Alpine: Ocon “a significantly improved driver” in 2021

Ocon made his full-time return to F1 in 2020 with Renault’s since-rebranded works squad, but struggled to match teammate Daniel Ricciardo’s form through the year.
A run to second place at the Sakhir Grand Prix offered Ocon a late-season boost that has carried through to the 2021 campaign, where he has so far led Alpine’s efforts.
Ocon qualified on the third row of the grid for the last two …Keep reading

Mazepin: I’m sure public opinion will change with better results

All of Formula 1’s crop of 2021 rookies have faced some adversity in their short careers so far, but Mazepin certainly has the most to prove after the first four races of the season. While Yuki Tsunoda hit the wall in Imola qualifying, and Mick Schumacher hit it under the safety car, Mazepin’s first-lap Bahrain exit and early Imola clash with Nicholas Latifi put him under the spotlight …Keep reading

The pay-TV vs free-to-air conflict at the heart of modern F1

As F1 heads to its blue riband event in Monaco, which has regularly been one of the most watched races on TV over recent years (not last season because it didn’t take place), all the indications are for another bumper audience.
But the prospect of F1 delivering its closest championship battle for years has again reopened the debate about whether or not the sport is losing out by not being on …Keep reading

Sainz still building confidence with Ferrari’s start system

Sainz has typically been a good starter throughout his F1 career to date, but lost positions to Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez on the opening lap in Barcelona, slipping from sixth to eighth.
The 26-year-old was unable to re-pass the drivers and became stuck in the midfield fight while Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc pulled clear after starting fourth, ultimately finishing 20 seconds up the …Keep reading