F1 news LIVE: Aston Martin launches 2023 car after McLaren livery reveal

Lando Norris believes it is crucial for F1 drivers to have “freedom of speech” following a controversial FIA rule implemented in the off-season.

The new international sporting code says sports stars could be in breach if they make a “political or religious statement” without prior approval from the sport’s governing body.

Norris, who has been open about topics such as mental health in the past, echoed the voices of many drivers in his response to the new regulation.

“F1 shouldn’t limit what we can do, say or influence as drivers because we only want to do it for the best reasons, do it because we have millions of fans and spectators who we want to influence, guide and help.

“I am delighted to be starting with McLaren and making my F1 debut this season. The off season has been great for me and I have been working hard to get ready for next year.

“The time I spent in the factory and in the simulation was enjoyable and productive, and everyone on the team was welcoming. I’ve settled in well and now I’m fully focused on going out on track in Bahrain.

“The MCL60 is truly impressive and will be a memorable year, not just for me in my rookie season but also as a team celebrating 60 years of McLaren Racing. The challenge ahead is exciting and I look forward to riding with Lando as we work hard to collect points throughout the season.”

“The off-season has been good, but I’m looking forward to getting back on track and behind the wheel of the MCL60 for the first time. The new machine looks great and everyone involved in the build played a big part.

“This is my fifth year in Formula 1 and I hope to bring positive momentum into the new season after a year of racing under the new era of regulations. It has been quite a challenge to adapt to them and I feel I am in a positive position to continue to improve as a driver. I have enjoyed my journey with the team so far and to be involved with McLaren’s 60th anniversary is a privilege.

“I will continue to work hard alongside Oscar during this significant year as we seek to maximize scoring opportunities.”

McLaren has launched its vibrant car for 2023, the MCL60, as the historic Formula 1 team celebrates its 60th birthday^th anniversary this season.

Papaya underperformed his high standards last year, finishing fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, and saw off popular Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo.

Yet an Aussie has filled the void left by Ricciardo with 2021 Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri partnering Lando Norris this year and both drivers were in attendance for an extravagant launch event at McLaren HQ in Woking on Monday .

The MCL60 looks entirely similar to last year’s model with flashes of color added to the livery, along with additional sponsors.

Norris, in his fifth season with the team, admits he was looking forward to taking on the role of ‘squad chief’ this season, given his considerable experience over the 21-year-old Piastri.

Exclusive interview by Kieran Jackson

At the height of the exhilarating 2021 title showdown between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, F1 has revealed the results of a poll of over 150,000 fans in 187 countries. In the crush of numbers that followed, the most popular name among female fans and the under-25s stood out. Because it wasn’t Verstappen, nor Hamilton, seven-times world champion. Instead, it was Lando Norris.

The affable 22-year-old is now a household name but goes about his business nonchalantly; an undeniable swagger that has grown every year in correlation with his growing popularity.

This chat, for example, takes place a day after Norris, in his own words, competed “shockingly” at the BMW PGA Championship Pro-am at Wentworth, but where he had “more fans than Rory (McIlroy). .. I believe!”

We also talk as his neck is covered in a Daniel Ricciardo-directed honey badger and a love heart, inspired for a video on McLaren’s social channels.

This is what makes Norris so trendy with Generation Z. His rounds of golf are visible to everyone online. His gameplay sessions are streamed live on Twitch. Her face This morning it is now known. Yet underneath the warm bravado, bouncing around the RV like a spring chicken, is a man all too aware of the dangers of social media and the abuse it can unleash.

Originally released in September 2022

McLaren and Aston Martin launch their 2023 cars on Monday night as we approach the start of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

McLaren presents its car at 5.30pm (GMT) and Aston Martin at 7.30pm (GMT).

FIA has formally opened the process for applications to join the Formula 1 grid for 2025 at the earliest

Last month FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem verbally announced that the world motorsport governing body was opening an “expression of interest” process for new teams to enter the paddock.

Now the FIA ​​has formally confirmed the application process, with prospective entries having until 30 April to submit applications – with a decision expected by 30 June. In a statement on Thursday, the FIA ​​explained that the entries would be based on “rigorous financial and technical analyses” and “criteria of sustainability and positive social impact”.

Yet McLaren – who use engines powered by Mercedes – announced on Wednesday that the 23-year-old’s services would also be available to them throughout 2023.

In a tweet alongside a photo of Schumacher completing a suitable seat at McLaren, the team said: “McLaren will be able to call on Mick Schumacher as reserve driver during the 2023 F1 season as part of our agreement with Mercedes. Welcome to the family, Mick.

After winning the constructors’ championship in 2022, the team principal praised the talent of its drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

And Horner believes the team can still improve despite last season’s dominance after showing off the RB19.

“He’s taking all the lessons from the RB18,” Horner said. “There have been some subtle changes. The tires are also slightly different, but the RB19 taps into all the strengths.

Under fire FIA ​​President Mohammed ben Sulayem conceded day-to-day control of Formula 1.

The 61-year-old Emirati’s shocking decision comes after a string of controversial weeks at the helm of world motorsport, including the threat of legal action from Formula 1 and the exposure of historic sexist remarks on his now-defunct personal website.

The FIA, which governs F1, insists Ben Sulayem’s move has been in the works for some time and follows a restructuring of the organization after he took over the presidency from Jean Todt in December 2021.

But his revelation in a letter to the sport’s team bosses and F1 bosses on Monday that FIA director of single-seater racing Nikolas Tombazis should now be their main contact has sent ripples around the grid with the new season less than a month away. of distance.

Sulayem, who remains head of the FIA, took center stage in F1 last season, sitting down with drivers in the moments before races and handing out trophies at numerous Grands Prix.

More recently, he has used his social media platforms to broach the thorny topic of new teams in F1.

However, in an excerpt from Ben Sulayem’s letter, the former rally driver wrote: “My stated goal was to be a non-executive chairman through the recruitment of a professional management team, which has now largely been completed”.