Checo Wants to Leave Red Bull?

🌎 Around Formula 1

✈️ Are Cars Too Aerodynamic? - F1 drivers are concerned about aerodynamic efficiency causing overtaking difficulties. While the reintroduction of ground effects aimed to improve overtaking, increased aerodynamic development is now generating more outwash, hindering the following car's performance. Sainz and Verstappen emphasize the importance of a powerful (DRS) for passing, especially on tracks with limited opportunities for overtaking. Read more

💲 2022 Budget Cap Finalized - All the teams have managed to stick to the budget cap for 2022. It's a relief for everyone involved, including teams, owners, and the FIA. Last year, things got messy with accusations and penalties when some teams exceeded the cap. This time, all 10 teams made it under the cap, showing they've got a better handle on their finances. The budget cap was introduced to level the playing field and make F1 financially viable for all teams. This success is a step in the right direction for the sport's future. Read more

✅ 🚫 Andretti’s Entry Dilemma - The FIA is expected to approve Andretti’s bid to enter F1 by 2025, despite concerns from F1 and teams that it might dilute the sport or affect prize money distribution. EU sports law complicates F1's ability to reject Andretti's entry, with opposition primarily driven by financial considerations rather than sporting benefits.

Andretti's strong motorsport history and partnership with General Motors make it a viable candidate. The current $200 million dilution fee could increase to $600 million in the new Concorde Agreement to deter potential entrants. Andretti's recent rebrand to Andretti Global suggests global racing ambitions. Read more

🛞 Drivers

👀 Checo Wants to Leave? - Sergio Perez hints at a potential departure from Red Bull in 2024 as his performance alongside Max Verstappen faces scrutiny. Despite having a contract till 2024, Perez discusses his options, citing the need to regain confidence and form. Read more

🤕 Danny Still Recovering - Christian Horner stated that Ricciardo has "no chance" of returning to Formula 1 with AlphaTauri for the Singapore GP. This announcement raises doubts about Ricciardo's return to the Japanese GP as well, limiting his opportunities to showcase his talent to Red Bull and other teams in the midfield. Read more

🔮 Nico + Audi - Hulkenberg's expressed interest in a future role with Audi's F1 program has sparked discussions about his potential involvement with the manufacturer. While Hulkenberg has shown enthusiasm, the timeline may not align perfectly with Audi's F1 project, as he will be 38 when the cars debut in 2026. However, Hulkenberg is open to continuing his racing career, inspired by peers like Alonso and Hamilton extending their careers into their 40s. Read more

🏎 Teams

🔥 F1 Rivarly Heating Up - Red Bull's Helmut Marko fires back at Mercedes, condemning Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff's dismissive remarks about Max Verstappen's achievements. The rivalry intensifies as Mercedes downplays Verstappen's historic feat, sparking paddock controversy. Read more

👑 Toto’s Replacement Revealed - Toto Wolff is set to undergo knee surgery, which will force him to miss the F1 Japanese GP. This forces Jerome D’Ambrosio, a former F1 driver, to step in as his replacement for the Suzuka event. Wolff is expected to return for the Qatar GP on October 6-8. Read more

🏎 F1 Engine Proposal - Alpine's proposal to equalize engine performance in F1 until 2026 has met with skepticism from Ferrari and Mercedes. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff called it a "catastrophe," while Red Bull's Christian Horner expressed openness to discussion. Alpine faces an engine deficit of potentially 20-30hp, and the debate continues without a clear consensus. Read more

📊 Standings

Ferrari's Podium at Italian Grand Prix: Ferrari's loyal fans, the Tifosi, witnessed Sainz and Leclerc secure a podium finish. Despite not winning, Sainz's pole position and performance were highlights. Verstappen secured his 10th consecutive victory in the 2023 season, extending his lead in the championship. Haas struggled with tire and balance issues, and Alpine struggled with pace. Alex Albon impressed for Williams, and Alfa Romeo scored a point. Aston Martin had a lackluster race and dropped to fourth in the constructors' championship standings.