#F1 Newsbites – Winter Break Edition. #Formula1
Charles Leclerc, #16, Scuderia Ferrari, SF-23, Free Practice 2, Formula 1 Eithad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Image credit to Peter Fox/Getty Images. Leclerc Abu Dhabi GP FP2, F1 Abu Dhabi GP FP2 Results, 2023 Abu Dhabi GP FP2, 2023 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP FP2 Results. F1 Newsbites Winter Break Edition.
F1 Newsbites Winter Edition – Hello everyone, F1 Newsbites is back after a long hiatus due to my Social Media Marketing Diploma study. Let’s take a look at the latest news from the world of Formula 1:
F1 Newsbites Winter Break Edition – Leclerc extends deal with Ferrari
On the 26th of January, it was announced that Scuderia Ferrari have extended it’s contract with Charles Leclerc beyond the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship season.
A product of it’s Driver Academy, Leclerc’s association with the Maranello marque goes back before his time in the pinnacle of motorsport, as he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy back in 2016.
After a dominant performance in the 2017 FIA Formula 2 World Championship, the Monegasque driver then spent a year with the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team in 2018 before stepping up to the Prancing Horse to partner four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in 2019. That year Leclerc become the youngest Ferrari driver in history to win a Grand Prix, with victory taken at the Belgian Grand Prix, a feat also repeated one week later in Monza in-front of the passionate Tifosi.
In 2022 when the rules and regulations were given a shake-up, Leclerc won a further three Grands Prix on his way to take the runner-up spot in the World Driver’s Championship standings.
Known for his amazing abilities over a qualifying lap, the Monegasque driver, at just 26 years old, is already second in the list of drivers who have secured pole position at the wheel of a Ferrari, level on 23 with Niki Lauda, with only the legendary Michael Schumacher ahead on 58.
During his time at Maranello, Leclerc has taken part in 103 Grands Prix, scored 30 podiums, setting seven fastest laps and scoring 1035 points.
Leclerc explained: “I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come. To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old: I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend’s apartment at St. Devote corner and I would always look out for the red cars. This team is my second family ever since I joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and we have achieved a lot together, fighting through thick and thin over the past five years. However, I believe the best is yet to come and I can’t wait for this season to start, to make further progress and be competitive at every race. My dream remains that of winning the World Championship with Ferrari and I’m sure that in the years ahead, we will enjoy great times together and make our fans happy.” Leclerc concluded. Credit to Ferrari for the quote.”
Team Principal Frederic Vasseur added: “Charles’ bond to the Scuderia goes beyond that of just a driver and a team, as he has been part of the Ferrari family for eight years now, dating back to a time before he first sported the Prancing Horse emblem on his race suit. His values and those of our team are intertwined and so it was natural for us to be in agreement on extending our collaboration. We know him for his incessant desire to push himself to the limit and we appreciate his extraordinary abilities when it comes to fighting and overtaking in a race. We are determined to give Charles a winning car and I know that his determination and commitment are elements that can make the difference in helping us reach our goals.” Vasseur concluded. Credit to Ferrari for the quote.
F1 Newsbites Winter Break Edition – Norris agrees multi-year extension with McLaren
A day after Leclerc’s contract renewal with the Scuderia, McLaren made no hesitation in announcing a multi-year extension with Lando Norris beyond 2025.
The British driver recently committed to a new four-year agreement in February 2022, which saw him locked in until the end of the 2025 campaign.
The latest extension means Norris will remain with the Woking-based squad beyond the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship season, building on his solid six-year relationship with McLaren.
Norris enjoyed a very fruitful 2023 campaign, scoring 205 points and finishing sixth in the World Driver’s Championship standings.
The 24-year-old, who recently surpassed 100 Formula 1 Grand Prix starts, recorded six second-place finishes in total last season, including a brilliant drive at his home British Grand Prix where he became the first McLaren driver to finish on the podium since 2010.
Norris also picked up two Sprint race podiums and a third-place finish in Qatar.
The Briton explained: “It’s a great feeling to be staying in papaya. I’ve grown up with McLaren and feel at home here, the team are like family to me. The journey so far has been exciting, we’ve had ups and downs, but last season showed our desire to get back to competing at the front of the grid. The work Zak, Andrea and the whole team have put in over the last year has been incredible and I’m confident in challenging for wins with McLaren. I’m excited to create more amazing memories and continue working hard with everyone at MTC for the next few years.” Norris concluded. Credit to McLaren for the quote.
CEO of McLaren Racing, Zak Brown added: “I’m delighted that we’re continuing our relationship with Lando for multiple years to come. It’s been a fantastic journey over the last six years, and he has shown fantastic commitment and desire to push the team forward and get McLaren back to the front of the grid. Last season we saw the fundamental role Lando played with the impressive turnaround in results and I’m looking forward to continuing this push forward together with lots more podiums.” Brown concluded. Credit to McLaren for the quote.
McLaren’s line-up will be very stable with both Norris and Oscar Piastri confirmed until at least the end of 2026.
The duo impressed in their maiden campaign together as team-mates, scoring back-to-back podiums in Japan and Qatar. The team finished the season in 2023 with 302 points and fourth in the World Constructor’s Championship standings. How will McLaren go in 2024? We will see.
F1 Newsbites Winter Break Edition – McLaren reveal MCL38 livery
On January 17, McLaren were the first team to unveil their 2024 livery for the upcoming 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship season incorporating fan-favourite elements of papaya and anthracite with a hint of chrome.
Driven by McLaren’s rich heritage as one of Formula One’s most iconic outfits, the 2024 contender, which will be piloted by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri features the spectacular papaya and anthracite colours.
Fan-favourite elements from OKX’s Stealth Mode livery have also been embedded alongside the iconic use of chrome in the driver numbers, which was widely carried by the Woking-based squad from 2006-2014 before making a return in 2023 at the British Grand Prix with Google.
The livery also features some of the world’s biggest brands and organisations as McLaren’s valuable partners continue to support the team both on and off the circuit.
McLaren Racing heads into the 2024 season with the exciting driver line-up of Norris and Piastri who are aiming to build on the momentum gained from the second-half of the last campaign, which saw the Woking-based outfit taking nine podiums, one Sprint victory and four Sprint podiums.
Andrea Stella leads the team for the second year after being promoted to Team Principal in 2022. The Italian’s Technical Team is completed by arrivals Rob Marshall who comes in from Red Bull as Technical Director, Engineering & Design and David Sanchez who returns to the team from Ferrari as Technical Director, Car Concept & Performance, both joined McLaren in January 2024.
Peter Prodromou continues as Technical Director, Aerodynamics with over 30 years of Formula 1 experience and Neil Houldey also supports in the role of Deputy Technical Director, Engineering & Design, after originally joining the Woking team in 2006.
McLaren’s MCL38 will be unveiled on Valentine’s Day before heading to pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 21-23 ahead of the season-opening Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024 from March 1-3.
F1 Newsbites Winter Break Edition – AlphaTauri undergo name rebrand as Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 Team
Scuderia AlphaTauri will emerge from the Formula 1 winter break with a new team name after the decision was made to undergo a rebranding to RB ahead of the 2024 season.
Red Bull’s sister team joined the sport in 2006 taking over Minardi and initially raced under the Toro Rosso guise but were renamed AlphaTauri from 2020 to promote the company’s fashion brand.
Now four years after that change, the outfit will given another name as they head into a new era following the retirement of long-time Team Principal Franz Tost, who is being replaced by former Ferrari Deputy Team Principal and Racing Director Laurent Mekies.
From 2024 onwards, the Faenza-based squad will be known as Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 Team marking a stronger reference to the Red Bull operation who have benefitted from building a host of junior drivers within the team.
Over the years, the likes of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, current three-time world champion Max Verstappen, and multiple Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo built up valuable experience at the Faenza-based outfit before being promoted to the senior team.
Highlights of AlphaTauri’s spell in the sport includes Pierre Gasly’s maiden victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, a result that brought back memories of Vettel’s 2008 triumph during the Toro Rosso era.
Next season, Yuki Tsunoda will enter his fourth campaign at RB, whilst Ricciardo keeps his spot after replacing Nyck de Vries halfway through the 2023 season and returning from injuries sustained at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix.
In addition to Mekies replacing Tost after the latter’s 18-year stint at the team, another recent change saw Peter Bayer come in as the outfit’s CEO.
AlphaTauri finished eighth in the World Constructor’s Championship standings ahead of Alfa Romeo and Haas, after a late haul of scoring points.
F1 Newsbites Winter Break Edition – Madrid joins Formula 1 calendar in long-term deal
On January 23rd, Formula 1 announced Madrid will play host to the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035 following an agreement with IFEMA MADRID to bring an all-new circuit to the Spanish capital featuring street and non-street sections.
Built around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre, the 5.47 kilometre circuit – subject to FIA homologation and final design specification – will feature 20 corners, with a qualifying lap time of 1:32 expected.
It is projected to have a capacity of 110,000 fans per day across grandstands, general admission and VIP Hospitality, whilst there are plans to grow the circuit’s capacity to 140,000 per day over the first half of the agreement, making Madrid one of the largest venues on the Formula One calendar.
Located only five minutes from the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, making the Spanish Grand Prix one of the most accessible races on the calendar, with the track just a short travel away by bus, train and city lines.
It is estimated that 90% of fans will be able to travel to the paddock via public transport, whilst those staying in local accommodation will have a short walk away from the circuit.
Formula 1 is committed to achieving it’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2030 and IFEMA MADRID shares the same philosophy to make the Spanish Grand Prix one of the most sustainable F1 Grands Prix on the calendar, having greatly reduced its carbon emissions over the last five years and moved to renewable energy across all exhibition halls, whilst any temporary structure built for the Grand Prix will be constructed using recyclable materials.
IFEMA MADRID’s proposal received support from national, regional, and local government, including the Regional Government of Madrid, the Madrid City Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the race, fan activations will take place in downtown Madrid. There will also be engagements with local businesses and schools to ensure the community benefits from staging the Grand Prix, which is expected to generate $450 million into the city’s economy per year.
“Madrid is an incredible city with amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain,” explained Stefano Domenicali, President and Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1. “I would like to thank the team at IFEMA MADRID, the Regional Government of Madrid and the city’s Mayor for putting together a fantastic proposal. It truly epitomises Formula 1’s vision to create a multi-day spectacle of sport and entertainment that delivers maximum value for fans and embraces innovation and sustainability.” Domenicali concluded. Credit to F1 for the quote.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: “Modern Formula 1 cars racing on a new circuit in the Spanish capital city of Madrid is an enticing prospect. As we build towards the introduction of the FIA 2026 Formula One regulations, which have been framed with Net Zero carbon by 2030 in mind, it is pleasing to see that the local organisers have placed a sharp focus on environmental sustainability in their plans for the event. As is customary, the proposed circuit will be subject to FIA homologation and safety checks and calendar approval by the World Motor Sport Council.” Ben Sulayem concluded. Credit to F1 for the quote.
F1 Newsbites Winter Break Edition – Allison commits to long-term future at Mercedes
Mercedes AMG Petronas have confirmed that James Allison signed a long-term contract to remain as the team’s Technical Director.
The news reinforces Mercedes technical partnership during a period of renewal before the raft of rules and regulation changes from 2026 onwards.
Allison joined the Brackley-based squad from Ferrari in 2017 as Technical Director, overseeing a long period of success in four Driver’s titles and five consecutive Constructor’s Championships.
After a stint as Chief Technical Officer, responsible for longer term strategy and the INEOS Britannia America’s Cup project, the Briton returned to a more frontline role at the Silver Arrows as Technical Director in April 2023.
“F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto’s call to join Mercedes in 2017,” Allison explained. “It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success.” Allison concluded. Credit to Mercedes for the quote.
Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas Toto Wolff praised Allison adding: “I am thrilled that James has committed his long-term future to the team. Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport. His gladiator spirit, along with his knowledge, experience, and determination, make him second-to-none. His influence and impact, however, goes so much further than that. Since joining in 2017, he has been a key ally and sparring partner for me personally. We can challenge each other openly and honestly; an embodiment of the ‘tough love’ culture of the team that is vital in helping us all perform at our very best. Most importantly though, James is a true friend you can rely on, not only in times of success but in difficult moments too. It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past seven years and I look forward to doing so for many more to come.” Wolff concluded. Credit to Mercedes for the quote.
F1 Newsbites Winter Break Edition – Haas appoints Ayao Komatsu as Team Principal
On January 10th, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team appointed Ayao Komatsu as it’s new Team Principal to replace the departing Guenther Steiner who left with immediate effect.
Komatsu was promoted from his role as Director of Engineering and has been with the Kannapolis-Banbury outfit since the team entered the sport in 2016 – where he began as a Race Engineer.
With over 20 years of experience in the sport, both in engineering and management – the 47-year-old Japanese engineering graduate started his career in motorsport with BAR (British American Racing) before a long spell at Renault. Komatsu will now oversee all competition elements as Team Principal.
Komatsu’s responsibility will be for the team’s overall strategy, and on-track performance, with a brief to maximise the American squad’s potential through employee empowerment and structural process and efficiency.
To further strengthen it’s team operations off the circuit, and in support of Komatsu’s performance-led focus at Team Principal, a European-based COO (Chief Operating Officer) will be appointed to manage all non-competition departments and matters, the role is expected to be based at Haas’s facility in Banbury.
“I’d like to start by extending my thanks to Guenther Steiner for all his hard work over the past decade and I wish him well for the future,” explained MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Owner Gene Haas. “Moving forward as an organization it was clear we need to improve our on-track performances. In appointing Ayao Komatsu as Team Principal we fundamentally have engineering at the heart of our management.”
Haas continued; “We have had some successes, but we need to be consistent in delivering results that help us reach our wider goals as an organization. We need to be efficient with the resources we have but improving our design and engineering capability is key to our success as a team. I’m looking forward to working with Ayao and fundamentally ensuring that we maximize our potential – this truly reflects my desire to compete properly in Formula 1.” Haas concluded. Credit to Haas F1 Team for the quote.
“I’m naturally very excited to have the opportunity to be Team Principal at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team,” added newly-appointed Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Komatsu. “Having been with the team since its track-debut back in 2016 I’m obviously passionately invested in its success in Formula 1. I’m looking forward to leading our program and the various competitive operations internally to ensure we can build a structure that produces improved on-track performances.”
“We are a performance-based business,” Komatsu continued. “We obviously haven’t been competitive enough recently which has been a source of frustration for us all. We have amazing support from Gene and our various partners, and we want to mirror their enthusiasm with an improved on-track product. We have a great team of people across Kannapolis, Banbury and Maranello and together I know we can achieve the kind of results we’re capable of.” Komatsu concluded. Credit to Haas F1 Team for the quote.
The 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season begins with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 21-23, with the season-opening Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix taking place at the same venue from February 29-March 2.
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