Catch-up Session – Week No. 14
As every Monday, Motors Inside offers you a recap of the highlights from the last week of Formula 1. All the main news summarized in one article. This week’s program includes not one Grand Prix but two, featuring the latest in Malaysia as well as the off-camera aftermath of the Melbourne race. A Malaysia Grand […]
As every Monday, Motors Inside offers you a recap of the highlights from the last week of Formula 1. All the main news summarized in one article. This week’s program includes not one Grand Prix but two, featuring the latest in Malaysia as well as the off-camera aftermath of the Melbourne race.
A Malaysia Grand Prix Full of Surprises!
Just a week after the Australian Grand Prix, the Malaysian race at the Sepang circuit was extraordinary, lasting only 32 laps and not covering 75% of the race. The reason? A violent tropical downpour that created chaos in Kuala Lumpur. The initial laps were remarkably exciting as there was fierce competition at the start of the race. Several drivers engaged in genuine battles. Then, on the 32nd lap, everything suddenly erupted—deluge, thunder, flooded track. The rarely used red flag was raised, and the Safety Car was deployed, but ultimately everyone was ordered to stop on the pit straight at the starting grid. It was utter confusion; would the race resume as the track turned into a veritable pool? Some drivers exited their cockpits while others waited, hoping for improvements, and yet others were less fortunate, aquaplaning on the last lap. After a 50-minute wait that will forever be etched in memory, the Grand Prix was definitively halted as night gradually fell. It was precisely 7:00 PM in Malaysia at that moment. Ultimately, with a half-points system applied, Button clinched his second consecutive victory, one he will never forget, ahead of Heidfeld and Glock.
View the full Live with the weekend results in Malaysia
The Secrets of the Australian Grand Prix, Conclusion…
On the morning of Sunday, March 29th, viewers around the world turned off their televisions with Jarno Trulli in 3rd place and Lewis Hamilton in 4th. However, the Grand Prix continued throughout the week, turning into a nasty affair of dishonesty… After the race, the stewards convened and decided to penalize Trulli with a 25-second penalty on his finish time. As a result, he dropped to 12th place while Hamilton took the podium.
Read the article on Trulli’s penalty
A few days to swallow the pill, and on Wednesday, April 1st, Toyota officially announces that it will not appeal this decision, preferring to focus on the upcoming event in Malaysia.
Read Toyota’s official announcement not to appeal
The next day, Thursday, April 2nd, everything speeds up, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) decides to reopen the investigation on this case.
Read the FIA’s decision to reopen the investigation
And then a thunderbolt: Hamilton is disqualified while Trulli regains his podium. The FIA has found new evidence that tipped the balance in this direction, notably with McLaren’s radio transmissions.
Read the article announcing Hamilton’s disqualification
Still on Thursday, the team from Woking decides not to appeal, it’s starting to smell like a trick!
Read the official statement from McLaren not to appeal
The affair comes to light, McLaren lied to the FIA and must take appropriate measures. Dave Ryan, race director, is asked to leave the Sepang circuit while Lewis Hamilton makes public apologies that may not be enough. Because the matter might not be over and the British team could face new sanctions. It is said that the FIA might hold an extraordinary hearing to restart the case from scratch and make McLaren truly regret their actions…
Read the article announcing the exclusion of Dave Ryan
Read Lewis Hamilton’s public apologies
The Less Glorious Side of the Brawn GP Team:
Finally, far from the glitter of Brawn GP’s two podiums, the Brackley team announced last week the layoff of 270 people.
Read the article announcing the layoff of 270 people from the Brawn team
