Imola Cancellation Creates Rescheduling Nightmare

Here’s what we got this week:

• ❌ | Imola Cancelled: A 2023 reschedule looks unlikely

• 🥱 | Stop Boring Races: Hamilton calls for pre-2026 F1 regulation changes

• 🛠️ | Mercedes Sticking to Script: Car improvements stay on schedule

• 🤑 | Cost Cap vs Sustainability: McLaren calls for cost cap reform

PLUS: Ferrari's suspension and diffuser upgrades set for Spanish debut, F1 takes over Monaco Grand Prix broadcast

❌ Imola Cancelled

This weekend, the Imola Grand Prix faced this daunting challenge after torrential rains washed out the race. For those unfamiliar with the logistics of F1 racing, each race requires a tremendous amount of preparation. Teams have to transport equipment and their personnel to the venue, which often lies in a different country from the previous race. The cancellation, therefore, is not merely about turning cars around (we did a story about it in this newsletter).

During this tough time, F1 demonstrated their camaraderie. For instance, AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries found himself stranded due to flooding, eventually finding refuge in a hotel lobby that turned into a makeshift shelter. Back in Faenza, his teammate Yuki Tsunoda didn't sit idly by either, lending a hand to the locals for clean-up.

The cancellation is now making way for an operational behemoth. Inserting a rained-out race back into F1's jam-packed calendar is unlikely to happen. Between the Spanish and Canadian Grand Prix in June, or between Canada and Austria later that month, squeezing in Imola might sound doable. But in practice, it's far from it. Try imagining doing four to five consecutive marathon weekends.

Post-summer break, the same headache reappears. A slot post-Monza might be available, but it leads straight into an Asia tour. As much as the F1 fans would love to see Imola back on track this year, expectations are already veering toward a 2024 comeback. Link

🥱 Stop Boring Races

Lewis Hamilton suggests that F1's technical rules need a sooner-than-planned overhaul, before the slated 2026 regulation changes, to avoid Red Bull's continued dominance. Last year's regulation amendments aimed for better racing and a closer field, but 2023 has seen a return of 'dirty air' complaints and several uninspiring races.

Despite appreciating the innovation in F1, Hamilton worries that Red Bull might remain unchecked until 2026 without earlier regulation adaptations. He notes the persistent gaps between teams and calls for ongoing changes to keep the sport exciting and competitive.

Enjoying the current generation of cars more after Mercedes resolved last year's 'porpoising' issue, he does voice his preference for a return to lighter cars, given the current ones are the heaviest in F1 history.

As the American market grows, Hamilton empathizes with fans potentially finding the series dull. F1's less competitive state might not appeal to audiences accustomed to the NFL and NBA. He says, "F1 needs to do better." Link

🛠️ Mercedes Sticking to Script

Despite the abrupt cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Mercedes is forging ahead with its planned major update package debut at the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix.

The Monaco circuit, infamous for its tricky layout, presents a less-than-ideal environment for testing new parts. However, Mercedes is betting on the improvements to its W14 model, including new sidepods, a revised floor, and a different front suspension, to boost performance.

The move is a significant commitment to bettering drivers' confidence, particularly under braking - an area Hamilton and Russell have struggled with. And it's worth noting, backtracking to the older car model now would be a logistical nightmare! Link

🤑 Cost Cap vs Sustainability

McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, is urging for more sustainability in Formula 1, expressing concerns about the cost cap potentially hampering progress. McLaren reported a 22% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and a 19% reduction in waste since 2019. Brown, however, believes the cost cap introduced in 2021 might restrict further advancements.

McLaren supports the cost cap but suggests current regulations could limit sustainability investments. A working group, consisting of F1, FIA, and the ten teams, has been established to address the issue, McLaren wants certain sustainability projects to be excluded from the cost cap.

McLaren suggests cost cap exemptions for diversity and inclusion initiatives, team well-being initiatives, and intern program costs. Brown concludes, "Our sport needs a clear regulatory framework...that better enables us to innovate and invest in sustainability. Decisions for the 2026 regulations need to be made now." Link

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💨 Hot Laps

• 🐎 | Ferrari chose to hold back the introduction of the new suspension in Imola. They intended to implement further diffuser enhancements. Both the suspension and diffuser updates are set to debut in Spain. Source

• 📽️ | For the first time, F1 is taking control over the television coverage of the Monaco GP, ending local station broadcasting of the event. This will elevate the broadcasting quality and offer viewers new and revised camera angles to better showcase the race. Source