Fast Five: FIA Sporting Director Steve Nielsen resigns amid internal strife, Haas teeters on financial brink, and other big updates

FIA Sporting Director Steve Nielsen resigns amid internal strife

Steve Nielsen, the FIA sporting director, abruptly resigned less than a year into his tenure, sparking speculation about the reasons behind his departure. Nielsen, a key figure in restructuring the FIA's race control operations, reportedly faced dissatisfaction with aspects of his role, including resistance to implementing changes he considered crucial. His exit adds to the ongoing internal reviews and controversies within the FIA, notably surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and a contentious compliance investigation involving Mercedes.

Click here to read the full article by Lydia Mee (si.com)

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Haas teeters on financial brink

Haas F1 is currently at risk of missing out on the booming opportunities in Formula 1 due to underinvestment, potentially relegating the team to a perpetual underdog status on the grid. Owner Gene Haas faces a crucial decision to either maximize the allowed investment, sell a minority stake to raise funds or consider selling the team outright to a more financially committed party. Despite Haas being valued at $780 million, the team lacks the necessary funding to keep pace with rivals who are capitalizing on the favorable financial conditions in F1, including the cost cap and revenue distribution. The team's poor 2023 on-track performance further highlights the need for increased investment to compete with rivals who are spending heavily on upgrades and facilities. Team principal Guenther Steiner emphasizes the importance of careful investment, distinguishing between expenditure and strategic spending to achieve long-term success. 

Click here to read the full article by Edd Straw (the-race.com)

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Sauber will keep recruiting ahead of 2026 Audi debut

Sauber's managing director, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, confirms plans to expand the team's headcount before Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026. Despite financial challenges and downsizing before Finn Rausing's takeover in 2017, recent investments, including Audi's takeover in 2022, have fueled significant growth. The team aims to prioritize recruiting the right people and gradually building up facilities. Alunni Bravi emphasizes the importance of adhering to the regulatory framework, mentioning Sauber's increased capex allowance to enhance facilities. The team anticipates a strategic, performance-focused transformation under CEO Andreas Seidl.

Click here to read the full article by Adam Cooper (motorsport.com)

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Aston Martin's campus update 

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Join Aston Martin Team Project Manager Guy Austin in the latest tour of their new home at Silverstone as the first building of the new campus nears its completion. Austin mentioned that the wind tunnel is on track for completion by September 24, and he assured that the overall project will be finished sometime next year, likely between August and September.

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Verstappen and Perez react to driver tweets

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Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are looking through the archives to see what Formula 1 drivers have tweeted over the years. All that the Oracle Red Bull Racing duo has to find out is who said it. It was quite entertaining as the drivers tried to figure out which of their colleagues had crafted the witty tweets.