F1 Briefings

The Formula 1 community is reflecting on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which came to a close on Saturday evening, whilst looking ahead to the Australian Grand Prix in just over a week. Whilst the teams prepare for the third round of the 2024 season, here is everything you need to catch up on. 

Ferrari Press Image

Following his impressive Formula 1 debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Ollie Bearman has promptly resumed testing Ferrari's 2022 F1-75 car at Fiorano, marking his significant progress within the Ferrari Driver Academy. 

His debut race in Saudi Arabia was especially lauded for his ability to handle high-pressure situations and compete with seasoned drivers, earning him six points. With Carlos Sainz's participation in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix uncertain due to surgery, Bearman might be called upon again, showcasing the trust Ferrari places in his emerging talent.

Amidst Carlos Sainz's recovery from surgery during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, reports emerged of his team engaging in discussions with Mercedes about a potential move for the 2025 season, spurred by Lewis Hamilton's unexpected transfer to Ferrari. 

These talks, taking place within Mercedes' hospitality suite and reported by Corriere dello Sport, hint at Sainz as a strong contender for Hamilton's vacated seat, especially given Sainz's impending contract conclusion with Ferrari. 

Lewis Hamilton, after finishing ninth in the Jeddah race, highlighted the Mercedes W15's performance issues, especially in high-speed corners, as a significant disadvantage against rivals. 

Despite high expectations for the W15 as Mercedes' 2024 contender, the car has struggled in the first two races, failing to propel Hamilton and his teammate into the top positions. 

Ferrari is reportedly developing an "extreme" version of its SF-24 F1 car, aiming to bridge the gap to Red Bull's RB20 and enhance its competitiveness in the 2024 season, following initial P3 finishes. 

The team is planning minor upgrades in April, with a significant overhaul expected at Imola, including new sidepods and a floor, based on an "EVO version" of the SF-24 currently in the wind tunnel. 

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Zhou Guanyu expressed his discontent as a recurring pit stop issue plagued Sauber for the second race in a row at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, causing him to finish at the back.

Key Takeaways:

• Sauber encountered a slow pit stop issue due to a cross-threaded wheel nut, significantly affecting Zhou Guanyu's race position.
• This marks the second consecutive race where Sauber has faced pit stop problems, with Valtteri Bottas experiencing a similar issue in the previous race.
• Despite the challenges, both Guanyu and Bottas faced difficulties during the race, with Guanyu unable to recover post-pit stop and Bottas struggling with tyre strategy.

Sauber Press Image

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix proved challenging for Sauber, as the team faced another problematic pit stop. Zhou Guanyu, who had chosen to stay out during an early Safety Car, was significantly delayed during his pit stop on Lap 43 due to a cross-threaded wheel nut, relegating him to the end of the lineup, behind teammate Valtteri Bottas.

Reflecting on the incident, Guanyu shared his frustration to Formula1.com: 

“Everything was going well [in the race].

“Difficult race at the beginning, managing a lot the engine [temperature]. Then [I had] very fast pace on the mediums, considering how much I have to lift off for the temperature. After that pit stop unfortunately it’s done. Frustrating of course, it happens already twice for us as a team. We need to improve, that’s clear, and yeah, the race was basically gone after that.”

The weekend had been tough for Guanyu, who had already faced a setback after a crash during Friday's Free Practice 3. Despite these challenges, he noted improvements in his racing capabilities over the years but acknowledged the difficulty in regaining positions after the pit stop delay.

McLaren driver Lando Norris has remarked on the challenges posed by the new ground effect cars introduced in Formula 1 since 2022. These vehicles, designed to run closer to the ground, have increased the physical strain on drivers compared to previous years.

Key Takeaways:

• McLaren driver Lando Norris notes the increased physical strain on drivers due to the new ground effect cars introduced since 2022, urging further improvements for driver health.
• Health concerns arise during the peak of porpoising in the early 2022 season, reigniting discussion when Carlos Sainz misses the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to appendicitis.
• Williams driver Alex Albon's similar health issue in 2022 prompts consideration of a potential link with the car's design, leading to plans for consultation with a doctor.

Health concerns surfaced during the height of porpoising in the early stages of the 2022 season sparking renewed discussion last weekend in Saudi Arabia when Carlos Sainz was forced to sit out due to appendicitis. 

While there isn't a direct link between the ground effect car and Sainz's health condition, attention has been drawn to the fact that Williams driver Alex Albon experienced a similar problem in 2022. This has prompted Albon to contemplate consulting with a doctor to investigate any potential connection with the car.

Thus, speaking about how times have changed and that the new Formula 1 cars take a higher toll on the body, Norris called for further improvement on the cars to reduce the physical impact on the drivers, though the situation is a lot better than it was two years ago when porpoising problems were at their worst. He told the media:

“There's definitely certain people who think it's not bad and it used to be worse many years ago and all of this stuff.

“But I think times have changed.

“We do complain on certain things, certain things are just drivers complaining every now and then. But certain things are also for good reason, for our own bodies and the safety and health side of things.

“There are areas to improve on, it does need to be improved a little bit because the teams just make the quickest cars, and then we drive them.

“But there are certain times when it starts to have a toll, it's definitely not as bad as it was two years ago. Things have improved since then with the porpoising, but you still have to run the cars extremely low and stiff.”

Red Bull Press Image

Norris then explained how the ground effect cars have impacted his health and how things must be changed for the good and the long run. He added:

“It takes a toll on you. I still struggle a lot with my body and back and all of these things. I have to do a lot now, which I didn't have to do a few years ago.

“I wouldn't say it's directly because of the car. It's just natural for me, I have to work on it. But I think things in the long term need to be improved, especially if I'm going to be here for many years. We wish to make it a bit better and a bit more in line with how it was a few years ago.”

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll has revealed that a "mistake" led him to crash during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, he suggested that he is eager to get back in his car for the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia.

Key Takeaways:

• Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver, admits to crashing during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to a "mistake", expressing eagerness to bounce back in the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia.
• Starting from P10, Stroll's race in Jeddah took a downturn on Lap 6 of 50 when he collided with the barriers at Turn 23 after grazing the wall. Despite escaping unharmed, he recorded a Did Not Finish (DNF) result.
• Stroll refrains from elaborating on the crash, labelling it simply as a "mistake." He acknowledges the disappointment of ending a promising weekend on a low note and emphasizes the need to reset and focus on the next race in Australia, expressing optimism about unlocking further pace in the car.

- Aston Martin on X

Stroll started the race from P10, but things took a turn for the worse on Lap 6 of 50 when he grazed the wall before colliding with the barriers at Turn 23. Although he emerged from the incident unscathed, he ended up with a DNF in Jeddah.

The Canadian driver refrained from providing a detailed explanation for the crash, instead referring to it simply as a "mistake". He told Formula1.com:

 “I just touched the inside left at Turn 22, so just a mistake.”

Adding further to the disappointment, he said:

“A disappointing way to conclude a good weekend. I’d been pushing really hard in those opening laps – the cars around us were definitely faster and the tyres were already struggling. I was trying to build a gap and just clipped the wall."

Stroll further suggested that the next step would be to “reset and go to Australia” for the Australian GP, a race he looks forward to with much hope, scheduled for the 24th of March. He added:

"There are positives to take away, the team has scored points in both races and we feel there’s more pace to unlock in the car. I’m already looking ahead to Australia – it’s a race and a country that I really enjoy and I’m sure we can pick up the momentum again.”

Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff recently poked fun at his previously intense reactions at races, including his infamous headphone smashing from the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Toto Wolff has adopted a noticeably calmer approach amidst Mercedes' ongoing challenges in the F1 circuit.
• The Mercedes team leader humorously reflects on his past intense reactions, indicating a significant shift in handling stress.
• Wolff remains optimistic about Mercedes overcoming their current performance hurdles, despite the absence of podium finishes thus far.

Toto Wolff, known for his passionate responses to the fluctuating fortunes of Mercedes' F1 team, has recently demonstrated a more composed and reflective attitude. This comes at a time when Mercedes is striving to bridge the gap with its competitors, Red Bull and Ferrari, yet Wolff's recent comments reveal a lighter side to his personality, one that even finds humour in his own past behaviours.

The paddock has taken note of Wolff's newfound serenity, contrasting sharply with his earlier dramatic gestures, such as the infamous headphone-smashing incident. This change was humorously acknowledged by Wolff himself, who quipped:

"Thinking about the founding the right medication volume, like they just increased the dose," drawing laughter from those around him in Jeddah. [sic]

Shifting to a more earnest tone, Wolff shared insights into his evolved perspective on leadership and stress management within the high-pressure environment of Formula 1 racing. 

"I've changed my mindset. I don't think that additional pressure on all of us makes it better. I think we have a problem with the physics. It is not by lack of trying or by the mindset or the motivation or energies, all of that is there. And I can see the bows in the organisation."

Wolff elaborated on the importance of converting setbacks into constructive motivation, a philosophy he believes will steer Mercedes towards overcoming their current difficulties. 

"And as a racers when we have such results, you're feeling down, but we're trying to change that in the right motivation for the week that comes. And that's why we are believing that we can turn this around. We believe that our organisation can dig ourselves out and I am 100% sure we can finish the business," he confidently affirmed.

VCARB driver Yuki Tsunoda has asserted that Formula 1's production teams are selectively utilizing his radio communications to target him selectively, a practice he alleges is escalating.

Key Takeaways:

• Yuki Tsunoda, the VCARB driver, alleges that Formula 1's production teams selectively use his radio communications to target him, a practice he believes is escalating.
• During the Bahrain Grand Prix, tense communication between Tsunoda and his team regarding team orders was scrutinized, followed by an incident where he nearly collided with teammate Daniel Ricciardo during the cooldown lap.
• Tsunoda acknowledges the need to control his temper and improve his communication, expressing frustration over how his radio messages are portrayed and emphasizing his commitment to bettering himself on the track.

The most recent example could be witnessed during the Bahrain Grand Prix, where his tense communication with his team was scanned when asked to switch positions with teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

Despite complying with team orders, he vented his frustration during the cooldown lap by almost crashing into Ricciardo at Turn 8. While he has assured of keeping his temper in control, he insists that his radio communication is being used against him. 

Tsunoda suggests that he tries not to shout on the radio, but it still somehow seems like he is speaking at the top of his voice. Considering that further rants could get him into more trouble, he has spoken about improving himself.

Red Bull Press Image

Speaking to the media, he said:

“It’s still a learning process and probably what I showed on Saturday [in Bahrain] was [the] opposite.

“But I just keep reminding myself just before I jump into the car 'not pressing radio’, but just those things, I think also they love to pick myself to be honest, [for] those radio [messages].

“I'm not shouting [how] it looks on the radio, on the TV. I don't know, the more I say, it's getting worse.

“So I'm just going to say I’ll just try my best to improve. And you'll see it on the track from these races onwards.”

Presenter of Amazon's The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson, opened up about a huge chequered flag mistake he committed during the Bahrain Grand Prix by accidentally branding Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll as the winner instead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. 

Key Takeaways:

• Clarkson mistakenly waved the chequered flag for Lance Stroll instead of Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
• Verstappen and Perez secured Red Bull's first 1-2 finish of the 2024 season, maintaining their dominance.
• Clarkson humorously recounted the incident in his column for The Sun, admitting to attending the race venue with some alcohol influence.

The 2024 season began earlier this month, with many expecting rival teams to halt Red Bull's winning streak from 2023. However, Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez dashed those hopes by leading Red Bull to the season's first 1-2 finish in the opening race, maintaining their dominance.

Former Top Gear presenter Clarkson was present at the Bahrain International Circuit with a 'slight' influence of alcohol. Renowned for his humorous antics and daring presentation approach, he recounted an incident where he was requested to wave the chequered flag, which didn't quite go according to plan. Writing in typical Clarkson style in his column for The Sun, he asked "what could possibly go wrong?" 

The 63-year-old presenter explained the physical ordeal he endured to walk up to the "flag waving box" from the viewing platform, which took a time equivalent to Formula 1 cars doing 12 laps. The walk caused him to run out of breath, having reached the spot when Verstappen was on his last lap of the race. Describing his flag-waving adventure, he wrote:

“With a dozen laps to go, I set off from my viewing platform at one end of the pit straight to the little flag-waving box at the other.

“No big deal. Plenty of time. Which would have been true if I’d been able to walk in a straight line.

“Mercifully, I arrived in the pit lane, opposite the little flag box, as Max Verstappen began his final lap.

“I was a little out of breath but even I could cross a road in the time it takes a Formula 1 car to do a whole lap."

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Suggesting that the nighttime race had hindered his visibility, he waived the flag in a hurry with the expectation that Verstappen was arriving. But, he wasn't. He added:

“Even though he could have done that and still won, we decided not to chance it, hurried across the pit lane, plunged into the little box, took control of the flag. And waited for Max to appear round the last corner. Easy.

"But it was dark and in the time it takes to think, 'Is that a Red Bull?' the car was past me and I’m thinking: 'Oh s**t. It was a Red Bull.'

“So I was waving the flag as frantically as I could when I realised that it wasn’t a Red Bull.

“I’m told that officially, Max Verstappen won the race but the car that took the chequered flag?

“Well, I’ve checked the footage and I think it might have been Lance Stroll.”

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who secured ninth place in Saturday's race in Jeddah, disclosed that the deficiencies of the car have been significantly impacting its performance, allowing rival cars to easily outperform the W15 in high-speed corners.

Key Takeaways:

• Lewis Hamilton expresses concern over the Mercedes W15's performance limitations, particularly in high-speed corners, after finishing ninth in the Jeddah race.
• Despite high expectations for Mercedes' 2024 contender, the W15 struggled to push drivers into the top 5 in the first two races of the season.
• Hamilton's race experiences highlight the car's deficiencies, with starting challenges in Bahrain and performance issues in Jeddah, prompting a call for improvements to remain competitive.

Mercedes raised the bar on expectations about its 2024 title contender over the winter break as it developed an entirely new car to compete with Red Bull at the front. However, the first two races of the season have a bleak picture to offer about the W15.

Not only in qualifying but even in the Grand Prix, the car refuses to push the drivers into the top 5. Despite his extensive experience, Hamilton started ninth on the grid in the season opener in Bahrain, over two-tenths behind Russell but, he could only manage to climb up to seventh place as Mercedes grappled with overheating issues, stemming from a misjudgment of the conditions in Sakhir.

Enduring yet another demanding race in Jeddah, the seven-time world champion crossed the finish line in ninth place, opting to stay on track during the initial safety car period. As the race progressed, Hamilton visibly struggled to keep pace with Lando Norris in the high-speed corners of Sector 1 in Jeddah, while the McLaren driver steadily increased his lead.

Speaking to the media after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed that he wasn't having fun battling for ninth. He said:

“I wouldn’t say I’m having fun. I’m racing for ninth, so I definitely can’t say that. Finishing ninth is definitely not fun. But I am enjoying the actual racing part. I was hunting and I was pushing as hard as I could, I was maximising everything I had with the car, I was right on the edge.

“It was just unfortunately really lacking performance in the high speed, where they were walking all over us. But there are positives. The car is good in low speed. We have to add a lot of load in the high speed.

“I think if we were able to do that then I think it puts us in the fight, but we’ve got some work to do.”

Mumtalakat, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, is reportedly exploring options to sell its shares in the McLaren Group, according to a report from The Sunday Times. The sovereign wealth fund has enlisted the expertise of global financial advisors to secure a buyer, in line with directives from the Bahraini leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• The sovereign wealth fund of Bahrain, Mumtalakat, is contemplating the sale of its stake in the esteemed McLaren Group amidst ongoing financial challenges.
• A strategic partnership is being sought, with a focus on the burgeoning field of electric vehicle technology, through the facilitation of JP Morgan.
• Mumtalakat's financial involvement with McLaren, amounting to £1.5 billion over recent years, underscores its commitment to the company's stability and future growth.

McLaren Press Image

In a significant development for the automotive and racing sectors, the Bahraini sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat is considering the sale of its significant shareholding in the McLaren Group. This move comes in response to the economic directives issued by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and reflects the financial predicaments faced by McLaren, which has relied on Mumtalakat for substantial fiscal support during the challenging times brought about by the pandemic and other financial adversities.

The financial journey of Mumtalakat with McLaren has been characterised by numerous instances of support, including a significant £300 million emergency funding initiative in 2020 aimed at addressing the financial distress caused by the pandemic. This was followed by an ambitious £1 billion capital injection in 2021, aimed at bolstering McLaren's financial standing through various means, including the sale-and-leaseback of its headquarters, the selling of a portion of its heritage car collection, and securing a joint investment with the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia.

The consolidation of Mumtalakat's hold over McLaren was further achieved through the acquisition of shares and warrants amounting to £400 million from entities like the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund and Ares Management. Despite these efforts, McLaren's financial losses, which more than doubled to £349 million in 2022 from the previous year, have reportedly led Mumtalakat to reconsider its involvement.

To this end, Mumtalakat has engaged JP Morgan, a leading financial institution, to identify a potential buyer after having committed a substantial £1.5 billion to McLaren over four years. The focus is on attracting a 'strategic partner' with a specialisation in electric vehicle production, mirroring McLaren's pivot towards electrification. The prospective partnership could start with a minority stake, potentially expanding in the future, which may result in Mumtalakat retaining a lesser interest in McLaren.

Discussions regarding this potential transition are reportedly in preliminary stages, with a wide range of options being considered. The search for potential partners extends beyond the traditional automotive industry, and the ultimate agreement may not necessarily involve an equity exchange.

Despite swirling speculation about his future with Red Bull Racing, Adrian Newey's commitment to the Formula 1 team remains steadfast, Autosport reports. Rumours had hinted at a potential shift in focus for Newey, but these have been firmly quashed with him remaining in his Chief Technical Officer role.

Key Takeaways:

• Adrian Newey continues to play a pivotal role in Red Bull Racing's pursuit of F1 success, dispelling rumours of a change in his involvement.
• Newey's collaboration with Pierre Wache on the RB20 car is ongoing, despite his broader role as chief technical officer.
• Speculation about Newey's focus shifting solely to the RB17 hypercar project has been dismissed; he is set to return to the F1 scene at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Adrian Newey remains a cornerstone of Red Bull Racing's technical endeavours. Despite not being a full-time fixture in the F1 team's day-to-day operations, Newey's influence and dedication to the team's competitive edge are unmistakable. His collaboration with Technical Director Pierre Wache on the development of the RB20 car continues to be a testament to his incredible designs.

Recent absences from certain Grand Prix events led to speculation regarding Newey's future role within the team. Some rumours suggested a potential full-time pivot to Red Bull's ambitious RB17 hypercar project, amidst concerns over Formula 1's budget cap and internal team dynamics. However, these rumours have been effectively dispelled, with reliable sources confirming Newey's ongoing involvement in the F1 project and his expected return at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.

Adrian Newey's journey with Red Bull Racing has been marked by remarkable achievements and a continuous drive for excellence. Reflecting on his tenure with the team, Newey recalled the only moment he considered stepping back - during the challenging 2014 season, marred by power unit performance issues. Despite this, his resolve to contribute to the team's success never wavered, fuelled by a deep passion for the sport and the collaborative spirit within Red Bull Racing.

As the F1 season progresses, Adrian Newey's role within Red Bull Racing remains as crucial as ever. His technical acumen and innovative vision continue to guide the team towards its championship aspirations, undeterred by fleeting rumours and speculation.

In a revealing post-race analysis, Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about the struggles he and the RB (Visa Cash App RB /VCARB) team encountered with their 2024 Formula 1 car during the challenging Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Ricciardo endured a tough weekend, with significant issues in qualifying and a problematic pit stop hampering his race.
• Flaws in the RB team's 2024 car, the VCARB 01, were identified, contributing to the difficulties faced over the weekend.
• Despite a series of setbacks, Ricciardo's optimism about the team's potential for improvement remains strong.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend was fraught with difficulties for Daniel Ricciardo, culminating in what he described as a "painful" series of events. The Australian driver found himself out-qualified by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda by a significant margin, leaving him starting the race in 14th position. The race day brought further challenges, including a notably slow pit stop that relegated Ricciardo into a less advantageous position behind Kevin Magnussen, who was intentionally pacing his Haas car to benefit his team.

The culmination of Ricciardo's challenging weekend came with a spin at Turn 1 during the closing laps of the race, leaving him to finish ahead of only the two Sauber cars. Reflecting on the weekend's performance, Ricciardo said, as quoted by Motorsportweek.com:

“Honestly, we found a few things over the course of the weekend. But we’re heading into the race always upbeat and optimistic that maybe something happens.

“But I think it was always going to be an uphill battle. We simply don’t have everything functioning at 100%.

“So we see a few flaws, honestly, with the car. So we got to get that fixed for the next one."

Red Bull Press Image

The eight-time Grand Prix winner continued:

“I think the race itself, Safety Car, everyone pitted and we had a really slow stop. I don’t know if they showed it… But a slow one. And then we’re in that train.

“So at the end, then just to make sure I made my mistake as well, I had a spin at Turn 1, so… I didn’t want the team to feel left out. Yeah, just definitely a tricky one.

“But the reason I’m staying optimistic because I know that we had some things wrong. And with a good car and everything sorted, I know we can do a lot better.

“So painful three days, but I don’t want it to take any confidence out of us. So, hasn’t been the start that we wanted, but it’s race two and Melbourne’s next. So yeah, big push for everyone to get it right and we’ll have a good weekend.”

Ricciardo also discussed the car's performance limitations, particularly when compared to the improvements made by rival teams over the weekend. He added:

“Honestly, some things with the car. Like just when it comes to producing efficiency and everything, just a few things didn’t quite add up. Look, I felt it yesterday, like Bahrain I knew that it was more me – like qualifying, I knew I left some time on the table. I left a couple of tenths.

“But yesterday… and when it kind of plateaus and the others keep improving, it’s also a bit of a sign. So I could feel that that was the limit of the car.

“So yeah, we did find some things afterwards. But then you got parc ferme. And to be honest, even if we didn’t have parc ferme, it’s probably nothing we can fix in 24 hours.

“So I’m sure a few things would go back to the factory and come back with a fresh car in Melbourne.”

The challenges of following other cars closely were further magnified by the car's current weaknesses, as Ricciardo pointed out. 

“We just lack load this weekend, just in general. So then when you get behind another car, it’s even, you know, exaggerated more. And it kind of exploits even more of a weakness.

“So it was tricky. Yeah. Just a tough one. On one of those ones you just yeah, you hope that it’s over.

“Look, I’m glad I’m back on the grid and all that, so I don’t want to be like, ‘Ah, I just wanted to see the chequered flag’. I’m not in the mindset I was a couple years ago.

“But yeah, just knowing that we don’t quite have underneath us what we should – that’s where you feel a little bit helpless.”

Ollie Bearman has swiftly returned to Ferrari's F1-75 for testing at Fiorano following his sensational debut at the Saudi Arabian GP. 

Key Takeaways:

• Ollie Bearman, who stepped in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian GP, has quickly resumed testing with Ferrari's 2022 F1 car at Fiorano.
• The 18-year-old British talent has been part of an extensive testing programme with Ferrari, highlighting his swift rise in the motorsport ranks.
• Bearman's performance in Saudi Arabia was notable, earning six points on his F1 debut.

Ferrari Press Image

The motorsport world has been closely watching Ollie Bearman, the young British driver who recently made headlines with his Formula 1 debut, substituting for the unwell Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Bearman's quick return to the track, driving Ferrari's 2022 F1-75 car at Fiorano, underscores the significance of his ongoing development in the Ferrari Driver Academy.

Bearman's involvement in motorsports began at a young age, with a strong foundation laid on the karting circuits. His transition to formula racing saw immediate success, capturing titles in the Italian and ADAC Formula 4 series. His prowess was further proven in the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 Championships, with Bearman showcasing remarkable skill and determination.

❗Bearman back in a Ferrari

Ollie Bearman is driving Ferrari's F1-75 #F1 car (from 2022) at Fiorano today as part of his intensive testing programme with Ferrari this year.pic.twitter.com/7V3bJKRgEw

The Ferrari Driver Academy has played a pivotal role in nurturing Bearman's talent, providing him with opportunities to engage in Formula 1 free practice sessions and young drivers' tests. This foundation has been instrumental in his rapid ascent and his recent commendable performance at the Saudi Arabian GP.

Bearman's debut was closely scrutinised but he exceeded expectations. His handling of high-pressure situations, such as a critical pit stop under the Safety Car, and his battle with seasoned drivers, were particularly noteworthy. These moments not only highlighted his potential but also his readiness for the challenges of Formula 1 racing.

Bernie Collins, a former F1 strategist and current Sky Sports F1 pundit, praised Bearman's performance, particularly emphasising his composure and focus throughout the race. "Fantastic drive from him," Collins stated.

It is currently unclear whether Sainz will have recovered from his surgery to have his appendix removed in time for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix. If the Spanish driver is unable to take part, Bearman will be called on once again to fill his spot.

In the backdrop of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz's team reportedly engaged in discussions about a potential shift to Mercedes for the 2025 season, despite Sainz's recovery from surgery. Sainz made an appearance to support his team while discussions unfolded within Mercedes' hospitality suite, according to Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport.

Key Takeaways:

• Carlos Sainz's team engaged in negotiations with Mercedes during the Saudi Arabian GP, hinting at a possible move for Sainz in 2025.
• The discussions were prompted by Lewis Hamilton's surprising transfer to Ferrari, leaving a vacancy at Mercedes.
• Sainz, whose contract with Ferrari concludes this season to make way for Hamilton, is considered a strong contender for Hamilton's seat at Mercedes.

While Carlos Sainz was sidelined at the Jeddah circuit due to emergency surgery, his presence was nonetheless impactful as his team engaged in significant discussions with Mercedes. The backdrop of Lewis Hamilton's unexpected move to Ferrari has left a vacancy at Mercedes, placing Sainz in the spotlight as a potential candidate for the 2025 season.

The Italian publication, Corriere dello Sport, reported that:

"During the Saudi Arabian GP the entire entourage of Carlos Sainz remained in the Mercedes hospitality for a long time. Sainz Jr’s contract with Ferrari expires at the end of the season, and for this reason his manager Carlos Onorio, together with the driver’s father Carlos Sainz Snr spoke at length with Toto Wolff." 

[Translated by Google]

The report further stated:

"The negotiations have begun."

Despite the speculation, Carlos Sainz has kept the details of his potential team discussions under wraps. He did, however, outline his priorities for his next F1 contract, stating:

“[I am] looking for a project first that allows me to win and be performing as soon as possible.

“But also for sure looking at stability and how important stability is in a project in the medium to long term. To build a strong team and a team to understand the driver and the driver to understand the team.

“So with those two things in mind and those two things that you need to put into the equation, I will take my decision, taking my time accordingly.”

Sainz also addressed his father's interactions with various team bosses, suggesting that such meetings are not out of the ordinary. 

“If you saw my dad went to say hello to Helmut Marko you need to remember he has a great relationship with him in the same way we have a good relationship with Toto.

“With everyone in the grid it is normal at this stage of the year. But also, we haven’t seen each other for three or four months or so you’re going say hello to each other.”

Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his opinion on Felipe Massa's decision to file a lawsuit over the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix incident, stating it was the "complete right thing to do." Ecclestone, facing legal action from Massa, expressed his views to the Press Association, highlighting the importance of an English judge's ruling on the matter.

Key Takeaways:

• Bernie Ecclestone has publicly responded to Felipe Massa's lawsuit concerning the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, endorsing Massa's decision to seek legal recourse.
• Massa's lawsuit, filed against Ecclestone, the FIA, and FOM, disputes the 2008 F1 season's outcome, focusing on the controversial Singapore Grand Prix.
• Massa is seeking a significant financial settlement and demands an acknowledgement of regulatory breaches from the FIA, with claims potentially escalating to £150 million.

Red Bull Press Image

Felipe Massa took the bold step of initiating legal proceedings against some of the sport's most prominent figures, Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA, and Formula One Management (FOM). This legal challenge, lodged at the Superior Court of Justice in London, stems from the contentious 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, which Massa alleges had a detrimental impact on the championship's outcome due to a lack of action from the sport's governing bodies.

Massa's lawsuit centres on the failure to annul the results of the 2008 Singapore GP, marred by Nelson Piquet Jr's intentional crash, purportedly orchestrated to benefit his Renault teammate Fernando Alonso. This incident significantly affected Massa, who, starting from pole position, experienced a pit stop mishap and a subsequent penalty, ultimately finishing 13th and losing the championship to Lewis Hamilton by a mere point.

Ecclestone told Press Association, as quoted by PlanetF1:

“If he had asked me. I would have said it was the complete right thing to do, to sue, and to let an English judge decide what is right and wrong.

“I cannot say anything about the outcome and what will happen. From his point of view, it is better that an English judge comes up with a verdict. It will be of more help for him.”

Massa's pursuit of justice is not only about revisiting a controversial chapter in F1's history but also about seeking substantial compensation, with his claims ranging between £64 to £150 million. This legal action reflects Massa's determination to correct what he perceives as a "historic injustice," exacerbated by the governing bodies' inaction over the Singapore incident.

The legal battle also involves a meticulous gathering of evidence, with Massa's team issuing preservation notices to key stakeholders, including teams like Ferrari and Renault, and individuals associated with the 2008 race. This comprehensive approach underscores the seriousness of Massa's quest for justice, supported by figures like Jean Todt, who has expressed sympathy for Massa's cause and reflected on potential alternative actions by Ferrari at the time.

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly has shared his surprise of the extensive changes within the French team's F1 technical division, following a less-than-stellar start to their 2024 campaign. These revelations emerged just before the commencement of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last week.

Key Takeaways:

• Significant personnel changes have occurred at Alpine, with the departures of the Technical Director and Head of Aerodynamics.
• Alpine has introduced a new technical leadership structure, drawing inspiration from McLaren's successful turnaround strategy.
• Gasly maintains a hopeful outlook, citing ongoing positive transformations within the team despite the recent upheaval.

The Alpine F1 team's early season has been fraught with challenges, notably with the A524 car failing to meet competitive expectations. In a bold move, Alpine initiated a sweeping reform of its technical department, leading to the departure of significant figures such as Matt Harman and Dirk de Beer. 

In the wake of these developments, Bruno Famin, the Team Principal at Alpine, acknowledged the unexpected nature of the team's performance, particularly highlighted by their performance in Bahrain. Gasly, reflecting on the situation, stated, as quoted by Motorsportweek.com:

“I think time will tell really, it’s not really up to me right now to say whether it was a good or bad thing, it was their decisions.

“It comes at a time obviously where we clearly underperformed in Bahrain, I trust in Bruno [Famin], in Luca [De Meo, Renault CEO], in the people in charge to bring the team forward, as I said I now it’s contradictory but there is a lot of positive change going on inside the team.

“It kind of feels a bit unfair for all the guys working in the background and seeing the performance which doesn’t really reflect on all the efforts going on, but that’s the sport, time will tell.”

The Frenchman continued:

“The example, in terms of operation, the processes, the mentality and self-reflection we have on ourselves, in the studies and feedback and the work we’re doing.

“We’re going more into details and trying to really find the last per cent out of everyone, and people are appreciative of that process, and I do see the positive change.

“It doesn’t mean we go two-tenths faster on the race track now as the car doesn’t provide us the grip we need, but mid to long term it’s definitely the direction we’ve got to head to as a team.”

Alpine Press Image

Now in his second stint with Alpine, Gasly is concentrating on his role in the team's revival. When questioned about the surprise departures within the team, he responded:

“It’s always a surprise because I’ve been quite close to also Matt [Harman] coming inside the team, trying to understand a bit the philosophy, understand the changes we’ve made on this new car, yeah, so obviously comes as a bit of a surprise.

“I obviously knew it slightly before, but at the end of the day I focus on my business, I’ve got to drive the car fast, push the team forward, give them clear feedback, and that’s where my energy goes to and at the moment it needs quite a lot of energy.

“Everyone’s disappointed [with the performance] but what I like to see is no one is down, everyone wants to see the end of the tunnel, everyone is working on their own bit and trying to improve as much as they can – in the garage, ops room, engineering room, or back at the factory, I feel more united than we’ve ever been and in this situation.

“It’s more important to stick together and move in the same direction, I do feel everyone is pushing to improve, but Formula 1 it does take time, as much as I hate it because I’m fighting time my entire life, on the race track and off the race track, but I’ll have to be patient.”

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged that Kevin Magnussen should have given the place back to VCARB Yuki Tsunoda after passing him off the track in Jeddah, despite the strategy to aid teammate Nico Hulkenberg score within points.

Key Takeaways:

• Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu admitted that Kevin Magnussen should have returned the position to VCARB Yuki Tsunoda after overtaking him off-track during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
• Magnussen received a 10-second penalty for a collision with Alex Albon early in the race, but his focus shifted to supporting teammate Nico Hulkenberg's race strategy.
• Magnussen's decision not to return the position to Tsunoda, despite the penalty, allowed him to continue blocking rivals while Hulkenberg secured a valuable point by finishing tenth. Komatsu acknowledged that Haas should have attempted to regain the position from Tsunoda, as they were still in contention for tenth place.

Magnussen's performance at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was marred by a 10-second penalty for a collision with Alex Albon early in the race. Despite this setback, his focus shifted to aiding teammate Hulkenberg's race strategy. 

This involved holding up rival cars, including Yuki Tsunoda, to create a gap for Hulkenberg, who had yet to pit under the safety car. Instead of yielding the position back to Tsunoda, Magnussen accepted an additional 10-second penalty, which proved inconsequential, allowing him to continue blocking rivals, while Hulkenberg secured a valuable point by finishing tenth.

Commenting on the incident, Magnussen said: 

"I overtook Tsunoda and went outside to track, so rules are rules.

"I'm not happy with myself to get those two penalties, but at least I was able to help the team to create a gap for Nico to pit and get a point.

"It's a tight battle between the five teams at the back. From P6 down to 10th it's a real championship, so every point matters."

Which driver should Mercedes prioritise after the first two races of the season?

Haas Press Image

In response to Haas' team strategy, VCARB stated it would take the matter up with the FIA, who upped the time penalty for the same rule from five to ten seconds this year. Komatsu, who was happy about Hulkenberg's P10 finish, said that the position should have been returned to Tsunoda since the VF-24 had enough oomph to overtake him again. Speaking to the media, he said:

"I believe at that point in the race, if I remember the projection very well, we are fighting with Tsunoda for P10.

"Of course, we should have given the place back, we should have tried to overtake him. I believe with our pace we could have done that.

"So, I think the end result we are still looking for P10. Whether we could have achieved it is another story."

After Ferrari started off the 2024 season with the revamped SF-24 F1 car that is closest to Red Bull's RB20 on the Formula 1 grid, a report from formu1a.uno suggests that the Red team is working on an "extreme" version of its title contender to elevate its P3 Grands Prix finishes to the level where it can compete with Max Verstappen's car. 

Key Takeaways:

• Ferrari is developing an "extreme" version of its SF-24 F1 car to close the gap to Red Bull's RB20, aiming for podium contention.
• Confident in their progress, Ferrari plans minor upgrades in April and a significant upgrade at Imola to enhance performance.
• The SF-24 will adopt an assertive cooling strategy, similar to Red Bull's RB19 design, to optimize aerodynamics and improve competitiveness.

Ferrari Press Image

The SF-24 shows significant advancement over its predecessor, the SF-23, yet it still trails Max Verstappen's pace. Carlos Sainz's performance revealed a 0.4-second improvement compared to Red Bull a season ago, a figure confirmed by Verstappen's past races. Charles Leclerc's podium in Jeddah further underscores this difference.

With a compression of the gap and a newfound trust in their cooling, Ferrari is confident it can now build further on the strong platform it created on the 2024 car during the winter break. Despite Red Bull having upped its ante this season, it would be safe to conclude that the Maranello outfit is now aware of the direction it must take to contend with the race leader.

Which driver should Mercedes prioritise after the first two races of the season?

Ferrari team principal revealed after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that new parts have already arrived for the SF-24. With minor upgrades scheduled for April this year, a huge upgrade is expected to be unveiled at Imola this year. The report stated:

"In fact, there is already an “EVO version” of the SF-24 in the wind tunnel, more advanced than the current 1.0 version’s concept.

"Some minor upgrades are expected for April. Meanwhile, the new team’s aerodynamic look will arrive in May. Unless the updates arrive earlier or later, they should be introduced in Imola.

"This new look in Imola will feature new sidepods and a new floor. These evolutionary steps and interventions are aimed at building upon the good base obtained in winter.

"The primary objective of this SF-24 has been largely achieved since the car is able to operate with a higher load.

In addition, Ferrari can now pursue an assertive cooling strategy based on wind tunnel findings. Specifically, the SF-24 will emulate the design of Red Bull's 2023 RB19, featuring slimmer radiator openings to favor the undercut concept. This will entail larger openings and aggressive inlets, marking some of the initial upgrades planned for the Ferrari SF-24.

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has unveiled his fresh helmet design for his upcoming home race in Melbourne, Australia, slated for the 24th of March. Following his standout performance in Saudi Arabia last weekend, he exudes confidence as he looks ahead to the forthcoming Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Oscar Piastri unveils a new helmet design for his home race in Melbourne, depicting Australian wilderness scenes with kangaroos and unique trees, showcasing McLaren's Papaya colors.
• Despite challenges at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Piastri finishes fourth, an improvement from his eighth-place finish in Bahrain, indicating McLaren's potential for a comeback similar to their performance against Red Bull in the latter half of 2023.
• Piastri's impressive rookie season and victory in the Qatar GP Sprint race highlight his determination and potential, suggesting intense racing battles against Red Bull and Ferrari in upcoming races, provided McLaren can enhance the performance of its MCL38.

The 22-year-old driver revealed the new lid on social media platform X, which sports a scene from the Australian wilderness featuring trees and kangaroos. With the Papaya colors on display, the vibrant artwork represents the serenity and the energy of the "outback" habitat. 

Bringing the outback vibes to Melbourne 🦘🌅 pic.twitter.com/62oKdmadnE

Last weekend, Piastri secured fourth place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit despite facing several laps stuck behind Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. Initially in third position after opting not to pit during the early Safety Car phase, Hamilton slipped to fifth as Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc smoothly passed him. Piastri trailed Leclerc closely for 25 laps but struggled to overtake Hamilton until the latter made his necessary pit stop.

Which driver should Mercedes prioritise after the first two races of the season?

Piastri's P4 finish is a big jump from the week before in Bahrain, where he finished eighth. Considering how McLaren bounced back in the second half of the 2023 season to contend with Red Bull at the front, a massive recovery by the Woking outfit cannot be ruled out in the upcoming Grands Prix.

McLaren

Especially if one considers Piastri's impressive rookie season last year, which proved his determination on several occasions when he outperformed his teammate Lando Norris. Not to forget his Qatar GP Sprint race victory, achieved in an environment where P1 was repeatedly bagged by Red Bull for most part of the season. 

Thus, some intense racing with Red Bull and Ferrari at the front could be expected in the coming weeks if McLaren can smoothen out the rough edges of its MCL38 and offer Piastri more straight-line speed. 

Rumors suggest that Ferrari is set to bring Red Bull's top engineers and aerodynamic experts into its garage amid the raging turmoil within the Milton Keynes outfit surrounding team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko. 

Key Takeaways:

• Amid Red Bull's internal turmoil, Ferrari eyes top engineers and aerodynamic experts from the Milton Keynes outfit.
• Helmut Marko confirms his position's security at Red Bull, despite reports of tension within the team contrasting with their on-track success.
• Specific Red Bull members, including Ben Waterhouse, David Morgan, and Alessandro Germani, are targeted by Ferrari, raising concerns about potential talent drain and information leakage to their rival.

Amid speculation of his exit from the team, Marko recently confirmed after a discussion with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff that his position within the team is secure. Despite a double 1-2 finish in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, reports from Jeddah suggested a tense atmosphere within the Milton Keynes factory, contrasting with the team's on-track performance.

The upheaval within Red Bull has attracted the attention of rival teams like Ferrari, as reported by Gazzetta.it. This marks Ferrari's second attempt to recruit key members of Red Bull's technical team, following their previous approach to Pierre Wache, Red Bull Racing's technical director, and other key personnel.

Details from Jeddah shed light on specific individuals within Red Bull who have attracted interest from Ferrari. Besides Wache and Enrico Balbo, who were previously contacted, other less popular, but key members have also been approached.

Which driver should Mercedes prioritise after the first two races of the season?

Ben Waterhouse, the Performance Manager at Red Bull, has been targeted. He oversees the vehicle's dynamics and possesses a deep understanding of adjustments, operations, and internal suspension configurations essential for achieving optimal aerodynamic balance on the RB20.

The second team member who has been approached is David Morgan, the on-track aerodynamic development manager at Red Bull, who has been with the team for over six years. His responsibilities include overseeing the execution and interpretation of aerodynamic correlation data between the track and the simulator and making configuration choices.

Ferrari Press Image

Thirdly, Alessandro Germani has a high chance of moving to Ferrari. The current leader of aerodynamic development at Red Bull has been with the team for nine years. He has ascended through the ranks of the aerodynamic technical staff and is a highly knowledgeable expert in computational aerodynamics (CFD simulations).

If the rumors are accurate, Red Bull may need to rally to maintain its Formula 1 dominance, as the departure of technical experts could potentially result in the leakage of critical information to their closest competitor, Ferrari.

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard stated that after a disappointing start to the 2024 season, Lewis Hamilton is on the backfoot with the W15 F1 car due to the "fundamental issues" plaguing the machine. As a result, in his mind, he is already in Ferrari, almost a year ahead of his move to the Red team.

Key Takeaways:

• David Coulthard suggests Lewis Hamilton is struggling with the Mercedes W15 car and may already be with Ferrari, mentally.
• Mercedes has faced challenges in developing a competitive car since the ground effect era began in 2022, with George Russell's São Paulo win being their last.
• Despite Hamilton's feedback, Mercedes is winless this season, and the W15 shows little promise. Coulthard contrasts Hamilton's struggles with Russell's performance and hints at Ferrari's rising status.

Since the start of the ground effect era in 2022, Mercedes has struggled to develop a competitive car capable of winning races. The last Mercedes driver to secure a victory was George Russell in São Paulo in the same year.

After two years of battling porpoising issues on a 'draggy' car, the team worked hard over the winter break to unleash its entirely new challenger, the W15, for the current season. But with two races already ticked out of the 24 Grands Prix, the car has shown fewer signs of competing in the front. 

Which driver should Mercedes prioritise after the first two races of the season?

Hamilton, who has contributed greatly to the car's development through his constant feedback to the engineers, is on his third winless season in Formula 1. The seven-time world champion won six titles with Mercedes from 2013 to 2021, but a sudden pause after 2022 caused him to reconsider his options by signing a deal with Ferrari for 2025 and beyond.

Assessing Hamilton's recent performances in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Coulthard implies that he is currently at a disadvantage, noting Russell's intense efforts that haven't yielded significant results. Conversely, as Ferrari drivers consistently trail behind the Red Bulls, Coulthard suggests that Hamilton might already be aligning mentally with the Red team. 

Speaking to Channel 4, he said:

“He’s just not been settled with this car.

“And you can tell, you know, George is just honing the lap time right now and you can feel that Lewis is on the backfoot.

“What we do know though, if he does find a window of performance, then you know he will deliver.

“But right now, it’s looking like his decision to head off to Ferrari, mentally, he is already there.”

With the F1 returning to Melbourne in approximately two weeks, Red Bull has already established a significant lead over Mercedes in fourth place, with a margin of 61 points.