Imola “first steps” in Mercedes new car direction

Mercedes is downplaying expectations ahead of their upcoming upgrade package for the Imola race in Formula 1. The team has acknowledged that they went in the wrong design direction in the opening race in Bahrain and are rethinking their design philosophy. The upgrades will include a new floor, suspension, and bodywork, but Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin emphasized that the goal is to improve the team's long-term fortunes rather than expecting a quick fix. The Imola package is just the first step in a new development direction for the team.

Click here to read the full article by Luke Murphy (racingnews365.com). 

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Verstappen recounts rescue tale

Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen has recounted an unusual rescue tale involving his cat. Verstappen revealed that he had to use a hammer to smash a hole in a door to rescue his pet, which had become trapped in a small closet room after a bed had fallen and blocked the only entrance. Despite almost breaking his shoulder, Verstappen eventually rescued the cat. Verstappen's cat is not the only feline to have featured in F1 this season after a cat was spotted on track during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Click here to read the full article by Sam Smith (express.co.uk).

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Hamilton updates fitness team

Lewis Hamilton has revealed his new fitness team after splitting from his long-term physiotherapist, Angela Cullen, earlier this season. Hamilton said that his new set-up involves roles shared between two individuals, one of whom is Stevo, who has been with him since his first race at McLaren. Hamilton also works with Kylie on his training and has Santi as part of his support structure. Despite splitting with Cullen, Hamilton said they are still in contact and will continue supporting each other through their journeys.

Click here to read the full article on formula1.com

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AlphaTauri rules out Ricciardo's move

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko has dismissed rumors of Daniel Ricciardo replacing Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri. Although Marko has signaled that de Vries needs to improve his form to keep his drive for the rest of the season, he named Red Bull junior drivers Ayumu Iwasa and Liam Lawson as the two candidates who would be in contention for promotion. Marko has also denied considering Mick Schumacher for a place within the Red Bull stable, stating that he is a Mercedes driver and does not occur in their plans. Any change in the driver lineup would not come before the Canadian Grand Prix next month.

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

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Why tire “scraps” actually matter

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Ever see small pieces of tire rubber fly off during a race and wonder what happens to them? While F1 drivers need to avoid these “scraps” during the race to maintain grip, they actually try hitting them after the race is over for one very important reason: weight. Drivers intentionally ride over marbles on the track after the race to increase the car's weight and avoid being under the minimum weight requirement.