Montreal Canadian Defenceman Retires

Retirement is inevitable for athletes, with the body ageing and losing its former stamina. This has extended towards one of the most infamous defencemen with the Montreal Canadians. Andrei Markov at forty-one years of age announced that he’d be retiring from professional hockey immediately. This ends a career that began in Russia, extending towards an additional sixteen seasons with the Montreal Canadians.

History Explained

Andrei Markov stands at one of the longest-standing players in National Hockey League history. He’s experienced 990 Regular-Season Games, with that number extending with the inclusion of the Stanley Cup Series and Andrei’s time in Russia. The last three seasons of his career was maintained with the Continental Hockey League, where be played with another notable legend by the name of Yaroslavl.

When Andrei Markov still competed with the Montreal Canadians, he stood at their 162nd Overall Pick. The coaching staff would place Andrei on the 1st lineup by 2000, where Markov would compete until 2017. Throughout the 2000-2002 Seasons with the Montreal Canadians, Andrei Markov also played with the American Hockey League’s Quebec Citadels. This infamous capabilities of this defencemen garnered him the title of NHL All-Star twice. It followed after acquiring 119 goals throughout his 990 games, with 572 Points earned in the Montreal Canadians Uniform. There aren’t any other NHL defencemen with this stature.

Representatives & Coaching Staff with the Montreal Canadians expressed their sentiments towards Andrei Markov retiring. They expressed their thanks for his notable career with the Canadians, which followed into the Continental Hockey League in Russia. These individuals mentioned that his legendary status is unforgettable for MC Supporters.

Andrei’s History Continued

This defenceman averaged twenty-three minutes of playtime throughout 990 matches. This means that throughout his NHL career, more than 22+ thousand hours were played on the ice. These valuations extend even further when accounting his time with other teams. It’s formally expected that the NHL Hall of Fame will induct Andrei Markov into their ranks. The defencemen already stand under the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame, which stems from his time with the Quebec Capitals. It’s also expected that Russia will induct him into their Hall of Fame, with Andrei Markov acquiring the communist regime a World Hockey Championship title in 2008.

The Origins of Mercedes F1s DAS System

Formula One 2020 Testing proved to be devasting for nine of ten teams, with Mercedes F1 AMG-Petronas coming out as the dominating force. This followed after they revealed the Dual-Axis Steering System, which quickly became a controversial subject amongst the grid. Teams believed that it provided drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas with a significant advantage over their competitors.

When the Formula International Association approved these innovative features, multiple teams claimed they’d protest this decision through the FIA. This all happened before the COVID-19 pandemic broke-out worldwide and saw Formula One postponed until the summer. News regarding the DAS System is still being revealed, with it being confirmed that this innovative feature evolved through a previous feature seen earlier in the 2010s.

Footage from F1 2020 Testing revealed that both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas pulled their steering wheels towards them while driving on straights. Their front wheels would then pitch slightly outwards to provide better downforce, which ensures higher speed on the straights. Every corner that these drivers would approach saw the steering wheel return to its conventional placement.

Multiple teams questioned the legality behind such a formidable innovation. This concern prompted the FIA to outlaw the DAS System for 2021, which follows after the scheduling of the 2020 Season was required with global social distancing being enforced worldwide. Their concern is the only viable reason behind this outlaw, with the FIA also deciding that the 2020 Cars would remain productive throughout the 2021 season. Postponements on the 2021 Updated Regulations were implemented until 2022.

The Bottas Interview

Valtteri Bottas mentioned through a teleconference that the DAS System was known to himself and Lewis Hamilton for more than twelve months. He expressed that they played a critical role in its development. During his remarks with motorsport reporters, he mentioned that this feature was evolved from a previous component in the earlier years of the Hybrid Era. That component didn’t work in its first iteration, with Mercedes Engineers having to wait a prolonged period to implement the feature to their cars. Bottas noted that the DAS System beat his expectations and would prove a formidable feature when the 2022 Season begins.

Formula One Considering Multiple Races for Silverstone

The Formula International Association is working with Silverstone organizers to determine if multiple venues should be hosted at the British location. This follows after the Royal Automobile Club, which organizers all events at the Silverstone Circuit, announced that they’d be willing to host multiple venues. RAC Representative also noted that reverse layouts could also be considered under legislative approval. These announcements followed after the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have global implications, with Bernie Ecclestone, have to consider different options with eight Grand Prix’s already being lost.

Representatives with the Royal Automobile Club mentioned on April 1st that FIA organizers had until April 30th to determine if multiple Grand Prix’s should be held at Silverstone. F1 Schedules have the British Grand Prix listed for July 19th. Considering that Great Britain is the powerhouse behind Formula One, sporting analysts believe Bernie Ecclestone and FIA Organizers will support this decision. However, it should be noted that analysts are testing multiple scenarios. This includes extending the 2020 Formula One Season into 2021. Both options could be supported in a singular decision by the F1 CEO.

The Convenience Factor

The Managing Director of Silverstone noted that RAC is willing to implement whatever measures required to assist Formula One. Organizers in F1 are eager to engage with this concept but are first determining what’s best for the overall series. Bernie Ecclestone also has to consider what investors; team owners and drivers want from the 2020 Season. Individuals like Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff will have severe implications over what happens with the 2020 Season. This is because of their close relationship with Bernie Ecclestone, who announced on March 2nd that he’d be expecting a 4th child at the age of 89.

There’d be significant convenience behind moving multiple Grand Prix’s to Silverstone. Several of the ten Formula One teams are operational in Great Britain. It wouldn’t be challenging for the remaining three teams to set up temporary facilities. The Managing Director expressed that Silverstone is one of the limited circuits supporting the required infrastructure for multiple races. The decision ultimately falls on behalf of Bernie Ecclestone.

F1 2020 Scheduling Update

The Formula International Association is considering shortening race weekends with F1, limiting them to two days. Alterations to the regular season would include extending the 2020 Grand Prix’s into January. Drivers would be forced to begin the next season immediately after the championships were concluded. This information was provided through Mattia Binotto, the Team Leader for Ferrari F1.

The initial eight Grand Prix’s slated for the 2020 season have been postponed or terminated following the global Covid-19 Pandemic. The Chief Executive Officer behind Formula One has expressed that a 2020 championship will be held, with the seasonal alterations beginning this summer. There’ll be a maximum of fifteen to eighteen Grand Prix’s, which could provide enough championship points to conduct the 2020 F1 Season.

It should be noted that the inaugural Grand Prix for 2020 is expected to be the Canadian Grand Prix. Rapid changes in the Canadian ecosystem could prompt this GP to be cancelled as well, with Covid-19 rapidly spreading throughout Canada’s provinces. It’s not known how the two-day race weeks would be scheduled, with Mattia Binotto not providing extensive details. It’s suspected that three practice sessions would be held throughout Saturdays. Qualifying and Races would be held on Sundays. Mattia expects multiple meetings with the F1A & all other teams in Formula One before a decision is made.

The Interview

Mattia Binotto spoke with Sky Sports Italia from an enclosed location in Northern Italy. He expressed that Ferrari has had continuous conversations with the Formula International Association. All team principals have determined that Covid-19 is a crucial moment in Formula One’s history, with demands from supporters having to be met. This doesn’t mean that these team principals are forcing the FIA’s hand. Mattia noted that timetable-wise, they’ve provided the FIA complete freedom over the 2020 calendar. Binotto believes the safety of supporters is more important than the livelihood of Formula One. Before any decision can be made, logistical challenges for two-day weekends must be solved.

The minimum requirement for a 2020 Formula One Championship would be eight Grand Prix’s. Mattia noted that all F1 outfits have agreed to a January extension of the 2020 season. However, it’s been requested by Hass and Renault that the 2021 Season wouldn’t begin until March.

F1 Drivers Join Virtual Grand Prix Series

Supporters behind Formula One have something to look forward to with the announcement that an F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series will begin on March 22nd. This will include several drivers currently employed with F1 Teams, allowing for virtual races to be enjoyed while a large percentage of the community remains in self-isolation. This announcement follows after additional venues in the F1 Calendar were terminated, like the Monaco Grand Prix. Those wanting to watch these virtual races have multiple ways to witness the events, with the 1st location slated to be the Bahrain Grand Prix. All postponed or cancelled races on the Calendar will be replaced with virtual venues going forward. This is expected to be consistent until May or June.

The 1st race at Bahrain will host the several F1 Drivers, with some being announced and others unconfirmed. It’s known that Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris will be competing, with George Russel and Charles Leclerc suspected. It was confirmed on March 21st that Max Verstappen wouldn’t compete in the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series, even though he’s driven in this manner multiple times before. This venue is slated to begin at 4:00 PM-EST and will be broadcasted from the G-Infinity Esports Arena, with the drivers streaming from their respective homes in self-isolation.

Race Details

This series will be managed through “F1 2019” on Microsoft computers. This Codemasters-developed game will support 50% Race Length, meaning that twenty-eight laps will be driven during this broadcast. It’s expected that two or three races will be held during the 1 Hour & 30 Minutes broadcast schedule. This will include a qualifying period to ensure that grid positions are based on the driver’s respective skillsets.

It should be mentioned that the game setting will be specially configured to encourage entertaining and competitive racing. Cars will support equal performance with fixed setups. There’ll be reduced vehicle damage, optional traction control & variable anti-lock brakes available to the drivers as well. The F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series is for entertainment purposes, meaning that points won’t apply to the F1 Drivers or Collectors Championship. We’ll keep our readers informed on the outcome of these virtual races and any news regarding the F1 2020 Season.

Formula One Cancelled Until May 2020

Shocking announcements were made to Formula One Fans throughout the last several days. The most recent came on March 12th, with the Bahrain and Vietnam Grand Prix’s also being cancelled moving forward. Those cancellations follow the already terminated Chinese and Australian Grand Prix’s. During these announcements, the Formula International Association confirmed that delays could extend until May. Regular reviews of the Coronavirus Outbreak will be held to ensure public safety going forward. The necessary cancellations will be made to guarantee the protection of the F1 Community.

Most supporters with Formula One weren’t anticipating that the novel coronavirus would turn into COVID-19, prompting the immediate cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix in February. Those supporters were against shocked when the virus continued to spread, affecting the Melbourne grid. It was confirmed that a McLaren F1 Employee had contracted the novel coronavirus. Drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen immediately left Australia for their respective homes. It should be noted that both drivers are young fathers and cannot risk exposure.

The Official Statements

Supporters were provided details on this decision through multiple outlets. Those included Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Formula One website. Their remarks noted that the Australian Grand Prix cancellation created immediate concerns for the remaining situation. The ongoing pandemic surrounding COVID-19 prompted Grand Prix Organizers globally to evaluate their respective options to ensure limited exposure. Promoters determined this decision suits the global safety of travelling employees, participants in the championship and supporters that’d purchased tickets. All cancelled Grand Prix’s have provided refunds to those individuals.

Race promoters going forward will work closely with the Formula International Association. It’ll be determined through relevant monitoring tactics what the appropriate steps are to ensure the safety of F1 Communities. Supporters can anticipate the updated season to begin Mid-Mid in the European Union, meaning that multiple Middle Eastern and Asian events will be postponed until the 2021 season. It should be mentioned that all F1 Teams expressed their hope towards the Grand Prix being re-scheduled, with travel restrictions most likely halting any chances of this happening before June 2020. It’s not known how these race promoters are dealing with their respective advertisement contracts, with details being held private until quarterly reports from the FIA. Updated details will be available at Sports Express.

Italian Grand Prix Facing Potential Cancellation

Additional cancellations to the Formula One 2020 Calendar are possible following an extreme outbreak of the coronavirus throughout Italy. Quarantine legislation was enacted last week throughout Italy, forcing the Northern Provinces to be shut down effective immediately. This comes after substantial concerns regarding the coronavirus throughout Italy, with them being the most affected nation across the European Union. They’ve experienced 5883 infections, with 233 individuals dying from the coronavirus. It prompted the Italian government to implement dramatic quarantine rules to limit outbreak exposure.

March 8th marked a significant date in the history books for Italy. They implemented the Draconian Quarantine Measures, which haven’t been engaged throughout Italy on this level since the Black Plague. One of the most prominent concerns for Formula One Supporters with this increased outbreak is the cancellation of the Monza Grand Prix. It also concerns for Ferrari, with their headquarters being located in the Quarantine Zone. The Pirelli headquarters are located in Milan and Lombardy, two other locations throughout Italy that are quarantined. This means that representatives from Pirelli and Ferrari can’t enter these provinces going forward, which would create substantial issues for all F1 Outfits in the coming months.

The Alpha Tauri Struggles Begin

Two unexpected drivers by the name of Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat are worried are their upcoming season. The Alpha Tauri F1 Team, which is having their first season throughout Formula One in 2020, has its headquarters located through the Italian province of Ravenna. This province is also under lockdown, which will impose similar issues that Ferrari and Pirelli are experiencing onto Alpha Tauri. Their launch season could be unmemorable. It should be noted that minimal exceptions will be made towards individuals wanting to enter these regions. It doesn’t matter if they’re connected with the Formula International Association, exceptions won’t be provided.

Most sporting analysts are concerned with the FIA and their refusal to terminate the season opener in Australia. Travelling supporters could cause a potential outbreak of the coronavirus throughout Australia. It should be noted that the Thailand Grand Prix, Bahrain Grand Prix and Chinese Grand Prix have already been cancelled or altered for the coronavirus. It’s unknown if the entire Formula One season will be terminated in the next several days, with most sporting analysts collectively agreeing this isn’t possible.

Mercedes F1 Car Copied by Racing Point

Formula One Testing has begun in Barcelona, with supporters and motorsport experts getting their first look at the capabilities of new F1 Cars. Throughout the 2nd day of testing, nine outfits were shocked to notice that Racing Point’s new vehicle for 2020 is identical to Mercedes AMG-Petronas’s 2010 championship car. Comparisons between the RP20 and W10 are uncanny, with Racing Point receiving a noticeable boost in speed. Sergio Perez maintained the highest lap times during the 2nd day of testing, which comes through the unique suspension layout that was directly copied from Mercedes. Eight teams expressed their concern for this level of comparison, claiming that the FIA should ban the RB20 before March 15th.

The Technical Chief of Development for Racing Point, Andy Green, provided insight to motorsport reporters regarding the similarities. Green revealed that Racing Point has exclusively used the wind tunnel operated by Mercedes, while also expanding their customer-acquisition deal with AMG-Petronas. Andy Green noted that under these two conditions, both the transmission and engine components used for the W10 were implemented into the RB20. This extends to last years suspension, not the newly formed D-AXIS Suspension created by Mercedes for 2020. Andy’s statements explained that the testing procedures and tools at this wind tunnel are tailored to Mercedes-designed F1 cars. It made the most sense for Racing Point to follow their 2019 concepts.

Andy Green finished these remarks by noting that numerous elements of the RB20 have been restructured, making it different from the Mercedes W10. Formula One Teams and their group of motorsport experts immediately noticed minimal changes, expressing to various outlets that the difference for the RB20 is purely aesthetics. The internals remain identical, with Sergio Perez maintaining a pace faster than Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. This would’ve been impossible for Perez in 2019.

The Stroll Family Controversy

There’s been continuous controversy surrounding the Stroll Family, who originates from Canada. They’ve spent exponential sums of money to acquire championship contention in Formula One, often breaking the respect and unexpressed rules between various outfits in this motorsport. It’s prompted for Lance Stroll, the son of Lawrence Stroll, to become one of the most hated drivers on the grid. The RB20 will add to the increasing level of hatred towards this family, who have been urged by experts to leave Formula One. It’s ultimately impossible for drivers like Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez to compete with the likes of Lewis Hamilton.

McLaren MCL35 Unveiled

Formula one outfits have begun releasing their liveries and updated cars for the upcoming 2020 season. The latest comes from McLaren after Ferrari, Mercedes, Hass, Renault and Red Bull. It’s expected that the remaining teams will publicly announce their upgrades before February 29th. When it applies to McLaren, their latest model is named the MCL35 and follows their historic colour schemes. The Papaya Orange & Dark Blue combination has been re-implemented since the 2017 season, with the 2020 model having noticeable changes. Matte finishes and alterations in the colour schemes layout have allowed for the MCL35 to look more aggressive than its predecessor.

This isn’t primarily because of the new colour scheme implementations, but the noticeable alterations to the MCL35s aerodynamics. The pinched rear is complemented with a narrow nose, which is extended to new layouts in the wings and chassis. McLaren believes that it’ll allow them to maximise on downforce in comparison to the competition. It should be noted that McLaren is the only outfit to alternate the physical design of their vehicles, with all previous unveilings looking identical to last years model.

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz will take their respective vehicles towards the podium throughout 2020. Engineers with the program believe that their drivers won’t have a consistent opportunity to win until the 2023 season, with both Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris expressing otherwise. Sainz acquired the first podium for McLaren since 2014, which was accomplished with a car meant for mid-grid competition. The champion skillsets displayed by Sainz and the new downforce capabilities of the MCL35 could see McLaren acquire multiple podiums this season. However, just like with the Honda – Red Bull partnership in 2019, there’ll be team doubters until the goal is accomplished.

Lando Norris

Britain is infamous for providing the most iconic formula one drivers, with the most recent being Lando Norris. He’s become famous throughout social media communities for his young age, humorous behaviour and capability to perform with older champions like Sebastian Vettel. The dedication that Norris displays towards McLaren is incredible, with the driver moving less than three minutes from the McLaren F1 Factory. This means that Lando Norris is the only driver on the 2020 grid that lives near their constructor’s factory, with all others living in Monaco. Lando Norris stands at twenty-years-old, and there’s always the chance that he’ll move locations once becoming an adult. There’s still the point where you grow older and desire a more relaxing lifestyle.

Red Bull Seeing Engine Improvements in 2020

Christian Horner from the Red Bull – Aston Martin F1 Team, has expressed that the partnership with Honda is indicating significant breakthroughs after winter testing. This follows after Honda Racing became the engine supplier for Red Bull – Aston Martin in 2019, which saw Max Verstappen acquire a podium for the Japanese manufacturer. It marked their first podium since 2006, with Max earning two more podium finishes in 1st place and many others in lower positions. It meant that Honda Racing became the most successful engine supplier other than Mercedes AMG-Petronas since 2015.

Horner being the team principal, is often asked personal questions regarding engine development, which he’s expressed is showing positive feedback. Engineers are continually making progress towards enhancements in our evolution. Horner anticipates that the next step in their strategy is shortly upon them, which will make their turnaround on the grid phenomenal. Christian Horner noted that when you look to Honda Racing in Formula One back in 2015 to 2020, the engine supplier is entirely different and made multiple improvements. Most of these improvements were also limited by the demanding actions of McLaren, which was the previous team that operated under Honda Racing.

It was when Honda Racing partnered with Toro Rosso in 2018 that these improvements began rapidly. Their agreement with Red Bull’s sister team also enabled them to open the door towards the 2019 Engine Supplier Contract. The advances displayed by engineers with Honda Racing has allowed for Red Bull to acquire championship contention against Ferrari and Mercedes, which hadn’t been possible for more than six seasons. The last time that Red Bull dominated was when Sebastian Vettel competed.

Verstappen has become the new leader of this formula one team, with his expectations always being met with Honda Racing. However, Max Verstappen can leave Red Bull if Honda pulls out of Formula One in 2021. Concerns for the future of Red Bull – Aston Martin are growing, there’s the chance that Honda Racing will leave following the 2020 season and Aston Martin has been purchased by Racing Point starting 2021. It’ll go the outfit being entirely different than prior seasons over the last decade.