F1 Briefings

Ferrari has announced that Maya Weug will continue her racing journey in the 2024 F1 Academy championship with Prema Racing. The 19-year-old, a member of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, has a promising career ahead, stemming from her karting success and performance in the European Formula Regional championship.

Key Takeaways

• Maya Weug's Racing Background: Maya Weug, born in Spain with Dutch and Belgian nationality, began racing at the age of seven. Her karting success led her to the single-seater debut, following her victory in the "Girls on Track – Rising Stars" programme.
• Ferrari and Prema Racing Partnership: Maya joined the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy in 2021. Her upcoming season in the F1 Academy championship will be with Prema Racing, a team renowned for nurturing young talents.
• Weug's Ambition and Preparation: Maya expressed her excitement and honour in representing Ferrari in the F1 Academy. She is intensely preparing with the Ferrari Driver Academy and Prema to be a frontrunner this season.

Ferrari Press Image

Maya Weug's journey in motorsport is a testament to her dedication and skill. Beginning her racing career at the tender age of seven, she quickly made a name for herself in the world of karting. This early success paved the way for her entry into single-seater racing, a significant milestone achieved through her victory in the “Girls on Track – Rising Stars” programme. This accomplishment not only highlighted her talent but also her determination to excel in a highly competitive field.

In 2021, Maya's racing career took a significant turn when she joined the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, a move that positioned her within one of the most prestigious organisations in motorsport. Her performance in the European Formula Regional championship further solidified her status as a rising star in the racing world.

Ferrari Press Image

Looking ahead to the 2024 F1 Academy championship, Maya is set to compete with the Prema Racing team. Prema Racing's reputation for developing young drivers makes it an ideal platform for Maya to showcase her skills and continue her upward trajectory in the sport. Her involvement in the F1 Academy, an initiative aimed at promoting and supporting female racers, aligns perfectly with her career objectives and Ferrari's commitment to fostering talent.

Maya's enthusiasm for the upcoming season is palpable. She stated:

“I’m really excited to start racing this season. I’m sure that working with the highly regarded Prema team will be an interesting experience.

"It’s a great honour for me to continue to represent Ferrari this year, especially on such an interesting platform like the F1 Academy.

"Now, I’m preparing hard with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy and Prema, with the aim of being a frontrunner this season.”

In a significant move for the Mercedes F1 team, James Allison has signed a long-term contract extension as their Technical Director. This announcement reaffirms the team's strong technical leadership ahead of the major 2026 rule changes.

Key Takeaways:

• James Allison, who joined Mercedes in 2017, has been instrumental in the team's success, leading them to four Drivers' titles and five Constructors' Championships. His renewed contract as Technical Director is pivotal for Mercedes' future.
• After his role as Chief Technical Officer, where he was involved in long-term strategy and the INEOS Britannia America’s Cup project, Allison returned to a frontline position in April 2023, emphasising his dedication to F1 and Mercedes.
• Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, praised Allison's technical leadership and his vital role in the team's culture. Wolff highlighted Allison's influence, experience, and their strong personal and professional relationship.

Mercedes Press Image

James Allison's journey with the Mercedes F1 team has been marked by considerable success and influence. Joining the team in 2017 as Technical Director, Allison oversaw a period of dominance in the sport, culminating in multiple championship victories. His return to the frontline role in 2023 signified his ongoing commitment to Formula 1 and the Mercedes team.

Allison expressed his gratitude for the opportunities and success he has experienced in F1, particularly with Mercedes. 

"F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto’s call to join Mercedes in 2017,” he said.

“It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success.”

Toto Wolff echoed Allison's sentiments, lauding him as the most impressive technical leader in the sport. Wolff praised Allison's 'gladiator spirit', knowledge, experience, and determination, which he believes are unparalleled in F1. Beyond his technical expertise, Wolff emphasised Allison's significant impact on the team's culture and his personal support. 

"Since joining in 2017, he has been a key ally and sparring partner for me personally. We can challenge each other openly and honestly; an embodiment of the ‘tough love’ culture of the team that is vital in helping us all perform at our very best," Wolff stated.

"Most importantly though, James is a true friend you can rely on, not only in times of success but in difficult moments too. It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past seven years and I look forward to doing so for many more to come."

Allison's continued presence at Mercedes is a significant statement of intent as the team prepares for the upcoming challenges and opportunities in Formula 1, particularly with the major rule changes set for 2026. 

Eagle-eyed fans may have uncovered AlphaTauri's upcoming rebrand to "Visa CashApp Racing Bulls" for the 2024 season, aligning closer with Red Bull Racing. This development follows Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko's confirmation of significant changes, including new sponsors and a new name for the Faenza-based team.

Key Takeaways:

• Rebranding Speculation: The possibility of AlphaTauri's rebrand to "Visa CashApp Racing Bulls" emerged after the discovery of domain registrations related to the name. 
• Team Transformation: Christian Horner and Helmut Marko hope the rebrand will boost the team's performance. AlphaTauri, which struggled in the 2023 season, is adding new personnel, including former Alpine sporting director Alan Permane, and has appointed Laurent Mekies and Peter Bayer to lead the team.
• Closer Red Bull Cooperation: Helmut Marko emphasised the enhanced cooperation with Red Bull Racing, stating, "AlphaTauri will remain fully owned by Red Bull and will continue to be run as a junior team. The cooperation with Red Bull Racing will be closer, also in terms of cost cap and synergies."

Red Bull Press Image

AlphaTauri, preparing for a major transformation in the 2024 season, could be rebranded to Visa CashApp Racing Bulls, aligning more closely with its sister team and reigning world champions, Red Bull Racing. This change follows Helmut Marko's mid-season announcement last year about a significant overhaul in AlphaTauri's approach to Formula 1. In a statement to Kleine Zeitung, Marko said: 

"There will be new sponsors and also a new name. The orientation is clear: based on Red Bull Racing, as far as the regulations allow. Do-it-yourself constructions are the wrong way.”

The rebranding speculation has gained momentum following the registration of domains starting with 'VisaCashAppRB' and 'RacingBulls'. Fans speculate that the new team name for the upcoming campaign will be Visa CashApp Racing Bulls, expecting the two title sponsors to prominently feature in the new livery.

The 2023 season posed significant challenges for AlphaTauri, necessitating a late-season surge to surpass Haas and Alfa Romeo in the Constructors' Championship standings. In response to these challenges, the team is undergoing significant changes, including the addition of former Alpine sporting director Alan Permane and the appointment of Laurent Mekies and Peter Bayer to the top of the team hierarchy.

Haas F1 has confirmed its plans to unveil the new VF-24 car, with an initial shakedown scheduled for 11 February at Silverstone and a subsequent shakedown in Bahrain just before the official test. Ayao Komatsu, the team's new boss, shared his cautious optimism about the car's potential, highlighting that it represents a clear step forward, albeit with doubts about its competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

• First Glimpse of VF-24: Haas F1 will showcase its new car, the VF-24, for the first time during a shakedown at Silverstone on 11 February, with a possibility of revealing the car's livery on social media beforehand. A second shakedown is set for Bahrain, just two days before the official test.
• Team Boss Comments: Ayao Komatsu, the new team boss, acknowledges that the VF-24 is a significant step up but expresses uncertainty about its immediate competitiveness. He highlights the late start to the car's development as a potential drawback.
• Team Philosophy and Performance: Haas F1, now under Komatsu's leadership, has revised their car concept following last season's update failure. Komatsu, realistic yet positive, does not blame the team's designers and engineers for the car's potential limitations. Haas F1 finished last in the previous season's constructors' championship and will continue with drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.

Haas F1 Team is preparing for the 2024 Formula 1 season with a fresh approach and new leadership. The team has scheduled two shakedowns for its latest car, the VF-24, with the first one taking place at Silverstone Circuit on 11 February. This event marks the first public appearance of the new car, although Haas might tease the livery on social media prior to this date.

The team's new boss, Ayao Komatsu, has been candid about the VF-24's prospects. 

"The ’24 car is a clear step,” he said.

“But whether it is good enough against the competition to start off with? I don’t believe so because we started so late." 

Haas F1 has made significant changes to its car design, particularly after a major update failed to yield the desired results last season in Austin. Despite these changes and the appointment of Komatsu as Guenther Steiner's successor, the team is cautious about its expectations for the upcoming season. Komatsu's approach is grounded in realism, focusing on gradual improvement rather than immediate success.

According to reports, Ferrari's 2024 championship contender has, for the first time in the ground effect era, adhered to the FIA's weight limit of 798 kg. Consequently, the weight reduction on the '676' will not only enhance its speed but also contribute to tire preservation.

It is courtesy of a more compact battery, narrower gearbox, and lighter body that have made all the necessary difference in contributing to the weight saving. Considering the Formula 1 calculation that indicates a 10 kg reduction can result in around three-tenths of a second improvement, the new car could potentially be faster by "a tenth and a half" on circuits like Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as reported by Motorsport.com.

Last year's SF-23 F1 car exceeded the weight limit by 6 kg. Enrico Cardile, the Ferrari technical director, deserves full credit for the weight reduction, significantly enhancing the team's chances of being a serious title contender this year.

Speaking of the 2023 car, Ferrari encountered a significant challenge last year related to unpredictable tire wear. However, with the weight reduction on the 676, there is an expectation that the issue of tire wear could be mitigated if not completely resolved.

Ferrari received additional positive news as their 2024 car successfully cleared the FIA crash test, unlike their rival team Red Bull, whose RB20 car reportedly did not pass. Although the Milton Keynes outfit experimented with a different nose section on their car, the initial endeavor turned out to be unsuccessful.

Furthermore, the encouraging outcomes from wind tunnel data and simulator tests for 2024 are so promising that individuals at Maranello are prohibited from comparing the 676 with the SF-23.

It looks like Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz could be racing in a better car this year with the hope of winning more races and maybe even the championship. Last year, Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in the entire season.

The unveiling of Scuderia Ferrari's 676 is scheduled for February 13 at Fiorano, but whether it will emerge as a strong competitor against the RB20 remains uncertain. Only time will reveal the answer.

Toto Wolff's recent contract extension as Mercedes team principal is unconventional because it lacks a performance clause. This means that regardless of the team's results, Wolff won't be held accountable in any manner, until the end of 2026. 

In several Formula 1 contracts for both drivers and team principals, there are clauses based on performance. In cases where individuals are not meeting expectations, teams often have the option to terminate contracts prematurely. This is especially common in long-term agreements.

Yet, in the instance of Wolff and Mercedes, there is a significant distinction. The Austrian team boss, aged 52, possesses a thirty-three percent stake in the team. This automatically renders him more accountable, as his actions and decisions within the team will directly and indirectly impact his returns.

But the absence of a performance clause in his contract also prevents him from being liable to offer Lewis Hamilton a championship-winning F1 car that can help him win his eighth world title. Mercedes has struggled to win races since the inception of the ground effect era, courtesy of the development route the team took with its car. 

Wolff's contract extension until the conclusion of 2026 also involves leading the team into the era of Formula 1's new regulations, where F1 cars will be powered by an equal combination of internal combustion and electric power.

Wolff revealed that he's never had a performance clause on his contract in the past, revealing that work happens based on trust. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, he said:

"I've never had a performance clause.

"You either trust each other or you don't. And we are aligned as shareholders."

Assuming the position of team principal at Mercedes in 2013, Wolff has played a key role in securing eight constructors' championships and seven drivers' championships for the team.

Sky Sports' Craig Slater noted a discontented faction within the Haas F1 team was unhappy with Guenther Steiner's rise as the team's face, fuelled by his popularity from Netflix's Drive to Survive. This sentiment was accentuated by the team's poor performance in finishing last in the Constructors' Championship the previous year.

Despite the team's poor finish in 2023, the team members weren't expecting Steiner's exit, who had remained with the team since its inception in Formula 1. But last week, news rocked the F1 world that he had stepped down as team boss. 

Steiner was replaced by Ayao Komatsu, the team's trackside engineering director. Slater feels that there was a faction within Haas that didn't like Steiner, a side that perceived the team to be a "Guenther Steiner show," given the attention he received. 

Haas F1 Press Image

Speaking on the Sky F1 podcast, he said:

“There was a bit of a lobby within the Haas team.

“Those who weren’t so fond of Guenther Steiner who was casting this up.

“’Is this the Guenther Steiner show? Should we be doing all this while the team isn’t performing so well?’ And maybe that has had an effect on him ultimately being replaced.

“I think there are quite a lot of people there who are very disappointed Guenther has gone. Like everywhere, there’ll be people who are thinking ‘oh well, maybe I’m not so sure I like the guy who’s taking over so much.’

“And then there’ll be others who will think ‘no, I understand where Ayao [Komatsu] is coming from. This is a positive move for me.’ But I think yes, it’s going to take a little bit of getting used to all of this.”

The presenter also added that while team founder Gene Haas expected a better outcome last year, Steiner wanted the team to invest in better facilities to "move forward". He said:

“Guenther Steiner, I’ve been told, desperately wanted significant investment in the factory in Banbury and in the general infrastructure of the team.

“He thought they’d outgrown that facility and they needed to invest a bit more to move the team forward.

“Gene wanted to see progress on track before he would spend heavily again on fresh equipment and expansion of the infrastructure at that Banbury base.

“The Steiner way of mind was lamenting the fact that the facilities were way behind their competitors. Somebody said to me today ‘I had to block four engineers and I had to block four other staff members in to park my car today.’

“Well there’s little things like that if you’re looking to attract the best from Alpine or even Mercedes or others, they’re going to come around and say ‘what’s the operation here? What’s my workplace?'”

Despite his recent departure from the role of Team Principal at Haas F1, Guenther Steiner made a surprising revelation in a video on Mat Armstrong's YouTube channel. Contrary to what one might expect from a figurehead in Formula 1, Steiner disclosed that he does not own a supercar. Instead, he opts for a more unconventional choice in the motorsport world: a Toyota Tundra pickup truck.

When prompted by the YouTuber about his possession of a sports car, Steiner immediately refuted the assumption. Upon further inquiry, he candidly admitted his preference for the Toyota Tundra, highlighting Steiner's unique personal preference.

"Should I tell you?" the former team principle teased when asked by Mat. "A Toyota Tundra.

"I live in the States you know."

Connecting the dots, Mat then asked him if that was his daily driver. Stainer answered that he loved the truck for its size. He said:

"Yes, because I'm there so little. I love it, you know. When I moved to the States, it's like: my living room back in Italy was smaller than the Toyota Tundra."

Steiner did however disclose that he had owned a Porsche:

"I was owned a Porsche but that was a long time ago - eighteen years ago - but no since then, no supercars anymore.

"You know, cannot afford them, not like you. 

"I like your Lambo". 

Haas ended its journey with Steiner last week on performance grounds, as per team owner Gene Haas. However, several personalities in Formula 1 expressed that the fame Steiner received through Netflix's docuseries on F1 called Drive to Survive came in the way of his role with the American team. 

In an exclusive interview with Alex Harrington for Sports Illustrated and Men's Journal, will.i.am, the well-known musician and entrepreneur, shared his insights on Lewis Hamilton's extraordinary talents beyond the Formula One racetrack. This unexpected reveal ties back to Hamilton's multifaceted abilities and his close relationship with will.i.am.

Read the full interview here.

Key Takeaways:

• First Encounter: Will.i.am first met Lewis Hamilton in November 2007 during the MTV Music Awards. Introduced by a mutual friend, Toby, this meeting led to a lasting friendship between will.i.am, Hamilton, and Nicole Scherzinger.
• Surprise Talent: Beyond Hamilton's prowess in F1 racing, will.i.am highlighted Hamilton's exceptional singing talent. He praised Hamilton's vocal abilities, describing him as an "amazing singer" and expressing admiration for his range of skills.
• Game Changer: Will.i.am acknowledged Hamilton's significant impact on Formula One, noting his game-changing presence in the sport since 2007. He commended Hamilton's ability to excel in multiple areas.

Will.i.am, in an interview with Alex Harrington for Sports Illustrated and Men's Journal spoke about spending time with Hamilton in the studio, revealing that he "sings amazingly." He explained:

"It's 2007 and, boy did he. It's kind of not fair that he's that good and he sings amazingly. Seriously, I've been in the studio with Lewis, he's an amazing singer. Like, amazing. How can someone be so talented?

"That's really annoying and he's the kind of cat, if he comes on stage with you, he's probably going to out-vocal you. If you introduce him to your girlfriend, she's going to think he's hot. If you're in a car, he's going to out race you. You feel what I'm saying? Not fair, bro. Like, come on, suck at something."

Hamilton's deep passion for music production, which he pursues as a hobby outside the racetrack, is no secret to fans. However, the British driver usually shares himself producing music rather than showing off his singing talent. He has been known to work under the pseudonym 'XNDA' and has even collaborated with prominent artists. 

Williams Racing has hinted at a revamped appearance for the upcoming 2024 Formula 1 season, suggesting major changes in their car design and branding.

Key Takeaways:

• Countdown to 2024 Season: The excitement builds as Formula 1's 2024 season is set to commence on March 2 in Bahrain, with teams ready to reveal their new cars.
• Revitalised Branding: Indications point to Williams adopting a brighter blue hue for their 2024 car, diverging from their previous FW45 model, and introducing a redesigned team logo.
• Building on Past Success: Following a strong performance in 2023, where Williams achieved 7th place in the Constructors’ Championship largely due to Alex Albon's efforts, the team is poised for further success in the new season.

Among the highlights of the pre-season activities are the car launches from various teams, including Williams on February 5. Fans have been eagerly waiting to see the innovations and changes that teams will bring to the grid.

Williams Racing is stirring excitement with hints at a significant redesign of their car's aesthetics. Moving away from their traditional look, the team is reportedly considering a more vivid blue for their new model, a departure from the colour scheme of the FW45. This shift in design philosophy also extends to their brand identity, with a new logo in the works, signalling a fresh chapter for the team.

In the previous season, Williams showed notable improvement, finishing in 7th place in the Constructors’ Championship. This success, largely driven by Alex Albon's impressive performance who earned all but one of the teams points, has set a solid foundation for the team's ambitions in the upcoming season.

Decal Spotters provided a glimpse of what might be in store for Williams' fans. They shared on social media platform X: 

"Here is a first exclusive look at the possible new @WilliamsRacing logo and color for 2024.

"The new identity will be released together with their car launch on February 5th.

"Some of the team's marketing material already features the new font and color."

Here is a first exclusive look at the possible new @WilliamsRacing logo and color for 2024 👀

The new identity will be released together with their car launch on February 5th.

Some of the teams marketing material already features the new font and color.#F1 #WilliamsRacing pic.twitter.com/RDf2kL1HJv

The FIA has announced that the Las Vegas Grand Prix will retain its 10pm local time start for the F1 2024 season, amidst last year's complaints about late-night race extensions and the difficult time zone changes for the drivers and teams. 

Key Takeaways:

• Persistent Schedule: Despite complaints from locals and fans about the late-night on-track action extending to the 2am local curfew last year, the FIA has decided to keep the 10pm race start time for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the F1 2024 season. However, the free practice session times are yet to be announced.
• Fan Compensation: Fans who were left disappointed after a called-off FP1 session after approximately 9 minutes before being told they had to leave ahead of the delayed FP2 session started were not offered refunds. Instead, they received vouchers for merchandise as compensation, following an incident where Carlos Sainz's car damaged the circuit, necessitating lengthy repairs.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a highlight in the F1 calendar, faced criticism last year from locals and fans due to the late schedule as well as teams and drivers struggling with the extreme time zone changes from Vegas to Abu Dhabi the week after.

Despite these concerns, the FIA has maintained the 10pm start time for the 2024 season but has left the practice session times as 'to be announced'. This decision leaves room for adjustments to avoid a repeat of last year's FP1 and FP2 scenario. Formula 1, acting as both the sport's governing body and the race promoter in Las Vegas, is considering changing the practice times from 2023.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner commented on the event's challenges at the time, stating: 

"I think one of the things we look at is the running schedule because it’s been brutal for the team, and all the men and women behind the scenes.

"I think everybody’s leaving Vegas slightly f***ed. We need to look at how we can improve that for the future. We’re running so late at night, so maybe we run it a little earlier in the evening.

"You’re never going to keep every television audience totally happy. This is an American race, so if you run at eight o’clock in the evening, or something like that, it would just be a bit more comfortable for all.”

The late track times were initially chosen to help cater towards the European fans watching from home, however, with other races on the calendar being in the middle of the night or very early morning for Europe, many believe this could easily be changed.

Alpine has given a major hint for its 2024 livery ahead of the launch on 7 February, with its latest social media teaser.

Key Takeaways:

• Alpine's Pink Livery History: Alpine is no stranger to pink in Formula 1. The team featured a fully pink car in the first two Grands Prix of the previous season and maintained pink accents in other races.
• Teaser Image Hints at 2024 Design: Alpine's recent social media post hints at a pink front wing for the 2024 season. This follows the team's tradition of incorporating pink elements in their car design.

The Formula 1 is eagerly anticipating the releases of the 2024 contenders, especially Alpine after the team posted a teaser for its 2024 car design. The French team, known for its bold colour choices, suggested that part of its car will be pink in the upcoming season. This isn't the first time Alpine has embraced pink; in the previous season, they presented a fully pink car for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix and included pink elements in other races.

The teaser, an image of what appears to be a pink front wing, has led to speculation about the full extent of pink in the new livery. Alpine has previously collaborated with Austrian water treatment firm BWT, which may influence the livery design. The team traditionally launched two liveries, with their pink design being a notable feature in the early rounds before reverting to their traditional blue-dominated livery.

The team posted to X:

"Blending in is the new standing out"

Blending in is the new standing out 😉 pic.twitter.com/sDImqnKzc5

Fans have already been sharing their excitement for the livery. One fan posted:

"Petition to keep the pink livery the whole season where?"

petition to keep the pink livery the whole season where?

Another fan responded, urging the team to keep a fully-pink livery for the whole season:

"Please keep it majority pink this year. The pink cars need to be on the grid"

Please keep it majority pink this year. The pink cars need to be on the grid

Alpine's team dynamics have been tumultuous, with internal firings and chaos affecting performance. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, key drivers for the team, are reportedly seeking exits due to dissatisfaction, aligning with the recent upheavals within the team. Alpine's 2023 season was marked by inconsistent performances, with the team scoring points in only 12 out of 22 races.

Key Takeaways:

• Team Turbulence: Alpine faced a challenging year with CEO Laurent Rossi's departure, the sacking of team boss Otmar Szafnauer, and the exit of sporting director Alan Permane. The internal turmoil coincided with the team finishing sixth in the constructors' championship.
• Inconsistent 2023 Season: Alpine's 2023 season was a rollercoaster, scoring in only 12 of the 22 races. The team's best performance was at Monaco with 21 points, but they failed to score in several key races, including Australia, Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Italy, and Abu Dhabi.
• Driver Dissatisfaction: Both Ocon and Gasly, whose contracts expire after the next season, have expressed their desire to leave. They have reportedly asked their agents to explore opportunities with other teams, signalling their reluctance to extend their contracts with Alpine.

Alpine F1 Press Image

Alpine's recent season was marked by significant internal changes and disappointments. The departure of CEO Laurent Rossi and the firings of team boss Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane underscored the instability within the team. This instability appears to have impacted the drivers' morale and performance, with the team securing only a sixth-place finish in the constructors' championship.

The 2023 season was particularly challenging for Alpine. They started with a modest 2 points in Bahrain and followed up with 6 points in Saudi Arabia. However, the team failed to score in Australia and Azerbaijan. They bounced back with 6 points in Miami and a remarkable 21 points in Monaco, but their performance remained inconsistent throughout the season. Races in Great Britain, Italy, and Abu Dhabi further yielded no points, highlighting the struggles the team faced on various circuits as other teams out-developed them.

Amidst this backdrop, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are contemplating their futures. The French drivers have seemingly lost faith in the team's direction. According to Spanish F1 journalist Pedro Fermin, they have already initiated talks with their agents to seek opportunities elsewhere.

"The two Alpine drivers have the clear intention of leaving the team at the end of this year," he said. 

"Both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly do not want to continue to suffer in Alpine and have given carte blanche to their representatives, to their managers, to start conversations with any team that wants to listen to them.

"Neither Gasly nor Ocon have confidence in the possibilities of the team, which is drifting. Both riders have expressed their will not to continue to be part of this Titanic , which is Alpine currently." 

Más información: pic.twitter.com/GeJS3l9xMZ

The situation at Alpine has raised questions about potential movements for Ocon and Gasly. The top teams may be out of reach, and other competitive teams like McLaren and Aston Martin also seem unlikely options. However, Ocon's potential move to Audi's Stake F1 team in 2026 is a notable idea, though it is still speculative at this stage. The German manufacturer's entry into Formula 1 has sparked widespread interest, with several drivers, including Carlos Sainz, Nico Hulkenberg, and Valtteri Bottas, being linked to the team.

2025 could leave us with an empty seat at Red Bull, although that will likely be filled by someone already within the Milton Keynes family. Aston Martin could be a potential option for one of the drivers, with Lance Stroll coming under more and more pressure against his teammate Fernando Alonso. 

The FIA has officially released the start times for the 2024 Formula One World Championship. 

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive Schedule: The 2024 F1 calendar spans from March to December, featuring races across the globe, with the season opener in Bahrain and the finale in Abu Dhabi.
• Special Notes: Las Vegas hosts a late-night race at 22:00 GMT-8, and certain Grand Prix weekends will see qualifying on Friday and races on Saturday, signifying a shift in the traditional schedule to elevate the fan experience.

The 2024 Formula One season is poised to deliver a record-breaking 24 races. The calendar features a balance of historic European tracks and modern circuits, reflecting the sport's rich heritage and its ongoing expansion.

With the complete calendar now public, the anticipation for the 2024 season builds. Pre-season testing is roughly five weeks away and McLaren has already released the livery for the MCL38. The rest of the car launches, which have been confirmed, are set to start from 5 February.

Below is a detailed list of the 2024 Formula One races, including dates, qualifying start times, and race start times:

• 02/03 Bahrain - Quali: 19:00, Race: 18:00 GMT+3
• 09/03 Saudi Arabia - Quali: 20:00, Race: 20:00 GMT+3
• 24/03 Australia - Quali: 16:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+11
• 07/04 Japan - Quali: 15:00, Race: 14:00 GMT+9
• 21/04 China - Quali: TBA, Race: 15:00 GMT+8
• 05/05 Miami - Quali: TBA, Race: 16:00 GMT-3
• 19/05 Emilia-Romagna - Quali: 16:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+2
• 26/05 Monaco - Quali: 16:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+2
• 09/06 Canada - Quali: 16:00, Race: 14:00 GMT-4
• 23/06 Spain - Quali: 16:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+2
• 30/06 Austria - Quali: TBA, Race: 15:00 GMT+2
• 07/07 Great Britain - Quali: 15:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+1
• 21/07 Hungary - Quali: 16:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+2
• 28/07 Belgium - Quali: 16:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+2
• 25/08 Netherlands - Quali: 15:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+2
• 01/09 Italy - Quali: 16:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+2
• 15/09 Azerbaijan - Quali: 16:00, Race: 15:00 GMT+4
• 22/09 Singapore - Quali: 21:00, Race: 20:00 GMT+8
• 20/10 United States - Quali: TBA, Race: 14:00 GMT-5
• 27/10 Mexico - Quali: 15:00, Race: 14:00 GMT-6
• 03/11 Brazil - Quali: TBA, Race: 14:00 GMT-3
• 23/11 Las Vegas - Quali: TBA, Race: 22:00 GMT-8
• 01/12 Qatar - Quali: TBA, Race: 20:00 GMT+3
• 08/12 Abu Dhabi - Quali: 18:00, Race: 17:00 GMT+4

Mark your calendars 📆 and set your alarms 🚨!

The 2024 @f1 start times are out!

Full Sprint weekends and Las Vegas timings will be announced in due course.

Find out more details here 👉 https://t.co/ULa4vDj3GJ#F1 pic.twitter.com/jhTPWcLFKL

Madrid is reportedly on the brink of being announced as the newest venue on the Formula One calendar next week.

Key Takeaways:

• The Formula 1 calendar is reportedly set for a major update with Madrid likely to be introduced, potentially replacing Barcelona as the host city for the Spanish Grand Prix. This shift is a response to the increasing demand for F1 races globally and represents the evolving nature of the sport.
• Anticipated to feature a street circuit, Madrid's entry into the F1 calendar aligns with the sport's recent trend towards street races. 
• The future of Barcelona's Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Formula 1 is now under scrutiny, with its contract expiring in 2026. The introduction of Madrid indicates a significant change in the Spanish Grand Prix's hosting, introducing fresh dynamics to the race's tradition.

Ferrari Press Image

The popularity of Formula 1 has surged in recent years, leading to an expanded selection of potential venues for races. This increase in demand has enabled Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of the sport, to explore a variety of new and exciting locations for the F1 calendar.

The Spanish capital is rumoured to feature a street circuit, despite Madrid's traditional circuit Jarama existing, it seems a new layout will be the choice for the upcoming races.

Barcelona's Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a key player in F1 since 1991, now faces uncertainty about its future in the sport. The circuit's contract ensures its inclusion until 2026, but the emergence of Madrid as a new potential host raises questions about Barcelona's role beyond that point.

Mercedes F1 Press Image - Austin GP

The proposed circuit in Madrid, rumoured to be located around the IFEMA convention center near Barajas Airport, is set to bring a new dimension to the Spanish Grand Prix. This shift in venue is not without historical context; Madrid last hosted a Grand Prix in 1981 at the Jarama circuit. The new circuit is expected to blend elements of traditional race tracks with the appeal of street racing, similar to the circuits in Montreal and Melbourne.

At this stage, this remains unconfirmed by Formula One, however, recent reports from Formu1a.uno suggest the announcement is due to be made next week. The report states:

"Senior political figures in Madrid have recently discussed the imminent announcement, which should take place next week."