2024 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

[Fortitude]

Bottas pleased with Kick Sauber’s pace progress as Zhou rues ‘disappointing start of the year’ after Japan DNF.
There were mixed emotions for the Kick Sauber team at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Valtteri Bottas taking the positives from the squad’s improvement in pace while Zhou Guanyu was left disappointed after having to retire with a mechanical problem.
10 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Bottas ended up near the back of this pack and, after trying to find a way past the Haas of Kevin Magnussen, eventually crossed the line in P14. While this means that Kick Sauber are still yet to score a point in 2024, the 10-time race winner was left feeling optimistic about the car’s speed.

“Honestly it was a positive day in terms of the pace overall,” Bottas commented after the race “We did stop quite early on the second stop, and actually [at the] same time with all the others.”

“Unfortunately we ended up behind all the cars that we were racing, so then basically for the rest of the race I was stuck behind Kevin [Magnussen], who had really high top speed, so I couldn’t really find a way around him. But pace-wise I think it’s better than what the result is.”

‘Disappointing start of the year’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...GHO72EEvyDwXr6


‘Pace was better than the result’ says Bottas after P14 finish in Japan
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Valtteri Bottas insisted there were positives for Kick Sauber at Suzuka, despite their points drought continuing.

‘Pace was better than the result’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...839387677.html


Bottas eyes escape from ruinous Stake F1 problem
Stake F1's recurring problems could be about to end.
13 April 11:23AM
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

The team was not able to react to the issue until it was first detected in testing, but after four races, Bottas feels a turn could be on offer in F1's return to Shanghai. "It is an issue that was kind of there, we didn't know before the season that it would be an issue, and it is not a quick fix," he said.

"But there is 100% a fix planned, hopefully for China, but it is still not 100%. Even before the Bahrain test, it was not a big concern, but in the test, we started to see some issues.”

Bottas was on course for a points finish in Australia, before a slow stop ruined his chances as he came home in 14th place on a strong weekend for the 10-time grand prix winner, but he defended the team. "We are in this together, and I was disappointed, the whole team was disappointed," he added. "These things shouldn't happen, but we are taking it seriously and it is a priority to get it sorted."

‘There is 100% a fix planned’;

https://racingnews365.com/bottas-eye...ake-f1-problem


Bullish Bottas: ‘We can absolutely fight for points’
06 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Valtteri Bottas will start the Japanese Grand Prix from P13 on the grid, but is confident of being in the battle for a top 10 finish – assuming Kick Sauber have no more pit stop problems.

‘We can absolutely fight for points’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...809749654.html


Valtteri Bottas 2025 contract chances remain uncertain
April 12, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

Valtteri Bottas is fighting to stay on the Formula 1 grid, but his options are slowly shrinking. There are only three drivers on the 2024 F1 grid with more accolades than Valtteri Bottas. The Finn has taken 10 race victories and 67 podiums in his career, with the majority coming during his five-year Mercedes stint. After a euphoric debut with Alfa Romeo Sauber in 2022, Bottas faces a series of challengers to his seat.

So far in 2024, misfortune has plagued Bottas in his campaign with Sauber. A generally uninspiring C44 machine has made points difficult to attain. Even worse, the Swiss-based team continues to struggle with pit-stop issues. Their equipment is still causing stops that put the 34-year-old out of points contention.

Limited options for Bottas. Fundamentally, the former Mercedes driver is in a race against time to keep his F1 career alive. Perhaps most frustratingly, his machinery will make it difficult to secure the landmark results necessary to convince rivals. His performances to start the 2024 campaign have been impressive – but this may not be enough in such a hotly contested market.

‘2025 contract chances remain uncertain’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...ain-uncertain/

[Fortitude]

Williams face F1 budget cap issue after £1.5m crash damage in fresh Alex Albon blow.
With outdated infrastructure and the need to get its 2024 car ready on time for the start of the season, Williams took a gamble and didn't build a spare chassis. However, that backfired at last month's Australian Grand Prix when Alex Albon crashed in practice.
12:59 Tue, 09 Apr 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

When Sargeant crashed in practice at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, they would have been fearing the worst. Fortunately, there was no damage done to the chassis - but Albon smashed up the other one on race day when he and Daniel Ricciardo hit the barrier on the first lap. That chassis has been sent back to Williams' UK base to again be repaired, further delaying production of the spare.

Even more concerningly for the team, the repair costs have already spiralled to a seven-figure amount that looks likely to have significant repercussions on the rest of the season. Like all F1 teams, Williams left a cushion when it made its pre-season budget cap calculations to account for crash damage. What they would not have expected is to have already racked up such a huge bill after only the first four rounds of a 24-race season.

Williams have made significant commercial strides in recent times and so have the financial power to deal with the unexpected expense. The team is working with former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon on that front - he has been brought in as a commercial adviser to the board.

‘£1.5m crash damage’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...geant-32545534


Jolyon Palmer's Analysis: Williams' woes in Suzuka | Workday
09 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

F1 TV's Jolyon Palmer looks at Logan Sargeant and Alex Albon's crashes in Japan as the Williams team's troubles continued. For more analysis subscribe to F1 TV.

‘Analysis’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...200219476.html


Three crashes in two races taking an “enormous” toll on Williams – Vowles
8th April 2024, 8:20
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

The latest crash suffered by a Williams driver will delay their upgrade programme later in the season. Team principal James Vowles admitted that was an inevitable consequence of Alexander Albon’s first-lap crash with Daniel Ricciardo in yesterday’s Japanese Grand Prix. “The last two weeks have been tough,” Vowles told the official F1 channel. “I think, take any team, to have three major accidents where you pretty much take out all the equipment on the car is enormous.

“Taking that across the season, you can deal with it. Taking it across just a few races, it’s difficult and the impact of it will be what you expect. We’re making spares as quickly as possible in the background but ultimately performance will have an impact on that. We can’t bring as many updates. The updates that were on the car, unfortunately, are broken. So we’ve got to build those stocks back up and get going again.”

‘Three crashes in two races’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/08/...lliams-vowles/


The brutal cost of Williams's shocking F1 crash streak
Apr 9, 2024
by Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Three big crashes, two damaged chassis and no spare car adds up to a brutal cost for the Williams Formula 1 team that goes beyond a bill of more than $2million. This is well beyond the worst outcome Williams would have expected for the start of 2024 even though it knowingly took a big gamble ahead of the new season.

THE BRUTAL COST: The situation was so precarious even before Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, that Albon claims during his crash he was consciously thinking about how bad it would be for Williams while he was still heading for the wall.

Unsurprisingly the cost is enormous. The repairs, the replacement floors and wings and suspension components, at least two new gearboxes, the unexpected need to transport the chassis - it all adds up, and the three accidents are likely to cost Williams well over $2million once the full extent of Albon’s Suzuka crash is understood.

‘THE BRUTAL COST’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/w...lbon-sargeant/


Williams on the brink: Chassis & spare parts nightmare for China
10:00 Mon, 08 Apr 2024.
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news

In the lead-up to the next Formula 1 event in China, a cloud of concern looms over the Williams team, as Alex Albon voices grave apprehensions about the team’s capability to recuperate from a series of setbacks. Williams’ early journey through the 2024 season so far has been marred by a relentless series of mishaps, including delays, a critical shortage of chassis and spare parts, along with significant crash damage.

James Vowles, the team boss, acknowledged the precarious situation, admitting that the construction of a third chassis is still “A long way away.” This poses a significant challenge for the team as they also grapple with dwindling supplies of crucial spare components, including front and rear wings. Vowles elaborated on the team’s multifaceted efforts, emphasizing that the focus is not solely on the chassis but also on managing spare parts and updates to ensure continuity in their operations.

‘On the brink’;

https://grandpx.news/williams-on-the...are-for-china/


Formula 1: Why Williams find themselves in even deeper trouble
Only four races into the 2024 Formula 1 season, Williams appear to be in serious trouble already, and it could greatly hurt them later on.
Apr 9, 2024
By Siddharth Bharani-Dharan
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)

What could happen later on? Williams not having the availability for the parts they need will prove to be a challenge going forward. As of right now, they are in a race against time to repair the chassis Albon used in Japan. The damage was reported to be serious after the 28-year-old’s crash with Daniel Ricciardo on the opening lap.

There is no guarantee this chassis will be repaired in time for the Chinese Grand Prix in less than two weeks. In addition, Williams have had to shift their focus to repairs rather than upgrades. Vowles had also stated that the team’s current supply of parts is nearly wiped out.

Additionally, Williams were expected to get an extra chassis for the season by the Miami Grand Prix in early May. That could be delayed due to the existing chassis repairs that must be done first. Another hardship Williams have been facing is the use of their budget for repairs and parts rather than upgrades.

‘No guarantee this chassis will be repaired in time’;

https://beyondtheflag.com/posts/form...e-01htzgcgpynp


Revealed: The cost to the budget cap of Williams’ crash damage
James Vowles details how Williams can recover from expensive damage
08 Apr 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

The total cost to the team is in excess of $2m, according to The Race. That is expenditure which must come out of Williams’ budget cap. The budget for every team is $135m in 2024. From that money, Williams and their rivals must pay for all parts on their cars, everything required to run the car, team personnel, garages and spare items.

The chassis from Albon’s car will be sent back to the HQ in the UK before being shipped to China, where the fifth round of the season will be staged in two weeks’ time. Williams only possess two chassis. The production of a spare has been delayed by the damage accrued this season. Team principal James Vowles admitted many crucial parts have been destroyed: “Hopefully, we can recycle some of those bits. But, no, they’re pretty much gone.”

‘Production of a spare has been delayed’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104660...s-crash-damage


What’s going on at Williams? Crunch time for James Vowles as pressure mounts
09 Apr 2024 7:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

James Vowles has talked the talk but now it is time, if you will, to chassis the chassis and spare the spare as while the team was the butt of many a meme in Japan, this is his first big test as Williams’ team boss.

Speaking even before pre-season testing, before even the first F1 car had put in a single lap in a shakedown, Vowles said Williams would be “late” to the on-track party. But it was, he implied, a well-thought-out and conscious decision. Blah, blah, “chassis technology is different”, blah, blah, “pushing everything to the limits”, and then perhaps more telling “challenged us to push ourselves beyond where we wanted to be”.

‘Pressure mounts’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/ja...team-principal

[Fortitude]

Esteban Ocon shouts at Alpine engineer after fuming at Gasly over Japanese GP collision.
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon lost his cool with his race engineer at the Japanese GP after being told to "push now" after a collision with teammate Pierre Gasly. The coming together happened on the second restart at Suzuka after the race was red-flagged on Lap 1 as VCARB ace Daniel Ricciardo and Williams' Alex Albon ended up in the tyre barrier heading into Turn 2.
08:15, Sun, Apr 7, 2024
By Joshua Mbu
Daily and Sunday Express

Alpine's struggles continued in Japan as the team went without points again and nearly suffered a double DNF as their drivers collided. "Pierre gave me a hit at the side, let me know if it's okay," Ocon fumed. As the race progressed with the team still lacking behind its rivals, an Alpine race engineer later told Ocon: "OK Esteban we need to push now please, push now."

However, the race engineer's insistence only irritated Ocon. Alpine has been one of the worst cars on the grid in 2024 and is yet to score a point this season, and tensions are boiling over. "I am pushing what are you talking about!" Ocon snapped back.

‘Alpine's struggles’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ly-Japanese-GP


Esteban Ocon fumes at Pierre Gasly as Alpine F1 team-mates collide at Japanese GP
Alpine have endured a wretched start to the 2024 F1 season and moods at the Enstone team will not have been boosted by a touch between drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at Suzuka
07:08 Sun, 07 Apr 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Esteban Ocon accused team-mate Pierre Gasly of hitting into his car in a terse radio message at the Japanese Grand Prix. The front-right tyre of Ocon's car hit into the sidepod of the other Alpine, while Gasly's rear-left returned the favour. And the contact left the former very unimpressed and clearly of the opinion that his fellow Frenchman was at fault.

"Pierre gave me a hit at the side, let me know if it's okay," he yelled over the radio. He would have been relieved when race engineer Josh Peckett informed him that, from what the team could see, there had been no damage done.

It was clear that they had both been far more fortunate than the two drivers who were already out of the race. Ricciardo and Albon's touch was very slight but enough to send them both off track and into the tyre wall at Turn 2.

‘Esteban Ocon fumes’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...lpine-32529334


Near disaster for Alpine as Ocon and Gasly collide
Sunday 7 April 2024 08:45, UK
Sky Sports

Alpine team-mates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly collided with each other during the Japanese Grand Prix.

‘Near disaster’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...-gasly-collide


Ocon reveals he picked up damage after contact with team mate Gasly on Lap 1
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Esteban Ocon finished P15 in Japan and described the race as “very tricky” – not least because he damaged his car after making contact with his Alpine team mate Pierre Gasly on the opening lap.

“Very tricky”;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...341987621.html


Alpine crisis: Could this be the end of their current F1 lineup?
April 8, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news

Acknowledging the looming possibility that either or both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly might part ways with the embattled squad by year-end, Alpine has braced itself for such an outcome. The Renault-backed team, despite its official partnership, found itself lagging with the season’s slowest vehicle post-winter tests.

Upgrades, including a new front wing and much-needed weight cuts, were introduced at Suzuka, though Sunday’s race revealed negligible improvement in Ocon and Gasly’s performance.

“We were very aggressive on strategy,” Ocon disclosed to Canal Plus, “and we were in the game with the others at one point. But we weren’t fast enough to keep them behind. It was a good test to see exactly where we are,” he continued.

‘Alpine crisis’;

https://grandpx.news/alpine-crisis-c...ent-f1-lineup/


Alpine prepared to lose both drivers for 2025
Alpine is "prepared" for the eventuality that Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly - or both - will abandon the crisis-struck team at the end of the year.
10:07 Mon, 08 Apr 2024.
GrandPrix.com

Team boss Bruno Famin says the next updates will only be added to the car in Miami, and insists that he is also trying to install “a better process and a better organisation” at the Viry and Enstone factories.

Both Ocon and Gasly, however, might clearly accept any offers to jump ship for 2025 - potentially good news for the rookie reserve driver, Jack Doohan. “I think he has been trained and he will be trained this year with quite a long testing program”, Famin said. "We are going to start soon because we need a car, we need a chassis to run that program.”

“After that, the driver market is going to be very dynamic”, he admitted. "Right now, I can say that we are happy with the drivers we have. But we are prepared for any scenario. Jack needs to test to keep growing - let's see what his future will be. But it's a bit early to answer that question.”

‘Alpine is prepared’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpin...-for-2025.html


Gasly rode out ‘very difficult' Japanese GP with damaged Alpine
08:45 Tue, 09 Apr 2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

"I had an amazing first start, I managed to move up three positions,” Gasly recounted after the race.
"The second start was very good, I managed to pass Esteban and get alongside Yuki and then unfortunately, I got sandwiched – Yuki turning left, Esteban right, and [he] ultimately touched me on the left side of my floor.”

"After that, I was down something like 40 points of downforce, that it was pretty much game over – I was trying to stay out there, hoping for another red flag to make changes. It was just a racing incident, but it cost us a lot. It was a very long, very difficult afternoon."

“I got sandwiched”;

https://f1i.com/news/504934-gasly-ro...ed-alpine.html


ALPINE SALE RUMOURS EMERGE AMID KEY RENAULT DEMAND
Alpine’s disappointing start to the Formula 1 season has already fuelled talk that its parent company Renault could consider offers to sell the squad.
Apr 10, 2024, 12:10 PM
Motorsport.com

However, according to information gathered in recent weeks, any possible sale of the outfit would likely be on the condition that any new owner would continue to use Renault engine power for the foreseeable future.

The opening four races of the 2024 season have confirmed Alpine is in a difficult spot, with it standing last in the constructors’ championship on zero points with Sauber and Williams.

However, it appears to be the least competitive out of the three and, to make matters worse, it is not a customer outfit but a full-on works squad with car giant Renault behind it.

‘ALPINE SALE RUMOURS EMERGE’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...mand/10597127/


ALPINE F1 TEAM RESPONDS TO RUMOURS OF A POTENTIAL SALE
Enstone team's future has been the subject of speculation following disastrous start to 2024
April 10, 2024
James Phillips
FormulaNerds

Alpine responded to the rumours as they quickly gained traction, confirming the team is not for sale. As reported by PlanetF1, an Alpine spokesperson said:

“The rumours and stories about the team being for sale are false.
The team is categorically not for sale.”

What were the rumours? Speculation first began to emerge on Wednesday morning when motorsport.com stated a sale of Alpine was potentially on the cards. No interested parties were listed.

‘False rumours’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/al...otential-sale/

[Fortitude]

‘Not on owner’s bestseller list’ – Williams boss James Vowles subject of surprise scathing criticism.
Williams team principal James Vowles has been told to look in the mirror after a difficult and expensive start to F1 2024 which will have left owner Dorilton Capital far from impressed.
14 Apr 2024 9:13 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

This claim is coming from a former Williams driver in Ralf Schumacher, who knows all about achieving success with the Grove-based team, as all six of his career wins came with Williams during their BMW partnership.

“I think Vowles has to look at himself a bit now,” Schumacher told Sky Germany. “I wouldn’t be surprised that he’s not necessarily on [the Williams] owner’s bestseller list.”

In the opinion of Schumacher, Sargeant is “overwhelmed” and it is time for him to consider life after Formula 1. “You have to be fair, he’s definitely gotten closer to Albon. But he just makes too many mistakes,” said Schumacher. “That’s evident in that he runs over the car.”

‘Surprise scathing criticism’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/willia...alf-schumacher


The true cost of F1 crashes: Williams’ new upgrade battle unveiled
April 15, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news

Williams’ ongoing challenges this season are significantly disrupting their development strategy for the 2024 car. The accumulation of crashes involving Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant has depleted the team’s inventory of spare components and necessitated urgent repairs to the chassis, as well as the urgent fabrication of an additional monocoque.

When questioned about the frequent accidents involving the drivers, team principal James Vowles stated, “It’s a strong question – one to ask the drivers.” “Probably the most important thing is the fact that in the last two races we lost a number of floors, rear wings, front wings,” revealed Vowles, as reported by France’s Auto Hebdo.

He further mentioned that the chaos has extended to damaging suspension components and gearboxes. “It’s a very long list and so difficult to keep pace with the quantity of spare parts we need while working on developments in the background,” he explained.

‘Disrupting their development strategy’;

https://grandpx.news/the-true-cost-o...ttle-unveiled/


'Williams way' required amid spare chassis struggles – Albon
Alex Albon has accepted that Williams are in a difficult position especially given they remain without a spare chassis.
15 April 2:50PM
Nick Golding & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Alex Albon has accepted that it has become the "Williams way" to perform repair "miracles", with the team still being without a spare chassis. "Obviously, we haven't had a great start to the season," Albon conceded to select media including RacingNews365.

"With everything going as well, we've been on the backfoot. But it's always been kind of the Williams way that everyone digs deep and genuinely produces miracles to get cars built, prepared and ready on time. So unfortunately, we're going to have to rely on that for a little bit longer as well now.”

“But there is definite character building along the whole factory, across the whole factory. It's a tough, tough time, and obviously frustrating for everyone. I feel like we're in a tough place. And now it's just staying motivated and hungry and driven to bounce back."

‘Everyone digs deep and genuinely produces miracles’;

https://racingnews365.com/albon-acce...e-williams-way


Williams reportedly exploring alternatives to Logan Sargeant
April 14, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

Logan Sargeant is understood to be at risk of losing his Williams seat. Logan Sargeant must produce results if he is to convince Williams that he deserves a contract extension. Despite James Vowles consistently defending the American driver’s performances last season, his future at the team is not guaranteed. A combination of factors indicates that Williams is looking at other options in the market.

Williams exploring alternatives. Reports indicate that Williams is evaluating alternatives in the market ahead of 2025. This is hardly a surprise, considering the volume of high-calibre drivers available. Several options could bolster the team’s line-up in Formula 1 and Formula 2.

Putting aside the relatively unlikely possibility of Mercedes sending Kimi Antonelli to Grove for a season or two, James Vowles could turn to more experienced drivers – including former Williams driver Valtteri Bottas. The 10-time race winner could be replaced as Audi begins to stamp its authority in Sauber’s lineup. If Sauber does not retain him, the seasoned veteran will become.

‘Exploring alternatives’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...ogan-sargeant/


Jacques Villeneuve: Williams Racing Headed In ‘Right Direction’
Apr 15, 2024,08:00am EDT
Michael LoRé
Forbes

“They’re moving in the right direction and that’s super exciting to see because all of those years were really hard to watch,” said Villeneuve, a FIA Hall of Fame inductee. “Having won with Williams, and Williams has been such a big name in the racing industry, it was hard to see how they went down, but now to see it’s gradually going back up and in the right direction is fantastic.”

“Consistency is very important. Maybe there’s a little bit less pressure on the drivers now since the team seems to be in a more sound place,” Villeneuve said. “A lot depends on how the two drivers work together, which is something that’s very difficult to see from the outside.”

“If they have a similar driving style, then it will be much easier because they can help the engineers evolve the cars in the same direction. If you have two drivers who drive completely differently, then it will become more difficult to develop the car. They seem to get along very well. They seem to be working together very well.”

‘Gradually going back up’;

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michael...ght-direction/

[Fortitude]

Honda say Aston Martin must sign drivers “we need to win”.
Honda wants Aston Martin to select the best possible driver combination for the 2026 season.
April 14, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, emphasised that driver quality is the priority. Watanabe also explained there have been (and will be in the future) extensive conversations with Aston Martin about driver selection for 2026:

“We had many conversations with Aston Martin regarding our partnership starting from 2026,” he told motorsport.com. “During that time, we exchanged opinions about drivers too, and we shared an understanding between us and Aston Martin – that Alonso was definitely a top-class driver.”

“Aston Martin asked us if there would be any problems from Honda if they extended Alonso’s contract. The situation was shared at various stages. But Honda did not make any requests regarding this matter. In any case, we should naturally discuss what kind of driver line-up we need to win.”

“We need to win”;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...e-need-to-win/


Aston Martin can dream of bold Max Verstappen move after Honda chief’s emotional plea
Honda has underpinned Max Verstappen's success in F1, helping the Red Bull star to three Drivers' Championship titles.
06:01, Sun, Apr 14, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Aston Martin can dream of bringing Max Verstappen to their team after the 2026 technical regulation changes following emotional comments from Honda president Koji Watanabe. The Japanese engine manufacturers have contributed to the Dutchman’s F1 success to date but will soon be switching from Red Bull to the Silverstone-based outfit.

Discussing their relationship with Verstappen, Watanabe told Motorsport.com: "I don’t think that day will come within a very short period of time, but if both continue their Formula One activities in the future then we hope that we can work together again one day.

‘Bold Max Verstappen move’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...n-Martin-Honda


Honda opens new UK base ahead of its corporation with Aston Martin
Mar 2024, 21:00
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Honda has announced that it has established a new Formula One base in the UK as it gears up its preparation for the switch from Red Bull to Aston Martin.

Honda have now confirmed that they will establish a new UK base:"This new company has been founded to primarily perform post-race maintenance and preparation tasks on the Honda built F1 power units (PUs), whilst also operating as a logistics operation for the European region. The establishment of HRC UK will further enhance the effectiveness of Honda’s PU operations, in support of the partnership with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team."

Following the establishment of the new company in the UK, HRC will start the recruitment of engineers, technicians and staff members for the new company from Spring 2024.

‘New UK base’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/24466


Aston Martin insider shuts down notion Lance Stroll could quit F1
Suggestions that Lance Stroll could quit F1 have been rubbished by an insider from Aston Martin.
15 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa insists there is no reason that Lance Stroll would quit F1. Speaking on the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Damon Hill indicated that he felt Carlos Sainz could still end up at Aston Martin, despite Alonso’s recent contract renewal.

“The idea that Carlos would displace Fernando, I’m not sure if he’s got the nerve to do that,” the 1996 F1 world champion joked. “But anyway, I think that Pedro is the person to correct me on this one, but maybe Lance, if he decides to go and play tennis or something, two Spanish drivers would be a very strong team at Aston Martin.”

Hill was indeed corrected by de la Rosa, who argued: “Why should Lance not continue, Damon? I mean, there’s every reason to continue in the team with all the projects, and that’s the reason why Fernando decided to stay. So he’s had two incredible races in Jeddah and Australia where there was some parts of the race that he was faster than Fernando. He finished behind him. Well, in fact, in Australia, in front of him. So, I mean, come on.”

‘Rubbished by an insider from Aston Martin’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104690...-could-quit-f1


Ex-F1 driver leaps to defence of Lance Stroll as Aston Martin exit rumours swirl
13 Apr 2024 12:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Pedro de la Rosa stressed that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll is the best Aston Martin driver line-up possible, as 1996 World Champion Damon Hill gave fresh momentum to the Carlos Sainz in, Stroll out speculation.

If they are to make that progress, further doubts have arisen over Stroll’s suitability for the task, ex-F1 driver Christian Danner and BBC F1 commentator Harry Benjamin among those sounding the alarm bells, while Hill now has advocated that an Alonso and Sainz pairing would be “very strong” for Aston Martin.

De la Rosa, who now serves as an Aston Martin ambassador, indeed chose to correct Hill, as he stressed that there is no reason why Stroll would want to quit F1, nor grounds to remove him from the team which is owned by his father Lawrence Stroll.

‘Leaps to defence of Lance Stroll’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/pedro-...-martin-future


Aston Martin expected to extend Lance Stroll contract
April 15, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

When considering the volume of talented drivers available, Aston Martin could make a statement ahead of 2026. Carlos Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda are among the drivers who the Silverstone-based team could sign. As a three-time race winner, Sainz has proven to be within touching distance of the exceptionally talented Charles Leclerc in recent seasons. Undoubtedly, he could improve Aston’s results and simultaneously raise the team’s profile. In a similar vein, Tsunoda’s arrival would make sense from a long-term standpoint. Not only is the 23-year-old performing at a very high level, but his presence in a Honda-powered team would certainly be a commercial boost.

Aston Martin still committed to Stroll. Despite this potent new variable, the Silverstone-based team’s commitment to Lance Stroll seems unwavering. According to a report from RACER, Mike Krack’s team have cited the Canadian’s “technical feedback” as extremely valuable. This quality – which is obviously impossible to measure from the outside – emphasises that Aston has no shortage of reasons at the ready to justify Stroll’s presence in the team.

‘Lance Stroll contract’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...roll-contract/


‘Can Lance Stroll do that?’ – Ex-F1 driver questions Stroll’s contribution to Aston Martin
12 Apr 2024 1:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Showing “little” in the way of development, former F1 driver Christian Danner has questioned whether Lance Stroll is the right team-mate for Fernando Alonso going forward. The team made no mention of his team-mate but Stroll is expected, unless he makes the call to quit, to continue in 2025 given his father Lawrence owns the team.

Danner doesn’t believe that is the right move for the team who last season finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship but would’ve been fourth had Stroll scored even half Alonso’s points, P3 had he matched him. “Lance Stroll is definitely not very consistently fast, although he’s decently quick every now and then,” the 73-year-old told Motorsport Magazin.

“Aston Martin has worked its way out of the midfield to be near the front. If you have a McLaren with you, if you want to attack a Norris and a Piastri, then you don’t just need one top driver, but two. The question is of course justified, can Lance Stroll do that?”

‘Can Lance Stroll do that?’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/can-la...s-contribution

[Fortitude]

F1 winner questions if Ferrari are ‘regretting’ Lewis Hamilton-Carlos Sainz decision.
Will Ferrari regret their decision to let Carlos Sainz go? That question has been posed by a former F1 race winner.
16 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Former F1 driver Mark Webber has questioned whether Ferrari may be “regretting” their decision to drop Carlos Sainz for Lewis Hamilton. “Look if you can’t get motivated because you don’t have a contract in your top pocket, you’re in strife,” eight-time grand prix winner Webber told C4.

“I think he’s a man on a mission now, he’s got the bit between his teeth, and obviously he’s driving brilliantly. Ferrari, you know, are they regretting their move?”

However, ex-F1 driver turned pundit and commentator Martin Brundle feels it is a pointless debate as he assessed Ferrari’s decision on the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast. “There’s no point Ferrari looking over their shoulder and wondering that. They made their decision, they wanted Lewis in the car, they’ve got him and they’ll make the most of it.”

‘Questions if Ferrari are regretting’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104691...n-carlos-sainz


‘I don’t see much good anymore’ – Dutch pundit’s Lewis Hamilton ‘past his prime’ verdict
15 Apr 2024 7:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Hamilton has recorded his worst-ever start to a Formula 1 season with just ten points in four Grands Prix, while the team is only a point ahead of Aston Martin in the fight for fourth place.

“It’s all just so bad,” Dutch racing driver Michael Bleekemolen told RacingNews365. “I think he’s past his prime. Things aren’t going well for him either. I don’t see much point in him anymore.” And it won’t get better when he joins Ferrari with Bleekemolen saying:

“Maybe he will end up in the top two or three again, that could just be possible. That won’t be easy, but it would be nice. I just don’t think it’s going to happen.” As for whether Hamilton could still win a record-breaking eighth World, he simply said: “No.”

‘Past his prime’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/i-dont...-prime-verdict


Alain Prost assesses Lewis Hamilton motivation in Max Verstappen Red Bull roadblock theory
16 Apr 2024 11:30 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Four-time World Champion Alain Prost believes Lewis Hamilton could re-find his motivation at Ferrari, theorising that the presence of Max Verstappen is what made a Red Bull move impossible.

Discussing Hamilton’s Ferrari move with Sports Illustrated, Prost said: “I can understand his decision because obviously when you are in a team like Mercedes, when they did not win a race for two years and they are really struggling to go back to the front, and at his age he has said, ‘Okay, why not try something different’.

“[He has had] such a long period with an English-[based] team, Mercedes, with a way of working and then you go to an Italian team, especially with the different pressure, different way of thinking, he is under pressure from the media. I think it’s not that easy.” Hamilton will hope to achieve that elusive eighth World Championship with Ferrari which would see him set the new outright F1 record.

‘Alain Prost assesses Lewis Hamilton’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alain-...red-bull-block


The 'huge' Ferrari improvement that has seen Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes sidelined
Carlos Sainz has beaten Hamilton in every race so far this season.
19:52 Mon, 15 Apr 2024.
BY MATTHEW COOPER SPORTS WRITER
MARK PIRIE DAILY RECORD SPORTS WRITER
Daily Record

Carlos Sainz has revealed that the secret to Ferrari's strategic improvement this year is simply because they now "have a car that is better on tyres".

Sainz made these comments after securing third place at the Japanese Grand Prix, trailing behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc came in fourth.

Lewis Hamilton, who is set to replace Sainz at Ferrari next season, finished ninth. This result means that Sainz has outperformed Hamilton in every race so far this season. Ferrari's strategy in Suzuka was widely commended, with both drivers making significant gains.

‘Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes sidelined’;

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/...lewis-32593415


Fred Vasseur explains how Lewis Hamilton’s arrival will help Charles Leclerc
Tue 16 April 2024 08:30
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

The struggling Charles Leclerc will benefit from the arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025, according to team principal Fred Vasseur. The Scuderia announced in the winter that Hamilton would join next year.

Leclerc has found himself somewhat in the shadow of outgoing teammate Carlos Sainz this season. Even though Sainz missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix through illness, he’s within four points of the Monegasque in the standings.

Speaking to Radio France, Vasseur explained how racing alongside Hamilton could help him. Sainz has been responsible for Ferrari’s last three victories, with Leclerc’s victory drought stretching back to the 2022 Austrian GP.

‘Struggling Charles Leclerc’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/fre...arles-leclerc/


Charles Leclerc ‘suffering’ with Carlos Sainz’s performances, ex-F1 driver claims
14 Apr 2024 1:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Vitantonio Liuzzi has said Charles Leclerc is “suffering” because of how Carlos Sainz has flown out of the traps in the 2024 season. Of the two current Ferrari drivers, it is Sainz who has received more plaudits so far this year after his victory in Australia and excellent drives in Bahrain and Suzuka.

With that, former Red Bull and Toro Rosso driver Liuzzi believes that is having a negative effect on Leclerc, who is facing an “important battle” in 2025 when Hamilton arrives at Maranello. “Ferrari has shown that it has made progress. It is not ready for the title, but it will have its say in many races,” Liuzzi said, as per Italian publication Corriere dello Sport.

“Charles Leclerc suffering’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...z-performances


Lewis Hamilton discusses the challenge of transitioning to Ferrari
Hamilton will spend the entire 2024 season knowing that it is his last at Mercedes before joining Ferrari
14 April 2024
By John Smith
Total Motorsport

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he’s not sure how to navigate the transition from Mercedes to Ferrari as it is not a situation he has been in before. Hamilton was quizzed about the timing of initiating conversations with Ferrari about the transition period ahead of joining the team.

“I mean at some stage I will have to, I think I’ll start the conversation with Toto [Wolff]. Because I don’t know how to navigate it, I’ve never been in this position before at this point in the year,” Hamilton told the press in Japan.

He stressed that his energy is being put into improving the current car and situation at Mercedes, rather than the future with Ferrari. “I’m not quite sure yet how I’m going to navigate it but right now I want to finish on a high here so all of my energy is going into this,” Hamilton said.

‘Challenge of transitioning’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...cedes-ferrari/


Sainz shocker: Newspapers eye 1 or 2 year Mercedes deal
April 15, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news

Insider sources have informed several top Italian media outlets that Carlos Sainz is expected to join Mercedes in the 2025 racing season. This comes after persistent speculations have nearly solidified into confirmed reports, according to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere della Sera, and La Repubblica.

However, the efficacy of this strategic move for Sainz, who is currently performing well at Ferrari who are replacing him with Lewis Hamilton, remains under debate. “Mercedes is a long way off the pace,” former Red Bull racer Robert Doornbos commented on Ziggo Sport. “Even (Fernando) Alonso indicated that he didn’t want to sign there.”

Despite these concerns, La Gazzetta dello Sport seems certain that the Sainz-to-Mercedes transfer is imminent, with Sauber, under Audi’s new ownership, being the only notable alternative that was considered but subsequently passed over.

‘Sainz shocker’;

https://grandpx.news/sainz-shocker-n...mercedes-deal/

[Fortitude]

F1 2024 Chinese Grand Prix Preview – Everything You Need To Know.
Formula 1 returns to Shanghai after a 5-year hiatus for the Chinese Grand Prix. Following a dominant 1-2 in Japan, Red Bull and Max Verstappen will be hoping to continue their form in China.
14:29 Mon, 15 Apr 2024
Motorsport.com

Additionally, this weekend marks the first of the 6 sprint races held this season, limiting the teams to just one practice session before the Sprint shootout. This year also marks the first time that a Chinese driver will compete in his home race, with Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu making his hometown debut in a historic moment for fans. Steph Wentworth is joined by Alex Kalinauckas & Haydn Cobb as they preview the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.

‘Hometown debut’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/...o-know/649159/


How to watch the 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix: start time, live stream and TV schedule
April 15th 2024
Cambridge Kisby
Motor Sport Magazine

Chinese Grand Prix live stream and TV schedule
All times in BST

F1 sprint qualifying Session start time 8.30am Live coverage Sky Sports, Sky Go, NowTV 7.30am Highlights Channel 4 12.30pm
Friday 19th April

F1 sprint race Session start time 4am Live coverage Sky Sports, Sky Go, NowTV 3am Highlights Channel 4 12.15pm
Saturday 20th April

F1 qualifying Session start time 8am Live coverage Sky Sports, Sky Go, NowTV 7.45am Highlights Channel 4 12.15pm
Saturday 20th April

Chinese GP Session start time 8am Live coverage Sky Sports, Sky Go, NowTV 6.30am Highlights Channel 4 12.30pm
Sunday 21st April

‘How to watch’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#


China GP back after five years with contentious sprint as Zhou fulfils dream
17 April 2024 at 3:04 am
Daniel HICKS
Yahoo! Sport

Formula One returns to China for the first time in five years this week with a packed programme including a Saturday sprint race, but not everyone is happy with the Shanghai schedule.

"I think it's not great," said Red Bull's three-time world champion Verstappen about F1's choice of China as the first of the season's six sprint venues. "When you have been away from a track for quite a while you never know what you're going to experience," added Verstappen, who has never won in China.

Shanghai-born Zhou was a five-year-old spectator at the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in 2004. "I couldn't be more excited to finally race on home soil in Shanghai," said Zhou, who drove an F2 car for Renault at the circuit in 2019 before stepping up to F1 in 2022. "To be the first Chinese driver ever to compete in Formula 1 in China means a lot to me. It fills me with immense joy, pride and responsibility.”

‘China GP back’;

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/chi...ZFCPJA_Di4mc59


The Shanghai surprise that awaits F1 after five year break
The Chinese Grand Prix is just around the corner, and it sure has been a while since the race has greeted our screens. In our latest podcast episode, we preview the race and discuss all the news on the build-up to the race.
16 April 5:15PM
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

For the first time since 2019, Formula 1 heads to the Shanghai International Circuit this weekend for the Chinese Grand Prix. The Chinese GP is no ordinary event, as it will host the first sprint race of 2024!

A LOT has happened in the last five years - join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Samuel Coop and Nick Golding as they discuss everything that has changed and some breaking news that occurred in the build-up to the event.

‘The Shanghai surprise’;

https://racingnews365.com/the-shangh...ive-year-break


F1 Sprint explained: What's new for 2024?
16.04.2024
Aston Martin F1 - Official Site

What are the major changes for 2024? The structure of F1 Sprint weekends has been revised. The Sprint Shootout to determine the grid for the Sprint will now take place following the sole Free Practice session on Friday.

Saturday will start with the Sprint – a 100km race with no mandatory tyre changes and points awarded on a sliding scale down to eighth place. Qualifying for the Grand Prix will follow the Saturday Sprint, with the Grand Prix taking place on Sunday.

‘What's new for 2024?’;

https://www.astonmartinf1.com/en-GB/...s-new-for-2024


Verstappen: Adding Sprint race to Chinese GP weekend ‘not smart’
13:12 Mon, 15 Apr 2024.
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

No recent data on how the sport’s current ground-effect cars will behave on the demanding 5.4km track, but the circuit itself has undergone resurfacing… …a mere 60 minutes of practice time to find the perfect setup – an immense challenge considering the circumstance cited above. "Yeah, it's very smart to do that,” Verstappen ironized, speaking at Suzuka last time out.

"On the other hand, it probably spices things up a bit more, and that's maybe what they would like to see. But purely from a driving and performance perspective of the sport, I think it's not the smartest thing to do.”

"We'll see what we get there. I always loved driving there, so hopefully we can hit the ground running as well as we can, and hopefully we don't need to fine-tune too many things on the car."

‘Not smart’;

https://f1i.com/news/505261-verstapp...not-smart.html


Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz protest key F1 decision ahead of Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix returns this weekend after a four-year absence, but some drivers are frustrated ahead of the race.
12:01, Mon, Apr 15, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

The Chinese Grand Prix will return in style this weekend as F1 prepares for its first sprint race of the season. The decision to afford drivers just one hour of practice after the track’s four-year absence from the calendar has not been a popular one among drivers though, with Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz speaking out against it.

‘Some drivers are frustrated’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ese-Grand-Prix


Martin Brundle dismisses driver concerns as Chinese GP returns F1 Sprint style
16 Apr 2024 8:30 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Not all drivers are comfortable with the Chinese GP returning in F1 Sprint form, but former driver turned pundit Martin Brundle has brushed off such worries. Championship leader Max Verstappen has called F1’s decision “not the smartest”, while Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez expects preparations to be “really hard” with the limited practice.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz also believes this is “not a good choice” and fears “Istanbul 2.0″ could be on the cards after the track resurfacing. That is in reference to F1’s return to Turkey in 2020, with the wet track more resembling an ice rink as rain fell on the fresh tarmac.

But, Brundle is not buying any of it… “They know their way around there, the simulators are pretty good and pretty realistic and they will have all been working hard on those,” said Brundle on the Sky F1 podcast. “So they will turn up pretty well prepared, the cars won’t be a million miles off on set-up, and they’ll just get on with it. It’s an extra challenge, but I don’t see it as a factor, personally.”

‘Not buying any of it!’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/martin...nese-gp-sprint

[Fortitude]

Zhou shares ambitious Chinese GP target in bid to 'write history'.
Zhou Guanyu will race in his first home grand prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, where the Stake F1 driver is aiming for a strong result, despite his team’s difficult start to the season.
15 April 2:00PM
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

Chinese F1 driver Zhou Guanyu is determined to score his team’s first points of the season at his first home race. Stake F1 has been mired by pit stop issues so far in 2024, masking any underlying race pace it might have, consigning its drivers to the lower reaches of the classifications.

Recent improvements to its woes saw the team cut its average total pit stop loss greatly at the Japanese Grand Prix. Now, Zhou is hoping to score Stake’s first points of the year.

“I couldn’t be more excited to finally race on home soil in Shanghai,” he said ahead of the event. To be the first Chinese driver ever to compete in Formula 1 in China means a lot to me – it fills me with immense joy, pride and responsibility. It isn’t just a race for me: after four years off the calendar, the championship finally returns, and with a Chinese driver on the grid, we will write history.”

'Write history';

https://racingnews365.com/zhou-share...for-chinese-gp


Getting to know Zhou Guanyu
15 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

We sit down with Kick Sauber driver, Zhou Guanyu to ask him some never-before asked questions!

‘Getting to know’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...264213308.html


Let's go to F1 driver Zhou Guanyu exhibition
19:29 UTC+8, 2024-04-13
Ding Yining
SHINE

An exclusive exhibition about China's first F1 driver Zhou Guanyu is being staged at the downtown Shanghai Jing'An Kerry Center. "From 2004 to 2024: Zhou Guanyu's Homecoming Special Exhibition" features Zhou's journey over the past 20 years, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Chinese Grand Prix.

The façade of the Lululemon flagship store at Shanghai Jing'An Kerry Center on downtown Nanjing Road W has been re-decorated with Zhou's icon combined with the sports leisure brand's logo and giant flags with "Let's Go," his catchphrase in racing.

‘Zhou Guanyu exhibition’;

https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2404134768/


Pedro de la Rosa can’t believe what Zhou Guanyu’s fans have done ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix
Tue 16 April 2024 18:30
David Comerford

Zhou Guanyu will get his first chance to race in front of his home fans this weekend in his fourth season of racing. F1 is heading back to the Shanghai International Circuit in China for the first time since 2019. The event hasn’t featured on the calendar in the four intervening seasons because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it returns this year. Sauber driver Zhou has had to wait patiently.

Appearing on the F1 Nation podcast, former driver Pedro de la Rosa was left stunned by what his fans had done ahead of the race. Zhou is the first Chinese driver in F1 history, so it’s very much a landmark occasion.

Pedro de la Rosa stunned by Zhou Guanyu news ahead of Chinese GP. Zhou has his own grandstand for this weekend’s event, positioned opposite Sauber’s garage on the main straight. According to podcast host Tom Clarkson, it sold out rapidly when tickets went up for sale. As such, he will expecting quite the reception when he takes to the track for the opening practice session on Friday. De La Rosa can’t quite believe the scale of the interest.

‘Left stunned’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/ped...se-grand-prix/


Documentary on Chinese F1 driver to hit screens on April 19
15:32 UTC+8, 2024-04-17
Ma Yue
SHINE

A documentary featuring Chinese Formula One racer Zhou Guanyu opened in Shanghai on Tuesday, drawing over 1,000 fans to the Shanghai Poly Grand Theater.

The film "The First One" captures Zhou's racing career so far in detail. The Shanghai native grew interested in motorsports after watching the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in 2004. Zhou later traveled to the United Kingdom to study and compete in youth tournaments, eventually becoming a member of the world's top-tier motor racing competition.

The film revisits Zhou's significant races and career highlights, including his confirmation as an F1 driver and the terrifying crash in the British Grand Prix in 2022. The accident scene aired early in the documentary. "Those 10 seconds (in the car during the accident) were like the most crucial moment of my life," Zhou told Shanghai Daily. "It didn't frighten me, but in my mind, I did go through a lot of personal memories within those 10 seconds.”

"The First One";

https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2404177193/


Milestone moment: Zhou's historic homecoming inspires special lid
11:45 Tue, 16 Apr 2024.
F1i.com

Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu will become the first Chinese driver to ever race an F1 car on home soil. The momentous occasion calls for a special celebration, and Zhou isn't holding back.

The 24-year-old has whipped up a special one-off helmet livery adorned with a sleek white base and a vibrant map of Shanghai's underground system and iconic landmarks.

‘Milestone moment’;

https://f1i.com/images/505306-milest...ecial-lid.html


China's first F1 driver Zhou Guanyu says 'endurance' key to success
16 Apr 2024 09:13PM
Channel NewsAsia

The 24-year-old, who made history in 2021 when he signed with Alfa Romeo as China's first Formula 1 driver, described his road to motorsport's highest level as arduous.

"As a Chinese driver, I am not in an area that belongs to me, I don't have anyone to guide me, I don't have a carmaker, I don't have any engine manufacturer," Zhou told reporters on Tuesday, after a screening of a documentary about his career.

"I am completely dependent on my own hard work as well as my team's," he said. "There is a lot that you have to endure, you have to discipline yourself internally in terms of some of your thoughts." Zhou said he envied Japanese drivers, who had a "Honda Dream Project to get them on track from childhood".

'Endurance key to success’;

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/spor...d-prix-4269391


Sauber's Zhou ready to ‘write history’ on home soil in China
15/04/2024 at 18:14
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Zhou emphasizes that his primary goal remains scoring points, a feat that has eluded him and the team so far in 2024.

“For me, though, the focus remains on performance: once I get to the track, I will treat this as any other weekend, and work hard to extract the most out of the car,” he added.

“I can’t wait to give it my all, share the passion with our entire team trackside and at home, and start a new chapter of Chinese motorsport together with the crowd. Most importantly, though, I can’t wait to have a good race and get back to scoring points.”

‘Primary goal remains scoring points’;

https://f1i.com/news/505275-saubers-...-in-china.html

[Fortitude]

Why Ferrari are confident they can challenge Red Bull.
In little over twelve months, Fred Vasseur can be credited with transforming the situation at Ferrari. After inheriting a team that was several steps behind Red Bull, the French team principal has overseen a dramatic overhaul at Maranello.
April 15, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

Ferrari believes they are capable of putting Red Bull under pressure in 2024. For obvious reasons, the Scuderia’s victory courtesy of Carlos Sainz in Australia was a pivotal moment. The Spaniard led teammate Charles Leclerc to the team’s first 1-2 finish in two seasons. The third round of 2024 also confirmed Ferrari’s improved tyre management, a strength that was again confirmed as Leclerc executed a one-stop race in Suzuka.

In the last few months, Fred Vassuer has consistently emphasised the importance of putting pressure on Red Bull. For various reasons, the personnel at Maranello have reason to believe they can make the reigning Champions uneasy. Oddly enough, perhaps the most encouraging race of the season for Ferrari was in Japan. Whilst Red Bull secured a 1-2 finish with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, the race weekend in Suzuka surpassed expectations for Ferrari.

Heading into the race weekend, it was hypothesised that McLaren could challenge the Italian squad as the second-fastest team. The Japanese circuit’s high-speed characteristics are more favourable to the MCL38 than the SF-24. However, it was Ferrari that was Red Bull’s closest challenger at a circuit which – on paper – is not suited to their car.

‘Transforming the situation at Ferrari’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...enge-red-bull/


Ferrari send clear warning to Red Bull after dominant ways return at Suzuka
11 Apr 2024 6:45AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

“For sure you have to improve the speed of the car, bring upgrades, but I think so far, we did not extract the best from the car,” Vasseur told Channel 4. “We are still doing some mistakes during the weekend and the first focus is to be able to get the best from what you have. Then, we’ll have time to improve the car.”

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has pinpointed an area of his game where he must improve – that being qualifying – after recovering to P4 from his P8 grid slot at Suzuka. Vasseur believes this need to perform better in qualifying runs across the team, as Ferrari aim to make sure that starts as of the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.

“I think we did a very solid Sunday,” said Vasseur of Ferrari’s Japanese GP, which saw Sainz claim P3 and Leclerc P4. “We had a very good recovery, we had a good strategy, a very good tyre management. The pace was there. If we have to change something on the weekend, it’s more on Saturday. It will be the next target for China to have a much better qualy.”

‘Ferrari send clear warning’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...-to-come-sf-24


‘It’s much more calm on the pit wall’ – Vasseur explains Ferrari strategy change with everyone moving in ‘same direction’
11 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur hailed a “very strong” performance from the outfit at the Japanese Grand Prix as he noted continued progress in terms of their tyre management and race strategy. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 post-race, Vasseur said: “It was a very good Sunday for the team. I think we had a good recovery, the quali was a bit difficult, but we had a very strong Sunday.

“[It was a] good strategy, good tyre management, and we were able to come back. If we want to do a better weekend we will have to improve the Saturday now.” Pushed on whether he’s taking any credit for that feeling of calmness on the pit wall, Vasseur replied:

“No, no, I think that the situation, you know that [in] our business, you have to put everything together. “When you start to go in the right direction, everybody is pushing, everybody is more calm, everybody is more confident, and the opposite when you start to have a negative spiral – it’s much more difficult.”

‘Calm on the pit wall’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...5aFZsKjiExlj7y


Vasseur identifies Ferrari ‘opportunity’ in China
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur feels the Chinese Grand Prix will provide the Italian outfit with an opportunity to test whether it is closer to Red Bull in colder conditions, amid an already strong start to the F1 season.
07:09 Thu, 11 Apr 2024.
Samuel Coop & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Frederic Vasseur has highlighted an opportunity for his team at the Chinese Grand Prix, following a strong Sunday performance at Suzuka. “I think everything went very well on Sunday,” the Ferrari team principal said to media including RacingNews365 after the race. “The strategy was a good one for both cars, the tyre management was under control, the pit stops went well.”

Last year, Ferrari suffered during races due to poor tyre management. With Suzuka being considered hard on tyres, Vasseur agreed that the result was confirmation that the team had moved in the right direction this term. “I think from the beginning of the season, we are much better on the tyre management and degredation. We were able to do the fastest lap in Jeddah. It was almost the same case today, but for one tenth [of a second]. We did a good step forward. We worked a lot in the pre-season and we improved massively on the tyre management.”

When asked if he felt the things would have been closer in colder conditions, Vasseur turned his attention to the next event. “I think in China we will have the opportunity to be tested in colder conditions,” the 55-year-old replied, refusing to get drawn in, adding: “But I don’t know. I’m not sure if we are in a better shape – you never know about engine settings, the level of fuel.”

‘Ferrari ‘opportunity’ in China’;

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-id...unity-in-china


Ferrari boss issues blunt Lewis Hamilton warning despite fast start to 2024 F1 season
Ferrari have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 F1 season, but CEO Benedetto Vigna has warned there is still work to do ahead of Hamilton's arrival
16:18 Mon, 15 Apr 2024.
BY GAVIN BERRYLIVE SPORTS EDITOR
TOM VICTORSPORT TRENDS WRITER
Daily Record

Lewis Hamilton has been issued a blunt warning by Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, despite the team's strong start to the 2024 season. Vasseur told La Repubblica. "The team only had one podium this time last year, as well as just one race win all season," reports the Mirror. "The world of competition is like a person's life accelerated to the maximum - things can change quickly, going between good and bad. Stasis does not exist, everything flows quickly," he added.

‘Blunt Lewis Hamilton warning’;

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/...lewis-32591758

[Fortitude]

Disheartened Lando Norris rules out any chance of an F1 race win soon.
Lando Norris has had limited chances to claim his maiden F1 win since 2019 and doesn't expect to see the top step on the podium anytime soon
18 April 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

After the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, a Formula 1 win for Lando Norris felt like an eventual inevitability, but it has all the echoes of Nico Hulkenberg’s career and the British driver doesn’t think that maiden victory will come anytime soon.

“It’s not coming anytime soon, that’s for sure,” Norris told select members of the press, including Total-Motorsport.com ahead of the 2024 Chinese GP. “But I think we can get there, in the right place and at the right time, if we improve the car in the right way.”

‘Disheartened’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...race-win-soon/


Norris delivers damning verdict on 2024 McLaren victory chances
Lando Norris believes McLaren still have ground to make up on Ferrari and Red Bull before thinking about race wins.
18 April 4:20PM
Nick Golding
RacingNews365

Lando Norris has conceded McLaren will not win races "anytime soon" due to the Woking-based outfit's pace deficit to Red Bull and Ferrari.

"We've been the same place all season, we've been behind Red Bull, we've been behind Ferrari and we've been a bit of a step ahead of the other two teams come the race. So I don't think there's too many frustrations.”

"But we know the issues, we know what we have to improve and if we can improve them, think Andreas' right, I think we can we can win races this year and we can be competitive with these other two teams ahead of us.”

‘Damning verdict’;

https://racingnews365.com/norris-del...ictory-chances


Lando Norris 'annoyed and unhappy' at McLaren after lacklustre F1 season start
Lando Norris has made a solid start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, but the McLaren driver is still 40 points behind Max Verstappen in the driver standings
09:31 Wed, 17 Apr 2024.
BY KIERAN KING SPORTS WRITER
TOM SUNDERLAND SPORTS JOURNALIST
Daily Star

Lando Norris has confessed he's "annoyed and unhappy" with how things are panning out at McLaren. "I am self-critical, and I know it can look bad from the outside, absolutely," he told the Guardian.

"I watch my own interviews and I look so annoyed and unhappy. It's because my mind is whirling, I'm thinking: 'Why did I make a mistake? What happened if I did this or that? What if I had tried something else?' ”

"But I set high goals for myself, I know what I am capable of, I want to try to achieve great things and I am not going to do that by being complacent."

'Annoyed and unhappy';

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...happy-32604478


Norris on McLaren winning races: ‘Not any time soon!’
18/04/2024 at 08:37
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Lando Norris believes McLaren is still not in a position to win on merit in F1 as the team first needs to address its car’s limitations. “We know the issues, we know what we have to improve and we know if we can improve them, Andrea is right, if we can, we can win races this year. That’s an if.”

“We have to work hard in some of these certain areas that have been a big challenge for us over the last many years. If we can then I am confident we can have some good races.”

‘Not any time soon!’;

https://f1i.com/news/505394-norris-o...time-soon.html


Piastri downplays McLaren chances in China
Oscar Piastri has tempered expectations for McLaren ahead of the first Chinese Grand Prix, comparing it to other circuits the team has struggled at. However, he does feel the sprint provides opportunities.
18 April 9:00PM
Samuel Coop & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Oscar Piastri has moved to limit expectations for the McLaren team at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix. “I think it'll be one of the toughest circuits for us so far,” the 23-year-old told media including RacingNews365 when asked about McLaren’s prospects at the Shanghai International Circuit.

“I think, Bahrain, there's a lot of low-speed corners there as well, and we were not as competitive there as some of the more recent circuits. So, I think it'll be a tough weekend for us, to be honest,” he said, before adding: “I think there's still opportunities for us, given it’s a sprint.”

‘One of the toughest circuits for us’;

https://racingnews365.com/piastri-do...ances-in-china


NORRIS: MCLAREN CAN WIN RACES IN F1 2024 IF IT GETS EVERYTHING RIGHT
Apr 18, 2024, 7:54 AM
Alex Kalinauckas
Motorsport.com

Lando Norris believes McLaren can win races in Formula 1 2024, albeit only with significant car improvement upgrades and “right place, right time” fortune against Red Bull and Ferrari. “I think we can [win with the] right place, right time – if we improve the car how we need too.”

‘We know the issues, we know what we have to improve and if we can improve them, I think Andrea is right – we can win races this year and we can be competitive with these other two teams ahead of us.”

“But that’s an ‘if’ and you have to work hard to improve the car in some of these certain areas, which have been a big challenge for us over the last many years, not just the last few years. But, if we can, then I’m confident we can have some good races."

‘IF IT GETS EVERYTHING RIGHT’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/n...ight/10599912/