Red Bull finds $2.7m upsides after losing title, Aston Martin signs ex-driver to simulator role, and other big updates

Red Bull finds $2.7m upsides after losing title

Red Bull Racing may have missed out on its third consecutive constructors' title in 2024, but there are benefits it can focus on. The team will save $2.7 million on its entry fee, which is a significant reduction from last year’s $7.4 million. Additionally, Red Bull will get increased wind tunnel time for aerodynamic development, which is crucial for the 2026 regulations overhaul. Although the loss of commercial income is a setback, these advantages could prove valuable in the long run as the team prepares for major changes in Formula 1.

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

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Aston Martin signs ex-driver to simulator role

Aston Martin has hired Daniel Juncadella as a simulator driver. The 33-year-old Spanish racer currently competes in the World Endurance Championship with TF Sport and used to test for Force India in 2014. He started his new role ahead of the Abu Dhabi season finale, where Fernando Alonso finished ninth. Team boss Mike Krack said Juncadella's experience will help improve the car and the team's performance during races.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)

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Sainz set to debut for Williams in Abu Dhabi filming day

Carlos Sainz will make his debut for Williams today during a filming day at the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit ahead of the end-of-season F1 test. Sainz is joining Williams for the 2025 season after stepping aside at Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes. The filming day will give him a chance to familiarize himself with the Williams FW46, although he is limited to 200km of running under F1’s filming regulations. Sainz is already thinking ahead about helping Williams improve, although he acknowledged that it might take time before the team can fight for podiums again.

Click here to read the full article by Lewis Larkam (crash.net)

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Antonelli and Bearman set for Suzuka Super Formula Test

Formula 2 teammates Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman will take part in the Super Formula rookie test at Suzuka this week as they prepare for a potential move to Formula 1. Antonelli will drive for Rookie Racing, while Bearman will test for KCMG, and both will participate on Friday, the final day of the test. Several other rookies, including Juan Manuel Correa, Miki Koyama, and Igor Fraga, will also take part, with some stepping up from Japan’s racing scene. Notable names like Rikuto Kobayashi and Seita Nonaka will join the test alongside other rising stars in Japanese motorsport.

Click here to read the full article by Peter Allen (formulascout.com)

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Key moments from an unforgettable 2024 season

The 2024 season was one of the most amazing seasons, and F1 photographer Kym Illman put together a few interesting moments. These moments include Bearman stepping up for an extraordinary Formula One race debut when Sainz took ill, Verstappen suffering a technical issue at the Australian GP, and Albon crashing — after which, when his car couldn’t be fixed, Sargeant was asked to give up his car for him.