Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Red Bull Racing, after a historic Formula 1 season where it achieved unparalleled dominance, is now faced with a staggering $7.4 million entry fee for the upcoming year, the largest ever in the sport's history. The team's record-breaking performance saw its drivers win 21 out of 22 races, securing both world championship titles, resulting in an entry fee calculated based on points earned, totaling $7,445,817. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner acknowledged the substantial payment as a consequence of their remarkable success but noted it as a "luxury problem" outside the budget cap.
Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)
Max Verstappen's recent dominance in Formula 1 has led to a predictable and emotionally draining season, prompting a need for change to enhance the sport's appeal. To revitalize F1, Mercedes must address fundamental issues with their car's design, learning from the 2023 season and ensuring a more competitive chassis for drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Ferrari, the only team besides Red Bull to win a race, faces challenges of rear instability and narrow performance sweet spots, necessitating a radical revision of the chassis and rear architecture over the winter. The introduction of sprint weekends, aimed at adding excitement to the race format, lacks driver engagement; a proposed solution involves decoupling sprints from the grand prix, offering independent races with points and potential inclusion of reserve and development drivers.
Click here to read the full article by Kevin Garside (inews.co.uk)
McLaren Automotive, in partnership with United Autosports, has received approval to compete in the 2024 World Endurance Championship (WEC) in the LMGT3 class. They will race the 720S GT3 EVO alongside 17 other cars from nine manufacturers, including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Ford, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Lexus. The WEC season will span eight rounds from March to November, featuring iconic races such as Le Mans. McLaren aims to expand its presence at Le Mans with three cars and pays homage to its historic F1 GTR win with race numbers #59 and #95.
Click here to read the full article by Matt Bird (pistonheads.com)
The recent Las Vegas Grand Prix, featuring rare collector cars, celebrity attendees, and impressive racing, served as a fitting backdrop for the launch of the Scuderia Ferrari Las Vegas Ltd. Sunglasses by Ray-Ban. The race, won by Max Verstappen, garnered attention in the United States following a successful outing in Austin. Priced at $281 online, these sunglasses offer a blend of streamlined design and cutting-edge style, aligning with the Formula 1 vibe and leaving room for enthusiasts to indulge in the growing Formula Circuit in the U.S. The limited edition Scuderia Ferrari x Ray-Ban Collection pays homage to the "golden era" of Ferrari racing, with only 400 pairs available, hinting at their potential popularity in the context of the rising F1 fervor.
Click here to read the full article by Beau Hayhoe (maxim.com)
The 2023 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the conclusion of a season dominated by Max Verstappen, who secured a record-breaking 19th victory in a 22-race season, solidifying his place in motorsport history. Despite Verstappen's dominance, the battle for P2 in the Constructors' between Mercedes and Ferrari showcased the thrilling competition in Formula 1.5, with just four points separating the two teams. Ferrari, despite efforts from Charles Leclerc, fell short in claiming the best-of-the-rest title. Winners of the final Grand Prix included Max Verstappen, George Russell (who secured his second podium of the season), and Yuki Tsunoda, while Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo were notable losers, with Sainz's strategy backfiring and Ricciardo struggling to make an impact throughout the weekend.
Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)