🏎️ Haas and Toyota Announce New Partnership

In this week’s email:

• 25-Race F1 Calendar Not Feasible 🚫

• Schumacher's Bid for Audi's Sauber Seat 🏎️

• Haas and Toyota Announce New Partnership 🤝

• GM & Cadillac Eye F1 Future Without Andretti 👀

25-Race F1 Calendar Not Feasible 🚫

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stated that the federation is currently unable to support a Formula 1 calendar featuring 25 races. While the existing Concorde Agreement allows for this expansion. Concerns over logistics and driver well-being remain paramount.

Current Schedule: This season, the F1 calendar comprises 24 races. A number that Ben Sulayem believes is already stretching the FIA’s capabilities. Adding just one more race would require additional staffing and resources.

Logistical Challenges: “Everything is on the limit,” Ben Sulayem remarked, emphasizing that the FIA would need to deploy two teams to manage any additional event effectively. He raised valid concerns regarding the physical and mental demands on drivers and teams.

Stefano Domenicali’s Stance: F1 CEO Domenicali has previously indicated a preference for maintaining a stable 24-race schedule, stating, “I think 24 is the right number... This is the number which we should target to be stable for a long time.”

Collaboration with F1 Management: Ben Sulayem praised the collaboration with Formula One Management. Noting that they prioritize quality over quantity. He acknowledged that F1 Management has not pushed for more races, recognizing the potential for driver fatigue.

As the interest in hosting F1 races continues to grow, including recent expressions from Argentina. The discussion around the optimal number of races remains a key topic for the future of the sport.

Schumacher's Bid for Audi's Sauber Seat 🏎️

Mick Schumacher is making headlines as a potential candidate for a seat at the Audi-owned Sauber team, marking a crucial opportunity for the German driver to return to Formula 1.

Current Status: After serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes for two seasons, Schumacher is eager to find a permanent seat following his departure from Haas at the end of 2022.

Alpine Opportunity Missed: Schumacher had hoped to join Alpine for the 2025 season. Especially after competing for them in the World Endurance Championship. However, the team opted for rookie Jack Doohan instead.

Audi's Interest: With Audi’s new chief, Mattia Binotto, recognizing Schumacher's potential, he has emerged as a serious contender for the seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg. Binotto emphasized that they are taking their time with the decision, exploring both experienced and young driver options.

Long-Term Vision: Binotto highlighted the challenges ahead for Audi, comparing their journey to scaling Everest. He mentioned the need to invest in young talent and build a competitive team over the next five to seven years, aiming for a title challenge by 2030.

Positive Evaluation: Binotto confirmed that Schumacher is on their radar, having known him from his time in the Ferrari Driver Academy. The team values both his strengths and the experience he brings.

As the driver market continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Schumacher and Audi’s Sauber team as they shape their future in F1.

Haas and Toyota Announce New Partnership 🤝

Haas has officially announced a new technical partnership with Toyota. Marking the automaker's first involvement in F1 since 2009. This collaboration aims to enhance Haas' performance without compromising its existing partnership with Ferrari.

Not a Full Return for Toyota: While the partnership provides Toyota with a presence in F1, there are no plans for the company to build its own power unit or form a separate team.

Strengthening Existing Ties: The deal will supplement Haas' long-standing relationship with Ferrari. Which supplies the team with engines and other crucial components. Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized that this partnership aims to enhance, not replace, the foundation laid by Ferrari.

Mutual Benefits: The partnership will provide Haas access to Toyota's extensive resources, expertise, and manufacturing capabilities. This includes improvements to Haas' simulator program and private testing opportunities. Which were previously unavailable.

Development of Personnel: Toyota's involvement may help cultivate future drivers, engineers, and mechanics through a private testing program. Enriching the experience of Haas' staff without embedding Toyota personnel in the team.

Future Driver Opportunities: Komatsu indicated that there is an "open possibility" for a Toyota-backed driver to assume a reserve role at Haas next season. While maintaining the focus on selecting the best driver for performance.

Despite F1’s growing appeal, Toyota has no current plans for a full return. Including establishing a power unit supply or owning a team. The partnership with Haas is seen as the optimal way for Toyota to engage in the sport, leveraging shared expertise to improve competitiveness.

GM & Cadillac Eye F1 Future Without Andretti 👀

In recent updates regarding the Andretti Cadillac venture, General Motors' motorsports director, Eric Warren, reaffirmed the company's commitment to entering Formula 1. Despite setbacks in the past year, including F1's rejection of the Andretti Cadillac partnership, Warren insists that GM is dedicated to establishing a presence in the sport.

Michael Andretti Steps Back: Michael Andretti has announced he will step down from direct leadership of Andretti Global, passing the baton to business partner Dan Towriss. Andretti will retain a strategic advisory role, although his future involvement in the F1 project remains uncertain.

A Shift in Leadership: With Towriss at the helm and investor Mark Walter supporting the initiative, there are questions about the relevance of the Andretti name in future F1 endeavors. Analysts suggest that a restructured approach could enhance their chances of securing a spot in F1, potentially without the Andretti branding.

Future Pathways: If Andretti Cadillac continues to face obstacles, GM may explore alternative strategies, including partnerships with existing teams in F1. The emphasis will be on showing F1 that the new leadership can address past concerns.

The coming months will reveal whether this leadership change influences F1’s perception of the project. The potential for a GM works team remains enticing, and the focus will likely shift towards leveraging Cadillac's brand more effectively.

McLaren Teams Up with T-Mobile for U.S. Partnership 📱

McLaren has officially announced a high-profile partnership with T-Mobile, targeting the growing U.S. market, effective from this weekend’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas.

Key Highlights:

Enhanced Race Day Experience: McLaren will leverage T-Mobile’s 5G coverage for race day activities, enhancing guest and fan interactions.

Brand Visibility: T-Mobile branding will feature prominently on the McLaren MCL38s driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the remaining U.S. races in 2024, including Austin and Las Vegas. This partnership will extend into 2025, coinciding with future F1 races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.

Broadening Engagement: The partnership will also see T-Mobile branding on various team elements, such as garage headsets, amplifying the brand’s visibility in F1.

Growing Fan Base: Matt Dennington, McLaren Racing’s co-chief commercial officer, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting its importance in enhancing McLaren's presence and engagement with fans in the U.S.

As McLaren gears up for the U.S. Grand Prix, they maintain a 41-point lead over Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, making this partnership a timely boost in their title quest.