This week marks the 2024 United States Grand Prix in Austin, and the Alpine F1 Team is unveiling a rather unexpected livery.

The BWT Alpine F1 Team has partnered with Xbox to celebrate and promote the upcoming release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. This unique collaboration brings a bold new look to the Alpine A524, far from its usual blue and pink colors.

Read more:

• Mick Schumacher still has a chance to return in Formula 1
• 5 good reasons to watch the 2024 Formule 1 United States Grand Prix

Why did Alpine add orange to their new livery?

The partnership between Alpine F1 and Xbox goes beyond just a marketing operation; it’s a genuine homage to the iconic adventurer. In Austin, both the F1 car and the drivers will wear orange as the main color, directly inspired by the golden sunsets typical of the Indiana Jones universe. Besides this striking color, the visual design of the car and the suits of Ocon and Gasly will feature globe designs, a nod to Indy Jones’ globe-trotting adventures.

A fresh look for this weekend’s #USGP 🧡😎

Let us know what you think Team 👇💬 pic.twitter.com/7aOVK8Os9Z

— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) October 15, 2024

An Adventure Before the Grand Prix Week

To mark this collaboration, the Alpine F1 Team and the creators of the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle video game have transported a mysterious artifact across iconic landmarks in the United States. This adventure started in California, passing through places like Las Vegas and Monument Valley, before reaching the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Oliver Oakes, Team Principal of BWT Alpine, said: “Working with Xbox to bring Indiana Jones and and the Great Circle to the U.S. Grand Prix has been an incredible experience. This new livery will fit perfectly in the Austin setting, and it’s just the beginning of what we have in store for fans this season.”

The United States Grand Prix: The Race You Can’t Miss

The Formula 1 U.S. GP takes place this weekend in Austin, Texas, and it’s one of the most anticipated events of the season. The circuit and the atmosphere are amazing, and fans will get to enjoy two races this weekend. Action kicks off on Friday, October 18, with Free Practice, followed by Sprint Qualifying and the Sprint on Saturday. The main race, lasting 56 laps, will start on Sunday, October 20, at 2:00 PM local time (CT). I can’t wait to see this Indiana Jones livery under the usual Texan sunset we get later in the day.

How aerodynamics determines who wins in Formula 1

The love story of Alpine F1 team with special liveries

Since joining Formula 1, the Alpine F1 Team has consistently surprised everyone with special liveries marking key moments of each season. This year, we saw the Deadpool and Wolverine livery at Spa-Francorchamps during the Belgian GP. This collaboration with Xbox and the Indiana Jones game shows Alpine F1 Team’s clear desire to partner with major entertainment players. Personally, I think it’s a good move, as it helps refresh the image of teams that need it. It also adds a fun element to the spectacle, as long as it doesn’t happen at every Grand Prix.

The goal of this article is to explore the collaboration between BWT Alpine F1 Team and Xbox to celebrate the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle video game. From the adventurous new livery to the team’s special tribute to the legendary archaeologist, this partnership goes beyond Formula 1. The article also talks about Alpine’s special liveries for the 2024 Formula 1 season, showing how creativity and bold design have become part of the team’s DNA.

Source: BWT Alpine F1 Team

As the Formula 1 season intensifies, it becomes clear that success on the track isn’t just about fast cars or talented drivers: it’s a complex game of aerodynamics and mastery of wind tunnels.

With the spotlight on the performances of teams like McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari, let’s take a closer look at how this technological war works. Buckle up-it’s going to get technical, but it promises to be interesting.

Read more:

• Race week: 2024 Formula 1 US GP Schedule
• Formula 1 signs an unexepected historic partnership with a luxury giant

Aerodynamics through the ages in Formula 1

In the early 1950s, the priority in Formula 1 was simple: go fast by reducing drag. However, as modern circuits evolved with more complex corners, F1 cars had to improve their handling. Aerodynamics played a major role in this adaptation. Today, the balance between low drag and good downforce in corners is crucial for performance in Formula 1, as in any other motorsport. Adrian Newey, the renowned British engineer, is a prime example of this challenge. He designed cars that were extremely aerodynamically efficient, significantly contributing to the success of his teams. Over the years, F1 cars and their aerodynamics have become so complex that the disturbances caused by one car can completely ruin the performance of the car chasing it. Wind tunnel tests under specific configurations have therefore become crucial for fine-tuning the settings of an F1 car.

Race week: 2024 Formula 1 US GP Schedule

How wind tunnels can be the key to success in F1

The core of the issue lies in the accuracy of the data generated by wind tunnels. As teams push the boundaries of what’s possible, any discrepancy can lead to serious setbacks. In 2024, this became evident for Red Bull Racing, as Christian Horner noted: “The front and rear are disconnected. The wind tunnel isn’t telling us what the track is showing.” The complex relationship between simulations, wind tunnel data, and real-world performance presents challenges for teams trying to close these gaps. With F1 cars becoming increasingly sensitive to aerodynamic changes, the stakes are high. The car’s ride height and airflow underneath can determine the success of a race, driving teams to rely heavily on wind tunnel data for development. Ferrari faced issues with their upgrades and made the bold decision to shut down their wind tunnel for renovations to improve data accuracy. The goal is to understand how the car gains or loses grip, increases tire wear, and more.

McLaren: the best or nothing

In Formula 1, the ability to innovate is what separates the top teams from the rest of the grid. The current season highlights the importance of making constant updates without getting stuck on the wrong development path. While teams like Ferrari and Red Bull Racing have struggled, McLaren seems to have found the right pace with their MCL38. What’s their secret? Their state-of-the-art wind tunnel is considered a major asset. McLaren’s success is directly tied to its investment in advanced wind tunnel technologies. Insiders believe that having the latest generation of wind tunnels is not just a luxury but a necessity for achieving significant performance.

People matter as much as machines

While cutting-edge wind tunnel technology is essential, the human element cannot be underestimated. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasizes that even with the most advanced tools, it’s the people behind the data who make the difference. “There’s no magic tool that does the work for you,” he says, highlighting the need for skilled individuals to interpret complex aerodynamic data. These are the Data Engineers and Data Analysts. The constant evolution of car design requires engineers to adapt quickly, often wrestling with complex physical problems. McLaren’s success can largely be attributed to the expertise of its aerodynamics team, who have proven their ability to generate valuable insights from their wind tunnel data.

This article explores how the race for aerodynamic performance has transformed the landscape of Formula 1, highlighting the crucial role of modern wind tunnels in a team’s success. From the advantages gained by teams like McLaren through advanced facilities to the challenges faced by others like Red Bull Racing, it’s clear that having the best tools and the right people makes all the difference. As we witness the dynamics of the 2024 season unfold, one thing is certain: it’s not just about who has the fastest car, but how that car was designed!

Source: Motorsport.com

It’s finally race week! Time for the 2024 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

After a month-long break, the US GP will take place from October 18 to 20, 2024. Get ready for the already 19th round of the 2024 Formula 1 season at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Here’s the full schedule for the weekend.

Formula 1 triple header is back

I don’t know about you, but these four weeks off felt endless. Luckily, we’re back with the F1 World Championship, kicking off the Americas triple header tour (three straights race weekends)! We’ve got Austin, USA this week, Mexico City, Mexico next week, and São Paulo, Brazil at the start of November. We’ll finally get some clarity in the fight for the drivers’ Championship. Will Lando Norris beat the already three-time champion Max Verstappen?

Read more :

• Who is Liam Lawson, the driver set to replace Daniel Ricciardo?

The 2024 United States GP schedule

Here’s the full schedule for the 2024 United States Grand Prix. On Friday, October 18, Free Practice 1 will be at 1:30 p.m., followed by Sprint Qualifying at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, October 19, the Sprint Race is at 2 p.m., and Grand Prix Qualifying is at 6 p.m. Finally, the Grand Prix race will be on Sunday, October 20 at 3 p.m. Make sure to check your time zone for local times.

• Friday, October 18: FP1 at 1:30 p.m., Sprint Qualifying at 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, October 19: Sprint Race at 2 p.m., GP Qualifying at 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 20: GP race at 3 p.m.

Mick Schumacher still has a chance to return in Formula 1

The Circuit of the Americas, our national pride

If you’ve never watched a race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), here’s what to expect. COTA has hosted Formula 1 since 2012, with only one break in 2020. It has seen Lewis Hamilton clinch the Drivers’ Championship twice: once in 2015 against Rosberg after a race with wild weather conditions, and again in 2019 against Bottas. The circuit is also used for other motorsports disciplines, including motoGP, IndyCar & NASCAR. Like many modern tracks, COTA was designed by architect Hermann Tilke-mentioned in this article. It’s famous for its extreme elevation change, its Turn 1 inspired by a reversed Red Bull Ring, and Turns 3 to 6 modeled after Silverstone. Built on unstable ground, the circuit also has plenty of bumps, meaning drivers will need extra caution to maintain grip on the track. Here are some key stats: Circuit of the Americas is 3.425 miles (5.513 km, long with 20 turns. The race will cover 56 laps to meet the regulation 300 km. As for the Sprint Race (yes, there’s a Sprint this weekend!), it will be 19 laps.

How to watch the 2024 US GP?

In the United States, fans can catch the Grand Prix broadcast at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, October 20, 2024. Click here to find your local ABC channel. For hardcore F1 fans, ESPN2 (channel 209) will broadcast live free practice sessions, the Sprint Race, and qualifying. If you prefer, you can also subscribe to the F1 Streaming App, dedicated 100% to Formula 1, F2, and F3.

Once again, I hope we have a US GP edition filled with battles. The first corner is a real knife-edge at the start of the race, and the circuit demands a lot from both the drivers and the machines, with a fiercely contested championship at stake. These are all great reasons to follow the event, so enjoy the 2024 United States GP!

Audi won’t officially join Formula 1 until 2026, and in the meantime, Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber still need a driver for the next season. 

We already know that Nico Hülkenberg will race for Stake F1 Team in 2025. While Audi seems to be gradually positioning itself within the team, notably by recruiting him as an experienced German driver, and Mattia Binotto, former Team Principal at Scuderia Ferrari, one mystery remains: who will race in the second seat for Stake F1 Team in 2025?

Mick Schumacher still in the running, according to Binotto

After losing his seat at Haas in 2022, Schumacher was reserve driver for Mercedes AMG for two seasons. While he hoped join the Alpine F1 Team, this option was ruled out, as Alpine chose rookie Jack Doohan, from their young drivers’ academy. A good thing in my opinion, but personally I had been deeply frustrated to see Schumacher leave Formula 1, especially considering his underperforming car didn’t allow him to showcase his true potential. However, Mattia Binotto, Audi’s new boss, has stated in an interview for Corriere della Serra that Schumacher is still on their radar for 2025.

Read more:

• Toyota returns to Formula 1, but not quite
• Formula 1 signs an unexepected historic partnership with a luxury giant

Sauber still looking for a teammate for Hülkenberg

Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou have both been considered, but no decision has been made yet. Binotto emphasized that Audi is taking its time to decide: the choice will either be a young talented driver or a more experienced and mature one. Could it be a German driver? Audi has always desired to have at least one German driver, and with Nico, they’ve already met that goal. Fun fact: the last time a driver named Nico raced for a German constructor, he became Formula 1 world champion…

Who is Liam Lawson, the driver set to replace Daniel Ricciardo?

Audi won’t be competitive in Fomula 1 until 2030

Binotto highlighted the importance of long-term thinking for Audi’s project, which may take until 2030 before they can seriously contend for titles in F1. Indeed, massive financial investments alone do not guarantee victory. We’ve seen this with Aston Martin Racing and Mercedes AMG Petronas this year-two major constructors in Formula 1, yet neither is in contention for titiles. Audi and Binotto are thus seeking both experience and raw talent. In my opinion, they’ll get the experience with Hülkenberg, so why not recruit Mick Schumacher for his youth? He already some experience, plus he’s gained valuable time racing in the World Endurance Championship.

What are the rookie options for Stake F1?

First, there’s Théo Pourchaire, the 2023 Formula 2 World Champion whi has been with Sauber’s Academy since 2019. The French druver almost won the F2 championship in 2022, but Drugovich took the title, which somewhat hurt his career. Pourchaire then moved on to Super Formula and IndyCar. He’s fast, has already done free practice sessions for Sauber, and despite his young age, he’s building up some experience in single-seaters. I believe he has the maturity to race in Formula 1. In fact, I don’t understand why he’s not already there. Well, I do-unfortunately, Pourchaire lacks sponsors to strengthen his candidacy. Another option is Franco Colapinto, who replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams and has proven every weekend since that he has the ability to race in Formula 1. Even though he’s not par of Sauber’s academy, he would be a great fit for Audi, as he’s showing immense promise in one of the grid’s weakest cars.

Personally, I dream of seeing Schumacher back in Formula 1. Haas cut him loose too soon, not giving him time to develop. He was under unbearable pressure, and there were too many expectations placed on him, despite driving for a team that made the poor decision of fielding two rookies in a bad car. He was always a fighter, though-I still remember the 2022 British Grand Prix where he battled Max Verstappen. With Binotto still considering him as an option, let’s hope we see him behind the wheel of an F1 car next year.

Source: Corriere della Serra

Liam Lawson will take Daniel Ricciardo’s seat at Visa Cash App RB starting next week and will stay for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

After a brief appearance in Formula 1 last year, also replacing Ricciardo, the young New Zealander is back for an indefinite period. Let’s dive into his motorsport career. Despite his young age, he has an impressive resume.

Read more:

• Formula 1 signs an unexpected historic partnership with a luxury giant
• Toyota returns to Formula 1, but not quite

The early career of Lawson: from karting to FIA F3

Liam Lawson was born in 2002 in Hastings, New Zealand. He quickly developed a passion for motorsport, starting karting at age seven. He moved on to the Australian Formula 4 series in 2018 and then competed in German Formula 4, where he finished P2 in both championships. In 2019, he entered FIA Formula 3 and finished 11th, despite a weak car. For his second season in 2020, he signed with Hitech Racing. Although he wasn’t in contention for the title, he caught Red Bull’s eye for his performances and finished 5th in the championship with three wins.

These three drivers continued racing after Formula 1

Liam Lawson joins Red Bull’s junior team

In 2021, Lawson entered Formula 2, again with Hitech. The story repeated itself: a difficult first season followed by strong progress. He also competed in DTM with AF Corse and finished as vice-champion. In 2022, he finished P3 in the F2 championship, behind Drugovich and Pourchaire, with four wins and ten podiums to his name.

From Formula 2 to the edge of F1

In the 2022 F1 season, Lawson took part in free practice sessions for AlphaTauri during the Belgian, Mexican, and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In 2023, with Pierre Gasly’s departure from AlphaTauri, Helmut Marko opted for the experience of Nick De Vries over the young New Zealander. As a result, Lawson had to go to Japan to compete in the Super Formula series, a top-tier category just below Formula 1, where talented drivers like Pierre Gasly have raced, and finished P2. Lawson continued his streak of second places.

Next week is the 2024 United States Grand Prix, and we’ll see a change on the starting grid as the New Zealander Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

We’ve already discussed Daniel Ricciardo‘s forced retirement, and now it’s time for him to take a new direction in his career. Known for his late braking style, which made him a fierce competitor on track, and his fondness for American culture and entertainment, I could easily see him racing in NASCAR or IndyCar next year. Now, let’s take a look at three drivers who successfully transitioned into other motorsports after their Formula 1 careers.

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• Bathurst 1000: Australia’s most legendary race returns this weekend
• Will Lando Norris win the Formula 1 World Championship?

Kimi Räikkönen: From Formula 1 to NASCAR

The Finnish driver, who became world champion in 2007 with Scuderia Ferrari, left Formula 1 in 2021 after two seasons with Sauber Alfa Romeo. Known for his “Iceman” persona, here’s a summary of his impressive record:

• Number of races: 353
• Wins: 21
• Podiums: 103
• Poles position: 18

After his stellar F1 career, Räikkönen joined the NASCAR Cup Series two years ago. This wasn’t his first experience in the series, as he had a brief stint in NASCAR back in 2011. He has occasionally participated in rally racing, karting, and ice driving.

Toyota returns to Formula 1, but not quite

Felipe Massa: The Fallen Champion Racing in Formula E

The Brazilian driver, famous for being Michael Schumacher’s teammate, left Formula 1 in 2017. He was the 2008 world vice-champion after one of the most dramatic seasons in F1 history. Here’s a summary of his achievements:

• Number of races: 269
• Wins: 11
• Podiums: 41
• Poles position: 16

After leaving F1, Massa joined Formula E in 2018 and raced until 2020 for the Venturi team. Unfortunately, he didn’t secure any wins, but he did manage to score points during his time in the electric racing series. He has occasionally been involved in GT racing events, participating in endurance races

Robert Kubica: Endurance Beyond Limits

Kubica was one of the standout drivers in 2010. Despite driving a less competitive car, he scored significant points and made it to the podium. In 2011, he suffered a serious rally accident that left him severely injured. After a one-year absence, he returned to Formula 1 with Williams in 2019 but eventually left the paddock for good. His record in F1 includes:

• Number of races: 99
• Win: 1
• Podiums: 12
• Pole position: 1

As a passionate rally enthusiast, Kubica naturally competed in WRC and even won WRC-2 races. In 2021, he joined the ELMS (European Le Mans Series) in the LMP2 category. He even raced in the WEC for the WRT team and achieved victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, again in LMP2.

What’s funny is that it seems difficult to give up driving after having raced in Formula 1. Räikkönen, Massa, and Kubica had very different careers in F1, but they share the common desire to continue racing. Other drivers have successfully made this post-F1 transition, and I will likely cover that in a new article. We can quickly mention Romain Grosjean, who, after his terrible crash during the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020, committed to racing in IndyCar. The most important thing in motorsport is to keep thriving!

 

Toyota is back in Formula 1, it’s official. The Japanese manufacturer will partner with Haas F1 Team starting at the United States Grand Prix in 2024.

Toyota and motorsport share a long love story. While one might expect to see a Toyota engine in Haas cars by 2025, that’s not the case. Why? Let’s analyze why the return of the Japanese giant in Formula 1 is, in fact, only half a return.

Read more:

• Max Verstappen was sanctioned by the FIA, here’s why
• No more Renault F1 engines in 2026. What does this mean?

Toyota: the WEC legendary team

If you follow the World Endurance Championship and are used to watching the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyota Gazoo Racing (the official name of its motorsport division) should be familiar to you. Toyota is a pioneering Japanese car manufacturer founded in 1937. Its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, developed the well-known Toyota production system. In 1990, Toyota entered WEC and subsequently dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans with five consecutive victories between 2018 and 2022, with notable drivers including Fernando Alonso.

Formula 1 signs an unexepected historic partnership with a luxury giant

The last time Toyota was in Formula 1

In 2002, Toyota Racing entered Formula 1 by completely building an F1 car from scratch: chassis, engine & aerodynamics. Despite eight seasons and significant investments, Toyota never won a race. The best year was 2005, with a P4 finish in the World Championship. Some of their most well-known drivers include Michael Schumacher’s brother, Ralf Schumacher (2005-2007), Jarno Trulli (2005-2009), and Timo Glock (2008-2009). In total, Toyota’s F1 record includes:

• 0 wins (P2 is the highest result)
• 13 podiums
• 3 pole positions

At the end of 2009, the Japanese team left F1 for economic reasons.

Haas F1 Team, a team undergoing renewal

Unlike in 2002, Toyota is returning by partnering with an existing team: Haas F1 Team, owned by entrepreneur Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation and also owner of Stewart-Haas Racing in NASCAR. Haas F1 Team was long led by Guenther Steiner but has been replaced this year by Ayao Komatsu. The American team’s management is keen on making changes to improve their standings in 2025, having signed two new drivers: Esteban Ocon and rookie Ollie Bearman. This new partnership with Toyota follows suit.

What does the Haas x Toyota partnership entail?

First and foremost: no, Haas will not be running a Toyota engine. I wanna point that out. Ferrari will continue to supply engines to the American team. Akio Toyoda, CEO of Toyota, stated in a press release that the contract focuses on a technical collaboration aimed at training Japanese drivers, engineers, and mechanics. The Japanese constructor will bring its expertise, particularly in the development of aerodynamic components, the manufacturing of carbon parts, providing commercial support, and making equipment available for use. Toyoda expressed hope that young Super Formula drivers (the feeder series to F1 in Japan) would make their way into Formula 1 in the coming years. Currently, the only Japanese driver on the grid is Yuki Tsunoda. So, no engines, but a technical collaboration starting at the next race.

In my opinion, this is a positive move for both parties involved. Haas needs a fresh start, surrounded by expertise and talent to move in the right direction, and Toyota is not just any manufacturer; as noted earlier, they have extensive racing experience. From the Japanese perspective, this is also excellent news, as it allows them to have a foot in Formula 1, benefiting from this remarkable technology laboratory without having to spend colossal amounts of money and potentially not scoring any points. For more information, I suggest checking out the two press releases published by Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Source: Toyota Gazoo Racing