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  • Overcoming Start Challenges: The VCARB 01 F1 Car’s Path to Race Day Success

    Overcoming Start Challenges: The VCARB 01 F1 Car’s Path to Race Day Success

    The VCARB 01 F1 car has been demonstrating impressive speed in qualifying sessions, especially at the Imola Grand Prix where both cars made it into Q3. However, the team’s race performance is being significantly hampered by poor starts, an issue that is critical to address.

    At the recent Imola Grand Prix, drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda faced immediate setbacks right after the start. Both lost two positions as soon as the race began, which proved difficult to recover due to the track’s challenging overtaking conditions. This recurring problem with race starts is something the team is acutely aware of and is working hard to improve.

    Daniel Ricciardo expressed his concerns about the starts, noting, “The starts, they’re hurting us at the moment. Honestly, I don’t know yet what the issue was. I didn’t feel like I botched it, as I felt like everything was going okay from the procedure, but we have to have a look. It’s so sensitive.” Ricciardo’s comments highlight the complexity and sensitivity of the starting procedures, suggesting that even slight deviations can lead to significant performance losses.

    Read Also: Ricciardo to replace de Vries at AlphaTauri F1 with immediate effect

    Yuki Tsunoda also acknowledged the team’s struggles with race starts, stating, “It is kind of a topic for our team, we’re working hard. We are really working hard for the starts throughout the races so far. We have improved a little bit, but we need a step more, because I would say consistency is not there. So, we have to look for the future.” Tsunoda believes that while there has been some progress, the team needs to achieve greater consistency to ensure better starts across all races.

    Tsunoda suggested that the problem might be a combination of factors, including tire preparation and clutch consistency. He mentioned, “I thought it was tyre preparation, and we’ve done a lot of tyre preparation work, but it’s not enough. I think it’s coming from also consistency with the clutch. Red Bull, having the same engine, they are able to have a consistent start. So, for sure there is something that we are missing or we have to improve.”

    Team principal Laurent Mekies offered a comprehensive view on the issue, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of perfecting race starts. Mekies said, “The start is not any more a single performance item. You have the clutch, the drivers have the procedures, there are the drivers themselves, you have the tyres – and I probably forget quite a few items. It’s one of these things that is great in our sport, that we need to bring together many different departments to try to go to the next step, and that’s what we need to do.”

    Mekies highlighted the need for consistency in starts, noting that the team has had a mix of good and bad starts this year. He explained, “We have been a little bit inconsistent. We had very good start in Miami from high up in the grid against the big guys, but we have been a bit up and down this year. It’s like everything else in the car. We just need to do small steps altogether.”

    Read Also: Charles Leclerc Faces Frustration and Challenges at the Hungarian Grand Prix

    Improving the race start consistency involves a detailed and collaborative approach. Mekies stressed that it’s about bringing together different departments and making incremental improvements. This means refining the clutch, driver procedures, and tire management to achieve more reliable starts.

    The VCARB 01 F1 car’s performance in qualifying is commendable, but to capitalize on this speed, the team must address the issues with race starts. Both Ricciardo and Tsunoda have identified areas for improvement, with a focus on tire preparation, clutch consistency, and overall start procedures. Team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledges the complexity of the issue and is committed to bringing various departments together to enhance the starting performance. By making small, consistent improvements, the team aims to overcome this hurdle and maximize their potential in upcoming races.

    As the team continues to work on these challenges, their efforts to improve start consistency will be crucial in converting qualifying speed into race success, ensuring that the VCARB 01 F1 car remains competitive throughout the season.

    Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

  • Porsche Partners with Manthey for 911 GT3 R Campaign in WEC 2024

    Porsche Partners with Manthey for 911 GT3 R Campaign in WEC 2024

    The German marque, Porsche, has selected Nurburgring-based Manthey, a team it partly owns, to run a pair of the latest 992-shape 911 GT3 R contenders introduced this year. In the upcoming World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, the 911 GT3 R cars will be the only ones representing Porsche on the grid, as each marque in the class that succeeds GTE Am is allowed only two entries. Porsche, being involved in the Hypercar category, automatically gets to choose the team or teams to run its cars.

    Manthey is making a return to the WEC after previously serving as Porsche’s factory team in the GTE Pro ranks from 2013 until the last season when the class was phased out. During their partnership, Manthey achieved remarkable success, including winning the drivers’ titles in 2015 and 2018/19 with Richard Lietz, Kevin Estre, and Michael Christensen, as well as taking the manufacturers’ crown in both instances. They also triumphed three times in GTE Pro at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013, 2018, and 2022.

    Read Also: See 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Set Impressive 6:54.99 Nurburgring Lap

    The name under which the team will race and the line-ups for the 911 GT3 R cars will be announced at a later date, adding to the anticipation surrounding this exciting collaboration.

    Porsche Motorsport boss, Thomas Laudenbach, mentioned that the decision to choose Manthey wasn’t easy, but the team stood out for several reasons. As a subsidiary, Manthey’s intimate knowledge of the Porsche 911 GT3 R from DTM races and major endurance classics played a crucial role in their selection. Furthermore, the team’s extensive experience with the special characteristics of the WEC, acquired through years of factory racing with the Porsche 911 RSR, made them a perfect fit for the upcoming season. Porsche’s successful history with Manthey was also an essential factor in sealing the deal.

    Manthey’s managing director, Nicolas Raeder, expressed pride in the team’s return to the WEC. The team, established by Olaf Manthey in 1996, merged with Raeder Motorsport in 2013, and Porsche acquired a 51% stake in the new group at the end of that year.

    Read Also: Porsche Flagship EV Will Have All-New Interior And Automated Driving Functions

    In the LMGT3 class, there will be room for only one factory contractee per car, as GTE Am rules demand at least one bronze-rated driver and a second non-platinum/gold, typically a silver-rated driver.

    Porsche’s announcement of Manthey as its partner team for the 911 GT3 R campaign assumes that the WEC organizers, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the FIA, have approved the involvement of Manthey without violating the regulations.

    Porsche is the third manufacturer to announce a partner team for LMGT3 next year. Ford revealed that Proton Competition will run two of its new Mustang GT3s if awarded entries, while Chevrolet will be represented by the British TF Sport squad with its forthcoming Corvette Z06 GT3-R.

    The anticipation is building as the WEC 2024 season approaches, with fans eagerly waiting to see Porsche and Manthey in action on the track, vying for victory in the highly competitive racing series.

    Featured Image Credit: Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images

  • Charles Leclerc Faces Frustration and Challenges at the Hungarian Grand Prix

    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.

     

    Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-23

     

    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

  • Mercedes’ W15: Aiming for Performance and Development in 2024

    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.

     

     

    George Russell, Mercedes F1 W14

     

     

    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

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

    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

  • F1 Drivers React to ATA Format Trial: Concerns Over Reduced Practice Running

    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

  • Tanak’s Remarkable Drive Boosts M-Sport in WRC Estonia, Despite Penalty

    Tanak’s Remarkable Drive Boosts M-Sport in WRC Estonia, Despite Penalty

    Ott Tanak’s exceptional performance in the WRC Estonia has been the talk of the rally world. Dominating the times and claiming six out of eight stages so far, Tanak showcased his driving prowess with the Ford Puma. Despite a five-minute penalty for an engine change, the Estonian ace climbed from 48th to 11th place, just shy of the points-paying positions. M-Sport Team Principal Richard Millener hailed Tanak’s extraordinary drive, praising his determination and the team’s high car performance. While bittersweet, the display has inspired confidence in the team’s ability to contend for further victories this season.

    Tanak’s recent performance in WRC Estonia has been nothing short of remarkable. The Estonian driver dominated the stages, winning five out of seven on Friday alone. Despite facing challenging circumstances, including an engine change penalty, Tanak managed to climb from 48th to 11th place overall. If not for the penalty, he could have been leading the rally. His determination and impressive stage wins were praised by M-Sport Team Principal Richard Millener.

    Read Also: Tanak: “Many things” compromised WRC Rally Croatia charge

    Richard Millener had nothing but praise for Ott Tanak’s driving prowess. He acknowledged that Tanak was pushing the limits and not feeling entirely comfortable behind the wheel of the Ford Puma. Nevertheless, the Estonian’s aggressive yet controlled driving resulted in one of his best performances for M-Sport. Millener expressed satisfaction with the car’s performance and the team’s efforts to improve Tanak’s comfort. Despite the penalty’s setback, the team remains determined to stay competitive and win more rallies this season.

    Ott Tanak admitted that the first loop on Friday morning was a bit too aggressive, but he found his pace as the day progressed. He acknowledged that this season has been challenging, especially when compared to the upgrades introduced by rivals Toyota and Hyundai. While his win in Sweden was significant, the team has faced struggles throughout the season. Despite this, Tanak remains optimistic about the team’s performance and believes they are holding their own considering the lack of significant upgrades on their side.

    Read Also: WRC Safari Rally: Ogier holds off Rovanpera to claim victory in tense finish

    Tanak’s impressive drive in WRC Estonia has injected new hope into M-Sport. While the championship may be a challenging endeavor, the team remains committed to staying competitive and securing more wins. With a few events left in the season, they aim to showcase their capabilities and continue striving for victory. Although the penalty has been a setback, Tanak and the team remain undeterred, eager to prove their mettle and make their mark on the remainder of the season.

    Featured Image Credit: M-Sport

  • Bobby Rahal admits Indy 500 stress “took a real toll on me”

    Bobby Rahal admits Indy 500 stress “took a real toll on me”

     

    The 70-year-old, who won the 1986 Indy 500 as a driver and the 2004 and 2020 races as a team owner, underwent triple bypass heart surgery last June after being told by doctors that he’d suffered a heart attack in May.

    Speaking on Sunday after his driver Christian Lundgaard won the Toronto IndyCar race – the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team’s first win in the series since Takuma Sato’s 2020 Indy 500 triumph – Rahal said the poor performance of his squad at this year’s event and the following Detroit Grand Prix had a negative impact on him.

    Read Also: How a US shooting star came close to dizzying heights

    “I’m 70 years old, and the month of May took a real toll on me,” said Rahal, whose son Graham failed to qualify for the 500 in his team’s car. “I wasn’t sleeping well at night. We’re not here to fricking play around or to be part of it. We’re here to win.

    “A year ago in June, I had open heart surgery. This May, I mean, it knocked me back a few steps because I’m not here just to show up.

    “I just said right after that, we’re going to create and instill and initiate the Indy recovery plan, which we’re in the process of doing, which is all about looking into why we performed so poorly and fixing those issues so that next May we’re fighting for the pole, and that’s our goal.”

    Read Also: Indy 500: Alex Palou takes pole position at over 234mph

    Rahal turned to his brains trust of longtime team manager Ricardo Nault, ex-Honda Performance Development executive Steve Eriksen and Stefano Sordo, the former McLaren and Red Bull F1 engineer to get things back on track.

    That included an overhaul of its at-track team and involved some members of staff being let go.

    “Indy kind of shook us to our core I think, but I have to say, frankly, the race that maybe had a bigger negative affect was Detroit because we were not good at all,” he added. “That’s when we decided to make the changes that we made internally.

    “I think we’ve seen the results of that change. We’ve had great events since then. There’s I think a very good vibe within the team.

    “Of course, this helps that immensely. Nothing like winning, right?”

    Christian Lundgaard, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, Bobby Rahal, Mike Lanigan

     

    The team’s oval form will be tested at Iowa this weekend, but Lundgaard is already eyeing the following races at Nashville and the Indianapolis road course – where he scored pole earlier this year – and suggests he could score multiple wins.

    “Christian gets it,” added Rahal. “He is a young guy, but he understands. I think this win, all this does is as a driver the first time you win a big race it’s like, ‘okay, wow, I can do that, and I can do it again.’

    “This whole year Christian has been just a joy to work with because every day when you see Christian, you know you’re going to get 100%, and that to me is what it’s all about.”

     

    Featured Images Credit: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images

  • Budget Constraints Limit Mercedes and Ferrari’s Pursuit of Red Bull in Hungary

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

    As “Red Bull” aims to maintain their winning streak in Hungary, their closest rivals, “Mercedes” and “Ferrari,” acknowledge being behind the “Milton Keynes-based” team. Limited by budget constraints, major updates from both teams showed encouraging progress but fell short of the extensive changes needed to challenge “Red Bull.” With the cost cap restricting their 2023 developments, both teams are already looking to the future, planning for more significant improvements in 2024 when the cost cap figures reset. However, they remain committed to ongoing development this season to strike a balance between the present and the next season’s potential.

     

    READ ALSO: How Red Bull has taken inspiration from slower F1 rivals to go even faster

     

    “Asked how much their development in 2023 has been limited,” “Ferrari” team boss “Fred Vasseur” said: “The main reason for that is the cost limit, you can’t do a new project like you probably did a few years ago. That means you have to adapt your project to the situation, and I think we’ve taken a reasonable step forward in this situation. You also have to consider that the rule is much more decisive than before and it is quite difficult to make a big step during the season. But we, like everyone, are already working on next year’s project and trying to improve the direction.”

    “Mercedes” team principal “Toto Wolff” added: “I agree with Fred. The cost limit is now a real limit. Because you can’t just buy a B-type car.”

    “Lewis [Hamilton]and George [Russell] have been quite vocal about what they would like to change in the car and it’s just not possible because we don’t have the financial corridor. And that is why we are waiting for next year to change these things.”

    While changes are limited this season, there will be more opportunities for bolder improvements for 2024 when the cost cap numbers reset. But while Wolff said there will be more thorough tuning of the car next year, he says the team doesn’t want to completely abandon all efforts this season.

     

    READ ALSO: Steiner: F1 must not sacrifice sport for the show by reining in Red Bull

     

    “When I asked Niki [Lauda] many years ago, what do you want to focus on: this year’s championship and winning it or next year’s? He would say both,” explained Wolff. “So I think the continued development of these cars is important for our understanding. At the same time, you can’t waste resources if you go to a car with a different layout next year, for example. So, it balances it out. But I think a lot of teams are already a pretty big part of the development next year.

     

    Featured Image Credit: : FIA Pool

  • Canadian F1 Driver Nicholas Latifi Announces a New Path: Pursuing an MBA Degree

    Canadian F1 Driver Nicholas Latifi Announces a New Path: Pursuing an MBA Degree

    Canadian Formula 1 driver Nicholas Latifi has made a surprising announcement on social media, revealing his decision to step away from racing and pursue a completely different path. After starting 61 F1 races for Williams, Latifi lost his seat at the end of last year, prompting him to reevaluate his career options. Rather than switching to other racing categories, he has opted to go study and focus on a new venture.

    In his post, Latifi shared, “I decided very early on in the year that I wouldn’t have any racing plans for 2023. It definitely felt very strange not having the same routine I’d been in for over half my life.” Having a long-standing interest in the world of business, Latifi disclosed that an MBA degree was always on his radar, even if it had been in his late 30s or early 40s.

    READ ALSO: Piastri knew first F1 crash would come at some point

    After extensive research and preparation, Latifi’s application to London Business School (LBS) was accepted, and he will begin his MBA journey in August of this year. He acknowledged the challenging process of applying to business school, but after a five-month journey, he is thrilled to embark on this new adventure.

    While Latifi sees this as an opportunity to explore a different path, he emphasized that it’s not a permanent goodbye to the racing world. Racing has been his passion since he was 13, and he remains enthusiastic about the sport. Although he won’t be behind the wheel of an F1 car this year, he hasn’t ruled out a potential return to racing in the future.

    “I’m very much looking forward to this next adventure,” Latifi said. “I hope I can continue to have your support as I take some time to pursue a different path.”

    READ ALSO: How a US shooting star came close to dizzying heights

    The Canadian driver’s decision to step away from racing may come as a surprise to many, but he believes now is the ideal time to prepare for a life beyond the track. As he starts this new chapter, Latifi expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported him throughout his racing career and hopes to have their continued support as he explores this exciting new journey.

    Featured Image Credit: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images