Fast Five: Today’s Top Motorsports News
GM to build Cadillac’s power unit, Meet the bosses of F1 teams, and other updates from the world of Formula 1, IndyCar and more.
- GM to build Cadillac’s power unit
- Meet the bosses of F1 teams
- Why Williams released Colapinto to Alpine
- Gracias, Colapinto!
- Red Bull's gamble could end two drivers
GM to build Cadillac’s power unit
TWG Motorsports and General Motors have formed GM Performance Power Units LLC to develop Cadillac’s in-house F1 engine after its Ferrari deal ends. Russ O'Blenes, a veteran in engine development, has been appointed CEO and will oversee the project from a new facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. This move shows Cadillac’s plan to become a top F1 team with its own engines. While the Ferrari deal might continue for now, GM is focused on making Cadillac a strong and independent competitor.
Click here to read the full article by Phillip van Osten (f1i.com)
Meet the bosses of F1 teams
A Formula 1 team principal is the boss of a team and is responsible for leadership, decision-making, and performance, though they no longer build or drive the cars. Most current team principals share similar backgrounds, often being white, middle-aged, and German-speaking, but there are no strict qualifications for the role. Their responsibilities include managing staff, making key strategic decisions, handling media duties, and navigating the political landscape of the sport. While some, like Toto Wolff and Christian Horner, have racing experience, others, like Mattia Binotto and Otmar Szafnauer, have backgrounds in engineering or business.
Click here to read the full article by Richard Asher (motorsport.com)
Why Williams released Colapinto to Alpine
Williams agreed to let Franco Colapinto join Alpine because they believe it’s his best chance to get a full-time F1 seat. He will join Alpine on a multi-year deal, starting as a reserve driver for 2025. Colapinto showed his skills in nine races with Williams, but the team had already signed Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon. Alpine thinks he is a top young talent and could bring him in if Jack Doohan struggles.
Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com)
Gracias, Colapinto!
Franco Colapinto had a brief stint at Williams, but his performance was impressive enough that reports suggested Alpine might swap him for Doohan. Soon enough, it became clear he wasn’t going to be Gasly’s teammate for the long haul. Still, he’ll be greatly missed at Williams. Now, he’s signed as a reserve driver at Alpine. For now, Gracias, Colapinto!
Red Bull's gamble could end two drivers
If Red Bull claims that being Max Verstappen's teammate is the toughest job in F1, then choosing the right one isn't far behind. History shows the second driver eventually gets dropped, but in 2025, Red Bull's decision might cost two drivers their seats. And then there's Tsunoda, who's quicker and more experienced than some of the options.