Today’s F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Mercedes has bolstered its Formula 1 operation by poaching two senior Ferrari personnel, notably chief designer Simone Resta, who will assume the role of Strategic Development Director alongside technical director James Allison. Enrico Sampo, formerly Ferrari’s Driver Simulator Team Leader, joins Mercedes as Head of Performance Software Applications, bringing valuable expertise in a critical area for race weekend performance. Despite contractual obligations delaying their start until 2025, these acquisitions reflect Mercedes' commitment to long-term structural reinforcement and ongoing efforts to enhance performance.
Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)
Former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin successfully appealed against sanctions imposed on him by the European Union, initially triggered by his family's ties to the Russian government and his father's company. Mazepin lost his seat with the Haas F1 team following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which severed their sponsorship ties with Uralkali, his father's fertilizer company. Despite the Court of Justice of the EU lifting the sanctions, Mazepin's return to Formula 1 remains unlikely due to ongoing travel bans in Europe and other countries. The war in Ukraine has led to significant humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and hundreds of thousands estimated to have lost their lives.
Click here to read the full article by Keith Collantine (racefans.net)
Bonhams' "Les Grandes Marques à Monaco” sale in May will spotlight the iconic 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis '353', a pivotal figure in British Formula 1 history, expected to fetch €290,000 – 390,000. This legendary car not only represents Lotus founder Colin Chapman's shift into single-seater racing but also served as the debut vehicle for Graham Hill, igniting a legacy that propelled Lotus to 74 Grand Prix victories and seven Formula 1 Constructors' World Championships. The sale, coinciding with the 2024 Monaco Historic Grand Prix event, promises an electrifying showcase for motorsport enthusiasts and collectors at the Villa La Vigie in Monte-Carlo on May 10.
Click here to read the full article by Phillip van Osten (f1i.com)
Melbourne is gearing up for an extraordinary turnout at the Grand Prix. The event kicks off tomorrow, but the festivities have already begun. Grid activities are underway, with Friday tickets sold out for the first time, indicating an expected crowd of around 450,000 over the four days of the Grand Prix.
McLaren's beginning in the 2024 Formula 1 season has been okay but not amazing. It's a bit disappointing because there were hopes it could challenge Red Bull, especially since it was close to them last year. However, the McLaren-Mercedes MCL38's performance in the first two races of the season has shown that some problems still exist.
