Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
McLaren Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri won Autosport's 2023 Rookie of the Year Award, marking his third time receiving the accolade (previously in 2020 and 2021). Piastri, a 22-year-old Australian, secured the honor through reader votes, beating out competitors like Logan Sargeant and Liam Lawson. The announcement took place at the Autosport Awards on December 3, with Mika Hakkinen presenting the award and Piastri expressing gratitude in a pre-recorded video. The award recognizes outstanding performance by professional racing drivers in their debut season.
Click here to read the full article by Kevin Turner (motorsport.com)
Charles Leclerc is reportedly in line for a substantial pay increase in a new five-year contract with Ferrari, extending until 2029. Currently earning around $25 million per season, the deal could see his salary nearly double to $50 million in the final year. If Ferrari's competitive performance doesn't improve within three years, a break clause may be activated, allowing an early termination of the contract.
Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)
Alfa Romeo is shifting its focus from Formula 1 to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) after ending its title sponsorship deal with Sauber. CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato stated that a move to Haas was not pursued due to a desire to avoid a repetitive partnership, and the company is now exploring entry into WEC. While considering cost-efficient options, a collaboration with Peugeot within the Stellantis group is a possibility. Imparato expressed satisfaction with the Sauber partnership and its remarkable return on investment, despite its premature end due to Audi's takeover of the team.
Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble & Roberto Chinchero (motorsport.com)
A change of scenery for Aston Martin's test and reserve driver, Stoffel Vandoorne, as he steps into a different type of simulator. In a fascinating exploration of the intersections between F1 and aviation, Captain Kareem Bajsair, the first officer with Saudia Airlines (the official airline partner of Aston Martin), guides the driver through flying lessons, including the art of taking off and landing a plane with precision.
George Russell became the subject of numerous epic memes in the 2023 season. Mercedes decided to curate a selection and capture his reactions. One particular video captured Russell giving Lando Norris a comical, Shrek-like look. Reflecting on the moment, Russell remembered it was during his third-place qualification in Qatar and admitted finding it genuinely amusing.