Fast Five: Red Bull's dominance sparks social media slump, Qatar GP circuit overhauls facilities for F1 return, and other big updates

Red Bull's dominance sparks social media slump

A research study by Buzz Radar, a social intelligence company, reveals a significant decline in Formula 1's social media mentions, new followers, and reach in 2023, attributed to Red Bull's dominance. The study, titled "Have we reached Peak F1?," suggests that the sport's peak interest may have occurred in 2022. Comparing data over the past decade, the analysis found a 70.2% decrease in F1 social media mentions, a 46.29% drop in new followers, and a 64.10% decline in social reach for the first five months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The report attributes this decline to Red Bull's single-team domination and notes an increase in negative descriptors like 'boring' and 'annoying.' Despite these challenges, F1 has shown impressive audience growth over the past decade, even with fewer events compared to other sports.

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

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Qatar GP circuit overhauls facilities for F1 return

The Lusail International Circuit has undergone extensive renovations and safety improvements in preparation for the Qatar Grand Prix's return. The race, part of a long-term contract, follows a hiatus in 2022 due to the FIFA World Cup. The upgrades include expanding grandstand capacity to 40,000, improving parking facilities, enhancing fan zones and VIP areas, and upgrading paddock facilities, including media and medical centers. The circuit now boasts 50 pit boxes and improved access roads. Safety measures include new debris fences by Geobrugg, meeting FIA Grade 1 Circuit Safety standards. Light panels and marshal posts were upgraded in coordination with the FIA and FIM. The Lusail International Circuit is expanding its racing portfolio and will continue its deal with MotoGP until 2031.

Click here to read the full article by Rory Mitchell (racingnews.com)

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Alpine reviews communication issues after Gasly's outburst

Alpine's interim team principal, Bruno Famin, acknowledged that they are reviewing the communication procedures that caused Pierre Gasly's frustration during the Japanese Grand Prix. Gasly and Esteban Ocon swapped positions late in the race to aid Gasly's tire strategy, but Gasly was angered when instructed to switch back to Ocon on the final lap, as it was not part of the pre-race plan. Famin denied lingering tensions between the drivers, attributing the confusion to race stress and unclear communication. Gasly expressed his dissatisfaction publicly, but Famin downplayed it, considering it a momentary issue amid the race's intensity.

Click here to read the full article by Michael Delaney (f1i.com)

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Sainz impresses in Ryder Cup appearance

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Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz showcased his golfing abilities during the Ryder Cup All-Star Match in Rome, a celebrity face-off event marking the beginning of the biennial golf competition between Europe and the United States. Sainz, with a handicap of nine, teamed up with disabled tour pro Tommaso Perrino to face pro golfer Kip Popert and tennis legend Novak Djokovic.

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Leclerc stars in Ray-Ban smart glasses ad

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Charles Leclerc stars in the latest Ray-Ban advertisement showcasing their smart glasses that come with an integrated camera. These glasses are a collaborative effort with Meta, and it's worth noting that Ray-Ban is a big sponsor of the Ferrari team. Leclerc can be seen driving his Ferrari on the streets of Monaco before hopping into a kart for a local race.