Fast Five: Verstappen gets bodyguards for Mexican GP, why FIA can't inspect every car component in scrutineering, and other big updates

Verstappen gets bodyguards for Mexican GP amid safety concerns

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen will be provided with two bodyguards for the Mexican Grand Prix due to heightened safety concerns. Red Bull has been dominant in the 2023 F1 season, with Verstappen winning the majority of the races. He now has four opportunities to break his own record of 15 wins in a season. The decision to provide security for Verstappen was made in response to social media threats and the booing he faced at the US Grand Prix, with Marko emphasizing their responsibility for his safety. Meanwhile, Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez urged Mexican fans to support the entire Red Bull team as he aims to secure P2 in the Drivers' Championship.

Click here to read the full article by Jamie Woodhouse (planetf1.com)

‍

Why FIA can't inspect every car component in scrutineering

The FIA says it's "impossible" to inspect every part of every Formula 1 car during scrutineering, despite recent controversies involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's disqualifications due to worn floor planks. Only a few cars, including Max Verstappen's and Lando Norris's, were examined in this manner. Some suggested that all finishers should have been checked, but the FIA explains that comprehensive checks aren't feasible due to the complexity of F1 cars and time constraints. They rely on a random selection process to deter teams from rule violations.

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

‍

Hadjar and Pourchaire set for practice debut in Mexico

Isack Hadjar and Theo Pourchaire, both rookies, will participate in the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix's FP1 sessions. Formula 1 regulations mandate that each team allows a rookie, defined as a driver with two or fewer Grands Prix, to take part in an FP1 session. Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri will sit out one practice hour in the upcoming rounds, starting with Mexico. Hadjar will drive the AT04 for his first F1 experience, while Pourchaire, leading in Formula 2, will replace Valtteri Bottas. Other teams, like Haas and Alpine, are also providing opportunities to young drivers.

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

‍

Mercedes Tech Director talks DSQ and upgrades

‍

Mercedes' Technical Director, James Allison, is leading the team's Akkodis race debrief this week. In this session, he responds to fan questions related to the United States Grand Prix. Allison began by clarifying the skid plate regulations and the factors that led to the disqualification (DSQ). He elaborated that the DSQ resulted from the use of skid blocks, which are essentially small metal inserts or discs inserted into the plank material. He also emphasized that, by the end of the race, the skid blocks need to maintain a specified thickness.

‍

F1 Academy Champion, Marta Garcia, to receive a fully funded FRECA seat

After being crowned the Inaugural champion of F1 Academy while at COTA during the US GP this past weekend, Marta Garcia will race for PREMA racing in the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine. This series is a 'proving ground' for drivers looking to improve to a Formula 3 level seat and race in F3 Championships. F1 Academy head, Susie Wolff, said: “F1 Academy is all about progression and creating more opportunities for young women across motorsport, so to offer a fully funded seat in FRECA for our inaugural champion is a significant moment".

Click here to read the full story.