Rachel Stephens, Author at Motorsport | Pit Debrief

Xavier Marcos Padros with Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc, and he discusses how he expects the Monegasque to fare against Lewis Hamilton.

Exclusive: Xavier Marcos Padros “curious” to see how Hamilton fares against “high level” Leclerc at Ferrari F1

Rachel Stephens8 months ago8 months ago04 mins mins

In the second part of an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Xavier Marcos Padros, current technical director of Cadillac’s LMDh sportscar program, discussed his journey to, with, and from Ferrari, alongside the future of the team, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in red. The journey to Ferrari and Tifosi culture Despite getting his first…

James Vowles suggests Franco Colapinto could still get Alpine F1 opportunity in 2025

Vowles suggests Colapinto could still get Alpine F1 opportunity in 2025

Rachel Stephens9 months ago9 months ago02 mins mins

Williams’ team principal James Vowles believes that Franco Colapinto’s move to Alpine F1 as a reserve driver is the right step for the young Argentine’s future in formula racing. Despite Colapinto’s stint with Williams in 2024, Vowles believes that Alpine offers the best path back to the grid for the 21-year-old. Vowles has recently reiterated his…

Nyck de Vries reflects on abrupt 2023 F1 exit: “Hurt but relieved”

Rachel Stephens9 months ago9 months ago04 mins mins

Two years on from his AlphaTauri days, and now competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Toyota and in Formula E for Mahindra, Nyck de Vries has spoken out about his time in the F1 paddock. De Vries’ F1 stint began with an impressive debut at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, where he stepped…

Ben Sulayem on axing of Johnny Herbert as a steward: “There was a conflict of interest”

Rachel Stephens9 months ago9 months ago02 mins mins

Following the FIA’s announcement that Johnny Herbert will no longer be a steward at Grand Prix races ahead of the F1 2025 season, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the “conflict of interest” that led to the former driver’s departure. Speaking to Spanish media MARCA, Sulayem noted that Herbert’s dual roles as a steward and…

Isack Hadjar discussed his road to an F1 contract with Racing Bulls, as well as the rumours surrounding Franco Colapinto.

Hadjar had “serious doubts” about RB F1 seat with Colapinto rumours swirling

Rachel Stephens9 months ago04 mins mins

The 2025 Formula 1 grid is set to welcome a fresh face, and it’s one that has been turning heads in the junior categories for years. Isack Hadjar, the 20-year-old French-Algerian racer, is making his F1 debut with RB this season. It follows Red Bull’s major switch-up with the exit of Sergio Perez. Isack Hadjar was…

F1 | Abu Dhabi GP | Race | McLaren secure 2024 Constructors’ title with dominant Norris win

Rachel Stephens11 months ago10 months ago07 mins mins

It’s the last race of the 2024 season, and emotions are high at the F1 Abu Dhabi GP as Lando Norris starts on pole. It’s a showdown between Ferrari and McLaren for the Constructors Championship — but it seems that Ferrari will have to put in a shift to bag the title, with Leclerc starting…

F1 | Qatar GP | Qualifying | Verstappen takes pole ahead of Russell and Norris

Rachel Stephens11 months ago11 months ago04 mins mins

After a McLaren 1-2 at today’s sprint race, all eyes are on the team as they fight to secure the Constructors’ title against Ferrari as qualifying got underway at the F1 Qatar GP. Q1 George Russell is first to line up in the pit lane exit, with medium compound tyres on his Mercedes. Green light and go! …

Tsunoda feels he “did the maximum” with P9 finish in F1 Las Vegas GP

Rachel Stephens11 months ago11 months ago04 mins mins

Under the lights of the Las Vegas GP, RB’s Yuki Tsunoda started in 7th, and finished in 9th, bagging a respectable points finish for the team — the driver is confident that he deserves a spot on the grid next year, and potentially a promotion to Red Bull. His impressive drive, in a less than…

F1 | Las Vegas GP | Race | Russell leads Mercedes 1-2, Verstappen secures 2024 title

Rachel Stephens12 months ago12 months ago05 mins mins

We’re in Vegas baby, and the stakes are high for the F1 Las Vegas GP. If Max Verstappen leaves with (at least) a 60-point lead ahead of Lando Norris, he’s officially a four-time world champion. Franco Colapinto starts this race from the pit lane following his crash in qualifying. The Williams’ driver had new front…

F1 cooling kit and rookie sprints: FIA’s latest updates explained

Rachel Stephens12 months ago12 months ago03 mins mins

The FIA’s Formula 1 Commission met in Geneva for their fifth meeting of 2024 to map out regulatory updates for 2025 and beyond, including the introduction of a F1 cooling kit. Here’s what’s in store as F1 looks to the future: New driver cooling kits for 2025 The FIA’s approach to safety seems to be…