Latest articles by GP Racing
How “overwhelming” McLaren move has given Ricciardo a new verve
Daniel Ricciardo has found a new lease of life at McLaren – a move that’s been years in the making, as he explains to STUART CODLING…
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. BEN ANDERSON looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says NIGEL ROEBUCK
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
The unconventional ways F1 launch season heightened anticipation for racing
When the flag drops, you know what stops... And it's about time, says STUART CODLING
How Leclerc can be the galvanising figure Ferrari needs
Being fast isn't enough. Charles Leclerc needs to work with new team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr to bring Ferrari out of the dark, says BEN EDWARDS
Why F1's new driver-team combos each have a point to prove
When the pandemic pushed Formula 1 into hiatus a year ago, the driver-market cogs carried on turning behind the scenes, culminating in three drivers spending a whole season racing for teams they knew they’d be leaving and a double world champion readying himself for a dramatic comeback. STUART CODLING weighs up what's at stake
Why Red Bull believes it can break F1’s hybrid-era cycle
For the past four seasons Red Bull has come on strong in the final races – but only after starting from a low bar. This year, team principal Christian Horner tells BEN ANDERSON, it’s ready to come tearing out of the blocks…
Why Schumacher is unburdened by Leclerc comparisons
The Schumacher name is coming back to Formula 1… LUKE SMITH examines whether Mick has what it takes to reach the heights his father scaled - and why he isn't worried about comparisons with other Ferrari hotshots
Why grounded Mercedes isn’t worried about ‘camouflage’ games
Mercedes has been the team to beat in Formula 1 since 2014 – but it’s taking no chances this season in the face of a renewed challenge from Red Bull, says STUART CODLING
The logic underpinning Stroll’s Aston F1 ambition
There’s no lack of ambition in F1 at the moment as Ferrari chases a competitive comeback, Red Bull becomes an engine manufacturer in its own right and Aston Martin returns – aiming for championship glory in five years. ANDREW BENSON weighs up Aston's chances
Why there’s more to Alpine’s latest F1 rebrand than marketing speak
While the Renault Group's new boss talks of 'Renaulution', MARK GALLAGHER explains that there's more to the rebranding of Renault’s F1 team than corporate marketing spin
The necessary balancing act F1 performed to protect its teams
For too long, F1 teams have invested huge sums of money to find tiny improvements which are invisible to fans. PAT SYMONDS explains why F1 had to act to protect its competitors from themselves
The mesmerising career of a lost Mexican hero
Pedro Rodriguez dressed like a European dilettante but drove with fingertip poise and utter commitment in both Formula 1 and sportscars. NIGEL ROEBUCK remembers one of racing's great lost talents.
The defining traits that set F1’s best apart
What makes the very best drivers in Formula 1 stand out among what is already a highly elite bunch? ANDREW BENSON takes a closer look at those with the special blend of skill, judgment, feel and attitude that sets only a select few apart from the rest.
How an unlikely F1 outsider gained acceptance
Channel 4's decision to pick Steve Jones as presenter of its Formula 1 coverage in 2016 raised eyebrows, and his presenting style grated with many fans at first. But, says BEN EDWARDS, Jones has developed into a presenter ripe for modern F1's direction
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success
How McLaren’s new investors have already made an impact
OPINION: The deal McLaren concluded with MSP Sports Capital last year which will help the cash-strapped Formula 1 team pay for much-needed infrastructure upgrades, also points toward the future for F1 itself, says STUART CODLING
The core faults Ferrari must fix in 2021
From challenging Mercedes for world titles, Ferrari abruptly reverted to the kind of shambles not seen since the early 1990s over the course of a disastrous 2020 campaign. Putting the Scuderia back on track won't be the work of a moment, says ROBERTO CHINCHERO
Why investigation of Grosjean's crash won't be a simple matter
In this age of knowledge we have become accustomed to unpicking the causes of major events. But how Romain Grosjean survived his Bahrain accident may stay a mystery, says PAT SYMONDS
How F1 navigated the true costs of COVID-19
As the onset of the coronavirus pandemic wrought havoc around the world, Formula 1 had to get creative to survive. The financial and human cost has been heavy but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, quick thinking and urgent action allowed F1 and its stakeholders to bring the championship back from the brink of catastrophe...
Why F1 driver contracts are fraught with peril
As the world watches the developing soap opera that is Lewis Hamilton's contract negotiations with Mercedes, MARK GALLAGHER explains the importance of having a good lawyer - and the need to seize the moment...
Why Renault's survivor wasn't part of Alpine's plans
Even the most skilled and ambitious political operators can come a cropper when organisations change. STUART CODLING reflects on the departure from Renault of Cyril Abiteboul
The reluctant Lotus ace who was dropped for Clark
A firm believer that motor racing was a sport for gentlemen, Innes Ireland lived a spirited life. NIGEL ROEBUCK recalls a character whose outlook ceased to fit with modern Formula 1
The V12 experiment that yielded Senna’s final F1 title
Formula 1 fans remember V12 engines fondly but only one has powered a driver to the world championship. STUART CODLING recalls McLaren's MP4/6, with which Ayrton Senna secured the 1991 crown 30 years ago
The uncomfortable dilemma resulting from F1's constant expansion
The world is changing and F1 has to change with it to enjoy a prosperous future. But how much pain will that involve? STUART CODLING examines how F1 is coping with the challenge of embracing sustainability
How Russell staked his claim for Hamilton's crown
When Lewis Hamilton eventually decides to hang up his helmet, Mercedes has a problem: how to replace the greatest driver of a generation? George Russell is one who might inherit that mantle - but he'll still have to fight for it, says LUKE SMITH
Why F1's willingness to experiment shouldn't end with 2020
To sprint or not to sprint? After a season in which F1 has departed greatly from its regular calendar, and with some success, PAT SYMONDS says it's worth carrying on that spirit of embracing the new by considering new race formats in 2021
Interview: Hamilton on his future and his biggest challenge
He'll be 36 before the next Formula 1 season begins, but Lewis Hamilton remains determined to carry on improving as a human being as well as a driver. As he explains to ALEX KALINAUCKAS, he feels like his work has only just begun...
The sceptical mindset behind Haas's change of course
Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen have been shown the door after another underwhelming season for Haas. But that's not the only big change blowing through the American-owned team, says STUART CODLING
Why criticism of F1’s latest controversial locale misses the point
Formula 1 visits many destinations with 'problems', but the announcement of a race in Saudi Arabia has caused a storm of protest. MARK GALLAGHER asks if we should be surprised that a multi-million dollar sport run by capitalists goes where the dollar takes it
How Toyota's grand plans for F1 domination fell flat
As Honda gets set to bow out of F1, again, at the end of 2021, MARK GALLAGHER looks back at the exploits of another famous Japanese manufacturer that spent too much money, adapted too slowly, achieved too little, then bowed out too soon in response to global economic rupture
How McLaren turned shop floor mutiny into credible recovery
For so long nearly a laughing stock in Formula 1, such has been the magnitude of its fall, McLaren has had to re-examine its entire working culture. STUART CODLING explains how results this past season show the pain might have been worth it...
Why F1 still sees value in ageing drivers
It's easy to poke fun at the number of not-so-young drivers in this week's Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi - but with experience comes value, says BEN EDWARDS
The disability pioneer who left Moss in awe
Born with shortened legs and no right forearm, Archie Scott Brown raced with distinction and commanded the respect of his peers. NIGEL ROEBUCK recalls a racer with charm, style and enormous speed
The great F1 duel that will be recreated in the 2021 midfield
10 years ago one of the biggest rivalries in Formula 1 was Fernando Alonso vs Sebastian Vettel. BEN EDWARDS looks forward to it happening all over again at the head of the midfield in 2021
How Mercedes ambition produced the fastest F1 car ever
Pushed harder than ever by Ferrari last season, Mercedes dug deeper. The result was the fastest F1 car ever - as demonstrated by Lewis Hamilton's record-breaking lap of Monza. Now Mercedes' designers open up to STUART CODLING and ALEX KALINAUCKAS about the sheer scale of the task...
The development obstacles F1’s power roadmap has to clear
What's next in Formula 1's power game? PAT SYMONDS explains why the internal combustion engine is here to stay - for a while at least...
The backup Brabham behind a 50-year-old record
Brabham's first monocoque F1 car made Jack Brabham a winner across three decades - a record only recently broken by Lewis Hamilton. STUART CODLING examines the belated debut of the BT33
F1's 70 greatest influencers: 2010s
In the final part of our series celebrating the most influential figures in world championship history, RICHARD WILLIAMS examines a decade in which driver personalities became ever more intertwined with the forces of big business as Formula 1 grew steadily more corporate - and, finally, passed beyond the Bernie Ecclestone era of 'benign dictatorship'...
Why F1's new leader marks a break from the past
Chase Carey will soon step down as head of Formula 1, to be replaced by ex-Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali. MARK GALLAGHER examines what we can expect from the latest poacher-turned-gamekeeper to take up a senior leadership role within F1
How a "supernatural" adaption resurrected Gasly's F1 career
A nightmare start to 2019 resulted in Pierre Gasly's demotion back to AlphaTauri, but he's rebounded superbly, culminating in that surprise victory at Monza . Here, Gasly and race engineer Pierre Hamelin explain his redemptive journey to OLEG KARPOV
Why Mercedes won’t leap into choosing a Wolff successor
You might think Toto Wolff's job is easy - but it isn't, and that's why he can't hand over the Mercedes team principal role to someone else quickly, even though he wants to move on, says STUART CODLING
How Red Bull can take its destiny into its own hands
Honda's impending exit from Formula 1 could provide an opportunity for Red Bull to get itself on terms with Mercedes - if only it could take it, argues MARK GALLAGHER
Why Vettel's next move can define his F1 legacy
Sebastian Vettel looked short of options to remain in F1 for 2021 after being ditched by Ferrari. But having taken a leap of faith with Aston Martin, LUKE SMITH asks if Vettel can rediscover his best form and take F1's midfield minnow to the next level
Why Raikkonen is unmoved by becoming an F1 record-breaker
Now F1's most experienced driver ever, Kimi Raikkonen has a reputation for giving journalists the cold shoulder. But he's also authentic and no-nonsense, with feet firmly planted on the ground - and it's this, allied to his extraordinary driving ability and technical nous, which has kept his career going, and going, says ALEX KALINAUCKAS
How a misunderstanding dogged Ferrari's last V12 screamer
The last in the line of V12-powered Ferrari Formula 1 cars was a formidable beast - and it could have been even more successful had a key aerodynamic innovation not been dropped because of internal politics, says STUART CODLING
How Williams traded podiums for alarming obscurity
In the final part of our history of Williams, DAMIEN SMITH recalls how Martini sponsorship and Mercedes power yielded a brief flowering of promise before Williams slipped to the back of the grid again - and the founding family decided enough was enough
F1's 70 greatest influencers: the 2000s
The science of human as well as mechanical performance hit new heights as Formula 1 reached the 21st century, drivers adopted radical new training regimes and the money men continued to circle. RICHARD WILLIAMS casts his eye over a turbulent era
Why McLaren deems its £200m gamble a necessary strategy
McLaren has put its award-winning Norman Foster-designed headquarters up for sale - but it's not planning on moving out. STUART CODLING investigates why it's come to this...
How Ricciardo helped Renault rediscover its swagger
Daniel Ricciardo is McLaren-bound next season, but leaving a Renault team which is undergoing a resurgence on and off the track. He and team principal Cyril Abiteboul tell STUART CODLING and BEN ANDERSON what's been happening behind the scenes
Why a decades-old tradition had to be curtailed
The controversial 'party modes', outlawed by the FIA this season, represent the peak of a development curve which began many years ago - but it was right to put an end to it, says PAT SYMONDS
Why F1’s overdue Portugal return matters
Portugal has been the scene of high drama across many eras in Formula 1, says BEN EDWARDS, which is why the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix is something to be savoured
Why F1 could be blundering with its landmark new circuit deal
Formula 1's involvement in a proposed new circuit to host the Brazilian Grand Prix is tone-deaf at best, says STUART CODLING
How the V8 era left F1's greatest independent in flux
In part six of our history of Williams, DAMIEN SMITH describes how, despite flashes of potential - even of brilliance - in the seasons immediately after the BMW divorce, at the turn of the decade Williams fell into a trough of underachievement from which it has struggled to extract itself...