2024 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

[Fortitude]

Hulkenberg pleased to ‘steal’ another point for Haas as Magnussen rues costly contact with Tsunoda.
Nico Hulkenberg expressed his satisfaction after taking advantage of a drama-filled Chinese Grand Prix to give Haas another points finish and boost the team’s position in the constructors’ standings.
23 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Hulkenberg converted ninth on the grid into 10th during Sunday’s race, which saw Kick Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas retire due to engine woes and both RBs fail to finish after Daniel Ricciardo got struck by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll under the Safety Car and Yuki Tsunoda got spun around by the other Haas of Kevin Magnussen.

“It’s never a walk in the park,” the German said afterwards. “But I think it was well managed, well controlled from our side, so I’m very positive and happy about that, that we got the one point which was up for grabs.”

“It shows one of the top five cars [Stroll] had a problem and obviously that’s the spot we kind of stole because of it. Otherwise, it’s not really possible to race with them. It also just shows that we need to have a perfect Saturday in quali and Sunday to be able to be where we are.”

‘Nico Hulkenberg expressed his satisfaction’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...JnqFU3fOaSSsb2


208 starts but no win: Hulkenberg equals 30-year-old de Cesaris record
Posted on 22nd April 2024, 11:56
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Nico Hulkenberg has tied the record for starting the most grands prix without ever winning one. However unlike de Cesaris, Hulkenberg has never reached the podium either. He already holds the record for most grands prix without appearing on the rostrum.

A promising debut season with Williams culminated in a stunning pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix. But by that time the cash-strapped team had already told Hulkenberg he would be replaced by Pastor Maldonado and his Venezuelan millions. After a year on the sidelines, Hulkenberg made an impressive return in 2012 with Force India (now Aston Martin) and could have won at Interlagos that year, where he led 30 laps before going out in a collision with Hamilton.

With his move to Renault in 2017 it seemed Hulkenberg finally had the chance to lead a manufacturer-basked operation to the front. But further podium chances eluded him, most painfully when he crashed out on home ground in 2019, and he was dropped at the end of the year. After a few ‘super-sub’ reappearances, Hulkenberg made a full-time return at Haas, where he has demonstrated his strong one-lap pace, but hasn’t yet had the equipment to challenge for the podium finish which is now well overdue, let alone a victory.

‘208 starts but no win’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/22/...esaris-record/


Nico Hulkenberg ties unwanted F1 record following impressive drive in China
Nico Hulkenberg tied an unwanted F1 record at the Chinese Grand Prix.
22 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Nico Hulkenberg has moved level with Andrea de Cesaris for most races without an F1 victory following the Chinese Grand Prix. The German enjoyed another fine weekend in Shanghai, finishing tenth to give Haas their fifth point of the season.

It’s been an impressive start to the 2024 F1 season for Haas, particularly as ahead of the new campaign, new team principal Ayao Komatsu suggested that they would be right at the back given their lack of development over the winter.

Haas have scored five points in the opening five races, just two fewer than RB in the race for sixth in the F1 constructors’ championship. A big part of their strong form is down to the brilliance of Hulkenberg, who continues to deliver each weekend.

‘Nico Hulkenberg has moved level with Andrea de Cesaris’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104730...ve-drive-china

TECHNICAL F1 Unlocked/TECH WEEKLY: Haas's significant Shanghai upgrade – and what it says about Komatsu's approach as team boss
23 April 2024
Technical Contributors
Mark Hughes and Giorgio Piola
Formula One - Official Site

Haas boss Ayao Komatsu said a couple of races ago that, following promising signs in the wind tunnel, he was bringing forward the team’s upgrade. That upgrade appeared last weekend in Shanghai and it was a significant one.
This more ambitious development policy is set to be a cornerstone of Komatsu’s approach in his first year as team principal.

‘Haas's significant Shanghai upgrade’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...gLCfbogL9th5PK


Haas F1 News: Komatsu Calls for Magnussen Penalty Explanation - 'More Tsunoda'
Published Apr 23, 2024
By Lydia Mee
Sports Contributing Writer
Newsweek

Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has challenged the stewards' decision to penalize Kevin Magnussen following a crash with Yuki Tsunoda during the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend. Komatsu contends that the penalty was unwarranted, suggesting that Tsunoda shares at least an equal part of the blame. Despite this, Komatsu makes it clear the penalty cannot be appealed, however, he wants an explanation from the Stewards.

Ayao Komatsu, the Haas F1 Team Principal, voiced strong objections to the stewards' ruling during a post-race interview, as quoted by Autosport. He argued that the incident was a typical racing clash and should not have resulted in a penalty. He explained: "I do not think that's justifiable. I think it's just a racing incident. He didn't run Tsunoda off the track. He dived inside of Turn 6, he hit the apex, Tsunoda was wide, he still left the room, Tsunoda came back progressively."

Komatsu added that the decision appeared heavily skewed against Magnussen, whom he believes was not solely responsible for the collision. Komatsu continued: "He doesn't go off the track, so maybe the definition 'came back' might be wrong. But it's not like Kevin is wholly to blame. For me, minimum 50/50.”

‘Komatsu contends that the penalty was unwarranted’;

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/haas...3165?piano_t=1


Nico Hulkenberg closes in on Audi F1 move for 2025: “Only the signature is missing”
Nico Hulkenberg is close to agreeing a move from Haas to Audi for the 2025 F1 season.
24 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Nico Hulkenberg is close to signing an agreement with Audi for the 2025 F1 season. According to Sport1, Hulkenberg has agreed to join Audi - the team is currently known as Sauber - for next year.

Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl wanted to replace Bottas with Hulkenberg for this season but Haas were unwilling to let the impressive German go. Hulkenberg will return to Hinwil having spent a year at the team back in 2013. The 36-year-old will reportedly be offered a three-year contract with Audi officially entering the sport in 2026.

Hulkenberg has enjoyed another impressive season with Haas so far, scoring points in three of the first five races in 2024. With Fernando Alonso committing his future to Aston Martin, the F1 driver market dominos are falling. Audi will have to wait for Sainz though as he waits to see what Red Bull and Mercedes decide.

“Only the signature is missing”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104735...nature-missing


Hulkenberg set to sign for new F1 team
Audi will join the Formula 1 grid in 2026, but is keen to have both its drivers in place at Stake for 2025, with Nico Hulkenberg set to make the switch, RacingNews365 understands.
25 April 9:24AM
Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

In late 2023, RacingNews365 was informed that Audi was very keen on bringing Nico Hulkenberg to the team - and that a contract had been offered to the German for 2024 at the Stake team. Sources have now indicated to RacingNews365 that Hulkenberg is now set to sign for Audi, thus becoming a Stake driver in 2025 before the Ingolstadt concern arrives in '26.

Audi has been keen to secure Hulkenberg for the experience he can offer in helping to steer a team in the right direction, something several engineers from teams Hulkenberg has driven for have confirmed. Haas, the team Hulkenberg is set to leave, was keen to keep the popular German, with his feedback playing a major role in the development of the 2024 car to soothe the tyre management problems that plagued its 2023 machine.

From the first five races, Hulkenberg has three points finishes, compared to just one return in a grand prix throughout the 2023 season. The CEO of the Audi project Andreas Seidl has a clear mind as to who is his preferred driver line-up, with Carlos Sainz also hoping to be snared by the team. Both Sainz and Hulkenberg are drivers with factory experience behind them, with the two having been team-mates at Renault in 2018 before Sainz's move to Ferrari following his McLaren spell.

‘Hulkenberg set to sign’;

https://racingnews365.com/hulkenberg...or-new-f1-team

[Fortitude]

Alpine fined 10,000 euros for pitstop blunder.
Pierre Gasly was given the green light to exit the pitbox before the right rear tyre had been properly fitted when a team member incorrectly clicked a button to release the car.
Apr 21, 2024, 08:41 PM
The Straits Times

Formula One stewards fined Renault-owned Alpine 10,000 euros ($10,654) on Sunday after a bungled Chinese Grand Prix pitstop left a mechanic on the ground.

The French driver was stopped before leaving the pitbox, with a mechanic falling backwards in the chaos but able to continue for the remainder of the race. Stewards said Gasly had not been at fault and the team was wholly responsible.

"Thankfully nobody was hurt, and we will investigate the reasons to avoid such incidents in future," said team boss Bruno Famin.

‘Pitstop blunder’;

https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...itstop-blunder


Pierre Gasly explains ‘quite scary’ pit stop moment at the Chinese Grand Prix
21 Apr 2024 2:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Knocking over one of his right rear tyre mechanics in China, Pierre Gasly explained he was shown the green light to leave the pits only for it change to red. The good news is his mechanic is “fine”. Gasly’s chances of surging from 15th on the grid to score a point at the Chinese Grand Prix were hindered when he made a 19-second pit stop, a “scary” moment delaying him in the pits.

“Yeah, quite scary, actually,” Gasly told the media in Shanghai. “My green light, the light went green so I dropped the clutch, but then it went red straightaway. And then I saw him in the mirror, and saw the wheel wasn’t on. The mechanic is fine, which I was a bit scared of.”

“We’ve had a couple of instances this year where I’ve lost some time on the box, so I’m sure we’ll review exactly what’s happened and improve it for next time.” Stationary for 19 seconds, Gasly dropped to the very back of the field.

‘Quite scary’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/pierre...ese-grand-prix


‘Quite scary’ - Pierre Gasly explains botched pit stop as Alpine mechanic hit
Pierre Gasly accidentally hit one of his Alpine mechanics during a pit stop blunder in China.
22 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Pierre Gasly has explained the “quite scary” moment he knocked over one of his Alpine mechanics during a botched pit stop at the F1 Chinese Grand Prix.

During the Frenchman’s first pit stop in Shanghai, Gasly was mistakenly given a green light to leave his box before his right-rear wheel had been properly attached to his car.

As he pulled away, one of his mechanics was sent tumbling to the ground by the tyre. Alpine confirmed after the race that the mechanic was “OK” and had avoided injury.

‘Alpine mechanic hit’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104729...e-mechanic-hit


Esteban Ocon’s Unique Path To F1
April 23, 2024
Nicole Powell
Last Word On Sports

Esteban Ocon had a great junior career, although, lack of funding created unique challenges for the driver. Esteban Ocon was a young talent, however, lack of funding and sponsors slowed his progress to Formula One.

After years of struggling to keep his grip in the F1 world because he didn’t bring sponsors the way his peers did, with the support of Mercedes, Ocon now has both feet standing firmly in the sport. Ocon is now an F1 race winner, following his win at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021.

‘Unique Path To F1’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...ue-path-to-f1/


Alpine warned despite 'best race' of troubled season
Upgrades were added to the Alpine in China, and whilst its problems were soothed, Esteban Ocon has issued a warning.
25 April 10:35AM
Jake Nichol & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Esteban Ocon has warned Alpine that it is "too early" to suggest it has turned a corner in its troubled 2024 campaign, despite an encouraging Chinese Grand Prix. "At the moment, we haven't scored one point this season, so it is early to say, but it is our best finish of the year with both cars," Ocon told media including RacingNews365.

"We need to be careful what we read into it, and also who was there in that race, there was many things happening and a lot of contenders were at the back, so that is the other thing we need to be careful of. But at the same time, I feel like it was a very strong weekend on the operational side and in my driving, so I'm happy with that.”

"I'm a bit disappointed at the same time not to be in the points, we ended 2.3s away which is difficult to swallow, given the job we did. It was fully maximised and this was my best race of the season, and clearly there was nothing left on the table. Not to have that reward is pretty sad, but we are going in the right direction, small steps at a time."

‘Alpine warned’;

https://racingnews365.com/ocon-issue...roubled-season


Pierre Gasly among Alpine team paying respects to Ted Toleman and Ayrton Senna
Thursday 25 April 2024 16:00, UK
Sky Sports

Sky Sports' Craig Slater is at Alpine's headquarters as they pay respects to Ted Toleman and Ayrton Senna and speaks to Pierre Gasly who reveals what it was like to take a drive in Senna's Formula One car.

‘Paying respects’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...d-ayrton-senna


Pierre Gasly “in negotiations” with Williams as F1 driver market hots up
Pierre Gasly could move to Williams, according to David Croft.
25 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Speaking on the latest episode of the Sky F1 podcast, Croft gave his predictions on how the F1 driver market will play out for 2025. “I think Nico Hulkenberg is going to Sauber,” he said. “He will be there at Audi alongside Carlos Sainz. I think that’s where Sainz is heading because Mercedes will bring in Andrea Kimi Antonelli - that makes logical sense and I think Red Bull will keep hold of Sergio Perez - that makes logical sense as well.”

“Where does Zhou go? He could go to Alpine. Remember he was a Renault academy driver so he could go back into that stable again. Ocon or Gasly - or both - are going to have to leave Alpine. Gasly might find himself at Williams. I am sure he’s been in negotiations with Williams to drive alongside Alex Albon.”

“That does free up a space but they also have Jack Doohan waiting in the wings who is very much acclimatised in that team. Haas? No. I think that will be Kevin Magnussen and Ollie Bearman. Zhou is not part of that Ferrari stable so Ferrari will want to bring the young Ferrari driver in. It probably leads you to the conclusion we could do with two more teams on the grid but that’s a whole Andretti story.”

‘F1 driver market hots up’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104736...er-market-hots

[Fortitude]

Red Bull issue response as Adrian Newey departure rumours swirl.
Sources have indicated to PlanetF1.com that no preparations are being made for a Newey departure from Red Bull and that the 65-year-old has not given any form of notice that he intends to leave the squad prior to the end of his existing contract.
25 Apr 2024 5:50 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Newey last year signed a new deal that will see him remain employed by Red Bull until the conclusion of 2025 and a request for comment by Red Bull clarified the team’s position.

“Adrian is contracted until at least the end of 2025,” a Red Bull spokesperson told PlanetF1.com. “We are unaware of him joining any other team.”

‘No preparations are being made for a Newey departure from Red Bull’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bu...arture-rumours


Red Bull ‘unaware’ Newey wants to join other team.
A spokesperson added they were “unaware of him joining any other team”.
FORMULA ONE
26 APRIL 2024 - 09:58
by ALAN BALDWIN
Financial Mail

The BBC and Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, who were first to report the story, said the Briton had told Red Bull he wanted to move on after allegations relating to team principal Christian Horner.

Red Bull said Formula One’s most sought after designer Adrian Newey was signed up until at least the end of next year amid reports on Thursday he was looking to leave the reigning champions. A spokesperson added they were “unaware of him joining any other team”.

“Unaware of him joining any other team”;

https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/li...in-other-team/


Red Bull denies Adrian Newey quit reports
Red Bull Racing has denied reports that star designer Adrian Newey is set to quit the team.
26 April 2024
by Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Reports that he was poised to walk out of Red Bull Racing appear to be wide of the mark, and the team itself has issued a denial of sorts. “Adrian is contracted until at least the end of 2025,” a spokesperson confirmed. “We are unaware of him joining any other team.”

The statement doesn't address the prospect of Newey stepping away from F1 on a sabbatical or retirement. For now, the Englishman continues to work for Red Bull Racing and is active in his role within the team. He will travel to Miami next weekend and sit on the pit wall as normal.

‘Wide of the mark,’;

https://speedcafe.com/red-bull-denie...-quit-reports/


Red Bull responds to Newey claims
25/04/2024
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

All Red Bull is saying, other than repeating the fact that Newey is contracted to the team until "at least the end of 2025", is that it is "unaware of him joining any other team".

While some on social media are salivating at the prospect, claiming that his departure would mark "the beginning of the end for Red Bull", assuming he is held to his current contract, even if it means gardening leave, he would likely not make any impact on his chosen new team before 2027, a year into the new formula.

‘All Red Bull is saying’;

https://www.pitpass.com/77538/Red-Bu...o-Newey-claims


Red Bull release statement in response to bombshell exit rumours that could impact Max Verstappen
Published 19:46 25 Apr 2024 GMT
SPORTbible

Red Bull Racing have released a statement after it was reported that chief designer Adrian Newey wants to leave the team. On Thursday afternoon, it was reported that Red Bull’s chief designer Newey wants to leave the team in the near future.

Responding to those reports, the Formula 1 champions have now broken their silence. As reported by GB News, the statement read: “Adrian is contracted until at least the end of 2025 and we are unaware of him joining any other team.”

The 65-year-old Brit is often regarded as F1’s greatest-ever car designers having played a huge part in Red Bull’s two dominant eras. Newey has also played a key role in Williams and McLaren’s previous success in the sport.

‘Red Bull release statement’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/red-bu...13185-20240425


Red Bull break silence on Newey departure
April 25, 2024
Hannah May
FormulaNerds

Red Bull respond to the rumours: According to PlanetF1.com, Red Bull have claimed that no preparations are being made for the 65-year-old’s departure. The team stated that Newey has not given any notice of his intention to leave.

A Red Bull spokesperson told PlanetF1.com that: “Adrian is contracted until at least the end of 2025.” They added that: “We are unaware of him joining any other team.”

‘Red Bull break silence’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/re...wey-departure/

[Fortitude]

Chinese Grand Prix: More competitive race for Williams.
The 2024 Chinese GP would see the Williams Racing Team again come away with another failure to score points but this race would see a more competitive performance.
13:29 Sun, 21 Apr 2024
By Williams Racing
WilliamsF1 Supporters

For Alex Albon he would finish in 12th so very close to points. For Logan Sargeant he would start the race from the pits after the team made changes to his car. His race would see him fight with other drivers in the initial stages of the race but he would drop down the order finishing in 17th.

Again both drivers would suffer from tyre degredation throughout the race which made any progress that much more difficult. For the team they feel that they are making progress which can only be a good thing.

‘More competitive race’;

https://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s107/st205869.htm


F1 Rumor: Mercedes to Loan Kimi Antonelli to Williams Prior to Mercedes Seat
Published Apr 24, 2024 at 9:00 PM
By Lydia Mee
Sports Contributing Writer
Newsweek

Mercedes is reportedly planning to place their young prodigy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, in a Formula 1 seat with Williams as an interim step before joining the Brackley-based squad. This move comes as part of a development pathway for Antonelli, who is currently too young to qualify for an FIA super licence.

According to Formula One journalist Joe Saward, the 17-year-old Italian racer might soon find himself behind the wheel at Williams Racing on an 18-month loan stint, intended to groom him for a future Mercedes seat, as opposed to potentially taking over from Lewis Hamilton in the 2025 season.

Mercedes' interest in placing Antonelli directly into Hamilton's seat by 2025 underscores the high regard in which they hold their young driver. Antonelli has already been testing extensively in F1 machinery, including two days in the 2021 Mercedes W12 in Austria, followed by additional tests planned in the 2022 W13.

‘F1 Rumor’;

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/f1-r...3978?piano_t=1


F1 driver in danger of losing job because of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff
A decision made by Toto Wolff could cost one F1 driver his spot on the grid.
05:50, Thu, Apr 25, 2024
By Amos Murphy
Daily and Sunday Express

Formula One struggler Logan Sargeant is now at risk of losing his job because of a key decision made by Mercedes chief Toto Wolff. The German constructors continue to plot plans for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement, which could mean Sargaent is booted off the grid.

Mercedes team principal Wolff is said to want up-and-coming star Andrea Kimi Antonelli to join the Mercedes constructor, but not until he’s gained F1 experience elsewhere. One of the solutions Wolff and co. are currently looking at is signing Antonelli to Williams, before making the switch to Mercedes later in his racing career.

That’s according to F1 journalist Joe Saward, who claims that should Antonelli be signed to Mercedes, he’ll be loaned to Williams as a replacement for Sargeant as per GB Blog. While no timescale has been attached to this move yet, given Antonelli doesn’t turn 18 until August - and therefore isn’t currently eligible for a super licence - it’s likely to come at the end of the 2024 season.

‘Danger of losing job because of Mercedes boss’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Kimi-Antonelli


Williams have now told journalist what they think about signing Kimi Antonelli in 2025
Thu 25 April 2024 11:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Williams Racing appear to be one of the options for Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to join the grid in 2025. The 17-year-old is competing in his first season in Formula 2 but Toto Wolff is already preparing him for a career in F1.

Speaking on the Autosport Podcast, journalist Alex Kalinauckas shared what he had heard from Williams in the paddock about the prospect of signing the teenager. Talking about Antonelli, Alex Kalinauckas said: “Mercedes’s preference, whether this happens for 2025, or 2026, or 2027 is that its highly-rated driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is promoted into Formula 1 and ideally Mercedes wants to do that for next year. This is a team that’s happy to wait to make its decision.”

Who else could replace Logan Sargeant at Williams? If Williams decide they want a more experienced driver than Mercedes junior Antonelli for 2025 despite being open to the move, then there are a few other options on the table. However, Kalinauckas believes Williams could potentially negotiate an engine discount should they bring Antonelli on board.

‘One of the options for Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wil...nelli-in-2025/


Williams: Responsibility for Sargeant penalty in China ‘falls on us’
25/04/2024 at 15:09
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Williams team boss James Vowles says the British outfit must shoulder some of the blame for the penalty suffered by logan Sargeant in last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, insisting the onus falls on the team to provide better tools and information to prevent such incidents.

Unfortunately, replays showed that the German driver had crossed the line ahead of his rival, while Sargeant’s momentum had carried him past the Haas. This constituted an illegal overtake in the stewards’ book.

“It was a harsh penalty, when you see just matters of tenths translate into seconds, that’s difficult,” admitted Vowles in Williams’ post-race video debrief. “More so, it’s very difficult for the driver to adjudicate whether he was ahead or behind.”

‘Falls on us’;

https://f1i.com/news/506325-williams...all-on-us.html


Opinion: Williams need to be careful about replacing Sargeant
Should Williams stick it out with Logan Sargeant until the end of the season? If they choose not to, who should replace him?
11:04 Wed, 24 Apr 2024
Morgan Holiday
FormulaNerds

Williams obviously doesn’t trust him to be able to score points, given the situation in Australia when Alex Albon wrecked his own car and the team let him race in Sargeant’s for the weekend. Openly saying “We don’t trust you to perform” is hardly conducive to a healthy working relationship. Unless Sargeant improves drastically and soon, they’re going to be thinking about replacing him before his contract is up at the end of the year.

If Williams Racing wants to make the harsh (albeit, maybe necessary) decision to dump Sargeant mid-season, their priority needs to be choosing a driver they can trust to keep up with Albon and not make little mistakes. Why get rid of one driver only to get another one you can’t trust to do what Sargeant currently can’t?

It’s hard to get behind the idea of a team dropping their driver mid-season when they’re struggling to perform. It’s harsh and unfair. But motorsport is often harsh and rarely fair, so it would be hard to blame Williams if they choose to replace Sargeant before the end of 2024.

‘Why get rid of one driver only to get another one you can’t trust to do what Sargeant currently can’t?’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/opinion...cing-sargeant/


Williams could ask for ‘special dispensation’ to replace Logan Sargeant with ‘immense’ driver
Wed 24 April 2024 16:00
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Logan Sargeant’s Formula 1 career appears to be hanging by a thread. It’s only his second season in the sport, but it could be his last. Williams team principal James Vowles told the American that he had to be the ‘surprise’ of the year to retain his drive. That’s after he scored one point to Alex Albon’s 27 in his rookie year.

But the American has failed to produce any major improvement so far this term. While neither Williams driver has scored a point, Albon leads the qualifying head-to-head 4-0 and the race battle 3-1. Back in Australia, Vowles even decided to bench Sargeant after Albon caused significant damage to his own car in a practice shunt. Williams didn’t have a spare chassis, so they let the Thai driver jump in his teammate’s cockpit.

According to journalist Joe Saward, writing on his website, Williams might consider seeking ‘special dispensation’ to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes junior doesn’t turn 18 until late August, which means he’s ineligible for a superlicence. Williams’ vision would be an 18-month deal for Antonelli, who would then likely graduate to Mercedes. They effectively ‘loaned’ George Russell for three years between 2019 and 2021 before he made the same step.

‘Special dispensation’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wil...mmense-driver/

[Fortitude]

F1 Driver Nico Hulkenberg Signs New Contract With Kick Sauber, To Leave Haas After 2024 Season.
This will mark Nico‘s return to the team, which he previously drove for back in 2013. Sauber will then become Audi in 2026.
APR 26, 2024 AT 3:37 PM
BY JJ STAFF
Just Jared (Weblog)

“We are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula 1,” Sauber team CEO Andreas Seidl shared in a statement. “With his speed, his experience and his commitment to teamwork, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team – and of Audi’s F1 project.”

“Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together,” Andreas continued. “Nico is a strong personality, and his input, on a professional and personal level, will help us to make progress both in the development of the car and in building up the team.”

On his move, Nico says, “I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland. The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honour for me.”

‘Nico‘s return to the team’;

https://www.justjared.com/2024/04/26...r-2024-season/


Alain Prost sends two-word message to Nico Hulkenberg on social media after Audi move confirmed
17:01 Fri, 26 Apr 2024.
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

F1 legend Alain Prost has taken to social media to offer his immediate reaction after Nico Hulkenberg sealed a move to Audi. Hulkenberg is leaving Haas upon the expiry of his contract. Prost won four world championships between 1985 and 1993 at McLaren and Williams. He worked alongside Hulkenberg as part of his advisory role at the Renault team.

Hulkenberg released a statement on Instagram following Audi’s announcement, writing: “I am thrilled and honoured to return to Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber in 2025 and to represent the global German car manufacturer and technology pioneer Audi on its way into Formula 1 in the future. It‘s a big project with high ambitions and a huge challenge, a challenge that I am very much looking forward to. The conversations with Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann were very trustful, characterised by a lot of appreciation and mutual understanding regarding the common goals.”

“At the same time I would like to express a special thank you to the entire Haas F1 Team, especially Gene and Guenther, for placing their trust in me 1.5 years ago and making a comeback in F1 possible. I will do everything I can in the remaining 19 races to be as successful as possible.” In reply, Prost wrote ‘congratulations Nico’, while Christian Klien, who took part in Hulkenberg’s rookie season with three races at HRT also had a message. “Bravo, mega,” he said.

‘Audi move confirmed’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/ala...ter-audi-move/


Nico Hulkenberg Haas switch to Sauber confirmed and it could impact Oliver Bearman future
Published: 14:26, 26 Apr 2024
Robert Calcutt, Sports Writer
talkSPORT

Nico Hulkenberg will leave Haas and join Sauber at the beginning of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The German, who was previously at Sauber in 2013, will then drive for Audi after they finalise their takeover to compete from 2026.

Upon the announcement of his next move, the 36-year-old said: "The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters F1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity.”

The Times report that Ferrari youngster Oliver Bearman is favourite to take the German's spot amid an impressive breakthrough year. Bearman, who is just 18, replaced Carlos Sainz for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March as the latter needed surgery for appendicitis.

‘Could impact Oliver Bearman future’;

https://talksport.com/sport/1844252/...er-bearman-f1/


British teenager Oliver Bearman primed for F1 seat as Nico Hulkenberg leaves Haas
The 18-year-old made his F1 debut as a stand-in for Ferrari in Jeddah and this move frees up space at the most likely destination
26 April 2024 • 11:31am
Tom Cary, SENIOR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The Telegraph

British teenager Oliver Bearman, who made a sensational Formula One debut for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia last month, has been handed a boost as he looks to secure a permanent seat next season, with Haas confirming the departure of Nico Hulkenberg at the end of this year.

“Seventh in your first race in F1 having only done FP3 in a new car is impressive,” Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc noted afterwards. “Everybody has noticed how talented he is and I guess it’s just a matter of time before he’s in an F1 car.”

Bearman will get another opportunity to show what he can do when he drives for Haas in first practice at Imola next month, one of a number of scheduled free practice outings for the youngster this season.

‘Primed for F1 seat’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-...liver-bearman/


Nico Hulkenberg explains big Audi F1 move after Haas departure announced
26 Apr 2024 10:31 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Nico Hulkenberg has talked up the “very special” chance of driving for Audi, following confirmation of his move to Sauber for 2025, with the team set to be taken over by the German manufacturer the following year.

Hulkenberg will depart Haas at the end of the season in another key piece of the F1 2024 driver market puzzle falling into place, with the German returning to the Hinwil-based team for a second spell on a multi-year contract, through its transition to Audi.

Having impressed the entire paddock since his full-time return to the grid with Haas after a three-year stint largely on the sidelines, Hulkenberg has been snapped up to be one of Audi’s first representatives when they join the grid from 2026.

‘Talked up the “very special” chance of driving for Audi’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-h...uber-audi-move