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FIA to invite entries from potential new Formula 1 teams.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says motorsport’s governing body will actively launch a process to find possible new teams to join the Formula 1 grid in future seasons.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 2nd January 2023, 17:40
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Formula 1 has maintained just 10 teams on the grid since the departure of Manor at the end of 2016. However, the United States-based Andretti organisation has been open of its intentions to bid for an entry into Formula 1 as an 11th team. In a statement shared on social media, Ben Sulayem stated the FIA would begin a process of searching for possible new entries in the sport at his bequest. “I have asked my FIA team to look at launching an expressions of interest process for prospective new teams for the FIA F1 World Championship,” read Ben Sulayem’s statement.
Beyond Andretti, over recent months Hong Kong-based Canadian billionaire Calvin Lo has also discussed his interest in establishing his own Formula 1 team to join the grid as a new entry. Currently, under the Concorde Agreement, any new entrants to Formula 1 must pay a fee of $200 million (Ł164.8m) to be divided between the existing teams. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previous stated his belief that Formula 1 does not require an 11th team in order to continue to remain successful.
Only one entirely new team has entered Formula 1 in the previous ten years: Haas, which joined the world championship in 2016. Prior to that, Formula 1 saw four brand new teams granted permission to join in the same season in 2010 – Virgin, Lotus, HRT and USF1. However, USF1 failed to appear on the grid at all, and none of the teams which did enter were still in the sport by 2017.
‘FIA to invite entries’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/02/...rmula-1-teams/
F1 set for four major rules changes ahead of 2023 season
F1 is set to introduce a range of new rules for the 2023 season.
13:10, Mon, Jan 2, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express
The regulation now reads: “Classified drivers who have accrued more than 15 cumulative grid position penalties, or who have been penalised to start at the back of the grid, will start behind any other classified driver. Their relative position will be determined in accordance with their Qualifying Classification.”
F1’s minimum ride heights have been raised by 15mm for 2023 in a bid to reduce the effects of porpoising. Other technical changes include a raising of the diffuser throat to make the car more tolerant of ride height changes.
New sensors will also be installed to measure the car's vertical forces more accurately on top of the existing measures introduced at last year’s Belgian Grand Prix. The minimum weight of the cars will also drop from 798kg to 796kg while roll hoops must be able to withstand stronger impacts after Zhou Guanyu’s British GP horror shunt.
‘Four major rules changes’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...on-news-latest
10 things to be excited for as F1 gears up for 24 races and 6 Sprints in 2023
02 January 2023
Staff Writer
Samarth Kanal
Formula One - Official Site
It's a new year and the 2023 Formula 1 season is almost upon us. Just in case you weren't raring to go, here are 10 – well, quite a few more than 10 – reasons to be excited for the upcoming campaign...
1. Ferrari and Mercedes on the hunt. 2. Verstappen defending his crown. 3. Rookies on the grid and proven drivers changing seats. 4. A close quarters midfield battle. 5. Viva Las Vegas.
6. A record-breaking calendar. 7. Six Sprints. 8. The road to F1. 9. F1 Academy. 10. More fun off the track.
‘10 things to be excited for’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...8mnt3EEuF.html
F1 set for surprise Grand Prix in 2023?
02 January 10:40AM
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Michael Butterworth
RacingNews365
The Chinese Grand Prix was to be absent from F1 in 2023 for the fourth year in a row. But RacingNews365.com understands that the race may yet be run this year.
The Chinese Grand Prix may be set to reappear on the Formula 1 calendar in 2023 – just weeks after it was confirmed that the Shanghai race would not take place this year.
Despite the country's Covid-zero policy preventing the Chinese Grand Prix from taking place since 2019, Formula 1 is known to be keen to keep the Shanghai race on the calendar, and in November 2021 extended its contract with the Chinese Grand Prix until 2025.
‘F1 set for surprise’;
https://racingnews365.com/f1-set-for...d-prix-in-2023
Will F1’s TV and ticket sales boom continue into 2023?
News Focus
Posted on 2nd January 2023, 11:58
Written by Claire Cottingham
RaceFans
The rising popularity of Formula 1 looked almost unstoppable last year and has affected every area of the sport. The series signed multi-year TV agreements and announced a record-breaking 2023 F1 calendar. Lucrative expanded partnerships were announced with the likes of Amazon Web Services. It finally landed a new manufacturer as Audi announced it will step in when the next generation of power units arrive. Around the world, grand prix events were sold out.
It’s almost six years since Ecclestone was ousted and Liberty Media took control of the sport. Since then new audiences have been attracted through Netflix’s Drive to Survive, and younger audiences flocked to races, helped by the growing rivalry between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a factor throughout much of this, but F1 was one of the first sports to get up and running again after the first half of its 2020 season was cancelled.
Are there any downsides to F1’s growth? As the calendar continues to expand with 23 rounds next season – six due to be Liberty’s much-vaunted sprint format – the demand on teams will rise, arguably having a greater impact on those towards the rear of the field. “For a driver [the extra races] doesn’t matter,” Haas driver Kevin Magnussen explained. “For the team, for the mechanics, for the catering people, I think already now it’s too many. “It’s different [for] some of the biggest teams they can shift around so some people go half a season, and another set of mechanics go half so they get a lot of races off. It’s very tough on small teams, they’re made of something special.”
‘The rising popularity of Formula 1’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/02/...nue-into-2023/
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Fernando Alonso predicts ‘good times are coming’ with Aston Martin in F1 2023.
Fernando Alonso spoke very highly of the Aston Martin project and expects the good times to roll at his new team.
Sunday 1st January 2023 12:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Fernando Alonso spoke very highly of the Aston Martin project and expects the good times to roll at his new team.
The two-time World Champion has now embarked on a fresh career journey having left Alpine and begun a multi-year deal with Aston Martin, the team intent on climbing out of the midfield and challenging at the front of the grid in the coming years.
And it is a project which Alonso has very much bought into, the Spaniard heading to Aston Martin with “new motivation” and a sense that the “good times are coming”.
‘Good times are coming’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...-aston-martin/
Explosive combination? What may decide Alonso/Aston dynamic.
3rd Jan 2023, 06:43
The Race
Fernando Alonso has had a knack for drama throughout his long Formula 1 career and has never had any qualms over blunt comments about his teams, team-mates or engine suppliers when displeased.
Judged by his excitement over the prospect of joining Aston Martin from Alpine and his ebullient mood after his first test with the team in Abu Dhabi, this new-for-2023 relationship will be all sunshine and success.
But on the other hand, Aston Martin has underachieved since the launch of its F1 project in 2021, it has a no-nonsense and very ambitious team owner, who also happens to be the father of Alonso’s team-mate, and it will be at least a year or two before its factory move pays off.
‘Explosive combination?’
https://the-race.com/formula-1/explo...aston-dynamic/
Video: Aston Martin welcome Alonso ahead of 2023 F1 season
02 January 2023, 6:00PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
Aston Martin have shared a video to welcome Fernando Alonso to the team for 2023. Following the New Year celebrations, the British squad opted to mark the occasion by sharing a short clip of Alonso putting on an Aston Martin cap and announcing himself to the camera.
It was confirmed back in July that the two-time World Champion would replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel for the 2023 season, where he will partner Lance Stroll as the team look to continue their progression. Alonso went on to test for Aston Martin at the 2022 post-season testing in Abu Dhabi.
‘Aston Martin have shared a video to welcome Fernando Alonso’;
https://racingnews365.com/video-asto...2023-f1-season
Can Alonso push Aston Martin to greatness?
Monday 2 January 2023 13:30
GPFans Staff
GPFans
Fernando Alonso will lead Aston Martin next season after making the switch from Alpine. The two-time champion has replaced Sebastian Vettel as the experienced head in the team after the German retired from F1 at the end of last year.
The Silverstone-based marque set its sights on a five-year plan to challenge for race wins and championships when rebranding in 2021, although could only finish seventh in the standings last year. So is Alonso the right driver to push the team forward? Let us know your thoughts.
‘GPFans Poll’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...-to-greatness/
Fernando Alonso bullish on Aston Martin
2 January 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News
Alonso’s switch to Aston Martin wasn’t expected, with most having been certain that the Spaniard would remain at Alpine; however, the French outfit’s offer is believed to have not been what the 41-year-old wanted.
His switch to Aston Martin is on a two-year deal with the option for a third, which means Alonso could be in Formula 1 until he is 44 years old. Aston Martin will have a challenge on their hands with Alonso onboard; however, they have also got a driver who can take them towards their goal of becoming a front running side thanks to his vast experience.
“With Aston [Martin], their project is amazing what they are doing in terms of recruiting people, facilities, investment. So yeah, I think good times are coming.”
‘Aston Martin will have a challenge on their hands with Alonso onboard’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-...-aston-martin/
Alonso experience to overrule Aston Martin 'arrogance'
Sunday 1 January 2023 15:00
Sam Hall
GPFans
Dan Fallows has urged Aston Martin to take full advantage of Fernando Alonso's "varied experience" in a bid to push the F1 team up the order. Aston Martin has made a number of key personnel signings in recent times in its bid to become champions, with technical director Fallows one of the leading names to join following his recruitment from Red Bull.
Asked if this experience is something Aston Martin can tap into, Fallows said: "Yeah, potentially. We are very open-minded about the direction we grow in. I've come from a background with Red Bull. We have people who've come from Mercedes and some other teams and obviously, Fernando's got a very varied experience as well."
Aston Martin made a slow start to the 2022 campaign but introduced a significant aerodynamic upgrade at the Spanish Grand Prix which saw the AMR22 briefly nicknamed the 'Green Red Bull' for its similarities to the RB18.
‘Take full advantage of Fernando Alonso’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...tin-arrogance/
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30 more horsepower for Ferrari? First details of F1 2023 cars emerge.
Ferrari will enjoy a 30 horsepower increase from the power unit as they fixed the reliability issues that plagued their campaign.
3 Jan 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
A narrower Ferrari for F1 2023. The article also revealed that Ferrari have adopted a narrower car design.
La Gazzetta dello Sport state that the “aerodynamic concept will be largely different” and they will introduce a new gearbox.
‘30 more horsepower’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101853...23-cars-emerge
Damon Hill: Ferrari have less work to do than Mercedes ahead of F1 2023
Tuesday 3rd January 2023 8:00 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Speaking after the season finished, the 1996 World Champion believes Ferrari should have an advantage over Mercedes when it comes to chasing down Red Bull once the new year gets underway. “[Ferrari] have got less to do than Mercedes have,” Hill said on Sky Sports F1.
“Mercedes have come out with a car that clearly they’ve misunderstood something and they’re going to have to reset, whereas Ferrari came out with a car that was pretty good to start with.”
“They didn’t capitalise through the season, and so they’ve got less, I think, of an uphill struggle for next year than Mercedes have.”
‘Ferrari have less work to do’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/damon-...des-2023-work/
Ferrari “banned” from meeting about 2026 regulations - and have lost $55m in sponsors income
3 Jan 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net
Ferrari’s preparations for the new F1 season are off to a terrible start - they were reportedly barred from a crucial meeting about the 2026 regulations, then lost $55m in income from sponsors.
But behind-the-scenes there has been chaos after they were the only team to be denied entry to a meeting on December 15 about engine regulations for 2026, according to RacingNews365.
Ferrari were banned from attending the meeting because they had not confirmed their intention to be a part of the 2026 rules. Several power unit suppliers missed an October 15 deadline to confirm their entry for 2026, but Ferrari were the only supplier to miss an extended deadline in November.
‘Ferrari “banned” from meeting’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101853...ose-55m-income
Ferrari faces $55 million hole after loss of sponsors
03 January 3:25PM
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Ferrari faces a hole of $55m hole in its sponsor portfolio after splitting with two premium partners, RacingNews365 has learned. Announcements are expected shortly.
Ferrari and crypto company Velas will not continue their partnership after an acrimonious first year, RacingNews365 has learned. The blockchain brand has been removed from Ferrari’s partner list, as has the logo of chip semi-conductor company Snapdragon. Both were ranked as premium sponsors of the Scuderia.
Ferrari announced a long-term deal with crypto company Velas in late 2021, with branding appearing on cars and driver suits. However, a source close to both companies has indicated that Ferrari did not comply with clauses that permit Velas to create NFT images, while the latter is said to be in financial breach. According to the source legal action is being contemplated by the parties.
‘Ferrari faces $55 million hole’;
https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-fa...ss-of-sponsors
FERRARI EXCLUDED FROM 2026 F1 ENGINE REGULATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
Prior to submitting their formal intention to register to the new rules, Ferrari were prohibited from joining their peers at a meeting on the 2026 engine regulations
3rd Jan 2023, 12:01
Samuel Coop
FormulaNerds
Ferrari were not permitted to attend a recent Engine Advisory Committee meeting, which is focused on the F1 powertrain regulations from 2026 onwards, according to RacingNews365.com.
It appears that the Italian team were barred for not declaring their intention to sign up for the new rules. F1’s current engine regulations run till the end of 2025. Ferrari missed the deadline on two separate occasions – the original 15th October 2022 date and the extension given until the end of November.
It is believed that Ferrari objected to how Red Bull Powertrains would be viewed as a new supplier. This was due to the fact that they previously had access to Honda’s intellectual property. However, the IP was not used and was been returned to Honda. This came after the two parties decided to not take their partnership into the new generation of F1 engines.
‘FERRARI EXCLUDED’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/fe.../?nowprocket=1
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Four F1 teams rejected Nyck de Vries as AlphaTauri star looks to prove them wrong in 2023.
De Vries will finally race regularly in F1 having waited a long time since winning the F2 championship, and the Dutchman has revealed he had plenty of setbacks along the way.
19:44, 3 Jan 2023
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror
De Vries' big chance finally came after an excellent F1 debut with Williams. The pressure was off considering how little preparation time. Not only did he qualify in the top 10 – after a swathe of grid penalties for other racers were taken into account – but he finished ninth in his first ever F1 race in the worst car on the grid, matching Williams' best result of the entire year.
Suddenly, every team who still had a 2023 race seat vacancy was chasing the Dutchman. After weighing up his options, De Vries signed a Red Bull contract to race for sister team AlphaTauri and, despite all the setbacks, that little bit of hope he still held for an F1 seat paid off. He told DAY1 : "I had a lot of frustration and that's also been the reason why I was always able to do it all with a lot of pleasure and motivation, because I was very happy with what I did have.”
“Deep down, I always kept a certain faith, despite being rejected four times in the last year. In 2021, I was allowed to win the Formula E championship, then we were very close but didn't succeed either. That little bit of hope [speaking to teams] was enough to keep the belief and the drive and not give up."
‘Four F1 teams rejection’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...tauri-28867366
Who is Nyck de Vries? All you need to know about the new AlphaTauri star
Sunday 1st January 2023 6:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
It has not been the most conventional of routes into Formula 1 for Nyck de Vries, but at last he is here as an AlphaTauri driver. De Vries is a racer who has been around the Formula 1 paddock for a few years now, having served as a reserve driver for Mercedes and appeared in free practice sessions for several of their customer teams, though a place on the grid had never come his way.
It almost did as talks with Williams over a 2022 driver progressed, though that seat ultimately went to Alex Albon. No matter though, as it was the ill Albon who De Vries replaced to make his qualifying and race debut at the 2022 Italian GP, De Vries’ cameo appearance impressive enough to inspire Dr. Helmut Marko to whip the chequebook out and sign him to AlphaTauri for 2023.
‘All you need to know’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/nyck-d...-career-facts/
Formula 1: Have Red Bull taken away Toto Wolff’s ‘insurance policy’?
11:37 Tue, 03 Jan 2023
by Asher Fair
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)
Nyck de Vries was once seen as Toto Wolff’s Formula 1 “insurance policy” at Mercedes. Now he is with AlphaTauri. Could he be Red Bull’s next new driver?
Earlier in the year, fellow Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel stated that he believed de Vries was Toto Wolff’s “insurance policy” in the event that Lewis Hamilton either decided to retire after the 2022 season or not re-sign with Mercedes — whether that meant retiring or moving elsewhere — beyond 2023.
While Mercedes have expressed no concerns about de Vries taking knowledge to their bitter rival, could this ultimately come back to haunt them in the long run? Two-time reigning world champion Max Verstappen is under contract with the team through the 2028 season after signing a massive extension earlier this year, and teammate Sergio Perez later agreed to an extension to remain with the team through 2024.
‘Insurance policy’;
https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/01/03...urance-policy/
Nyck de Vries’ ex-boss opens up on his ‘diplomatic’ character after Red Bull move
AlphaTauri have replaced the Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly with Nyck de Vries in 2023.
31 December 2022
by Jack Devonport
Formula1News
De Vries won the 2020-21 Formula E championship with Mercedes and his former boss Ian James has suggested that the 27-year-old is a nailed on success in Formula 1. “I think it’s so richly deserved,” said the former Mercedes-EQ boss.
“He was somebody that we took a look at before coming in for season six and recognised his qualities, not only as a driver but as a team player. “Any team that he drives for is going to benefit from that approach.”
He has a way of saying what needs to be said, pointing out where improvements can be made, but doing it in a diplomatic fashion that doesn’t get people’s backs up. “I think that he’s going to be very well positioned, notwithstanding Formula 1 is a different series. It’s brutal, and I think he’s going to have his work cut out, but his character I think will stand him in good stead.”
‘Diplomatic character’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/nyck-de-v...red-bull-move/
De Vries selects race number on FIA 2023 entry list
15/12/2022 at 14:33
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Nyck de Vries has chosen to use lucky 21 as his race number when he steps up to Formula 1 full time in 2023 with AlphaTauri. All regular drivers get to chose a permanent competitor number which they keep for the duration of their time in the championship. Esteban Gutierrez was the last driver to use #21 until 2016.
2023 car numbers, drivers and teams
Car number Driver name Team name Engine
#1 Max Verstappen Oracle Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT
#2 Logan Sargeant Williams Racing Mercedes
#4 Lando Norris McLaren Formula 1 Team Mercedes
#10 Pierre Gasly Alpine F1 Team Renault
#11 Sergio Perez Oracle Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT
#14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team Mercedes
#16 Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari
#18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team Mercedes
#20 Kevin Magnussen MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Ferrari
#21 Nyck de Vries Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda RBPT
#22 Yuki Tsunoda Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda RBPT
#23 Alexander Albon Williams Racing Mercedes
#24 Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN Ferrari
#27 Nico Hulkenberg MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Ferrari
#31 Esteban Ocon Alpine F1 Team Renault
#44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes-AMG Petronas 1e Team Mercedes
#55 Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari
#63 George Russell Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes
#77 Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN Ferrari
#81 Oscar Piastri McLaren Formula 1 Team Mercedes
‘Lucky 21’;
https://f1i.com/news/462856-de-vries...ntry-list.html
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Leclerc and Vasseur’s familiarity no problem for me – Sainz.
Carlos Sainz Jnr doesn’t believe he will be at a disadvantage because his new Ferrari team boss already has years of experience working with his team mate.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 2nd January 2023, 7:33
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Sainz is satisfied Ferrari have chosen the right person to take over from Binotto. “From what they’ve told me and from how I’ve known him, I think he’s the right man,” he told Autosprint. Vasseur arrived in F1 with Renault in 2016, then joined Sauber the following year. That team has been branded as Alfa Romeo since 2019.
“Everyone in the paddock knows him and I’m sure he’ll do well,” Sainz continued. “There will be an adjustment period, but Fred knows Formula 1 very well and also Ferrari. Now there will be this preparation phase to then start working fully with him.”
Leclerc and Vasseur’s familiarity with each other is no cause for concern, said Sainz. “I don’t think I’m starting from scratch. As I said, I’m sure I’ll get on well with him and he’ll be happy with me when he sees me work, with my relationship with the team and with Charles.
‘No problem for me’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/02/...-for-me-sainz/
Sainz: Close relationship between Vasseur and Leclerc 'useful' for Ferrari
02/01/2023 at 08:37
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Carlos Sainz believes that Charles Leclerc's long-standing friendship with incoming Scuderia chief Fred Vasseur won't put him at a disadvantage and will prove "useful" for Ferrari.
In the coming days, Vasseur will take the helm of the Scuderia, with the former Sauber-Alfa Romeo team boss succeeding Mattia Binotto who handed in his resignation at the end of November.
The Spaniard isn't the least bit concerned by such a scenario playing out, and has welcomed Vasseur's arrival at Ferrari. "I think his well-tested relationship with Leclerc will be very useful to everyone, also to accelerate his adaptation here."
‘Useful for Ferrari’;
https://f1i.com/news/463612-sainz-cl...r-ferrari.html
Sainz: Ferrari can overhaul Red Bull in 2023.
11:06 Thu, 29 Dec 2022.
Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
Read Motorsport
Carlos Sainz says Ferrari is “not so far behind” Red Bull as its rivals dominant 2022 season suggests, believing it can challenge them for the Formula 1 title next year. Despite Ferrari’s failure to sustain its title bid, Sainz has faith the Scuderia can strike back in 2023 with a more consistent package. “I feel we have chances,” Sainz said, as quoted by RacingNews365.com.
“Red Bull has been dominant, but they’ve been dominant without being clearly ahead in pure qualifying pace and race pace. So I don’t feel like we are so far behind in terms of car development and car performance.”
“If you think about it, I was on pole in Austin, so it means that we were one-two in Austin in qualifying. So it must be that our car is actually not that far from the Red Bull.”
‘Ferrari can overhaul Red Bull’;
https://readmotorsport.com/2022/12/2...-bull-in-2023/
Why Sainz believes Ferrari 'aren't far away' from Red Bull
29 December 2022
Author Luke Murphy
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365
Carlos Sainz believes that 2022 Constructors' champions Red Bull are a closer target than what the season results suggested. Carlos Sainz believes that Ferrari can be optimistic of their chances of overhauling Red Bull next season, despite their rival's convincing championship win in 2022.
"I feel we have chances," Sainz told media, including RacingNews365.com. "Red Bull has been dominant, but they've been dominant without being clearly ahead in pure qualifying pace and race pace. So I don't feel like we are so far behind in terms of car development and car performance.”
"What we need to focus on is in trying to understand next year’s tyres [and] see how we can be quicker in the race because it's clear that the Red Bull is particularly quick in the race compared to us," added Sainz. "For the strategy, race execution, tyre management, [they are other steps] that we want to take next year that we are already working on it.”
"I feel we have chances";
https://racingnews365.com/why-sainz-...-from-red-bull
Sainz aiming to ‘make things more complicated’ for Verstappen
Tuesday 27th December, 2022 - 3:00pm
By Daniel Herrero
Speedcafe
Carlos Sainz believes he can “make things more complicated” for Max Verstappen if he starts the 2023 F1 season as he finished 2022. “My target is next year to start at the level that I am now, which is a pretty decent level, and make things more complicated to Max.”
Despite acknowledging the dominance of Red Bull Racing with the RB18, Sainz does not make challenging them in 2023 to be an insurmountable task. “New year, new car, new regs even with the floor…” he noted.
“We have another chance and I fully trust that the team will produce another great car like the car that we had this year and that we will learn from the mistakes done this year. I will learn from the mistakes I did this year and we will be more in the fight and ready to fight. I’m looking forward also for Merc; It looks like they’re going to join us at the front.”
‘Make things more complicated’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/12/27...or-verstappen/
Sainz: 'Consistency' with Ferrari key to fighting for world title
26/12/2022 at 09:13
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Carlos Sainz says he'll be seeking "a more linear" season with Ferrari in 2023, insisting that only consistency will allow him to fight for the world title.
Sainz says he absolutely needs to add consistency – a quality in enjoyed in 2021 - to his ability to win to be able to challenge for the world title in the future. "My goal is to be consistent," he said. "To win races, I already know what it is, but if you want to fight for the world championship, you have to be consistent.”
"If you're at the front, the worst result is fifth or sixth, but with six or seven retirements that we've had, a series of points will go away that make you miss the world championship - although it's also true that Verstappen and Red Bull have been stronger. I believe that by learning those couple of lessons and going back to being the consistent Carlos of 2021, who I think will finish all the races, you can fight for the world championship."
‘Seeking "a more linear" season’;
https://f1i.com/news/463342-sainz-co...rld-title.html
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Alpine to launch their 2023 F1 car in London on 16th February.
Alpine have become the fourth Formula 1 team to announce the launch plans for their 2023 car. They will present the new A523 on February 16th.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 4th January 2023, 15:32
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans
The launch will take place in London. It will be Alpine’s third F1 car since the rebranding of the Renault team ahead of the 2021 season, when it took on the name of its sister sports car brand. The French-owned, British-based team rose to fourth place in the constructors’ championship last year, despite failing to repeat the win they scored in 2021.
Their best result was only a fourth place, achieved by Esteban Ocon at the Japanese Grand Prix, but they scored in 19 races out of 22 and had both cars finish in the points on 11 occasions. Ocon will be partnered this season by Pierre Gasly, who joins the team from AlphaTauri after Fernando Alonso left for Aston Martin.
There will however be continuity in the management of Alpine this year, with several changes to how the team is run having been made since it became Alpine. Otmar Sazfnauer will continue to be team principal, and is now one of the longest serving in F1 despite only starting his job in February 2022, while Pat Fry is chief technical officer and Matt Harman is technical director.
‘Alpine launch their 2023 F1 car’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/04/...16th-february/
Alpine announces 2023 F1 launch date
Thursday 5th January, 2023 - 8:38am
By Daniel Herrero
Speedcafe
Alpine has announced its 2023 F1 launch date and the name of the car which it will field in this year’s world championship. The A523 will be launched on February 16 in London, the team announced via social media.
The upcoming season will be the team’s third as Alpine, after a rebranding from Renault to the French firm’s sportscar subsidiary. The A523 moniker for the Anglo-French squad’s new car is no surprise, given its predecessors are the A521 and A522.
As it stands, AlphaTauri will be first to launch its 2023 Formula 1 effort, although likely with livery only, in New York City on February 11, before Aston Martin on February 13 and Ferrari on the following day. The other six teams are yet to announce their plans.
‘2023 F1 launch date’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/01/05...1-launch-date/
Alpine announce 2023 launch date and reveal name of new F1 challenger.
This year's Alpine A523 will be launched on February 16 in London, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
04 January 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Gasly, who joins from AlphaTauri, tested the A522 at Yas Marina Circuit after the 2022 season had concluded, and said at the time: "Firstly, thanks to the entire team for making me feel so welcome over the last two days and I’m feeling ready to begin this next chapter in my career.
"I’m looking forward to visiting everyone at Viry and Enstone, debriefing on this test, before working towards our objectives alongside Esteban for the 2023 season."
The team's CEO Laurent Rossi said that their P4 in the standings in 2022 was an "important" step for the constructors as they look to push on towards fighting for the championship. "I mean, it's always better to finish P4 than P5, no doubt," said Rossi at the end of last season.”
‘February 16 in London’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...L0qSwbtpH.html
Alpine announces launch date for 2023 F1 car
15:14 Wed, 04 Jan 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week
It's nearly time to meet the A523…
Save the date 16.02.23#Alpine #A523 pic.twitter.com/fWMBr20jIH
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) January 4, 2023
‘It's nearly time’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...f-2023-f1-car/
Everything we know about 2023 F1 car launches so far
15:26 Wed, 04 Jan 2023.
By Josh Suttill
The Race
F1 2023 launch dates so far
AlphaTauri – February 11
Aston Martin – February 13
Ferrari – February 14
Alpine – February 16
‘2023 F1 car launches so far’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/2023-...-launch-dates/
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Andretti and Cadillac announce plans to enter Formula 1.
Andretti has formally announced it intends to submit an entry to compete in the Formula 1 world championship in collaboration with General Motors brand Cadillac.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 5th January 2023, 15:535th January 2023, 16:22
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
The two companies plan to submit an Expression of Interest when the FIA begins the process which was announced by president Mohammed Ben Sulayem last week. Its F1 operation would be based in the US with a “support facility” in the UK. “We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what’s next,” said Andretti. “I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula 1 and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans.”
The FIA is yet to confirm how its process for admitting new teams will be structured. Andretti said “we will continue to follow procedures and steps put forth by the FIA during the evaluation process. “In the meantime, we continue to optimistically prepare should we be fortunate enough to have Andretti Cadillac formally approved as a Formula 1 contender.”
Ben Sulayem immediately responded to Andretti’s announcement on social media. “I welcome the news of the Cadillac Andretti partnership and the FIA looks forward to further discussions on the FIA F1 World Championship Expressions of Interest process,” he said. GM president Mark Reuss said the car making giant “is honoured to team with Andretti Global on this historic moment in racing.”
‘Andretti and Cadillac announce plans’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/05/...ter-formula-1/
The four teammate pairings likely to give us drama in F1 2023
5 Jan 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
With the 2023 F1 season fast approaching, Crash.net looks at the four teammate pairings likely to give us drama this year. Red Bull. Before the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, it’s unlikely Red Bull’s pairing of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez would ever be considered for such a list.
Mercedes. In most people’s opinions, including mine, Mercedes have the best driver line-up on the grid. Hamilton is still hungry for an eighth world title, while Russell - at just 24 - feels ready to take his first. Alpine. One team near certain of friction between their teammate pairing is Alpine. Esteban Ocon has a knack of irritating his teammates - ask Perez or Fernando Alonso.
Aston Martin. In performance terms, Alonso and Lance Stroll is a bit of a mis-match, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be drama. Both drivers aren’t afraid to get close with their teammate, backed up by Alonso and Stroll’s incidents with their respective teammates in 2022.
‘Four teammate pairings for drama’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/101...-drama-f1-2023
F1's 2023 race calendar dilemma with China seeking U-turn despite Portugal deal.
China was included on the 2023 race calendar when first announced before being removed in December – now, with Covid restrictions easing, the Asian country wants to be involved again.
17:17, 4 Jan 2023
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror
F1 chiefs made it clear at the time that they were hoping to replace it (Chinese Grand Prix). "Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course," was the closing line of the official statement.
And so, they turned to Portugal. It was one of very few viable options when taking into account logistics, weather and venue availability and, as reported by GPFans, an agreement was struck which would see the F1 circus head to Portimao again.
Problem solved? Well, not quite, because China has since made some pretty big changes. Covid measures are being scrapped across the country from next week with leaders moving away from the controversial zero-Covid policy, despite a significant spike in cases over the past two months.
‘China seeking U-turn despite Portugal deal’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...tugal-28875830
Charles Leclerc will ‘fancy himself’ against Max Verstappen again for F1 2023 title
Thursday 5th January 2023 11:00 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Can Charles Leclerc make an extra step up in 2023? Leclerc was pragmatic about how his 2022 eventually panned out, saying at the FIA’s Prize Giving Gala back in December: “Obviously we’ve seen the images, quite a lot of frustrating moments, but also some some very good ones.
“Obviously, we cannot forget from how far we’ve come. 2020 and 2021 had been two very difficult years for the team, but we kept pushing and it’s still great to finish second this year.
“We didn’t quite make it, but we’ll work harder than ever to try and challenge the Red Bull guys for longer next year and hopefully, come back on top.”
‘Frustrating moments, but also some some very good ones’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...en-2023-fight/
Guenther Steiner ‘cautiously confident’ about Haas success in F1 2023
Wednesday 4th January 2023 10:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
“I think we are in a better place,” Steiner explained on the Beyond The Grid podcast. “In 2018, we had a very good year, ‘19, our car was not up to what we wanted it to be. And then ‘20 came, we quite a few backward hits, I would say, in a very short period of time.
“[In] ‘19, our car wasn’t good. We tried to recover, then 2020 came, we got again, a slap in our face, because we didn’t know if we [could] continue. “And then we had to come up with ‘21 with having two rookie drivers. But now it’s ’22, we’ve made a big step. So I think in one or two years, our aim is to be where we left off in ‘18.”
Haas have expanded their staff with a new base set up at Maranello, led by former Ferrari chief designer Simone Resta, who came on board as the team’s technical director. Guenther Steiner believes the gelling process among new staff at Haas will stand them in good stead for the 2023 season.
‘Cautiously confident’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...-2023-success/
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The Andretti Autosport/ Cadillac website announcement.
https://www.andrettiautosport.com/ne...nfK9H9ew5ktaFs
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Andretti-Cadillac announcement gets a cooler reception from F1 than FIA.
“Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA,” the spokesperson (commercial rights holder) added.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 5th January 2023, 17:34 | Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
But while Ben Sulayem was quick to claim credit for the interest on the behalf of the governing body, the reaction from the commercial rights holder was decidedly cooler. A spokesperson noted other potential new entrants have been in discussions with the series. “There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others,” they said. “We all want to ensure the championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders.”
Andretti previously made attempts to take over existing teams. However it came up short in its pursuit of Force India in 2018, which was purchased by Lawrence Stroll and turned into Aston Martin, and Sauber in 2021, as it was unable to reach a satisfactory agreement.
Since then Michael Andretti’s operation has focused its energies on entering as a new team. However the existing competitors fear the expansion of the grid may dilute the value of the existing competitors. For this reason F1 introduced a rule requiring new teams to pay a $200 million “anti-dilution” charge on entering in 2021. Nonetheless, many team bosses reacted cautiously to the possibility of Andretti joining the grid.
‘A cooler reception’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/05/...m-f1-than-fia/
F1 chiefs issue blunt response to Andretti-Cadillac link-up ahead of possible new team.
Responding to the major announcement that Andretti had sealed a deal with Cadillac ahead of their planned F1 entry, the sport issued a tepid statement to temper the excitement.
18:57, 5 Jan 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror
Formula 1 bosses moved to make it clear they would have the final say over any new team after Andretti Autosport announced its link-up with Cadillac. But even though all signs now point to a successful Andretti bid, F1 chiefs have served a timely reminder that their place on the future grid is not guaranteed. "There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others," a statement read.
Though those "not as visible" bids were not named, there have been plenty of automotive brands and private projects linked with F1. Porsche remain interested despite the collapse of their Red Bull deal, while carmakers as diverse as Ford, Hyundai and BMW have been named as possible interested parties. Hong Kong billionaire Calvin Lo wants to bankroll a new Asian team and recently spoke to Mirror Sport about his plans.
And he is not the only interested party from the East, with the Panthera Team Asia project also raising funds to submit a bid to the FIA. There is space on the grid – current rules allow for up to 26 cars per race, meaning there is room for 13 teams. But whether or not the existing 10 would give their blessing to any new outfit under current dilution legislation is a questions which remains unanswered.
‘Tepid statement’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ponse-28885772
F1 issues stern response in wake of Andretti and Cadillac partnership
Thursday 5th January 2023 5:15 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Formula 1 issued a reminder that new entrants require their agreement as well as the FIA’s, in the wake of Andretti announcing its partnership with General Motors to launch a bid to get into the sport.
“There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others,” read Formula 1’s statement.
“We all want to ensure the championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders.
“Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA.”
‘Stern response’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-res...c-partnership/
Podcast: Why Andretti and Cadillac’s F1 bid is so compelling
21:57 Thu, 05 Jan 2022.
The Race
We explain why the Andretti and General Motors Cadillac Formula 1 team bid is so compelling in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.
Scott Mitchell-Malm and Jack Benyon join Edd Straw to examine how the new team will work and the background behind this new alliance.
Andretti’s plans to have facilities in both North America and Europe, and the progress it’s made with recruitment are discussed.
We also evaluate the chances of it actually getting an F1 entry, and what it means for potential driver Colton Herta.
‘So compelling’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/podca...so-compelling/
Andretti Cadillac F1 bid won’t use GM power
Friday 6th January, 2023 - 11:15am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe
The joint effort between Cadillac and Andretti Global to enter F1 will not use a General Motors power unit. There remains no clarity on when, or even if Andretti Cadillac would enter the sport. “It’s going to depend on the Expression of Interest, how long that takes, and where we are at the time,” Andretti said of a potential entry date.
“But we are going to be on track as soon as it all makes sense to be on track. It is still an FIA Series,” he added when if support from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was enough to get the new team on the grid. “The President has definitely showed that you really would like to have an 11th team at least on the grid.”
“He is a racer and he understands the importance of that for the series itself. We feel very confident that, once the Expression of Interest goes out, especially having a great partnership with Cadillac, we have a very, very, very good shot at checking every box and being able to be on the grid soon.”
‘Expression of Interest’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/01/06...-use-gm-power/
Why F1 would be foolish to reject Andretti Cadillac entry
Thursday 5 January 2023 16:06 - Updated: 16:10
Ewan Gale
GPFans
Andretti Global has made its desire to join the F1 grid well-known over the past 12 months but whilst initial pushes were met with resistance, this latest development threatens significantly alters the landscape.
Such worries were behind the $200million anti-dilution fee introduced in the last Concorde Agreement, which aims to protect the loss of financial input teams receive from F1 in prize money, given an 11th team would take a share of the existing fund. So how has the announcement of a collaboration with Cadillac changed Andretti's F1 outlook?
What the present teams had suggested, notably Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, is that a powerhouse manufacturer would allay any dilution fears due to the value the name itself would add to the sport, increasing revenue worldwide.
‘Foolish to reject Andretti Cadillac entry’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/99...entry-foolish/
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McLaren confirm February 13th launch date for MCL37.
McLaren will launch their 2023 Formula 1 contender, the MCL37, at the McLaren Technology Centre on February 13th.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 6th January 2023, 15:10
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans
The launch will be broadcast online from 5pm local time. The Mercedes-powered machine will be driven by Lando Norris and F1 rookie Oscar Piastri, who has been signed after Daniel Ricciardo was dropped by the team a year before his contract with them was due to end.
The new car will be unveiled by the drivers and Andrea Stella, who took over as McLaren’s team principal last month when Andreas Seidl left for Sauber.
McLaren is going into their third year with Mercedes as power unit supplier, a relationship which has resulted in one win and five other podium finishes since it started in 2021. However the team has only visited the podium once in the last 30 grands prix.
‘McLaren confirm February 13th launch date’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/06/...ate-for-mcl37/
McLaren latest to confirm 2023 F1 launch plans.
It will unveil its new package at the McLaren Technology Centre on February 13.
06/01/2023, 15:11
by Phillip Horton
Motorsport Week
McLaren is the latest team to confirm the launch plans for its 2023 Formula 1 programme. It is the first confirmed case of two teams launching their 2023 cars on the same day, with Aston Martin also due to unveil its new package on February 13.
McLaren enters 2023 with a revised driver pairing after recruiting rookie Oscar Piastri to partner the experienced Lando Norris.
‘McLaren Launch’;
https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/?search=...rchheadlines=1
McLaren sneakily gives away launch date
Friday 6 January 2023 13:36 - Updated: 14:12
Ewan Gale
GPFans
McLaren has sneakily revealed the launch date of the new MCL37. The Woking-based team will hope to build from a disappointing first year under F1's new technical regulations, where it fell backward in the constructors' championship to finish behind rivals Alpine in fifth.
But the launch date for the challenger tasked with taking McLaren back into the fight for regular podiums has been revealed, although you would have to search through a recent social media post - and then zoom in on an image - to find it.
Within a selection of pictures posted by the team, a post-it note on a computer reads "Launch deadline, 13.02".
‘McLaren sneakily gave away launch date
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/99...3-launch-date/
Brown: Closing gap to top three is McLaren's 2023 aim
04/01/2023 at 15:58
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
McLaren CEO Zak Brown says that his team is focussing on closing the gap to the top three teams in the Formula 1 constructors championship next season and stopping their recent downward slide in the standings.
McLaren was third in 2020, a season which saw a particularly poor performance from Ferrari. The following season they dropped to fourth, and in 2022 they were also pipped by Alpine by 14 points.
That left them in fifth overall, a long way from where McLaren wants to be. Dismissing the challenge from Alpine, Brown said that the target for this season would be to catch up to Mercedes and cutting the gap to the top-placed teams.
‘: Closing gap to top three’;
https://f1i.com/news/463705-brown-cl...-2023-aim.html
McLaren target fourth place in 2023 after “disappointing” fall to fifth
2022 F1 season
Posted on 31st December 2022, 12:3631st December 2022, 12:37
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says the team’s fall to fifth place in the constructors’ championship in 2022 was a “disappointing” result. Brown admitted he was dissatisfied with McLaren’s outcome for the season. “[It was a] tough season, for sure,” he told Speedcafe. “Fifth is disappointing coming off of fourth and, prior to that, a third.
“We had our challenges. We definitely had some good weekends – a nice podium by Lando. Then of course, we really struggled to come to grips with Daniel to maximise his performance. So as you guys are well aware that was difficult through, really, the entire season in the media that was around that.” McLaren lured Oscar Piastri away from Alpine, where he was a reserve driver, to replace Ricciardo next year.
“We have two data points that we pay most attention to: One is how close are we to the the team that’s winning and, if that team is not Mercedes, our other data point – given what a great team Mercedes is and we share the same engine – is how close are we to Mercedes,” Brown explained.
‘McLaren target fourth place’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/31/...fall-to-fifth/
