“We need to make sure a driver genuinely deserves any ban.”
Formula one chiefs will meet next weekend in Barcelona to discuss a potential demerit-points system that could lead to drivers facing race bans for repeat misbehaviour.
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Tag Archive: Charlie Whiting
Mar 16
McLaren electronics causing trouble in Melbourne
F1 cars’ standard electronic units, supplied by a McLaren subsidiary, are causing problems in 2013.
As the electronic control units (ECU) were upgraded ahead of the turbo V6 debut next year, teams struck trouble during recent testing. McLaren Electronic Systems (MES) reacted to the bugs, but in Melbourne on Saturday, the telemetry links between the cars and FIA race control failed.
Feb 28
Lotus denies engine maps issue will slow 2013 car
Ahead of the final pre-season test and 2013 season opener, Lotus has played down a new controversy about engine maps.
We reported on Monday that, after Red Bull were told to stop using certain ‘maps’ mid last season, the similarly Renault-powered Lotus was now also embroiled in a similar controversy. Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport said the FIA directive issued in August of last year still applied for 2013, despite Red Bull and Lotus assuming it related exclusively to last season’s championship.
Feb 26
Caterham exhaust ‘legal’ insists van der Garde
After Williams removed its controversial solution for the ‘Coanda’-effect exhaust late last week, heads are now turning in Caterham’s direction.
Williams’ move to remove the solution reportedly followed the FIA’s Charlie Whiting telling team designer Mike Coughlan at Jerez that he deemed it illegal. But while Williams’ solution attempted to find a loophole in the regulations, Coughlan said recently he thought Caterham’s similar approach is “clearly not allowed”.
Feb 20
FIA tells Williams exhaust solution illegal
F1′s governing body has told Williams its exhaust solution for the newly-launched FW35 is not legal.
It was already believed a similar solution for the Coanda-effect exhaust on Caterham’s 2013 car definitely falls foul of this year’s rules. But Williams’ chief designer Mike Coughlan said in Barcelona on Tuesday, where the team’s new Renault-powered car was revealed and tested for the first time, that he was confident the FW35 complied.
Dec 31
F1 ‘will get used to’ V6 engine sounds – Whiting
Charlie Whiting, the highest ranking FIA official at grands prix, is sure formula one will not miss the sound of F1′s current V8 engines.
For the past couple of decades, fans have been spoiled by the ear-splitting tones of normally aspirated V12, 10 and now 8-cylinder power plants. But from 2014, the sport will sound more placid, as turbocharged and comparatively low-revving 1.6 litre V6 engines power the cars around the tracks.
Nov 30
Ecclestone, FIA, say Vettel will stay 2012 champion
Bernie Ecclestone has slammed as a “complete joke” Ferrari’s efforts to question the outcome of the 2012 world championship.
The controversy erupted when video footage emerged – and was circulated widely by “Fernando Alonso’s management” according to Sport Bild – of Sebastian Vettel purportedly overtaking illegally under yellow flag conditions at Interlagos. Ferrari confirmed that it asked the governing body for “clarification”, and spokesman Luca Colajanni insists the Maranello team has “until tomorrow (Friday) to file an appeal”.
F1′s governing body has sided with Red Bull, after Ferrari on Thursday wrote the FIA a letter that might have changed the outcome of the 2012 world championship. Nov 21
Whiting clears Red Bull over ‘rubber’ nose
Charlie Whiting has played down claims Red Bull has pushed the rules further than any rival with its supposedly ‘rubber’ front nose.
Video footage of a mechanic removing Sebastian Vettel’s damaged front nose during a recent pitstop caused alarm in the F1 paddock, as the nose appeared to bend, flex and twist as though it was made of rubber.
Nov 19
Karthikeyan says FIA on his side after Vettel criticism
Narain Karthikeyan has hit back at Sebastian Vettel, following the latest bout of criticism from the reigning world champion.
Vettel’s Red Bull boss, Christian Horner, pointed the finger at HRT’s Karthikeyan after Vettel lost the lead of the US grand prix on Sunday to Lewis Hamilton. “The race unfortunately hinged on one backmarker that didn’t use his mirrors,” he said.
Nov 18
Oil, not dust to blame for slippery Austin
The particularly slippery conditions suffered by drivers at the new Circuit of the Americas this weekend is caused by oil, not dust.
That is the claim of the authoritative German publication Auto Motor und Sport, which said Texas’ colder-than-expected temperatures and too-hard Pirelli tyres are also contributing to the problem.
Nov 16
Practice and qualifying ban for DRS in 2013
The use of the moveable rear wing innovation ‘DRS’ will be banned in practice and qualifying in 2013, it has emerged.
The ban follows complaints from the drivers themselves, who argued that the innovation – to make overtaking easier during races – had also made driving more dangerous. “The request to Charlie (Whiting) was practically unanimous,” Australian driver Mark Webber told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.
Oct 22
Qatar targets F1 testing, race
Arab state Qatar is pushing to become F1′s next new host.
The Losail circuit, built in 2004 and located just outside the capital Doha, already stages a night race for MotoGP. And the president of Qatar’s motor racing federation, Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, has revealed that Losail is bidding “to get the license which would allow us to host F1 teams for pre-season testing and other activities.
Sep 26
Whiting gives Austin track green light for US GP
Charlie Whiting has given Austin’s new Circuit of the Americas the green light to host its inaugural US grand prix in November.
We reported on Tuesday that F1′s highest-ranking FIA official was at the brand new venue for an inspection. “Everything I’ve seen has been absolutely first class,” Whiting is quoted by the Austin American Statesman newspaper. “Progress since last time I was here has been amazing.”
Sep 25
Whiting in Austin to inspect new US GP venue
Two months before the venue’s inaugural US grand prix, Charlie Whiting is in Austin to inspect the brand new Circuit of the Americas.
The Austin American Statesman newspaper reports that F1′s race director, safety delegate and technical development chief must give Austin the nod “or there will be no” grand prix in mid November.