Welcome to the weekly roundup of everything Formula 1! Here you will find a summary of the biggest news and announcements every week in the F1 world. It’s been a relatively quiet week in the F1 world (which is to be expected in the off-season), however there’s been much discussion off-track which will shape the future of many aspects of F1:
• Pre-Season Testing:
Pre-season testing for 2018 is official confirmed to be held at Circuit de Barcelona. Testing will commence 26 February and will proceed until 1 March.
• Estaban Ocon Wins Golden Wheel:
Estaban Ocon confirmed via Instagram that he was the recipient of the ‘Golden Wheel’ award at the French Awards (his second one in total!). Ocon is coming fresh off his second season in F1, currently driving for Force India. He has attracted the attention of much of the F1 world for his mature driving style despite his young age, however this has been somewhat overshadowed by his recent clashes with teammate Sergio Perez. Many suggest at the rate he is progressing, he will be racing for one of F1’s top teams at some point, however for now he has unfinished business at Force India.
• F1 Drivers’ Union Gets ‘100%’ Membership
Alexander Wurz, chairman for the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has publicly stated the organisation has 100% membership for perhaps the first time in history. The reason for the strong coalition is said to be due to the evolution and degree of uncertainty that Liberty Media’s F1 is seemingly entering in the next few years. The most notable new members of the F1 Drivers’ Union include Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
• F1 Grid Girl Controversy:
There has been much discussion in the F1 world about the role of Grid Girls in the modern era of F1 motorsport. Ross Brawn, F1 managing director of motorsports, has said Grid Girls are heavily under review. The role of Grid Girls is typically used as a promotional/marketing tactic, and has sustained throughout the evolution of motorsport. There have been many divisive opinions on whether Grid Girls should remain in F1, however a recent BBC Sport vote showed 60% of respondents elected that Grid Girls should be a part of F1 in the future.
• McLaren Set To Race In 2018 Without Title Sponsor:
Zak Brown, McLaren boss, has expressed his position in whether McLaren will pursue a title sponsor in the near future. Brown is quoted saying that rather than having ‘title sponsors’, McLaren will have ‘major partners’. Brown’s vision is to ensure McLaren remains ‘McLaren’, rather than rebrand as, hypothetically, ‘ABC McLaren’
• Further Addition To The Daytona 24 Hours Race:
Kevin Magnussen is set to race in the Daytona 24 Hours Race, which will also see participation from McLaren F1 driver Fernando Alonso.
And that wraps up everything in F1 for this week. Stay tuned next week for more from the F1 Weekly Roundup!
