Formula One News — October 2021

OCTOBER 15, 2021

Red Bull's F1 contracts 'suffocating' drivers

Red Bull has a "problem" with the way it binds drivers to their Formula 1 contracts.

OCTOBER 14, 2021

Red Bull not saying Mercedes engine illegal

Red Bull is working "day and night" to "uncover the secret" of how Mercedes pulled so quickly ahead in the otherwise intense 2021 title battle.

Mercedes under pressure for first time in years

Lewis Hamilton's title hopes will be dealt another blow if he is forced to take another engine change penalty in 2021.

Iconic Eau Rouge F1 chalet demolished

Spa-Francorchamps purists are mourning the demolition of a Formula 1 icon.

Andretti may jump on Alfa Romeo opportunity

Reports that former F1 driver Michael Andretti may acquire the team currently known as Alfa Romeo are yet to race past the rumour phase.

OCTOBER 13, 2021

F1 could disappear over green issues says Vettel

"Formula 1 could disappear" if it doesn't take environmental issues more seriously.

New fire-proof F1 gloves approved

Formula 1 has shown a green light to more fire-resistant gloves for the drivers.

F1 admits unvaccinated medical driver to miss races

F1's regular medical car driver will not be permitted into some of the countries set to host the final grands prix of 2021.

Giovinazzi said no to Alfa Romeo team order

Antonio Giovinazzi appears to have dealt a blow to his chances of keeping his seat at Alfa Romeo.

Kyalami eyes South Africa GP return in 2023

Kyalami is in pole position to return to the Formula 1 calendar.

Top teams resisting F1 tyre blanket ban

Top teams are resisting a push to see tyre blankets banned in Formula 1.

Alpine's Brivio could return to MotoGP

Davide Brivio looks set for a sensational return to MotoGP.

OCTOBER 12, 2021

Hamilton denies being furious about tyre call

Lewis Hamilton denies he was "furious" with Mercedes' race strategy call in Turkey.

Hardly anyone watching F1 on TV?

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's claims that the category is "more alive than ever" is not borne out by television statistics.

F1 medical driver could lose job over vaccine stance

The career of F1's regular and long-time medical car driver is on the line over his stance about covid vaccines.

Other teams also worried about Mercedes engine

"Other manufacturers" are also concerned about Mercedes' latest F1 engine update, according to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

F1 race director hits back at Alonso accusations

Michael Masi has hit back at F1 veteran Fernando Alonso's claim that FIA officials often make biased decisions when penalising drivers.

Binotto to skip more races in 2021

Having remained at Maranello while the Formula 1 circus raced in Turkey, Mattia Binotto is set to skip more races.

OCTOBER 11, 2021

Schumacher's son in F1 something special says Alonso

It is "something special" that Michael Schumacher's son is in Formula 1, according to Fernando Alonso.

Mercedes faster after surprising engine boost

Red Bull is concerned that title rival Mercedes has stolen a competitive march as their 2021 battle rages on.

2022 engine gives useful advantage says Binotto

Ferrari may have strategically botched a push for the podium in Turkey, but team boss Mattia Binotto is happy nevertheless.

F1 race director plays down unsafe Austin surface

F1 race director Michael Masi has played down a controversy surrounding the venue of the next race on the 2021 Formula 1 calendar.

Vettel won't turn his back on F1 after retiring

Sebastian Vettel says he won't turn his back on Formula 1 once he decides to hang up his helmet.

Alonso not willing to help Verstappen win title

Fernando Alonso politely declined an invitation to help Red Bull in Sunday's Turkish GP.

OCTOBER 10, 2021

Race Notes - Bottas wins in Turkey

Turkish GP - Race Notes