Fast Five: McLaren extend Mercedes engine deal until 2030, F1 abandons tire blanket ban, and other big updates

McLaren extend Mercedes engine deal until 2030

Mercedes will supply power units to McLaren until the end of the 2030 season in an extended partnership, continuing from their collaboration since the 2021 season. The extension covers the introduction of the new formula in 2026, featuring revised 1.6L V6 power units. McLaren CEO Zak Brown praised Mercedes as a reliable partner, expressing confidence in their powertrains for future success. Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, highlighted the advantages of supplying a competitor like McLaren, emphasizing the importance of transparent and equal supply for all customer teams in Formula 1. The partnership, rekindled in 2021, has seen McLaren achieve success on the podium since returning to Mercedes power.

Click here to read the full article by Will Wood (racefans.net)

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F1 abandons tire blanket ban as part of sprint format overhaul

Formula 1 teams will be presented with plans for a sprint format overhaul in 2024, addressing concerns about the current standalone sprint format's lack of entertainment. During the F1 Commission meeting in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, discussions explored potential changes, including the possibility of holding sprint qualifying on Friday afternoons and reversing the grid for the sprint race. However, there are apprehensions about the increased risk of crashes impacting the weekend. The FIA's Sporting Advisory Committee will work on the details and present the proposed changes to teams in the first F1 Commission meeting of 2024. Additionally, the F1 Commission decided to retain tyre blankets until 2025 to address overheating issues.

Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motrosport.com)

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Young talent dominates Abu Dhabi FP1

In the first practice session of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari-backed drivers Robert Shwartzman and Ollie Bearman, along with Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich, stood out as impressive performers among the 10 rookies. Shwartzman closely trailed regular driver Carlos Sainz in a session where exact fuel loads and run plans remained undisclosed. Drugovich, driving Fernando Alonso’s Aston, was second fastest overall, outpacing Aston regular Lance Stroll. Bearman, having previously impressed in Mexico, continued to showcase his skills by lapping just 0.107s off Kevin Magnussen’s pace in Haas. Other notable performances included IndyCar race winner Pato O’Ward, McLaren reserve for 2024, and Formula 3 champion Zak O’Sullivan. Sargeant, investigated for erratic driving, faced a close call with Jack Doohan, who later had a competitive run just 0.145s slower than Alpine regular Pierre Gasly.

Click here to read the full article by Ben Anderson (the-race.com)

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Norris opens up on F1 pressure

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The expectations placed on F1 drivers to succeed and improve are currently at an all-time high. In this exclusive preview, Lando talks about how this pressure has affected his mental health and how he's gotten better at handling it over the years. Norris shares how nervous he was in his first race and admits to being his own biggest critic, always aiming to be the best version of himself.

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How drivers pulled up to the Las Vegas GP

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The Las Vegas Grand Prix had an interesting touch as drivers arrived in different vehicles. Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Checo Perez drove in Ford F-150 trucks, the same ones from the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri chose Chevrolet Suburbans, while Zhou Guanyu arrived in a Stelvio Quadrifoglio.