Mercedes has announced that James Allison is returning as technical director, with Mike Elliott stepping into the chief technical officer role. The team has also reshuffled other positions, making Giacomo Tortora the new engineering director. Despite a challenging start to the 2023 season, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed optimism about the team's trajectory, highlighting the importance of staying rational and believing in the team's capabilities.
Click here to read the full article by Will Wood (Racefans.net)
Toyota's six-year stint in Formula 1 from 2002 to 2008, during which they spent $2 billion and only achieved 13 podiums and a single pole position, has become a prime example of a major car manufacturer failing miserably in the sport. Various reasons contributed to their failure, and current teams might benefit from understanding these pitfalls to avoid making the same mistakes in their own F1 ventures.
The Sun has reported the net worth of all ten F1 team principals in 2023. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, tops the list with £1 billion, while Mike Krack of Aston Martin is at the opposite end with £800k. The ranking includes Christian Horner (Red Bull) with £41.4m, Otmar Szafnauer (Alpine) with £4.1m, Franz Tost (AlphaTauri) with £4.1m, James Vowles (Williams) with £4.1m, Guenther Steiner (Haas) with £4.1m, Alessandro Alunni Bravi (Alfa Romeo) with £4.1m, Frederic Vasseur (Ferrari) with £2.5m, and Andrea Stella (McLaren) with £1.2m.
Click here to read the full article by James Dielhenn (Crash.net)
Carlos Sainz has denied rumors of a potential switch to lead Audi's future Formula 1 venture, scheduled for 2026 in collaboration with Sauber. Despite Spanish media reports suggesting a move away from Ferrari, Sainz, whose contract runs until the end of 2024, insists his goal is to stay with Ferrari for many years. Both Sainz and teammate Charles Leclerc have contracts with Ferrari until the end of 2024. The Sauber-owned team, currently operating as Alfa Romeo, is set to transform into Audi in 2026, with Audi aiming to be competitive within three seasons of its arrival.
Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com).
The Frank Williams Academy, a charitable initiative led by Claire Williams and the Spinal Injuries Association, has been launched in memory of Sir Frank Williams, F1's longest-serving team boss. Williams will display the Academy's logo on both Alex Albon's and Logan Sargeant's cars in Baku to show their support. Claire aims to raise £1.5m to establish the Academy, which will help educate and train those affected by spinal cord injuries. The initiative honors Sir Frank's legacy and achievements while living with a spinal cord injury.
Click here to read the full article by Charley Williams (WTF1.com)
