Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
The Arrow McLaren IndyCar team has chosen David Malukas for their 2024 driver lineup, originally intended for Alex Palou, who decided to stay with Chip Ganassi Racing, leading to legal issues with McLaren. Malukas, a 21-year-old American-Lithuanian, joins Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi after Felix Rosenqvist's move to Meyer Shank Racing. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown sees great potential in Malukas, citing his talent and personality. Palou secured his second IndyCar championship but faces ongoing legal disputes with McLaren over his F1 aspirations.
Click here to read the full article by Andrew Lewin (motorsport.com)
Formula 1's 2026 rules are set to introduce shorter, narrower, and lighter cars, with the aim of reducing car weight by 50kg, according to the FIA. These changes will lead to smaller single-seater cars, with decreased cornering speeds but increased straight-line speed due to reduced aerodynamic load. To address concerns of 'Frankenstein cars,' the FIA has conducted extensive simulations and adjustments to ensure successful racing performance, emphasizing the importance of engine and chassis evolution in tandem for the 2026 season.
Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)
Qatar Airways has become the Official Airline Partner of BWT Alpine F1 Team in a multi-year agreement, focusing on promoting the 2023 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix. This partnership follows Qatar Airways' earlier announcement as the Official Airline and Global Partner of Formula 1. It involves branding on driver helmets and caps during the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023 and various race weekend events with BWT Alpine F1 Team and Qatar Airways representatives. The partnership underscores Qatar Airways' commitment to motorsport promotion, both locally and globally, aligning with the goal of making Formula 1 environmentally sustainable by 2030.
Click here to read the full article on thepeninsulaqatar.com
Daniel Ricciardo posted an image of his surgically repaired left hand with 13 stitches after fracturing his metacarpal bone during a Dutch Grand Prix practice crash on August 25th. His return to racing remains uncertain, but a comeback for the Qatar Grand Prix on October 8th appears to be the most likely scenario.
Retired four-time F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel reunited with the Red Bull RB7 from his 2011 title-winning campaign. The new yacht racing team owner drove the RB7 around the Nurburgring Nordschleife and had an enjoyable time reminiscing about his championship-winning days.