Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
The FIA is determined not to engage in negotiations over the Formula 1 minimum weight limit for the 2026 rules era, aiming to prevent teams from discreetly increasing car weight. Despite criticism of current ground effect machines being too heavy at 798 kg, largely due to hybrid power units and safety measures, the FIA plans to set a weight limit for 2026 and maintain it, aiming to reduce car weight by 40 to 50 kilograms. Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's head of single-seater matters, emphasized that teams must adhere to the imposed weight limit without allowances for creeping increases, rejecting the idea of eliminating the minimum weight limit entirely.
Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)
Sauber, with their Alfa Romeo deal ending in 2023, has officially named themselves the Stake F1 team for 2024 and 2025, deepening ties with online crypto casino Stake in a lucrative $100 million deal. However, this partnership raises concerns due to Stake being a crypto casino and facing advertising bans in countries like Switzerland and others on the F1 calendar. To navigate this, Sauber plans to adopt alternative branding, as seen in 2023 when they used Kick branding for races where gambling advertising was restricted.
Click here to read the full article by Sam Cooper (planetf1.com)
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert advises against Lando Norris leaving McLaren for Red Bull, citing McLaren's current success and Norris's potential for improvement. Herbert suggests that, given McLaren's positive trajectory and Norris's strong position within the team, the risk of joining Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen may not be worth it for the young driver. Norris's contract with McLaren runs until the end of 2025, while Red Bull may need a replacement for Sergio Perez at the end of the current year.
Click here to read the full article by Rory Mitchell (racingnews365.com)
Alpine Formula 1 team faced significant managerial upheaval in 2023 due to a mismatch between corporate expectations and on-track performance, leading to the departure of key personnel. Despite finishing sixth in the constructors' championship, the A523 car struggled with a 0.9-second gap to the fastest cars, primarily attributed to a denied request to modify the power unit. The power deficiency, especially in the energy recovery system, accounts for around 0.5 seconds of lap time. Technical director Matt Harman highlights chassis limitations, including poor ride and balance, contributing to performance challenges. Despite ongoing efforts, Alpine anticipates the power unit deficit will persist for the next two seasons, emphasizing the need to focus on the E26 for 2026.
Click here to read the full article by Mark Hughes (the-race.com)
Red Bull reflects on 12 drivers in its 20 seasons in F1: Doornbos, now an analyst; Liuzzi, races in various series and works as an FIA steward; Gasly left in 2022 and joined Alpine; Kvyat left in 2021, races in WEC, NASCAR, and Formula E; Klien still races at 40; Perez completed 66 races, uncertain about 2024; Albon, dropped by Red Bull, rebuilding at Williams; Coulthard, now in media and supports women in motorsport; Ricciardo left in 2019, rejoined as AlphaTauri driver; Vettel, retired at 35, seen occasionally at F1 circuits; Webber retired in 2013, runs a sports management company; Verstappen, three-time world champion, continues with Red Bull.
Click here to read the full article by Sam Cooper (planetf1.com)