F1 Briefings

Carlos Sainz Sr, the father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, secured his fourth Dakar Rally title by extending his lead over Sebastian Loeb. An emotional moment was captured in a video as the Formula 1 driver welcomed his father in Saudi Arabia after the Dakar victory.

Like how luck was on Sainz's side during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, where he took to victory after the Red Bulls struggled in a tight street race, Sainz Sr made it to the win after several rival cars faced mechanical problems. Even his teammate Mattias Ekstrom and Stephane Peterhansel, suffered technical challenges which ultimately paved the way for the 61-year-old to take the lead.

Thus, all that was left for Sainz Sr to do was to conclude the rally stage by pulling a lead of 1 hour and 20 minutes from Guillaume de Mevies of Toyota. Apart from a fourth victory for Sainz, the win also marks Audi's first victory in the Dakar Rally.  

The emotional video shows both Audi drivers atop the Audi RS Q E-tron being escorted to the drop-off point where Sainz Jr awaited his father's arrival. The son then carried him and brought him down as the two hugged each other. 

💥 ¡MOMENTO HISTÓRICO! Así ha sido la celebración EMOTIVA de Carlos Sainz con toda su familia.

🇪🇸 ¡GRACIAS POR TODO, MATADOR!#Dakar2024 pic.twitter.com/9XmuNmZ3ok

The experienced Spaniard previously secured victories in the Dakar Rally in 2010, 2018, and 2020. His recent triumph surpassed his record, making him the oldest winner in the history of the race.

Audi achieved history with the Audi RS Q E-tron, the first low-emission prototype to win the Dakar Rally with a 1-hour and 20-minute lead over 7,900 kilometers. Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist also completed the rally successfully for Audi.

In an official statement, here's what Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, said:

“Audi has once again set a milestone in motorsport. Winning the world’s toughest desert rally with an electrified drive is a visible ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and points the way to our electric future.

"The Audi RS Q e-tron has electric all-wheel drive. The energy supply is ensured by a high-voltage battery and an energy converter that runs on residual fuel-based reFuel, thus saving 60 percent of CO2 emissions compared to conventional fuels."

During the winter break in the F1 season, Fernando Alonso has become a topic of social media conversations. The current buzz surrounds his recent lighthearted antics, specifically involving a microwave and fans have been going crazy over his light-hearted video. 

In a widely circulated video, Alonso garnered attention by placing his phone inside a microwave, humorously implying an intention to warm it up. Prior to placing his phone in the microwave, Alonso amusingly commented, "Ready to go again." As a result, fans on the internet have responded with enthusiasm to these playful antics.

Undoubtedly, Alonso's prank has struck a chord with fans, evident in their diverse reactions. In response to a fan named Megan questioning Alonso's activity in the original video, the Spanish driver playfully retorted that he was "cooking."

Now though, a behind-the-scenes video of his playful antic has been released, which shows the Aston Martin driver revolving in the same place in a bent position. 

the behind HELP😭😭 https://t.co/iAQphycaVt pic.twitter.com/hWrV8S1CXT

The video, which garnered views upwards of 129,000 attracted some funny reactions from fans. Here are a few worth sharing:

I need to know what power Jimmy has with Fernando because he can convince him to try anything. Nando is having so much fun

I just know his knees were over there sounding like rice bubbles 🤭

pic.twitter.com/4HB4CWdTn6

Alonso has been an active Tiktok user participating in transitions, dance trends, and sharing Formula 1 content. Unexpectedly, his endeavors in entertaining the audience not only gained recognition but also led to an unforeseen victory. Despite merely engaging in the platform for fun, Alonso, who actively encouraged fan support, emerged triumphant.

He was honored at the annual gala of the 2023 Spanish TikTok Awards in November for his accomplishment. Despite facing formidable competition from figures such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jordi Roca, and Laura Escanes, Alonso secured the highest number of votes.

In 2023, Fernando Alonso grabbed headlines for multiple reasons. At first, his consistent podium finishes drew fans' focus, showcasing his enduring skill at the age of 42. But as the rival teams upgraded their cars, they were able to outperform his AMR23, which ran through several challenges through the season. However, the Spaniard was able to steer the team to P5 in the Constructors' Standings. 

A fatal accident occurred on a freeway over the Miami International Autodrome when a Dodge coupe, travelling at excessive speed, lost control and crashed into a concrete barrier. 

Reports indicate that the driver lost control of a Dodge coupe while exiting the Turnpike, colliding with a concrete barrier. The impact's intensity caused the vehicle to go over the wall and roll down the embankment, reaching the area where the Miami F1 track is located.

Key Takeaways:

• A fatal accident occurred as the driver lost control of a Dodge coupe, resulting in a collision with a concrete barrier and subsequent ejection from the vehicle.
• The incident took place around 1:45 PM on a freeway over the track, with excessive speed causing the car to hit the bridge wall and land on the F1 track at Turn 16.
• The Miami International Autodrome, added to the F1 calendar in 2022, has seen both races won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Formula 1 is expanding its presence in the United States, with the introduction of the Las Vegas street circuit and considerations for a street circuit in New York, though local discontent raises uncertainty.

As per the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at approximately 1:45 PM as the coupe was traversing the freeway over the track. Due to excessive speed, the vehicle collided with the bridge wall and was catapulted onto the track at Turn 16.

Tragically, the driver of the car did not survive the crash and succumbed to injuries after being ejected from the vehicle. The rescue crew and firefighters pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Miami International Autodrome was added to the F1 calendar in 2022- America's second Formula 1 circuit after the Circuit of The Americas at Austin. It also marks the country's first street circuit that goes around the Hard Rock Stadium and unsurprisingly, both F1 races to date have been won by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

Formula 1 is aiming to include additional tracks from the United States on its calendar, with the latest addition being the Las Vegas street circuit. This circuit hosted its inaugural race in November last year, featuring all the glitz and glamour the city is renowned for.

Currently, Formula 1 owner Liberty Media is rumoured to be considering the prospect of introducing a street circuit in vibrant New York. However, given the discontent among residents regarding the inclusion of Las Vegas, the smooth integration of New York into the sport remains uncertain.

Graphic designer Jonnie Designs has unveiled a captivating fan-made livery following the 2024 Visa CashApp Racing Bulls rumour which many believe will be the rebranded name of AlphaTauri. This artistic interpretation, which merges a bright blue and black palette with fluorescent green accents, captures the excitement surrounding the team's potential rebranding.

Key Takeaways:

• Fan-Made Livery Creation: Jonnie Designs has crafted a visually stunning livery for the rebranded Visa CashApp Racing Bulls, showcasing a bright blue and black design with fluorescent green accents.
• AlphaTauri's Rebranding Context: The fan-made livery gains added significance against the backdrop of AlphaTauri's rumoured rebranding to Visa CashApp Racing Bulls, as evidenced by their recent Instagram handle update to VisaCashAppRB.

Adding to this excitement of the upcoming 2024 season, graphic designer Jonnie Designs has unveiled a striking fan-made livery for the reportedly rebranded Visa CashApp Racing Bulls. 

Jonnie Designs' concept features a bold combination of bright blue and black, complemented by eye-catching fluorescent green accents on the sidepods, front wing, and wheel covers. 

2024 Visa CashApp Racing Bulls Concept Livery 💸💸 pic.twitter.com/6j79dI6i76

The significance of this fan-made livery is heightened by the context of AlphaTauri's rebranding. The team, formerly known as AlphaTauri, has updated its Instagram handle to VisaCashAppRB, a move that hints at its new identity as Visa CashApp Racing Bulls. This strategic rebranding reflects a closer alignment with Red Bull Racing and introduces new sponsors, marking a pivotal moment in the team's journey.

This rebranding coincides with significant internal changes, including the addition of former Alpine sporting director Alan Permane, along with the leadership of Laurent Mekies and Peter Bayer. These changes aim to bolster the team's competitive edge and performance, following a challenging 2023 season.

Jonnie Designs

Natalie Pinkham of Sky F1 recently expressed her views on the unreasonable negativity directed towards dominant drivers in Formula 1, terming it as “ridiculous.”

Key Takeaways

• Natalie Pinkham criticises the negative fan reaction towards Formula 1's top drivers, emphasising the irrationality of such behaviour.
• Despite Max Verstappen's record-breaking performance in 2023, winning 19 of 22 grands prix, he faced mixed reactions from fans, similar to those experienced by Lewis Hamilton during his dominant period.
• Pinkham highlights the cyclical nature of dominance in Formula 1 and urges fans to appreciate these eras, recognising the privilege of witnessing such excellence.

Formula 1 has recently been dominated by Max Verstappen, who clinched his third consecutive World Championship with a spectacular display in the 2023 season. However, this level of success has not been warmly received by all F1 fans. Verstappen, like Lewis Hamilton before him, faced criticism from spectators, illustrating a broader issue within F1 fan culture.

Addressing this trend, Natalie Pinkham, speaking at the Autosport International event, strongly disapproved of the negative attitudes towards F1's leading drivers. She believes such reactions are unwarranted and fail to appreciate the historical significance of these dominant periods. Pinkham stated:

“But that’s ridiculous. Because I think what we do in time is we look back and we recognise that we were genuinely lucky to have witnessed that.

“And Formula 1 is cyclical, people have purple patches, but ultimately, someone else will take over and it will be someone else’s time and actually we’re very lucky.

“Look back at now Sebastian Vettel’s domination of the sport and then you look at Lewis and now Max and the time will come…I would love a sport where we could see more fighting at the front, because you just want more wheel-to wheel racing and also because you know the talent is there.”

Pinkham’s comments shed light on an important aspect of fan culture in sports, particularly in Formula 1, where periods of dominance are often met with aversion rather than admiration. 

Red Bull Press Image

The 2024 Formula 1 season is almost upon us, and as teams prepare for the first race, pre-season testing and the car releases, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are in the spotlight. Both champions are on the brink of breaking yet another record in 2024 as the first driver to win a race after competing in over 300 races. 

Mercedes, despite finishing second in the constructors' standings in 2023, is yet to win a race since the 2022 Brazilian GP where Hamilton's teammate George Russell took his first victory. Aston Martin, with Fernando Alonso's early podium finishes in 2023, showed promise but faltered with later upgrades.

Key Takeaways:

• Mercedes finished second in the 2023 constructors' standings but hasn't won a race since George Russell's victory at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. 
• Aston Martin, finishing fifth in the 2023 constructors' standings, showed potential early in the season with Fernando Alonso's several podium appearances. However, the team faced challenges following updates to their car, impacting their performance.
• Both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are poised to break a significant record in the 2024 season, aiming to become the first driver to win a race after participating in over 300 F1 races. 

As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches, the spotlight is on two of the sport's most enduring figures, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. Both drivers are on the verge of possibly breaking an unprecedented record in Formula 1 history: winning a race after participating in more than 300 Grand Prix events. Lewis Hamilton, who celebrated his 300th race in the 2022 season, has had a stellar career with seven championships, 103 race wins, and 197 podium finishes. 

Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, started his F1 career in 2001 and has two championships, 32 race wins, and 106 podium finishes. Despite the setbacks faced by Aston Martin with upgrades to their AMR23 car, Alonso's early season performances in 2023, including multiple podium finishes, indicate his capability to challenge the top teams.

Mercedes, having finished second in the 2023 constructors' standings, is under pressure to return to the top step of the podium. The team has struggled to replicate the success of their 2022 Brazilian GP victory, with George Russell securing their last win.

The Bahrain Grand Prix marks the beginning of what is anticipated to be an exciting 2024 season. 

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton recently shared the touching story behind getting his beloved dog, Roscoe. Hamilton described the decision to adopt Roscoe as "one of the best decisions I ever took in my life," highlighting the special bond he shares with his pet.

Key Takeaways:

• Adoption Story: During a Q&A on Mercedes’ YouTube channel, Lewis Hamilton recounted his journey of adopting Roscoe. He explained how he sifted through thousands of bulldogs online before finding and choosing Roscoe, a decision he cherishes deeply.
• Naming Roscoe: Hamilton shared that the name 'Roscoe' just struck him as cool. 
• Roscoe’s Personality and Activities: Hamilton also revealed Roscoe's love for quad biking, a unique trait that further endears him to fans. He described how Roscoe enjoys being lazy and taken around on rides during Hamilton's motorbike tours.

During a candid Q&A session on the Mercedes F1 Team's official YouTube channel, the British driver opened up about his experience with his dogs, specifically focusing on Roscoe.

Hamilton, known for his speed and precision on the racetrack, revealed a softer, more personal side as he discussed how he came to adopt Roscoe. 

"I remember being online, looking online for rescues. There’s some page I found that had like 1,000 bulldogs and I just went through all of them and then I came across this one picture and I was like – ‘That’s him!’

"And that was like one of the best decisions I ever took in my life."

Not only did Hamilton share the story of how he chose Roscoe, but he also explained the simple yet endearing reason behind his pet's name. 

"I don’t know I just thought it was a cool name," he said.

Mercedes Press Image

Adding to the charm of his story, Hamilton delved into Roscoe's unique personality, particularly his love for quad biking. 

"In the summer I love to like go on motorbike tours. Through the mountains with my friends and we stop usually and we’ll paintball halfway through.

"Roscoe likes going on the quad bike. I remember putting him on at one time and then I put him down and he kept on trying to get back on.

"So I just take he just likes being lazy and being taken around," Hamilton concluded.

In an exclusive interview with Alex Harrington for Sports Illustrated and Men's Journal, will.i.am shared his insights on Lewis Hamilton's challenges and the potential for an eighth championship title. The conversation touched on Hamilton's struggles since the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and his relationship with his car.

Read the full interview here. 

Key Takeaways:

• Lewis Hamilton's Mental Struggle: Since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has been facing a mental battle, struggling with a car that doesn't quite align with his style and preferences.
• Will.i.am's Perspective on Hamilton's Journey: Will.i.am expressed that Hamilton is dealing with the challenge of something being "snatched" from him and believes that it's just a matter of time before Hamilton makes history by figuring out how to overcome his current obstacles.
• The Historical Impact of Hamilton's Potential Victory: Will.i.am emphasised that Hamilton's eventual victory would be historical not just for him, but also for the sport, Mercedes, and the future generations inspired by him. He predicted that it would take years for anyone to break the record Hamilton is poised to set.

The exclusive interview with will.i.am revealed a thoughtful and in-depth analysis of Lewis Hamilton's current situation in Formula 1. Will.i.am highlighted the mental struggles Hamilton has faced since the contentious 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He empathised with Hamilton's challenges, understanding the difficulty of dealing with setbacks and the process of aligning with a car that may not fully suit his driving style.

In his words, will.i.am said:

"Right, so, anybody will struggle with something being snatched and it's just a matter of time for him to wait, he just has to figure it out once and history's made."

The artist and entrepreneur further elaborated on the potential impact of Hamilton's success, stating:

"They say just let the master do what he's really good at. He's figured it out a bunch of times, and this one time is gonna be history. Historical. And it's historical for him.

"First, all the folks that have been inspired by him, the flock, the school, the herd, that's going to come after him. It's going to be historical for the sport. It's going to be historical for Mercedes.

"And all it is, is him figuring how to figure it out once and I think he's going to do that. And then the person that comes after him, it's gonna be some years for that record to be broken. And he will hold that forever."

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held at the Yas Marina Circuit, was one of the most dramatic and controversial races in Formula 1 history. This season finale was the culmination of a fierce and closely contested battle for the World Championship between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Throughout the season, both drivers displayed exceptional skill and tenacity, leading to a situation where they were tied in points heading into the final race. 

The controversy peaked on the last lap. A late-race crash from Nicholas Latifi brought out the safety car, and the subsequent decisions by race officials regarding lapped cars and the safety car's return to the pits led to heated debates. Verstappen, who had pitted for fresh tires, overtook Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and his first World Championship, leaving fans and teams divided over the fairness and consistency of the race's management. Usually in that situation, all lapped cars un-lap themselves before the racing resumes, however, there was not enough time until the end of the race to do this. So, only the lapped cars in between Hamilton and Verstappen un-lapped themselves in order for the racing to resume. Otherwise, the race would have ended under the safety car conditions in which case Hamilton would have taken his eighth championship. 

In a recent interview with Top Gear, Adrian Newey, the chief technical officer of Red Bull Racing, discussed how the team became the first to effectively address the porpoising issues in Formula 1. He highlighted the complexity of the problem and Red Bull's proactive approach to solving it, especially with the RB18 car.

Key Takeaways:

• Adrian Newey emphasised that porpoising is not solely due to aerodynamics but involves various factors like suspension characteristics and body stiffness. Red Bull Racing, aware of these elements, was prepared for such challenges with the RB18.
• Newey admitted that the team faced some porpoising issues initially but managed to overcome them by the first race. He also pointed out the difficulties in simulating bouncing in wind tunnels and CFD, as these tools depend on the input and focus of the teams.
• Porpoising became a significant issue for several teams in 2022, particularly after the shift to regulations favouring ground effect aerodynamics. Mercedes struggled the most, with Lewis Hamilton reporting back problems due to the severe bouncing of the W13. The issue led to F1 increasing the minimum car ride height for safety reasons.

Adrian Newey, in his interview with Top Gear, provided an insightful look into how Red Bull Racing tackled the porpoising problem, a challenge that many teams faced in the 2022 Formula 1 season. According to Newey:

"Bouncing is not simply due to the aerodynamic shape of the car, there are other factors – suspension characteristics, body stiffness – and when we were designing RB18 we were very mindful of that.

"We had a bit of porpoising at the very start but we were on top of it by race one.” 

He further elaborated on the complexities of replicating such issues in simulations, saying:

“Simulating bouncing in a wind tunnel and more so in CFD is not easy. It’s a transient problem, and there’s no motion to the car relative to the road. You don’t see it if you’re not looking for it.

"That’s the thing with all simulation tools. They’re dependent on what you put into them. If you haven’t looked in the right place and put the right things in, you won’t get the right answers out.”

The phenomenon of porpoising, which involves a car bouncing at high speeds due to aerodynamic instability, emerged as a significant challenge after Formula 1 introduced new regulations in 2022. These regulations were aimed at enhancing racing by emphasising ground effect aerodynamics. 

However, this shift led to unforeseen complications, most notably for Mercedes. The team's struggles with porpoising were so severe that seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton, reported experiencing back problems because of the heavy bouncing experienced in the W13. This situation raised concerns about the health and safety of drivers, prompting Formula 1 to raise the minimum car ride height to mitigate the risks associated with porpoising.

The Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix's fate has been assured, despite a high-profile corruption scandal involving the country's former transport minister S. Iswaran and Beng Seng, the Singapore GP rights holder. Following allegations of kickbacks, Iswaran has stepped down, vehemently denying the claims, while Beng Seng remains free of any charges.

Key Takeaways:

• Former transport minister S. Iswaran resigns under the cloud of 27 charges concerning interactions with Beng Seng, who controls the Singapore GP's rights.
• Accusations against Iswaran include accepting perks such as flights on Beng Seng's private jet and tickets to the Singapore GP; Iswaran disputes these claims, and Beng Seng faces no legal action.
• Despite the scandal, the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry confirms that the Singapore GP, set to run until 2028, will go ahead as planned, highlighting its substantial economic and societal contributions.

Red Bull Press Image

The Singapore Grand Prix has found itself at the centre of a corruption investigation involving S. Iswaran, the now-former transport minister, and Beng Seng, the rights holder of the prestigious racing event. Iswaran, charged with 27 counts related to his dealings with Beng Seng, has resigned from his position, firmly rejecting the allegations. These charges, initiated by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), allege that Iswaran received unlawful benefits, such as travelling on Beng Seng's private aircraft and receiving tickets to the Grand Prix, a role in which he served as an advisor.

Despite the severity of these charges, Iswaran has stood his ground, insisting on his innocence and expressing a strong resolve to clear his name. On the other hand, Beng Seng has not been subjected to any legal charges in relation to this case.

Red Bull Press Image

The involvement of Beng Seng, a key figure in the Singapore Grand Prix, sparked concerns about the event's future, particularly since the race is contracted through 2028.

However, the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry has quickly quelled these concerns. The government has assured that the contract for the Grand Prix was negotiated with the nation's best interests at heart, a conclusion supported by an independent consultancy study. The study found no evidence to suggest any disadvantage to the government in either the F1 contracts or other related agreements.

The 2024 F1 Singapore Grand Prix, scheduled for September 20-22, is on course, with all necessary preparations underway. 

James Vowles, the Team Principal of Williams, recently voiced his firm belief in Alex Albon's capabilities to clinch a Formula 1 World Championship title.

Key Takeaways:

• Vowles' Endorsement of Albon's World Champion Potential: Alex Albon has garnered significant praise from James Vowles for his exceptional performance and leadership skills at Williams, with Vowles affirming his belief in Albon's ability to become a world champion.
• Albon's Impactful Journey at Williams: Albon's transition to Williams has been a defining moment for both him and the team, with his impressive achievements in a challenging car environment outshining those of previous drivers, including George Russell.
• Williams' Evolution and Future Aspirations: Under the stewardship of Vowles, Williams has surpassed expectations, aiming for higher goals in the Constructors' Championship, driven by Albon's stellar performances.

After being replaced at Red Bull in favour of Sergio Perez at the end of 2020, Albon spent a year as a test and reserve driver before joining Williams. His impact at Williams has been profound, quickly earning points finishes and demonstrating a remarkable ability to maximise the performance of a car that is not considered top-tier.

James Vowles, who joined Williams as team principal in January 2023 described Albon's transformation and growth in a conversation with AmuS. He said: 

"The Alex you see today is different from the Alex when he was at Red Bull or the Alex at the beginning of the season. He still lacked faith in himself. He has it now. He is happy, he is a leader, he has self-confidence, he works in a structured way and sets the direction. It all sounds easy.

"But the simplest is often the hardest. You never know how good a driver is compared to another until you put him in the same car as the other at the same time. If other drivers had to drive a Williams tomorrow, they would probably have a hard time.

"Today I know from Alex that he gets the maximum out of the car available to him at any time. And every time you put him under pressure, he withstands the pressure. He can cope with a car that is difficult to drive. This experience can be an advantage for him. For me, Alex has the skills to become world champion once. I mean that honestly."

Vowles continued:

"This is a very different Williams team from what we saw at the end of 2022 and at the beginning of the season. When I started, I didn't set a goal in which place we would finish the World Championship. I wanted to get this team back on its feet.

"I thought ninth place was realistic, eighth place was a dream. We fought for seventh place because Albon did an incredible job. He defended himself in Montreal, Silverstone and Monza against a whole crowd of drivers who were faster than him.

"Then we managed to improve the package we have in such a way that we could drive into the points on our own. Two counters here, two there. Nevertheless, we have to stay on the carpet. The top teams score almost as many points on a race weekend as we do throughout the year. That's the bar."

AlphaTauri has officially updated its Instagram handle to VisaCashAppRB, signalling a significant step in the team's rebranding ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season. This change aligns with speculation about the team's new identity as Visa CashApp Racing Bulls and reinforces the impending transformation of the Faenza-based outfit.

Key Takeaways:

• Instagram Handle Update: AlphaTauri's official change to its Instagram name to VisaCashAppRB is a clear indicator of the team's rebranding direction, aligning with the speculated new name Visa CashApp Racing Bulls.
• Strategic Rebranding: This move is part of a broader strategy to revamp the team's identity and performance, following a challenging 2023 season. It reflects a closer alignment with Red Bull Racing and the introduction of new sponsors.
• Enhanced Team Dynamics: The rebranding coincides with significant internal changes, including the addition of key personnel like former Alpine sporting director Alan Permane and the leadership of Laurent Mekies and Peter Bayer, aimed at boosting the team's competitive edge.

The latest update from AlphaTauri, changing their Instagram handle to VisaCashAppRB, is a clear indication of the team's intention to adopt the new identity of Visa CashApp Racing Bulls for the upcoming 2024 season. This move follows Helmut Marko's earlier confirmation of significant changes in the team, including new sponsors and a new name, as part of a strategic overhaul.

The renaming to Visa CashApp Racing Bulls is expected to bring the team closer to its sister team, Red Bull Racing, reflecting a more integrated approach as outlined by Marko. In his statement to Kleine Zeitung last year, he emphasised the importance of this shift: 

"There will be new sponsors and also a new name. The orientation is clear: based on Red Bull Racing, as far as the regulations allow. Do-it-yourself constructions are the wrong way.”

AlphaTauri's performance in the 2023 season highlighted the need for a comprehensive restructure. The team's late-season push to outperform rivals like Haas and Alfa Romeo in the Constructors' Championship underscored the urgency of these changes. The introduction of new leadership figures, including Alan Permane, along with Mekies and Bayer, is set to invigorate the team's approach to competition.

Red Bull Press Image

Former Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has openly criticised Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes for their performance last season while praising Max Verstappen and Red Bull's dominance. 

Key Takeaways:

• Max Verstappen's Dominance: Ecclestone praised Max Verstappen for his extraordinary performance in the previous F1 season, winning 19 out of 21 races. He believes Verstappen could win in less competitive cars like Ferrari or Mercedes, crediting Red Bull for developing the best team and car.
• Criticism of Mercedes and Hamilton: Ecclestone highlighted Mercedes' struggle, marking their first winless season since 2011. He specifically pointed out Lewis Hamilton's failure and George Russell's underperformance, suggesting that their losses were too dramatic.
• Praise for Oscar Piastri: Among other drivers, Ecclestone praised McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri, impressed by his performance at just 22 years old. He anticipates Piastri will become a champion in the future.

Red Bull Press Image

The former CEO of Formula 1 Bernie Ecclestone has expressed immense admiration for Max Verstappen's skill and success, following a season where the Dutch driver secured 19 victories out of 21 races. This performance not only marked a record-breaking season for Verstappen but also for his team, Red Bull. Ecclestone's confidence in Verstappen is such that he believes the driver could achieve victories even in less competitive cars, such as those from Ferrari or Mercedes. He lauded Red Bull's strategic approach, stating to Bild:

"They have patiently endured Mercedes dominance, replacing each weak link one by one, developing the best team, the best design, the best car and the best driver.

"Christian Horner has done an excellent job. Max is currently the benchmark in every field.

“You could also put him in a McLaren, and probably a Ferrari or a Mercedes, and he would still win."

However, Ecclestone's comments were not all praises. He was notably critical of Mercedes and its drivers, particularly Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes experienced a winless season for the first time since 2011, a stark contrast to their previous dominance. Ecclestone highlighted this downfall, remarking: 

“[Lewis] Hamilton failed a bit and [George] Russell wasn't as good as he thought he was either. Still, they shouldn't have lost so dramatically." 

Ecclestone also had words of praise for another driver, Oscar Piastri from McLaren. The Australian rookie has shown promise in his debut season, leading Ecclestone to predict a bright future for him: 

“Young Australian Oscar Piastri impresses me the most, at 22 years old. He will surely be a champion.”

Porsche has recently reaffirmed its interest in joining Formula 1, even though a partnership with Red Bull did not materialise. This announcement comes at a time when the sport is preparing for major regulatory changes in the 2026 season, which are attracting new manufacturers such as Audi, Honda, and Ford.

Key Takeaways:

• Porsche's Ongoing Interest in F1: Porsche, despite its focus in other series delaying an entry to F1, continues to view Formula 1 as a "very interesting" prospect. 
• New Entrants in the 2026 F1 Season: The 2026 Formula 1 season will see the introduction of new chassis and power unit regulations. Audi is set to transform Sauber into their works team, Honda will officially return to partner with Aston Martin, and Ford is set to collaborate with Red Bull Powertrains.
• Red Bull and Ford's Engine Manufacturing Endeavour: Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, commented on their partnership with Ford, stating, “It’s a massive undertaking. It’s a ballsy undertaking that we’ve taken on but we believe that it’s the right route for the company, for the future.”

Mercedes F1 Press Image - Austin GP

Porsche's remains interested in Formula 1 despite the focus on their current factory programs with the Porsche 963 in the WEC and IMSA series, as well as in Formula E with the Porsche 99X Electric. Michael Dreiser emphasised this by saying:

“Motorsport will always be at the core of our brand identity. Formula 1 remains an interesting racing series for us.

“For the next few years, we are concentrating on the current factory programmes with the Porsche 963 in WEC and the IMSA series, as well as in Formula E with the Porsche 99X Electric.

“There, we want to fight for overall victories. That is our tradition and our main focus, and we do not comment on speculation beyond that.”

The upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season is set to be a turning point with its new regulations. Audi's announcement of their involvement and the official return of Honda in a partnership with Aston Martin signal major shifts. Additionally, Ford's entry into the series alongside Red Bull Powertrains marks a significant development.

More than Equal has announced the appointment of Sarah Moore and Jordan King as coaches for its female-focused Driver Development Programme. Their inclusion marks a significant commitment to nurturing and elevating the skills of young female racers in a competitive field.

Key Takeaways:

• Notable Appointments: Sarah Moore and Jordan King join More than Equal, each bringing a wealth of experience from their respective careers in racing and coaching to the female Driver Development Programme.
• Diverse Racing Backgrounds: Moore, who has a wealth of experience in motorsports with a string of significant achievements, and King, with extensive experience in Formula 1, IndyCar, and World Endurance Championship, offer a broad spectrum of expertise.
• Programme's Vision and Potential Impact: Aimed at high-performance preparation, this initiative seeks to develop elite female racing drivers, benefiting from the insights of seasoned coaches and the support of experts like Hintsa Performance, known for assisting 18 Formula 1 World Champions.

More than Equal's recent announcement about Sarah Moore and Jordan King joining as coaches for its female Driver Development Programme underscores a substantial effort to empower female talent in the traditionally male-dominated world of motorsports.

Sarah Moore has been a formidable presence in motorsports, achieving significant milestones such as winning the Ginetta Junior Championship and being the first female winner of the Britcar Endurance Championship. Most recently, Moore competed in W Series. Her pioneering role as the first openly LGBTQ+ driver on a Formula 1 podium highlights her trailblazing spirit. Moore's extensive coaching background is crucial to her new role, as she seeks to make a tangible impact on the future of the sport.

Moore commented on her new role, saying:

“I know from a personal level the difficulties and challenges that women and girls face throughout their racing careers.

"What excites me about More than Equal as a female within motorsport is being able to provide a coaching opportunity for girls that is so rare in the sport. I myself started in motorsport when I was four years old and never had access to coaching throughout my early career.

"The ultimate goal for me is to guide and support the next generation of girls coming into motorsport as this will make such a tangible difference for the future of the sport.”

A post shared by Sarah Moore 🌈🏎️ (@smooreracing)

Jordan King, with his experience in various high-profile racing series, brings a comprehensive understanding of the racing world. His roles with the Alpine Formula 1 team and the Mahindra Formula E team demonstrate his adaptability and skill in various racing environments.

King shared his perspective on the programme, stating:

“We are an independent programme looking to develop female driving skills from an early age.

"Our goal is to pick the best young talent, have a big impact, and get them as far up towards Formula 1 whilst celebrating the small steps of success and progression along the way.

"I’ve done a lot of racing myself and I’m looking to bring the development journey that I went on into the programme, hopefully making as big an impact as possible for female drivers”.

A post shared by Mahindra Racing Formula E Team (@mahindraracing)

The More than Equal Driver Development Programme is dedicated to providing comprehensive training and mentorship for aspiring female drivers. With the expertise of Moore and King, and the backing of experienced entities like Hintsa Performance, the programme is well-positioned to significantly contribute to the growth of women in motorsport.