Today’s F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Pirelli will introduce the rarely used C5 tyre, the softest in its range, for the Australian Grand Prix, marking its first appearance in 2024. The decision comes after the tire was bypassed for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to track conditions and minimal pre-season testing usage. This contrasts with previous years, including 2023, when softer compounds were utilized at Albert Park. Despite minimal modifications since 2023, teams have sparingly employed the C5 tire, with only 140km of testing during the Bahrain sessions.
Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)
F1's new season is overshadowed by off-track issues, including investigations into Toto and Susie Wolff, the rejection of Andretti's bid to enter the sport, allegations against Christian Horner, and accusations against Ben Sulayem. These controversies threaten F1's long-term stability, with transparency lacking and potential damage to the sport's image. There's concern that the focus on scandals detracts from showcasing the racing, urging F1 to address these issues promptly.
Click here to read the full article by Ewan Gale (racingnews365.com)
Mercedes had hoped the W15 would boost their title contention in 2024, but early signs suggest it's lagging behind Red Bull and Ferrari. While competitive with McLaren and Aston Martin, the car lacks high-speed cornering performance, causing frustration for drivers like Hamilton. Issues with stability, downforce, and porpoising have emerged, demanding significant improvements from the team. Despite positives in low-speed performance and initial praise from drivers, Mercedes faces challenges in refining the W15 for better competitiveness throughout the season.
Click here to read the full article by Henry Valantine (planetf1.com)
Red Bull's Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, attributes the continued advantage of the team's RB20 Formula 1 car to subtle changes, which have propelled Max Verstappen to lead successive 1-2 finishes at the start of the 2024 season. The RB20's noticeable alterations compared to its predecessor, including a slim sidepod inlet reminiscent of Mercedes' 'zeropod' solution, have drawn attention, but Newey emphasizes that less apparent details have contributed significantly to the car's performance. Newey explains that while aerodynamic gains are pursued visibly, the more subtle adjustments, evolving from the RB18's architecture, play a larger role in maintaining Red Bull's edge over competitors. Despite setbacks in previous seasons, such as the disastrous weekend in Singapore, Newey aims for a more balanced car suited to all circuits, acknowledging past weaknesses in maximum downforce street tracks like Singapore but aiming for improved performance across various terrains.
Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com)
Mercedes F1's Toto Wolff acknowledges Red Bull's significant lead in Formula 1, but he refuses to advocate for rule changes to curb their dominance, a mistake made by Red Bull's Christian Horner in the past. Despite Formula 1's efforts to create closer competition with technical regulation changes in 2022, Red Bull has emerged as a dominant force, breaking records in 2023 and continuing their supremacy in the current season. Concerns arise that the lack of parity in the sport may alienate fans if Red Bull's dominance persists, despite Mercedes now experiencing what they once inflicted on others. While Ferrari appears to be Red Bull's closest rival based on early races in 2024, team principal Fred Vasseur emphasizes the importance of optimizing their car's potential rather than seeking regulatory adjustments to bridge the gap.
Click here to read the full article by Phillip van Osten (F1i.com)
