Author name: Sergio Spinoza

The iconic Italian circuit will continue to host the Italian Grand Prix following a new contract extension. The Historic Agreement Extension The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, known as the Temple of Speed, will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2031. This extension, adding six years to the current agreement, solidifies Monza’s importance as one of the most iconic venues in motorsport.     The announcement follows recent infrastructure upgrades made ahead of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, which welcomed over 335,000 fans. Built in 1922, Monza has hosted the Italian Grand Prix nearly every season since the World Championship began in 1950, except for 1980, when it closed for renovations. A Circuit That Makes History Located near Milan, Monza is distinguished by its 5.8-kilometer track, renowned as one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, with drivers at full throttle for 80% of the lap. In 2020, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history by average speed, clocking 264.362 km/h during qualifying. Legendary figures like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio have triumphed at Monza, while current stars like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc continue to write new chapters at this historic track. Commitment to the Future Formula 1 has seen remarkable growth in Italy, with a cumulative audience of 183.3 million in 2023 and a 16% increasein social media followers. Local authorities, led by the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) and supported by the Italian Government and the Lombardy Region, have invested heavily in recent circuit upgrades.     According to Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, these investments reflect a commitment to sustainability and improving the fan experience. Upgrades have included track resurfacing, enhanced access, and improved safety measures for both drivers and spectators. Projections Towards 2025 Looking ahead, plans are in place for further improvements to hospitality and services to meet the high standards of modern Formula 1. ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani emphasized that Monza is not only the oldest circuit on the calendar but also an event that continues to draw massive crowds thanks to its rich history and ongoing innovations. With this extension, Monza secures its place in Formula 1, keeping the passion of the tifosi alive and cementing its status as a true icon of motorsport.  

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.