Fast Five: Aston Martin ditches on-track R&D for points, Sauber denies rumors of Audi's F1 exit, and other big updates

Aston Martin ditches on-track R&D for points

Aston Martin has shifted its focus from on-track research and development (R&D) projects to scoring points in Formula 1 with their AMR23 car. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso achieved a successful third and fourth place in qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix after recent struggles. The team had admitted earlier mistakes with their upgrades, and they brought a new aero package for the United States Grand Prix to reverse their fortunes. Despite facing difficulties during a Sprint weekend, Stroll managed to climb from the pit lane to seventh place. With a better understanding of their car, the team aims to prioritize points accumulation over data gathering for future R&D projects, as they believe they now have a clear direction for car optimization in different circuits.

Click here to read the full article by Michelle Foster (planetf1.com)

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Sauber denies rumors of Audi's F1 exit

Audi's commitment to Formula 1 remains steadfast despite its discreet preparations fueling speculation about its intentions. Last year, Audi announced its takeover of the Sauber team for its official entry as a manufacturer squad in 2026. While they've maintained a low profile and shared minimal progress updates, this has raised concerns about their dedication. However, Alfa Romeo team principal Alessandro Alunni Bravi has firmly refuted these doubts, emphasizing that Audi's commitment is a collective decision of Audi's boards. He clarified that the lack of communication is due to limitations related to their stake in the Alfa Romeo F1 team, and their full commitment to the venture remains unwavering.

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

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Teams seek greater flexibility under parc ferme 

Formula 1 teams are considering relaxing parc ferme regulations due to cost caps and curfews, but they are cautious about letting engineers go too far. The rules, introduced to prevent extreme setup changes, came under discussion after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's disqualifications in the United States Grand Prix. Some teams suggest a need for flexibility while acknowledging the importance of maintaining certain restrictions to prevent excessive alterations and encourage responsible engineering.

Click here to read the full article by Matt Kew and Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)

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Why Alonso shut down Red Bull rumors

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Fernando Alonso strongly opposes F1 rumors about a potential move to Red Bull, vowing to bring consequences, though the targets and nature of these consequences remain uncertain. He appears committed to taking action, whether through behind-the-scenes pressure or isolating journalists and media outlets that have offended him due to the speculations.

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Grandstand roof ripped off as storm hits Interlagos

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Strong winds at the São Paulo Formula 1 Grand Prix caused the early end of Friday's qualifying session, with at least one grandstand roof collapsing. One grandstand roof collapsed, but no serious injuries were reported by F1, according to ESPN. The weekend's weather forecast predicts better conditions, although Interlagos is known for sudden rain.