All over before the main event? Six Qatar Grand Prix talking points
Formula 1
The Formula 1 world championship is likely to be decided before this weekend’s grand prix but there are several other talking points of note.
Haas not expecting McLaren-style leap forward from major Austin GP upgrade
Formula 1
Haas will bring a major upgrade to their car after this weekend’s race but aren’t expecting the kind of leap forward McLaren achieved earlier this year.
Next win “will probably be my greatest triumph in my career” – Hamilton
RaceFans Round-up
In the round-up: Next win ‘probably my greatest’ – Hamilton • Perez says he’s criticised more ‘because I’m Mexican’ • Williams junior accidentally reveals 2024 F2 plans
Lawson to continue as Ricciardo’s substitute at Qatar Grand Prix
Formula 1
Liam Lawson will remain in AlphaTauri’s line-up for this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix as Daniel Ricciardo is not ready to return.
McLaren and Juncos Hollinger Racing to enter “strategic alliance”
IndyCar
IndyCar rivals Juncos Hollinger Racing and McLaren have announced they plan “to enter a strategic alliance” starting in 2024.
AlphaTauri will ‘take more parts from the Red Bull menu’ for 2024 car overhaul
Formula 1
AlphaTauri’s new car for 2024 will be significantly different to the AT04 as they have been told to use more parts from senior team Red Bull.
Alpine brought “last major upgrade” in Singapore
RaceFans Round-up
In the round-up: Alpine “on the ’24 car now” • Aragon test for Alpine WEC racer • Mexican GP promoter tells fans not to boo drivers
FIA approves Andretti’s bid to enter team, F1 will “conduct our own assessment”
Formula 1
The FIA has formally confirmed it has approved a bid from Andretti Formula Racing to enter the Formula 1 world championship.
The real dramas of F1 2023 are found far behind the title fight that never was
News Focus
The fight at the front has been non-existent all year, but almost every other Formula 1 team has something at stake over the final races.
2023 Qatar Grand Prix TV Times
Formula 1
It’s race week: The Formula 1 world championship is likely to be decided in Saturday’s sprint race before the Qatar Grand Prix. Here’s how to watch.
Budget cap means Ferrari must ‘be patient’ in pursuit of Red Bull – Leclerc
2024 F1 season
Charles Leclerc is encouraged by Ferraris progress but accepts he will have to be patient to see how quickly they can catch this year’s champions Red Bull.
“Diva-esque” car makes sprint races tougher for Mercedes – Wolff
RaceFans Round-up
In the round-up: “Diva-esque” car makes sprint races tougher for Mercedes – Wolff • Doohan’s F1 season “difficult” – Famin • Leon takes Euroformula title
How Ocon’s “extreme” height for an F1 driver is helping other tall racers
Formula 1
Esteban Ocon is currently the joint tallest driver in Formula 1 at 186cm, and he recently addressed what impact that has in the cockpit.
Should the F1 world championship be decided by a 19-lap sprint race?
Debates and Polls
Formula 1’s 10th sprint race could also be a title-decider. But should the championship be awarded outside of a grand prix?
Alfa Romeo unsure if upgrade solved tyre warm-up problems as rivals close in
RaceFans Round-up
In the round-up: Tyre warm-up questions remain for Alfa Romeo • Red Bull have “scary” potential for 2024 – Brown • Newey recalls “depressing” Renault days
Becoming team leader has made me think for myself more – Tsunoda
Formula 1
Yuki Tsunoda says he has enjoyed being the effective team leader at AlphaTauri as he has had three different team mates so far this year.
Caption Competition 223: Tech talk with Hamilton and Ocon
Caption Competition
Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon got together to race radio-controlled cars ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. Add your funniest caption for this picture.
Alonso wants replacement for “obsolete” Formula 1 qualifying format
RaceFans Round-up
In the round-up: Replace “obsolete” qualifying format, says Alonso • Aston Martin report £53m loss • Di Grassi returns to Abt Cupra
Norris: Red Bull’s dominance down to ‘small things which make a big difference’
Formula 1
Lando Norris is encouraged by McLaren’s rate of development this year but he admits they still have a long way to go to get on terms with Red Bull.
Mercedes must halve deficit to Red Bull before 2024 season starts – Hamilton
Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton is concerned Mercedes are still so far behind Red Bull in the second year of Formula 1’s current technical regulations.