Wednesday's F1 news has arrived. There's a lot to understand as the grid welcomes a new team name (sort of) through a new title sponsorship deal with Ferrari.
On top of that, there are plenty of other things to do that day, so without further ado, let's dive right in.
Welcome to the F1 grid, Scuderia Ferrari HP
Yes, Ferrari, which confirmed it will be bringing back two shades of blue as part of its one-off livery for the Miami Grand Prix, confirmed its “historic” multi-year title partnership with HP. This would put the American tech giant on top of the world. Part of the team name moving forward.
The sponsorship will be officially announced ahead of the Miami weekend, along with a one-off livery reminiscent of when the team debuted in the US market 70 years ago.
Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, said: This stems not only from our commitment to a sustainable future, from carbon neutrality to educating young generations, but also from our commitment to innovation on the road and track.
“We see the same values in HP, which makes them an ideal partner. We look forward to starting our collaboration and tackling new opportunities and challenges together. ”
read more: Ferrari announces huge 'historic' title sponsorship deal with US tech giant
Fernando Alonso talks about Aston Martin's dynamics with Lance Stroll
Fernando Alonso has announced that the two players are in the best interest of the team, after Aston Martin team principal Mike Clack admitted in China that “the whole project” had in some ways been centered around Lance Stroll. He talked about how drivers work together.
“Lance and I both try to help the team as much as we can,” he said. “I think there are two different driving styles depending on the situation and two different feelings about the car.
“I think Lance is much more sensitive to things than I am and that's very important for the team. For Lance to be able to analyze and give feedback to the team is extremely important for us and to improve the car. I think that.
“So we came to the same conclusion, perhaps in different ways. And I think these two different styles are just good things for Aston.”
read more: Fernando Alonso lifts the lid on Aston Martin's momentum with 'entire project centered around Lance Stroll'
Further updates from Carlos Sainz's manager
Carlos Sainz's manager, Carlos Onyoro, said he was “still playing the game” and said several teams were still in talks about Sainz's departure next season.
Asked on the F1 Nation podcast how many balls have been in the air at the moment, he replied: “A few.”
“I would say these are interesting times.
“The driver market has been in full swing lately and I think we'll see some movement in the coming weeks, but for now we're just juggling.”
read more: Carlos Sainz's manager announces F1 future updates, three destinations rumored
Stefano Domenicali refutes complaints about driver's calendar
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has given a hesitant response to drivers frustrated by the demands of an ever-increasing calendar, with the 24-race schedule repeated in 2025.
“I will talk to them. If you want to drive, you can drive every day. If you don't want to drive in F1, it's not compulsory,” Domenicali told Sky Sports F1.
“It's a matter of respect for the fans. They want to see their races and that, again, is the responsibility of all fans, partners, promoters, sponsors, broadcasters, everyone.
“The beauty of this sport that we live in is that we need heroes who enjoy what they do. And I'm sure they do. [it]”
read more: F1 CEO sends firm message across grid about growing calendar concerns
Pundit believes 'half the field doesn't belong in F1'
Former Bridgestone engineer Kees van der Grind doesn't praise Lance Stroll and Guanyu Chou's presence in F1, but he doesn't think most of the grid has reached zero at the moment. do not have.
“I've often said, I don't understand why he's still running,” he said of Stroll.
“There has to be a flow. Of course, it's impossible for an F2 champion not to race in F1.”
As for Chou, “we don't know how good he is yet, but he's there for commercial gain. I could list a few others, but that's the way it is. So we have to accept this.”
read more: Two drivers named in brutal ruling that 'half the field does not belong to F1'