Formula One chiefs are set to hold further crisis talks to try and resolve the problems with the panned “progressive elimination” qualifying format with former world champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari comparing bosses to ice cream salesmen.
The new system, which ended in fiasco without a car on the track at the season opening Australian Grand Prix, was widely slammed again on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
“I am as disappointed as probably anyone that I know that we did not go back,” said Vettel, referring to the sport’s failure to ditch the system and revert to the previous format.
Vettel and other top drivers were unified in calling for changes in the sport’s decisionmaking processes and management.
He was notably disappointed that the teams’ decision to dump a system that failed was not upheld.
“Put it this way,” Vettel said. “If you sell vanilla ice cream, but everybody who comes to your shop is asking for chocolate ice cream, the next day you open, you expect to sell chocolate ice cream, but instead you just sell vanilla ice cream again. Usually you do what your clients would like you to do, but you are not really doing the job if you do the exact opposite. It is something that we cannot be proud of. If everybody is against something and you still decide for it... well, qualifying is just one example that something is not right.”
Vettel and others believe the qualifying fiasco highlights all that is wrong in F1, as the drivers’ declared in an open letter last week.
“I think the point we are trying to make is very clear so I do not think there is much to add,” he said. “It is just to rethink what is currently happening. It is clear that if we write a letter, it does not change overnight because it is very difficult to give proposals. We did not give any proposals. We made it clear that there is something that is not right and something has to change.”
On a day of widespread criticism of the sport’s management, Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff added that he expected this weekend’s qualifying hour to be much the same as that seen in Melbourne.
“I think Saturday [today] is going to be about the same as we had in Melbourne,” he said. “And then we will see what the consequences are going to be — and whether the FIA [International Motoring Federation] then decides to change the rules. There will be another meeting on Sunday [tomorrow] once they are all here.”
It is understood that Wolff was referring to key men Bernie Ecclestone, the veteran commercial boss, and FIA president Jean Todt.
Both were absent in Australia where the teams voted to ditch the new system, a decision that was not carried through due to a failure to gain 100 percent support from the FIA.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely