F1 Fast Five: Komatsu and Williams launch new engineering academy, Why Norris struggles to stay hydrated during races, and other big updates

Komatsu and Williams launch new engineering academy

Williams Racing and Komatsu have started the Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy to help train future engineers. Each year, the Academy will choose 10 STEM students to provide them with guidance, work experience, and learning opportunities in engineering and motorsport. Students aged 16 and up from the 2024 F1 in Schools World Final can apply, and the first group will be selected through an assessment. This program shows a strong commitment from both companies to support and develop new talent in STEM fields.

Click here to read the full article by Balazs Szabo (f1technical.net)

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Why Norris struggles to stay hydrated during races

Lando Norris shared that he rarely drinks during Formula 1 races and has only used his drinks bottle twice in over 120 races. He finds it hard to eat and drink before races because of nerves and pressure. To keep his energy up, he eats energy bars and drinks special fluids before the race. Even though he sometimes feels sick from pressure, he said he has never thrown up before a race.

Click here to read the full article by Samuel Coop (racingnews365.com)

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Mini replaces Bearman for F2 debut in Baku

Gabriele Mini will make his Formula 2 debut in Azerbaijan this weekend, replacing Oliver Bearman, who will race in Formula 1 with Haas. Bearman is filling in because Kevin Magnussen got a race ban after collecting 12 penalty points. Mini, who finished second in this year's F3 championship, will likely move to F2 full-time in 2025.

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

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Alpine set to decide on 2026 engine partner

Alpine will decide on its 2026 engine partner within a month as Renault's board evaluates its Formula 1 engine project. Renault initially worked on a new engine for the 2026 regulations but canceled the project, which led to employee strikes and protests. CEO Luca de Meo mentioned that switching to a customer engine could save money, but the marketing impact is also a concern. No decision has been made yet, and Alpine will stay under Renault ownership, with other projects continuing at Viry-Chatillon.

Click here to read the full article by Franco Nugnes & Jake Boxall-Legge (motorsport.com)

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Jack Brabham's debut car listed for $387,000

The Cooper T40 that Jack Brabham drove in his Formula 1 debut is now for sale through RM Sotheby's for 350,000 euros (about $387,000). Brabham’s debut in 1955 at the British Grand Prix was a letdown; he started 25th and retired early because of car problems. Despite this, he later won the 1955 Australian Grand Prix with the car before selling it to support his move to the U.K. The car has been restored, features a 2.0-liter Bristol engine, and has recently been raced in historic events.

Click here to read the full article by Viknesh Vijayenthiran (motorauthority.com)