In the round-up: Christian Horner says the 24-round 2024 F1 calendar is “right on the limit” of what teams’ staff can withstand.
In brief
F1 schedule “on the limit” – Horner
The 24-round calendar for the upcoming season is “right on the limit” of what teams can cope with, says Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
“It’s a brutal year, and I think it’s something that I’m sure will be on the agenda with Formula 1and the FIA to talk about how can we make life more bearable for everybody involved,” Horner told RaceFans. “Because it is a traveling circus, but it’s a global circus and we need to just make sure that we protect that and the people within it.
“Money is a big driver in any commercial sport. But it can’t come at the price of human health and wellbeing. I think we’re right on the limit.”
Cycling ‘great’ for my mental health – Bottas
Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas says his love of cycling and bike racing helps him deal with the mental strains of racing in Formula 1.
“For me, it’s definitely freedom,” Bottas told the Bobby & Jens podcast. “Especially when I travel and I mostly travel, even to the races, with my bike so I can actually see a lot. If I have a day off before things start, it’s a great way to explore and see places.
“The fitness aspect of it, for sure – it definitely keeps me fit and gives me good endurance. And also mentally I feel like it’s for me is a great way because the Formula 1 world can be really, really hectic. Like when we have back-to-back races or triple-headers, even one single ride between those kind of hectic weeks and days can really reset your mind and get your feet back on the ground again and understand the big picture of the world.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Red Bull, perché anche l’AlphaTauri ora fa paura. I sospetti dei rivali in F1 (Corriere – Italian)
‘With an engineering background, a hard worker, serious and competent, Laurent Mekies must revitalise the RB team (with the arrival of Marco Matassa, former head of the Ferrari Driver Academy) a team that finished third from the bottom in the standings and take it much higher.’
As others copy Red Bull, is Ferrari going in another F1 direction? (Motor Sport)
‘As well as the crucial geometry of the underfloor, the trade-off has implications upon gearbox length and chassis shape – and that’s for sure going to be where we’ll see how Mercedes has abandoned its concept of the previous two years. It’s not necessarily going to be about whether or not it has Red Bull sidepod shapes. But at Ferrari, sidepod shapes are more significant. It has confirmed that it has abandoned its concept of 2022-23 (that of the big-fronted outwash sidepods) and that it will be pursuing a new aerodynamic philosophy.’
‘Detailed in their hybrid planning application submitted to WNC, Mercedes seeks to expand into new building space on the campus on top of increasing the available parking on site. Plans to expand their operations over the next five years could also see the workforce increase from 1,400 to 1,900 people. The campus extension includes a three-story marketing building, a health and well-being building adjacent to the A43, an extension to the main headquarters, and an increase of unit one to a two-story height.’
‘CEO Zak Brown identified the Brazilian as the man to halt the decline and return us to the front of the grid, hiring him as sporting director. Under his watch, the team made huge strides forward, finishing fourth in 2019 and third in 2020, ahead of his departure. Gil had formed a special bond with the team at McLaren during those few seasons and was called upon again by Zak and Team Principal, Andrea Stella, in 2023. Speaking to the McLaren website earlier this year, Gil said he was ”both privileged and honoured” to return, adding that it ‘felt like coming back home.”
Liberty concludes deal to acquire QuintEvents (Sportcal)
‘US media giant Liberty Media has completed its acquisition of QuintEvents, the travel and events company that provides ticketing and hospitality services for major sports and entertainment rightsholders. Liberty, which also owns motor racing’s Formula 1 (F1), has purchased more than 90% of Quint for $313 million. The deal was initially agreed in September. The company will be attributed to Liberty Media’s Formula One Group. F1 and Quint will continue to be operated as separate companies, however.’
Puma and Mercedes Formula 1 Team unveil the natural performance collection (Sports Insight)
‘Inspired by the inherent efficiency and beauty of nature, bionics serves as the driving force behind this cutting-edge Puma and Mercedes Formula 1 Team line. The collection features Formula 1 driver George Russell, embodying the spirit of Natural Performance. As a key figure in the Mercedes Formula 1 Team, Russell’s presence adds a dynamic and authentic dimension to the collection, bringing the thrill of the racetrack to fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.’
Customers left cold as Fanatec says Sony validation is delaying ClubSport DD+ wheel base (PC Gamer)
‘Fanatec has delayed the release of its upcoming ClubSport DD+ racing wheel base due to a slow licensing process at Sony, the company has told customers awaiting the product. Originally expected to arrive with customers in December, the DD+ is now in a limbo until Fanatec can square it away with the console giant.’
We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it to us via the contact form.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Sparckus, Martin Rasmussen and Dion!