F1 Briefings

Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff described the team's performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix as "underwhelming". Despite entering the weekend with high hopes, the team faced unforeseen challenges that compromised their race strategy. As the team looks ahead to Saudi Arabia, Wolff confirms they will "continue our learning".

Key takeaways:

• Toto Wolff expressed disappointment over Mercedes' performance in Bahrain, citing issues with cooling performance that impacted the car's tyre temperatures.
• The Bahrain Grand Prix saw Lewis Hamilton facing energy recovery issues, and George Russell reporting potential engine overheating, among other setbacks.
• Wolff remains optimistic about the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, highlighting it as an opportunity for Mercedes to better understand their car's capabilities on a different track.

Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff opened up about the team's struggles at the Bahrain Grand Prix, setting a reflective tone ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

"Our race in Bahrain was best described as underwhelming. We were hopeful of a stronger showing after our performance in practice and qualifying," Wolff stated in a press release from the team. 

Both Mercedes drivers had entered the weekend with confidence, buoyed by the W15's stability and balance. However, as Wolff elaborated:

"Both drivers were pleased with the balance earlier in the weekend, and the more stable platform provided by the W15. Unfortunately on Saturday evening, our cooling performance didn't match our predictions.

"That forced us into management mode early on, which had the knock-on impact of reducing tyre temperatures below optimum.

"That cost us the opportunity to show something closer to our true potential. It was a frustrating way to start the season but one we will learn from."

Mercedes Press Image

The Bahrain Grand Prix also witnessed Lewis Hamilton encountering significant energy recovery problems by lap 17, momentarily hampering his performance. This was attributed to a rapid depletion of the battery, necessitating a recharge in the subsequent lap. Meanwhile, George Russell found himself overtaken by Sainz following a report of a potential engine overheating issue on lap 18. Adding to the team's woes, Hamilton reported a broken seat by lap 25, further illustrating the array of challenges Mercedes faced during the race.

Despite these setbacks, Wolff remains forward-looking, viewing the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as a fresh opportunity. He continued:

"We've got an opportunity to take a step forward immediately. Jeddah is a street track with a lot of high-speed content.

"It will be good to continue our learning with the new car on a very different circuit to Bahrain.

"We will be aiming for a more consistent weekend and to understand our true performance relative to the rest of the grid."

In addition to focusing on their own performance, Mercedes is set to embrace the F1 Academy's debut in Saudi Arabia. Wolff concluded:

"It will also be great to see F1 Academy on the support bill in Saudi Arabia for their opening round. For the first time, we will be involved as a team.

"We're excited to watch our junior driver Doriane Pin in action and look forward to supporting the championship across the year."

The FIA has publicly addressed accusations against its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, amidst allegations of race manipulation. These claims, centred around the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, have led to an official statement by the governing body.

Key Takeaways:

• A whistleblower alleged that Ben Sulayem attempted to interfere with the race outcome in Jeddah last year.
• Fresh claims have emerged accusing Ben Sulayem of trying to prevent the certification of the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit.
• The FIA's Compliance Officer is currently investigating these allegations to ensure proper due process.

Red Bull Content Pool

The FIA has been thrust into the spotlight following allegations against its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The controversy began when a whistleblower accused Ben Sulayem of attempting to meddle in the results of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The incident in question involved Fernando Alonso, who was initially given a 10-second time penalty for an infringement while already serving a five-second penalty. This decision was later reversed after Aston Martin lodged a protest, but subsequent reports have suggested Ben Sulayem's involvement in influencing the race's outcome.

The whistleblower claimed that Ben Sulayem contacted Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA Vice-President for Sport in the Middle East and president of the Bahrain Motor Federation, urging him to have the decision overturned. This has raised questions about the integrity of the governing body and its commitment to fair play.

Red Bull Content Pool

Moreover, the controversy has deepened with new allegations surfacing regarding the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. Reports indicate that Ben Sulayem instructed officials not to certify the circuit for its debut race, with instructions to find faults with the track, regardless of their validity.

In response to these serious accusations, the FIA has confirmed that its Compliance Officer is investigating the matter. The organisation emphasised the importance of following due process and expressed regret over the premature disclosure of the information to the media. An FIA spokesperson highlighted the concern and disappointment surrounding the inaccurate reporting of the issue.

While the FIA has not provided specific details regarding the allegations or confirmed an ongoing compliance investigation into Ben Sulayem, the situation has undeniably cast a shadow over the sport's governing body.

The statement reads:

“Compliance Officer has received a report detailing potential allegations involving certain members of its governing bodies.

“The Compliance Department is assessing these concerns, as is common practice in these matters, to ensure that due process is meticulously followed.

“It is unfortunate and a source of great concern that the matter has been disclosed to the media without any prior authorisation and that certain elements of the report were inaccurately reported.”

Former Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen has revealed he requires open-heart surgery to address a potentially life-threatening condition.

Key takeaways:

• Kovalainen has been diagnosed with ascending aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the artery closest to the heart.
• The condition, if left untreated, can lead to a rupture and fatal consequences.
• The Finnish driver will undergo surgery, putting his plans for the 2024 Japanese Rally Championship on hold.

The 42-year-old Finn, who won the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix during his F1 career, shared the news of his health condition with Finnish publication Iltalehti. Kovalainen disclosed that a routine medical examination before a rallying event unveiled the alarming diagnosis.

"At the end of last season, I decided to have a thorough physical examination at the doctor," Kovalainen said. "The idea was to check that no bigger problem was found, but then this was revealed."

Ascending aortic aneurysm is a hereditary condition that causes an abnormal bulge in the aorta, the main artery carrying blood away from the heart. If left untreated, the aneurysm can rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.

"The idea was to check that no bigger problem was found, but then this was revealed.

"It's a hereditary disease that I can't do anything about. It's good that it was discovered now.

"Usually, this problem is asymptomatic, except when it first occurs."

Kovalainen, who transitioned to rallying after his F1 career, acknowledged that the diagnosis has temporarily halted his plans to compete in the upcoming Japanese Rally Championship while he undergoes the necessary surgical procedure.

The Finnish driver spent seven seasons in Formula 1, competing for teams such as McLaren, Renault, Team Lotus, Caterham, and Lotus F1 between 2007 and 2013. 

Kovalainen's F1 journey began in 2007 with Renault, before joining McLaren in 2008 as a teammate to the then-rookie Hamilton. Despite the Hungarian GP win, Kovalainen often found himself in Hamilton's shadow. After leaving McLaren, he had stints with backmarker teams like Caterham and Lotus before retiring from F1 in 2013 to pursue rallying.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH managing director, will be present in Saudi Arabia for the Grand Prix this weekend as internal tensions mount within Red Bull Racing. This development follows growing concerns over Christian Horner's role as the team's principal.

Key Takeaways:

• Internal strife at Red Bull Racing prompts a significant visit by Oliver Mintzlaff to Saudi Arabia, amid debates over Christian Horner's leadership.
• Christian Horner faces scrutiny over allegations of misconduct, despite being cleared by legal examination.
• Support from the team's major Thai shareholder reportedly contrasts with Red Bull GmbH's perspective, casting uncertainty on Horner's future within the team.

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The atmosphere within Red Bull Racing is charged with anticipation as Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH's CEO for Corporate Projects and New Investments, makes a visit to Saudi Arabia, according to Bild. This move is seen as a direct response to the unrest brewing within the team, particularly concerning the leadership of Christian Horner, the team's principal. Despite Horner's pivotal role in the team's success, his leadership style has come under fire following allegations of misconduct, although these were dismissed by an independent investigation.

The controversy surrounding Horner stems from both allegations of misconduct and internal disputes that have reportedly been simmering for some time. Despite being exonerated by an independent legal inquiry, Horner's position remains precarious, particularly with the backdrop of Red Bull GmbH's apparent desire for a change at the top. This is juxtaposed against the support Horner is receiving from the majority Thai shareholder, who holds a 51 percent stake in the team, in contrast to Red Bull GmbH's 49 percent share.

The Alpine F1 team has suffered another major setback as veteran Bob Bell departs from his advisory role, adding to the ongoing leaving of senior figures after a disastrous start to the 2024 season.

Key takeaways:

• Bob Bell, a long-serving advisor and former technical director, has left Alpine F1 team.
• Alpine has endured a flurry of high-profile exits, including technical chief and aerodynamics head.
• The team's poor on-track performance in Bahrain exacerbated the turmoil within the French outfit.

Bell's departure marks the latest chapter in Alpine's ongoing struggles, as the team grapples with a leadership vacuum and underwhelming performance on the track. The 65-year-old Briton, who had been associated with the Enstone-based outfit since its Benetton days in the late 1990s, served as the team's technical director during Fernando Alonso's championship-winning years in 2005 and 2006.

Alpine's woes began last year when team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane were ousted from their roles, sparking a series of high-profile exits. Chief technical officer Pat Fry and CEO Laurent Rossi also parted ways with the team. This continued when Technical Director Matt Harman confirmed he would also be leaving. 

The on-track performance in Bahrain only exacerbated the team's turmoil. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon qualified at the back of the grid, with Ocon finishing 17th and Gasly 18th, highlighting a worrying regression for the French manufacturer.

This weekend hosts the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and Esteban Ocon will be going into the Saturday (race day) with optimism being one of only six drivers to ever lead the race since its beginning in 2021. And alongside Pierre Gasly, both drivers have a 100% scoring record so far. Hopefully for the team, they can maintain this success. 

It has emerged that three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen holds an exit clause within his Red Bull contract, permitting his immediate departure under certain conditions. This revelation comes amidst ongoing speculation about the future of the Dutchman with the Red Bull team, exacerbated by controversies involving team principal Christian Horner.

Key Takeaways:

• Verstappen's contract contains an exit clause tied to the departure of motorsport advisor Helmut Marko from the team.
• Tensions within Red Bull Racing have been highlighted, with Jos Verstappen expressing concerns over the team atmosphere under Christian Horner's leadership.
• Mercedes has shown interest in Verstappen as they look to replace Lewis Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari in 2025.

The Formula 1 paddock has been rife with speculation concerning Max Verstappen's tenure at Red Bull Racing, particularly against the backdrop of the team's internal dynamics and external pressures. The heart of the matter seems to revolve around team principal Christian Horner, who has faced accusations and internal scrutiny, although Red Bull's own investigation has cleared him of any misconduct. The situation was further complicated by alleged leaks of communications attributed to Horner, reigniting the debate during the Bahrain Grand Prix.

It has now been unveiled by F1 Insider that Verstappen's contract with Red Bull includes a specific clause that allows him to leave the team immediately should Helmut Marko, a key figure in Verstappen's career, exit the team. This clause adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing narrative, suggesting that Verstappen's future with the team could be influenced by factors beyond just performance and results.

The report from F1 Insider states:

"F1-Insider.com learned of an exit clause in the Dutchman's Red Bull contract that makes it possible for Verstappen to immediately leave the drinks company run by the Thai Yoovidhya family. Accordingly, Verstappen is free if his sponsor and confidant Helmut Marko (80) leaves Red Bull - and that is no longer out of the question after the events of the last few weeks due to the alleged sexual assault by team boss Christian Horner towards an employee."

After 28 years, a Ferrari road car previously owned by Former F1 driver Gerhard Berger that was reported stolen at the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix has been located by London's Metropolitan Police. In 2023, Ferrari informed the Organised Vehicle Crime Unit about a potentially stolen car, and it was traced as a buyer attempted to import it from the UK to the US.

Key Takeaways:

• London's Metropolitan Police found Gerhard Berger's stolen Ferrari F512 M, missing for 28 years, after Ferrari tipped off the Organised Vehicle Crime Unit in 2023.
• The investigation, taking four days, led to the recovery of the GBP 350,000 car, which had been stolen in 1995 and shipped to Japan before being traced in the UK.
• PC Mike Pilbeam highlighted international collaboration with authorities and Ferrari, securing the vehicle and allowing its return to Berger.

Berger had his Ferrari F512 M stolen at Imola almost three decades ago, but the police could not trace it immediately. Like any other owner, he might have perhaps, given up on the hope of finding his car someday. 

Fortunately, though, Ferrari passed on important information to the Organised Vehicle Crime Unit of London's Metropolitan Police last year about the arrival of a certain Ferrari into the UK, which was supposed to be flown to the USA, 

Within four days of initiating the investigation since the tip-off, the unit successfully acquired the vehicle, estimated to be worth approximately £350,000. It was then realized that the car had been shipped to Japan after being stolen but, arrived in the UK to prepare for export to the USA. 

Explaining the details of the hunt, PC Mike Pilbeam, who led the investigation, revealed:

"The stolen Ferrari – close to the value of £350,000 – was missing for more than 28 years before we managed to track it down in just four days.

“Our enquiries were painstaking and included contacting authorities from around the world. We worked quickly with partners including the National Crime Agency, as well as Ferrari and international car dealerships, and this collaboration was instrumental in understanding the vehicle’s background and stopping it from leaving the country."

Fortunately for Berger, who raced in Formula 1 for 14 seasons, including for Ferrari, will get back his prized possession with a value much appreciated.

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has advised Mercedes on the timing of their driver selection since the team has an entire F1 season ahead to pick an ideal replacement for Lewis Hamilton.

Key Takeaways:

• Guenther Steiner, former Haas F1 team principal, advises Mercedes to take their time in selecting Lewis Hamilton's replacement, considering they have the entire F1 season ahead.
• Mercedes has ample time and options, including Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, Esteban Ocon, and Mercedes F2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
• Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal and CEO, aligns with Steiner's approach, emphasizing the luxury of waiting to make a strategic and informed decision for Hamilton's successor.

The seven-time world champion sent shockwaves across the F1 community by announcing his decision to move to Ferrari next year. As a result, Mercedes declared George Russell as the team's new lead driver.

However, with 13 driver contracts expiring by the end of the 2024 season, Mercedes has plenty of time and choice in hand, which could also be perceived as a challenge. Among the numerous possibilities are figures like Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin, Sergio Perez, Esteban Ocon, Mercedes F2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and several others.

Toto Wolff revealed recently that Mercedes won't be looking to fill Hamilton's seat in haste. Steiner has now backed the claim, suggesting that he would also do the same if he was in Wolff's place. Speaking to the media, he said:

“I think he’s looking for speed, somebody consistent, but also somebody maybe for the future.

“Toto’s in a very good position, because nothing will move until he moves.

“Obviously they have got the young driver Kimi Antonelli in Formula 2, which he’s a prodigy of Mercedes since, I don’t know how many years.

“Maybe he’s a talent like Max Verstappen, which came out of the old Formula 3 straight into Formula 1. If Kimi can do the same, I think Toto can take the gamble because he’s about the same age.

“Otherwise, he has got older drivers without a contract he can pick from and he’s in no hurry because none of these guys will make a move before that seat is full. Why would they? I would wait. I would do the same as Toto, I would wait!”

The CEO of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Sheikh Salman bin Isa al-Khalifa, has suggested the potential for the race to permanently move to a Saturday on the Formula 1 calendar, following its success this year, coinciding with a Middle East weekend.

Key Takeaways:

• Bahrain Grand Prix CEO Sheikh Salman bin Isa al-Khalifa suggests a permanent move to a Saturday race, considering its success coinciding with a Middle East weekend.
• Due to Ramadan, F1 adjusted the calendar, making the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix run from Thursday to Saturday. The Bahrain event was rescheduled a day earlier for smoother logistics.
• The CEO notes benefits from the Friday-Saturday schedule, including early ticket sales and international attendance, but acknowledges the need for a collective decision with Formula 1, considering global impact and guest preferences.

Because Ramadan, a holy tradition, began on March 10 this year, F1 had to adjust its calendar, leading to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking place from Thursday to Saturday this week.

As a result, the Bahrain event was rescheduled to one day earlier to safeguard the smooth transition of freight, and necessary setup between the two races, preventing any potential disruptions caused by a condensed schedule if the race had remained on its original Sunday slot.

For the first time, both the qualifying session and the Grand Prix took place on Friday and Saturday in Bahrain last week. Isa al-Khalifa highlighted the advantage of this scheduling, as it aligned with a Middle East weekend. Consequently, he mentioned that ticket sales were sold out earlier than usual. He told RacingNews365.com:

"From ticket sales, yes, we did sell out earlier than usual, and that's a good sign.

"International sales were also higher. I think we reached about 11,000 people flying in. When you look at the hotels, the rental cars, the restaurants, the economic benefits to a small island are tremendous.

"Because the event is on a Middle East weekend, they (the local fans) might come earlier compared to a race being on a Sunday when they might come after school or after work because even though the race is at six (o'clock), people would come later.

"I guess when we came in, we were humble and respected - and we still respect - the culture of Formula 1 (with a grand prix) being on a Sunday.

"Now Vegas has started on a Saturday, and you see that and say, 'Maybe we can, if we agree with Formula 1 and Formula 1 agrees'.

"It's not our decision. It's a collective decision. We'll see the numbers and maybe decide."

However, whether or not a similar change would make a positive difference across the globe would be open to question. Speaking further, the Bahrain GP CEO added:

"Okay, it's selfish. If I say, 'Yes, I want it on the (Middle East) weekend', it's only for Bahrain, and yet, we are trying to grow our international sales.

"We're 11,000, so maybe 13, 14,000 next year. Does it make sense for them, because you go back on a Sunday, and you have a day off? So it's not just about us. I'm not thinking about Bahrain or the Middle East.

"We were sold out, and we're in a global sport, so we need to see the timezone and see what works.

"Selfishly, I would say, it makes better sense for the people in Bahrain to be on the weekend. Internationally, I don't know the answer.

"But we'll ask, and we'll see with the guests, and if they prefer that, and it fits in, then we'll have that discussion [with F1]."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner recently engaged in face-to-face talks with Max Verstappen's management team in Dubai. The meeting followed remarks from Max's father, Jos Verstappen, expressing concerns about the potential negative consequences of the ongoing investigation controversy for the team.

Key Takeaways:

• Red Bull's Christian Horner met with Max Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, in Dubai.
• Despite Horner's clearance in the independent investigation, leaked emails with pertinent attachments intensified the controversy.
• Calls for transparency persist, while discussions in Dubai reportedly went well. Tensions between Horner and Jos Verstappen were evident before the Bahrain Grand Prix. The situation remains a focal point ahead of the second F1 race of the season.

Despite the independent investigation absolving the Red Bull team principal of any misconduct, the situation drew increased attention after an email was leaked to key figures in the FIA, the FOM, Jos Verstappen, and other team principals on the F1 grid. The email included attachments that were allegedly relevant to the case.

While Horner continues to reject any allegations of wrongdoing, numerous team principals and experts are urging transparency in the case. They emphasize the need to reveal specific details for a clearer understanding of the situation.

Horner met Verstappen's management team in Dubai yesterday with the presence of senior Red Bull team figures, and the talks between the two parties seem to have gone "well", as per the sources of the Press Association. 

The report of the meeting comes a few days after Jos and Horner were sighted arguing the day before the Bahrain Grand Prix. Though Jos later apologized to the team boss, the build-up of friction between the two was evident.

In addition, the meeting in Dubai could also potentially, put to rest rumors about Jos informing his inner circle that his son would exit Red Bull if Horner continues to be the team principal.

Amid rising tensions at Red Bull and a changing narrative, Max's father, traditionally a fixture in the F1 paddock during his son's career, has opted not to attend the upcoming race in Jeddah. Despite his absence, discussions surrounding him are expected to be a focal point in the lead-up to the second race of the F1 season.

Saudi Arabia has introduced its state-of-the-art Qiddiya racing circuit, designed to be the future venue for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Featuring an unprecedented first corner that ascends the equivalent of 20 storeys, this circuit is thought to be introduced to the F1 calendar from 2028 however, this has not been confirmed yet.

Key Takeaways

• The newly announced Qiddiya racing circuit in Saudi Arabia features a unique 20-storey-high first corner, set to become the new venue for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
• Designed collaboratively by former F1 driver Alex Wurz and renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, the track boasts an anti-clockwise direction with significant elevation changes across 21 corners.
• The circuit is a part of the Qiddiya project, aimed at blending the excitement of street racing with the facilities of permanent race tracks, offering a distinct motorsport experience.

Qiddiya Media

The transition to the bespoke Qiddiya venue represents a milestone in the kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, showcasing a modern circuit capable of supporting speeds up to 200mph in an anti-clockwise configuration. This new venue has been meticulously planned by the duo of Alex Wurz, an ex-F1 racer, and Hermann Tilke, a name synonymous with modern racing circuit designs.

Abdullah Aldawood, at the helm of the Qiddiya Investment Company, highlighted the circuit's alignment with the 'power of play' philosophy, envisioning it as a beacon for motorsport in Saudi Arabia and a leading venue on the international stage. 

“The Speed Park Track will be a true embodiment of Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy and position Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and one of the world’s leading motorsport venues.

“Visitors and spectators will be treated to one of the most unique race experiences in the world with a pioneering track that will be ready to host some of the world’s biggest motorsport events.”

Beyond the race track, the Qiddiya complex promises a revolutionary spectator experience, moving away from conventional grandstands to offer diverse viewing platforms and terraces. The facility is part of a larger entertainment ecosystem that includes a music venue and a Six Flags rollercoaster adjacent to the circuit, enhancing the visitor experience.

Mike Reininger, the CEO behind the Qiddiya project, has articulated a vision for the circuit to host a spectrum of motorsport events, from MotoGP to WEC and various national and regional championships, with the ambition to attract the most prestigious motorsport events to Saudi Arabia.

"We're building so that we're able to host MotoGP events, WEC, regional and national championship events, and all the way up through F1.

"We're building the facilities so that we can ultimately host the biggest and the best motorsports events, really in all categories.”

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George Russell has contradicted teammate Lewis Hamilton's claim that his W15 F1 car was set up differently for the Bahrain Grand Prix. He emphasized that both cars "were pretty similar" and that he hadn't focused greatly on his teammate's setup. 

Key Takeaways:

• George Russell contradicts Lewis Hamilton's claim of differing setups for their W15 F1 cars, stating they were "pretty similar."
• In Bahrain qualifying, Russell secured P3, and Hamilton placed P9. On race day, Russell finished fifth, Hamilton seventh, with overheating issues due to an unsuitable cooling configuration.
• Despite Hamilton mentioning varying setups and discomfort with race pace, Russell refutes it, saying both cars were similar, his more focused on race performance during qualifying.

In Friday's qualifying session, a noticeable gap emerged between the two W15s, with Russell securing P3 and Hamilton placing himself on P9. On race day, Russell finished fifth, and Hamilton finished seventh as Mercedes grappled with overheating problems. The team had opted for a cooling configuration that proved unsuitable for the higher-than-expected temperatures in Sakhir during the Grand Prix.

Hamilton had revealed after the Bahrain GP qualifying that the two Mercedes cars were set up differently. He told the media:

“[On Thursday] during my work, we were doing identical car setups, and I was feeling great.

“We veered off – he went one way, and I went the other. You could say that the one I was on is not good on a single lap, but I hope it’s good in the race.

“I wasn’t comfortable with my race pace [in practice].

“So I changed the car to hopefully make the race pace better but we’ll see if that’s really the case.”

However, teammate Russell contradicted Hamilton's claims that both cars were running similar setups. He said:

“Many people have said this.

“I don’t really know the big differences, to be honest, because as far as I’m aware with the cars we’re pretty similar.

“I don’t really focus too much on his set-up. Mine was actually more set up for the race than the set-up he ran. At least it was on Friday [for qualifying].”

Mercedes Press Image

The divergence in views between the two drivers arises as Hamilton enters his final season with Mercedes before transitioning to Ferrari, while Russell takes on the role of the lead driver following the departure of the seven-time world champion.

Sauber's Head of Trackside Engineering, Xevi Pujolar, has verified that the 52.4-second pit stop for Valtteri Bottas during the Bahrain Grand Prix resulted from a problem with the wheel nut on his C44 F1 car.

Key Takeaways:

• Sauber's Xevi Pujolar confirmed that Valtteri Bottas's 52.4-second pit stop in the Bahrain Grand Prix was due to a wheel nut issue.
• Bottas finished 19th, narrowly beating Williams driver Logan Sargeant, while Zhou Guanyu secured the 11th position, missing out on points.
• Pujolar highlighted the need to optimize pit stops and explained that the slow stop resulted from changing the wheel nut, with considerations to simplify the situation due to a damaged front wing.

Due to the long pit stop, Bottas could only manage a 19th-place finish, narrowly beating Williams driver Logan Sargeant. His teammate Zhou Guanyu fell short of securing points as he finished eleventh. 

A front left wing issue arose on Bottas's car after contact with Nico Hulkenberg's Haas VF-24 at Turn 1, leading to his second pitstop on Lap 30. This significantly delayed him and dashed his hopes of scoring points in Bahrain.

Zeroing in on the root cause of the problem, Pujolar revealed that the wheel nut was responsible for the long pit stop, which had to be replaced. He told the media:

“We had an issue where we had to change the wheelnut.

“It’s something that we are working on.”

Speaking further on the extent of the damage, Pujolar explained why the front wing wasn't replaced during the pit stop. He added:

“We had damage on the endplate, so we lost a bit of performance there, but it was OK to continue without changing. It was better to keep it on the car.

“I think we had already enough going on [during the slow pit stop], so we just thought: first, focus on that one.

“We were losing a bit of performance. For sure, now, you say: ‘OK, if you [know you’ll] spend more time in the pitstop, you will do like it this, but we wanted to keep it simple at the time.'”

He subsequently addressed the need to optimize pit stops to enhance their efficiency. Pujolar added:

“We will have a look, for sure. We are working in all areas to try to optimise everything

“If you look at the pitstops with Zhou, it was good on that side. We have some pit stops where we can do better.

“But also looking at the pit stops on Zhou’s side, we were able to fight with competitors and keep position.

“I don’t think we have a problem there – we just need to optimise everything.”

Lando Norris highlights the positive signs of the 2024 MCL38 F1 car after the Bahrain Grand Prix as he got incredibly close to George Russell's W15 Mercedes car. However, despite the improvement, the McLaren driver explains that there's work left to be done on the wind-sensitive F1 car.

Key Takeaways:

• Norris sees positive signs in the MCL38's Bahrain performance but highlights wind sensitivity as an area for improvement.
• McLaren's Bahrain GP marks an improvement from the previous year but falls short of the impressive 2023 season's second half. Norris finishes sixth, and Piastri takes eighth after battling Mercedes drivers.
• Norris acknowledges ongoing improvements and consistency challenges, expressing uncertainty about the car's performance on high-speed tracks like Jeddah.

The results of the 2024 season opener were widely expected for the Woking squad, showcasing a substantial improvement from its position at the same venue one year earlier. Nevertheless, the team's progress doesn't parallel the impressive comeback it made in the second half of the 2023 season.

In the Bahrain Grand Prix, Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri engaged in a sustained battle with Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, ultimately securing a sixth-place finish for Norris and an eighth-place finish for Piastri.

Highlighting the areas for improvement on the 2024 car that remain similar to what was needed last year, Norris remained positive about getting close to Mercedes. Speaking to the media, he said:

"It's no different to last year.

"Those things we've not been able to tackle, other things which make us so up and down every weekend.

"It's something I think that made us struggle so much today and the wind changed. Some corners just felt shockingly bad compared to yesterday.

"I think it's clear there are still a lot of areas we need to focus on if we want to be more consistent and challenge.

"But considering it's a track we struggle with still, the fact we're so close to Mercedes is still a good sign for us that at some tracks we'll be able to be ahead. I'm confident, the team is doing a good job and it's a good starting position."

Setting a limit, Norris feels the maximum he could have achieved, given his car's characteristics, was to overtake Russell and maintain that position. He added:

"We were close to Mercedes, I don't think we had any advantage over them.

"The pace was so similar that, as soon as I got into the dirty air, I didn't have enough of an advantage to have a chance to overtake or even get within DRS.

"Maybe I could have been ahead of George, but that's about it. I think we're where we expect it to be and that's just a good start to the season, so I'm happy with that."

When asked if the car would show brighter colors in Jeddah, Norris displayed excitement but, also highlighted potential struggles. He said:

"Honestly, I don't know. It's a bit more high speed, a bit more medium speed, which normally suits us.

"But it's also a track where you want to have a good front at apex and this is something we don't have at all, so there are still going to be things we're going to struggle with a lot.

"On average, the track speed is higher, which maybe should suit us a bit more, so I'm excited for it."

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has praised Sergio Perez for "tactically" holding back Carlos Sainz's Ferrari at the Bahrain Grand Prix season opener in the fight for P2. Thus, by doing so, the Mexican driver prevented the SF-24 from going after Max Verstappen and helped his team achieve a 1-2 finish.

Key Takeaways:

• Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko commended Sergio Perez for his tactical performance in holding back Carlos Sainz's Ferrari during the Bahrain Grand Prix, contributing to Red Bull's 1-2 finish.
• Despite starting in fifth position, Perez executed a remarkable comeback, overtaking Sainz, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell to secure second place.
• Marko praised Perez for his strategic approach, stating there was no need to push the pace, and highlighted the overall positive team result in the race.

Despite starting in fifth position, Perez executed a remarkable comeback by overtaking Carlos Sainz early on, followed by successful passes on Charles Leclerc and George Russell, ultimately securing a second-place finish.

Marko, who was in the news last season for criticizing Perez, has praised the 34-year-old Red Bull driver for doing the right thing in Bahrain. He told Total-Motorsport.com after the race:

“It wouldn’t have made any sense to push the pace. He had Sainz under control and there was no chance of moving forward.

“Perez therefore did absolutely the right thing tactically and never pushed. To put it another way, he could have driven faster, but there was no reason to. It was an impeccable performance.”

Commenting further on his progress from P5 to P2, Marko added:

“Yeah, I think starting from P5, it's always nice to make good progress.

“There were a lot of battles on track, which around this place, you just go into a very different strategy once that happens. You are sliding a lot more in traffic.

“And I think overall, it's a very good team result. Yeah, it was quite close with the Ferraris, with the Mercs early on. We were fighting with the DRS, obviously, being a lap earlier. It just changes a few things out there.”

Perez, who has been a critic of the hectic 24-race season, embarks on what could be his last year with the Milton Keynes outfit, as his Red Bull contract expires after the conclusion of the 2024 season. It would be too early to say if his team would extend his contract or hire a replacement driver for the next season. 

During talks this week, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the resort town of Marmaris on Sunday to discuss the potential return of Formula 1's Turkish Grand Prix and the World Rally Championship.

Key Takeaways:

• FIA President Ben Sulayem discussed the potential return of F1's Turkish Grand Prix and WRC with Turkey's President Erdogan.
• Istanbul Park hosted F1 races from 2005 to 2011, returning in 2020 and 2021. FIA's interest coincides with efforts by Istanbul Park owners to secure a new race contract.
• The current leaseholder's contract expired, prompting a new call for tenders with a $117 million rental fee and a guaranteed spot on the F1 calendar from 2026. Erdogan supports the positive impact of motorsport in Turkey.

Turkey hosted Formula 1 races at the Istanbul Park circuit from 2005 to 2011 before returning to the calendar in the COVID-affected years of 2020 and 2021. The FIA's keenness to bring Turkey back to the F1 calendar coincides with the endeavors of Istanbul Park owners to secure a new race contract.

The current leaseholder, Intercity, has seen its contract expire, prompting the General Directorate of Foundations to issue a new call for tenders. The demands include a $117 million rental fee for the contract and a guarantee of a place on the F1 calendar from 2026. The FOM deal should be signed within a month of taking over the venue.

Revealing his discussion with President Erdogan, Ben Sulayem said:

"It was a pleasure to meet with President Erdogan. Our talks centred on a range of topics. We discussed the possibility of a return of Formula 1 and WRC to Turkey.

"Istanbul Park is a modern circuit which is popular with drivers while the city of Istanbul is a thriving metropolis which would welcome a return of Formula 1 with open arms.

"President Erdogan also recognises the importance of the economic and cultural impact which world-class motorsport – Formula 1 and WRC – brings to the country.

"TOSFED, our Member Club in Turkey, have a wealth of experience in organising and managing major motorsport events. If the stars align, we could see a return of both world-class events to Turkey."

The meeting was hosted by the President of TOSFED (Turkish Automobile Sports Federation), Eren Uclertopragi, and Serkan Yazici, a former Turkish rally champion and FIA World Motor Sport Council member.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz expressed concerns about the tire advantage of Red Bull, highlighting the challenge of encountering dirty air issues when closely following the RB20 during the Bahrain Grand Prix, which further complicated overtaking maneuvers.

Key Takeaways:

• Carlos Sainz voiced concerns about Red Bull's tire advantage and the challenge of overtaking due to encountering dirty air behind the RB20 during the Bahrain Grand Prix.
• Red Bull's reported superior tire degradation, allowing their soft tires to match hard tire longevity on other cars, may create a significant disadvantage for teams using soft compounds.
• Sainz finished third behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who chose soft tires in the final stint, while the rest raced on hard tires. Despite knowing the hard compound would surpass the soft in pace due to degradation, Sainz acknowledged the challenge of outpacing Red Bull, citing difficulties in dirty air when chasing Perez.

Red Bull supposedly has an excellent rate of tire degradation since the RB20 can make the soft tire last as long as the hard tire on other cars. The worrying assessment by Sainz could hint at a major disadvantage the other teams possess with soft tires. 

Thus, Sainz secured third place behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. The big factor to point out is that the Red Bull pair were running on soft compound tires in the last leg of the race while the rest of the pack behind them raced with hard tires. 

That was when he received communication via team radio about the imminent scenario where the hard tire would surpass the soft in terms of pace due to tire degradation. Despite this information, Sainz acknowledged the difficulty of finishing ahead of a Red Bull, recognizing their proficiency in maintaining tire pace. He noted that the drop-off on the softs was comparable to that of the entire field on the hards, making it unlikely for him to outpace both RB20s.

Speaking to the media, he said:

“You need to consider that we've been testing here for three days and I've been seeing that Red Bull degradation on Soft [tyres] - it's exactly the same as ours on the Hards.

“As soon as I knew Red Bull had a new Soft for the last stint and Checo had it, it’s not like I went ‘OK, this is my chance’.

“I’ve seen the long runs they did on the C3 tyre in testing and you could see that they basically have the same degradation on the Soft as what everyone had on the Hard. So I wasn't getting too excited.”

Despite chasing Perez with a gap of three seconds, Sainz was unable to close the gap due to Red Bull's dirty air. He added:

“I was in a bit of an uncomfortable position because you're in a two, three-second margin where you get all the dirty air but you don't get the advantage of the DRS in the slipstream.

“So you're just sliding a bit more. If I had been within a second or maybe five seconds behind I think on the Hard tyre I could have maybe shown a bit more of the true pace of the car and my pace.

“But in that two, three seconds, it’s the worst place to be and I could never mount any proper challenge on Checo.”

Carlos Sainz disclosed that similar to his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, he had to carefully manage his brakes during the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he emerged as the closest competitor to Red Bull at the Bahrain International Circuit, finishing just a few seconds behind Sergio Perez in P2.

Key Takeaways:

• Carlos Sainz, like his teammate Charles Leclerc, managed his brakes carefully in the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing as Red Bull's closest competitor in third place behind Sergio Perez.
• In his final season with Ferrari, Sainz navigates the challenging 24-race calendar before his contract concludes in 2024, with Lewis Hamilton set to succeed him.
• Despite brake issues, Sainz strategically handled challenges in Bahrain, overtaking competitors and securing a podium finish while managing brake vibrations and pedal issues.

Entering his final season with Ferrari, the Spaniard is gearing up to demonstrate his skills in the record-breaking 24-race calendar. His contract with the team concludes at the end of 2024, with Lewis Hamilton set to succeed him starting from the following year.

In Bahrain, Sainz secured the third position by overtaking Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell. Despite both Ferrari drivers experiencing brake issues, Sainz managed to handle the challenge well, unlike Leclerc, who was observed locking up his brakes multiple times.

Speaking during the FIA press conference after the race, Sainz said:

“Yes, the first stint and the beginning of the second stint, whenever we were in traffic, we were having a lot of brake vibrations and the pedal at one point started to go long.

“So it was always a balancing act between, do I go for it and try to get rid of the dirty air and overtake people, or do I start saving my brakes because they're going to fail or something's going to happen?

“I started saving by moving a bit on the straight to cool the side that it was getting hotter and the vibration started to get better. And then I could start to make moves and move forward.

“But as I said, the start wasn't great. The brakes were still a bit of a limitation for a bit. And then once everything settled, I could do my pace, do my overtakes and go for the podium.”

FIA's head, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, faces scrutiny over claims of meddling in the outcome of a Formula 1 race. An insider has accused him of attempting to annul a penalty against Fernando Alonso during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Mohammed Ben Sulayem is accused of trying to reverse Fernando Alonso's penalty at the 2023 Saudi Arabian GP.
• A whistleblower's report to the FIA's ethics committee has sparked the investigation.
• The controversy has added to a series of contentious issues surrounding Ben Sulayem's presidency.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA President, finds himself at the centre of a contentious investigation. Allegations have surfaced suggesting Ben Sulayem may have improperly influenced the outcome of a pivotal moment in Formula 1 racing, casting a shadow over the integrity of the sport's governance.

The incident in question revolves around Fernando Alonso who faced a penalty during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. It has come to light that a whistleblower approached the FIA, claiming that Ben Sulayem intervened to have Alonso's penalty rescinded. As reported by BBC Sport, this allegation, detailed in a report by FIA compliance officer Paolo Basarri, is now under the scrutiny of the ethics committee.

Ben Sulayem's alleged interference is said to have involved a direct appeal to Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA's vice-president for the Middle East and North Africa region, urging a reconsideration of Alonso's penalty. The penalty itself was a consequence of a procedural error during a pit stop, where Alonso's car was serviced before the stipulated time had elapsed, breaching F1's stringent regulations.

This development is the latest in a series of controversies that have marred Ben Sulayem's tenure since his election in December 2021. His presidency has been punctuated by disputes, including an aborted compliance inquiry into Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and a backlash over comments perceived as misogynistic.

The potential fallout from this investigation is significant, with the FIA's ethics committee expected to deliver its findings in the coming weeks. The implications extend beyond the immediate case, casting a long shadow over Ben Sulayem's leadership and the broader governance of Formula 1. 

The Alpine F1 team has announced significant organisational changes and the departure of key team members, aiming for a fresh approach to technical leadership. This restructuring introduces a three-pillared technical leadership model, marking a departure from the traditional single Technical Director role.

Key Takeaways:

• Alpine restructures its technical team with a new three-pillared leadership model, introducing roles for Technical Directors of Performance, Aerodynamics, and Engineering.
• The reshuffle follows the departure of Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer, who are leaving to pursue new opportunities.
• The team aims to revitalise its performance in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship after a drop from fourth to sixth place in the standings.

The Alpine F1 Team is undergoing a pivotal transformation in its technical department, aiming to revitalise its fortunes in the Formula 1 World Championship. In response to a series of underwhelming performances, the team has opted for a strategic overhaul, establishing three distinct technical roles: Technical Director (Performance), Technical Director (Aerodynamics), and Technical Director (Engineering). This new approach is designed to foster enhanced collaboration and innovation within the team.

Joe Burnell, David Wheater, and Ciaron Pilbeam have been appointed to helm these critical positions, reporting directly to Team Principal Bruno Famin. Their combined expertise is expected to steer Alpine towards achieving its ambitious performance goals. Furthermore, the team has confirmed the appointment of Chief Operating Officers John Woods and Audrey Vastroux at its Enstone and Viry-Chatillon factories, respectively, to spearhead the development of the team's infrastructure and capabilities.

The announcement comes in the wake of the departures of Matt Harman and Dirk de Beer, both of whom have chosen to explore new ventures. Alpine has expressed its gratitude for their contributions and wishes them success in their future endeavours. This transition period follows a challenging phase for the team, highlighted by a disappointing showing at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where both Alpine drivers started at the back of the grid.

Bruno Famin, the Team Principal, emphasised the necessity of the restructure in a press release: 

“We have decided to make these organisational changes as we can clearly see that we are not where we want nor need to be in terms of performance level and it is time to take another step in terms of organisation and people.

"The new three-pillared structure with three Technical Directors, each specialising in different areas, will bring better work and collaboration across our technical areas and contribute to delivering performance from the factories to the race track.

"I trust fully in the abilities of Joe, David and Ciaron to work closely together in bringing the team the performance and improvements that it needs.

"Finally, I would like to thank Matt and Dirk for their efforts over the last couple of years at the team and wish them the very best in the next chapter of their careers.”

The backdrop to these changes is marked by the early-season challenges and the high-profile departures of several key figures, adding to the team's urgency to recalibrate its strategic approach.