F1 Briefings

Visa Cash App RB (V-CARB), previously known as AlphaTauri, has unveiled a significant overhaul of its senior management in a clear bid to enhance its competitive edge for the 2024 season. The team has announced three new recruitments from the FIA, Alpine, and Red Bull.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Reinforcement: The team has strategically bolstered its ranks by appointing Tim Goss as Chief Technical Officer, Alan Permane as Racing Director, and Guillaume Catellani as Deputy Technical Director. This trio is expected to be pivotal in driving forward the team's technical and operational ambitions.
• Expertise and Experience: The new leadership brings a wealth of experience from their previous stints within the sport. Goss' move from a strategic role at the FIA back into team operations, Permane's vast experience from Alpine, and Catellani's insights from Red Bull's senior team promise to inject new energy and direction into 'V-CARB'.
• Vision of Leadership: Laurent Mekies, who leads the team as principal after joining from Ferrari, expressed his confidence in the new lineup, stating, "The appointments of Tim, Guillaume and Alan add a vast amount of winning expertise to the team, and I have no doubt that they will help take the team to the next level in F1."

Red Bull Press Image

Tim Goss, stepping into the role of Chief Technical Officer, brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his extensive career, including a lengthy tenure at McLaren and a strategic position at the FIA. His appointment is seen as a cornerstone in the team's quest to revamp its engineering strategy. Goss himself commented on the challenge ahead, saying:

"There's an exciting challenge ahead of us but I think the team is well-equipped to meet that head-on."

Alan Permane, taking on the role of Racing Director, brings decades of Formula 1 operational experience to the table. After parting ways with Alpine during 2023, Permane shared his enthusiasm for his new role: 

"After a few months of downtime, it's great to return to racing again. From long experience, I know how professional, driven, and competitive the people within this race team are and I can't wait to see where that spirit can take the team in the future."

The recruitment of Guillaume Catellani as Deputy Technical Director from Red Bull's senior team creates an invaluable link, fostering a seamless flow of ideas and innovations that could significantly boost V-CARB's performance.

New team principal Laurent Mekies also commented on the new appointments, stating:

"The appointments of Tim, Guillaume and Alan add a vast amount of winning expertise to the team, and I have no doubt that they will help take the team to the next level in F1.

"We already have a very strong and hugely experienced group at the team and bringing onboard highly skilled individuals like Tim, Guillaume and Alan will boost our capability and help us meet the highest technical standards, both at the factory and at the track."

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Marianne Hinson, formerly of McLaren, has been appointed to lead the FIA’s technical auditing department. This appointment comes after multiple notable figures left the organisation.

Key Takeaways:

• Hinson's New Chapter: Marianne Hinson transitions from her aerodynamic role at McLaren to become the FIA’s Technical Head of Auditing. Her vast experience in F1 aerodynamics will be pivotal in monitoring teams' compliance with the sport's stringent aerodynamic development and testing regulations.
• Enforcement of Regulations: The FIA imposes strict limits on aerodynamic development activities, including wind tunnel usage and CFD work, with a sliding scale that allocates fewer hours to more successful teams. Hinson's role is crucial in ensuring that teams adhere to these allocations, thereby maintaining the competitive balance within the sport.
• Stepping Up Audits: The FIA is intensifying its audit strategy, including unannounced visits to team factories. This approach aims for immediate access to team facilities during audits to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory enforcement.

Mercedes F1 Press Image - Austin GP

Marianne Hinson's move to the FIA as the Head of Technical Audit marks a significant transition in her illustrious career in Formula 1. After nearly a decade at McLaren and a total of 23 years working with various F1 teams, Hinson brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the sport's technical nuances to her new role at the governing body.

Expressing her enthusiasm and a hint of nostalgia for her new position, Hinson shared her feelings on LinkedIn, saying:

"Well, this is going to be different… After nearly 10 years at McLaren and 23 years in F1 teams, I’m doing something different. I’ve done some consultancy and enjoyed a bit of a break over the summer. But I couldn’t stay away from F1 for long.

"I’m joining the FIA as Head of Technical Audit for F1. I keep hearing the phrase 'from poacher to gamekeeper' but that makes it sound like I was up to something dodgy before which I categorically wasn’t!

"Looking forward to getting stuck in, and to seeing some familiar faces on my visits. Though I’ll never be able to let you know in advance that I’m coming! Be kind to us, we are all in it for the sport…"

The FIA's auditing strategy, as outlined by Nikolas Tombazis, includes surprise visits to team facilities to ensure ongoing compliance with the sport's technical rules. This tactic aims to maintain a level of readiness among teams, with the expectation that they will grant access to auditors within a short window of their arrival.

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Recent reports have shed light on the intricacies of Charles Leclerc's new contract with Ferrari, hinting at a significant salary boost and a possible exit strategy. The details, emerging from Italian publication, Corriere della Sera, suggest a blend of commitment and flexibility for the Monegasque driver.

Key Takeaways:

• Extended Partnership: Charles Leclerc has committed to Ferrari with a four-year extension, ensuring his presence in the team until the 2028 season. This move solidifies his role as a central figure in Ferrari's future plans.
• Financial Upswing: The new agreement elevates Leclerc's annual earnings to $30 million, a notable increase from his previous $25 million. Additionally, performance bonuses could further augment his income by up to $5 million for achievements such as race victories and championships.
• Strategic Exit Clause: A pivotal aspect of Leclerc's contract is a break clause effective post-2026, coinciding with a major overhaul in F1 regulations. This clause provides Leclerc the option to part ways with Ferrari should the team fail to deliver a competitive car capable of contending for titles.

A report from Corriere della Sera reveals a contract that not only rewards Leclerc handsomely but also embeds a strategic escape hatch. This clause, aligning with the anticipated regulatory changes in 2026, underscores the importance of competitive performance in Leclerc's long-term commitment to Ferrari.

Leclerc's revised salary structure reflects his elevated status within the team and the sport at large. With an annual base salary jumping to $30 million, supplemented by potential bonuses for on-track successes, the financial terms underscore Ferrari's belief in Leclerc's pivotal role in their championship aspirations.

The contract's duration, extending Leclerc's stay until the 2028 season, signals a mutual commitment to continuity and success. However, the inclusion of a break clause post-2026 introduces an element of flexibility, allowing Leclerc to reassess his position based on the team's competitiveness in the wake of significant regulatory changes.

While Leclerc's future appears firmly anchored at Ferrari, the situation with teammate Carlos Sainz remains fluid. The Spanish driver's negotiations are ongoing, amidst speculations of a potential switch to Audi as the German manufacturer gears up for its F1 debut in 2026.

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In a significant change to his management team, Lewis Hamilton has welcomed old friend Marc Hynes, a former British Touring Car Championship racer and the 1999 British Formula 3 champion, to focus on his racing activities. This move follows the end of Hamilton's main management contract with Penni Thow and her company Copper in December 2023.

Key Takeaways:

• Marc Hynes, a long-time friend and associate of Hamilton since his early racing days, has joined Hamilton's team to concentrate on his racing career. Hynes has previously worked with Hamilton in the Manor team and has now left his role with Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu to rejoin Hamilton.
• Hamilton's management contract with Penni Thow and Copper concluded at the end of 2023. Thow and her team played a pivotal role in supporting Hamilton's entrepreneurial ventures, including Project 44, an Apple+ TV documentary, and the Apple-backed Brad Pitt F1 film.
• While the formal management agreement with Copper has ended, Hamilton will continue to collaborate with Thow on certain ongoing projects. Additionally, he is set to expand Project 44 and is expected to make significant appointments to bolster his management team, particularly for his off-track projects.

Lewis Hamilton is embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career with a notable change in his management team. Marc Hynes, who has a rich history in motor racing and a strong personal connection with Hamilton, is stepping in to focus on the racing aspect of Hamilton's career. Their relationship dates back to Hamilton's formative years in motor racing, where Hynes played a crucial role in his development as his coach under the Manor team.

Hamilton's partnership with Penni Thow and Copper, which began in 2021, has been instrumental in expanding his off-track ventures. Their collaboration brought to life several projects, including the Mission 44 charitable foundation and Hamilton's foray into film production alongside the likes of Brad Pitt. 

Despite the conclusion of their main management contract, Hamilton and Thow will maintain their working relationship on selected projects, like the upcoming Brad Pitt F1 movie.

The transition in Hamilton's management team signals a new era for the racing star, but his relationship with Copper won't be coming to an end completely. They will still be managing a number of his projects, such as Project 44 and the film, according to Autosport. 

But with the upcoming F1 season being the 7-time champion's main focus, his new partnership with Hynes will focus solely on this - "Lewis’s commitment to bringing the fight back to the top spot". 

In an interview with OLBG, former Mercedes CEO Nick Fry expressed concern over the uniformity of Formula 1 races, highlighting it as a significant issue for the sport's vitality. Fry drew parallels to football's unpredictability and its success in retaining viewer interest, emphasising the need for F1 to inject similar elements of surprise to maintain its audience.

Key Takeaways:

• Lack of Unpredictability: Fry pointed out the high level of proficiency among F1 teams, which has led to fewer unexpected outcomes in races, reducing the sport's unpredictability compared to other sports like football.
• Challenges in Introducing Variability: The difficulty in introducing randomness akin to the effects of wet weather conditions in races was discussed, with Fry noting the sport's ongoing struggle to find ways to enhance competition throughout the field without resorting to contrived excitement.
• The Need for Innovation: With a nod to the positive impact of Netflix on F1's popularity, Fry stressed the urgency for the sport to explore new avenues to maintain viewer interest, particularly in light of declining viewing figures, especially in the US.

Red Bull Press Image

Nick Fry, in his interview with OLBG, shared his candid views on the state of Formula 1, reflecting on the sport's challenges and the need for greater unpredictability to captivate audiences. He said:

"I have to sadly admit that the homogeneity of F1 races is unhealthy for the sport as a whole. I think it's a major issue.

"Football is the most successful sport because games can change in a matter of seconds. That's why people watch games right until the very end. It doesn't matter if your team is 2-1 down heading into extra-time, you've still got a chance of winning. That's what keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

"The teams, from top to bottom, are so good at what they do that it's difficult to see unexpected situations occur, apart from when it rains, as that throws a curveball that can produce unforeseen circumstances."

Fry continued:

"Formula One has constantly struggled with this issue. I can't begin to count the number of meetings I've sat in where we've been asked how we can introduce the type of randomness you get with wet weather! It can’t be contrived excitement so it's quite difficult to find mechanisms to introduce competition through the field.

"The teams are almost too good at what they do. When I started, you could almost rely on the fact that 20% of the field would drop out due to crashing or breaking down. Nobody does that anymore. It's very unusual to see cars stopped by the side of the track.

"Refuelling is dangerous for the people involved, but it did add another element of unpredictability."

Picking up on the huge growth the sport has seen in the past few years, Fry added:

"Formula One has had a great run over the last few years and Netflix has massively helped that. I do, however, think the sport needs to come up with more variations beyond the location. The viewing figures are going down without a doubt, especially in the US, and they need to figure out ways to restore them.

"People are hoping that someone can challenge Red Bull and Max Verstappen. It would be great for the sport if someone could, but if it doesn't, they'll have to find other ways of making it interesting.

"Formula One is trying to compete for the public's time on a Sunday afternoon and they have plenty of other things to do, particularly in the summer."

Fry's reflections bring to light the intricate balance Formula 1 must maintain between technological advancement and maintaining an element of unpredictability that makes sports compelling to watch. The comparison to football underscores the need for moments that can change the course of an event, keeping fans engaged until the very end.

The discussion touches on various aspects that have historically added layers of unpredictability to the sport, such as the impact of weather conditions and the strategic element of refuelling, which has been phased out due to safety concerns. Fry acknowledges the strides Formula 1 has made in terms of reliability and safety, which, while positive, have also led to a decrease in the unpredictability that can make races more exciting.

As Formula 1 continues to evolve, Fry's insights suggest that the sport must find new ways to introduce variability and excitement into races to maintain and grow its global fanbase. Whether through changes in regulations, formats, or the introduction of new technologies, the challenge will be to do so in a manner that respects the sport's heritage while ensuring its future relevance and appeal.

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In an interview with OLBG, former Mercedes CEO Nick Fry shared his perspective on the necessary steps to infuse Formula 1 with greater excitement, addressing the sport's predictability highlighted by the 2023 season's outcomes. Fry's insights suggest a shift in sporting regulations could be the key to a more competitive and thrilling Formula 1.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Shifts Over Technical Tweaks: Fry argues against the efficacy of altering technical regulations to level the playing field, advocating instead for changes in sporting regulations to enhance race unpredictability.
• Learning from the Past: Highlighting the success of the knockout qualifying format, Fry points to the need for radical, innovative changes in the race formats and strategies, crediting the format's inception to Red Bull's marketing team and a Honda team member during the 2009 FIA dispute.
• Addressing Predictability: The 2023 season, dominated by Red Bull and Max Verstappen, serves as a case study for the type of predictability Fry believes needs to be addressed, with the team's near-complete dominance diluting the excitement for fans.

In the interview, Fry critically assessed the state of Formula 1, stating:

"There are two avenues F1 could explore if they're serious about making the sport more unpredictable. One would be to manoeuvre the technical regulations to provide a flatter playing field, but history shows that such strategies rarely work.

"That's been tried numerous times, and the reality is that a good big side will always beat a good little one and the teams with most or the best resource find the optimum solution first." 

He continued, emphasising the potential within sporting regulations: 

"My view is that F1 has to do it through the sporting regulations. That means the format of the race and the number of pit stops, the way you use your tyres, and so on. I don't know what the answer is, but I think it's in that area."

Fry highlighted the need for bold, innovative solutions, reminiscent of the changes seen with the knockout qualifying format, an idea born out of necessity during a tumultuous time for the sport. 

"The solutions have to be fairly radical. Think back to some of the interesting steps that have been made, like the knockout qualifying format. That was actually developed by the teams during the threatened breakaway in 2009. We were thinking about going our own way from the FIA. A lot of teams have taken credit for the qualifying process, but it was actually Red Bull's idea! It was the brainchild of Red Bull's marketing team and a person from the Honda team."

Dispelling common misconceptions, Fry clarified:

"I think Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore claimed credit for it, but it wasn't them at all! It came from working-level people! I'd say that F1 has to implement similar ideas, but they have to enact them during the races, not just in qualifying."

The 2023 season, with Red Bull and Max Verstappen's overwhelming dominance, underscored Fry's argument. Winning all but one race and Verstappen securing the podium 19 times, the season exemplified the predictability that many fans lamented, sparking debates on the need for changes to reinvigorate the sport's excitement and unpredictability.

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In a recent Forbes ranking, Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, has been named the most valuable sports empire in 2024, despite experiencing a decrease in overall value. The media conglomerate's diverse portfolio, including significant stakes in ventures like Overtime Sports and Meyer Shank Racing, has solidified its position at the summit of the sports industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Diverse Portfolio: Liberty Media's vast empire encompasses a range of sports-related ventures, including Formula 1, F1 Arcade, and the Drone Racing League, showcasing the company's expansive reach within the sports industry.
• Forbes Valuation: Forbes has placed Liberty Media at the pinnacle of its list, valuing the sports conglomerate at $18.22 billion, which, although a decrease from the previous year, still ranks it above competitors like Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and Fenway Sports Group.
• Year-on-Year Decrease: Despite retaining the top spot, Liberty Media's valuation saw a 12% decline from $20.8 billion in 2023, primarily due to the spin-off of assets, notably the Atlanta Braves.

Liberty Media's stronghold in the sports world remains unchallenged in 2024, according to the latest Forbes rankings, despite a noticeable dip in its overall valuation. The company's extensive portfolio, which includes Formula 1, the innovative Drone Racing League, and ventures like F1 Arcade, underscores its influential presence in the sports industry. With a current valuation pegged at $18.22 billion, Liberty Media outpaces rivals such as Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, owners of Arsenal FC and the LA Rams, and Fenway Sports Group, which holds Liverpool Football Club.

This year's valuation, however, marks a decrease from Liberty Media's previous $20.8 billion valuation in 2023. Forbes attributes this decline to the company's strategic decision to spin off certain assets, including the Atlanta Braves, which currently boasts an enterprise value of $2.6 billion. Despite this reduction, Liberty Media retains its crown as the premier sports empire, a testament to its diversified investments and strategic management.

A Forbes spokesperson highlighted the resilience and strategic acumen of Liberty Media, stating:

"The aggregate value of Liberty’s ownership stakes in its sports assets fell 12%, to $18.2 billion but it still maintains the top spot on our list. Liberty declined in value this year because it spun off the Atlanta Braves (current enterprise value: $2.6 billion) last July." 

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Alpine's preparation for the 2024 Formula 1 season has reportedly hit a snag as they cleared the frontal impact assessment but faltered at the lateral crash test. With the A524's debut set for February 7 and pre-season testing on February 21, the team is in a race against time to comply with FIA standards.

Key Takeaways:

• Lateral Test Hurdle: While Alpine managed to pass the frontal impact test, a challenge that even the likes of Red Bull Racing faced, they reportedly couldn't meet the criteria for the lateral crash test. This test is crucial for ensuring the car's sides can withstand a force of 300 kN, a key safety feature to protect drivers from side impacts.
• Chassis Certification Pending: Reports from Motorsport Italy indicate that the Alpine team is still awaiting official approval for their chassis design for the upcoming season. In response, Technical Director Matt Harman has made significant adjustments, including reengineering the integration of the Renault power unit with the chassis and modifying the placement of side-mounted components.
• Urgent Need for Remediation: With the unveiling of their new car imminent, Alpine is under significant pressure to correct the flaws identified in the lateral crash test. The schedule for a retest remains uncertain, adding to the challenges the team faces in ensuring their car is ready for the season start.

Alpine's path to the 2024 F1 season has reportedly been complicated by their inability to pass the FIA's critical lateral crash test. This particular assessment is pivotal for certifying the vehicle's capacity to safeguard drivers against side collisions, emphasising the importance of structural resilience. Despite successfully navigating the frontal crash test, a challenge that has tripped up teams as formidable as Red Bull Racing, Alpine finds itself grappling with this unexpected setback.

Under the guidance of Matt Harman, Alpine's technical director, the team has undertaken a thorough review and adaptation of their car's design. Harman's initiatives, focusing on enhancing the compatibility between the chassis and the Renault power unit, as well as optimising the layout of lateral accessories, demonstrate a concerted effort to align with FIA's rigorous safety protocols. Nevertheless, the failure in the lateral crash test casts a shadow over the team's preparations.

As Alpine works against the clock to secure FIA certification, the motorsport community watches closely. The uncertainty regarding their next steps and the timing for a subsequent crash test attempt adds an element of suspense to the pre-season preparations. The team's ability to quickly address and rectify these issues will be crucial in their quest to ensure the A524 meets the stringent safety and performance standards required for competition.

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Three decades have passed since Michael Schumacher clinched his inaugural Formula One world championship, an achievement now being celebrated with a hospitality concept at the Belgian Grand Prix. A collaboration between a renowned events agency and the Keep Fighting Foundation is set to pay homage to Schumacher's legacy at this iconic racing venue.

Key Insights:

• Launch of the Schumacher Legends Lounge: The 30th anniversary of Schumacher's first world championship victory is being commemorated with the establishment of the Schumacher Legends Lounge at the Spa-Francorchamps track. According to the circuit website, this initiative seeks to provide an immersive Schumacher experience for fans.
• Engaging Activities and Exclusive Displays: Attendees of the lounge will be treated to a range of engaging activities, including a special exhibition that features a selection of Schumacher's racing cars and rare personal memorabilia. The event will also feature "An Evening for Michael," offering fans a chance to engage with Schumacher's former colleagues and listen to intimate tales from his F1 days.
• Fundraising Auction for the Keep Fighting Foundation: A central feature of the event will be a charity auction, where fans can bid on Schumacher-related memorabilia. The proceeds from this auction will directly benefit the Keep Fighting Foundation, a charity founded by Schumacher's family to continue his legacy of perseverance and determination.

The introduction of the Schumacher Legends Lounge at the Belgian Grand Prix serves as a tribute not only to Michael Schumacher's first world title but to his remarkable career in Formula One. The lounge aims to offer fans a unique window into Schumacher's world, enriched by the personal stories of those who were closest to him on and off the track.

Sabine Kehm, who has been by Schumacher's side as his manager, shared her enthusiasm for the project: 

“This is the first time the Keep Fighting Foundation and Michael’s family has supported this type of experience. We are delighted that, 30 years on from his first World Drivers’ Championship, we can celebrate his racing career at Spa-Francorchamps, where it all started for him in Formula One. We are proud to be the launch event for Legends Lounge as we are always keen to celebrate Michael’s amazing career.”

This unique event is more than a remembrance of Schumacher's inaugural championship; it's a celebration of his enduring influence on the sport and the values he stood for. With the involvement of the Keep Fighting Foundation, the event underscores a commitment to continuing Schumacher's legacy.

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Netflix's announcement of "Nascar: Full Speed" marks a significant moment for NASCAR, mirroring the success of Formula 1's "Drive to Survive." Set to start streaming on January 30, this new series promises to bring NASCAR's thrilling championship battles to the forefront, following in the footsteps of its Formula One.

Key Takeaways:

• Netflix Expansion: Following the blueprint of the successful "Drive to Survive" series for Formula 1, Netflix is set to debut "Nascar: Full Speed" on January 30. This five-episode series is produced by notable figures such as Connor Schell, Libby Geist, and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.
• Insider Perspectives: The series will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the NASCAR championship, featuring top drivers like Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, and Kyle Larson. It aims to offer an unfiltered view of the sport, highlighting the intense competition and personal struggles of its stars.
• Cultural Impact: NASCAR aims to replicate the success "Drive to Survive" had on Formula 1's popularity in America. The series is expected to draw new fans by showcasing the sport's dynamics, challenges, and the raw, real personas of its drivers, potentially leading to a surge in NASCAR's fanbase similar to F1's recent growth.

NASCAR is preparing for a significant boost with its latest venture into the world of docuseries, courtesy of Netflix's "Nascar: Full Speed." This new series is not just another addition to the sports documentary genre; it represents a strategic move to capture and expand the sport's audience, leveraging the storytelling prowess seen in "Drive to Survive" for Formula 1.

With the production helmed by experienced producers like Connor Schell and Libby Geist, who have a track record of successful sports documentaries, and the involvement of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr., "Nascar: Full Speed" is poised to offer an authentic and gripping portrayal of the sport. By focusing on the championship battle and featuring prominent drivers, the series aims to bring fans closer to the heart-pounding action and personal stories that define NASCAR.

Bubba Wallace's statement: 

“I'm a very raw and real person. I think that you often got to be buttoned up and not really show your true side at times; that's where I get in trouble because I don't listen to those rules. I'm always raw and real every time, but you get to see that every day.

"You get to see the ups and downs and what it takes to be successful at the top level of the sport. And you're quickly humbled each and every day. Just because everybody at this level is great.”

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McLaren driver Lando Norris signed a multi-year contract with his team, even though his existing contract had two years remaining. Thus, to clarify his stance, Norris revealed the real reason for signing a new contract with his team. 

Through the new contract, McLaren has announced its driver lineup for the upcoming era of new regulations in Formula 1, which includes Norris alongside his teammate Oscar Piastri. It was confirmed last year that the latter's contract would last until the end of 2026.

McLaren Press Image

When Norris was asked why he signed a multi-year contract when the old one still had two years to expire, he clarified to Formula 1.com that he and his team wanted to focus on more important things for the future, especially on the big change that arrives in 2026. He said:

“Because I can. I’m in a good position. It’s not something I want to worry about over the next few years.

“There’s always been these discussions going on, on our future, and I think it’s a very good time, especially when it’ll be coming to a couple of years when things start to get a bit more crazy with everyone else’s contracts and people potentially moving teams and things like that.

“And just going into 2026, and those years of the new regulations and everything, it’s not something I or the team want to be thinking of, or focusing on, or spending any time on in such an important couple of years.”

Moreover, amid speculation linking Norris to other teams on the grid, such as Red Bull, he conceded that while he found the rumors interesting to read, it wouldn't have been beneficial for his team to be confronted with them. Thus, it was important for him to prove his long-term commitment to McLaren. He added:

“I think for the whole team, everyone here, everyone at McLaren, that’s probably the most important thing, you know.

“I’m sure when you work here and you have one of your drivers and you see them getting linked to other teams, that’s just probably never an easy thing to see, and you probably question it at times.

“I think from my side, to get everyone here at McLaren just that bit more, you know, confident within me, and [it] shows my confidence in the whole team. I think that’s really the most important thing I’m happiest about with getting the contract out.

“They’re even more assured that I’m committed to the team and staying, and that I’ve picked McLaren over Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, whatever team it could have been. They now have that reassurance that I’ve picked McLaren over all of them.

“I think it’s more for them than it is for myself and all these things, but I do enjoy seeing the rumours and the conspiracies every now and then – so, yeah, I think that’s the main reason for it.”

McLaren Press Image

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Former Renault and Ferrari driver Giancarlo Fisichella, has voiced support for the Formula 1 initiative in Zanzibar, Africa, following the recent expression of interest from the region to potentially host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Giancarlo Fisichella, a former Renault and Ferrari driver, supports the Formula 1 initiative in Zanzibar, Africa, as the region expresses interest in hosting a Grand Prix.
• While there's interest from F1 in organizing a Grand Prix in Africa, challenges related to infrastructure and economic factors make it unlikely to happen soon, despite support from Lewis Hamilton.
• Fisichella is reportedly overseeing the technical aspects of a track in Zanzibar, supported by local government officials. The proposed track site is southwest of the island, with an allocated area of 2.5 square kilometers. The region secured a €500 million investment for the project, aiming to start construction by September 2025 and complete it by 2027. However, further investment would be needed to meet FIA Grade 1 standards.

F1 has shown interest in organizing a Grand Prix in Africa, the last one being held at Kyalami in 1993. While there's been talk of a comeback, and Lewis Hamilton is supportive of the idea, challenges related to infrastructure and economic factors make it unlikely to happen soon.

However, It's reported that Fisichella, a three-time Grand Prix winner, is overseeing the technical aspects of a track in Zanzibar, with support from members of the Zanzibar parliament and government officials.

The proposed track site is situated southwest of the island, off the Tanzanian coast in the Indian Ocean, near Dar es Salaam, with an allocated area of 2.5 square kilometers for construction. 

The good news is that the autonomous region in Tanzania secured an investment of €500 million from the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) in May 2023. The aim is for track construction to commence by September 2025, targeting completion by 2027. 

However, due to insufficient infrastructure on the Archipelago, additional investment would be necessary thereafter to develop the track to meet FIA Grade 1 standards. Consequently, it remains to be seen if Zanzibar will be able to host a Grand Prix as early as 2028.

Christijan Albers, a former Formula 1 driver who raced from 2005 to 2007, has acquired a road car equipped with a Formula 1 engine- the Mercedes AMG-ONE, designed to provide drivers with a taste of the racing experience.

Hence, one can envision the complexity of the car, meticulously crafted to precision. However, the challenge of engineering a road car with a Formula 1 engine was so daunting that Mercedes once contemplated abandoning the idea.

Despite the challenges, the team persisted, particularly fueled by the widespread media coverage surrounding the upcoming F1 road car. Mercedes asserts that the car can go from 0 to 125 mph in merely seven seconds and features a 'Strat 2' maximum power mode designed to mimic the performance of F1 cars during qualifying.

Utilizing a 1.6L V6 F1-style engine, the AMG ONE generates 1063 HP and accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 2.9 seconds. However, a notable departure from traditional F1 cars is the incorporation of a plug-in hybrid system with an 8 kWh battery. Otherwise, the vehicle embodies pure F1 essence, encompassing aerodynamics, rear wing design, and steering mechanisms. Notably, it even features a DRS mode!

Albers disclosed that he patiently awaited six years to finally acquire the car. Despite its steep price, he emphasized that the opportunity to own a vehicle equipped with a Formula 1 engine was too significant to pass up, especially for a former Formula 1 driver like himself. He told the De Telegraaf:

“I ordered my copy over six years ago and now it is finally ready.

“Putting an engine like that in is one thing, but of course a road car is something else.

“There are all these compressors and hydraulic systems in it. And a lift system, so you can drive over a threshold, for instance, and cooling is actually the most important thing.

“In a road car, you don’t have as much driving wind as in Formula 1, because of course you are sometimes in traffic jams.

“This is such a unique project. I don’t think this will ever be made again, and because of the hybrid system with the electric motors, it also fits in with today’s greener times. For me, it really is the overall picture.

“A Formula 1 engine as we can now and a road car with SO much downforce. It’s not a car for the daily commute, so to speak.

“I am aware that it is a lot of money. But to be able to drive a car with a Formula 1 engine as a former Formula 1 driver… That opportunity never comes along again. I felt I had to grab it with both hands.”

Ferrari revealed that it will be taking part in a Pirelli tire test on the 29th, 30th, and 31st January, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Participating in the test will be drivers Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Oliver Bearman, and Arthur Leclerc.

But, as opposed to the expectation that it would be testing the 2024 car, Ferrari will be unleashing last year's title contender on the circuit- the SF-23, alongside the 2022 car, the F1-75. This test session follows shortly after Charles Leclerc signed a multi-year contract extension, guaranteeing his continuation with the team beyond the introduction of the new regulations in 2026.

Ferrari also welcomed Leclerc's brother Arthur, who will take on the role of development driver, while Bearman was added to the team's pool of reserve drivers. Regarding Sainz, an extension to his contract is anticipated soon, as his current agreement with the team concludes at the end of the year. 

With the pre-season testing in Bahrain set to arrive in a month, Ferrari announced the three-day Pirelli test last week. The Maranello outfit is the second team after Visa Cash App RB (formerly known as AlphaTauri), to indulge in track action in old F1 cars before the upcoming session in Bahrain.

On the 29th, both F1 drivers Leclerc and Sainz are scheduled to test Pirelli rubber using the SF-23. It's also the day when Arthur will make his debut driving an F1 car, specifically the F1-75. The tire testing with the SF-23 and F1-75 cars will continue for Leclerc and Sainz on the 30th, with Bearman concluding the session by driving the F1-75 on the 31st.

All this while the team's 2024 title contender takes form in Maranello, set to be unveiled by Ferrari on Tuesday, February 13. While the team has high hopes of the new car challenging Red Bull, only time will tell if it has the potential to disrupt Red Bull's winning streak.

Formula 1 team Visa Cash App RB, formerly known as AlphaTauri, headed to Imola with drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo to prepare for the 2024 Formula 1 season that begins in a few weeks. However, the popular Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit was in an icy state, prompting the team to run the car on wet tires. 

Key Takeaways:

• Visa Cash App RB, formerly AlphaTauri, conducted testing at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola to prepare for the upcoming 2024 Formula 1 season.
• Despite icy track conditions, the team ran their 2022 AT03 F1 car on wet tires over three days, with drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo taking turns behind the wheel.
• Starting in 2024, the team will receive upgraded components from Red Bull, including rear and front suspensions, aiming to enhance their performance compared to competitors, though the impact remains uncertain given the efforts of rival teams in developing their 2024 cars.

Red Bull Press Image

Formula 1 regulations permit teams to conduct private tests in cars that are at least two years old. Consequently, Red Bull's junior team put their drivers in the 2022 season's AT03 F1 car- the outfit's first car of the ground effect era. 

Overall, the team spent three days on the high-speed icy track. To tackle the challenges, the Visa Cash App RB team had to wait a few hours before the conditions became 'driveable' on Wednesday. 

Tsunoda was then sent in the AT03 with wet tires to assess the gravity of the situation before putting in a few laps and handing the car over to teammate Ricciardo. The track action continued for the next two days on Thursday and Friday. 

Cold but don’t care 🙃 so good being back in an F1 car
今年初のF1,めっちゃ寒かったけどやっぱり速くて楽しい！ pic.twitter.com/FYQikMdWEi

Beginning in 2024, Visa Cash App RB will receive additional components from Red Bull, including both, the rear and front suspensions. Similar to the improvements experienced in 2023, these upgrades are expected to provide the team with a significant performance boost compared to their competitors.

However, it remains to be seen if the borrowed parts would offer an additional boost, considering how hard rival teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari have been working on their 2024 title contenders. 

Jonnie Designs