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  • F1 Academy announces five teams

    The all woman F1 Academy series have confirmed the team line-up for the inaugural campaign in 2023.

    Five veteran outfits in junior categories have confirmed their entries for next year with ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, Carlin, MP Motorsport and PREMA Racing fielding three cars each to comprise the 15 car grid.

    Each team has an established history in junior racing including the Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships, and will now be adding the all-women driver category to their motorsport setup from next year.

    F1 Academy focuses on young women drivers emerging in the junior ranks and aiding them in progressing to the higher levels of single seater racing.

    The first season will include seven events and with such experienced teams forming the ’23 line up, the drivers will gain vital experience both in and out of the car, helping each achieve their full potential.

    It is exciting to be able to announce the five teams that will be racing in the F1 Academy for next year and who will be providing this fantastic opportunity to the young and talented women to begin their journey into competitive motorsport. We believe it is important that everyone has the chance to follow their ambitions and get the support and guidance needed to progress and excel. The F1 Academy is an important part of our plan to increase diversity and representation in motorsport and we are looking forward to the first season in 2023 and stay tuned for more news in this area.

    Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

    I am very pleased to reveal the five teams entering the F1 Academy for the next three-year cycle, starting from 2023. We know them very well and we have been collaborating with each one for many years. They are well-known for their experience and expertise in nurturing and developing young drivers. I fully trust that they will give the drivers competing in the F1 Academy the keys to grow technically, and that they will help them with the physical and mental preparations for the journey ahead.

    Bruno Michel, General Manger of the 1 Academy.

  • Schumacher joins Mercedes as Reserve

    Mercedes have confirmed that Mick Schumacher will be taking on the role of reserve driver for 2023, following his departure from Haas.

    2020 F2 Champion Schumacher, contested two seasons with Haas, but was moved aside in favour of Nico Hulkenberg for 2023 – the team preferring the 181 Grand Prix worth of experience of Schumacher’s compatriot to help them move further up the midfield.

    Following the news of Schumacher’s exit from Haas, Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff was open about wanting to “look after” the German as he pointed to his family’s links to Mercedes.

    With both of Mercedes reserve drivers, Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne having found berths at Alpha Tauri in a race seat and Aston Martin as a reserve for next year, it was the given that the team would be needing a new reserve driver.

    It had been thought Daniel Ricciardo might take up the role, before it was confirmed in November that the Australian would return to the Red Bull team.

    Meanwhile, Ferrari announced that they are ending their collaboration with Schumacher after four years, having joined the driver academy of the team his father won five of his seven world titles for, back in 2019.

    Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. These are all important qualities, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14. We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula 1 under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis [Hamilton] or George [Russell], should that need arise.

    Toto Wolff on signing Mick.

    I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment. I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me. F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team.

    Mick on his new role.

  • TAG Heuer Porsche announce test & reserve drivers

    David Beckmann has joined the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team as its Test and Reserve driver for Season 9, whilst Simona de Silvestro also makes a return in the role.

    Beckmann contested the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2022 and was Test and Reserve Driver for Avalanche Andretti through Season 8, which will be using Porsche powertrains as a customer outfit in 2022/23.

    He will retain his role this season and Porsche’s factory Formula E squad can now also draw on his expertise.

    We’re delighted that David will be joining our TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team as a test and reserve driver. He has spent a considerable part of his young career in single-seaters and has also gained Formula E experience with Avalanche Andretti. We’re excited to benefit from his input and expertise.

    Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport.

    Beckmann’s colleague Simona de Silvestro joined Porsche in 2019 and will continue as a Test and Reserve driver in Season 9.

    Throughout her career, the Swiss driver has competed in numerous international racing series. After claiming her first single-seater successes in Europe, she then moved to the USA at the age of 18, where she ended up in the IndyCar Series via Formula BMW and Formula Toyota Atlantic.

    Simona de Silvestro has also contested Formula E, driving for Michael Andretti’s team in the 2015/2016 season. In 2014, she was part of Sauber’s Formula 1 team.

  • Turvey joins DS Penske

    DS Penske have announced that Oliver Turvey would be staying in Formula E as a Reserve Driver and Sporting Advisor, having left long-time team NIO 333 at the end of Season 8.

    Turvey, one of the most experienced heads in Formula E, with 90 races under his belt which places him in sixth on the all time table for entries, will join double champion Jean-Eric Vergne and reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne in pushing the team forward.

    Having been around from Gen1 and Season 1 all the way through to Gen3, Turvey brings immense experience to the table and the team feels he adds considerable weight and know-how to an already strong line-up.

    Oliver not only brings incredible credentials to the team, but an acute racing intellect. He has all the qualities we were looking for with this role. He is experienced and has demonstrated his racecraft throughout the last seasons. We look forward to working with Oliver in Season 9 and beyond.

    Jay Penske, owner and team principal.

    I am delighted to be joining DS Penske as Reserve Driver and Sporting Advisor. It is a real privilege to join a championship-winning team and one of the most successful manufacturers in Formula E history. I am looking forward to working closely with both JEV, Stoffel, and the whole team, using my experience in the series to help them challenge for another championship at the beginning of the Gen3 era.

    Turvey on his new role.

  • Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal

    McLaren have promoted from within by handing Executive Director of Racing Andrea Stella the role of Team Principal for 2023, following the departure of Andreas Seidl to the Sauber Group.

    Stella has been with McLaren since 2015, first working as Head of Race Operations before being promoted to Performance Director and then his most recent role as Racing Director.

    Before joining McLaren, Stella worked at Ferrari for 15 years, taking on the role of performance engineer for Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen and then racing engineer for Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.

    I’m delighted that Andrea Stella will step into the Team Principal role and lead our F1 technical and operational programme. Andrea is a highly talented, experienced and respected member of our team with a strong track record of leadership and success in Formula 1. His move into this role is a great example of the strength in depth we have in our team, and I’m excited to be working more closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races. I’ve really enjoyed working with Andreas. He has provided great leadership for the team and has played a significant part in our F1 performance recovery plan and ongoing journey to return to the front of the grid. I thank him for the transparency throughout the process which gave us time to plan accordingly.

    Zak Brown, on the latest news.

    I feel privileged to take on the Team Principal role as the next stage of being part of the McLaren F1 Team. I am grateful to Zak and the Shareholders for their trust in me and to all my colleagues and those who have supported me throughout my F1 career. We are realistic about the amount of work ahead of us to move back up the grid, but I am excited and encouraged that I am in this journey together with a team full of talent, experience, racing spirit and dedication. I look forward to working closely with each of them, Lando and Oscar, to together achieving great success and enjoying the journey.

    Stella on his new role.

  • Seidl appointed CEO of Sauber Group

    McLaren Team Principal, Andreas Seidl will become Sauber’s new Chief Executive Officer in January.

    Fred Vasseur is set to vacate the role, which he dovetailed with his duties as Team Principal of Alfa Romeo, to take over from Mattia Binotto at Ferrari.

    Once Seidl is in place, Sauber who will become Audi’s factory team in 2026 – say he will focus on working on the appointment of the squad’s new team principal.

    Seidl returns to Sauber, having worked their previously as Head of Trackside Operations for several years. He subsequently won several World Endurance Championship titles with Porsche as Team Principal before joining McLaren in 2019.

    It is great to join the Sauber Group from January: this is a team with a rich history in Formula 1 and an organisation I know really well from my time working and living in Hinwil for four years. I can’t wait to join the team and work with all the colleagues at the Sauber Group on the ambitious goals we have set together. I want to thank Finn Rausing and everyone at the Sauber Group for their choice: I am looking forward to repaying their trust with my work.

    Seidl on his move.

    It is an immense pleasure to welcome Andreas Seidl back to Hinwil as CEO of the Sauber Group. Andreas’s experience is second to none and he brings to Sauber Group a clear understanding of what is required to achieve sustained success. He takes over a company on an upward path and he shares our commitment to keeping our organisation growing: I look forward to many years of success together.

    Sauber Holding AG Chairman of the Board of Directors, Finn Rausing

  • Iwasa sticks with DAMS

    Ayumu Iwasa has re-signed with DAMS for a second Formula 2 season, with the French team confirming that the Japanese racer will be competing for them alongside, Arthur Leclerc for the 2023 campaign.

    The Red Bull junior and Honda Formula Dream Project driver sticks with the squad off the back of an impressive rookie season that saw the 21 year old net two wins, a further four podium finishes and two pole positions on his way to finishing fifth in the championship.

    He’ll be hoping to use the benefit of a familiar environment to continue his momentum towards a potential title fight next year, after he closed out 2022 with the final Feature Race win at Yas Marina.

    I’m really happy with my first F2 season, I learned a lot during the year, and we were able to improve at each race. It’s a great feeling to continue with DAMS for another year, I feel at home in the team, and we work well together. Everyone was on the same page and that helped us secure plenty of strong results. It’s going to be helpful to come into the new campaign in a familiar environment, along with my experience of several tracks that were new to me in 2022. My target is to challenge for the F2 title in 2023. We know we have the potential to achieve it, but we’re not looking too far ahead yet, instead concentrating on being ready for the start of the season. Thanks to DAMS for their faith and support and I can’t wait to get started in 2023!

    Iwasa on the news.

    We were all impressed with Ayumu’s performances in 2022, especially with the victories at Paul Ricard and Yas Marina, so we were very keen to keep him for 2023. It’s great for us to continue our relationships with Red Bull and Honda, they trust in our methods, and we’ll do our best to succeed together. Ayumu proved that he has the potential to fight for the title, he was a major competitor in the second half of the season, and we hope he can use this experience to kick on in 2023. We’ve got a strong lineup with Ayumu and Arthur, so we’re hoping they can push each other to improve throughout the year.

    Charles Pic, DAMS Team Owner.

  • Vasseur leaves Alfa Romeo, joins Ferrari

    Fred Vasseur will be leaving his role as Alfa Romeo Team Principal and Sauber Motorsport CEO in January 2023, after six years with the Swiss operation.

    Vasseur first joined Sauber in 2017 with the team 10th and last in the constructors’ championship, and set about rebuilding and growing the famous marque.

    They’ve taken on Alfa Romeo as a title sponsor and secured the team’s best constructors’ championship finish in a decade with sixth this season.

    The Frenchman, also played a key role in the deal that will see Audi enter Formula 1 in 2026 by making Sauber their factory team.

    As I prepare to bring my adventure at Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN to an end, I can look back fondly at these six years together. I owe a debt of gratitude to every single employee of the team, as they are the ones who got this team back on their feet and climbing the ladder of our sport. I am proud of the job we collectively have done as a team and a company, and even more so of the strong foundations we have laid for what’s to come next: but what I am the proudest of is the people that made this all possible, which in time have become friends. This team will always feel like home and I’ll be rooting for it wherever I go. I have learnt so much during my stint as a CEO and Team Principal and I feel each day has equipped me for what is to come. I know Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN will keep going from strength to strength and I’m looking forward to seeing them compete at the business end of the grid in the next few years.

    Fred Vasseur on leaving the team.

    Ferrari have appointed Fred Vasseur as Team Principle with the Alfa Romeo boss and Sauber Motorsport CEO replacing Mattia Binotto from January 2023.

    Following weeks of discussions, Vasseur decided to end his six year tenure at Sauber and join Ferrari in what is one of the biggest – if not the biggest job in motorsport.

    Vasseur brings with him more than two decades’ worth of motorsport experience, including a stint as team boss at Renault during the 2016 campaign.

    We are delighted to welcome Fred Vasseur to Ferrari as our Team Principal. Throughout his career he has successfully combined his technical strengths as a trained engineer with a consistent ability to bring out the best in his drivers and teams. This approach and his leadership are what we need to push Ferrari forward with renewed energy.

    Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna.

    I am truly delighted and honoured to take over the leadership of Scuderia Ferrari as Team Principal. As someone who has always held a lifelong passion for motorsport, Ferrari has always represented the very pinnacle of the racing world to me. I look forward to working with the talented and truly passionate team in Maranello to honour the history and heritage of the Scuderia and deliver for our Tifosi around the world.

    Fred Vasseur on his new role.

  • Fornaroli completes Trident line-up

    Trident have announced that they have signed Leonardo Fornaroli for the 2023 Formula 3 season.

    Completing their driver line-up, the Italian racer will be competing alongside Oliver Goethe, and fellow Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine graduate, Gabriel Bortoleto.

    The 18 year old joins F3 off the back of a successful maiden FRECA campaign with the Italian team, scoring 15 points finishes in 20 races. His consistency was well rewarded, finishing eighth in the Drivers’ Championship and taking the honours as the rookie of the year.

    Having made his single-seater debut in 2020, Fornaroli dovetailed his rookie season in Italian F4 with a three race stint in ADAC Formula 4. Returning for a second campaign in Italian F4 last year, he seized one victory, seven podiums and two pole positions on his way to fifth in the standings.

    Progressing up to FRECA in 2022, he also made a three round appearance in the Formula Regional Asian Championship at the start of the year.

    Featuring for Trident at the post-season test in Jerez, Fornaroli notched in over 180 laps across the three days and made two top six appearances during the second day of running.

    I’m happy to continue my journey with Trident Motorsport, after this year’s success in Formula Regional with the team. I believe Trident is the best place to keep growing and learning and to be able to debut in Formula 3 with them is a great opportunity for me. For these reasons, I would like to thank Maurizio Salvadori and his team for the trust and confidence they have in me. I also would like to thank my family, my manager, my coach and my sponsors for their ongoing support and help.

    Leonardo Fornaroli on his move.

    Leonardo Fornaroli is without a doubt a promising young driver and we are proud to be with him in his debut in Formula 3. The path followed by Leonardo testifies the great work value made by Trident Motorsport to help young talents grow in minor categories with the goal of helping and preparing them for a future in Formula 1.

    Giacomo Ricci, Tridents team manager.

  • Jost Capito leaves Williams

    Williams Team Principal, Jost Capito and Technical Director FX Demaison are to leave the team, the British squad have announced.

    Owners, Dorilton Capital temped Capito out of retirement to head up the operation after acquiring the team from the Williams family in 2020.

    Capito set about rebuilding the team – and this included bringing in Demaison – with whom he worked at Volkswagen on the rally project – to head up the technical side.

    The 2021 campaign was a step forward for Williams, with George Russell taking a podium as they ended up eighth in the constructors’ championship – but this season they fell back to 10th and last, scoring just eight points.

    It has been a huge privilege to lead Williams Racing for the last two seasons and to lay the foundations for the turnaround of this great team. I look forward to watching the team as it continues on its path to future success.

    Jost Capito on the news.

    We would like to thank Jost for his hard work and dedication as we embarked on a major transformation process to begin the journey of reviving Williams Racing. We’re grateful that Jost postponed his planned retirement to take on this challenge and now he will pass the reins on for the next part of this staged process. We would also like to thank FX for his contribution and wish him all the best for his future as he moves on.

    Dorilton Capital Chairman, Matthew Savage.

  • F1 to race at Zandvoort till 2025

    Formula 1 will continue to race at Zandvoort until 2025 after a new deal between F1 and the Dutch track was announced.

    The new agreement adds on two more races to the original three-year contract, which began in 2021 when the Dutch Grand Prix returned to the calendar for the first time since 1985.

    The race at the seaside circuit has quickly become one of the best loved on the calendar with the enthusiastic Dutch fans which bring a fantastic atmosphere to the track at both the 2021 and 2022 events – both of which were won by home hero, Max Verstappen.

    And at the 2023 race in late August – the fans will have two Dutch drivers to cheer on with former Formula 2 champion, Nyck de Vries joining the grid full time next season with AlphaTauri.

    One of the key focuses for the event has been sustainable travel for fans, and at this years race, 99% of general admission ticket holders made their way to the circuit by public transport, bike or walking.

    The Dutch Grand Prix has quickly established itself on the calendar as a fan favourite, bringing incredible energy and a great fan experience every year. The sold-out events in the last two years have raised the bar in terms of organisation, entertainment, and sustainability, and we are delighted to extend our relationship with them. There is huge demand to host F1 races so it is testament to what the team have done to cement Zandvoort on the calendar until 2025, and we can’t wait to return next summer.

    Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

    We are looking forward to the upcoming Grands Prix. With great races in which Dutch fans can now enjoy no less than two Dutch drivers. Of course, we will again offer an extensive and surprising entertainment program. With this we are again offering the ultimate race festival. We want the world to experience again how we as the Netherlands organize an event. It is unique that we are on the calendar with world cities like Las Vegas, Monaco, and São Paulo. And as we say internally, we are ‘Ready for Tomorrow’. We need and want to put on the F1 event of the future, which is not necessarily bigger but better, more engaging, more innovative, more sustainable, and more inclusive.

    Jan Lammers, former F1 driver and now Sporting Director of Dutch GP.

  • Maloney joins RB Juniors

    Zane Maloney has become the newest member of the Red Bull Racing Junior driver programme, as well as serving as one of the team’s reserve drivers for the 2023 Formula 1 season.

    Maloney finished the 2022 FIA Formula 3 season second, just five points off winning the championship in his rookie season. Driving for Trident, he rebounded from a tricky start to the year in style, capping off his maiden campaign in F3 with three consecutive Feature Race victories but fell just short of the title at Monza.

    Maloney was 2019, British F4 Champion with Carlin before making the switch to Euroformula Open for 2020, where he finished the season 8th. In 2021, the Bajan driver moved to Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, He took one win, as well as a further seven podiums on the way to finish fourth in the standings.

    Following the end of the 2022 F3 Championship, he took part in the post-season Formula 2 test with Carlin alongside fellow Red Bull Junior, Enzo Fittipaldi. Maloney finished the three-day event at Yas Marina Circuit with 246 laps under his belt.

    I am thrilled to announce that I will be a part of the Red Bull Racing Junior Team and F1 Reserve Driver in 2023. I am grateful for the opportunity and support, and look forward to getting the season started.

    Maloney on his new role.

  • Portland added to Season 9 calendar

    The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to race for the first time in Portland, Oregon on 24th June next year, following approval at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting.

    Portland will host Round 12 of the updated Season 9 calendar of 16 races in 11 cities, which also includes championship debuts in Hyderabad, India; Cape Town, South Africa and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

    Formula E has raced in the USA every year since Season 1 in 2015, with the exception of COVID-hit Season 6 in 2020. Long Beach, Miami and New York City have previously hosted races.

    Fans attending the race in Portland will see the USA debut of the Gen3 race car. New for Season 9, the Gen3 is the third generation of race car in Formula E and the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built.

    The updated Season 9 calendar reflects the removal of an event previously shown as TBD in May 2023 and means the race programme is complete, subject to FIA circuit homologation of new venues.

    We are excited to bring the premier electric motorsport world championship to Portland for the first time in June next year. There is a big, passionate fanbase for professional sports in the city, together with strong ecological credentials which makes Portland a perfect host for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The USA remains an important market for Formula E. We are delighted to maintain that critical presence and engage a new audience in the Pacific Northwest region in all-electric motorsport.

    Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer.

  • Goethe signs with Trident

    Trident have confirmed that Oliver Goethe for the 2023 FIA Formula 3 season. The German-Danish driver will be making the graduation to F3 after claiming the 2022 Euroformula Open title.

    Goethe has already raced in FIA F3, making two appearances in Campos Racing colours across the Budapest and Spa-Francorchamps weekends. After securing eighth in the Budapest Sprint Race, he followed that up with a P4 finish in the Feature Race at Spa. Goethe also appeared at the post-season F3 test in Jerez, driving for Trident across all three days.

    He started his single-seater career in Spanish F4, completing his first full season in 2020 and finishing the year fifth in the standings. He then moved to Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine in 2021 and followed that up with his title-winning Euroformula Open campaign in 2022.

    Oliver Goethe is without a doubt a promising young driver. We are extremely proud to have him in our line-up for 2023 in FIA Formula 3 Championship and we look forward to a new season together. We were impressed by his debut in the category last season and by the excellent work done by the German-Danish driver’s technical staff during the postseason Test in Jerez last September. We welcome the new member of the Trident Motorsport Family with the certainty that we will build the right alchemy to reach important goals together.

    Giacomo Ricci, Team Manager.

    I am delighted to join Trident for my first full season in FIA F3. I drove with the team in Jerez, and it was a great experience. They are very professional and have achieved some great success in this championship. I know we are capable of some good results together, and I can’t wait to get the season started. Huge thanks to my sponsors and partners for their support so far and for being by side as I am taking an important step in my career. Thanks to ROFGO, Gulf Oil International, Tag Heuer, Venture Engineering, Pit Stop Monte Carlo, Bullet Sport Management, and of course my parents and my coach Stuart for all the help.

    Goethe on his new seat.

  • F1 announces venues for six sprints

    Formula 1 has revealed the venues that will be playing host to the six F1 Sprint weekends during the 2023 campaign, with the number of events doubling for the three staged in 2021 and 2022.

    F1 Sprint sees the standard one- hour qualifying session shifted to Friday, setting the grid for a 100-kilometre dash on Saturday, which in turn sorts the starting order for Sunday’s main event.

    Next year the Sprints will be held in:

    • Azerbaijan (Baku City Circuit)
    • Austria (Red Bull Ring)
    • Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
    • Qatar (Lusail Circuit)
    • United States (Circuit of The Americas)
    • Sao Paulo (Interlagos).

    Interlagos continues as a sprint venue after playing host in 2021 and 2022, whilst the Red Bull Ring also featured the revised format last season. Silverstone, Monza and Imola are the other venues to have hosted Sprints in the past.

    The 2023 selection came following research into the most suitable tracks for the format, including overtaking opportunities, close racing and high-speed sections and is designed to ensure competitive on track action across all three days of the selected Grand Prix weekends.

    F1’s financial regulations have also been tweaked, as the sports governing body the FIA announced the teams; cost cap allowance for each sprint will double from next year onwards from $150,000 to $300,000 – though there will no longer be any further allowance for accident damage sustained in the Sprint events.

    We have seen a hugely positive reaction to the F1 Sprint events during the first two years of its running, and we can’t wait to bring even more action to fans with six events next year, including our first US F1 Sprint in Austin. The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues.

    Formula 1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali.

  • McLaren announce Palou as a reserve

    McLaren have announced that IndyCar champion, Alex Palou will serve as one of their Formula 1 reserve drivers for the 2023 season.

    The team said Palou will provide support for the F1 outfit alongside his driving duties in IndyCar, and be available as a reserve driver for all Grand Prix events that do not conflict his IndyCar commitment, should either Lando Norris or new recruit Oscar Piastri be unavailable to drive.

    The 25 year old Spaniard previously took part in a free practice session at the 2022 United States Grand Prix with McLaren, as well as piloting the MCL35M in Barcelona and Spielberg as part of the team’s driver development testing programme.

    Palou has four wins and 15 podiums in IndyCar and became the first Spanish driver to win the Championship when he claimed the 2021 title.

    I’m excited to be part of the McLaren team as one of their reserve drivers in 2023. I’ve been behind the wheel of both the MCL35M and MCL36 and it has been a great experience, so I can’t wait for the involvement with next year’s car. I look forward to continuing my development as a driver and I appreciate the trust McLaren have in me with this new role next year.

    Palou on his new role.

    The team are pleased to have Alex on board as one of our reserve drivers for next season. He impressed with his FP1 session in Austin and his driver development tests this year. He has many notable motorsports achievements so far, particularly the 2021 IndyCar championship title so it’s brilliant to be able to expand his role in the team and we look forward to working more closely with him.

    Andreas Seidl, Team Principal.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CloL3ExIT_M/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

  • Chinese GP Cancelled

    Formula 1 has confirmed that following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not be taking place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation.

    The race was due to return in April for the first time since 2019, but for another year it will be cancelled. The Grand Prix was scheduled to be the fourth race of the 2023 season on 16th April.

    Protests have been held in China in recent days over its ‘zero Covid’ policies, which include regular lockdowns and isolation imposed on infected people and contacts. F1 has since said that it would not be able to operate normally in China and cannot justify risks to staff involved in travelling.

    The Portimao circuit in Portugal, which hosted grand prix in 2020 and 2021 when F1 shuffled its schedule as a result of the pandemic, and its currently one of the tracks under consideration to take Chinas spot.

    Istanbul Park in Turkey is another track which returned in the pandemic and is also likely to be in contention.

    Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.

    Formula 1 added.

  • Daruvala joins Mahindra Racing

    Mahindra Racing has added single-seater racer, Jehan Daruvala to the team’s roster as its Reserve Driver for Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    The 24 year old is the first and only Indian Formula 2 race winner and has recently completed three Formula 1 tests with McLaren. Having won four Formula 2 races, and being a multiple time podium sitter, Daruvala has built on a swift rise up the junior formula ladder after stepping up to Formula 3 in 2019, where he achieved two wins and finished third in his rookie season.

    Daruvala was then promoted to Formula 2 and in 2021, he came third in the F3 Asian Championship, racing for Indian outfit Mumbai Falcons, where he took three race wins and a further five podiums, as well as three pole positions and fastest laps.

    Daruvala will be pending his time at the team’s Banbury HQ, working on the simulator alongside engineers, proving car development and race support for drivers Lucas Di Grassi and Oliver Rowland. There are also plans for him to attend some races, including the team’s inaugural home E-Prix in Hyderabad.

    To be a part of an Indian motorsport team is a dream come true. Formula E is very competitive, and I am really excited about this new chapter of my career. Season 9 promises to be very exciting with the all-new Gen 3 car and I am looking forward to learning and contributing, especially to car development and supporting the team. Mahindra Racing’s pioneering efforts in promoting sustainability globally are commendable and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute.

    Daruvala on his new role.

    We are delighted to welcome Jehan to our team. As a founding member, Mahindra Racing has diligently worked towards promoting Formula E globally and we are pleased to bring a young, accomplished Indian race driver to this fantastic sport. Jehan, with his experience and results across single-seaters, will add a great wealth of knowledge to our development program. With Formula E’s debut race in India, this is an especially exciting year for us, and we are excited to give the Indian fans a truly global experience.

    Asha Kharga, Chairperson Mahindra Racing

  • Virtuosi confirm Doohan & Cordeel

    Virtuosi racing has announced its driver line-up for the 2023 FIA Formula 2 season, with Jack Doohan remaining with the team and Amaury Cordeel joins him.

    The Australian driver embarks on his second campaign with Virtuosi after achieving three victories this season, including a stand-out weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. Doohan ended the sprint race on the podium in P2 before going on to claim the Feature Race win on Sunday.

    He was also prolific in Qualifying, taking three pole positions across the season as well as a further three podiums in 2022.

    I’m thrilled to be continuing with Virtuosi Racing for my second year in Formula 2. After a strong first season together, I couldn’t be happier to be going into 2023 with the same great team around me. I can’t wait to get redemption from this season.

    Doohan remaining with the team.

    Cordeel joins Virtuosi on the back of a rookie campaign in F2 that ended with an improvement in form. The Belgian driver returned from the summer break and put together his most consistent run to date, scoring four times in the final six races.

    It included a season best at Yas Marina , finishing 5th in the Sprint Race and 6th in the Feature Race.

    I’m very happy to say I will be driving with virtuosi in F2 next year. It is clear that Virtuosi is among the top teams which will only make my personal growth better. I already noticed with the three-day test in Abu Dhabi that they support me insanely well. The second half of last season is very promising for next year. I am sure that together with them I can achieve my future dreams. Really thankful for this opportunity.

    Cordeel on his new seat.

    We’re delighted to be sticking with Jack for 2023. Jack enjoyed a brilliant rookie season with us and showed obvious potential for more. Together, we will be working hard to ensure he achieves that. Amaury’s results improved over his rookie year and we’ll be looking to work with him to improve further in 2023. Amaury settled into our car well during the Abu Dhabi post-season test and we’re looking forward to getting to it in 2023.

    Andy Roche, Virtuosi team boss.

  • Hughes signs with McLaren Neom

    Jake Hughes will complete NEOM McLaren Formula E Team’s driver line-up for the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with the outfit announcing he will compete alongside Rene Rast.

    Hughes can count on more than 10 years experience in single seaters across BRDC Formula 4, where he became its inaugural champion, Formula Renault, and eventually graduating to Formula 2 for 2022, having secured several during a prior stint in Formula 3.

    Alongside his Formula 2 campaign, Hughes took on the role of Reserve and Development driver with Mercedes-EQ, contributing to the title-winning campaigns.

    Hughes will now graduate to a race seat at the team as it kicks off its Gen3 effort under the McLaren banner.

    First and foremost, I’m very proud and feel very privileged to become part of the McLaren Racing family, being given the chance to represent such a prestigious brand. Growing up, McLaren was one of the teams that inspired me to start racing. To now go full circle, representing the team myself in Formula E feels incredible. I’ve obviously been with the Formula E team in a different guise before and we have already achieved great results. It’s good to have that relationship and I know what’s expected of me. Coming in at a time where a new generation car is introduced in the series excites me. It feels like a good opportunity and chance, especially being a rookie in Season 9. It’s set to be a great year and I can’t wait to kick off the journey ahead!

    Hughes on his seat.

    I am delighted to announce our full driver line-up for our inaugural season in Formula E. A hugely exciting prospect in single seater competition, Jake also has a history with the team as a development and reserve driver. Alongside Rene, who is particularly skilled in a wide range of series, which includes previous experience in Formula E, I believe that this pairing will be crucial in helping us hit the ground running in our first season in the series as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.

    Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing.

    Since May this year, when we first announced McLaren Racing’s entry into Formula E, we have been working tirelessly to get in place the best possible team and structure for sustainable success. On the one hand, we have been working on the retention of the amazing talent that already was in place before going into the transitional phase. I’m proud to say I think we’ve done a great job on that front. On the other hand, we have been focusing on putting in place new processes and new talent – and the latter includes the drivers. Jake is an exciting talent, who we have worked with before as our Reserve and Development driver. Over the years, the team and Jake have built a relationship, and that, combined with his sheer talent, will be what can give us an edge going into this season. We’ve given Jake a chance to prove himself on the big stage in Season 9, and his story is a perfect example of the talent development that we believe in as a team.

    Ian James, Managing Director McLaren.

  • PHM sign Benavides and Nissany

    PHM Racing by Charouz have announced that Brad Benavides and Roy Nissany will be joining the team for the 2023 Formula 2 season, following a successful post-season test in Yas Marina.

    Stepping up to F2 after his rookie Formula 3 campaign, American-Spanish racer Benavides earned a points-scoring finish for Carlin in the Spa-Francorchamps Sprint Race.

    The 21 year old has experience competing in Formula Renault Eurocup, the Formula Regional European Championship and the Euroformula Open Championship, with his best finish being 13th in the 2021 Euroformula Standings.

    I firstly want to greatly thank my main sponsor AIX Investment Group, it’s an honor to have the trust and backing of such a successful organization. I am tremendously grateful that they’re helping me to get one step closer to my life’s dream. I’d also like to thank PHM Racing by Charouz for this amazing opportunity, I’m genuinely very motivated, happy, grateful, and completely dedicated so that this next year goes as well as possible. Until now, for me it’s been a path with great challenges. In the face of adversities my spirit is to fight and come out at the top, something that has best defined me in my career. I’m already concentrated on preparing myself in the best possible way before the season starts, looking to really maximize the time I’ve got.

    Brad Benavides on his new seat.

    Nissany completes their line-up, switching from DAMS after two seasons and his most successful F2 campaign yet, having scored eight points finishes. Nissany currently has one podium to his name and will be hoping to add to that tally in 2023.

    It is a very good news that I will race with PHM Racing by Charouz. The tests we have done together last week showed some good potential, and I also have good memories from our previous experience together a few years ago. I can’t wait to get back in the car and start this new adventure. Next season is going to be long and demanding, and I’m already thrilled to race at those 14 amazing venues being part of the 2023 calendar.

    Nissany on his new team.

    The pair showed great pace throughout the three-day test at the Yas Marina Circuit, achieving five top 10 appearances across the six sessions.

    I’m very happy and excited to share the news of the agreement we reached with Brad and Roy after the very positive three days of testing we had in Abu Dhabi last week. We’ll have a very strong pair next year, with an expert driver and a young talent with so much potential, I’m sure they will be a good suit for the team and that we’ll be able to give them the chance to express their speed and skills on track during the next season. I would also like to thank AIX Investment Group for playing an important part in this, we really can’t wait for March to come.

    Charouz remarked.

  • Binotto resigns

    Ferrari have announced that Mattia Binotto is to leave his position as Ferrari Team Principal at the end of the year, putting an end to weeks of speculation.

    Binotto, who originally joined the team as an engine engineer back in 1995 took his current role – encompassing the Gestione Sportiva department – ahead of the 2019 campaign.

    After challenging 2020 and 2021 seasons, Ferrari exploited the arrival of F1’s new regulations to emerge as a front running force claiming a one-two result with drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at the 2022 opener in Bahrain.

    However, after some more early season success, Leclerc and Ferrari’s title challenges were derailed through a combination of unreliability, strategy mix ups as well as drivers mistakes – and with rival, Red Bull’s relentlessness.

    Initial reports of a structural change in the Italian media were denied by Ferrari, but further speculation emerged in the wake of the Abu Dhabi season finale and the Scuderia released a statement on Tuesday morning to confirm that Binotto had resigned.

    With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari. I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set. I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, to which I wish all the best for the future. I think it is right to take this step at this time as hard as this decision has been for me. I would like to thank all the people at the Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey with me, made up of difficulties but also of great satisfaction.

    Binotto on the news.

    I would like to thank Mattia for his many great contributions over 28 years with Ferrari and particularly for leading the team back to a position of competitiveness during this past year. As a result, we are in a strong position to renew our challenge, above all for our amazing fans around the world, to win the ultimate prize in motorsport. Everyone here at the Scuderia and in the wider Ferrari community wishes Mattia well for the future.

    Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna.

  • PHM Racing to take over Charouz Racing System

    The FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 Championship promoters announce that German team PHM Racing will take over Charouz Racing System’s entries and assets from the 2023 F2 and F3 seasons.

    Founded in 2021 by Paul H. Muller, PHM Racing took part in the Formula 4 Championship in the United Arab Emirates, the German ADAC F4 and the Italian ACI F4 Championship in 2022.

    PHM Racing will be operated by Charouz Racing System in 2023, and the team will race under PHM Racing by Charouz in both Championships.

    The German outfit will be making its first appearance when Formula 2 and Formula 3 return for pre-season testing at the Bahrain International circuit, on February 14th to 16th.

    I would like to welcome to PHM Racing to Formula 2 and Formula 3. Although they are a young team, they are eager to prove they have what it takes to embrace the challenges of our championships. I would also like to thank Toni Charouz and everyone at Charouz Racing System. Toni has been a great partner throughout the years and Charouz Racing have been valued members of our paddock since 2018. They will operate PHM Racing in both categories next season, so the Charouz name will remain on the grid in some capacity for another year.

    FIA Formula 2 Championship CEO, Bruno Michel.

    Joining Formula 3 and Formula 2 is the next step in our evolution as a comprehensive development program for young driver talents. We are excited to offer drivers a team that can take them from karting all the way to the doorstep of Formula One.

    Paul H.Mueller, owner of PHM Racing adds.

    I’m really glad to announce this partnership with Paul and his team. PHM Racing is a quite new name in the motorsport landscape but they already showed how professional and competitive they can be in Formula 4 and I’m sure, with all our knowledge and support, that they can do as well in the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 championships.

    Toni Charouz, Team owner of Charouz Racing System.

  • Campos sign Christian Mansell

    Australian Christian Mansell will be making step up to FIA Formula 3 on a full time basis next year, as he joins Campos Racing for the 2023 campaign.

    The 17 year old made his F3 debut this year with Charouz Racing System, competing across two rounds in Budapest and Spa-Francorchamps, with a best finish of 22nd.

    He also participated in two days of the post-season test in Jerez behind the wheel of the Campos car, finishing inside the top 10 for the Spanish team in the opening session.

    Mansell began his career karting in Australia and went on to step up to single-seaters in his home country in 2019. He made appearances in the New South Wales Formula Race Car Championship and Australian Formula 4 Championship before switching to the European racing scene for the 2020 F4 British campaign.

    There he went on to score one win and five podiums on his way to seventh in the standings, alongside being crowned the Rookies’ Cup Champion. In 2021, he moved up to the GB3 Championship, achieving two wins and five podiums to claim third, alongside a three-round appearance in the Euroformula Open Championship.

    Returning for a title-contending second stint in Euroformula, Mansell ended the 2022 season third, after securing three wins and 12 podium finishes.

    To be joining Campos for FIA F3 in 2023 is such an incredible honour, and achievement. With a strong showing in the latter part of the season it gives me confidence I can do well in my opening year in FIA F3. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

    Christian Mansell on his seat.

    I would like to extend a warm welcome to Christian (Mansell) on behalf of Campos Racing. It will be a huge challenge for him as it will be his rookie season in the FIA Formula 3, which is an extremely competitive racing series. His previous results, a race winner in other championships, explain well he is a talented driver. Besides, due to his diabetic condition, Christian is an example to follow for everybody as he proves what you can achieve with commitment and determination, even at the highest motorsport level.

    Adrian Campos, Team Principal.

  • Ricciardo returns ‘home’

    Red Bull have confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will be returning to the squad where he won seven Grand Prix as a third driver for 2023.

    At the end of this season, Ricciardo departed McLaren to make way for compatriot Oscar Piastri, who races alongside Lando Norris in 2023. The eight-time Grand Prix winner – who took a win for McLaren at Monza in 2021 will return to Red Bull to assist with testing, simulator work and commercial activity.

    The 33 year old, hinted strongly at a return to Red Bull in a reserve capacity after leaving McLaren without another full-time role set up.

    The Australian made his debut for HRT in 2011, but joined the Red Bull feeder squad Toro Rosso the following year, before being called up Red Bull in 2014, there he partnered Sebastian Vettel, Daniil Kyvat and Max Verstappen.

    The smile says it all. I’m truly excited to be coming back home to Oracle Red Bull Racing as their Third Driver in 2023. I already have so many fond memories of my time here, but the welcome from Christian [Horner], Dr [Helmut] Marko and the entire team is something I’m sincerely appreciative of. For me personally, the ability to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely appealing, whilst also giving me some time to recharge and refocus. I can’t wait to be with the team and support with simulator work, testing sessions and commercial activities. Let’s go!

    Daniel Ricciardo on his move.

    It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family. He has enormous talent and such a brilliant character; I know the whole factory is excited to be welcoming him home. In his role as test and third driver, Daniel will give us the chance to diversify, assisting in the development of the car, aiding the team with his experience and knowledge of what it takes to succeed in F1. We’re very pleased to be working with Daniel again and look forward to everything he will bring to the team in 2023.

    Team Principal, Christian Horner.

  • Maini completes Campos line-up

    Kush Maini will be joining Campos Racing for next year’s FIA Formula 2 campaign the team has confirmed. With the 22 year old will be partnering Ralph Boschung, having been confirmed earlier this month.

    The Indian driver made his single-seater debut back in 2016 in the Italian F4 Championship. He subsequently graduated through British Formula 3, Formula Renault Eurocup and eventually FIA Formula 3.

    Maini moves up to F2 after finishing this years F3 season 14th in the Drivers Championship, having recorded a best finish of third with that result coming in the Budapest Sprint Race.

    On behalf of Campos Racing, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Kush. He is a very committed, professional racing driver with a great work capacity, so we expect he will be able to complete a strong rookie season next year. He carried out some strong performances in FIA Formula 3 this season and hopefully he will make further improvements in the ultra-competitive FIA F2 Championship.

    Team Principal, Adrian Campos.

    Super happy to be joining Campos Racing team! I’ve spent some time with the team at their workshop and really enjoyed the atmosphere and the professionalism, looking forward to the three-day test at Abu Dhabi to officially start our relationship together! I would like to thank Mumbai Falcons, Omega Seiki Mobility and JK Racing for all their support

    Kush Maini.

  • Novalak reunites with Trident

    Trident have confirmed that Clement Novalak will be driving for the team next season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

    The Frenchman will reunite with the outfit he last drove with in 2021 on his way to third place in FIA Formula 3, where he claimed four podiums and 147 points.

    Novalak finished 14th in the F2 Driver’s Championship this season, taking 40 points and a season-best result of P2 in the Zandvoort Sprint Race. He and teammate, Felipe Drugovich helped MP Motorsport claim their first Teams’ Championship title in the process.

    Team Principal, Giacomo Ricci said that Novalak’s return to the team would bring useful experience from his year with Champions MP Motorsport.

    We are proud to welcome Clément Novalak back to our family. He is a driver with undeniable and undisputed value who did really well with Trident Motorsport in Formula 3 and achieving the third position in 2021 Championship. Novalak brings a year of experience with him in Formula 2 and I’m sure he will be able to make an important contribution to the team.

    Giacomo Ricci.

    I’m extremely happy to be heading back to Trident. We had an amazing partnership together in 2021 and I’m very proud to be wearing their colours again. I’d like to thank Mr. Salvadori for the trust and I’m hoping we can have an amazing 2023 full of success.

    Novalak on his move.

  • Leclerc graduates to F2

    DAMS have announced that Ferrari junior, Arthur Leclerc will be joining the French team for his debut Formula 2 season in 2023.

    Leclerc steps up off the back of two solid Formula 3 campaigns with PREMA Racing, where he scored victories in his rookie season at Le Castellet and Zandvoort.

    Returning for a second campaign this year, the 22 year old finished sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with one win in the Silverstone feature race and further feature race podium in Sakhir.

    He got his first taste of F2 machinery with DAMS during the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit this week.

    The Monegasque driver has been steadily rising through the ranks across the past five seasons. His debut year in single-seaters came in 2018 French F4 Champuonship where he finished fifth, before switching over to the ADAC Formula 4 Championship the following year, finishing third.

    In 2020, Leclerc scored six victories, 12 podiums and eight pole positions on his way to claiming second in the Formula Regional European Championship Standings with PREMA and continued with the team on his move up to F3. At the start of 2022, he also took third in the Formula Regional Asian Championship.

    I’m delighted to be making the step up to Formula 2 with DAMS in 2023. They’re a very successful team that has achieved great results in the championship, and I hope I can be a part of that and continue the team’s success. Charles Pic has done an amazing job to help the team back to winning ways throughout the season and I’m aiming to keep that going next year. We’ve a lot of work to do before the start of the new campaign in Bahrain in March, and I’m really looking forward to getting started in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi!

    Leclerc on his move.

    It’s great to have Arthur join DAMS for 2023. We’ve seen his talent and skill throughout his career so far, and he’s shown in the last two years in F3 that he’s capable of challenging for victories. We’re excited to have him in the car for the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, preparing for next season. The team is aiming for a strong campaign in 2023, and we’ve no doubt that the addition of Arthur will help us towards our goals.

    DAMS Team Owner, Charles Pic.

  • Vesti to PREMA

    Frederik Vesti will be driving for PREMA Racing, the team has confirmed. The Dane will swap from ART Grand Prix for next season, reuniting with the Italian team for the first time since 2020.

    During his last spell with PREMA, Vesti captured the Formula Regional European Championship title in 2019, the following year he finished fourth in the FIA Formula 3 Championship before switching to ART for the 2021 F3 season.

    This year, Vesti finished ninth in the Driver’s Championship on 117 points in what was his rookie F2 campaign, he took a maiden victory in Baku Spritn Race and a further four podium finishes.

    We are delighted to welcome Frederik back. He is a quick and hard-working driver, which we already had the chance to appreciate in 2019 and 2020. We are obviously looking forward to joining forces again and seeing what we will be able to achieve together next season. With his skills and the experience, he has matured. We expect him to be a contender and we are determined to support him the best way we can.

    Rene Rosin, PREMA Team Principal.

    To join PREMA Racing for the 2023 Formula 2 season is great news for me. I have known PREMA since 2019 when we won the Formula Regional European Championship together. PREMA is an amazing place to be at and in my opinion gives me the best opportunity to fight for the F2 title in 2023! I have big dreams and PREMA is the team I believe that I can achieve those dreams with. There is no doubt that 2023 F2 is going to be incredibly close, but I will give my everything to be fast and consistent throughout the season.

    Frederik Vesti on his new seat.

  • Williams confirm Sargeant

    Williams have confirmed that American driver, Logan Sargeant will be stepping into a full-time race seat alongside Alex Albon for 2023, following the conclusion of the 2022 Formula 2 season.

    Sargeant headed into the Abu Dhabi F2 season finale, needing to score 10 super licence points in order to meet the required threshold to compete in Formula 1 – with Sargeant easily surpassing that figure by securing P4 in the final drivers’ standings.

    Therefore he met the criteria set out by Williams Team Principal, Jost Capito earlier in the year, with Williams duly handing the race seat to Sargeant, having announced in September that they would be parting company with Nicholas Latifi after three seasons.

    Sargeant will become the first driver to fly the flag for the United States of American on the F1 grid since Alexander Rossi in 2015.

    We’re delighted to officially announce Logan as our driver for next year after qualifying for a Super Licence following the final F2 event of the season in Abu Dhabi. Logan completes our exciting driver line-up for 2023 alongside Alex. Since joining our Driver Academy at the end of 2021, Logan has been able to fully integrate with the team at Grove while on the simulator and more recently at track during the four free practice sessions he’s participated in. He’s had a strong rookie season in Formula 2, and we are excited to watch him make the step up in Formula 1. We are here to support that journey with him.

    Jost Capito on his 2023 line-up.

    It’s a huge honour and a dream come true to be given this opportunity to compete in Formula 1 with Williams Racing. A massive thank you to every person at Williams Racing and Dorilton Motor Sports for the support they’ve given me since the day I first joined the team at the 2021 United States Grand Prix. Being a part of the Williams Driver Academy for the past year has given me an important platform to develop as a driver and prepare me for this next chapter. I’m ready and excited to be a part of this journey as the team looks to progress up the grid

    Logan Sargeant on his 2023 seat.

    To be able to give Logan the opportunity to compete in Formula 1 for Williams Racing next year after being an integral part of our Driver Academy is a proud moment for the team. Seeing a driver from the Academy getting in our F1 seat is a motivation for all the other Academy drivers and demonstrates legitimacy of the programme and the platform it provides. We are not only preparing him on track, but will be working hard over the winter off track to ensure he’s in the best possible position to start 2023.

    Sven Smeets, Sporting Director of Williams