Latest F1 news in brief

Halo nixed for now

F1 delays 'Halo' and scraps radio ban
Massa, Bottas admit Williams seats uncertain
Vettel to debut wide Pirellis on Monday
No apology from Hamilton over middle finger – Gutierrez
Next Honda upgrade set for Spa – Button
Palmer happy to wait for Renault decision
Berger ponders if Ferrari 'lied' about Allison
Scuderia Toro Rosso Extends Sponsorship Agreement With Acronis

F1 delays 'Halo' and scraps radio ban
(GMM) F1 voted to delay the introduction of 'Halo' and also wind back the controversial radio clampdown in a key strategy group meeting on Thursday.

While the rest of the sport set up shop at Hockenheim, team bosses, the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone were actually in Geneva in the form of the strategy group.

But in Germany, the 'Halo' debate was raging on, with British rookie Jolyon Palmer saying most of the drivers were opposed but "don't really voice it in the press".

"He's incorrect," GPDA director Jenson Button hit back, "and it's very unfair for him to speak for other drivers. It (halo) is a great solution."

But the strategy group voted to delay it until 2018, while F1 supremo Ecclestone suggested Halo could be scrapped altogether.

"The halo maybe is not the right way to go," he told the Telegraph. "We're going to come up with something better than that."

The strategy group on Thursday also agreed to scrap the radio communications clampdown completely, with the exception of the formation lap.

They also voted for wet starts in 2017 instead of behind the pace car.

Massa and Bottas battle in Hungary

Massa, Bottas admit Williams seats uncertain
(GMM) Williams' current F1 drivers have admitted they are still facing an uncertain future on the grid.

Felipe Massa, the Brazilian veteran, says he is in talks regarding 2017 not only with the British team.

"Talks began some time ago, and not only with my current team," he said at Hockenheim.

"If it doesn't work and I can't find a team that can have good results, I can finish my formula one career," Massa admitted.

Massa, 35, said that only if it is clear that he is leaving F1 will he begin to look at alternatives for 2017 beyond the pinnacle of motor sport.

Also in doubt is the place at Williams occupied alongside Massa by Finn Valtteri Bottas.

"First of all, I'm very confident that I will be in formula one next year. I have not thought of any other option," he told the Finnish broadcaster MTV.

"Decisions affecting me have always happened after the summer break around September, so there's no rush and I'm not worried," Bottas added.

Although supported by Toto Wolff, Didier Coton and Mika Hakkinen, the 26-year-old said he is more involved in his contract negotiations than ever before.

"For me, it's very easy to speak directly with the team and it's great to be more involved in my own career," he said. "The negotiations don't interfere with my driving in any way."

Vettel to test wide Pirellis

Vettel to debut wide Pirellis on Monday
(GMM) Sebastian Vettel will be the first F1 driver to sample Pirelli's bigger and wider tires for the 2017 season.

After his home German grand prix on Sunday, the 29-year-old will head straight to Ferrari's Fiorano test circuit where, on Monday, the first of 24 days of specific Pirelli testing for the new 2017 tires begins.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that on a 2015 Ferrari, modified to produce more downforce, the wider Pirellis with a wet compound will make their debut on the artificially-watered Fiorano layout.

With Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull supplying the test cars, Pirelli has insisted that the teams' race drivers do the track running.

"We want to rely on the best possible feedback from the drivers," the report quoted a Pirelli source as saying.

But on August 3 at Mugello, it will be Sebastien Buemi doing the first running of the wide 2017 slicks, aboard Red Bull's modified 2015 car.

Mercedes' first Pirelli running will take place in September.

Ride buyer Esteban Gutierrez got the middle finger from Hamilton

No apology from Hamilton over middle finger – Gutierrez
(GMM) Esteban Gutierrez says world champion Lewis Hamilton is yet to apologize for making an obscene gesture during last weekend's Hungarian GP.

Although penalized for not obeying blue flags when lapped, Mexican Haas driver Gutierrez was furious at Hamilton for sticking up his middle finger during the passing maneuver.

"I think the penalty came only because Lewis complained, which is a problem because what he did was disrespectful," Gutierrez was quoted by the Spanish sports newspaper Marca at Hockenheim.

"It was unsportsmanlike and he should learn to respect his competitors and those, like me, who are doing their best and trying to let him pass in a safe place," he added.

Asked if he had cleared the air with Hamilton, Gutierrez answered: "I haven't talked to him.

"I know he's been looking for my number but I didn't get a call. We'll see over the weekend," he said.

"Personally I have nothing against him, but I think whoever we are, we are all people who deserve the same level of respect," said the 24-year-old.

Meanwhile, amid a great controversy about a yellow flag incident in Hungary, Fernando Alonso said he will not be following Hamilton's lead in asking for a clarification in Friday's driver briefing.

"I was in F1 for 16 years, and competing for 31 years, and every two races there is a situation with yellow flags," Spaniard Alonso said.

"I think it was never a problem until it happened to Nico (Rosberg). I remember Vettel with Vergne in Brazil with yellow flags and he (Vettel) became world champion.

"For me, the stewards had the information and made their decision, everything is clear — I do not need any clarification," Alonso added.

Button waits for next Honda upgrade

Next Honda upgrade set for Spa – Button
(GMM) Honda is not resting in its efforts to close the gap to its power unit rivals.

Christian Horner revealed recently that Renault is now less than 50 horse power behind field-leaders Mercedes and Ferrari.

McLaren's works supplier Honda has also improved markedly in 2017, and another step is coming soon according to team driver Jenson Button.

"We have the summer break and then Spa (the Belgian GP), where we will have another update for the power unit, which is exciting," the Briton is quoted by the Spanish sports daily AS at Hockenheim.

The steps made by Honda and McLaren this year have also been welcomed by Fernando Alonso, who thinks he is performing better as a driver compared to 2015.

"Last year I was not comfortable, not happy with my own performance," said the Spaniard.

"But this year I'm driving at my best level," he added.

Jolyon Palmer happy to wait to see if his check will be large enough for next year

Palmer happy to wait for Renault decision
(GMM) Jolyon Palmer thinks he is still in the running to prolong his F1 career beyond a single season.

Already amid speculation he could lose his seat, the rookie Briton was en route to debut points in Hungary a week ago when he spun.

"If he doesn't learn from this, it's goodbye," former F1 driver Johnny Herbert said.

Renault, however, says it is yet to make its driver decision for 2017, and 25-year-old Palmer thinks he is still very much a candidate.

"I think it's too early for the team to be thinking about it now," Palmer is quoted as saying in Hockenheim by the Dutch source Formule1.

"I think the team also has quite a lot to do preparing for 2017, so at the moment it's just waiting."

Amid rumors potential 2017 candidates Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon are putting pressure on Palmer and his teammate Kevin Magnussen, Palmer said he remains focused on this year.

"I want to show what I can do and continue to improve with each race.

"I know there are still two seats free, I'm sure, so I'm not too worried. I feel good, like I'm driving well and that I'm getting stronger with each race weekend," he added.

Vettel again denies Ferrari is in crisis but in fact it is

Berger ponders if Ferrari 'lied' about Allison
(GMM) Ferrari on Thursday faced suggestions it "lied" about the impending departure of James Allison.

In Hungary mere days ago, boss Maurizio Arrivabene angrily batted away speculation about the team's technical director.

"Ferrari behaved as though there were nothing in the rumors and three days later confirmed them," former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger told Germany's Auto Bild.

"We can now consider what is worse: that they did not know about it, or that they lied," the great Austrian added.

Current Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen on Thursday would not comment on Allison's departure beyond saying he has "respect" for the Briton.

Vettel, meanwhile, insisted: "Obviously there will be a difference but in the short term it doesn't change that much."

So as Ross Brawn denied he is returning to Ferrari, Allison having been replaced by engine chief Mattia Binotto and questions swirling about Arrivabene and team president Sergio Marchionne, Vettel was asked if Ferrari is indeed in crisis.

"No, I think we have the right people on board," the German driver insisted at Hockenheim.

Vettel said Binotto is "very experienced", and welcomed the fact that president Marchionne is pushing Ferrari "very hard".

"Obviously it (Allison's departure) is a big change now, which doesn't impact on tomorrow's work but obviously for the future. No doubt about it, but I think things are heading in the right direction.

"In Maurizio's case as well, he's been in formula one and involved for a long time, so I think he knows the business very well and I think he's doing a very, very good job," said Vettel.

"That's how we all feel in the team. He's our leader, he's the team principal and we're happy he's with us."

Scuderia Toro Rosso Extends Sponsorship Agreement With Acronis
Scuderia Toro Rosso and Acronis, a global leader in hybrid cloud data protection which partnered with the team on the occasion of last week's Hungarian GP, are very pleased to announce the extension of the agreement to a new long-term partnership, designed to reach new heights in racing and technological product development.

The new partnership will lead to rapid innovation, increased safety and enhanced performance during races and off the track.

The Acronis logo, which was already visible on our STR11 cars in Budapest, will continue to be on the team's cars and its drivers' race suits, signifying Acronis' commitment to the team through providing the latest technology to protect Toro Rosso's IT infrastructure.

Acronis' team appreciates the complexity of racing in the pinnacle of motorsport, where every millisecond counts. Toro Rosso will use Acronis hybrid cloud data protection solutions to guarantee data availability when it's most needed — during races and preparing for new events.

Scuderia Toro Rosso produces up to 700 GB of data every race weekend. Hundreds of sensors with multiple data points monitor the cars, providing real-time information, which is immediately analyzed and used through the race to improve performance. The data is also transferred to Toro Rosso's base in Faenza, Italy, where a support group of engineers and data analysts use it for car improvements and new race strategies.

The sport is a data-driven business — the data collected on the racetrack fuels rapid innovation and enables the team to make educated decisions more efficiently.

"In our competitive environment it is becoming increasingly more important to protect all our technical information with a very high standard of software and Acronis can offer exactly what we need. Now that we have a long-term project together, we can't wait to start working with Acronis, not only on a sponsorship level, but also in terms of adopting their data protection products within our factory and race team. I am sure we will both benefit from this technical cooperation and it will help our team to continue moving forward," commented Team Principal Franz Tost.

Scuderia Toro Rosso is an R&D powerhouse, which analyses massive amounts of data and fine-tunes cars for each new race, depending on previous history and the current track condition. Acronis places great importance and invests large amounts of resources into R&D activities as well. The two teams will join forces to deliver the best results in racing and in the field of data protection by focusing on precision engineering, performance, design, innovation, and teamwork. The new partnership will lead to increased safety and enhanced performance on and off the track.

"Acronis is a cutting edge and forward looking company, growing rapidly in the field of data protection, which links in very well with the sport. This cooperation will see them and us work well and progress together," said Scuderia Toro Rosso driver, Daniil Kvyat.

"It's great news that Acronis has decided to support our team with a long term partnership", commented Scuderia Toro Rosso driver, Carlos Sainz. "Formula 1 is a technologically intensive sport and Toro Rosso is looking forward to working together with Acronis".

"Racing teams are very efficient in using the collected data for rapid innovation and developing new technology. Acronis will race alongside Scuderia Toro Rosso on and off the track, perfecting our own technology and delivering the best products to our partners and customers in the same efficient way," said Serguei Beloussov, Acronis' Founder and CEO. "This is a first class sport and Acronis subscribes to its philosophy of success – focusing on a combination of personal ingenuity, team unity and cutting-edge technologies and engineering. We really value the Red Bull brand and we've chosen Scuderia Toro Rosso, having great respect for its Team Principal, Franz Tost, and its drivers, Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz. Their vision for the team coincides with our corporate culture of being alert, responsive, vigilant, decisive and relentless, knowing firsthand how often things can work out just at the very last moment when the temptation to quit is greatest. This is relevant to dynamic sport and business".

About Acronis
Acronis sets the standard for hybrid cloud data protection through its backup, disaster recovery, and secure file sync and share solutions. Powered by the Acronis AnyData Engine and set apart by its image technology, Acronis delivers easy, complete and affordable data protection of all files, applications and operating systems across any environment–virtual, physical, cloud and mobile. Founded in 2003, Acronis protects the data of over 5 million consumers and 500,000 businesses in over 145 countries. With more than 100 patents, Acronis products have been named best product of the year, and cover a range of features, including migration, cloning and replication. Today, Acronis solutions are available worldwide through a global network of service providers, distributors and cloud resellers.