In the round-up: Mercedes driver George Russell says he expects to see a similar order to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix during this weekend’s race in Australia
In brief
Russell expects “similar story” to Jeddah in Melbourne
Russell finished fourth in Jeddah after originally being promoted to the podium in third following a post-race penalty to Fernando Alonso that was later cancelled by stewards.
The Mercedes driver finished ahead of the two Ferraris but behind Alonso’s Aston Martin and far behind the two winning Red Bulls. He says he anticipates the order from Jeddah to repeat this weekend in Australia.
“I think it’ll be a similar story in Melbourne,” Russell said. “The tarmac is very similar in Melbourne compared to the circuit here: some fast and flowing corners. So, I’d say the order that we’ve seen this weekend, it’ll be very similar.
“But like we saw in Qualifying, there’s only maybe two-tenths splitting three, four or five cars. So, they’ll probably be similar in Melbourne too.”
IndyCar extends NTT title sponsorship
The IndyCar Series has extended its title sponsorship with technology company NTT to a “multi-year” deal to commence in 2024, the championship has announced.
NTT has been the title sponsor of IndyCar since 2019 and will remain so into 2024 and beyond after agreeing an extension with the series.
“IndyCar is a great partner for NTT DATA because of our shared commitment to driving innovation, increasing sustainability and delivering amazing experiences,” said NTT’s CEO Kaz Nishihata. “We also appreciate how IndyCar is so diverse, with drivers from 15 different countries, and races that range from short ovals and superspeedways to road and street courses. It’s both an incredible sport and a wonderful example for our world.”
Esports champion wins single-seater debut in British F4
The winner of an esports organised by Motorsport UK on the RaceRoom platform will compete in this season’s British F4 championship with JHR Developments.
Deagen Fairclough, a 16-year-old with previous karting and closed-wheel car racing experience, won the ROKiT Racing Star competition in the male division to earn professional training and an opportunity to compete in the british F4 championship.
“I’m over the moon to finally be racing in British F4 with JHR and ROKiT,” said Fairclough.
“I’ve got a lot to learn having never raced a car like this before, as I’ve come from a closed, front wheel drive Fiesta, so progression and consistency will be key. I’m hoping to achieve some good results and look forward to an immense year ahead in this prestigious series.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Is LVCVA’s Formula 1 ticket buy an investment or handout? (Las Vegas Review Journal)
“There is no better place to do that than to bring those buyers to Las Vegas to see what happens in Las Vegas. It’s not a 20-minute meeting where you tell them what’s going on. It’s a four-day event where they see and experience what’s going on. That week, when we have Formula 1 in Las Vegas, will be the best week in our history to ever bring all of those potential customers to Las Vegas to show them Las Vegas.”
“According to a report in Dutch newspaper De Limburger from last week, Nike opposed a potential trademark filing from Formula 1 racing champion Max Verstappen for his ‘Max 1’ clothing line. The obstacle came after Verstappen tried to file a trademark for the line with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP), the trademark authority in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, and Nike pointed out the wording could lead customers to confuse it with Nike’s Air Max shoe franchise.”
Look of the Week: Hamilton’s high fashion joyride (CNN)
“Over time, his style has matured — as has his relationship with the industry; today he is a regular presence front row at fashion weeks and on notable red carpets. At the 2021 Met Gala, Hamilton hosted an entire table for Black talent, inviting the emerging designers Theophilio, Kenneth Nicholson and Jason Rembert to attend, among others. In 2022, he fronted a Valentino campaign alongside Zendaya.”
Callum Ilott Interview (Motorsport Radio)
“Ahead of the IndyCar PPG 375 race in Texas, Connor Jackson and James Scott caught up with Callum Ilott to hear about his preparations ahead of the second round in the 2023 season, about his life at Ferrari and what he thinks about his future.”
Getting to know the real Oliver Bearman (F2)
“I think my first win at Spa in F3 was a really nice memory. We worked really hard for that, and it finally came, so that was a great feeling. Winning the Championships in F4 was also a mega feeling and getting the news that I was joining the Ferrari Driver Academy was up there with the best as well.”
Five things we learned on our first visit to São Paulo (Formula E)
“I needed this victory, to be honest – I needed a good result to kickstart my season. Things happen and we need to just keep pushing forward. There are some really fast cars out there, obviously. The DS’ and now we’re starting to put the pressure on Porsche who have been strong from the start – it’s really wide open.”
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
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Casanova, Lazerfx, Macca, The Genuine Jim and Marc Ferring!
On this day in motorsport
- 30 years ago today Ayrton Senna won his home race at Interlagos for the final time after a mid-race downpour, taking the championship lead
