Latest F1 news in brief – Wednesday (Update)

UPDATE Updates shown in red below.

• The current expensive F1 engine monstrosity

  10/11/17 Liberty poised to tell teams F1 future plans

• Wolff hits back at Marko over 'style' comment
• McLaren could let Alonso race at Daytona
• Vettel not thinking about F1 retirement
• F1 looking into Dutch street race
• Vandoorne struggled in F1 spotlight – Boullier
• Abu Dhabi wants to keep hosting F1 finale
• McLaren 'stronger' after flyaways – Boullier
• Sergio Marchionne Rings the NYSE Opening Bell
• Red Bull drivers poised for grid penalties New
• Renault eye special 'quali mode' for 2018 New

Liberty poised to tell teams F1 future plans
(GMM) F1 owner Liberty Media is poised to present to teams the sport's post-2020 engine concept.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that in conjunction with the governing FIA, the proposed rules will be shown to the teams on October 31.

"For me personally, with a white sheet of paper I would have a twelve cylinder engine with the sound and the power that the fans want," Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko told Speed Week.

And Sebastian Vettel told Playboy: "Downsizing is the way the world has gone, but with our focus on the sport and the show we would be better advised against this trend.

"These days the cars are no longer so loud, and I believe this is not only not good for the spectators, but for us drivers as well," the Ferrari driver added.

However, it is believed that for 2021 and beyond, Liberty and the FIA have gone for a halfway house compromise between Marko's wishes and the status quo, with a V6 engine with two turbos and MGU-K and MGU-H technology.

Marko says it is crucial that the new rules allow independent engine suppliers to develop the 2021 engine and compete with the car giants.

"This current dependency is unacceptable to us," he said, "because we cannot get the engine power that Mercedes and Ferrari have."

Marko added: "Formula one must become consumer rather than technology-friendly. People buy the iPhone because it's easy to use, not because they want to know the technology inside it."

Auto Motor und Sport said the 2021 plan to make the engines cheaper and simpler includes a range of standardized parts.

It is believed Liberty is also proposing to scrap the F1 Commission and strategy group, and unveil on 7 November its plans for a budget cap to be installed as soon as 2019.

Wolff hits back at Marko over 'style' comment

Toto tells Helmut to pound sand

(GMM) Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has hit back at his Red Bull counterpart Dr Helmut Marko.

At Suzuka, Marko slammed Wolff for lacking "style" by meeting with Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull driver Max.

Wolff hit back: "I have had a good relationship with Jos since Max was not even close to formula one."

The Mercedes chief described his meeting with Jos and the Dutchman's management as mere "coffee with friends".

According to Bild newspaper, Wolff also responded to Marko's claim that only Red Bull has the "balls" to give F1 debuts to young drivers, "in contrast to Ferrari and Mercedes".

Wolff hit back: "Quite honestly, here at Mercedes we think with our heads rather than our balls."

McLaren could let Alonso race at Daytona

Daytona is not LeMans

(GMM) McLaren could let Fernando Alonso contest the famous Daytona 24 hour endurance sports car race early next year.

It is believed the British team and the Spanish driver are discussing the fine details of their F1 contract for 2018.

Alonso skipped Monaco to contest the Indy 500 this year, but he has expressed interest in trying his hand at Le Mans in 2018.

Referring to Monaco, Indy and Le Mans, Alonso now refers regularly to his ambition to secure the motor racing 'triple crown'.

"The priority is formula one," he said, "with triple crown in the background. But there are many possibilities to do a fantastic 2018."

France's Auto Hebdo reports that Alonso, 36, may be allowed to try to win the Daytona 24 hour race early next year.

"The race has a great history and it is held in January, when the F1 season has not begun," a report in the Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo read.

A team owned by McLaren executive Zak Brown, United Autosports, races at Daytona.

Vettel not thinking about F1 retirement

Vettel will do at least 3 more years and then decide

(GMM) Sebastian Vettel says he is not thinking about his retirement from F1.

At the end of last year, Nico Rosberg suddenly quit his Mercedes contract as he achieved his dream of winning the world championship.

When asked if he could do the same if he wins a fifth title, which would be his first for Ferrari, Vettel told Playboy: "I haven't thought about it.

"I see it as an extremely big decision, not something spontaneous."

Vettel takes issue with Rosberg's reasoning that he decided to retire in order to have a quieter life.

"I see him running from one appointment to the next," said the German, referring to Rosberg's new ventures as Robert Kubica's manager and a part-time television pundit.

In contrast, Vettel says that when he has a free Sunday, "I lie down on the sofa".

But he admits that his job as a Ferrari driver skill excites him.

"I think everyone who has sat in a Ferrari feels that it is something very special," said Vettel.

Asked if could imagine switching to another team, especially if he succeeds in winning a title in red, the 30-year-old answered: "I don't know. I haven't become champion with Ferrari yet."

Vettel also defended his character, with some saying his temper too often boils over.

"I am who I am," said the former Red Bull driver. "And I love what I do."

F1 looking into Dutch street race

Max Verstappen is a Dutch sensation

(GMM) F1 could be looking to stage a race on the streets of the Dutch capital.

Reports including in the Berliner Kurier indicate that on the back of Max Verstappen's huge popularity, Liberty Media is open to a potential race on the streets of either Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

"Liberty's seriousness is demonstrated by the recent visit to Holland of Sean Bratches, who looked into all possibilities," the Berliner Kurier report declared.

However, well-known Dutch F1 television presenter Olav Mol is not getting too excited.

"It seems to be a long-shot to me," he told the Ziggo Sport Totaal broadcaster.

"Formula one will first want to add another American race in Las Vegas or New York.

"Any deal for the Netherlands will be done at the government level, so I think it's a bit premature. But if it happens, I'll be the first to support it," Mol added.

Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos added: "We have two beautiful circuits in Assen and Zandvoort, but a street race would bring certain advantages.

"Now it will come down to the political and financial level, but I'm 1000 per cent behind it and would support it in every possible way," he said.

Vandoorne struggled in F1 spotlight – Boullier

Vandoorne choked under pressure

(GMM) McLaren is now happy with the performance of Stoffel Vandoorne.

Earlier, the British team expressed concern about how the Belgian rookie was struggling to adapt to life in formula one.

"Unfortunately for Stoffel, he was at the center of the attention of the press and spectators as he became the teammate at McLaren of a world champion," team boss Eric Boullier now tells the French broadcaster Canal Plus.

"But everyone who made their debuts in recent years, including Max Verstappen, went through several difficult months before they began to reveal their potential, but it was less noticed," he added.

"During this time, Stoffel learned a lot and he's now doing an excellent job. He is completely confident in himself and is always gaining more experience," said Boullier.

Vandoorne, 25, will continue to race for McLaren in 2018.

Abu Dhabi wants to keep hosting F1 finale

Abu Dhabi

(GMM) Abu Dhabi wants to hold onto its place at the very tail-end of F1's calendar.

For the past several years, the Arab emirate has hosted the final round of the world championship.

And even though Lewis Hamilton looks set to wrap up the 2017 title before F1 heads to Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina circuit chief Tareq Al Ameri says he is still happy to host the finale.

"We have seen it happen before as well when the title was already decided. I don't think it took anything away from our race," he is quoted by Gulf News.

And so Al Ameri praised new F1 owner Liberty Media and said talks are underway about securing Abu Dhabi's place at the footer of the calendar into the future.

"We are happy to keep the last race slot and we are also in discussion with the Liberty group," he said. "So far, both of us think this is the right thing to do."

McLaren 'stronger' after flyaways – Boullier

Someone please tell Eric Boullier that Suzuka is a long lap and the McLaren was still lapped

McLaren Racing Director Eric Boullier says the outfit has emerged "stronger" from the recent flyaway events, despite missing out on points on Honda's home soil in Japan.

Stoffel Vandoorne captured back-to-back points finishes in Singapore and Malaysia, with at least one car figuring in the Q3 shootout at each Asian event.

McLaren failed to score at Suzuka, with Vandoorne's race compromised by being edged wide at Turn 1, and Alonso coming home in 11th, having started at the back.

Despite not classifying in the top 10 last time out, Boullier says McLaren has been boosted by its display across the past three events.

"After the difficulties of qualifying, Fernando drove with fearsome commitment, but was unlucky to walk away without a point, despite a stirring chase of Felipe [Massa]," said Boullier.

"Stoffel's race was compromised at Turn 2, when he was pushed down the order after being hit by Kimi [Räikkönen].

"But that's what happens in racing, sometimes, and he too pushed hard for the remainder of the afternoon.

"Still, on the whole, this Asian triple-header has been a positive one for the whole team.

"We've scored some useful points, and I certainly think that we come out of it stronger as a team than when we went in.

"We'll definitely put that momentum to good use and we'll push hard in these final four races with a renewed momentum and confidence."

McLaren holds ninth position in this year's Constructors' Championship.

Sergio Marchionne Rings the NYSE Opening Bell

Sergio Marchionne opened the NYSE Monday

Ferrari’s 70th Anniversary celebrations in New York were capped off by Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne ringing of the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange Monday morning.

Ferraris spanning the decades were found throughout the city over the weekend, as well in front of the famous Stock Exchange façade, ranging from time-honored classics to modern icons like the LaFerrari Aperta. This closes the 70th Anniversary celebrations in the United States, spectacular events that have brought clients, collectors and fans together to share the passion of the Prancing Horse that never gets old.

Red Bull drivers poised for grid penalties
Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen are due to start at the back of the grid in one of the remaining four races as a fresh engine change looms.

The Red Bull duo last took engine-related grid penalties at the Italian Grand Prix after switching to their fifth and therefore their first power unit that is over the season limit of four.

The likes of Jolyon Palmer and Carlos Sainz have taken fresh Renault engines of late and now Ricciardo and Verstappen appear to be next in line, according to Red Bull motorsport adviser Dr Helmut Marko.

"We still have an engine change with both cars," Marko told Auto Motor und Sport.

“That means starting from far back. We will take the motors at different races so that we are at least with one car at the front."

With regard to Ricciardo and Verstappen's future at Red Bull, team boss Christian Horner has said they will be doing everything they can to keep the pair together until at least 2020.

Renault eye special 'quali mode' for 2018

Can Renault step up their game in 2018?

Renault are hoping to become even more competitive against Ferrari and Mercedes by unlocking a new engine mode to use in qualifying sessions.

The Renault-powered Red Bulls are continuously left behind in dry Q3 sessions as Ferrari, and in particular Mercedes, are able to turn up the wick to maximize performance.

Now Renault are turning their attention to their qualifying set-ups as, in race, trim, the power unit is showing signs that it can take the fight to the leading duo.

“We are catching up progressively and I think the Renault power unit is actually becoming very decent in race operation, but indeed we are definitely missing something in qualifying," Abiteboul said.

“Obviously it’s always a balance running safe and being aggressive and obviously the more potential performance we have then the more capacity we will have to be aggressive on Saturdays.

“This is what’s on plan for next year, even though we believe also that the regulation will help us in bridging any sort of deficit in relation to that on Saturday.

“So it’s positive and I think it’s something that McLaren could also see and part of the decision of working with us for the next three years."

The comments follow Christian Horner's recent quotes stating that inability to turn the engine up in qualifying is holding Red Bull back.