More clarity, less confusion: The Formula 1 teams, in collaboration with the FIA, have agreed on a new rule that will be implemented immediately and applied at the next race in Spa.

The new rule, which is actually a penalty, deals with the topic “unsafe release” in the pit lane. From now on there is a time penalty for this offence without ifs and buts. This was not always the case in the 2019 season.

There had been trouble and confusion about this last time in Hockenheim when Ferrari let Charles Leclerc out of his pit box much too early and the Monegasque almost collided with Romain Grosjean (Haas). Instead of punishing Leclerc, the stewards fined the Scuderia.

This was a measure that was met with little approval and even less understanding from the Formula 1 fans. Because: In other races the drivers were again punished for this obvious mistake of the team.

Race director makes it clear: “No more differentiation”:-

“We agreed at the meeting that we would forget everything that happened in the first half of the year. If there is an unsafe release immediately, there will be a time penalty. It doesn’t matter whether it gives the driver an advantage or not,” said FIA Race Director Michael Masi.

“There will be no more differentiation and all teams will be happier from now on. All teams and responsible persons have been informed”, Masi defended himself against new criticism as a precaution.

Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer explained the background of the rule change as follows: “I think it [an unsafe release] deserves a sporting penalty because the risks are high. What we don’t want is for the teams to make a financial decision based on a safety risk.”

Hamilton & Verstappen exchange teams?

The rumours of a possible exchange of teams between Hamilton and Verstappen, starting from 2021, are becoming more and more persistent and according to the Italian motorsport journalist Giorgio Terruzzi, Ferrari might well be the key to this possibility happening.

Yes, the drivers market known as ‘silly season’ is firmly upon us as we head into the summer break, but for the drivers, ‘chats’ and messages go back and forth catching the ear of those who are able to listen make for interesting note-taking.Indeed when you look at Mercedes, Bottas certainly didn’t do too much in Hungary last weekend to convince the bosses that he should have his contract extended, despite some impressive performances thus far. Which leads us onto………  READ MORE

Red Bull options: Gasly is out, Verstappen stays… Kyvat in?

Max Verstappen will be driving for Red Bull in 2020, the performance related withdrawal clause that the Dutchman has in his contract has been irrelevant since the pole and podium in Hungary.

The only open question is who will sit next year next to Verstappen in the second Red Bull. Because the medium- to long-term future of team mate Pierre Gasly with the bulls is anything but certain. Helmut Marko confirmed that the 2019 season will end with the Frenchman. But it remains to be seen how things will continue afterward.

Team boss Christian Horner recently called Gasly to account and demanded……….. READ MORE