Mekies Discusses Hadjar’s Very Unfortunate Day Two Crash and Other Key Updates

F1 Cornering Speeds: A Path to Better Racing?

The perpetual quest to enhance Formula 1 racing often leads to debates over car performance characteristics, particularly cornering speeds. Recent regulatory adjustments have frequently aimed to reduce outright downforce, with the intention of making cars less sensitive to turbulent air when following closely. This year, F1 cars are anticipated to be slightly less quick through the corners, sparking discussions among fans and pundits: will this seemingly minor reduction genuinely contribute to improved overtaking opportunities and more thrilling on-track action?

While cornering speeds are still going to be very high, ensuring F1 remains the fastest series around a lap, the hope is that a more pronounced difference between straight-line speed and cornering pace will aid overtaking. This could potentially translate into longer, more impactful braking zones, offering drivers more chances to make a move. However, the inherent ingenuity of F1 engineers means any performance deficit is often quickly recouped, suggesting the ultimate impact on racing dynamics might be quite small.

MichaelN

This perspective highlights a critical aspect of modern F1 regulations. The intricate balance between pure performance and raceability is a constant challenge for governing bodies. Historically, higher cornering speeds have reduced braking distances, making it harder for cars to get close enough to launch an attack. By theoretically lengthening these braking zones, regulators hope to create more natural overtaking hotspots. Yet, as MichaelN rightly points out, the relentless development cycle in F1 often sees teams mitigate these changes swiftly, leading to a continuous evolution of car performance that sometimes outpaces the intended regulatory goals. The true test will come on track, as teams adapt their designs and drivers push the limits under the new parameters.

Motorsport Insights: Team Updates, Financial Challenges & Fan Engagement

Mekies: ‘Early days but great energy’ within Red Bull team in Barcelona (F1)

Laurent Mekies, the Team Principal for the newly rebranded Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 Team, offered an encouraging, albeit realistic, assessment from Barcelona. He noted the “great energy” within the team despite the nascent stage of their pre-season preparations. Mekies acknowledged the “very tricky conditions” encountered during testing, which likely refers to adverse weather or unexpected technical hurdles that can significantly complicate data collection and driver acclimatization. He conceded that it was “unfortunate that it finished that way,” implying a minor incident or session curtailment, a common occurrence in the high-stakes environment of pre-season testing. Despite these immediate difficulties, Mekies highlighted a “very positive day yesterday,” where driver Isaac (likely Isaac Hadjar, a Red Bull junior) completed a significant number of laps, providing invaluable learning and development feedback to the engineers. Such feedback is crucial for refining the car’s setup and identifying areas for improvement before the competitive season begins. This blend of optimism and a clear understanding of the challenges ahead is typical for teams during the intensive pre-season phase.

Prema to miss major IndyCar pre-season event (Racer)

The esteemed Italian racing outfit, Prema, known for its extensive success in junior formulae like F2 and F3, is facing a significant setback as it prepares for its IndyCar debut. Having joined the series as its 11th full-time team in 2025, Prema has reportedly endured a challenging introduction marked by “financial hardships” and the recent departure of its global leadership group. This instability has led to the team’s regrettable decision to miss a major IndyCar pre-season event. For any new team, pre-season testing is absolutely critical for integrating personnel, familiarizing drivers with new machinery, validating setup changes, and building essential data. Missing such an event can severely hinder development and preparedness for the demanding IndyCar calendar. Prema IndyCar CEO Piers Phillips is now tasked with the daunting challenge of securing a new owner to propel the team forward without the direct involvement of the broader Prema organization, underscoring the immense financial and operational pressures associated with establishing a competitive presence in a top-tier North American championship like IndyCar.

BMW rules out third M Hybrid V8 for Le Mans (Sportscar 365)

BMW M Motorsport, a formidable presence in top-level endurance racing with its M Hybrid V8 in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA GTP series, has confirmed it will not field a third car at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The decision, as explained by a team spokesperson, is primarily driven by the colossal “budget and the money that’s needed.” Running an additional car at Le Mans is far more complex than merely transporting an extra vehicle to the Circuit de la Sarthe. It necessitates a complete duplication of infrastructure, including dedicated garage space, a full complement of engineers, mechanics, strategists, and support staff, as well as an extensive inventory of spare parts and specialized equipment. This logistical and financial burden can be immense, potentially diluting resources and focus from existing entries. BMW’s strategy appears to prioritize optimizing the performance and reliability of their current two Hypercar entries, aiming for a strong, focused challenge at one of the world’s most gruelling motorsport events, rather than spreading their resources too thinly.

Are we tennis players or zoo animals? – Swiatek on cameras (BBC)

World No. 1 tennis player Iga Swiatek’s candid remark, “Are we tennis players or zoo animals?”, encapsulates a growing tension between athlete privacy and the demands of modern sports media. Her sentiment reflects a broader debate across sports regarding fan access and behind-the-scenes content. Formula 1’s “Drive To Survive” documentary series on Netflix has been widely lauded as the “gold standard” for its ability to humanize athletes and team personnel, drawing in millions of new fans and revitalizing the sport’s global appeal. This success has compelled other sports, including tennis, to “think more creatively” about their own fan engagement strategies. However, Netflix’s tennis equivalent, “Break Point,” has not resonated with audiences in the same way, struggling to replicate the compelling narratives and dramatic impact of its F1 counterpart. Despite this, the consensus remains that “providing behind-the-scenes content at tournaments feels like an easy win to deepen connections with fans.” The challenge lies in finding the right balance: offering authentic glimpses into athletes’ lives and the inner workings of a sport without crossing the line into intrusive or manufactured drama, and ensuring the athletes themselves feel respected, not exploited.

Ben Sulayem (Instagram)

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), shared a cordial update on Instagram, stating, “Wonderful to welcome Christian Horner to the FIA Paris offices today. Good to see you my friend.” This seemingly simple social media post carries significant weight within the Formula 1 community. Meetings between the FIA President and prominent team principals like Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing are routine, yet vital, for the healthy functioning of the sport. These discussions often cover a wide range of critical topics, including sporting and technical regulations, strategic planning for the future of F1, safety initiatives, sustainability goals, and addressing any ongoing issues or concerns. Such direct communication helps maintain transparency, build rapport, and ensure that the governing body and key stakeholders are aligned on the direction and evolution of motorsport. It underscores the collaborative, albeit sometimes contentious, relationship between the FIA, which sets the rules, and the teams, who compete under them.

Lando Norris is the first McLaren driver to compete as number one since Jenson Button in 2010.#F1

— RaceFans (@racefans.net) 2026-01-28T11:58:23.435Z

The announcement that Lando Norris is set to compete as McLaren’s designated ‘number one’ driver for the upcoming season marks a significant milestone in his career, making him the first to hold this status since Jenson Button in 2010. In Formula 1, while car number 1 is reserved for the reigning world champion, the ‘number one’ designation within a team typically signifies the lead driver, often based on experience, tenure, or recent performance. This subtle shift reflects Norris’s undeniable progression and increasing prominence within McLaren since his debut. Over the years, Lando has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, speed, and maturity, establishing himself as a fan favorite and a formidable competitor. His elevation to this de facto lead role underscores McLaren’s confidence in his ability to spearhead their charge for future success. It also implies a greater influence in car development and strategic decisions. For comparison, Jenson Button held a similar stature at McLaren after his 2009 championship, highlighting the responsibility and expectations that now fall upon Norris as he continues to mature into one of F1’s top talents.

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On This Day in Motorsport History: Milestones and Legends

• 25 Years Ago: The Unveiling of the Dominant Ferrari F2001

  Twenty-five years ago today, Ferrari officially launched their F2001 Formula 1 car, a machine that would go on to achieve legendary status. The F2001 was a marvel of engineering for its time, designed under the technical brilliance of Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne, and meticulously piloted by Michael Schumacher. This car was instrumental in securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in the 2001 season, further cementing Ferrari’s golden era of dominance. Its reliability, aerodynamic efficiency, and powerful engine made it an almost unbeatable package, contributing significantly to Schumacher’s growing legacy.

• Born Today in 1950: Jody Scheckter, 1979 F1 World Champion

  On this day in 1950, Jody Scheckter was born. The South African racing driver would go on to become the 1979 Formula 1 World Champion with Ferrari. Known for his aggressive yet disciplined driving style, Scheckter’s championship year was a crowning achievement for both him and the Scuderia, marking Ferrari’s last Drivers’ Championship for two decades until Michael Schumacher’s success. His strategic approach and consistent performances throughout the demanding 1979 season earned him a revered place in F1 history.

• 70 Years Ago: Stirling Moss Conquers Buenos Aires 1,000 km

  Seventy years ago today, the legendary British racing driver Stirling Moss showcased his incredible versatility and endurance by winning the prestigious Buenos Aires 1,000 kilometre sports car race. This event, often part of the World Sportscar Championship, was a true test of man and machine over gruelling distances. Moss, a formidable talent across various racing disciplines, exemplified the era’s heroics where drivers routinely competed in both single-seaters and sports cars, demonstrating unparalleled skill and stamina on challenging international circuits.

• 45 Years Ago: Emerson Fittipaldi Announces F1 Retirement

  Forty-five years ago today, two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi confirmed his retirement from the pinnacle of motorsport at a press conference held in his native Sao Paulo, Brazil. Fittipaldi, a pioneering figure in F1, had won championships in 1972 and 1974 before embarking on the ambitious but challenging project of running his family’s Copersucar-Fittipaldi team. His F1 departure, following several difficult seasons, paved the way for a highly successful second career in American open-wheel racing, where he would go on to win the Indy 500 twice and the CART championship, further solidifying his status as a global motorsport icon.

• 40 Years Ago: Johnny Dumfries Joins Lotus as Senna’s Teammate

  Forty years ago today, the Lotus Formula 1 team confirmed Johnny Dumfries as Ayrton Senna’s teammate for the upcoming season. This decision was notably influenced by Senna, who famously vetoed the signing of Derek Warwick, a more experienced and potentially more competitive driver. Senna’s preference for Dumfries was largely seen as a strategic move to ensure his undisputed number one status within the team, allowing him to focus on car development and race strategy without internal competition for resources or attention. Dumfries faced the immense challenge of competing alongside the rapidly rising Brazilian superstar, enduring a difficult season that highlighted the political complexities and intense pressures inherent in Formula 1 team dynamics.