Sunday debrief: This week in Formula 1
- mallikarull
- Mar 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 2, 2023
Horner confirms McLaren's interest in Red Bulls engine.
2026 will see a new generation of F1 power units, with the new regulations that will mean more electrical power, higher efficiency, and better safety measures. Red Bull are currently committed to producing their own power units for 2026, in partnership with Ford.
At the 2023 season opener in Bahrain, Horner was asked about the rumours after McLaren CEO Zak Brown had recently visited the Red Bull Campus, “I thought he was coming for lunch,” joked Horner.
“It’s obvious that, as a power unit manufacturer for 2026, it’s inevitable that discussions are going to be held regarding potential powertrain supply, and that’s only natural that we would speak with potential customers,” he added.
McLaren team boss, Andreas Stella, did not deny these talks, commenting “We have a solid partnership with HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains]. At the same time, it’s obvious that looking far forward, you want to understand what's available. So, I think that's natural. It shouldn't be too much of a surprise,”.
McLaren aren’t the only team that have shown an interest in changing suppliers. Williams boss James Vowels announced that the team intend to have a decision made for their 2026 engine supplier by the end of this year.
“It has to be this year, anyway. From where all teams will move forward, I think you’ll struggle to see teams migrate away from their current [supplier] much [later than] than this year”.
Williams have used Mercedes power since 2014. Mercedes currently supply McLaren, Williams, and Aston Martin. “Clearly, we’re happy with the relationship that’s been in place for many years,”, Vowels stated.
“To win championships, you look at who’s won it; typically, it's OEM and you need to be manufacturer-backed… and that’s the difficult pathway that we have to fight on the way. I think for now, we have a realistic target on our shoulders. We know that step one, with what we have right now, we have the ability to move forward from where we are. And that’s goal number one, that’s reviewing the future.”, he went on to add.
Charles Leclerc requests a meeting with Ferrari president.
Charles Leclerc has reportedly reached out to Ferrari president John Elkann for a meeting in Maranello after a disappointing race in Bahrain. Leclerc pulled out of P3 with a DNF after facing reliability issues.
New Ferrari team principle, Fredrick Vasseur is advocating for a comprehensive inquiry, in hoped to find the root of the cause of Charles Leclerc’s DNF, during last weekend’s season opener in Bahrain.
Ferrari’s issues from 2022 look to have followed the team into the current season, with the team’s current performance looking to be out of the running for the championship. Carlos Sainz was the only Ferrari to cross the line, missing out on P3 after he was unable to hold off the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso.
Mercedes release a public letter to fans.
After a dismaying start to the season in Bahrain, Mercedes have issued a public letter to fans. The team vowed not to start finger pointing and instead focus on turning things around this season.
"Bahrain hurt. It hurt each one of us, who head into every season determined to fight for world championships. It hurt the team as a whole, after pouring so much hard work into a car that hasn’t met our expectations. And we know it hurt you, our fans, too. Your passion and support are so important in driving us forward – and we know that we feel the same pain."
Mercedes continued the letter: "First, we won’t panic or make knee-jerk reactions. In a spotlight as fierce as F1, people are quick to point fingers, or look for scapegoats. But you know us better than that. Inside the team, we talk about having the courage to fail, the character to be accountable and the strength to see failure as an opportunity. We have been open and searingly honest about where we find ourselves. And we are working urgently and calmly to build our recovery plan."
Mercedes promise fans that they are working hard to turn this season around encourage fans to keep their heads up and continue supporting the team.
Nelson Piquet convicted by Brazilian Public prosecutor’s office.
Former 3-time world champion Nelson Piquet had caused a global uproar last summer after footage had surfaced of Piquet using racial slurs to describe Lewis Hamilton in an interview back in November 2021. It is reported that the 20th Civil court of Brasília have asked for a compensation of R$10 million (£1.64million) for ‘collective moral damage’.
Piquet was widely condemned for his words towards the 7-time world champion, which resulted in the former champion being banned from the F1 paddock despite making a public apology, claiming there were translation inaccuracies, denying any racial intent.
Hamilton had immediately responded to the comments as they emerged. He said: "It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life.
“There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action."
Groups in Brazil including Educafro and Aliança Nacional LGBTI+ are pursuing a public civil action, which accuses Piquet of both racism and homophobia in his comments on Hamilton.
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