Friday's F1 news is a mix of news and opinion from around the paddock, and even if there's no race weekend to look forward to this time around, there's plenty to take away from the day's events.
This includes the second part of an extended interview with Mika Hakkinen, among the major headlines of the day. Let's take a closer look.
F1 News Roundup – March 15, 2024
Günter Steiner admits he stayed at Haas too long
Having not received a contract extension from Haas for the 2024 season, Günther Steiner has taken time to reflect and come to the conclusion that he may have stayed with the team a little too long – but for the 2024 season. I would be open to returning to sports in the future, but only if the opportunity is appropriate.
“The last few weeks have been the first time I've been away from F1 in almost 10 years,” Steiner wrote in a column for Formula1.com.
“This time was a good time for me. The more time passes, the more I realize that I stayed at Haas too long.
“When you step back, things become clearer and you see what to do. While you're there, you're in denial and you think you can do it, but you can't.
read more: Günter Steiner admits he has been at Haas too long after his sudden departure
Is Fernando just Fernando, or does he have a hint of Mercedes?
Now, we all know that Fernando Alonso is a master at manipulating any narrative at his disposal, but we all know that Fernando Alonso is a master at manipulating any narrative at his disposal, but when he posted on social media from the same cafe in Monaco where his manager Flavio Briatore recently met Toto Wolff, When I posted it, it naturally got a lot of attention.
He has no contract beyond the end of the year and could very well have been there for his own leisure, but in his case he wanted to emphasize something else, however slight. There is always a possibility that
read more: Fernando Alonso sparks new Mercedes speculation with cryptic post
Exclusive: Mika Hakkinen details the twists and turns of 1999
After introducing the story of the 1999 season with Mika Hakkinen, part two of the story introduces the first half of 1999 with Hakkinen himself.
The Flying Fins revealed their journey to their second World Championship to PlanetF1.com and detailed the story of the year they won the title, even if they say so themselves Read the story of the year they won the title Well worth it.
read more: The story behind Mika Hakkinen's dramatic title victory over Ferrari in 1999 – Part 2
Eddie Jordan wasn't impressed with Daniel Ricciardo's performance
Former F1 team principal Eddie Jordan did not have warm words to say about Daniel Ricciardo's performance as a RB so far this season, despite lavishing praise on the player on a personal level.
Ratel wants to force his way into the slot for a return to Red Bull in 2025, but early evidence suggests he's not quite ready yet – although this season There is still a long way to go.
Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, Jordan said: Since then, nothing has made me want to invest my hard-earned sponsorship money into keeping Daniel going.
“He probably needs results more than anyone and he needs to get it together because otherwise he will be replaced and I can understand why he would be replaced just because he is not performing well.
“So he shouldn't have spun the car, he shouldn't have thrown the car out of order in the pit stops. I don't see Max doing that, I don't see anyone else doing that. not.
“So Daniel, as much as we absolutely adore him, I think he's a huge asset to F1. The stopwatch never lies and there are question marks on the stopwatch when it comes to Daniel. ”
read more: “Not enough performance” – Eddie Jordan’s damning verdict on the Red Bull contenders
Fred Vasseur shuts down Lewis Hamilton successor chat
Speaking to reporters after Olly Bearman's successful F1 debut, Fred Vasseur raised the prospect that he could one day succeed Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
But as the Scuderia team boss pointed out, it still shouldn't be talked about at all.
“Don't start talking about what happened to Lewis Hamilton, Lewis isn't in the team yet!” he said.
“But this was certainly a good sign and an important milestone for Ollie. In Melbourne he will be returning to his F2 project, but this will be Ollie's most important challenge.
“He will soon start FP1 sessions with Haas, which will be important in terms of giving him experience and mileage on the car. [Jeddah] He's already got the results in his pocket.”
read more: “Don’t talk about what happened to Lewis Hamilton!” – Ferrari’s plan to succeed Oliver Bearman is scrapped
