Monday’s F1 news roundup includes all the major headlines from Suzuka as the Japanese Grand Prix dust settles, with Fernando Alonso’s driving once again under the microscope.
We can’t waste time. Dive full throttle into the biggest stories of the day…
F1 News Roundup: April 8, 2024
Fernando Alonso criticizes FIA over sarcastic ‘disqualification’
Fernando Alonso has quipped that the FIA ​​could disqualify him from the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship following his latest trick in defense at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Alonso received a 20-second time penalty at last month’s Australian Grand Prix for “potentially dangerous driving” to protect Mercedes driver George Russell, even though the two cars did not collide. was punished.
Alonso and Russell almost reunited on the final lap at Suzuka, but a cunning little plan involving Oscar Piastri kept them well in front of the onrushing Mercedes.
read more: Fernando Alonso quizzed over DRS trick over ‘championship disqualification’ jibe
Details: Japanese Grand Prix data
As you may have noticed, we’ve introduced an exciting new element to our Japanese Grand Prix weekend coverage, with a deep dive into the data to determine the outcome of the race.
Everything you could ask for, from car telemetry and race pace comparisons to stint analysis and tire wear evaluations, was covered in detail in Monday’s post-race addition.
Our telemetry also revealed how Alonso incorporated Piastri into his plan to fend off Russell in the closing stages.
We hope you love our new additions as much as we do.
read more: Japanese GP data revealed: McLaren’s major mistakes and Fernando Alonso’s smart tactics
Will Red Bull lose Sergio Perez and Adrian Newey in a power struggle?
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos believes the current turmoil within the team could have a direct impact on the futures of Sergio Perez and Adrian Newey.
Perez reiterated his desire to remain with the team ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, but Doornbos claimed the Mexican was snubbed by the crowd after demanding a three-year contract over the Suzuka weekend.
The Dutchman has heard that Newey has indicated that he will not sign a new contract with Red Bull, despite reports that he has recently received a lucrative offer from Aston Martin.
Watch this space…
read more: Red Bull’s collateral damage: Perez’s ‘laughable’ three-year demands and Adrian Newey’s future
Is Hiroki Tsunoda finally a candidate for Red Bull?
If Perez, whose contract expires at the end of this season, is transferred, is there a possibility that Yuki Tsunoda will emerge as a candidate to replace him?
The very idea of ​​Tsunoda being promoted to the Red Bull seat seemed laughable not too long ago, but after three Q3 appearances in the opening four races and back-to-back points wins in Australia and Japan, it’s not so far-fetched. You might think not.
Helmut Marko has given an update on where exactly Tsunoda fits into Red Bull’s plans.
read more: Helmut Marko emphasizes that Yuki Tsunoda’s key stumbling blocks have been “resolved”
Mercedes reveals new 2024 target with Max Verstappen in the lead
Toto Wolff wants to avoid another 18 months of “further suffering” for Mercedes, but with Max Verstappen unstoppable, the team principal today revealed their reality is second place at best. Admitted.
Lewis Hamilton claimed a breakthrough in his understanding of Mercedes’ W15 car after qualifying at Suzuka, but gave a scathing response to the media after falling back to ninth in a hopeless race. Ta.
Wolff is convinced that no one will beat Verstappen to the title in 2024, admitting that matching last season’s constructors’ championship runner-up spot is Mercedes’ limit this season. There is.
After the first four races, Mercedes currently sits 86 points behind Ferrari.
read more: Mercedes faces ‘no man’s land’ amid fears of ‘further suffering’ after 18 months
