Alvin's Formula One Blog

A look back at the 2016 F1 season in numbers with Pirelli. I know some of it is unnecessary but it's interesting that they keep track of so many things. "This has been an incredible season both on and off the track," says Pirelli Motorsport Director, Paul Hembery, as the Italian manufacturer reflects on the busiest F1 season ever. "So here are a few facts and figures as a souvenir of a year that will go down in history. "Pirelli has introduced a brand new compound - the ultrasoft - and also new regulations that allowed teams to use three compounds during each race, selected in advance. This extra tactical intrigue proved to be a highlight of the year, enhancing the show still further. "We also had the final season of tyres with a deliberately high level of degradation, as from next year we adopt a new philosophy in line with the latest direction for the sport. "At the same time as completing this season, we were testing for the next one: both...

As Nico Hulkenberg leaves Force India for Renault, 11 seats have yet to be officially confirmed for 2017. Indeed, the German, who had an existing contract with Force India for 2017, is proof that even if a contract is in place those numerous clauses contained in it mean nothing can be taken for granted until the cars line up on the grid in Melbourne, though in Sauber’s case… While Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren have confirmed their 2017 line-ups, a number of teams have only nominated one driver thus far, while four, including Williams, have yet to officially confirm either of their drivers. Though Valtteri Bottas is likely to remain with Williams, it is known that Renault is eyeing the Finn whose rise appears to have faltered somewhat this season. While Canadian youngster Lance Stroll is expected to fill one of the seats at Grove, due to the team's sponsorship by drinks giant Martini no announcement can be made before he turns 18 later this month, the Saturday of the...

According to Jaime Algersuari the Indian GP is special because the layout of the  Buddh International Circuit is one of the best in the championship. It is very high speed, with fast chicanes, and there are good places to overtake. One corner stands out in particular. It's listed on the circuit map as Turns 10 and 11, but actually it is one long right-hander that seems to go on forever. It's just fantastic to go through there and feel like the corner is never ending. It's high speed, in fifth gear, and it's never easy for the outside front tyre. Jaime Alguersuari is the youngest-ever driver to make a Formula One race appearance and the first Spanish teenager to follow in the footsteps of a certain Mr Fernando Alonso and join the F1 ranks. He is a former F1 driver and BBC Radio 5 live analyst who raced for Toro Rosso (2009-2011). To read more of what he thinks of the Indian GP, proceed here .

Well, let me apologise for this delay to post my opinions on the cars that were launched recently by the F1 teams for this season. My mind has been quite busy lately dealing with some personal stresses. So, getting to the point. The first test of the season is already underway at Valencia (not the street track but the permanent one, I must say that track is pretty short and not so demanding) but I have not even given my 2 cents of the current crop of cars. So here it goes. FERRARI The Ferrari F10 looks good. The overall shape is different than last years' car and the nose is similar but seems higher and longer. The front wing is complicated, the rear wing is still too small but there is a nice touch of white to the livery. The sidepods are weird though and I seem to notice the exhaust coming out halfway down them, is that right or even legal? MCLAREN So far the most beautiful car in the pack. McLaren have this knack for good design, they did it last year with the MP4-24 when the ne...

Friday 19th June 2009 Now that FOTA have finally lost patience with the FIA there is going to be a whole host of consequences. Andrew Davies ponders the things that immediately spring to mind... * Max Mosley's bid to get teams to run on £40m a year (+ drivers + marketing) has always seemed out of touch with big money worldwide sports models. Spanish football club Real Madrid have a revenue of £290m and that's without a major showing in the Champions League. With a lot more sponsorship and global exposure, F1 has a far greater earning potential. * What seemed like a too-early bid to abandon ship by Lola cars - when they announced that they were withdrawing their F1 application midweek - seems quite a good move now. Because they can join the FOTA grid, which (providing it has all current eight teams) will be the series people will want to watch next year. * Will David Richards' ProDrive and Epsilon follow ...