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Haas take first post-Guenther Steiner step as launch date revealed.
Haas will take their first step into the post-Guenther Steiner era on February 11 when they unveil their 2024 car, the VF-24.
17 Jan 2024 3:24 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Haas will launch their 2024 car, suspected to be the called the VF-24, at Silverstone in the second week of February ahead of the start of pre-season testing on February 21. Speaking about the car, freshly minted team principal Komatsu said: “The ’24 car is a clear step, but whether it’s good enough against the competition to start off with, I don’t think so, because we started so late,” he told F1.com
“We changed the concept so late as well, and then by actually doing the Austin upgrade, we diverted our resources a little bit. I’m realistic with the car we’re putting out in Bahrain, but not in a negative manner. It’s not the fault of our engineers, our guys. They’re good people.
“For me, then the key is whatever the car in Bahrain, whatever problem we see, we try to understand it and then move from that point as a team. We are a small team as you know. We’ve got to move as one, otherwise we don’t stand a chance.
‘2024 car, the VF-24’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/haas-g...-date-revealed
“He’s a very different person” - New Haas boss Ayao Komatsu vows not to be ‘another Guenther Steiner’
17 Jan 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
New Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has insisted he’s not “trying to be Guenther Steiner” as he looks to fill the shoes of the charismatic Italian.
“Of course, I’m not trying to be Guenther Steiner!” he told the official F1 website. “He’s a very different person. We got on, honestly, really, really well. We respect each other, we respect each other’s positions and job roles during work and off work as well.”
“We used to go to dinner quite a lot as well over a race weekend – again, not to talk about work but because we got on pretty well. But I’m not here to replace Guenther Steiner as a character.”
“He’s a very different person”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104359...nother-steiner
Haas confirm date 2024 car will break cover after management reshuffle
17 January 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Haas’s new car will break cover during a shakedown at Silverstone on February 11, before another run in Bahrain ahead of pre-season testing at the same Sakhir venue from February 21-23. Asked about Haas’ latest design whilst speaking to a small group of media, Komatsu said: “The ’24 car is a clear step, but whether it’s good enough against the competition to start off with, I don’t think so, because we started so late.
“We changed the concept so late as well, and then by actually doing the Austin upgrade, we diverted our resources a little bit. I’m realistic with the car we’re putting out in Bahrain, but not in a negative manner. It’s not the fault of our engineers, our guys. They’re good people. For me, then the key is whatever the car in Bahrain, whatever problem we see, we try to understand it and then move from that point as a team.”
‘Shakedown at Silverstone on February 11’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...GnfmlWTyF.html
Haas reveals double shakedown plans for 2024 F1 car
17th February 2024, 14:18
AUTHORJonathan Noble
Motorsport.com
Speaking to selected media including Motorsport.com about the 2024 car plans, Komatsu said: “On 11 February we have a Silverstone shakedown and then two days before the official test starts, we have another shakedown in Bahrain. Then we go into the official testing.”
While the car will not be seen in public before the Silverstone shakedown, the team has previously released images of its contenders early - so it is possible fans may get a sneak glimpse again of any design changes.
Komatsu believed that the team should be judged not on how things look in Bahrain, but how much progress it can make from that first race.
‘Double shakedown plans for 2024 F1 car’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/h...-car/10566774/
Haas reveals plan for new F1 car's track debut
Jan 17, 2024
by Scott Mitchell-Malm, Edd Straw
The Race
Haas will shake down its 2024 Formula 1 car just under two weeks before testing begins as it prepares for the first season in its history without Guenther Steiner in charge. New Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed the car will run at Silverstone on February 11 and again in another shakedown in Bahrain two days before pre-season testing begins on February 19.
The maximum mileage granted to teams in promotional events, often called filming days, must not exceed 200km per day - increased from 100km for this season. It means the new VF-24 should be ready to make the most of the three days of testing before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
While this has not been confirmed for 2024, Haas has traditionally dropped a digital reveal early in launch season - so while the Silverstone shakedown should be the first opportunity to see images of the physical car, renders may be made available sooner. Komatsu is optimistic the team has made progress with the underlying limitations of the VF-23, which was capable of being quick in qualifying, then destroyed its tyres in races.
‘The car will run at Silverstone, shakedown in Bahrain’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/h...hakedown-date/
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‘Lewis Hamilton is a brand, Max Verstappen is an F1 driver’.
AlphaTauri team manager Graham Watson feels Max Verstappen “single-handedly saved” Formula 1, claiming Lewis Hamilton is a “brand” with a range of focuses, not a racing “nerd” like Verstappen.
18 Jan 2024 8:30 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Verstappen arrived on the Formula 1 scene already a record-breaker, joining the grid in 2015 aged 17 with Red Bull’s junior team, then known as Toro Rosso. At that point, Hamilton was set to embark on his and Mercedes’ second title-winning campaign together.
Come 2021, Verstappen, now a Red Bull driver, joined the title fight for the first time and emerged victorious over Hamilton come the end of one of F1’s greatest seasons, that marking the start of the Verstappen era with the Dutchman having since bulldozed his way to three-time World Champion status.
The series is now very much spearheaded by Verstappen, his ‘Orange Army’ fanbase following him around Europe and packing out the grandstands, with his home race, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, resurrected as a celebration of the flying Dutchman. And Watson argues that Verstappen has “single-handedly saved” Formula 1 by bringing a new audience to the sport, claiming that differs from Hamilton’s influence who is a “brand” and not solely-recognised for his F1 endeavours like Verstappen.
“Brand”Lewis Hamilton vs. Racing “Nerd” Verstappen’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...-graham-watson
Verstappen 'single-handedly saved F1', claims ex-team manager
18 January 6:00AM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365
Max Verstappen has undoubtedly had a large impact on Formula 1 in the Netherlands, but ex-team manager Graham Watson believes the Dutchman has saved F1 as a whole. Watson, who worked with Verstappen during his rookie F1 season, stated that the Dutchman has had a similar impact during his years in the sport.
“Max is the best thing that has happened to Formula 1,” he said in an interview with Verstappen.nl. “When Max went from us to Red Bull, I compared it to Michael Schumacher going to Ferrari. He made Formula 1 immensely popular at the time. Just look at the old images of Hockenheim and Spa: full stands with Schumacher flags. I think Max single-handedly saved Formula 1.”
“Because he brings the same intensity and generates interest. People come en masse to Austria, Spa: actually everywhere for him. “I didn't see that even in Schumacher's time. My wife is 60 years old, but a big fan of Max. Because of his style, because he creates excitement on the court. Max brings a whole new audience to Formula 1.”
‘Verstappen 'single-handedly saved F1'’;
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...x-team-manager
Lewis Hamilton slammed by F1 veteran amid claim Max Verstappen 'saved' sport
Max Verstappen is the dominant force in Formula 1 right now with Red Bull on top, while Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team have struggled to compete with their rivals
18th January 2024, 06:07
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
"Max is the best thing that has happened to Formula 1," he told Dutch magazine Formule1. "When Max went from us to Red Bull, I compared it to Michael Schumacher's move to Ferrari. He [Schumacher] made Formula 1 immensely popular at the time. Just look at the old images of Hockenheim and Spa: the stands were full with Schumacher flags.”
"I think Max single-handedly saved Formula 1. Because he brings the same intensity and generates interest. People come en masse to Austria, Spa, actually everywhere for him. I didn't even see that back in Schumacher's time. My wife is 60 years old, but a big fan of Max because of his style, because of the excitement he creates on track."
Hamilton has undoubtedly created his own army of loyal fans both in the UK and beyond thanks to his extraordinary achievements in the sport. But Watson went on to assert that Verstappen has done more in that regard and questioned the Brit's commitment to F1.
‘Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team have struggled’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...atson-31907515
The Mercedes gamble as big questions surround all-new W15 challenger
18 Jan 2024 9:15 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
For anyone paying attention to Mercedes so far in 2024, they will have noticed a more muted way of doing things. A contract extension for Toto Wolff was announced via an exclusive interview rather than a press release and the W15 will be unveiled at Silverstone, with no interview slots allocated for the three main faces of the team.
It gives off the impression of a heads down, time to work approach and with the W15 set to be radically different, Mercedes are betting it all on the new design. If one season can be seen as a blip and a second explained as the aftermath of that, it is the third year when bad form becomes a pattern.
It is not just the design that is changing but rather how Mercedes go about their design, as explained by James Allison. “So, of course the last two years have required us to adjust our approach and our methodology, our concept, if you will, and as a result of that the hardware that pops out the far side of that, will necessarily be different hardware, because it’s defined by different decisions and different weightings of what’s important and what isn’t.”
‘Big questions surround all-new W15 challenger’;
https://www.planetf1.com/features/me...season-preview
Mercedes sign technical director Allison to “long-term” extension
Formula 1
Posted on 18th January 2024, 11:31
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Mercedes have announced technical director James Allison has signed a “long-term” extension to remain in his role at the team. Allison has been the team since 2017, joining from Ferrari after previous stints Renault, who now compete as Alpine.
After helping Mercedes to four consecutive constructors and drivers’ championship between 2017 and 2020, Allison moved from his technical director role to the new role of chief technical officer during the 2021 season, with Mike Elliott assuming the technical director position. Following Mercedes’ disappointing starts to both seasons in the ground effect era so far, the team moved Allison back into his previous technical director role. Elliott left the team late last year.
“F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto’s call to join Mercedes in 2017,” he said. “It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success.” Team principal Toto Wolff said he was “thrilled” Allison has committed to Mercedes for the coming years. “Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport,” Wolff said. “His gladiator spirit, along with his knowledge, experience, and determination, make him second-to-none.”
‘Technical director Allison to “long-term” extension’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/01/18/...erm-extension/
Lewis Hamilton handed huge Max Verstappen boost as Toto Wolff 'thrilled' by announcement
Mercedes are hoping to challenge Red Bull and Max Verstappen when the new season gets underway, and they've just been handed a major boost.
10:12, Thu, Jan 18, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Mercedes have been handed a major boost in their long-term fight with Red Bull after technical director James Allison signed a new contract that will keep him with the team into the new regulation period in 2026.
Toto Wolff: "I am thrilled that James has committed his long-term future to the team. Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport.”
"His gladiator spirit, along with his knowledge, experience, and determination, make him second-to-none. His influence and impact, however, goes so much further than that."
‘Gladiator spirit’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...pen-Toto-Wolff
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Alpine Team Principal Bruno Famin’s Aim For 2024 Formula 1 Glory.
As the 2024 Formula 1 season draws near, the Alpine F1 Team stands at the precipice of a new era, one marked by innovation and heightened aspirations.
Jan 16, 2024
By Aaron Teasdale
World In Sport
Bruno Famin, stepping into the role of team principal, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. Known for his technical acumen and strategic thinking, Famin’s appointment is a clear signal of Alpine’s ambitions. His leadership style, blending meticulous planning with a passion for innovation, is expected to invigorate the team at every level, from the garage to the grid.
Central to Alpine’s strategy for 2024 is a dual focus on aerodynamic efficiency and power unit performance. In a sport where milliseconds matter, the quest for aerodynamic perfection is relentless. Alpine’s engineering team, backed by cutting-edge technology and wind tunnel testing, is poised to introduce a car that melds sleek design with functional aerodynamics.
Alpine’s Driver Factor: The drivers, too, play a crucial role in realizing Alpine’s ambitions. With a lineup that combines experience and youthful vigor, Alpine’s drivers are key to translating technical advancements into on-track success. Their feedback during testing and practice sessions will be invaluable in refining the car’s performance characteristics.
‘Aim For 2024 Formula 1 Glory’;
https://worldinsport.com/alpine-team.../?nowprocket=1
Jordan sees little hope for Ocon and Gasly in 2024
17/01/2024 at 10:34
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has expressed his frustration over the lack of progress at Alpine, adding that it meant talented drivers such as Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly were being left with little chance of success on track.
French manufacturer Renault took back ownership of the squad in 2016 and has since rebranded it under its Alpine sports car marque, although they continue to develop and supply power units to the race team.
However their much-vaunted 100-race masterplan has faltered in recent seasons, leaving to a major overhaul of Alpine's senior management team last summer with the exits of Otmar Szafnauer, Alan Permane and ex-CEO Laurent Rossi.
‘100-race masterplan has faltered’;
https://f1i.com/news/497971-jordan-s...y-in-2024.html
Eddie Jordan feels sorry for two "great drivers" who are "stuck" in middle of F1 nightmare
Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon endured difficult seasons in 2023 with Alpine and there are concerns over the car's pace in 2024 which could hamper the French duo
07:36 Wed, 17 Jan 2024.
By Samuel Meade Sports Brand Writer
The Mirror
Both men though are at the mercy of their machinery and a solitary podium is the best they could manage last term. Jordan said on the Formula For Success podcast : “Alpine, two good drivers. I have a sweet spot for Gasly. I think he tries really hard and sometimes he’s a little bit unlucky.”
"Ocon, who we saw when he was at Force India, so you know, the Jordan, Force India, the Aston Martin [evolution], I’ve had a lot of good experiences with him. Nevertheless, do I see them making much improvement next year? Really, truthfully, no. I think the engine is not good enough. And two great drivers, but you know, they’re stuck in there and they just make the best of it.”
‘Stuck in middle of F1 nightmare’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...y-two-31898890
Alpine fires-up the new A524
08:18 Sun, 14 Jan 2024.
Motorsport.com
Alpine carried out the fire-up of the new A524 Alpine was one of the first teams to run the 2024 F1 engine.
‘Fire-up of the new A524 Alpine’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/...w-a524/645111/
Sky Sports F1 pundit teases 'slow' team heading into 2024 after sharing chat with driver
Pre-season is typically a time for optimism and hope in F1 as the drivers prepare for the new campaign but this isn't the case for one team.
08:02, Mon, Jan 15, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has revealed that Esteban Ocon told him that Alpine are looking ‘slow’ in their early estimations for race pace next season. The French team finished P6 in the Constructors’ Championship last season but were nowhere near McLaren and Aston Martin ahead of them.
I don’t know how it’s all going behind the scenes, you know, a wheel has not even turned yet at this point. [But] Esteban Ocon said he believes the Alpine is a little bit slow, he told me that before Christmas, but I don’t know who’s in really good shape.”
Despite his optimism regarding a Mercedes comeback, Croft did expect that Red Bull would convert their considerable pace advantage from 2023 into a lead over the rest of the field in 2024. The reigning constructor champions won 21 of the 22 Grands Prix last year.
‘Alpine are looking ‘slow’ in their early estimations’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Croft-Alpine
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IN DEPTH: ‘I want to build another winning team’ – Pat Fry on why he joined Williams, and his ambitious targets.
Fry can see the potential in Williams – and is relishing getting stuck into a new project that is ripe to be shaped. But as was the case with his boss Vowles, Fry is going to take some time to assess the operation before carving out a detailed plan of attack.
10:49 Sun, 14 Jan 2024.
Lawrence Barretto
F1 Correspondent & Presenter
Formula One - Official Site
Vowles began chasing Fry’s signature last January but initially he says “it was ‘no I don’t want to think about it because I want to finish what I started [at Alpine]’”. However, things changed as it became clear to Fry that there was little he could do to really move things on within the parameters he was given at Alpine.
“Things that were restricting us at Alpine are not a problem here. The board are behind us. They want to invest. They want to do all the right things. So the opportunity is there. We will make another step next year, but my eye is on the longer term things.”
“We need a three- or five-year vision. So for the right people, we are going wait a year or year and half or whatever, but it’s all about getting key people in the right places and changing the mindset we have as a company.” On that latter point, it’s clear that Williams as a whole are trying to instil a new culture at the team – and part of that will include, as Fry says, emboldening staff to push the envelope and take risks without fear of being criticised for doing so.
‘Pat Fry on why he joined Williams’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...LTrpQ0GC5.html
James Vowles provides an insight into the Williams 2024 contender
The Williams team principal speaks out about the progress that is being made for the FW46...
January 14, 2024
Caitlyn Gordon
FormulaNerds
The Brit’s first order of business was to shift focus to their 2024 contender early on in the season. With this order, the hope was to improve the downforce and more pace to be created through vehicle dynamics. Vowles recently has given a speak peak into what the 2024 car has to offer, adding that different characteristics of the car have been worked on which is hoped to unleash some ‘untapped potential’:
“We’ve added downforce, but actually the main thing we’ve been working on is the behaviour and characteristics of the car. I think there’s quite an untapped potential in that, so we can move forward. How much is hard to say though.”
“I’m happy with the work we’re doing, but I bet you if you interview everyone up and down the grid they’ll go: ‘I’m happy with the work we’re doing.’ That normally tells you you’re going to maybe squeak forward a little bit, but that’s about it.” Vowles said to Autosport.
‘Insight into the Williams 2024 contender’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ja...024-contender/
Williams team boss James Vowles backs Alex Albon’s championship potential
Alex Albon has been one of the standout performers in the bottom half of the grid since reentering F1 with Williams
January 18, 2024
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport
Williams team principal James Vowles has said that Alex Albon has the “skills to become an F1 World Champion,” after the 27-year-old driver has become an instrumental part of the team’s revival. Since Vowles assumed leadership early in 2023, Albon has been on an upward trajectory. His journey to Williams followed a hiatus year, serving as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull.
In an interview with AMuS, Vowles noted a significant evolution in Albon’s demeanor and performance since his challenging stint at Red Bull. “The Alex you see today is different from the Alex when he was at Red Bull or the Alex at the beginning of the season. He still lacked faith in himself. He has it now. He is happy, he is a leader, he has self-confidence, he works in a structured way and sets the direction. It all sounds easy,” Upward trajectory said.
“But the simplest is often the hardest. You never know how good a driver is compared to another until you put him in the same car as the other at the same time. If other drivers had to drive a Williams tomorrow, they would probably have a hard time.”
‘Upward trajectory’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/wil...hip-potential/
Changed Albon will get even better in F1, says Williams boss Vowles
Alex Albon became a changed driver last year and still has scope to get even better, says his Williams Formula 1 team boss James Vowles.
UPDATEDJAN 19, 2024, 11:40 AM
AUTHORJonathan Noble
Motorsport.com
Speaking to Motorsport.com about Albon, Vowles said: “I've known Alex for around eight years and I couldn't wait to come here [to Williams] and rekindle that relationship that we had before. He's really quick, he has the right mindset – and that's really important, not just for him but for any driver to get the most out of themselves.”
“I think if you look at him across the year, and even speak to him openly and candidly, he's not the same driver that I started with in Bahrain. He has really matured across the season and he got the most out of the car, there is no doubt about that.”
Vowles thinks F1 has not seen the best of Albon yet either, as he senses that the confidence he took from 2023, as well as the way he approaches his job, leaves him with plenty of room to keep improving. “What I like about him is he hasn't stopped growing yet,” added Vowles. “He hasn't stopped maturing yet, but also what I like about him is there's no politics.
‘Changed Albon will get even better in F1’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/c...wles/10566625/
Sargeant: People ‘expect less’ from an American driver
16/01/2024 at 15:23
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Williams charger Logan Sargeant believes the struggles endured by American drivers to establish themselves in F1 has led to an unfair underestimation of American talent. Sargeant's own journey to the pinnacle of motorsport has been marked by challenges and setbacks. After a promising karting career, he faced difficulties transitioning to single-seater racing.
“I think people think and expect less from an American driver,” Sargeant told Motorpsort.com. “But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter, because as long as the people who matter sort of know what's going on, and know what you're capable of, that's all that matters.”
“So the external noise is just realistically completely irrelevant. You just do your job, you keep working hard, and you work with the people who can make a difference to your career, and you do your best for them. They also try to help you move forward as well. And that's all you can really do. So as long as the people who need to know, know, then the rest is completely irrelevant.”
‘Unfair underestimation of American talent’;
https://f1i.com/news/497938-sargeant...an-driver.html
Alex Albon's Williams exit stance after two F1 teams try to 'poach' him
Formula 1's Alex Albon has enjoyed some much-needed stability at Williams Racing but he now seems keen to head for pastures new
16:47, Sat, Jan 13, 2024
By Liam Llewellyn
Daily and Sunday Express
Albon’s current deal expires in 2025, but sources told the publication that two unnamed teams tried to get the London-born Thai driver out of his contract last year, but were unsuccessful. However, several teams, who also were not named, are monitoring his progress as they make plans moving forward. Albon’s points tally in 2023 helped Williams finish seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, their best result since 2017.
His best races came in Montreal and Mona, where he finished P7 on both occasions. He perhaps would have scored more points had he not crashed out at the Australian GP. During a conversation with Planet F1, Albon, who finished 13th in the Driver Standings, reflected on his season and wished he could have done more.
‘Two F1 teams try to 'poach' him’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...lliams-exit-F1
Albon reportedly seeking release from Williams contract for 2025
14/01/2024 at 10:37
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Alex Albon has reportedly set his sights on working his way out of his Williams contract which allegedly runs until the end of 2025, after two rival teams supposedly approached the Anglo-Thai racer last year. As recently as 2021, Albon's F1 career appeared to be in jeopardy. After a promising debut season with Toro Rosso, he was promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2019, partnering the formidable Max Verstappen.
According to ESPN, at least two teams have already attempted to buy out his Williams contract, while the driver himself is reportedly eager to be able to leave at the of 2024. Ferrari is one of the teams reportedly interested in Albon's services, viewing him as a potential replacement for the talented but inconsistent Carlos Sainz.
‘Seeking release from Williams contract for 2025’;
https://f1i.com/news/497825-albon-re...-for-2025.html
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'Worst team name ever' - Twitter reacts to BOLD AlphaTauri rebrand.
The Red Bull junior team were spotted changing their Instagram handle to 'VisaCashAppRB' - assumed to be shorthand for Visa Cash App (or CashApp) Racing Bulls - on Thursday evening.
Friday 19 January 2024 09:57
Chris Deeley
GPFans
A number of users labelled it the worst team name in F1 and, among the less generous, 'in any sport ever'.
imagine someone asking you what team do you like in formula one and you have to say with your full chest ‘visa cash app racing bulls’…. I WOULD NOT BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY pic.twitter.com/GhiA6Ne6dz
— vic jurídico carlos sainz corinthiano (@SCUDESAINZ) January 18, 2024
my condolences to their drivers bc imagine you have to say „i drive for the visa cash app racing bulls“ i would simply end my career pic.twitter.com/ok1ihqyTga
— helena (@JACKAlTKEN) January 18, 2024
'VisaCashAppRB';
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ll-rebranding/
‘This is horrendous’: Ricciardo stuck with ‘worst team name’ as F1 secret to be unveiled
00:06 Fri, 19 Jan 2024.
Fox Sports from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)
We already know Daniel Ricciardo wants to leave his team and move back into a Red Bull seat - and this will surely only add to that. The energy drink corporation’s junior team, previously known as Toro Rosso and more recently AlphaTauri, is rebranding for the 2024 season and the secret is almost out.
Following in the footsteps of Alfa Romeo’s controversial rebranding to Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber - commonly to be known as Stake, after a crypto gambling site - the team’s Instagram has been renamed suggesting the rumoured new name is official. The Instagram handle is now visacashapprb - and if you can’t understand that at first glance, you’re not alone.
“Both Alfa and Alpha teams managed to come up with the two worst team names I have ever heard. This is horrendous,” the top comment for the news on Reddit read.
‘This is horrendous’;
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...70ea88a7b6389f
New AlphaTauri F1 name leak suggests end of 'Racing Bulls' title
12:53 Fri, 19 Jan 2024.
AUTHORJonathan Noble
CO-AUTHORAdam Cooper
Motorsport.com
CashApp, which is a mobile payment service, is no stranger to F1 having originally joined Red Bull in 2021.
Speaking at the time of that deal, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "Since its inception Red Bull Racing has been a disruptor, challenging the status quo in Formula 1 and pushing technological boundaries to build the fastest possible F1 car.
"Cash App brings a similar ethos and drive to the world of personal finance, utilising technology to power quick, secure cash transfers, to buy and send Bitcoin, and to invest in stocks."
‘Disruptor’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/n...itle/10567416/
Mercedes confident F1 rules will limit Red Bull/AlphaTauri collaboration
19/01/2024 at 13:53
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Mercedes technical director James Allison has played down fears of the technical collaboration between Red Bull and sister outfit AlphaTauri getting out of hand, a concern expressed by McLaren boss Zak Brown.
Last year, Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko confirmed that AlphaTauri would leverage to the max its partnership with Red Bull, meaning that the team would acquire every part that it is authorized to have from the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s factory.
‘Played down fears’;
https://f1i.com/news/498093-mercedes...aboration.html
Mercedes: Red Bull/AlphaTauri F1 alliance won't bring major benefits
08:49 Fri, 19 Jan 2024.
AUTHORJonathan Noble
Motorsport.com
Mercedes sees no upside to forming an alliance with another Formula 1 team, amid the ongoing controversy over Red Bull and AlphaTauri’s closer ties.
Asked by Motorsport.com for his views on the Red Bull/AlphaTauri situation, Allison said: “I’m not entirely sure what the nature of the relationships between those two teams is, but I am clear on what the rules are.”
“And it is that other than the very limited part of the car where you are permitted to supply parts, and therefore a certain amount of technical data alongside those parts, in every other respect the rules are very tight about not passing on anything that could be regarded as intellectual property from one team to another.”
‘No upside’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/m...fits/10567153/
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Valtteri Bottas delivers reaction when asked about Sauber team’s new name in Formula 1.
Bottas simply said: “Can you remind me, what’s the name again?”
Sun 21 January 2024 10:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
One of the biggest talking points during the Formula 1 off-season has been Sauber’s new name and driver Valtteri Bottas has now shared his reaction. Alfa Romeo will no longer be on the grid in 2024, with Sauber signing a new sponsorship deal to tide them over for the next two years.
Due to the nature of Stake’s business, the team won’t be allowed to use that name in every territory that they race in. At some tracks, they’ll be known as Stake, while at other circuits they’ll be Kick.
Bottas’s reaction to Sauber’s new name reflects how many Formula 1 fans feel about the change. They’re not the only team who might be known as something else this year.
‘Kick Stake’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/val...-in-formula-1/
F1 2024 preview- Stake Sauber
As preparations ramp up for the 2024 season, Speedcafe Formula 1 Editor Mat Coch looked at every team and assessed their chances for the coming year.
21 January 2024
by Mat Coch
Speedcafe
2023 championship position: 9th, 16 points
Speedcafe's 2024 championship prediction: 9th
The team known as Alfa Romeo last year is in a building phase ahead of formally becoming the Audi factory team in 2026. With performance in that guise as the ultimate goal, the team is less focused on the immediate future.
That's not to say it has written off 2024 and 2025, far from it, but it means its measure of success is different. Results will matter to an extent, but they won't be the sole determinant for Andreas Seidl.
Instead, it will focus on processes, broader strategy, and acquiring and implementing new resources – both human and otherwise. That is a big task in Formula 1, especially in a field as competitive as it has become in recent years. Development in recent years has also not been trivial for the Swiss team.
‘Processes, strategy, resources’;
https://speedcafe.com/f1-2024-preview-stake-sauber/
Zhou confident Sauber F1 can return to 2022 level
15:17, Tue, 16 Jan 2024.
AUTHORFrankie Mao
Motorsport.com
Speaking to Motorsport.com's Chinese edition, Zhou said he is confident the team can get back to its 2022 performance levels, with his additional experience allowing him to now be much closer to his Finnish team-mate than he was two years ago.
"The trends in the development so far are still in line with what we have been expecting," Zhou said. "Hopefully the pre-season preparation, including the three days of testing, will allow us to set a better direction for the whole season.”
"As the personnel at the team's headquarters, especially in the technical department, are constantly being added and adjusted, we hope to create a better and more complete team. I have my trust in the team and feel that this year we can get back to the performance level we had in my first season."
‘Zhou confident’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/t...evel/10566112/
Revealed: Stake F1 Team to use two names in 2024 depending upon which race
14 Jan 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
The team confirmed to Crash: “There will be some races in which we will use Kick F1 Team, based on activations, marketing decisions and local regulations, among other reasons. As was the case last year.”
Stake and Kick are separate companies which have the same owners, making it easier for the F1 team to alternate which identity they use. But Stake F1 Team - or Kick F1 Team depending on where they are racing - will be a short-lived identity for just two seasons.
‘Kick Stake’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104308...pon-which-race
Valtteri Bottas admits ‘one big thing’ Stake F1 Team must change from Alfa Romeo
Wed 10 January 2024 12:30
Kyle Archer
F1Oversteer
Valtteri Bottas has now admitted the one ‘big thing’ that Stake F1 Team must change from the Sauber-run outfit’s time called Alfa Romeo as they embark on a new dawn. Bottas admits that Stake must improve how the Sauber-run squad deliver upgrades to their car compared to the F1 team’s time as Alfa Romeo. The 10-time Grand Prix winner felt it took the team too long to identify areas to improve, build the parts and get them on a track.
“For us at the moment, the way we can turn around upgrades,” he told Motorsport.com. “At the moment, we find something in the wind tunnel, how long it takes to actually get it in the car [must improve]. That’s, I would say, one quite big thing compared to some other things.”
Sauber have already moved to address the time it took them to produce upgrades by hiring James Key from McLaren. He switched from the Woking squad to Hinwil back in September as their technical director. The engineer had the same role with McLaren until March 2023.
‘We find something in the wind tunnel, how long it takes to actually get it in the car’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/val...om-alfa-romeo/
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Ecclestone: Winless Hamilton ‘failed Mercedes a bit’.
"Hamilton failed a bit," Ecclestone told Germany’s BILD. “Russell wasn't as good as he thought he was either. Still, they shouldn’t have lost so dramatically.”
21/01/2024 at 15:04
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes that Lewis Hamilton “failed” Mercedes last season by not delivering a single win to the former championship winning outfit. Ecclestone also expressed his belief that the Brackley squad would have avoided its winless campaign if Max Verstappen had been driving for the team.
Ecclestone, who is no stranger to making bold statements, believes that Verstappen's driving prowess could have made a significant difference for Mercedes. “Max is currently the benchmark in every field. You could also put him in a McLaren, and probably a Ferrari or a Mercedes, and he would still win.”
Ecclestone also has heaped praise on Red Bull team principal Christian Horner for assembling a team that has been virtually unbeatable over the past two seasons. “They have patiently endured Mercedes dominance, replacing each weak link one by one, developing the best team, the best design, the best car and the best driver,” stated the 93-year-old. “Christian Horner has done an excellent job.”
‘Winless Hamilton ‘failed Mercedes a bit’’;
https://f1i.com/news/498167-ecclesto...des-a-bit.html
Verstappen forces Berger to reconsider Senna 'greatest of all-time' claim
21 January 1:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Gerhard Berger ranks Max Verstappen "slightly above" Ayrton Senna after claiming the Brazilian was the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time. Berger joined Senna at McLaren in 1990 for a three-year stint after the Alain Prost relationship broke down in 1989, and was team-mate for two of Senna's three World Championship wins.
The 10-time Grand Prix winner has previously talked about how he managed to make Senna relax with the two great friends away from the track, with Berger attending Senna's funeral in Brazil after his death in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.
"I said previously that Senna is the best driver of all time, but I think Verstappen is slightly above that," Berger explained to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung. "He has skills that I have never seen before, [but] it is necessary for the fans to have more winners. It is also interesting to see a perfect season, as last year. On the one hand from the team, there were no retirements due to technical problems, no delays at pit-stops. And on the other hand from the driver who drives to the limit and makes no mistakes."
‘Verstappen forces Berger to reconsider’;
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...er-senna-claim
Max Verstappen confirms Red Bull contract clause which bans risky activities
21 Jan 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net
Max Verstappen has confirmed that his contract with Red Bull stipulates that he must not take part in any activities which might risk an injury. "Me too. No dangerous sports,” he told Formule1.nl.
“I haven't skied in five years because of the risk of breaking or twisting something with all the consequences that entails. And of course also in the knowledge that there are still years to come in which I have a great chance to become champion again and win races.”
“If you think about that, you automatically take fewer risks. Cycling is also dangerous. When I go cycling, I at least put on a helmet.” Verstappen cannot take part in certain events. His wish to drive at the Red Bull Formula Nurburgring last year, for example, was shut down by his employers.
‘Red Bull contract clause bans risky activities’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104348...sky-activities
Red Bull F1 car launch 2024: Date, time and how to watch live
Sunday 21 January 2024 09:12
Yara Elshebiny
GPFans
The Red Bull team has set their sights on another dominant season, revealing the launch date for their 2024 challenger. Last year, Red Bull put on an absolute masterclass performance. They stormed to 21 victories out of 22 races, shattering the record for most wins in a single season and amassing a colossal 860 points, another new benchmark.
At the centre of this hurricane was Max "Mad Max" Verstappen, who carved his name into the history books with his most dominant season in F1 yet. With a record 19 wins out of 22 races and a total of 575 points, Verstappen secured his third world championship at just 26 years old, leaving everyone wondering just how many more titles he can rack up with Red Bull under his wings.
Red Bull are set to unveil their 2024 challenger, the RB20, on February 15, officially kicking off their title defence campaign. The reigning champions will be streaming the event live on their social media platforms and YouTube, offering a glimpse into the car that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will pilot in their quest for a historic three-peat.
‘RB20, on February 15’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...me-watch-live/
Todt cautions Red Bull, recalls Ferrari 2005 meltdown
21/01/2024 at 16:52
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt has offered Red Bull a word of caution, urging the reigning world champions to remain vigilant amidst their unprecedented dominance in Formula 1. For Todt, Red Bull’s hegemony has drawn comparisons to Ferrari's six consecutive Constructors' Championships between 1999 and 2004, a period that marked Ferrari's zenith.
“I see similarities between both eras,” Todt told Italian newspaper Le Stampa. “Red Bull has created a winning team with a driver [Max Verstappen] who is extraordinary, very professional, intelligent and fantastic. Don’t you remember 2005? The same team, the same drivers after a season full of victories and although we had Schumacher, we stopped being competitive.”
“We were fast again the following year, but we ended up losing the title due to reliability problems and before, Michael had already announced his retirement from Formula 1, although he then returned in 2010. In that period, we became World Champions again with Kimi [Raikkonen] in 2007 and we lost [the championship] in 2008 in the last few meters with Felipe [Massa].”
‘A word of caution’;
https://f1i.com/news/498169-todt-cau...-meltdown.html
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Allison hopes ‘spiteful’ characteristics have been eliminated with Mercedes’ 2024 car after winter push.
“It’s impossible at this time of the year to be anything other than apprehensive, coupled with excited, coupled with frightened – those are always the emotions that you feel,” said Allison.
18 January 2024
Formula One - Official Site
“I would imagine that even in Red Bull, after a year of such good performance, they will not be sleeping easy in their beds either, because no one knows what everyone else will deliver. However, what we do have some hope for is that some of the more spiteful characteristics of the rear-end of our car will be a bit more friendly to us and the handling of the car a happier thing.”
“That’s all in simulation, but nevertheless we’ve got reasonable grounds to believe that we’ve made some gain there. Then, on top of that, you’ve got all the normal housekeeping type stuff of just making it lighter, making it more ‘downforcey’ and hopefully getting a bit of uplift from the power unit side with the calibration level tinkering that they’re still capable of doing under these current rules.”
“Whether it’s enough, time will tell, but it’s nevertheless going to be interesting because we saw some things we knew were problems, we’ve hypothesised what the reason for those problems were and we’ve fixed those reasons. It will be interesting to find out how accurate we’ve been with that diagnosis.”
‘Will not be sleeping easy in their beds either’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...vKV8PNJZZ.html
Newey still enjoys 'Eureka' moments despite record F1 success
21 January 11:30AM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Despite designing his way to an incredible 25 Formula 1 titles over the years, Red Bull's Adrian Newey has described how he still enjoys 'eureka' moments. As Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull, a lot of the day-to-day design work is actually done by the team below Newey including Pierre Wache and Ben Waterhouse, but Newey still spends time at his famed drawing board - where he describes the rare moments of a 'eureka!' moment.
"They’re rare but they do happen, and they’re very satisfying," Newey told TopGear of these so-called 'eureka' moments. You might think it’s the best idea ever, but you have to be very disciplined about proving it out. It’s a long process, but if it results in something that goes on the car and the car then goes faster that’s very satisfying. Once you take reliability out we really only have one master and that’s the stopwatch. The drawing board is a way for me to get the ideas out of my head and onto a medium I can develop them with, but you still need that spark.’
"The subconscious is an amazing thing. I’ve had it many times when I’m stuck on something, give up and go and have a coffee or something. One day, one week, one month later, and a solution pops up. That comes from experience. It also taps into the managerial and developmental side of my job. Working with my colleagues is an aspect I really enjoy, and even if I feel an idea isn’t a good one it’s possible I could be wrong. I certainly don’t want to stifle anyone’s creativity, and it’s important to be encouraging. But we also have to be efficient, especially in the cost cap era."
'Eureka moments’;
https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/?search=...rchheadlines=1
F1 2024 car launches: Dates, times and how to watch live
Monday 15 January 2024 14:32
Yara Elshebiny
GPFans
2024 F1 car launch schedule: Full dates and times
The F1 car launch kicks off on February 5, with both Williams and Stake F1 Team (or Sauber!) tearing the wraps off their machines simultaneously.
Then, all eyes turn to Alpine on February 7 as they unveil their new car, before Aston Martin takes centre stage on February 12.
Here are the 2024 livery reveal dates we know so far:
Williams - February 5
Stake F1 Team - February 5
Alpine - February 7
Aston Martin - February 12
Ferrari - February 13
Mercedes - February 14
McLaren - February 14
Red Bull Racing - February 15
Haas - TBC
AlphaTauri - TBC
‘F1 2024 car launches’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...v-live-stream/
The most spectacular F1 team car launches
19 January 12:00PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
Spice Girls unveil new McLaren: The McLaren team pulled out all the stops in 1997 for the presentation of the new car. The then immensely popular girl group Spice Girls performed at the unveiling of the British racing stable's new car. The girls sang their hit "Wannabe" and also conducted a fun interview with the two McLaren drivers of that year: David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen. You can see it all in the footage below. Nowadays, such an appearance by the Spice Girls probably wouldn't happen. After all, Geri Halliwell, also known as Ginger Spice, is married to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
BAR unveils dual livery: Two years after McLaren's spectacular presentation, it was the new team British American Racing (BAR) that stole the show. The team unveiled not one, but two cars for the new season. BAR had attracted two main sponsors, one for one car and one for the other. One of the challengers featured "Lucky Strike" sponsorship and the other was named as the "555" car. The FIA was not happy, however, and the rules also clearly state that the two cars from the same team must have the same livery. BAR, however, came up with a very creative solution and decided to combine the two liveries through a huge zipper on the car.
Statue reveals Benetton F1 car: The Benetton team also deserves a mention on this list. In 2000, the team decided to make a big splash on Italian soil. The bright blue car stood out in a picturesque Italian town, but that was not enough. The flamboyant team boss Flavio Briatore had decided that the presentation should be spectacular. Through a tilting mechanism, a statue had to make way for the team's new F1 car.
‘Plane delivers new F1 car: The unveiling of the Jordan EJ12 cannot be missing from this list either’;
https://racingnews365.com/the-most-s...entations-ever
Races, preseason and car launches: The key dates for F1's 2024 season
15:56 Fri, 12 Jan 2024.
ESPN.com
There's plenty of build-up to the first race, with teams designating time to unveil their new cars and colour schemes to the public, before three days of preseason testing, which often is the first indication of what the upcoming season might look like.
The key dates for F1's 2024 season
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/3...f1-2024-season
F1 car launches 2024: When teams will reveal new challengers
21:47 Sat, 06 Jan 2024.
AUTHOREd Hardy
Motorsport.com
Excitement is building for the 2024 F1 season after McLaren became the first team to reveal its livery ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix on 2 March.
Over the coming weeks more F1 teams will reveal the look of its 2024 challenger, meaning last season will shortly become a distant memory providing the opportunity for all 10 constructors to start again.
That is much needed for some because 2023 proved disappointing for many teams as Red Bull dominated the campaign, winning 21 of 22 grands prix.
‘Excitement is building’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...cars/10563326/
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F1 will miss Steiner says Wolff.
Gunther Steiner's sacking is a "loss" for Formula 1, according to rival team boss Toto Wolff.
JANUARY 17, 2024
GrandPrix.com
Steiner has headed the small American team for its entire decade-long history, but he rose to particular popularity as his unique personality shone in the Netflix series Drive to Survive.
Team owner Gene Haas, however, ousted Steiner between Christmas and New Year, arguing that it had become embarrassing to have a team with a solid technical alliance with Ferrari that finishes dead last overall. Some also think Steiner's Netflix popularity irritated Haas.
“For Formula 1 this is a loss”, Mercedes boss Wolff told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Gunther is a personality who has become very popular and has brought a lot of benefit to the team and the brand, despite the results being disappointing. He is a great personality and we will miss him.”
‘Loss for Formula 1’;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/f1-wi...ays-wolff.html
Ayao Komatsu: I could never replicate Guenther Steiner
16:21 Wed, 17 Jan 2024
Sky Sports
New Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu says he has 'huge respect' for his predecessor Guenther Steiner, but insists he will bring his own qualities to the role.
‘Never replicate Guenther Steiner’;
https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...enther-steiner
Huge rebuild job comes to light as ‘shut down’ F1 team saved
18 Jan 2024 10:45 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Guenther Steiner has spoken of Haas’ struggles to stay afloat after the COVID pandemic hit Formula 1 in 2020. The COVID pandemic had bigger impacts on the wider world than just F1 but in an expensive sport like F1, it left a huge hole in a lot of team’s budgets. While some were more comfortable than others in absorbing the cost, the likes of Haas were up against it with no races to fill their wallets.
“[When] 2020 came and the pandemic came, we… I mean, I was told to close the team down,” Steiner told Autosport. “What were you doing there: you let people go, everything was shutdown. In 2021 we came back, but I mean we made not one step backwards in 2020, we made two back.”
“Then coming back in 2021, people forget that you have to restart from new – because we had to find people again, we had to find new offices, we had to find all that stuff. Because everything that we built up with Dallara [which builds Haas’s F1 chassis] was lost – because we cancelled their contract in 2020. We didn’t do anything there, because we didn’t develop the car at all.”
‘Guenther Steiner has spoken of Haas’ struggles to stay afloat’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/huge-r...-f1-team-saved
Steiner makes major Drive to Survive revelation over Haas F1 decision
Friday 19 January 2024 10:57
Chris Deeley
GPFans
Steiner was asked at the Autosport International Show whether Drive to Survive had anything to do with Gene Haas' decision not to renew his contract (per Speedweek), and the former Red Bull technical director didn't confirm or deny the idea.
“Perhaps that played a role, but the fact is - Haas benefited enormously from this popularity. This made contact with donors such as MoneyGram possible.
"It was never about becoming famous for me. The people who know me know that it's not that important to me. I didn't get up in the morning thinking about becoming famous. I got up to go to work."
‘Haas benefited enormously from this popularity’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...-haas-sacking/
Guenther Steiner’s replacement facing uphill battle with ‘not good enough’ Haas car
Guenther Steiner's eight-year stay with the Haas F1 Team came to an end earlier this month with Gene Haas opting for a change in strategy.
08:15, Sat, Jan 20, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Ayao Komatsu has claimed that Haas’ 2024 challenger is ‘not good enough’ in its current status, despite being an upgrade on the VF-23. The 47-year-old has been selected by Gene Haas to replace Guenther Steiner after the iconic team principal was sacked in January off the back of a P10 Constructors’ Championship finish.
Speaking to F1.com about his team’s preparations for the upcoming season, Komatsu said: “The ’24 car is a clear step, but whether it’s good enough against the competition to start off with, I don’t think so, because we started so late. We changed the concept so late as well, and then by actually doing the Austin upgrade, we diverted our resources a little bit. I’m realistic with the car we’re putting out in Bahrain, but not in a negative manner.”
“It’s not the fault of our engineers, our guys. They’re good people. For me, then the key is whatever the car in Bahrain, whatever problem we see, we try to understand it and then move from that point as a team. We are a small team as you know. We’ve got to move as one, otherwise, we don’t stand a chance. To answer your question directly, it is a step forward. Is it good enough? No. But what we do from that point is how we can show that we can improve the team or not.”
‘Uphill battle’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...s-Ayao-Komatsu
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Jacques Villeneuve exclusive: The F1 personnel being left behind by ‘brutal’ race scheduling.
1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve believes some calendar scheduling choices are proving particularly tough for the mechanics and the media.
23 Jan 2024 7:30 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
Jacques Villeneuve, speaking in an exclusive interview with PlanetF1.com, said he has sympathy for the crews behind the scenes that make everything happen. “That’s gonna be brutal,” he said when asked about the scheduling of the triple-header.
“Already, the double-header late in the [2023] season, flying back from Vegas – it’s not an easy airport to fly from so getting here… it’s OK for a big team because they can rent a big plane, put all the mechanics in it, and fly. It’s really brutal for the media – I think this is the group that is being left behind in all that is happening. The cost of everything is going up, hotels, travelling, these trips have become very, very complicated.”
“But, for teams, they find ways to travel. Staff rotations can work but it’s hard on the staff. The timezone is in the wrong direction because you lose time by coming in instead of gaining. It makes it very hectic to set everything up, set the teams up, catering, and all that. It takes time and that’s a little bit rough.”
‘Brutal race scheduling’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/jacque...-f1-scheduling
New Madrid F1 race from 2026 - but what happens to Barcelona?
Jan 23, 2024
by Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
Formula 1 will have a new race in Spain from 2026 after finally confirming a long-expected grand prix in Madrid initially running to 2035. F1 has never raced in the Spanish capital before although this will not be a conventional city street race but more of a hybrid akin to the Miami Grand Prix track, by using what F1 calls “street and non-street sections”.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali called Madrid “an incredible city with amazing sporting and cultural heritage” and said “today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain”. It also raises serious questions about the future of Spain’s existing F1 venue in the country’s second biggest city, Barcelona.
Madrid’s race starting in 2026 will coincide with the final race of Barcelona’s current contract, so unless something changes there will be at least one season with two races in Spain. F1 does not see the Madrid announcement as a guarantee that Barcelona’s current deal will be its last. "For the avoidance of doubt and to clarify here, the fact we are in Madrid is not excluding the fact we could stay in Barcelona for the future,” Domenicali was quoted as saying on F1's official website.
‘What happens to Barcelona?’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/w...na-spanish-gp/
F1 announce massive change to race calendar with iconic circuit set to lose Grand Prix
Published 12:02, 23 January 2024 GMT
Alex Brotherton
SPORTbible
F1 have announced a huge change to the race calendar that will see an iconic Grand Prix change venue. There are a number of races that are part of the F1 furniture, and the Spanish Grand Prix is certainly one of them. First held in 1913, the Spanish Grand Prix is one of the oldest races on the calendar. It's been held in various locations across the country, but since 1991 the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been home to the race.
That looks set to change though, following a huge announcement by F1 bosses. From 2026 until at least 2035, the Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Madrid. The race will take place on a new 5.47km (3.399-mile) circuit around the Ifema exhibition centre between the Spanish capital and Barajas airport.
The track will feature 20 corners and will incorporate both street-circuit and road-course sections. F1 bosses says the new venue will initially accommodate 110,000 fans a day, with plans to increase capacity to 140,000. In doing so, the Spanish Grand Prix would become one of the best attended events on the F1 calendar.
‘Massive change to race calendar’;
https://www.sportbible.com/f1/spanis...88098-20240123
The nine F1 circuits under threat of calendar axe with contract statuses revealed
23 Jan 2024 4:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has spoken about the change in approach the sport has taken with its contracts for circuits – moving from a short/medium term approach to looking to tie down longer-term deals for its tracks.
F1 circuit contract expiry years in full
Silverstone, UK: 2024
Suzuka, Japan: 2024
Imola, Emilia Romagna, Italy: 2025
Las Vegas, USA: 2025
Mexico City, Mexico: 2025
Monte-Carlo, Monaco: 2025
Monza, Italy: 2025
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: 2025
Zandvoort, Netherlands: 2025
Baku, Azerbaijan: 2026
Barcelona, Spain: 2026
Marina Bay, Singapore: 2028
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: 2030
Sao Paulo, Brazil: 2030
Spielberg, Austria: 2030
Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi: 2030
Miami, USA: 2031
Montreal, Canada: 2031
Austin, USA: 2032
Budapest, Hungary: 2032
Lusail, Qatar: 2032
Madrid, Spain: 2035* (*joining the F1 calendar in 2026)
Sakhir, Bahrain: 2036
Melbourne, Australia: 2037
‘Under threat of calendar axe’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-cir...t-expiry-dates
Growing F1 calendar “can’t come at the price of human health” – Horner
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 6th January 2024, 0:01
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans00:04 Sat, 06 Jan
The 24-round calendar for the upcoming season is “right on the limit” of what teams can cope with, says Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. “It’s a brutal year, and I think it’s something that I’m sure will be on the agenda with Formula 1and the FIA to talk about how can we make life more bearable for everybody involved,” Horner told RaceFans.
“Because it is a traveling circus, but it’s a global circus and we need to just make sure that we protect that and the people within it. Money is a big driver in any commercial sport. But it can’t come at the price of human health and wellbeing. I think we’re right on the limit.”
“Can’t come at the price of human health”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/01/06/...nd-up-06-01-6/