Renault started the year struggling to get into Q3 and score points. Eight months later it has scored back-to-back victories in Singapore and Japan and re-signed star driver Fernando Alonso ?σΤιΌΤΗ£ which seemed a remote possibility earlier on. Can it continue the progress over the winter and return to championship-challenging form in 2009?
f1 2008 articles archive
The themes of 2008: Rain
Posted onRain was one of the trends that defined the 2008 championship. Talk of the weather was seldom far from people’s lips this year, especially in the second half of the season. Time and again we were reminded of how a few drops of rain can transform a Grand Prix from a tedious procession into an … Continue reading The themes of 2008: Rain
The teams: Toyota, Toro Rosso and Red Bull (F1 2008)
Posted onOne of the surprises of 2008 was Toro Rosso beating its sister team Red Bull in the constructors’ championship and claiming its maiden win. Toyota, meanwhile, had one of their best ever F1 seasons. Here’s a look at how these three teams performed in 2008.
How will you remember F1 2008?
Posted onHow will you remember the 2008 F1 season? A close battle for the title that built to a glorious crescendo? Or a comedy of errors between two racers seemingly desperate to throw the championship away? Here are six memories of the 2008 championship that stand out in my mind – share yours below.
Race-by-race review (F1 2008)
Posted onWe shared every twist and turn in the 18 Grands Prix of 2008 here on the F1 Fanatic Live Blogs. Here’s a reminder of how each race unfolded and what we said about the most exciting moments of the year as they unfolfed before our eyes:
2008 F1 DVD pre-orders open
Posted onSeason review DVD coming soon
2008 F1 season review
Posted onYour verdict on F1 2008
2008 Brazilian Grand Prix grid
Posted onMassa on pole, Hamilton fourth
Felipe Massa takes pole for title decider (2008 Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying)
Posted onFelipe Massa thrilled the home crowd by taking pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix for the third year in a row. But this year it means even more as he faced down Lewis Hamilton for the world championship. Hamilton starts fourth behind Jarno Trulli and Kimi Raikkonen.
F1 drivers largely happy with the Singapore track, apart from the tortoises
Posted onTurn 10 on the Singapore track is causing some concern among the F1 drivers. Several of them have criticised the high kerbs on the corner. Felipe Massa has an unusual name for them: The kerbs are like little tortoises and if you get something wrong you wreck the car. As mentioned in the Sinagpore track … Continue reading F1 drivers largely happy with the Singapore track, apart from the tortoises
Jackie Stewart on Singapore (Video)
Posted onJackie Stewart discusses some of the big talking points ahead of the first ever Singapore Grand Prix – and the first ever night race: the challenges of racing at night, the threat of rain, and the safety concerns.
Why did the FIA let Vitantonio Liuzzi appeal but not Lewis Hamilton?
Posted onLewis Hamilton has had Belgian Grand Prix penalty appeal thrown out, bringing another wave of reaction, much of it highly critical of the FIA. At the heart of the controversy is the FIA’s decision not to allow Hamilton to submit his appeal, despite letting another driver, Vitantonio Liuzzi, do so last year. The official documents … Continue reading Why did the FIA let Vitantonio Liuzzi appeal but not Lewis Hamilton?
Lewis Hamilton’s appeal fails and Felipe Massa keeps Belgian Grand Prix win
Posted onLewis Hamilton was not successful in his appeal against the penalty he received in the Belgian Grand Prix. The FIA International Court of Appeal’s decision means Felipe Massa remains the winner of the Belgian Grand Prix ahead of Nick Heidfeld and Hamilton. As was widely expected the FIA threw out the appeal on the grounds … Continue reading Lewis Hamilton’s appeal fails and Felipe Massa keeps Belgian Grand Prix win
Will Raikkonen, Heidfeld or Kovalainen?σΤιΌΤδσs 2008 title hopes end in Singapore?
Posted onThe first ever Singapore Grand Prix could influence the F1 title battle in many ways. But one of the most interesting changes could be in the role the team mates of championship leaders Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa and Robert Kubica have to play in the subsequent races. Any one of their team mates ?σΤιΌΤΗ£ Heikki … Continue reading Will Raikkonen, Heidfeld or Kovalainen?σΤιΌΤδσs 2008 title hopes end in Singapore?
McLaren claims the FIA mis-represented its own steward in Lewis Hamilton trial
Posted onThe Times’ Ed Gorman reported a very surprising development during today’s hearing into Lewis Hamilton’s controversial Spa penalty. According to Gorman, McLaren produced a document claiming the FIA tried to undermine McLaren’s argument about the admissibility of the appeal by mis-representing the position of one of its own stewards.
Thoughts on Singapore’s F1 street track (2008 Singapore Grand Prix preview)
Posted onFerrari boss Luca di Montezemolo is not looking forward to F1 racing at the new Singapore street circuit at night: The drivers are concentrating on what needs to be improved and on the next grand prix in Singapore. But I have the impression that it’s another track where you can’t overtake, Valencia-style. To go on … Continue reading Thoughts on Singapore’s F1 street track (2008 Singapore Grand Prix preview)
Hamilton penalty: The trial (Poll)
Posted onLewis Hamilton’s penalty in the Belgian Grand Prix has provoked unprecedented levels of debate and discussion on F1 Fanatic – nearly 900 comments spread across four articles. Tomorrow the World Motor Sports Council meets to pass judgement on McLaren’s appeal against the penalty. Will they change the stewards’ verdict? Will the penalty be decided on … Continue reading Hamilton penalty: The trial (Poll)
Oops. Did we curse Toyota?
Posted onThree weeks ago, between the Valencia and Spa races, we did a poll on which team would finish fourth in the constructors’ championship. Toyota dominated the voting, with over three-quarters backing them to take fourth in the constructors’ title. Since then they haven’t scored a point and their fourth place is under attack from Renault … Continue reading Oops. Did we curse Toyota?
Four of F1’s ‘unwritten rules’
F1 video
Posted onAt the Italian Grand Prix weekend driving standards was a hot topic again – hardly surprising given the furore over Lewis Hamilton’s penalty at Spa, and Monza’s combination of two tight chicanes plus a soaking wet track. With Hamilton’s appeal against his penalty due to be heard on Monday 22nd September it’s a good time … Continue reading Four of F1’s ‘unwritten rules’
2008 Italian GP facts and stats
Posted onSebastien Vettel broke a couple of Fernando Alonso’s records for being the youngest driver to win a race and start from pole position. The Italian Grand Prix also saw the youngest ever podium and one of Michael Schumacher’s records was equalled as well. See the stats and facts round-up in full below.