Bob Bell, a major figure at the Alpine F1 team, has reportedly left the team, where he served in an advisory role, according to Motorsport. Bell's association with the team dates back to 1997, spanning three stints, including his tenure as technical director during Fernando Alonso's championship years. His departure adds to a series of exits, including technical director Matt Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer, amid the team's struggles, notably reflected in their poor performance at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, where both drivers qualified at the back of the grid.
Click here to read the full article by James Dielhenn (crash.net)
Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, reportedly valued at £50 million annually, but recent turmoil surrounding team principal Christian Horner has raised questions about his future. Horner faced allegations of inappropriate behavior, which were later dismissed, but tensions remained high within the team. Verstappen's contract includes an escape clause linked to Helmut Marko, suggesting he could leave if Marko departs. Although Verstappen's strong performance makes activating the clause unlikely, it provides an option amid the uncertainty. Recent discussions between Verstappen's father and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff hint at potential alternatives.
Click here to read the full article by Ian Parkes (racingnews365.com)
The FIA expressed "great concern" over media reports regarding allegations involving FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Following the Bahrain Grand Prix, the BBC reported two allegations against Ben Sulayem regarding his actions during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the homologation of the Las Vegas GP circuit. While the FIA acknowledged the allegations, they criticized media reports for inaccuracy and emphasized their commitment to due process. The whistleblower behind the allegations is reportedly an ex-FIA employee now working for Formula One Management, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Click here to read the full article by Jamie Woodhouse (planetf1.com)
Formula One isn't just a test of physical endurance; it's equally demanding mentally. F1 drivers have intense training routines that might surprise you. When Norris invited his friends to Monaco to try his routine for a day, they realized how tough it was. But how long can they keep up?
Check out Ferrari's first C² Challenge of 2024 as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz tackle some quickfire games featuring hasty texts, frantic hunts for pens and singing. At one point, they had to sign their names on a piece of paper. While Sainz searched for a pen, Leclerc was already set and won the challenge.
