Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Lewis Hamilton is in advanced negotiations for a move to Ferrari in 2025, despite signing a multi-year contract with Mercedes for 2024 and 2025. If finalized, the shift would mark a significant setback for Mercedes, which had secured Hamilton's services through extensive negotiations. While Mercedes has shown positive signs with the new W15 in the wind tunnel, Hamilton seems inclined towards Ferrari, possibly due to the team's convincing vision for future success after two challenging seasons for Mercedes.
Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)
Ferrari Academy Driver Oliver Bearman will share the reserve driver role with Pietro Fittipaldi at Haas in 2024. Bearman, also a reserve for Ferrari, will cover both roles on Grands Prix weekends he can attend and participate in six FP1 sessions with Haas at select events. Returning to Formula 2 with Prema Racing, Bearman expressed excitement, while Team Principal Ayao Komatsu praised his previous performance and emphasized the value of FP1 opportunities. Haas will unveil their 2024 car on February 2nd, with a shakedown scheduled for February 11th before preseason testing in Bahrain from February 21st-23rd.
Click here to read the full article by Ida Wood (formulascout.com)
Formula 1 rejected Michael Andretti's bid to enter a team, citing doubts about its competitiveness, potential commercial value, and the ambitious plan to build cars for both the 2025 and 2026 regulations. F1's focus on teams' success as a prerequisite for acceptance raises questions about the potential for new entrants to thrive. While Andretti's proposal had the backing of a famous name and partnerships, F1 emphasized the need for podium contention to justify an 11th team on the grid. The rejection also strained relationships between F1 and the FIA, with the latter emphasizing commercial considerations and protecting existing franchises. Andretti, despite disagreeing with the decision, hinted at continuing efforts, while F1 suggested a potential reconsideration in 2028 when GM could provide power units. The outcome raises concerns about F1's approach to American involvement and its impact on Andretti's perseverance.
Click here to read the full article by Filip Cleeren (motorsport.com)
Back in 2018, John LePore, a tech enthusiast, submitted his concept to F1 and was a finalist for the F1 Innovation Prize, which saw him invited to the paddock at the Austin Grand Prix. The concept, which has evolved, provides a God's eye view of the entire circuit on a table. One can glance back and forth between the broadcast and this miniature slice of reality, from which you can see every driver's precise position and even compare racing lines. How cool is it?
Guenther Steiner is a guest on ESPN's Unlapped, and the former Haas team principal shares his opinions on a wide range of topics, beginning with Formula 1's rejection of Andretti's bid to join the grid. Steiner expressed the view that Formula One is simply protecting all the teams and everyone involved in the sport, rather than completely closing the door.
