Ahead of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, the €21m-upgrade to the Monza circuit has generated intense discussion in the Formula 1 paddock. Drivers have voiced concerns about the impact of the lowered and flattened kerbs at the famous Ascari chicane, raising questions about track limits and the potential for the spectacle to be impacted.
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s brief but spectacular outing in the Mercedes W15 during Friday’s Free Practice 1 at Monza may have ended in a 45G crash, but it has further convinced the team of his incredible talent. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff praised the young driver’s ‘astonishing’ speed, which pushed the car beyond its limits, leading to the accident.
Ferrari has unveiled an upgraded floor design at the Italian Grand Prix to tackle the bouncing issues that have hindered their performance in recent races. The new development, which includes a host of other changes to the SF-24, aims to provide a more consistent platform moving forward.
Formula 1 drivers are up in arms over the recent changes made to the Monza circuit, particularly the new flat kerbs. They argue the modifications have compromised the track’s iconic character and were implemented without proper consultation, sparking widespread discontent.
As the Formula 1 calendar moves to Monza, Italy, for the upcoming Grand Prix, a host of drivers have expressed their disapproval of the recent changes made to the iconic ‘old school’ track. While some, like Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, lament the loss of the circuit’s unique character, others, like Lewis Hamilton, reserve judgment until they experience the revisions firsthand. The significance of understanding the track updates is highlighted by Aston Martin’s decision to have their regular drivers participate in FP1 to gain early experience with the altered layout.
Mercedes has officially announced that 18-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his Formula 1 practice debut at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, driving the current W15 car. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in Antonelli’s development, as he has been groomed by Mercedes since his karting days. Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, expressed excitement about the emotional moment, with an Italian driver in a competitive car at Monza.