Miami GP marks ‘start of Ferrari F1 upgrade push’

According to team principal Fred Vasseur, Ferrari plans to address its race pace deficit to Red Bull by bringing updates to its 2023 Formula 1 car, starting with the Miami GP. The team will also implement minor upgrades in subsequent European races. Vasseur did not comment on whether the deficit is mechanical or aerodynamic but said consistency has been a challenge. Ferrari is also studying how Red Bull has gained an advantage with its DRS overtaking device. The new sprint format, which debuted in Baku, has made it harder for teams to fully deploy upgrades and extract the maximum potential from existing packages.

Click here to read the full article by Filip Cleeren (motorsport.com).

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Russell slams Stroll's 'questionable' tactics

During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell overtook Lance Stroll in the pit lane but questioned Stroll's tactics. Stroll dropped behind Fernando Alonso during the double pit stop, allowing Russell to overtake him, which he felt was against the rules. The FIA noted the incident, but no action was taken. However, Russell was disappointed in himself for losing out to Stroll at the race restart and finished in P8, with Stroll in P7.

Click here to read the full article by Anna Francis & Aaron Deckers (racingnews365.com).

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Perez warns against reliability issues

Sergio Perez, who won both the Sprint and Grand Prix in Azerbaijan last weekend, wants to avoid any problems that plagued him in the Australian Grand Prix, where he suffered brake issues and started from the back of the grid, ultimately finishing fifth. Perez wants to ensure reliability doesn't hamper his title challenge as he aims to catch up with his teammate, Max Verstappen, who currently leads the championship by six points. Perez believes that Red Bull has a good chance of winning the championship this year, and it's essential to minimize problems and finish second whenever they cannot win.

Click here to read the full article by Michael Butterworth & Aaron Deckers (racingnews365.com).

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Leclerc on Mercedes radar

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed interest in Charles Leclerc as a potential long-term Formula 1 driver for the team. Leclerc's Ferrari contract runs until 2024, but rumors have linked him to a move to Mercedes. While both Leclerc and Ferrari deny these claims, Wolff acknowledges Leclerc's ability and potential for the future. However, Mercedes' priority remains to secure a new contract with Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc's performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix led Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok to declare him the fastest qualifier on the current grid.

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

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Safety cat deployed

Charles Leclerc clarifies that he was reporting a feline friend on the radio during Saturday's Sprint, not a car issue! Click here to watch.