🗞 In The Headlines

1/ McLaren's Protest Rejected: Piastri's Grid Penalty Stands Amid Track Limits Controversy

McLaren's protest against Oscar Piastri's penalty for a track limits infringement during the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying was dismissed by FIA stewards. The team argued that the evidence against Piastri, consisting of blurry and shadow-affected images, was not conclusive. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, emphasized the importance of clear evidence when imposing severe penalties. However, the protest was rejected on procedural grounds, as it failed to meet several criteria outlined in the FIA’s International Sporting Code, including being addressed to the wrong official and lacking specific regulatory references.

2/ Tsunoda's Tongue Slip: RB Driver Fined €40,000 for Offensive Radio Outburst

Yuki Tsunoda, the RB Formula 1 driver, has been hit with a €40,000 fine, half of which is suspended, for using an ableist slur during team radio communication in the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying. The incident occurred when Tsunoda was overtaken in the pitlane by Sauber's Zhou Guanyu, prompting him to use offensive language. Tsunoda, claiming a language misunderstanding, was apologetic and "horrified" upon learning the true meaning of his words. The FIA stewards, while appreciating Tsunoda's honesty and remorse, emphasized that such language is inappropriate and offensive, especially on a public platform.

3/ Wolff Praises Vasseur's 'No Bullshit Approach' as Ferrari Surges in F1 Standings

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has attributed Ferrari's recent success to Fred Vasseur's leadership, highlighting the Frenchman's structured and no-nonsense approach. Despite their intensified rivalry, Wolff and Vasseur maintain a long-standing friendship dating back to the early 2000s. Wolff noted that Ferrari's improved performance, including race wins and championship contention, is a direct result of Vasseur's ability to see through issues and implement effective changes. Meanwhile, Mercedes has been working on significant upgrades to close the gap with the leading teams, focusing on both visible and less noticeable improvements to their car.

4/ Mercedes Fined €5,000 for Hamilton's Pit Lane Mishap in Austrian GP Qualifying

The FIA has concluded an investigation into an incident involving Lewis Hamilton during qualifying in Austria. Hamilton, who will start fifth on the grid, was outqualified by teammate George Russell and fellow Brit Lando Norris. During Q3, Hamilton left the Mercedes garage dragging a rear jack and extraction pipe, prompting an investigation by the FIA. The stewards found Mercedes in breach of safety regulations, resulting in a €5,000 fine. Despite the team’s immediate action to mitigate the situation, the stewards upheld the penalty.

5/ Bottas Faces Uphill Battle as Sauber Struggles Continue at Austrian GP

Valtteri Bottas and Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber are facing significant challenges at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. After qualifying 18th, Bottas admitted that the team lacks the performance to be competitive at the Red Bull Ring. The Finnish driver highlighted issues with tire overheating during the Sprint qualifying and noted that while they've made some improvements to the car's balance, the overall performance remains inadequate. Sauber is currently the only team without points this season, with Bottas experiencing his worst start to a Formula 1 campaign.

🤭 For The Lulz

👀 Did You Know…

Louis competed in the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix at the age of 55 years and 292 days. Chiron was a notable driver from Monaco, and his record for being the oldest F1 driver remains unbroken.

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