🏎️ Aston Martin to Sign Adrian Newey

In this week’s email:

• Aston Martin to Sign Adrian Newey 👀

• Bearman to Replace Magnussen at Azerbaijan 🇦🇿

• Potential New Proposal: Rookie-Only Race 🚦

• Red Bull's Championship Hopes in Jeopardy 🚨

• Average pit stop time in 2024 ⏱️

Aston Martin to Sign Adrian Newey 👀

Exciting news from Aston Martin: the team is on the verge of finalizing a deal with legendary Formula One designer Adrian Newey, set to join them next year. With an illustrious career that includes stints with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, Newey is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in F1 history. His move to Aston Martin could be announced as early as before the next race in Azerbaijan.

Newey's departure from Red Bull, planned for 2025, has sparked significant interest from rival teams. Including Ferrari, Williams, and McLaren. It looks like Aston Martin will secure his expertise for £30m-a-year for 5-years. Adding a major boost to their efforts.

Under the guidance of billionaire Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin has been making substantial strides. Including the recent hiring of former Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell and Ferrari’s Enrico Cardile. The team is currently ranked 5th in the constructors' championship. With aims to climb higher with these key additions.

Newey’s arrival will also reunite him with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. A pairing Newey has long desired. With these changes, Aston Martin is poised for a promising new chapter in its F1 journey.

Bearman to Replace Magnussen at Azerbaijan GP 🇦🇿

Oliver Bearman is set to make his second F1 appearance at the Azerbaijan GP this weekend. Stepping in for Kevin Magnussen who is serving a one-race ban. Magnussen's suspension comes after accumulating 12 penalty points due to an incident at the Italian Grand Prix.

At just 19, Bearman impressed in his F1 debut with Ferrari earlier this year. Finishing 7th at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This will be his first race with Haas. The team he will join full-time in 2025 alongside Esteban Ocon. With previous experience from four practice sessions with Haas this season, Bearman is ready to make the most of this opportunity.

Magnussen's ban is the first in F1 in 12 years. Following a clash at Monza. He will return for the Singapore Grand Prix with his penalty points reset to zero.

Potential New Proposal: Rookie-Only Race 🚦

As Formula One's record-breaking 24-race season nears its finale in Abu Dhabi on December 8, an intriguing new idea is being discussed: a dedicated rookie-only race. This potential event would take place right after the season's end. During the usual postseason test at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Teams use this test day primarily for tire testing and giving young drivers valuable track time. However, there’s now a proposal to transform part of this test into a race exclusively for rookie drivers. This idea, supported by several team principals aims to provide these young talents with more race-like experience and visibility.

Key Points:

• Format: The rookie race would likely be a sprint format, held on the Tuesday after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Each team might field one car, creating a 10-car field.

• Benefits: This race would offer young drivers a unique opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive environment. Akin to an actual F1 race but without affecting the championship.

• Challenges: Organizing this additional race at the end of a demanding season presents logistical and regulatory challenges. Teams are concerned about the extra strain on their personnel and the details of integrating the race into existing schedules.

The idea is still under review by the Sporting Advisory Committee and requires approval from the F1 Commission. If it moves forward, it could be a thrilling addition to the end of the 2024 season, highlighting emerging talent and adding another exciting dimension to the F1 calendar. Stay tuned for updates!

Red Bull's Championship Hopes in Jeopardy 🚨

Max Verstappen has voiced serious concerns about Red Bull's prospects in the 2024 Formula One world championships. Despite a dominant 2023 season, where Verstappen won 19 out of 22 races, Red Bull’s performance has seen a dramatic decline this year.

Key Points:

• Recent Struggles: Verstappen's recent slump, highlighted by a sixth-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix, has allowed McLaren to close in. Verstappen’s lead in the drivers' standings is now reduced to 62 points, while McLaren has cut the gap in the constructors' championship to just eight points.

• Car Issues: Red Bull is grappling with significant car issues, including a “massive balance problem” and a lack of connection between the front and rear of the car. Team principal Christian Horner stressed the need for urgent improvements to avoid jeopardizing both championships.

• McLaren's Surge: McLaren's recent upgrades have significantly improved their performance, putting them in a strong position to compete for the constructors’ title. This shift in dynamics has introduced new challenges for Red Bull.

• Industry Reactions: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has commented on Red Bull's unexpected downturn, suggesting that while the team’s current form is surprising, they should not be written off just yet.

Looking Ahead: As Red Bull struggles to find solutions, the upcoming races in Baku and Singapore will be crucial in determining the team's ability to regain its competitive edge.

Average pit stop time in 2024 ⏱️

Below is the data behind each team’s average pit stop times so far in 2024: