🏎️ Driver Moves and 2025 Lineup Updates

In this week’s email:

• Driver Moves and 2025 Lineup Updates 🏎️

• F1 Movie Wraps Filming at Abu Dhabi GP 🎥

• Rwanda Eyes Formula 1 Return to Africa 🇷🇼

• FIA Approve Changes to Audit Committee 🔍

Driver Moves and 2025 Lineup Updates 🏎️

With the 2024 season concluded, many drivers are preparing for changes in 2025. Here’s a quick rundown of some notable drivers without confirmed seats for next year:

Logan Sargeant ➡️ European Le Mans Series
After being dropped by Williams, Sargeant will compete in the European Le Mans Series with IDEC Sport.

Franco Colapinto ➡️ TBA
Williams’ midseason driver swap leaves Colapinto without a confirmed F1 seat for 2025.

Daniel Ricciardo ➡️ TBA
Ricciardo’s midseason swap with Liam Lawson means his future remains uncertain.

Valtteri Bottas ➡️ TBA
The 10-time GP winner is looking for a reserve driver role, potentially with Mercedes.

Zhou Guanyu ➡️ TBA
Zhou is also seeking a reserve role after losing his seat at Sauber.

Kevin Magnussen ➡️ BMW M Motorsport
Magnussen moves to BMW M Motorsport after a final F1 race in Abu Dhabi.

2025 Driver Lineup Preview
Here’s a look at the confirmed F1 driver lineups for 2025:

• McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

• Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz

• Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez

• Mercedes: George Russell and Lewis Hamilton

• Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll

• Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan

• Haas: Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg

• Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz

Red Bull's 2025 Lineup: Why Not Tsunoda?

One burning question: Why is Yuki Tsunoda not being considered for the Red Bull seat that Sergio Pérez is expected to vacate? Despite outperforming Ricciardo and Lawson, Red Bull has concerns about Tsunoda’s temperament and overall F1 completeness. Lawson is currently seen as the top candidate. Especially after his impressive performances and Red Bull’s high regard for him. Tsunoda recently tested a Red Bull car, and while positive about the experience, it seems likely that Lawson will get the nod for 2025.

F1 Movie Wraps Filming at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix  🎥

F1 Movie Concludes On-Site Filming at Abu Dhabi GP:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw an unusual podium ceremony this year. With George Russell finishing fifth. Though he is still standing on the podium alongside Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Sonny Hayes. A fictional character played by Brad Pitt in the upcoming F1 movie.

Hollywood Meets F1: Behind the Scenes

The film, produced by Warner Bros. and Apple, has embedded itself within the F1 world featuring APXGP. A fictional team with Mercedes-designed cars. The project has been praised for its commitment to authenticity. Capturing real racing footage and incorporating actual F1 drivers and teams.

After the race, a second podium ceremony was staged to capture key scenes in front of fans who were told to stay in their seats for a chance to be featured in the movie. This marked the end of on-site filming. With the movie slated for release on June 27, 2024, in North America and June 25, 2024, globally.

The Commitment to Realism

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joe Kosinski have worked closely with F1 stars like Lewis Hamilton. Who has been instrumental in ensuring racing scenes stay true to life. Pitt and co-star Damson Idris (who plays Hayes’ teammate) underwent extensive training to pilot bulked-up F2 cars for the film. Their efforts were evident in the final scenes shot in Abu Dhabi.

A Collaborative Effort

Despite delays due to Hollywood’s writer and actor strikes, the film’s production was able to continue smoothly. The collaboration between the F1 world and the F1 movie team has been met with enthusiasm from drivers, teams, and fans alike.

“We’ve been embraced by the fans,” Bruckheimer said. “They’ve been phenomenal.” The goal is to expose F1’s elite drivers to a global audience, much like Netflix's Drive to Survive did, while also providing an immersive, action-packed racing experience.

Rwanda Eyes Formula 1 Return to Africa 🇷🇼

For over 30 years, the African continent has been absent from the F1 calendar. with the last race held in 1993 at Kyalami, South Africa. However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has made it clear that returning to Africa is a priority. Rwanda's bid is centered around the construction of a permanent circuit near the new Bugesera airport. 40km south of Kigali.

Kagame expressed his commitment to the project stating, "We are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves," and thanked F1 for their continued progress in discussions.

FIA and Rwanda Align on Motorsport Goals

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also highlighted Rwanda's growing influence in motorsport. Praising the country's alignment with key values such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety. He shared his enthusiasm for the future of African motorsport saying, "The future of motorsport in Africa is bright."

Max Verstappen to Receive Championship Trophy in Kigali

In other news, Max Verstappen received the F1 drivers' championship trophy at the FIA prize-giving ceremony in Kigali this past weekend. Additionally, as part of his penalty for swearing during a news conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen will engage in a grassroots development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club.

FIA Approves key Changes to Ethics and Audit Committees 🔍

The FIA confirmed on Friday that significant rule changes to its Ethics and Audit Committees were approved during the FIA General Assemblies held in Kigali, Rwanda. Ahead of the end-of-year awards ceremony.

Key Changes to the Ethics Committee:

The FIA outlined three main reasons for these updates:

1. Enhanced Independence: The changes aim to preserve and strengthen the Ethics Committee's independence by reducing the involvement of the FIA Administration in its operations.

2. Oversight by Key Figures: All ethics complaints will now be overseen by the FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the President of the Senate, Carmelo Sanz De Barros (a close ally of Ben Sulayem). The Ethics Committee is now empowered to independently assess whether to launch an investigation.

3. Confidentiality of Reports: In response to previous media leaks, the distribution of Ethics Committee reports will be restricted. This is intended to protect both the complainant and the individual under investigation. Ensuring confidentiality around sensitive information.

Audit Committee Changes:

The Audit Committee will no longer have the authority to independently investigate financial issues. Instead, it will serve as an advisory body to the Senate and operate within the FIA Statutes. The committee’s internal regulations will now require Senate approval. Yet it will retain its powers to assist with investigations when requested by the President of the Senate.

Ben Sulayem’s Controversial Tenure:

These changes come amid a series of controversies surrounding FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. In March, he was cleared by the Ethics Committee over allegations of sporting interference during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Las Vegas street circuit approval. Additionally, his comments on foul language were criticized by Lewis Hamilton. Several high-profile FIA figures, including Tim Mayer and Janette Tan, were dismissed recently. Further fueling calls from drivers for greater transparency, consistency, and improved communication within the FIA.