Jack Oliver Smith, Author at Motorsport Week https://www.motorsportweek.com/author/jack_smith/ Motorsport Week is an independent, FIA accredited motorsport website delivering the latest Formula 1, Formula E, GP2, GP3, WEC, IndyCar, Nascar, Formula 3, WRC, WRX, DTM, IMSA and MotoGP news and results. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:38:51 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png Jack Oliver Smith, Author at Motorsport Week https://www.motorsportweek.com/author/jack_smith/ 32 32 Pierre Gasly reveals ‘strong bond’ with Flavio Briatore as Alpine aims for F1 glory https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/26/pierre-gasly-reveals-strong-bond-with-flavio-briatore-as-alpine-aims-for-f1-glory/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/26/pierre-gasly-reveals-strong-bond-with-flavio-briatore-as-alpine-aims-for-f1-glory/#respond Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:38:38 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220549 Pierre Gasly has revealed the "stronger bond" he has created with Flavio Briatore at Alpine

Pierre Gasly has revealed how he and Flavio Briatore have created a "stronger bond" the longer they work together, as Alpine aim to reach the top of F1.

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Pierre Gasly has revealed the "stronger bond" he has created with Flavio Briatore at Alpine

Pierre Gasly has revealed how he and Flavio Briatore have created a “stronger bond” the longer they work together, as Alpine aim to reach the top of Formula 1.

The Italian re-entered the F1 fold as Executive Advisor at the Enstone-based squad last May, where he enjoyed successful stints at the helm of Benetton and Renault.

Since this May, Briatore has been back in his usual territory on the pit wall, acting as de facto Team Principal, after the resignation of former boss Oliver Oakes.

But the team has not enjoyed a happy season, failing to capitalise on its late-season surge in 2024, in which it snatched sixth in the Constructors’ Championship from Haas.

The A525 challenger has been the runt of the F1 litter this year, and Gasly has worked minor miracles to secure all the 20 points it has secured so far.

It appears that Gasly and Briatore are enjoying a healthy working relationship, something he has confirmed, praising his unlimited quest for putting the team in the big time.

“I must say, [the media] probably knows him and has more stories than I because I only really got to know him since he arrived last year,” Gasly told RacingNews365.

“You need time to open up and understand each other’s personalities, and at the start, it was all-track focused. 

“The more we work together, we create a stronger bond and now we have started to know a bit more about each person and how we act.

“He invited me onto his boat, and I spent some time with him, and it is good to see what his vision is, what he wants from the team. He’s been a very successful businessman and has a lot of experience in F1, but also outside of F1. He is a true leader.”

Gasly said that his and Briatore’s goals are very much aligned, saying that he wants to help create an Alpine team that will ultimately enable him to challenge for victories.

“That is what I want at the end of the day, I want to win, and that is what I want in my career,” he said.

“I want to finish my career knowing I don’t want to compete in F1, I want to win in F1, and I want to build a team that can give me a car to race and fight for wins.

“Some teams, obviously, want it, but the reality is they’ll always settle for the midfield. Flavio doesn’t have any limits, not even the sky is the limit for Flavio. 

“He is really committed to Formula 1 and the team to put Enstone back on top as he did some years ago, and obviously things have evolved, but he’s very much aware of that and he wants to make it happen, and is putting the work in.”

Pierre Gasly has led the line during a difficult 2025 season for Alpine
Pierre Gasly has led the line during a difficult 2025 season for Alpine

Gasly believes Alpine is ‘in a decent place’ for 2026

Gasly expanded on how he is observing Briatore oversee a change of mentality within Enstone, further aided by the arrival of new personnel, including Steve Nielsen as Managing Director.

“I have a very good relationship with Flavio and the key management in the team, and I can really see where their mindset is, the processes that are changing and what is actually evolving,” he said.

“I would be worried right now if nothing changed because we’re obviously not in a good place, but we have a lot of great people, we have great staff, and we are adding key people to the factory. 

“We are starting with brand-new regulations, and fortunately, with the situation we are in, we have more wind-tunnel time for next season compared to the other teams.”

Gasly acknowledged that there will have to be a time to adapt from being a works team to a customer, as it will be with Mercedes next year, but believes there are good foundations in place for the year ahead.

“We have the change of engine manufacturer, which is going to take some adaptation, but we know that on paper, we are in a decent place for next year,” he explained.

“So for me, I’m just trying to grind my way through 2025, keeping my motivation up, and whenever I have a steering wheel in my hands, I need to give my best to deliver the best job I can.”

“It can be finding personal challenges to keep me motivated and also building the team that I need next year if we have a car which can fight for the top five or podiums or wins”

READ MOREThe revised role Pierre Gasly is revelling in at Alpine in F1 2025

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Lewis Hamilton vows to ‘keep going’ ahead of F1’s return from summer break https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/lewis-hamilton-vows-to-keep-going-ahead-of-f1s-return-from-summer-break/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/lewis-hamilton-vows-to-keep-going-ahead-of-f1s-return-from-summer-break/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220540 Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media to reassure fans of his motivation to continue despite a difficult F1 season so far

Lewis Hamilton has vowed to "keep going, even when it's difficult" in a social media post ahead of F1's return from its summer break this weekend.

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Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media to reassure fans of his motivation to continue despite a difficult F1 season so far

Lewis Hamilton has vowed to “keep going, even when it’s difficult” in a social media post ahead of Formula 1‘s return from its summer break this weekend.

The Brit has cut a miserable figure for much of his first season with Ferrari, amid a string of poor results by his own usually high standard.

Hamilton has encountered a plethora of issues with the Scuderia’s SF-25 this year, seeing him take just one solitary victory, coming in the China Sprint Race.

In a full Grand Prix, Hamilton has yet to take a podium finish, with four fourth-place finishes the best he has offered so far.

Over much of the season, he has been unable to match team-mate Charles Leclerc, his misery culminating in a Q2 exit from qualifying for the last round in Hungary.

It was this that led to a shocking post-qualifying comment that Ferrari should “change driver” after his “useless” performance, with Leclerc taking pole position in the same car.

Some have also speculated whether the 40-year-old’s time in the sport is at an end, with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone suggesting possible replacements for him.

Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most pole positions at the Hungaroring
Lewis Hamilton has yet to finish on the podium this season, after taking a solitary victory in the China Sprint Race

But taking to his Instagram ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton conveyed a sense of rediscovered motivation.

“I’m always so grateful for this time, for the opportunity to rest and recharge,” he wrote.

“There’s a lot I’ve been meditating on. Every one of us is up against so much, both individually and globally.

“It’s so important that we embrace the light of truth and love and take care of ourselves so that we can better take care of others.

“We can’t look away. We have to keep going, even when it’s difficult.”

Ferrari, which has managed to produce an upgrade for its floor and rear suspension – two areas causing performance and results to suffer – will be hopeful of giving Hamilton a car able to compete starting in Zandvoort.

Hamilton currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 109 points, 40 off fifth-placed Leclerc.

READ MOREFerrari teases possible historic F1 celebration at Italian GP

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FIA keen to avoid ‘overburdening’ F1 drivers with 2026 regulations https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/fia-keen-to-avoid-overburdening-f1-drivers-with-2026-regulations/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/fia-keen-to-avoid-overburdening-f1-drivers-with-2026-regulations/#respond Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:45:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220512 F1 will see a new set of regulations in 2026

The FIA's Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis has said Formula 1's upcoming regulation changes are not designed to "overburden" drivers.

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F1 will see a new set of regulations in 2026

The FIA‘s Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis has said Formula 1‘s upcoming regulation changes are not designed to “overburden” drivers.

2026 will see some of the most radical technical regulation changes in F1’s history, and the topic has already drawn contrasting opinions across the board.

Further electrification and aerodynamic changes will see a contrast from current machines, leading to a change in how drivers will tackle the cars.

Regardless of personal opinion, F1 drivers have indicated that there will be a significant challenge from the new cars, with further onus on their skill than the car.

Williams’ Alex Albon has discussed the complexities of the 2026 cars, and said that the most intelligent drivers will be able to “abuse the system”.

His Team Principal James Vowles has also been vocal in his assertion that drivers are going to experience a “very difficult” workload behind the wheel.

Tombazis, in an interview with Autosport, appeared to attempt to quell any potential worry from the drivers, a reiteration of previous comments the Greek has given.

“But firstly, Albon and other drivers haven’t driven the final rules yet, by definition, because they’re not done yet,” he said.

“Secondly, for sure if you don’t automate certain parts, there will be an increased burden on the drivers. That is true.”

Tombazis added that this is an area of the regulations that the sport’s governing body is currently still trying to determine with definition.

“Part of the work that still needs to be done between now and the start of next season is to determine how much of that stuff will be in the background, let’s say more automatic, versus how much the driver will have to control.”

Nikolas Tombazis says the FIA felt the need for a 'proper department' to address concerns over stewarding in F1
Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA Single-Seater Director, is keen to avoid the 2026 F1 cars being too complex for drivers

Tombazis keen to avoid an unnecessary F1 ‘chess game’

One of F1’s big changes is the removal of DRS, to be replaced by a system that resembles IndyCar’s ‘push to pass’ button.

The additional removal of some of the intricacies that aids the drivers is seen, from Tombazis’ perspective at least, a return to drivers having more “control” than before.

“We don’t want to overburden the driver with something,” he said. “But at the same time there has to be a degree of freedom, to make sure that he can attack, defend and have some of that stuff under his control.

“But there will for sure be some part of it which will be managed transparently to him, so he doesn’t have to think about it when cornering or something like that.”

Another huge aspect of the 2026 cars will be the constant energy conservation that will have to be at the forefront of the drivers’ minds all of the time.

Tombazis was keen to stress that he would like to see a somewhat happy medium between it playing a key part of a driver’s race, but not that it takes away the organic nature of the racing itself.

“I think there’s a balance to strike between driving like a chess game of energy management, which we don’t want as one extreme, and then the other extreme where driving is just a steering wheel, a throttle pedal and a brake pedal,” he said, adding: “We need to find a good way in the middle.”

On the topic of Albon’s previous statement of abusing the system, Tombazis believes that current F1 is already placed in such a way that drivers with the most intelligence will rise to the top.

“But I think smart drivers already prevail,” he said. “The difference in performance that we see nowadays in F1 includes a percentage of that,” he added, citing his times spent as an aerodynamicist with Michael Schumacher at both Benetton and Ferrari.

“And that’s not only now, the mental bandwidth of drivers has been a factor for the last 20 years already – also in the younger days of my career, when I was working with Schumacher for example.

“I mean, obviously he was phenomenally talented, but a big part of what set him apart was that he could also think of all these other things during a race.

“You know that amongst the current drivers there are some who seem to have a bit extra to think about other things as well, while some others have to use all their CPU to drive the car.”

Nikolas Tombazis is hopeful of there being a balance for drivers to take more control but without the difficulties
Nikolas Tombazis is hopeful of there being a balance for drivers to take more control but without the difficulties

F1 drivers will need ‘understanding of the parameters’ of 2026 cars

Tombazis is trusting of the drivers’ mental capacity to deal with the challenges ahead, stating they “have quite a high bandwidth of intellect.

“They can deal with certain problems.”

Tombazis concluded that whilst there will be a new level of skills they will need to hone and develop, the 2026 cars will still show the wheat from the chaff by little more than the basic requirements of an F1 driver.

“There’s a level of understanding they need to have of these parameters,” he said.

“We think that’s part of what a top driver has to do. It’s not, however, and we will make sure it isn’t, the main skill.

“The main skill is still to be able to brake at the right point, to go fast around the corner, to find the limit, select the right lines, etc.

“That will still be the main parameter that controls who’s good and who’s bad. I wouldn’t be able to drive the car!”

READ MOREHow Aston Martin is preparing for the challenge of F1 2026

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Red Bull eyeing F1 drive for IndyCar champion Alex Palou – report https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/red-bull-eyeing-f1-drive-for-indycar-champion-alex-palou-report/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/red-bull-eyeing-f1-drive-for-indycar-champion-alex-palou-report/#respond Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:15:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220514 IndyCar champion Alex Palou is on the radar of Red Bull, according to reports. Image: Kevin Dejewski

Red Bull is eyeing a move for IndyCar champion Alex Palou to join Max Verstappen in the team's F1 ranks, according to a report in America.

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IndyCar champion Alex Palou is on the radar of Red Bull, according to reports. Image: Kevin Dejewski

Red Bull is eyeing a move for IndyCar champion Alex Palou to join Max Verstappen in the team’s Formula 1 ranks, according to a report in America.

The Milton Keynes-based squad has returned to struggling with its second seat alongside Verstappen, after firing Sergio Perez at the end of last year.

Liam Lawson lasted just two races at the start of this year and was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who has also struggled to score points in the tricky RB21.

Meanwhile, Palou’s stock has continued to rise Stateside, as he took his third straight IndyCar title just two weeks ago, his fourth overall.

It would not be the first time that Palou has been linked to F1, after an initial and contentious connection via McLaren.

The Woking-based outfit filed a lawsuit in 2023, which is ongoing, regarding an alleged breach of contract, after having tested its F1 challengers in a reserve driver role.

Alex Palou had previous ties to McLaren and was linked to Williams before these new Red Bull rumours
Alex Palou had previous ties to McLaren and was linked to Williams

And earlier this summer, Williams Team Principal James Vowles revealed that the Spaniard was on its shortlist of candidates for a drive alongside Alex Albon this year.

Immediately after his first Indy 500 win this year, Palou revealed to the Indianapolis Star newspaper that F1 was not “calling him” anymore.

He added that his focus was now away from F1 after his long and successful stint across the pond, and that he “[liked] winning races”, seeking glory rather than fame.

But now the same publication is reporting that Red Bull’s hierarchy may now be able to tempt his attention back to F1.

However, the supposed terms of Palou’s current contract with Chip Ganassi Racing could see Red Bull required to pay a hefty release clause to spring the 28-year-old from it.

Unlike other IndyCar drivers rumoured to be seeking the challenge of F1, Palou has the required Super Licence points in order to race.

And his glowing profile as one of the world’s best drivers might also tempt Red Bull into a potential play for his signature, particularly given the sport’s growing popularity in the country.

READ MORE – IndyCar star Colton Herta yet to rule out F2 switch to help secure F1 drive

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IndyCar star Colton Herta yet to rule out F2 switch to help secure F1 drive https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/indycar-star-colton-herta-yet-to-rule-out-f2-switch-to-help-secure-f1-drive/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/indycar-star-colton-herta-yet-to-rule-out-f2-switch-to-help-secure-f1-drive/#respond Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:09:47 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220484 Colton Herta has not ruled out a switch to F2 to help secure a path to F1

IndyCar star Colton Herta has failed to rule out a potential move to Formula 2 in order to secure a Formula 1 drive in the future.

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Colton Herta has not ruled out a switch to F2 to help secure a path to F1

IndyCar star Colton Herta has failed to rule out a potential move to Formula 2 in order to secure a Formula 1 drive in the future.

The American, who drives for the Andretti Global squad, has been the subject of longstanding rumours about a possible switch to F1, which began in 2021.

Amid Andretti’s interest in purchasing Sauber, Herta’s name was banded around, and was said to have had a seat fitting, but the sale fell through.

The 25-year-old was then handed a TPC test car Portimao with McLaren, which encompassed speculation about a move to Racing Bulls, then AlphaTauri.

But the FIA was said not to be prepared to make an exception of Herta, as he did not possess the sufficient Super Licence points to gain entry.

Herta would have been able to have achieved that this year should he have been able to have completed a top four finish in the IndyCar standings.

But with one round to go and in sixth place, he is now mathematically unable to reach the required 40 licence points needed to be deemed qualified for F1.

This has now led to speculation that he may be willing to take a seat in F2, which would potentially create an easier passage to F1 should he desire it.

Ahead of the Snap-On 250 at the Milwaukee Mile, Herta said that it was purely speculation, intimating he knew nothing more than anyone else at this moment.

“I’ve heard those rumours, too,” Herta told the IndyStar. “That’s all it is right now, is rumours.”

Colton Herta has spent time around F1 away from IndyCar, having been previously attached to McLaren during 2022
Colton Herta has spent time around F1 away from IndyCar, having been previously attached to McLaren during 2022

Herta admits an IndyCar to F1 switch would be something ‘to think about’

Such is the length of time he has been linked with a move to F1, Herta acknowledged that he is not trying to force one, but said earlier in the year that he would “think about it” if an opportunity arose.

“I’ve been dragged around in these talks for, like, half a decade now,” he said.

“I’ve had the carrot in front of me for a while, and I’m kind of tired of that being the case, and I just want to drive at this point and focus on IndyCar this year and focus on winning the championship, and if something arises out of that, I’d still have to think about it.”

Herta recognised the personal commitments it would require for him to make such a jump, including an upheaval of his life from the States to Europe.

“All my friends and family are here in the US, and I don’t know anybody where I would be going, so it’s a big decision to make if I have to make that decision.”

READ MOREThe rising star who could be ‘deal of the century’ for F1 teams

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Alex Albon draws on Mercedes example in potential Williams F1 hurdle https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/alex-albon-draws-on-mercedes-example-in-potential-williams-f1-hurdle/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/alex-albon-draws-on-mercedes-example-in-potential-williams-f1-hurdle/#respond Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:00:06 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220479 Alex Albon has warned that next year's F1 rule changes could see Williams produce a downturn in form

Alex Albon has admitted that next year's F1 rule changes could prove to be a hurdle to current progress shown by Williams, citing Mercedes as an example.

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Alex Albon has warned that next year's F1 rule changes could see Williams produce a downturn in form

Alex Albon has admitted that next year’s Formula 1 rule changes could prove to be a hurdle to current progress shown by Williams, citing Mercedes as an example.

The Grove-based squad is enjoying its best F1 season for some time, currently heading up the midfield battle, sitting fifth in the the Constructors’ Championship.

18 points clear of Aston Martin in sixth, Williams has been able to boast top 10 finishes in all but four of the 14 rounds so far, with 54 of those points scored by Albon.

After being one of F1’s most competitive teams after Mercedes when the V6 hybrid era began in 2014, the team began to suffer a significant lull amid its sale by the Williams family.

The ground effect period of this era, which commenced in 2022, has seen little progress either, but Williams have now begun to crack the code.

However, next year sees the introduction of some of F1’s most radical technical regulation changes in its 75-year history, something that concerns the Anglo-Thai driver.

“It is, it is [a concern],” Albon told RacingNews365./

“A good example would be Mercedes. On the last generation of cars, they had a car that they dominated, and then they didn’t.

“I think the best teams still find a way. They still seem to be able to get everyone together, be adaptable, go up and still fight their way back up to the top.”

Williams have been in the midfield fight during the 2025 F1 season
Alex Albon has warned that the downturn seen at Mercedes could prove to be a similar issue for Williams next year, amid its impressive showing so far this season

Williams ‘have foundations to bounce back’

Albon is natrually chomping at the bit to get the team back to where it used to proudly place itself – at the very top of F1.

The 29-year-old has been a focal part of its steady progress towards the midfield, having impressed amid its difficult periods since joining the team in 2022.

But Albon believes that even if the rule changes may truncate the team’s current upward trajectory, there is a good platform which should make it just a temporary blip.

“I think as a team, if I look at where we were three years ago and you asked me, ‘what happens if you plateau? What would happen there?’” he said.

“I would be like ‘yeah, that’s a talking point’. But now, we’re not there yet, but we’re in such a healthier position.

“Even if next year is not where we want to be, I still feel like we’ve got good foundations to bounce back.

“We still want to improve [the foundations], and we are.

“The amount of movement at Grove is huge, so as long as I still believe in the project, I’m happy to. I don’t want it to wait, but I’m happy to wait.”

READ MOREHow Aston Martin is preparing for the challenge of F1 2026

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How Aston Martin is preparing for the challenge of F1 2026 https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/24/how-aston-martin-is-preparing-for-the-challenge-of-f1-2026/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/24/how-aston-martin-is-preparing-for-the-challenge-of-f1-2026/#respond Sun, 24 Aug 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220426 Aston Martin will be hoping for success when F1 begins its new era next year

Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell has explained how the team is preparing for next year's F1 season, along with the accompanying new set of regulations.

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Aston Martin will be hoping for success when F1 begins its new era next year

Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell has explained how the team is preparing for next year’s Formula 1 season, along with the accompanying new set of regulations.

The sport is readying itself for the start of a new era, with new rules signifying a huge change in cars, both aerodynamically and in terms of engine power.

A significant number of eyes may be on the Silverstone-based squad for reasons that are two-fold.

Firstly, the team will begin a new era as a user of Honda power units, as the Japanese marque returns after quitting the sport at the end of 2021.

Secondly, Aston will take to the track with a car designed on the drawing board of famed technical guru Adrian Newey, who formally joined the team in March.

Cowell revealed his own personal approach since joining the team, initially as Group CEO in 2024, in an interview with RacingNews365.

“Joining the team, I was keen to learn about the team overall and then dig down into the world of aerodynamics as an area that I knew of, but not any great detail as to what an aerodynamicist does,” he said.

“And then you pull a plan together, and you get stuck into going from what you can see to where you’d like the team to be.

“That learning just carries on. Every day is a new experience of learning and reflecting and thinking about ‘what’s the core purpose of the team?’

“Getting everybody focused on the objective of making our formula Aston Martin, powered by Honda racing car, to be better and measured against our reference.

“How do we get it so that every single area of our business focuses on performance improvement?

“The steeper we can make that curve, the quicker we will improve, which means you overtake the opposition. And if you keep focused on that. You don’t let glory pollute your head.

“You stay ahead, so it’s trying to get everything aligned to that, listening to all the requests and working out, what are we going to do, first, second and third – because you can’t do everything at the same time.”

Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell is hopeful that the team will be competitive in the new era of F1
Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell is hopeful that the team will be competitive in the new era of F1

Aston Martin aiming to be strong across future F1 seasons

Since Lawrence Stroll took ownership, the team, then known as Racing Point, has undergone several changes, not just in its name.

One of its recent statements has been the continual growth and expansion of its technology campus at Silverstone, not just the addition of personnel such as Newey.

“Change is not trivial,” Cowell explained. “We’re going racing, we’re engineering a car for next year, adding change on top of that is extra workload.

“Making change requires extra effort. There are always hurdles. There’s always a feeling of, ‘do we really need to?’ and it’s just leaning into that.

“It’s leaning into that and keeping the medium to long-term focus, because it’s not just about 2026. It’s the first season of us being a works team.

“But there are many more championships after that point, and we want to be strong across all of those.

“That’s where Lawrence is exceptionally good at having that vision and investing further for the medium to long-term.

“You don’t invest in a wind tunnel if it’s short-term. You don’t invest in the campus that we’ve experienced if you’re there for the short term.

“Lawrence gives a very clear vision. We’re all impatient, but the investment supports a medium to long-term approach.”

READ MORE – Mercedes discloses 2026 F1 cars could hit astonishing 400km/h speeds

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Alex Albon: James Vowles has dispelled previous ‘doom and gloom’ at Williams https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/24/alex-albon-james-vowles-has-dispelled-previous-doom-and-gloom-at-williams/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/24/alex-albon-james-vowles-has-dispelled-previous-doom-and-gloom-at-williams/#respond Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220405 Alex Albon has praised James Vowles' influence since joining Williams

Alex Albon has praised Williams boss James Vowles for transforming the F1 team's culture and for lifting a lingering "doom and gloom".

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Alex Albon has praised James Vowles' influence since joining Williams

Alex Albon has praised Williams boss James Vowles for transforming the Formula 1 team’s culture and for lifting a lingering “doom and gloom”.

The 46-year-old joined the Grove-based squad ahead of the 2023 season, with the team amid perhaps the lowest ebb of its recent history.

Vowles has steadied the ship, and with Albon leading the line in its driver rosters, Williams has shown signs of slow but sure progress.

And 2025 has most certainly been its headiest season in a long while, currently lying in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

With Albon and Carlos Sainz managing to earn top 10 finishes in all but four of the 14 rounds, it currently has 70 points, more than in the last three seasons combined.

Albon is in no doubt that Vowles’ presence has ensured a complete change in mentality at the team from his first season there in 2021.

“The biggest thing is the culture of the team,” the Anglo-Thai driver told RacingNews365.

“You walk into Grove, it looks the same, but you go inside and it feels different.

“So, when I think about the biggest difference, it’s purely when I remember my first time at Williams.

“Going to the factory, no one was very confident, people were talking badly about themselves, which is never a good sign.

“Possibly a bit stuck in their old ways, and just a bit doom and gloom, really.”

Under James Vowles, Williams pair Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have scored 70 points between them
Williams pair Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have scored 70 points between them

Albon celebrates the ‘freedom’ and lack of ego at Williams

Albon explained that Vowles’ methodical approach to running the team has enabled and encouraged a feeling of “openness” within the ranks at Grove.

“So you get this feeling, he talks about this a lot, of breaking everything down and seeing how it builds back up,” he added.

“And so there’s a freedom and a kind of an openness to everything that we go about our racing, there’s no ego involved.

“And the feedback and the work that we do as drivers really gets taken on. And there’s just this energy to be better.

“And so I think that culture definitely wasn’t there when I first joined. And now it’s great because you have, I won’t call it a young team, but it’s been rejuvenated in terms of it’s just, it’s energy, it’s a really exciting place to be.”

READ MORE Williams reveals the precise moment development fully switched to 2026 F1 car

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Toto Wolff brands Christian Horner an ‘a**hole’ in reflection of F1 rivalry https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/24/toto-wolff-brands-christian-horner-an-ahole-in-reflection-of-f1-rivalry/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/24/toto-wolff-brands-christian-horner-an-ahole-in-reflection-of-f1-rivalry/#comments Sun, 24 Aug 2025 08:22:21 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220399 Toto Wolff has described Christian Horner as an "a**hole" in his assessment of the pair's F1 rivalry

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has branded his old F1 adversary Christian Horner an "a**hole" in an assessment of their longstanding personal rivalry.

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Toto Wolff has described Christian Horner as an "a**hole" in his assessment of the pair's F1 rivalry

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has branded his old Formula 1 adversary Christian Horner an “a**hole” in an assessment of their longstanding personal rivalry.

Horner’s dismissal by Red Bull in July brought to an end the 51-year-old’s 20-year spell in F1, having led the Milton Keynes-based squad since its inception.

It also closed a chapter on one of the most fraught and public displays of verbal warfare between two Team Principals in the sport’s history.

Horner and Wolff’s rivalry often conveyed a genuine mutual disliking, amid Red Bull and the German marque’s on-track battle for supremacy.

Even right up to the end of Horner’s tenure, the pair could often be the subject of a verbal jousting, with Wolff blasting Red Bull’s protest of George Russell’s victory in Canada.

When asked to sum up Horner and his time in F1, the Austrian told Formula.hu: “What do I think [of Horner]?

“Well, that over the last 12-15 years, he has often behaved like an asshole.

“He operates according to completely different values, but even the greatest enemy has a best friend.

“On the other hand, he was extremely successful in what he did.

“Now that he’s gone, at least for a while, a real personality has left the sport.

“He was controversial and divisive, but he was one of the main characters here. We can safely say that he was as significant as a great driver.

“Looking at it purely from an F1 perspective, I don’t think there are many old-style team boss dinosaurs left here.

“Maybe just me. Maybe Fred [Vasseur, Ferrari team principal] is a bit of a dinosaur too!”

Toto Wolff said his rivalry with Christian Horner sometimes matched the on-track rivalry of its drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, in 2021
Toto Wolff said his rivalry with Christian Horner sometimes matched the on-track rivalry of its drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, in 2021

Wolff and Horner rivalry matched Hamilton and Verstappen’s

The pair’s contentious relationship came to a head in 2021, when their respective drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, conducted one of the most gripping Drivers’ Championship battles of all-time.

Verstappen, of course, came out on top at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, under controversial circumstances via a late Safety Car.

Whilst the Dutchman and the seven-time champion were the main protagonists, the two team bosses played their own role in the drama, too.

Asked if his rivalry with Horner might have been, at times, as memorable as their drivers’ battles, Wolff replied: “Yes.

“If you look at it, it really has always been an interesting story.

“Those years, but especially 2021, weren’t just about Max and Lewis, but also about Christian and me.

“What’s more, it was really difficult at times – and that’s in every history book and always will be.”

Wolff concluded and he might have to find himself a new rival, intimating that his own existence in F1 may not be as fun without Horner.

“He always said that I loved to hate him,” he said.

“So who should I hate now? It looks like I’ll have to find someone else…”

READ MORERed Bull’s F1 rivals regard Laurent Mekies as ‘perfect’ Christian Horner successor

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Red Bull’s F1 rivals regard Laurent Mekies as ‘perfect’ Christian Horner successor https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/23/red-bulls-f1-rivals-regard-laurent-mekies-as-perfect-christian-horner-successor/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/23/red-bulls-f1-rivals-regard-laurent-mekies-as-perfect-christian-horner-successor/#respond Sat, 23 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220335 Laurent Mekies has the qualities needed to run Red Bull, according to Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz believes that Red Bull has appointed the "perfect" replacement for Christian Horner in F1 in the form of new Team Principal Laurent Mekies.

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Laurent Mekies has the qualities needed to run Red Bull, according to Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz believes that Red Bull has appointed the “perfect” replacement for Christian Horner in Formula 1 in the form of new Team Principal Laurent Mekies.

The Frenchman replaced Horner at the Milton Keynes-based squad after the British Grand Prix, amid the shocking decision to relieve Horner of his role after 20 years in charge.

Mekies had previously been holding the same position as its satellite squad Racing Bulls since the start of 2024.

Prior to earning his Team Principal spurs at Racing Bulls, Mekies had also held roles at other teams, including Chief Engineer at its previous incarnation of Toro Rosso.

After a four-year stint as Deputy Race Director at the FIA, Mekies joined Ferrari as Sporting Director, where he worked alongside Sainz.

“He’s, I think, an extremely good professional,” the Spaniard told media including Motorsport Week.

“My time in Ferrari when he was there, I found someone that was incredibly hardworking. He understood very well the driver.

“He had a special feeling and a special communication with drivers, which I think makes things for the driver very comfortable and very open.

“Since his time in the FIA, then Ferrari, now Visa [Racing Bulls], and now coming in Red Bull, he has plenty of experience to lead one of the biggest teams in Formula 1.

“I think he’s honestly the perfect fit for that team. So, congrats to him—probably he deserves that upgrade or that step up. I think he’s going to enjoy it.”

Laurent Mekies and Carlos Sainz spent time together at Ferrari, when the Frenchman was the Scuderia's Sporting Director
Laurent Mekies and Carlos Sainz spent time together at Ferrari

Mekies ‘definitely capable’ of Team Principal role at Red Bull

Sainz’s ex-team-mate and current Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc concurred, saying his experience of Mekies led him to conclude he would make a fine Team Principal.

“When I worked with Laurent, he wasn’t a team principal just yet,” the Monegasque recalled.

“He had a very important position within the team. Laurent has always been extremely good at understanding people.

“He’s one of those where I didn’t have to speak much for him to understand the way I felt. That’s always very helpful.

“I’ve never had him as my Team Principal, but I’ve always seen him as a person definitely capable of becoming one. It’s great to see what’s happening to him.

“I’m super happy for him, when he first made the step to AlphaTauri back then and now at Red Bull Racing. He definitely deserves that.”

READ MORE The principle new F1 team bosses are backed to maintain

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