In the round-up: Alexander Albon thinks Williams could be capable of a stronger performance this weekend as they seek their first points of the season.
In brief
Albon “most optimistic I’ve been” about Miami
Although Williams are one of the three teams yet to have scored their first points in 2024 so far, Albon says he is feeling more confident about his team’s chances in Miami than earlier rounds.
“Actually, if you look at last year here, we had the car – before the upgrade, so it was not the quickest car – but we were still near points,” Albon told the official F1 channel.
“I think we qualified P12 at the time and we didn’t have quite as strong a race, but the areas where we really focussed on from the FW45 to the FW46, there are a lot of the corners that this track has. So I’m excited to see. Hopefully the progress is strong. Points are always going to be tricky, especially with the top five teams, but I’m the most optimistic I’ve been.”
French GP investigation
A prosecutor in France is investigating an alleged misuse of public funds by the French Grand Prix organisers during the event’s last run on the F1 calendar. The race was held at Paul Ricard between 2018 and 2022.Le Monde reports the organisation behind the race was liquidated with debts of €32 million (£27.38m) after the event was last held.
Barnard to stand in for Bird in Berlin
McLaren’s Formula E team have announced reserve driver Taylor Barnard will stand in for Sam Bird for the next round in Berlin next weekend. The team’s regular driver suffered a broken hand in a crash in practice in Monaco.
“We’re very pleased to report positive progress on Sam’s recovery,” said team principal Ian James, “with a successful operation on his hand supporting his journey back into the car.
“Taylor did a stellar job in his last-minute call-up in Monaco, as did the team, who provided him with great support and guidance throughout. He will now be able to build on that experience, while Sam works on his recovery – with the team’s full support.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Links
Motor racing links of interest:
'Critics charge that the massive investments are an attempt at 'sportswashing,' calculated to distract from an abysmal human rights record — imprisonment and violence against commentators and activists, travel bans, and male guardianship laws over women. The kingdom says it is merely modernising and diversifying its economy, with F1 as an eager partner. Less than two years after Saudi henchmen killed and dismembered a Saudi Washington Post columnist and monarchy critic, the F1 and the kingdom’s flagship oil company entered into a 10-year partnership deal.'
Warning – Fraudulent activities by Foresea Ltd (FIA)
'The FIA has recently become aware that a company named Foresea Ltd has sent emails offering to sell hospitality packages to FIA Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. However, Foresea Ltd is not authorised by the FIA (or any of its affiliated entities) to sell hospitality package tickets to F1 grand prix. The letters that this company may provide to its potential customers are not sent by the FIA or any authorised entities. Accordingly, any representation from this company relating to the FIA should be ignored.'
At one with the machine — How sim racing has helped me practise mindfulness (PC Gamer)
'I have sometimes, at points in my life, struggled with my mental health. Gradually, over my 36 years, I have learnt various techniques that helped keep me in a mentally good place, one of which is mindfulness. This is the conscious decision to attempt to quieten down your internal monologue, and to think appreciatively about the things around you. To stop and smell the roses, so to speak. To be present. To my surprise, a great sim racing setup in combination with a good racing game was activating the very same sensation. It was enveloping my senses through the detail of the feedback, the modelling, the sheer encompassing nature of the simulation, and allowing me the space to think, and not think, at exactly the same time. '
Ruth Buscombe to join F1 TV line-up for 2024 season (F1)
'Ruth Buscombe, former head of race strategy at what is now the Sauber team, has joined the F1 TV line-up for the remainder of the 2024 season. Buscombe brings with her more than 10 years’ experience in the F1 Paddock and will provide F1 TV viewers with fascinating insight into race-defining strategic decisions – starting with this weekend's Miami Grand Prix.'
''I've always had this passion for Endurance Racing (WEC via YouTube)
''I have built up a long relationship here even though it's only my first year racing. But I really enjoy endurance racing and I'm looking forward to everything that is coming this year. There's a lot of momentum behind the championship, there is strong competition, many different cars, many, many, many different competitors, so it's a good good place to be well'.'
Assetto Corsa Competizione - Nürburgring 24hr Pack DLC launch trailer (PlayStation via YouTube)
The Nordschleife track pack for Assetto Corsa Competizione has now launched on consoles.
We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it to us via the contact form.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Social media
Notable posts from X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and more:
🏎️🏆 @Charles_Leclerc and @Carlossainz55 meet the Larry O’Brien Trophy at #F1 Miami Grand Prix! #Formula1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/GTATX0BIDM
— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2024
A special blue exhibition is waiting for you at the #MuseoFerrari ⚠️
We look forward to seeing you in #Maranello this weekend.#MuseiFerrari #ScuderiaFerrari #FerrariRaces #FerrariMiami pic.twitter.com/T9ZM2Bi56r
— Musei Ferrari (@MuseiFerrari) May 2, 2024
Got to wonder if F1 wouldn't be better off just skipping the racing bit for the Miami GP. It's all about the PR stunts so do that, give the win to Verstappen and the rest can draw lots. Think of the budget cap £ saved
— Ben Evans (@bencommentator) May 2, 2024
Wishing a happy birthday to Jak Crawford! 💚
The 19 year old is celebrating with the team at the #MiamiGP this weekend. pic.twitter.com/Cn2CSNvRoB
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) May 2, 2024
At Business & Trade Questions this morning, I welcomed @AndrettiGlobal's vote of confidence in Buckinghamshire and the UK and asked the Secretary of State @KemiBadenoch what more we can do to ensure stronger UK-US trade in the automotive and motorsport sectors. pic.twitter.com/wf1Vt3V6sK
— Greg Smith MP (@gregsmith_uk) May 2, 2024
Mannequin madness continues 😆 pic.twitter.com/kWT4JnDGaD
— Andretti INDYCAR & INDY NXT (@AndrettiIndy) May 2, 2024
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
- Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory
Comment of the day
After RB unveiled a special Miami-flavoured livery for this weekend’s grand prix, Adam is a fan…
Okay, maybe an unpopular opinion but I rather like it. It’s so colourful! The change of shade going up the nosecone I think looks really nice. In a grid full of cars with such boring, basic, corporate identities, one so brightly coloured is so refreshing to be honest.
Adam
Happy birthday!
No RaceFans birthdays today
Tristan
3rd May 2024, 4:23
That sim racing article is interesting. Sounds like they’re describing flow when they say mindfulness. I’d recommend Truck Simulator for them, no other game’s quite given me the feeling that I’m somewhere else like that one can, including VR.
I’m getting tired of the sports washing argument honestly. What is Hollywood doing exactly? Jumping on the F1 train like everyone else. How dare another country?
At least Salman is being forthright. It’s all about the money.
MichaelN
3rd May 2024, 12:11
The problem with that is of course that GDP is just a measure of spending. Saudi Arabia is now pouring enormous sums of money into hosting sporting events, but that is money that cannot be spent in other places. It is not doing anything for the future earning potential of the population or the country. And of course the money they’re throwing at F1 won’t be spend in Saudi Arabia, but mostly in Europe on personnel, the factory, etc.
Mog
3rd May 2024, 9:10
Albon basically said he is not confident whilst saying he is optimistic. It was a weird interview
Jere (@jerejj)
3rd May 2024, 10:14
Cool trophy & Ben Evans’ suggestion isn’t necessarily bad, given the event’s status.
I also like the dry or sarcastic humor concerning the mannequin, & share the COTD’s view.
Retired (@jeff1s)
3rd May 2024, 11:37
Buscombe is a good addition but we need more international people into F1TV, the like of Fabrega and Simon-Cheutemps are welcomed.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
4th May 2024, 12:11
Well, the optimist paid off: last on the grid, he was behind sargeant before they had their final go, he was ahead after that but cutting the track.