Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed ongoing legal discussions with the FIA after allegations of collusion between him and his wife Susie, managing director of the F1 Academy. The FIA stated there was no active investigation into ethical or disciplinary matters, but Mercedes is seeking legal clarity on why the matter was initially examined. In response to FIA's statement, Mercedes emphasized the need for transparency and reserved legal rights, while F1 expressed confidence in the allegations being false. Susie Wolff dismissed the accusations as baseless, attributing them to intimidatory and misogynistic behavior. Despite claims of rival team principals complaining to the FIA, all nine other teams denied such complaints in a unified statement.
Click here to read the full article by Conor McDonagh (crash.net)
Formula 1 is once again considering breaking away from the FIA due to the ongoing involvement of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, causing frustration among F1 teams. Recent incidents, including the re-investigation of Lewis Hamilton's track-crossing and summoning of Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur for swearing, have heightened tensions. Despite Ben Sulayem's earlier promise to step back from F1 in 2023, sources suggest a potential F1 breakaway if his involvement persists. The relationship between F1 and the FIA has already strained after the FIA released a statement on social media allegations without informing F1 or Mercedes, leading to speculation about Toto Wolff receiving secret information from his wife, Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy. Both F1 and Mercedes have expressed support for Susie Wolff, who denied the allegations.
Click here to read the full article by Nick Golding (formula1news.co.uk)
The 2024 Formula 1 technical regulations aim to address heat exhaustion issues drivers face in the Qatar Grand Prix. A new driver cooling scoop, constrained in dimensions to prevent aerodynamic advantages, can be added to the cockpit. Teams have the option to use this scoop or the nose tip inlet for improved cooling, considering aerodynamic sensitivity and weight. Changes also restrict the use of metal in the car's floor and introduce physical stops to limit front wing flap adjustments, potentially addressing concerns about flexion and debris issues.
Click here to read the full article by Matt Somerfield (motorsport.com)
It's that time of year to come together and enjoy binge-watching all the Grid The Grid episodes from this season. Some episodes feature drivers answering fun questions, like naming race winners with surnames for each letter of the alphabet. In another, drivers arrange the grid by their ages. Click here to watch the video.
Did you know Lewis Hamilton is into photography besides racing? He can often be found playing around with a camera, taking some impressive shots. Recently, he snapped a photo of a team member, helmets, and his Mercedes W14 race car. Who knows, maybe photography could be a hobby or even a second career for him after retiring from F1.