Aston Martin to sell £74M stake, Haas reveals cherry blossom-inspired livery for Japanese GP, and other big updates

Aston Martin to sell £74M stake

Aston Martin Lagonda is selling its minority stake in the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team to strengthen its financial position, with the stake now priced at £74 million. This move offers a rare chance for investors to secure a share in an F1 team with significant growth potential, despite the company’s financial difficulties. Lawrence Stroll’s Yew Tree Consortium is looking to invest an additional £52.5 million to Aston Martin, which increases its ownership to one-third. This decision is part of a larger strategy to generate capital and address financial challenges, that includes a recent 45% drop in stock price.

Click here to read the full article by Phillip van Osten (f1i.com)

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Haas reveals cherry blossom-inspired livery for Japanese GP

Haas has added pink cherry blossom graphics to its VF-25s for the Japanese Grand Prix, which now takes place during cherry blossom season. The team has strengthened ties with Japan, including a technical collaboration with Toyota, and provides testing opportunities for Toyota's junior drivers. Despite a strong result in Shanghai, Haas is concerned about the VF-25’s performance in Suzuka’s high-speed corners, which were problematic in Melbourne. Komatsu remains hopeful for improvement, but Haas isn't the only team with special liveries, as Red Bull is expected to reveal a tribute to Honda.

Click here to read the full article by Keith Collantine (racefans.net)

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11 brutal driver demotions like Liam Lawson's

Liam Lawson’s demotion from Red Bull to Racing Bulls is just one example of harsh mid-season driver cuts in F1. Luigi Fagioli was forced to hand his car over to Juan Manuel Fangio during the 1951 French Grand Prix, which caused him to retire immediately. Graham Hill was demoted in 1970 after a crash that left him with two broken legs, as Lotus decided he couldn't maintain his pace. Other brutal demotions include Ayrton Senna’s suspension by Toleman in 1984, Roberto Moreno being replaced by Michael Schumacher in 1991, and Daniil Kvyat’s replacement by Max Verstappen in 2016.

Click here to read the full article by Elizabeth Blackstock (planetf1.com)

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Zehnder’s departure marks new era at Sauber

Beat Zehnder’s last day in a prime management position at Sauber is Monday, with Jonathan Wheatley starting as team boss on April 1 to lead the team into its Audi-owned era. Zehnder, who has been with Sauber since its early days in the 90s, will move to the new role of ‘director of signature programs and operations’ and will no longer be involved with the race team. Zehnder, 59, said he’s not upset and will still work in the background after 571 races. F1 journalist Roger Benoit credited Zehnder for Sauber’s survival, stating that at one point, he even covered the team’s hotel costs out of his own pocket.

Click here to read the full article (f1chronicle.com)

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Which drivers have dominated at Suzuka?

Suzuka, a 5.807 km circuit, has hosted 34 F1 races since 1987 and is famous for its figure-of-eight layout, with many drivers, like Carlos Sainz, calling it their favorite. Originally a test track for Honda, it has witnessed iconic battles like Senna vs. Prost in the late '80s and early '90s. Michael Schumacher holds the record for most wins (six), podiums (nine), and poles (eight) at Suzuka, followed by Vettel and Hamilton with multiple victories. The Japanese Grand Prix has decided 12 drivers' championships, with titles for Senna, Schumacher, Vettel, and Verstappen.

Click here to read the full article by Katy Fairman (motorsportmagazine.com)