Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Ferrari is preparing to introduce significant upgrades to their SF-23 car at the Japanese Grand Prix following their strategic victory in Singapore. This move aims to strengthen their competition in the 2023 F1 season, which has been dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Ferrari's recent success in Singapore, where Carlos Sainz secured a victory, disrupted Red Bull's performance due to setup issues on the Marina Bay circuit. Now, Ferrari is focusing on enhancing the SF-23's high-speed efficiency for the 2024 season, particularly considering the challenges of the Suzuka circuit. This development sets the stage for a renewed battle for second place between McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari in September.
Click here to read the full article by Lydia Mee (si.com)
Former Formula 1 driver Jerome d'Ambrosio will temporarily replace Toto Wolff as Team Principal for Mercedes during the Japanese Grand Prix due to Wolff's surgery. D'Ambrosio, who has transitioned into team management after his racing career, had a brief stint in Formula 1, racing for Virgin Racing in 2011 and later serving as a third driver for Lotus. He achieved his best F1 result at the Italian Grand Prix in 2012, finishing 13th. After leaving F1, d'Ambrosio competed in Formula E, achieving success with Dragon Racing and Mahindra Racing. He transitioned to team management in Formula E, becoming Deputy Team Principal at Venturi Racing before eventually assuming the Team Principal role. In 2023, he joined the Mercedes F1 squad amidst their efforts to regain competitiveness in the sport.
Click here to read the full article by Fergal Walsh (racingnews365.com)
Suzuka's Turn 2 curbs will be painted black and yellow for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix to support Sebastian Vettel's 'Buzzin' Corner' campaign, focused on biodiversity awareness. Vettel chose bee colors as an icon to emphasize biodiversity's significance, and Suzuka also installed 11 insect hotels near the track. Vettel invited F1 drivers and team bosses to the project's launch at Suzuka and expressed his passion for preserving nature and raising awareness for biodiversity. After retiring from F1 last year, Vettel continues his environmental advocacy.
Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)
Williams driver Alex Albon is keeping his options open in Formula 1 beyond 2024. After starting his F1 career in 2019 with Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and a brief stint with Red Bull, he joined Williams in 2021. Despite a contract until 2024, Albon is linked with a potential move to Ferrari in 2025. While he wants to help Williams improve, he's also keen on competing for wins and podiums, seeing his late 20s as a critical time for his career. Albon believes Williams can progress by addressing long-standing limitations in their cars.
Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com)
Max Verstappen went sumo-wrestling to prove his stamina in the ring. The game required the Red Bull driver and a professional sumo wrestler to stand in a spot and try to push each other without moving. To the delight of onlookers Checo, Tsunoda, and Lawson, Verstappen managed to win against the seasoned sumo wrestler.