Another race where we just watch top cars doing nothing while we miss midfield battles.
Russell and Hadjar making a come back? No, let's just watch the top 5 doing absolutely nothing.
This is so wrong, the actual action gets relegated to small screens and/or replays while the big screen doesn't show anything.
Translation:
>- After announcing Albon's renewal, Williams' next step is to confirm Sainz's renewal.
- The announcement of his renewal is imminent.
>Williams team principal James Vowles has gone all out to retain Carlos Sainz. He has offered him a multi-million pound, "champion's" contract extension, so that the Madrid native can take the reins of the team both on and off the track, because they are convinced he must be the key player in "The Solution."
>Williams has announced Alex Albon's contract extension, and now the paddock awaits the announcement of his teammate, although there will be no surprises: Sainz's continued presence is imminent.
>Carlos Sainz explained that he would use the summer break to reflect on his future. His moment to decide has arrived, and he has ultimately opted to stay.
>James Vowles has repeatedly stated that he wants Carlos to remain with the team, even though its current competitiveness isn't what Sainz expected when he chose them over other options.
>Vowles knows he needs Carlos. His leadership skills, though not always readily apparent, his constant collaboration with the engineers, his drive for improvements, his motivation, his total commitment… These are qualities that are very hard to find in the market.
>That's why Vowles has offered him a top salary. A fixed, top salary, without performance bonuses, because results are something Williams is currently unable to offer. Thus, Sainz has a significant salary increase, to around 30 million euros per season, which is a top driver's salary for a top team.
>The figure is very high. For some, it may seem exorbitant for a team like Williams. But when the team headquarters in Grove is convinced that Carlos is part of the solution, not the problem, things change completely.
>It has long been reported that Carlos's salary was around 12 million euros annually, but the reality is that it was already considerably higher.
>Sainz has signed a multi-year contract, an agreement that includes clauses linked to the team's performance, which would allow the Madrid native to leave the team before the end of his contract. Similar clauses to those held by Max Verstappen at Red Bull, which have generated much discussion in recent months.
>THIS IS HOW THE MARKET LOOKS
>With Sainz's and Albon's renewals, the first dominoes of the 'Silly Season' have fallen. Williams maintains its driver lineup, as does Audi, with both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto set to continue next season. The four-ring manufacturer has also opted for continuity for its two drivers; in fact, the information published about a possible financial compensation offer to Hülkenberg to leave the team and sign Sainz is false—it was never considered.
>In the midfield, it remains to be seen who will partner Pierre Gasly at Alpine, but all signs point to Franco Colapinto staying; the Racing Bulls lineup is still to be determined, as is Haas' decision regarding Esteban Ocon. At the top, there don't appear to be any major changes; the only possibility is a driver swap, but no opening has been made. And the final key piece is Fernando Alonso, whether he decides to continue with Aston Martin or not.
Makes sense considering they share the same time zone. Also some of you told me that Sepang lights are not enough for a F1 race, and you're 100% right
>F1 2027 calendar plan
>Feb 25-27 Bahrain testing
***
Mar 12-14 Bahrain GP
Mar 19-21 Saudi Arabian GP
Apr 2-4 Australian GP
Apr 9-11 Japanese GP
Apr 16-18 Chinese GP
Apr 30 - May 2 Miami GP
May 21-23 Canadian GP
Jun 4-6 Monaco GP
Jun 18-20 Portuguese GP
Jul 2-4 British GP
Jul 9-11 Austrian GP
Jul 23-25 Belgian GP
Jul 30 - Aug 1 Hungarian GP
Sep 3-5 Italian GP (Monza)
Sep 10-12 Spanish GP (Madring)
Sep 24-26 Azerbaijan GP
Oct 1-3 Turkish GP
Oct 8-10 Singapore GP
Oct 22-24 US GP (COTA)
Oct 29-31 Mexican GP
Nov 12-14 Brazilian GP
Nov 19-21 Las Vegas GP
Dec 3-5 Qatar GP
Dec 10-12 Abu Dhabi GP
If Bahrain and Saudi Arabia can't happen, Sepang could be an option. Pre-season testing could be moved to Barcelona then.
Source: https://www.madring.com/en/faqs
He did qualify P22 in Belgium and Malaysia 2016 but he had engine-related grid penalties and didn't push.