By Charlen Raymond
Even in its winter break, nothing comes to a standstill in Formula One. News, updates, comments, and ridiculous statements are never put to rest.
Force India Formula One team boss, Vijay Mallya, welcomed the proposed 2015 budget cap, adding that it will be good for the sport.
“Brilliant news – I hope it’s implemented,” Mallya told the official F1 website. “It should have happened a few years ago actually, but better late than never.”
Asked whether there might be teams who’d not comply with the budget cap, Mallya responded: “[…] if people want to cheat and be dishonest, they can. But I wouldn’t necessarily say that any team principal who signs off on a declaration would necessarily push the envelope.”
The finer details of the budget cap will be considered before its approval at the end of June 2014.
McLaren team principal, Martin Whitmarsh, conceded that his team had taken a risk by promoting the young Kevin Magnussen.
Magnussen, replacing Sergio Pérez, would be the second rookie in recent memory to join McLaren after Lewis Hamilton, but his transition into the pinnacle of motorsport would be harder than Lewis’.
“The one thing I’ll say – and I hesitate to say this thinking about it, but I’ll say it – it was easier for Lewis because we pounded him with testing in a way you can’t anymore,” said Whitmarsh.
Still, after testing for McLaren in the European summer, Whitmarsh still believes that Magnussen has a certain ‘X-factor’: “I sat there listening to his feedback, how clear and precise he was; the confidence, and realising ‘This guy is special’.”
Lotus driver Romain Grosjean reckons he had proven to be one of the top drivers in Formula One. This somewhat ridiculous claim comes after having a better second half to the 2013 campaign.
“I think I have proven that I am part of the best drivers and that’s how I consider myself,” the Frenchman said.
“It took some work and some painful time to get there, but I am now proud of what I am doing and I don’t think I can do more.”
Grosjean may have taken six podiums this season, four in the final six races, but a couple of podiums doesn’t always equate to Formula One greatness, as you have to continuously push yourself to do better, and not say that you can’t do more.
