Key Headlines in Formula 1 and Motorsport

Mercedes “Seeing Encouraging Signs” for Car Performance Improvement

Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, has offered a glimmer of hope to fans and stakeholders alike, stating that the team expects to begin resolving its debilitating porpoising problem with forthcoming upgrades. The phenomenon, an extreme vertical oscillation caused by rapid changes in aerodynamic downforce, has forced Mercedes to compromise their car’s setup, preventing them from running the W13 at its optimal design height.

“We can’t run the car where we designed it to be run,” Shovlin explained in a team-released video. “We’re having to run higher ride heights, and by running higher ride heights, it’s got less performance.” This adjustment significantly reduces the ground effect potential of the car, which is central to the 2022 regulations’ design philosophy, thus robbing the W13 of crucial lap time.

Shovlin confirmed that the engineering focus has been squarely on finding “an aerodynamic solution that we can apply to the car that will make this problem go away.” He stressed that while a complete eradication of the issue might not happen overnight, the team is adopting a methodical, step-by-step approach. “Being realistic, we think this will be something we approach in steps rather than one big moment where the whole thing vanishes,” he added. Despite the cautious optimism, the prospect of introducing new parts as early as the Miami Grand Prix signifies a significant push, with Shovlin expressing hope that progress on this complex issue will become evident.

Jessica Hawkins Highlights Evolving Opportunities for Women in Motorsport

Jessica Hawkins, a prominent figure balancing her role as a driver ambassador for the Aston Martin F1 team with active competition in the W Series and British TCR, shared her insights on the changing landscape for women in motorsport. Speaking to RaceFans, Hawkins reflected on how her early karting achievements in the 2000s might have garnered significantly more attention if they had occurred in the current climate of 2022.

“I sometimes think, obviously, females now are hot property, and if there’s a fast one, they get snapped up,” Hawkins commented. She believes that had she achieved her impressive karting record – which includes being a British champion at a very young age and securing multiple victories across Europe in her teenage years – a decade or two later, her career trajectory could have been vastly different. “I genuinely think it might be a different story,” she mused. “Had that been the case now, I think there would be people trying to get me to sign for things.”

Hawkins lamented the lack of such opportunities in her formative years, explaining, “But it wasn’t like that 10 or 15 years ago, unfortunately.” While acknowledging the past, she remains focused on her current journey, stating, “I don’t know – but I’m here now. I wouldn’t change a thing. Other than maybe make it a little bit easier.” Her perspective underscores the growing recognition and investment in female talent within motorsport, a positive shift that continues to create more pathways for aspiring female drivers.

Alex Albon Defends 2022 Cars’ Overtaking Improvements Despite Imola Challenge

Alex Albon, the Williams Racing driver, provided an interesting take on the 2022 Formula 1 cars’ ability to facilitate closer racing and overtaking. Despite his extensive defensive battle against Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly at Imola, which saw him at the head of a challenging DRS train, Albon maintained that the new generation of cars are indeed an improvement for wheel-to-wheel action.

“I still think the cars are better for overtaking, better for racing,” the Thai-British driver asserted. His defence at Imola was notable for its tenacity, showcasing the improved ability of the new cars to follow closely. However, Albon pointed out that certain track characteristics can still present significant hurdles. “It’s just this track’s quite tricky. We only have one DRS point – of course, it’s not great to always have DRS overtakes, but this track’s hard.”

He further elaborated on Imola’s specific challenges: “There’s not really a place where you can brake late and overtake; it’s all quite quick, which stops the overtaking.” This highlights that while the aerodynamic changes have made following easier, the fundamental layout and features of a circuit, such as the number and placement of DRS zones, still play a crucial role in determining the spectacle of overtakes. Albon’s comments serve as a reminder that the new regulations are a step forward, but the nuances of each circuit will continue to offer varied racing dynamics.

Further Reading: Essential Motorsport Links and Stories

Stay informed with these additional motor racing links of interest, covering breaking news, controversies, and significant developments across the racing world:

F1 Sprint Race Greed Row Causes Major Split Amidst 2023 Expansion Talks (Sky Sports F1)
A significant dispute has emerged at the pinnacle of Formula 1 regarding plans to increase the number of sprint races to six in the 2023 season. The FIA is reportedly demanding more resources and compensation, arguing that each sprint race is akin to adding an entire Grand Prix due to the associated logistical demands, parc ferme regulations, and increased monitoring required. This stance has led to accusations of “greed” and a notable division within the sport’s leadership.

Fears Over Inaugural Miami Grand Prix as Both Race Directors Test Positive for COVID (Telegraph)
Concerns have been raised just days before the inaugural Miami Grand Prix as both of Formula 1’s permanent race directors, Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. The news was conveyed to teams during a controversial F1 Commission meeting held in London, casting a shadow over the preparations for one of the most anticipated new races on the calendar and potentially impacting race management personnel.

Miami Will Bring Super Bowl Vibe to F1, Says McLaren CEO Zak Brown (Reuters)
McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed immense enthusiasm for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, predicting that the event will deliver an atmosphere akin to the NFL’s Super Bowl. Brown highlighted the overwhelming demand for luxury hospitality, stating, “We can easily double our hospitality, and we’re already the largest hospitality buyer in Miami… it rivals the Super Bowl as far as ‘are you going to the Miami race?’.” This underscores the high-octane spectacle and celebrity appeal the event is designed to generate.

Formula One Miami Brings Racing, Legal Trouble, and $100,000 Tables at Clubs (Bloomberg)
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix faces additional challenges, including legal opposition from local residents. The report details the vibrant, high-spending atmosphere surrounding the event, with club tables reportedly fetching prices upwards of $100,000. However, it also highlights the ongoing tension, noting, “But the people who live near the racetrack don’t want it there, either,” indicating a contentious relationship with the local community.

W Series Announces Star-Studded Broadcast Team for 2022 Season (W Series)
The W Series, the international single-seater motor racing championship for female drivers, has unveiled its impressive broadcast team for the 2022 season. Veteran presenters David Coulthard, Ted Kravitz, and Lee McKenzie, who have been with the series since its inaugural season in 2019, will be joined by a dynamic lineup. Alex Jacques, Billy Monger, Amy Reynolds, and Naomi Schiff, all of whom became part of the W Series’ broadcast talent in 2021 when the championship began its partnership with Formula 1, are set to enhance the coverage.

DPM Next Gen Foundation Unveils Ambitious New Plan for Women in Motorsport (Females in Motorsport)
The DPM Next Gen Foundation has announced an expansive new initiative aimed at empowering and supporting women in motorsport. The foundation emphasizes the critical role of prominent female figures in achieving its mission. “Having people like we do can help inform and support young girls. You can’t really get any better than that, because it provides direct answers to questions,” highlights the organization’s focus on providing mentorship and tangible advice through experienced professionals, fostering the next generation of female talent in the sport.

Jeremy’s Notebook: Energy Management Insights for Monaco E-Prix (Venturi)
From Venturi Racing, “Jeremy’s Notebook” offers detailed insights into energy management strategies for the Monaco E-Prix. The technical brief explains that while Monaco is a high-speed circuit, it presents unique opportunities for energy saving. Key areas for “lift and coast” (a technique where a driver lifts off the throttle and coasts into a corner to save energy) include Turn One, through the tunnel before Turn 10, and before Turn 15. The analysis also notes that energy can be saved in Turn Three, but this requires significant caution due to its uphill entry, making precision crucial for both pace and efficiency.

Lewis Hamilton Wins Council Battle to Remove Kensington Tree (BBC)
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has successfully won a council battle to remove a sugarplum tree located outside his Kensington home in London. The decision came despite opposition from local residents, who had expressed concerns to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Council that Hamilton would be “destroying nature” by felling the tree. The outcome concludes a localized dispute over property and environmental considerations.

We always strive to credit original sources and provide diverse insights. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in our next roundup, please send it in via our contact form.

Social Media Buzz: Latest Posts and Interactions

Catch up on notable posts and discussions from Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms, offering unique perspectives and behind-the-scenes glimpses:

View latest team updates and driver stories on Instagram:
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• Explore more official F1 accounts to follow in our comprehensive F1 Twitter Directory.

Comment of the Day: The Nuance of Driver Performance

In a thought-provoking comparison of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton’s contrasting fortunes at Imola, a reader named Greasemonkey shared an insightful perspective on how car characteristics can significantly influence driver performance, suggesting that the Mercedes car might eventually evolve to suit Hamilton’s style more effectively.

“The lesson here is similar to 2009 Brawn. Style matching with cars matters. A lot. Even to world-class drivers.”

“Early 2009 season favored a gentle style, with tyres and double diffuser being what it was out of the box. Late 2009, frankly, had Barrichello doing better than Button when a more aggressive style was necessary to make things work (tyres in particular).”

“If you watched only the early season, you’d say Button was better than Barrichello. If you watched late season only, you’d say the opposite.”

“So even across many seasons, it can be difficult to really figure out who is ‘better,’ or even what ‘better’ really means at all.”

“So I watch racing because racing is cool, fun, and I am addicted to it in real life. I don’t worry about who is better.”
— Greasemonkey

Happy Birthday!

Warmest wishes and congratulations to our fellow motorsport enthusiasts celebrating their birthdays today: Russell G., Varun, Krtekf1, Muz, and Tez!

On This Day in Motorsport History

• 25 Years Ago Today: The Lola Formula 1 team was officially liquidated. After a brief and ill-fated entry into the sport, the team made its debut at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix but, unfortunately, neither of its drivers managed to qualify for the race, marking a swift and disheartening end to their F1 aspirations.