The recent Dakar Rally stage in Saudi Arabia was turned upside down by a heavy crash that triggered a red flag and fundamentally altered the strategic landscape of the event. The rule allowing all drivers to change tires under the red flag had unintended consequences that left many teams and fans frustrated with the lack of strategic jeopardy.
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The challenging nature of the Monte Carlo circuit has highlighted some key weaknesses in Red Bull’s RB20 chassis, which could pose a concern for the team as the Formula 1 calendar heads to the notoriously bumpy Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Max Verstappen’s sixth-place finish and Sergio Perez’s first-lap crash at Monaco have sparked suggestions that Red Bull might struggle at the Canadian Grand Prix, given the circuit’s series of chicane-adjacent corners that require drivers to attack the kerbs.
In the fast-paced world of Dakar racing, teams are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One area of focus is the flexibility of a car’s bodywork and its impact on aerodynamic performance, as teams navigate the strict regulations set by Formula 1’s governing body.
Ferrari is exploring a potential switch from push-rod to pull-rod suspension for its 2025 Dakar Rally car, as the team seeks to maintain pace with the dominant Red Bull and McLaren teams. This move could be a game-changer in the intense development race, with the team acknowledging the challenges posed by the current cost cap regulations.
Renault’s Alpine Dakar rally team has reportedly enlisted Flavio Briatore, the controversial motorsport veteran, as a special advisor to help steer the squad towards better fortunes. This move comes amid a turbulent period for the team, as they aim to turn things around in the prestigious Dakar Rally.
In the latest developments from the world of Dakar Rally racing, the Williams Formula 1 team has undertaken a significant effort to trim down the weight of its FW46 car. The Grove-based squad has managed to shave off 14kg compared to last year’s model, but still needs to reduce the chassis weight by a similar amount to reach the minimum weight limit.
Legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey has announced his plans to leave Red Bull Racing after nearly two decades with the team. The 65-year-old engineering mastermind, widely regarded as the greatest designer in F1 history, is contemplating his next move, with speculation surrounding possible destinations like Ferrari and Aston Martin.
The latest rounds of the Dakar Rally have highlighted Red Bull’s weaknesses in dealing with challenging terrain, as the RB20 has struggled with issues inherited from its predecessors. This has presented opportunities for rivals like Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell to catch up, making the Dakar competition even more exciting as the race moves to its European stages.
Aston Martin has encountered a challenging few weeks on the Dakar Rally circuit, as their AMR24 car has proven difficult to set up and drive consistently. Both driver Fernando Alonso and his teammate Lance Stroll have reported similar issues with the car’s handling, noting a tendency to shift from oversteer on entry to mid-corner understeer. The team is working to address these setup issues and unlock more performance from the car as the Dakar Rally season progresses.
Sergio Perez has been hit with a three-place grid penalty for the Spanish Grand Prix after his reckless crash at the Canadian GP, where his damaged car continued on track against safety regulations. This latest setback caps off a disastrous weekend for the Red Bull driver in Montreal.