Fast Five: Forest fires threaten Canadian GP, Aston Martin wants 'horrendous' gearbox cost eliminated, and other big updates

Forest fires threaten Canadian GP

The highly anticipated Canadian Grand Prix is at risk due to thick smog caused by forest fires in Quebec. The event, scheduled to take place in Montreal, may join a growing list of outdoor events disrupted by the fires. Poor air quality and hazardous smoke have affected the region, with smog warnings and air quality alerts issued. The fires are still burning, with many out of control, and 10,000 people have already been evacuated. The race could be canceled if the fires continue to rage and air conditions do not improve, similar to the recent cancellation of the Imola race due to flooding. The decision will depend on the successful containment of the fires before the race dates.

Click here to read the full article by Ethan Evans (nationalworld.com)

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Aston Martin wants 'horrendous' gearbox cost eliminated

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has expressed concerns about the high costs associated with Formula 1 gearboxes and called for simplified regulations regarding their inclusion in the budget cap. He argues that gearboxes are no longer a performance differentiator among teams and suggests exploring cost-effective alternatives to the current complex technology. Krack has been in discussions with the FIA to address the issue and promote sustainability in the sport. While he suggests a compromise between preserving certain technological aspects and implementing some level of standardization, he doesn't advocate for a complete standard gearbox for all teams. Aston Martin is unlikely to develop its own gearbox for 2025 due to contractual obligations with their current partner.

Click here to read the full article by Anna Francis and Aaron Deckers

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Ferrari emphasize performance over contracts

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur has stated that improving the performance of their 2023 Formula 1 car is their main priority, rather than negotiating contracts with their drivers. The team denies rumors of pursuing Lewis Hamilton as they believe that Ferrari needs to solve their technical problems before considering the driver lineup for future seasons. Ferrari introduced an upgraded package in Barcelona, but it did not significantly improve their performance. While Sainz achieved a better result than Leclerc in the last race, Ferrari was unable to close the gap to Mercedes in the constructors' standings. Despite the consistency issues, the team is optimistic that the updated package is a step in the right direction.

Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com)

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F1 Fantasy: Price movements and proposed improvements

F1 Fantasy HQ went in-depth on the price movement of drivers and constructors in the F1 Fantasy game through the first seven races. Drivers like Alonso, Verstappen, and Perez gained the most value, while lower-priced drivers suffered significant price decreases. Points per million (PPM) data highlighted the best values, with Alonso having the highest PPM. Aston Martin and Red Bull dominated the constructors' category, leading to imbalances in the game. The analysis suggests setting a target PPM, adjusting prices accordingly, and making multiple weekly price changes to create a more balanced and strategic game. Improvements are expected in the second half of the season.

Click here to read the full article on f1fantasyhq.com‍

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Schumacher impresses in W14 test

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Mick Schumacher had his first proper Mercedes F1 test this week, fresh from making a game-changing off-track contribution to its breakthrough Spanish Grand Prix. Taking over from George Russell, who drove the car on Tuesday, Schumacher set 152 during the day while executing all the test procedures the team wanted him to go through.