Wild rumors in Formula 1

What wild days those were in Formula 1. The bull superstar Verstappen mocked the soft competition with the hard tyres. And while the rivals were already arguing about the order of the World Cup places of honor, two hot rumors erupted.

Drugovich next to Alonso

Due to the poor communication of Aston Martin-Mercedes, for many the favorite for fourth place in the world championship, after the mountain bike accident of owner son Lance Stroll (24), many media brought Vettel back from retirement. As a backup driver alongside his highly motivated former opponent Fernando Alonso (41).

Actually you would have expected a clear answer from Vettel (299 GP starts so far) to stop the speculation. But the German said nothing.

Now the “Greens” have finally spoken clearly: Felipe Drugovich (22) will be in the car at the first GP practice in Bahrain this Friday. The Brazilian, Formula 2 champion, had already tested here.

How long will Stroll be out?

With Vettel being asked to make a decision about his future last summer (because they had Alonso in their hands), the four-time world champion announced his not entirely voluntary retirement. But not without leaving a back door open: “You never know!”

The question remains, however: how long should Stroll take a break with his two injured wrists? If it takes a long time, you will definitely take Vettel out of the pension box again…

Who will deposit 700 million?

There are hardly any questions about the end or sale of the Alpha Tauri Honda team. The German Oliver Mintzlaff (47), the sporty CEO successor to Red Bull founder Didi Mateschitz, who died in October 2022, apparently wants to clean up unprofitable companies. The underperforming stores of Alpha Tauri (fashion label Red Bull) are also closing almost everywhere.

And the former Toro Rosso team (created from Minardi in 2006) is sold for 700 million euros. Three candidates are ready to load the world championship ninth of Faenza (It): including the Andretti clan.

Tough Mintzlaff

So far, almost all teams have resisted the entry of the Americans. Red Bull team boss Horner: “But if someone immediately takes over the store, that is of course a different matter.” Or the fat pie wouldn’t have to be divided by eleven.

It is not yet known how Mintzlaff will decide. But the former general manager of RB Leipzig is not exactly motorsport-friendly, scrutinizing everything – including salaries at Red Bull’s A-Team and their new engine manufacturer “Powertrains”, which Mateschitz had approved in 2021.

Source : Blick