Red Bull introduced a revised floor body for the RB20 at the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix to address under-performance issues. The update features subtle changes to the floor tunnel geometry to enhance pressure gradients and improve airflow. Despite a disappointing performance at Monza, Red Bull hopes this upgrade will resolve Max Verstappen's concerns about the car. Mercedes, meanwhile, has opted not to bring new parts and is debating the effectiveness of their current floor upgrade, while only three F1 teams, including Red Bull and their sister team RB, have introduced updates in Baku.
Click here to read the full article by Lewis Larkam (crash.net)
Franco Colapinto crashed his Williams into the wall during FP1 in Baku and apologized for the incident, while Charles Leclerc also crashed. The session, which was marred by three red flags, saw Max Verstappen set the fastest time with a 1:45.546, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez. Drivers struggled with various issues, including low grip and power problems, with Leclerc attributing his crash to dirt on the track. The session ended with Verstappen leading despite multiple interruptions and driver difficulties.
Click here to read the full article by Michelle Foster (planetf1.com)
Kevin Magnussen's one-race ban for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the first driver suspension in Formula 1 in 12 years, following his clash with Pierre Gasly at Monza. Despite finishing ninth, Magnussen received a 10-second penalty and two penalty points, pushing him to a ban after reaching 12 points. Many drivers, including Nico Hulkenberg and Yuki Tsunoda, feel the penalty was excessive and argue that the current points system is too harsh for a 24-race season. While George Russell acknowledges the ban as a potential precedent for safer driving, he suggests that some penalties might need to be more or less severe depending on the situation.
Click here to read the full article by Jake Boxall-Legge (motorsport.com)
This year's Formula One championship is quite different from recent years, and it's clear that it's become even more exciting. McLaren, along with Ferrari and Mercedes to some extent, are making progress, while Red Bull seems to be struggling lately. So, why is McLaren so fast, and why is Red Bull facing a rough patch? And who will win the championship?
Jarno Opmeer, driver for the Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing team and the 2020 and 2021 F1 Esports Champion, sits down with Max Verstappen to ask him some important questions. Opmeer begins by asking when Verstappen plans to hit 10,000 iRating, his favorite activity outside of racing, which four drivers he'd choose for his Le Mans team, and more.
