Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
FIA confirms no teams violated 2022 cost cap, Norris and other drivers back new $54M investment fund, and other big updates from around the world of Formula 1.
The FIA confirmed that none of the 10 Formula 1 teams exceeded the £108M (~$140M) cost cap in the 2022 season, awarding them compliance certificates. In contrast, Red Bull and Aston Martin faced penalties in the previous year for financial rule violations related to the 2021 season. The FIA's thorough review found no wrongdoing, including teams hiding costs outside of F1, and no appeals were made against their decision. Despite their breach in 2021, Red Bull was not deemed to have acted in bad faith, but they were fined and had their wind tunnel time reduced, while Aston Martin was fined for inaccuracies in cost calculations.
Click here to read the full article on skysports.com
Apex Capital is launching a €50 million fund called the "Elite Performance Fund," with support from athletes like Formula 1 driver Lando Norris, aiming to invest in sports-related technology and entertainment. The fund will target areas such as athlete performance, nutrition, and fan engagement. Other athletes backing the fund include Carlos Sainz, Valtteri Bottas, Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen, and Raphael Varane. Apex emphasizes that these athletes bring valuable expertise to their investment decisions and has previously invested in companies like TMRW Sports, founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, focusing on bringing technology to sports.
Click here to read the full article by Joao Lima (bnnbloomberg.ca)
Pierre Gasly expressed extreme disappointment with Alpine's performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where they struggled to compete for points. The team, known for its strength at high downforce circuits, faced difficulties at the high-speed Monza track. Both Alpine drivers, including Gasly, were eliminated in Q1 during qualifying and could not make significant progress during the race. Gasly's strategy to pit early didn't work out, and he acknowledged that Alpine's lack of competitiveness led them to take risks. Overall, it was a painful experience for the team due to their performance struggles.
Click here to read the full article by Fergal Walsh & Aaron Deckers (racingnews365.com)
Sergio Perez has hinted that he may explore options outside of Red Bull before his Formula 1 contract expires at the end of 2024, saying “we will have to look for other alternatives” where he feels he can contribute. This marks the first time he has openly suggested that 2024 could be his last season with Red Bull, and he is willing to consider other alternatives. However, Perez's primary focus remains on winning races and championships with Red Bull in the short term. If Red Bull chooses not to renew his contract, it's uncertain where he might go, as it's unlikely other top teams would offer him a world title-caliber ride.
Click here to read the full article by Mark Hughes (the-race.com)
BMC has introduced its latest Speedmachine time trial/triathlon bike, claiming it to be their fastest ever tested, emphasizing increased stability and enabling confident aero riding. The development involved a five-year collaboration with Formula 1 engineers from Red Bull Advanced Technologies, focusing on R&D, mass simulation, CFD analysis, and wind tunnel testing. Athlete feedback and redesigned features, including steering geometry, weight distribution, tube shapes, and a SharkFin spoiler for airflow control, contribute to the bike's predictability and handling in various conditions. The new Speedmachine is 500g lighter than the previous model, maintains stiffness, and offers increased tire clearance.
Click here to read the full article by Paul Norman (cyclingweekly.com)