In the round-up: Giancarlo Fisichella is supporting a proposal from Tanzania to build a Formula 1–standard race track.
In brief
Fisichella backs Tanzania grand prix track bid
Former Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella is advising a project to develop a Formula 1–spec circuit in Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania.
According to a post from the Italian Consulate in Tanzania, the ex-Ferrari, Force India and Renault racer is consulting on plans for a €500m race circuit in the region.
Organisers say construction is expected to begin late next year, with initial phases scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
Buhler secures ART FREC seat
Lena Buhler, who finished runner-up in the inaugural F1 Academy season, will contest the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship with ART.
The 26-year-old returns to FREC for the third time in four years, having raced most of the 2021 season and two rounds in 2022 with R-Ace GP.
As a Sauber junior driver, Buhler joins ART for the championship, which begins in May at Hockenheim.
Wisnicki named final Rodin F3 driver
Piotr Wisnicki has been confirmed as the third and final driver for the Rodin team (formerly Carlin) in this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship.
The 20-year-old completes Rodin’s 2024 line-up alongside Callum Voisin and Joseph Loake. Wisnicki competed in the opening eight races of last season, with a best finish of 18th in the Monaco sprint race.
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
The thorny geographical issue hanging over new Haas boss (Speedcafe)
How to manage a team split across multiple countries has long been a challenge for Haas. Administrative matters are handled at its primary base in Kannapolis, North Carolina, while race operations are split between facilities in the UK and Italy, creating logistical and organisational complexity.
Biggest UK Taxpayers 2024 (The Times – paywall)
Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone features highly on the list after paying substantial sums to HM Revenue & Customs related to previously undeclared funds held in an overseas trust.
Haas F1 Team knitted driver’s suit sweepstakes (Starlight US via Rally Up)
A raffle is offering a unique knitted driver’s suit worn by Kevin Magnussen as part of a charity campaign, with proceeds benefiting the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Former racing driver David Coulthard looking for first female F1 world champion (ITV)
Coulthard highlights the need to encourage more girls into karting and motorsport pathways, noting that far fewer girls take up karting than boys and that greater support is needed to develop future female champions.
CEVA Logistics extends worldwide relationship with Ferrari (CEVA)
CEVA Logistics will remain a Team Partner of Scuderia Ferrari, keeping its branding on the team’s 2024 single-seater and associated equipment and apparel. The partnership also extends to visibility across Ferrari’s other series, such as the GT Ferrari Challenge.
TV production company co-founded by Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard denied ‘significant growth’ (City AM)
Whisper and its associated companies, which produce live sports and non-scripted content and secured investment from Sony Pictures Television in 2020, have faced mixed financial results: rising turnover but recent pre-tax losses for one subsidiary.
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Social media
Notable posts from X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and more:
Lando on why he renewed his contract. 🧡
And some words on our Team Principal, Andrea Stella. 👊
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) January 26, 2024
Great to have Lando sign a multi-year contract with the team beyond 2025!
Looking forward to making many more memories with the most exciting driver line-up on the grid!! pic.twitter.com/UhrYhhBv9i
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) January 26, 2024
So, after all that, the 10 Formula 1 teams of 2024 are:
Red Bull
Mercedes
Ferrari
McLaren
Aston Martin
Alpine
Williams
RB
Sauber
HaasAnd Andretti are still waiting to find out whether they’ll get to join in…#F1
— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) January 26, 2024
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- Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory
Comment of the day
Is it surprising that Lando Norris isn’t seeking a move to a power unit manufacturer for 2026 and is staying with McLaren? No, says Tristan…
He’s the established number one at a team he likes and where he can perform well. If his stock continues to rise with McLaren, a move would be a significant career risk. When he decides to change teams it would make sense to join a proven championship contender rather than gamble on uncertain regulations.
Tristan
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Shelley Lee, Tnfox and David Clifford!
On this day in motorsport
- 10 years ago today Toro Rosso launched the STR9, driven by Jean-Éric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat