Medland: 'Don't despair at Red Bull dominance — it's what F1 needs'
The 2023 F1 season is threatening to turn into a 'boring' Red Bull walkover. What is the problem with that? asks Chris Medland
The top of the Dakar leaderboard changed dramatically over stages three and four, as early leader Nasser Al-Attiyah retired and problems hit Peugeot’s star duo.
Reigning victor Stephané Peterhansel returned to form to take the stage three win ahead of Carlos Sainz and Sebastien Loeb in a Peugeot 1-2-3. That third-place finish ensured Loeb retained his lead, with Sainz second and Peterhansel third.
The Spaniard’s Dakar lasted barely a day longer, crashing out on Stage four. Loeb fared only slightly better, engine issues costing him 30 minutes. Cyril Despres handed Peugeot another stage victory, though, to assume the overall lead, beating MINI’s Mikko Hirvonen. Peterhansel couldn’t capitalise on his team-mates’ misfortune, himself losing 15 minutes after a wrong turn but he recovered enough for second in the overall standings.
The 2023 F1 season is threatening to turn into a 'boring' Red Bull walkover. What is the problem with that? asks Chris Medland
Saudi Arabia is looking to build a motor sport industry on the back of its Grand Prix, and could be a beacon for F1's expansion — but how can the race be justified when citizens are murdered, tortured and detained without trial?
Fernando Alonso has a tricky reputation in F1. But he's been reinvigorated since moving to Aston Martin and shaken off some of his old traits for a more straightforward approach writes Chris Medland
Fernando Alonso's name was once again near the top of an F1 timesheet during Friday testing. Mark Hughes is hoping that he'll still be there when racing starts