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Major Carmakers Unite to Introduce a New EV Charging Network in North America

Major global automakers, including BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, have come together to create a groundbreaking EV public charging network joint venture in North America. This collaboration aims to significantly expand access to high-powered charging across the continent.

The goal is to install at least 30,000 high-powered charge points in urban and highway locations, ensuring convenient charging for EV owners whenever and wherever they need it. The charging network will provide an elevated customer experience, reliable and high-powered charging capability, digital integration, appealing locations, and amenities during charging. Additionally, the stations will be powered solely by renewable energy, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Notably, the charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker, as they will support both the Combined Charging System (CCS) and the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors.

Read Also: Soaring EV sales could still leave world short on emissions goal

The first charging stations are scheduled to open in the United States during the summer of 2024, with deployment in Canada following at a later stage. The network will be strategically located in metropolitan areas and along major highways, making charging stations easily accessible to EV drivers living, working, and traveling in those regions.

Each charging site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers and, where possible, offer amenities such as restrooms, food service, and retail options. Some flagship stations may include additional amenities to enhance the charging experience further.

The charging network will integrate seamlessly with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences, providing features like reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, and transparent energy management.

The coalition includes two automakers that have committed to equipping their EVs with NACS connectors starting from 2025, namely General Motors and Mercedes-Benz Group. The other partners, including BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, will evaluate the adoption of Tesla’s NACS connectors but have yet to confirm implementation on their EVs.

Read Also: EV demand has big factory projects churning

By meeting or surpassing the requirements of the US National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, the automakers aim to establish the leading network of reliable high-powered charging stations in North America.

The joint venture is set to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, paving the way for a revolutionary charging network that will benefit EV drivers across the continent.

Featured Image Credit: www.motor1.com

July 28, 2023
Charles Leclerc Faces Frustration and Challenges at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc, the talented Monegasque driver for Ferrari, had a challenging afternoon at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Despite displaying impressive pace and commitment, he encountered a series of setbacks that affected his final result. Frustration mounted as technical issues with the radio and a slow pit stop impacted the team’s strategy. Nevertheless, Leclerc remains determined to overcome these difficulties and push forward, acknowledging the need for improvements to stay competitive in the championship.

Setbacks during the Race:

Leclerc’s race was marred by a wheelgun issue during a pit stop and a subsequent five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. These incidents led to a seventh-place finish, and he narrowly missed out on overtaking George Russell after the race. Additionally, there were communication challenges with the team due to radio problems, resulting in Leclerc needing to speak assertively to ensure his instructions were understood.

Read Also: Budget Constraints Limit Mercedes and Ferrari’s Pursuit of Red Bull in Hungary

Assessing the Result:

Despite the disappointing outcome, Leclerc believes the result is not reflective of his overall performance during the race. He expressed frustration over not receiving recognition when he performs well, but scrutiny when things go awry. The lack of acknowledgement can be disheartening, especially when striving to excel with the car’s current capabilities. However, Leclerc acknowledges that setbacks are part of the game, and the team must work together to improve their performance.

Looking Ahead:

Leclerc praised the team’s efforts to address issues in some races but acknowledged that more work is needed to catch up with rivals like McLaren. He emphasized the importance of making progress and learning from other teams’ successes. Despite feeling behind, Leclerc remained positive about the car’s pace and tire management during the race, indicating progress in overcoming previous weaknesses in tire degradation.

Read Also: Sainz: Ferrari had first warning signs over F1 race pace in 2022

The Hungarian Grand Prix proved to be a challenging race for Charles Leclerc and the Ferrari team. Technical issues and penalties impacted their strategy, resulting in a seventh-place finish. While frustrated with the outcome, Leclerc remains determined to make strides and improve the team’s performance. As they continue to work together and address communication and technical challenges, Leclerc is confident they can overcome the hurdles and compete with the front-runners in the upcoming races.

Featured Image Credit: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

July 28, 2023
Aston Martin Valour: Retro-Inspired Supercar Sells Out in Record Time

The Aston Martin Valour made a stunning debut as a retro-inspired supercar at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. With a limited production of just 110 units worldwide, the Valour quickly captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. Aston Martin reported that all units were sold within two weeks of its premiere, with the first deliveries expected to commence by the end of the year. Despite its exclusivity and high price tag estimated between $1.5-2 million USD, fans can still explore the Valour’s design and features through the brand’s configurator.

Design: A Nostalgic Blend of Retro and Modern

The Valour’s exterior styling pays homage to iconic Aston Martin models from the 1970s and ’80s, such as the Vantage and V8, while also drawing inspiration from the 2020 Victor. Its aggressive and striking appearance features a bulging hood, low nose, and broad fenders, capturing the essence of classic Aston Martin design language.

Interior: High-Tech and Sporty

Inside, the Valour offers a blend of high-tech elements and sporty features. The driver is greeted by a digital instrument cluster, while a separate infotainment display adorns the top of the center stack. Physical controls are thoughtfully positioned below the central monitor, and buttons on the console complement the prominent gearshift.

Read Also: Aston Martin To Introduce Four EVs Alongside Existing ICE Models, No Replacements Planned

Performance: Raw Power and Precise Handling

Powering the Valour is a formidable twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine residing under its elongated hood. With an impressive output of 705 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque, the Valour offers exhilarating performance. The power is transferred to the rear axle via a six-speed manual gearbox, allowing for an engaging driving experience. The supercar’s suspension features adaptive dampers, and it is equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes for precise handling and stopping power. To further enhance the vehicle’s stiffness, the chassis is reinforced with additional bracing.

Configurator: Creating Dream Experiences

While the Valour may be out of reach for many, Aston Martin offers an interactive configurator that enables enthusiasts to design their ideal version of the supercar. The configurator boasts a plethora of exterior color options, trim choices, and leather color selections. Minor details such as the gearshift knob material, whether aluminum, walnut wood, or polished titanium, can be personalized. Comfort amenities like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats are available to cater to individual preferences.

Read Also: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Confirmed For 2023 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

The Aston Martin Valour’s debut as a retro-tinged supercar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed garnered tremendous attention, resulting in all 110 units being sold within a short time. Its nostalgic design elements, combined with modern technology and powerful performance, have captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. While the Valour may be exclusive, Aston Martin’s configurator allows fans to engage with the car’s design and create their dream experience. As deliveries are set to begin soon, anticipation builds for a remarkable addition to the elite world of luxury supercars.

Featured Image Credit: www.motor1.com

July 28, 2023
Mercedes’ W15: Aiming for Performance and Development in 2024

Mercedes has its sights set on the 2024 Formula 1 season with the W15, a car designed to offer ample scope for development and performance improvements. Learning from the challenges faced in previous seasons, the team is determined to focus on finding speed and not be constrained by early design choices. By prioritizing development opportunities, Mercedes aims to reclaim its position at the forefront of the championship battle.

In the past, Mercedes had to divert significant resources to address specific issues, such as the bouncing problem that plagued the team in 2022. This year, they tackled aerodynamic changes early in the season to optimize their car’s performance. As the team makes progress in resolving such challenges, the focus for the future is to concentrate on finding outright performance gains.

According to James Shovlin, Mercedes’ Director of Trackside Engineering, the team wants to transition from troubleshooting to performance-oriented development. Instead of being preoccupied with a laundry list of issues to resolve, the emphasis will be on maximizing lap times and pushing for regular pole positions and race victories.

Read Also: Budget Constraints Limit Mercedes and Ferrari’s Pursuit of Red Bull in Hungary

For the W15, Mercedes is keen on making key design decisions that offer flexibility for future development. The goal is to match the pace of other teams who consistently bring performance upgrades throughout the season. By allowing greater development possibilities, Mercedes hopes to maintain competitiveness and challenge for the top spot.

In the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were compromised early in the race due to cooling issues. The team discovered that the cooling system had been underestimated, leading to the power unit running hotter than expected. To manage temperatures, the drivers were asked to “lift and coast,” easing off the throttle and reducing brake usage to cool down the power unit. This strategy impacted lap times and their ability to attack competitors.

As the race progressed and the temperature issues were better managed, both Hamilton and Russell were able to regain momentum. They improved their pace, and with clear air and better tire degradation, they gained positions in the latter stages of the race. Hamilton finished fourth, while Russell secured a commendable sixth-place finish.

Read Also: Wolff: Mercedes needed early F1 season shock to be bold with car change

Mercedes is setting its sights on the future with the W15, focusing on performance and development opportunities. By learning from past challenges and optimizing the car’s design, the team aims to compete for pole positions and race victories in the 2024 Formula 1 season. Despite facing cooling issues in the Hungarian Grand Prix, their drivers demonstrated resilience and skill, finishing the race strongly. As Mercedes continues to evolve its car and strategies, fans can expect an exciting battle on the track in the years to come.

Featured Images Credit: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images

July 28, 2023
Elon Musk to Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court Over SEC “Muzzle” on Free Speech

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX, is planning to take his legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the U.S. Supreme Court. Musk aims to challenge the enforcement of a consent decree that he considers a “muzzle” on his free speech. The decree emerged from a tweet he posted in August 2018, in which he claimed to have “funding secured” to take Tesla private. The 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals in Manhattan upheld the decree, but Musk is determined to seek redress at the highest level.

The controversy began with Musk’s tweet in 2018, where he made a significant claim about taking Tesla private. The SEC accused him of defrauding investors, leading to a settlement that included a consent decree. As part of the settlement, Musk and Tesla each paid $20 million fines, and Musk stepped down as Tesla’s chairman. Additionally, he agreed to allow a Tesla lawyer to pre-approve certain tweets due to his use of Twitter, which he now owns and recently renamed X.

Read Also: Musk reverses course and says Tesla will advertise its cars

Elon Musk contends that the SEC overstepped its authority by using the consent decree to conduct what he perceived as harassing investigations into his use of Twitter. He believes the decree limits his right to free speech, effectively acting as a “gag rule.” Despite Musk’s claim, a three-judge panel of the appeals court rejected his argument and upheld the decree.

Having faced setbacks in lower courts, Musk and his legal team intend to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. They seek to challenge the constitutionality of the SEC’s demands and the imposition of what they consider an unconstitutional gag rule. The appeals court panel previously denied Musk’s request for a rehearing, prompting him to take his case to the highest court in the land.

The consent decree resulted from a settlement between Musk and the SEC, in which Musk agreed to pay the fines and relinquish his role as Tesla’s chairman. Moreover, he accepted the condition of having a Tesla lawyer approve certain tweets in advance. However, Musk’s legal team argues that the SEC lacked the authority to impose such a restriction as part of the settlement.

Read Also: Tesla Model Y was the world’s best-selling car in Q1

The U.S. Supreme Court receives thousands of cases for review each year but typically hears oral arguments in only a small fraction of them. Elon Musk’s appeal is set to challenge the SEC’s handling of the consent decree and its impact on his right to free speech. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for corporate executives’ communications and the extent of regulatory control over social media usage in the corporate world.

Featured Image Credit: www.autonews.com

July 28, 2023
Electrifying Debut: Caterham Unveils Project V Electric Coupe at Goodwood Festival of Speed

At the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the standout debuts was the Caterham Project V, a unique electric coupe with 2+1 seating (optional 2+2) built by Italdesign. While the car is currently a one-off concept, Caterham intends to bring the production version to market by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

As a niche automaker, Caterham faces the challenge of developing components for its vehicles. To streamline the engineering process and reduce costs without compromising quality, the Project V uses components borrowed from other automakers. The same door aperture found on the Audi TT and thin seats from Maserati are utilized, leading to significant cost savings.

Caterham’s CEO, Bob Laishley, confirmed in an interview that the production version will follow the same strategy, using these already developed OEM components. The absence of a front trunk also helps simplify the car’s design and save weight, making it a more cost-effective proposition. Caterham is focused on developing a practical and feasible road-going model based on the showcar, rather than an expensive one-off concept.

Read Also: Caterham EV Seven Concept Previews Future Electric Lightweight Sports Car

The production version of Project V will target a curb weight of 1,190 kilograms (2,623 pounds) for the 2+1 variant, thanks to a carbon fiber and aluminum composite chassis. It will be powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 horsepower and a 55 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car’s impressive performance specifications include a 0-62 mph time of under four and a half seconds, a top speed of 143 mph, and a range of 249 miles in the WLTP cycle.

The battery pack will support DC charging at 150 kW, enabling the battery to charge from 20 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes. Caterham’s CEO has emphasized that Project V is more than just a design study; engineering and production feasibility have been thoroughly assessed throughout the development process.

Read Also: Nyobolt EV Concept Has Battery That Can Be Fully Recharged In 6 Minutes

If all goes as planned, the production version, designed by Anthony Jannarelly, is expected to have a price tag of £80,000 ($104,000 or €93,300). It will not replace the iconic Seven model but will complement Caterham’s lineup as a modern and innovative offering.

Featured Image Credit: www.motor1.com

July 28, 2023
Utah Department of Transportation Launches GPS-Based Road Usage Charging Pilot Program

The Utah Department of Transportation, in collaboration with ETAN Tolling Technology and ClearRoad, is launching the Local Road Usage Charging and Tolling Integration Pilot to test a new method of charging drivers for their road usage. The pilot program will use GPS technology to monitor vehicles’ locations and bill owners based on their road usage. This initiative is scheduled to begin before the end of the year and will run for six months with approximately 100 volunteers participating.

The test will take place in medium-sized cities, including Ogden, St. George, Saratoga Springs, and South Jordan, with populations ranging from about 50,000 to less than 100,000 people. The project is funded by a federal grant.

Read Also: Audi Q6 E-Tron: Unveiling Active Lighting Technology for Safer Driving, but Not in the US

Utah already has a Road Usage Charge program specifically for electric vehicles (EVs). EV owners can voluntarily enroll in the program or pay a flat fee of $130.25 for 2023. Participants install a device into their vehicle’s OBD port and set up an account on an app, with the charge being one cent per mile on top of the flat fee.

The integration of GPS technology in the pilot program adds precision to the existing road usage charge by accurately tracking where people drive. It enables the state to bill drivers appropriately, such as for toll roads. Additionally, the system will detect when drivers use locally-owned roads, allowing revenue allocation to the correct municipality responsible for maintaining that specific highway.

The aim of this pilot program is to unify different forms of road pricing, including tolling, local road usage charging, and distance-based road usage charges, into a single account management and billing system. This will provide participants with a more seamless experience and optimize payment methods and wallet management for road use charging programs.

Read Also: NHTSA Wants Auto Emergency Braking Standard On Big Trucks, Buses

ClearRoad, which previously worked on Oregon’s OReGO road use charging program and partnered on a pilot program for testing congestion charges in Bogota, Columbia, will be involved in this project.

The results of the feasibility study will determine whether the Utah Department of Transportation will implement this new road usage charging program for drivers in the state. The goal is to gather valuable insights and technology options to inform a final report to be provided to the Federal Highway Administration at the end of the pilot, approximately a year from its commencement.

Featured Image Credit: www.motor1.com

July 27, 2023
Pato O’Ward’s Mixed Fortunes at the 7/8-Mile Oval: A Weekend of Ups and Downs for McLaren

The IndyCar series at the 7/8-mile short oval witnessed a roller-coaster of emotions for McLaren’s Pato O’Ward and his teammates. O’Ward displayed skill and determination in securing a podium finish in the opening race, while Felix Rosenqvist experienced a remarkable turnaround in fortunes. However, the team’s performance in the second race left them perplexed, with O’Ward settling for a modest 10th position. Let’s dive deeper into the thrilling and challenging weekend for McLaren at the short oval.

Race 1: A Strong Start but Not Without Struggles

Saturday’s opening race saw Pato O’Ward emerge as the shining star for McLaren. He impressed by finishing in an impressive third place, showcasing his skill and determination on the track. As the sole McLaren driver to qualify in the top 10 for either race, O’Ward proved the team’s potential.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for O’Ward. He expressed his frustration at Team Penske’s dominant performance, particularly in navigating through traffic. O’Ward found himself stuck behind slower cars, making it challenging to position his car for overtakes. Despite the podium finish, O’Ward couldn’t help but reflect on the team’s strong showing at the same venue in the previous year, wondering why they couldn’t replicate the same pace this time.

Race 2: A Disappointing Outcome

Sunday’s race proved to be a stark contrast to the previous day for O’Ward. Despite his efforts, he struggled with his car’s handling throughout the race. His performance was far from what he had hoped for, settling for a 10th-place finish. O’Ward couldn’t explain the drop in performance, expressing confusion about the setup that led to such an outcome.

Read Also: Ericsson wants to be “treated as a top driver” in IndyCar contract talks

Teammate Felix Rosenqvist experienced a different narrative, where he bounced back remarkably from a challenging Saturday race. The team identified a mechanical issue affecting the handling of Rosenqvist’s car after Race 1. Rectifying the problem, Rosenqvist showed great speed and determination on Sunday, putting himself in contention for victory until the final restart. He ultimately finished an impressive fourth, highlighting his resilience and the team’s ability to turn things around.

Analyzing the Struggles:

McLaren’s race director, Gavin Ward, shed some light on the difficulties faced by the team. O’Ward’s car seemed to struggle with the rear, affecting his performance in the second race. Similarly, Alexander Rossi’s car experienced a similar balance issue, making it challenging to navigate the tight and technical circuit. Rossi managed to salvage a 10th and 15th place finish in the double-header races, but the team recognized the need to investigate and address the handling issues.

Moving Forward:

Pato O’Ward and the entire McLaren team are now looking ahead to the upcoming races, determined to bounce back from the mixed fortunes at the 7/8-mile short oval. Learning from the challenges faced during this double-header weekend, they will work diligently to improve the car’s setup and ensure better results in future races.

Read Also: Rossi: Indy 500 rivals were “getting away with crazy restarts”

The IndyCar series at the 7/8-mile short oval proved to be a weekend of ups and downs for McLaren. Pato O’Ward showcased his talent with a podium finish in the opening race, but the team struggled to replicate the same pace in the second race. Felix Rosenqvist’s remarkable turnaround highlighted the team’s resilience, while Alexander Rossi endured a difficult weekend. Despite the challenges faced, the McLaren team remains determined to analyze the issues and come back stronger in the races to come. With a hunger for success, they will look to capitalize on the lessons learned and showcase their true potential in the upcoming events.

Featured Image Credit: Phillip Abbott / Motorsport Images

July 27, 2023
Audi Q6 E-Tron: Unveiling Active Lighting Technology for Safer Driving, but Not in the US

The highly anticipated Audi Q6 E-Tron is set to hit the market with cutting-edge active lighting technology, making it smarter and safer on the roads. However, to the disappointment of many US drivers, this advanced feature will not be available in the United States. Instead of blaming Audi, let’s explore the real reason behind this limitation: federal red tape.

Adaptive Matrix LED Headlights: An Evolutionary Safety Feature

Audi has long been at the forefront of automotive safety, equipping its vehicles with adaptive matrix LED headlights. These innovative headlights can intelligently adjust their brightness when they detect oncoming light, ensuring maximum visibility for the driver without blinding other motorists. This technology has been included in some Audi models sold in the US for nearly a decade, but strangely, the feature has been deactivated.

The Regulatory Hurdle: ADB Lighting and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108

In February 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made an amendment to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, allowing adaptive driving beam (ADB) lighting similar to Audi’s matrix LED technology. However, rather than facilitating the integration of these advanced systems, the amendment complicated matters. The new regulation introduced different testing and certification requirements, deviating from the globally accepted and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) informed solution.

Audi’s Explanation: Differing Requirements and Complications

Audi clarified the situation, explaining that the US had a previous regulation permitting only high or low beams with nothing in between. The new regulation allowed for adaptive beam lighting, but the revised testing procedures and criteria posed a challenge. As a result, Audi’s solution, which has been used successfully outside the US since 2012, does not align with the stringent requirements of the new regulation.

Read Also: Former Audi CEO Fined $1.2M, Gets Suspended Sentence For Dieselgate Role

Safety Group Warnings Ignored

Interestingly, safety groups had cautioned NHTSA against these complications years ago. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns in a 2018 petition, warning that certain components of the amendment could hinder the full potential of ADB systems in maximizing visibility while minimizing glare.

The Exciting Advancements in Audi Q6 E-Tron’s Lighting Technology

Despite the limitations faced in the US, the Audi Q6 E-Tron remains an exciting model with significant advancements in lighting technology. Building upon Audi’s matrix-beam technology, the Q6 E-Tron offers active lighting with eight different front running light designs, some of which feature a subtle twinkling effect, creating a unique and captivating look.

The Safety Angle: Intelligent Navigation and Parking Alerts

Beyond aesthetics, the active lighting feature also enhances safety. The Q6 E-Tron’s navigation system can detect traffic jams or accidents ahead and change the rear OLED display to show a warning triangle, alerting drivers behind to the potential hazard. Additionally, when the car is in automated parallel parking mode, the taillights will display a specific signature along with the blinker, signaling that the vehicle is backing into a parking space.

Read Also: High-Performance Audi A6 E-Tron Spied Testing At The Nürburgring

The Future Possibilities for US-Spec Audi Q6 E-Tron

While US-spec Q6 E-Tron models will have static LED running light signatures, Audi holds hope for the future. If the US evolves its lighting standards to align with international norms, Audi can activate the full matrix feature set for thousands of vehicles, including older models.

The Audi Q6 E-Tron introduces remarkable active lighting technology, enhancing both aesthetics and safety on the roads. However, the absence of this feature in the US is a result of regulatory complexities. While Audi remains committed to bringing advanced lighting capabilities to its vehicles in the US, it awaits the day when federal standards align with global norms, enabling American drivers to experience the full potential of Audi’s matrix LED technology. Until then, the Audi Q6 E-Tron still offers a plethora of exciting features and represents a step towards a safer and smarter future on the roads.

Featured Image Credit: www.motor1.com

July 27, 2023
F1 Drivers React to ATA Format Trial: Concerns Over Reduced Practice Running

The recent ATA format trial in F1, implemented for the round at the Hungaroring, stirred various reactions from drivers. The format change aimed to boost qualifying excitement by restricting tyre allocation and spicing up the weekend. However, drivers like Carlos Sainz expressed concerns over the reduced practice running, feeling it hindered their ability to put on a show for fans. While some appreciated the interesting qualifying session resulting from the tyre allocations, others like Fernando Alonso saw it as a “disaster,” depriving spectators of on-track action during practice.

Read Also: Alpine’s Silverstone F1 Upgrades: Why They Are Crucial for Taking a Step Forward

The ATA format trial, aiming to enhance qualifying, restricted each car to just 11 sets of slick Pirelli rubber over the weekend. This led to hindered practice running, with FP1 being less affected due to wet weather allowing intermediate and wet tyres usage. Drivers like Carlos Sainz found this reduction in practice time unappealing, questioning the purpose of multiple practice sessions if tyres were scarce. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen echoed Sainz’s concerns about less running and entertainment for Friday crowds.

While the ATA trial provided an interesting qualifying session, some drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, expressed reservations about its impact on practice. Hamilton believed the previous tyre allocation rule already limited running, and further reductions didn’t add to entertainment. Max Verstappen also preferred the traditional format and believed close competition could still deliver excitement in all qualifying sessions.

Read Also: Sainz lauds “heroic lap” to top Q1 after brake issues in Austria F1 shootout

Fernando Alonso’s Strong Opposition: Fernando Alonso strongly opposed the reduced tyre sets, labeling it a “disaster” for the spectators who missed out on track action during practice. Alonso believed the format change added nothing to the show and felt sad for the fans who paid for Friday sessions without witnessing enough laps due to the tyre-saving approach.

The ATA format trial in F1 garnered mixed reactions from drivers, with concerns raised over reduced practice running impacting the entertainment value for fans. While some found the qualifying session interesting, drivers like Fernando Alonso saw it as a disappointment for the spectators. As the championship progresses, the ATA format’s effectiveness and its impact on overall fan experience will likely continue to be evaluated by F1 officials.

Featured Image Credit: Motorsport Images

July 24, 2023