Paddock radio GP Abu Dhabi

Where did the Porsche Seidl man land?

The staff Andreas Seidl is still waiting for clarification. The Bayer had recently left Porsche surprisingly. This is certain: Seidl has an offer from a car manufacturer represented in Formula One. Speculation went from Ferrari to Mercedes and McLaren. At Mercedes and Ferrari is zealously denied. McLaren, for one, simply says, "We do not provide any personal information," which sounds suspicious.

What race number does Kubica take?

At his Friday training sessions in Spain, Austria and Abu Dhabi, Robert Kubica flew a No. 40 Williams. But that will not be the starting number of Poland next year. It makes it a secret: "I've applied to the FIA, but I'm still waiting for a confirmation." The experts assume that Kubica voted at number 4. The returnee won the GP Canada in 2008. The number 4 originally belonged to Max Chilton. The Englishman has not driven in Formula 1 since 2014, so the starting number would be free for other drivers.

Ghosn's successor knows Formula 1

During the arrest of Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn in Japan, the Formula 1 department also asked: what is the next step? It's Ghosn who decided in late 2015 to return to Formula 1 with a factory mission. But his temporary successor Thierry Bolloré is no stranger to the Formula One group. "For three years, he has been on the board of directors and knows the subject," said sports director Cyril Abiteboul. It is not the individuals who will decide the continuity of the activities of Formula 1, but the success or the failure of the mission.

Horner against Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff explained the role of Esteban Ocon for 2019. "He will work closely with our team and will be our reserve pilot, maybe also from Force India. it will also be used in road tests, before and during the season, and will also spend a lot of time in the simulator to be ready for 2020. "Christian Horner, director of the Red Bull team, led Wolff to the parade: "It would help if you explained the flags again."

Vettel and Hamilton swap their helmets

The respect between Hamilton and Vettel is excellent. In Abu Dhabi, the two rivals of the title even exchanged their helmets. "Congratulations on five titles, I hope I can stop you from making more money," Vettel joked during the delivery. Hamilton was surprised at how small his opponent's headgear is: "Do you have size S?", Asked the Brit. "Because I'm not coming in." But that was not true, as evidenced by a photo of the two pilots wearing the helmet of the other.

Tactics against frustration

Daniel Ricciardo had to swallow many bitter pills this year. Eight times, the Australian has failed. He developed his own method of fighting anxiety: "A bad day would always be good for many other people. When I get up on Monday after the race, I'm fine. Sick people would like to have my problems. "

Praise of Hartley

Fernando Alonso has received many accolades from his colleagues during his last Formula 1 race at the moment. Most praised his speed and racing intelligence. Brendon Hartley brings another Spanish quality into play: "I've never seen a pilot so duely, Fernando always gives you room to survive."

A friend, a good friend

Sergio Perez partially protects his teammate Esteban Ocon in the Verstappen case of Brazil. "In a similar situation, I would have also attacked Max, but with less risk, instead of Max, I would have left more room." After two years of dueling with Ocon, Mexico said: "Esteban was certainly not my best friend among all his teammates, I would say that our relationship was professional."

Kubica makes Hamilton look younger

Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to Robert Kubica's return. Not only because he knows the Poles since the days of karting and that he appreciates his talent. "How old is Robert? Older than me.It is well That leaves me in 2019 as the third oldest driver in the area.After Alonso's resignation, I would have otherwise been the second-oldest behind Kimi. "When Kubica returns to Melbourne on March 17, 2019, the fourth long break of a Formula 1 driver ends after 3,045 days without a race. The leader is still Jan Lammers with 3767 days, followed by Luca Badoer with 3584 days and Pete Lovely with 3226 days.

Kimi party farewell

Ferrari surprised Kimi Raikkonen on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi with a small farewell party. All members of the team – including his colleague Sebastian Vettel – wore specially designed t-shirts with the imprint "We love Kimi!". When asked what Vettel will specifically miss at the Iceman, the Heppenheimer succinctly replied, "The rest!

Cyril makes tea

Red Bull team leader Christian Horner took advantage of the public forum of the FIA ​​press conference to counter Renault sports director Cyril Abiteboul. "Our collaboration began 12 years ago, at that time always with Flavio Briatore at the top and Cyril made the tea …" Then the Englishman was conciliatory: "With Renault, we won eight titles, 59 wins, 60 pole positions and more than 100 podium spots, it was not all bad. "

Rosberg thinks about titles

Nico Rosberg was a specialized television channel in Abu Dhabi. This was the first visit on the desert course after his world title in 2016: "When I went back to the toilet of the Mercedes Motorhome, I suddenly thought at the moment, because I was also in the toilet shortly before the start Suddenly, all the memories of the world title fight have come back. "

See you later, Fernando

Fernando Alonso's McLaren was repainted for the farewell race. At the back, the colors of Spain and Asturias have been applied. On the front wing "Hasta luego". It means in German "see you later". Alonso does not exclude a return: "It all depends on my boredom next year, maybe in April, I'll be sitting on the couch, depressed, thinking about a comeback." Formula 1 is not closed. "

Bottas reveals the secret

Valtteri Bottas must look for a new race engineer. In the final, in Abu Dhabi, the Finn bid farewell to Tony Ross, who had already led Nico Rosberg to the title. After the race, the team leader, Toto Wolff, had to comment on the staff. "Did we want to announce it," he asked his presser? "All right, Tony Ross will be leaving the team, he will be the new chief engineer of our Formula E project." When asked if Bottas' new race engineer was already certain, Wolf smiled: "We let's talk about it, "said Wolff. "But it's a little lie, give me a few more weeks."

Ticktum leads to New Zealand

Toro Rosso postponed Alexander Albon's announcement as the second driver in Abu Dhabi, as the Brit with Thai roots still did not have enough points for the super-license of the account. If he had fallen behind in fourth place overall, that would not have been enough for the F1 ticket. Red Bull wants to set up another substitute with Dan Ticktum for next season. Therefore, the winner of Macau in winter to complete the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand. If he takes one of the first two championship courses, he also has enough points for the super license.