F1 Fast Five: Audi faces fresh uncertainty as top figure nears exit, Ex-Ferrari boss lands new gig, and other big updates

Audi faces fresh uncertainty as top figure nears exit

Audi's Formula 1 ambitions face uncertainty as crucial personnel changes, including the potential departure of Oliver Hoffmann and former CEO Markus Duesmann, create doubts about the team's future. Hoffmann, who is integral to Audi's F1 plans, is reportedly at odds with current CEO Gernot Dollner, and this raises questions about the company's direction and performance metrics. The situation is exacerbated by Audi's partnership with Sauber, with Hoffmann's potential departure adding complexity to the collaboration as both teams prepare for Audi's entry into F1 in 2026.

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

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Ex-Ferrari boss lands new gig

Ferrari's former Team Principal, Mattia Binotto, has landed a new job as the Managing Director of TEXA's E-Powertrain division. His role involves spearheading the project to establish TEXA as a top provider of electric vehicle components globally. Despite his disappointing stint at Ferrari, Binotto's move signifies a shift away from F1, focusing on advancing Italian excellence in automotive technology with TEXA.

Click here to read the full article by Fergal Walsh (racingnews365.com)

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Loose drain cover disrupts Ferrari in Bahrain

During Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, Charles Leclerc's Ferrari suffered floor damage from a loose drain cover, leading to a shortened morning session on the second day. Debris on the track caused the first red flag of testing after both Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc ran over the damaged curb. Ferrari had to change Leclerc's floor, but Hamilton's car escaped damage. 

Click here to read the full article at skysports.com

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Nielsen returns to Formula 1 in consultancy role

Former FIA sporting director Steve Nielsen has re-entered Formula 1 in a consultancy position, resuming his involvement with the organization after departing the governing body last year. Nielsen, who is recognized for his extensive experience dating back to the 1980s within the F1 paddock, notably contributed to the operational and regulatory aspects of the sport during his tenure with both FIA and various teams. Despite not holding a formal full-time title, Nielsen's return signifies his continued influence in shaping F1's strategic and operational landscape, leveraging his expertise to benefit the sport and its stakeholders, including race venues and circuits.

Click here to read the full article by Adam Cooper (motorsport.com)

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The season of disappointing liveries

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Formula One has never been as competitive as it is now. However, with the limitation of cost cap as to how many liveries you can bring, teams view liveries primarily as avenues for gaining free lap time. This dynamic isn't the fault of the livery designers; instead, it's the result of teams imposing strict limitations on them without allowing enough creative freedom to fully optimize the designs.