After arguably the race of the season so far in Canada, the F1 circus moves back to Europe for the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix. A controversial figure returns to the paddock.
A week after all eyes in the racing world have been on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula One returns to action at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix. At the same time, a familiar (and controversial) face is back with a new role.
Flavio Briatore returns with Alpine. Image: Formula One
Briatore is no rookie when it comes to Formula One. Now 74 years old, the Italian had big success with the Benetton team in the 1990s, winning the championship with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995. He would later take Renault's reigns and guide Fernando Alonso to his 2005 and 2006 World Drivers Championships.
With Alpine in real trouble in 2024 with just five points in the constructors championship, the Enstone-based team need a fresh start, and the experienced Briatore could be just that. He knows the team and has guided it to championships in the past, but time will tell if he can get Alpine closer to the top of Formula One.
Aside from his successes, Briatore is also infamous for his role in the 'Crashgate' scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. He had reportedly ordered Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash deliberately in order to bring out a safety car for the benefit of teammate Alonso, who would go on to win the race.
Kimi Antonelli. Image: Mercedes AMG Content Pool
The FIA modified its International Sporting Code to allow 17-year-olds to be eligible to apply for a Super Licence if they have “consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition.” Antonelli fits the criteria perfectly.
This rule change does not just affect Mercedes and Antonelli however, as Red Bull stands to gain from this change as well. Their junior program is deep and extends across multiple championships. However, at the top of the list is 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad – currently racing in Formula 3.
Lindblad turns 17 in August, and this could open the door for Red Bull to promote him from their junior program a whole year earlier than they would have been able to before the change.
George Russell on the way to P3 in Canada. Image: Mercedes AMG Content Pool
The Mercs were using the updated front wing that debuted on Hamilton's car in Monaco. Russell made it work and put his car at the front of the pack. He would come home third, but significant progress is obvious. Can he do it again this weekend at the track where Verstappen took his first-ever Grand Prix victory back in 2016?
Mercedes arrive in Barcelona fourth in the Constructors’ standings, 177 points behind leaders Red Bull. Closing the gap might be a lofty goal with Max Verstappen not showing any signs of slowing down, but anything can happen in Formula One.
Who are you supporting in this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix? Let us know in the poll above or down in the comments below!
A week after all eyes in the racing world have been on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula One returns to action at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix. At the same time, a familiar (and controversial) face is back with a new role.
Flavio Briatore Returns To The F1 Paddock
Flavio Briatore is returning to Formula One as Alpine's new executive advisor. The Renault-backed team announced the Italian businessman just before the green flag drops for FP1 in Spain.Flavio Briatore returns with Alpine. Image: Formula One
Briatore is no rookie when it comes to Formula One. Now 74 years old, the Italian had big success with the Benetton team in the 1990s, winning the championship with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995. He would later take Renault's reigns and guide Fernando Alonso to his 2005 and 2006 World Drivers Championships.
With Alpine in real trouble in 2024 with just five points in the constructors championship, the Enstone-based team need a fresh start, and the experienced Briatore could be just that. He knows the team and has guided it to championships in the past, but time will tell if he can get Alpine closer to the top of Formula One.
Aside from his successes, Briatore is also infamous for his role in the 'Crashgate' scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. He had reportedly ordered Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash deliberately in order to bring out a safety car for the benefit of teammate Alonso, who would go on to win the race.
The FIA Super Licence Change
It is no secret that Mercedes wants Kimi Antonelli in Formula One sooner rather than later. The FIA changed their super license rules to allow the 17-year-old to compete. The young Italian, who cannot even legally drive a car on the road yet will not be appearing at the Spanish Grand Prix.Kimi Antonelli. Image: Mercedes AMG Content Pool
The FIA modified its International Sporting Code to allow 17-year-olds to be eligible to apply for a Super Licence if they have “consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition.” Antonelli fits the criteria perfectly.
This rule change does not just affect Mercedes and Antonelli however, as Red Bull stands to gain from this change as well. Their junior program is deep and extends across multiple championships. However, at the top of the list is 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad – currently racing in Formula 3.
Lindblad turns 17 in August, and this could open the door for Red Bull to promote him from their junior program a whole year earlier than they would have been able to before the change.
Mercedes Looking To Build Momentum
After the SIlver Arrows' first pole position in over a year last time out in Montreal, Technical Director James Allison is confident of a Mercedes comeback this year and beyond: ‘oh God, how could we have been so dumb?’ were his exact words.George Russell on the way to P3 in Canada. Image: Mercedes AMG Content Pool
The Mercs were using the updated front wing that debuted on Hamilton's car in Monaco. Russell made it work and put his car at the front of the pack. He would come home third, but significant progress is obvious. Can he do it again this weekend at the track where Verstappen took his first-ever Grand Prix victory back in 2016?
Mercedes arrive in Barcelona fourth in the Constructors’ standings, 177 points behind leaders Red Bull. Closing the gap might be a lofty goal with Max Verstappen not showing any signs of slowing down, but anything can happen in Formula One.
When To Watch The Spanish Grand Prix
| Session | Date | Time (CEST) | Time (UTC) |
| Practice 1 | 21/06/24 | 13:30 - 14:30 | 11:30 - 12:30 |
| Practice 2 | 21/06/24 | 17:00 - 18:00 | 15:00 - 16:00 |
| Practice 3 | 22/06/24 | 12:30 - 13:30 | 10:30 - 11:30 |
| Qualifying | 22/06/24 | 16:00 - 17:00 | 14:00 - 15:00 |
| Race | 23/06/24 | 15:00 | 13:00 |
Who are you supporting in this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix? Let us know in the poll above or down in the comments below!
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