The Formula 1 season is in full swing as the global series makes its way to the United States for the Miami Grand Prix. Max Verstappen, the dominant force this season with four wins in five races, is set to defend his title at the Miami event, which he has previously won twice.
However, the on-track action has been overshadowed by off-track controversies, particularly at Red Bull Racing. Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey announced his early departure next year amidst allegations of misconduct by team principal Christian Horner towards an employee. While Red Bull cleared Horner of any wrongdoing, the employee has appealed the decision, raising concerns within the organization.
Meanwhile, racing legend Mario Andretti is pushing for an American team to join the F1 grid, with ongoing efforts to secure a spot for Andretti Global in collaboration with General Motors. Despite initial rejection by Formula One Management, discussions continue, with hopes of a breakthrough in the near future.
In another development, Guenther Steiner, a prominent figure from the Netflix docuseries on F1, has been relieved of his duties as team principal at Haas. Steiner is now embroiled in a legal battle with Haas over unpaid commissions and merchandise rights, citing his popularity from the show as a valuable asset for the team.
Notable changes on the track include Ferrari's unique blue livery for the Miami race, a departure from their traditional colors. The driver market is also buzzing, with Carlos Sainz Jr. seeking a new team following Ferrari's signing of Lewis Hamilton for 2024. Speculations abound regarding Sainz's next move, with potential options at Red Bull, Mercedes, or elsewhere.
As the F1 season progresses, the drama off the track continues to captivate fans and stakeholders alike, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the high-speed spectacle.