Latest F1 news in brief

Vandoorne during one of the rare moments that the McLaren runs. And of course he is on Super-Soft tires to mask the McLaren's lack of pace so far

Vandoorne concerned as McLaren problems continue
Renault teams may use 'four engine' approach
Grid girl controversy 'nonsense' – Todt
Force India 'no longer best in midfield' – Perez
Liberty doesn't understand F1 technology – Marchionne
Toro Rosso giving Honda more 'freedom'
Exhaust-blowing Renault 'better everywhere' – Hulkenberg
Verstappen not commenting on Wolff's prediction
Hamilton helped broker Mercedes sponsor deal
Haas want a quick decision on 2021 rules

Vandoorne concerned as McLaren problems continue
(GMM) Stoffel Vandoorne has expressed some concern as a difficult winter for McLaren continues.

After a troubled opening test, the British team's new Renault-powered car struck more problems in Barcelona on Tuesday.

Some of the blame might be Renault's, with Red Bull also suffering from a battery problem.

"This is a normal process," argued Renault's Bob Bell. "We're using all the batteries in testing and choosing the best ones for the rest of the season."

But as images emerged of the 2018 car featuring emergency cooling at the top of the engine cover, McLaren driver Vandoorne admitted some concern.

"It's true. It was a very difficult day for us," he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

"We had a lot of technical problems and now we have to find solutions. We have only three days of testing left and we need this preparation for Melbourne."

McLaren boss Eric Boullier insisted he is not "overly concerned" about the problems.

When asked if the Renault battery issues at McLaren and Red Bull were a worry, Renault works driver Carlos Sainz admitted: "Of course, and we must carefully study what happened to them.

"If they are related to the Renault engine, we will deal with them," he added.

Renault teams may use 'four engine' approach

Given the Renaults break down a lot, using four engines instead of three appears inevitable

(GMM) Renault-powered teams are considering using four engines per driver instead of just three in 2018.

The rules have changed over the winter, meaning drivers will be penalized if they use more than three power units across the long 21-race season.

But Auto Motor und Sport reports that Renault may advise its teams to plan to use four engines instead, thereby voluntarily taking a penalty at some point.

"Because the engine life is longer, it slows down the development," said boss Cyril Abiteboul.

What he means is that, in theory, a driver will use the same engine for 7 races until it is changed. But by using four engines, Renault can introduce more developments.

"The balance between reliability and development for more power is incredibly hard to find," Abiteboul added.

Renault customer Red Bull sounds keen on Renault's four-engine plan.

"If you strategically plan the penalties, you will not lose so much," said Dr Helmut Marko.

"We started from the back in Monza last year and finished fourth," he added.

Designer Adrian Newey agrees: "If you're a racer, you'd plan with four engines. Because the benefits are greater than the disadvantages."

And McLaren boss Eric Boullier said: "We will do what is best for us.

"First of all we will see where we are and then decide, but the question of three or four engines is definitely up for debate."

It seems that Mercedes and Ferrari will not adopt the same four-engine approach.

"A penalty means you lose a race and that can cost you the title," said engine boss Andy Cowell.

Grid girl controversy 'nonsense' – Todt

Jean Todt

(GMM) Jean Todt has counted himself out of the debate about 'grid girls'.

F1 owner Liberty Media has banned them, replacing the women with children for 2018.

FIA president Todt told Auto Bild at the Geneva motor show: "For me it's no problem. In fact it's a stupid problem.

"I have no desire and no time in my life to discuss grid girls. I'm sorry there's so much talk about a nonsense."

The Frenchman was also asked about comments made by Carmen Jorda, after she said women should focus on trying to get into the physically easier Formula E rather than F1.

Todt said: "I'm in favor of women in racing, and a bit frustrated that we do not have enough. But I'm against a championship for women only."

Former Ferrari boss Todt was also asked about the Maranello team's F1 quit threat.

He is quoted by Speed Week: "I love Ferrari, but I'm not worried about them leaving.

"My concern now is about making the right decisions for the future of the sport in general. If we do a good job, then we will not lose the most important participants," said Todt.

Force India 'no longer best in midfield' – Perez

Sergio Perez talking to reporters in Barcelona

(GMM) Sergio Perez admits Force India's place at the top of the F1 midfield is currently in doubt.

Now five days into winter testing, the Mexican confessed that other midfield teams are currently ahead of the small Silverstone based outfit that for the last two years has been fourth in the world championship.

"We have to take a big step forward by the first race in Melbourne," Perez admitted.

"I hope we can do that and then we can be competitive again.

"I think what we see in these test days is not relevant, as it's difficult to estimate where we are at the moment.

"But I think we can say with certainty that we are no longer the best in the midfield."

Perez continued: "However I've said a few times that it doesn't matter where we start, but where we are in the last race in Abu Dhabi.

"We'll see in Melbourne what our update brings, but I hope it brings a lot. But it's still too early to be happy or disappointed."

Liberty doesn't understand F1 technology – Marchionne

Sergio Marchionne told Liberty to go pound sand

(GMM) Sergio Marchionne has told Liberty Media to back off and let Ferrari get on with the business of making F1 cars.

Recently, the Ferrari president said he disagreed with Liberty's apparent post-2020 direction for F1 and threatened to quit after 2020.

But Marchionne said at the Geneva motor show that he believes a compromise will be found.

"We want a clear protection of the DNA of this sport. We do not want it to be diluted by commercial and entertainment factors," he is quoted by Corriere dello Sport.

"We are engaged in the technical side, while I believe Liberty does not understand a thing about this. So let us work.

"If one competitor cannot be distinguished from the next – if Ferrari cannot stand out from Mercedes – then we'll do something else," Marchionne said.

When asked if the Bernie Ecclestone era was better, the Italian-Canadian said: "I saw Bernie this morning. I don't know.

"Liberty's commercial commitment is very serious, but Bernie had a unique strength — he was not going to interfere in the technical choice," he said.

As for Ferrari's chances of winning the title in 2018, Marchionne said he is feeling "relaxed".

"It's definitely the quietest season I've faced since arriving in 2014," he revealed.

"The boys are in control more than before. We have all the conditions we need and I think the car can be a winner at 51 per cent of the races this season."

Marchionne ruled out moving Ferrari into Formula E, saying the category is "too funny to watch on TV with all those car changes".

"For Alfa Romeo, we thought about it but we're not ready to talk about it. I do not think the technology is suitable."

As for the rumor about Maserati teaming up with Haas, Marchionne said: "We have thought about it and there is that possibility, but first I want to see how it goes with (Sauber and) Alfa."

Toro Rosso giving Honda more 'freedom'

The Honda is strong and reliable. Meanwhile the McLaren breaks down all the time

(GMM) Toro Rosso says it is giving Honda "freedom" to thrive in formula one.

After three years of perseverance, McLaren finally called time on its works collaboration with the Japanese carmaker at the end of last season.

But the British team is still struggling after switching to Renault power.

At the same time, Toro Rosso is happy to have left the Renault camp and just as happy to now be working as Honda's works partner.

So far in winter testing, the Faenza based team's package has been very reliable and not notably slow.

One theory is that Toro Rosso is being far more accommodating to Honda, with McLaren having imposed certain technical requirements on its partner in 2015-2017.

Toro Rosso boss James Key is quoted by Corriere dello Sport: "We wanted to work with Honda.

"Our team principal knows them well so we felt that we could establish a very friendly relationship and good understanding. So far it's been that way.

"We are trying to give Honda the freedom it needs to get back to the level of performance that it deserves. Basically we felt a responsibility to provide them a car that will allow them to express their full potential.

"I think they appreciated it," Key added.

As for the question of power, Key said the difference between the Renault and Honda power units is quite small.

"As long as things continue like this, there is no reason to think that they will not be able to fight with Renault by the middle of the year," he said.

Key also said the Honda deal continues into 2019, whether or not sister team Red Bull also makes the switch from Renault.

"We have a separate agreement. If Red Bull comes in it will be in addition to us," he revealed.

Exhaust-blowing Renault 'better everywhere' – Hulkenberg

Teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. in the new Renault

(GMM) The new Renault car is better in every way, according to driver Nico Hulkenberg.

One analysis from the Barcelona testing is that the French works team is ready to step up to become 'best of the rest' behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.

"I would not call ourselves a secret favorite, but we did our homework and fixed our weaknesses," German driver Hulkenberg told Kolner Express newspaper.

"I have more speed, grip, drivability — a little of everything," he added.

The yellow and black car is also raising eyebrows at its rear end, with the exhaust pipe directed upwards to blow air onto the specially heat-treated rear wing.

"We are fine tuning what we have here and then we will be well prepared for battle," Hulkenberg said in Barcelona.

The next step will reportedly be a new aero package that will be fitted for the last days of winter testing.

Renault's clear goal is to unseat Force India for fourth place in the constructors' championship.

"We have to show that we can safely finish among the top four," technical boss Bob Bell told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Only then will the company issue the checks to further upgrade the team," he revealed.

Verstappen not commenting on Wolff's prediction

Max Verstappen

(GMM) Toto Wolff thinks F1 is heading for a three-team battle in 2018.

While some think Mercedes is clearly still in the lead, Ferrari is notably confident and Red Bull is keeping its cards very close to its chest.

"Red Bull is the fastest car at the moment but we, Ferrari and them are very close," Mercedes boss Wolff told Sky Italia in Barcelona.

"There is no big difference."

When asked about Wolff's prediction, Verstappen smiled in Barcelona: "We'll find out in Melbourne.

"It's too early and I don't want to talk about it."

The Dutchman would only say that his good impression formed in the freezing test conditions last week was "confirmed" now that the weather is better.

"The question mark is about the others," Verstappen said.

As for whether Red Bull is planning big car upgrades before Melbourne, he said: "I can only advise you to keep your eyes open."

Carlos Sainz admitted that while Renault might be 'best of the rest', the gap to the top three teams is still significant.

"I would not be surprised," said the Spaniard.

"Because the cars are an evolution and it is very difficult to recover a gap to Ferrari and Mercedes since they are the ones with the most resources," he added.

"As for the rest we'll see, but I think the battle in the middle group will be incredibly dense," said Sainz.

Hamilton helped broker Mercedes sponsor deal

Lewis Hamilton

(GMM) Lewis Hamilton helped bring a new sponsor to Mercedes.

Bild newspaper reports that the quadruple world champion, a fashion aficionado, was involved in connecting New York label Tommy Hilfiger with his F1 team.

"Lewis made contact last summer," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed.

"It's a brand he likes. We then managed to put the partnership together."

The multi-year Tommy Hilfiger news could make it even more likely that Hamilton will stay at Mercedes for the foreseeable future.

When asked about a 2019 deal for Hamilton, Wolff told Sky Italia: "We are working on a few missing details, as we want to do it well.

"It also depends on how many years we want to extend it for, but I hope to close the contract before Australia."

Haas want a quick decision on 2021 rules

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner

As Formula 1 continues to debate the new rules for 2021, Guenther Steiner says it needs to be done as a collective package as no one issue can stand alone.

While engines promise to be the hot topic with Ferrari and Mercedes already up in arms about Liberty Media proposed changes, Steiner reckons there is more to it than just power units.

“In my opinion, everything goes together," the Haas team boss told ESPN.

“Budget gap, prize money, revenue disruption, engine regulation – it all goes together. You cannot decouple any. The thing which you can decouple a little bit is the engine but again if you do not have the full the picture, where should it go?

“I think what we all are expecting from Liberty is to give us an idea of what they want to do in 2021, as soon as possible.

“Whatever it is and I am not suggesting ‘it should be this’ and I don’t want to get into that one but if you leave everything like it is, we need to know because then everyone, and I think not only us, but the other ones that say, let us know about the engine, let us know about the engine cap, let us know about revenue distribution because we need to know so everyone can make their decisions on where they want to be in 2021."

But while F1 is looking to 2021, Steiner believes it is important that the blueprint is decided on before the end of this year.

“Absolutely, because if you have a business you need to know what the market looks [like] and it’s the same for us," he said.

“We’ve got a team, but don’t know how it’s going to be in 2021. If somebody wants to change the rules dramatically you never know if you want to be part of it or not. We just need to know what is happening so we can decide or Mr [Gene] Haas can decide what to do."