In the round-up: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is open to supplying power units to Alpine if Renault decide to stop producing their own hybrids in 2026.
In brief
Mercedes open to Alpine deal
Renault is rumoured to be considering whether to cease production of Formula 1 power units when the next regulations arrive in 2026. Mercedes will see the number of teams it supplies fall by one when Aston Martin switch to Honda that year, and Wolff said finding a replacement fourth team could probe advantageous.
“It’s a complicated situation,” he said. “We like the thought of replacing Aston Martin with another team because of the sheer learning you’re doing. I think we’re set up as an organisation that the more power units, the better it is in terms of accelerating some of the developments or the reliability. So this is where it is.”
However he stressed talks are still at an early stage. “It didn’t go beyond the point of exchanging opinions or having exploratory discussions. I think Alpine would take a decision, do they want to continue with their Formula 1 engine programme or not? And only when they have taken that strategic decision, we would dive into our agreements. But we’re open-minded, and that’s what we have told them.”
He ruled out the possibility of a decision being taken before the summer break.
Toyota lead extended second WEC practice
Toyota sat atop the times at the end of the first day of practice for the World Endurance Championship’s Six Hours of Interlagos. The number eight car set the pace with a best time of 1’25.727. The two works Ferraris were next, followed by the sole Cadillac, the two Jota Porsches and the third customer Ferrari.
The second session was extended to two-and-a-quarter hours after first practice ended early for barrier repairs. Arnold Robin crashed heavily at Descida do Lago in the number 78 GT3 Lexus A GT3 car and was able to climb out of his car.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Links
Firestone brings new tyre compound to Iowa (Racer)
‘The move comes in reaction to a heat management issue that arose at the recent test at the 0.875-mile oval where extremely high temperatures were recorded in right-side tyre carcasses, and in the case of Team Penske’s Will Power, a heat-related failure of the right-front tyre occurred on the incredibly fast bullring.’
Interview: Is Tsunoda poised for a top seat in Formula 1? (The Paddock)
‘(Helmut Marko’s) just a very open person and doesn’t say any nonsense. He cares a lot about drivers, which is a good thing. At the same time, sometimes he can be challenging, but he’s just being open and honest. All in all, he’s a very open person, and he’s never hiding anything. Some drivers might take it very strictly, but I think he’s very open and helpful.’
Button: Remaining with JOTA in 2025 ‘definitely the best option’ (Sportscar 365)
‘In WEC next year, I’d probably be busier than I am this year, which is a good thing because more time in the car is always a positive thing. It’s just making sure the balance is correct. Basically we go from race to race with three drivers in the car and four hours of (practice), you don’t actually get that much of driving time.’
Wisnicki targeting more points with Rodin after P5 in Silverstone feature race (Formula 3)
‘To be honest it was like from like hell to heaven and then heaven to hell and then back again. It was a crazy race.’
Maloney’s Silverstone weekend in his words (Formula 2)
‘When I came back to the team after the press conference, I understood why we were off the pace to win. Such small things can make a big difference in pace. The tyres are so sensitive with both wets and slicks – those small things you do can have a big impact on your performance.’
We always endeavour to credit original sources. Got a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport? Please send it to us via the contact form.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Pawelf1, Robert, Voaridase, Hoolyf1, Paul Sainsbury, Swh1386 and Paul Schofield!
