Mercedes’ Austin upgrade gives Hamilton hope for stronger 2024

In brief

Mercedes’ Austin upgrades give Hamilton hope for stronger 2024

Lewis Hamilton says that the performance boost Mercedes brought to their car with their upgrades package at the United States Grand Prix gives him better confidence heading into 2024.

Asked what he would look back on most positively about the 2023 season, Hamilton replied; “I think getting pole position in Budapest, we didn’t think that was going to be possible when I first drove the car this year.”

“The upgrade that we saw in Austin and the fact that, given a couple more laps, we may have been in shooting range for a win. Just seeing that we are, we’re slowly morphing this car into a more competitive machine.

“It’s got more and more enjoyable to drive and to be in a position where you’re actually going forwards rather than backwards, has been positive. But it still fundamentally is not a winning car and that’s what we’ve got to change next year.”

Pirelli announce first compounds for 2024

Like last year, the season will begin with the Bahrain, Saudi Arabian and Australian grands prix, with the opening two rounds retaining the same three tyre compounds used at the beginning of this season. The hardest tyre combination of C1, C2 and C3 will be raced in Bahrain, with the C2, C3 and C4 used at Jeddah.

However, the Australian Grand Prix will see the softest combination of tyres raced at Albert Park, with all three compounds a step softer than in 2023, with the C3, C4 and C5 in use.

Bearman hopeful for more Haas seat time

Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman says he is hopeful of getting more time behind the wheel of Haas’ F1 cars in future after running two Friday practice sessions with them and a post-season test day in Abu Dhabi.

“F1 was an amazing experience,” Bearman said. “It’s really nice to get some recognition after a decent F2 season and start my first mileage in F1.

“I think the team are really happy with the work that we did, especially in the post-season test, that went really well and we covered a lot of important mileage for the team. I’ve loved it so far and hopefully it brings me on to new experiences there as well because it’s been really enjoyable.”

Links

Motor racing links of interest:

Farewell to Franz: David Tremayne's send-off to Franz Tost after 18 years as an F1 team boss (F1)

''I started on the 8th of November, 2005, in Faenza, and we had 85 people. It was not so easy at the beginning, but as you know, Dietrich Mateschitz said to me, ‘Look, there are two pillars: you have to first of all use the synergies with Red Bull Technology and, second, to educate the young drivers. They must then come to Red Bull Racing, win races and, if possible, also championships.''

Warning – Unauthorised activities by Privè Global Events (FIA)

'Privè Global Events is not authorised by the FIA (or any of its affiliated entities) to sell hospitality package tickets to Grand Prix, and the letters that Privè Global Events has been providing to its potential customers were not sent by the FIA. Accordingly, any representation from Privè Global Events relating to the FIA should be ignored.'

Disgraced karter Severiukhin tops last Italian F4 test of the year (Formula Scout)

'The Russian youngster got into trouble after winning the opening round of last year’s European Karting Championship at Algarve as he made an alleged Nazi salute while on the podium as the national anthem of Italy (the country whose license he was racing under since he could not use a Russian one) played.'

Ronhaar secures F1 Sim Racing 2023 World Championship opening race (F1 Esports)

'The standings look a little different to 2022, but we still have plenty of Sim Racing action left to come, with the next races scheduled for the 15th and 16th December 2023.'

F1 Drive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium opening: Formula 1 reveal bespoke karts with ‘DRS’ for indoor track (Independent)

'Now, F1 Drive have revealed several features on the karts to 'create the most authentic F1 driving experience for drivers of all ages and ability levels.' These include a simulated 'DRS' button on the steering wheel, allowing a kart to pick up more speed when following close behind a kart in front – just like in Formula 1. Karts will also feature a 'boost' button which will deliver additional power for short bursts of time.'

Neft Vodka taps into F1 (Spirits Business)

'Austrian vodka brand Neft has entered the world of Formula 1, signing a deal to be an official partner of the Scuderia AlphaTauri team.'

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Social media

Notable posts from X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and more:

Congratulations from JV 🤝

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) December 1, 2023

“This is about giving people a voice.”

Over the next 16 days we’re going to be highlighting some of the inspirational people we met in Austin and São Paulo.

To launch the series @LewisHamilton reflects on his journey through motorsport and how this led him to start Mission 44. pic.twitter.com/wlmFUyjoXS

— Mission 44 (@mission44) December 1, 2023

A day to remember: @RGrosjean team debut! 💚 pic.twitter.com/koBh1d24uo

— Juncos Hollinger Racing (@juncoshollinger) December 1, 2023

Finished our 3 day testing in Abu Dhabi ✅🇦🇪 We had some good qualy and race runs today, finishing both sessions with good times! I can't wait to drive the new @Formula2 car and totally dive into 2024 season with my amazing @PhmRacing Team!!

Terminamos nuestros 3 dias de test… pic.twitter.com/aaxBLnrVsO

— Joshua Duerksen 🇵🇾 (@JoshuaDuerksen1) December 1, 2023

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• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Comment of the day

With Sergio Perez copping a warning from the stewards after he expressed his disapproval about the penalty he received for hitting Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi, Tristan questions whether priorities are right with F1’s rule setters…

They have enough staff to listen to every radio communication to decide whether to sensor it or not, because it might make formula 1 look bad. But not enough staff to police track limits fairly.

Priorities sound about right for what to expect.

More focus should be put on the content of Perez’s message rather than the policing of it. I bet they didn’t bother to ask why he thought it was bad all year, or why he thinks it’s a joke…
Tristan

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to Katederby and US Williams Fan!

On this day in motorsport

• Born on this day in 1930: Two-time F1 race starter David Piper, who lost a foot in a crash which occured during filming for the film Le Mans starring Steve McQueen