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Formula 1 - 2024 Season

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The Swiss Sauber team have reverted to their original name for the 2024 season after racing as Alfa Romeo since 2019.

Sauber's naming rights deal with the Italian car brand ends this year as the team prepare for their transition into the factory Audi team for 2026.

Audi does not want to be officially associated with the team until it formally enters the championship.

Their formal new team name also includes platforms for streaming and betting.

The official team name will be Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber and the chassis will be called a Kick Sauber.

Sauber entered F1 in 1993 and had raced under their own name continuously until they were rebranded as Alfa Romeo for 2019.

They will continue to use Ferrari engines until 2026. Audi is building its own engine for the new rules coming into effect in two years' time, which will introduce fully sustainable net-zero carbon synthetic e-fuels and a much greater proportion of hybrid power from the engine - up to about 50% from the current 20%.

In the official entry list published by governing body the FIA on Friday, Red Bull's junior team has retained its Alpha Tauri name.

They had been considering changing their title but have instead simply added the letters 'RB' as a suffix.

The 2024 season will be the first in which there were no driver changes between the last race of the previous season and the first of the next.

Full 2024 Formula 1 entry list
Red Bull - Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez

Mercedes - Lewis Hamilton and George Russell

Ferrari - Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz

McLaren - Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Aston Martin - Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll

Alpine - Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon

Williams - Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant

Alpha Tauri - Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda

Sauber - Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu

Haas - Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen

BBC
 
Formula 1 2024 Calendar

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F1 News: Sauber Confirms New Identity For 2024 After Alfa Romeo Exit​

Sauber has officially announced its new team identity for the 2024 Formula One season, marking a significant change following the end of their partnership with Alfa Romeo. The team revealed to social media that it has agreed a partnership with Australian streaming platform Kick.com for 2024 and 2025. Motorsport.com has confirmed the team name will be Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, with the chassis name as KICK Sauber.

 

Ferrari reveal ‘95% of components’ to change on 2024 F1 car​

Ferrari Formula 1 boss Frederic Vasseur has revealed that “95 per cent of the components” from the team’s car this year are being changed on its challenger for 2024.

The Italian marque’s attempt to mount a challenge for the title the past season was thwarted by an inconsistent 2023 car that could not match Red Bull’s RB19 in race trim.

Although a late-season resurgence saw it score the only non-Red Bull win of the year in Singapore, Ferrari dropped behind Mercedes to third in the Constructors’ Championship.

While Ferrari launched a mid-season concept change towards the downwash solution that Red Bull pioneered, the side was limited by the launch-spec architecture of its SF-23, an evolution of last year’s race-winning F1-75.

Like rivals Mercedes, Vasseur has confirmed that Ferrari’s 2024 creation will be radically different to its predecessor as the team bids to haul back onto level terms with Red Bull.

“I don’t know if revolution is the right word,” Vasseur said via RacingNews365. “We have the same regulations now three years in a row that you can’t change massively. It’s a matter of tenths of a second.

“For sure, we have to do a step on that, we don’t underestimate the step. We are changing 95 per cent of the components, perhaps you can consider that it’s a revolution, I don’t know if it will be.

“The expectation is that we are focused on ourselves, we are doing a good step forward. But in the end, it’s always a matter of comparison, you can improve by 100 steps but if the others are improving by 120 you will look stupid.”

Vasseur, formerly of Renault and Sauber in F1, replaced the outgoing Mattia Binotto at Ferrari last winter but endured a nightmare opening to his maiden season at the helm.

Charles Leclerc retired from third with an engine issue in Bahrain, costing him a front-row start in Saudi Arabia, before both he and Carlos Sainz failed to score at all in Australia.

The Ferrari team boss admits that he was pleasantly surprised by the internal reaction to its stuttering start, adding that it was the complete opposite of what he’d expected.

“Everybody told me that ‘you will see at Ferrari that you start the season very well and then it’s going down’,” Vasseur remarked.

“And trust me, after Jeddah or Melbourne, I said ‘what the f***? If this was the good part of the season, we will be in big trouble’.

“The perception that you have from an external point of view of Ferrari is probably wrong.

“When I was outside, I was always thinking that the team would overreact to every single event.

“But the team was very, very calm after Melbourne. We were cautious of the situation and the weakness of the car.”

Vasseur believes he is now better prepared ahead of his second campaign in charge of the Maranello squad after acknowledging the rush that succeeded his appointment.

“One year ago was quite a challenge because I joined quite late,” he added. “It was a huge wave of things to manage, to understand and to discover in a couple of weeks.

“It was four weeks before the launch and five or six weeks before the Bahrain race [when I joined].

“But now I think it’s a much more comfortable situation. I know almost everybody in the company, the system, I have a better understanding of this. I think I’m doing a good job, a better job than last year, let’s say.

“We need to keep the momentum and I think that even if the last part of the season went pretty well. It’s never enough and we don’t have to stop this.”

www.motorsportweek.com

Ferrari reveal ‘95% of components’ to change on 2024 F1 car

Ferrari Formula 1 boss Frederic Vasseur has revealed that “95 per cent of the components” from the team's car this
www.motorsportweek.com www.motorsportweek.com
 
They surely need to change and upgrade a lot of things in order to compete with Red Bull. Hopefully, these changes will help them putting up a better fight in 2024 than they have been able to put up in 2023.
 
McLaren: Bahrain takes full control of Formula 1 team's parent group in deal with minority investors

Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund is taking full ownership of McLaren Group as part of long-term plans to secure a partnership with a global industry giant.

Sky News has learnt that Mumtalakat, the Gulf state's investment fund, is on the brink of a deal with McLaren's remaining minority shareholders to convert their equity into warrant-like instruments.

The new contracts will have the economic rights to benefit from a future 'liquidity event' such as an initial public offering of McLaren but would not be classed as shares.

One banking source said they expected that the agreement could be announced later this week.

It would involve roughly 20 per cent of the equity in McLaren being converted into the new contracts, and leave the state of Bahrain as the Formula 1 team-owning group's sole shareholder.

McLaren Racing, the division which directly houses the F1 and other racing operations, does have its own external shareholders following a deal struck during the pandemic to raise capital.

The deal to be signed this week underlines the continued confidence and leadership of Mumtalakat in driving McLaren's turnaround, according to one insider.

www.skysports.com

McLaren: Bahrain takes full control of Formula 1 team's parent group in deal with minority investors

Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund is taking full ownership of McLaren Group as part of long-term plans to secure a partnership with a global industry giant.
www.skysports.com
 
Horner admits 'everything is open' for 2025 Red Bull line-up with Ricciardo back in the fold

Christian Horner has admitted that “everything is open” regarding Red Bull’s 2025 driver line-up, with both Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo potentially vying for a spot.

The 2023 season was near enough perfect for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen storming to his third successive drivers’ title while the team secured another constructor’s title, finishing a massive 451 points ahead of second-placed Mercedes.

Perez also held up his end of the bargain by taking P2 in the drivers’ standings – the first 1-2 ever achieved by Red Bull since coming into the sport. However, despite the Mexican securing the runner-up spot, he still finished 290 points behind his team mate and had a rollercoaster of a campaign.

He had started 2023 in exemplary form, with two pole positions and two race wins in the opening five Grands Prix, as he looked to apply pressure on Verstappen. But, despite having the formidable RB19 to work with, his form tailed off as a run of five events without a Q3 appearance – between Monaco and the British Grand Prix – hampered his points-scoring chances.

Source : Formula 1
 
Max Verstappen says Red Bull rivals 'will get closer' as Christian Horner reflects on 'unicorn year'

Red Bull's Max Verstappen says rival teams are "not stupid" and will close in on the runaway 2023 world champions next season.

Dutch driver Verstappen, 26, and Red Bull put together the most dominant Formula 1 season in history this year.

"The others will improve their cars and get closer to us," said Verstappen.

"I don't think it's that realistic to achieve that win rate again. But that's fine. To already have a season like we've had is insane."

Verstappen is under contract to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but Perez has only one year left on his contract.

Horner said the 33-year-old Mexican, who had a difficult season in 2023, needed to improve his qualifying performances to retain his race seat.

Perez had a run of five races in six when he failed to qualify in the top 10, and was outside the top four on the grid for 16 of the 22 races despite driving what statistically was the best F1 car ever built. In Verstappen's 19 wins, Perez finished second only four times.

"It is Checo's seat to lose," he said. "He is our 2024 driver and if he does a great job next year there is no reason we wouldn't extend him into 2025, but it will be purely based on what he achieves over the large part of the season.

"We have options in the wings. There is a lot of interest from outside the team as well, so as long as you're competitive it puts you in a luxury position to just take your time.

"As the field converges, it is inevitable you want your two cars as close together as you can achieve.

"Checo's race pace and racing has been very strong on many occasions, it is his performance in qualifying is probably the area he needs to focus on over the winter, that he's acutely aware of. He's got to up his qualifying average so he is not having to come from so far back."



Source: BBC
 

Williams and Sauber reveal launch date for their 2024 F1 cars​

After Ferrari had announced the launch date of its 2024 F1 car, Williams and Sauber have also confirmed the day on which they will launch their respective 2024 Formula 1 campaigns.

Bahrain will host the opening round of the 2024 F1 season on March 2, just a week after the sole pre-season test that will take place in Manama at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 21-23.

With the 2024 F1 season quickly approaching, teams have started to announce the day on which they will show off their 2024 F1 cars. Ferrari became the first team to reveal the launch date of its 2024 F1 machine, confirming that the new car will break covers on February 13, just over two weeks before the start of the new season.

Williams and Sauber have now also revealed the important date, with both the British and the Swiss outfit confirming that they will launch their 2024 F1 Challengers on February 5, 2024.

The Grove-based outfit did not reveal any details about their launch plans as they look to build on a seventh-place finish in the constructors’ championship this season. Following difficult seasons, Williams collected a total of 27 points of which Alexander Albon scored 26 units while rookie driver Logan Sargeant finished in the points once at the United States Grand Prix.

Sauber will launch their 2024 challenger - the C44 - in London on Monday 5th February. The team is set to go through important changes next year as previous title sponsor Alfa Romeo has left the outfit, and it will ramp up its transition to become Audi's works team in 2026.

The Hinwil-based team will compete with an unchanged driver line-up as Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will race for the team for the third consecutive time in 2024. The Finn driver collected a total of ten points this year while the sport's first Chinese driver scored six points in total.

The team ended the season ninth in the Constructors' Championship, six points ahead of Haas which also uses Ferrari's power units.

www.f1technical.net

Williams and Sauber reveal launch date for their 2024 F1 cars - F1technical.net

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It is always interesting to see the launch of new cars by the F1 teams.
 
Steve Nielsen: FIA sporting director quits after less than a year in the job

Steve Nielsen has resigned from his role as sporting director of Formula 1's governing body the FIA less than a year since being appointed.

He was appointed in January 2023 with a mandate to improve the FIA's race control operations after a series of controversies in recent years.

No reason has been given for Nielsen's departure but sources say he was unhappy with several parts of his role.

Nielsen, 59, was unavailable for comment when approached by BBC Sport.

F1 insiders have told BBC Sport that Nielsen felt the FIA was not willing to make the changes he felt were required to make its race-control operations fit for purpose.

The teams and drivers all backed Nielsen's move to the FIA and are likely to be dismayed by his decision to leave, and concerned about its potential ramifications.



www.bbc.com

FIA sporting director Nielsen quits after less than a year

Steve Nielsen resigns from his role as sporting director of Formula 1's governing body the FIA less than a year since being appointed.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 

F1 2024: What dates will Formula 1 teams launch new cars ahead of season-opening Bahrain GP?​

The 2024 Formula 1 season is just around the corner and each of the 10 teams will be launching their new cars ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at the end of February.

It's always an exciting time of the year as fans crave for every bit of F1 they can get after the end of last season and there is renewed hope for every driver.

There has been no driver movement in the off-season, a rarity in F1's 74-year history, but the pack is expected to converge after a record-breaking year for Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

In recent years, some teams have elected to not replace their actual car for the new season and that is likely to be the case this year.

However, we should still see some new aerodynamic parts on the exterior of the car during the car launch, especially if a team has gone down the route of revolution over evolution.

Three teams have announced their launch dates so far and the rest of the grid will be confirming their plans soon.

Red Bull
Red Bull are the reigning constructors' champions, having won an unprecedented 21 out of 22 races in 2023.

The Milton Keynes-based team are yet to announce a car launch date.

Mercedes
Mercedes went winless in a season for the first time in 12 years last campaign and Lewis Hamilton has not stood on the top step of the podium since December 2021.

There 2024 challenger, the W15, is expected to be very different after they established a "pretty ambitious programme" on the new car. A launch date has not been confirmed.

Ferrari
Frederic Vasseur says "95 per cent" of Ferrari's car will be new compared to their 2023 machine which finished third in the standings.

Ferrari were the first team to reveal their car launch date of February 13. In 2023, the team also completed a shakedown in front of 500 fans at their Fiorano test track.

McLaren
McLaren's upgrades in 2023 brought them back to the front on merit as a mid-season charge saw Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri pick up nine podiums from Silverstone onwards.

If they continue that rate of development, they could put Red Bull under some serious pressure. There is no launch date yet for McLaren.

Aston Martin
Aston Martin pushed Red Bull hard in the early stages of 2023 as Fernando Alonso took six podiums in the opening eight events.

But, they were overhauled by Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren in the second half of the campaign. Aston Martin have not announced their launch plans.

Alpine
Esteban Ocon's Monaco podium and Pierre Gasly's third place at Zandvoort were the highlights for Alpine as they found themselves at the front of the midfield.

There were several personnel changes in the management team including the departure of team principal Otmar Szafnauer, CEO Laurent Rossi, sporting director Alan Permane and chief technical officer Pat Fry.

Alpine have not confirmed their car launch date.

Williams
Williams had their best season since 2017 as they finished seventh in the constructors' championship thanks to multiple points finishes from Alex Albon.

The team will hold their season launch on February 5.

AlphaTauri RB
Four drivers drove for AlphaTauri in 2023 as Nyck de Vries was dropped after 10 races and Liam Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo when the Australian broke his hand. Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will be the team's driver line-up in 2024.

On the 2024 F1 entry list, AlphaTauri RB was the name of the team previously called AlphaTauri. Their actual name will be announced in due course, as will their car launch.

Sauber
Alfa Romeo's partnership came to an end in 2023 with the team rebranded as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber ahead of Audi's takeover in 2026.

Coincidentally, Sauber also announced their season launch plans at the same time as Williams and for the same date of February 5.

Haas
Haas finished last in the Constructors' Championship and will be looking to solve their Achilles heel of high tyre wear during the races.

The team from Banbury have not confirmed a launch date yet for the VF-24.

Source: SKY
 
It is always an interesting event to see the launch of a new F1 car. really looking forward to see the cars for the new season.
 

Rap star Drake launches Sauber's new era as they unveil fresh identity as the Stake F1 Team​

Canadian rapper Drake has launched Sauber’s new era as the Stake F1 Team with a fresh rebrand of their identity on New Year’s Day.

After five seasons competing under the famous Alfa Romeo name, Sauber agreed a two-year title partnership deal with betting, entertainment and lifestyle brand Stake, starting in 2024, ahead of a rebrand as Audi’s factory team in 2026.

Drake is one of Stake’s celebrity, sport and lifestyle partners, which also include English Premier League football club Everton and the UFC, and is likely to make appearances at Grands Prix as part of the partnership.

“Last season represented the start of Stake’s journey in Formula 1, and the brand’s new role headlining Stake F1 Team represents the natural and exciting next step on this path,” said Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi.

“Stake not only successfully tapped into Formula 1’s growing fan base to enhance its own community; but also introduced a completely new audience to the sport, something that benefitted not only our team but also everyone else in F1.

“We had the opportunity to participate in some incredible activations with some of Stake’s ambassadors, including Argentine football legend Sergio Aguero and Indian-Canadian rapper Karan Aujla. 2024 will be a new page and the chance to do more, better, and reach even farther: we are looking forward to an even more exciting calendar of events in this new season.”

The Swiss team – which will officially be known as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber – will launch their 2024 season with a glittering event in the United Kingdom’s capital London on February 5.

They are retaining their driver line-up of 10-time race winner Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu for this season as they bid to improve on a ninth-place finish in the constructors’ championship.

www.formula1.com

Drake launches Sauber's new era as they unveil rebrand

Canadian rapper Drake has launched Sauber’s new era as the Stake F1 Team with a fresh rebrand of their identity on New Year’s Day.
www.formula1.com www.formula1.com
 

Tim Goss: Leading engineer becomes third senior figure to quit FIA​

Leading engineer Tim Goss has left his role as the single-seater technical director of motorsport's governing body the FIA, BBC Sport can reveal.

Goss, who is expected to join a Formula 1 team, is the third senior figure to quit the FIA in the last month.

His resignation follows that of sporting director Steve Nielsen and the departure of the head of the FIA's commission for women, Deborah Mayer.

Nielsen will be replaced by Tim Malyon, the FIA's safety director since 2021.

The FIA has not yet made an appointment to replace Goss.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said: "We are disappointed to lose a person of Tim's calibre from the organisation. Tim has played a major part in the technical department and has always operated to the highest level.

"We understand that his career is taking a new direction going forward and we support and respect his desire to pursue another path."

An FIA statement quoted Goss saying: "I believe the organisation is on a firm footing in terms of technical expertise for the tasks which lie ahead - particularly the introduction of the 2026 regulations."

Goss, 60, is a respected engineer who had a long career at McLaren, rising to become technical director from 2014 to 2018. He was removed from his post as a result of a restructure brought about by the team's fall from competitiveness and later joined the FIA.

Who is Tim Malyon?
Malyon joined the FIA in 2019 as head of research and had formerly worked as chief engineer for BMW's team in the all-electric Formula E championship.

The Canadian was Sauber's head of engineering in F1 from 2015 to 2016 before joining BMW in the DTM German Touring Car Championship, and before that was an engineer for Red Bull in F1.

Tombazis said: "Tim has a wealth of motorsport experience and expertise at the highest level. He will play a major role as we continue to bring rigour to our sporting and regulatory practices and procedures, and he will drive the innovation we have brought to our race control operation."

Niels Wittich will continue in his role of race director, which he took on in 2022 after the departure from the FIA of his predecessor Michael Masi. Wittich will report to Malyon.

Masi was dismissed after making errors in implementing the rules at the 2021 F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

After the Australian incorrectly operated a restart following a late safety-car period, Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton for the lead on the final lap, ensuring the destiny of the world title passed from the Briton to the Dutchman.

What will F1 make of the upheaval?
Losing three senior figures in such a short space of time is not a good look for the FIA, and it has prompted one senior figure within the sport to tell BBC Sport the organisation is in "a total mess".

The FIA is yet to comment on Mayer's departure, but it is said she decided not to reapply for her position after her term came to an end.

Nielsen - a highly respected figure within F1, with three decades of experience in sporting management - left because he believed the FIA was not willing to make the changes he felt were required to make its race-control operations fit for purpose.

Sources close to the FIA told BBC Sport Goss had similar frustrations with the internal operations of the FIA as Nielsen, as well as unhappiness over the process of creating the new technical rules that will be introduced in F1 in 2026.

These will introduce new hybrid engines, with a greater proportion of power created by the electric motor than now, and new aerodynamic rules.

Although the three departures differ in nature, the turmoil within the FIA will raise further questions about the leadership of president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has been embroiled in a series of controversies since being elected in December 2021.

Last month, the FIA was undermined by both commercial rights holders F1 and all the F1 teams after it launched a compliance investigation into Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff and his wife Susie, the director of the F1 Academy for aspiring female racing drivers.

The move caused widespread dismay within F1, where many senior figures are uncomfortable about Ben Sulayem but prefer to keep their counsel in public.

The FIA announced the compliance inquiry in the wake of a magazine report that said a rival team had raised the issue of a potential conflict of interest involving the couple.

Mercedes and F1 immediately put out strongly worded statements rejecting the accusation.

This was followed by all Mercedes' rival teams releasing co-ordinated and identically worded statements saying they had made no such complaint.

The ethics investigation was then closed two days after it had been announced.

The dispute comes against a backdrop of worsening relations between F1 and the FIA on a number of fronts.

Ben Sulayem said in February last year that he was stepping back from direct involvement in F1.

This came after a series of controversies since he was elected president, including the unearthing of sexist remarks he made in the past.

But he has remained active behind the scenes and teams have viewed a series of incidents in recent months as being directly linked to him, including the decision to call Wolff and Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur to the stewards at the final race of the season for swearing in a news conference.

Source: BBC
 
Guenther Steiner: Haas team principal leaves ahead of 2024 F1 season as Ayao Komatsu named as replacement

Guenther Steiner has left Haas with immediate effect ahead of the 2024 F1 season after the team's disappointing performances.

Ayao Komatsu has been promoted from director of engineering to team principal ahead of the new season, which begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix - live on Sky Sports F1 from February 28 to March 2.

Steiner, who has been a star of Netflix's Drive to Survive series, has been in charge of Haas since the team joined F1 in 2016 but the American outfit have struggled in recent seasons and finished bottom of last year's Constructors' Championship.

Sky Sports News understands Steiner's contract was not renewed after it expired at the end of 2023 as the Italian and the team had different visions on the future.

"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," said Haas owner Gene Haas.

"Moving forward as an organisation 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."

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft said: "Formula 1 has lost a massive character, a very popular character, and someone who transcended the sport somewhat.

"He was number three team principal behind Christian Horner and Toto Wolff [in terms of publicity] and that's good for the sport that the fans want to associate themselves with a team like Haas because they really like what Guenther stands for. That's the underdog and taking it to the big boys.

"I hope he returns in another guise somewhere in the future."

Haas finished last in the Constructors' Championship in 2021 with Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin as their drivers, before improving to eighth the following year, but fell to the back of the grid in 2023 despite the experience of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.

Hulkenberg's seventh place in Australia was the highlight of last year for Haas, along with Magnussen's three 10th place finishes.

www.skysports.com

Guenther Steiner: Haas team principal leaves ahead of 2024 F1 season as Ayao Komatsu named as replacement

Haas joined the F1 grid in 2016 but have underperformed in recent seasons; Guenther Steiner has been in charge since their first race eight years ago; you can watch all 24 races this year live on Sky Sports F1 from the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2
www.skysports.com www.skysports.com
 
Toto Wolff signs new three-year Mercedes Formula 1 deal

Toto Wolff has signed a three-year deal to stay on as the team principal and chief executive of Mercedes F1.

Wolff, who owns a third of Mercedes F1, told the Telegraph, external that he has extended his contract until the end of 2026.

Mercedes won eight constructors' titles in eight seasons between 2014 and 2021 and finished second behind Red Bull in 2023.

"I'm not going to try to hang on to a position that I think somebody is going to do better than me," Wolff said.

"I make sure that I have people around who can tell me otherwise. In the end the three of us decided: 'Let's do it again'."

Wolff, 52, has been with Mercedes since January 2013.

The team is equally owned by Mercedes-Benz, Austrian Wolff and a subsidiary of Ineos, which is controlled by Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton finished third in the drivers' championship last season but the team has won only one race since 2021.

The 2024 F1 season begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix, from 29 February-2 March.

Souece: BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Toto Wolff signs new three-year Mercedes Formula 1 deal

Mercedes' Formula 1 team principal and chief executive Toto Wolff says he has signed a three-year contract extension.
www.bbc.com
 

Mercedes, Alpine reveal F1 2024 car launch dates​

Alpine is holding its 2024 season launch, which will also involve its World Endurance Championship team, on 7 February.

One week later, Mercedes is pulling back the curtains on its new W15 on 14 February.

Mercedes is set for a crucial 2024 season after ceding its top spot to Red Bull over the past two seasons and realising early in 2023 that the decision to stick to its troubled 2022 concept was a mistake.

Mercedes made significant changes from May's Monaco Grand Prix weekend onwards, but while the Brackley squad defeated Ferrari for second place in the constructors' championship it failed to win a race amid Red Bull's domination.

It soon started banking on a vastly different 2024 car, dubbed the W15, to allow Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to take the fight to Red Bull this year, which will be revealed on Valentine's Day.

Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, team boss Toto Wolff said: "I don't want to give up on the recovery and say, 'Well, let's wait for 2026, new car, new engine'.

"There are two more important years to go. I want to see it as a testament for the strengths of the team that we are capable of recovering and race for championships. That's our clear objective."

www.motorsport.com

Mercedes, Alpine reveal F1 2024 car launch dates

www.motorsport.com www.motorsport.com
 
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc says he is "pleased" to have extended his contract with the team for "several more seasons to come".

The 26-year-old made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber before signing a five-year contract after an impressive first season with the team in 2019.

Monegasque Leclerc finished fifth in the drivers' championship last season.

"To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old," he said., external

"I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend's apartment at Saint 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."

Your guide to the longest ever Formula 1 season

Ferrari have not specified the length of Leclerc's new contract. His previous one ran until the end of 2024 and the new one is said to be for a further five years, running until 2029.

His salary has been reported to be set to rise from his current 25m euros (£21.3m) a year to 50m euros (£42.6m) by the end of the contract.

Leclerc has had five race wins and 23 pole positions with the Italian team. His most successful season was 2022, when he came second in the drivers' championship and won three grands prix.

"His values and those of our team are intertwined and so it was natural for us to be in agreement on extending our collaboration," said team principal Fred Vasseur.

"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."

Source : BBC Sports
 
Lando Norris has committed his future to McLaren after signing a multi-year contract extension, with the Briton declaring he is "more convinced than ever" that he can become F1 world champion at the resurgent team.

Norris' previous agreement, signed two years ago, still had two seasons left to run until the end of 2025 and there had been suggestions that world champions and known admirers Red Bull could make a play for him either at the end of this season, to replace the out-of-contract Sergio Perez, or when the Briton's deal was up a year later.
 

Ferrari adds Bearman to F1 reserve roster for 2024​

Ferrari has announced that Oliver Bearman will be one of its Formula 1 reserve drivers this season, joining regulars Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman in the shared role.

This year’s 24-race schedule has encouraged Ferrari to have extra options in the F1 reserve role. Giovinazzi and Shwartzman are both involved in the marque’s World Endurance Championship Hypercar programme, and thus will not necessarily always available to be on standby at races.

Bearman will be competing in his second season of F2 with the Prema team this year, and will be on site at F1 weekends which overlap with his racing programme, as well as being available to travel to non-clashing events with the team.

Last year, the 18-year-old tested at Fiorano in an SF-21, then drove for Haas in FP1 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi, as well as in the young driver test at the latter venue.

The youngster did enough to encourage Ferrari to add him to the reserve roster, and he remains eligible to undertake further FP1 sessions this year with either Ferrari or Haas, as does Shwartzman.

Elsewhere, Arthur Leclerc will be a Maranello development driver despite having left the Ferrari Driver Academy progamme, and the younger brother of race driver Charles will have his first taste of F1 power when he drives the 2022 F1-75 model in Barcelona next week.

The 23-year-old joins Ferrari veterans Davide Rigon and Antonio Fuoco in the development driver role, which the team says “entails mainly working in the simulator, on car development, set-up work and updates introduced during the season”.

He will combine the role with an Italian GT programme with Scuderia Baldini 27.

Ferrari will kick start its 2024 track programme next week with a three-day Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona that runs from 29-31 January, featuring race drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in last year’s SF-23 on the first two days.

The team is also running the 2022 SF-75 in parallel, with the younger Leclerc driving it the first day, his brother and Sainz combining it with their SF-23 running on the second day, and Bearman then alone on the track with it for the final day of running.

Ferrari will launch its 2024 car in Maranello on 13 February.

Sourcec: Motorsport
 
Formula 1: RB make three senior appointments before 2024 season

Red Bull's junior team have made three key senior appointments as they seek to improve their competitiveness into the 2024 season.

The team - which changed their name to RB, short for Racing Bulls, last week - have recruited former McLaren technical director Tim Goss as chief technical officer.

And Alan Permane, sacked by Renault last year, will be in charge of engineering operations at races as racing director.

Guillaume Catellani joins from Red Bull's senior team as deputy technical director.

Goss, who resigned from his position as technical director for governing body the FIA earlier this month, becomes the team's engineering lead, reporting to new team principal Laurent Mekies, who joined from Ferrari last year.

Mekies said: "The appointments of Tim, Guillaume and Alan add a vast amount of winning expertise to the team, and I have no doubt that they will help take the team to the next level in F1.

"We already have a very strong and hugely experienced group at the team and bringing onboard highly skilled individuals like Tim, Guillaume and Alan will boost our capability and help us meet the highest technical standards, both at the factory and at the track."

Goss spent 28 years at McLaren until losing his job in 2018 as the team went through a restructure following a loss of performance.

He said: "There's an exciting challenge ahead of us but I think the team is well-equipped to meet that head on."

The 60-year-old heads the team's technical department and will oversee technical director Jody Eggington, with Catellani next in seniority.

Permane had been at Renault in its various guises for 34 years when he became the victim of a management reshuffle in the middle of last season, which also saw team principal Otmar Szafanauer lose his job and chief technical officer Pat Fry choose to move to Williams.

A widely respected figure in F1, Permane's move amounts to a promotion from his former position at Renault.

He said: "After a few months of downtime, it's great to return to racing again.

"From long experience, I know how professional, driven and competitive the people within this race team are and I can't wait to see where that spirit can take the team in the future."


BBC
 
Formula 1 has rejected the American Andretti team's bid to enter the sport in the next two years - but left the door open for admission from 2028.

Andretti's entry had been approved by governing body the FIA but commercial rights holders F1 felt the proposal for entry in 2025 or 2026 was lacking.

F1 conducted analysis involving key stakeholders and decided an 11th team "would not on its own add value".

F1 also does "not believe the applicant would be a competitive participant".

That could change when partner General Motors produces its own engine.

GM - which is backing Andretti through its luxury Cadillac brand - has said it plans to build its own F1 engine in time for the 2028 season.

F1 said it would "look differently on an application for the entry of a team into the 2028 championship with a GM power unit, either as a GM works team or as a GM customer team designing all allowable components in-house.

"In this case there would be additional factors to consider in respect of the value that the applicant would bring to the championship, in particular in respect of bringing a prestigious new OEM [car manufacturer] to the sport as a PU [engine] supplier."

F1 said that before that stage, "the need for any new team to take a compulsory power-unit supply, potentially over a period of several seasons, would be damaging to the prestige and standing of the championship".

And it dismissed the argument that the Andretti name - associated both with 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti and his son Michael, an Indycar legend and former F1 driver - was a compelling addition.

"While the Andretti name carries some recognition for F1 fans, our research indicates that F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around," a statement said.

Michael Andretti is one of the most successful Indycar drivers of all time who also raced in F1 for most of the 1993 season for McLaren. His team competes in Indycar, endurance racing, touring cars, and the electric Formula E and Extreme E championships.

Andretti's father Mario is a motorsport legend who raced in F1 from 1968 to 1982, and won 12 grands prix in addition his world title. He was also successful in Indycar and endurance racing, is a figurehead for the team.

Other factors taken into account in the decision were the "operational burden on race promoters, [which] would subject some to significant costs".

And F1 said it was "not able to identify any material expected positive effect on CRH financial results, as a key indicator of the pure commercial value of the championship".

The decision was arrived at following research and analysis involving broadcasters, sponsors and circuits - the sport's main revenue streams.

F1's key finding centred on engine supply. It essentially decided that having to use an engine from an existing manufacturer for a limited period while having close links to a company that would soon be a rival was too big a compromise on the team's potential competitiveness.

It is a different situation from that of a normal customer engine supply - such as that of Mercedes with McLaren - because of the potential risks to intellectual property and the restrictions F1 considers that would place on collaboration.

The existing F1 teams had made it clear that they were not in favour of Andretti's entry for 2025 or 2026, on the basis that it would have diluted their earnings from prize money.

Current rules dictate that new entrants must pay an anti-dilution fee of $200m (£158m) to compensate the existing teams but they felt this was insufficient given the current values of F1 teams, which are in the region of $1bn.

However, F1's statement made no mention of consulting the existing teams in its assessment of Andretti's bid, or a recognition of their position.

Source: BBC
 
Carlos Sainz has released a statement about his future.

It follows the news that Lewis Hamilton will be joining Ferrari in 2025.

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Christian Horner accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by female colleague

Red Bull team principal is under investigation but is understood to deny the allegations.
 

Formula 1 teams agree changes to Sprint format for six 2024 events​

Formula 1 teams have agreed to reorder the sport's Sprint weekend format for the 2024 season and beyond.

The events, of which there will be six in 2024, will retain the same sessions but they have been rejigged in an attempt to create a better spectacle.

Following free practice on a Friday, Sprint qualifying (also known as the Sprint Shootout), rather than qualifying for Sunday's full-length race, will take place as the day's second session.

The Sprint will follow first thing on Saturday, before traditional qualifying comes later in the day, ahead of the race on Sunday.

The changes were agreed at the F1 Commission meeting in London on Monday, and will need to be approved by the World Motorsport Council, at its next meeting on February 28.

China, Miami, Austria, the United States (Austin), Sao Paulo and Qatar are the grands prix that will stage the short-format races in 2024.

It remains to be seen how parc-ferme regulations, which previously prohibited teams from making significant changes to the cars after the single Friday practice session, will be adjusted around the new schedule.

www.skysports.com

Formula 1 teams agree changes to Sprint format for six 2024 events

F1s Sprint Shootouts will take place on a Friday, with qualifying for the full-length race taking place on a Saturday after the Sprint; the changes must be approved by the World Motorsport Council; watch every F1 race in 2024 live on Sky Sports F1
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Christian Horner allegations: Hearing into complaint against Red Bull team principal set for Friday

A hearing into a complaint of inappropriate behaviour made against Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner will take place on Friday.

Red Bull said it took the allegations "extremely seriously" when they emerged on Monday and started an investigation.

Horner, 50, has won six constructors' championships with Red Bull since becoming team principal in 2005.

Asked about the allegations by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, external, Horner said: "I completely deny these claims."

Though Red Bull has not confirmed the nature of the complaint, BBC Sport understands the claims relate to an allegation of inappropriate and controlling behaviour.

BBC Sport understands the hearing will take place in the UK.

In a statement released on Monday, Red Bull said: "After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.

"This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."

Horner has been Red Bull team principal since they first started on the F1 grid in 2005 and has gone on to win seven drivers' championships and six constructors' championships with the team.

That includes a record-breaking 2023 season in which the team won 21 of 22 races as Max Verstappen secured his third world title.

Having received an OBE in 2013, Briton Horner was appointed a CBE in the New Year's Honours list last year.

Horner, who married Spice Girl Geri Halliwell in Bedfordshire in 2015, raced competitively as a youngster but retired aged 25 and set his sights on managing an F1 team.

Red Bull are due to launch their latest car on 15 February before the new season which starts in Bahrain on 2 March.


BBC
 
Christian Horner: Hearing into Red Bull team boss ends without resolution

A hearing into charges of inappropriate and controlling behaviour against Christian Horner has finished without resolution.

The Red Bull team boss was quizzed on Friday by a lawyer for several hours on charges that relate to his behaviour towards a female employee.

A spokesperson for Red Bull said: "It would not be appropriate to comment before the investigation is completed."

Horner has denied the claims to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, external.

It is unclear whether the matter will be resolved before Red Bull's 2024 launch at their Milton Keynes factory on 15 February, where their new car is set to be unveiled.

Red Bull are still planning for the event to go ahead.

The investigation into Horner could take weeks, and there are even questions as to whether it will be completed in time for the start of the season.

Pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from 21-23 February. The first race of the season, also in the Gulf state, is on 1-3 March.


www.bbc.com

Christian Horner: Hearing into Red Bull team boss ends without resolution

The hearing into charges of inappropriate and controlling behaviour against Red Bull team boss Christian Horner finishes without resolution.
www.bbc.com
 
Fernando Alonso Says He Is 'Attractive' To Other F1 Teams After Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Switch

Fernando Alonso said he is "attractive" to other Formula One teams but denied any contact with Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton announced he was quitting to drive for Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton's departure at the end of this season will create a vacancy alongside George Russell, while Max Verstappen's Red Bull team are also due to have a seat available, with Sergio Perez's contract expiring at the end of the season. The 42-year-old's two-season deal with Aston Martin is up for renewal in 2025, but the Spaniard believes he is capable of competing in F1 until he is 50.

Speaking ahead of Monday's launch of the team's AMR24 car, Alonso, who won back-to-back world championships with Renault in 2004 and 2005, said: "I am aware of my situation, which is very unique.

"There are only three world champions on the grid and I am the only one available for 2025, so I am in a good position.

"On a move to Mercedes, there has been nothing at all. I know the driver market has started earlier this year, but this will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season.

"If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin. I trust this project and that will be my first priority.

"But if we cannot reach an agreement I know that I am attractive to other teams. I will not stay in Formula One just to have fun. I am not that kind of person and not that kind of driver. Let's see what the options are."

Commenting on Hamilton's move to Ferrari, Alonso, who drove for the Italian team between 2010 and 2014, added: "It was a surprise, I will not lie, not because of the change itself but from the outside it seemed like he was very linked to Mercedes and very loyal to Mercedes.

"Ferrari is a special team but it is more special when you win. Maybe Lewis can bring that extra fight for the championship because the car is there."

Alonso finished fourth in last year's drivers' championship as Aston Martin shot up the grid from also-rans to frontrunners.

The Spaniard will this season become the first man to take part in 400 Grands Prix and the evergreen driver raised the prospect of competing deep into his forties.

"A few years ago I would say 41 or 42 is the limit, but after last year I saw I was motivated, performing well, and I was thinking I could race a few more years," he said.

"Now, this winter, I have exceeded expectations in terms of the physical tests, so if I am motivated and ready to commit, I can race until 48, 49 or maybe even 50."

SOURCE: https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/f...-after-lewis-hamiltons-ferrari-switch-5047529
 
Christian Horner: Red Bull team boss to attend F1 car launch amid investigation

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner will make his first public appearance on Thursday since a complaint of inappropriate behaviour was made against him.

The 50-year-old is under investigation by Red Bull, but is expected to be at the launch of the team's new F1 car.

He was interviewed by an independent lawyer on Friday over claims about his behaviour towards a female employee.

Horner, who has led the team since 2005, has denied the allegations.

It is not known whether Horner will address the claims against him directly in interviews at the launch of the RB20 car, at Red Bull's Milton Keynes factory.

But his presence will overshadow the event. He is unlikely to be able to comment specifically on the allegations, but they will inevitably be a focus of attention in enquiries towards him and drivers Max Verstappen and his team-mate Sergio Perez.

Red Bull's parent company has said it takes the allegations against Horner "extremely seriously" and added it "would not be appropriate to comment before the investigation is completed".

Friday's hearing finished without resolution.

Horner has denied the allegations in a comment to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The investigation into Horner could take weeks, and there are even questions as to whether it will be complete in time for the start of the season.

Pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from 21-23 February. The first race of the season, also in Bahrain, is on 1-3 March.

Red Bull's new car has already run behind closed doors in a test at Silverstone.

The RB20 is the follow-up to last year's RB19, which with Verstappen achieved the most dominant season in F1 history.




BBC
 
Formula 1 has urged Red Bull to resolve the controversy surrounding Christian Horner as soon as possible.

Horner, Red Bull's team principal, is facing allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards a female colleague.

Horner, who has led the team since 2005, has denied the allegations.

"We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process," an F1 statement read.

"We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing," it added.

"We will not comment further at this time."

BBC
 

Christian Horner: Formula 1 wants Red Bull to resolve team boss controversy 'as soon as possible'​

Formula 1 has urged Red Bull to resolve the controversy surrounding Christian Horner as soon as possible.

Horner, Red Bull's team principal, is facing allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards a female colleague.

Horner, who has led the team since 2005, has denied the allegations.

"We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process," an F1 statement read.

"We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing," it added.

"We will not comment further at this time."

When the allegations emerged two weeks ago, Red Bull issued a statement saying it was taking the matter "extremely seriously".

The company said it was launching an "independent investigation" which was "being carried out by an external specialist barrister" and would "be completed as soon as practically possible".

Horner was interviewed by a lawyer for several hours on 9 February.

Speaking at the launch of Red Bull's new F1 car on Thursday, Horner said: "I obviously deny the allegations that have been made but I'm going through a process and fully respect that process."

Red Bull's lawyer is expected to compile a report which will then be submitted to the company's board.

The identity of the lawyer has not been made public, nor have any other details about the scope of the investigation.

Meanwhile, US car giant Ford, which is to become the engine partner of Red Bull in F1 in 2026, has issued a statement about Horner's situation.

Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said: "As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners.

"It appears to us, and what we've been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they're worried about their brand, as well.

"And that's why they've got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it's too early for us to comment on it all."

F1's governing body the FIA said it will "not comment while the investigation continues", but said on Monday that it "remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport".

Red Bull's pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from 21-23 February. Horner told reporters earlier this week, external that he intends to be in the paddock when it takes place.

Source: BBC
 
They would want this matter to be settled before the start of the season but at the moment it looks unlikely.
 

F1 pre-season testing: Red Bull main focus as teams prepare for new season​

Red Bull will be the focus of attention when Formula 1 pre-season testing starts this week in Bahrain - for reasons both on track and off.

For one thing, the future of team principal Christian Horner is in doubt as a result of an internal investigation being conducted by Red Bull into allegations that the 50-year-old has engaged in inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards a female colleague.

For another, the car Red Bull unveiled at the team's Milton Keynes base last Thursday was a bit of a "wow" moment, even if chief technical officer Adrian Newey insisted that he did not consider it to be any kind of enormous step forward.

The 10 teams have just three days of testing to prepare for the start of the season and can run only one car at a time. So each driver should have no more than a day and a half to become acquainted with his new car in Bahrain.

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was bemoaning this at the launch of his Aston Martin car a week or so ago. The Spaniard called the paucity of running "unfair".

Alonso is guaranteed to be at the centre of attention this season, given the vacancy at Mercedes next season following Lewis Hamilton's decision to switch to Ferrari. As Alonso put it: "There are three world champions on the grid and I am the only one available."

But the driver market is a discussion for a little way down the road. Right now, even the stars without a seat for 2025 will be focused more on their new steeds than their futures.

Normally, it is hard to divine a clear picture of relative performance from pre-season testing because of the variables of fuel loads, engine modes, track condition, tyres and so on. But last year, the fact that Red Bull's RB19 was in a league of its own was clear from pretty much its first serious run.

By the end of the three days last year, the identity of the 2023 world champion was in not even the slightest doubt, even if no-one expected Max Verstappen and Red Bull to produce the most dominant season in F1 history.

The nine other teams - not to mention everyone with an investment in a competitive, exciting world championship in what will be F1's longest ever season - will be hoping against hope that the same thing does not happen again this week.

www.bbc.com

F1 pre-season testing: Red Bull main focus as teams prepare for new season

Red Bull will be the focus of attention when Formula 1 pre-season testing starts this week in Bahrain - for reasons both on and off the track.
www.bbc.com
 
It is very likely that we are going to see another season of Red Bull dominance.
 
Team Red Bulls in hot waters now
====
Toto Wolff says the investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour faced by Red Bull's Christian Horner is "an issue for all of Formula 1".

Red Bull's team principal Horner is the subject of an internal investigation by the team into his behaviour towards a female colleague.

Horner, who has led the team since 2005, has denied the allegations.

Mercedes team principal Wolff has called for the investigation to be transparent.

"If it is done in the right way with transparency and rigour, we need to look at the outcomes and what it means for F1 and how we can learn from that," said Wolff.

"We want to talk about sport rather than these kind of very, very critical topics."

F1 wants Horner allegations clarified 'at earliest opportunity'

Allegations a 'distraction' for Red Bull - Horner

Wolff was the only one of five team principals prepared to address a question on the Horner allegations in a news conference on the first day of pre-season testing in Bahrain on Wednesday.

He added: "F1 and the teams, we stand for inclusion, equality, fairness, diversity. And it is not only talking about it, it is living it day in and day out.

"These are the standards we are setting ourselves. We are a global sport, one of the most important sports in the world, and we are role models.

"But there is a lot of speculation happening over the last weeks, speculation we have heard of, and lots of things that are going on.

"It is not just a team issue. It is an issue for all of F1."

Wolff is the first senior figure to comment on the allegations against Horner, who remains in his position as Red Bull team principal while the investigation is ongoing.

Red Bull have failed to explain why the investigation is taking so long after the allegations first emerged earlier this month.

F1, the sport's commercial rights holders, have urged Red Bull to clarify the matter "at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process".

Governing body the FIA has said it will not comment until the investigation is complete, but added: "The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport."

Red Bull's lawyer is expected to compile a report which will then be submitted to the company's board.

The identity of the lawyer has not been made public, nor have any other details about the scope of the investigation.

Source: BBC
 
F1 pre-season testing: Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes improved but Red Bull still clear

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes have "definitely improved" their car for this season but Red Bull "clearly are out in the distance".

The seven-time champion said his team had "done a great job" in redesigning their car after abandoning their previous discredited philosophy.

"It felt much more enjoyable to drive," Hamilton said. "We still have time to find.

"Red Bull clearly are out in the distance."

A year ago, Hamilton was frustrated Mercedes had dismissed his concerns about their 2022 car and continued with the same design philosophy into the following season.

But the new Mercedes is more conventional in following the design trend started by Red Bull two years ago.

"It's a good platform to work from, a much better car to start the season with," added Hamilton.

He ended the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain with the 12th fastest time, having taken part in only the slower first session.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the times, 0.046 seconds faster than Hamilton's team-mate George Russell.

Both of them, in addition to Sauber's Zhou Guanyu with the third fastest time, used softer tyres to beat the previous benchmark established by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who continued the impressive form he showed on the first day of testing.

Not only was Verstappen's fastest time set on harder tyres, they were not even new and at their peak when he did it. He starts the season as a strong favourite for a fourth consecutive world title.

Hamilton is entering his final season with Mercedes having decided to join Ferrari for 2025 and is determined to go out on a high.

"This chapter is still not finished," he added. "I am still 100% focused on finishing on a high with this team and have absolutely faith in everything going on in the team - and we will try to close the gap to the Red Bull somehow."


www.bbc.com

F1 pre-season testing: Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes improved but Red Bull still clear

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes have "definitely improved" but Red Bull are "clearly are out in the distance" following the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain.
www.bbc.com
 

Christian Horner: Investigation into Red Bull team principal expected to be resolved before Bahrain GP​

An investigation into Red Bull team principal Christian Horner for alleged inappropriate behaviour is likely to be resolved before this week's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Earlier in February, Horner was placed under investigation by the F1 team's Austrian parent company Red Bull GmbH following an allegation of inappropriate behaviour being made against him by a female colleague.

The external investigation carried out by a specialist barrister, which included an interview with Horner on February 9, is understood to have now been completed.

Horner has denied the allegations throughout the process and was present at reigning constructors' champions 2024 car launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain last week.

The extensive report, which is thought to run well over 100 pages, is now in the hands of the Red Bull GmbH board, who will ultimately decide whether Horner remains in his dual roles of team principal and chief executive.

A decision is expected to be made and communicated on either Tuesday or Wednesday, when Horner is scheduled to return to Bahrain from the UK. The opening practice sessions of the 2024 F1 season take place on Thursday, ahead of Saturday's race.

While the saga has played out in public with details repeatedly emerging from reports in the Dutch media, there is no expectation that a decision over Horner's future will be presented with major detail.

Any statement from Red Bull GmbH is expected to reflect a thorough and fair investigation, but matters of confidentiality are likely to limit the amount of information shared publicly.

Horner is F1's longest-serving team principal having been at the helm of Red Bull since they entered the sport in 2005 and has overseen the winning of six constructors' and seven drivers' titles.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said during pre-season testing that the Horner situation is "an issue for all of Formula 1, while McLaren chief executive Zak Brown called for a "swift " and "transparent" conclusion to the investigation.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who is seeking a fourth successive drivers' title with the team, said that it would be "nice for everyone" when the matter is resolved.

Horner, who had said at Red Bull's launch on February 15 that it was "business as usual" for the team, was asked two questions on the investigation in the same press conference as Brown but said he was unable to comment.

The investigation and its handling is currently somewhat out of the hands of the Red Bull Racing team, with Red Bull GmbH in control.

Source: SKY
 
It seems they have already settled the issue within the team which is a good thing. This should give everyone at Red Bull to concentrate fully on their main job as the real action on the track is going to start soon.
 
Lewis Hamilton says the investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Christian Horner is "a really important moment" for F1.

The outcome of Red Bull's internal investigation into team principal Horner is expected imminently on the eve of the new season in Bahrain.

Allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards a female colleague were made against Horner.

The 50-year-old has always denied the allegations.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton said: "It does need to be resolved as it's hanging over the sport.

"It will be really interesting to see how it's dealt with and the effect it may well have on the sport."

Red Bull's investigation has been handled by an external lawyer who has compiled a report to be analysed by the company's board.

Horner was interviewed three weeks ago. He has since appeared in public in news conferences at the Red Bull car launch and pre-season testing.

In an interview with the BBC on 15 February, Horner again denied the allegations and said they were "a distraction" for his team.

Mercedes driver Hamilton, speaking in a news conference before the opening race of the season in Bahrain on Saturday, added: "It is a really important moment for the sport to make sure we stand true to our values.

"We always have to do more to try to make the sport and the environment people work in feel safe and inclusive. Any allegations have to be taken very seriously."

Red Bull's three-time world champion Max Verstappen was asked whether he was 100% behind Horner.

The Dutchman replied: "I am trusting the process that is happening right now. Besides that, when you talk about performance, it is important everyone stays together."

Asked what he knew about the process and again whether he still had full confidence in Horner, Verstappen said: "I do not want to get into that. It is not my case and I don't want to be involved.

"We have to trust the patience and trust the process. There is no point screaming about it."

Other drivers alongside Hamilton in the official news conference - Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris and Alex Albon - declined to address the topic.

McLaren Racing chief executive officer Zak Brown told BBC 5 live Breakfast on Wednesday: "It's very unsettling. It's very concerning. The allegations are extremely serious.

"All the men and women at McLaren are held to the highest standards of moral. There's values that are at our heart, and everyone in F1 themselves.

"As [commercial rights holder] Formula 1 and [governing body] the FIA have rightfully said, they want to see this investigation come to a swift and very transparent conclusion, where whenever that conclusion is, the right actions are taken."

Hamilton's Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said last week that the Horner investigation was "an issue for all of F1", adding: "If it is done in the right way with transparency and rigour, we need to look at the outcomes and what it means for F1 and how we can learn from that.

"We want to talk about sport rather than these kind of very, very critical topics."

Brown pointed out that US car giant Ford, which will partner with Red Bull in F1 on an engine project from 2026, had expressed its displeasure at the way Red Bull was handling the process.

"Ford has recently said they're very frustrated with the pace," Brown said. "It does seem like things should be coming to an end here quickly because we really need to be talking about F1, as we go into the start of the year."

Brown was referring to a letter Ford CEO Jim Farley had sent to Red Bull which was leaked to the Associated Press news agency.

Farley wrote that Ford was "increasingly frustrated by the lack of resolution or clear indication from you about when you anticipate a fair and just resolution of this matter".

"We are likewise frustrated by the lack of full transparency surrounding this matter with us, your corporate partners, and look forward to receiving a complete account of all findings," he added.

BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Christian Horner: Lewis Hamilton says allegations against Red Bull boss 'a really important moment for F1'

Lewis Hamilton says the inquiry into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Christian Horner is "a really important moment" for Formula 1.
www.bbc.com
 
FearlessRoar said:
Lewis Hamilton says the investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Christian Horner is "a really important moment" for F1.

The outcome of Red Bull's internal investigation into team principal Horner is expected imminently on the eve of the new season in Bahrain.

Allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards a female colleague were made against Horner.

The 50-year-old has always denied the allegations.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton said: "It does need to be resolved as it's hanging over the sport.

"It will be really interesting to see how it's dealt with and the effect it may well have on the sport."

Red Bull's investigation has been handled by an external lawyer who has compiled a report to be analysed by the company's board.

Horner was interviewed three weeks ago. He has since appeared in public in news conferences at the Red Bull car launch and pre-season testing.

In an interview with the BBC on 15 February, Horner again denied the allegations and said they were "a distraction" for his team.

Mercedes driver Hamilton, speaking in a news conference before the opening race of the season in Bahrain on Saturday, added: "It is a really important moment for the sport to make sure we stand true to our values.

"We always have to do more to try to make the sport and the environment people work in feel safe and inclusive. Any allegations have to be taken very seriously."

Red Bull's three-time world champion Max Verstappen was asked whether he was 100% behind Horner.

The Dutchman replied: "I am trusting the process that is happening right now. Besides that, when you talk about performance, it is important everyone stays together."

Asked what he knew about the process and again whether he still had full confidence in Horner, Verstappen said: "I do not want to get into that. It is not my case and I don't want to be involved.

"We have to trust the patience and trust the process. There is no point screaming about it."

Other drivers alongside Hamilton in the official news conference - Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris and Alex Albon - declined to address the topic.

McLaren Racing chief executive officer Zak Brown told BBC 5 live Breakfast on Wednesday: "It's very unsettling. It's very concerning. The allegations are extremely serious.

"All the men and women at McLaren are held to the highest standards of moral. There's values that are at our heart, and everyone in F1 themselves.

"As [commercial rights holder] Formula 1 and [governing body] the FIA have rightfully said, they want to see this investigation come to a swift and very transparent conclusion, where whenever that conclusion is, the right actions are taken."

Hamilton's Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said last week that the Horner investigation was "an issue for all of F1", adding: "If it is done in the right way with transparency and rigour, we need to look at the outcomes and what it means for F1 and how we can learn from that.

"We want to talk about sport rather than these kind of very, very critical topics."

Brown pointed out that US car giant Ford, which will partner with Red Bull in F1 on an engine project from 2026, had expressed its displeasure at the way Red Bull was handling the process.

"Ford has recently said they're very frustrated with the pace," Brown said. "It does seem like things should be coming to an end here quickly because we really need to be talking about F1, as we go into the start of the year."

Brown was referring to a letter Ford CEO Jim Farley had sent to Red Bull which was leaked to the Associated Press news agency.

Farley wrote that Ford was "increasingly frustrated by the lack of resolution or clear indication from you about when you anticipate a fair and just resolution of this matter".

"We are likewise frustrated by the lack of full transparency surrounding this matter with us, your corporate partners, and look forward to receiving a complete account of all findings," he added.

BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Christian Horner: Lewis Hamilton says allegations against Red Bull boss 'a really important moment for F1'

Lewis Hamilton says the inquiry into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Christian Horner is "a really important moment" for Formula 1.
www.bbc.com
Click to expand...
Christian Horner will continue in his role as Red Bull team principal after allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him were dismissed following an investigation.

Sky Sports
 
Christian Horner said Red Bull has “never been stronger” after he was given the green light to remain as team principal. Horner was in the Bahrain paddock on Thursday morning after he was cleared of inappropriate controlling behaviour towards a female colleague.

Speaking on Sky Sports before the opening round of the Formula One season, Horner, 50, said: “I am pleased that the process is over, and I cannot comment about it. I am here to focus on the grand prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.”

Horner added: “I can’t give you any further comment, but the process has been conducted and concluded. I am pleased to be here in Bahrain, and with the team, focused on the season ahead. Within the team it [the unity] has never been stronger.”

Red Bull Racing’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, announced on 5 February that Horner was under investigation following an accusation made against him by a female colleague. Horner emphatically denied the claim and, on Wednesday, he was cleared of wrongdoing. Red Bull GmbH said it was confident the investigation had been “fair, rigorous and impartial”, but added that the report – understood to stretch to 150 pages – is “confidential”.

The Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, had called for the investigation to be conducted with transparency but no details of the allegations against Horner were reported. The complainant also has a right to appeal against the verdict.

Addressing the controversy on Thursday, the Williams team principal, James Vowles, said he has to believe Red Bull’s process has been thorough. Vowles said: “I have a responsibility for Williams, and if anything like that happens here, I would want to make sure we properly investigate it and do a robust process that is clear to the outside world what has happened and what we can do to rectify that. I trust that Red Bull have done a strong process and we have to in that circumstance.

“But what I want is us as a sport to be proud that we are sitting on a set of foundations that is one of inclusivity, one of openness and transparency and all I ask in that matter is that we make sure we have faith and trust that all of the organisations are working for the same standards.”

A statement from Red Bull GmbH on Wednesday read: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.

“The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”

Horner, who has protested his innocence throughout, was questioned by a lawyer for eight hours this month in London. Horner has been Red Bull team principal since they entered F1 19 years ago and is the longest-serving boss on the grid. He has overseen seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.

The Guardian

www.theguardian.com

Christian Horner says Red Bull F1 have ‘never been stronger’ after being cleared

Christian Horner said Red Bull has ‘never been stronger’ after he was given the green light to remain as team principal
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two in Thursday practice at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Hamilton was 0.206 seconds quicker than team-mate George Russell with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso just 0.08secs further adrift.

Pre-season favourite Max Verstappen was down in sixth, 0.477secs off the pace.

However, the three-time world champion appeared to be the fastest as expected when the teams switched to race-simulation runs later in the session.

The teams did not run this practice session in the same manner as usual, making it even harder to read from the outside even than normal.


BBC
 
Red Bull chief Christian Horner has responded to an alleged leaking of messages, insisting he will not comment.

Horner had been cleared of wrongdoing by an independent investigation after being accused of coercive behaviour in his position as Team Principal of Red Bull.

However, leaked messages purported to be from Horner have since come to light and the 50-year-old has responded with a statement.

He said: "I won't comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.

"I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.

"It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made."

TalkSport
 
F1 qualifying: Max Verstappen takes pole in Bahrain for first race of the season

Red Bull's Max Verstappen put in a crushing performance to set pole position for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

The world champion was 0.228 seconds quicker than Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in second. Mercedes' George Russell was third from Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was only ninth, 0.225secs behind team-mate Russell.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez was fifth, from Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and McLaren's Lando Norris.

Verstappen's ultimate margin was smaller than many in F1 expected it would be before the weekend - some had predicted the three-time champion would be 0.5secs clear of the field.

However, his superiority was underlined by the fact that only Leclerc managed to beat on new tyres the time Verstappen had set on used tyres in his first run in final qualifying, and even then by only 0.014secs.

Given the Red Bull's traditional performance pattern, which sees their advantage extend in races in relation to qualifying, he looks a shoe-in for a first victory of the season to continue a run of consecutive race wins that goes back to Japan in late September last year.

And his performance bodes ill for a competitive season at the front of the field, after Verstappen and Red Bull combined to produce the most dominant season in F1 history in 2023.


www.bbc.com

F1 qualifying: Max Verstappen takes pole in Bahrain for first race of the season

Red Bull's Max Verstappen puts in a crushing performance to set pole position for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
www.bbc.com
 
Verstappen a la Schumacher - so far ahead!
 
On average, a Formula 1 team uses 350,000 liters of fuel during a full season.Jul 23, 2023

how environmentally unfriendly is that?
 
I used to work with formula one teams throughout the year as part of my job. I have even been offered positions with a couple of them. I refused and formula one is one area I will never work with again. You have to be there to understand how totally out of touch these people are. They think working till 8/9 every day is normal. They think what they do is more important than what happens in hospital. They think because they pay you well they can exploit you.

I said to my management that if they put me in a project working with any of the F1 teams I will hand my notice in.
 
Christian Horner: Jos Verstappen says controversy 'driving team apart'

The controversy around Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is "driving people apart", says the father of the team's F1 champion Max Verstappen.

An anonymous email including messages purporting to involve Horner were leaked on Thursday, a day after Red Bull dismissed a complaint of inappropriate behaviour against him.

Horner has refused to say if the leaked messages are genuine.

"It cannot continue this way," said former F1 driver Jos Verstappen.

"The situation is not good for the team and is driving people apart."

Verstappen denied that he was the source of the leaks.

The 51-year-old told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: "Why would I do that? Max has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, is performing great and feels at home here. I have no interest in that at all."

Verstappen made similar comments to the Daily Mail, saying Red Bull would "explode" if Horner remained in his position, adding: "He is playing the victim when he is the one causing problems."

Verstappen told BBC Sport he made the comments to the two newspapers after falling out with Horner in Bahrain.


www.bbc.com

Christian Horner: Jos Verstappen says controversy 'driving team apart'

The controversy surrounding Red Bull boss Christian Horner is "driving people apart", says the father of world champion Max Verstappen.
www.bbc.com
 
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport's governing body the FIA, is under investigation for allegedly interfering over a Formula 1 race result.

A whistleblower has told the FIA that Ben Sulayem allegedly intervened to overturn a penalty given to Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The claim is in a report by an FIA compliance officer to its ethics committee, which has been seen by BBC Sport.

Ben Sulayem and the FIA have not responded to requests for comment.

The allegation made by the whistleblower is that Ben Sulayem called Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa - the FIA's vice-president for sport for the Middle East and North Africa region, who was in Saudi Arabia for the race in an official capacity - and made it clear he thought Alonso's penalty should be revoked.

Alonso had been given a 10-second penalty for work done on his car while he was serving a previous five-second penalty.

The report, by compliance officer Paolo Basarri, says the whistleblower reported that Ben Sulayem "pretended the stewards to overturn their decision to issue" the penalty to Alonso.

In Italian, the word "pretendere" means to require or expect.

The ethics committee is expected to take four to six weeks to issue its report.

The penalty in question had dropped Alonso from third place - behind Red Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen - to fourth, also behind Mercedes' George Russell. Withdrawing it returned him to a podium position.

In addition, BBC Sport has verified the information with several senior figures at high levels in F1 and close to the FIA. None would go on the record, but all said they had the same information.
 

Formula 1: Alpine pair resign after poor start at Bahrain GP​

The Alpine team have reorganised their design department in the wake of a poor start to the season and the departure of their technical boss.

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly qualified on the back row of the grid at the first race of the season in Bahrain and finished 17th and 18th respectively.

Technical director Matt Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer have resigned from their roles.

They will be replaced by a new structure under team boss Bruno Famin.

Mirroring the organisation introduced by McLaren early last year, Alpine will now have three technical directors responsible for key areas of design.

Ciaron Pilbeam has been promoted from head of race engineering to technical director responsible for performance.

Engineering will be led by Joe Burnell and aerodynamics by David Wheater.

Famin said in a team statement: "We have decided to make these organisational changes as we can clearly see that we are not where we want nor need to be in terms of performance level and it is time to take another step in terms of organisation and people.

"The new three-pillared structure with three technical directors, each specialising in different areas, will bring better work and collaboration across our technical areas and contribute to delivering performance from the factories to the race track."

Alpine is the name for Renault's F1 team, with the French car company choosing to use it to promote its niche lightweight sportscar brand.

After finishing fourth in 2022 they fell to sixth in 2023 and made major changes to their car design philosophy for this season in an attempt to move back up the grid.

They started the season accepting it would take time to learn how to optimise their new car, but its lack of performance last weekend was an unwelcome surprise.

The team's engine is also known to be the least powerful on the grid. It has fallen behind since an engine development freeze was imposed on F1 in 2022.

This restricts any changes to power-units to those made for reliability reasons.

The other suppliers - Honda, Mercedes and Ferrari - have been able to find performance gains this way, whereas Alpine have failed to exploit the rules as effectively.

Source: BBC
 
Alpine is big trouble at the moment and it would be a surprise to many if they would be able to score any points this season.
 

Mohammed Ben Sulayem: FIA president allegedly told officials not to certify Las Vegas GP​

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of Formula 1's governing body, allegedly told officials not to certify the Las Vegas circuit for its race last year.

The claim is from the same whistleblower who accused Ben Sulayem of allegedly telling officials to overturn a penalty to Fernando Alonso in Saudi Arabia last year.

The whistleblower says they were told "on behest of the FIA president" to find a way not to pass the circuit safe for racing.

The claim is in a report by the FIA's compliance officer to its ethics committee.

BBC Sport has seen the report.

A FIA spokesperson said: "From a sporting and safety perspective, the Las Vegas circuit approval followed FIA protocol in terms of inspection and certification.

"If you recall, there was a delay in the track being made available for inspection due to ongoing local organiser construction works."

The report quotes the whistleblower saying they were contacted by their manager, "who on behest of the FIA president instructed him to find some concerns to prevent the FIA from certifying the circuit before the weekend of the race".

The compliance report quotes the whistleblower as saying that "the purpose was to find fault with the track in order to withhold the licence".

It adds: "Asked to be more specific, [the whistleblower] said that issues on the circuit were meant to be artificially identified regardless of their actual existence, with the ultimate goal of withholding the licence."

The whistleblower said they tasked an official with performing this task, and named two further officials who were in the room at the time.

BBC Sport is not identifying the people named in the report.

The report adds that officials were "unable to find any concerns with the circuit and therefore certified the circuit fit for the race".

BBC Sport has learned that other officials present at the time have a different recollection of the events from the whistleblower.

It is not clear why Ben Sulayem would wish for FIA officials to refuse to certify the Las Vegas track.

The race was a poster event for F1, and commercial rights holders Liberty Media had invested at least £500m in the event in the hope of using it to promote the sport in the US and across the globe.

But the backdrop to Las Vegas, the penultimate race of last season, was two years of tension between Liberty Media and the FIA, in which Ben Sulayem on numerous occasions was keen to extract more money from F1 for the FIA.

The contract between the two parties sees the commercial rights holder pay the FIA about $40m a year to perform its duties in legislating F1.

A spokesperson for F1 declined to comment.

The FIA later issued a statement confirming its "Compliance Officer has received a report detailing potential allegations involving certain members of its governing bodies".

It added: "The Compliance Department is assessing these concerns, as is common practice in these matters, to ensure that due process is meticulously followed."

www.bbc.com

Mohammed Ben Sulayem: FIA president allegedly told officials not to certify Las Vegas GP

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of Formula 1's governing body, allegedly told officials not to certify the Las Vegas circuit for its race last year.
www.bbc.com
 
George Russell and Max Verstappen are leading calls from drivers for Formula 1 cars to be raised for the sake of their health and safety.

Russell said the violence drivers experience when cars hit bumps on track at high speed was "unsustainable".

World champion Verstappen raised the topic with governing body the FIA at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

"End of the straight with full load, the impact is too high with the low ride-heights," Verstappen said.

The Red Bull driver said that his intervention with the FIA, in the drivers' briefing in Bahrain last weekend, was "just some advice to look ahead".

The problem was "our comfort, our spine, compression over the bumps," Verstappen told BBC Sport.
 
The woman who accused team principal Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour has been suspended by Red Bull

Allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour had been made against the 50-year-old, which he denied.

After an internal investigation, Red Bull's board dismissed the complaint last week.

"The company cannot comment on this internal matter," a spokesperson said.

A day after Red Bull dismissed the complaint, an anonymous email including messages purporting to involve Horner were leaked.

Speaking at last week's Bahrain Grand Prix, Horner refused to say whether the messages leaked were genuine.

Red Bull have refused to release the name of the lawyer involved in the independent investigation or give any further details about the report that was compiled or how they reached their decision.

Timeline of Horner allegations

5 February: Red Bull announces investigation into Horner after complaint of inappropriate and controlling behaviour is made against him. Horner tells Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf:, external "I completely deny these claims."

11 February: Horner is interviewed by lawyer for several hours but hearing finishes without resolution.

15 February: Red Bull launch car for 2024 F1 season and Horner tells the BBC the investigation is "a distraction" for his team.

21 February: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff calls for investigation to be transparent.

28 February: Horner is cleared following internal investigation and Red Bull says he will remain in his role as team principal and chief executive.

29 February: As first practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix begins, Horner tells Sky Sports unity within Red Bull team has never been stronger. Later that day, Horner reiterates his denial of allegations after a series of messages were leaked to F1 personnel and media.

7 March: Woman who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour is suspended by Red Bull
After dismissing the complaint, Red Bull said "the complainant has a right of appeal".

Horner has been Red Bull team principal since they first started on the F1 grid in 2005 and has gone on to win seven drivers' championships and six constructors' championships with the team.

www.bbc.com

Red Bull suspend woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour

The woman who accused team principal Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour is suspended by Red Bull.
www.bbc.com
 
Red Bull's Max Verstappen set the pace in first practice at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix ahead of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.

Verstappen, dominant winner of the first race in Bahrain last weekend, was 0.186 seconds ahead of Alonso.

Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez was third fastest, from Mercedes' George Russell and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

McLaren's Lando Norris was seventh fastest ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and Alex Albon of Williams completed the top 10.

Just 0.577secs separated Verstappen in first from Hamilton in eighth on the Jeddah street circuit, the second longest track on the calendar after Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps.

The session was held in daylight, while qualifying and the race are after dark, a day earlier than usual on Friday and Saturday to ensure the race weekend is over before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

And the session took place under the shadow of the latest development in the ongoing saga over allegations involving Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Red Bull have suspended the employee who made the initial complaint against Horner, who has already denied the allegations.

Following an internal inquiry, Red Bull's board dismissed the complaint against their F1 team principal and chief executive officer.

Source: BBC
 
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen on pole with Oliver Bearman to start 11th

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was in imperious form as he set pole position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Verstappen did not need a second lap in final qualifying as he beat Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by 0.319 seconds.

Oliver Bearman, 18 and making his debut for Ferrari as the youngest British driver in Formula 1 history, was a creditable 11th, 0.53secs off Leclerc in the second session.

Mercedes' George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were seventh and eighth.

Leclerc said there was nothing left in the car after jumping from fourth to second with his final lap, underlining the level of superiority enjoyed by Verstappen.

The three-time champion was 0.335secs quicker than Perez on their first runs in the top 10 shootout and when the Mexican failed to improve and Leclerc also failed to approach his time, Verstappen bailed out on his final lap.

"That was a simply lovely qualifying," he said. "The car was on rails."


BBC
 

Helmut Marko: Red Bull motorsport adviser says he will stay with F1 team after talks​

Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko says he will stay with the team following talks with the company's chief executive officer Oliver Mintzlaff.

Marko faced an internal investigation amid the controversy around team boss Christian Horner.

He told Sky Germany: "We agreed on all points. I will continue here. My contract still has three years to run."

Marko thanked Max Verstappen for his support in the matter.

The three-time world champion had said on Friday after qualifying at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that Marko "has to stay".

And he came close to threatening to leave Red Bull if that were not the case, saying: "If such an important pillar falls away, that's not good for my situation as well.

"My loyalty to [Marko] is very big. I've always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he's an important part in my decision-making for all the time in the future as well within the team."

Marko said: "It was very impressive. I am very grateful to him for that. But he is one of the few who has strength of character and shows loyalty."

Marko, 80, added that "calm must return" to Red Bull after weeks of a febrile atmosphere following the allegations against Horner.

Horner faced an internal investigation by Red Bull but the company's board dismissed the allegations on the eve of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Twenty-four hours later, a cache of messages purporting to involve Horner was leaked to senior F1 personnel and media.

On Thursday, Horner said it was time to "draw a line" under the matter.

Marko denied claims that he had leaked the information to the media.

"The leaking is complete rubbish," he said. "I'm glad I can manage to use my mobile phone. I've never seen any of these chats."

Mintzlaff, who is in Saudi Arabia for the race, said: "We are happy with our management."

Source: BBC
 
Max Verstappen wins the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Sergio Perez finishes second to make it another 1-2 finish for the Red Bull.

HPZuV9U.png
 
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