This is Formula 1

🚨| Williams’ Miami Progress Encourages Sainz Despite Long Road Ahead:

— Carlos Sainz admitted Williams are still far from their target level despite the team securing a double points finish in Miami. Speaking to media, Sainz explained:

“I expect everyone at home to know that this is not yet the ideal situation, even if for everyone it is a relief to have brought two cars to points.”

“Even if it is a well-deserved recognition, it is certainly a step forward, but we must continue to work hard because we are not where we expected to be.”

— Sainz believes it will take months before Williams can complete its transformation and consistently compete at the level the team wants:

“We hope to be able to return to the levels we want by the end of the year. It will take a few months to complete the transformation.”

“I think we’ll have to get to the last third of the season to see a real turnaround. But at least the update brought to Miami worked.”

— The Spaniard added that more developments are already planned for upcoming races as Williams continues refining the package:

“We have lightened the burden a bit, but we know that there is still work to be done. We have some news in store for the next few races.”

— As head of the GDPA, Sainz also discussed overtaking concerns under the current regulations:

“I think we simply need to find a solution for when the car in front is on a straight line in overtaking mode, because in that case overtaking is impossible.”

— Alexander Albon praised the team’s progress after both cars finished in the points, while admitting the new package still requires further understanding:

“It was a difficult start to the season, so it’s great to take home a double point finish.”

“There is still room for improvement in terms of performance and we have been experimenting with different configurations throughout the weekend.”

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Number of overtakes in 4 races compared to last year… 👀



VIA: [the-race]

Max Verstappen 24H Nurburgring Debut shirt 👕. Available on verstappen.com

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VIA: [VerstappenCOM]

Rob Smedley’s message to Oscar… 👀

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VIA: [gpfans]

Masters of Nurburgring.. 🇩🇪



VIA: [gpfans]

But KMAG won’t be driving in his home face.. :(

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VIA: [gpfans]

Guess the Driver without saying the name… ☺️



VIA: [gpfans]

🚨| Ferrari's SF-26: Disappointment or Reality?

— As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, teams are in a crucial phase of development. While many introduced updates in Miami, others like Mercedes plan to do so in Montreal. Ferrari's SF-26 has been a focal point, with significant updates introduced in Miami.

— Ferrari has made visible progress with the SF-26, updating key components like the front and rear wings and the car's bottom. Despite these changes, the limitations of the Maranello project remain evident and cannot be resolved quickly, highlighting the need for continued development.

— Williams has shown notable improvement, largely due to a weight reduction strategy. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls had an inconsistent weekend, and Cadillac and Aston Martin are struggling at the lower end of the standings. Haas and Audi are next to reveal their updates.

— The ADUO is a major topic, with data collection concluding after Canada. This will determine which teams can introduce new engines this season. Additionally, regulatory changes for 2027 are being discussed, with recent meetings between FIA, Liberty Media, and teams setting new principles.

— The live discussion on Ferrari's current state and future prospects will be available on YouTube and as a podcast. The conversation will explore whether Ferrari is in crisis or on the right path for future success.

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VIA: [AutoRacer IT]

🚨| Domenicali's Defense of Formula 1's Evolution:

— Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, addressed criticisms from purists, likening their complaints to those of individuals who start at the back of the grid. Speaking to media, Domenicali remarked:

“There are reasons that have led to the need to have a power unit of this type, because otherwise today we would not have had manufacturers participating in the Formula 1 World Championship.”

— He emphasized the necessity of hybrid engines, arguing they are crucial for the sport's survival. Domenicali explained:

“The hybrid engine is not an ecological whim, it is a lifesaver for the category. Without him, no Aston Martin, no Audi, no Cadillac. No money. No show. Nothing at all.”

— Looking to the future, Domenicali promised a return to more traditional power units, with lighter cars and sustainable gasoline. He assured fans:

“The future will be vintage. A certified vintage, of course, complete with a green stamp and sponsorship from an ethical investment bank.”

— Domenicali also addressed the controversial 'lift and coast' technique, noting its historical roots. He stated:

“The so-called lift and coast so much discussed at the first Grand Prix existed in the 80s.”

— Concluding his defense, Domenicali highlighted the growing audience, particularly among younger fans. He noted:

“The races are exciting, the audience is growing, especially among young people.”



VIA: [formulapassion]

🚨| Hinchcliffe Criticizes Ferrari's Update Strategy:

— James Hinchcliffe, former IndyCar driver, criticized Ferrari's approach of introducing numerous updates simultaneously, suggesting it violates a fundamental engineering principle. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Hinchcliffe remarked:

“The number one rule of engineering is to make one change at a time, so that we can understand and isolate what is actually an improvement and what is worse.”

— He elaborated on the challenges posed by Ferrari's strategy, noting the complexity it introduces for both engineers and drivers:

“It involves assembling 11 or 12 different components and this makes it really difficult both for the engineers and for the pilots. Then nothing works in isolation on a Formula 1 car, everything works together. Introducing such a long list of updates is complex.”

— In the Miami race, Ferrari implemented 11 updates on the SF-26s driven by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, affecting the car's bottom, diffuser, wings, and suspensions. Despite these changes, Ferrari struggled to compete with Antonelli's Mercedes and Norris's McLaren, while Max Verstappen's Red Bull also joined the leading pack. Ferrari's new engine is not expected until the Spa race in mid-July, leaving fans concerned about the team's prospects.

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VIA: [formulapassion]

🚨| Max Verstappen Aims for Victory at Nurburgring 24 Hours:

— Max Verstappen has set an ambitious goal for himself as he prepares to compete in the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring for the first time. The Red Bull driver will be racing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for his Verstappen Racing team, alongside Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. Despite this being his debut at the prestigious event, Verstappen is determined to win. Speaking to media, Verstappen expressed:

“One of the biggest races of the year is of course the 24 hours of the Nürburgring, that's why we are here.”

“We are entering with a pro lineup and with myself in the lineup, that is really cool. It's also something I want to do every single year, with one car or multiple cars. The main objective and goal is to win races.”

— On what success would mean for him at the Nurburgring, Verstappen was clear:

“Success would mean winning. That's very simple, that's why we are here. I know it's not going to be easy, but that's the target for everyone. But at the same time, I am also just looking forward to the whole experience, sharing the car with my teammates, working throughout that whole weekend.”

— Verstappen also shared his motivation for racing at the Nurburgring and how simulation has prepared him:

“What inspired me the most is that it's one of the best tracks in the world, or the craziest track in the world, in a good way, that you can race at. It is one of these special races that you just want to compete in and win.”

— He further explained the role of simulation in his preparation:

“For me it all started on the simulator. I have done thousands of laps, to learn the track, and competed in multiple 24-hour races at the virtual Nürburgring. So, when I went out here for the first time in real life, getting to know the track wasn't the issue. It was all about understanding the new curbstones or grip levels, and of course understanding the real car with the g-forces and compressions. For sure the sim racing helped a lot to be on pace immediately.”

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VIA: [gpblog]