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Super Formula Weighs Options for Next-Gen Car Beyond 2027

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Super Formula, Japan's premier single-seater racing championship, is currently evaluating its options for the forthcoming generation of its race cars. While the existing Dallara SF23 chassis is confirmed for use until at least the close of the 2027 season, the series' governing body, Japan Race Promotion (JRP), has indicated a flexible approach to its successor. The decision-making process is still in its preliminary phases, with various elements being carefully weighed to ensure the evolution of the championship aligns with fan and team expectations. This includes a broad assessment of vehicle performance characteristics and the feasibility of international expansion.

Amidst these considerations for future vehicle design, Super Formula is also navigating its international calendar. Following the unfortunate cancellation of a scheduled race in South Korea for 2025 due to logistical challenges, the series is taking a measured approach to introducing overseas events. While discussions persist with multiple countries, JRP emphasizes the need for thorough preparation and a conducive environment before committing to any new international venues, highlighting the complexities involved in organizing such events and the strain on team resources.

Future of Super Formula Chassis: Innovation vs. Continuity

Super Formula is meticulously planning the evolution of its racing machines, with the current Dallara SF23 chassis guaranteed to remain in service through the 2027 season. However, the series is actively debating whether to prolong the use of the SF23 beyond this timeframe or to introduce an entirely new car for the 2028 season and subsequent years. This strategic deliberation is still in its nascent stages, focusing on a comprehensive evaluation of various factors vital to the sport's appeal and operational viability. Key aspects under review include enhancing the cars' speed, refining their aesthetic design, improving their raceability on track, optimizing engine acoustics, and critically, managing the financial implications to prevent a significant escalation in costs for participating teams. The organization is engaged in collecting feedback from all stakeholders, including teams and fans, to shape the definitive direction for the next generation of Super Formula vehicles.

JRP president Yoshihisa Ueno has clarified that no concrete decisions have been made regarding the specifications or supplier for the SF23's replacement. He articulated that extending the current car's life beyond 2027 remains a distinct possibility, stressing the importance of flexibility in their long-term planning. While Dallara has been the exclusive chassis provider since 2014, Ueno expressed openness to considering alternative manufacturers based on market dynamics and the collective preferences of the teams and fan base. This approach underscores a commitment to fostering competitive racing and delivering an exciting spectacle, while also ensuring the sport's sustainability and accessibility. The ongoing concept phase is designed to explore all potential avenues that could best serve the series' future, blending performance innovation with practical considerations.

Strategic Calendar Adjustments and Global Ambitions

Super Formula is carefully recalibrating its race calendar, particularly concerning its international presence, following the recent cancellation of a planned event in South Korea for the upcoming 2025 season. This setback has prompted JRP to adopt a more cautious and deliberate strategy for global expansion. While the series remains in dialogue with various nations for potential future races, JRP president Yoshihisa Ueno has conveyed that there is no immediate rush to solidify new international dates. The organization acknowledges the substantial logistical and financial demands that overseas events place on teams and the intricate process of integrating them into the overall schedule. Consequently, the focus is on thoroughly assessing all variables and establishing a robust framework that ensures the successful execution and long-term viability of any future international ventures.

The provisional 2026 schedule notably omits any foreign races, reflecting this measured approach, despite prior reconnaissance efforts at venues like Indonesia's Mandalika and Thailand's Bangsaen circuits. Domestically, significant changes include the season opener relocating from Suzuka to Motegi for the first time since 2020. This shift is primarily a temporary measure, as Ueno expressed a desire to reinstate Suzuka as the traditional curtain-raiser for 2027, contingent on resolving scheduling conflicts, particularly with Formula 1's revised calendar that impacted Super Formula's traditional early March slot. Furthermore, Super Formula has decided to discontinue its pursuit of becoming a Formula 1 support race, a concept previously discussed for the 2024 season but ultimately abandoned. These adjustments highlight the series' pragmatic strategy, prioritizing a stable and well-organized domestic calendar while methodically exploring suitable opportunities for international growth.

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Lewis Hamilton's Mysterious Performance Drop in Final US Grand Prix Lap

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In the recent United States Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton encountered a perplexing and substantial decrease in his car's performance during the very last lap, causing him to lose a crucial four seconds. This sudden deceleration nearly allowed Oscar Piastri to overtake him, raising questions about the cause of this unexpected event.

Hamilton's Final Lap Drama at the US Grand Prix

The United States Grand Prix in Austin, a generally steady race for Lewis Hamilton, culminated in an unexpected drama on the final lap. After a strong start where he surpassed George Russell and maintained a lead over Oscar Piastri, Hamilton settled into a comfortable third position, trailing Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. However, as the race neared its conclusion, an unforeseen issue caused a dramatic drop in pace. On the final lap, with a nine-second gap to his teammate and a five-second cushion over Piastri, Hamilton's Ferrari began to lose speed. He reported a sudden onset of 'massive understeer' at Turn 5, initially believing he had hit something or suffered a puncture. Despite successfully navigating the remaining corners, the gap to Piastri rapidly diminished to just 1.1 seconds by the finish line, narrowly securing his position. This incident left Hamilton bewildered, stating he didn't truly understand the cause of the performance loss, which was not due to him easing off intentionally. Despite this late-race scare, Hamilton described the weekend as one of his strongest this season, indicating a positive trend in his car's performance and a better understanding of its capabilities.

This incident serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing, where even the most seasoned drivers can be caught off guard by technical glitches. It highlights the fine line between victory and defeat, and the constant need for both driver and team to be adaptable and resilient, always striving for deeper understanding of their machinery to mitigate such unforeseen challenges.

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Franco Colapinto Reflects on Disobeying Alpine's Team Order in US Grand Prix

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This report delves into the repercussions of Franco Colapinto's decision to disregard a team instruction during the United States Grand Prix, offering insights into his initial justification and subsequent acknowledgment of the necessity to follow team directives. The incident highlights the intricate dynamics within a Formula 1 team and the balance between individual performance and collective strategy.

Upholding Team Unity: Colapinto's Post-Incident Perspective

Alpine Driver Reconsiders Austin GP Disobedience

Alpine Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto has publicly affirmed the critical importance of adhering to team instructions, regardless of the circumstances. This declaration follows an incident during the United States Grand Prix where he chose not to comply with a directive to maintain position behind his teammate, Pierre Gasly.

The Controversial Lap: A Clash of Pace and Orders

During the final ten laps of the race in Austin, Gabriel Bortoleto from Sauber was rapidly gaining on Colapinto. Despite receiving an instruction on lap 54 from Alpine to hold his position behind Pierre Gasly, Colapinto, feeling he had significantly more speed—approximately 0.7 seconds per lap—and facing intense pressure, decided to overtake Gasly. He famously questioned the order, remarking, “Wait, what? Hold positions? But he’s slow!” Ultimately, Colapinto finished 17th, ahead of Gasly, who ended up last.

Team's Firm Stance: The Aftermath of Defiance

Following the race, the team promptly addressed the situation internally. As quoted in Alpine’s preview for the Mexico City Grand Prix, Colapinto stated, “The team situation on Sunday has been discussed internally and it is clear that instructions by the team must always be followed no matter what.” He emphasized the team's unified objective: “We are all together, and we are all working towards the same goal to keep getting better with each session and each race weekend.”

Colapinto's Initial Defense: Pacing and Pressure

In stark contrast to his later statement, Colapinto had initially defended his actions immediately after the Austin race. He explained, “I just had quite a bit more pace than Pierre in the last stint and had Bortoleto really close behind, attacking very hard, and he was much quicker than us.” He believed his maneuver was beneficial for the team, preventing both cars from being overtaken. He added that the team usually allows them to race and that the data would clarify the best course of action.

Reflecting on the Decision: The Bigger Picture for Alpine

When questioned about the surprise of receiving a team order for a 17th-place battle, Colapinto had offered a diplomatic response. He noted, “I don't know – I think the team, we are trying really hard to be strong for next year and we are just analysing every situation and trying to get better at those.” He stressed that even in non-points positions, every decision contributes to the team's continuous improvement.

Challenges Ahead: Alpine's End-of-Season Struggles

The team order controversy unfolds against a backdrop of difficulties for Alpine, which has consistently finished outside the top 15 in the last four Grand Prix events. Colapinto reflected on his personal struggles at Austin, citing limited practice time, challenging conditions, and an elusive car balance as contributing factors. He acknowledged the need for deeper analysis to overcome these issues, anticipating a challenging conclusion to the current season with their existing car package.

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