🏎️ Monaco GP to Move to June Starting in 2026

In this week’s email:

• Monaco GP racing moving to June in 2026 🗓️

• LV GP: Will It Live Up to expectations? 🎰

• Alpine to Race with Mercedes Power Units 🔋

• F1 Race Director Niels Wittich Steps Down 👋

Monaco GP to Move to June Starting in 2026 🗓️

Exciting news for Formula One fans: The legendary Monaco Grand Prix will officially move to June beginning in 2026. The race has been a staple of the F1 calendar since 1950. It will now take place on the first full weekend of June each year. Following the signing of a new six-year agreement.

Key Details:

New Date: Starting in 2026, Monaco will be held on the first full weekend of June, instead of its traditional late-May slot.

Contract Extension: The new deal ensures Monaco remains on the F1 calendar through at least 2031.

Sustainability Goals: The change is part of F1’s efforts to optimize its calendar, reduce travel time, and minimize the sport’s carbon footprin. Aligning with the goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030.

Indy 500 Opportunity: The date shift resolves the longstanding clash with the Indianapolis 500. Allowing F1 drivers to compete in both iconic events. A rare feat since only one driver—Graham Hill—has ever won all three races of the ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport’.

LV Grand Prix: Will It Live Up to expectations? 🎰

Last year, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was a commercial success, but it wasn’t without its issues. There were delays after Carlos Sainz crashed his Ferrari, and FP2 didn’t start until 2:30 AM. Which caused some spectators to miss out on the action. Local businesses also suffered because major roads were closed during the event.

This year organizers are hoping for a smoother race weekend. They’ve added 10,000 more general admission tickets at lower prices to make the race more affordable and attract a bigger crowd. The high hotel prices from last year are also expected to be a thing of the past.

After last year’s challenges, the city and F1 are hoping the Las Vegas Grand Prix will prove it’s not just a one-hit wonder, and that it can deliver even more excitement in its second year.

Alpine to Race with Mercedes Power Units Starting in 2026 🔋

In a major shift for Alpine, the French F1 team has officially signed an agreement to race with Mercedes power units from the 2026 season. This move comes after Alpine made the decision to close its in-house engine program in favor of a new partnership with Mercedes.

What you need to know:

New Engine Partner: From 2026, Alpine will use Mercedes power units and gearboxes for the next generation of F1 car. Under a deal that runs through 2030.

Renault Engine Program Closure: This decision follows a strategic shift by Renault. Which will shut down its own power unit program after struggling to keep pace with rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes.

2026 Regulations: F1 will introduce a new set of power unit regulations in 2026. Featuring fully-sustainable fuels and increased electrical power. Making this a pivotal change for Alpine as it plans for the future.

Team Changes: Alpine is also undergoing internal restructuring. With Oliver Oakes appointed as team principal and Flavio Briatore returning as executive advisor.

The move has been expected for some time and marks a significant change for Alpine. Which has competed as a factory team since 2016 has developed its own engines. The decision to partner with Mercedes comes after a challenging period for the team. =Including protests from factory workers in France in response to the engine program closure.

Alpine's Recent Performance:

Despite a tough year in 2024, Alpine has shown signs of progress. Notably with a shock double podium finish in Brazil. Where Esteban Ocon finished second and Pierre Gasly secured third place. This unexpected result lifted the team to sixth in the Constructors’ Championshi. With an extra $40 million in prize money at stake should they retain their position.

F1 Race Director Niels Wittich Steps Down 👋

Niels Wittich who is the race director of F1 since 2022 has stepped down from his role with immediate effect. The FIA, which oversees F1, announced the decision on Tuesday. Wittich will leave with three races still to go in the 2024 season.

Why Did Wittich Leave?

The FIA said Wittich is leaving to "pursue new opportunities," but Wittich himself told a German news outlet that he didn't resign. The exact details of his departure are not clear. As the FIA hasn’t said much more.

Who Will Replace Wittich?

From the Las Vegas Grand Prix (Nov. 21-23), Rui Marques will take over as race director. Marques has a lot of experience in having worked as the race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3.

What Happened Under Wittich’s Leadership?

Wittich’s time as race director wasn’t without controversy. He made several decisions that upset drivers. especially around incidents involving top drivers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Drivers have called for clearer rules on things like wheel-to-wheel racing. Some also expressed frustration over his enforcement of rules about jewelry and underwear.