Sugarplums, Rainbows and Splenda Sweetness abound at Milwaukee

As where’s Good ‘Ol Homer Simpson to say MMM-MMM, Sprinkles?

 

Whale’ lookie Tahr Folks. My Cable TV Bill just keeps going up and up, Bastardoes! As welcome home Tomaso, we’ve tacked on an additional $7.00 to your overpriced bill, Jackarses!

 

Hmm, what’s my Cable TV provider’s motto? Oh yeah, Spectrum, We Care!

 

So guess it’s a good thingy’ I “watched”, Err listened to over half of Saturday mornings practice session from Milwaukee on FS1 during a leisurely breakfast. But  I just don’t get any “excitement” or Buzz listening to the Booth boyz’, especially Wee Willie Buxom’, aka Will Buxton, or Kevin Lee.

 

Even with FOX owning a third of the series, which I hear they threw IndyCar under the Bus at Portland by moving the race to FS1 since the Live Gold game was going long. As all that IndyCar Radio would say was it was a programming problem when the start was delayed 15mins from 12:22 to 12:37PM Pacific, FOUR!

 

As even Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary ellen asked me why hadn’t they started the race yet? Which I listened to in its entirety via IndyCar Radio on one of the Islands in the Puget sound’s “Archipelago”. Accessible only via Washington State Ferry (WSF) fleet of “Timeless” boat, which even sometimes run on schedule, Toot-tooth!

 

As for Milwaukee, as much as I’d liked for  Palou getting win #9 w’; having boldly told boss Cheep’ He was going to win. Have to say I was Rootin’ for William Steven Power or ScottyMac’ to win instead.

 

As I thought it would be Hilarious for Power to win His second race of the season and really make Penske squirm!

 

Although it was Kyffin Simpson making DJ WillyP’ squirm instead, when giving Him the Kyff-Dog’ Swerve, Youch!

 

While once again I was Rootin’ against my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver Pato Who? During Qualie’, wanting to “See” Davey Malukas “Break His Duck” and claim His first IndyCar pole. Which the Chicago lad came Oh, so tantalizingly close to. Until Alex Palou did what He’s done All season long, claiming His sixth pole of the season, Boo!

 

As this left me begging the question. What would you take? A one year extension at Penske, knowing your toast afterwards. Or a two year deal with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing As it sounds like RLLR clearly wants Power; with Sparky’ making way for the Man from Down Under…

 

Whilst it sounds like it’s a foregone conclusion that Penske will take David Malukas next year, even if He claims to be on a two year contract with Foyt. Which would leave Foyt in a Huge Hole for its second car’s budget! Especially since Team Penske is footing the bill for Malukas’s ride.

 

As Marshall Pruett pointed out that Penske hasn’t taken a young driver with zero poles or wins in 40 years! And yes, Scott McLaughlin was a rookie with zero IndyCar poles or wins. But He was a multi-times Supercars champion with some 57 W’s if I remember correctly.

 

With Pruett noting in His August 8th Racer Silly Season update. For which I was still waiting for the website reboot to be upgraded to the Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) standards “promised” by the time I returned home; Uhm, Oopsadaisy, Butterfingers!

 

Noting how perhaps Jacob Abel could “Backfill” the second Foyt seat? Although perhaps Sparky’, nee Devlin DeFrancesco could take His pocketbook there?

 

For which perhaps, All of this will merely be conjecture by now? Although DJ WillyP’ politely told Ryan Marin on the winners podium at Portland that He wouldn’t know until after Nashville…

 

As Milwaukee turned into a day ‘O firsts Sunday. Beginning with Mexican Salvador de Alba scoring His maiden Indy NXT win, leading wire-to-wire! With Andretti Global claiming a clean sweep of the podium. Including runner-up Dennis Hauger securing the Indy NXT and Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Championships.

 

Then after Alex Palou had led a staggering 195 of 250 laps. A momentary light shower producing sprinkles on-track set the stage for a dramatic end to the Headliner’s event.

 

As Ed Carpenter Racing’s (ECR) Christian Rasmussen, who’d incurred a speeding penalty earlier, along with ECR teammate Alexander Rossi and others, bolted on fresh Firestone rubber.

 

Thus Rasmussen splendidly carved His way thru the field, making mincemeat of the competition. Before brazenly shooting past race leader Palou to lead the final 16 laps enroute to His first career IndyCar win!

 

As the victory was Oh, So Sweet for Rasmussen driving the Splenda car! Giving ECR its first IndyCar win since I believe Rinus VeeKay won on the IMS Road Course Wayback’ in 2021?

 

As Palou said Himself during His podium interview, Rasmussen simply had fresher rubber and Congrats to Him! With Rossi finishing a disappointed fourth. Giving ECR two Top-five finishes on the legendary Milwaukee Mile!

 

As how can you not be Happy seeing another first time winner in victory lane, Eh? As Congrats Christian Rasmussen! 

IMS: Miller High Life 2.0

No. 51 DCR entry during Qualifying. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Thee “New” No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing Miller High Life entry of Jacob Abel, during Saturday qualifying at Mother Speedway.

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

INDY 500: Penske to the Forefront Again

But for All the Wrong reasons!

 

So it’s the day before the Mack Daddy 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, and I just have to say that this year’s race has a bad taste in the mouth for Mwah…

 

After learning late Monday evening of Team Penske’s additional penalties handed out by J. Douglas Boles, all I could say was Horseshit! Wondering to thyself do I totally ignore Team Penske being caught cheating again, or do I try scribbling something constructive here upon No Fenders? Skipping the F-bombs’ laden initial response I had when learning about this…

 

Everyone knows about Penske’s No. 2 Josef Newgarden and No. 12 Will Power’s entries being sent to the last row, now starting P32-33 based upon Saturday’s qualifying speed. And that they’ve been given the final two pit selections, forfeited their qualifying points and handed a $100,000 fine per car. Along with Team Penske top two IndyCar lieutenant’s Tim Cindric and Ron Ruzewski being banned from taking further part in this year’s Indianapolis 500; for the second straight year, Boo-Hoo-Hoo!

 

I understand Boles decision of keeping the fastest 33 cars in the field, but I also believe what Pato O’Ward said. Claiming that the cars were in their altered configuration on Saturday, for which we’ll never truly know…

 

But I say that IndyCar’s penalty wasn’t harsh enough. As the only message that can truly be sent about altering a safety component on a racecar, however slight is simply for immediate Disqualification. End of Story!

 

As the IndyCar statement claims that the Attenuator’s seams were filled in order to gain an aerodynamic advantage, which regardless of whom you believe, is just another of the countless examples of Penske seeking it’s legendous “Unfair Advantage!”

 

My “gut” feeling is that as long as Roger Penske holds the keys to everything. Sadly, there will forever be a dark cloud overhead IndyCar! Which I really don’t know the solution to, but I’d say it’s quite the conundrum.

 

Since once again one of the little teams is taking it in the shorts financially, whilst the Big Dawgs’ keep rollin’ on! As how much did Dale Coyne just lose out upon?

 

As the spotlight should have been solely focused upon the incredible accomplishment of rookie Robert Shwartzman, which was Freakin’ Amazing! With only five IndyCar races to His (and Prema’s) credit, He becomes just the third rookie in Indy 500 History to win pole!

 

The last being Italian Teo Fabi in 1983, the year Prema was formed. And first rookie team since the “Gasman” Tom Sneva driving for Mayer Motor Racing in ’84.

 

Totally Unbelievable!

 

Yet lie Pato O’Ward said in the IndyStar article I listened to late Sunday night, following the Fast Twelve Shootout. The real question is why does Penske feel they need to do such things? As they’ve got really good drivers, good equipment,  so why?

 

And who will Roger put on Double Secret Probation this time? Uhm, guess that Doug Boles did that for Him, Eh?

 

Although I’d like to point out what at least I heard Boles say during His press conference announcing the harsher penalty. The Nos. 2 and 12 weren’t disqualified, Team Penske simply elected to withdraw them on Sunday. As they were allowed to run in the Fast 12 Shootout but most certainly would be disqualified afterwards for failing post technical inspection.

 

While I still do not believe Cindric’s comment about ScottyMac’s No. 3 car not having a modified attenuator. Unless that means that Team Penske made the modification between McLaughlin’s practice crash and Sunday qualifying? Even though reports claim that other teams have photographs of Penske’s car running with this modification going back to last year, Huh?

 

As it’s a really Ugly problem! And no matter how it was handled/not handled? Somebody in the Last Row shootout got screwed! Especially when it’s the series owner caught cheating at the racetrack He owns!

 

As congratulations to Robert Shwartzman and Prema Racing! And may somebody beside Team Penske win this Sunday! Since can you imagine the scuttlebutt if either the No. 2 or No. 12 wins?

 

Aftermath

Naturally, the story wasn’t finished. Since a day after I finished penning this article, Roger Penske dropped a Bombshell with the firing of Tim Cindric, Rob Ruzewski and Kyle Moyer, His top three IndyCar lieutenants on Wednesday, May 21st.

 

This is quite significant, since I like many believed that Cindric would one day take over control of Team Penske when El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske had finally taken the chequered flag…

 

I should also say that I’ve found Doug Boles to be very pragmatic during this whole ugly situation, and as a lawyer saying He’s just been working with the facts. As Boles has been decisive and straightforward in what appropriate punishment He could deal out. Thus I find myself unexpectedly defending Him, by just saying that He’s only been president of IndyCar since early February. And as Boles said, the Penske penalitespenalties are probably Harsher then what was handed out to other team violations at the Thermal club this past March…

 

I also know that whilst photographic evidence of Josef Newgarden’s 2024 Indy 500 winning car sporting the exact same alterations exist. Boles has noted that He’s been told the Aerodynamic modification would net 0.0mph gain.

 

While it’s also somewhat hard to believe that Roger Penske would wish such negative publicity focused upon Him at the racetrack He so cherishes, and has spent millions improving to make “Penske Perfect”. Not to mention the huge stain this puts upon His legendous’ racing organization. Not to mention All of the people who work so diligently for Him…

 

Yet I still say that the only acceptable punishment for modifying a safety component. With the rear attenuator designed presumably with said seam gap to crumple in a rearwards accident and dissipate crash energy away from the driver, is for immediate Disqualification of said racecar!

 

While it will be very interesting to see how IndyCar moves forward from this massive scandal… 

F1: What’s Going On at Alpine?

And who’s really in charge?

 

While IndyCar is Brickyard centric right now, with only eyes for Mother Speedway. As I’ve typed many times before, Motorsports never sleeps!

 

Alpine has long been Renault’s sports car brand and the two firms have long associations with Formula 1. With Alpine’s dating back to 1968 and Renault first being a Formula 1 Constructor in 1977.

 

Renault has been in and out of Formula 1 many times, with it’s zenith being double world champions, i.e.; winning both Drivers and Constructors titles back-to-back in 2005-06.

 

With the team’s low point being 2008’s Crash Gate, for which a disgruntled Nelson Piquet Jr. divulged the following year when sacked by Flavio Briatore…

 

Diehard f1 Afficionados will know that Renault bought Benetton in 2000, and became the Renault F1 Team in 2002. Before morphing into the Lotus F1 Team in 2012, then Lotus Renault GP, or visa versa? Next becoming Renault Sport F1 Team in 2016 and finally Alpine in 2021.

 

The team has had much staff turnover since becoming the BWT Alpine F1 Team, with then team principal Cyril Abiteboul leaving after their transition from Renault to Alpine. As Davide Brivio, former Suzuki MotoGP team boss took over for Abiteboul, albeit with mixed results.

 

In January 2022, Marcin Budkowski, who’d risen to the role of director at Alpine, previously Renault’s executive technical director. And non-executive director Alain Prost both left the organization. With Otmar Szafnauer, previously Aston Martin’s F1 team principal, taking over the same role at Alpine.

 

Meanwhile Bruno Famin was hired to lead Renault’s Power Unit organization at Viry-Chatillon. And somebody named Oscar Piastri replaced Daniil Kvyat as test driver, as we all know how that worked out, El Correctomundo!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/08/i-will-not-be-driving-for-insert-race.html

 

In July 2023 Laurent Rossi was replaced by Philippe Kreis as CEO, before Szafnauer and longtime employee Alan “Bat” Permane, having risen to Sporting Director were “let go” following the Belgian Grand Prix. With Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry leaving at the end of the year for Williams. Which are just some of the staff exodus over the past four years…

 

Monsieur Famin, who’d taken over as team principal was replaced by Oliver Oakes during the 2024 F1 Summer Holiday and began as team principal at last year’s Dutch Grand Prix on August 25th. Which brings us full circle to the latest management shakeup.

 

As Renault hired the highly controversial HMS Monogram’, aka Flavio Briatore to an executive advisor role last May, having already noted Briatore’s role in Crash Gate, not to mention Benetton’s legendous’ “trick” Option 13 launch control on the B194 chassis that Michael Schumacher drove to the first of His eventual seven F1 world championships…

 

Briatore signed Franco Colapinto as one of the team’s reserve drivers this January. for which I tend to recall that before the season began, scuttlebutt suggested that Jack Doohan was only guaranteed six Grans Prix races, with cynics suggesting this was why Doohan’s F1 debut was pushed forward to last year’s season ending Abu Dhabi GP.

 

Naturally, Oakes shock resignation was confirmed just days following the Miami Grand Prix; Tuesday, May 6th. One day prior to Alpine making official Doohan being replaced by Colapinto on a five-race deal beginning at Imola, with the team’s statement saying nothing more would be said regarding Oakes sudden departure.

 

Yet 24 hours later, Briatore, now the acting team principal felt the need to comment further, claiming Oakes departure had nothing to due with Doohan’s demotion to reserve driver and Colapinto’s insertion into the Aussie’s race seat. And was of a personal nature instead. For which that all seems a wee Bitamyte’ too convenient, or just plain good ‘Ol CoInky-dense, eh? Since rumours suggest that Oakes felt under minded by Briatore’s drivers decision…

 

Yet two days after Oakes resignation, it was reported that His younger brother William Oakes, age 31 had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police on the charge of transferring criminal property. Claiming that He had a large amount of cash in His possession when detained nearby Silverstone, where Hitech Racing’s located.

 

As William is listed as a director of Hitech Racing, founded by older brother Oliver, with the latter not being implicated of any wrong doing.

 

Whilst I’m doing my best to stay away from the previous majority owner Dmitry Mazepin angle to this story. Yes, that’s former Haas F1 driver Nikita “Mazaspin’s” father…

 

Although it’s also been pointed out by Racer’s Chris Medland that the writing for Doohan as been on the wall ever since Colapinto was signed to Alpine’s cast of rotating test and reserve drivers due to His sizeable sponsorship backing from Argentina and previous race pace at Williams last season.

 

But I simply do not understand how a rookie F1 driver is supposed to flourish in such a hostile environment! Since Doohan was Alpine’s first Driver Acadamey member to actually graduate to a race seat, albeit briefly. Meaning is it worth being an Academy member after all?

 

Since former Alpine Academy member Christian Lundgaard is doing quite nicely in IndyCar now, currently lying second in the championship – when I began scribbling this.

 

Alpine currently sits ninth in the vaunted F1 Constructors championship, only ahead of Sauber, who are in a transition year before becoming the Audi Werks’ outfit next season.

 

As Briatore, who’s now 75 is tasked with making Alpine into a winner once again, albeit for Mwah, it’s completely sacrilegious over Alpine becoming a Mercedes customer team next year! But that’s another story waiting to be laboriously poonded’ out here on No Fenders…

 

As can Alpine ever claw it’s way back to the sharp end of the grid? Since they’ve only one once as a F1 Constructor, when Esteban Ocon took an unlikely victory at the Hungaroring in 2021.

 

Prior to that, Renault hadn’t won a Grand Prix since the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix as a constructor. Albeit Red bull ran le Reggie’s 2.4-litre normally aspirated V-8 enginesas a customer between 2010-2013 enroute to four consecutive doubles championships, i.e.; F1 Drivers and Constructors titles… 

Open Wheel Rookies Galore

Although we know that fortunately, some Roundy-Round Star won’t be in consideration this year…

 

Not sure if it’s a condemnation upon the current IndyCar season and it’s typical Oh, so S-L-O-W Drip-Drip-Drip season’s start after a Gory half year’s absence! Before mashing the loud pedal and going Gangbusters thru thoust “Month of May”, even if it’s really only a svelte nine days? At least that’s what I came up with from my initial ryth-muh-tickin’.

 

U2’s bono’ croons in a long ago song title God, Part 2: “You glorify the past, when the future dries up”. Which in hindsight is possibly why I went down another Wabbit’ Hole recently, eh?

 

As I’ve just spent the past three months off ‘n on updating my Formula 1 seasons Entry lists, specifically in search of each year’s rookies class participants, Aye Karumba!

 

Although first I had to create the 1974 F1 season in order to start at year 1975 some four days after this year’s Rolex 24, Remember that Y’all? Finishing just fived days prior to this year’s Miami Grand Prix. When IndyCar was butting heads with F1. And those G-Damn’ Taxicab Bombers!

 

Indy Cars Grand Prix of Alabama began at 10:30AM Pacific on FOX. With my Zap-2-It’ TV guide initially claiming that Formula One’s Miami Grand Prix started at 12 noon on ABC. Although the race coverage actually began at 1:00PM Pacific, and NASCAR’s race coverage was listed as 12:30PM Pacific on FS1.

 

As may be this is why it felt like just plain ‘Ol PR Spin over the IndyCar ratings “rebounding” to an average of 940k viewers for Barber Motorsports Park’s FOX broadcast, with a nearly 20% increase over last year’s NBC viewing.

 

As I still say Penske Entertainment and IndyCar are Fooling themselves if they think the easy solution is simply switching TV Broadcast partners, but I digress…

 

And while I’ve gleaned that Formula One’s largest rookie class was a staggering 20 in 1976! Keep in mind that a total of 55 drivers participated, with 48 actually racing! Which is a far cry from today’s Formula 1, even with this year’s stellar class of four  F1 Wookies’.

 

As I learned that I’ve been incorrect the past several decades, and that F1 rookie status is any driver with only two total Grands Prix starts to His, or Her career. Since there’s been only a handful of Femme Fatales attempting to race in Formula 1 the past half decade.

 

As I suppose I was Cornfuzed’ since IndyCar allows rookie status of up to four races in a season. Since that was the chatter about Nolan Siegel initially trying to preserve His rookie status last year with Dale Coyne Racing before going fulltime with Arrow McLaren…

 

Yet strangely, Formula 1, or more correctly, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, nee FIA doesn’t have a Rookie Of the Year (ROY) award a la IndyCar strictly for F1.

 

Instead, the FIA has only given out a Rookie Of the Year award since 2014 which is open to single seaters and rally racing. Handed out at the yearly FIA prize gala, with last year’s award winner being Formula 2 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto.

 

As soon, if not already? We’ll be talking about this year’s crop of four Indianapolis 500 rookies, provided they All make the show! Even if once again we’ll be discussing Kyle Larson ad nauseum, Groan!

 

By my unofficial reckoning, Nolan Siegal, Louis Foster, Jacob Abel and Robert Shwartzman are this year’s four Indianapolis 500 rookies.

 

Of this quartet you’d have to say on “paper” that Shwartzman is the most likely to not qualify. Since His very first Oval experience came during the Open test Rookie Orientation Program (ROP) at Mother Speedway during April 23-24.

 

At least that’s what I initially thought. Having since learned that Shwartzman and Louis Foster both participated in a rookie oval test at Gateway on April 15th. When I was trying to no avail to find any articles upon the four drivers passing ROP, which I also Arse-sume they did, El Correctomundo?

 

Shwartzman has the added pressure of racing for the brand new Prema Racing IndyCar team, but apparently is one “Cool” customer who didn’t get too rattled by the fire He experienced at the Thermal club!

 

Interestingly, Shwartzman, Foster and Jacob Abel all hadn’t driven an single seater with the Aeroscreen until this March. Along with the addition of the still relatively new Hybrid, Err Energy Recovery System. (ERS)

 

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Nolan Siegel, who impressed with His failed rookie attempt to qualify for last year’s Indianapolis 500 for the plucky Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) outfit. And surely will qualify this year driving for Arrow Mclaren, Righto?

 

Know that Mike Hull of Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR)  was Uber impressed with Shwartzman the day they tested Him, Wayback’ in January, 2023. Whilst CGR was also very impressed with Abel, who tested for them at Texas Motor Speedway before joining DCR.

 

Whilst both Shwartzman and Siegel have race in the 24 Heurs du Mans, with Shwartzman driving for AF Corse in the top tier Ferrari 499P Hypercar with Robert Kubica and Yifei Ye.

 

Meanwhile, Foster is the reigning Indy NXT Champion, having won 10 of 28 races during His two seasons driving for Andretti Global.

 

Foster who now drives for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing also could face an uphill battle, due to RLLR”s last two year’s struggles at IMS. Not to mention Takuma Sato needing a new Dallara DW12 chassis built-up for Him following this year’s open test.

 

But Foster should be able to lean upon not only a two time winner in Sato, but Graham Rahal should be a steadying influence Me thinks…

 

As IndyCar.com’s Eric Smith notes in His Louis Foster making progress article, beginning with Barber’s. IndyCar will be in the “Meat” of it’s schedule, racing over 14 of the next 16 weekends, Youza!

 

So I’d say the two drivers scrapping for the proverbial “P33” are Shwartzman and Foster. But we’ve already seen five drivers experiencing trouble during the open test.

 

As we know about Sato’s heavy wall tag, with Golden boy Kyle Larson also hitting the wall in Turn-1, both during Thursday morning’s simulated “High-boost” Qualie’ settings.

 

Yet Santino Ferrucci needed to replace His Chevrolet engine. Jack Harvey suffered an ERS failure, and Graham Rahal lightly brushed the wall; All of which could happen during the oh, so important qualifying sessions… 

Presenting the 2025 Formula 1 Rookies Class

But who’ll come out on top. And who’ll perform best overall in their respective F1 careers?

 

Can the 2023 Formula 1 season really be that long ago? Or is it just due to the immeasurably long 24 Grands Prix calendar? That its hard to remember just two years ago we had four “Fresh Faced” F1 rookies on the grid.

 

Whilst I realize it’s a totally different era, but fifty years ago, there were 18 F1 rookies, including the three who failed to qualify. With a total of 63 drivers attempting to participate that season, Youza!

 

Whilst I’ll freely admit I know very little about any of this quintet ‘O aspiring Formula 1 drivers…

 

Gabriel Bortoleto

Team: Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

Nationality: Brazilian

Birthplace: Osasco, Sao Paolo

DOB: October 14, 2004; Age: 20

Car No. 5

 

Interestingly, Gabriel’s father is the CEO and co-owner of Brazil’s Stock Car Pro series. Not to mention coming from a wealthy family, with part of their fortunes coming from creating an internet company that merged with Vero in 2023.

 

The family also runs the KTF Racing team in Stock Cars and Karting, and Gabriel’s elder brother Enzo formerly raced in F4 and British F3…

 

Gabriel began Karting at age seven and made His single seater debut in 2020, in the Italian Formula 4 series. Which seems to be one of the main proving grounds for aspiring racers

 

After stints in the Formula Regional European and Formula Asia series, Bortoleto graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship, driving for Trident in 2023. He got off to a strong start with an early win, and led the championship until the season’s end. Winning the title with two victories in His maiden campaign.

 

For 2024, Gabriel moved up to FIA Formula 2, driving for Invicta Virtuosi Racing, alongside Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini.

 

Gabriel fought all season long vs. Isack Hadjar for the title, scoring His first Feature race win at Austria. And then becoming the first Formula 2 driver to win from last place at Monza.

 

Entering the season finale on Yas Isle, bortoleto led Hajar by 0.5 point! Increased to a four point lead following the Sprint race. Then finishing Vice, Err runner-up on Sunday to claim the title. Becoming only the seventh rookie to win the championship and fourth to do the “double” as a rookie. Following the likes of Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri.

 

Gabriel joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme between 2023-24 and is under the “tutelage” of A14 Management, owned by Fred Alonso. As McLaren released the Brazilian in order to be signed by Sauber for 2025, before becoming the Audi Werks’ F1 team in 2026.

 

Isack Hadjar

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team

Nationality: French

Birthplace: Paris, France

DOB: September 28, 2004; Age: 20

Car No. 6

 

Isack Hadjar was the final driver confirmed for the 2025 F1 season as Liam Lawson’s replacement at thee ‘lil bulls’, aka Racing bulls operation. The French born Algerian driver began Karting at age seven and made His single seater debut in 2019 in the French formula 4 series. Having first raced in the Ginetta Junior Sports car category.

 

The following year Hadjar finished third overall in the French F4 championship with three win, before graduating to the Formula Regional European and Formula Asian series. As Hadjar’s best weekend appropriately came during the Monaco outing, where He scored His first FR European win along with a runner-up finish.

 

Hadjar finished third overall in the 2022 FR Asian series driving for Hitech, before racing in that year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship also with Hitech. Where His season started off with a “Bang at Bahrain”, being declared the winner after Oliver Bearman received a time penalty.

 

Yet Hadjar who was in the title fight didhimself no favours when crashing on the final corner during qualifying in Monza, colliding with Kush Maini in the race and ultimately finishing fourth overall, before moving onto the FIA Formula 2 championship the following year.

 

Continuing with Hitech in Formual 2 where His teammate was Yank’ Jack Crawford, Isack had a typical, difficult rookie season. Finishing 14th  overall in the standings, two points behind Crawford.

 

For 2023, Hadjar switched to Campos Racing where He fought tooth ‘n nail for the championship title vs. Gabriel Bortoleto. Yet once again, the pressure was too great, as Hadjar stalled at the start of the season finale’s final Feature race!

 

As Hadjar had built up a 36 point lead with four wins prior to the Summer’s break before having to settle for vice Champion behind Bortoleto. Yet being a Red bull Junior driver beginning in 2023, it was only natural to promote Him to the Racing Bulls Formula 1 team. And I like His honesty, saying He’s scared of being a formula 1 driver! But expects to compete for reaching Qualie’s Q3 (Top 10) sessions and score points. And is even hopeful of scoring His first podium finish.

 

As this is the rookie F1 driver I know the least about, but have to say I like His bravado, and will be interested to “See” how He fares vs. established teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

 

As the legendous’ Der Helmut, aka Helmut Marco says Isack is fast but impulsive! Whilst Hadjar himself admits He’d like to drive for Red bull one day, but only if merited… 

The F1 rookie most prominently in the Spotlight

But how will He perform under such pressure?

 

Rightly or wrongly, this Italian teenager seems to have the biggest spotlight of our five Formula 1 rookies upon His shoulders this year. Presumably since He’s replacing legendous’ Sir Lewis at the Silver arrows…

 

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

Nationality: Italian

Birthplace: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

DOB: August 25, 2006; Age: 18

Car No. 12

 

As I’ve already scribbled above, the youngest driver on the Formula 1 grid for 2025 is also thought to be the most sensational. Nevertheless, the young Italian will also have the most pressure to perform for Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement…

 

Andrea or Kimi’s as most are now calling Him, Father Marco is a Sports Car racer in Saloons, winning the 2018 Italian GT championship and currently runs the Family’s AMK Motorsports racing team, which has competed in the Italian F4 championship since 2022.

 

Kimi, like Gabriel Bortoleto, both claim the late Ayrton Senna as their Idol! With Antonelli having drawn inspiration from Senna’s use of the number 12 in formula 1, along with using the number during His stitnt driving for Prema in Junior formulaes.

 

Interestingly, both Antonelli and fellow F1 rookie Jack Doohan requested the No. 12 as their car number, but since Kimi asked first, He got the number ahead of Doohan…

 

Reputedly a family friend gave Antonelli’s father Marco the name Kimi in deference to that Ice Cream eating Kimi Raikkonen. Since Marco was set upon giving His son a boring middle name.

 

Thus, with All of the hyperbole out of the way, let’stake a brief gander at Kimi’s racing “CV”. (career) As Kimi also began competitive Karting at age seven, and was a prodigious Karting talent. Winning too numerous championships to chronicle, along with suffering a broken leg during a wet weather accident.

 

Antonelli was spotted by Giovanni Minardi early on , and quickly signed to Minardi Management. Before winning multiple karting titles driving for Rosberg Racing Academy. Hmm, why does it sound like He was already headed for the pinicle of motorsports so early on, Eh?

 

For 2021, Kimi made His single seater debut in Italian Formula 4 following His 15th birthday, contesting a partial season and finishing a respectable P10 overall.

 

Remaining with Prema Powerteam, Antonelli claimed both the 2022 Italian and ADAC Formula 4 championships along with a Gold Medal in the FIA Motorsports Games. As Kimi dominated the Italian F4 series with a record 13 wins, including six consecutive victories! Then followed that up by claiming the ADAC F4 title. Having amassed 26 wins, 24 poles and 37 podiums in 67 Formula 4 starts, the second most successful in F4 History!

 

The following year, He graduated to the Formula Regional European Championship, where once again He secured another title driving for Prema, along with that year’s inaugural FR Middle East Championship driving for Mumbai Falcons.

 

Thus, Kimi’s “Star” shone brightly! Having secured two titles in Formula 3, the Italian prodigy skipped the FIA formula 3 Championship, Preceding directly to FIA Formula 2 the following year, again with Prema. Where His teammate would be Ferrari Driver Academy member Oliver Bearman.

 

Reportedly Prema initially struggled with the Formula 2 Ground Effects chassis, seeing both drivers get off to a slow start. Kimi scored His maiden F2 win in the wet Silverstone Sprint race, and then clamed a Feature race win at Budapest.

 

Antonelli withdrew from the season finale Abu Dhabi F2 weekend due to illness and finished sixth overall in the championship on the back of His two wins. And then took part in the afternoon session of the post Abu Dhabi F1 Young Drivers test, where naturally He was the fastest rookie.

 

Antonelli was signed as a Mercedes Junior Driver in 2018 at age 12! Making me think of another youngster name Lewis Hamilton’s signing by thee Ronster’, aka Ron Dennis of McLaren fame Wayback’ when…

 

Antonelli got His first taste of Formula 1 machinery in April, 2019 when He drove a Mercedes W12 at the Red bull ring in Spielberg, followed by further private tests at Imola and Spa-francorchamps.

 

The “Kimi” rule, re-allowing 17 year olds to hold FIA Super licence’s, enabled Antonelli to make His Free Practice debut at Monza that fall. Antonelli set the fastest lap time before spinning at Curva Alboreto just ten minutes into the FP1 session, colliding with the tyre barriers in a 52G incident! And then participated in another F1 practice session at Mexico City. Once again incurring damage to His Mercedes chassis upon running over debris and damaging the W15’s floor…

 

Antonelli has been undergoing an extensive testing programme over the winter in preparations for His Formula 1 debut alongside team leader George Russell. And passed His public driving test just six weeks prior to the season opener at Melbourne. As Italians must be at least 18 years old before being eligible for a Drivers licence… 

Presenting the 2025 Formula 1 Senior Member Rookies

Although a total of four Grands Prix Ain’t exactly a large sample size…

 

It has been a very long times since I can recall such an abundance ‘O Formula 1 rookies joining the grid. Which according to my informal archives, last occurred nine seasons ago in 2017. As Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll remain upon the F1 Grid. Whilst the 2019 and 2023 seasons saw four F1 rookies apiece. With 2019 featuring the top three F2 finishers: Lando Norris, George Russell and Alexander Albon. Whilst 2023 F1 rookies Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri remain on the grid…

 

Oliver Berman

Team: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team

Nationality: United Kingdom

Birthplace: Havering, London

DOB: May 8, 2005; Age: 19

Car No. 87

 

Believe that “Ollie”, aka Oliver Bearman is still a rookie, albeit having made three starts last season, substituting for Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari and Kevin Magnussen at Haas. As His three Grands Prix starts excluded Him from participating in the Post Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Ollie’ began racing Go Karts at age seven, capping a very successful Karting career in 2020, before graduating to Single Seaters.

 

Bearman made His racecar debut in the 2020 ADAC (German) Formula 4 series and scored His maiden win at the Hockenheimring. Later that year He made His debut in the Italian F4 series and also claimed victory at Vallelunga.

 

Twenty Twenty-One was a magical year for Bearman, as the Bloody brit’ dominated the Italian F4 Championship, sweeping the title with eleven wins! And then claimed the German F4 Championship title with a further six victories.

 

The following year, Oliver graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship, driving for Prema Racing alongside Jack Crawford and Arthur Leclerc. Bearman wound-up third overall and claimed one W’, the Sprint race at thee Mighty Spa, aka Spa-Francorchamps. He also became a Ferrari Academy driver that year.

 

For 2023, Ollie made the step up to FIA Formula 2, continuing with Prema, alongside Mercedes Junior Driver Frederik Vesti. Bearman would claim sixth in the championship with four wins, including an impressive “double” at Baku. Becoming just the fourth F3 rookie to win both Sprint and feature races on the same weekend.

 

Continuing with Prema, now partnered by Mercedes Junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Bearman had a disappointing season, finishing 12th overall with three Sprint race wins to His credit.

 

Bearman missed the Jeddah and Baku rounds due to deputizing as reserve driver in F1. First in a last minute call-up for Carlos Sainz Jr. having an emergency appendectomy, where He finished a sensational seventh for Ferrari!

 

Next Bearman scored points again as Kevin Magnussen’s substitute at Azerbaijan, where the Dane’ was serving a one race ban. Finishing P10 for Haas. Then slithered home P12 at Sao Paolo after being given a 10 second penalty for colliding with Williams Franco Colapinto.

 

Jack Doohan

Team: BWT Alpine F1 Team

Nationality: Australian

Birthplace: Gold Coast, Queensland

DOB: January 20, 2003; Age: 22

Car NO. 7

 

Yes, Jack Doohan is the son of five times GP500 Grand Prix Motorcycle World Champion Mick Doohan. Interestingly, Jack began Go Karting at age nine with a go Kart given to Him by none other than  Michael Schumacher!

 

After a successful Karting career, Jack made His single seater debut at age 15 in 2018, when competing in the F4 British championship. Racing for Arden alongside Red Bull Junior Driver Dennis Hauger, Doohan finished fith overall with three wins.

 

Next Doohan raced in the F3 Asian series, finishing Vice Champion, Er runner-up twice consecutively. Along with racing for Double R Racing in the Euro Formula Open series.

 

Doohan then graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship for 2020, where He had less than stellar results driving for HWA Racelab. The following year He moved to Trident, where one of His teammates was David Schumacher, son of Ralf.

 

Jack made history at the Spa-Francorchamps round by becoming the first driver to win two races in a weekend. Yet ultimately lost the F3 title to Dennis Hauger; who will contest His rookie Indy NXT campaign for Andretti global this year

After contesting the final two rounds of that year’s Formula 2 season, Doohan raced His first full FIA F2 season for Virtuosi Racing alongside Marino Sato in 2022. Doohan scored three poles and three wins enroute to sixth overall in the championship.

 

For 2023, Jack remained with virtuosi and finished third overall on the strength of two poles and three victories, before leaving F2 at season’s end.

 

Having been a Red bull Junior Driver between 2017 and 2021, Doohan switched to the Alpine Academy for 2022, and got His first taste of Formula 1 machinery in Qatar that year. Making His Free Practice (FP) debut at Mexico City, and then again at Abu Dhabi. Also participating in that year’s post Abu dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Continuing His testing duties for Alpine the following year, Jack was named as the team’s reserve driver for the 2024 F1 season, before making His Formula 1 debut at the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the ousted Esteban Ocon.

 

Not sure why I felt compelled to track Doohan’s F1 debut outing, other than I suppose I was curious how He’d acquit Himself? Thus recording the following weekend’s positions, beginning with Friday’s (Free Practice) FP1 outing: P19-19-14-20-15.

 

Thus finishing 15th in His first Grand Prix, where He dorve the team’s No. 61 entry, Arse-sumedly it’s reserve car number.

 

As now the pressure surely rachets up, with the season commencing Down Under on Home soil in Bloody Melbourne, March 16^th, Righto? Where the Aussie’s will be delirious over having two of their Mates’ on the Formula 1 grid… 

Time to begin another Arduous Formula 1 season

As can somebody stop Max Blunderhead’s reign?

 

Full disclosure, I didn’t pay any Attenzione to this year’s “Winter Olympics”, ergo F1 testing at Bahrain, since I was on a Choo-choo train headed north during this three days outing. So don’t know the story lines, or how far off they are? Which we’ll get a glimpse of the “real” pecking order this coming weekend Down Under in Gory Melbourne, Mates!

 

If I’ve done my ryth-muh-tickin’ correctly? Thars’ an 80% turnover in F1 Driver lineups this season, with only two teams retaining last year’s drivers.

 

Formula 1 is true “Blood Sport”, where the first objective is to beat your teammate! Thus, one of the biggest story lines is how Lewis Hamilton does at His new team la Scuderia, aka Ferrari vs. Charles Leclerc. And how Ferrari does in general vs. its F1 Constructors Championship rivals, i.e.; McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull.

 

McLaren are the defending Constructors Champion, having won their first title since Gory 1998! And retain Lando Norris, who finished Vice-champion, Err runner-up to Max Verstappen for the Drivers Championship last year. Along with Oscar Piastri, with both McLaren drivers winning their maiden Grands Prix last season.

 

Aston Martin is the only other F1 Team staying status quo with drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. While the team’s reshuffled its engineering core, along with the arrival of Adrian Newy…

 

Mercedes has opted for the services of 18yr old F1 rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement alongside George Russell.

Arse-sumedly everyone knows about Red Bull’s dismissal of Checo’, nee Sergio Perez in favour of Liam Lawson this season. As the Kiwi’ has His work cut out for Him a la All of Max Blunderhead’s (Verstappen) previous teammates! And with just eleven Grands Prix starts to His name, pretty sure this will be an uphill slog…

 

Alpine, which claimed sixth overall last season largely due to their impressive 2-3 finish at Sao Paolo. Sees Jack Doohan, who made His F1 debut at last year’s Abu Dhabi season finale join Pierre Gasly.

 

Aas sports a brand new line-up with the arrival of Esteban Ocon from Alpine, and rookie Oliver Bearman. As Bearman deputized for Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari and Kevin Magnussen at Haas last year as both team’s reserve driver, and is highly rated by team principal Ayao Konatsu…

 

Racing Bulls keeps Yuki Tsunoda, who most likely is in His final season in Formula 1? Being “tied” to Honda, who become Aston Martin’s Werd’s Power Unit (PU) supplier for 2026. Where reserve driver Felipe Drugovich has been waiting years for either Alonso or Stroll Jnr’ to depart. While rookie Isack Hadjar takes Liam Lawson’s vacated seat.

 

Sauber sports an all new line-up with the arrival of Nico Hulkenberg from Haas, along with the addition of rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, before the team becomes fully rebranded as Audi in 2026.

 

Lastly, another major story line will be how much can Carlos Sainz Jr. right Willimas floundering ship? As the storied Grove based F1 team struggled Ah-Mighty’ with multiple destroyed and crash damaged chassis last year! As Sainz moves from Ferrari, having to make way for Sir Lewis.

 

Didn’t bother reading the article, but saw the headline proclaiming that current Williams driver Alexander Albon is keen to see how He stacks up against Sainz? For which I think Albon’s going to have a somewhat rude awakening!

 

Although I definitely expect for Williams to not finish last in this year’s Constructors Championship, but time will tell…

 

Meanwhile, being in the final year’s current chassis regulations, hopefully we’ll have another Cracking year of competition! Before another total reset for 2026’s E-e-E-lectrified Formula 1 racecars…

 

Notably, the single point for Fastest lap during a race has been abolished. While drivers and chassis will gain a further two kilograms minimum weight requirements. With drivers now up to 82kg, and chassis up to 800kg.

 

A driver cooling (system) Kit will be made mandatory at “Hot”, extreme Heat races, when the FIA predicts a race will be over 30.5C, with chassis minimum weight being increased a further five kilograms (805kg) to compensate for said equipment. While the Drag Reduction System’s (DRS) “Slot-gap” dimensions will be reduceds along with the DRS system’s functionality…

 

Teams will also be required to run Young Drivers during Free  Practice sessions twice per racecar, up from once previously.

 

Once again, six Sprint races will be held over the season, beginning at Shanghai. Followed by Miami, Spa-Francorchamps, Circuit Of The Americas, Sao Paolo and Qatar.

 

As that’s a very brief rundown of what to look for this Sunday; Err Saturday night Stateside at the Australian Grand Prix. Round One of an insane 24! With the season concluding on December 7th upon Yas Isle. In what will be the final season of ESPN television coverage…

 

As Always, Check your local TV listings for times and locations!