F1 Fast Five: FIA ditches wheel cover project over visibility concerns, Andretti claims Liberty CEO threatened to block team's F1 entry, and other big updates

FIA ditches wheel cover project over visibility concerns

The FIA's attempt to improve visibility in wet conditions with wheel covers has been abandoned due to ineffective results from recent tests. Despite testing at Ferrari's Fiorano circuit, where larger covers were examined to minimize spray, the initiative failed to meet expectations. Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's head of single-seater matters, acknowledged the limitations of the wheel covers and indicated a need to explore alternative solutions to prevent race cancellations due to adverse weather.

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

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Andretti claims Liberty CEO threatened to block team's F1 entry

During the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Mario Andretti claims he had a conversation with Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who allegedly opposed the Andretti F1 team's entry into Formula 1. According to Andretti, Maffei interrupted a discussion with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to express his objection to Michael Andretti's involvement in F1. "I was asked to go there," Andretti said. "And just as I was trying to explain that to Stefano, Greg Maffei, Mr. Maffei, broke in the conversation and he said: 'Mario, I want to tell you that I will do everything in my power to see that Michael [Andretti] never enters Formula 1'." Andretti was surprised by Maffei's personal remark, but a source close to Liberty Media disputes Andretti's version, suggesting Maffei's rejection was based on business reasons. 

Click here to read the full article by Thomas Maher (planetf1.com)

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Porsche commits to Formula E until 2030

Porsche has officially committed to participating as a powertrain supplier in the upcoming Gen4 era of Formula E until at least 2030. They join Nissan and Jaguar as the third manufacturers to confirm their entry into this next phase of the championship. This announcement comes as Porsche solidifies its competitive presence in Formula E, having claimed six wins since 2023 and leading the manufacturers' standings. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds praised Porsche as an ideal partner for their straightforward approach and mutual commitment to advancing next-generation technology in motorsport.

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

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Senna-inspired McLaren livery

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McLaren has not done things by half with its bold Ayrton Senna-inspired livery for Formula 1's Monaco Grand Prix. Rather than a token change of paint on the sidepod or a different-looking front wing, it has elected for a complete livery takeover in the iconic yellow, green, and blue colors of Senna's helmet.

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How drivers rolled up in style at Imola

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The car park at each Grand Prix changes as drivers often arrive in different cars. At the Imola GP, Max Verstappen drove a Ford Mustang GT Mach E, George Russell came in a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S, and Lewis Hamilton arrived in an AMG EQE SUV. However, the Mercedes boys weren’t the only ones in Mercedes cars.