Jordan's Track Talk

Category: Formula One

  • First F1 Academy driver announced

    Leah Buhler has become the first driver announced to be racing in the F1 Academy – Formula 1’s new all female driver series – with confirmation that she will join ART Grand Prix.

    The 25 year old racer first began competing in BMX at an international level, before switching over to karting in 2016. Four years later, Buhler made her single-seater debut, claiming six top 10 finishes in the Spanish Formula 4 Championship.

    She then became the first female driver to race in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine in 2021, recording a best result of 20th, but was forced to end her second campaign early last year.

    Buhler is currently driving in the Formula 4 UAE Championship ahead of her F1 Academy debut.

    The first of ART’s trio of drivers to be announced, Buhler will be competing in a 15 car grid with Campos Racing, Carlin, MP Motorsport and PREMA Racing also all fielding three cars each.

    It’s with great pleasure that I will be able to discover the first F1 Academy championship and even more so with ART Grand Prix, a team with a fantastic record. It will be a great challenge for me and for the team as we learn more about this new single-seater. I am looking forward to coming to grips with it. This will only be my fourth year in motorsport and I still have a lot to learn, but I am ready to give 100% both mentally and physically to honour the trust ART Grand Prix has in me, together with that of my partners, without whom this adventure would not be possible.

    Buhler on her seat.

    We are happy to welcome Lena to our team. She will be one of the first 15 drivers to write her name in the history books of the F1 Academy. This corresponds perfectly to the philosophy of ART Grand Prix, which is to help young drivers climb the ladder of the junior formulas which lead to the highest level of motorsport. The team will do everything sportingly, humanly and technically possible to take up this new historic challenge with Lena.

    ART Team Principal, Sebastien Philippe.

  • C43

    Alfa Romeo have presented their new car for the F1 season, the C43 with a bold red and black livery taking over from the red and white colour scheme used during recent campaigns.

    Described as “aggressive on and below the skin” the car was unveiled to work in a joint presentation in Zurich and at the outfit’s headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland by continuing team mates Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, who combined to secure P6 in last year’s constructors’ standings.

    At the same time, a series of CGI images and videos released on Alfa Romeo’s social media channels showed the C43 coming together piece by piece, whilst Augmented Reality enabled fans to bring the launch experience into their own homes.

    C43_Front-Dynamic-Left-V4_LM_BOT_4-5.jpg

    New title sponsor Stake take centre stage on the livery, which will be the last to feature Alfa Romeo branding as the company prepare to end their sponsorship deal ahead of Audi joining forces with the Sauber-run operation.

    Alfa Romeo’s new car is set to hit the track for a shakedown session in Barcelona this week, before heading to Bahrain for pre-season testing.

    Bringing a car to life is a long process which touches every department of a racing team, therefore it’s a moment of great pride to see it unveiled today. We chose to do it in front of our fans, close to our home, because the launch of a new car is not only a moment to state your objectives for the season ahead; it’s also a time to give back to the people who have supported you, be it in the grandstands, in front of the TV or back at the factory, and express our gratitude for their passion and their belief in our project. Our new car is the result of months of work, but today is just the beginning of a journey. We need to keep working hard, with humility and dedication, to bring performance to the track. Everyone in the team is committed to this target and I am confident we will reap the rewards of our work.

    Alunni Bravi, speaking of the launch.

    I am very proud of what we have achieved over these last months, because creating a new car is always a massive effort from the team. This car is an evolution of last year, reflecting the new regulations and introducing major changes in the areas where we found improvements to be needed. I hope it’s going to be quicker than the successful car we had last year, that’s what matters most, and more reliable as well. We have put a lot of effort in this direction. Now, it’s time to get to the track and see how this car performs. I’m happy to get back to racing and I’m confident there will be much more to come from us soon.

    Jan Monchaux, Technical Director.

  • FW45

    Williams have shown off the eye-catching matte livery that will adorn their FW45 challenger during the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.

    In a special unveiling ceremony at the Grove headquarters in the UK, Williams revealed their new look in the presence of the refreshed driver line-up of American rookie Logan Sargeant and incumbent driver, Alex Albon – with the team also announcing oil company Gulf as a new sponsor, along with other new partners.

    Not only will the team have a rookie driver, but they will head into the 2023 season with a rookie Team principal as well, with James Vowles moving over from his role as Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes to take the reins at Williams.

    Vowles is set to begin work at Grove on February 20th, three days before the drivers begin 2023 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.

    FW45 Livery - Front 3 Quarter - AA23.jpg

    With the physical Williams FW45 set to hit the track at Silverstone shakedown on February 13th, the team confirmed that they had ‘taken the opportunity to heavily evolve the side concept’ on the new car thanks to ‘optimising the power unit cooling layout’ – in which Williams continue with Mercedes power for a 10th consecutive season.

    The team also promised that the FW45 would be more aerodynamically efficient than its FW44 predecessor, with modifications to the front suspension layout and major external aerodynamic surfaces also incorporated into the new machine’s design.

    The team has worked really hard last year and over the winter to address some key areas in our car, putting in the work to try and maximise what we get out of the car for 2023, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the FW45 can do. We also welcome new partners to the team this year, so it’s great to have them onboard.

    Albon on 2023.

    I’m really excited for the season to get started after what, for me, feels like a long winter! I’m super motivated and we’ve put a lot of hard work in. The car is looking amazing and it shows the huge effort the team has put in the off season, so I’m looking forward to getting started at Silverstone before heading out to Bahrain.

    Sargeant on his rookie F1 season.

    As Williams Racing continues its transformation, we’re proud to unveil this year’s livery. We are excited about this year’s car, and I cannot thank the entire team at Grove enough for their hard work to get ready for the season. I am delighted to welcome both new and existing partners to our journey. With our new Team Principal James Vowles joining us later this month, as well as our exciting driver line up of Alex and Logan, Williams Racing will be giving its all in 2023.

    Matthew Savage, Williams Racing Chairman of the Board.

  • Ford returns & partners with RB from 2026

    American automotive giants Ford have confirmed their intention to make a Formula 1 comeback when the new engine regulations are introduced in 2026, meaning another chapter will be added to the American organisation’s rich history.

    Ford’s involvement in F1 stretches all the way back to the 1960s and the DFV (Double Four Value) engine, built in partnership with British engineering firm Cosworth, which took 155 wins from 262 races between 1967 and 1985.

    From their first title wins with Graham Hill and Lotus in 1968 to their most recent with Michael Schumacher and Benetton in 1994, Ford have played a part in 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships – which make them the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history!

    Some 20 years on from their last participation, the appeal of F1’s future engine regulations – featuring increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels – will see Ford grace the grid once again.

    The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1. Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world. Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1. We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.

    Stefano Domenicali on the news.

    This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company. Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.

    Bill Ford Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company.

    After confirming that Ford will be returning, Ford then revealed at Red Bull’s launch that they are partnering up for “a long-term strategic technical partnership” with Red Bull Powertrains, ahead of the sport’s new regulations coming into play.

    Starting in 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains – the Milton Keynes team’s dedicated engine division – will develop a next-gen power unit to supply both Red Bull Racing and the sister Alpha Tauri operation from 2026 until at least 2030.

    Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are going as a company – increasingly electric, software-defined, modern vehicles and experiences. F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers.

    Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

    It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership. As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition. They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter of that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford, is tremendously exciting. 2026 is still a while a way but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing.

    Christian Horner on the latest news.

  • Alfa Romeo confirm new title sponsor

    Alfa Romeo have announced entertainment and lifestyle brand Stake as their new title sponsor, meaning the team will have an altered team name and logo for the upcoming F1 campaign.

    Stake were founded in 2017, and have since built up a strong presence in the sporting world, with the Sauber-run Alfa team announcing the “record breaking” partnership would run for 2023 “and beyond”.

    Fans will be able to see the visual results of the tie-up when Alfa Romeo launch their latest F1 car to the world in Zurich on February 7th.

    We welcome Stake as a new co-title partner for the team in what represents the start of a new era for us both. Formula 1 has seen a huge increase in interest over the last few years and the arrival of brands such as Stake are representative of the massive exposure our sport can offer. We are excited to join such a portfolio of sports and entertainment brands and we’re looking forward to the activation programme that Stake will unveil for our fans.

    Alessandro Alunni Bravi on the news.

    Meanwhile, former Alfa Romeo title sponsor ORLEN – a Polish oil refiner and petrol retailer – have struck up a new deal with AlphaTauri to become a ‘Principal Partner’ of the squad.

    ORLEN’s branding is set to feature on “multiple prime locations” of the AT04, the livery for which will be revealed in New York on February 11th.

    ORLEN are one of the leading oil and gas companies in Central Europe and this partnership will allow them to further increase their brand awareness, through the global platforms we offer as a team. I’m looking forward to seeing their logo featured on our new car at the launch in New York City next month and also how this partnership progresses over the coming years

    Franz Tost,
    https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cn6ThwwKURo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • RB19

    Red Bull have officially started their 2023 season, by unveiling a launch version of the RB19, the car in which they hope to defend both F1 world titles.

    Red Bull assembled in New York for a so-called ‘season launch’ with Team Principal, Christian Horner alongside both drivers as well as third driver, Daniel Ricciardo.

    The team showcased their 2023 look with the traditional blue, yellow and red scheme – which captures the Red Bull company’s core colours.

    rb19.png

    Red Bull head into the 2023 campaign looking to retain the drivers’ and constructors’ titles, having stormed to 17 wins from 22 races under the 2022 rules reset – 15 scored by reigning double world champion Verstappen.

    It’s incredibly special to be in the Big Apple, in the US, in New York. The US is playing such a big role in F1 these days – three Grands Prix, [with] Las Vegas coming onto the calendar as well – so it seemed only fitting to unveil the RB19, and our plans for the season ahead, here. It’s going to be an incredible season. Our rivals, for sure, haven’t stood still. We’re expecting Ferrari to be competitive, Mercedes are going to be there, [and] there’s some other teams that could well make some big progress as well. This time of year, it’s all a big unknown, and it’s a question of focusing on ourselves, doing the best we can. Then in Bahrain, in a couple of weeks’ time, we’ll get to see everybody’s car and we’ll realise, ‘Have we missed something? Have we not?’ Then we set off on this 23-race journey between March and November. There’s going to be highs and lows along the way, I’m sure, but I think we’re in a good place and looking to carry on that momentum from last year.

    Horner on the 2023 season.

  • Alfa Romeo appoints Bravi as Team Representative

    Alfa Romeo have confirmed that Sauber Group Managing Director Alessandro Alunni Bravi will be taking on the additional role of Team Representative for the 2023 F1 campaign.

    Alunni Bravi has been part of the Sauber Group, who run the Alfa Romeo F1 entry – since 2017 and is now set to represent the team in all functions at race weekends and away from track. This follows as Andreas Seidl was appointed CEO of the Sauber Group.

    A Sauber press release added that Alunni Bravi will be ‘working together with the technical and operational departments to continue the team’s growth and success’.

    Alfa Romeo edged out Aston Martin for P6 in the 2022 constructors standings with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu remaining as their two drivers for the upcoming season.

    I want to thank Andreas and our shareholders for their trust, and I want to reiterate my commitment to giving my best to live up to their expectations and represent the team in the best possible way. It is a huge privilege to keep working with a group of incredible people who, over many years, have helped me integrate within the Sauber Group: what they gave me in this time will enable me to fulfil this task and represent the team according to our shared vision and our objectives. I am fully conscious of the work we have ahead of us and of the challenges that face us: I approach this task with humility, knowing I am part of a strong team that will get the job done, and with the belief we have everything we need for a successful future.

    Alunni on his new role.

    I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Alessandro Alunni Bravi to the role of Team Representative, in addition to his existing duties of Managing Director of the Group. His vast experience in motorsport has equipped him with all the tools he needs to succeed, and his intimate knowledge of the team, of which he has been part for more than five years, will ensure stability and continuity in our progression. Alessandro representing the team during the Formula 1 championship will allow me to focus on growing the Group and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that await us. I thank Alessandro for his belief in our vision and I welcome him to this additional position. I am convinced this is another valuable addition to what is without any doubt a very strong team, from the drivers to the management team, to each one of our employees, capable of building on last year’s success and creating a bright future for Sauber.

    Seidl on the latest news.

  • VF-23

    Haas have become the first team to present their colour for the upcoming 2023 season, revealing a slick new livery that will adorn the VF-23 via a series of digital renders published on Tuesday.

    Rather than a full-scale launch, Haas opted to showcase their livery for this season on a 2022-style virtual model, with the team’s new car – which will be driven by Kevin Magnussen and new team mate Nico Hulkenberg.

    Replacing the recent white base seen on Haas’s 2021 and 2022 challengers, black is now the main colour, whilst flashes of white have been retained alongside some red highlights – which draws comparisons to their 2020 design.

    Haas-Mag-2.png

    Haas will be entering the 2023 campaign looking to continue their recent upward trajectory, having moved off the foot of the F1 constructors’ standings to eighth position under last year’s rules reset.

    I was very pleased to welcome MoneyGram as title partner for the 2023 season and beyond, and it’s exciting to see our first livery unveiled together as MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. We head into a new season buoyed by some strong team performances last year and a return to points paying finishes. The aim for the 2023 season is naturally to do that more consistently and with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg I certainly believe we’ve got an experienced driver pairing more than capable of delivering those points on a Sunday.

    Gene Haas, commenting on the digital launch.

    I obviously share everyone’s enthusiasm around the livery unveil, not least as it’s a checkpoint in the pre-season calendar which means we’re another step closer to doing the thing we actually want to be doing – and that’s go racing. I like the livery, it’s undoubtedly a more elevated and modernised look which is fitting as we move into a new era alongside MoneyGram as our title partner. It’s an exciting time of year for Formula 1 and it’s great that we’re first out the gate to showcase our livery but our attention is firmly on getting the VF-23 on-track and preparing for the season ahead. We really have something to build on following last year’s performances.It’s an exciting time of year for Formula 1 and it’s great that we’re first out the gate to showcase our livery but our attention is firmly on getting the VF-23 on-track and preparing for the season ahead. We really have something to build on following last year’s performances. The whole organisation has been working hard to reach this point and obviously in Kevin and Nico we have two proven points-scoring talents locked in behind the wheel. I can’t wait to get started.

    Guenther Steiner, Haas Team Principal.

  • 31.01.23

    Haas have announced that they will be presenting the livery for their new F1 car at the end of January, completing the initial launch plans for all 10 teams.

    Rather than a full-scale launch, Haas will be mirroring Williams by only showing off their 2023 colour scheme, with an online presentation set for January 31st – the earliest of the dates confirmed.

    The car will be piloted by a revised, Haas driver line-up, after the US-led team opted to part ways with Mick Schumacher and bring in experienced driver Nico Hulkenberg alongside recent returnee, Kevin Magnussen.

    Magnussen continues for a second season, and eighth in F1 overall, having claimed P5 on his comeback in Bahrain and scored a stunning pole position amid mixed qualifying conditions, at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

    Sporting a new title sponsor in MoneyGram, Haas reported a significant landmark in the development of their VF-23, in December, sharing on social media that the chassis and nose had passed the FIA’s tests and were officially homologated.

  • 07.02.23

    Alfa Romeo have become the ninth team to reveal when they will be launching their new car ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

    The Swiss based outfit confirmed that they will be pulling the covers off their 2023 challenger on Tuesday, 7th February. The car, which will be called the C43, will be launched at an event in Zurich.

    Alfa Romeo will be hoping the car can build on the promising start they made to Formula 1’s new era which kicked off last season. They were regular point scorers in the first half of the season before other teams began to catch up. Nonetheless, the team managed to hold on and beat Aston Martin to P6 in the constructors’ championship.

    Piloting the cars this year will be Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu – the team one of four in the pit lane to stick with the same line-up and retain both drivers for this coming season.

    But there changes at the top, as Andreas Seidl is joining the Sauber Group as CEO, with one of his first tasks set to be finding a team boss to replace Vasseur.

  • F1 update 2023 calendar

    Formula 1 has confirmed that the 2023 season will consist of 23 races, as they ruled out a replacement for the Chinese Grand Prix.

    The original schedule had been set for 24 events, with the race in Shanghai provisionally put down for April 16th. However, ongoing restrictions in China relating to COVID-19 meant it was not possible for F1 to go ahead with the race there.

    The cancellation of the Chinese GP and with no race replacing it, it now leaves a big gap in the calendar between the Australian GP on April 2nd and the Azerbaijan GP on April 30th.

    F1 did consider options to shift this around, either by moving the Azerbaijan race forward to separate it from being a back-to-back with Miami, or by finding a replacement.

    However, Azerbaijan GP Chiefs were reluctant to move their event any earlier in the year because of concerns about poor weather in Baku.

  • Sebastian Montoya joins RB Juniors

    Sebastian Montoya, son of ex-Formula 1 driver, Juan Pablo has joined Red Bull’s Junior Team for 2023, as he looks to follow in his fathers footsteps.

    Juan Pablo spent six years competing in F1 from 2001 to 2006, initially representing Williams and then later on McLaren – taking seven victories, 30 podiums and best finish of third in the drivers’ standings.

    Now, Sebastian is forging his own motorsport career and having risen up the karting ranks, made his single-seater debut in 2020, contesting in both ADAC Formula 4 and Italian Formula 4 Championships with Prema.

    The Colombian-American racer stayed in both categories for the 2021 season, placing fourth overall in Italian F4 and ninth in ADAC F4, bagging his first podiums in the process.

    Last year, the 17 year old added campaigns in the Asian and European Formula Regional categories, along with selected LMP2 outings in the IMSA SportsCar Championship alongside his father, as well as a points-scoring appearance in FIA F3.

    Excited to announce I am now part of Red Bull’s Official Junior Team. This past year, I became part of the brand’s athletes and now we will work together for the ultimate goal: F1.

    Montoya took to social media announcing the news.

  • 03.02.23

    Reigning F1 World Champions, Red Bull have announced that they will hold a ‘season launch’ in New York early in February, as the team look to continue their run of success.

    After winning the 2021 drivers’ championship with Max Verstappen, 2022 saw the Dutchman (15 wins from 22 races) and the outfit (17 wins) romp to both world titles, making the most of F1’s recent rule changes.

    They enter the 2023 campaign as the force to beat with Ferrari aiming to offer a more sustained challenge this time out, as well as Mercedes bid to join them in the fight.

    Running power units developed under their own in-house Red Bull Powertrains operation, the team will field an unchanged driver line-up, with Max committed through 2028 and Sergio signed until 2024.

    However, there will be one new addition for the upcoming season, as former driver Daniel Ricciardo returns in a third driver role.

  • Williams announce Merc strategy chief, James Vowles as TP

    Williams have revealed that Mercedes, strategist James Vowles will take the place of Jost Capito as their new team boss.

    Capito and Technical Director FX Demaison both left Williams in December, following a 2022 season in which the team placed at the bottom of the F1 constructors’ standings having scored just eight points.

    Vowles has enjoyed a 21-year career in F1, representing the Silver Arrows since 2010 and serving as their Motorsport Strategy Director over the last four years. He previously held key engineering and strategy roles at Mercedes, Brawn GP, Honda and BAR.

    Vowles, who also worked with Williams Brand Ambassador Jenson Button during their title-winning days at Brawn, will be joining the Grove operation on February 20th ahead of the 2023 season opener i Bahrain.

    I cannot wait to start with Williams Racing. It’s an honour to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage. The team is an icon of our sport, one I greatly respect, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge. Williams Racing have placed their faith and trust in me, and I will do the same in return. The team has tremendous potential, and our journey together starts in a matter of weeks.

    Vowles on his new role.

    We are delighted to welcome James to Williams Racing. He is one of the most highly respected talents in Formula 1 and will bring performance. He has been a key part of some of the most impressive feats in the sport over the past 15 years. As we continue our relentless pursuit for results, we believe that the appointment of James reinforces our dedication to ensuring we have energetic, experienced, and strong leadership as we move into the next phase of transforming Williams Racing.

    Matthew Savage, Dorilton Capital Chairman.

  • 15.02.23

    Mercedes have confirmed when their 2023 F1 car will be launched, with the Silver Arrows pushing to return to their regular winning ways.

    Mercedes racked up seven drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021, having initially mastered the turbo-hybrid regulations, but major changes to the 2022 technical rules, saw them struggle with a trouble W13 package.

    It took the team most of the season to get on top of porpoising, and to get on terms with rivals Red Bull and Ferrari, allowing George Russell to lead home Lewis Hamilton in a break through one-two at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

    After a busy winter, Mercedes will be hoping they can score consistent wins with the new W14, which will be launched on February 15th, one day after rivals Ferrari.

    Russell and Hamilton will continue as team mates for a second season in 2023, whilst Mick Schumacher takes up the reserve driver role.

    At the end, it comes back to the sentence, ‘The days we lose are the days our competitors will regret’, because we learn the most. Hopefully the future will be proof of that. With our learnings, the values in the team, the empowerment and the no blame culture, I think we will be back in a more potent form next year – hopefully winning races on merit and fighting for the championship. But is it a given? Certainly not.

    Toto Wolff, speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast.

  • 06.02.23

    Williams have shared plans for a season launch – during which they will be showing off their 2023 livery – as the team looks to climb off the foot of the F1 standings this year.

    Amid a challenging run of form, Williams have classified last in four of the last five seasons (P8 in 2021 being the exception), with the 2022 campaign yielding only eight points.

    Looking towards 2023, the Grove operation will stage a pre-season launch event on their official website at 14:00 GMT of February 6th, in which Alex Albon and new team mate, Logan Sargeant will be on hand to show off the team’s 2023 colours.

    Williams are one of the several squads to field a revised driver line-up this year, with the American rookie, Sargeant replacing Nicholas Latifi after finishing fourth in the 2022 F2 standings.

    Alongside a revised driver pairing, Williams will head into 2023 under a new team boss, with Jost Capito having departed late last year amid a merry go round of managerial changes – though his replacement is yet to be announced.

    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 (owners) 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 on his F1 seat.

  • Williams sign Colapinto

    Franco Colapinto has become the latest signing to the Williams Driver Academy.

    The Argentine competed in his rookie FIA Formula 3 campaign last year, finishing 9th in the drivers’ championship with Van Amersfoort after several stand-out performances across the season, including his debut in Bahrain.

    The 19 year old captured the Spanish F4 title in his first full season of single-seater racing in 2019, where he took 11 race wins. He drove in both Formula Renault Eurocup and Toyota Racing Series in 2020, finishing third in both series with three victories and 17 podiums combined.

    For his second FIA F3 season, Colapinto switches from VAR to reunite with MP Motorsport. The 19 year old took part in the post season test with the team last year, achieving 248 laps at Jerez and ending the test with the fastest time on the third and final day.

    It’s a real honour to join Williams Racing as an Academy Driver. They are one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history and I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of my fellow countryman Carlos Reutemann. It’s an incredible opportunity for which I am forever grateful. Thanks to everyone at Williams for putting their trust in me. I am also excited to announce that I will be back with MP Motorsport for the 2023 FIA F3 season. I really enjoyed my time with the team in Eurocup and FRECA and we achieved some great results together. The goal is to reach even higher this time. My first year in FIA F3 was all about learning and I will use all the knowledge I’ve gathered to aim for the title next year. I am grateful to everyone who made this possible. Bullet Sports Management, YPF, ROFGO Racing, and of course, my beloved country Argentina. Thank you for all the support. I can’t wait to get the season started.

    Colapinto on joining the Academy and his new seat.

    We’re delighted to welcome Franco to the Williams Racing Driver Academy. His career achievements since starting karting highlight Franco’s natural ability behind the wheel and what he’s capable of in the years to come. He had a standout rookie season in Formula 3 with several strong performances that led to podiums and wins. We look forward to working closely with Franco to support and nurture his development as a driver.

    Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Williams Racing.

  • 13.02.23

    McLaren will launch their next Formula 1 challenger in mid-February after hiding the news in an image on social media.

    The team that finished fifth in the 2022 constructors’ champion will unveil their 2023 car due to be driven by Lando Norris and rookie, Oscar Piastri on February 13th at the McLaren Technology Centre.

    McLaren’s former Team Principal, Andreas Seidl left the team at the end of the 2022 season to join Sauber as Chief Executive Ofdicer, whilst Andrea Stella steps up to the role.

    The outfit announced the news of the car launch on Twitter having hidden the date on a sticky note in one of their images…

    I’m looking forward to being able to show what I have, but also there’s undoubtedly going to be things to learn along the way, and I think Lando’s a very strong team mate to be able to learn from. I think it’ll be a good working relationship. We’re both quite similar in age, we’ve got a few friends in common, like I said, so I’m confident that we’ll be able to work well together and hopefully bring the whole team more towards the front of the grid – that’s the aim.

    Piastri on his teammate.
    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnFDZ-Drvrr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Andretti & Cadillac announce F1 entry plans

    Andretti Global and General Motors have announced plans to enter a new Formula 1 team in the coming years under the latter’s Cadillac brand.

    Andretti revealed last February that it was planning to open an F1 operation in the future, and spent much of the 2022 season discussing the possibility of expanding the field with the existing 10 teams.

    The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed on Twitter last week, that he had asked his team to look at starting the process for expressions of interest from potential new F1 teams, marking a first step to expanding the current 20 car grid.

    In an announcement made last Thursday, Andretti and General Motors revealed their plan to enter an “all-American team” in response to the FIA’s calls for expressions of interest as an Andretti Cadillac team.

    The potential team would initially receive a power unit supply from another engine manufacturer, but both Andretti and Cadillac are set to offer technical support as part of a collaboration.

    The team would operate chiefly out of the new Andretti Global headquarters that is under construction in Fishers, Indiana due to start operations in 2025. A satellite facility would also operate out of Europe for the team, as well as aiding with Andretti’s other racing interests.

    F1 has not had a new team since Haas joined the grid in 2016, but there is understood to be interest from a number of parties about joining the field in the future.

    The process for Andretti and Cadillac to join the grid is one that requires the support of F1 itself and the current teams, only two of which have been publicly supportive of Andretti’s plans amid concerns of the potential financial impact.

    Any new teams which join the F1 field is required to pay a $200 million fee as a dilution fund that is split between the current grid to make up for splitting the teams’ payouts with another entrant.

    Since first discussing plans to join the F1 grid, Andretti has been vocal about wishing to field an American driver in one of its seats, namely Colton Herta who races for Andretti Autosport in IndyCar.

    We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what’s next.  feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula 1 and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans. I’m proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal. GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing. We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid.

    Michael Andretti, the chairman and CEO of Andretti Global.

  • 16.02.23

    Alpine have announced the launch date for their 2023 Formula 1 car, which will be called the A523.

    The Enstone/Viry-based constructors fourth in the championship with their 2022 car, the A523 and will field an all-French line-up this season with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the wheel – as Fernando Alonso has departed for Aston Martin.

    This year’s Alpine, A523 will be launched on February 16th in London with the team confirming on social media.

    Gasly who joins from AlphaTauri, tested the A522 at Yas Marina Circuit after the 2022 season had concluded and said at the time : “Firstly, thanks to the entire team for making me feel so welcome over the last two days and I’m feeling ready to begin this next chapter in my career. I’m looking forward to visiting everyone at Viry and Enstone, debriefing on this test, before working towards our objectives alongside Esteban for the 2023 season.”

    The team’s CEO Laurent Rossi said that their P4 in the standings in 2022 was an important step for the constructors as they look to push on towards fighting for the championship. “I mean, it’s always better to finish P4 than P5, no doubt. At the beginning of the season, the goal was to put a new structure in place, which we did, that structure was supposed to deliver innovations, upgrades throughout the entire season, to be more competitive, which we did, which culminate, ultimately in a better position, which we are very close to be doing. So, it is important, not just financially but also for the momentum. We said we would try and progress every year to catch up as much as we can with the top teams. It’s important not to miss the first step. Hopefully, we’re going to get there.”

  • 11.02.23

    Alpha Tauri have announced they will be holding a launch event in New York City to reveal their new livery for the 2023 season.

    Alpha Tauri are the third team to announce as Aston Martin and Ferrari have confirmed their launches for their new challengers – but Alpha Tauri will be the first out of the teams to show the car’s colour scheme at least.

    The AT04 will be raced by Yuki Tsunoda, where it will be his third year in Formula 1 and rookie Nyck de Vries who replaces Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly.

    Former Formula 2 and Formula E Champion, De Vries was Mercedes reserve driver and stepped in last minute to replace Williams driver, Alex Albon when he was struck down with apendicitis at the Italian Grand Prix.

    De Vries immediately looked at home, qualifying P13 and racing to a points finish of P9 on his debut – a performance so impressive that shortly afterwards he was signed up for a full time seat alongside Tsunoda.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CmhIYuqqYRA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • 14.02.23

    Ferrari have became the second team to announce the launch date for their 2023 Formula 1 car.

    Aston Martin was the first F1 squad to confirm when the covers would be coming off their new car, and now have revealed their 2023 challenger will be unveiled to the world on February 14th.

    The car currently goes by project number 675 but has no official name yet.

    Ferrari’s last car the F1-75 returned the team to winning ways after a fallow couple of the season for the team. The Scuderia had not won a race since 2019 but Charles Leclerc took two victories from the first three races in 2022 to put himself and the team right back in title contention.

    Ultimately, that challenge fell short as Max Verstappen and Red Bull swept to victory in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

    Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will continue as team mates at Ferrari for the third consecutive season, but it’s all change at the top after Scuderia recently appointed ex-Sauber head, Frederic Vasseur as Team Principal.

    The Scuderia last won the constructors’ championship in 2008 and have since finished runners up six times.

  • 13.2.23

    Aston Martin has become the first Formula 1 team to announce the launch date for their new 2023 car.

    The 2022 season might have finished only a few weeks ago but the teams are already working hard on preparations for next year, with the new cars having been in development for months now.

    And Aston Martin are the first to announce when the world will get the first glimpse of their new challenger, which will be called the AMR23 on Monday, February 13th at 7pm GMT.

    Aston Martin have finished seventh in the constructors’ championship in the last two seasons, and will be hoping for a big step forward in 2023, especially with a host of new personnel bedding in at the team.

    The AMR23 will be the first Aston Martin to be piloted by Fernando Alonso, with the two time world champion joining the team for next year after two seasons at Alpine. The Spaniard will partner team mate Lance Stroll and replaces Sebastian Vettel who spent two years with the team after leaving Ferrari.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.