Although there was no racing this week, there was plenty of news in the F1 paddock. There were numerous staffing changes announced by a few teams. There was also some news about some potential changes that will be discussed in the coming weeks. There was even a lawsuit verdict!
The FIA has launched an invitation for tyre suppliers to become the sole F1 supplier from 2025 onward. the selected supplier will become the sole supplier in Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 from 2025 to the end of 2027, with the option to continue for an additional season. Pirelli, which has been the sole tyre supplier since 2011, is expected to apply to continue their role.
The FIA has promised to review the penalty regulations after Fernando Alonso’s controversial penalty in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Alonso had received an additional penalty after the podium ceremony because a mechanic had touched the car when he was serving his penalty for lining up on the grid incorrectly. The penalty saw him dropped off of the podium to P4. Aston Martin successfully appealed the penalty, citing some vague wording in the regulations and video evidence showing similar unenforced violations. The FIA has vowed to review the regulations and give clarification ahead of the Australian Grand Prix to explain exactly what is and isn’t allowed when serving a penalty during a pit stop.
Potential revisions to the cost cap regulations will be explored in the coming weeks, with teams reportedly having already discussed the topic. The teams are seeking more freedom that would allow them to make upgrades to their facilities. Although there are currently some exemptions in place for things like wind tunnels construction, the majority of facility upgrades still count against the team’s annual cost cap, preventing them from making upgrades. This is more detrimental to smaller teams who are looking expand their facilities.
Alpine has called for a rethink over the grid regulations that caught out both Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso in the first two races of the season. Both drivers were too far over and were not quite in their grid slots. Alpine’s sporting director, Alan Permane, has argued that there is no advantage to being too far over in the grid box and that the mistakes are made due to the drivers’ limited visibility as they line up in the grid.
Nelson Piquet has been fined $950,000 by a Brazilian court for comments he made about Lewis Hamilton. In 2021, the three-time World Champion used a racial slur in a Brazilian podcast when discussing the championship battle between Hamilton and Verstappen. Piquet apologized for his comments, saying that it was a mistranslated phrase commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for “guy”. He was later sued by four human-rights groups, with the court ordering Piquet to pay half of the demanded amount.
Red Bull has downplayed rumours that Lewis Hamilton may be in the running for a seat on the team in 2024. After a poor start to the season, the rumour mill is in full swing, with some speculating that the seven-time World Champion may be looking for a new home. However, Red Bull insists that both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are already signed for 2024 and will remain with the team.
McLaren technical director James Key has left the team, effective immediately. Key stepped into the role in 2019, but McLaren have opted to dramatically restructure their technical department, on the back of a dismal start in 2023. Key will not be replaced, with the role now split among three people. David Sanchez (who was with Ferrari until a couple of weeks ago) will become technical director of car concept and performance in 2024 after his gardening leave expires. Peter Prodromou becomes the team’s technical director of aerodynamics alongside Neil Houldey who will be the technical director of engineering and design.
AlphaTauri has appointed marketing expert Lars Stegelmann as their new Head of Commercial, which is a brand new role on the team. Stegelmann most recently worked as Director of Commercial with the DTM series and previously worked as the Global Head of Commercial for Formula E in their inaugural year. The team is seeking to develop their commercial activities, with many speculating that the team is struggling financially after what appeared to be a rather unsuccessful rebranding in 2020.
It can be challenging for even the most avid fans to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One. The Weekly F1 Recap is a series published each Monday that breaks down the action, both on and off the circuit, into bit-sized pieces. It's perfect for casual and experienced fans alike.
