F1 Fast Five: Ferrari unveils new-look SF-24, FIA names new single-seater Technical Director, and other big updates

Ferrari unveils new-look SF-24

Under Fred Vassuer's leadership, Ferrari enters its second season, aiming to improve upon past struggles with reliability and strategy. Despite a third-place finish last season, the team seeks to challenge Red Bull while fending off McLaren and Mercedes. The SF-24, unveiled with nods to Ferrari's heritage and a unique livery, features technical advancements, including push-rod front and pull-rod rear suspensions.

Click here to read the full article by Caitlyn Gordon (formulanerds.com)

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FIA names new single-seater Technical Director

Jan Monchaux has been appointed the Technical Director in the Single-Seater Department by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). He will oversee current Formula 1 technical matters and future technical regulations, reporting to Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's Single-Seater Director. Monchaux brings extensive experience from Formula 1, LMP1, and DTM, having previously served as Technical Director at the Sauber team.

Click here to read the full article at fia.com

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Will Alonso settle for a short-term deal at Mercedes? 

F1 analyst Peter Windsor suggests that Fernando Alonso is likely to accept a short-term contract offer from Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season if the team faces challenges in 2024 or if the Daimler board insists on a World Champion replacement. Alonso's current contract with Aston Martin ends this season, and although his priority is to stay, he acknowledges his unique negotiating position as the only available World Champion for 2024. Despite doubts about Mercedes meeting Alonso's long-term contract demands, Windsor believes Alonso would accept a one-year deal alongside George Russell if offered. However, Mercedes may prioritize younger drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli unless their performance struggles persist or the board compels them to sign an established World Champion.

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

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Netflix drops teaser for Drive to Survive season 6

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Netflix has released the first teaser trailer for season six of Drive to Survive, with all episodes set to premiere on February 23, 2024. The trailer features appearances by former Haas boss Guenther Steiner, as well as Lando Norris, Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Lance Stroll, suggesting that the season's main storylines may revolve around these individuals. 

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Aston Martin reveals critical changes

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Aston Martin is setting its sights on Red Bull with its 2024 F1 car, which has introduced a significant change inspired by Mercedes. As last year's closest rivals to Red Bull, Aston Martin has revamped its 2024 car extensively, aiming to contend for victory under its current identity, with its last win dating back to its Racing Point days in 2020.