F1 Briefings

Mercedes has announced its intention to conduct experimental adjustments to the W15 at the Australian Grand Prix, aiming to tackle the car's persistent issues. This decision follows the vehicle's noticeable struggles with bouncing and poor performance in high-speed corners in recent races.

Key Takeaways:

• Mercedes is planning experimental changes for the W15 at the Australian GP to address its bouncing issues and poor high-speed cornering.
• The team's strategy involves analysing data from both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix to devise new approaches for the Melbourne practice sessions.
• Mercedes' trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has highlighted the necessity of addressing the car's fundamental issues, as evidenced by similar challenges faced by both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell despite different setups.

Mercedes Press Image

The Mercedes Formula 1 team is looking to address the W15's ongoing challenges during the Australian Grand Prix weekend. Andrew Shovlin, the team's trackside engineering director, revealed plans for "experiments" intended to improve the car's performance, particularly in high-speed corners where its shortcomings were notably exposed during the Saudi Arabian GP. He commented to Autosport:

"There's definitely data that we're picking through from Jeddah.

"We're also looking at data from the Bahrain race, Bahrain test, and we will come up with a plan for how we approach free practice in Melbourne. But it's not just based on what we did in Jeddah."

With a comprehensive approach to problem-solving, the Mercedes team is not solely relying on recent race data but is also drawing on insights from previous tests and races. 

"There's a lot of work going on within the aerodynamics department, vehicle dynamics department.

"We're trying to design some experiments there that will hopefully give us a direction that's good for performance."

Mercedes Press Image

The challenge of high-speed corner performance is a significant concern for the team, as Shovlin confirmed. The issue was particularly detrimental to the team's performance in Bahrain. He continued:

"It’s a few things.

"One of them was the balance wasn't great. So those very fast corners, the walls aren't particularly far away – so the ones where the driver wants a lot of confidence – and quite often we were snapping to oversteer if they really leant on the tyres.

"And you can easily imagine how unsettling that is for the drivers. Now, that was a factor in qualifying and the race."

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In addition to handling issues, the car also experienced notable bouncing, especially in low fuel conditions during qualifying. However, this was somewhat mitigated in race conditions with higher fuel loads. 

"In qualifying we were also suffering a bit with the bouncing. That was less of a problem in the race. There's more fuel on the car. You're going a bit slower. And that seemed to calm down, and wasn't such an issue."

The pursuit of improved grip is paramount for the team as it prepares for the Australian Grand Prix, which features corners of a similar nature to those in Bahrain. Shovlin emphasised the need for a comprehensive understanding of the car's limitations, as both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell encountered similar issues despite exploring different setup directions. 

“When you change things, you can see the differences. So, one car making changes, you can see how it performs run-to-run.

"We can also look at the global performance of the two cars, but fundamentally, the limitations that we had in qualifying and the race, they were broadly the same for both.

"So it's telling you it's not a small difference, it's not a tiny bit of camber or a spring or bar here and there. It's something more fundamental that we need to dig into and understand."

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Ahead of the F1 season, I was lucky enough to talk with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc about the challenges the Maranello team face this year. While we touched on the record-breaking season ahead, car development, and the changes happening within F1, we also wanted to bring attention to the strong partnership between the Scuderia and Shell Motorsport.

Shell has been synonymous with Ferrari since its partnership began in the late 1920s, and the iconic logo has been seen against the scarlet red of Ferrari's cars since the Formula One World Championship was established in 1950, celebrating their first race win together just a year later. 

This partnership, while legendary, also promotes a better future, as both brands invest heavily in the future of transportation and sustainable powertrains both on and off the track. I was able to get Charles' view on an all-electric future, but it's no surprise that more cylinders running on carbon-neutral fuels are his preferred outcome. 

Ferrari F1 Team / Shell

Alex Harrington: Have you got plans for a steep development curve early in the season to try to fend off the Red Bulls?

Charles Leclerc: I think first of all we are in a better place compared to last compared to a year ago, where a year ago we put the car on the ground and the car wasn't behaving the way we expected it to behave.

So it was a bit difficult to understand from where the problem was starting, and we have identified that later in the [2023] season. And from that moment onwards, we could focus on the development of the car as soon as we understood what was wrong with this car. Whereas this year, there's nothing that is wrong with the car.

At least it's doing everything that that we expected, which is a good starting point. And we can straight away focus on the development of the car, which gives me confidence that the rate of development will be better compared to last year, so that's that's good. Yeah, we've had some problems on the braking system on my side in in Bahrain, which are still being investigated. We'll look into it. And obviously this is a priority to work to resolve.

AH: What are your thoughts on the new sprint weekend format?

CH: It's something that I like as a driver because, now in Formula One, we've got FP1, FP2, FP3, where you haven't got anything really to play or challenge for apart from learning about your car, which is always nice. But competition is what I love most. So to have a very important session straight away on a Friday, it's something I like, and I think the changes will make it better as well, just because we've got now the chance to change the car after the sprint race, which is a good thing. Because I feel like sometimes when you are getting it wrong, or if you had a bad one then you had no way to recover, which now, it will be a bit better.

AH: How have your preparations changed considering the longer season?

CH: I don't think my preparation differs that much, actually. I think it's always the same preparation. I always try to be as ready as I can be, to be the best athlete possible outside the car as well as inside the car. And this remains the same preparation. I think where it changes slightly - it's the time management, what I do with my free time in between the races. Obviously, with 24 races, you need to be 100 percent from the first race to the last race.

And so what you do in between races is even more so important. So logistics, by example, we might want to stay in between two races instead of coming back home and travelling all the time. These kinds of things are super, super important in order to optimise the time that we have left to always deliver at our best. 

AH: The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the beginning of a triple header and only one week before the Qatar Grand Prix - should F1 be listening more to the drivers regarding the gaps between races when they ask for more time to recover from jet lag, etc?

CH: I don't know. I think it's always a compromise between what Formula 1 needs and wants and what the teams obviously have to be looking at to mostly take care of the guys that are working in the paddock. So this is a continuous discussion. I have no doubt that the best compromise are trying to be found. However, there's still things that we can optimise for sure.

AH: Do you think enough is being done for drivers getting into F1 via feeder series such as Formula 2?

CH: Well, to be honest on that, I think as a sport, as a global sport, we need to do better in order to give the opportunity. For more people to try and to actually have a career all the way up to Formula 1 because it's a very expensive sport, and on that, there's a lot of work to be done and there's still a lot to be done for for this. Then in that particular step from Formula 2 to Formula 1, I think this is...  I mean, it's good enough in a way that in Formula 2 you have a great platform to show your talents.

And then if you are good enough, you get to Formula 1 and you have a chance in Formula 1. However, it is true also that at the moment, in Formula 1, there are quite a lot of talented drivers and so it's difficult to find a place, but, yeah, I wouldn't add more seats to the grid.

But I'm sure that as soon as a young driver will show his true potential. Like it's been the case also in the past year. I think it's the first year in the whole history of that we have the exact same grid from one year to another. But I'm sure that young drivers will join Formula One soon, as I see, there are two, three extremely talented drivers in Formula Two already.

AH: Shell is working towards a carbon-neutral future to align with F1's targets as well. Would you prefer to be using carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, but on larger engines like V8s, V10s like the past, or the hybrid setup you currently use? 

CH: No, to have 100 per cent sustainable fuel running on V8, V10s could be really, really cool. There's a lot of work for that. Formula One has been pushing a lot on that. I think Formula One have always been pioneers in these new technologies and being a game changer in the whole automotive industry.

And I think it's a great opportunity for us to do that. So together we share, we are working a lot. I mean, it's more the Shell scientists and engineers that are working on those changes in the future, But it's a continuous collaboration, which is working great and that I hope won't only change our sport, but will change the world as a whole for a better place.

And if with all of that, we can also have cars that are sounding even better in the future being fully sustainable, then I'm all for it.

AH: How do you work with Shell's technical team throughout the season to optimize your performance, but also to help Shell bring products to the public? Can you give me an example of how you do that?

CH: Well, it's a continuous discussion. Obviously, we have the track lab that Shell is sending to every track we go to, and they are very close to our car. So whenever we get out of the car, sometimes we jump by and we discuss straight away with the engineers that Shell sends on track in order for us to understand exactly what we can do better in terms of drivability by example, which is what we are most involved in. 

Because at the end, it's the human and the machine and I'm the driver and obviously Shell takes care about giving us the best fuel and oil possible in order for us to perform at our best. So it's a continuous discussion on what are the last fine details we can improve together as well as discussing with all the engineers of the team more on the reliability side of things. Well, there we might be a bit less involved as drivers. 

AH: Shell and Ferrari's partnership dates back to late twenties. With that in mind, from your perspective and from what you've seen, what makes the partnership between Shell and Ferrari so special? 

CH: I think it's how close and how natural everything feels when we work together. You can really understand how much experience both Ferrari and Shell have in working together. As soon as I got into the team, I did not expect the amount of detail we are looking into for fuel and oil, and to see the team of Shell and Ferrari working together so seamlessly.

So it's really impressive.

AH: The all-electric future is coming - at the moment - and Shell is offering charging for electric vehicles. It's a big push for them. Have you considered an electric vehicle? And if so, what kind of model would you be interested in?

CH: Well, I'm surely very interested in a new Ferrari model that will come up. I don't remember exactly which year it will come out, but I'm very interested in seeing how it will look like, how it will feel like. Because, yeah, one of the solution for the future is electric vehicles.

I still believe in the sustainable fuel as well. But obviously driving for Ferrari, it's always been my dream being part of this team. And the road cars that they make have always made me dream as well. So the first fully electric car from Ferrari is something I'm looking forward to.

And I will hopefully get one.

AH: Season 6 of Drive to Survive has just been released. What are your opinions on how it portrays F1?

CH: I think it has only done really good to Formula One because if you look where was Formula One before Drive to Survive and where it is now, I think it is a huge step forward. And then, of course, sometimes it is a different point of view, I think, in the paddock compared to when you actually live a moment.

However, it is done in a very, very nice way and I think has helped giving a lot of engagement to people that wasn't necessarily into Formula One to understand it from a different point of view, focusing more on the people around the drivers as well, and show a bit more of the personality of the people in the paddock, which I think is a great thing.

And yeah, it's just a different point of view, which I think have helped a lot, the access, to people that wasn't necessarily into Formula 1, but that now are thanks to Drive to Survive. So I think great.

AH: The contract with Silverstone has just been extended for 10 years. With more and more street circuits being added to the calendar, are you happy to see a permanent track like Silverstone stay?

CH: Silverstone is definitely one of my favourite proper tracks, not the city tracks. I love city tracks on my side, but Silverstone is, with Suzuka probably my two favourite tracks.

So I'm really happy that it stays. I think it's a great track with so much history and we shall keep racing there. So I'm really happy that they've renewed.

Thank you to Shell for organising this interview with Sports Illustrated.

Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has questioned Daniel Ricciardo's current performance in regards to him staying afloat in the sport. These remarks follow comments from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, advising that he must "come up with something soon" to be in contention for a move to Red Bull, or potentially even for a contract extension with RB.

Key Takeaways:

• Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan questions Daniel Ricciardo's current performance and future in the sport, following Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko's warning for him to improve promptly.
• Ricciardo's struggles, including being overshadowed by his Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda and on-track incidents like nearly being lapped by Sergio Perez in Jeddah, raise concerns about his place in Formula 1.
• Jordan emphasizes the urgency for Ricciardo to improve, especially with emerging talents like Oliver Bearman making notable debuts.

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Jordan doubts whether Ricciardo has fully recovered from his challenging stint at McLaren, especially given his difficult start to the 2024 season, after being overshadowed by his Red Bull teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, in both races so far.

It's worth noting that he was very close to being lapped by Red Bull's Sergio Perez during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, albeit after a 41-second pit stop, before spinning out on the track. Because of this, a lot may need to be done by him to secure a seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2025. 

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Talking on the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan spoke on whether he would sign Ricciardo if he was a current team owner on the grid. Though he admires the Australian driver's personality, he questioned if Ricciardo has lost the zeal to perform during his time in Mclaren. He said:

“I don’t think there’s a more loved personality in F1.

“Certainly got the best smile I have ever seen in F1.

“He’s a magic guy to have in a team. But that doesn’t give you the right to be the driver in the team and I am just worried that the end of the McLaren era was really something that stood out and I couldn’t see where he’d lost it.

“There’s been nothing since then that convinces me that I would want to invest my hard earned sponsorship cash to keep Daniel.”

Ferrari Press Image

As his RB contract approaches expiry at the end of this season, and with junior driver, Oliver Bearman, making a notable debut in Formula 1, Jordan underscored the importance of the Australian urgently elevating his performance. He added:

“He needs a result more than anyone perhaps.

“He needs to get it together because otherwise he’s going to be replaced. He can understand why he would be replaced because the performances are not just there.

“He shouldn’t be spinning the car, he shouldn’t be putting himself out of sequence in a pit stop. You don't see Max doing that, you don’t see other people doing that. Daniel, as much as we adore him and I think he’s a huge asset for F1, the stopwatch never lies.

“The stopwatch in terms of Daniel, the question marks are out there. When we see people like Oliver Bearman coming like the way he did, people like Daniel will need to look over his shoulder and think ‘how much time do I have left here?’.”

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The dismissed grievance case against Christian Horner, Red Bull's Team Principal, by Red Bull’s parent company, is anticipated to see an appeal soon. The complainant is reportedly changing legal teams in preparation for this move, according to a report from The Telegraph.

Key Takeaways:

• The appeal comes after the original grievance case against Christian Horner was dismissed following an independent investigation.
• Horner's accuser, suspended due to questions around her evidence's accuracy, is preparing for an appeal with a new legal team.
• Red Bull and its management face ongoing scrutiny and potential internal divisions, with a second investigation into leaks also underway.

Red Bull Press Image

Following an internal investigation into allegations of controlling behaviour, Red Bull GmbH announced the dismissal of a case against Christian Horner, the team's principal, just before the start of the 2024 F1 season. However, the woman at the centre of the allegations is not backing down, planning to appeal the decision with the aid of newly appointed legal representation.

"It is understood that she intends to appeal the outcome of the internal investigation carried out by Red Bull GmbH into allegations of controlling behaviour," states the report from The Telegraph.

The unfolding drama highlights significant rifts within Red Bull, affecting both the corporate and racing divisions. Notable figures within the team, such as Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko, have expressed their discontent, indicating potential instability within the team's hierarchy.

Marko's recent revelations about his potential resignation and its implications for Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull added another layer of intrigue. Despite Red Bull's refusal to comment on the legality of a clause that could allow Verstappen to leave, the situation underscores the critical role Marko plays within the team and Verstappen's career.

Marko met with Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff over the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend before later confirming he would remain with the team, which has temporarily put the rumours of Verstappen's exit to bed.

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A brief overview of some of the biggest stories today. McLaren is reportedly facing some financial uncertainties as the Bahrain Wealth Fund looks to sell its shares in the McLaren Group, Ralf Schumacher has voiced his concerns on how Fernando Alonso's success could hinder younger talent coming up into F1, and Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has put pressure on Visa Cash App RB drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo. 

Here is what you need to catch up on. 

F1 Rumour: McLaren In Financial Uncertainty As Bahrain Wealth Fund Looks To Sell Shares

Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat is reportedly considering selling its stake in the McLaren Group, amidst financial challenges and under directives from Bahraini leadership, with the assistance of JP Morgan to find a buyer focusing on electric vehicle technology. 

The fund has heavily invested in McLaren, contributing over £1.5 billion in recent years to support the company's stability and growth, including significant emergency funding during the pandemic. 

Helmut Marko Piles Pressure On VCARB - "Lot At Stake For Yuki And Daniel"

The Visa Cash App Red Bull Team (VCARB/RB) has had a disappointing start to the F1 season, with Helmut Marko, Red Bull's motorsport advisor, expressing high expectations for drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo after failing to score points in the first two races. 

Despite pre-season optimism, the team's performance has not met expectations, prompting Marko to emphasise the critical nature of this season for Tsunoda and Ricciardo's futures within the Red Bull group.

Mercedes Director Calls Out FIA For Regulation Oversight

Mercedes' technical director James Allison has raised concerns about Formula 1's regulatory focus on controlling car wakes, which he believes has led to competitive imbalances in the sport. 

Despite Red Bull's dominance, Allison does not view this as a failure of the rules but rather a challenge for other teams to improve their performance. He advocates for a more comprehensive approach to regulations, emphasising the importance of considering factors beyond aerodynamics, such as tyre dynamics.

Ralf Schumacher On Effect Of Alonso's Success- "Teams Afraid To Bring On New Drivers"

Ralf Schumacher discusses the impact of veteran drivers like Fernando Alonso on Formula 1, suggesting their continued success may hinder the opportunities for younger talents to enter and thrive in the sport. 

Schumacher advocates for increasing testing opportunities to facilitate the integration of new drivers, using newcomer Oliver Bearman's recent performance as an example to encourage teams to invest in youth. 

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Formula 1 journalist Matt Bishop believes unique talent such as Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman deserves a place on the Formula 1 grid. This is where newly established teams like Andretti Cadillac enter the scene, providing a platform for emerging drivers to showcase their talents.

Key Takeaways:

• Matt Bishop advocates for emerging talents like Oliver Bearman to join Formula 1, citing potential opportunities with new teams like Andretti Cadillac.
• Andretti Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 is postponed until 2028, due to concerns over value and infrastructure, coinciding with General Motors' power unit supply.
• Bishop suggests expanding the grid, citing past instances like the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix, to provide more opportunities for talents like Bearman, who may return to F2 due to limited openings despite an impressive F1 debut.

Andretti Press Image

Though the FIA approved the American team's entry into the sport, the FOM paused the entry until 2028, when team partner General Motors becomes an official power unit supplier in the sport. 

While one reason stated for the denial is that Andretti Cadillac doesn't bring enough value to the sport, several personnel on the grid also called out infrastructural limitations that would hinder an eleventh team from operating efficiently on certain circuits. 

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While writing for Motorsport Magazine, Bishop quotes several instances from the distant past when there were 24 cars on the grid in the 2010 Bahrain season opener. He mentions this from a time when Grand Prix outcomes were less unpredictable. Therefore, with the increase in the number of cars on the grid back then, more opportunities arose for emerging talents. 

Bearman, who stepped in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as the Spaniard had to undergo surgery for appendicitis, achieved a remarkably impressive seventh place in his Formula 1 debut race in Jeddah, stunning the entire grid.

Nonetheless, with Sainz expected to reclaim his Ferrari seat in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix, Bearman will have to return to focus on his F2 pursuits despite deserving a place in F1.

Unfortunately for him, for the rest of the 2024 season, his time in a Formula 1 car will likely be limited to a Free Practice 1 run in Haas' VF-24 F1 car. Thus, with a message to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Michael and Mario Andretti, Bishop states what additional teams could offer an excellent driver like Bearman. 

Furthermore, he emphasized that the 2010 season opener featured 24 racing cars, indicating that the infrastructure exists to support additional teams. He wrote:

"The 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix grid consisted of 24 cars. There was garage space to accommodate all 12 teams. Michael and Mario Andretti (and Stefano Domenicali, too), please take note.

"After all, if there were 12 (or even 11) teams on the grid now (or even soon), Ollie Bearman would surely be given an opportunity to become an F1 star. Three days ago he proved he deserves one.

"As things stand, a little bit of free practice for Haas looks like being the apogee of his feasible imminent ambition."

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The enduring success of Fernando Alonso in Formula 1 has sparked a dialogue about the potential obstacles it creates for up-and-coming drivers, according to Ralf Schumacher. The ex-Grand Prix winner is advocating for a shift towards a younger grid.

Key Takeaways:

• Schumacher addresses the trend of older drivers, such as Alonso, continuing their dominance in F1, which might limit opportunities for younger racers.
• He suggests broadening testing opportunities as a means to facilitate the entry of new talent into Formula 1.
• The recent performance of newcomer Oliver Bearman is highlighted by Schumacher as a case that should encourage teams to trust in young drivers more.

The persistence of veteran drivers like Fernando Alonso at the forefront has ignited a conversation on the necessity for younger talent infusion. Ralf Schumacher, with six Grand Prix wins under his belt, is at the centre of this dialogue, advocating for a shift in the sport's dynamics to embrace and cultivate emerging drivers.

Alonso's remarkable tenure at Aston Martin, demonstrating peak performance as he nears 43, coupled with Lewis Hamilton's imminent debut with Ferrari at 40, proves age is just a number. Yet, Schumacher contends this growing inclination towards an older grid might not bode well for the sport's future.

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Schumacher's concerns are rooted in the current state of affairs where the path for young prodigies into F1 seems fraught with challenges. This is underscored by the experiences of Oscar Piastri, the 2021 Formula 2 champion, who only secured a spot with McLaren after a year's hiatus, and the subsequent champions Felipe Drugovich and Theo Pourchaire, who have yet to find their place in F1.

In his discussion with Speedweek, as quoted by PlanetF1, Schumacher put forth a poignant observation, saying:

“And the now 42-year-old Alonso is driving instead.

“Nothing against Alonso – but it can’t be the aim of Formula 1 to get older and older.”

The narrative took an interesting turn with the impressive showing of Oliver Bearman at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Bearman, only 18, stepped in for Carlos Sainz and managed a commendable P7 finish, outperforming seasoned competitors like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. This feat, according to Schumacher, is a testament to the potential of young drivers when given the chance. He elaborated:

“It was really important for someone to come in, be thrown in and achieve a good result.

“Every team was almost afraid to take on new drivers. “Hopefully it will lead to new drivers coming in again.”

As the F1 community looks forward to the Australian Grand Prix, Bearman's future engagements might be limited to FP1 sessions with Haas, depending on Sainz's return. 

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In the midst of a dynamic Formula 1 driver market, Alex Albon has shared his thoughts on the array of opportunities that have emerged, all the while reaffirming his commitment to Williams.

Key Takeaways:

• Albon finds the current F1 driver market exhilarating, filled with numerous opportunities.
• With his contract at Williams set to end after next year, Albon's future has become a topic of discussion, especially with potential moves on the horizon.
• Despite the speculation, Albon's focus remains on his role at Williams, emphasising his dedication to the team's growth and development.

Williams F1

As the Formula 1 driver market heats up, partly due to Lewis Hamilton's expected move to Ferrari in 2025, Williams driver Alex Albon has shared his insights into the unfolding situation. In a landscape marked by change and speculation, Albon acknowledges the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

James Vowles, Williams' Team Principal, has previously confirmed Albon's contract with the team is valid until the end of the upcoming season. However, Vowles stopped short of categorically stating he would prevent Albon from leaving if another team sought to buy out his contract.

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In a revealing conversation on the Beyond The Grid podcast, Albon spoke about his current mindset and the broader dynamics of the F1 driver market. 

“It’s something that we know, let’s say it like that.

“You’re going to have to wait and see. On my side, I'm totally focused on the team - I feel like it sounds generic.

“But it is very true that I love being a part of this team, this kind of building the team and this upward progress that we're on is very exciting.”

With a significant portion of the grid's drivers nearing the end of their contracts, the anticipation for the 2026 season is palpable, especially with new power unit regulations on the horizon.

Albon, under contract at Williams, admits to the allure of other opportunities, even as he remains focused on his current team. 

“I won't deny and [I’ll] say there are opportunities around, there is a very fluid driver market right now.

“I think it's exciting, it’s moving around. But my focus and my entire time is put on the team for me to go racing.”

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Williams team chief James Vowles recently addressed Logan Sargeant's future with the team as his contract is currently due to expire at the end of 2024. The American driver's rookie season in 2023 was a rollercoaster, marked by various challenges and a notable point achievement in Austin.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite a rocky start in F1, Logan Sargeant clinched his first point in the 2023 season during the Austin race after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified.
• James Vowles confirmed that Sargeant's position in the team is secure for the 2024 season, with a focus on his development.
• Continuous improvement is crucial for Sargeant, as highlighted by Vowles, now that Sargeant is beyond his rookie year.

Logan Sargeant's debut in Formula 1 with Williams was anything but smooth sailing. The young American driver's initial season was fraught with hurdles, including numerous mishaps. However, a glimmer of hope emerged on US soil when Sargeant secured his first F1 point in Austin after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified after the race for excessive plank wear.

Amid speculations about his future with Williams, team principal James Vowles has made it clear that Sargeant's seat is not in jeopardy for the 2024 season. Speaking from Jeddah, Vowles conveyed his thoughts to the media, emphasising the team's commitment to Sargeant's growth rather than a focus on immediate results. He stated:

“It's important to him to get good results. The only thing I would say is it's not the early-on bit.

“What we have to see from him is progress as we continue on. Early on implies that there's a risk if he's not performing after three races that something will happen, and that's simply not the case.”

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Vowles also pointed out that Sargeant's rookie days are behind him, and it's time for him to utilise his experience to advance without falter. He added: 

“In the case of Logan, he knows that he finished last year starting to build on what he had as an experience base, and he's coming back here not as a rookie now, but someone that has years of experience behind him.

“He's got to build on that without mistakes, without error, and continually move forward.”

With Vowles' statements, it's clear that Williams is fostering an environment that balances support with the expectation of continuous progress for Sargeant. As the 2024 season unfolds, the motorsport community will be watching closely to see how Sargeant improves.

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Following the Saudi Arabian GP, Williams Team Principal James Vowles has raised concerns over Haas' race strategies, particularly those that enabled Nico Hulkenberg to secure a point. Vowles is advocating for Formula 1 to review these tactics.

Key Takeaways:

• James Vowles from Williams points out the need for scrutiny of Haas' racing strategies at the Saudi Arabian GP.
• Kevin Magnussen of Haas, despite penalties, maintained a pace that held back other drivers, aiding teammate Hulkenberg.
• Vowles remains hopeful about Williams' performance in upcoming races despite the controversy.

During the Saudi Arabian GP, a strategy by Haas has sparked considerable debate within the F1 community. Williams' James Vowles has highlighted the manoeuvres that appeared to benefit Nico Hulkenberg, securing him an important point in the championship. The controversy began during an early safety car phase triggered by Lance Stroll's crash, when Haas decided to pit Kevin Magnussen but not Hulkenberg.

Magnussen, who later received two 10-second penalties for separate incidents, intentionally kept a slower pace upon rejoining the race. This action effectively delayed the pack of drivers behind him, enabling Hulkenberg to create a sufficient gap to remain ahead after his pit stop, moving Haas up in the championship standings.

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In a post-race debrief, Vowles expressed his frustration, emphasising the need for a review of such tactics within the sport. He stated:

“I know we had a car that could score a point there, and yet we walk away without anything to our name.

“Now in part, that was because Alex’s car was damaged by Magnussen pushing him into the wall, receiving a penalty as a result of it, but then using tactics to back up the remainder of the field and create a gap so that Hulkenberg could score that additional point.

“Now those questions on whether or not those tactics are viable or not, or on sportsman like.

“Let’s review that as an organisation and a sport going forward. My opinion from it is that’s not how I want to go racing.”

Despite this incident, Vowles remains optimistic about the future, acknowledging the close competition in the midfield and the potential of the Williams car. He looks forward to the upcoming races, particularly in Melbourne and Japan, with a focus on demonstrating improved car balance and securing points.

“In terms of the car pace, yes. I expected the car to be around about where it is. You can tell that that sort of midfield fight is very, very tight.

“Across the last two races, you’ve seen a very different order between teams, and that’s just indicative of the fact that there’s a tenth between four teams. And it just depends on which team gets absolutely right on the night as to who ends up ahead.

“There are other tracks that will suit us more or less going forward. I think Melbourne will still be a positive track for us. It’ll be interesting to see how the car performs in Japan.

“There’s still questions over last year and hopefully we’ve addressed the balance sufficiently to create a better package there.

“But I think the point that we have from this is that we have to be there or thereabouts fighting for the points when the top five teams leave any available for us to take.”

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Visa Cash App RB's (VCARB/RB) underwhelming commencement of the F1 season has drawn criticism from Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, who has set high expectations for the team's drivers. With zero points after the initial Grands Prix, the team's hopeful start based on pre-season performances has yet to materialise.

Key Takeaways:

• VCARB's start to the F1 season falls short, with no points on the board after two races.
• Increased scrutiny on Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo to improve their performance.
• Helmut Marko signals the importance of this season for the drivers' future within the Red Bull group.

Red Bull Press Image

Entering the season with a sense of optimism after strong winter test showings by Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, the VCARB F1 Team aspired to challenge the top contenders. However, the team's aspirations have been dampened, with no points secured in the first two races.

The struggle was particularly evident in Jeddah, where Tsunoda's bid for points was compromised by aggressive defence from Haas's Kevin Magnussen, highlighting the team's challenges. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has since voiced the necessity for both Tsunoda and Ricciardo to elevate their game, underlining the critical nature of this season for them.

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— F1 Briefings (@F1Briefings) March 14, 2024

Marko's statement to Speedweek.com, as quoted by Motorsport, brings to light the high stakes for Tsunoda and Ricciardo: 

“This season has a lot at stake for both Yuki [Tsunoda] and Daniel [Ricciardo]."

[Translated by Google]

The pressure on Tsunoda and Ricciardo is mounting, with Liam Lawson poised as a potential replacement. Their performance in Jeddah, with Tsunoda finishing fifteenth and Ricciardo sixteenth, did little to secure their positions. Marko's critique, especially towards Ricciardo, underscores the immediate need for improvement. 

"Ricciardo has to show something quickly. There is work to be done.

"Yuki was good in qualifying, then fought for World Championship points in the first stint and then fell too far back. Both of them cannot maintain the speed long enough. It may be that they are asking too much of the tires, but it is possible also have another reason. That is something we have to find out."

[Translated by Google]

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McLaren CEO Zak Brown has recently declared that the financial worth of Formula 1 teams has surged, with each now valued at over £1 billion. This statement reflects the sport's robust economic health and growth trajectory, especially after Liberty Media's acquisition.

Key Takeaways:

• Under Liberty Media's management, all F1 teams have seen their value escalate to more than £1 billion, as per McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown.
• The increased financial allure of F1 teams is evidenced by recent investments in Alpine and Aston Martin, signalling a thriving economic environment.
• Liberty Media's introduction of a franchise-like model, equitable financial distributions, and cost-cap measures have significantly bolstered F1's economic stability, making team ownership highly desirable.

The transformation in the financial stature of Formula 1 teams is a testament to the strategic initiatives undertaken by Liberty Media since its acquisition in 2017. By introducing a franchise-like model, akin to those found in major American sports leagues, and ensuring a fair distribution of prize money and broadcast profits, Formula 1 has entered a new era of economic stability and growth.

During a Bloomberg event in Jeddah, Zak Brown highlighted the stark transformation within the sport, stating:

"Half the grid is profitable. They weren’t five years ago." 

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Brown's assertion of a £1 billion-plus valuation for each of the Formula 1 teams is further supported by recent high-profile investments. Notably, a group involving celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, alongside sports icons Anthony Joshua, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce, acquired a 24% stake in Alpine for €200 million, implicitly valuing the team at around €800m. In a similar vein, Aston Martin's valuation was catapulted to £1 billion following a minority stake sale to Arctos Partners.

The allure of joining the profitable ranks of Formula 1 has not gone unnoticed, with various entities expressing interest in becoming part of the sport, including Andretti. However, the prospect of expanding the grid is met with caution. Reflecting on the challenges of integrating a new team, Brown emphasised the importance of safeguarding the sport's value:

“What Liberty is wanting to do is protect the value of the ten teams that exist.

“We’re now in a position where pre-Liberty you had teams falling away.

“Now [in the] post-Liberty era, there are teams lining up that want to get into the sport.

“So I think Liberty is just seeing how, when and if they want teams to enter.”

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Jody Scheckter, the 1979 F1 World Champion, is set to part with his exceptional collection of race cars. This remarkable sale is estimated to fetch €21 Million all together.

Key Takeaways:

• The auction, scheduled for May 11 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, will feature all 12 cars from Scheckter's collection, to be sold during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.
• The standout piece of the collection is the Ferrari 312 T4, the car that secured Scheckter the 1979 World Championship, with an estimated value of up to €6.5 million.
• The entire collection, offered without reserve, is expected to reach or exceed a total value of €21 million (£17.9 million).

RM Sotheby's

The auction of Jody Scheckter's private collection is generating considerable excitement within the racing community. Set against the glamorous backdrop of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the sale will offer a rare glimpse into the career of one of F1's legends, with RM Sotheby's presiding over the proceedings.

At the heart of the collection lies the iconic Ferrari 312 T4, synonymous with Scheckter's triumphant 1979 season. The car, equipped with a formidable 3-litre flat-12 engine and crafted by the renowned Mauro Forghieri, is a masterpiece of engineering and design.

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The auction also highlights Scheckter's time with McLaren, featuring the M19A and M23-2 chassis from his early F1 races. Additionally, a unique six-wheeled Tyrrell P34, reconstructed in 2008 from an original chassis, and the 1975 Tyrrell 007 are part of the lineup, along with the 1977 Wolf WR1, which brought Scheckter close to clinching another championship.

Expanding the collection's diversity are two Formula 2 cars, a 1972 McLaren M21 and a 1973 Rondel M1, alongside a 1971 Merlyn Mk21 from Formula 3. The collection is rounded off with Scheckter's 1970 British Formula Ford championship-winning Merlyn Mk11a, a 1974 Trojan T101 from the Formula 5000 series, and a 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ, which competed in the Targa Florio in the early '60s.

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Mercedes' technical director James Allison has expressed concerns over Formula 1's regulatory direction, particularly criticising the emphasis on controlling car wakes at the expense of other racing elements. According to Allison, this oversight may have contributed to the sport's current competitive imbalances.

Key Takeaways:

• Mercedes' James Allison critiques the recent F1 regulations for their narrow focus on reducing car wake.
• The ongoing dominance of Red Bull is not seen as a failure of the rules but highlights the need for other teams to enhance their performance.
• Allison advocates for a more balanced regulatory approach, especially with the 2026 rule changes on the horizon.

Mercedes Press Image

The Formula 1 landscape has been dominated by discussions around the effectiveness of the sport's latest regulatory changes, aimed at making racing more competitive and exciting. These changes, centred around ground-effect regulations to minimise the 'dirty air' effect, have been scrutinised for not fully delivering on their promise. Mercedes' James Allison has been vocal about the limitations of this approach, suggesting that the singular focus on the aerodynamics of car wakes might have been misplaced.

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Allison's critique comes in the wake of Red Bull's continued supremacy in the sport, a trend that some had hoped the new regulations would curb. Despite the intention to facilitate closer racing and more overtaking opportunities, Allison observes that the actual outcomes have fallen short. He argues that the regulations have overlooked crucial aspects of racing, such as tyre dynamics, which are essential for a truly competitive environment. He explained, as quoted by Autosport:

“I don't necessarily think that they've failed in those terms [of one team dominating], because our job is to try and make sure that we can make a good fight of it.

“But I think that there are things in the regulations that don't serve any of us well. I don't think it's sensible to have cars that hug the ground in the way that these cars hug it.

“And I think the idea that you get good racing by controlling wakes, while ignoring tyres… the whole idea of controlling wakes, being something of a tilting-at-windmills type of challenge, I think that side of things has been tested to destruction fairly evidently.

“But I think that Red Bull are doing a good job and the rest of us have a duty to do a better job. I don't think that's the fault of the regulator.”

With the FIA currently drafting new regulations for 2026, Allison sees an opportunity to learn from the current generation's shortcomings. He suggests a reassessment of the reliance on ground-effect aerodynamics, particularly the way it interacts with the car's rear ride height, which has become a critical performance factor.

“I don't think there's anything wrong in particular with ground effect floors.

“But the particular layout of these ones, that have a response to rear ride height that is not particularly good for the cars, that isn't something that we should carry into 2026.”

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In the aftermath of a challenging performance at the Jeddah circuit, Daniel Ricciardo has reflected on his performance, but looks forward to making the most of his upcoming home race in Melbourne.

Key Takeaways:

• Daniel Ricciardo's race in Saudi Arabia was compromised by a 40-second pit stop and a late-race spin, resulting in a 16th place finish.
• Ricciardo light-heartedly suggested his spin was to make the team feel part of the day's struggles, though he admitted it could have been due to frustration.
• Ahead of his home race in Australia, Ricciardo is focused on collaboration with the team to rectify the car's performance issues.

Red Bull Content Pool

The season's beginning has not gone as planned for RB Racing, with Daniel Ricciardo and his teammate Yuki Tsunoda departing the Jeddah circuit empty-handed, a plight exacerbated by a problematic 41-second pit stop and Ricciardo's own error resulting in a spin. Starting 14th on the grid, it was a race to forget for the Australian who's trying to prove he's good enough for a seat in Red Bull's latest machinery.

In the later stages of the race, a mishap at Turn 1 added to his challenges, which Ricciardo later addressed with his typical humour. 

"I didn’t want the team to feel left out," he joked, although he later contemplated whether frustration had played a role in his mistake. He elaborated:

“The spin? Yeah, maybe. I stayed… I don’t know. I did just take a bit too much kerb, which caused the spin. I’m not intending on taking that much kerb.

"You could say just probably a little bit of frustration, maybe on my part. But of course, I’m not trying to spin. So yeah, I don’t know. No excuses. But doing some work. I’ll use that as an excuse.”

Reflecting on the eventful weekend and the performance of the RB01, Ricciardo admitted the car revealed its limitations. 

"We simply don’t have everything functioning at 100 percent. So we see a few flaws, honestly, with the car," he disclosed.

With an eye towards the Australian Grand Prix, Ricciardo's spirits are high, and his determination to bounce back is palpable.

"So I’ll make sure that we have a good package into Melbourne and let’s say my season will start there and kick some ass," he affirmed.

Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman made waves in the Formula 1 world in Saudi Arabia with an impressive seventh-place finish in his debut race, despite being notified just two hours ahead of FP3. As 13 driver contracts are due to end after this season, numerous teams may consider hiring him for the 2025 season and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman impressed in his Formula 1 debut in Saudi Arabia, finishing seventh with minimal notice.
• Several Formula 1 teams may consider hiring Bearman for the 2025 season due to his promising performance. 13 driver contracts are said to expire this year.
• However, his options could be limited by established contracts, such as those of Charles Leclerc with Ferrari and the extended contracts of drivers like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris with McLaren.

Taking over from Carlos Sainz during his surgery for appendicitis, the 18-year-old British driver, who had secured pole position for the F2 feature race but had to forfeit his chance of victory to debut in F1, initially impressed in qualifying. He narrowly missed out on a spot in the top-10 shoot-out, falling short by just 0.036s to Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

Team principal Fred Vasseur was left stunned by the Ferrari Academy driver's remarkable performance. In the 50-lap race, the most exhausting of Bearman's career to date, he efficiently went about his business, keeping the SF-24 off the walls before taking the chequered flag in P7.

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By demonstrating his potential as a formidable contender in F1, several teams may consider bringing him on board for the next season. 

Haas

Haas, Ferrari's customer team, has both its driver contracts expiring this year. Nico Hulkenberg, who joined the team for the 2023 season, and Kevin Magnussen, who was onboarded in 2022, have their contracts expiring after the 24 Grands Prix this year. Though the team has been having a hard time improving the pace on its VF-24, a young performer on board like Bearman could change things for good. With Bearman being a reserve driver for the American-owned team as well as Ferrari, thisnisnthr obvious future for the young man.

Haas Press Image

Aston Martin

While Lance Stroll's contract is said to continue on a rolling basis, Fernando Alonso's tenure with the team ends this year. Team principal Mike Krack has revealed his intentions to keep Alonso for the future, but it remains to be seen if the 42-year-old intends to continue racing in F1 amid reports of his retirement and if he chooses to continue racing for Aston Martin. His move away from the Silverstone outfit could pave the way for Bearman if he decides that a team like Haas doesn't fill his potential.

While this moves him out of the Ferrari family, it would allow him to stretch his driving muscles in a car worthy of his talents, allowing him to market himself a bit more for the future.

Mercedes

With Lewis Hamilton's contract expiring this year as a result of his switch to Ferrari in 2025, Bearman could be a potential replacement alongside George Russell, who has been crowned the lead driver when the 7-time world champion. However, his entry could be blocked by Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli unless he joins the Mercedes customer team, Williams, instead.

Williams

Alex Albon is to continue his stint with Williams until the end of 2025. However, with Logan Sargeant reportedly being given a last chance until the end of this year, there are high chances his seat will be up for grabs this year-end for Bearman to secure. 

While we're only two races into the season, Sargeant is yet to show he's keeping up with James Vowles' vision for the team. So if there's a chance to bring in a tried and tested driver, albeit one with very little experience, I feel James would take the jump.

Ferrari Press Image

Sauber 

Drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have contracts that are expiring at the end of this year. As the team struggles with a number of issues, it might consider a fresh face for the next year, such as Bearman.

Although with Audi now firmly in the picture, they might look for a German driver, or one who already has connections to the manufacturer for a future seat. Maybe, Carlos Sainz, for example?

Visa Cash App RB

Red Bull junior team VCARB also has contracts expiring with both its drivers, Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda. With a confirmation not in sight for any of them yet, Bearman has the potential to secure a seat, considering his promising performance.

Being accepted under the Red Bull umbrella is challenging, but a challenge I'm sure Bearman would accept.

Alpine
Alpine is also one of the teams where both driver contracts expire after the 2024 season. Amid major restructuring within the team, it remains to be seen what steps it would take in the future to up its game with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Thus, Alpine could be an option for Bearman to consider, although not necessarily a promising one.

Ferrari

The team has secured a long-term contract with Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton is poised to take over from Carlos Sainz next year. As a result, there are currently no available spots until the distant future. 

But if Bearman was to gain experience in another team while these contracts see themselves out, it's quite likely Ferrari would keep him in their sights while he puts F1 miles under his belt. Lewis likely won't be in the sport for too much longer before retirement, so if Bearman can hang on, he'll likely join the Scuderia at this peak.

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The Sauber F1 team has taken upon a serious challenge in 2024 by moving away from its previous car philosophy to opting for a pull-rod front suspension setup to accommodate aerodynamic advantages. However, with the suspension setup working in "reverse", the team needs some gearing up to overcome setup problems. 

Key Takeaways:

• Sauber F1 faces a tough challenge in 2024 with a new pull-rod front suspension setup for aerodynamic benefits, yet struggles to overcome initial setup issues.
• Despite redesigning the C44 inspired by Red Bull's RB19, Sauber failed to fully exploit the changes, resulting in a lack of pace and no points in the early races.
• Pit-stop problems plague the team, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu facing setbacks in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia respectively. Meanwhile, Audi's acquisition of 100 percent ownership of Sauber marks a significant off-track development amid earlier speculation about Audi's Formula 1 involvement.

Sauber Press Image

Like several other teams on the grid, Sauber ventured into Red Bull's RB19 territory for performance inspiration. While the C44's design does highlight the resemblance, the team has yet to exploit the full potential of the changes it made to the car. 

The process of unlocking performance from an alien concept can be time-consuming and frustrating at the same time. Since the start of the 2024 season, Sauber has failed to score points in Bahrain and Jeddah, a factor well-highlighted by deputy team principal Alessandro Alunni Bravi in Saudi Arabia, who spoke of a "disappointing" P11 and 19 finish. 

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Ahead of the 2024 season, Sauber anticipated improvements, investing significant effort in developing the new C44 and revitalizing its Hinwil car with a sleek black and green aesthetic. Despite these efforts, the team's lack of pace has resulted in no points earned in the initial two races, a stark contrast to the previous season when they had already accumulated four points by the third race.

Not to forget the long pit stop problems faced during the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Valtteri Bottas encountered a setback during his second pit stop, losing nearly 50 seconds due to a cross-threading problem at the front axle. 

Similarly, in the recent Saudi Arabian race, Zhou Guanyu faced a comparable issue during his pit stop, resulting in a delay of approximately 25 seconds. The Chinese driver was one of only four drivers not to have stopped when the safety car came out, and despite having to deal with some cooling issues, he was on course to finish 11th.

The Main Challenge

For the first time in the team's Formula 1 history, the engineers installed a pull-rod suspension at the front axle of the Sauber C44. Technical director James Key explained while testing how complicated such a change could be. He told the media:

"The challenge of this design is to achieve a stiff assembly that performs its damping and spring work as well as a push-rod suspension. Everything works in reverse with a pull-rod suspension."

Sauber Press Image

Upon joining the team in September last season, Key had limited control over the chassis and suspension, as they were already finalized for the new car. The configuration of coolers and control units was influenced by the RB19, resulting in a highly undercut side pod that functions akin to a tunnel to the floor, with the side panel acting as a wing. However, implementing design changes on a new car is a significant undertaking, and the results may take time to materialize.

One positive aspect for Sauber arrived far away from the racetrack. Following speculation about an early termination of Audi's Formula 1 involvement, the automaker announced on Friday that it would now acquire 100 percent of Sauber, originally intending to purchase only 75 percent of the shares. 

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Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has come out in the open to reveal that the team is interested in keeping Fernando Alonso for the period beyond 2024 amid rumors of him joining Mercedes. 

Key Takeaways:

• Aston Martin's team principal, Mike Krack, expresses interest in retaining Fernando Alonso beyond 2024 amid speculation of Alonso potentially joining Mercedes.
• Alonso's strong performance with Aston Martin in 2023 nearly led the team to P5 in the Constructors' Standings.
• Despite being the oldest driver on the F1 grid at 42, Alonso's future beyond 2024 remains uncertain, with Krack emphasizing the team's desire to continue working with him due to his positive impact on team morale and performance.

Alonso joined Aston Martin before the 2023 season, replacing former driver Sebastian Vettel. Throughout the year, he exhibited excellent performance for the team by almost single-handedly leading it to P5 in the Constructors' Standings. 

The 42-year-old, slated to be the oldest driver on the F1 grid, has proved that he still possesses the 'oomph' to fight for the title, provided he gets a capable car. However, he has not made any commitments regarding his future beyond 2024 and thus, it is uncertain whether he is contemplating retirement or utilizing the delay to leverage a favorable position in negotiations.

With his Aston Martin contract expiring at the end of this year, here's what team boss Krack had to say about the team's intention:

"It is no secret that he, first of all, wants to decide for himself what he wants to do.

"We want to continue working with Fernando.

“The most important thing is that we give him a quick car so he believes in this project, believes in this team.

“Everything else, we will have to discuss over the weeks to come.

"It is clear that a driver of that calibre is attractive for everybody. That is clear. But we will try to keep him."

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Adding further on what Alonso brought to the table last year, Krack added:

"We have seen that, last year already when he joined, it’s not only what he brings in terms of driving talent and race craft. He brings this extra drive, push and motivation to everybody.

"He leads by example, from the first day, with his mood from the first moment in the morning to late at night.

"It is exemplary. This is something that is infecting the whole team and it is something that you want to preserve."

As Lewis Hamilton switches to Ferrari from Mercedes in 2025, speculation arises over Fernando Alonso's future team selection should he opt to extend his Formula 1 career.

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Onboard footage has surfaced showing Red Bull's Sergio Perez inching forward in his starting position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Despite this, the Mexican driver faced no inquiry or penalties, sparking discussions on why this was allowed.

Key Takeaways:

• Sergio Perez's slight advance at the start line in Saudi Arabia went unpenalised, similar to McLaren's Lando Norris.
• The FIA's jump-start detection system, which relies on transponder data, did not register Norris' movement as a violation, which could be the same for Perez.
• Historical instances in F1 have shown that minor movements at the start line often do not result in penalties.

Red Bull Press Image

Footage has emerged showing Sergio Perez making a minimal yet noticeable movement from his grid box during the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This incident, which mirrored a similar occurrence with Lando Norris of McLaren, raised eyebrows with fans on social media, especially since neither driver was subjected to penalties or formal investigations.

Delving into the reasons behind this leniency, it appears that the FIA's approach to such infractions hinges on the precision of their jump-start detection system. This system, equipped with transponders on each vehicle, plays a pivotal role in discerning whether a car has prematurely moved off its grid spot. In the cases of Norris and presumably Perez, their subtle movements did not trip the system's threshold, thereby sparing them from penalties.

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This decision-making process is underpinned by the regulations outlined in Article 48.1 a) of the Formula One Sporting Regulations. According to the rules, the definitive judgment on jump-starts is based solely on the data from these transponders. The FIA released the following statement for Norris' jump-start:

"The stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video and determined that the video appeared to show that car 4 moved before the start signal was given.

"However, the FIA approved and supplied transponder fitted on the car did not indicate a jump start.

"Article 48.1 a) of the Formula One Sporting Regulations states clearly that the judgment of whether or not there was a jump start is to be made in accordance with the transponder, which did not show a jump start. In the circumstances, we took no further action."

Although this has sparked debate amongst fans, the movement of Perez's car will have been so minimal that it will not have triggered the transponder fitted to the RB20.

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Ferrari president John Elkann looks forward to Lewis Hamilton's 2025 Ferrari switch to do "great things". He praised Lewis as a phenomenal driver, acknowledging his significant contributions to Formula 1 throughout the years.

Key Takeaways:

• Ferrari president John Elkann eagerly awaits Lewis Hamilton's 2025 move to Ferrari, praising Hamilton's talent and contributions to Formula 1.
• Hamilton's surprise transition from Mercedes to Ferrari for the following year suggests Elkann's significant role in finalizing the deal.
• Reflecting on recent achievements, Elkann highlights Ferrari's success at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and emphasizes the importance of competitiveness amidst evolving Formula 1 regulations in 2026.

Last month, Hamilton surprised the world by announcing his move from Mercedes to Ferrari for the following year. It is speculated that Elkann played a significant role in finalizing the deal, having personally reached out to the seven-time world champion.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about Hamilton's Ferrari switch, Elkann said:

"I have always said over the years how much Lewis is a great driver, how much he has done for F1.

“He will join Ferrari and this is a sign of how much he believes he can do great things with us.”

Speaking further about the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Leclerc secured the podium in P3, and the other positive attributes that made him proud, he said:

"It was a great race.

“We finished on the podium, Leclerc did the fastest lap and Bearman, the youngest Ferrari driver in F1 in our history who immediately scored points.

“And then Sainz who came here after being operated on. This shows great team spirit.

“I am very proud and I thank everyone who worked to obtain this important result."

Elkann also commented on Oliver Bearman, the British driver who substituted for Carlos Sainz in Jeddah and achieved seventh place, noting Hamilton's positive reception towards him. He added:

"If one thinks he can stay ahead of Hamilton and Lando Norris on his debut, I think Oliver will remember this for his whole life.

“The hug that Lewis wanted to give him shows what a great champion he is on and off the track."

Speaking on the new Formula 1 regulations that kick in in 2026, a year after Hamilton's entry, Elkann suggested the beginning of a new cycle and emphasized the need to be ever-competitive. He said:

"2026 will be a cycle that closes, then another will open.

“The important thing will be to always be competitive and continue to fuel this spirit."

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