F1 Fast Five: Alpine cites rising costs for 2023 profit decline, Verstappen is losing $1m per race in 2024 winless streak, and other big updates

Alpine cites rising costs for 2023 profit decline

Alpine F1's profits for 2023 dropped significantly compared to 2022, with a post-tax profit of £7.8 million, down from £26.2 million the previous year. Contributing factors included increased costs, higher wages, and a larger workforce, with staff numbers rising by nearly 80. Weaker on-track performance impacted sponsorship and merchandising revenue, and the team fell from fourth to sixth in the Constructors' Championship. Despite the drop in profits, new investors joined in 2023, and Jack Doohan will be a race driver in 2025.

Click here to read the full article by Mat Coch (speedcafe.com)

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Verstappen is losing $1m per race in 2024 winless streak

Max Verstappen is losing $1 million for every race he doesn’t win this season, which is costing him a lot of money. Last year, he made $25 million in bonuses on top of his $45 million salary because he won 19 races and got a third championship title. He has only seven wins this year and is on a seven-race winless streak, so his bonuses are much lower. Red Bull is also struggling and is trailing McLaren by 20 points in the Constructors' Championship, even though Verstappen is doing well in the Drivers' standings.

Click here to read the full article by Michelle Foster (planetf1.com)

Why drivers lose weight in Singapore than anywhere else

Lando Norris might have to adjust his usual approach and drink fluids during the Singapore Grand Prix, as the extreme heat and humidity can be overwhelming. He typically avoids drinking while racing, saying it makes him feel sick, but the conditions are different this time. Drivers can lose 2-4 kg in sweat, with cockpit temperatures reaching around 50°C. This race demands extensive preparation, making it one of the toughest challenges in Formula One.

Click here to read the full article by Kieran Jackson (Independent.co.uk)

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Pulling secures back-to-back Singapore victories to strengthen title charge

Abbi Pulling dominated the F1 Academy race in Singapore, winning her seventh race by leading from start to finish. Maya Weug came in second after passing Doriane Pin, who finished third. The race had a safety car because Bianca Bustamante spun out, which changed the race dynamics. Lia Block had her best finish of the season in fourth place, and Nerea Marti took fifth.

Click here to read the full article by Shayni Solanki (motorsportweek.com)

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Is this Ricciardo's final race?

There are many rumors that the 2024 Singapore GP could be Daniel Ricciardo's last F1 race. The media expects confirmation of Liam Lawson replacing Ricciardo early next week. Most people in the paddock thought this announcement would come on media day at the Singapore GP, but it didn’t happen. Could these rumors be false?