It seems like just yesterday the Formula One elite were confidently stating that the sport was thriving and needed no expansion. Yet, here we are, with teams in turmoil and unexpected changes shaking up the paddock.
Guenther Steiner reflected last year, ‘Five years ago, you could get teams for nothing, you could pick it up. Nobody wanted them and they went out of business. Now, all of a sudden, everybody wants a team. But it’s a lot of people that want to come in and the 10 teams which are here are all financially stable, all well set up. It’s a very good environment at the moment, no one is struggling.’
Despite Steiner’s optimistic words, the F1 paddock is far from serene. Audi’s highly anticipated entrance has been chaotic. The German brand failed to sufficiently fund Sauber, forcing the team to re-sign Zhou Gang for his $30 million backing. To stabilize, Audi accelerated its purchase of Sauber shares, acquiring 100% by March this year. Nevertheless, Sauber remains the only team without a single point this season.
Audi’s troubles didn’t end there. Despite pursuing Carlos Sainz to join Nico Hulkenberg, even the lure of a works team wasn’t enough. Recent firings of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffman, replaced by ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, signal ongoing turmoil.
Meanwhile, Alpine’s five-year plan to win races now lies in ruins. Team boss Bruno Famin embarrassed himself with a live TV meltdown over driver Esteban Ocon. In a few days, Ocon announced his departure for 2025.
Then, enter Flavio Briatore. Appointed special consultant, Briatore’s presence was quickly felt. He rained on Williams’ parade by persuading Carlos Sainz to consider Alpine and hinted at the team switching to Mercedes engines, marking a significant shift away from Renault’s long history.
Recently, Alpine announced that Bruno Famin would be replaced by the young Oliver Oakes, following in the footsteps of Christian Horner. This raises the possibility of Alpine being sold to Hitech, which had previously been rejected by the FIA.
And there’s potential for GM to enter the F1 arena by acquiring the Viry-Charillon engine business. This could fast-track GM’s plans for a 2028 powertrain, providing them with immediate expertise.
The breakup of Renault F1 seems unavoidable. Bruno Famin commented on the emotional toll, saying, ‘It has to do with human beings, people who are working hard on a project, engine, gearbox or anything else, fully dedicated for years to their passion, lucky enough to walk in their passion, but to who we are saying that it won’t last anymore.’
Amid these upheavals, potential opportunities arise for drivers like Mick Schumacher and rookie Mick Doohan. As Alpine’s search for a replacement for Ocon continues, these drivers could see a revival in their careers.
In another shocking chapter, at the Belgian Grand Prix, George Russell crossed the finish line first but was later disqualified. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted that if the race had gone another lap, they might have changed team orders to favor Lewis Hamilton. This highlights the intense pressure and split-second decisions that define Formula One racing.
Formula One is as unpredictable as ever, with team shake-ups and dramatic decisions keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Who knows what the next race might bring?
