It has been a problem for years with Red Bull. It has voting/governance implications and transfer of staff/information. Red Bull saved a team in 2005 but that's not the same for Alpine. An ownership in slice in a second, OEM-owned team, worth billions... That's different. #F1
3/3
Alpine has strong growth potential but needs investment. Otro has contributed next to nothing. Renault likely wants a Motorsport partner more than an investor. Wolff and Horner both tick that box. But it also raises questions around multi-team ownership. #F1
2/3
News that Toto Wolff has submitted a bid to acquire a slice of Alpine is a fascinating development given Christian Horner is also known to be in the market. One must immediately question the intent of the bid- genuine interest, or a blocking move? #F1
1/3
That can be done fairly quickly once F1 Commission agrees. The FIA can also force things through on safety and cost grounds, but neither are really applicable here. Technical directives are different, they're a reinterpretation of the rules, not a change. #F1
3/3
In reality, a fair amount, provided the concept receives unanimous support from the F1 Commission. That's all teams, FOM, and FIA. From there, the FIA World Motor Sport Council votes it through into the regulations. #F1
2/3
A post-China review is planned to look at the rules and decide if changes are needed. It's been suggested to me that this will be delayed a little, likely until after Japan. But, what can actually be done? #F1
1/3
Australian GP Corp reported AUD $140.6m event revenue in 2025. An estimated $100m of that came from the 465,500 that turned up last year (Albert Park capacity was expanded for 2026). This is just gate takings, not economic impact etc. #F1
3/3
Australian GP Corp reported AUD $140.6m event revenue in 2025. An estimated $100m of that came from the 465,500 that turned up last year (Albert Park capacity was expanded for 2026). This is just gate takings, not economic impact etc. #F1
3/3
Best estimate is about 270,000 individual spectators across the four days, with an average ticket price of about AUD $400. Makes for gate takings of about AUD $110 million. Hosting fees are about AUD $60 million. #F1
2/3
Best estimate is about 270,000 individual spectators across the four days, with an average ticket price of about AUD $400. Makes for gate takings of about AUD $110 million. Hosting fees are about AUD $60 million. #F1
2/3
Some rough maths on the Australian GP. Total attendance across four days was 484,000. Average ticket price is around AUD $700. It's not as simple as multiplying them together, as there were single and multi-day passes. #F1
1/3
Some rough maths on the Australian GP. Total attendance across four days was 484,000. Average ticket price is around AUD $700. It's not as simple as multiplying them together, as there were single and multi-day passes. #F1
1/3
The issue will be governance processes if fixes are needed. It's deliberately difficult to change the rules in F1 mid-season. The FIA sets the rules, it does not have ultimate authority to act unilaterally; the teams and FOM have votes in the conversation, too. #F1
3/3
What we now have are aero regs designed to solve fundamental power unit issues. The basic product is compromised from its core. But we're also stuck with it. F1 and the FIA now need to find a way to make the best of the platform while planning beyond it. #F1
2/3
The 2026 F1 regulations are built on a flawed premise, a compromise to attract OEMs. They were written at a time when the sport was not as healthy as it is now, and car companies were seen as critical to its survival. #F1
1/3
No official word yet but fully expect Bahrain/Saudi cancellation and a 22-race season as a result. #F1
Full story: www.planetf1.com/fea...
3/3
Suggestions of double-Suzuka were unpopular in the paddock because of the human cost. Going to Imola or Portimao would create other issues. Still work to be done, suggestion some teams have freight in Bahrain they need to get out #F1
2/3
For those who missed it, it's expected Bahrain and Saudi will be cancelled without replacements. Lack of promotion fee and increased costs/pressure for teams are the main reasons. There's also a lack of time and need from F1s perspective. #F1
1/3
Any replacement event likely offers no hosting fee while adding logistics/freight costs to teams. There's no incentive in it. Likely outcome is Bahrain/Saudi cancelled without replacements, making for a 22 event season. #F1
Full story: www.planetf1.com/fea...
3/3
That is obviously a huge challenge right now, and needs to be solved by immediately post-China. As for replacement events, unlikely to be any. Double Suzuka is unpopular for the toll on staff. Imola, Portimao, etc also unlikely. #F1
2/3
No announcement on the Bahrain/Saudi situation doesn't mean no action. There are lots of conversations taking place. The decision will be linked to freight, much of it from China is meant to go to Bahrain via boat. #F1
1/3
Doesn't appear to be an easy fix for Honda. Asked a couple times, Watanabe never really answered the question. Newry claims the chassis is fifth best at the moment- good foundation, needs miles and upgrades. #F1
3/3
Vibration from the internal combustion engine, which implications suggests is also down on power, is the root cause it seems. Battery issues were a symptom of that. As is vibration through the car. #F1
2/3
Brutal day for Aston Martin. Adrian Newry facing the press was a move to get ahead of the story, would guess the "permanent nerve damage" line was him going off script and not part of the pre-session briefing notes. #F1
1/3
Second, a postponement for F1 would be hard to make work. There are few gaps in the calendar, especially in the latter half of the season. Fair to suggest the event goes ahead, is replaced, or is cancelled. Postponement is hard to imagine. #F1
3/3
First, it gives us an idea of timelines. Roughly three weeks out from the event, suggests perhaps another two weeks before we get a call on Bahrain. Perhaps another week on Saudi beyond that (situation there looks very different, more promising). #F1
2/3
Qatar WEC round has been postponed: "With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event that had been due to take place on 26-28 March." Two F1 elements in this. #F1
1/3
Which circuits could step in at short notice?
www.planetf1.com/fea...
#F1
5/5
After races in Australia, China, and Japan, 3 races in 4 weeks, to have a big break that early in the year would kill any momentum.
I'll share some link on how F1 makes money, and possible alternative venues. #F1
3/5
