F1

**‘We’ve Moved Beyond Garden Scraps’: Identical Twins on Opposite Sides for Red Bull** Matt and Jon Caller, identical twins who began their Formula 1 journey watching races together from the same sofa, now find themselves in a unique position as the No. 1 mechanics for Red Bull Racing. This weekend, as the Las Vegas Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on the teams surrounding Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez, where the twin brothers hold parallel, pivotal roles in each garage. At 34 years old, Matt, who was born 30 minutes before Jon, serves as the No. 1 mechanic for Verstappen’s car, while Jon takes on the same role for Pérez. Their journey from working together on Verstappen’s car to now being on opposite sides of the garage is a remarkable twist in their careers. While it’s not uncommon to see siblings in the high-octane world of Formula 1, having identical twins in identical positions within the same team is a rarity that few would have predicted. As Verstappen aims to secure his fourth consecutive title in Nevada, the Caller brothers are set to play crucial roles in the high-stakes environment of the race.

Formula One drivers are expressing growing frustration and a lack of confidence in the FIA, the sport's governing body, and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This discontent follows the drivers' recent public statement, which criticized the FIA and called for open dialogue to address their concerns. Despite the statement being issued two weeks ago, the FIA has yet to respond. As the drivers gather for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, this event marks the first opportunity for them to voice their grievances since the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) released their critical statement. The GPDA's remarks highlighted a range of issues, including the recent controversy surrounding drivers' use of profanity, the tone and language employed by Ben Sulayem in his responses, and concerns regarding the financial transparency of the FIA, particularly in relation to how fines are managed. Many drivers, according to GPDA chair George Russell, are feeling "fed up" with the current situation and the lack of communication from the FIA. The drivers are calling for a more respectful and transparent approach from the governing body, emphasizing that they should not be treated like children.

Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes F1, recently opened up about his mental health challenges and the pressures he faces in the high-stakes world of Formula One. As he gears up for the final three races of a challenging season for his once-dominant team, Wolff reflects on the complexities of his role. “I don’t feel pressure as it’s my comfort zone,” he states, though he acknowledges that this isn’t a display of bravado. “I feel awful and vulnerable at other times, which is more related to life. I’ve always struggled with mental health, stemming from my upbringing. Therefore, my professional frustrations pale in comparison to the other experiences I’ve endured.” Wolff also touched on the potential loss of star driver Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari and expressed his frustration regarding accusations directed at his wife, Susie. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on navigating the remainder of the season with resilience and determination.

The future of the Monaco Grand Prix in Formula One has been secured with a six-year extension that will keep the race on the calendar until at least 2031. This agreement, announced on Thursday, includes a change in the race date to June, which will help avoid future scheduling conflicts with the Indianapolis 500. The Monaco Grand Prix has been a staple of the motorsport world since the inaugural Formula One season in 1950, with the exception of 2020 when it was canceled due to the global pandemic. The iconic race, held on the streets of Monte Carlo, continues to be a highlight of the F1 calendar.

The FIA has announced the unexpected resignation of Formula One race director Niels Wittich, effective immediately, just three races before the conclusion of the 2024 season. His departure has taken the F1 community by surprise, and he will be succeeded by Rui Marques, who previously served as the race director for both Formula Two and Formula Three. Wittich has not provided any reasons for his sudden exit, which is particularly unusual given the timing. His resignation adds to a growing list of senior FIA officials who have left their positions in recent months. Notably, Natalie Robyn, the FIA's chief executive, departed after just 18 months, alongside other key figures such as sporting director Steve Nielsen, technical director Tim Goss, and Deborah Mayer, who led the FIA commission for women. This wave of departures has created a period of instability for FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Formula One drivers have come together to express their dissatisfaction with the FIA, demanding to be treated with respect and maturity. This collective statement from all 20 drivers follows recent sanctions imposed on Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for swearing, which has sparked controversy. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), representing the interests of F1 drivers, released a strongly worded statement criticizing the FIA's recent policies and the approach taken by its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The drivers took issue with the "tone and language" used by the FIA and raised concerns about the organization's financial transparency. This public critique is notable and places the FIA in a challenging position as it navigates the drivers' demands for more adult treatment and accountability.

**Sports Quiz of the Week: Ballon d’Or, F1 Rivalries, and Celebrity Supporters** Challenge your memory of the past week in sports, covering football, rugby union, the NFL, NBA, cricket, and more. Test your knowledge on the latest happenings, including the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards, intense rivalries in Formula 1, and the famous personalities backing various teams and athletes. Dive into the highlights and see how well you can recall the significant events and stories that have made headlines recently. Whether you're a fan of football, rugby, or any other sport, this quiz is designed to put your sports knowledge to the test!

**Fernando Alonso: An F1 Genius Often in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time** At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso is set to make Formula One history as he prepares for his 400th grand prix, a milestone no other driver has achieved. While he may not be contending for the championship or even vying for a win at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix, Alonso's remarkable journey in the sport is worth celebrating. With a career spanning over two decades, Alonso debuted with Minardi in 2001 and has since established himself as one of the most talented drivers in F1 history. He boasts an impressive record of 32 race victories and two world championships, clinched in 2005 and 2006. Despite his undeniable skill and numerous near-misses, he has not added to his championship tally since those early successes. Reflecting on the significance of reaching 400 races, Alonso's comments reveal what truly matters to him in this milestone moment. His career has been a captivating blend of extraordinary talent, ambition, and the unfortunate reality of often being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As he approaches this historic race, Alonso's legacy as a compelling figure in Formula One continues to grow.

Lando Norris has expressed his determination to adjust his strategy in the ongoing battle for the Formula 1 championship against Max Verstappen. Currently, the British driver finds himself trailing the reigning world champion by 57 points. Norris recently faced controversy at the US Grand Prix in Austin, where he was demoted from third to fourth place after receiving a five-second penalty. This penalty was imposed for gaining an advantage by leaving the track to overtake Verstappen during a thrilling final phase of the race, which saw both drivers engaged in an intense duel. In light of this setback, Norris acknowledged the need for further adaptation in his racing approach as he continues to pursue the championship title.

**Reassessing Overtaking Rules: The Verstappen-Norris Controversy Highlights a Need for Change** As the aftermath of the intense battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at the US Grand Prix continues to unfold, it has become clear that Formula One must urgently revisit its overtaking regulations. The contentious incident in Austin has sparked significant debate, and with both drivers set to compete again this weekend in Mexico, the issues raised during their clash remain unresolved. In the final ten laps of the race in Texas, Verstappen and Norris engaged in a thrilling duel, with the championship standings showing them separated by just 57 points as they head into the last five races of the season. However, the controversy surrounding their encounter has cast a shadow over what should be an exciting title fight. The potential for exploiting ambiguous rules, coupled with confusion and accusations of inconsistent stewarding, threatens to undermine the integrity of the competition. As the sport looks to maintain its credibility and ensure a fair contest, it is imperative that the governing body reevaluates the current guidelines surrounding overtaking. Addressing these concerns will not only enhance the racing experience but also restore confidence among drivers and fans alike.