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F1 Fast Five: Mercedes secures council approval for Brackley HQ expansion, F1 exit on the cards for former Haas technical director, and other big updates

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Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop

Mercedes secures council approval for Brackley HQ expansion, F1 exit on the cards for former Haas technical director, and other big updates from around the world of Formula 1.

TODAY'S HEADLINES
  • Mercedes secures council approval for Brackley HQ expansion
  • F1 exit on the cards for former Haas technical director
  • Herta tipped as favorite for Andretti drive 
  • Teams adopt football-style approach to lackluster result 
  • Was Guenther too popular?

Mercedes secures council approval for Brackley HQ expansion

Mercedes Team
© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix ltd.

Mercedes has received approval from the West Northamptonshire Council to significantly expand its Brackley base despite facing opposition from local businesses over plans to use St James Road as a new access point for staff. The expansion includes a three-story marketing building, a health and well-being facility, and an extension to the main headquarters. The approval is expected to bring substantial investment, create over 500 jobs, and increase the workforce from 1400 to 1900 over the next five years. While acknowledging local concerns, the council plans to address anticipated impacts by widening roads and improving infrastructure.

Click here to read the full article by Jamie Woodhouse (planetf1.com)

F1 exit on the cards for former Haas technical director

Haas F1 car
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Simone Resta, former Haas technical director, may exit Formula 1 after the expiration of a loan arrangement between Ferrari and Haas at the end of 2023. Despite leaving Haas, Resta doesn't have a clear role at Ferrari and may explore opportunities in their road car business or sports car program. Haas faces a significant upheaval, having replaced team principal Guenther Steiner with Ayao Komatsu, and now needs to appoint a new technical director and Chief Operating Officer. 

Click here to read the full article by James Dielhenn (crash.net)

Herta tipped as favorite for Andretti drive 

Colton Herta was initially considered for an F1 move with AlphaTauri but faced a setback when Red Bull's FIA Super Licence exemption request was denied. His potential entry into F1 now hinges on Michael Andretti's plan to establish a team, with Herta, currently racing for Andretti's IndyCar squad, being a strong favorite if the bid is successful. Despite eyeing an F1 move, Herta emphasizes his current focus on IndyCar, acknowledging the time-sensitivity of any potential transition.

Click here to read the full article by Fergal Walsh (racingnews365.com)

Teams adopt football-style approach to lackluster result 

Mike Krack has become the third-longest serving Formula 1 Team Principal after Gunther Steiner's departure from Haas F1 Team. However, Krack has not been with Aston Martin for two years yet. In the past year, eight F1 teams have changed Team Principals, signaling a trend of swift changes based on immediate results. This shift is evident in major team overhauls, with notable replacements like Frédéric Vasseur at Ferrari and James Vowles at Williams. The trend reflects a more trigger-happy approach from new team owners, emphasizing quick results over long-term investments. Despite the pressure, some decisions, like those at McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams, seem justified based on 2023 results. This rapid turnover marks a departure from the era when team owners invested their own money and took personal risks for success in Formula 1.

Click here to read the full article at grandprix.com

Was Guenther too popular?

It's no secret that Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner was relieved of his role, and Ayao Komatsu was immediately announced as his replacement. It's evident, without much research, that this departure was not a mutual decision. The key question now is: How will Steiner's exit impact the future of Haas and its standing in F1?

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