⚡ F1 Race weekend is on

Hey there, Pole-sitters! 👋 

It's time for another screeching edition of the F1 Newsletter, where we dish out all the sizzling hot tea from the racetracks.

Red Bull is ready to give us a dose of excitement with some interesting upgrades as they want to be even faster.

And speaking of comebacks, our favorite honey badger Daniel Ricciardo is back in the F1 game. Will he be able to justify the seat he was given? We'll find out soon enough if he's still got the moves like Jagger on the race circuit.

There's a new qualifying format in town, and it's here to shake things up.

So, grab your favorite racing snacks, take a deep breath, and join us as we embark on another journey through the twists and turns of Formula 1!

⚖️ Drivers’ points showcase

Tsunoda and Albon have been racking up ALL the points for their teams. Albon has left his rookie teammate, Logan Sargeant, in the rearview mirror with a whopping 11 points. Meanwhile, Tsunoda zoomed past his teammate, Nyck de Vries, whose lack of points cost him his seat.

Hulkenberg, the comeback king, claimed a whopping 82% of his team's points, leaving his teammate, Kevin Magnussen, in the dust with just 2 points. The Hulk is smashing it on the track, and we can't help but cheer for his epic return.

Alonso is showing the young guns how it's done. He's got over thrice the points of his teammate, Lance Stroll.

On the other hand, we have a balanced Ferrari duo. They are lighting up the track by working together to keep the points flowing steadily.

RELATED: Nico Hulkenberg earns a new contract at Haas for his solid first half of 2023, according to reports in the German media. - Read more

🤷 Red Bull is bringing upgrades to Hungarian GP cause they want to be quicker?

Now, you might be thinking, "Wait, isn't Red Bull already dominating the track?" And you'd be absolutely right! These folks are tearing up the competition like they've got rocket boosters attached to their cars.

Word on the street was that the Milton-Keynes squad had been cooking up something special in their racing lab. Rumor has it that their new version of sidepod has got a dash of Aston Martin's magic and will make them faster, approximately 0.2 seconds per lap.

McLaren jumped on the same wagon over at the British Grand Prix, and it worked wonders for them.

Now, just when we thought we had all figured out, Red Bull drops a bombshell, leaving everyone scratching their heads.

And social media's on fire! The fans are already at it, debating, speculating, and brainstorming like they're engineers at the Red Bull HQ. Some say it's the resurrection of Mercedes' 'zero-pod' design.

In the 2022 F1 season, Mercedes had us all agog with their daring 'zero-pod' design. That move caused a lot of buzz, but reality hit them like a bucket of cold water. It turned out they were light-years away from being title contenders.

Amidst all the negativity swirling around their zero sidepod concept enters Red Bull's superstar, Adrian Newey. Could he prove Mercedes wrong by cooking up a successful version of the zero-pod? We'll find out soon enough! - Read more

RELATED: Red Bull’s upgrade is more than a minor improvement. - Read more

🤞Ricciardo hopes to return to Red Bull

The man with the million-dollar smile has spilled the beans about his "dream" return to Red Bull.

Ricciardo went from being Red Bull's reserve driver to staging an epic racing comeback at the Hungarian GP. He's swapping roles with Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri, and we're all waiting to see what the Honey Badger has in store for us.

Even though he lives in the moment, this Aussie has been clear about his ultimate goal: going back to the team where he bagged seven glorious grand prix wins between 2014 and 2018.

Ricciardo's return is like a pressure cooker for the underperforming Sergio Perez, who might have clinched two wins but has struggled to reach Q3 in only four of the first 10 races of 2023. - Read more

🌶️ Spicing up the qualifying - new format trial

F1 is about to embark on a wild tire adventure at the Hungarian GP this weekend, introducing an 'alternative tire allocation' qualifying format.

So, instead of letting the teams and drivers pick their tires like kids in a candy store, they'll have to follow the rules in Q1, Q2, and Q3.

Here's the deal: in Q1, they gotta slip into the hard tire, Q2 calls for the medium tire, and finally, in Q3, it's time to rock those soft tires. If the heavens open up and it starts raining cats and dogs, then the drivers get to do whatever they want.

Now, you might be wondering, why the heck are they doing this? Well, the F1 honchos are trying to be more eco-friendly and save some rubber trees by using fewer tires at Grand Prix weekends. Kudos for thinking green, but they also want to see if this tire-twisting experiment can turn the grid order.

The first trial run was supposed to happen at the Emilia Romagna GP, but sadly, the event got canceled, and now we're gonna see this tire-iffic spectacle unfold in Hungary instead, with the second trial set for the Italian GP in Monza. - Read more

Rev your engines because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour through the halls of Formula 1 history, paying homage to the elite few who have etched their names into the annals of racing glory.

And what better time to dive into this topic than now, when the prodigious Max Verstappen is dominating the racetracks and rewriting the record books? Strap in, as we take you on a wild ride through the lives and achievements of F1's most legendary drivers.

Jim Clark

World Championships: 2 (1963, 1965)

Number of races: 72

Number of wins: 25

Number of pole positions: 33

From 1962 to 1965, this Scottish marvel stood as an unrivaled force. Clark's talent knew no bounds as he defied the elements in the most treacherous conditions.

During a downpour at Spa in 1963, he fearlessly dashed eight miles ahead of his nearest competitor. His sheer bravery painted a vivid portrait of a driver navigating through the most dangerous era in motorsport history.

A heartbreaking twist of fate struck in 1968 when tragedy struck during an F2 race at Hockenheim, robbing the racing world of a true gem. At the time of his untimely passing, he held the prestigious record for the most race wins - a testament to his prowess on the track.

Unyielding in his pursuit of victory and unmatched in skill, he remains a symbol of dedication, passion, and a daring spirit that continues to inspire racing enthusiasts to this day.

Niki Lauda

World Championships: 3 (1975, 1977, 1984)

Number of races: 171

Number of wins: 25

Number of pole positions: 24

In Formula 1, Niki Lauda's journey is a tale of true grit and talent, a story that cements his legacy as more than just a pay driver. While his financial backing may have opened the doors to F1, the sheer force of his skill kept him there, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

With three seasons under his belt, Lauda's career took a momentous turn when he joined the ranks of Ferrari in 1974. Despite some setbacks, he showcased his prowess with two wins and a commendable fourth-place finish in the 1974 championship.

The following year, he roared to life, claiming five victories and capturing his maiden world title - a triumph that would go down in racing history.

However, it's his 1976 season that etched his name in the hearts of fans worldwide - a season marred by the infamous Nurburgring crash, which could have been the end of the road for any ordinary mortal.

Against all odds, he bounced back from the jaws of death, only to miss out on the title by a razor-thin margin of one point to James Hunt.

His illustrious career saw him take home a second title in 1977 before briefly retiring, only to re-emerge with McLaren in 1982. This triumphant comeback led to his third crown in 1984 after an epic showdown with Alain Prost. After leaving an unforgettable mark on the track, Lauda finally bid farewell to racing at the end of 1985.

But his talents didn't end with his racing days. Off the track, he became renowned for his business acumen. Managing roles at Ferrari and Jaguar showcased his prowess in the boardroom, yet his most prominent legacy lies with Mercedes.

Bringing Lewis Hamilton to the team for the 2013 season, he played a pivotal role in Mercedes' remarkable success. His guiding presence continued until his passing in 2019, leaving a void no one could ever fill.

Ayrton Senna

World Championships: 3 (1988, 1990-91)

Number of races: 161

Number of wins: 41

Number of pole positions: 65

Ayrton Senna set the bar sky-high for raw talent and an irresistible charisma that captivated fans far and wide.

Senna's commitment to each lap was unparalleled, and his unyielding drive to push beyond the limits set him apart in the hearts of countless motorsport enthusiasts. It's no wonder he occupies a cherished place in the hearts of so many.

Three titles - a testament to his unparalleled brilliance on the track - but it's impossible not to wonder what greater glories could have been achieved had fate not dealt such a cruel hand at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994. 

The racing world lost a true luminary that day, leaving us to ponder the potential heights he could have reached with his blend of natural speed and unbridled ambition. Senna's presence was a rare gift that elevated him to legendary status.

Michael Schumacher

World Championships: 7 (1994-95, 2000-04)

Number of races: 308

Number of wins: 91

Number of pole positions: 68

When it comes to Formula 1 greatness, one name towers above the rest like a champion's trophy - Michael Schumacher! He etched his name into the history books with an astonishing seven titles, five of them in a jaw-dropping consecutive streak.

The sheer number of victories he secured seemed almost impossible, leaving competitors in the dust. Schumacher redefined the F1 game with a magical blend of dedication, fiery passion, and, of course, raw, unbridled talent.

While he tasted success with Benetton, his unforgettable tenure with Ferrari cemented his legendary status. Back in 1996, he joined the prancing horse, and after experiencing some highs and lows, the duo struck gold in the year 2000.

What ensued over the next five years was a relentless display of dominance, capturing five world titles, a remarkable 48 wins, and smashing records left and right. You couldn't open the F1 record book without finding Michael Schumacher's name gloriously proclaimed in almost every field.

His second stint in F1 might not have soared as high as the first, yielding just a single podium addition to his collection. Still, impressive stats effortlessly secure him a prime spot in any statistical analysis.

In the annals of F1 history, Michael Schumacher's legacy shines bright like a pole position beacon. With an unparalleled track record, he remains an icon whose name echoes through the ages as the very definition of a racing legend.

Lewis Hamilton

World Championships: 7 (2008, 2014-15, 2017-20)

Number of races: 320

Number of wins: 103

Number of pole positions: 103

With an impressive record of 103 victories under his belt, Hamilton is undeniably a force to be reckoned with. His journey began back in 2007 at the Australian Grand Prix, and since then, he's soared to the pinnacle of the racing world, clinching a jaw-dropping total of 7 World Championships.

In an impressive career spanning 320 races, Lewis has amassed a staggering 4526.5 career points. But what truly sets Lewis Hamilton apart from the rest of the pack is his unrivaled global dominance. With triumphs in a staggering 30 different countries, he has showcased his talent and skill on tracks worldwide.

Now, we can't talk about Lewis without mentioning his thrilling rivalry with Max Verstappen. The battle for an eighth world title in 2021 was nail-biting, with Max Verstappen edging ahead and snatching the championship right under his nose in what would be described as a controversial race.

From record-breaking wins to awe-inspiring pole positions, Lewis Hamilton has redefined what being a Formula 1 driver means. Even in his debut season, he missed becoming champion by a mere point. Still, the very next year, he claimed the title as the youngest world champion at the time - talk about a comeback story!

Fast forward, and he's still on a relentless quest for greatness, gunning for an unprecedented eighth world championship. His legacy is etched in the history books, and undoubtedly, he'll be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

🏆 Horner says Ricciardo's got his eyes on the ultimate prize - a seat with Red Bull's A-team. - Read more

🧒 F1’s kid-friendly broadcast is rolling out for the Hungarian GP. It'll be hosted by the kids themselves on Sky UK and Sky Deutschland. - Read more

🎬 Apple's Formula 1 movie with Brad Pitt is still rolling those cameras at the Hungarian Grand Prix despite the strike action in the United States. - Read more

🚫 Vettel warns F1 could face a worldwide ban if it doesn’t change. - Read more

👎 Red Bull criticized over 'unfair' junior treatment. - Read more

🔵 Alpine management shake-up: Laurent Rossi has left his position as Alpine CEO with immediate effect and will be replaced by Philippe Krief, VP of Engineering and Product Performance. - Read more

📋 Red Bull's fiercest competitors argue that the Formula 1 cost cap rules have stood as the primary hurdle, preventing them from narrowing the gap to the forefront of the field. - Read more

💲 Amidst the buzz, the FIA firmly denies any claims of F1 teams breaking the cost cap... for now. - Read more

🟥 The Mercedes drivers want more severe penalties for breaching the F1 cost cap. - Read more

💨 Charles Leclerc feels Ferrari's weakness in dealing with wind conditions is the biggest on the entire F1 grid. - Read more

🇭🇺 Scheduled July 21st – July 23rd

Hungaroring, Hungary

TLDR;

1️⃣ Circuit length: 4.381km
2️⃣ Number of laps: 70
3️⃣ Lap record: 1:16.627 Lewis Hamilton (2020)
4️⃣ Corners & DRS: 14 with 1 DRS zone

SCHEDULE

Friday

13:30 - 14:30 FP1

17:00 - 18:00 FP2

Saturday

12:30 - 13:30 FP3

16:00 - 17:00 Qualifying

Sunday

15:00 Race

Tire preview from Pirelli

🔘 We've got the C3, now strutting its stuff as the P Zero White hard. The C4 is rocking it as the P Zero Yellow medium, while the C5 is glamming it up as the P Zero Red soft.

🏎️ Say hello to the Alternative Tyre Allocation (ATA) rules, where qualifying sessions are turning into tire-tango showdowns. Teams gotta dance with the hard compound in Q1, the medium in Q2, and the soft in Q3. And if it rains, they can flirt with any compound they like.

📉 We're going from 13 sets to just 11 for a race weekend. Each driver will have three sets of hard tires, four sets of medium ones, and four sets of those soft tires. But the wet weather gear stays the same - three sets of full wets and four sets of intermediates.

🏎️🔧👨‍🔧Hungary loves a good tire twirl, and two-stop strategies are the headliners. Occasionally, we might see a daring one-stop routine just to shake things up. Last year, it was all about VSC and Safety Cars influencing the moves. Almost everyone went for three stops, and the drivers danced their way through all the tire compounds.

🌡️ This place is like a sauna in July. The circuit's natural bowl shape makes it hard for any breeze to chill out the drivers, and that means tire management and driver fatigue will be two major challenges.