2024 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

Guenther Steiner and Haas Parting Ways, the Beginning of the End?
In my opinion, Guenther Steiner and Haas parting ways is the beginning of the end. He put his life and soul into the team, travelling across countries and continents for the team to run as well as it possibly could.
Jan 12, 2024
By Alastair Smith
World In Sport

As seen before, getting a team into Formula 1 is nearly impossible. The fact that Haas became a Formula 1 team is a miracle in itself. Was this down to Gene Haas, well partly but a huge thanks has to be to Guenther Steiner. The parting of ways of Guenther Steiner and Haas will not bring on a new dawn for the team, nor will it be a positive turning point for the team. Steiner was the backbone of that team and a major reason that they could even compete.

I don’t think the higher-ups in the team have necessarily thought about the position that the team is in and what the NEED for Guenther Steiner is for them to progress in the sport. While I see where Gene Hass is coming from, I don’t think Steiner is to blame.

Guenther Steiner brought the glue to a team that needed it. A new team on a low budget and a new business model were always going to be risky and it worked early on. But regulations changed and this business model just couldn’t keep up. Ultimately it is up to Gene Haas to provide adequate funding to put a car on the grid that performs in the way he expects.

‘Beginning of the End’;

https://worldinsport.com/guenther-st.../?nowprocket=1


F1 fans deliver verdict on Steiner's Haas departure
12 January 2:00PM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

Formula 1 fans have delivered their verdict on Haas' decision to part ways with Guenther Steiner ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

RacingNews365 asked fans to vote on the decision and it certainly seems to have divided opinion. Although more fans voted in favour of change, it wasn't by a strong majority. See the full results of the poll below.

Did Haas make the right decision with Guenther Steiner?
Option Votes Percent
Yes - It was time for change 845 58.43%
No - He should have stayed in his position 601 41.51%

‘Verdict’;

https://racingnews365.com/f1-fans-de...haas-departure


Heartbreaking details from shock Guenther Steiner departure revealed – F1 news round-up
11 Jan 2024 10:00 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

With Steiner and Haas going their separate ways, details on the nature of the split have started to emerge. According to Sky Sports News journalist Craig Slater, the decision to split may have been made during December and, as a consequence of Steiner living in the United States, he didn’t get the chance to say goodbye at the factory to the team he’s worked with for almost a decade.

“I learned about this at the weekend, but some people I’ve spoken to say they’ve known about it for a couple of weeks now,” said Slater. “As far as I can glean, a surprise to him that he would not be getting his contract renewed. We can’t say he’s been sacked, because his contract had come to an end and Gene has decided not to renew that.”

Gene Haas has admitted his main concern at this point of the season is ensuring the new VF-24 isn’t compromised by the time F1 lands in Bahrain ready for the season to begin. “My biggest concern is when we go to Bahrain, we need to show up with a car that is ready to go,” he said in an interview for the Formula 1 website.

‘Steiner will definitely still be appearing at the show on January 13th where he’ll field questions from Sky F1’s David Croft in a ‘not to be missed’ interview!’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-new...iner-departure


Why Steiner exit could spell disaster for F1
12 January 12:30PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Guenther Steiner's shock split from Haas has led to an outpouring of support from fans across social media in recent days. The former Team Principal has gathered a cult following since the first season of Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive aired, with Steiner becoming one of the faces of the series because of his outspoken personality.

Steiner's departure will spark concerns for F1 and Netflix as he was the cult hero. Ever since he made his 'we look like a bunch of w******s' quip in Australia during season one of DTS, fans latched onto his infectious personality. His interactions with his drivers have gone down infamously and allowed a new generation of F1 fans to fall in love with a specific aspect of the sport, broadening gateways to increase viewership. The reaction across social media since the announcement that Steiner had departed has been highly negative.

It gives a new breed of viewer a reason to turn off from the sport, if their favourite personality is no longer available to view. During a time when there is a dispute over whether audience numbers are continuing to grow or not as Red Bull cleans up the competition, this is nothing short of a nightmare for F1. Steiner's popularity was such that he was guest commentating on NASCAR races - creating access for non-traditional American F1 fans - he has released a best-selling book based on the 2022 F1 season and he was appearing on American talk shows.

‘Outpouring of support from fans’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-steine...isaster-for-f1


Simone Resta tipped for new role as abrupt Haas exit explained
12 Jan 2024 11:30 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Simone Resta, who departed the Haas technical director role on the same day as Guenther Steiner’s shock exit, will reportedly return to Ferrari, with speculation over a clash with Gene Haas addressed.

The official Formula 1 website is now reporting that rather the loan arrangement for Resta between Haas and their technical partner for Ferrari has expired, with Resta therefore returning to the Italian outfit. It is added that Resta’s currently unspecified role with Ferrari will not involve him working with their Formula 1 team.

The upheaval in their senior staff ranks comes at a crucial time for Haas, Gene admitting his “big concern” is now getting their VF-24 ready for the season ahead, though ultimately performance was just not good enough in his eyes, the team returning to the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship in 2023.

‘“Big concern” is now getting their VF-24’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/simone...s-exit-details

Exclusive: Guenther Steiner’s ‘no regrets’ mindset over leaving Haas and F1 future hint.
Scheduled and confirmed as being in attendance at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham on the weekend of January 13th and 14th…
12 Jan 2024 5:45 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Having achieved so much – getting Haas off the ground and onto the grid, scoring the team’s first points, weathering the COVID-19 pandemic and coming out the other side with a competitive car in a 2022 campaign that even netted them their first pole position, had Steiner set himself an end goal he wanted to achieve before leaving F1 behind?

“No, I never set… you know, some things – if they’re over, they’re over and it’s fine. I never set points in my life where I wanted to be the team principal of a team,” he said, when asked about whether he’d marked out a point at which he’d achieved what he wanted with the team.

“I never set this point. I got here in my own way, and I will go in my own way. When I don’t have the enthusiasm to do this anymore and the drive, I know when to stop. When I get up in the morning and I don’t have the drive that I want to get up to do this, then I stop, because… I’m fine to stop.

‘No regrets’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...g-haas-f1-team


New Haas boss warned he faces ‘huge challenge’
13 January 2024
by Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Speaking during an IndyCar media day ahead of the new season that will see him drive for Juncos Hollinger Racing after two years with Andretti Autosport, Grosjean initially conceded to being in the dark regarding Steiner's departure. “I don't know what happened,” said Grosjean. “I don't know more details than you do, but I wish Guenther all the best in his next chapter.”

“He's definitely a man that's got a lot of ideas and things to do, but for me, the main thing is [I'm] very happy for Ayao.” Komatsu, however, faces an uphill task in resurrecting the fortunes of a team that finished at the foot of last year's constructors' championship for the second time in three years.

Assessing the role ahead for Komatsu, Grosjean said: “First of all, he's a very good friend of mine. I competed in every one of my 181 Formula 1 (grands prix) with him working on my car. His kids are the same age as my kids, so we've been very good friends, and I'm excited for him. It's a huge challenge in front of him but I'm excited for him.”

‘Faces huge challenge’;

https://speedcafe.com/new-haas-boss-...uge-challenge/


Guenther Steiner's replacement sent ominous warning by former Haas F1 star
Guenther Steiner was axed by Haas this week and replaced by Ayao Komatsu, with American owner Gene Haas favouring an engineering-led approach to their future efforts
20:23 Fri, 12 Jan 2024
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Former Haas driver Romain Grosjean gave the seal of approval to the team's new boss Ayao Komatsu. But the Frenchman has also warned his former Formula 1 colleague that leading the team will be a "huge challenge". Komatsu has been promoted to team principal following the surprise axing of popular chief Guenther Steiner.

The 58-year-old has led the Haas team since its inception, having first pitched the idea to Gene Haas who provided funding. But the American businessman put all sentiment aside as he decided a change at the top was required.

‘Guenther Steiner's replacement sent ominous warning’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...matsu-31871605


Caption Competition 231: Steiner’s send-off
Caption Competition
Posted on 13th January 2024, 8:30
Written by Will Wood

Nico Hulkenberg will have a new team principal at Haas this season after Guenther Steiner was relieved of his duties earlier this week. But what departing words did Hulkenberg have for his former boss before Steiner was shown the door? Can you come up with the best caption for this picture? Post your funniest suggestion in the comments below.

Gilles Amon (@gillesamon)
Come on, we need upgrades, not new fancy glasses.
Or: Told you, we would have needed upgrades, not just new fancy glasses.

Nulla Pax (@nullapax)
“Guenther – please don’t sneeze like that.
It always does this to my hair and glasses”

Jeanrien (@jeanrien)
You could have used less colorful language when telling Hass what we need to improve!

‘Caption Competition 231: Steiner’s send-off’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/01/13/...ners-send-off/


Haas send message to Michael Andretti about selling F1 team after Guenther Steiner exit
Suggestions that Michael Andretti should buy the Haas F1 team have been made in recent days, since owner Gene Haas fired popular and long-serving team principal Guenther Steiner
17:40 Fri, 12 Jan 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Gene Haas has made it clear he has no interest in selling his Formula 1 team to Michael Andretti. And he doesn't want to let it go to anyone, for that matter. The American businessman, 71, insists he is in F1 for the long haul despite sacking team principal Guenther Steiner, with whom he set up his racing outfit a decade ago, this week.

"I didn’t get into F1 to sell [the team], I did it because I wanted to race. Guenther had the same perspective," he told the F1 website. "We're not here to cash out, we want to race and be competitive. If you look at any team, historically, they have had a lot of good years and a lot of bad years.”

"Surviving is one of the characteristics of getting better. As long as you can survive, you always have another year to prove your worthiness. This is a big change. Losing Guenther is going to cause the team to have to focus on other aspects. We will hopefully come out better for it."

‘In F1 for the long haul’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...einer-31870604


Andretti buy-out hope fades as Gene Haas reveals Hollywood approach – F1 news round-up
12 Jan 2024 10:00 PM
Oliver Harden

Gene Haas has made it clear he is not willing to sell his team, reaffirming his commitment and intention to stay in the sport for the next decade. The departures of team principal Guenther Steiner and Simone Resta have raised major questions over Haas’s trajectory in F1, with fellow American outfit Andretti – keen to secure an F1 entry – mentioned as potential suitors should Haas choose to walk away.

However, Mr Haas has issued a firm response to suggestions that he may seek a way out…

Long before he became a star of stage, screen and bookshelf as Haas F1 team boss, Steiner was involved in the early development of Red Bull’s Formula 1 project. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has revealed why Steiner was moved on, featuring a remarkable parallel to his departure from Haas. “Guenther was and is a character but it was obvious he was not a technical leader,” Horner said.

‘Andretti buy-out hope fades’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/andret...-news-round-up

Guenther Steiner axed in brutal Haas phone call as sacked F1 chief speaks for first time.
Gene Haas axed Guenther Steiner over the phone during the Christmas period, as fresh details about his exit have emerged.
12:16, 13 Jan 2024
By Tom Blow Sports Writer
The Mirror

Steiner confirmed that he received a phone call from Gene Haas, the team's owner, between Christmas Day and New Year's Day about his future. Steiner was told that his contract was not being renewed into 2024, ending his 10-year spell in charge.

"I don’t know Gene Haas's plans for the future. He didn’t share them with me, he doesn’t have to, by the way. I’m actually not really interested in it anymore."

‘Axed in brutal Haas phone call’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ained-31873715


Steiner: I’m not interested in Gene Haas’ F1 plans
Guenther Steiner spent eight seasons in charge of the Haas F1 team
January 13, 2024
By John Smith
Total Motorsport

“I don’t know Gene Haas‘ plans for the future,” Steiner said at Autosport International. “He didn’t share them with me, and he doesn’t have to by the way, I want to make that clear as well.”

“I’m actually not really interested in it anymore. On the other side, I see where other people are going and the model we started the beginning, I think it was a very good model, but maybe it’s not time relevant anymore. But who am I to say that?”

‘Not really interested in it anymore’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ne-haas-plans/


Guenther Steiner not ‘interested’ in Haas future as brutal departure details emerge
13 Jan 2024 10:23 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

“I don’t know Gene Haas’s plans for the future. He didn’t share them with me. He doesn’t have to, by the way. I’m actually not really interested in it anymore.”

As for his own plans for the future, Steiner said he would spend some time with the family but was insistent he has more to offer in F1. “I don’t know if Formula 1 wants me!” he joked. “Now at the moment, I’m very chilled out about the situation.”

“I’m not unhappy and I know a lot of people, I’ve got a lot of friends and for me just hanging around for a year doing the odd job, that does it for me. If something interesting comes along which challenges me, yes, but just staying in Formula 1 just to do a job, maybe is not what I want to do.”

“I don’t know if Formula 1 wants me!”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...tion-departure


Steiner: "Stung" not to say proper farewell to Haas F1 team
12:07, 13th Jan 2024.
AUTHORJake Boxall-Legge
Motorsport.com

Speaking at Autosport International 2024 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, Steiner confirmed that he was given the news by Haas between Christmas and New Year, and his abrupt departure meant that he was not given a proper send-off by the team.

“Can I start with just something off for my side?” Steiner interjected while speaking to Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft on the main stage on Saturday morning. “I didn't have the chance to say thank you to a few people when I left Haas F1. I would just like to thank all the team members who I couldn't give a proper goodbye to when I left.”

“So I’ll do it this way. And I want to say also to all the fans who supported us while I was there, it’s fantastic - thank you to everybody for the support I got and I am getting, so I'm mega appreciative. Yeah, it stung [not to be able to say goodbye] but they all know me and they all know that I appreciate what they did. It's always best to say it to them, it would be nice to say, ‘hey guys, thanks for what you did for the team.’”

‘It stung’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/s...team/10565375/


Guenther Steiner responds to Gene Haas ’embarrassing’ results criticism
13 Jan 2024 1:15 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Guenther Steiner has responded to Gene Haas’s remarks that he was embarrassed by the team’s results, admitting “nobody in the team was proud” to finish bottom of the Championship in F1 2023. In his first public appearance since his exit at Autosport International, witnessed by PlanetF1.com’s Sam Cooper, Steiner was invited to respond to Haas’s comments.

“If he feels like this, that’s his feeling and he can say it,” he said. “Obviously, nobody in the team is proud to be 10th. We didn’t have a good season in ’23, we all know that. But in my opinion, when you’re down it’s not how you get down [but] how you get up again. That’s just my life motto and that is what you have to think about: to not be embarrassed about anything, just keep on going and make it better.”

‘How you get up again’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...assing-results


Steiner hints costly reason behind Haas exit
Saturday 13 January 2024 13:57
Dan Ripley
GPFans

Steiner though defended his record running the team and admits he was surprised by his sudden departure, hinting that the negative results could have been from a lack of investment to compete with rival teams.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Steiner said at Autosport International. “Gene felt that is the way he wants to take the team forward. It’s his decision, not my one. He owns the place and if you own something, you have got the right to do what you want.

Steiner admits pain at nature of Haas exit: “It stung to not say bye. But they all know me and know that I still appreciate what they did. It’s always best to say it to them vocally but it would be nice to say ‘hey guys, thanks for all what you did for the team’. It was a team that was very small and ran on adrenaline a lot of times. They did a good job and I want to say thank you to them. It doesn’t make you happy not saying thank you.”

‘Surprised by his sudden departure’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ent-gene-haas/


Steiner's response to Haas F1 exit has a telling undertone
Jan 13, 2024
by Jack Cozens
The Race

There was also an undertone to Steiner's most eloquent comments that only reinforces the consensus about where his and Gene Haas's views on the team's direction diverged to the point of no return. This centres around what it will take for Haas to keep up in the ever-escalating arms race F1 currently represents. Haas himself is adamant more can be achieved with the current means; he used his media address earlier this week to say explicitly that the decision to jettison Steiner, who's been replaced by the team's engineering figurehead Ayao Komatsu, "came down to performance".

Steiner was widely understood to have been pushing for greater investment, lest the team - already a minnow in F1 terms - be cut off, unable to keep up with the pace of change. His answer on whether the team's current model is fit for purpose only reinforced that understanding. "Since we had this model 10 years ago when we started, Formula 1 has changed a lot," he said. "You guys have seen how much Formula 1 changed after the COVID period, how much it grew, how much bigger it got, how much different it got; how we use the budget cap to get ideas on how to do things.”

Steiner, of course, has his fingerprints all over that part-sharing, outsourcing model as one of the founding members of Haas F1. It was one spotted by him and largely shaped in his vision. But the very nature of the F1 beast is that it's ever-evolving, and its the one who's reticent to acknowledge that, to lift a phrase from The Race's Ben Anderson, who's most likely to be left shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic.

‘A telling undertone’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/g...ing-undertone/


Guenther Steiner hints at key issues surrounding Haas’ approach to F1
13 Jan 2024 11:47 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Guenther Steiner has questioned whether Haas’ F1 model of buying as many components as possible for racing is the right path forward. With Steiner now the ex-team boss of Haas, the Italian was much more vocal in pointing out where he feels his former team are falling short relative to their competition in Formula 1.

Haas are unique on the F1 grid in that they are not a chassis constructor in their own right. Since entering the sport in 2016, Haas have developed chassis in collaboration with Italian manufacturer Dallara and worked with Ferrari to purchase transferable components such as rear suspensions, crash structures and gearboxes – as well as buying the Scuderia’s power supply.

It’s a model that yielded instant reward in the team’s early years, with points finishes aplenty and rising as high as fifth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2018. But the fact none of the other teams employ that model has meant increased scrutiny when things stopped working quite as well and, following disagreement with team owner Gene Haas on the direction of the team, Steiner and the American squad have parted ways.

‘Hints at key issues’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...approach-to-f1

'I didn't see it coming,' admits Steiner after Haas F1 axe.
Guenther Steiner admitted Saturday that his sacking as Haas F1 team principal came as a shock, claiming "I didn't see it coming".
Issued on: 13/01/2024 - 22:43
London (AFP)
France 24

The colourful 58-year-old was axed by owner Gene Haas following a 2023 season which saw the team finish 10th and last in the world championship.

"Obviously nobody was happy with the results in 2023 but I didn't see this coming," Steiner told Sky Sports News. "I knew that the renewal of my contract was coming up and then when a renewal is coming up it can be that it's not getting renewed."

Steiner said that he had no regrets over his unlikely starring role in the "Drive to Survive" series. "I didn't get up in the morning to be a celebrity," he said. "I get up in the morning to work. But I think it worked a lot in favour of the team because without that maybe it would have been closed before."

'I didn't see it coming';

https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...er-haas-f1-axe


Guenther Steiner: I didn't see Haas F1 exit coming | 'I have to respect the decision'
17:47 Sat, 13 Jan 2024.
Sky Sports

In a Sky Sports exclusive, former team principal Guenther Steiner explains how his departure from Haas came about and admits he has to accept the decision.

'I have to respect the decision';

https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...t-the-decision


Guenther Steiner’s first verdict after his exit from Haas
13 Jan 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Guenther Steiner has addressed his departure from Haas for the first time. The popular team principal surprisingly left his role earlier this week, ahead of the 2024 F1 season. He reportedly did not see eye-to-eye with owner Gene Haas over the future strategy for the team, so his contract was not renewed for this year.

Steiner conceded he is “not interested” in the future direction of Haas, whose new team principal will be Ayao Komatsu, when speaking at the Autosport International event to Sky’s David Croft.

‘Guenther Steiner’s first verdict’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104337...-his-exit-haas


Steiner addresses Haas exit, the moment that ‘stung’ and his future F1 plans
13 January 2024
Mike Seymour
Staff Writer
Formula One - Official Site

Guenther Steiner has spoken publicly for the first time since it was announced that he and the Haas F1 Team had parted ways with immediate effect, revealing more of the background to the news, sharing his message for the squad’s employees and pondering his own future plans.

On Saturday, Steiner made an appearance at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham, UK and offered his initial thoughts on the reshuffle – the popular Italian and Drive To Survive star receiving a warm reception from the gathered crowd.

“It was a phone call,” Steiner stated. “Gene called me and said that he doesn’t want to extend the contract which was up at the end of the season, and that was it. I don’t know [if it was a surprise]. It’s always a little bit of a surprise, but then in the end, he owns the team, he can do what he wants and it’s his decision.”

‘Steiner addresses Haas exit’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...hnG7nlFyy.html


Guenther Steiner shows true colours after speaking out on Gene Haas' F1 plans
Guenther Steiner has spoken out after he was released by Haas during the Christmas break, having spent 10 years with the team.
17:07, Sat, Jan 13, 2024
By Charlie Parker-Turner
Daily and Sunday Express

Guenther Steiner has claimed that he has ‘no interest’ in Gene Haas’ Formula One plans after he was not given a new contract by the team for 2024, and he doesn't expect to be informed of them either. The former team principal was told of the decision via a phone call during the Christmas period, with Ayao Komatsu succeeding him in the role.

Steiner spent 10 years with Haas, building the team up with his business model to be able to compete on the biggest of stages. However, with his contract expiring, a decision was made by owner Gene to take the team in a different direction. The shake-up has left many questioning how Haas will operate going forward, and Steiner is not even aware of what to expect from the team. Speaking about his exit at Autosport International, the Italian explained:

“Since we have had this model, Formula 1 has changed a lot. We saw during COVID how much bigger it grew. How much different it got with the budget cap, how we used the budget cap. If you look at all the other teams, they were all gearing up. They are not gearing up now. They started to gear up, some three years ago, some years ago, some last year. I don’t know Gene Haas’s plans for the future. He didn’t share them with me. He doesn’t have to, by the way. I’m actually not really interested in it anymore.”

‘Not really interested in it anymore’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...-Haas-F1-plans

Red Bull driver tells rivals to pack bags after testing 2024 car.
Red Bull development driver Jake Dennis foresees another season of domination as he gives insight into what to expect from the defending Champions.
January 14, 2024
James Fiorucci
FormulaNerds

Not many people are better poised than sim driver Dennis to give us an idea of what to expect from the Red Bull RB20. Speaking to Mirror Sport ahead of Round 1 of the 2024 Mexico City E-Prix, which he finished in ninth position, Dennis was full of confidence that Red Bull would win the Constructors’ Championship again this year.

He said: “I would expect us to become champions again, unless someone like Ferrari or Mercedes somehow manages to find about a second overnight. We didn’t do any development on the 2023 car after Singapore.”

‘Pack bags’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/re...ting-2024-car/


Lewis Hamilton blow as RB20 driver makes formidable F1 2024 prediction
14 Jan 2024 2:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton has been told to forget about challenging for the F1 2024 title, with Red Bull simulator Jake Dennis warning it could be another “dull season” dominated by Max Verstappen.

Allison also claimed that Mercedes have established a “pretty ambitious” program for the new W15 chassis, which is expected to be a significant departure from the team’s last two cars under F1’s ground effect rules.

He told the Mirror: “We’ve got an extremely fast race car again at the Red Bull team. I would expect us to become Champions again, unless someone like Ferrari or Mercedes somehow manages to find about a second [per lap] overnight. I think it’s going to be quite a dull season in Formula 1 with Max probably dominating.”

‘Lewis Hamilton blow’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...024-prediction


Red Bull driver testing 2024 F1 car gives verdict on Lewis Hamilton's title chances
Formula E champion Jake Dennis is also a Red Bull development driver and has been on the simulator in recent months helping the team to create their 2024 RB20 car
14th January 2024, 11:02
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
GPFans

Red Bull simulator driver Jake Dennis has told Lewis Hamilton to forget about renewing his Formula 1 title rivalry with Max Verstappen this year. The Formula E champion has helped to develop Verstappen's machine for the new season and doesn't think Hamilton should get his hopes up for a title tilt in 2024.

Asked by Mirror Sport what F1 fans can expect from the RB20 having driven the developing car on the simulator, he said: "We've got an extremely fast race car again at the Red Bull team.”

It is an ominous situation for Red Bull's rivals who face another season of being unable to take the fight to the defending champions. Dennis, 28, has been a development driver for the team since 2018 and so would love to see his prediction come true.

‘Forget about renewing Formula 1 title rivalry’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...appen-31872246


Red Bull send clear warning to F1 2024 rivals taking RB19 copycat route
13 Jan 2024 4:00 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Wache has a word of warning for any rivals seeking to copy aspects of the RB19 for the F1 2024 season. While it may be tempting for other teams to simply try copying Red Bull’s design by poring over photos and recreating as much as possible, Wache believes that without a proper understanding of the philosophy behind the design those teams would be on a hiding to nothing.

“I think it’s possible to copy, but in every business in the world, when it’s technical, the ‘how’ is one aspect,” he told Autosport. “The most important aspect is ‘why’. If you don’t know ‘why’, you can copy whatever you want, but it’s better to stay with what you understand. We also copy some stuff,” he said. “We [might] copy the wrong thing, but you [also] inspire yourself based on what you see from others.”

“It’s like a Darwin effect, this business. You see something from others, you add another idea to it and you develop and you grow your concept, your strengths, and your capacity. But every time it has to be on the understanding aspect. If you just copy for copying’s sake, it doesn’t work. You [need to] have the knowledge and also what you want to achieve. If you don’t have the same golden aim of characteristics, it doesn’t bring anything.”

‘RB19 copycat route’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bu...g-rb19-in-2024


Former F1 Team Principal doubts Verstappen can be matched in same team
13 January 2:30PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Former AlphaTauri Team Principal Franz Tost is doubtful that Max Verstappen can be matched in the same team. Before joining Red Bull, Verstappen was at sister team Toro Rosso for a season and a half under the wing of Tost. When asked if he thinks any driver could challenge Verstappen in the same car, the former Team Principal had his doubts.

“If Max continues to have a good car, he will win many more races and titles,” Tost told F1 Insider. “He’s still not at his limit and will get even better. No driver who is or will be his teammate will ever progress beyond the role of number two driver.” Tost believes Verstappen managed to exhibit natural talent the first time he got into the car, which helped him get up to speed while still a teenager.

‘Natural talent’;

https://racingnews365.com/former-f1-...d-in-same-team

Hamilton admits greater Mercedes role in bid to develop W15.
Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes F1 team are intensifying efforts to ensure the W15 model delivers strong performances in the upcoming 2024 season.
Monday 1 January 2024 17:57
Cal Gaunt
GPFans

This pre-season is pivotal for Mercedes, as they strive to rebound from two lacklustre years and design a car capable of competing for championships. This must be done quickly, too, with the impending 2026 regulatory changes, necessitating meticulous preparation for the new car well in advance.

Toto Wolff's team faces a significant challenge of swift improvement with the existing cars to catch up with Red Bull this season, as a failure to do so would diminish their prospects for 2025. With Hamilton's contract expiring in 2025, the seven-time champion is banking on a rapid turnaround.

The lessons learned from last year's campaign are expected to inform the development of a largely new car for the 2024 season, signalling a departure from the 'zeropod' philosophy acknowledged by James Allison's return to the team.

‘Hamilton admits greater Mercedes role in bid to develop W15: Signalling a departure from the 'zeropod' philosophy’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...actory-visits/


Big Mercedes W15 question posed with engine power strength assessed
09 Jan 2024 5:00 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

A former F1 driver has questioned whether Mercedes’ car-making capabilities were masked by a superior engine during their dominance. With eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships between 2014 and ’21, the might of Mercedes’ juggernaut was halted in 2022 as Red Bull’s RB18 eclipsed the rest of the field during the first year of the new technical regulations.

Former F1 and DTM racer Christijan Albers, now a part of Viaplay’s punditry team, said he wonders whether Mercedes’ performance levels during their years of dominance came about as a result of a vastly superior power unit and not thanks to superior car designs. “The question is whether Red Bull can [be] challenged [by] Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, or maybe Aston Martin next year,” he said in his column for De Telegraaf.

With the W14 going without a race victory – the first winless Mercedes design since 2011 – the new path for the 2024 W15 means all eyes are on the car Brackley rolls out for this season. But Albers has big questions about what is currently being manufactured in their factory. “I wonder if Mercedes can still build a really good car at all,” he said.

‘Mercedes’ juggernaut was halted in 2022’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...riority-theory


Hamilton given big Mercedes boost with crucial W15 change
Saturday 6 January 2024 17:57
Sam Cook
GPFans

New Mercedes technical director James Allison has ripped up his predecessor's concepts, providing the Brackley-based team with a car more suited to Lewis Hamilton's requests.
The seven-time world champion had asked for the cockpit position to be further back on the new W15 and, according to Motorsport.com Italia, that wish has been granted, while the new car will have no aerodynamic design link with the W14 from 2023.

Team principal Toto Wolff had previously said that the 2024 challenger would be 'completely different' to the 2023 car, after suffering yet another season with a car incapable of challenging for regular race victories. Now, those initial claims appear to be true, with the car's gearbox also reportedly set to be smaller and lighter, and the rear bodywork more compact.

‘James Allison has ripped up his predecessor's concepts’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...pit-requested/


How Mercedes W15 can vindicate James Allison’s sacrifices after critical role swap
06 Jan 2024 9:15 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Mercedes technical director James Allison said the team “moving in a better direction” will give him the reward for sacrificing his “self-indulgent time” by returning to the role.

One of the most successful F1 designers of all-time, Allison moved to the Mercedes chief technical officer role in 2021, this coinciding with a move away from full F1 focus by taking on the same position with Ineos Team UK Britannia’s America’s Cup team.

Allison had swaped roles with Mike Elliott, though this was reversed during 2023, Allison returning to the technical director position as Mercedes strive to escape an alarming slump in form, having gone winless in F1 2023 for the first time since 2011.

‘W15 can vindicate James Allison’s sacrifices’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...nical-director


George Russell thinks Mercedes "rushed" F1 car development as Brit gives 2024 W15 update
George Russell, like team-mate Lewis Hamilton, hopes Mercedes will be able to provide him with an F1 car capable of winning races against Max Verstappen and Red Bull in 2024
06:09 Fri, 05 Jan 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

George Russell said his Mercedes team "rushed" its 2023 car design as he expressed his confidence that the team will learn from its mistakes this winter. Team principal Toto Wolff has already made it clear his team is essentially starting from scratch on the W15 with a brand new concept and design from front to back.

And Russell is pleased with the "due diligence" he has seen from colleagues when it comes to designing his new racing machine. "I think last year it was all a little bit rushed," he told Autosport. "We didn't have all the information to hand, we may have jumped to a couple of conclusions without thoroughly going through the consequences.”

"And we learned when the car hit the ground this year that we made a step forward in some regards, but it came with a lot of baggage and we hadn't taken that into consideration. So, I think we've done a great job to truly understand what we need.”

‘Team is essentially starting with a brand new concept and design from front to back’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ssell-31809749


Major Mercedes W15 concept admission delivered by George Russell
05 Jan 2024 10:45 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

George Russell is hoping Mercedes will not fall into the same mistakes as they prepare to unveil their 2024 challenger. “[I am] more confident going into this break,” he said before the 2023 season ended, according to Autosport. “[We have been] working on the new concept for a long time and there’s been so much due diligence gone into that concept.”

“Whereas I think last year it was all a little bit rushed. We didn’t have all the information to hand, we may have jumped to a couple of conclusions without thoroughly going through the consequences.”

“And we learned when the car hit the ground this year that we made a step forward in some regards, but it came with a lot of baggage and we hadn’t taken that into consideration. So, I think we’ve done a great job to truly understand what we need.”

‘Mercedes W15 concept admission’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...george-russell


Bernie Ecclestone gives 10-word response to Lewis Hamilton 2024 F1 title question
Lewis Hamilton is without an F1 race win in more than two years as Mercedes have struggled in comparison to their Red Bull rivals, with Max Verstappen dominating the sport
16:34 Thu, 04 Jan 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Despite recent public clashes between them, former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone still wants Lewis Hamilton to win the title again. Not only does Ecclestone, 93, want Hamilton to add to his 103 career wins, but he would like to see him finally claim that elusive eighth title before retiring. "I hope he makes it. He would then make history," he said.

Regardless of what anyone hopes for Hamilton in 2024, the reality is Verstappen and Red Bull will be favourites again for the title. They were so dominant last year that the team got a significant head-start on its rivals in terms of developing its new car, sparking fears of another performance chasm.

After watching Verstappen at his very best, Ecclestone was remined of Michael Schumacher - but still thinks there is one thing that sets them apart. He added: "Max Verstappen has a bit of him in him. "Max isn't as merciless as Michael was, because Michael didn't even think about making compromises."

‘10-word response: "I hope he makes it. He would then make history"’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...stone-31808162

Toto Wolff shows true colours as Lewis Hamilton told this could be his last Mercedes deal.
Asked by The Telegraph whether or not he believes that Hamilton can win his eighth World Championship in 2024, Wolff insisted the British star wouldn't need another contract to fulfil his dream and could do it in the next two years.
14:09, Mon, Jan 15, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express14:12

Toto Wolff has showcased his ambition and optimism ahead of the 2024 campaign, stating that he believes it is possible that Lewis Hamilton could win his record-breaking eighth World Championship, despite the considerable advantage held by Red Bull heading into the winter break. He said: “Always believe it’s possible. You cannot start the season with an attitude of ‘This is not going to be possible.’”

“We saw last year with McLaren, what a huge step they made with a single upgrade. We’ve signed a two-year deal with Lewis, and we owe it to him, to George and to all [of] the team to give it our full attention in 2024 and 2025. I think it’s possible.”

A title triumph in 2024 or 2025 would provide the perfect note on which Hamilton could bring his stellar F1 career to an end. Now 39 years of age, the legendary Brit is willing to stick it out until the opportunity presents itself for him to fight for the Drivers’ Championship crown.

‘A title triumph in 2024 or 2025’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...on-Mercedes-F1


Co-owner Toto Wolff sure he remains the best person to lead Mercedes
Monday, 15 Jan 2024 11:57
RTE

Toto Wolff is to remain as Mercedes team principal and chief executive after signing a new contract covering the next three seasons.

The 52-year-old, who guided Mercedes to eight successive Constructors' Championships from 2014-21, told the Daily Telegraph: "At the end of the day, as a shareholder myself, I want the best return on investment. And the best return on investment is winning.”

"I’m not going to try to hang on to a position that I think somebody is going to do better than me. I make sure that I have people around who can tell me otherwise. In the end the three of us decided: 'Let’s do it again’.”

‘Best return on investment is winning’;

https://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/...lead-mercedes/


F1 team boss insists Hamilton STILL the greatest driver
17:44 Sat, 13 Jan 2024.
Tyler Rowlinson
GPFans

‘STILL the greatest driver’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...eatest-driver/


Mercedes will change 'almost every component' on 2024 car to take fight to Red Bull, says Wolff
11 January 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Toto Wolff believes Mercedes could "have a chance" in their quest to challenge Red Bull with "almost every component" set to be changed on the 2024 car. “I have never in my life felt optimistic about anything!” he said. “Which makes me sound a little bit miserable, but it has protected me about managing my expectations and just pushing harder, because I think it's never good enough.”

“That's why, also today, I sit here with a bittersweet feeling: we've won P2 [in 2023 but] we've lost P1. We're changing the concept, we're completely moving away from how we laid out the chassis, the weight distribution, the air flow. Literally, there's almost every component being changed, because only by doing that, I think we have a chance.”

“We could get it wrong also. So, between not gaining what we expect, to catching up and making a big step and competing at the front, everything is possible. If you ask me today, as always, scepticism, but that's the mentality of the team that pushes us forward, to never give up.”

“I think we have a chance”;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...QdodRRzIr.html


Mercedes given permission to grow Brackley HQ after "opposition" from locals
12 Jan 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

West Northamptonshire Council have granted Mercedes’ request and claimed the plan would bring "significant economic development benefits" to Brackley. Mercedes intend to increase the size of their workforce in Brackley from 1,400 to 1,900 people over the next five years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Wolff will hope that investing in the facilities and the employees in Brackley will aid the on-track performance of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Their 2024 F1 car, the W15, will soon be unveiled ahead of the new season.

‘Given permission’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104334...osition-locals


‘Bullet out of the gun’ – Toto Wolff’s defiant message to FIA after ‘damaging’ investigation
15 Jan 2024 12:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Toto Wolff has issued a warning to the FIA that the “bullet went out of the gun” after they opened an investigation into his and wife Susie’s relationship within F1. Speaking for the first time publicly since the affair, Wolff told Gazzetta dello Sport that “the bullet went out of the gun and cannot come back in.”

“We have millions of people watching us, we have to be examples for what we say and do,” he said. “The investigation – opened and closed in two days – has done a lot of damage, and it’s not what you expect from the F1 world in general. If we want to make the sport more and more professional, we have to try to bring transparency where there is none and set standards of the highest possible level. My position is this.”

“I can’t speak for Susie but she is a fighter, she has a steely determination. This is not the first time she has faced difficulties, and she will go all the way in every court of law. If someone types Susie Wolff on the web today, the investigation comes up as the first news item: the bullet went out of the gun and cannot come back in.”

‘Bullet out of the gun’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-w...-investigation

Vasseur reveals Ferrari talks: 'I am not happy'.
"Nobody can be happy with what we did at the beginning of the season," added Vasseur, who joined Ferrari from Sauber last winter.
06 January 6:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Ferrari finished third in last season's F1 Constructors' standings, just a year after CEO Benedetto Vigna suggested that second was the first of the losers. But Team Principal Fred Vasseur has insisted he does not need to be told to be upset over the team's shortcomings.

"We had too many issues with reliability and I was the first one upset with this - and performance. But I think, more than everything, that the reaction of group, the reaction of the team, the fact we were able to... I am not a big fan of statistics, but we had something like five pole positions out of the last eight events, the fact we were able to fight with Max on some occasions during the races also was a good step forward.”

"Even if we are not happy - and again, I am the first one, I do not need Mr Vigna or Mr Elkann telling me, I am not happy with P3, this is clear - but I am more than happy with the reaction of the team and I think this feeling is the same for everybody."

'I am not happy';

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-re...i-am-not-happy


VASSEUR: 2024 FERRARI F1 CHALLENGER WILL BE ‘95%’ NEW
The Scuderia suffered a backwards step in 2023, only managing to achieve one race victory in Singapore through Carlos Sainz
January 3, 2024
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

The French boss described the work going into the 2024 car as a “revolution” as the team tries to return to the top. “Revolution – I don’t know if it is the right word because we have the same regulation now three years in a row that you can’t change massively the situation. Again, it’s a matter of tenths of seconds. It means it’s all 0.1 or 0.2% performance that we are looking for. It’s not five [percent].”

‘95%’ NEW’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/va...ill-be-95-new/


Ferrari worries rise as new F1 2024 ‘danger’ identified amid staff exodus rumours
07 Jan 2024 11:30 AM
Oliver Harden

New AlphaTauri team principal Laurent Mekies has been highlighted as “dangerous” to Ferrari in F1 2024 amid fears that he could persuade staff at Maranello to follow him to Red Bull’s sister team.

According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Mekies has wasted little time in persuading former Ferrari colleagues to join him at AlphaTauri with Marco Matassa, the head of the Ferrari Driver Academy, agreeing to switch to Faenza. The signing of Matassa – whose responsibilities will be assumed by Jock Clear on an interim basis – has been described as particularly “disturbing” for Ferrari given Mekies’ intimate knowledge of the team and their workforce.

The report claims Mekies not only has “a detailed and precise picture of the crucial men” at Ferrari, but “all their phone numbers too” – sparking fears that he could yet persuade more Ferrari staff to follow him. Those fears are heightened given that Ferrari and AlphaTauri are the only Italian-based teams on the grid, potentially making it easier for Mekies to convince Ferrari staff and their families to make the move.

‘Ferrari worries rise’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...danger-rumours


Ferrari’s most ‘important investments’ revealed ahead of renewed F1 2024 push
31 Dec 2023 4:00 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

The former Alfa Romeo/Sauber team boss had to take over a team that had developed a reputation for a lack of clarity on the strategic side, and former F1 team founder Giancarlo Minardi has evaluated the progress Vasseur has made over the last 12 months.

Speaking in an interview with Italy’s Gazzetto dello Sport, Minardi was asked to assess Vasseur’s first year in charge of the Gestione Sportiva, with Minardi saying Vasseur’s hiring of more staff during 2023 was a necessary step. “He found everything done. The good stuff comes now,” he said. “Everyone tells me, and Fred himself has said, that major investments have been made in terms of men and manpower, so we’ll see what and how many grafts will come in.”

‘Important investments’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...tment-manpower


'Will the real number one driver at Ferrari please stand up?'
22 December 2023
Author Jesse Janse
RacingNews365

Who is the leader at Ferrari? Frederic Vasseur of course, but which of the two drivers is the number one? Former F1 driver Christian Klien answers that question in conversation with RacingNews365. Klien believes Ferrari has one of the strongest driver lineups on the grid in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, especially considering it was looking like the latter was not delivering during the 2022 season.

"This year Carlos has shown what he has to offer. Ferrari has a good lineup. The two drivers get along well. They push each other because they have different strengths. Leclerc has a bit more natural speed, but Carlos is a very hard worker. That dynamic works pretty well," explains Klien. But who is the real leader within the team? Leclerc came through their junior driver programme, while Sainz behaves like a true leader on the track by engaging in discussions with his team and opposing them.

"I have exactly the same feeling. I don't think there is a number one driver at Ferrari," says KIien. "If it is about pure speed, then maybe Leclerc, because he is the Ferrari driver at the moment. Both drivers are very good in my opinion. If you ask the team, there is no number one driver, because they both have other strengths. Sainz also needs them. He gives very good input and is really a fighter, a smart guy. Also behind the scenes, with the help of his father, they have positioned Carlos 'politically' well within the team. So I don't think there is a number one driver at the moment," concludes Klien.

‘Don't think there is a number one driver’;

https://racingnews365.com/will-the-r...lease-stand-up


Vasseur defends Ferrari F1 strategy calls in 2023
19 December 2023
Author Fergal Walsh
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Vasseur highlighted that Ferrari is constantly vying to improve its pit wall operation as he pointed to the Austin race as an example of a mistake slipping through. “We always have to improve and always try to do a better job,” he told media including RacingNews365.

“I think honestly, this season, the strategy went very well. You can discuss Austin, for example, when Charles did one stop. But it was more [about] the choice on the tyres than something else.”

Despite being unable to consistently challenge at the front of the grid, Vasseur stated that Ferrari was able to deliver on strategy when its car was fast at certain weekends. “Strategy is when you're making a mistake because sometimes a safety car happens two laps after [a pit stop] and you don't have the crystal ball. But I think I'm quite pleased with the operation, I'm quite pleased with the support from the factory and what we are doing on the pit wall.”

‘Vasseur defends Ferrari F1 strategy calls’;

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-de...-calls-in-2023

McLaren confident of development trajectory and closing Red Bull gap in 2024.
Towards the end of the 2023 F1 season, McLaren looked to have the second or third quickest car on the grid.
January 16, 2024
By John Smith
Total Motorsport

Team principal Andrea Stella has overseen the turnaround, alongside McLaren CEO Zak Brown, with both men optimistic they can close the gap to F1’s dominant team – Red Bull – over the course of 2024, especially given their rate of car development which could well continue into the new season.

“We saw that last year we had a period of plateauing and we needed to change from a conceptual point of view the direction such that we could recover this momentum in terms of development,” Stella told the press.

“This year, we haven’t experienced this kind of plateauing in the development tracker and gradient, and at the same time from a conceptual point of view, we see the concepts we had establishing the CSR add quite a lot more to offer, just incremental gains that you can cache.”

‘McLaren confident’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...-gap-red-bull/


Upbeat McLaren has seen no “diminishing returns” on F1 2024 car gains
UPDATEDJAN 16, 2024, 5:34 PM
AUTHORJonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Asked by Motorsport.com for some feedback on the steps McLaren has been able to make this winter, Stella said: "So far, I have to say we don't see the diminishing returns. We saw that last year we had a period of plateauing and we needed to change, from a conceptual point of view, the direction such that we could recover this momentum in terms of development.”

"This year we haven't experienced this kind of plateauing in the development tracker and gradient, and we see the concepts we had established in last year's car had quite a lot more to offer, just in incremental gains that you can cash in. So a completely different scenario."

Beyond the launch spec, Stella also suggests that McLaren is already unlocking even more gains that will be realised in upgrades that should be on tap early in the campaign. "In the background, we are already starting to work on the further developments that we hope to bring relatively soon in season, and they also seem to be quite interesting," said Stella.

‘McLaren has seen no “diminishing returns” on F1 2024 car’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/m...ains/10566285/


Mark Hughes on McLaren's worrying Red Bull theory
Jan 16, 2024
by Mark Hughes
The Race

In assessing McLaren’s 2024 season prospects at McLaren's surprise early 2024 launch, Andrea Stella sounded a note of caution regarding Red Bull. For one very specific reason: he fears that although Red Bull produced relatively few updates last year on its record-busting RB19, it may have been continuing to develop it in the virtual world.

The cost cap restrictions – infamously breached by Red Bull in 2021 – and the superiority of the car meant Red Bull saw no need to produce a constant stream of updates through the season. There were just two major bodywork changes, both around the radiator inlet area, through the season: these appeared in Azerbaijan in April and Hungary in July.

“When we think specifically about Red Bull,” said Stella at McLaren’s livery launch, “there's one element that obviously I think puts everyone in doubt as to what's going to happen in 2024 - and it's the fact they haven't developed their car very much. So the question is have they cashed in, accumulated development that they will capitalise onto next year's car? This is my theory. I can't think that Red Bull were not in condition to develop their car - but they might have decided not to deliver upgrades.”

‘McLaren's worrying Red Bull theory’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/m...-bull-warning/


Six takeaways from McLaren's early F1 2024 launch
Jan 16, 2024
by Scott Mitchell-Malm, Ben Anderson
The Race

ITS PREPARATION IS VASTLY DIFFERENT: At last year’s launch, new team principal Andrea Stella wanted to front up to the problems McLaren had faced in its development of its 2023 car, and make it clear it had low expectations for the start of the year.
IT FINALLY HAS SOMETHING WORTH HIDING: The circumstances of 2022/2023 meant McLaren didn’t have a problem putting the real thing on display at its launch a year ago because it wasn’t very happy with what it had.

ITS OLD EXCUSES ARE GONE: One of the things this era of McLaren leadership had already moved away from last year was blaming the existing infrastructure for its shortcomings.
ITS NEW RECRUITS ARE ALREADY MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Having restructured the technical department in the fallout of the underwhelming start to 2023, McLaren hired Marshall from Red Bull, and Sanchez from Ferrari, as key recruits to fill leadership roles within that new structure.

IT’S NOW A PROFIT-MAKER: Before Christmas, McLaren confirmed its main shareholder - the sovereign bank of Bahrain - had taken back full control of the business and given it a fresh cash injection.
BUT IT DOES FEAR ‘UNPLEASANT’ SURPRISE: Stella has warned that Red Bull should make a “large step forward” for the start of 2024, which could just keep it out of everybody else’s reach for another year.

‘Six takeaways’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/m...six-takeaways/


ANALYSIS: As McLaren reveal their new livery, are they the team set to take the fight to Red Bull in 2024?
16 January 2024
Lawrence Barretto
F1 Correspondent & Presenter

McLaren won the race to kick off launch season with the unveiling of their 2024 livery, just two weeks into the new year and around a month before their real car (the MCL38) will break cover with a shakedown at Silverstone. They have a new wind tunnel (McLaren had previously done all off their wind tunnel running off-site at Toyota’s facility in Germany which led to logistical challenges and impacted the timeframe of developments) up and running, with the 2024 car the first project to benefit from this enhancement.

They have a new simulator on-site, too, bringing them in line with the very best technology run by their biggest rivals. And there was no late change in concept – as was the case last year that meant their launch car was something of a compromise.

“The preparations so far have been relatively smooth I would say, well smooth in the F1 sense, which means pushing everything to the last minute, to the limit,” says Team Principal Andrea Stella ahead of his second full season in the role. “So far we are on plan.

‘McLaren: The team set to take the fight to Red Bull in 2024…’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...zowJtYUzm.html

Fallows: Another performance leap for Aston ‘absolutely possible’.
Aston Martin technical director Dan Fallows is confident that the Silverstone-based outfit can repeat its impressive winter development process from last year and take another significant step forward in performance in 2024.
12/01/2024 at 14:08
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Fallows believes that Aston can deliver the goods once again. “It's absolutely possible,” the British engineer told F1 reporter Ian Parkes.

“We've seen with what we did at the beginning of the season that there are still opportunities to make a big step forward. But it's a relative game. It depends on what other people are doing.”

“For us, the most important thing is that we're making that big step forward. We have our internal targets. We have things that we want to achieve, and as long as we achieve that, then we'll be happy. Where that sits us on the grid will play out according to what our competitors do.”

‘Performance leap for Aston ‘absolutely possible’’;

https://f1i.com/news/497737-fallows-...-possible.html


Aston Martin boss shares “nail-biting” nerves over rivals’ winter development
14 Jan 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Aston Martin have confessed to “nail-biting” over the potential progress of the likes of Mercedes. It has left Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack pondering what his fellow frontrunners might have in store for the 2024 season.

“We're up against formidable competitors, and the big question mark over the winter is always what kind of job other teams have done,” Krack said. “There's a lot of nail-biting. You're always asking yourself: 'Have we done enough?'”

“Whatever happens, it always results in the same loop: if the cars roll out and we haven't done enough, then we have to work hard to improve. If we have done enough, then we have to work hard to improve further. That's the only recipe that works in Formula One.”

‘Rivals’ winter development’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104322...er-development


Aston Martin: ‘Truth’ the best way to handle Alonso and Stroll
Alonso outscored Stroll significantly in the drivers' championship with the Spaniard constantly outperforming the Canadian throughout 2023
January 14, 2024
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

Aston Martin believes speaking the “truth” was the best way to effectively handle the dynamics between Formula 1 teammates Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in 2023. Team principal Mike Krack explained that the team went through many internal discussions, regarding the best way to deal with the new dynamic. The discussions were prior to the Spaniard’s arrival. However, the 51-year-old said that the approach required was pretty simple.

Whilst speaking to Motorsport.com, Krack revealed the team’s mindset of handling both drivers. “We have a particular situation, obviously, because one of the drivers is the son of the owner and the other is an experienced mature driver. So, you need to think: what are the dynamics and how are they going to be evolving?”

“When Fernando joined us, many people were warning us he can be difficult, so we tried to prepare ourselves. We had to think, what is our approach – and this was not only me, it was the sporting director, and performance director – and how are we going to manage the media? But we needed to be aware that both Fernando and Lance had known each other forever – already from the Ferrari times. So when it started, we took the approach that we have to be open, honest and transparent with both at all times.”

‘Truth’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/as...so-and-stroll/


F1 team boss makes 'nail-biting' confession over rival development
Monday 15 January 2024 14:57
Matthew Hobkinson

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has admitted that there is 'a lot of nail-biting' as the Silverstone-based outfit wait to see if their 2024 challenger will be good enough to compete against their Formula 1 rivals.

And although taking the fight to Red Bull may be out of Aston Martin's realistic achievements for next year, Krack has admitted that he is still nervous when it comes to taking on the rest of the competition next year.

“We're up against formidable competitors, and the big question mark over the winter is always what kind of job other teams have done,” Krack told the team's in-house media.

‘'Nail-biting' confession’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...iting-mclaren/


Formula 1 development race more 'cutthroat' than ever – Collins
12/01/2024 at 08:12
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Former Aston Martin strategist and current Sky F1 contributor Bernie Collins has observed that the development race seen during the 2023 F1 season was a “cutthroat” affair that kept the teams more than ever on their toes from beginning to end. “It's been a year where the development race has been more cutthroat than it has been in other years,” she observed.

“We see McLaren at the start of the year, really poor performance compared to what I certainly expected from them in the opening races, and there was really aggressive upgrades, really bringing the car forward, which is, at the end of the year, it's pretty much always on the podium,” Collins explained.

“Then, the opposite appearing to be true of, like, Aston Martin, where they started the year so strongly and then it appeared that the upgrades weren't working and through the middle of the year had this massive slump. So the development race in these regs seems to be really tight, and it seems to be really close between teams getting the car right, and in the right working window, or the car totally not working at all.”

‘Development race 'cutthroat'’;

https://f1i.com/news/497715-formula-...r-collins.html

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/

‘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

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

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

'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/

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/

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

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/

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

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/

New arrival on F1 2026 calendar as Mercedes W15 drivers face nervy wait – F1 news round-up.
Mercedes technical director James Allison has said both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are in a pattern of keeping in touch with the team where they can, but all they can do for now is keep ‘observing’ until the W15 is ready to drive.
23 Jan 2024 10:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

“Both drivers, their role over the winter is very largely to look after their physical condition,” he said, as quoted by Motorsport.com. “[To] make sure that they’re mentally prepared, and just stay in touch with us about our successes and failures as we are going through the hoops of getting the car specified, built, tested, and ready for them.”

“It isn’t really a part of the year where they can have other than an observing role with what we’re doing. Once the car is running and once the car is talking to us, the person that is the interpreter is the driver, and then their voices start to have much greater weight. So over the winter, it’s just getting themselves ready for the new challenge.”

‘New arrival on F1 2026 calendar’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-new...es-drivers-w15


F1 expert says one team’s aero department aren’t putting their drivers’ best interests first
Tue 23 January 2024 16:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Speaking on The Race Podcast, F1 expert Gary Anderson is concerned with the team’s aerodynamics department and the progress they’re making. Anderson is now concerned that Alpine are producing results in the wind tunnel that might be pleasing the management team but not the drivers. Speaking about Alpine’s development, Anderson said: “These cars don’t just go in straight lines, they do go around corners and I’ve never heard of a driver complain of understeer and oversteer in a straight line, it’s usually around a corner. So, you need to get your aerodynamic package to cope with all of that stuff. And that’s where I think that I’m a bit cautious in saying that Alpine seem to not be able to take in the big picture so much.”

“I think they run under a little bit of a strange thing where it’s more important to find points of downforce in the wind tunnel to make their management happy than it is to find points of consistent downforce in the wind tunnel that will make the driver happy. There are teams that are like that, you’ve got to go back and show your big boss, look at how good we are in the wind tunnel and it’s wrong. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards and it’s very important to do that.”

“The driver can only drive what is the confidence the car gives him and if it gives him confidence he will push harder. I question I suppose, Alpine’s aerodynamic ability to lay out an aero profile that they try and pursue in the wind tunnel. I think they go at it just week in, week out trying to improve the car but it’s very easy to dig a bigger hole for yourself than the one you’re in by just making your problems bigger.”

‘Producing results in the wind tunnel that might be pleasing the management team’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/f1-...terests-first/


Racing ID: Palmer dissects the driving styles of the 2024 F1 grid
23 Jan 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

In this new F1 TV show, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer jumps in the sim to dissect the driving techniques and styles of the 2024 F1 drivers.

‘Racing ID: Palmer dissects the driving styles’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...826282386.html


The Drive to Excel: Top Five F1 Teams Facing a Crucial 2024
Posted: Jan 23, 2024 | Updated: Jan 23, 2024
By Aaron Teasdale
World In Sport

This season is crucial for several teams who are under the spotlight to demonstrate their capabilities. Let’s delve into five teams that are particularly under pressure to prove their worth this year.
Aston Martin: With substantial investment and a state-of-the-art facility in the making, Aston Martin is expected to break out of the midfield and challenge the top teams.

McLaren: The 2024 season is pivotal for McLaren to re-establish themselves as a top-tier competitor.
Alpine: h a strong driver lineup and a renewed focus on technological advancement, the team is under pressure to return to the forefront of the grid and live up to its name.

Williams F1 Team: The 2024 season is crucial for Williams to demonstrate that they can recapture some of their past glory.
Haas F1 Team: The 2024 season is a crucial year for Haas to prove that they can be more than just an occasional points scorer.

‘F1 Teams Facing a Crucial 2024’;

https://worldinsport.com/the-drive-t.../?nowprocket=1


F1 chiefs ‘green light’ sprint race changes: Will we see reverse grids?
January 23, 2024
By Joe Krishnan
Total Motorsport

Formula 1 chiefs are ready to make further changes to the current format of the F1 Sprint to ensure the divisive race format is accepted on a wider scale by fans, drivers and teams. Sprint races have changed the face of F1 to bring in more racing action for the new influx of fans, but not everyone is satisfied with the way the format has altered the fabric of motorsport’s most esteemed racing series.

According to German magazine Motorsport Aktuell, the idea of swapping the F1 Sprint to Saturday morning and scheduling Qualifying for Sunday’s race on Saturday afternoon has received the green light. Under this proposal, teams would be allowed to break parc ferme rules without receiving a sanction and offering spectators some variety in the main event.

This will please Max Verstappen, who has been one of the most vocal critics of the format, despite amassing the most points from the sprint since its inception in 2021. The Dutchman believes that practice is more important for teams to set up their cars and thinks sprint races should be abolished completely. “We should just get rid of the sprint weekend and then everyone can just set up their cars normally,” Verstappen told reporters in October.

‘F1 chiefs ‘green light’ sprint race changes’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-green-light-sprint-race-changes-reverse-grids-2024/


VIDEO: Whatever it Takes, the AlphaTauri F1 documentary
The world of motor racing is all about speed, adrenalin and incredible stories and our team is no exception.
24 January 2024
by Speedcafe.com
Speedcafe

Franz Tost, Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda, Jody Egginton and Peter Bayer talk you through the beating heart of the AlphaTauri F1 team in the ‘Whatever it Takes' F1 documentary. Going behind the scenes as never before in Formula 1, the film delves into the secrets of the Faenza factory in Italy and the Bicester wind tunnel in the UK.

It's a story that goes back to the Scuderia Toro Rosso days, which included its first-ever win at Monza in 2008 and the challenges it faced in the years that followed. It also features the team's drivers over the past 20 years, such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, as well as covering the change to Scuderia AlphaTauri in 2020, with new facilities, more ambitious goals and another win.

‘Speed, adrenalin and incredible stories’;


https://speedcafe.com/video-whatever...1-documentary/

Haas new boss admits 2024 car likely to be slowest.
There's less than a month left until pre-season testing, so I think the car we'll take to Bahrain will still be at the bottom”, Ayao Komatsu said.
JANUARY 23, 2024
GrandPrix.com

The new team boss is an internal promotion, with engineering chief Ayao Komatsu stepping up to the top job. Komatsu says the goal for 2024 is moving up to eighth overall, which he admits may sound modest but is actually “a big deal” when it means beating teams like Sauber, Alpha Tauri or Williams.

“I think it will be difficult for us to overtake two teams on our own, rather than relying on others, he said. "Both Alfa Romeo (Sauber) and Williams have better budgets and systems than us.”

"And Alpha Tauri has also improved significantly and it is said that they will strengthen their partnership with Red Bull this year, so there is a possibility that we will not be able to compete.”

‘2024 car likely to be slowest’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/haas-...e-slowest.html


Guenther Steiner points finger at Ferrari for sudden Haas pre-pandemic slump
20 Jan 2024 8:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Guenther Steiner has detailed the drop in performance of the Ferrari power unit as one of the reasons behind Haas not achieving as much in his tenure as he had hoped. Ferrari had arguably the most powerful engine on the grid in 2018 and 2019, though rivals questioned the potential legality of it at the time.

There were suspicions that the Scuderia had managed to circumvent fuel flow sensor restrictions to be able to extract more power from their engines, and eventually came to a private settlement with the FIA which did not clarify whether or not their power unit was legal.

“The FIA announces that, after thorough technical investigations, it has concluded its analysis of the operation of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 power unit and reached a settlement with the team,” the FIA’s statement at the time said. “The specifics of the agreement will remain between the parties.” What did change afterwards, however, was Ferrari’s power unit competitiveness – in that it noticeably worsened the following season, according to Steiner.

‘Drop in performance of the Ferrari power unit’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...erformance-dip


Gary Anderson: This is what will make or break Komatsu's Haas
Jan 20, 2024
by Gary Anderson
The Race

New Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu is right when he says "the key word is communication" as he tries to work out ways to make what the 2023 points table says is the worst team in Formula 1 work better. You need to get everyone to buy into the big plan. In Haas’s case, those in the team will have a good idea of what is possible and Guenther Steiner believed more investment was needed to have the chance to deliver on the owner's long-term objectives.

Komatsu will need to convince his subordinates there's a clear pathway forward - which is also simply part of that process of building Gene Haas’s confidence that the team is now capable of spending his money wisely to improve performance and not just spending it to exist. There’s also the risk posed by having the team boss role effectively split. Komatsu says he will focus on his area of expertise, with a chief operating officer due to join the team to oversee marketing and commercial matters and some of the other functions of the team.

As far as Haas is concerned, last year it had a reasonably quick car in qualifying but faded dramatically over a race stint. Often, a Haas started in the top 10 but before you knew it was running 15th or 16th and making an earlier pitstop than others. The solution to that isn’t simply adding downforce, it’s about how the car is treating the tyres. Those problems can be aerodynamic, mechanical, or a combination of both. Internal communication will have been critical to set the direction for recovery. And it seems that side of things wasn't perfect - as Komatsu has admitted, communication played a part in the lack of development last year.

‘What will make or break Komatsu's Haas’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/g...-boss-cant-do/


New Haas boss believes driver will benefit from 'improved' car
Sunday 21 January 2024 17:57
Tyler Rowlinson
GPFans

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu believes that the team’s new car will better suit Kevin Magnussen and his driving style compared to its predecessor.

Komatsu: We have improved 2024 car: Speaking with f1i.com, the Japanese engineer said: “I wouldn’t say eliminated, that’s a big word,” the Japanese engineer said when asked about Magnussen’s driving woes. “But certainly, we have improved on it. He’s a driver who needs good entry stability and consistent [handling] through a corner.”

‘Driver will benefit from 'improved' car’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...oved-car-2024/


F1 boss tells owner his team should be embarrassed after viral comments
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has taken over from ousted chief Guenther Steiner, after which owner Gene Haas declared himself "embarrassed" by the team's results
07:10, Tue, 23 Jan 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Ayao Komatsu insists the owner of the Haas Formula 1 team has every right to be embarrassed by their results in recent years. "We have been using a lot of their hardware. It works really well. They really do help us. I'm embarrassed that we haven't been able to do better with it but, going forward, I want to take advantage of good equipment that a lot of other teams don't have."

The word "embarrassed" was picked up on the most and prompted some people to question how the team's staff would take hearing that from their employer. But new chief Komatsu, who has worked for the team since 2016, insists the owner is justified in his strong comments.

"Gene at the moment, he wants to get off the back of the grid," said the Japanese engineer. "You saw and heard how unhappy Gene was. I mean, of course, who's going to be happy competing in last place? It is embarrassing. It really is embarrassing.”

‘Should be embarrassed after viral comments’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ssing-31943260

Lando Norris to Red Bull F1 transfer fee revealed by McLaren boss.
McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown has told Red Bull that there is no amount of money that the team would accept to part ways with Lando Norris after questions of a £100million price-tag were put to him.
Monday 22 January 2024 08:27
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Brown: Forget about Norris F1 price-tag: Yet McLaren chief Brown has now issued somewhat of a hands-off warning to Christian Horner's outfit, stating that there is no figure that the team would consider parting ways with Norris.

“I don’t know enough about soccer to know what the economics are!" Brown joked to Sky Sports when asked if Norris would be worth £100million in the football transfer market. He’s quite a valuable racing driver, a great asset to the racing team. There is no number that we would be interested in trading him for.”

‘No amount of money’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ax-verstappen/


McLaren issue firm 10-word response to Red Bull as Lando Norris rumours persist
17 Jan 2024 5:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Should Red Bull at any stage decide they were to turn interest in Lando Norris into an attempt to sign him, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has warned “there’s no number we’d be interested in trading him for.”

Brown stressed targeting Norris would be pointless as he is priceless to the team. “He’s a great asset to the racing team,” Brown said of Norris when speaking to Sky Sports F1. “There’s no number we’d be interested in trading him for.”

‘10-word response’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclare...norris-rumours


McLaren determined to hold on to Norris whatever the cost
20/01/2024 at 10:13
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stated his intention to hold on to the services of lead driver Lando Norris, even if rival teams come calling with big money offers. Norris is currently contracted to remain with the team until the end of 2025, but there have been recurring reports that other teams like Red Bull have made their interest in signing in the 24-year-old Briton known.

“He’s quite a valuable racing driver, a great asset to the racing team," Brown said. “There is no number that we would be interested in trading him for.” According to business magazine Forbes, Norris received $5m in salary from McLaren in 2023, plus an additional $10m in performance bonuses, making him the sixth-highest earner on the grid.

‘Determined to hold on to Norris’;

https://f1i.com/news/498118-mclaren-...-the-cost.html


Is McLaren yet to unlock Norris's full F1 potential?
McLaren is confident Lando Norris's potential has not been maximised yet as its star driver keeps chasing an elusive maiden Formula 1 win.
UPDATED JAN 21, 2024, 10:42 PM
AUTHOR Ben Vinel
Motorsport.com

Off the back of his most successful season in F1, Norris has strengthened his status as the Woking-based squad's lead driver, having scored more than twice as many points as rookie team-mate Oscar Piastri and achieved seven podium finishes – more than in his first four campaigns combined.

Albeit scoring points consistently, Norris alternated podiums with lower-key results and made a few costly mistakes: clipping the wall in Q1 at the Saudi Arabian GP, colliding at the start at Barcelona and crashing out of the inaugural Las Vegas GP.

Asked where Norris's mistakes came from, Stella said: “I don’t think there is a single element that one should identify on the track. I think that when you deal with champions, when you deal with delivering at such a high level in professional sport, you need to look at opportunities very holistically.”

‘Clipping the wall, colliding at the start, crashing out’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/m...tial/10567505/


McLaren certain Norris is “ready” to claim first F1 win in 2024
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella is confident Lando Norris is capable of taking his maiden F1 victory in 2024 should he be given the machinery to do so.
18 Jan 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Despite being one of F1’s top performers since the start of 2021, a first victory has eluded Norris. Norris famously went close at the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, but failure to stop at the right time for intermediates handed the victory to Lewis Hamilton.

Since then, McLaren’s competitiveness - combined with Max Verstappen’s utter dominance - has meant that winning a grand prix hasn’t been a realistic goal. With McLaren expected to reduce the deficit to Red Bull over the winter, it could be Norris’ time to finally win a race.

‘Capable of taking his maiden F1 victory in 2024’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104360...st-f1-win-2024


Lando Norris issues typical one-word verdict after McLaren reveals 2024 Formula 1 livery
Wed 17 January 2024 09:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

McLaren shocked the Formula 1 world by revealing their livery for the 2024 season ahead of their official car launch and star driver Lando Norris has now reacted to the car he’ll be driving this season. The start of the F1 season is fast approaching and McLaren jumped the gun on their rivals to reveal the car they’ll be showcasing around the world this season.

Norris was straight into the replies and when he saw the car, he said: “Lesgggoooo.”

“Lesgggoooo”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lan...mula-1-livery/

Ferrari F1 star signs BUMPER contract extension.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has signed a new contract with his Ferrari team, easing fears about the Monegasque drivers' future.
Thursday 25 January 2024 15:06
Sam Cook
GPFans

Leclerc, like his team-mate Carlos Sainz, was only contracted until the end of 2024, and rumours had started to creep in that the Monegasque driver wasn't happy with his team's short-term chances of challenging Red Bull for championship titles. However, a recent statement on both drivers' futures eased concerns, and this new announcement comes as a big boost ahead of the upcoming 2024 season.

It was reported last month that Leclerc was close to signing a contract until the end of 2029, but that date has not been confirmed by the team. "I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come," Leclerc delightedly told Ferrari's official website.

"To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old: I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend’s apartment at Ste. Devote corner and I would always look out for the red cars. This team is my second family ever since I joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and we have achieved a lot together, fighting through thick and thin over the past five years.”

‘BUMPER contract’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...act-extension/


Charles Leclerc’s ‘likely’ length of new contract reported as he extends Ferrari deal
Thu 25 January 2024 15:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Charles Leclerc has become the first of 15 drivers whose contracts expire at the end of 2024 to sign a new deal as he extends his time with Ferrari. The Formula 1 driver market is expected to be incredibly active in 2024 after every single driver was retained for this season, but Ferrari have already set the ball rolling on retaining one of the fastest drivers on the grid.

The team released a statement on Thursday afternoon confirming the news about the Monegasque driver, who shared that the ‘dream continues’ on his personal social media accounts. Talking about his new deal, Charles Leclerc said: “I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come.

Gazzetta’s report is backed up by journalist Diego Mejia who said on X: “Ferrari announces the long-awaited renewal of Charles Leclerc’s contract for several seasons before starting their sixth year together in #F1. “There is talk of an agreement until 2029, with an option to exit before the final two years. Will they achieve the desired title?”

‘Length of new contract reported’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/cha...-ferrari-deal/


Leclerc teases 'best is yet to come' as he commits to F1 title fight with Ferrari
25 January 3:15PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Leclerc himself was happy to continue his partnership with the team, despite the on-track troubles that plagued his 2023 season. "I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come," said Leclerc.

“I believe the best is yet to come and I can’t wait for this season to start, to make further progress and be competitive at every race. My dream remains that of winning the World Championship with Ferrari and I’m sure that in the years ahead, we will enjoy great times together and make our fans happy."

'Best is yet to come';

https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-te...t-with-ferrari


Charles Leclerc is gambling his F1 legacy with latest Ferrari contract
25 Jan 2024 4:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

It is sometimes easy to forget just how difficult it is to become the F1 World Champion. Of the 770 drivers to have started a championship race, only 111 of them have won a grand prix. Just 34 have won a championship.

Leclerc is heading into his seventh season of competition and, at 26, is entering what many would consider the prime of his career. And yet, what does he have to show for it so far? Five victories has him tied with the likes of Keke Rosberg and John Watson who, good drivers that they are, are not the level of driver Leclerc was being predicted to emulate.

To make matters worse, a man just 17 days younger than him is competing for what many suspect will be his fourth World Championship. Leclerc and Max Verstappen’s talent may not be poles apart – but their teams certainly are. Red Bull are a brutally efficient machine, Ferrari are never too far away from the wheels falling off.

‘Scuderia Ferrari: Never too far away from the wheels falling off’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...rrari-contract


Ferrari would be negligent to let Sainz slip despite Leclerc deal
Jan 25, 2024
by Edd Straw
The Race

It’s puzzling that Ferrari’s formal confirmation of Charles Leclerc’s long-touted new deal to drive for the team in Formula 1 hasn’t been accompanied by the announcement that Carlos Sainz is also staying on. Ferrari must prioritise getting a signature on that new contract, too, given it has a formidable driver line-up.

Ferrari will never say it, but Leclerc is regarded as the number one driver. That’s not because of being given better equipment or any nefarious activities, simply that he’s reckoned to be the faster of the two. However, Sainz is not far behind and is far from slow. While Leclerc offers that extreme speed, to the point where some regard him as the fastest driver in F1, Sainz offers a different skill set and makes a formidable technical contribution.

Plus, there are times when the car characteristics aren’t as hoped, such as if it has to be a little more understeery, where he can get more out of it than Leclerc. Sainz's desire for stability doesn't necessarily mean he needs a five-year mega contract - it seems probable that a traditional ‘2+1’ deal (two years and an option) would work for him and that should work for Ferrari, too. While there are tempting options elsewhere who might become available, it would be risky to lose a driver who offers so much for the team.

‘Carlos Sainz: Formidable technical contribution’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f...ract-priority/


Marko: Red Bull pulled Verstappen and Sainz apart over 'toxic' relationship
23 January 4:30PM
Author Jan van der Burgt
RacingNews365

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko has revealed Carlos Sainz's time as part of the team's stable of drivers was ended due to a "toxic" relationship with Max Verstappen. Asked why his time as part of the Red Bull programme came to an end, Marko told Marca: "The atmosphere between those two was quite toxic at Toro Rosso.

"With the team composition as it was then, I saw no way we could keep Carlos for us. So that's how he ended up at Ferrari via Renault and McLaren. He is undeniably a great driver. He was almost on the same level as Max in that Toro Rosso, but his bad luck was that precisely - Verstappen was his teammate."

"For a long time, he lived in the shadow of his father. He was unfairly labelled a spoiled rich kid, that while he has had to constantly struggle to get where he is today. In the junior categories, he was already dead fast and in his first F1 test at Silverstone, from the start, he was just a bit faster than Sebastian Vettel in the fast corners at the time when Seb was the benchmark for us."

‘Carlos Sainz: He is undeniably a great driver’;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-red-...c-relationship


Max Verstappen dealt F1 rival Carlos Sainz brutal blow as Red Bull reunion considered
Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz have been F1 team-mates before when they raced for the Toro Rosso feeder team, and rumours suggest the Spaniard could be a target for Red Bull
17:51, Tue, 23 Jan 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Max Verstappen ended Carlos Sainz's chances of earning a Red Bull promotion years ago - as rumours swirl that they could be reunited again. Gazzetta dello Sport reports Red Bull could also make a move. The 29-year-old is said to be on the champions' shortlist of potential replacements for Sergio Perez. The Mexican struggled last season and is fighting for his future with the team - his current contract expires at the end of this year.

Such an outcome would see Sainz paired once again with Verstappen. And Red Bull would hope that things between them go a lot better than they did last time, when things got out of hand as they competed to outshine each other at Toro Rosso early in their respective F1 careers. Verstappen clearly won that battle - he is now the Red Bull poster boy with three world titles and 54 race wins to his name, while Sainz's career has been akin to that of a journeyman.

He left Toro Rosso for Renault and later joined McLaren, working his way up the grid to the Ferrari seat he holds today. As has been the case for many years, Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has been in charge of the development of the company's younger drivers. So he had a front-row seat to the internal battle between Verstappen and Sainz at Toro Rosso and, reflecting on that period, feels the Spaniard never stood a chance.

‘Red Bull reunion considered’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...-2025-31950546

After Leclerc's new long term contract with Ferrari, I wonder what would be the future of Carlos at Ferrari?

Wolff offers first feedback on Mercedes' W15 after simulator runs.
"He was driving Melbourne [in the sim] and he said: 'The car feels like a car for the first time in two years'," Wolff said of Davidson's development work to The Telegraph.
20 January 2:30PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Toto Wolff has offered an encouraging first update on the Mercedes W15 after simulation runs. As part of the development, former F1 racer, turned WEC champion turned Sky pundit Anthony Davidson has been completing simulator work at the squad's Brackley base, with Wolff revealing Davidson has been impressed by what he has felt.

Toto Wolff: "Obviously, I would love this to correlate to the track but we've seen in the last two years that this was not always the case. [I] always believe it's possible [to develop and catch Red Bull]. You cannot start the season with an attitude of: 'This is not going to be possible.'

"We saw last year with McLaren what a huge step they made with a single upgrade. We've signed a two-year deal with Lewis, and we owe it to him, to George and to all the team to give it our full attention in 2024 and 2025. I think it's possible."

‘Feedback on Mercedes' W15’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-offe...simulator-runs


Sky F1 pundit test hints strong Mercedes W15 title potential
Thursday 18 January 2024 09:57
Dan Ripley
GPFans

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claims that early reports over the team's 2024 F1 car have been highly encouraging. After a mistake in a development path heading into 2022, the team have struggled since and are now trying to get back to winning ways.

Mercedes W15 showing good signs in simulator: Now Wolff has revealed that in simulation tests carried out virtually at the Albert Park street circuit by former F1 driver and current Sky pundit Anthony Davidson, the latest Mercedes, thought to be called the W15, is back to its swaggering ways that helped them towards world championships.

‘Strong Mercedes W15 title potential’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ar-toto-wolff/


Wolff reveals Mercedes improvement ahead of new F1 season
17 January 4:30PM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has revealed that his squad is looking to tighten up their pit stop procedures for the 2024 Formula 1 season. Mercedes was left languishing in the bottom half of the standings, indicating that its pit stops were not up to scratch during the campaign.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Wolff explained that Mercedes has focused on improving “areas such as wheel-locking mechanisms and axle materials” for its pit stops. “I think the regulations, how they were laid out a few years ago, we interpreted them in a very conservative way,” he stated. “And we’ve seen other teams doing it differently. So watch this space. I think it’s going to be very different.”

Although it is enduring a dip in form, Wolff is confident that Mercedes can deliver Hamilton a record-breaking eighth World Championship before he retires. “The answer is clearly yes in capital letters,” he said. “There is a reason Lewis is a seven-time world champion, and has broken all the records… his ability is on a different level. If we are able to give him a car that he actually feels, that drives in a way that he can trust, he will be on the level that’s needed to win the championship. 39 is no age.”

‘Mercedes improvement’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-reve...-new-f1-season


Toto Wolff shares one aspect of Mercedes performance that will be ‘very different’ in 2024
Mon 22 January 2024 20:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that the team’s pitstops in 2024 will be much sharper than in previous seasons. Fans of Formula 1 during the refuelling era would be shocked at the idea of McLaren completing a pitstop in Qatar in 1.80 seconds.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Toto Wolff shared more details about what to expect from the Silver Arrows this year. Mercedes may have finished runner-up to Red Bull last year, but Christian Horner’s team were in a different league. They finished more than 450 points behind the Austrian team and Max Verstappen would have quite easily beaten their tally on his own.

Lewis Hamilton went a second straight season without a win while George Russell struggled compared to his debut season in Mercedes back in 2022. Hamilton did well to challenge Sergio Perez for much of the year but in the end, the raw speed of the Mexican was too much for the seven-time champion. However, a small improvement Wolff hopes Mercedes can make this year is their pitstops.

‘Very different’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/tot...erent-in-2024/


Mercedes will drop ‘conservative’ approach
Mercedes have identified improving their pitstops as something which must happen to compete for wins.
24 January 2024
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

In order to take the fight to Red Bull and fight for victory, Mercedes must improve in all areas, with pitstops being one of them. To become faster, the Silver Arrows have put more resources into wheel-locking mechanisms and axle materials, with Wolff promising that the outfit won’t be as “conservative” in 2024.

He admits that the team didn’t take any risks when it came to pitstops when the new regulations were introduced, something which has to change to be truly competitive at each Grand Prix. If Mercedes are able to produce pitstops around the two-second mark on a regular basis in 2024, then this will work massively in their favour.

However, for it to be truly effective, they need to have a competitive car. Mercedes are very optimistic about their 2024 challenger – the W15 – which will be introduced on February 14. An entirely new concept based on what they’ve learnt from their mistakes has been developed by the German manufacturer, who are desperate to return to winning ways this year.

‘To be truly effective, they need to have a competitive car’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/mercedes-...tive-approach/

Big Aston Martin breakthrough as AMR24 build plans come to light.
“I think now we can go to any track and we know what parts to put together to be the best on that track,” Tom McCullough.
25 Jan 2024 11:30 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Performance director Tom McCullough suggests they “know what parts” to bring to a circuit. “We want to build a car that doesn’t need to change the setup so much to always be strong.”

It has also been a period of immense change at their Silverstone HQ with their new factory being unveiled ahead of the British Grand Prix last season. But even if the doors have now been opened, the factory is still being renovated. “We are still in the process of every time I go back, the factory’s changing,” McCullough said.

‘Big Aston Martin breakth’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-...24-build-plans


The Alonso factor powering Aston Martin into new F1 season
It cannot be understated the impact Fernando Alonso had on Aston Martin last year.
24 January 2024
by Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

“We had a driver where you would have thought it was his first season (in F1),” said team principal Mike Krack concerning a man who undoubtedly belied his 42 years of age. Outlining that Alonso did not simply join Aston Martin for the pay cheque, Krack said: “A lot of drivers go to smaller teams, and they try to take what they can through to the end of their career. This is not what we have seen with Fernando. Actually, it's completely the opposite.”

“We had a driver where you would have thought it was his first season. He was full of energy, not only driving us on but also driving himself on. He really led by example, being the first in the office. You arrive in the morning, and he is sitting there. He would (jokingly) say, ‘Good afternoon guys'. This leading by example has affected the team, pushed the team, and we have a much better team now than 12 months ago.”

“Obviously, this is also credit to others, not only to Fernando, but this has made us improve much, much more than we would have if he was not here.” Unfortunately for Aston Martin, it was unable to maintain the dizzying heights reached in those early grands prix.

‘The Alonso factor’;

https://speedcafe.com/the-alonso-fac...new-f1-season/


Alonso: Unyielding in the pursuit of success
11:58 Wed, 24 Jan 2024.
F1i.com

On social media, Fernando Alonso entitled this close-up shot of himself in Aston Martin’s simulator, “Locked in. No distractions”. And that’s exactly what the picture conveys: a laser-focused F1 driver, ensconced in his team’s sim, his eyes fixed on the virtual track unfolding before him.

Aston and Alonso’s preparations for 2024 are in full flight. Team and driver face the big task of recapturing their early-season form from last year and re-establishing themselves as proper contenders for podiums and hopefully victories.

At 42, Alonso’s determination remains unwavering, his hunger for victory undimmed. But the road ahead is fraught with obstacles, and the path to success will require not only individual brilliance but also collective effort. Bring it on!

‘Bring it on!’;

https://f1i.com/images/498273-alonso...f-success.html


‘There’s always another question’ – Krack reveals how ‘prowling’ Alonso’s commitment is shining through at Aston Martin
24 January 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack has opened up about Fernando Alonso’s “outstanding” contribution to the squad during his first season onboard, describing his experience and commitment as “invaluable”. “What Fernando has brought us is just outstanding,” said Krack. “He drives us on and makes us better – it’s that simple really.”

“He is hugely ambitious and wants to be fighting for podiums every weekend. “The experience he brings is invaluable, but also the commitment. He isn’t one of these drivers who turn up on a race weekend, does their thing and then disappears. There’s always another question, another WhatsApp message pinging in, constantly looking for things we could improve.”

“Having him prowling around behind you provides all the motivation anyone could need. I’m looking forward to what he can do in 2024 now that he’s had a year to fully bed into Aston Martin.”

‘There’s always another question’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Ao04UShPC.html


Aston’s Krack: ‘Having too much on our plate doesn’t matter’
23/01/2024 at 15:21
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack dismissed any notion that the team's move into its new factory last season was the cause of its mid-season slump, insisting the Silverstone-based outfit never had “too much on its plate”. Aston Martin emerged at the outset of the 2023 Formula 1 season as a surprise contender, closely challenging Red Bull and securing six podiums in the first eight races, courtesy of Fernando Alonso's impressive performances.

Krack acknowledged that the team had anticipated a decline in competitiveness but admitted that it came sooner than expected. “At the beginning of the year, when we had these good results, I always had my finger up and said: ‘We will have more difficult times’. And they came, unfortunately, much quicker than we wanted them,” Krack told Autosport.

‘Sooner than expected’;

https://f1i.com/news/498241-astons-k...nt-matter.html

Final F1 2024 launch confirmed as Haas give short notice for VF-24 reveal.
Haas have announced that the VF-24, their 2024 challenger, will be launched on Friday 2 February – becoming the first F1 car to be launched ahead of the new season.
26 Jan 2024 2:19 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Haas are the final team to confirm their launch date but will be the first team to break cover on their car for 2024. A time of 9am EST [2pm GMT] has been confirmed for the Haas launch, which will be the team’s first of the post-Guenther Steiner era.

Haas finished bottom of the Constructors’ standings last season as their 2023 car struggled to maintain its tyre life during races, despite promising one-lap pace.

F1 2024 launch dates in full
Haas: February 2
Williams: February 5
Stake F1: February 5
Alpine: February 7
Visa Cash App RB: February 8
Aston Martin: February 12
Ferrari: February 13
McLaren: February 14 [car launch, livery revealed on January 16]
Mercedes: February 14
Red Bull: February 15

‘VF-24 reveal’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/haas-f...unch-confirmed


Haas to reveal F1 2024 livery next week
14:40 Fri, 26 Jan 2024.
AUTHORMatt Kew
Motorsport.com

Haas, which finished bottom of the constructors' championship last season, has revealed on social media that it will show off its colour scheme on 2 February. It will use computer renders to do so.

In previous seasons, Haas has tended to go earlier than its rivals by releasing digital images of its livery for the forthcoming campaign.

Haas had already revealed that its new car would run for the first time at Silverstone on 11 February as part of a double shakedown plan ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

‘Computer rendered colour scheme reveal 2 February’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/h...week/10569428/


Haas announce launch date for 2024 F1 car
26 January 3:12PM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

The Haas Formula 1 squad has announced when it will launch its 2024 car the VF-24, pulling the wraps of its challenger on February 2. It will be the first team to unveil its new car ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Haas finished bottom of the Constructors' Championship for the second time in three years in 2023 as it endured a difficult campaign. The US-owned squad is entering a new era this year with Ayao Komatsu at the helm of the squad following the dismissal of Guenther Steiner.

“The 2024 car is a clear step,” Komatsu said prior to the launch of the car. “But whether it is good enough against the competition to start off with? I don’t believe so, because we started so late.”

‘Launch date’;

https://racingnews365.com/haas-revea...for-new-f1-car


The thorny geographical issue hanging over new Haas boss
It was a problem identified by former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, and now one that hangs over his successor, Ayao Komatsu.
26 January 2024
by Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

How to get the best out of a team operating out of three different countries has long been an issue for Haas, one which has become a geographical thorn in its side the longer time has gone on. Its primary base is in Kannapolis, North Carolina, where administrative matters are overseen, and whilst not directly involved in the function of the race team, still plays a vital role in the day-to-day running of the entire operation.

The UK base at Banbury houses logistics, electrical engineering, vehicle science, control systems, vehicle performance and programme management, as well as race team support and communications department. Its Maranello base in Italy, situated close to the factory of power unit supplier Ferrari, houses the design office and includes the aerodynamics, CFD and R&D departments.

Haas maintains there is “constant communication and collaboration” between sites, yet in an interview I conducted with Steiner before the summer break last year, he remarked at the time that the only issue was “conversation, communication”. Asked if there were delays in communication, he replied: “More than delay. Sometimes no communication. Things are forgotten.”

‘Thorny geographical issue’;

https://speedcafe.com/the-thorny-geo...new-haas-boss/


New Haas boss believes driver will benefit from 'improved' car
Sunday 21 January 2024 17:57
Tyler Rowlinson
GPFans

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu believes that the team’s new car will better suit Kevin Magnussen and his driving style compared to its predecessor.

Haas have worked extensively during the off-season to rectify the issues that hindered performance last season and Komatsu believes that the adjustments made to the VF-24 will benefit Magnussen’s driving experience and improve performance.

Komatsu: We have improved 2024 car: Speaking with f1i.com, the Japanese engineer said: “I wouldn’t say eliminated, that’s a big word,” the Japanese engineer said when asked about Magnussen’s driving woes. “But certainly, we have improved on it. He’s a driver who needs good entry stability and consistent [handling] through a corner.”

‘Benefit from 'improved' car’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...oved-car-2024/


Steiner’s encore: Former Haas team boss working on second book
24/01/2024 at 15:09
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

In the wake of his abrupt departure from Haas F1, former team principal Guenther Steiner has revealed that he has dived back into the world of motorsport literature with a second book about his life and times in Formula 1.

Steiner’s previous work, ‘Surviving to Drive’, chronicled Haas’ tumultuous 2022 season and provided an insider's look at the Italian's colorful personality and management style, leveraged to perfection by the producers of the popular Netflix docu-series 'Drive to Survive’.

Steiner and Hogg had already initiated their second volume when Haas announced the former's exit from the team earlier this month, so recent events will only enrich the works’ content. The upcoming book will inevitably delve into the aftermath of Steiner's dismissal from Haas, providing an unfiltered account of his experiences and reflections on the highs and lows of his Formula 1 career.

‘Steiner’s encore’;

https://f1i.com/news/498285-steiners...cond-book.html

Lando Norris commits to McLaren until 2026 and targets tilt at Formula One title.
Lando Norris has signed a new multi-year contract with McLaren under which the British driver will remain with the Formula One team at least until the end of the 2026 season.
26 January 2024 at 5:51 pm
Giles Richards
Yahoo! Sport

In staying with McLaren, Norris expressed his confidence that the team would offer the opportunity to compete for a world championship. “There are not many other things you can be guaranteed or assured of with any other teams,” he said. “It comes back to where will I be happiest and where will I be most confident I can achieve the world championship. Now I am more confident than ever in saying it’s going to be McLaren.”

The team’s resurgence was key in his decision to commit. “The turnaround was a big part of it,” he said. “Of course, over the last few years there have been a lot of tough ones. I have still enjoyed it, but every now and then you have that little question of: ‘Is this the place to be to achieve that next goal?’ But with how we and Andrea turned things around and how the whole environment is at McLaren currently, that’s a big thing which swings it in the direction at McLaren because it is also results-led.”

‘Commits to McLaren’;

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/lan...n6hHq85DU6esL0


Lando Norris new contract: McLaren fire warning shot to F1 rivals with ‘best driver lineup’
26 Jan 2024 5:30 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Zak Brown believes McLaren have the best driver combination in F1 in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – and is hopeful the pair can “knock the winners off their perch” in the coming years. “I’m very excited. I think we have the best driver line-up,” Brown said at McLaren’s recent launch of the livery of the MCL38.

“I love their age and their experience and how well they work together, so I’m looking forward to watching them race McLarens for hopefully a long time and we’re working hard to give them the equipment to be able to win races, because no doubt both drivers are very capable of that.”

“So as we put together the building blocks, you need to have a great team principal, you need to have a great technical team, a great pit crew, a great finance department, a great marketing team, a great HR department. It all comes together and I think we have the people and now it’s just about bringing it all together and trying to knock the winners off their perch.”

‘McLaren fire warning shot to F1 rivals’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-...1-best-drivers


Mark Hughes: Why Norris picked McLaren over Red Bull
Jan 27, 2024
by Mark Hughes
The Race

Lando Norris has made a brave call here. But when you talk with the senior people at McLaren, it’s easy to see why the team has inspired such confidence within him; it feels like a team going places, with a vision and a clear idea of how to achieve it. Also it has been his home for all these years, he feels great loyalty to the people and the idea of turning his back on all that probably didn’t give him a nice feeling.

But is that same nice guy persona the reason he has not ruthlessly gone for a seat alongside Verstappen in the team generally recognised as the best? Is that not what any hard-headed, psychologically airtight competitor would do if the opportunity was there? Would they not go in there, confident they can beat anyone and that the only reason they are not already a world champion is they’ve never had the equipment? Maybe, and maybe that’s where they would come undone.

For being measured against Verstappen in his own environment, regardless of how confident and how good you are, would be an extreme test. Maybe, just maybe, Norris’ decision reflects a shrewder intelligence unrelated to self-confidence. He perhaps feels his own potential can be more readily accessed in the McLaren environment.

‘Why?’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/m...over-red-bull/


Why Norris didn’t “even have a proper look at another team” besides McLaren
Formula 1
Posted on 27th January 2024, 9:13
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Lando Norris says talks with rival teams did not reach a serious stage before he decided to commit to McLaren for the long term. Although Norris is yet to win a grand prix since making his debut for the team in 2019, he said he is “convinced” they are on course to compete for world championships. “As a team, we have everything we need in order to achieve that goal,” said Norris. “As far as the team’s goal and also just the personal goal that I’ve always had.”

However Norris said that was only part of the reason why he decided to extend his stay at the team. “I don’t think it’s just last year and how we turned things around,” he said. “I don’t think that’s the only thing that I would say has convinced me more. It’s just everything that goes on day-to-day, the people that are here, the work ethic, the mentality, the approach to everything.”

‘Didn’t “even have a proper look at another team”’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/01/27/...sides-mclaren/


Norris: Race wins, not F1 title, the realistic goal before 2026
08:59, 27th January 20-24.
AUTHORJonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

The Briton has just signed a new contract extension at McLaren, keeping him at the Woking-based squad until 2027 at the earliest, which he hopes will put him on the path to achieve his world title dream. But while McLaren has made` rapid progress with its car to emerge as a challenger to Red Bull last year, Norris is cautious about expecting too much in the short term.

And he thinks that while McLaren has the potential to build on its multiple podium-finishing form in 2023, he is equally not getting carried away that it will be in a position soon to launch a full-on title challenge. "[There were] moments we were close to winning races last year, and a few races we were not miles away from a Red Bull," he said. "And, when you think of it, it was the most competitive car ever in F1.”

"So, with the knowledge of, if you want to win one race, we are the closest we've ever been since I've been here at McLaren and for many, many years. But fighting for a championship is a bigger step. If you asked me, 'Do you think you can win races this year?' I'd probably be more inclined to say yes.”

‘RB19: The most competitive car ever in F1’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/n...2026/10569511/

Ferrari names 18-year-old Oliver Bearman as new reserve driver for 2024 F1 season. He will join Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman in the shared role.

Sergio Perez brutally honest about Max Verstappen challenge with F1 career on the line.
Sergio Perez heads into the 2024 F1 season with less than a year left on his Red Bull contract and fighting for his right to continue challenging Max Verstappen as his team-mate.
07:10 Thu, 25 Jan2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Sergio Perez has admitted he "regressed" during a challenging 2023 season and knows what he needs to do this year to keep his Red Bull seat. "I want to be able to achieve regularity, to build momentum," he said. "I think what we missed this year is progression. We started the year very high, tied with Max, but we were not able to progress throughout the season. We have sometimes even regressed.”

"So, I think that will be my main priority - to be able to progress throughout the season, whatever my starting point. It is important that, weekend after weekend, we continue to evolve and improve."

Perez ended the season in second place in the drivers' championship. It marked the first time Red Bull have ever had both their drivers finish in the top two places and, on the face of it, it was probably the best result he could have hoped for.

‘Sergio Perez brutally honest’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...appen-31961643


The critical issues Perez must solve to secure Red Bull future
26 January 8:00PM
Author Pepijn van der Hulst
RacingNews365

Expectations: No one at Red Bull or otherwise will be expecting Perez to defeat Verstappen from weekend to weekend in order to keep his seat alongside the Dutchman past 2024, yet with the gap so large on a consistent basis, there must be a more comparable performance. Qualifying was an Achilles heel last season was seemingly qualifying, where he failed to reach Q3 on numerous occasions. Sometimes this was not his fault, but crash after crash and mistake after mistake meant some of the failures were inexcusable.

Pace in the race was often very competitive with those at the front of the grid, yet his lowly grid positions often left him fighting with one arm tied behind his back. It felt as though he was too eager to be faster than Verstappen at points and, as such, Perez just fell victim to overdriving. Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko often mutters 'three-tenths' when it comes to qualifying: If Perez is able to qualify within that margin to Verstappen, there is nothing to be concerned about.

The Mexican must quietly accept the position of second driver as well. That's incredibly difficult, though it would almost certainly depressurise his situation, taking a weight off his shoulders and allowing him to drive freely. Comparisons rarely line up perfectly but perhaps it would pay off for Perez to give Nico Rosberg a call. The German - Bottas' predecessor at Mercedes - struggled alongside Hamilton from 2013 to 2016 and still managed to grab a world title. Perez is not expected to play many mental games with Verstappen, but Rosberg's flexibility is a potential example to follow.

‘The critical issues’;

https://racingnews365.com/how-perez-...l-seat-in-2024


Lando Norris may have saved Sergio Perez's Red Bull career with new McLaren contract
McLaren announced on Friday that Lando Norris has signed a contract extension with the team, effectively ending F1 champions Red Bull's chances of poaching the Brit this year
16:11 Fri, 26 Jan 2024
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

News of a new contract for Lando Norris is massive for two of the biggest Formula 1 teams. Firstly, it is massive for the future of McLaren. It is a team that has been on the up for several years now, but which has yet to break through as a bona fide title contender.

Secondly, it is just as significant for Red Bull, the team with which the Brit has been heavily linked for years. And with good reason - the F1 champions have been trying to sign him for years and Norris was at the top of the list for potential Sergio Perez replacements this year.

Horner and adviser Helmut Marko, a key decision-maker when it comes to drivers, must be sure that any driver with whom they replace Perez will fare better in his place. Norris was pretty much a guarantee of that - now that he's off the table for 2025, Perez's odds of winning a new deal himself have surely shortened.

‘May have saved Sergio Perez's Red Bull career’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...perez-31976275


Lando Norris explains why no top driver wants to be Max Verstappen's team-mate
Lando Norris ended speculation of a move to Red Bull by signing a multi-year McLaren contract extension.
22:43, Sat, Jan 27, 2024
By Sam Smith
Daily Express

Lando Norris has explained why driving alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull is a poisoned chalice for any top driver. Norris, who has been strongly linked with a move to join the reigning world champion, believes Red Bull are set up to allow Verstappen to succeed. The 24-year-old has explained why drivers might be persuaded against making that move, pointing out that they would be playing second-fiddle to the world’s best driver.

Asked by Sky Sports if he would be concerned about driving alongside the three-time world champion, Norris said: “It’s a longer discussion than saying that. Is Max Verstappen the best driver in Formula One history? Absolutely yes, I think he’s proved that well enough. He’s in a team that he’s very comfortable in. Everything is built up around him. For anyone - even for the Max of a few years ago - to go up against the Max of now, it’s extremely difficult.”

“I don’t think it’s a question of, ‘Are you scared [to drive alongside Verstappen]?’ I don’t think I’ll ever be scared of going against anyone. Even if you’re in a team, are you in a position to challenge someone straight away? Are you comfortable doing that? I think it’s a no for any driver. It takes time to adapt and it takes time to get things into place. If you want to go against the best driver in the world, it’s not the best thing to do. It’s not a smart move to do.”

‘Playing second-fiddle to the world’s best driver’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...-Verstappen-F1


Perez in Red Bull F1 'break' tease
Friday 26 January 2024 12:57
Sam Cook
GPFans

A supposed new cap for Red Bull's Sergio Perez has been leaked on X, with the Mexican now sponsored by KitKat, perhaps suggesting he may need to 'have a break'. Perez's KitKat hat: However, the leaking of Perez's new cap may suggest a slightly different design to the team's now ever-present livery, with light blue stripes making up part of the Mexican's new outfit.

La gorra 2024 de Sergio Pérez...

Sin palabras! pic.twitter.com/bPJhosde4R
— ��【 Alerta F1 】�� (@AlertaF1) January 25, 2024

KitKat's main slogan for a number of years now has been 'Have a break, have a KitKat', with a large number of hilarious advertising campaigns being born from that. So, could Perez's proposed new cap mean anything? Only time will tell.

‘KitKat’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...p-leaked-2024/


Perez singles out top priority for 2024 F1 season
26/01/2024 at 08:23
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Sergio Perez has made it clear that consistency and progress “weekend after weekend’ are his top priorities for the 2024 Formula 1 season. Consistency and improvement throughout his campaign, and eradicating any lingering vulnerabilities are Perez’s prime objectives for 2024.

“I want to be able to achieve regularity, to build momentum,” he told French weekly AutoHebdo. “I think what we missed this year is progression. So I think that will be my main priority: to be able to progress throughout the season, whatever my starting point. It is important that, weekend after weekend, we continue to evolve and improve.”

‘Consistency and progress weekend after weekend’;

https://f1i.com/news/498360-perez-si...f1-season.html

'I’m just trying to stay on top', insists wary Verstappen.
“When I won my first title, I said everything that comes next is a bonus," he pointed out. "Because realistically, in F1 I’ve achieved everything that I wanted to achieve.”
28/01/2024 at 08:33
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Max Verstappen might have won three Formula 1 world championships in a row, and be hot favourite to take at last two more in quick succession, but he's already downplaying talk that he could be set to break the all-time record.

With no more rules changes due until 2026, Verstappen could easily be within touching distance of the current record by then. But the 26-year-old told the Times newspaper that it all came down to luck.

“If it happens, it happens," he shrugged. “But you need to be lucky to be in a great car for a longer period of time. You’re very dependent on the material you have.”

‘Just trying to stay on top';

https://f1i.com/news/498451-im-just-...erstappen.html


The many milestones Max Verstappen can reach in F1 2024 season
28 Jan 2024 8:30 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who does not suspect Max Verstappen is in for more success this season but what milestones can he reach?200 Grand Prix starts: Let’s start with one that is almost guaranteed to happen: for the Dutchman to hit the 200 Grands Prix mark.

More wins than any other Red Bull driver: Verstappen is not there to make up the numbers either. In his 185 races so far, he has picked up 54 wins and is just six wins shy of having won more as a Red Bull driver than any other combined.
3,000 laps led: Not to sound too Drive to Survive but to win you must be at the front and Verstappen has spent plenty of time doing that. To date, he has led a Grand Prix for 2,858 laps which is the fifth most in F1 history but he could rise further up that table.
100 podiums: Another easy milestone for Verstappen to tick off should be 100 podiums with the Dutchman just two short as it stands.

Wins with same constructor: Hamilton and Mercedes top the list but the seven-time World Champion’s early career at McLaren means he is not out of reach for Verstappen. He is on 82 to Verstappen’s 54 but the latter could overtake the 72 Ferrari wins of Schumacher this season.
Consecutive victories: This is one already under Verstappen’s belt but given the performances of him and the team in 2023, there is every chance he betters even himself in 2024.
Four World Championships: But of course, the one metric Verstappen cares about is World titles. He is currently on three but another would put him amongst some very esteemed company.

‘Milestones’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/ma...f1-2024-season


Is F1 too easy for Verstappen? - Pundit insists answer is ‘YES’
Sunday 28 January 2024 16:57
Tyler Rowlinson
GPFans

F1 journalist and former team manager Peter Windsor has argued that it is too easy for Max Verstappen due to corners at street circuits not being ‘challenging enough.’

Windsor discussed Verstappen’s comments on his official YouTube channel and believes that his views may have been taken the wrong way. "Has he actually said he doesn't like street circuits, or has he said he doesn't like the modern version of street circuits?," he said.

Windsor went on to say that he thinks many corners on such street circuits are not ‘challenging enough’. “Everybody's a late breaker these days,” he continued. “Everybody can basically get on the power quite early and hold a slide. And the standard of driving therefore, given all the telemetry and all the information you have before you can get in the car, is pretty high if you've got good balance, eyesight, rhythm and all the other things you need.”

‘Is F1 too easy for Verstappen?’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ppen-red-bull/


Ominous Red Bull warning given as team look to build on RB19 success
28 Jan 2024 7:45 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Former F1 driver Christijan Albers believes Red Bull have scope to build on the already “supreme” base of the RB19, and should be the team to beat in 2024. Because of Red Bull’s early performance in 2023, former F1 driver Albers believes the quality of the RB19 will act as the perfect springboard for the team’s new car. “Red Bull has a much better base and will build on that towards 2024,” Albers wrote in Dutch publication De Telegraaf.

“That car was supreme in the medium and fast corners, and on the straights. Really clearly the best race car rather than the best qualifying car, although Verstappen put it on pole often enough. “But many other cars, like the Ferrari, were often better on Saturday than on Sunday. While at Red Bull they were much more focused on the long runs and managing the tyres. Hence the supremacy on Sunday, especially when combined with Verstappen.”

‘Ominous Red Bull warning’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christ...24-declaration


Verstappen insider in EMBARRASSING admission about F1 champion
Saturday 27 January 2024 11:57
Sam Cook
GPFans

Max Verstappen's former trainer Bradley Scanes has revealed that he 'didn't really know anything' about Formula 1 before he started his job with the Dutchman, and didn't even know who Verstappen was. Scanes has recently departed his role alongside the three-time world champion due to the demanding travel schedule that is associated with being involved in the sport.

He had been Verstappen's trainer since 2019, overseeing all three of the dominant Dutchman's successes in F1. However, the Brit has now made an admission about how he first got the role with Verstappen, who went on to become a good friend during the pair's time together.

‘EMBARRASSING admission’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ing-admission/


Think Max Verstappen’s F1 quit threats aren’t serious? Think again
27 Jan 2024 9:15 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Think Max Verstappen isn’t serious when he threatens to quit F1 within the next few years? Think again. It became a recurring theme over the course of his third successive title-winning season in 2023, Verstappen frequently – at almost every possible opportunity, it seemed – insisted that he would retire much sooner than most might think.

A frustration over the sport’s direction under Liberty Media – the ever-expanding calendar, the growing number of Sprint races, the inclination to choose show over substance – has been cited as the reason behind Verstappen’s willingness to walk away.

Yet, until quite recently, it was difficult to take all these threats – no longer how much he kept repeating them before, during and after grand prix weekends – particularly seriously. Why? Because whatever else would he do with his time?

‘F1 quit threats’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/ma...f1-quit-threat

'Cost cap concerns could force Newey away from F1 with Red Bull'.
According to German media, Red Bull will have to step in due to the budget cap and the hugely expensive Adrian Newey will have to shift his focus from F1 to another project in the medium term.
27 January 11:45AM
Author Jesse Janse
Co-author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

In 2023, the FIA issued Technical Directive 45, aimed at combating the increasing use of senior technical figures in the applied divisions of teams, such as Red Bull Advanced Technologies or McLaren Applied Technologies. There were fears that teams were transferring personnel to the advanced technologies branches to gain further F1 knowledge, but outside of the cost cap, which would be a breach of the rules.

When it announced the cost cap findings for the 2022 season, the FIA noted that all teams had acted "in good faith" but nevertheless closed the loophole, meaning that any person who contributes to F1 operations is counted towards the cost cap. In the case of Newey in his role as Red Bull Chief Technical Officer, he is now spending much of his time focusing on the RB17 hypercar project with limited scope on F1.

However, as he still does contribute towards F1, his hefty salary is therefore included within the budget cap, causing a headache for Red Bull. AMUS has reported that the team are considering transferring Newey to the RB17 project full-time, thus getting his salary off the F1 books and freeing up space on the bottom line. However, should this happen, then Newey would be banned from working on the F1 machines.

‘Technical Directive 45’;

https://racingnews365.com/cost-cap-c...-with-red-bull


Adrian Newey’s Red Bull future questioned in F1 budget cap analysis
27 Jan 2024 1:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Finding ways to balance the books in F1’s budget cap era, it is being reported Adrian Newey will “focus entirely” on Red Bull’s RB17 hypercar in order to “free up” one of the top-earner salary exemptions.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko hit back, saying: “Our opponents are saying that the underbody of the RB17 provides insights for the Formula 1 car, which is obviously complete nonsense.” The RB17 will be the first car fully produced by Red Bull, retailing at a cool $6.2 million for the hypercar.

Putting Newey on the hypercar project full-time means Red Bull can move another person onto the exception list. At a time when Red Bull are losing key personnel to other teams, Rob Marshall having joined McLaren, it would given them scope to hold onto the likes of Pierre Wache, said to be a Ferrari target.

‘F1 budget cap analysis’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/adrian...t-cap-analysis


Max Verstappen faces bitter blow as Red Bull weigh up 'banning Adrian Newey'
Red Bull could ban Adrian Newey, which could hamper Max Verstappen in the future.
13:30, Sat, Jan 27, 2024
By Tom Parsons
Daily and Sunday Express

F1 introduced a cost cap ahead of the 2021 season in an attempt to level the playing field, with teams permitted to spend £114million that year. In 2022, teams were given a spending limit of £110m and then had a maximum of £106m at their disposal last year.

According to Auto, Motor und Sport, Red Bull’s current plan is to transfer Newey to work entirely on the RB17 hypercar project in the medium term to get his salary off the F1 books and free up some space in their budget. That would allow one of the three high-earner jobs that sit outside of the budget cap to become available to someone else.

Newey is currently working partly in the Red Bull F1 team, but the rules say his salary must be fully accounted for if he plays any role at all in the sport. If he were to be transferred over to the RB17 project full-time, Newey would effectively be banned from working on the F1 machines.

‘Bitter blow’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...drian-Newey-F1


Newey may assume non-F1 Red Bull role in medium term
JANUARY 26, 2024
GrandPrix.com

Adrian Newey might be shuffled into a non-Formula 1 role at Red Bull Racing, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Correspondent Michael Schmidt explains that the reason is because of the budget cap, as the team seeks a way to make the most of the budget cap rules.

The large teams continue to operate with 800 to 1000 employees because they don't want to lose good people to the competition, he said. They would rather put their high earners into other projects and only let them work part-time in Formula 1.

‘Non-F1 Red Bull role’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/newey...dium-term.html


‘Adrian Newey unleashed’ – £5million RB17 hypercar release date revealed
09 Jan 2024 12:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull’s first road car has been given a release date of 2024 as Christian Horner described it as “Adrian Newey unleashed.” The RB17 is a project that has been in the works for a number of years and has allowed legendary designer Newey to produce a car not constricted by F1 regulations. It will be the second road car designed by Newey, following the Aston Martin Valkyrie, but will be the first produced by Red Bull Advanced Technologies.

The RB17, given that name as Red Bull opted for the RB16B after regulation changes were delayed, has been confirmed as being released in 2024 by CEO Horner but is limited to a run of just 50 – with the majority of them already sold. Speaking to Autocar, Horner said that given the cost cap now in Formula 1, other areas of the business had to justify their existence, which is why the RB17 has been produced.

“[RBAT] has now existed for close to eight years and there’s an awful lot of knowledge that has been built up in that time. With the budget cap era [in F1], if you want to retain resources there have to be projects that can justify their existence. This is a perfect project utilising the skill sets that we have, so it will complement our Formula 1 activities rather than distract from them.”

‘Adrian Newey unleashed’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/adrian...4-release-date


Ford boss lifts lid on F1 meeting with Adrian Newey
Saturday 20 January 2024 10:57
Sam Cook
GPFans

Ford CEO Jim Farley has rather bullishly claimed that Red Bull will still be at the 'very top of the podium' in 2026 due to their 'top notch' powertrain team. Farley has provided an optimistic view on how their 2026 plans are shaping up, knowing how much pressure is on his company to deliver for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

“I had a chance to spend a lot of time with the team in Milton Keynes and with Adrian Newey," he revealed in Ford's 2024 season launch. “Even though [2026] sounds like a long way away, we have a lot of work to do on the powertrain, but I’m really happy with the progress. I wish I could tell you more, but I would say we’re on track.”

“We’ve got the best drivers, we’ve got the best technical support. We have the best of Ford and around the globe to support them. But the team, the powertrain team that they’re building in Milton Keynes, is absolutely top notch. We are going first class to the very top of the podium.”

'Very top of the podium in 2026 due to their 'top notch' powertrain team’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ivals-warning/

Incredible puns and widespread confusion – how the F1 world reacted to Visa Cash App RB.
“VCARB”, which sounds like some kind of supplement that keeps your poo solid.”
25 Jan 2024 12:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Visa Cash App RB was officially added to the F1 grid yesterday and received plenty of backlash online. From journalists wondering what to call the new team to others worrying about the future of the sport, the new name was widely condemned in F1 circles.

Giedo van der Garde was the first former F1 driver to give his verdict and he believed it was simply not an “appropriate name for a Formula One team.” “I know I’ve just retired so I don’t wanna sound like “everything in the past used to be so much better”,” he tweeted. “But to my opinion “Visa Cash App RB” isn’t an appropriate name for a Formula One team.”

“VCARB”: Supplement that keeps your poo solid’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/how-f1...sa-cash-app-rb


‘Not appropriate’: Ricciardo’s team becomes laughing stock of F1 world after ‘ridiculous’ switch
January 25th, 2024 7:20 am
Daniel Nuttall with AFP from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Edd Straw of The Race said it is “the worst team name in F1 history”, adding: “(it) is an embarrassment to Red Bull and Formula 1 as a whole.”

“Not only does it sound fatuous, but it also showcases an avaricious lack of imagination that can only be spirit-sapping for those working for the team and signal to the hundreds of millions watching that this is not a competitor to be taken seriously,” Straw wrote.

“The disconnected way the name, which the team has now confirmed, has gradually dribbled out also raises big questions about the strategy. It’s hard to imagine Dietrich Mateschitz allowing this to happen were he still around, which is telling in itself given Red Bull was built on its astonishing capacity for imaginative marketing strategies.”

“VCARB”: Laughing stock of F1 world’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...2b6dca40b6e483


Jenson Button’s hilarious reaction to Red Bull’s junior team rebranding
28 Jan 2024 10:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull’s rebranding of their junior team to ‘Visa Cash App RB’ continues to perplex the world of motorsport with Jenson Button asking “what?” when told the full name. While former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde rued it “isn’t an appropriate name for a Formula One team”, F1 presenter Jennie Gow felt it “doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue”.

Fans weren’t quite as kind in their assessment as they dubbed it one of the “top 10 worst F1 team names in history” while others joked about the contactless jokes that would do the rounds when either Daniel Ricciardo or Yuki Tsunoda crashed.

‘Red Bull’s junior team rebranding’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/jenson...vcarb-reaction


Visa Cash App RB workers already not using new team name
The team previously known as AlphaTauri are calling themselves V-CARB behind-the-scenes.
26 January 2024
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

According to ESPN journalist Nate Saunders, those working for Visa Cash App are calling the team V-CARB. Whether this becomes a paddock and global trend remains to be seen. “Internally, the team is being referred to as V-CARB, which may well be a name which catches on for the season itself”

“VCARB”: Supplement that keeps your poo solid’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/visa-cash...new-team-name/


'Diabolical!' – Fans mock F1 team after they change name to Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team
Published Jan 24, 2024, 1:02pm
Callum McAvoy
Metro.co.uk

The unwieldly and, frankly, ugly title has been quickly derided by F1 fans, especially after Alfa Romeo also changed their name for 2024 to the ridiculous Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.

‘This genuinely has to be the most diabolical name change in sporting history. Imagine having to say “I’m Yuki Tsunoda and I drive for Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team”,’ @BushiAntz posted.

“VCARB”: 'Diabolical!';

https://metro.co.uk/2024/01/24/f1-fa...o=newsnow-feed


The Alpha Tauri F1 Team Appears To Have A Horrific New Name That Everybody Hates
JANUARY 19, 2024 1:35 PM
BY CLAY SAUERTIEG
BroBible

Me saying goodbye to Yuki Tsunoda fandom because I cannot support a team with such an abysmal name https://t.co/iogmWLHLoK pic.twitter.com/ubkivo66td
— srishti (@mvpbiid) January 18, 2024

Visa Cash app?
There is no finesse in the name whatsoever.
What happened to marketing and branding in this sport? This is what happens when you employ people who just read a textbook for 3 years and didn’t apply it anywhere before applying for the role – Nam https://t.co/zIwQX8NzUx
— #PitstopFracas (@pitstopfracas) January 18, 2024

Mad how the sport is apparently on such a wave of success yet Sauber & Toro Rosso have had to sell their identities like this #F1 https://t.co/G3XKY4NXEN
— Jake (@JakeThomasLong) January 18, 2024

‘Horrific New Name That Everybody Hates’;

https://brobible.com/sports/article/...ific-new-name/


Media questions Alpha Tauri's new team name
JANUARY 25, 2024
GrandPrix.com

Michel Milewski, a correspondent for the major German newspaper Bild, commented: “I'm sorry - what?!.” Ilari Savonen, of the Finnish broadcaster MTV, agreed that the new name is “horrible”, and even DPA news agency in Germany admitted it is “rather unusual”.

El Mundo Deportivo described Visa Cash App RB as a “shocking name”, while fellow Spanish sports newspaper Marca thinks it's the “ugliest name in F1 history”. “Goodbye Alpha Tauri”, said Daniele Sparisci, F1 correspondent for Corriere della Sera - a newspaper in Italy, where the Red Bull-owned team is based. “The new name of the Faenza team is a credit card”, he quipped.

Sky Deutschland headlined: “Formula 1 team gets a strange new name”… According to Tobias Gruner, writing for Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull even had to take quite some time convincing F1 owner Liberty Media that the new name should be permitted. The German magazine phoned Red Bull's top consultant Dr Helmut Marko for his comment, and the 80-year-old admits the name is a little tongue twister.

‘Red Bull even had to take quite some time convincing F1 owner Liberty Media that the new name should be permitted’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/media...team-name.html

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Matthew

After Leclerc's new long term contract with Ferrari, I wonder what would be the future of Carlos at Ferrari?

---

Try starting a thread about it .
You won't likely get any response but a "like" from fortitude .

He runs a couple of pretty talkative FGP teams , but never gives up any opinions on the news he posts .

Is Carlos Sainz the most-wanted unwanted driver on F1 grid?
Sainz is not that support driver, at least he doesn’t want to be. His performances on the track, with his Singapore GP win billed by many a pundit as one of the most calculating and cutting wins in recent years, suggest he is more than just a support act.
30 Jan 2024 6:44 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

TORO ROSSO: “Sainz is, without a doubt, a great driver. He was almost on par with Max in Toro Rosso,” Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko explained to Marca. “The bad thing for him is that he was unlucky to have Verstappen as a team-mate.”

RENAULT: Scoring 53 to 69 points to Nico Hulkenberg in 2018, their one full season together, Sainz by no means embarrassed himself but once again when a team had to make a choice he found himself coming off second best with Renault opting to retain Hulkenberg and bring then seven-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo in as his new team-mate.

McLAREN: Signing with McLaren, Sainz then spent two years with the Woking team but as momentum swung toward teenage star Lando Norris, who was being hailed as the team’s future World Champion, he left Woking for Ferrari.
FERRARI: Despite beating Leclerc in their first season together in the Drivers’ standings and running him close in both others, and being the only non-Red Bull driver to win a Grand Prix in 2023, it’s Sainz who still remarkably has a question mark hanging over his future.

‘Fourth team in less than a decade also suggests he’s not a number one that a team can build a title-tilt behind’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/ca...nted-driver-f1


What is happening with Carlos Sainz?
Carlos Sainz is still yet to be offered a new contract at Ferrari, unlike Charles Leclerc.
27 January 2024
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Extending Leclerc’s contract before the 2024 season gets underway was an essential piece of work by Ferrari, although it now raises questions over what’s happening with Carlos Sainz. Sainz’s future looks much more uncertain currently, with him reportedly having disagreed with the Italians.

The Spanish driver is believed to want a two-year contract extension which would take him to the end of 2026, and would see him enter the new power unit regulations as a Ferrari driver. However, the Maranello-based side are supposedly not wanting to give him more than a one-year extension.

‘What is happening with Carlos Sainz?’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/what-is-h...-carlos-sainz/


Sainz talks with Ferrari have reportedly reached a stalemate
27/01/2024 at 10:42
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Contract talks between Ferrari and Carlos Sainz have reportedly come to a standstill according to rumors in Italy. The Scuderia announced this week a multi-year extension of its partnership with Charles Leclerc, a deal that should see the Monegasque carry the Italian outfit’s colors until at least the end of 2027.

Sainz has frequently expressed his desire to remain at Ferrari, stating that it is his "number one choice." However, he has also expressed his wish to sign a multi-year contract ahead of the start of the 2024, and this seems to be the sticking point in the negotiations.

Ferrari, on the other hand, appears to be more open to a shorter-term arrangement in a bit to keep their options open for the future. Despite the impasse, Formu1a.uno maintains that Sainz is still "the most likely scenario" to remain at Ferrari in the coming months.

‘Stalemate’;

https://f1i.com/news/498421-sainz-ta...stalemate.html


More Carlos Sainz rumours swirl with two F1 plans under consideration – report
27 Jan 2024 12:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Although Carlos Sainz’s “plan A” is a multi-year extension with Ferrari, AS reports he has options for the future and they’re “not only Audi”. Spanish daily AS reports there is “no nervousness” in the Sainz camp.

That’s in part because he has several options for his Formula 1 future, “not” just Audi. The publication claims that “sources who know the Italian house well indicate that a one or two-year contract is being worked on, although important points still need to be resolved.

“Sainz, 29, will have driven four years for Ferrari from his arrival in 2021 until the end of his current contract. His priority, he himself has underlined, is to renew with the Italians for a long time. But there is plan A and also plan B.”

‘Carlos Sainz rumours’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/more-c...swirl-f1-plans


Why Leclerc deal leaves Sainz with tricky dilemma
27 January 6:30AM
Author Pepijn van der Hulst
RacingNews365

One of the main protagonists when the silly season rumour mill starts churning for good may be Leclerc's Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, who has a contract that is expiring. Talks have been revealed to be ongoing yet nothing has yet come from those discussions and with the Spaniard likely to hold out for a long-term contract having been burned at Renault at the end of last decade, a sticking point may have been found.

With Leclerc a product of Ferrari's own development pathway, Sainz is unlikely to be the number one option anyway and whilst sides not be chosen early in the season, the Monégasque is most likely to be favoured. So will Sainz stay or go?

He said: "Audi is always a certainty. "In fact, I know how seriously they take every project. And I also know well what the famous German mentality means in practice, both the good sides and certain not-so-good sides. But we just have to have a lot of respect for the Volkswagen Group with Audi as part of it. And of course, it makes sense to talk about what Audi can manage, especially since I am a member of that Audi family."

‘Tricky dilemma’;

https://racingnews365.com/how-sainz-...lit-by-leclerc

Ferrari confirm name of their 2024 F1 car.
Scuderia Ferrari's car for the coming season will be called SF-24, the team has announced as they ramp up their preparation for the 2024 F1 season with a three-day test session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
30th January 2024, 11:34
F1 Technical

With the new name, the Maranello-based team is continuing the tradition of recent years which has covered almost the entire Formula 1 hybrid era. The SF naturally stands for Scuderia Ferrari, followed by the number of the current year.

This formula was first used on 2015's SF15-T, the second hybrid season and the only exception since then came in 2022, when the F1-75 name celebrated the company's 75th birthday.

This year's car is being launched on 13 February. The Maranello-based team is set to participate in this year's championship with an unchanged driver line-up with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc due to race for the fabled Italian outfit for the fourth consecutive year.

‘SF-24’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/24371


What’s behind Ferrari’s silence on Sainz’s F1 future
30th January 2024, 08:50
AUTHORRoberto Chinchero
CO-AUTHORJonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Sainz has been pretty open that he did not want to go into the 2024 season without his F1 future beyond the end of the year sorted.

Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com last June about the situation, Sainz said: “I'm not going to lie, I don’t like going into my last year of a contract without really knowing where I'm racing the next year.

“I went through that process both with Red Bull and Renault, and I know it’s not ideal as an athlete, and as a driver. It's just not the right thing. And that's why I have put this winter as a reference to try and figure out my future.”

‘Ferrari’s silence’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...ture/10570405/


Former F1 star claims Red Bull rivals are CLOSER in 2024 title bid
Tuesday 30 January 2024 09:12
Sam Cook
GPFans

Former Formula 1 driver Marc Gene has said that Ferrari will be 'able to fight more assiduously' with Red Bull in 2024. "All we can tell is what the simulator tells us and the feelings of the drivers in the simulator," Gene told Mundo Deportivo. "We still have to wait to see the car on the track, which will be on February 13 and then the pre-season test in Bahrain."

"The track is the only one that really rules and is the final judge. It's true that last year at this point we were no longer completely convinced with the car from what the simulator told us. Red Bull had a very important margin last year and they say that this year’s car is much better, so they are obviously the favourites. It’s difficult. Fighting with them for the world championship is a bit optimistic to say, but to take one more step forward and be able to fight more assiduously with them, then yes.”

‘CLOSER in 2024 title bid’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...tle-challenge/


Rob Smedley shares ‘key difference’ between working with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso
Mon 29 January 2024 20:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley has now shared the key difference between working with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. Smedley has worked in motorsport for more than 20 years including spells with Jordan, Williams and Ferrari.

Speaking about his relationship with the drivers, Smedley said: “Michael [Schumacher] was super analytical and very interested in the nuisances. “And Fernando [Alonso] was very much like that as well. The key difference between Fernando and Michael is that Fernando in the first lap in P1, he’s eleven-tenths, he’s flat out and he’s absolutely giving it 100% all the time. Michael probably had a slightly different approach to a race weekend.”

‘Key difference’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/rob...rnando-alonso/


What Massa's key F1 ally makes of his 2008 title court bid
Jan 30, 2024
by Edd Straw
The Race

A right to seek justice: Smedley supports Massa’s right to pursue action, but he sees what happened as ancient history. “I've always been a person that, whatever happened yesterday, whether it was good or bad, I get up and dust myself off and move on,” he tells The Race F1 Podcast. “More pots and pans, more medals whatever you want to call it, is fairly meaningless for me. I'm interested in what's happening today and tomorrow and the day after that. But that's my personal opinion.

“What I will say is this is something that Felipe feels strongly about. It's no secret that Felipe is a really good pal of mine, he's like a little brother to me. If this is something that he feels strongly and passionately about - and he when he talks about it he's very compelling and convincing in the fact that he's doing this for what he feels is justice - everybody should have their personal right to pursue whatever they feel is just. That’s the case with Felipe here.”

“There's a lot of different parties involved, we're starting to look back at the past. Where this will end I've got no idea. I keep a watching brief on it, that's all I can or want to do. It’s of interest but if it does get flipped, what does that open up at that point in terms of sporting decisions, not only in Formula 1, but in the past?”

‘A right to seek justice’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/w...tle-court-bid/

When is F1 2024 pre-season testing? All you need to know about testing in Bahrain.
Teams get 24 hours of track time in Bahrain a week before the start of the 2024 F1 world championship
January 30, 2024
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

F1 2024 pre-season testing will run for three days from February 21-23, before it’s lights out for the Bahrain GP on March 2. The action each day will begin at 10:00 local time and finish at 19:00, so teams will get well over an hour on track after the sun sets to simulate grand prix conditions too.

Teams will spend three days in Sakhir then have less than a week to make any last-minute changes before the season-opening 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, won by Max Verstappen 12 months ago.

For UK viewers, that means watching 7-16:00 from Wednesday to Friday, with an hour’s shutdown for lunch each day too.

‘F1 2024 pre-season testing’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/whe...-know-bahrain/


What time does 2024 F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain start?
21 January 7:00PM
Author Jan van der Burgt
RacingNews365

Following the recent trend of reducing the amount of pre-season testing, in 2024, teams will have just three full days of action to put their new cars through their paces. For reasons of cost and practicability, testing now takes place in Bahrain at the Sakhir International Circuit the week before the season gets underway.

This year, testing takes place between February 21-23, with each race driver set for a minimum of a day-and-a-half in the car - although the time available to each driver does depend on red flags, mechanical gremlins or reliability concerns. Each day, the action is set to go green at 07:00am UK time - 10:00am in Bahrain and last until 16:00 UK time, or 19:00pm local time. There is also an hour shutdown in the middle of the day for lunch.

The first race weekend of the new season takes place between February 29th-March 3rd with the Bahrain Grand Prix set to be on Saturday March 3rd owing to the start of Ramadan and the Saudi Arabian GP needing to be moved forward to Saturday to accommodate the start of the Islamic Holy month on March 10th.

‘2024 F1 pre-season testing’;

https://racingnews365.com/what-time-...ain-2024-start


F1 makes MAJOR pre-season testing announcement
Friday 19 January 2024 17:27
Dan Ripley
GPFans

F1 have revealed that the times on all of the three consecutive days starting from February 21 will see testing begin at 10am in the morning before ending 7pm at night local time. For those in the UK, this would translate to 7am in the morning before finishing at 4pm.

The move comes shortly after the FIA confirmed the race start times for all 24 grands prix to take place this season, a record amount for a Formula 1 campaign. Given the teams will have just three days to run and not a lot of time after to ensure their cars are in excellent condition to start the season, the time on track will be absolutely crucial.

This means that while headline laptimes will be interesting to glance at, an ideal scenario for teams will instead be on running with minimal reliability issues and being able to put in as many laps as possible. This will ensure they can collect data and understand their 2024 designs as they hit the track for the first time.

‘Three consecutive days starting from February 21, 2024’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...mes-confirmed/


F1 testing opportunities expanded as Haas grabs its chance
19 January 6:00PM
Author Pepijn van der Hulst
RacingNews365

Filming days for Formula 1 teams - officially referred to as 'Promotional Events' in the sporting regulations - were originally intended for marketing and promotional purposes. F1, however, is a sport in which people take advantage of every loophole. Often, a filming day is the first and last time an F1 team runs its car around a real track before the official test sessions take place.

As a result, it has become customary to use these days as a test day where teams can gather important data about their new F1 car. However, 'special' tyres will be used, allowing data to be gathered about the car only. Until 2023, a total of 200 kilometres was allowed to be covered during filming days, divided into two sessions of up to 100 kilometres each.

These sessions were allowed to take place on the same day. Under Article 10.4 of the sporting regulations for 2024, it now states that teams are allowed to drive 200 kilometres per session. This means that two sessions are now allowed for a total distance of 400 kilometres.

‘People take advantage of every loophole’;

https://racingnews365.com/testing-op...abs-its-chance


Alonso hints Aston Martin problems after F1 testing session
Monday 29 January 2024 12:57
Cal Gaunt
GPFans

The experienced Spaniard, known for his demanding standards, recently provided some valuable feedback to the team as they prepare for the upcoming tests. In a YouTube video released by the team, Alonso's insights were captured as the stage was set for their newest F1 machine.

Alonso highlights potential issue: “The most noticeable shift, so you do [turn] six, then you upshift and then you turn right to do seven and the steering is quite heavy and it takes a little bit of time," Alonso said.

Alonso will likely place a premium on car responsiveness, especially with challenging circuits like Jeddah and Melbourne on the horizon in the early part of the season. Aston Martin relies heavily on Alonso's seasoned expertise in the simulator for crucial developmental insights.

‘Demanding standards’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...g-2024-season/

New Haas boss makes worrying admission as F1 2024 fast approaches.
Undone by tyre woes last season that left Haas with just 12 points on the board despite 11 Q3 appearances, new boss Ayao Komatsu has revealed the team still does not understand the problem.
31 Jan 2024 10:40 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Worryingly for Haas, Komatsu says they’ve yet to get on top of last year’s tyres troubles. “I don’t think we understand everything,” he said as per Motorsport.com. “I think we understand a significant part of it, but the only proof is if you can produce a car that can deal with the problem.”

“I don’t like to sit here and say that we understand it 100 per cent, We don’t. But we have a decent idea of why and where we need to focus on.” The new team boss believes better communication and cohesion is key. “From ’19 to ’23, the programme is very different,” he said. “It may look the same, but it is very different. But the working practice is the core.”

“If we are not working in a very integrated manner, communicating properly between the aero department in Italy to the tyre department in the UK, that is a problem. That working culture and practice is something I am going to focus on improving. We want to move as one.”

‘Worrying admission’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/haas-w...024-approaches


Haas tyre woes potentially linked to communication gaps
31/01/2024 at 10:53
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Haas is still searching for answers on its tyre degradation issues, but team boss Ayao Komatsu has suggested that its woes could be rooted in an inter-department communication gap at the US outfit. Tyre degradation on race day was a persistent theme for Haas throughout the 2023 season, and one that seriously undermined the efforts of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg on Sundays.

The Japanese engineer believes that Haas’ understanding has progressed although he acknowledged that the team has not yet achieved a complete solution. "I don't think we understand everything," admitted Komatsu. "I think we understand a significant part of it, but the only proof is if you can produce a car that can deal with the problem.”

‘Communication gaps’;

https://f1i.com/news/498562-haas-tyr...tion-gaps.html


Haas still chasing full answer over F1 car tyre woes
14:54 Tue, 30 Jan 2024.
AUTHORJonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

An upgrade introduced at the United States Grand Prix to help improve the aerodynamic characteristics did not deliver a clear answer either about what direction it needed to head in, and drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg ended up going different routes.

As the team prepares for the launch of its 2024 car, new Haas boss Ayao Komatsu is clear that much of the focus of its winter efforts has been on addressing the tyre issue, which he says it has not yet been fully resolved.

"I don't think we understand everything," admitted Komatsu. "I think we understand a significant part of it, but the only proof is if you can produce a car that can deal with the problem. I don't like to sit here and say that we understand it 100%, We don't. But we have a decent idea of why and where we need to focus on."

“Working practices need to improve";

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/h...woes/10570602/


Guenther Steiner reveals the factor that drained his Haas motivation
27 Jan 2024 6:15 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Guenther Steiner has pinpointed a lack of long-term investment as a reason that it was “difficult to stay motivated” at the top of Haas. “I’ve never been in a company this long as I was in Haas F1, think about that – at some stage [the long-term future gets considered],” Steiner told Autosport.

“You know, doing more of the same and seeing what other people do to move forwards. Like all the other teams – like AlphaTauri, Aston Martin – you see where they are going and you cannot go with them, it’s difficult to stay motivated.”

“You always try because you never give up. You try – but at some stage obviously it becomes clear that… it becomes more clear when you are gone, because you are not in the whirlwind anymore. You are outside and you look in and you say, ‘wow, I pushed for a long time, seeing where other people are going’ since [the budget cap in for 2021].”

‘Lack of long-term investment’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...ivation-sapped


F1 star hampered by one negative trait claims pundit
Tuesday 30 January 2024 14:57
Cal Gaunt
GPFans

Former F1 team manager and seasoned journalist Peter Windsor has recently shared his admiration for Haas driver Kevin Magnussen - but feels there are weaknesses he ought to address.

Windsor: Magnussen should brush up: “I see K-Mag as a pretty short corner driver, lots of feel and touch, a bit undisciplined at the moment," Windsor said on his YouTube channel. "Sounds very condescending but I think he should do a couple of days with Rob Wilson just to brush up. But I think he’s definitely on that side of the fence.”

"Nico [Hulkenberg] stays on the slightly longer corner side of the fence. But K-Mag at his best is very, very good from watching him over the years and I hope that the new Haas regime will bring the best out of him again, I can see that.”

‘One negative trait claims pundit’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...dsor-analysis/

F1 did not just reject Andretti’s bid…they tore it to absolute pieces.
It is one thing to be told ‘no’ to a dream project that you have poured hundreds of hours in and many, many more hundreds of dollars, but it is another thing to have that rejection be so brutal.
31 Jan 2024 4:12 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

In their conclusions, the commercially minded F1 said in their view the most realistic way of providing value would be by being competitive. They saw no evidence that made them believe Andretti would be competitive. They raised doubts about Andretti being supplied by another PU manufacturer in the interim period before GM arrived.

They recognised Andretti may bring some fan growth but argued it would be more beneficial in the other direction. They said an 11th team would place an “operational burden” on race promoters and incur those costs while impacting the room the 10 teams currently enjoy at any given circuit.

They even questioned whether Andretti were aware of the size of the task given Andretti’s desire to join in 2025 and essentially build two different cars in the same amount of years. One final nugget from the statement was the revelation that Andretti were informed of the findings in December and offered a meeting, yet declined to turn up. Given the brutal nature of the findings, it is understandable why.

‘Tore it to absolute pieces’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/an...ected-reaction


The three key factors that led F1 to turn down Andretti
17:44 Wed, 31 Jan 2024.
AUTHORJonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

FOM’s document even went into quite some detail, explaining how there had been written correspondence between Andretti and FOM last October, and that there had been an offer made on December 12, 2023, for a face-to-face meeting at FOM’s London HQ.

“The Applicant did not take us up on this offer,” said F1. The full explanation outlines three key factors that it believes counted against the Andretti green light.
The double challenge forced by new 2026 rules: Against the backdrop of Andretti seeking to get on the grid for 2025 is the fact that F1 is heading for a major rules revolution the year after.

The engine issue: Long-term, the ambition is for GM to produce its own power unit – which would bring an important manufacturer on to the grid that even F1 admits would be a positive. However, such a move is likely only possible from 2028 at the earliest, meaning in the interim Andretti would need to find a customer partner.
Adding value: The demand for any new entrant to bring added value to the grid is repeatedly mentioned in the F1 statement. FOM said it concluded that the best way for Andretti to bring value would be by “being competitive” – something it says it does not think it would be.

‘The three key factors’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/t...etti/10571128/


The damning reasons why F1 turned down Andretti's entry bid - for now
31 January 5:40PM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

Following several months of deliberations, Formula One Management (FOM) has opted to deny Andretti Global’s application to join the grid for either the 2025 or 2026 season. F1 noted that a hypothetical new team would carry the most value if it arrived on the grid in a competitive manner, “in particular by competing for podiums and race wins”.

While it is understandable that the sport wishes to avoid a repeat of having a team join and be consistently uncompetitive - such as HRT, Marussia and Caterham in the early 2010s - it sets an extremely high bar for any interested operation to reach from the get-go. F1 also pointed out that the 2025 season marks the last year of the current technical regulations, with fresh rules ready to come into play the following year.

Andretti proposed that it would build a car under the 2025 regulations and then construct an entirely new challenger for the rule reset, however F1 was unconvinced by the realistic ability for a new team to do so in a competitive way.

‘Damning reasons’;

https://racingnews365.com/the-damnin...ry-bid-for-now


'Who is really running this show?' Martin Brundle predicts FIA-F1 'head-to-head' after Andretti rejection
Legendary commentator Martin Brundle has given his view on F1 rejecting Andretti's bid to become the 11th team in 2025.
31 Jan 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes F1’s decision to reject Andretti’s bid to become the 11th team will likely result in even more tension with the FIA. Brundle gave his thoughts on the situation when speaking Sky Sports News.

“This does put the FIA, the regulator, head to head with F1 management and Liberty Media - the financial rights holders because the FIA said yes, F1 have said no to what they often refer to in that document that has just come out as an 11th team rather than Andretti,” Brundle said.

“This is a bigger picture of a head to head now between F1 and the FIA as to who is really running this show . I think the commercial rights holders have a big sway in that. Of course they can squeeze another team into the pit lane pretty much everywhere we go. There’s also some hospitality in the pit lane but teams don’t want to share their money out 11 ways instead of 10 and nor do F1. So as ever, money is a big part of this as well.”

'Who is really running this show?';

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104394...after-andretti


Steiner: F1 protecting Andretti from itself
19:52 Wed, 31 Jan 2024.
Nate Saunders, General Editor, F1
ESPN.com

Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner said F1's decision to block Andretti joining before 2028 shows the sport is in such good health it can no longer afford to have uncompetitive teams. Steiner, who left Haas at the start of January, was speaking to ESPN's Unlapped podcast shortly after the decision had been made public.

"I think they looked at it and thought it was too ambitious," Steiner said. He added: "I don't have all the information. Maybe they looked at it and they said we want them but we want to make sure they are successful when they come, protect them from themselves.

"I think F1 is protecting all the teams, everyone involved in the sport, they didn't close the door completely. They said '28 is a new day, a new year, it's quite a few years away, it's not tomorrow but the door is open. Show us you can get prepared and be competitive by then and I think we'd welcome them".

‘F1 protecting Andretti from itself’;

https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/3...enther-steiner


Andretti still working on F1 car, doesn't accept rejection
Jan 31, 2024
by Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

It is widely believed that F1’s decision will be challenged, although Andretti has not yet said if it will actually take legal action.

One factor to consider is that F1 did at least indicate that it “would look differently” should Andretti apply for an entry for 2028 with a General Motors engine – a reference to GM’s announcement last year it would build its own F1 power unit for this entry.

However, that seemed contingent on Andretti Cadillac joining the grid as requested for 2025, and a short-term customer engine deal being struck in the interim.

‘Doesn't accept rejection’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/a...t-cadillac-gm/