F1 Briefings

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, known for his straightforward remarks, got very honest after he revealed that the team's second 1-2 victory in Saudi Arabia "wasn't very nice for the spectators".

Key Takeaways:

• Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko expressed concern over the lack of excitement for spectators during Red Bull's second 1-2 victory in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the team's dominating performance.
• The ongoing winning streak of Red Bull in the 2024 season raises fears of a repeat of the 2023 season, where the team won 21 out of 22 Grands Prix, and Max Verstappen clinched his third world title, indicating a potential lack of competition.
• Despite Red Bull's success with Verstappen and Sergio Perez securing top spots in Bahrain and Jeddah, Marko acknowledged the diminishing excitement for fans due to the predictability of race outcomes, emphasizing the need for closer competition among teams to maintain viewer interest.

Red Bull's winning spree is getting steadily more predictable as the 2024 season progresses, giving rise to concerns that the year could mirror 2023, the season best known for Red Bull winning 21 out of the 22 Grands Prix and Max Verstappen claiming his third world title. 

Both of the team's drivers Verstappen and Sergio Perez secured the top spots in Bahrain and Jeddah, which is undoubtedly beneficial for the team. Nonetheless, it might disappoint fans craving competitive racing at the front of the pack, as the outcome of the race seems well known.

Without other teams optimizing their car's design further, it would be nearly impossible for drivers to compete with Verstappen at the front, and Marko is aware of the repercussions Red Bull's domination has over the sport. Speaking to Sky Sport Germany, he said:

"The car was good on every level, the tyre wear was ok, although it wasn't very nice for the spectators, but we dominated."

Red Bull Content Pool

Speaking about Perez's satisfying performance and that he drove similar lap times as his teammate, Marko added:

"It was a good race by Perez, he overtook Leclerc relatively quickly and then he created a five-second gap.

"After that, he actually drove the same lap times as Max, so we are very satisfied."

Visa Cash App RB (RB) driver Yuki Tsunoda has criticized Haas' strategy during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, labeling it "unfair" after Nico Hulkenberg secured a P10 finish in Jeddah. Despite understanding Haas' aggressive approach to scoring points, Tsunoda expressed his disapproval of their tactics.

Key Takeaways:

• Yuki Tsunoda criticized Haas' strategy at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, calling it "unfair" as Nico Hulkenberg secured a 10th-place finish.
• Kevin Magnussen received two 10-second penalties during the race, hampering his performance.
• Despite facing setbacks, Magnussen's cooperation with teammate Hulkenberg helped secure points for Haas, although Tsunoda found the strategy frustrating, he admitted his own mistake and acknowledged Haas' perspective.

Kevin Magnussen's race in Jeddah suffered setbacks as he received two 10-second time penalties, one for contact with Alexander Albon and the other for overtaking Tsunoda off the track.

After passing Tsunoda, Magnussen eased off, allowing teammate Hulkenberg to create a sufficient gap, ensuring his positioning in the points after his pit stop. While this was a good enough milestone for Haas to achieve for the first time under the leadership of new team principal Ayao Komatsu, Tsunoda called the team's strategy "unfair" and "frustrating" but owned up to his mistake. 

Speaking to the media after the Saudi Arabian GP, the Japanese driver said:

“It was pretty frustrating [but] probably my mistake was I let Kevin by.

“But at the same time, he overtook me with all four wheels outside [the track]. OK, he got a 20 second penalty but he was just cruising around.

“That’s a bit unfair but at the same time the truth is I also let him go, so that was my mistake

“We really struggled with the pace from the beginning, I didn't have much grip. I struggled to even stay in the track.”

Tsunoda agrees that at the end of the day, it is a team sport. Appreciating the strategy from the Haas' perspective, he added:

“His perspective, I think he [Magnussen] did a good job for the team.

“It's a team sport in the end.

“Nico got to score points so he did a good job but the same time, it’s pretty frustrating.”

Max Verstappen has revealed his unique way of unwinding before races, and unsurprisingly, it involves more racing—through his E-sports team, Team Redline. This revelation came after he was spotted sim-racing at an unconventional hour before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

• Unconventional Relaxation: Unlike typical athletes who might choose quieter activities to relax, Max Verstappen finds his solace in sim-racing, engaging in virtual races like the 24 Hours of Daytona with his E-sports team, Team Redline.
• Late Night Sessions: Verstappen was seen participating in online racing on the sim-racing game iRacing, streaming live at four in the morning local time on the day of an actual race, showcasing his dedication to both his passions and his team.
• Rationale Behind the Routine: Verstappen explains his late-night gaming as a way to stay connected with his team and friends, maintain a familiar schedule aligned more closely with European time, and take a mental break from the pressures of Formula 1.

More often than not, drivers will use their off time to decompress and mentally prepare for the gruelling season ahead. Sometimes this involves high-adrenaline sports or maybe even cycling in Valtteri Bottas' case. 

However, for Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, the concept of relaxation diverges from conventional norms. Rather than distancing himself from the racing milieu, Verstappen delves into the digital domain of sim-racing on iRacing. As the owner and an occasional competitor for Team Redline, his own E-sports outfit, Verstappen harnesses sim-racing not only as a tool for unwinding but also as a unique conduit to foster connections within a vibrant community beyond the Formula 1 circus.

Verstappen's approach to relaxation came to light when he he was found to be racing at 4am the morning of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Doing this at such an hour before only the second race of the season obviously raised eyebrows as his preparation and focus for the upcoming real-world race were questioned.

Responding to this, Verstappen said: 

"I just stayed a bit on European or even UK schedule, so I would go to bed at 4 a.m wake up late… The thing is, of course, also, I have my own sim team, so naturally I'm just catching up with them a bit. It's a bit of just unwinding as well.

"I mean, I don't have a rig here. I'm driving on my controller, so it's just fun. Just not having to think about Formula 1 and just be with people that are friends. Whenever I can, I do it."

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed a "cunning" plan to orchestrate his suspension, while team principal Christian Horner clarified that Helmut's potential suspension was unrelated to him. He emphasized that the advisor's contract was with Red Bull GmbH, and not the Red Bull Racing team.

Key Takeaways:

• Rumors suggested Helmut Marko could face suspension amid allegations of leaking information about an investigation into Christian Horner's conduct.
• Marko hinted at a possible suspension, but discussions with Red Bull's managing director clarified no misconduct, ensuring his continuity with the team.
• Marko denied involvement in the leaks, while Horner reaffirmed their professional relationship and the team's ongoing success.

Amid the intense power struggle within Red Bull, rumors surfaced about Marko's potential suspension from the team during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. Allegations suggested his involvement in leaking information related to the investigation of Christian Horner's conduct.

Marko hinted at the possibility of his suspension, scheduled ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, prompting uncertainty about his future with the team. However, discussions with Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff on Saturday clarified that Marko had not engaged in any misconduct, ensuring his continuity with the squad.

Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with ORF, Marko was asked about the fingers pointing towards him about a leak concerning the investigation on Horner, to which he said:

“Absolute rubbish. I'm really happy when I have my iPhone halfway under control.

“I haven't seen this report or any of these chats. I deliberately stayed out of it. To associate me with it was almost like a planned operation, as I realised. ‘Cunning’, as [Niki] Lauda would say.”

Despite Marko's claims, Horner stated that he was unrelated to happenings surrounding the 80-year-old advisor. He said:

“I think the rumour about suspension was as news to the team as it was to anybody else.

“We were quite surprised to hear that.

“Helmut is a contractor to Red Bull GmbH, so it was an issue between them. We weren't party or part of that discussion.

“I've known Helmut since 1996, and he's played an important role over the years. That role has evolved over the years. I've known him a very, very long time.

“Coming up to 81 years of age, he's still obviously motivated about Formula 1, which is a positive thing.”

Red Bull Content Pool

Horner clarified his relationship with Marko and emphasized the team's success. He added:

“My relationship with Helmut is no issue. I think that he's always outspoken, but that's Helmut.

“Everybody has a role to play no matter what that role is. I think this team has been incredibly successful, and it has had tremendous ability for a long period of time. That has been one of the keys to our success.”

Following appendicitis surgery, Carlos Sainz missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, prompting uncertainty about his participation in the Australian Grand Prix, according to Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.

Key Takeaways:

• Carlos Sainz's appendicitis surgery led to his absence from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and raised doubts about his participation in the Australian Grand Prix.
• Earlier, Sainz felt unwell and missed media duties and FP2, leading to his diagnosis.
• Oliver Bearman impressed in his debut, finishing seventh. Vasseur emphasized Sainz's need for complete recovery before considering his return.

Earlier in the week, the Spaniard felt unwell, leading him to miss media duties on Wednesday. Following FP2, he stayed away from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, and his condition was diagnosed after that.

Reserve Driver Oliver Bearman's outstanding debut in the Grand Prix, filling in for Sainz, has earned widespread praise. Starting from 11th on the grid, he secured an impressive seventh-place finish. However, there's uncertainty regarding his role in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix from March 22-24. It's unclear whether he will continue as a reserve driver or return to racing in Formula 2.

Ferrari Press Image

Team Boss Vasseur revealed that he doesn't want to push Sainz to start racing again until he is completely fit. Speaking to the media about the Ferrari driver's return, he said:

"It was a strange situation at the beginning of the weekend.

"We were convinced it was food [poisoning], but he struggled a lot of Thursday in both sessions with fever and stomach issues, but he was convinced that it would be much better the day after.

"But he called me [on Friday morning] and said 'I will miss FP3 but I'll be there for qualifying for sure' and at 11:30am he was in the hospital.

"It was quite clear that we were not going in the right direction.

"There was no delay in [putting Bearman] in, I don't remember the timing exactly, but as soon as it was clear from the doctor that [Sainz] would be unable to drive, we took the decision to put Oliver in.

"Thanks to the hospital in Jeddah and to everybody from the organisation that did the surgery, and this morning, I visited him and he was completely okay.

"It is a huge recovery, and we have to be focused on Melbourne.

"He will have a good rest this week and we will see [if he races in Australia.]

"I don't want to rush or something like, he is an adult and will take the right decision."

Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman stepped into Carlos Sainz's SF-24 for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, achieving a seventh place finish. He was touched by Lewis Hamilton's supportive gesture during the cooldown lap, acknowledging Bearman's impressive debut in Formula 1.

Key Takeaways:

• Oliver Bearman, Ferrari's reserve driver, filled in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, achieving an impressive seventh-place finish in his Formula 1 debut.
• Lewis Hamilton's supportive gesture towards Bearman during the cooldown lap highlighted the camaraderie among drivers, showing thumbs up and offering a congratulatory hug post-race.
• Bearman's unexpected opportunity came after Sainz underwent surgery for appendicitis, marking a successful weekend for Ferrari despite the setback, with Sainz's surgery, Bearman's points finish, and Leclerc's podium contributing to their success.

Ferrari Press Image

With pole position secured for the Formula 2 feature race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Bearman was preparing for the competition when he faced an unexpected turn of events.

On Friday, Sainz underwent surgery for appendicitis, prompting reserve driver Bearman to step into his F1 car. Despite the setback, Ferrari had a successful weekend, with Sainz's successful surgery, Bearman's points finish, and Leclerc's podium finish in P3 contributing to their three-factor advantage.

On race day, Bearman's impressive performance continued from his P11 in qualifying, as he maintained his position ahead of a fast-charging Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton on soft tires to secure a seventh-place finish.

The debut driver was touched by the sport's seven-time world champion's gesture, which could be seen during the cooldown lap when Hamilton showed the thumbs up while driving past him. 

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 later on, here's what Bearman said about Hamilton's gesture:

“Ah that’s really kind, that’s really nice."

Not only during the cooldown lap but, after climbing out of the SF-24, Bearman received a congratulatory hug from Hamilton, who turns out to be one of his childhood heroes. The young driver expressed his admiration for Hamilton and reminisced about his love for the McLaren team during the Hamilton-Jenson Button days in 2011-2012.

A wholesome congratulations from Lewis to Ollie 🤗✨ pic.twitter.com/og0NVlRpZ5

When asked if Hamilton was his hero, he answered:

“One of them.

“I really liked the McLaren team in 2011/12, so Lewis and Jenson they were my favourites. The British team with the home heroes.

“It was great watching them growing up and now I’m racing against Lewis, that was fantastic.”

If Sainz is deemed fit to race, Bearman will return to his F2 car when Formula 1 travels to Melbourne in two weeks.

Ollie Bearman's debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix turned heads, with the young driver outperforming expectations. According to former strategist-turned-pundit Bernie Collins, Bearman's performance was nothing short of exceptional, navigating through high-pressure situations with remarkable composure.

Key Takeaways:

• Bearman showcased exceptional skill during a critical pit stop under the Safety Car, managing the pressure flawlessly.
• His battle with Nico Hulkenberg was a focal point, demonstrating Bearman's persistence and strategic thinking.
• Collins praised Bearman's ability to maintain concentration over the race's duration, highlighting his top-10 finish as a significant overachievement.

Ferrari Press Image

Ollie Bearman's debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was a masterclass in poise and determination. Filling in for Carlos Sainz as the Spaniard underwent the removal of his appendix, Bearman's performance was under the microscope from the outset. Starting 11th on the grid, his ability to build on his position and engage in aggressive yet calculated overtaking manoeuvres caught the eye of many within the F1 community.

Bernie Collins, a seasoned F1 insider, was among those impressed, particularly highlighting Bearman's handling of a high-pressure pit stop under the Safety Car.

"Fantastic drive from him," Collins remarked. "To get through that pit stop under the Safety Car with a lot of pressure and a lot of cars in the pit lane.

"He found it hard to get past Hulkenberg and that's where a lot of his race time went."After that, lap on lap on his own, taking in information about the cars behind him, steady head and it's hard to keep that focus for those 50 laps."

She continued:

"I said a top 10 finish would be phenomenal, and he's overachieved on this result!"

Bearman's debut is a testament to his potential within Formula 1. Demonstrating not just raw speed but a deep understanding of race dynamics and strategy, he has quickly established himself as a driver to watch. His performance in Saudi Arabia speaks volumes of his capability and readiness for the sport's top tier, earning him high praise from insiders and teammates alike.

Charles Leclerc, Bearman's teammate for the weekend, echoed Collins' sentiments, admiring Bearman's immediate pace adjustment and racing acumen. "He completely deserves it. He's done an incredible job," Leclerc noted, signalling Bearman's promising future in the sport.

Bearman's entry into Formula 1, marked by a standout performance, has certainly set the stage for what could be a remarkable career.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has brought the second round of the 2024 Formula One season to a close. Max Verstappen celebrated another victory with his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc joining him on the podium after their respective second and third-place finishes. 

Red Bull has continued to show their staggering dominance, which saw them win all but one race in 2023, with two 1-2 finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. However, it is a record-breaking season with 24 races so there are a lot of upgrades and developments to come in the next few months. 

Aside from the very front of the grid, there have been some great battles between Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes as well as towards the back of the grid with Haas bringing in some insane strategic moves in Saudi Arabia. Magnussen, who had been hit with 20 seconds worth of penalties, put some amazing defence work in to help his teammate Nico Hulkenberg score his first point of the season. 

Red Bull Press Image

A surprise at the start of the season is Alpine which has struggled to find the performance in the A524. Both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly have had issues and the latter encountered a gearbox problem on the formation lap in Jeddah which saw him retire from the race almost straight away, leaving him last in the standings.

A star performance came from Ollie Bearman. After stepping in last minute for Carlos Sainz, the 18-year-old British driver qualified 11th and finished the race in 7th position, collecting 6 points on his Formula One debut.

Here is how the championships currently stand. 

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull - 51 points
2. Sergio Perez, Red Bull - 36 points
3. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari - 28 points
4. George Russell, Mercedes - 18 points
5. Oscar Piastri, McLaren - 16 points
6. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari - 15 points
7. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin - 12 points
8. Lando Norris, McLaren - 12 points
9. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 8 points
10. Oliver Bearman, Ferrari (reserve driver) - 6 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas - 1 point
12. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin - 1 point
13. Alex Albon, Williams - 0 Points
14. Zhou Guanyu, Sauber - 0 Points
15. Kevin Magnussen, Haas - 0 Points
16. Daniel Ricciardo, VCARB - 0 Points
17. Esteban Ocon, Alpine - 0 Points
18. Yuki Tsunoda, VCARB - 0 Points
19. Logan Sargeant, Williams - 0 Points
20. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber - 0 Points
21. Pierre Gasly, Alpine - 0 Points

1. Red Bull - 87 points
2. Ferrari - 49 points
3. Mclaren - 28 points
4. Mercedes - 26 points
5. Aston Martin - 13 points
6. Haas - 1 point
7. Williams - 0 Points
8. Sauber - 0 Points
9. VCARB - 0 Points
10. Alpine -0 Points

VCARB driver Yuki Tsunoda faced a setback with a five-second time penalty following an unsafe release from the garage before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The incident, which almost led to a collision with McLaren's Lando Norris, has resulted in disciplinary action from the stewards.

Key Takeaways:

• Yuki Tsunoda received a five-second penalty for unsafe release before the race, nearly colliding with Lando Norris.
• After a thorough review, stewards decided against awarding a penalty point, given the incident's timing during the reconnaissance lap.
• Tsunoda admitted to the mistake and issued an apology for the oversight.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was not without its pre-race drama as Yuki Tsunoda of VCARB had a near miss with Lando Norris' McLaren. In the moments leading up to the race, Tsunoda was released from his garage in a manner that placed him directly in the path of an oncoming Lando Norris. The McLaren driver was forced to brake abruptly, averting a potential collision and highlighting a serious breach of safety protocols.

The race stewards conducted a review of the incident, including video footage, team radio communications, and in-car videos. Both Tsunoda and representatives from the involved teams, Car 22 and Car 4, were heard by the stewards. Following the review, the stewards issued a statement:

"The Stewards reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence and heard from the drivers and team representatives of Car 22 and Car 4 and determined that Car 22 was released unsafely from the garage during the reconnaissance lap into the path of Car 4 which had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

"The driver of Car 22 admitted that he did not see the Number 1 in his team signalling not to come out as his attention was diverted towards exiting the car from the garage.

"He apologised for his oversight."

The stewards explained their decision regarding the penalty, aligning it with standard procedures for such incidents, yet taking into account the specific context of the pre-race timing:

"An unsafe release during the race (which would include the reconnaissance lap) would typically attract a five-second time penalty, which is what we imposed.

"In addition, for an infringement of this nature, it would be appropriate to award 1 penalty point. Given that this took place during the reconnaissance lap as opposed to the race proper, we decided to not impose the penalty point."

Former driver Giancarlo Fisichella has named three potential contenders for Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes seat after he moves to Ferrari next year. The three F1 drivers named are Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, famously known as Kimi Antonelli.

Key Takeaways:

• Former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella suggests three potential contenders for Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes seat after his move to Ferrari next year: Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo, and young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
• With Hamilton's departure looming, speculation rises over potential replacements, fuelled by the expiration of contracts for thirteen Formula 1 drivers at the end of 2024.
• Among the contenders, Alonso and Ricciardo stand out as experienced options while Antonelli, a promising 17-year-old F2 driver in the Mercedes Junior Academy, also garners attention for a potential F1 entry next year, as hinted by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

As the seven-time world champion spends his final year with the Brackley-based squad, several names have appeared on the radar after his shock Ferrari move announcement. What adds to the speculation is the expiration of thirteen driver contracts toward the end of the 2024 season.

Alonso and Ricciardo are two such drivers who are yet to secure their Formula seat for the future. Their experience and achievements make them suitable candidates, according to Fisichella. Antonelli, the 17-year-old F2 driver, has been with the Mercedes Junior Academy since he was 11. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had hinted at his F1 entry as early as next year. 

Mercedes Press Image

Fisichella has expressed a high possibility of any one of the three drivers replacing Hamilton next year. He commented:

"There are a few names on the top of the list for me in terms of Hamilton replacements. It could be Fernando Alonso, it could be Daniel Ricciardo, or maybe Kimi Antonelli.

"They could go for a rookie like Antonelli, but I think taking an experienced driver like Fernando Alonso for one or two years is a good choice.

"He's still really, really quick, he's putting in some of the best performances of his career and he's got a lot of experience.

"Antonelli would have the support of George Russell who has had a few more years in Formula 1, but with Ricciardo, he has a lot of experience.

"He has driven for many years and is now back again. He had the accident so he lost a little bit in terms of performance but if Ricciardo is able to do a lot of testing and driving this year without problems, then he is a good option to take the spot at Mercedes."

Thank you to OCB Scores for setting up this interview.

Former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella has warned Lewis Hamilton that his final season with Mercedes may prove distracting, as the anticipation of racing for Ferrari next year could overshadow his focus during the current season.

Key Takeaways:

• Giancarlo Fisichella warns Lewis Hamilton about potential distractions in his final season with Mercedes, given the anticipation of his move to Ferrari next year.
• Stressing the significance of Hamilton's last season with Mercedes, Fisichella highlights the emotional and psychological shift brought about by his departure from the team where he won six Drivers' titles.
• Fisichella advises Hamilton to maintain focus and concentration race by race, despite the impending team change, to ensure maximum effort and performance.

Fisichella stressed the significance of Hamilton's last season with Mercedes, especially in light of his impending move to Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton's departure from Mercedes, where he secured six of his seven Drivers' titles, signifies a significant emotional and psychological shift. With 22 Grands Prix left before his transition to Ferrari, Hamilton must focus on making the most of his remaining time with Mercedes.

Having raced for seven different teams over a span of thirteen years, including Ferrari, Fisichella understands the mental state of a driver moving to another team. He warns that Hamilton might face distractions while competing for Mercedes this year.

His assessment may not seem untrue after considering his performance during the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he finished P7, trailing two positions behind his teammate George Russell, who secured P5.

Speaking about Hamilton's possible distraction ahead of his Ferrari switch next year and offering the best possible solution to the situation, Fisichella said:

"Having agreed to swap teams at the end of the season, it is a bit strange already knowing that you will be with another team.It will be a bit of a distraction for Hamilton but he knows what he needs to do.

"He needs to concentrate race by race and put in maximum effort while having maximum concentration and that's it."

Thank you to OCB Scores for setting up this interview.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has expressed a keen interest in securing Max Verstappen for the team following Lewis Hamilton's exit in 2025. Wolff's remarks came in light of Verstappen hinting at a potential exit from Red Bull due to internal tensions.

Key Takeaways:

• Toto Wolff is eyeing Max Verstappen as a potential recruit for Mercedes, aiming to fill the gap Lewis Hamilton will leave.
• Verstappen's future at Red Bull remains uncertain amid internal rifts and controversies involving the team's leadership.
• Wolff emphasises the need for Mercedes to upgrade their car before considering any major team changes.

Amidst the whirlwind of rumours and tensions within the Red Bull camp, Wolff has openly stated his desire to bring three-time world champion Max Verstappen into the Mercedes fold, potentially as a successor to seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. This revelation comes at a time when Verstappen has voiced concerns over the stability of his current team, particularly after a contentious period that saw Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, embroiled in controversy.

The speculation around Verstappen's future intensified after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix qualifying, where the driver did not shy away from hinting at a possible departure from Red Bull. This was amidst whispers of discord involving the influential figure of Helmut Marko within the team. However, Marko's subsequent assurance of his continued involvement with Red Bull after constructive discussions seems to have temporarily calmed the waters.

Despite these developments, Wolff's admittance of Mercedes' interest in Verstappen underlines the ongoing strategic moves within the F1 paddock. With Lewis Hamilton's impending departure to Ferrari in 2025, the quest for a worthy successor is paramount for Mercedes. Yet, Wolff maintains a pragmatic approach, emphasising the necessity of refining their vehicle to match the calibre of talents like Verstappen and Hamilton.

"I would love to have him [Verstappen]. But first we need to sort out our car. We owe it to our drivers George and Lewis to improve the car and give them equipment that is good before dreaming about the future next year.

"I think we are going to wait on a decision. We have a few interesting options. The more we are able to assess how the season pans out, young drivers, slightly older ones, that's not going to be a decision we want to take in the next few weeks, it's rather a few months depending on where it goes.”

When prodded about Verstappen being Mercedes' top choice to replace Hamilton, Wolff's response highlighted the allure of Verstappen to any team:

"This is a decision that Max needs to take and there is no team up and down the grid that wouldn't do handstands to have him in the car."

The FIA has confirmed why Lando Norris' premature movement at the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix did not result in a penalty. Despite a brief forward jolt before the race began, the FIA found that Norris's action did not trigger the official jump start detection system.

Key Takeaways:

• Lando Norris' slight movement before the official race start did not activate the FIA's jump start detection system, sparing him a penalty.
• The FIA's decision was based on data from a transponder on Norris' car, which is the sole criterion for determining a jump start.
• Past precedents in F1 have seen drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel similarly avoid penalties for minimal start line infractions.

Lining up from the sixth position on the grid, Lando Norris momentarily moved his car before the signal to start the race was officially given. This incident, which was quickly reported by George Russell to Mercedes, was expected to earn Norris a penalty. However, the FIA stewards, after reviewing the data, decided against any sanctions.

The decision hinged on the FIA's jump-start detection technology. A standard transponder fitted to each car serves as the definitive measure for such infringements. In Norris' case, his car's slight movement did not exceed the system's threshold, leading the stewards to conclude that no jump-start occurred. 

The FIA's statement clarified that their decision was in line with Article 48.1 a) of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, which relies on transponder data to adjudicate jump starts. The statement from the Stewards read:

"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."

Norris finished the race in eighth position behind Oliver Bearman in seventh and ahead of Lewis Hamilton in ninth. Norris' McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri crossed the line in fourth position.

Red Bull team chief Christian Horner has recently made a strong statement dismissing the likelihood of anyone wanting to leave the team, amidst the ongoing rumours and controversy surrounding the team. This comes as the team celebrates another victory led by Max Verstappen in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite speculations of Max Verstappen considering a switch to Mercedes, Red Bull's performance continues to excel.
• The team faced an investigation into Horner's alleged misconduct, which was later dismissed.
• Horner credits the team's success to the collective effort of all departments within Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull Content Pool

The Red Bull Racing team, under the leadership of Christian Horner, continues to demonstrate formidable performance in the Formula 1 circuit, recently marked by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez securing another one-two victory for the team in Saudi Arabia. Amidst this success, rumours have been circulating about Verstappen's potential departure to Mercedes, spurred by comments from his father Jos Verstappen and his meetings with Toto Wolff, the Mercedes Team Principal.

Despite these challenges, Horner remains confidently supportive of his team's environment and its appeal to its members, particularly its drivers. He firmly believes in the cohesive and high-performing nature of the team, a sentiment that is reinforced by the team's recent achievements on the track. Horner commented following the race in Jeddah, as quoted by Motorsportweek.com:

“I’m sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max, but as Toto also said, the best drivers always want to be in the best cars.

“Max has achieved his 56th Grand Prix victory today and his 100th podium, all of which have been in Red Bull Racing Cars.

“As a team, we perform exceptionally well together and everybody has a role to play in that team, whether it’s from the designers, the support staff, the operational staff, all the way through, all the different departments, the 22 different departments that make up Red Bull Racing.

“If everybody isn’t doing their part, you don’t have a performance like this. So as a team, we’re performing at an exceptionally high level and we expect to see that continue.

“You can never say never. If a driver doesn’t want to be somewhere, then they’ll go somewhere else.

“But as a team, I can’t see any reason why anybody would want to step out of this team. I think he’s got a great support around him and he’s doing a wonderful job with a great car.”

Christian Horner has confidently expressed that his relationship with both Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen remain robust, even amidst the ongoing disturbances off the racing track. This comes amidst a backdrop of speculation regarding the team's internal dynamics, with Horner standing firm on the strength of these pivotal relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Christian Horner maintains strong relationships with key Red Bull figures amid internal controversies.
• Helmut Marko's position was speculated to be at risk following media leak investigations but remains secure.
• Horner underscores Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull, emphasising a positive team environment.

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The Red Bull Racing team has recently been the centre of much speculation regarding its internal dynamics, particularly concerning the relationships between Team Principal Christian Horner, advisor Helmut Marko, and lead driver Max Verstappen. In light of rumours about potential upheavals within the team, Horner has come forward to set the record straight.

Tensions seemed to rise following reports that Helmut Marko was under investigation for potential leaks to the media in connection to the recently concluded investigation into Horner for alleged misconduct. This led to widespread speculation about his future within the team. However, as the situation evolved, Marko's position within Red Bull remained stable, calming immediate concerns about his departure.

The narrative took a further turn when Max Verstappen expressed his concerns about the potential impact of Marko's departure on his own standing within the team. In response to these developments, Horner was questioned about the nature of his relationship with both Marko and Verstappen.

Horner openly addressed these concerns, stating, as quoted by Motorsportweek.com:

"My relationship with Helmut is no issue, I think that he’s always outspoken, but that’s Helmut." 

Regarding his relationship with Verstappen, Horner was equally forthcoming, affirming:

“It’s absolutely fine with Max.

“He’s working well within the team. There’s no tension. There’s no stress. You can see how relaxed he is around the garage with everybody in the team.

“That’s translating to his performance on track as well. We don’t see any issues with Max.

Horner further highlighted Verstappen's long-standing commitment to Red Bull, reflected in his contract that extends until 2028. 

“The success of the team relies on everyone wanting to be here. Max has his contract until 2028.

“He’s been here since he was 18 years of age. I have no doubt of his commitment and passion going forward.”

Former driver Giancarlo Fisichella has revealed that Max Verstappen's possible switch to Mercedes as a Lewis Hamilton replacement in 2025 could prove difficult and problematic for George Russell.

Key Takeaways:

• Fisichella suggests that Max Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes in 2025 as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton could pose challenges for George Russell.
• Amidst Lewis Hamilton's surprising move to Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes seeks a replacement to partner with George Russell. Speculation rises over Max Verstappen's future amid controversies within the Red Bull team.
• Verstappen's negative response to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko's possible suspension hints at a potential departure alongside Marko. However, Verstappen's enduring partnership with Red Bull makes it unlikely for him to join Mercedes soon.

Amid Hamilton's surprising move to Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes is now in search of a replacement to partner with George Russell for the upcoming season. As controversy swirls around Christian Horner and internal dynamics within the Red Bull team persist, speculation mounts regarding Max Verstappen's future. 

Rumors hint at the possibility of the three-time world champion joining Mercedes as a potential replacement for Hamilton, with team principal Toto Wolff seen engaging in discussion with Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, following the Bahrain Grand Prix season opener.

Assuming that Verstappen would switch to Mercedes next year due to internal unrest within Red Bull, he will race alongside Russell, a reality that would be difficult for the British driver to handle considering the three-time championship winner's dominating pace in the ground effect era, as witnessed from the end of 2021. 

Conversely, Fisichella also implies that Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes could bolster Russell's competitiveness, as he has showcased his capabilities by outperforming Hamilton on several occasions.

Speaking about the Verstappen to Mercedes possibility alongside Russell, Fisichella said:

"It could be hard for George to work with Max Verstappen, but it also would be good for him.

"In the last year he has even been faster than Hamilton at times and having another demanding team-mate could help."

Yet, given Verstappen's enduring alliance with his Red Bull title contender, whether with the RB19 or the current RB20, it seems improbable that he would transition to Mercedes in the near future. This is particularly evident when considering Mercedes' lack of success in producing a race-winning car since 2022.

Thank you to OCB Scores for setting up this interview.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc secured the third place on the podium, trailing race winner Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in second. Additionally, Leclerc secured bonus points by setting the fastest lap of the race.

Key Takeaways:

• Charles Leclerc clinched third place in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez ahead. He also secured a bonus point for the fastest lap.
• Ferrari's performance, exemplified by Leclerc's podium finish, indicates their potential as Red Bull's main competitor, following Carlos Sainz's podium in Bahrain.
• Debutant Oliver Bearman impressed with a seventh-place finish in place of Sainz. Leclerc noted Ferrari's improvement with the SF-24 but found the race somewhat dull due to Verstappen's dominance, though he enjoyed the challenge of Jeddah's high-speed corners compared to last year.

Leclerc's third-place podium in Jeddah, starting from P2, showcased Ferrari as the strongest contender to challenge Formula 1's dominant force, Red Bull. This follows Sainz's third-place finish behind the RB20s in Bahrain last weekend.

Speaking of Ferrari, a standout performance also came from debutant Oliver Bearman, stepping in for Sainz following the latter's appendix surgery. The young driver showcased fearless racing and impressive composure, successfully fending off pressure from Norris and Lewis Hamilton to secure a remarkable seventh-place finish.

It's evident that Ferrari's SF-24 has significantly improved compared to last year, as emphasized by Leclerc. However, he also mentioned that the race was somewhat "boring" due to the considerable lead established by Max Verstappen. Speaking to David Coulthard in the post-race interview, he said:

"We had quite good pace because we had the fastest lap at the end and I got helped by DRS.

"Overall, the feeling was pretty good. It was a bit of a boring race because Red Bull were a bit too quick and behind we had a gap.

"But we took the maximum points we could today and that was the target, so that's great."

Leclerc mentioned that the high-speed corners in Jeddah demand a lot physically, but he found more enjoyment this year when compared to last year. He added:

"From last year it's a step better. I don't know why. Maybe because I was on my own, so had less adrenaline in the car.

"All in all it's definitely one of the most physical race tracks of the season. It's warm but most of all for the neck, there are so many high speed corners which are very difficult but it's also fun to drive."

In a post-race conversation, Max Verstappen shared insights into his triumphant performance at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, securing his hundredth podium finish and celebrating his second victory of the 2024 season. The Dutchman lauded his and his team's efforts over the weekend, citing an exceptional synergy with his car.

Key Takeaways:

• Max Verstappen secured his 100th career podium and second win of the 2024 season at the Saudi Arabian GP.
• The Red Bull driver praised his team's performance and his comfort with the car throughout the race.
• Despite a challenging final stint due to a Safety Car intervention and colder tyres, Verstappen managed to maintain his lead, attributing success to the car's consistent pace.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen clinched a monumental victory in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, marking a centennial podium finish in his illustrious Formula 1 career. This triumph not only underscored his dominant form in the early stages of the 2024 season but also exemplified the cohesive dynamism within the Red Bull team.

"Overall, a fantastic weekend for the whole team and myself. I felt really good with the car and it was the same in the race.

"The last stint was a bit longer than we would have liked but with the Safety Car you had to go for it.

"So, the last few laps with cold tyres and backmarkers it was a bit slippery but we had good pace all-around and could manage it, so overall very pleased."

Joining the three-time F1 champion on the podium in Jeddah were his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc who crossed the finish line in second and third position, respectively.

After talks with Red Bull GmbH Managing Director Oliver Mintzlaff, team advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed his commitment to Red Bull. Despite previous hints of suspension before the Australian Grand Prix, Marko will be present in Melbourne. He thanked Max Verstappen for his support amid internal unrest and emphasized the priority of securing Verstappen's fourth championship title.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite previous speculation, Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed his commitment to the team after discussions with Managing Director Oliver Mintzlaff. Expressing gratitude to Max Verstappen for support amid internal unrest, Marko emphasized the focus on securing Verstappen's fourth championship title.
• Verstappen promptly defended Marko, suggesting that the advisor's potential exit could prompt him to reassess his options within the team.
• Acknowledging recent attention, Marko stressed the importance of resilience in Formula 1 and supported Jos Verstappen's call for peace within the team to achieve championship goals.

Verstappen quickly came to Marko's defense after the advisor mentioned his potential suspension this week, suggesting that Marko's departure could prompt him to reassess his choices within the team.

Expressing gratitude to the Dutchman, here's what Marko told Viaplay:

"There are not so many people who have such a strong character and, as you said, loyalty. I am proud and thankful for his words."

Speaking about his positive meeting with Mintzlaff, Marko added:

"It was a good meeting.

"I will be in Melbourne. All these rumours, they were not official, but it was good to clear the situation."

Marko drew significant attention recently due to discussions about his suspension, in addition to the controversy involving team principal Christian Horner. He emphasized the necessity of resilience in Formula 1, stating that one must endure such challenges to thrive in the sport. He added:

"I don't know how many years in motor racing, very long. Especially in Formula One, if you can't stand such things, then you won't survive."

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The 80-year-old team advisor also opened up on the situation within the team, siding with Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, that peace is needed to win the championship. He added:

"But in the end, like Jos said, we need some more peace in the team because we are trying to win the championship. That is quite a hard job. There will be circuits where we are not so super or not winning. That's a goal, a fourth title for Max."

Sergio Perez, in conversation with David Coulthard following the race, expressed regret over a penalty that marred his otherwise strong performance in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, labelling it a "shame". This setback, however, didn't overshadow the significant strides made by Red Bull.

Key Takeaways:

• Sergio Perez discusses the setback of receiving a penalty during the race, though it did not significantly alter his race outcome.
• He details the race's challenges, including dealing with the safety car and managing tyre performance.
• Perez remains positive about the team's progress and the advancements since the Bahrain Grand Prix.

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During an insightful post-race interview with David Coulthard, Sergio Perez delved into the highs and lows of his campaign in Saudi Arabia. Despite clinching a commendable second place, behind teammate Max Verstappen, Perez's race was punctuated by challenges and a notable penalty.

"We definitely made some good progress. I just think it was a shame we qualified out of the front row because we had a great start. Unfortunately, Charles really kept it together and we couldn’t get through. It was a nice fight," Perez shared. 

The presence of the safety car and a subsequent long stint on hard tyres added layers of complexity to his race strategy. 

"And later on it was quite a compromised race with the safety car there so early, it was a very long stint on the hard tyres.

"It was tricky at times, especially in the beginning. We had no warm-up at all, we were sliding a lot and it took us a long time to get through Lewis and Lando.

"But overall it’s a great day for the team. It’s a very different track to Bahrain and we’re keeping strong, so we just have to keep this momentum going.

"I think we’ve taken a step forward from Bahrain, we’ve done good improvements from yesterday, so we still have some bits to tidy up and our time will come.

The conversation then turned to the contentious penalty Perez received.

 "It was a shame that we got that penalty. Luckily, it didn’t hurt our race, but in this scenario I was quite close to Max and everyone was coming in at the same time, we just didn’t have a wide enough pit lane." 

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was eventful beyond Perez's penalty, with incidents and retirements impacting the race heavily.