Wings are back on the menu in Azerbaijan
Date published:
June 2 2021
As Formula 1 returns to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, there’s a chance the off-track conversation could draw as much attention as the racing itself at the weekend.
So-called ‘bendy’ front and rear wings have been a hot topic in the F1 paddock in recent weeks, with the chance of Mercedes potentially protesting against Red Bull’s rear wing design – which they feel partially flexes at speed to improve car performance.
As a result of the talk surrounding the supposed infringement of the rules, the FIA will be imposing new tests on the flexibility of the teams’ wings, but not until the French Grand Prix. This provides an opportunity for Mercedes to lodge a protest in Baku if they want to fully commit to trying to stop Red Bull using their ‘limbo’ rear wing for one final race.
Valtteri Bottas said Mercedes have to learn from the pit stop disaster that robbed him of a podium - and possibly a shot at victory - in the Monaco Grand Prix.
Bottas qualified third in Monaco but was promoted to P2 as pole-sitter Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari didn’t make it to the grid. The Finn had a quick start but de facto pole-sitter Max Verstappen defended his lead vehemently into Turn 1 and Bottas had to settle for a chase.
But in the crucial pit stop phase Bottas s race suddenly unravelled when he stopped on Lap 31 only to find his mechanics couldn t switch his right-front tyre. Mercedes explained soon afterwards that the wheel nut had “machined onto the axle preventing it from being removed and forcing Bottas in retirement.
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Brawn revealed as next ‘In Conversation With’ guest
Date published:
May 11 2021
Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn will be the next star of the sport to sit down ‘In Conversation With’ The Muscle Help Foundation on Wednesday, May 12.
Brawn’s illustrious career has served to establish him as one of the greatest engineers and team bosses Formula 1 has ever seen.
As technical director, Brawn took the Benetton team to title glory in the 1990s, but it was at Ferrari where his greatest achievement was realised.
With the legendary Michael Schumacher at the wheel, Brawn oversaw a run of dominance for the Scuderia which yielded six Constructors’ Championships and five Drivers’ titles across six seasons.