Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Hill faults shift to 'Formula E-style' circuits, F1 in danger of "throwing away its DNA", and other big updates from around the world of Formula 1.
- Hill faults shift to 'Formula E-style' circuits
- Is F1 in danger of "throwing away its DNA"?
- The geographical hurdles confronting new Haas chief
- "Whatever it takes"
- Leclerc’s Scuderia dream continues
Hill faults shift to 'Formula E-style' circuits
Damon Hill believes that Formula 1's recent emphasis on street tracks, exemplified by the announcement of the Madrid Grand Prix on city streets starting in 2026, mirrors the direction of Formula E. With a rise in street circuits and the removal of popular permanent tracks from the calendar, Hill expresses concern about F1's shift towards what he terms "restricted circuits," akin to Formula E's urban racing ethos. Hill hopes that this trend doesn't signify a compromise due to performance challenges or external pressures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining exciting racing regardless of the circuit type.
Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)
Is F1 in danger of "throwing away its DNA"?
The Spanish Grand Prix's move to an urban circuit in Madrid has sparked fan concerns over Formula 1's increasing number of street circuits. While some criticize the shift from traditional permanent venues to city loops, seven out of 24 races in the current calendar are street circuits. Liberty Media aims for vibrant 'destination' cities, but F1 is reportedly aware of the need to balance permanent venues and street circuits, ensuring both traditions and commerce coexist. The focus is on enhancing fan access and facilities, as seen with examples like Zandvoort, Spa-Francorchamps, and upcoming plans for Monza, indicating a commitment to working with traditional venues rather than abandoning them.
Click here to read the full article by Filip Cleeren (motorsport.com)
The geographical hurdles confronting new Haas chief
Haas faces challenges managing a team across three countries, with administrative operations in North Carolina, the race team split between the UK and Italy. Communication issues between the UK and Italy bases have been acknowledged by former boss Guenther Steiner and current team principal Ayao Komatsu. While the current structure is not ideal, Komatsu aims to maximize the existing setup's potential in the short to medium term, acknowledging the long-term consideration of potentially consolidating the team into a single location. Despite difficulties, Komatsu believes improvement is possible through collaboration and effective use of resources.
Click here to read the full article by Ian Parkes (speedcafe.com)
"Whatever it takes"
The world of motor racing is all about speed, adrenaline, and compelling stories, and AlphaTauri, now known as Visa Cash App RB, is no exception. Watch the team's official documentary, "Whatever it takes - The Race before the Races," featuring Franz Tost, Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda, Jody Egginton, and Peter Bayer, as they take you behind the scenes as never before in F1.
Leclerc’s Scuderia dream continues
Charles Leclerc became part of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and has maintained a longstanding connection with the Scuderia. Having recently inked a contract extension, to continue racing for the team beyond 2024, Leclerc admitted that his dream of being with the team started in childhood when he watched his first race in Monaco.