Ahead of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso reveals that Aston Martin’s struggles in qualifying stem from a lack of pure performance, not just tyre strategy. The team faces an uphill battle to maintain their points-scoring streak at Monza, where tyre wear and degradation will be crucial.
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Red Bull Racing’s balance woes continued in Italian Grand Prix qualifying, with the team’s lack of a bespoke Monza wing setup proving to be a major factor in their slower speeds compared to rivals like Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris. The team’s decision to trim down its existing low-downforce wing instead of creating a specialized solution was influenced by cost cap constraints and limited CFD and wind tunnel resources.
In a significant move in the world of Formula 1, Santander and Ferrari have announced that their $60 million per year sponsorship agreement will come to an end after the 2024 season. This development shakes up the sport’s sponsorship landscape, with potential ripple effects on driver lineups and team partnerships.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was left baffled by a dramatic balance swing during Monza qualifying, which saw him drop significantly in speed and finish 7th. The three-time champion admitted he’s never experienced such an abrupt change in handling, leaving him and the team stumped as they search for solutions ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
Lando Norris has attributed McLaren’s impressive Formula 1 qualifying performance at Monza to major advancements in aerodynamic efficiency, allowing the team to gain an astonishing 20km/h on the straights compared to last year’s car. This marks a remarkable turnaround for the team, which struggled at the Italian Grand Prix in 2022.
McLaren’s Lando Norris has secured back-to-back pole positions in Formula 1 for the first time in his career at Monza, following his victory in the Dutch Grand Prix. Norris’s impressive form continues as he aims to close the gap in the Formula 1 standings with Max Verstappen. The British driver edged out his teammate Oscar Piastri, who locked out the front row for McLaren.
Following a disappointing qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing is searching for answers as their cars struggled to match the pace of their rivals. Team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko have expressed their frustration, highlighting the team’s fundamental car balance issues that have persisted throughout the season.
Lewis Hamilton was left furious with himself after missing out on pole position during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, placing him sixth on the grid. The Mercedes driver acknowledged his struggles in qualifying this year and is determined to recover and challenge for a podium finish in the race.
Former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg believes that Italian racing sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli has the talent to become a star in the premier class, but notes that his preparation for the 2024 Formula 2 season ‘is anything but ideal’ ahead of his highly-anticipated Formula 1 debut with Mercedes in 2025.
In a bid to maintain its competitive edge, McLaren has unveiled a comprehensive upgrade package for the Italian Grand Prix, featuring a range of aerodynamic refinements aimed at maximizing top-speed performance and overall efficiency of the MCL38 Formula 1 car.