Formula 1 Releases Record-Breaking 2024 Schedule

Hey guys, we’re getting spoiled with some back-to-back race weekends this week. Silverstone should make for an exciting race. Let’s dive in!

Here’s what we got this week:

• 📅 2024 Schedule Released: Record-breaking 24 races

• 📽️ Brad Pitt to Film Live at British GP: APX GP 11th team in paddock

• 🇬🇧 British GP: New tires, team upgrades, uncertain weather

• Standings: 2nd in Constructors narrowing, Austria takeaways

PLUS: How much have drivers cost teams in crashes, Bottas gets a street-legal Mercedes with an F1 power unit

📅 2024 Schedule Released

The 2024 Formula 1 season will feature a record-breaking 24 races, making it the longest calendar in the sport's history. The season will kick off in Bahrain on March 2 and conclude in Abu Dhabi on December 8. With a mix of traditional races and new and existing venues, the calendar aims to cater to the global demand and interests of Formula 1 fans. To accommodate the Muslim holy period of Ramadan, the opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will take place on Saturdays instead of Sundays. Notable changes include the return of the Chinese Grand Prix and a more regionalized calendar to enhance travel sustainability. Read story

📽️ Brad Pitt to Film Live at British GP

Brad Pitt is set to hit the track this weekend as he portrays a race car driver in an upcoming Apple-produced Formula 1 themed movie. The film, overseen by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, will also star Damson Idris as the other driver for the fictional APX GP team. Apple has released the first images of the black-and-gold car that will feature prominently in the movie, which will be directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick.

The fictional team will actually be on the pit lane in their own garage between Ferrari and Mercedes. The two characters will have their names above it as well. There’s even going to be their own pit-wall command center and hospitality suite in the paddock. Maybe they’ll suit up and join in the actual grand prix too at this rate.

The APX GP car, based on a modified Formula 2 chassis by Mercedes and Carlin, sports a striking livery and will be filmed on track during the British Grand Prix. Pitt and Idris have undergone training and will have the opportunity to drive the car, aiming for a more authentic experience. While no release date has been announced yet, fans can expect a release in the near future. Read story

🇬🇧 British GP

🛞 Pirelli Introduces New Slick Tires

The tire manufacturer will introduce a new type of slick tire that incorporates materials planned for the 2024 tire specification. This move comes as a response to the increased demands placed on tires due to speed and higher levels of downforce generated by the current generation of F1 cars.

🔧 Mercedes Unveils Upgrades

Mercedes is determined to bounce back after a challenging weekend in Austria. The team is set to unveil upgrades for Silverstone. Toto Wolff has confirmed that the upgrades will include fresh ideas to address the performance gap to Red Bull.

Having shown promising progress in Canada, Mercedes believes they can close the gap and secure some victories. With three practice sessions to optimize their car setup, Mercedes aims to unleash their maximum potential on race day.

🇬🇧 Home Race Expectations for McLaren, Aston Martin, and British Drivers

The British GP holds special significance for McLaren, Aston Martin, and the British drivers participating in the race. McLaren, after introducing a major upgrade in Austria, hopes to carry forward their strong form and capitalize on their success. Lando Norris, who delivered an impressive performance in Austria, aims to podium in front of his home country.

Aston Martin, on the other hand, seeks redemption after a relatively quiet weekend in Austria. With their technology campus located just outside the Silverstone circuit, the team is eager to get back to their podium positions. The spotlight will be on Hamilton and Russell, who possess a strong fan base.

🌧️ High-Speed Circuit and Unpredictable Weather

Silverstone, known for its high-speed circuit, presents a unique challenge for teams and drivers. The combination of long straights and fast corners demands a delicate balance between low drag for impressive straight-line speed and high downforce for superior cornering performance. Additionally, the unpredictable British weather, notorious for its rain, adds an exciting variable to the equation.

Despite the potential for wet conditions during qualifying, drivers embrace the challenge. They look forward to pushing their cars to the limits on iconic corners like Maggots, Becketts, Abbey, and Copse. These sections not only test their skills but also provide ample opportunities for close racing and overtakes.

📊 Stats and Strategy Insights

The British GP, a historic event in Formula 1, boasts fascinating statistics and strategic considerations. Since hosting the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship round in 1950, Silverstone has witnessed legendary battles.

The track, with a length of 5.891km, challenges drivers with its high-speed nature. The lap record, set by Verstappen in 2020, stands at an impressive 1m 27.097s. Hamilton holds the record for the most pole positions (7) and most wins (8) at Silverstone.

Strategically, the race typically favors a one-stop approach, utilizing the hardest tire compounds available. However, multiple stop strategies can be effective if tire degradation is high. Safety Cars are a regular occurrence at Silverstone, often bunching the cars together again.

💨 Hot Laps

• 💸 Zhou is the only driver to have cost his team $0 from crashes, while Gasly has cost his team the most at $1,389,000 🤢. Check out all 20 drivers

• 🏎 Valtteri Bottas recently received his $2.7 million Mercedes-AMG ONE, a limited edition model outfitted with a formidable 1,063 horsepower F1 power unit. With only 275 units produced, Bottas said it was definitely worth the wait. Pics

Standings

Max Max Max. Another race, another victory for Max. At this point, anyone not named Max winning a race would be a miracle. The race for second in the Constructors is super tight, any one of the three teams can jump out in front this weekend.

Takeaways from the Austrian GP

Leclerc impressed with a second-place finish, marking Ferrari's best result of the season. Perez fought back to claim third, securing Red Bull's first-ever double podium at the Red Bull Ring. Haas and Mercedes struggled, while Norris showcased a strong fourth-place finish. Alfa Romeo's points-scoring run ended. Read more