F1 Fast Five: McLaren unveils MCL38 challenger, Mercedes Valentine's day reveal, and other big updates

McLaren unveils MCL38 challenger 

McLaren has introduced its new Formula 1 car, the MCL38, along with its revised livery, aiming to continue its success from the previous season, where it made significant progress. The team, led by Andrea Stella, includes new technical directors and is optimistic about the upcoming challenges. The CEO, Zak Brown, acknowledges the competitiveness of the sport and emphasizes the team's ongoing efforts to improve. The car will undergo initial testing at Silverstone before further evaluations in Bahrain, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri expressing confidence and excitement for the season ahead.

Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com)

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Mercedes Valentine's day reveal

Mercedes have unveiled the heavily-revised car, which they hope will allow them to scale the mountain and catch Red Bull in 2024. In addition to the long-expected changes in car concept for the W15, the team has revealed a reworked livery with Mercedes' traditional silver returning on the car's nose, plus the green of title sponsor Petronas, to go alongside the black of recent seasons. Launched at Silverstone on Valentine's Day, will this be the car that Mercedes fall back in love with?

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Ferrari shuns Red Bull-style suspension for unique pull-rod 

Ferrari considered adopting a Red Bull-style push-rod rear suspension for their SF-24 Formula 1 car but ultimately stuck with their pull-rod layout, finding it sufficiently innovative and effective after testing both options. They emphasized the uniqueness of their design and its benefits for aerodynamics and weight distribution, particularly noting adjustments made to accommodate a shorter gearbox while maintaining overall car length. Ferrari's technical director, Enrico Cardile, highlighted the team's commitment to their chosen suspension configuration for the 2024 season, indicating they had no plans to reconsider alternative options.

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

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Horner defies investigation, set to attend Red Bull car launch

Despite ongoing allegations and an investigation, Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal and chief executive, remains active in his role, attending both the shakedown of the F1 2024 car at Silverstone and the official launch at Red Bull's headquarters. The investigation into allegations of controlling behavior made by a female colleague is ongoing, with Horner denying the claims. At the same time, supporters speculate on a wider power struggle within Red Bull, though the timing of the investigation's conclusion remains uncertain.

Click here to read the full article by James Dielhenn (crash.net)

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Sainz discusses future plans

When Ferrari unveiled its 2024 challenger, Carlos Sainz broke his silence since the announcement that this would be his last season with the team. The Spanish driver discusses his hopes for the season and his plans for 2025. Sainz also mentions seeing progress in the factory, noting specific targets and the team's ambitions for improving this year's car. Click here to watch the video.