Having previously worked for Ferrari, Laurent Mekies joined RB this season.
Saturday’s F1 news has landed, with lots to digest from the day as Formula 1 takes a weekend off from the on-track action.
We’re not involved in ‘silly season’ but announced our own new signing with the highly respected journalist and novelist Elizabeth Blackstock joining us as US Editor, but back in terms of what’s happening within the paddock for now, let’s take a look.
Exclusive: Laurent Mekies gives the inside track at RB
During an extended conversation in Monaco, RB team principal Laurent Mekies provided PlanetF1.com with valuable information about the activities within Red Bull’s sister team.
After leaving Ferrari last year to embark on this new role, the team principal shared his insights on the team’s future and his personal growth since taking on this position for the first time. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunities this move has provided thus far in an enlightening manner.
Read more: Laurent Mekies on leaving Ferrari, Red Bull’s glass ceiling and the future of RB
Carlos Sainz reportedly ‘close’ to deciding F1 2025 step
Although Carlos Sainz has expressed that he is not in a hurry to make a decision about his future, Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Sainz might consider joining Williams for the upcoming season as a stepping stone towards securing a seat elsewhere in 2026.
Sainz has several choices available, with Sauber being the most prominent. Sauber will transform into Audi starting from 2026. However, Sainz is seeking a seat that offers immediate competitiveness, should he be able to secure one.
Read more: Carlos Sainz’s ‘great objective’ revealed with F1 2025 decision ‘close’ – report
A solution to identikit liveries in the offing from next season?
The FIA and F1 teams are planning a discussion on how to enhance the visual distinction of cars for the upcoming season. Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA single-seater director, recognizes that the current presence of dark and partially unpainted cars creates difficulties in distinguishing between different teams. Although a complex matter, efforts will be made to address this issue.
“As always in F1, it is a bit more complicated than maybe meets the eye,” he told Motorsport.com.
An issue arises from the excessive use of naked carbon in cars, as it adds unnecessary weight due to the absence of paint, resulting in an abundance of black color in the vehicles.
All teams have made significant efforts to alter the paint type, or rather, a significant portion of it now consists of exceptionally thin films, in order to minimize the overall weight.
Furthermore, there is a concern regarding certain teams opting for similar colour schemes, resulting in cars that may appear visually similar. We are currently engaged in ongoing discussions with the teams and plan to address this matter during the upcoming F1 Commission meeting.
Read more: FIA and F1 teams to meet with two issues spotted with current F1 liveries
IndyCar option reportedly opens up for Mick Schumacher
According to the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, Dale Coyne Racing, an IndyCar team, is reportedly interested in recruiting the talented Mick Schumacher for their team. Schumacher has showcased his skills in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine, earning him recognition and admiration.
Despite the possibility of Schumacher securing an Alpine Formula 1 seat next year, his preference still lies with Formula 1, as he has consistently stated.
Alpine has received high praise for his exceptional performance in WEC, with the Mercedes reserve driver eagerly anticipating a return to Formula 1 with Alpine in 2025.
Read more: US option emerges for Mick Schumacher despite ‘still pinning his hopes on Alpine’
Happy birthday, Martin Brundle!
Martin Brundle celebrated his 65th birthday on Saturday, and we at PlanetF1.com want to extend our warmest wishes to him on this special day. Interestingly, it is also the 77th birthday of former McLaren team principal, Ron Dennis. Therefore, we would like to wish Ron a very happy birthday too!
In celebration of this special event, we have resurrected one of our cherished works and enhanced it, infusing it with a fresh twist for the year 2024. This allows us to reflect on the most remarkable moments captured during Brundle’s grid walks throughout the years.
We are aware that he has previously mentioned how he initially became a commentator after his racing career, but he has truly excelled in that role since transitioning to entertain English-speaking viewers worldwide. Cheers to you, Martin, and here’s to many more successful years ahead.
Read more: Martin Brundle grid walk: Classic moments and marvellous mishaps including Ozzy Osbourne, Megan Thee Stallion and Brad Pitt
