Fast Five: Williams and Sauber confirm launch date for 2024 cars, Sainz seeks clarity on Ferrari future, and other big updates

Williams and Sauber confirm launch date for 2024 cars

Williams and Sauber have confirmed the launch dates for their respective 2024 Formula 1 cars. The 2024 F1 season will kick off in Bahrain on March 2, following a pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 21 to 23. Ferrari was the first to announce its car's launch on February 13, with Williams and Sauber following suit on February 5, 2024. Sauber's C44 will be unveiled in London, marking a significant period for the team as it undergoes changes due to Alfa Romeo's departure and prepares to transition into Audi's works team in 2026.

Click here to read the full article by Balazs Szabo (f1technical.net)

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Sainz seeks clarity on Ferrari future

Carlos Sainz, in the final year of his Ferrari contract, seeks clarity on his future before the 2024 Formula One season, emphasizing the importance of knowing his destination. While teammate Charles Leclerc is reportedly signed to a five-year extension, Sainz aims to avoid distractions by securing his own extension. Expressing a desire to stay with Ferrari, Sainz is optimistic based on discussions with team boss Fred Vasseur. Vasseur, acknowledging the delayed decision, assures that a resolution will come soon. 

Click here to read the full article by Andrew Lewin (f1i.com)

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Vowles credits Brawn and Wolff for Williams' success

Williams Racing Team Principal James Vowles attributes his early success in the 2023 season to the influence of F1 figures Ross Brawn and Toto Wolff. Vowles, who became the youngest F1 team principal on the grid in 2023, replaced Jost Capito and led Williams to their best constructors’ finish since 2017, securing seventh place. He emphasized the unique leadership styles of Brawn, Wolff, and Dave Richards, highlighting Toto Wolff's business knowledge and strong leadership, Ross Brawn's ability to assemble the right people for discussions, and Dave Richards' impactful leadership style. Vowles expressed gratitude to these individuals, stating that a significant part of who he is today is thanks to them.

Click here to read the full article by Connor McDonagh (crashf1.net)

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Crazy records that can never be broken 

In the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1, certain records, including the largest race-winning margin and records related to the oldest drivers, are likely to endure. Red Bull and Max Verstappen have set numerous records in 2023, but others, such as the longest race duration, the youngest driver to enter F1 and the closest pole position battle, present unique challenges and circumstances that make them difficult to surpass. Records like consecutive retirements and fewest race finishers harken back to a time of greater mechanical unpredictability in F1. Additionally, the record for the highest number of cars starting a race (34 in 1953) and the biggest starting grid penalty (70 places in 2015) seem unlikely to be approached due to current regulations and simpler penalty systems.

Click here to read the full article at planetf1.com

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Honda Thanks Day with Tsunoda and Ricciardo

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Celebrating Honda Thanks Day in Japan proved to be another exciting occasion! Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo took the wheel of the AT02, a classic racing car from 1965, and had quite a bit of fun. They tried different vehicles and hung out with motorsport friends. It was an epic event.