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- Verstappen's Penalty Shocker, Audi's F1 Debut, and Alpine's Teammate Turmoil
Verstappen's Penalty Shocker, Audi's F1 Debut, and Alpine's Teammate Turmoil
๐ In The Headlines
1/ Verstappen's Clash with Norris: FIA Steward Reveals Maximum Penalty Applied
(Andy Hone / Motorsport Images)
Max Verstappen received the harshest penalty permitted under FIA guidelines for his collision with Lando Norris during the Austrian Grand Prix, according to FIA steward Johnny Herbert. The incident occurred when Verstappen moved across on Norris in the braking zone at Turn 3, resulting in punctures for both drivers. Herbert explained that the 10-second time penalty was the maximum sanction available to the stewards, regardless of the severity or consequences of the collision. He emphasized the need for consistency in applying penalties and dismissed the idea of a sliding scale based on the extremity of incidents.
2/ F1's 2026 Revolution: Lighter Cars, Active Aero, and Sustainable Power
(Lawrence Butcher/PMW)
The FIA has unveiled the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations, introducing significant changes to improve racing and sustainability. Key features include 30kg lighter cars, a redesigned power unit with an even split between combustion and electric power, active aerodynamics, and 100% sustainable fuel. The new regulations aim to enhance efficiency, handling, and close racing while addressing energy management challenges posed by the updated power units.
3/ Audi's F1 Engine Roars to Life: Virtual Laps in Las Vegas Signal Major Progress
(Audi Communications Motorsport)
Audi has made significant strides in their Formula 1 preparations, revealing that they have conducted simulation runs of their 2026 power unit on various circuits, including Las Vegas. The German manufacturer, set to enter F1 as a works team in 2026 after acquiring Sauber, has developed state-of-the-art facilities in Neuberg and Hinwil. Their power unit, designed to meet the 2026 regulations emphasizing sustainable fuels and increased electrical power, has already completed simulated race distances on test benches.
4/ Aston Martin Revs Up for Success: Former Mercedes Engine Mastermind Takes the Helm
(Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
Aston Martin has made a significant move in its quest for Formula One supremacy by appointing Andy Cowell as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2024. Cowell, the former Managing Director of Mercedes AMG HPP, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success, having played a crucial role in Mercedes' dominant era from 2014 to 2020. This strategic appointment, coupled with Aston Martin's partnership with Honda and the completion of their state-of-the-art AMR Technology Campus, signals the team's serious intent to become world championship contenders.
5/ Gasly and Ocon's Fierce Duel Sparks Alpine Strategy Concerns
(Imago)
At the Austrian Grand Prix, Alpine teammates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon engaged in a fierce on-track battle, culminating in Gasly securing 11th place after several position swaps. Despite both drivers making it into Q3, their intra-team rivalry potentially cost Alpine valuable points. Gasly expressed frustration post-race, noting that while team instructions were clear, he could not control Ocon's actions. This ongoing tension between the drivers, which has seen previous collisions and disagreements, highlights the challenges within the team. With Ocon set to leave Alpine at the end of the season, the team is considering new drivers for the upcoming seasons, including Carlos Sainz and Jack Doohan.
๐คญ For The Lulz
credit: u/stadlles
๐ Did You Knowโฆ
A total of 52 drivers have died in incidents involving Formula One cars?
The first recorded fatality was Cameron Earl in 1952 during a test session, and the most recent was Jules Bianchi, who succumbed to injuries from a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
๐ท Pic of the Day
Redbull KTM Austria Special Edition (credit: u/AyrtonCreative)
โฌ The Current Standings
DRIVERS (points) | CONSTRUCTORS (points) |
---|---|
๐ณ๐ฑ Max Verstappen (237) | ๐ Red Bull (355) |
๐ฌ๐ง Lando Norris (156) | ๐ Ferrari (291) |
๐ฒ๐จ Charles Leclerc (150) | ๐ McLaren (268) |
๐ช๐ธ Carlos Sainz Jr. (135) | ๐ Mercedes (196) |
๐ฒ๐ฝ Sergio Pรฉrez (118) | ๐ Aston Martin (58) |
๐ฆ๐บ Oscar Piastri (112) | ๐ RB Formula One Team (30) |
๐ฌ๐ง George Russell (111) | ๐ Haas (19) |
๐ฌ๐ง Lewis Hamilton (85) | ๐ Alpine (9) |
๐ช๐ธ Fernando Alonso (41) | ๐ Williams (2) |
๐ฏ๐ต Yuki Tsunoda (19) | ๐ Kick Sauber (0) |
๐จ๐ฆ Lance Stroll (17) | |
๐ฉ๐ช Nico Hรผlkenberg (14) | |
๐ฆ๐บ Daniel Ricciardo (11) | |
๐ฌ๐ง Oliver Bearman (6) | |
๐ซ๐ท Pierre Gasly (6) | |
๐ฉ๐ฐ Kevin Magnussen (5) | |
๐ซ๐ท Esteban Ocon (3) | |
๐น๐ญ Alex Albon (2) | |
๐จ๐ณ Zhou Guanyu (0) | |
๐ซ๐ฎ Valtteri Bottas (0) | |
๐บ๐ธ Logan Sargeant (0) |
๐ Coming Up Next
British GP ๐ฌ๐ง Silverstone Circuit
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