Racing

Red Bull's Cautious Outlook Despite Recent F1 Victories

Red Bull has recently celebrated back-to-back Formula 1 wins, with Max Verstappen dominating races in Monza and Baku, alongside Yuki Tsunoda's season-best performance. These impressive results have led some in the paddock to suggest a significant turnaround for the team. However, team principal Laurent Mekies is not convinced, maintaining a cautious stance and emphasizing that the team is evaluating their performance on a "race by race" basis.

Mekies noted that while their car, the RB21, performed exceptionally well in the low-downforce, slow-speed corners of Baku, similar to its success in Monza, this does not erase its inherent weaknesses. He highlighted the team's ongoing vulnerability to high temperatures and tracks requiring high downforce, pointing out that their current form might not extend consistently across the remaining races of the 2025 season. Looking ahead, the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, a circuit historically challenging for Red Bull, will be a crucial test to understand the car's true capabilities and limitations.

With a strategic decision to limit the development of their 2025 car in favor of focusing on the regulatory changes for 2026, Red Bull is emphasizing meticulous operational adjustments and driver input to extract more performance. This includes intensive simulator work, as demonstrated by Tsunoda after a difficult race in Monza, aiming for a combination of small, incremental improvements rather than a single 'silver bullet' upgrade. The team's primary goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the RB21's complexities, with any improved standing in the constructors' championship, such as closing the 18-point gap to Mercedes, being a welcome, yet secondary, outcome of their efforts.

Red Bull's leadership displays a commendable blend of realism and determination. While acknowledging their car's persistent challenges, their commitment to continuous improvement through detailed analysis and driver collaboration sets a positive example. This approach underscores the importance of a thorough understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses, fostering resilience and adaptability in pursuit of long-term success, irrespective of immediate triumphs.

New Film Explores Ferrari Legend Luca di Montezemolo's Impact on F1 and Road Cars

A compelling new documentary titled \"Seeing Red\" offers an insightful look into the enduring legacy of Luca di Montezemolo, a figure synonymous with the iconic Ferrari brand. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Manish Pandey, known for his previous works \"Senna\" and \"Lucky,\" this film celebrates di Montezemolo's profound influence on both Formula 1 racing and Ferrari's road car production. The documentary explores his early triumph as Ferrari's team manager in 1975 and his subsequent leadership in orchestrating the team's revival in the 1990s, highlighting his strategic genius and unwavering passion for the sport.

Manish Pandey's \"Seeing Red\" Illuminates Luca di Montezemolo's Transformative Leadership at Ferrari

The film \"Seeing Red,\" a creation by Manish Pandey, the celebrated filmmaker behind \"Senna\" and \"Lucky,\" delves into the extraordinary career of Luca di Montezemolo, a pivotal figure in Ferrari's history. At the young age of 28, di Montezemolo led the Ferrari team to victory in the 1975 Formula 1 World Championship alongside the legendary Niki Lauda. His influence extended far beyond this early success, as he returned in the 1990s to spearhead Ferrari's remarkable resurgence, assembling a 'Dream Team' that included Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, and Rory Byrne, ultimately dominating F1 with Michael Schumacher. Concurrently, his vision revitalized Ferrari's road car division, restoring its allure and market presence. Pandey's documentary explores the motivations behind his choice of subjects\u2014Senna, Ecclestone, and now di Montezemolo\u2014uncovering the shared traits and interconnected narratives of these motorsport titans. The film also sheds light on the discussions between di Montezemolo and Senna regarding a potential collaboration in 1994, offering a glimpse into what might have been. Furthermore, \"Seeing Red\" prompts reflection on the current state of Ferrari and the imperative for its leadership to possess a deep-seated passion for Formula 1. The documentary is currently showcased in select UK cinemas through Everyman Cinemas and will soon be available on major streaming platforms. Inquiries and feedback can be directed to James Allen on X or via email at jamesallenonf1@autosport.com. This production was helmed by Ben Holmes, with Jason Swales serving as Executive Producer, and is a Motorsport Studios creation for Autosport.

This documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence can have, not only in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 but also in shaping a global brand. It underscores the idea that true success stems from a blend of strategic foresight, the ability to assemble and empower a talented team, and a genuine, infectious passion for the endeavor at hand. Di Montezemolo's story inspires a deeper appreciation for the human element in sport and business, emphasizing that a leader's personal connection to their field can be the most potent catalyst for greatness.

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Drugovich's Leap to Formula E: A New Chapter with Andretti

Felipe Drugovich, the former Formula 2 champion, is set to make a significant return to full-time single-seater competition, having secured a multi-year contract with Andretti's Formula E team for the 2025/26 season. This move signals a new phase in the promising career of the young Brazilian, who has spent recent years as a test and reserve driver, yearning for a dedicated racing seat.

Despite clinching the Formula 2 title in 2022 and subsequently joining Aston Martin's development program, Drugovich has faced challenges in finding a consistent racing opportunity. His role at Aston Martin, shared with Stoffel Vandoorne, provided invaluable Formula 1 experience, including an appearance in FP1 at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix and participation in Pirelli tyre tests. Additionally, he gained endurance racing experience, competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the European Le Mans Series, and made two appearances in Formula E with Mahindra Racing during the 2024/25 season.

Drugovich expressed his desire to return to active racing, highlighting the mental aspect of being on the sidelines. He noted a longing for the familiar structure of having his own team, engineer, and mechanics, a setup he had grown accustomed to since the start of his career. His brief but impactful stints in Formula E, particularly his impressive climb from 19th to seventh at the Tempelhof airport circuit, garnered attention and ultimately led to full-time offers.

The decision to join Andretti was largely influenced by a positive prior interaction in 2023 when the team was at its peak with Jake Dennis, who had just won the drivers' championship. Drugovich maintained a favorable impression of the team, which was reinforced by his recent experiences. He conveyed confidence in Andretti's capabilities and is optimistic about contending for victories and championships in the upcoming seasons.

The 2025/26 Formula E calendar is poised to be record-breaking, featuring 18 races, commencing with Drugovich's home race in Sao Paulo on December 6th. He anticipates a strong turnout from his home crowd, drawing parallels to the packed grandstands seen in previous years. However, the expanding Formula E schedule presents potential conflicts with Formula 1 events, including the season opener coinciding with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and clashes with races in Berlin, Shanghai, and Tokyo in 2026. Drugovich remained reserved about how this new commitment would affect his Aston Martin role, indicating a focus on the benefits of his new Formula E position.

The Formula E driver market remains dynamic, with other notable shifts occurring. Stoffel Vandoorne, who currently shares reserve duties with Drugovich at Aston Martin, might find himself without a Formula E seat as Citroen, replacing Maserati, has confirmed Nick Cassidy and Jean-Eric Vergne as their drivers. Meanwhile, Aston Martin's young driver Jak Crawford, who served as Andretti's reserve driver in Formula E last season, appears to be moving towards Cadillac's F1 team, following Colton Herta's recent signing as a test driver.

Felipe Drugovich's move to Andretti in Formula E marks a pivotal moment for the talented driver. His demonstrated skill and determination, coupled with Andretti's strong track record, suggest a promising future for him in the all-electric racing series. The prospect of competing on a global stage, particularly in front of his home fans in Brazil, fuels his excitement for this new chapter. His previous successes and adaptable nature indicate he is well-prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in Formula E.

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