Teams may sacrifice 2025 for 2026 wind tunnel time, How Alpine made a $30m miracle leap, and other big updates

Teams may sacrifice 2025 for 2026 wind tunnel time

Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur thinks some teams might give up on the 2025 season for more wind tunnel time for the 2026 rules. With big changes coming in engines and aerodynamics, teams don’t want to spend too much on 2025 and are focusing on 2026 instead. Vasseur believes teams outside the title race could use the opportunity to prioritize 2026 development, knowing they would benefit from additional wind tunnel runs. This strategy could be more impactful with mid-season resets in the aerodynamic testing restrictions.

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

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How Alpine made a $30m miracle leap

The 2024 Formula 1 season started badly for Alpine, but things changed after the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished second and third. This result pushed Alpine from ninth to sixth in the constructors' standings, helped by leadership changes and car upgrades. David Sanchez's arrival as technical director made a big difference, as it improved the car's performance, especially in the rain. Alpine now faces a tight battle with Haas and RB for sixth place, which could be worth over $20 million.

Click here to read the full article by Edd Straw (the-race.com)

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FIA dismisses Red Bull's tire cooling claims

The FIA checked the tires at the Brazilian Grand Prix but found no extra moisture, dismissing Red Bull's concerns that teams like McLaren might be adding water to cool their tires. Red Bull raised the issue after seeing watermarks on tires in Singapore, where McLaren's Lando Norris won. Verstappen won in Brazil and ended his longest winless streak, but Red Bull is still third in the Constructors' Championship, behind McLaren. This tire issue adds to the ongoing tensions between Red Bull and McLaren over car setups this season.

Click here to read the full article by Oliver Harden (planetf1.com)

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How Hamilton unlocked his superpower

After Lewis Hamilton’s win at Silverstone, WhatsApp invited him to chat with some teens about the lessons he’s learned along the way. From struggling with dyslexia at school to escaping through go-karting, finding success on the global stage, and making his comeback after a 945-day drought, he shows that no matter where you want to go, you’ll get there if you work together.

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The Fast and the Curious

F1 superfans Betty Glover and Christian Hewgill join Nic to discuss their podcast, The Fast and the Curious, with Greg James. They talk about the early days of the show, balancing fun and facts, interviewing Max Verstappen and Checo Perez, and share their thoughts on Max’s dominance. Plus, they answer fan questions from The Paddock.