Latest F1 news in brief – Saturday

• Vettel expected to re-sign with Ferrari, the only question is for how many years?

  'No obstacles' to new Ferrari deal – Vettel

• Boullier has 'contracts to negotiate'
• Teams unhappy with Austin qualifying move
• Verstappen not expecting Baku pole
• Vandoorne still feels McLaren 'trust'
• 'No room' for Alonso at Red Bull – Horner
• F1 'oil in fuel' controversy re-emerges
• Hamilton can stay in F1 'until 40' – Trulli
• Brawn wants up to 13 teams in F1
• Grosjean plays down 'spotters' reports
• Curb shortened at Turn 8 after incidents
• Renault's Baku gains worth 0.2s per lap
• Verstappen describes 'very weird' crash
• Hamilton says he has 'lots of work to do'

'No obstacles' to new Ferrari deal – Vettel
(GMM) Sebastian Vettel has given a strong hint about his future in F1.

Bild newspaper claims the German is poised to sign a new multi-year contract with Ferrari.

And when the 2017 championship leader was asked by Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport what obstacles to a new Ferrari deal there are, Vettel answered: "None.

"I cannot complain and do not expect any big surprises."

Vettel's countryman and friend, former F1 driver Timo Glock, agrees that the 29-year-old is likely to stay put.

"He feels comfortable there and I don't think he'll leave without a title," the now DTM driver told Speed Week.

As for Vettel's 2017 title battle against Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, Glock said: "It's a question of who wins the development race.

"At the moment they are on the same level with Ferrari taking a step ahead.

"Both Sebastian and Lewis are very strong, but in different ways. Sebastian is the harder worker and does not fly a private jet around the world visiting fashion shows," he said.

Boullier has 'contracts to negotiate'
(GMM) McLaren has "contracts to negotiate", according to team boss Eric Boullier.

In Baku, the Frenchman was speaking to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, amid swirling rumors that McLaren has decided to split with Honda.

"There is no actual deadline but there are decisions to be made, procedures to be followed and contracts to negotiate, so it's impossible to define a date," Boullier said.

"I did not say we are going to part with Honda. It simply means that no matter what the solution, it must include a new contract and new ambitions," he added.

Honda has brought an engine upgrade to Baku, but the rhetoric from its British partner is still downbeat.

"Yes, we still trust Honda because they have the resources and the will to do it," Boullier told AS newspaper.

"What I'm not sure about is the time it will take. That is the key."

As for whether there have been talks with Mercedes about a customer engine deal for 2018 and beyond, Boullier said: "I am not going to answer these questions because it's fueling the controversy.

"I understand it's your job, but it's also my freedom to not answer."

Teams unhappy with Austin qualifying move
(GMM) Team bosses are reportedly unhappy with a decision to tweak the weekend race schedule in Austin later this year.

Reports indicate qualifying for the US grand prix will be pushed back two hours in order to encourage both spectators and music fans to attend a Justin Timberlake concert.

"Some of the teams are not happy," claimed Austria's Osterreich newspaper.

A F1 spokesman said: "The intention is to provide a better and more inclusive fan experience across the grand prix weekend."

Verstappen not expecting Baku pole

Max Verstappen – who or what will he hit this weekend?

(GMM) Max Verstappen has admitted Ferrari and Mercedes will probably race ahead in Baku qualifying.

Although he crashed at the street circuit, the Red Bull driver topped the timesheets in Friday practice.

"We have taken a positive step here, and with the long straights it is even a little unexpected," he is quoted by De Telegraaf newspaper.

However, according to Algemeen Dagblad newspaper, Verstappen warned: "We have to wait, because we all know Mercedes and Ferrari can turn up their engines for qualifying."

Indeed, Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz admitted: "I do not expect to see a Red Bull on pole."

Vandoorne still feels McLaren 'trust'

Stoffel Vandoorne still feeling 'the love'?

(GMM) Stoffel Vandoorne says he still feels the "trust" of his employer.

Amid a difficult opening half of the Belgian's rookie F1 season, some are already beginning to wonder if McLaren will keep the 25-year-old for 2018.

But he told Belgium's RTBF: "I am confident in my abilities and the team trusts me.

"I know the start of the season has not been easy but with hard work, the results will come."

McLaren boss Eric Boullier confirmed in Baku that Vandoorne has a multi-year contract.

"It is disappointing in the sense that Stoffel was expected to be in the rhythm more quickly," said the Frenchman.

"But on the other hand, when you look at the first six months of a Verstappen, a Vettel, a Ricciardo, it was always complicated at first," he added.

"Just give Stoffel a little more time and we will provide him with the necessary support.

"For the moment, we are working very hard with him to give him that confidence which should enable him to take a step."

Until now, Vandoorne has not shown any signs that he is under pressure, but Boullier says that's not the case.

"He looks calm, and that his great strength, but he hides his emotions," he said.

'No room' for Alonso at Red Bull – Horner

Alonso may be stuck at McLaren, the question is whether McLaren will have Mercedes power

(GMM) Christian Horner has denied Red Bull might be eyeing Fernando Alonso for 2018.

Current McLaren-Honda driver Alonso suggested in Baku that the forthcoming driver 'silly season' might surprise some insiders.

One rumor is that, while Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen may appear under contract for 2018, they may have exit clauses in the event Ferrari comes knocking.

"The only driver who had a clause was Mr. Vettel," team boss Horner said in Baku, according to the Sun.

"There is no doubt in my mind or anyone in the team's mind that they're not part of the team next year."

So Horner insisted that Alonso is not part of Red Bull's plans for the future.

"It does not fit our philosophy of investing in youth and developing our drivers to go and buy a former champion," he said.

"It is a shame to see Fernando in a lack of competition, but there is no room at the inn at Red Bull."

F1 'oil in fuel' controversy re-emerges

Is Ferrari mixing oil into their fuel?

(GMM) Suggestions a team is gaining performance by mixing oil with fuel have re-emerged in Baku.

The issue had died down, but the FIA warned again ahead of the Azerbaijan weekend that oil must not be added to the fuel under any circumstances.

"Why? Because Mercedes obviously asked the FIA for clarification," said Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"After checks in Canada, apparently one team returned doubtful results. The FIA did not want to confirm this, but Mercedes suspects the Ferrari has an additional oil tank," the report added.

However, Ferrari engineering chief Jock Clear insists the Ferrari is simply a good all-round car.

"I think we can say that the standout characteristic is that there is no standout characteristic. It just seems to be a very well behaved car in all areas," he said.

Hamilton can stay in F1 'until 40' – Trulli

An Aldo Costa car is so easy to drive even a 40-year old man can do it, and do it well

(GMM) Lewis Hamilton has continued to back away from earlier claims he might quit F1 at the end of the year.

The offending quote caused an international stir, but former F1 driver Jarno Trulli says he doesn't believe the Mercedes driver is gearing up to retire.

"I don't know why Hamilton says certain things," Trulli told La Repubblica newspaper.

"But as he is a racing animal, I think he can race until he's 40, unlike Rosberg where you could see that the race track was not his only reason for living," the Italian added.

Indeed, Hamilton said in Baku that he would like to add another two titles to his current three world championships.

"Easily," he said. "I could easily do another three year contract if I wanted to. I reckon I could go another one after that."

Brawn wants up to 13 teams in F1

Costs are too high Ross

(GMM) Ross Brawn has admitted F1 would like more teams to enter the sport.

Recent rumors have suggested a prospective Chinese-backed team could be on the horizon, with FIA president Jean Todt saying a process could be launched to fill one or both of the current garage vacancies.

"Our goal is that in the future we have 12 or even 13 teams," new F1 sporting boss Brawn said.

"This can be achieved if we can adjust the economic model," he added.

Brawn is referring to the current, Bernie Ecclestone-devised income distribution system in F1, which prompted minnows Sauber and Force India to complain to the EU.

Brawn said: "The position of all the teams must be strengthened commercially. We want to achieve a more equitable distribution of income, although it won't be easy."

The current commercial contracts run until 2020.

Grosjean plays down 'spotters' reports
(GMM) Romain Grosjean has played down reports suggesting the Haas team is using 'spotters' in Baku.

In American oval-based racing, 'spotters' are positioned around the layout to let drivers know what is happening around them.

And heading into the weekend in Azerbaijan, whose street layout features a 2km straight, reports suggested the American team Haas will use spotters in Baku.

"I would not exaggerate that," team driver Grosjean said.

"Yes, we are trying to do our work more precisely in qualifying, in order to avoid problems with traffic. But I think other teams also use this method."

The 'method' he is referring to is a team member dedicated to monitoring traffic on track, but with the use of GPS technology.

Curb shortened at Turn 8 after incidents

Before

After

Modifications have been made at and around Turn 8 of the Baku City Circuit after incidents during Friday practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Sergio Perez was the corner's first victim, in FP1, as he bounced over the inside curb and slammed into the outside wall, causing extensive damage to his car.

In FP2, Jolyon Palmer suffered a similar crash, though the Renault driver was also hindered by a heavy lock-up, prior to running over the curb.

Ahead of FP3, it was decided that the curb would be shortened, while the track edge has been tweaked, and extra barriers installed.

"The curb on the apex of Turn 8 has been shortened and the track edge re-aligned," read an addition to Race Director Charlie Whiting's event notes.

"One additional row of TecPro barriers have been inserted on the first part of the barrier on the exit of Turn 8 (not the last part)."

Renault's Baku gains worth 0.2s per lap

The new Renault engine helped propel Red Bull to the front Friday

Renault's engine upgrades introduced for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix have led to a gain of 0.2s per lap, according to Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul.

Renault customer Red Bull intimated that a performance step was expected for Baku, before Abiteboul scaled down expectations, commenting that there would only be "small improvements".

However, Abiteboul compared the engine gains to a team making steps with its chassis, with the Renault-powered drivers having not taken power unit changes since the last event.

"There is improvement," Abiteboul commented.

"For instance, this weekend, we have two tenths of an upgrade in the engine; we were not expecting to make huge publicity on that, but I feel that I have to make that clarification.

"The upgrade is coming despite the fact that we are not changing the engine, [so] that's why it's important to disconnect the different aspects.

"It would be the same thing on the chassis side, we are having a sort of arms race.

"All teams are bringing big upgrades, and we are doing the same, but the same thing as on the engine, there won't be a golden bullet."

Honda, meanwhile, introduced upgrades to Fernando Alonso's MCL32, with Yusuke Hasegawa lifted by the performance demonstrated.

"Working through our program in accordance with the schedule, I can confirm that we were able to see the effectiveness of the update in the data," said Hasegawa.

"It was disappointing that Fernando had to stop the car during FP2, and unfortunately for us it was before doing his timed lap, but we still saw certain progress with the power of the PU.

"Overall, I regard the sessions as positive – we didn't have any major issues with the new spec PU, and I feel that we've taken an encouraging step forward."

Verstappen describes 'very weird' crash

Verstappen is a menace to himself and others

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has labelled his crash in the closing stages of Friday's second practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as "very weird".

Verstappen, having set the pace in first practice, remained on top through the second session, but lost control of his car at Turn 1 with around half a minute remaining on the clock.

He initially locked up, before trying to back out of the corner, only to lose the rear-end and slide into the barriers, causing significant damage to the car.

"It was very weird, to be honest," said Verstappen, who posted a best time of 1:43.362, on the Super Soft tire, to finish a tenth clear of Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas.

"I locked up and was still trying to make the corner, then I tried to play it safe and take the exit road, but suddenly I lost the rear and had like a four-wheel powerslide.

"We have new parts, and luckily it was nothing for the race."

Verstappen's team-mate, Daniel Ricciardo, completed a Red Bull 1-2 in FP1, before taking third in FP2, just 0.011s down on Bottas, and is optimistic about Red Bull's pace.

"It's been a pretty good day, both of us were in the top three in both sessions," he said.

"Given I was second [in FP1] I wasn't that content with my session, as knew there was a lot of room to improve with myself and the car, but I believe we made an improvement this afternoon.

"Still there's a little bit to find, but generally I'm a lot happier with how we ended the day."

Commenting on the various off-track moments, he said: "We saw so many mistakes out there today, it's really tricky, so it keeps you on your toes, for sure.

"It's still a new circuit, the asphalt is still quite new, and smooth and slippery, and it's low downforce, so that also takes grip away from the car.

"A lot of the apexes are also tight, so if you lock a brake then you have kind of got to veer off and abort the corner, otherwise you're heading to the wall."

Hamilton says he has 'lots of work to do'

Hamilton was much slower than his teammate on Friday

Lewis Hamilton says he and Mercedes have "lots of work to do" following a difficult first day of practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but is confident of making steps overnight.

Hamilton placed fifth in FP1, before falling to 10th in FP2, albeit posting his best lap time on the Soft compound tire, as opposed to the Super Soft.

Hamilton was one of a number of drivers to take to escape roads throughout Friday's running, with the field struggling to generate sufficient heat in their tires.

However, despite the struggles, Hamilton reckons Mercedes has a fundamentally quick car, referencing team-mate Valtteri Bottas' run to second.

"It was a difficult day out there," reflected Hamilton.

"This circuit is a tough one and we had a few challenges that we tried to work through today.

"We've clearly still got lots of work to do ahead of qualifying, but Valtteri's time in FP2 looked promising, so there is obviously pace in the car, which is encouraging.

"Now it's just a case of getting our heads together tonight to work out exactly how to extract that pace across the entire weekend."

Bottas, who finished a tenth behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, noted positive changes between sessions on his side of the garage.

"FP1 was quite tricky; we were struggling with the set-up of the car and it wasn't so well balanced," he commented.

"Today, we needed multiple laps in a row to generate the temperatures we want for a good balance.

"We made some changes ahead of FP2 and the car definitely felt more comfortable, [so] we are moving in the right direction and hopefully we'll make another step this evening.

"If we can find those gains we'll be right up there fighting for pole position."