Motorsports Racing News & Blog Articles

BWT Alpine F1 Team is pleased to announce Oliver Oakes as its new Team Principal. Oli will start after the summer break and will report to Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. 

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The 36-year-old Briton will become the second youngest Team Principal in Formula 1 history when he begins his role at the BWT Alpine F1 Team as the team looks to the future with its new, dynamic appointment.

Oli founded the Hitech Grand Prix in 2015, which has been at the forefront of single-seater competition on the world and national stages for almost a decade. A former racing driver and world karting champion in 2005, Oli has created a winning culture at Hitech Grand Prix, achieving race victories in every championship it competes in and helping to progress the careers of some of today’s most prominent drivers.

Luca de Meo, Renault Group CEO, said:

It is a pleasure to welcome Oli to the team and for him to become one of the youngest Team Principals that this sport has ever seen. This team is being built for future success, highlighted by Oli’s appointment in a senior role. We look forward to harnessing his enthusiasm, energy and passion for racing and realising that mindset across the entire team.

 Sauber Motorsport, the Audi F1 factory team from 2026 onwards, has secured a top-ranking expert for its ambitious Formula One project as it announces the future appointment of Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal at the latest from halfway in the 2025 season. In this role, Wheatley will join COO and CTO Mattia Binotto to form a pairing that will lead the management team at Sauber Motorsport AG.2

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With the recent realignment of the management group team of the future Audi F1 factory team and Binotto joining the team, the appointment of Wheatley represents the next logical step for the team—one that brings to the team the services of one of the most respected and successful individuals in the sport.

Wheatley’s career in Formula One started at Benetton Formula One in the early 1990s, where he rose to become chief mechanic. He then moved to the newly founded Red Bull Racing team, where he achieved considerable success as Sporting Director. In his time in Milton Keynes, Wheatley won all six of the six-team constructor’s and seven Driver’s World Championships.

In their new positions, Binotto and Wheatley will report directly to Gernot Döllner, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. With a clear division of duties and individually defined responsibilities, they will jointly take responsibility for the racing team’s success.

Preparations for entering the highest class of motorsports are going full speed ahead at Audi. As part of the complete takeover of all shares in Sauber Holding AG and the associated realignment of the control structure, the management of the future Audi factory team is now being renewed. On August 1, former F1 team head Mattia Binotto will join the Audi F1 project and will take on its leadership in Hinwil.

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“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project,“ says Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution to Audi.“ Following his university degree in mechanical engineering at EPFL in Switzerland, the Italian immediately joined the F1 test team of Ferrari in 1995. He subsequently had various positions, from chief engineer to manager of the engine department and technical director. In 2019, he was additionally appointed as team head of Scuderia Ferrari.

In future, Mattia Binotto will be Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer (COO and CTO) in the leadership team of Sauber Motorsport AG, with responsibility and accountability for the operative management and sporting success of the racing team. Mattia Binotto will report to the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG.

The decision for Mattia Binotto is part of the realignment of the control structure for the future Audi factory team. This realignment ensures the autonomy and independence of the Audi F1 project. In this context, Audi is reorganizing the management team for its F1 activities. “Our aim is to bring the entire Formula 1 project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes. For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly,” says Gernot Döllner, who will take the position of chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG in future.

 

Introduction

 

Lewis Hamilton won the 2024 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix after teammate George Russell, who had originally come home first, was disqualified following the race for an underweight car.

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Mastercard and McLaren Racing have joined forces in a multi-year deal that will see the global payments leader become a major sponsor of the McLaren Formula 1 Team. 

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The deal marks the coming together of two preeminent brands known for their focus on innovation and for setting the standard in offering incredible experiences that bring people closer to their passions as well as each other.

Mastercard Priceless Experiences provide cardholders unparalleled access to some of the most exciting properties in sports and entertainment, and this deal will allow Mastercard to extend that into the world of Formula 1 and the McLaren Racing team. Mastercard branding will appear later in the 2024 season.

Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Mastercard, said:

We constantly explore new ways to bring value to our customers and cardholders. Central to this is getting them closer to their passions, what they love most, and racing has become one of the most exhilarating, universal passions globally.

Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber will toast to the future with Ferrari Trento as the high-end Italian sparkling wine brand, and the team will extend their existing relationship. As part of the agreement, the team will continue to serve Trentodoc, the brand’s luxury sparkling wine, and wines from Tenute Lunelli during all official events on and off the track. 

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Building on a successful partnership dating back to 2022, the team’s relationship with Ferrari Trento is one based on commitment to quality and the continuous pursuit of excellence. Both Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber and Ferrari Trento, however, also stress the importance of putting passion and pleasure into every effort, of enjoying the finer things in life, and of sharing them with friends and loved ones.

On and off the track, the partnership with the company will help the team bring a healthy dose of Italian style and excellence to the forefront and, with each toast, celebrate one of Italy’s main exports—conviviality.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Team Representative:

Our sport is the pinnacle of racing, and it’s only right that the sweetest moments are celebrated with the best of toasts. At Ferrari Trento, we have a partner with heritage, a commitment to excellence, and a taste for the finer things in life – the same experience we share with our guests on the trackside. It’s only fitting that we can boast the sparkling wine that graces the podium of Formula One races as part of our hospitality offer: we are proud of our partnership with Ferrari Trento, and we are excited to be able to extend it into the future.

 

Introduction

 

Oscar Piastri has taken his first victory at the 2024 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix after intra-team drama played out, with McLaren teammate Lando Norris belatedly responding to an order to hand back the lead to the Australian who had lost out due to the team’s pit stop strategy.

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Vibe and energy that drags you in – experience the most exclusive qualifying afterparty in the heart of Budapest during the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix.

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The five-star Dorothea Hotel is operated by the Marriot International hotel chain under the brand Autograph Collection, which groups together unique, so-called lifestyle, independent hotels with special design and character worldwide.

Where?

Anton Bar & Deli, nestled on the street side of Dorothea Hotel, is a dynamic space that caters to every mood and moment, making it a unique retreat in the bustling city. Functioning as a café from early morning, it offers coffee specialities and fresh pastries baked in-house.

Anton Bar & Deli undergoes a magical transformation as the day turns into night. The vibrant bar comes to life, serving classic cocktails and Cicchetti-styled bites and hosting a live DJ set on Fridays and Saturdays.

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is delighted to confirm the extension of its long-running technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari – the new agreement means the American team will continue to utilize Ferrari power units through to the completion of the 2028 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

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With new power unit regulations being introduced in 2026, the extended agreement between MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari provides long-term engine stability for the Kannapolis-headquartered squad – the relationship between the two organizations dating back to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s competitive Formula 1 debut in 2016, a total of 178 grands prix together. The 2026 power unit regulations will see the current 1.6-litre, V6 turbocharged hybrid internal combustion engines given a makeover – with more power being available from the hybrid components to improve sustainability while the enhanced power units will run on fully sustainable fuels as well for the first time.

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, commented:

I’m thrilled to extend our relationship with Scuderia Ferrari until 2028. As an organization, we’ve only ever raced with Ferrari power units, and to have that continued stability moving into the next set of power unit regulations is a vital part of our ongoing development. The relationship with Scuderia Ferrari has always been a special one to us – they were instrumental in the program’s genesis back in the early days and have been a valuable technical partner to us throughout the past nine seasons. I’m delighted we now have more seasons ahead, and my thanks go to Fred Vasseur and many others at Scuderia Ferrari for continuing to show faith in our project. This announcement is just another example of the long-term ambition of the team – our investment and growth in the sport continue.

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team currently sits seventh overall in the Constructors’ Championship, approaching the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, 19-21 July, Round 13 of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Oracle Red Bull Racing took to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in bullish fashion this weekend with a series of world firsts and exclusive reveals.

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Kicking off the festival on Friday, the Team presented the RB17 to the world’s eye with a launch ceremony in the Goodwood Paddock hosted by Adrian Newey, Christian Horner and Technical Director Rob Gray. The much-anticipated hypercar designed, developed and manufactured entirely in-house at Red Bull Advanced Technologies boasts a top speed of more than 350 kph from its semi-stressed, mid-mounted V10 engine. Only 50 RB17s will be produced, with its static world debut at Goodwood coming after a successful and rigorous prototype testing programme.

Sunday saw another world first, with the Team rolling back the clock to celebrate 20 laps around the sun. Red Bull drivers past and present, with their respective Red Bull Formula One cars, took to the famous Goodwood Hill to form the largest procession of F1 cars in the festival’s 31-year history.

The moment marked another debut, CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner making a run in the Team’s seven-time Grand Prix-winning car, the RB8. Adrian Newey rounded out the procession in the Aston Martin Valkyrie, a car he and the Team built collaboratively with Aston Martin.

The Mercedes-AMG F1 Team has released its latest Sustainability Report, showcasing progress from January to December 2023. The report highlights how the team managed an expanding calendar and business growth while adhering to its sustainability commitments. The report also outlines future plans to become one of the most sustainable global professional sports teams.

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Environmental Achievements

Achieved a 10% reduction in market-based Race Team Control emissions using Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates (SAFc) compared to 2022.
 Reduced business travel emissions by 6,695 tCO2e in 2023 through the use of SAFc.
Saved 339 tCO2e and reduced emissions by 67% using HVO100 biofuel in race and hospitality trucks and generators across the European season.
Facilitated over 5,650 lift-sharing journeys to and from the Brackley campus.
Maintained 100% renewable electricity by purchasing Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs).

Social Progress

Exceeded the target of 25% new hires from under-represented groups every year since 2021.
Engaged in successful activations with Accelerate 25 partners.
Reduced the gender pay gap to 13.4% median and 23.2% mean.
Established an LGBTQ+ Forum and Working Family Network.
Partnered with mental health charity Mind as the Official Team Charity Partner.
Supported over 100 international, national, and local charitable causes.
Provided STEM grants to five local Brackley schools.
Achieved 89% team member engagement with annual Health Assessments.

Governance Enhancements

Implemented a Governance, Ethics, and Compliance Framework.
Published an Integrity Code.
Established a Governance Working Group.
Implemented a whistleblowing policy and platform.
Enhanced the due diligence platform and processes.
Launched a contract management platform.

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, commented:

“As a Formula One team, millions constantly evaluate us every time we race. Our sustainability commitment is a year-round effort to optimize operations and pursue sustainable high performance. Our annual report reflects our broader impact, highlighting our collective efforts beyond the track. We aim to inspire others through our innovation and commitment to becoming one of the most sustainable professional sports teams globally.”

Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, added:

“Environmental sustainability is central to our operations, from the factory to the track and from the boardroom to the pit wall. Our goal of achieving Race Team Control Net Zero by 2030 involves significant emissions reduction and transitioning from carbon offsetting to carbon removal. Our 2023 emissions reduction was achieved through investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates and biofuel projects, among other initiatives.”

Anca Raines, Chief People Officer Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, said:

“Our platform as a sports team is responsible for setting high standards and being authentic role models. Our Accelerate 25 program has fostered increased diversity and representation within our organization. We have consistently exceeded our target of 25% new hires from underrepresented groups since 2021, integrating inclusivity into all aspects of our team.”

During the British Grand Prix weekend in Silverstone, IWC Schaffhausen and Lewis Hamilton celebrated ten years of their exclusive partnership. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer extended a rare invitation to Hamilton for a “Best of British” boat ride on the Thames, a journey that passed some of London’s most famous landmarks to mark this exceptional occasion.

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Upon his arrival at the exclusive cocktail reception, which offered a breathtaking view of the Battersea Power Station, the seven-time world champion shared captivating insights into his career with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team. He reminisced about some of the most memorable moments of his life as an IWC brand ambassador. Numerous notable guests, including the renowned British actor Damson Idris, attended the event at a rooftop bar.

In 2013, a significant chapter in the history of IWC Schaffhausen was written when it became the Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team. This milestone also marked the beginning of the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s shared journey with Lewis Hamilton, one of the most successful F1 pilots of all time and a style and fashion icon with global appeal. IWC invited Hamilton to a “Best of British” boat ride on the Thames to celebrate more than a decade of partnership.

From Butler’s Wharf Pier to Battersea Power Station, where IWC has had a boutique since 2022, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team driver passed by some of London’s most famous landmarks – among them Tower Bridge, the Shard, Tate Modern Gallery, Big Ben and the London Eye. Accompanied on the yacht by British TV presenter and broadcaster Roman Kemp, Hamilton recalled some of the most memorable moments from his ten years as an IWC brand ambassador – such as racing a fighter jet, driving with a thousand drones in Las Vegas or competing in entertaining golf and basketball challenges in Miami. During the boat ride, Lewis Hamilton wore the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team (Ref. IW388306) in Ceratanium® with a black dial.

The Red Bull RB17 was revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner, Group Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies Technical Director Rob Gray.

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Designed by Adrian Newey and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the Red Bull RB17 builds on 20 years of innovation in Formula One, which resulted in Oracle Red Bull Racing winning six Constructors’ titles. The RB17 features a two-seater carbon fibre monocoque chassis with a semi-stressed mid-mounted naturally aspirated V10 engine that is red-lined at 15,000 rpm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a carbon fibre gearbox. Weighing under 900 kg and with more than 1,200 HP, the RB17 delivers F1-equivalent lap times and top speeds of over 350 kph while remaining easy to own and operate.

From developing the initial concept to delivering the finished RB17 to customers, Red Bull Advanced Technologies is responsible for the Hypercar’s entire design and building process. Only 50 will be sold, making each owner part of an exclusive club.

Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber will bolster its management team and continue on its ambitious restructuring path towards its future as Audi’s F1 factory team with the appointment of Stefan Strähnz, who joins from Mercedes to the newly created position of Programme Director.

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Joining on October 1st, 2024, Strähnz will report directly to CEO Andreas Seidl and will bring a wealth of operational and organisational development and leadership skills as the team dramatically ramps up its growth in the run-up to Audi’s entry into the sport in 2026.

Strähnz brings to the table more than 20 years’ experience in F1, in which he worked for Toyota, BAR, Renault and Lotus, and enjoyed an incredible level of success as part of the Mercedes team, for which he worked for nearly 13 years. During this time, he held various engineering roles before moving into technical management and leadership positions, eventually transitioning to operational and organisational strategy development and implementation. In these roles, Strähnz specialised in developing, simplifying and driving the delivery of complex and time-critical programmes, acquiring crucial experience that will be used as Sauber Motorsport transforms into the Audi factory team.

Andreas Seidl, CEO of Sauber Group:

“I am delighted to welcome Stefan to the team. I am sure he will bring an incredible amount of experience from his previous roles, in which he won multiple races and championships, to complement further and strengthen our leadership team. With his unique experience, Stefan will play a vital role in driving the team’s overall effectiveness and prepare us on our journey to full finance regulation optimisation as we become the Audi F1 factory team. Working closely with myself, the management team and all our expanding technical, operational and finance departments, Stefan’s main mission is to deliver fully streamlined and optimised F1 car programmes, from concept through to track introduction.”

When the South African F1 driver, Jody Scheckter, became World Champion way back in 1979, a lot of people predicted that it would be just the start of a procession of young South African drivers into Grand Prix racing. After all, didn’t South African have its own National F1 Championship between 1960 and 1975? It was obviously a motorsport loving country to be able to not only fund its own championship but introduce so many expensive F1 cars into the championship. They included models from Lotus, McLaren, Cooper and even boasted a few F5000 cars. The last ever South African F1 Championship Winner was Dave Charlton.

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When a host of young South African Formula ford drivers packed their bags and headed for the UK in the footsteps of their new World Champion Jody Scheckter, the future had looked positive.

Formula ford 1600 in the UK was the proving ground for young drivers from around the world and entry lists of 120 cars per round of the various Championships were commonplace. It would mean a tougher lifestyle, cold weather, rain and grey skies, but what an opportunity in motorsport. Right at it’s very heart, it was also a reasonably priced series, due mainly to the fact that drivers could look after their own cars, probably with a friendly mechanic and the days of the professional teams such as Carlin, Rushen-Green and Fortec hadn’t hit the scene at that time. The racing was dramatic and exciting, with little difference between the various marques ensuring close racing.

The brigade of South African drivers who shone in this highly competitive era included Roy Klomfass, Rad Dougall, Kenny Gray, Bobby Scott, Basil Mann, Mike White and Trevor van Rooyen amongst several others. Surely this would result in more South African racers into F1? Amazingly and for many reasons, some political and some financial, the expected stream of South African F1 drivers into F1 has never materialised, not even one!