FORMULA 1 - 2015

[MIKA27]

Nurburgring hoping for F1 calendar return in 2017

Nurburgring boss Carsten Schumacher is hopeful that the circuit will make a comeback after falling off the Formula 1 calendar this season due to financial troubles.

The German Grand Prix formed part of a 20 race calendar in 2015, but talks between circuit bosses and Bernie Ecclestone broke down, resulting in its cancellation, dropping the calendar down to 19 rounds.

The Hockenheim circuit had tried to step in and rescue the race, but it was too late for it to put everything required in place. Whilst the German GP will return in 2016 at Hockenheim, the Nurburgring's future remains an unknown.

However Schumacher is hopeful it will once again play host to F1, admitting discussions are ongoing with Ecclestone.

"We have already this year held long discussions about F1," he told Motorsport-Total. "We were very committed to making sure we had a race. I regret that it did not take place eventually.

"We strive to have an F1 race in 2017 and are having the appropriate discussions with Bernie Ecclestone. The topic of F1 is not off the table."

Schumacher regrets the race could not go ahead, but admitted it was the best option to ensure the survival of the circuit.

"I feel sorry for the fans, the region and also for us that the race could not happen," he added.

"We could not and would not bear alone the risks. Instead of F1, we had a round of the World Endurance Championship, which proved to be a tremendous success.

"In hindsight, we have not met anyone who said that we took a wrong decision, it’s actually quite the contrary."

[MIKA27]

Button latest F1 driver to join Race of Champions

Jenson Button is the latest Formula 1 driver to join this year's Race of Champions event which is to be held at London's former Olympic stadium in November.

The Briton is just one of six current drivers taking part, with Sebastian Vettel, Romain Grosjean, Nico Hülkenberg, Felipe Massa and Daniel Ricciardo all having been confirmed already.

They will race greats from Le Mans, IndyCar, Rallycross, Touring Cars and MotoGP in a bid to find the ultimate 'Champion of Champions', whilst also competing in national teams.

Button will team up with Alex Buncombe, 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series Champion, in one of two English teams.

"I can't wait to be back at the Race Of Champions again – and especially to be racing at home at London’s former Olympic Stadium. It is always a very special event with a good atmosphere," said the McLaren driver.

"You’re racing against guys from your own series plus others from all over the world. We get to meet friends old and new from the different forms of motor sport so we enjoy our time both on and off the track.

"It's always a lot of fun but everyone wants to put on a good show for the fans – and of course we only pretend to be taking it easy before giving it everything when we’re sitting in the car on the line.

"I look forward to partnering Alex Buncombe in the ROC Nations Cup too. Germany had an annoying habit of beating us at Wembley in 2007 and 2008 so it's about time we made it all the way now we’ll be racing on the other side of London. Now all I can do is urge any race fans out there to get themselves to the former Olympic Stadium later this month to give us a cheer…"

Other drivers taking part include: Nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen, reigning World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, reigning Formula E Champion Nelson Piquet Jr, Williams Martini Racing’s Official Test Driver Susie Wolff, British Touring Car great Jason Plato, 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, ROC Champion of Champions David Coulthard plus MotoGP world champions Mick Doohan and Jorge Lorenzo.

[MIKA27]

Ladder to F1 has “fundamental problem”, says Coulthard

David Coulthard believes that the junior single-seater ladder has a “fundamental problem”, with Formula 1 is losing too many potential stars of the future.

Spiralling budgets in F1’s traditional feeder categories have forced an increasing number of young drivers to abandon their Grand Prix ambitions and turn towards alternatives such as sportscars and DTM.

Even those who have had an opportunity to prove their talent have found it a struggle to break into the highest level, with dominant GP2 champion Vandoorne facing another year in the F1 reserve driver role - and a possible switch to the Japan-based Super Formula series next season.

Coulthard said that this trend poses a major issue for F1, which he thinks could find itself increasingly starved of the best young talent in years to come.

“There seems to be a fundamental problem with the ladder into F1,” he told Motorsport.com. “We are losing more of the champions of lower formulae.

“In the past F3000 or even F3 champions moved on to F1, but now they don’t make it any more.

“Obviously, there are now less cars on the grid in F1 so there are less opportunities, and somebody has to pay in the end.

“That makes it difficult for most young drivers, and I’ve never seen such depth in F3 in my whole life,” added the Scotsman, referring to this year’s 33-strong European F3 field.

One driver still in with a chance of making his Grand Prix debut next year is DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein, who is remains in contention to land a seat with the tail-end Manor squad.

Coulthard, who competed in DTM from 2010-12, singled out the German tin-top series as one category that still offers a passage to F1 for young talents.

“DTM seems to be the one formula that either drivers come back to from Formula 1 or come up from DTM to Formula 1,” he said.

“You’d expect single-seaters to be the more obvious way, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

[MIKA27]

Engine manufacturers are not charities - Toto Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says engine manufacturers cannot be "charitable" with how much money they charge customers for a power unit.

The FIA has joined forces with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to push for a budget engine for 2017 after Ferrari vetoed the governing body's attempt to introduce a cost cap to reduce engine bills for non-manufacturer teams. An engine and gearbox deal currently costs around €20 million a year, with the FIA originally hoping to reduce that to €12 million.

Ferrari argued it should not have the cost of its product dictated by the FIA. Wolff agrees with this opinion and points to the fact Mercedes currently loses money in its supply deals with Williams, Force India and Lotus.

"We already lose money on the engine side, substantial," Wolff said. "The question is how much more do we lose if we continue to subsidise those engines to some of our partners.

"Partners expect to have the most competitive engine and in order to have the most competitive engine, because its a competitive environment, we spend very substantial amounts in developing those engines. Nobody has ever asked us how we plan to recover those or if someone can contribute to help us to recover.

"You can argue whether the marketing benefit of the development spend is right or wrong but as a matter of fact we live in a world where we are all facing a commercial reality and that commercial reality is that we need to be as efficient as possible and try to recover the best possible amount."

The proposed budget engine would be in the region of €6-7 million. Wolff says Mercedes is willing to talk to the FIA about a compromise around its original suggestion of cutting engine costs.

"I think you cannot expect any stakeholder in the sport to have a charitable approach, but you have to just -- although optimising your own situation -- find a compromise for the sake of the sport.

"I think that it is perfectly legitimate for the FIA to try to convince the power unit manufacturers to reduce the price, because the better the price the more easy it is for the smaller teams to make the numbers. I can understand their position, but on the other side as engine manufacturers, we have complied to these new regulations, we have developed these engines, and they are based on a business case.

"Part of the business case is the income side. So if that changes now, it changes our figures - and this is why it is different interests. But, for the benefit of F1 in general, we need to have that conversation."

[MIKA27]

Red Bull at risk of missing first 2016 F1 test

Christian Horner admits Red Bull Racing could be forced to skip the first Formula 1 test of the 2016 pre-season unless it can secure an engine deal imminently.

Red Bull remains without an engine for the 2016 season after its bitter divorce from Renault and subsequent rejections of supply from Mercedes and Ferrari, while a mooted deal with Honda is being blocked by McLaren.

Though it remains possible that Red Bull could quit the sport if it can't secure a competitive engine, even if the FIA and FOM do succeed in their attempts to force a deal through, Horner believes time is running out to get the car ready for the first test of 2016 in February.

“At the moment we're right on the limit to be at the first test. The team at Milton Keynes have demonstrated their abilities to work to massively tight deadlines and I'm sure we'd be able to meet whatever targets we need to, as we come to a decision in the next couple of weeks.

“We're working hard to find a solution and behind the scenes there is an awful lot going on to help us try and achieve that. Obviously there are certain obstacles in our way

Meanwhile, though Red Bull has been criticised for ending its Renault deal before confirming another one in its place, Horner suggests there are still no regrets.

“I think that frustration is, you have to understand all the history, the background and the circumstances and so it's always to look with hindsight and say this and say that but you know, there were things said from both sides. A lot of focus is placed on what Red Bull said but it's not a one-way street.”

[davidsan]

Only reason I want to see RB do their 'own' engine is to see Newey & Mario Illien back together Alla Mclaren days, it can only be a good thing! Probs poach a few sharp Cosworth guys from around the traps as well.

[Baldy]

Only reason I want to see RB do their 'own' engine is to see Newey & Mario Illien back together Alla Mclaren days, it can only be a good thing! Probs poach a few sharp Cosworth guys from around the traps as well.

Yeah it would be interesting but kinda late for 2016 or 2017. One thing about a RB engine though, you won't hear it roar around the track. All you'll hear is this loud persistent whining.

[MIKA27]

ILLIEN PLAYS DOWN RED BULL ENGINE SOLUTION RUMOURS

Engine guru Mario Illien has played down speculation he will play a central role to ensure that Red Bull ends its engine supply crisis and races into 2016 with a power unit.

With Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren-Honda declining to help the embattled former champions, it is suggested a novel solution to Red Bull’s problem has been devised.

It will reportedly involve Red Bull basing its 2016 engine on the basic architecture of the so-called Renault ‘D-spec’ power unit that will make its debut in Brazil next weekend.

Giving some credence to the theory is the fact that it is believed the ‘D-spec’ will debut in one Red Bull car at Interlagos, while sister team Toro Rosso will not run the new specification at all.

That could be due to the fact that Toro Rosso is apparently poised to switch from Renault to 2015-specification Ferrari power for the 2016 season. It is believed Ferrari did not offer the same deal to Red Bull Racing.

So the rumour goes that Red Bull has a done a deal to run an ‘unbranded’ Renault V6 engine next year, completing the package with its own energy recovery systems and the input of Illien, chief of the Ilmor engine company.

It has been suggested the Renault ‘D-spec’ involves the technology developed by Illien, with an intellectual property dispute between Renault and Red Bull perhaps explaining the long delay in the debut of specification.

Indeed, it is believed the ‘D spec’ was taken to both Austin and Mexico, but not used. However, Renault and Red Bull have explained that the conditions – rain in Austin and altitude in Mexico – were simply not right.

And Auto Motor und Sport claims Toro Rosso is not using the ‘D-spec’ simply because it would require an expensive tweak to the car’s cooling package.

Illien, meanwhile, denied any knowledge of an IP dispute between Red Bull and Renault, “I know nothing about it and I also have no idea what upgrades Renault has put in its modified engine. I can’t image that a big company like Renault would secretly install my developments.”

What the well-known Swiss engineer will not rule out, however, is that Ilmor might be interested in the FIA’s new plans for a parallel ‘client engine’ in 2017.

Indeed, Ilmor is considered a front runner for the contract as it already supplies a Chevrolet-badged, twin-turbo V6 engine for the Indycar series, “I will look at what the tender says and decide what to do then.”

[MIKA27]

LAUDA DENIES TENSION WITH TOTO WOLFF

Niki Lauda has dismissed reports he is at loggerheads with fellow Mercedes chief Toto Wolff.

“Sources have told The Times that Lauda is considering quitting the team, possibly as soon as the end of the season,” the London-based newspaper reported shortly after the Mexican grand prix.

But Lauda, the triple world champion who is the Mercedes team chairman, told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper: “There is no discussion.

“I have a contract until 2017 and I want to meet it,” the 66-year-old Austrian, who acts as an intermediary between the Brackley based team and the German carmaker’s board in Stuttgart, added.

As for the Times’ report of tension between himself and team boss and fellow Austrian Wolff, Lauda insisted: “I don’t know who puts these stories in the world.

“After the race in Mexico, I said to Sebastian Vettel ‘Things went not so well for you today!’ And he replied ‘Well everything with you guys is haywire! But the truth is that Toto and I are working together in harmony — it’s all wonderful.”

Lauda said that in addition to continuing his role at Mercedes, he also wants to remain a presenter for German television RTL, despite the looming expiration of his contract, “I want to stay, so if they want the same then we will go on.”

[MIKA27]

RENAULT SET TO CONFIRM LOTUS BUYOUT IN ABU DHABI

Renault looks set to announce its return to full works team status in Formula 1 at the Abu Dhabi season finale.

Citing sources, that was the claim on Friday of Michael Schmidt, the highly respected correspondent for Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone warned that “It could be December until the decision is made”, but sources have now told Schmidt that the deal to take over Lotus is effectively already done.

Indeed, Renault has reportedly been signing long-term deals with staff, the final engine development for Red Bull this year was approved, and a debt owed by financially-troubled Lotus has been repaid.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes and we’ll have some good strong and positive announcements to make in due course,” said Lotus deputy boss Federico Gastaldi.

If the deal is finalised, it will mean a very late change of engine supplier for the currently Mercedes-powered team, but technical boss Nick Chester said Enstone will cope.

“Certainly for any team having a late call on engine change it’s a pretty intense timeframe for next year, but no one ever said formula one was easy,” he said.

[MIKA27]

WILLIAMS NOT SIDING WITH EUROPEAN COMPLAINT

Williams have indicated it has no intention of supporting the complaint filed with the European Commission about the governance of Formula 1 made by two independent teams earlier this year.

Force India and Sauber, have said their complaint is about the alleged unfairness of the rule-making strategy group, and the distribution of income among so-called ‘privileged’ and ‘non-privileged’ teams.

Enstone based Lotus hinted that it only declined to join the action because it is set to be taken over by Renault.

“Would we have taken a different route if we weren’t under potential new owners? Possibly we would have done,” said CEO Matthew Carter.

Another independent team, meanwhile, is Williams, although the Grove based outfit has a permanent spot on the strategy group due to its long history and past titles.

Father and daughter Sir Frank and Claire Williams decided not to join the European complaint.

“Where I sit, Williams has always just abided by the rules, they are what they are, like a lot of things in formula one and we just go along with them,” Claire said recently in Mexico.

And now she has told Sports Business Daily: “We have a contract with FOM to compete in formula one, and we know the regulations around that.

“We signed up to it and we agreed to it,” Williams added.

[MIKA27]

MEXICO WILL BE MORE EXCITING IN FUTURE PREDICTS TILKE

Formula 1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke says he had goose bumps when he witnessed the passion stirred up by Mexico’s return to the grand prix calendar last weekend.

But the German, whose company was responsible for the revamping of the old Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, told Auto Motor und Sport he was also happy with how the facility was received by the F1 teams and drivers.

Asked if he expected that, Tilke answered: “Not to that extent — I expected a bit more criticism. But apart from the fact that the asphalt was a bit slippery, there was nothing really.”

Indeed, the lack of grip from the asphalt was a theme throughout the race weekend, to the extent that world champion Lewis Hamilton left Mexico calling on Pirelli to “make special tyres for this race” in the future.

But Tilke explained that it was due largely to the normal tight deadline between completion of the circuit and the race weekend.

“Time was at a premium here,” he confirmed. “The asphalt was laid only three weeks ago and then had to be repaired in some areas a week later, as otherwise it would have broken up.”

Race winner Nico Rosberg agreed that the lack of grip in Mexico was not significantly worse than at any circuit where the surface has been recently laid.

“It’s normal that with a new track it takes a bit of time because the asphalt is just so smooth. It’s the normal story like we’ve seen with most of the new tracks lately,” said the German.

“It’s just one of the challenges that we’ve had but it’s been a great track, they’ve done a great job with it, so I think the whole race was an amazing success for F1,” the Mercedes driver added.

Perhaps the lasting memory of Mexico’s 2015 return was the podium ceremony, taking place in front of the massed grandstands in the ‘baseball stadium’ section.

“That was not planned from the beginning, actually,” Tilke said of the novel podium location. “It was not our idea — it came from FOM (Formula One Management).”

He admitted that the biggest problem was the fact that the race itself was not particularly exciting, “We saw that it was possible to overtake, but you have to admit that it was not the most interesting race.

“Pirelli definitely had a very conservative choice of tyres, but as we saw in Russia, the first one was not so exciting but this year it was much better. Let’s wait a couple of years and I’m sure it will be the same in Mexico too,” he added.

[MIKA27]

‘Haas chassis better than Ferrari’s’

Gene Haas reckons his first F1 chassis is "probably a better design" than Ferrari's with the newcomers having adopted a different approach.

Haas F1 will make its debut next season with Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutierrez driving the Ferrari-powered cars.

But unlike Ferrari and the rest of the F1 grid, Haas' first chassis has not been designed or built in-house. Rather it has been made by Italian manufacturer Dallara.

"I think our chassis is going to be substantially different in construction from the Ferrari one, because we're just doing it separately," team owner Haas told Sky Sports.

"We think our chassis in some ways will be better than a Ferrari chassis because we're using some more… I won't say state of the art, but we're taking a different approach than Ferrari is and we think it's probably a better design.

"The Ferrari is more conventional, they're going to stay with what they've been doing for a number of years."

As for his drivers, the American reiterated that Haas had spoken with several drivers before signing Grosjean.

He does, however, believe that in the Frenchman, Haas has done "better than we expected" in the driver market.

"We were talking to a number of drivers; some of them wanted to see what we were doing because they were interested," he added.

"We did make an offer to one that was declined, which I think is reasonable because who would want to go with a start-up team? We were talking to Romain and other Formula 1 drivers and Romain took an interest in it.

"I think he takes a risk because we are a start-up team and start-up teams have always historically have had these problems, so I think we did better than we expected with Grosjean. But hopefully we'll do better than people expect to when we start racing."

Grosjean, who currently races with Lotus, will partner Gutierrez who landed the role in part due to his knowledge of Ferrari garnered during his season as the team's reserve driver.

"The second driver, I made no qualms about, was going to be a Ferrari reserve driver because a deal we have with Ferrari is to work with some of their drivers.

"They have experience in the Ferrari chassis and simulator, so that's the prospect there and they have two good reserve drivers."

[MIKA27]

Vettel: We’re not underdogs

While Sebastian Vettel admits Ferrari are not the favourites, the German feels they also cannot be labelled the underdogs given their performance this season.

With two just races remaining this season Vettel is the only driver aside from the Mercedes team-mates to have claimed a race victory.

He does in fact have three to his name in his debut campaign with Ferrari, helping to elevate him to third in the Drivers’ Championship.

Added to that he has 12 podium results in total and has scored in all but two races.

“I don’t consider myself the underdog,” Vettel told Autosport.

“I know we’re not the favourites, but I think we have shown since the beginning of the season we’re not somewhere in the midfield.

“If we get our act together then we have a reasonable chance of finishing on the podium and winning races, and that is what we have achieved so far.

“Overall, this season is very different to last year [when he was with Red Bull]. Obviously it’s a completely new situation for me with a new team.

“Joining Ferrari has been a great experience so far, but we also know where we want to be in the future.

“So there is a lot of work still ahead of us, and certainly we will be a lot happier if people don’t call us the underdog, but favourite in the future.”

And although last Sunday’s DNF, the result of a scrappy race for Vettel, meant he lost second in the Drivers’ Championship to Nico Rosberg, the four-time World Champ insists he’s not giving up on the runner-up position.

“This season we have surprised a lot of people and surely exceeded our expectations as well.

“All in all it has been very positive so far and second place is the target.

“First, unfortunately, is out of reach and second is surely better than third, so we’ll try to go for second.”

[MIKA27]

Hamilton denies disrespecting Schumi

Lewis Hamilton has told fans "do not believe all that you read" after being accused of disrespecting seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher.

In the wake of his third World title, which he achieved in Austin last month, Hamilton reportedly took a dig at Schumacher's crowns.

"I've never done the things that Michael did to win my titles," the Express quotes the Brit has having said. "I won mine with my natural abilities only."

Those comments led to a barrage of criticism aimed at Hamilton most notably from the head of the Ferrari legend's fan club.

Hamilton, though, has defended himself, telling fans not to believe everything they read.

"To all the Michael Schumacher fans, I want you to know how big a fan and admirer of Michaels I am," he wrote on Instagram.

"I grew up watching him from the early days through to his 7th title. He was and is the greatest of our time and I am hugely proud and grateful to have met him and spent even the littlest time with.

"He was always kind to me. One day at his last race, I managed to find the courage to go see him and ask if he would honour me by swapping helmets in which he so graciously did.

"Please do not believe all that you read. I would never wish to disrespect him nor his family and I hold them in the highest regard.

"I keep him in my prayers as a fellow driver wishing for his recovery.

"Best wishes to you. Lewis #Legend #respect #godbless"

[MIKA27]

‘Aston Martin deal a little way off’

Despite grabbing the headlines Bob Fernley says Force India's potential link up with Aston Martin is not yet a done deal.

Last weekend in Mexico, team owner Vijay Mallya revealed that Aston Martin, who had a brief stint in F1 in 1959 and again a year later, were courting his team.

"If tomorrow someone comes and offers me a good sum of money for title sponsorship, I'll seek the team name," said the Indian businessman.

"If the marque comes along and I have to change the team name, I have to look at what it does for the team in terms of profile. It's premature to talk about it now, but we're talking."

He did, however, add: "Nothing is done until it's done. I don't like to count my chickens until they are hatched."

That has now been echoed by deputy team principal Fernley, who says a deal has yet to be sealed as talks are still taking place.

He told F1i.com: "Two things: one is I think it's a shareholder issue and is a discussion [that is ongoing] with Vijay and secondly it is still a little way off.

"It's got to be credit to the team that they are attracting such a great brand as Aston, even if it is just for discussions."

[MIKA27]

Hulkenberg: Red Bull too far away

Nico Hulkenberg wants a strong finish to Force India's 2015 season but concedes that overhauling Red Bull is a step too far.

Following back-to-back retirements in Russia and the United States Hulkenberg was back inside the points last Sunday in Mexico.

The German brought his VJM08 home in seventh place as Force India recorded a double points-haul with Sergio Perez P8.

That increased the team's score to 112, which gave them a bit more breathing room over Lotus but did little to cut into Red Bull's advantage in fourth place.

"It feels very good after the last couple of races when frustration has been quite big," Hulkenberg told Motorsport.com. "It's quite nice to be seventh and have a smooth race.

"Looking ahead, Red Bull will be too far away from us. We just have to keep plugging away getting results and races like this."

Hulkenberg, who is confirmed for next season along with Perez, is keen to end his season with back-to-back top ten showings.

"I think it would be great if we could have two races with two cars finishing in the points, and take that fifth Constructors' Championship position and go into the winter break."

[MIKA27]

Zandvoort investigating possible F1 return in 2019

A historical European race could return to the calendar in the future, in the form of the Dutch Grand Prix, which first held a round of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1952.

The Zandvoort circuit, located near to the Netherlands' North Sea coast, was the topic of discussion at a recent city council meeting, where a unanimous vote backed an investigation into bringing F1 back to the country in the near future.

"Everyone is excited about it," VVD leader Jerry Kramer told NU.nl. "I think we need to tackle it together. Governments and businesses in the region.

"It is a historic circuit, it would be nice if we could get it back on the calendar.

"I realise that it will cost tens of millions of euros to bring back Formula 1, but we should certainly explore the possibilities," he said.

The circuit, which has changed dramatically over the years, last held a race in 1985, but could return in 2019 or 2020 according to circuit boss Eric Weijers.

"There is a lot of money involved, but this is a first step," he said.

Weijers understands that bringing the sport back would take significanteffort and a lot needs to change before it can happen, but used Mexico's return as a good example of what can be achieved.

"Should it come to a concrete plan, it will still take some time. Perhaps in 2019 or 2020," he added.

"Simply put, three things must happen. The infrastructure needs to be improved, the circuit needs to be refurbished and the financial requirements of the Formula One Management (FOM) must be met. And if we do that then we get another Grand Prix in the Netherlands.

"More than 100,000 spectators attended the [Mexican] race. It was fantastic for Mexico and for the Netherlands it can be just as beautiful. The FIA ​​is really open to a return."

[MIKA27]

Red Bull to use new Renault engine in Brazil

Renault has confirmed that Red Bull will use its new Formula 1 engine at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The French car manufacturer used 11 of the 12 development tokens available to it to work on improvements that were first made available at the United States Grand Prix.

However, following meetings with Red Bull, it was decided not to introduce it in Austin.

That was because the two tenths-per-lap gain that the improvements delivered was not thought to be worth taking a 10-place grid penalty for at a track they believed it would be competitive at.

Furthermore, it was not used in Mexico last weekend either because of the unique demands that the high altitude placed on power units.

But, as originally agreed last month, Renault and Red Bull have will introduce the engine at Interlagos next weekend.

It is unclear at this stage, however, whether both Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat will use it or just one of them.

Red Bull and Renault will make a final decision on that next week once they have completed a full analysis of the life cycle of their current power units.

Renault's other team Toro Rosso has already decided not to use the new Renault engine this season.

[MIKA27]

Vettel surprises people at Shell filling station

Watch what happened when four-time Formula 1 World Champion and Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel surprised people at a Shell filling station, lightheartedly demonstrating the upgrade in performance that can be expected from a car filled up with Shell V-Power road fuel.

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Massa auditions for Bond villain driving the Jaguar C-X75

Williams F1 driver Felipe Massa experiences the Jaguar C-X75 from James Bond new movie Spectre.

To celebrate the Americas movie premiere of the latest James Bond film, the Formula One driver takes Jaguar’s incredible concept car to the track in Mexico City.

[MIKA27]

Daniil Kvyat takes his Russian driving test

As one of the very few people in the world to hold a super licence but not a regular driving licence in his native country, Dany Kvyat is one of the few racing drivers to rely on public transport (or more likely a trusted lift) to get him to the shops when back in Russia.

It's about time that was put right, so following his home Russian Grand Prix in October, he visited a test centre in Moscow to take his driving test and earn his road wheels.

Check out how Dany got on in the above video as he applies what he's learned from the F1 circuit to driving in the every day world – much to the surprise of his instructor...

[MIKA27]

Sauber upgrades 'very promising' for 2016, says Monisha Kaltenborn

Monisha Kaltenborn has called Sauber's recent aerodynamic upgrade "very promising" for 2016.

Sauber finally introduced a new aerodynamic package in Singapore after a season of limited development since winter testing. The team has showed some on-track progress since then, with Felipe Nasr's sixth place in Russia the best result for the team since he finished fifth in Australia.

Kaltenborn is happy with the upgrade and admits ensuring the team was in a good position for 2016 was more important than seeing an instant improvement in results. .

"We are looking to make a decent step [in 2016] I would say," Kaltenborn told F1i. "We are expecting again something more from the [Ferrari] powertrain.

"We have introduced this new concept with the package we have and more important on that package was not really the amount of downforce or points - of course you are trying to get the most - but more important was to see if the concept we are going in is the right way because we see a lot of potential in that. That proved to be the right one, which is very promising."

Despite happiness about the team's progress with the aerodynamic upgrade Kaltenborn is cautious about the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix.

"Abu Dhabi I would think [will suit the car] more. Brazil I am a bit careful because it is a bit more bumpy and we have had a few issues with them as one as seen. But, no, it's something which is a challenge we have to make up, it's no reason to give up straight away and you never know what can happen. One thing which has really spoken for us always is reliability and that's what I think has been a strength for us this year."

[MIKA27]

Ricciardo: No excuses, we just don’t like losing

Daniel Ricciardo insists that there are no bad losers in the Red Bull Racing camp, despite claims that the team is acting just a little spoilt as its run of title success recedes further into the past.

With its Renault engine largely uncompetitive against the similar new-era V6 turbos of Mercedes and Ferrari, RBR has found itself in the awkward position of having to search for a powerplant for 2016, having been spurned by the 'big two' and seemingly burned its bridges with some ill-advised public criticism of its French partner. With a deal seemingly hard to come by, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has touted the threat of withdrawal, adding to the widely-held impression that RBR is handling its recent spell of adversity badly.

Ricciardo, however, begs to differ, claiming that the team retains its usual spirit and motivation, and is doing all it can to get back to the top of the pile.

“Some fans see it as being spoiled because, now we aren't winning, we are complaining,” the Australian commented, “but I don't think it is excuses - we just don't like losing.

“The team got used to winning for four or five years but, for me, that's a sign of a true team. You do become addicted to the success and you are not happy when you don't have it. The mechanics are all competitive - they do training and they run nearly every night around the track, so they already have that aspect in them. It is just a good bunch of people, very feisty and very competitive to succeed. Maybe the image of Red Bull as well, I don't know how to describe it, but the image of the brand… you always want to be the best.”

With the 2015 F1 titles already long since settled in Mercedes' favour, Red Bull is currently mired in fourth place in the team standings, 71 points behind Williams and 60 ahead of Force India, with Ricciardo engaged in an intriguing intra-team battle for seventh overall with Daniil Kvyat just four points ahead of him. While there may not be much silverware on offer, the three-time race winner insists that there is no trouble anyone getting up for the fight.

“I still see everyone motivated,” he maintained, “I am still motivated and, while it is a bit more sad leaving on a Sunday night and not having a trophy to show for it, I think we can reset quickly.

“We come to each race with the same motivation and I am still excited. It is hard to come to a race and not think we are going to win, but I think you then set yourself other challenges to keep you motivated. We have got challenges now to keep fourth in the constructors' and for me to keep finishing in front of Daniil.

Mateschitz's threat to pull RBR out of F1 could have longer-term threats for both Ricciardo and the other Red Bull drivers, but the Aussie, while not being able to offer concrete assurances, is optimistic that a deal will be sorted to keep himself and the team on the grid.

“There are no developments yet and that is the truth,” he insisted, “The longer it gets, the more difficult it becomes, but I probably have more confidence that we will be on the grid than I had before. I believe we will be there because everyone wants to be. It's just knowing what we are going to be there with...”

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Vettel: I’ll have a lot more input at Ferrari in 2016

Sebastian Vettel says he will have a lot more input at Ferrari next season and is hopeful the team can make a “big step”.

Vettel made the decision to move from Red Bull to the Scuderia at the end of 2014 and conceded there was always going to be a period of adjustment.

He also added that by the time he joined a lot of key decisions had obviously already been taken with the SF15-T, Ferrari's 2015 F1 car.

“A lot more,” he replied, when quizzed on what input he will have in 2016. “You don't join the team until you join the team, so a lot of decisions had already been taken, so were taken when I was there already…

“[but] the season we have had so far has been phenomenal when you consider where the team was last year and the situation that we faced at the beginning with a lot of new people, a lot of change of position in the factory. Not that easy to digest for a team, but it has been great.

“Really strong getting the team together, so I am quite confident and hope that next year is a big step.”

Vettel has managed to take three wins so far this year – along with nine other podiums – but knows Ferrari needs to make further progress to take the fight to Mercedes.

Asked to elaborate on what he will be pushing for, he added: “I don't want to say, but if you look at the organisation, there has been a lot of work going to get the team together as there are a lot of new people.

“These things take time just so everybody understands what to do. That has been the main challenge this year for the whole team. I was new at the beginning, so people needed to understand my language when I talk about that car.

“There is a possibility for us to improve. We have done a massive step on the engine and that is ongoing. If you look at the car we are not yet where we want to be, we want the best engine and best car, so there is plenty more to do. It is not secret that we need more downforce than we currently have but it is more the organisation behind to allow yourself in the future to extract the maximum.”