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🏎️ Norris Clinches Dutch GP Victory
Jordan Williams
August 27, 2024
In this week’s email:
Norris Clinches Dutch GP Victory 🏆🇳🇱
Jack Doohan Joins Alpine for 2025 Season 🏁🚀
Hamilton pushes for F1 for race in Africa 🌍
Liberty Media to Acquire Stake in MotoGP 🏍️💰
Norris Clinches Dutch GP Victory 🏆🇳🇱
At the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Lando Norris overcame a challenging start to secure a commanding victory. Finishing 22 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. Despite losing the lead at the start, Norris showcased impressive pace and managed to pass Verstappen on lap 18. His dominant performance allowed him to pull away and win comfortably.
Verstappen, who had been struggling with car balance and pace throughout the weekend, finished in second place. He expressed dissatisfaction with his car’s performance, citing issues with tire degradation and balance.
Below are results from the top-10 finishers this past weekend:
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Sergio Pérez (McLaren)
George Russell (Mercedes)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Fernando Alonso (Alpine)
Other things to note:
This result tightened the championship battle: Norris cut Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ standings to 70 points. While the constructors’ championship gap narrowed between Red Bull and McLaren are now 30 points.
Carlos Sainz, who started tenth and finished fifth which exceeded expectations. He noted that the car felt better in high fuel conditions compared to qualifying.
Logan Sargea has yet to score points this season and is set to be replaced by Carlos Sainz next year. There is speculation about a potential mid-season driver swap.
Jack Doohan Joins Alpine for 2025 Season 🏁🚀
Jack Doohan has been announced as Alpine’s second driver for the 2025 season. He will be joining the team to fill the seat vacated by Esteban Ocon, who is moving to Haas. Doohan, a 21-year-old Australian, has been with Alpine since 2022. Progressing from their Driver Development Programme to reserve driver and heavy testing roles.
Despite coming from a racing family, with his father Mick being a multiple motorcycle world champion. Doohan has not yet won a title but has shown promise with multiple victories and pole positions in Formula Two.
Doohan's promotion to a full-time race seat follows his successful testing and simulator work with Alpine where he has made significant contributions. This move aligns with Alpine’s evolving strategy as they prepare for changes. Including ending their factory engine program in 2026 and a shift in team leadership.
Oliver Oakes, Alpine's new team principal and a former driver familiar with Doohan’s talent, expressed confidence in the young driver’s potential and dedication. Doohan will join Pierre Gasly in Alpine’s driver lineup for the upcoming season, aiming to enhance the team’s performance and development.
Hamilton's African Journey Inspires F1 Push for Africa 🌍
During Formula One's summer break, Lewis Hamilton traveled through Africa. Visiting Morocco, Senegal, Mozambique, and more. He shared the impact of these experiences. Including witnessing life in refugee camps and historical sites like Gorée Island. Hamilton expressed a desire to contribute to social causes and highlighted the need for F1 to return to Africa. Citing Kyalami in South Africa as a potential venue.
Additionally, Hamilton's long-time race engineer, Pete Bonnington, will remain with Mercedes in a new role after the season. ending speculation about him moving to Ferrari. Hamilton expressed sadness at the change but wished Bonnington well. Emphasizing their strong bond and commitment to finishing the season strongly together.
Liberty Media to Acquire Majority Stake in MotoGP 🏍️💰
Liberty Media, which owns Formula 1, is set to acquire an 86% stake in MotoGP's parent company Dorna Sports for $4.2 billion. To fund this purchase, Liberty Media is selling $825 million worth of its Formula 1 shares and will use cash, not shares, for the MotoGP deal.
This move follows Liberty's successful ownership of Formula 1 and signals its intent to expand its portfolio in the live sports sector. While the acquisition may lead to potential cross-organization idea sharing, fans of MotoGP and Formula 1 are unlikely to see immediate changes in the sports themselves.
Other things happening around F1 🛞