Fast Five: Verstappen loses top sports award, teams modify cars without new parts, and other big updates

Verstappen loses top sports award

Lionel Messi beat Max Verstappen to win the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, becoming the first man to win both individual and team awards in the same year. Verstappen failed to repeat his 2022 award win, losing out to Messi from a shortlist of outstanding candidates, including Kylian Mbappe, Stephen Curry, Armand Duplantis, and Rafael Nadal. Red Bull also missed out on the World Team of the Year award.

Click here to read the full article by Stuart Hodge (gpfans.com).

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Teams modify cars without new parts

Teams are always looking for an edge, and with cost caps in place testing in a cost-effective way is top of mind. The result: interchangeable parts. Mercedes and Williams experimented with different aerodynamic configurations during free practice at the Miami Grand Prix. Mercedes, for example, used interchangeable rear wing parts, with Lewis Hamilton using an infill panel while George Russell used a cut-out.

Click here to read the full article by Matt Somerfield (motorsport.com).

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Alonso takes a swipe at ex-teammate

Fernando Alonso, who is having a successful F1 season with Aston Martin, has praised his teammate Lance Stroll and his attitude towards teamwork, in contrast to his former Alpine teammate Esteban Ocon who he said always targeted him first. Alonso also acknowledged the support he has received from Aston Martin, which has helped him perform at his best. Despite achieving multiple podium finishes this season, he is still striving to move up the leaderboard and compete with the dominant Red Bulls.

Click here to read the full article by Andrew Maitland (grandpx.com).

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Schumacher blames drivers for Ferrari's woes

Ferrari's 2023 car has been criticized by its drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, for its inconsistent handling and pace. However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes the drivers themselves are the biggest problem, lacking consistency and making mistakes. Schumacher also discusses Mercedes' struggles and Lewis Hamilton's competitive nature. Both Ferrari and Mercedes are bringing major upgrades to the next race at Imola.

Click here to read the full article by Andrew Maitland (grandpx.com)

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Drivers with the most podium finishes

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Watch as Max Verstappen confidently lists 10 F1 drivers with the most podium finishes till he gets to number 9. Could you name them all?