Author name: Sergio Spinoza

The Qatar Grand Prix will host the final Sprint weekend of the 2024 Formula 1 season, with the Lusail International Circuit as the stage. Pirelli has unveiled the tire compounds that will play a pivotal role in team strategies for this penultimate race of the championship. HARDER COMPOUNDS FOR QATAR Unlike the previous race in Las Vegas, where the softest compounds were used, Qatar will see the hardest selection. Pirelli will bring the C1 as hard (white-marked), the C2 as medium (yellow-marked), and the C3 as soft (red-marked).     Due to the Sprint format, the tire allocation is reduced from 13 to 12 sets: 2 sets of hard tires 4 sets of medium tires 6 sets of soft tires The number of wet-weather tires remains unchanged, with five intermediate sets and two for extreme rain. LESSONS FROM 2023 The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix provided valuable insights for Pirelli and the FIA, after lap limits were imposed on each tire set (maximum of 18 laps) due to issues with the circuit’s curbs. This forced drivers to make at least three pit stops during the race. For 2024, adjustments were made to the curbs at seven key corners, including turns 1, 4, and the complex section from turns 12 to 14, which caused excessive wear on the tire sidewalls last year.     TECHNICAL PREPARATION AND TESTING Pirelli Motorsport engineers conducted extensive testing in their Milan laboratories, using samples of the new curbs designed by the FIA. Additionally, data from recent test sessions with older cars confirmed that these changes will mitigate the issues faced in 2023. Another significant adjustment was the addition of gravel strips at the exits of certain corners, a measure to prevent drivers from exceeding track limits.     STRATEGY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS This year’s conditions in Qatar will differ as the race takes place later in the season. While humidity may be lower, temperatures could still affect tire thermal degradation, complicating strategic decisions. In 2021, under different circumstances, some drivers opted for a single-stop strategy, while others, like Hamilton and Verstappen, used two-stop strategies to fight for victory. This highlights that tire management will be critical in Lusail, especially with the return of the Sprint format. A UNIQUE CHALLENGE TO CLOSE THE YEAR The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix will not only test the skills of drivers but also the adaptability of teams. Tires will play a decisive role on a circuit that promises unique challenges and a strategic battle for the final championship points.

AN INNOVATIVE IDEA TO UNIFY FANS Roger Penske, a legendary figure in motorsport and owner of IndyCar as well as a leading NASCAR team, has put forth a bold proposal: fostering a strategic collaboration between the two series to reinvigorate interest in racing across the United States. Penske emphasized that instead of competing against each other, NASCAR and IndyCar could unite to attract a broader audience and regain the cultural prominence they once enjoyed.   Todas las categorías   “We could consider doubleheader events combining the best of both categories. This is not an announcement, but it would be a way to offer fans a diverse and exciting show,” Penske stated during the 2024 NASCAR Awards. THE CHALLENGE: FORMULA 1 AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Both NASCAR and IndyCar face challenges posed by the meteoric rise of Formula 1, which has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Penske believes the key to counteracting this trend lies in working together. Events like the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have demonstrated the potential of combined events. These doubleheaders not only bring together fans of both disciplines but also offer unique experiences by blending the adrenaline of stock cars with the precision of single-seaters. “It’s a proven formula. Double events generate excitement and diversity, something U.S. motorsport needs to keep growing,” Penske stressed. ROGER PENSKE’S LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE Penske’s vision is supported by decades of success in motorsport. His team, Team Penske, has secured 47 championships across various disciplines, reflecting his relentless pursuit of excellence. “At Team Penske, you know where you’re working. Roger expects you to win, or you won’t stay long,” said the 2024 NASCAR champion, highlighting the culture of accountability and high performance that defines the team.       BENEFITS OF A NASCAR-INDYCAR ALLIANCE Penske believes a collaboration between the two series could offer significant advantages: Attracting new audiences:Diversifying events could capture the attention of new fans. Increased revenue:Joint promotions, higher ticket sales, and innovative sponsorship deals. Cross-pollination:Introducing NASCAR fans to IndyCar and vice versa. A PROMISING FUTURE FOR AMERICAN MOTORSPORT Penske’s idea aims not only to deliver unforgettable weekends but also to ensure the survival and growth of motorsport in a competitive environment. If NASCAR and IndyCar manage to join forces, they could successfully address audience fragmentation and strengthen their position in the global sports landscape, ensuring a vibrant legacy for future generations.

Three victories and a promising future in the category A 2024 OF TRIUMPHS AND CHALLENGES FOR DIMAYUGA Driver Andrik Dimayuga finished the 2024 season of the NASCAR Challenge Series with an outstanding performance, securing three victories and eight Top Five finishes across the 12 race dates. Dimayuga, who raced behind the wheel of his Chevrolet #67. Dimayuga expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and remained optimistic about his championship aspirations for 2025.     “We had three victories, and once again, we were in the championship fight,” Dimayuga commented, noting that this was the second consecutive year he had been a contender for the title. The young driver added: “Although the championship didn’t materialize, it was a very good year. We were contenders, and that makes me really happy.” A TEAM CRUCIAL TO HIS SUCCESS Dimayuga highlighted the importance of his sponsors and the teamwork that contributed to his success, emphasizing the collaboration with other drivers and the effort of the mechanics. “Sharing experiences and sensations with other drivers helped us a lot. I’m also very grateful to the mechanics, who did an incredible job, especially in the final, where they always worked at their best to keep the car in top condition until the last minute,” said Andrik about the factors that influenced his great performance. A PATH OF CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES The 20-year-old driver also reflected on the circumstances that prevented him from securing more victories in 2024. He mentioned the Querétaro Grand Prix, where he unfortunately suffered a technical setback with his car, which kept him from battling for the win. “In Querétaro, we had the chance to fight, but the car had a fuel issue. We’ll work to make sure those situations don’t happen again next year,” Dimayuga assured.     In addition to his victories in Chiapas, Chihuahua, and Aguascalientes, Dimayuga made it to the podium in races one and nine, finishing in second place in San Luis Potosí and Aguascalientes. He also achieved a close fourth place in Querétaro on two occasions and a third place in Puebla during the eleventh race. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: MOVE UP OR STAY IN CHALLENGE? Andrik Dimayuga, who showed an impressive performance in 2024, is still unsure about his future. “We’re considering whether to move up a category or stay in Challenge to keep fighting for the title,” said the young driver. The decision to move up or remain in the NASCAR Challenge Series will depend on the agreements and analysis he makes with his team, but what is certain is that Dimayuga is more determined than ever to keep fighting for glory in motorsport. Without a doubt, 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for Dimayuga, who, with his talent and perseverance, promises to continue making waves in national motorsport.  

Sainz and Leclerc secure third and fourth place in a challenging Grand Prix A ROLLERCOASTER RACE FOR FERRARI The Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered intense emotions for Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz finishing in third place and Charles Leclerc taking fourth. While the results placed the team in competitive positions, the day was overshadowed by strategic complications and Leclerc’s public complaints about his team.     Leclerc attempted to challenge George Russell for the lead, but the medium tires couldn’t sustain the required pace, causing him to lose ground. Later, with hard tires, his performance improved, but after a pit stop, he fell behind Sainz, who quickly overtook him. Sainz, meanwhile, faced a critical moment when he received an unexpected order to stay on track as he was heading to the pits, forcing him to react quickly to avoid major issues. VASSEUR ADDRESSES STRATEGIC DECISIONS Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, analyzed the challenges faced during the race. Regarding tire degradation, he commented: “When Leclerc tried to overtake Russell, the tires immediately degraded. Sometimes these situations are unavoidable.” He also acknowledged that delaying Sainz’s pit stop was a complex but necessary decision to avoid getting stuck in traffic.     Vasseur addressed Leclerc’s frustrated radio messages to the pit wall: “Tension during a race is normal. We understand his perspective, but these decisions are made to avoid internal clashes and to optimize the team’s results.” MERCEDES DOMINATES THE WEEKEND Despite Ferrari’s efforts, Vasseur admitted that Mercedes showed superior pace in Las Vegas: “Even with different strategies, I don’t think we could have won. Their performance was stronger throughout the event.” With this result, Ferrari retains its chances in the Constructors’ Championship, though the gap to McLaren remains at 24 points with only two races left. QATAR AND ABU DHABI: THE FINAL OPPORTUNITY Looking ahead to the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Vasseur assured that Ferrari will give its all: “We’d rather be 24 points behind than 200. There are still opportunities, and anything can happen. We will keep pushing until the final corner of the season.”     Ferrari aims to capitalize on any opportunity in these final events, striving to close the gap with McLaren and end the year with a strong performance that reaffirms their competitiveness.

FIA, Formula 1, and teams unite for an inclusive future Formula 1, in collaboration with the FIA and the ten teams in the championship, has signed a new Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Charter. This agreement aims to solidify the sport’s commitment to fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment across all areas, following the recommendations from the report presented by the Hamilton Commission in 2021. A historic step towards diversity The new charter, developed with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering and Mission 44, a charity founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton, establishes a comprehensive framework to break down barriers in motorsport. This document aims to promote concrete actions to ensure the sport is accessible and appealing to people from all communities and backgrounds.     Key commitments include improving recruitment practices, creating inclusive workplaces, and developing programs to eliminate biases in the sport. Four pillars for change The D&I Charter is built on four key pillars that will guide future actions: Attract: Design strategies to encourage underrepresented groups to join motorsport. Retain: Create inclusive organizational cultures where individuals can thrive in their careers. Create: Incorporate diverse perspectives into the design and development of products and services. Commit: Communicate and reinforce the commitment to diversity among all stakeholders. Initiatives already underway Formula 1 has already implemented significant programs addressing diversity, such as scholarships for underrepresented groups, apprentice plans, and the creation of F1 Academy, an initiative aimed at developing female talent in motorsport.     Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, emphasized: “We know diversity drives innovation and performance. The charter is a crucial milestone in continuing to nurture talent and build a more inclusive future.” A collective effort for change Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, highlighted the importance of this alliance: “Diversifying motorsport is essential for its success. This historic agreement reinforces our commitment to real and tangible change.” The Diversity and Inclusion Working Group will now transition into an Implementation Team to ensure measurable projects with defined timelines are executed.     With this charter, Formula 1 reaffirms its commitment to leading the way towards a more diverse motorsport, ensuring the sport is a place for everyone.

The final stretch of the 2024 season is ready to decide the Constructors’ Championship With the Las Vegas Grand Prix behind us and Max Verstappen’s fourth championship secured, Formula 1 shifts its focus to the conclusion of the 2024 season. While the Drivers’ Championship is already decided, excitement continues with the fierce battle for the Constructors’ Championship, where Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari are vying for supremacy. The Qatar Grand Prix: The next stop After four intense races in the Americas, the Qatar Grand Prix will serve as the penultimate round of the season, marking the return of Formula 1 to Asia. Taking place at the Losail Circuit, this event will also host the final sprint format of the year, adding an extra layer of excitement.     In Qatar, teams will have the chance to score up to 59 points, potentially determining the outcome of the battle between the top three constructors. Additionally, the circuit is notorious for its demanding conditions, with high temperatures and humidity posing a unique challenge for drivers. A circuit of significant physical challenges The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix left unforgettable moments, such as Esteban Ocon’s revelation that he vomited in his helmet mid-race and images of drivers like Alex Albon and Lance Stroll struggling to exit their cars at the finish. Even podium finishers Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris were visibly exhausted after the grueling event.     This year, teams and drivers are better prepared, but the Losail Circuit remains one of the toughest on the calendar, making physical and strategic performance crucial for success. Qatar Grand Prix Schedule The race weekend kicks off with a single practice session on Friday, November 29, at 7:30 AM (Central Mexico Time). The sprint shootout will follow later that day at 11:30 AM. The sprint race will take place on Saturday, November 30, at 8:00 AM, while the qualifying session for the main race will occur at 12:00 PM. Finally, the main race is scheduled for Sunday, December 1, at 10:00 AM. Expectations for the championship finale With Verstappen’s title already secured, all eyes are on the strategic battle between teams. The Qatar Grand Prix promises to be pivotal in shaping the Constructors’ Championship, as fans gear up for one of the most thrilling races of the season.

The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix has grabbed attention not only for the spectacle of the Sin City but also for an unexpected detail: the strong smell of marijuana around the circuit. Several drivers, including Mexico’s Sergio “Checo” Pérez, have expressed their discomfort with the constant aroma during the initial practice sessions. “The smell is unbelievable”: Checo Pérez Checo Pérez, Red Bull driver, pointed out that the cannabis odor was noticeable throughout the urban circuit. “What really stands out across the entire track is the smell of marijuana all night. I’m getting a bit tired of it; the amount is unbelievable. It’s something all the drivers will surely talk about,” Pérez commented after completing the first free practice sessions, where he finished 10th and 19th.     The Mexican driver, who secured third place in last year’s race, is already facing a tough weekend due to his team’s performance struggles. However, the marijuana smell has added an unexpected twist to the event. Reactions from Other Drivers Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto also commented on the situation. “Yes, there was a smell of weed. If they gave us doping tests now, I think we’d all test positive. I swear,” Colapinto stated, emphasizing how unusual the experience was for an event of this caliber. The Las Vegas street race, famous for its glamour and being held amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, has exposed some of the excesses associated with the location. This time, the cannabis aroma seems to have become part of the ambiance.     Las Vegas: A Challenge On and Off the Track With the race scheduled for Sunday, the Formula 1 drivers are gearing up to tackle the urban circuitunder the city’s iconic lights. However, the unexpected “ingredient” of the marijuana smell has sparked debate among competitors, who claim this issue has not arisen at other circuits. Checo Pérez and his team will aim to improve their qualifying positions and prove their skills on one of the most unique tracks on the calendar. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Grand Prix continues to reflect the extravagance and excess that define the city. The marijuana odor situation in Las Vegas is yet another reminder of the peculiarities that can arise at an event combining high-stakes competition with such a distinctive environment.  

Logistical Issues Put Red Bull at a Disadvantage Red Bull Racing faces an unexpected challenge at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix after arriving with the wrong rear wing configuration for the circuit, which is designed to prioritize high-speed performance on long straights. This logistical error could hinder the team’s performance until the correct wings arrive, scheduled for Saturday morning. Performance Impacted During Free Practice In the first free practice sessions, the disadvantage of Red Bull’s drivers was evident: Max Verstappen, the championship leader, placed 17th, while Sergio Pérez finished 19th. Both struggled significantly due to the use of a high-downforce wing, designed for technical circuits, which drastically reduced their top speed.     According to measurements, Red Bull’s cars were up to 7 km/h slower than their main competitors in the speed traps, a critical disadvantage on a track where straight-line acceleration is paramount. Improvised Solutions Fall Short Team advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that Red Bull does not have an alternative rear wingavailable in Las Vegas, and the chances of receiving the correct parts in time from England are slim. To address the issue, engineers made adjustments to the current rear wing, removing the Gurney flap and trimming part of the trailing edge. However, these modifications did not significantly close the gap with rivals like McLaren and Mercedes. “We are at a disadvantage without a wing designed for this circuit. Although we’ve tried to adapt, we’re still far behind,” admitted Marko, acknowledging the difficulty of competing on equal footing.     Time Running Out The correct rear wings are expected to arrive on Saturday, leaving little time for installation and testing before qualifying. This setback puts the team in a tough position, forcing them to explore creative alternatives to maximize performance with the resources at hand. Impact on the Championship Battle For Verstappen, the error may not significantly impact his already secured championship title. However, for Sergio Pérez, who is fighting to maintain second place in the standings, the delay in receiving the correct parts could prove crucial to his performance over the weekend.     The Las Vegas Grand Prix presents an unexpected challenge for a team accustomed to dominating the grid. Can Red Bull overcome this logistical hurdle and adapt to the circuit’s demands? Only time will tell.  

A Milestone for Motorsport Courtney Crone, a 23-year-old driver with Mexican heritage, is set to make history in motorsport by joining the Haas team in the F1 Academy for the 2025 season. Although born in California, her connection to Mexico comes from her grandmother, and Crone has proudly celebrated her roots throughout her career.     The F1 Academy, a category created to showcase the world’s best female drivers, will be the stage where Crone demonstrates her talent following a successful debut as a Wild Card at the Miami Grand Prix 2024 with PREMA Racing. Crone’s Career Journey From a young age, Courtney Crone showed a passion for motorsport, starting her journey in karting competitions and advancing to renowned series like IMSA Racing. In IMSA, she was part of the Driver Diversity Development Program, which supported her growth as an athlete and professional. In 2024, Crone dedicated a special message during Cinco de Mayo, highlighting her pride in representing Mexico in every race. “Carrying the Mexican flag on my racing suit means so much to me. I know my grandmother would be proud,” she shared on her social media platforms. From Wild Card to Full-Time Driver Crone’s debut in the F1 Academy as a special guest at the Miami Grand Prix marked a turning point in her career. After that experience, she set her sights on joining the category full-time, a dream that has now come true.     “Since my participation in Miami, I knew I wanted to compete full-time in this category. I’m thrilled about the opportunity Haas has given me and focused on making the most of it,” Crone expressed. Haas: The Chosen Team The Haas team will be responsible for supporting Crone in this new chapter. The driver expressed gratitude to the team for trusting her talent and committing to the project. Her main goal will be to meet expectations and prove her ability to compete at the highest level. Impact on Women in Motorsport Courtney Crone’s arrival in the F1 Academy is not just a personal achievement but also a significant step forward for women in motorsport and the representation of Mexico in the sport. Her story inspires new generations of women to pursue their dreams in a discipline historically dominated by men. With a combination of experience, determination, and pride in her roots, Crone is ready to make her mark in the 2025 F1 Academy season.   Esta nota llegó a ti gracias a Bizarro: https://www.joyeriasbizzarro.com/   

An Outstanding Performance in the 2024 Season Driver Max Gutiérrez successfully closed the 2024 NASCAR México Series season by securing three consecutive podiums, placing him in a prominent sixth position in the overall standings. With a total of 413.5 points, the Mexico City native qualified for the playoffs, solidifying his spot among the best drivers in the category. Three Key Podiums in the Season Gutiérrez, who competes for the Prime Sports team, showcased exceptional performance throughout the 12 scoring rounds of the championship. His Ford #23 car was competitive in every race, with the driver constantly battling for top positions. The most notable results came with three consecutive podiums: a third place in both visits to Querétaro and another third place in the ninth round in Aguascalientes. “In the second half of the season, we showed that we are ready to fight for podiums and for the win,” commented Gutiérrez, who also thanked the support of his team and sponsors. This result marks an important step in his career, showcasing consistency and an excellent adaptation to the demanding format of the NASCAR México Series. Notable Results Throughout the Year The 2020 NASCAR Challenge Series champion stood out not only for his podium finishes but also for his ability to remain competitive on various tracks. He finished in fourth place at the Óvalo Aguascalientes México during the fifth round of the year, and earned a fifth place finish in the Chihuahua night race and at the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, during the third and twelfth rounds of the season, respectively.     A Promising Future in NASCAR Xfinity In addition to his continued participation in the NASCAR México Series, Max Gutiérrez plans to take the next step in his career. The driver is expected to participate in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in June of next year, when a scoring race will take place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. This will be a new challenge for Gutiérrez, who continues to grow as one of the most promising young talents in Mexican motorsports.     Conclusion Max Gutiérrez’s 2024 season in NASCAR México was one of consolidation, with consistent podiums and a remarkable playoff qualification. With his experience and results, the driver continues to gain confidence, setting his sights on new challenges, such as his potential entry into the NASCAR Xfinity Series.