be a three time World Champion… pic.twitter.com/b1VmK1rO9H
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) October 7, 2023
F1 race winner has a nice ring to it 🧡 pic.twitter.com/mP9ClICqpM
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) October 7, 2023
— Nicole Piastri (@NicolePiastri) October 7, 2023
Congratulations on your third F1 world title, Max. 🏆🏆🏆
You’ve driven a remarkable season – and you’re joining a special group of champions! pic.twitter.com/fkKMD8FP8i
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) October 7, 2023
A very well deserved title! 👏🏼🏆
Congrats @Max33Verstappen! pic.twitter.com/pY4qbOJJGw— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) October 7, 2023
nights pic.twitter.com/wo1TcnS8vi
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 7, 2023
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Rob Tsintas!