Fast Five: Monza commits to €21 million makeover, Las Vegas businesses seek compensation over 2023 losses, and other big updates

Monza commits to €21 million makeover amid calendar uncertainty

Monza has initiated a 140-day redevelopment project to enhance its track and infrastructure, aiming to secure a long-term future in Formula 1. Both Monza and the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola have contracts until the 2025 season, and F1 has yet to decide on their calendar status. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized the importance of upgrading Monza's facilities for a contract extension. The redevelopment plan includes track resurfacing, the construction of a new underpass, pit building improvements, and enhanced grandstands, with completion expected by June in preparation for the Italian GP scheduled from August 30 to September 1.

Click here to read the full article by Roberto Chinchero & Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)

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Las Vegas businesses seek compensation over 2023 losses

Disgruntled Las Vegas business owners are seeking compensation from Formula 1, claiming profit losses during the 2023 build-up to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. F1, acting as a race promoter, invested heavily in the city, leading to road works and infrastructure development. Some local businesses argue that the disruptions had a more negative impact than positive, with one owner citing a revenue drop from $8.5 million to $4.2-$4.3 million due to F1's actions. Despite F1's positive economic impact claims, local resentment poses a challenge for the sport's long-term presence in Las Vegas.

Click here to read the full article by Dan Lawrence (motorsportweek.com)

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Carrie Schreiner joins Sauber Academy for 2024 season

Sauber Academy has signed German driver Carrie Schreiner for her second F1 Academy season, where she will drive for Campos Racing in 2024. Schreiner, with a diverse motorsport background including GT racing and success in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, made her mark in the inaugural F1 Academy season in 2023, winning Race 2 in Zandvoort. She will compete in the 2024 Formula 4 UAE Championship as part of her pre-season preparations. Sauber Academy Director Beat Zehnder expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing Schreiner's impressive track record. Schreiner is determined to contribute to Sauber's success and raise awareness for women in motorsport. 

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

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What's going on with Audi?

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Audi is making crucial moves in it's journey to F1, and things seem to be taking shape. The brand-new Audi engine project is being developed so as to be competitive from the start in 2026 and fight for wins within three years of entering. Audi bought a minority stake in Sauber at the start of 2023, and is expected to be the majority shareholder by the start of 2025. Despite ongoing rumors, there's no sign they are backing out of project F1.

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Guichon's chocolate F1 marvel

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Amaury Guichon, the French-Swiss pastry chef and chocolatier known for his pastry designs and chocolate sculptures, recently crafted a chocolate F1 car. It took him seven days of work and 130 pounds of dark chocolate to make this half-sized replica of an actual Formula 1 race car. Guichon enjoyed making it, and his favorite part is the front fender.