Singapore Grand Prix Scandal

🌎 Around Formula 1

🇸🇬 Singapore GP Scandal - Their reputation as an anti-corruption haven faces a challenge with a scandal involving its Grand Prix. Transport Minister S. Iswaran resigned after being charged with accepting bribes, including F1 race tickets, from Malaysian billionaire Ong Beng Seng, a key figure in bringing F1 to Singapore. Despite the controversy, the 2024 Singapore GP is still scheduled for September. The scandal, involving gifts worth around $119,000, marks a rare corruption case in Singapore, which ranks high in global anti-corruption indices. The legal proceedings against Iswaran and the implications for Ong are ongoing, but the Grand Prix's organization is currently deemed legal by Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry. Read more

🇺🇸 Ex-F1 Drivers in Daytona 24 - The prestigious 24-hour endurance race at Daytona International Speedway, is set for January 27-28. The 3.56 mile course combines the speedway's banked oval with infield corners, drawing talent from various motorsport disciplines, including ex-F1 drivers. This year's event features notable names like Jenson Button, Felipe Massa, and Romain Grosjean, among others, competing in different categories. The race has a rich history of F1 driver participation, with several former F1 drivers having won in the past, like Alonso in 2019. Read more

👀 Contract Clauses Impede Steiner - Guenther's potential return to F1 may be hindered by a speculated "anti-competition signing arrangement" following his departure from Haas. His exit, not a dismissal but a non-renewal of his contract, was communicated unexpectedly by Gene Haas. This clause, if confirmed, could complicate Steiner's re-entry into the sport, differing from typical non-working conditions in F1. Read more

🛞 Drivers

😳 Red Bull's Driver Dilemma - A dilemma arises for Max’s 2025 teammate if Checo and Danny don't impress in 2024. Yuki, the internal option, needs to outperform Ricciardo consistently to be considered. If all internal options falter, Red Bull might explore external candidates like Sainz, Alonso, or Albon. However, top drivers like Hamilton, Russell, Lando, and Piastri are contractually bound, limiting Red Bull's choices. Read more

📜 McLaren's Top Priority - Securing Norris's future with McLaren is a top priority, especially amidst Red Bull's interest in him as a potential teammate for Verstappen in 2025. Norris, under contract with McLaren until the end of 2025, has caught Red Bull's attention, with Christian Horner acknowledging past discussions. McLaren CEO Zak Brown emphasizes the importance of retaining Norris, alongside Piastri, to achieve their World Championship aspirations. Brown focuses on creating an ideal environment at McLaren to naturally retain talents like Norris, rather than directly competing with other teams' offers. Read more

🏎 Teams

🏎️ McLaren's Bold 2024 Launch - The early launch of the MCL38 for the 2024 season (watch video) reflects significant changes from the 2023 car. The team's preparation is vastly different this year, with a smoother winter and a focus on aerodynamics, suspension, and tire interaction. Key recruits like Rob Marshall and David Sanchez are already contributing, aligning with McLaren's direction. The team's financial health has improved, turning a profit in 2023. Read more

🚀 Mercedes' Car Revamp - Is optimistic about its new W15 F1 car, which aims to address the challenging "spiteful" rear end issues experienced last year. Technical director James Allison expressed a mix of apprehension and excitement about the upcoming season. The team has focused on improving the car's handling, downforce, and power unit. While acknowledging Red Bull's dominance last season, Allison noted that the new ground effect regulations might limit the extent of performance gains, potentially leading to a more competitive grid. Read more

🛞 Mercedes' Pit Stop Overhaul - Is revamping its pit stop strategy for the 2024 season, revealed Toto Wolff. After a challenging 2023, marked by their first winless year since 2011, Mercedes is focusing on refining pit stop elements like wheel-locking mechanisms and axle materials. This shift indicates a move away from their “conservative” approach in response to Red Bull's superior pit stop performance. Going to be interesting to see how close they get to that regulation threshold. Read more