Image shows a formula 1 car.

Sophia Crothall

While there may have been no racing so far, that certainly doesn’t mean it was a quiet start to the year of Formula 1 in 2024.

Fans saw everything from livery launches to name changes and contract extensions. With just over a month until the first race in Bahrain, things are starting to heat up. So, here are our top seven moments from January 2024. 

1. Stake F1 reveal their new logo

At the end of 2023, we waved goodbye to Alfa Romeo and welcomed Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. The change came when Sauber rebranded after their contract with Alfa Romeo ended. The name won’t last long, though, as the team is set to partner with Audi in 2026.

To start the new year, the team revealed their new logo and social media handles with the help of Canadian rapper Drake. The team unveiled its new black and white logo on New Year’s Day. The team also shared its excitement for its high-profile launch event, which is set to take place in London on 5th February 2024.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsF1/status/1742154641838649621

Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi shared his enthusiasm about the new partnership; he said: “Last season represented the start of Stake’s journey in Formula 1, and the brand’s new role headlining Stake F1 Team represents the natural and exciting next step on this path.”

He added: “2024 will be a new page and the chance to do more, better, and reach even farther. We look forward to an even more exciting calendar of events in this new season.”

2. Guenther Steiner leaves Haas F1 team after ten years

One of the biggest shocks of the month was the announcement that Guenther Steiner was leaving Haas with immediate effect. The former team principal has been replaced with Ayao Komatsu, previously the Director of Engineering.

“Since his sacking, Steiner has announced that he is working on a new book“

Steiner is well-known for entertaining appearances on Netflix’s Drive to Survive. Since his departure, many fans have called for the popular show to be cancelled.

It is understood that Steiner and Gene Hass — the owner of Haas — had differing opinions on the team’s direction following their 10th-place finish in the 2023 Constructors Championship. Since his sacking, Steiner has announced that he is working on a new book — following the success of his first, Surviving to Drive. 

3. McLaren reveals their new livery

Another big surprise for F1 fans was when McLaren decided to completely rebrand their Instagram and reveal their new livery for the 2024 season.

The 2024 livery incorporates papaya and anthracite elements with a chrome touch. It will also feature some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Google Chrome, who continue to support the team.

https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1752009458056601726

McLaren became the first Formula 1 team to unveil their new look. Their new car — the MCL38 — will be revealed at Silverstone on the 14th February 2024.

The team also revealed their new mantra for the year, ‘Whatever it Takes’. Team Principal Andrea Stella explained that it embodies everything he wants the team to be. 

4. Alpha Tauri becomes Visa Cash App Racing Bulls

Last year, there was a great deal of speculation over the renaming of Red Bull’s junior team, Alpha Tauri. However, it was announced in January that the team would be renamed as Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team, abbreviated to RB.

This strengthens the team’s relationship with Red Bull, with the likes of Sebastien Vettel and Max Verstappen both racing for the team before winning their Championships with Red Bull.

Much criticism has come from the new name, with Sky Sports presenter Craig Slater seen to be making jokes over the rebranding on his news programme. 

5. Madrid announced as a new track for 2026

The Spanish Grand Prix was announced to be moving to Madrid in 2026, after a 10-year contract was signed. The race will be staged on a new circuit, with a mix of street and non-street sections around the Ifema exhibition centre.

“There are now at least nine non-permanent circuits that will feature in the 2026 season.”

It will feature 20 turns across the 5474 metre track. 90 per cent of fans will be expected to reach the venue via public transport, making it one of the most accessible races.

Questions were raised over the choice of Madrid, given it adds to the list of non-permanent tracks that have joined the calendar. There are now at least nine non-permanent circuits that will feature in the 2026 season.

The move to Madrid has been justified by both financial and sustainability reasons, alongside its accessibility and capacity for over 110,000 fans. 

6. Drive to Survive returns for Season Six 

Ahead of the new season, Netflix announced that the sixth season of Drive to Survive would be released on the 23rd February 2024. Its release date coincides with the final day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.

https://twitter.com/F1/status/1750190076665929951

James Gay-Rees, who continues as executive producer of the series, expressed his optimism that the series will continue to thrive. He believes that it “does feel like the first main access show — certainly out of the UK anyway — that has had this profound effect.”

Viewers speculate that they may see storylines relating to Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant’s rookie seasons.  The departure and return of Daniel Ricciardo could also be touched on, as well as Max Vertstappen’s next Championship title and Oracle Red Bull Racing. 

7. Contract extensions for Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris

January ended with contract extensions announced for both Charles Lecclerc with Ferrari and Lando Norris with McLaren. Both were announced to have signed multi-year deals beyond the end of their current contracts.

“Ferrari are yet to share any news about the contract of Carlos Sainz.”

Upon the announcement, Leclrec shared that his “dream remains that of winning the World Championship with Ferrari.” Norris admitted that there had been brief talks with other teams but he ultimately wishes to remain at McLaren.

His team mate Oscar Piastri also signed a contract extension in September 2023. Stella shared his delight to have the driver pairing for at least another three seasons. “[It] will play an instrumental part in our objective to move towards the front of the grid,” he said.

Ferrari are yet to share any news about the contract of Carlos Sainz. The driver’s contract expires in 2024, alongside 12 other drivers. Silly season is upon us! 

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Featured image courtesy of Michael4Wien via Pixabay. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.

Sophia is a MA Cultural and Creative Industries graduate from Cardiff University, and a BSc Criminology graduate from the University of Bristol. She has experience writing for publications such as GPBlog and Metro. Sophia runs her own F1 Tik Tok account: @sophiacrothallf1

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