Lotus Tag

By Adam Tate, Associate Editor 2017 may prove to be just the reset Renault has needed. One of F1’s four power unit suppliers, Renault is a full works team for only their second season back after it stayed away from the sport from 2011 to 2015. Crucially they have an all new car, as last year’s design was very much a warmed over Lotus. The new machine, the R.S.17 is one of the more attractive and purposeful looking cars on the grid. Piloted by veteran recruit Nico Hulkenberg and second yearRead More

By Adam Tate, Associate Editor After Paddy Lowe’s shocking departure for Williams, Mercedes AMG Petronas has confirmed highly rated ex-Ferrari and Renault man James Allison will take the helm of technical director for the Silver Arrows. Allison brings a breadth of experience and is known as one of F1’s foremost experts on aerodynamics, something the 2017 regulations have put back in the spotlight. He worked at Benetton, Larrouusse, Ferrari during the Schumacher years, Renault during the Alonso years, Lotus during their brief resurgence with Raikkonen, and then Ferrari for the lastRead More

By Adam Tate, Associate Editor Wider-faster-louder cars and fat Pirelli slicks are already set to make Formula One 2017 an exciting prospect for the fans, but if reports out of South America are to be trusted it could get a lot more exciting with Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado potentially returning to the grid. The controversial and crash prone driver could soon be back to his legendary hunting grounds. The 2012 Spanish Grand Prix winner, known for his searing speed and devil may care driving style, is reportedly in talks with several F1 teamsRead More

February 14, 1944 – September 11, 1978 Ten-time Grand Prix Winner Runner-up in F1 Championship 1971, 1978 Over the past 65 seasons, 846 drivers have competed in Formula One competition. Of those, only 32 have gained the title of World Champion. In order to be crowned champion, a driver must not only possess the talent and determination, but also have the circumstances put them in the right place at the right time. As you can imagine, the history books are filled with stories about drivers that probably should have beenRead More

By Frank Santoroski, Staff Writer As the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is making preparations for the historic 100th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, it is a wonderful time to take a trip down memory lane and examine the rich history of this uniquely American event. Each of the 99 previous races has produced a winner that will forever have his name etched in motor racing history. 67 race winning drivers, and two relief drivers have their images on the Borg-Warner Trophy. There are, however, an untold number of heartbreakingRead More

By Frank Santoroski, Contributing Writer The 65 year history of the Formula One World Championship has seen a myriad of scenarios play out over the years. Some seasons were remembered for close championship battles, others for multiple winners. Some seasons saw unbearable tragedy, and others saw bitter feuding between teammates. Some seasons saw incredible innovation, while others were marred by politics, protests, disqualifications and even driver’s strikes. No season can compare with the perfect storm that was 1982 where we saw all of this, and more. The 1982 stats will showRead More

By Frank Santoroski, Contributing Writer If there is anything that has been a constant in my 40-plus years of enjoying motorsports, it is Mario Andretti. When I first started paying attention to racing as a boy, Mario Andretti was there.  He was driving a beautiful black and gold Lotus in Formula One, and he was winning races.  A year later, he took the Championship. When I first started paying attention the the newly-formed CART Series, Mario Andretti was there. I was thrilled when he was named the winner of the 1981Read More

By Adam Tate, Managing Editor The recent rumors of Pastor Maldonado leaving Lotus/Renault have been confirmed today. The Grand Prix winner made the announcement via social media with the following statement: “Today with the utmost humility I inform you that I will not be present at the starting grid for the 2016 F1 season. Thanks for all your messages of support, passion and concern for my future.” It has yet to be confirmed if ex-McLaren man Kevin Magnussen will replace him, but sources expect a Magnussen announcement alongside Renault’s launch of theirRead More

By Adam Tate, Managing Editor With the Venezuelan economy in tatters and his reputation at an all time low, it was only a matter of time before oil giant PDVSA pulled the plug on Pastor Maldonado’s backing. It now appears the writing is on the wall and the F1 rumor mill is going full tilt, pointing directly to ex-McLaren man Kevin Magnussen. With PDVSA’s financial backing run dry, Maldonado’s options to remain in F1 for a sixth season seems slight at best. Meanwhile, Magnussen will be inheriting a lead driver roleRead More

Formula One weaves a tangled web – as per multiple reports, the much rumored buyout of Lotus F1 Team by Renault is set to commence. Renault group CEO Carlos Ghosn and his board have signed off on a deal that now only needs the approval of Lotus to be set in motion. The plan will have the French automotive giant acquire a 65 percent stake in the F1 team that just seven years ago was 100 percent under their control. Gerard Lopez will remain in the picture with a largeRead More