The Formula 1 scene on Wednesday brought important developments involving Ferrari, Aston Martin, and the preparations for the debut of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Charles Leclerc received good news after the severe crash in Monza, as Ferrari confirmed that it will not be necessary to replace his engine before the next race.
At Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso’s future returned to the forefront. The Spaniard’s contract renewal is stalled and his continuation remains uncertain, precisely in the week when the championship heads to Madrid for a new edition of the Spanish Grand Prix.
The new circuit also received a relevant technical definition from the FIA. The body set limits on the use of active aerodynamics on the Madrid layout, adding another element to the teams’ preparation for a track that will still be practically explored during the first free practice sessions.
Ferrari also surfaced in another backstage news item. A critical excerpt of Lewis Hamilton was removed from an audio distributed by the team to the press, underscoring the fallout from the difficult weekend endured by the squad in Monza. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen returned to criticizing aspects of the current cars and pointed to an issue that, in his view, limits the drivers’ ability to showcase all their talent.
Among the developments for the future, Robin Raikkonen was officially announced as a junior driver for Red Bull. The well-known surname thus becomes part of the team’s development program, in one of the stories that drew the most attention outside of the immediate race preparations.
McLaren, for its part, confirmed it will have updates for Baku but proceeded with caution ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. The team anticipates difficulties in Madrid, while the new circuit remains surrounded by uncertainties on the eve of its Formula 1 calendar debut.
