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Ocon Confirms Mercedes Management Amidst Hamilton's Ferrari Move Triggering Early Driver Market Shift

In a surprising twist of Formula 1's driver market, Esteban Ocon has affirmed his continued management by Mercedes amid the upheaval caused by Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton's decision to depart from Mercedes, where he had achieved immense success, has set the stage for a frantic scramble among teams and drivers.

Ocon, who is currently with Alpine, emphasized his enduring ties with Mercedes, despite no longer being classified as a junior driver. He stressed the importance of focusing on track performance while acknowledging the speculation surrounding potential replacements for Hamilton at Mercedes.

"It is clear that I've got good links with Mercedes," Ocon stated. "I'm still managed by them in a way, I'm still a Merc junior even if I'm not that 'junior' anymore. But my focus goes into the racing and into the plan that we have with Alpine, and I need to focus on what's on track, which is the most important."

The unexpected move by Hamilton has accelerated the driver market's activity much earlier than anticipated, leading to a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding contract negotiations, according to Ocon.

"I knew it was going to be a crazy season, for sure," Ocon commented. "I didn't think it was going to start that early because in January it's early, but it's going to be like that all year, so you guys will have a lot of paper to write!"

Meanwhile, Ocon's teammate Pierre Gasly expressed optimism about Hamilton's move to Ferrari, believing it would invigorate Formula 1. However, Gasly also acknowledged the potential impact on his own position in the driver market, emphasizing his ambition to compete at the highest level of the sport.

"I think it's great for the sport," Gasly remarked. "It's a big move, the most successful driver of our sport leaving Mercedes after the most successful collaboration ever as a team and a driver in Formula 1."

Gasly's aspirations to compete among the elite drivers remain undeterred, as he continues to strive for success with Alpine.

"As a driver, I want to fight at the top of Formula 1," Gasly declared. "That's what I do. I've been working every single day trying to chase every single thousandth of a second, hundredth of a second for a win because I want to fight for wins."

With the landscape of Formula 1 undergoing significant changes, the forthcoming season promises excitement and intrigue as teams and drivers adapt to the evolving dynamics of the sport.

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NEOM McLaren Bolsters Extreme E Team with Seasoned Drivers

NEOM McLaren has made a significant move by signing Mattias Ekstrom and Cristina Gutierrez to drive for the team in the upcoming Extreme E season. The team, which has been part of the electric off-road series since 2022, aims to elevate its performance with these experienced racers.

Gutierrez, the Season 2 champion, brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Expressing her excitement, she stated, "Every driver in the world wants to be at McLaren one day, so it’s difficult to say no to this team." Her teammate, Ekstrom, who narrowly missed the Season 3 crown, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing McLaren's storied legacy and commitment to perfectionism.

Gutierrez's transition to McLaren marks a significant shift after spending three years with Lewis Hamilton's X44 outfit. However, she sees it as a new opportunity to contribute to McLaren's success. Ekstrom, on the other hand, is no stranger to Gutierrez, having competed together in rally raid events. He praised her intelligence and speed, highlighting her position as a top female racer in motorsport.

Both drivers arrive at McLaren following strong performances at the Dakar rally, where Gutierrez claimed victory in the Challenger category and Ekstrom showcased his prowess with Audi before encountering mechanical issues.

As McLaren gears up for the season, Ekstrom and Gutierrez anticipate a rigorous preparation process to fine-tune their performance and operations. Despite the challenges ahead, both drivers are eager to contribute to McLaren's quest for success in the Extreme E series.

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Young Talents Securing Reserve Roles for 2024 Formula 1 Season

As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches, Haas and Stake F1 Team have announced their reserve driver lineups, showcasing a mix of promising talents.

Haas has enlisted Ollie Bearman as one of its reserve drivers, alongside Pietro Fittipaldi. Bearman, who is already serving as a reserve for Ferrari this year, will juggle his responsibilities between Formula 2 and his reserve duties with Haas. The 18-year-old, who impressed in two FP1 outings for Haas last season, will have six FP1 appearances this year, signaling a potential pathway to a future Formula 1 race seat.

Bearman expressed his excitement, stating, “I had a great experience last year working with everyone at the team, and I’m looking forward to building on that this year. I’m grateful to Haas F1 team and Scuderia Ferrari for their faith and for supporting me.”

Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized the blend of talent and continuity in their reserve lineup, praising Fittipaldi for his valuable contributions over the years.

Meanwhile, Stake F1 Team has added Zane Maloney to its reserve roster alongside Theo Pourchaire. Maloney, previously part of the Red Bull junior program, has joined the Sauber Academy. Pourchaire, the reigning F2 champion, is set to compete in Super Formula.

Maloney expressed his honor in joining the Sauber Academy, saying, “I am pleased to become part of this family, and I am looking forward to working together this season, as I move closer to my goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver.”

Both teams aim to provide these young talents with crucial experience and evaluation opportunities during the season, fostering their development and potentially paving the way for future Formula 1 race seats.

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Formula 1 Rejects Andretti's Bid to Join Grid

Formula 1 has rejected Andretti's bid to join the grid over the next two seasons, but "would look differently on an application" for 2028 alongside General Motors as a power unit supplier.

The FIA had already approved Andretti Formula Racing LLC as a potential entrant that met its criteria late last year, but commercial approval from Formula One Management (FOM) was required, and FOM had been opposed to expanding beyond the current 10 teams.

After an assessment period of Andretti’s submission and the potential value it could bring to the series, FOM has now explained that it doesn’t feel 2025 is a realistic target for a new team to be ready and competitive — and that any new team only adds value if it’s competitive — while 2026 and 2027 would see a power unit supply deal required. Although an agreement was provisionally in place with Renault, it could also be an enforced deal based on the supplier with the fewest customers for either of those seasons.

"The need for any new team to take a compulsory power unit supply, potentially over a period of several seasons, would be damaging to the prestige and standing of the Championship," one of F1’s conclusions read.

While FOM has left the door open for Andretti to try again in the future, saying it would "look differently" at an application from the team for entry in 2028 with GM power, it emphasized the challenges of introducing a new team to the grid.

"As part of the commercial assessment period, F1 says it extended an invitation to Andretti on December 12 to present its application during an in-person meeting at the sport’s offices, 'but the applicant did not take us up on this offer.'"

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Nick Cassidy Secures Victory in Thrilling Diriyah E-Prix Showdown

In a heart-pounding spectacle at the Diriyah E-Prix, Nick Cassidy emerged triumphant in the second part of the electrifying race, fending off fierce competition from early leader Robin Frijns and polesitter Oliver Rowland.

The race began with Cassidy and Frijns making swift maneuvers, overtaking Rowland off the start line. Cassidy, navigating with precision, found himself in a strategic battle with Rowland while biding his time for the opportune moment to seize control.

Strategic timing of the Attack Mode power boost became pivotal in determining the race's outcome, with Rowland and Frijns activating it early on. However, Cassidy's calculated approach left him in the lead after his rivals engaged in the activation zone, allowing him to build a crucial advantage.

Executing flawless maneuvers, Cassidy maintained his lead throughout the race, with Frijns and Rowland relentlessly pursuing but unable to make headway.

Cassidy's victory, marking his debut win for Jaguar TCS Racing, was a nail-biting affair, clinching the checkered flag with a mere 1.192s gap. This starkly contrasted Friday's race, dominated by Andretti driver Jake Dennis with a lead of over 13 seconds.

The competition remained fierce throughout the grid, with NEOM McLaren's Jake Hughes trailing closely behind the lead trio, making significant gains from his starting position. Stoffel Vandoorne of DS Penske secured fifth place, followed by Sacha Fenestraz and Pascal Wehrlein. Jean-Eric Vergne, Maximilian Guenther, and Friday's victor Dennis rounded up the top 10, with Mitch Evans closely behind in 11th.

The race saw its share of challenges and retirements, with Sergio Sette Camara enduring setbacks and Dan Ticktum, Jehan Daruvala, and Sam Bird forced to retire from the intense competition.

As the dust settles on the Diriyah circuit, Formula E embarks on a seven-week hiatus following the cancellation of the Hyderabad E-Prix. The anticipation now mounts for the next round scheduled in Sao Paulo on March 16, promising another thrilling chapter in the dynamic world of electric racing.

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Sebastien Buemi Withdraws from Diriyah E-Prix Race Following Qualifying Crash

The high stakes of the Diriyah E-Prix took a dramatic turn as Sebastien Buemi, representing Envision Racing, was compelled to withdraw from the second race due to chassis damage incurred in a qualifying crash.

The incident unfolded as Buemi, navigating the challenging course, encountered a lock-up on the approach to Turn 1, hurtling straight into the barrier towards the conclusion of the session. While Buemi emerged unscathed from the collision, the severity of the impact necessitated immediate repairs to the barrier, causing a delay in the qualifying proceedings.

Initially anticipated to participate in the race from the 11th position on the grid, Buemi's hopes were dashed following an inspection by the FIA, which deemed his car unsafe for competition. Consequently, the Jaguar customer team made the difficult decision to withdraw him from the race, prioritizing safety above all.

"Envision Racing can confirm the withdrawal of Sebastien Buemi’s No. 16 car from Round 3 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship," the team announced in a statement. "Following damage sustained during qualifying, the FIA have examined the chassis and determined that it is not safe to start. The team will now focus on Robin Frijns’ No. 4 car as he starts from the front row in Diriyah."

As the spotlight shifts to the race, Robin Frijns, positioned on the front row, prepares to embark on the 36-lap journey alongside Nissan driver Oliver Rowland.

Saturday night's event marks a significant moment for Formula E veteran Buemi, as his absence from the grid signifies a departure from his consistent presence since the New York City doubleheader in 2016-17. Buemi, previously representing the Renault e.Dams team, faced World Endurance Championship commitments for Toyota at the Nurburgring during the same weekend, a scenario reminiscent of his replacement by Pierre Gasly.

As the competition unfolds in Diriyah, the Formula E fraternity remains poised for an electrifying display of skill and resilience on the track.

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Oliver Rowland Dominates Qualifying to Secure Nissan's First Pole Since Cape Town

In a display of unrivaled prowess, Oliver Rowland showcased his commanding performance in qualifying, securing pole position for the second race of the Diriyah E-Prix Formula E doubleheader. This achievement marked Nissan's first pole since Cape Town last year, and Rowland's masterful run left an indelible mark on the grid.

Rowland's ascent to pole began by topping his group in the initial part of qualifying. The Nissan driver then elevated his performance to new heights in the head-to-head duels, setting three consecutive fastest laps of the day. The culmination of his efforts saw him triumph over formidable opponents, including Maserati MSG's Jehan Daruvala and Jaguar TCS's Nick Cassidy, before ultimately defeating Envision Racing's Robin Frijns in the final with a lap time of 1m10.055s, a remarkable 0.274s ahead of the Dutchman.

The victory at Diriyah marked Rowland's first pole of the season, contrasting with his previous qualifying results in the first two rounds, where he secured 14th place at best.

Frijns showcased his prowess en route to the final, overcoming challenges from Friday's polesitter Jean-Eric Vergne and DS Penske teammate Stoffel Vandoorne. The intense competition unfolded with each duel, contributing to a thrilling spectacle for Formula E enthusiasts.

Nissan not only claimed the top spot but also dominated both group rounds at the session's commencement. Sacha Fenestraz led Group A, with Frijns, Vergne, and Vandoorne following closely. Notably, Vandoorne knocked out Fenestraz in the first round of duels, setting the stage for the ensuing battles.

Group B faced an unexpected halt due to a late crash involving Sebastien Buemi. The Envision driver misjudged his braking into Turn 1, locking his rear wheels and colliding with the wall. The red flag disrupted the flow, affecting NEOM McLaren's Sam Bird and Andretti Porsche's Jake Dennis. Bird, on course for a top-three result, finished seventh, while Dennis struggled after overnight setup changes, describing his car as the "worst" he had ever driven in Formula E.

With Cassidy starting third behind Rowland and Frijns, and Vandoorne alongside him in fourth, the stage is set for a thrilling race. Daruvala, Hughes, Fenestraz, Vergne, Sette Camara, and Wehrlein complete the top 10 on the grid, with Buemi, unfortunately, unable to participate due to the extent of damage sustained in the crash.

As the anticipation builds for the second race of the Diriyah E-Prix, Formula E enthusiasts eagerly await the electrifying battles that will unfold on the challenging circuit.

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Evans Outpaces Vergne in Saturday Practice for Diriyah E-Prix Doubleheader

In the electrifying world of Formula E, the battle between Mitch Evans and Jean-Eric Vergne continued to spark excitement as they returned to the track for Saturday's practice session following Friday night's thrilling Diriyah E-Prix race. Evans, representing Jaguar TCS, emerged victorious in the practice round, edging out Vergne of DS Penske to claim the top spot.

Today's practice session stood as the sole opportunity for teams to fine-tune their strategies, a contrast to the two sessions held the day before. For doubleheader weekends featuring two full championship rounds, the practice time is halved for the second race, intensifying the challenge for teams and drivers alike.

Evans showcased his prowess with a blistering pace, clocking in at 1m10.154s, a mere 0.208s faster than Vergne. Impressively, Evans completed two fewer laps than his competitor, underscoring his efficiency on the track. Maximillian Guenther of Maserati MSG secured the third spot, trailing 0.131s behind Evans, while Oliver Rowland of Nissan, despite not utilizing the full 350KW power allocation, clinched the fourth position. Friday's race winner, Jake Dennis of Andretti, rounded up the top five.

Stoffel Vandoorne, representing DS Penske, trailed closely behind the top five, just 0.050s adrift, with Nick Cassidy of Jaguar following closely at 0.004s slower. Nissan's Sacha Fenestraz secured the eighth spot, followed by the Envision Racing duo of Sebatien Buemi and Robin Frijns, completing the top 10.

Further down the grid, Jake Hughes represented NEOM McLaren, with Norman Nato of Andretti close behind in 12th position. Jehan Darulava of Maserati claimed 13th place, ahead of Mexico winner Pascal Wehrlein, who led the factory Porsches. Edoardo Mortara of Mahindra secured the 15th spot, followed by teammate Nyck de Vries and the ERT duo of Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara.

The field wrapped up with Lucas di Grassi of Abt Cupra, Sam Bird of McLaren, Nico Mueller of Abt Cupra, and Antonio Felix da Costa of Porsche, with just 1.32s covering the entire grid. As anticipation mounts for the upcoming races, the competitive landscape of Formula E continues to deliver electrifying performances and intense rivalries on the track.

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Mitch Evans Reflects on Diriyah E-Prix Challenges and Optimism for Redemption

The Diriyah E-Prix presented a mix of triumphs and tribulations for Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing, whose journey through the electrifying race left him contemplating missed opportunities and the prospect of redemption in the upcoming event.

Despite showcasing strong performance throughout the race, Evans found himself grappling with disappointment as he slipped from a promising third place to finish fifth on the final lap. Reflecting on the race, Evans voiced his belief that victory could have been within reach had certain dynamics unfolded differently, particularly during critical moments such as the Attack Zone maneuvers.

Expressing frustration over perceived on-track incidents, including a contentious clash with Jean-Eric Vergne and what he deemed a double defensive move on the last lap, Evans highlighted the challenges of navigating through intense competition while striving for optimal race outcomes.

Nevertheless, amidst the setbacks, Evans remains resolute in his determination to seize opportunities for success in the upcoming race. Recognizing the evolving nature of the track and the strategic imperatives for securing favorable race positions, Evans emphasizes the importance of adaptability and precision in maximizing performance.

As Evans and his team recalibrate their approach for the next race, they are fueled by a spirit of optimism and resilience, driven by the belief that redemption is not only attainable but also a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence.

With the Diriyah E-Prix serving as a stage for both triumphs and challenges, Mitch Evans stands poised to harness the lessons learned from the past and channel them into a pursuit of victory that transcends the boundaries of adversity. As the excitement of Formula E continues to unfold, Evans and his Jaguar TCS Racing team are primed to embrace the journey ahead with unwavering determination and unwavering resolve.

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Lando Norris Commits to McLaren with Multi-Year Contract Extension

McLaren Racing has secured a significant coup in the Formula 1 driver market as Lando Norris, the talented 24-year-old, commits to a multi-year contract extension with the team. The agreement ensures Norris' presence within the McLaren fold for at least the next three years, signaling a continued partnership marked by ambition and shared goals.

With the Formula 1 landscape rife with uncertainty surrounding driver contracts, Norris' decision to extend his tenure with McLaren underscores the stability and confidence within the team. The new deal, described as "an extended multi-year contract," solidifies Norris' position alongside rising star Oscar Piastri, with both drivers committed through 2026.

Expressing his delight at the contract extension, Norris emphasized his deep-rooted connection to McLaren, likening the team to family. He remarked, "I've grown up with McLaren and feel at home here — the team are like family to me." Norris also highlighted McLaren's resurgence on the grid, citing their collective determination to compete at the forefront of Formula 1.

Team principal Andrea Stella hailed Norris' growth as both a driver and a person since joining McLaren in 2017. Stella praised Norris's pivotal role in McLaren's progress, particularly during the 2023 season, where the team secured seven podium finishes. The principal emphasized the integral role Norris and Piastri will play in McLaren's pursuit of championship glory.

Norris's stellar performances in the previous season, which included six second-place finishes, underscored McLaren's resurgence and potential for future success. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown emphasized the significance of the contract extension, highlighting its forward-looking nature without divulging specific details.

Brown stated, "[There's no end date announced] because it's our business… you don't typically give many details." The discreet nature of the agreement reflects McLaren's focus on driving performance on the track rather than public contract details.

As McLaren gears up for the challenges ahead, Norris's commitment solidifies the team's foundation for sustained competitiveness in Formula 1. With an exciting driver pairing and a shared vision for success, McLaren looks poised to make significant strides towards reclaiming its position at the pinnacle of motorsport.

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Jake Dennis Conquers Diriyah E-Prix Opener with Dominant Performance

In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Jake Dennis asserted his dominance in the opening race of the Diriyah E-Prix doubleheader, claiming victory in spectacular fashion in the ABB Formula E World Championship.

The race kicked off with a riveting duel between Jean-Eric Vergne and Mitch Evans for the lead, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle. However, it was Jake Dennis of Andretti Global who emerged as the ultimate frontrunner, capitalizing on the intense rivalry ahead to carve out a significant lead.

Dennis strategically utilized the Attack Mode power boost, executing precise maneuvers to maintain his advantage over his rivals. Despite Vergne and Evans' valiant efforts to challenge his position, Dennis showcased exceptional composure, holding onto his lead with unwavering determination.

As the race progressed, Vergne and Evans continued to exchange positions in a bid for supremacy, while Dennis remained resolute at the front of the pack. The Jaguar TCS driver, Evans, endeavored to close the gap on Dennis, deploying his power boost to mount a late challenge for the lead.

However, Dennis' flawless execution and meticulous energy management proved insurmountable for his competitors. With a comfortable margin and ample energy reserves, Dennis surged ahead to secure a commanding victory, leaving his adversaries in his wake.

Behind the podium finishers, Norman Nato delivered a commendable performance to claim sixth place for Andretti, followed by Maximillian Guenther in seventh for Maserati. Despite encountering early setbacks, Pascal Wehrlein showcased resilience to clinch eighth place, further highlighting the competitive nature of the championship.

The race saw only one retirement, with Sacha Fenestraz of Team Nissan forced to bow out due to suspension damage sustained during the early stages of the event.

Jake Dennis' triumph in the Diriyah E-Prix opener sets the stage for an enthralling continuation of the ABB Formula E World Championship, underscoring his status as a formidable contender in the electric racing series. As anticipation builds for the next leg of the competition, fans eagerly await the unfolding drama and excitement on the track.

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Formula E Anticipates More Overtaking Thrills in Diriyah Doubleheader

As Formula E gears up for its doubleheader weekend in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, anticipation is mounting for a spectacle of electric racing that promises more overtaking opportunities compared to the season opener in Mexico City. Pascal Wehrlein's dominant performance for TAG Heuer Porsche set the tone in Mexico, but drivers are expecting a different dynamic on the Diriyah circuit.

Energy management takes center stage in Formula E races, where drivers must balance speed with conserving energy throughout the race. This strategy often leads to intense battles on the track, as drivers employ tactics like lifting and coasting and strategic braking to regenerate energy.

Wehrlein reflected on the Mexico City race, suggesting that a longer race duration might have allowed for more overtaking opportunities. The absence of tools like DRS or KERS means that energy management and slipstreaming play pivotal roles in creating overtaking chances.

The early convergence of energy-saving strategies in Mexico, partly due to an early safety car period, contributed to fewer overtakes than expected. However, Wehrlein acknowledged the diversity of Formula E races, where some events witness numerous overtakes, while others highlight the importance of qualifying positions.

Looking ahead to the Diriyah E-Prix, expectations vary among drivers and team principals. While some anticipate a more overtaking-friendly environment compared to Mexico, others highlight the challenges posed by the narrow track and limited braking zones.

Jean-Eric Vergne of DS Penske emphasized the importance of qualifying well on street circuits like Diriyah, where overtaking opportunities are scarce. NEOM McLaren's Jake Hughes echoed the sentiment, highlighting the intense focus required on street tracks and the exhilarating yet unforgiving nature of the circuit.

Despite differing opinions, drivers and teams are bracing for an action-packed weekend in Diriyah, where the unpredictable nature of Formula E promises to deliver thrills and excitement for fans worldwide. As the cars take to the track, the stage is set for another electrifying chapter in the Formula E saga.

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Norman Nato Sets Pace in Second Practice for Diriyah E-Prix

In a thrilling showcase of speed and precision, Norman Nato of Andretti Global emerged as the frontrunner in the second practice session for the Diriyah E-Prix. With his final lap of the session, Nato clinched the top spot, setting a blistering pace that left his competitors trailing behind.

The daytime session, while offering valuable track time, did not entirely mirror the cooler nighttime conditions awaiting drivers in today's crucial qualifying and race sessions. Nonetheless, Nato managed to clock a best time of 1m13.584s, edging out Maximilliam Guenther of Maserati MSG by a mere 0.031s.

The top five positions showcased the diversity of drivetrains in the competition, with Jake Dennis of Andretti, powered by Porsche, securing the third-fastest time. Sebastien Buemi of Envision Racing bounced back from battery issues encountered on Friday to claim the fourth position, while Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing rounded out the top five with a strong finish as the session drew to a close.

Stoffel Vandoorne of DS Penske narrowly missed the top five by a razor-thin margin of 0.002s, highlighting the intense competition among the drivers. Oliver Rowland and Sacha Fenestraz of Nissan delivered impressive performances, securing the seventh and eighth positions respectively after a late surge in the session.

Lucas Di Grassi of Abt Cupra and Nick Cassidy of Jaguar completed the top-10 lineup, setting the stage for an electrifying battle among the contenders.

Further down the grid, Dan Ticktum of ERT and Jean-Eric Vergne of DS Penske showcased their skills, positioning themselves for a competitive run in the upcoming sessions. Sam Bird of NEOM McLaren and Nico Mueller of Abt Cupra claimed the 13th and 14th spots, setting the stage for a challenging race ahead.

Pascal Wehrlein emerged as the highest-placed factory Porsche entry in 15th position, marking a significant contrast to the performance of the customer Andretti entries. Antonio Felix da Costa of TAG Heuer Porsche faced a challenging session, finishing 22nd and last, sandwiched between Jake Hughes of NEOM McLaren and Sergio Sette Camara of ERT.

Eduardo Mortara of Mahindra, Robin Frijns of Envision, Nyck de Vries of Mahindra, and Jehan Daruvala of Maserati rounded off the grid, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the upcoming qualifying and race sessions of the Diriyah E-Prix.

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Pascal Wehrlein Clinches Victory in 2024 Mexico City E-Prix

A stellar day unfolded at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein secured both the pole position in the Qualifying final and later orchestrated a flawless strategy to claim victory in the first race of the 2024 Formula E season.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd and under delightful weather conditions, the German driver showcased his speed, completing 35 laps to secure his second win on the Mexico City track; the first being in 2022.

While today's race saw several retirements, including Sérgio Sette Camara, Lucas Di Grassi, António Félix Acosta, and Robin Frijns, the highlight was the intense battle at the front between Wehrlein and Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi. Despite Buemi's efforts, he had to settle for the second spot on the podium.

Completing the podium was New Zealand's Nick Cassidy, driving the Jaguar with the number 37, kicking off his first year with the team on a positive note.

Other notable performances included Max Gunther (Maserati), Mitch Evans (Jaguar), and Jean-Érick Vergne (DS Penske).

As the curtain falls on the Formula E debut for 2024 in Mexico, the championship now heads for a long journey to Saudi Arabia for a double-header event.

Next Stop: Formula E heads to Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, for the next round on January 27, 2024. Stay tuned for more electrifying action!

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Taylor Barnard Announced as Reserve and Development Driver by NEOM McLaren Formula E Team

The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team unveiled its latest addition for the 2023/24 season of the FIA ABB Formula E World Championship. Taylor Barnard has been officially announced as the Reserve and Development Driver, emerging as a promising talent in single-seater racing.

Hailing from Norwich, England, Barnard entered single-seater racing in 2020 and swiftly made his mark. In 2022, he secured the runner-up position in the ADAC Formula 4, followed by the vice-championship title in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship in 2023. His debut season in the FIA Formula 3 in 2023 was marked by a victory at Spa-Francorchamps.

Barnard's meteoric rise caught the attention of NEOM McLaren, who brought him in as a rookie driver for the FIA Formula E World Championship's Valencia Pre-Season Test in October 2023. Ian James, Managing Director of NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, expressed satisfaction with Barnard's addition to the team, emphasizing his remarkable potential.

"Taylor is an incredibly impressive up-and-coming talent in single-seater motorsport, and I'm looking forward to working with him in 2024. He will play an important role within our team, adding value with his drive and talent while gaining valuable experience," stated James.

Barnard, in turn, shared his excitement about the new opportunity: "I'm super excited and honored to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as a Reserve and Development Driver. I will be working as hard as I can to support the team and learn as much as possible."

The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team will be in action at the first round of Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the Mexico City E-Prix, on January 13, 2024. The team is confident that Barnard's addition will further strengthen its competitive presence in the series.

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Formula E Secures Extensive Broadcasting Deal in Germany and Austria

In a significant move for electric racing, Formula E has announced a strategic multi-year media partnership with Red Bull Media House, DF1, and Servus TV. The collaboration ensures comprehensive coverage of all Formula E races live in Germany and Austria, encompassing free-to-air (FTA), pay TV, and digital channels starting from the upcoming season.

DF1, the new FTA channel in Germany launched on January 1, 2024, will be the primary broadcaster for Formula E races and qualifying sessions, marking the series' most extensive FTA programming distribution in Germany since its inception in 2014.

ServusTV Motorsport, available on Deutsche Telekom’s pay TV service, Magenta TV, along with digital platform ServusTV On and speedweek.com, will also broadcast Formula E races and qualifying sessions live, providing a diverse range of viewing options for fans.

In Austria, every race of Season 10 will be broadcast live on ServusTV, the fastest-growing free-to-air channel in the market. ServusTV’s digital channels will complement the live broadcasts, offering additional Formula E content along with other premium motorsport programming.

Aarti Dabas, Chief Media Officer at Formula E, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "This exciting new collaboration with Red Bull Media House, ServusTV, and DF1 marks a significant milestone in bringing Formula E's racing to Germany and Austria - a region with a deep-rooted passion for motorsport."

As Formula E gears up for its most dynamic season yet, including a double-header race in Berlin, fans in Germany and Austria can anticipate unparalleled access to live race programming through a mix of free-to-air and premium channels.

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Logan Sargeant Faces Uncertain Future Ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

As the Formula 1 season concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, American driver Logan Sargeant finds himself at a crossroads, uncertain about his future with Williams. The young talent is closing out his rookie season, which has seen glimpses of promise but remains marked by uncertainty.

Team principal James Vowles confirmed that the decision regarding Sargeant's retention at Williams has not been altered despite recent improvements in performance. Sargeant secured a career-best qualifying performance of sixth in Las Vegas and has shown increased consistency in recent races, but Williams remains contemplative about the next step.

Vowles explained, "The reason why I set it out so boldly before is I wanted to take the entire season and then take time to properly digest every single race, assess the growth, assess the potential and assess the direction of travel."

Acknowledging Sargeant's progress over the past races, Vowles expressed a desire to see another strong performance in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix before making a decision. While he has alternative drivers available, his preference is to provide Sargeant with the opportunity to flourish and earn his place.

Sargeant himself remains uncertain about the future, stating, "I wish I knew as well!… I’m not sure [if there’s a second season] is the honest answer. The most important thing is it’s been getting better and better throughout the second half of the year."

Reflecting on his improved performance and form in recent rounds, Sargeant maintains a race-by-race approach, focusing on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix without putting undue pressure on himself. The American driver aims to finish the season on a high note and hopes for clarity regarding his future in the aftermath of the final race.

"I just take it race-by-race. Obviously, I want to be here next year — that’s the goal. It’s been getting better and better, so I am confident with how I’m driving. I’m confident coming into this race; it’s a track I know well, so just plan to continue on what we’ve been doing and just taking it as it comes," Sargeant shared.

As the paddock awaits the outcome of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Logan Sargeant remains determined to make the most of the final race weekend, showcasing his skills and hoping for a positive resolution to his future with Williams.