Las Vegas GP promises fewer disruptions in 2024, The 'five races' that cost Lando Norris the world title, and other big updates

Las Vegas GP promises fewer disruptions in 2024

The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was a commercial hit, generating over $1.5 billion in economic impact, but it caused significant disruption to locals. Residents and businesses, especially along the Strip, faced months of construction, road closures, and lost revenue, with some suing for compensation. This year, organizers are promising less disruption, with smoother construction timelines, better communication, and an interactive map for residents. There will also be more events outside the race circuit to spread the economic benefits and a larger fan experience to boost community goodwill.

Click here to read the full article by Filip Cleeren & Mark Mann-Bryans (motorsport.com)

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The 'five races' that cost Lando Norris the world title

Lando Norris lost his chance at the 2024 F1 World Title at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but Karun Chandhok points out that McLaren's early-season struggles were the real cause. Despite starting from the pole in Brazil, Norris saw Max Verstappen dominate while he made mistakes and fell behind. McLaren's early gap of 81 points was too big to close, even with strong car upgrades later in the season. Though they lost the title fight, McLaren is still in the race for the Constructors' Championship, 36 points ahead of Ferrari.

Click here to read the full article by Michelle Foster (planetf1.com)

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FIA leadership in crisis after Basarri's departure

The FIA is in turmoil following the departure of Paolo Basarri, the former compliance officer, amid tensions with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Basarri's exit reportedly came after conflicts over directives from Ben Sulayem and ongoing investigations, including a whistleblower's claims about the president's interference in race decisions. His dismissal, which bypassed necessary approvals, follows a series of high-profile exits, including former F1 race director Niels Wittich. The FIA's leadership struggles are further intensified by criticism over its handling of fines and transparency issues, with drivers pushing back against the president's policies.

Click here to read the full article by Lydia Mee (si.com)

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What it takes to be Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff, the CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, joins the High Performance podcast again. Jake talks with Toto about his journey, the challenges of leading in F1, and the personal moments that shaped him as a leader. The conversation starts with Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.

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Inside F1's armored safety rides

How seriously do F1 drivers take their safety? In Mexico City and São Paulo, all drivers are chauffeured to and from the track in armored vehicles. This is because some F1 races are considered more dangerous than others, so teams hire security experts to determine the level of protection needed. The specifics of these vehicles might surprise you. Take a look.