F1 Fast Five: Wolff lashes out at 'totally unimportant' ex-race director, McLaren unveils special Japanese-inspired livery, and other big updates

Wolff lashes out at 'totally unimportant' ex-race director

Toto Wolff slammed a figure involved in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saga, labeling them as insignificant and egotistical. He believes the race's outcome, which saw Max Verstappen clinch the championship over Lewis Hamilton due to a contentious late Safety Car intervention, was unfair and a violation of regulations. Wolff didn't mention Michael Masi directly but implied he was the person responsible. Despite feeling aggrieved, Wolff acknowledged such incidents contributed to Formula 1's drama and appeal, even though he wished for a different result for Hamilton.

Click here to read the full article by Henry Valantine (planetf1.com)

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McLaren unveils special Japanese-inspired livery

McLaren, in collaboration with British American Tobacco (BAT), introduced a special livery for its F1 cars at the Japanese GP as part of the "Driven by Change" campaign. Designed by Japanese artist MILTZ, the livery features a dragon and Edo period calligraphy elements, reflecting Japan's heritage. MILTZ aims to blend traditional Japanese culture with modern artistry through this project. The Driven by Change campaign, in its fourth F1 season, aims to showcase emerging artists globally. McLaren Racing's CMO, Louise McEwen, expressed excitement about the campaign's success in highlighting creative talents.

Click here to read the full article at F1i.com

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Pirelli opts for extreme tire mix for Japanese GP

The Japanese Grand Prix this weekend will feature a switch to harder tyre compounds compared to the softer ones used in the recent Australian Grand Prix, with Pirelli opting for the C1, C2, and C3 compounds despite rain forecasts. This selection matches last season's Japanese GP and this year's Bahrain opener. Despite Suzuka's traditional toughness on tires, Pirelli predicts a potential one-stop strategy due to cooler spring temperatures, a departure from the usual two-stop necessity.

Click here to read the full article by Nick Golding (racingnews365.com)

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How customized controls on steering wheel enhance driver performance

Since Ferrari introduced gearshift paddles in 1989, Formula 1 steering wheels have evolved dramatically, offering extensive functionality and complexity. They not only steer the car but also provide crucial data and control over power unit and chassis functions. Each driver's wheel is customized, with notable differences like Charles Leclerc's wishbone-style clutch paddle compared to Carlos Sainz's twin-paddle layout. 

Click here to read the full article by Matt Somerfield (motorsport.com)

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Ricciardo living the dream

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There's no denying that Daniel Ricciardo's personality is disarming. He's positive, always smiling, and has a great knack for dealing with the media. After taking a break from his YouTube channel, he returned with a delightful video showcasing moments from his home race. Before heading to the paddock, Daniel went for a leisurely drive in the desert, and you could tell he had fun.