Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.
With another day in the books, it is time for your Wednesday round-up of the key headlines from the world of Formula 1.
George Russell has set the record straight on the Lewis Hamilton upgrade talk from Monaco, while Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has issued an update on their saga going on behind the scenes. All of this and much more to come…
Lewis Hamilton snubbed George Russell ‘coin toss’ for Mercedes upgrade
Russell further enhanced his F1 2024 qualifying record against Lewis Hamilton in Monaco, now standing at 7-1. This victory provided Russell with an opportunity to counter Hamilton’s assertion that he was automatically disadvantaged by two-tenths due to Russell’s upgraded Mercedes front wing. Additionally, Hamilton expressed his belief that he would not frequently outperform Russell in qualifying throughout the remainder of the season.
On the other hand, Russell is responding by stating that Hamilton gave him permission to use the wing after trying it out in the simulator and being satisfied with it.
Read more – George Russell reveals Lewis Hamilton ‘coin toss’ snub after Mercedes Monaco upgrade comments
Max Verstappen ‘disengaged’ from Red Bull saga
In the early stages of F1 2024, Red Bull faced significant distractions as they dealt with a considerable amount of noise. This was triggered by an internal investigation into team principal Christian Horner due to allegations of inappropriate behavior made by an employee. However, the case was ultimately dismissed.
However, Marko has confirmed that, to the best of his knowledge, the issue is still not legally resolved. He mentioned that Max Verstappen, their leader in the Drivers’ Championship, has chosen to distance himself from the situation.
Read more – Helmut Marko delivers Red Bull saga update with Max Verstappen now ‘disengaged’
Max Verstappen reveals his only Red Bull ‘request’
Verstappen’s future came under scrutiny as a result of the off-track controversy involving Red Bull. Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, openly expressed his desire to attract the three-time World Champion to join his team in Brackley.
Verstappen, however, has disclosed that his sole “demand” from Red Bull is their unwavering loyalty towards him.
Read more – Max Verstappen reveals only Red Bull ‘request’ amid Mercedes move rumours
Flavio Briatore on his way back to Team Enstone?
Alpine, the team formerly known as Renault, might witness a surprising comeback of Flavio Briatore, the former team boss, as per reports from Italy.
According to reports, Renault CEO Luca de Meo has allegedly made this request.
Read more – ‘Sensational comeback’ at Alpine? Renault boss orders return of Flavio Briatore – report
Further Andretti F1 blow as entry fee hike suggested
Andretti, in collaboration with the American automotive giant General Motors, continues to make strides towards entering the Formula 1 grid. However, their plans faced an initial setback when FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has long favored grid expansion, changed his stance and proposed that Andretti consider acquiring an existing team. Now, another potential obstacle has arisen.
Under the new Concorde Agreement, Ben Sulayem is proposing a three-fold increase in the current anti-dilution fee of $200 million payable by new F1 teams.
Read more – Andretti face further F1 blow with massive entry fee hike set to be triggered
