F1 Today: Ford Powertrain Roars to Life, Hamilton Mocked by Former Sponsor
Steiner: Aston Martin Should Sign Verstappen ‘Even If He Comes Last’
In an exclusive interview with GPblog, former Haas F1 Team principal Guenther Steiner made an unconventional suggestion about Aston Martin’s F1 ambitions. Steiner boldly stated that Aston Martin should spare no expense in pursuing Max Verstappen, even if the Dutchman were to finish last in a race.
Although rumors surrounding an Aston Martin offer to Verstappen have been circulating, Steiner cast some doubt on the likelihood of such a massive financial commitment. The potential move would surely shake up the F1 grid and shift the balance of power within the sport.
“They should go all in and sign Verstappen. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent.” – Guenther Steiner
Aston Martin, after making strides in recent years, continues to position themselves as a strong contender, and securing Verstappen would certainly elevate their ambitions further.
Red Bull and Ford Powertrain Roars Into Life
Red Bull Racing and Ford are working tirelessly on their joint power unit for the 2026 F1 season, and the results are already starting to show. The first prototype engine has been tested on the test bench, signaling that the collaboration is making significant strides.
Ford CEO Jim Farley also shared the exciting sound of the new engine’s first start-up, showcasing the power of this high-profile partnership.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes. The engine sounds promising.” – Jim Farley, Ford CEO
This collaboration extends beyond just F1, as Ford has also announced that they will join the WEC hypercar category in 2027, further cementing their commitment to motorsport excellence.
Hamilton Mocked by Long-Time Mercedes Sponsor IWC Schaffhausen
In a playful twist, IWC Schaffhausen, the luxury watch brand long associated with Mercedes F1, decided to have some fun with a classic image of Lewis Hamilton. The iconic photo of Hamilton standing in front of Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello was humorously recreated by IWC, who posted their own version on Instagram with a cheeky caption.
“First day of Kurt Klaus’ 68th season with IWC. But who’s counting?” – IWC Watches
The jovial mocking stemmed from the fact that Kurt Klaus, the 91-year-old watchmaker at IWC, has now completed 68 years with the company—an impressive milestone in the world of luxury timepieces.
While the playful post light-heartedly pokes fun at Hamilton’s Ferrari connection, it also highlights the long-standing relationship between IWC and Mercedes.
Other Notable F1 Updates
- Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, also discussed the upcoming Ford partnership at the 2025 Season Launch, outlining clear goals for the collaboration.
- Alexander Wurz, GPDA President, reflected on Johnny Herbert no longer being a steward, acknowledging his contribution to the role.
As the 2024 F1 season draws nearer, fans can expect even more developments, rumors, and team dynamics to continue shaping the landscape of Formula 1.
