Audi signs Mecachrome for power unit, F1 introduces rule to prevent pit lane confusion, and other big updates

Audi signs Mecachrome to supply parts for power unit

Mecachrome, which has supported Alpine’s F1 and WEC power units, will lose these contracts at the end of the year as Alpine switches to a Mercedes-customer model. This leaves Mecachrome with a significant gap in its customer base, but the company has struck a deal with Audi to supply parts for its F1 engine project. Mecachrome will continue supplying parts to Alpine’s WEC program but will no longer be involved in F1 engine assembly. Audi’s F1 project has impressed Nico Hülkenberg, who praised the work at their Neuburg facility.

Click here to read the full article by Dan Lawrence (motorsportweek.com)

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F1 introduces rule to prevent pit lane confusion

The FIA has changed Formula 1 rules after an incident at the Australian Grand Prix which involved Max Verstappen and Oliver Bearman. Bearman was allowed to pass the leaders, then pitted and rejoined ahead of Verstappen, which raised concern for Red Bull about race position. Red Bull wrongly assumed Bearman would stay ahead at the restart, but he was allowed to pass the leaders again before the race resumed. The updated rule now lets the race director block pit lane access to stop this kind of situation from happening again.

Click here to read the full article by by Keith Collantine (racefans.net)

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Is Tsunoda proving himself to Red Bull?

Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull’s main team has shown modest early promise, with two Q3 appearances and a crucial tow for Verstappen. But his results, two points, and a crash are not what the team expects. He has outperformed Liam Lawson in key areas, but the gap to Verstappen in qualifying and poor race outcomes raise doubts. Red Bull figures like Helmut Marko see potential, but emphasize the need for better execution when it matters most. Tsunoda has more time than Lawson was given, but he must deliver stronger performances soon to prove the decision was right.

Click here to read the full article at motorsport.com

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Drivers at risk of ban over Super License points

The F1 2025 Super License penalty points system can lead to a one-race ban if a driver accumulates 12 penalty points within 12 months. Kevin Magnussen was forced to miss the 2025 Azerbaijan GP after surpassing this limit. Max Verstappen currently leads with eight points due to incidents in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, while drivers like Liam Lawson, Oscar Piastri, and Nico Hulkenberg are also close to the limit. Penalty points expire after 12 months, and drivers must avoid further infractions to prevent a suspension.

Click here to read the full article by John Smith (total-motorsport.com)

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Jenson Button’s wife won’t return to UK after £250,000 theft

Brittny Ward, wife of Jenson Button, said she no longer wants to return to the UK after a thief stole her £250,000 suitcase in London. The bag contained two Kelly handbags, antique wedding jewelry, and items from her daughter’s birth. The thief, Mourad Aid, was arrested a few days later and pleaded guilty in court. Ward, who lives in California with Button and their children, called London chaotic and unsafe, and said the experience was heartbreaking.

Click here to read the full article by Rachit Thukral (crash.net)