Good afternoon Qualifiers!

The massive elephant in the room is the FIA and Red Bull's ongoing soap opera. While there is limited information regarding specifics, investigations, and conversations, you know the old saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

I have no more information than you do, but this situation is a stark reminder that we need to see more women in the sport at every level and role. (Thank you, Alexandra)

The lead-up to round two has been dramatically focused on anything but racing. Who benefits? Maybe Netflix, but not the fans. And sure, not the series itself, for the short term.

We’ll keep a keen eye on how this all unfolds.

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Buffett vs Banksy: The surprising winner

What’s one market that Warren Buffet probably hasn’t considered – even though its prices outpaced shares of his very own Berkshire Hathaway – growing at an annualized rate of 14.4% from 2007 to June 2023? The market for Banksy’s art. 

That's right, Banksy. And now, for the first time, everyday investors are getting in on the action. Thanks to Masterworks, the award-winning platform for investing in blue-chip art. Masterworks enables anyone to invest in paintings by artists like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso for just a fraction of the cost. When Masterworks sells a painting, investors can get a return. 

All of their offerings are limited, and shares can sell out in just minutes, but readers can skip the waitlist to join with this exclusive link. 

Past performance is not indicative of future returns, investing involves risk. See disclosures masterworks.com/cd.

The Lead

Audi has confirmed it will take over 100% of Switzerland’s Sauber Group’s F1 team ahead of its 2026 entry. This is great for F1 and shows Audi’s commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport.

It's clear they're not here to merely take a spot on the grid; they aim to lead it.

With its storied history in F1, Sauber transitions from a midfield contender to the lynchpin of Audi's aggressive motorsport aspirations. The team's integration into F1's fabric is undisputed, but substantial investment is imperative to catapult from solid competitor to frontrunner. The BMW era saw significant infrastructure advancements, yet Sauber's facilities now lag behind their top-tier rivals, signaling a need for an extensive upgrade.

Audi's full-scale commitment provides the necessary resources and automotive prowess to revolutionize Sauber's operational capabilities.

The expansion includes the construction of a new 3,000-square-meter facility equipped with cutting-edge test benches for the power unit's development, technical rooms, a mechanical workshop, and meeting spaces. This setup demonstrates Audi's intention to leverage its existing motorsport heritage. It has previously developed projects like the Audi RS Q e-tron, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro hybrid, and its Formula E car at the Competence Center Motorsport.

Oliver Hoffmann, Audi's Board Member for Technical Development, emphasizes the Neuburg facility's readiness and the expansion's role in ensuring the F1 power unit's long-term development infrastructure.

Due to its near-collapse in the 2010s, Sauber is still much smaller than other F1 teams. This has required plenty of ongoing investment in personnel and infrastructure. Audi has already gathered a formidable team of around 250 employees dedicated to the F1 project.

Audi's commitment to F1's new engine regulations, which promote increased electrical power, the omission of the MGU-H, and the use of fully sustainable fuels, positions it as the only new manufacturer so far to embrace the 2026 rules. This initiative sets the stage for an innovative era in Formula 1 racing.

A Tall Task

"We definitely won’t be bored between now and then," explained Audi's F1 project manager Adam Baker, speaking to Bild.

"Developing a Formula 1 hybrid drive is one of the greatest challenges an engineer can face.”

"That’s why it was all the more important that we were able to start the process immediately when the engine regulations were approved last summer."

Audi's project leader also made clear that reliability will take precedence over performance at the outset.

"We announced our entry earlier than any other manufacturer in recent decades," Baker said. "We’re on time. But we know and respect the magnitude of the challenge ahead. We will do a good job for 2026. I have no doubts about that.”

"Nevertheless, in the first season it will be about having the highest possible level of reliability. Then we want to keep improving. Our goal is to be up front in the third year," he added.

"For that, we need a top engine. We want to show what ‘Made in Germany’ stands for a reliable engine at the highest level.”

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Charlotte Tilbury becomes the first female-founded beauty brand to sponsor Formula 1

The F1 Academy's groundbreaking partnership with Charlotte Tilbury is pivotal in sports sponsorship. It blends the worlds of beauty and motorsports in a way that challenges traditional norms. This collaboration is a testament to the growing influence of female-driven brands in sports and highlights the shifting dynamics of audience engagement and brand association within the sector.

Historically, sports sponsorships have been dominated by sectors like automotive, beverages, and financial services, which are traditionally perceived as male-centric industries. However, the F1 Academy and Charlotte Tilbury partnership is a bold step away from this trend, merging the empowerment and aspirations of female athletes with the elegance and ambition embodied by the beauty brand. The union celebrates female participation in motorsport and sets a new precedent for how brands can engage with sports audiences.

This partnership echoes a broader movement within the sports industry. Brands like Il Makiage and Urban Decay have ventured into women's sports, crafting campaigns that resonate with themes of empowerment, acceptance, and belonging. The success of these collaborations, as evidenced by increased brand consideration and positive sentiment, underscores the untapped potential in sports sponsorship beyond traditional boundaries.

At its core, this trend reflects a deeper understanding of the female sports fan's desire for community and identity within sports fandom. By prioritizing purpose, authenticity, and meaningful engagement, brands are not just sponsoring teams or athletes; they're fostering a sense of belonging and breaking down long-standing barriers.

F1 Academy Standings after R2 in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 

1. Abbi Pulling - Rodin Motorsport

2. Maya Weug - Prema Racing

3. Doriane Pin - Prema Racing

Here’s the rest of the F1 Academy calendar that can be streamed live on YouTube and Twitter(X) and F1TV

An Experience You Won’t Want to Miss

I’m excited about this one, not just for obvious reasons, but because it’s one of those collaborations that offers an upscale experience without forgetting to pay homage to the series’ history.

The Legends Lounge | Schumacher sets out to celebrate the legend himself and his illustrious Formula One legacy. The lounge commemorates 30 years since his first championship win.

You’ll dive into an exclusive showcase featuring rare artifacts, Schumacher's iconic cars, and special guest appearances. Experience the extraordinary with behind-the-scenes insights into Michael's unparalleled career and the resilience that made him a legend.

You’ll also have the opportunity to attend "An Evening for Michael," a unique dining experience with F1 legends, sharing untold stories and auctioning precious memorabilia to benefit the Keep Fighting Foundation.

Read the official press release here.

From Around the World of Motorsport

• Gerhard Berger’s Ferrari found 28 years later

• FIA President under investigation

• F1 races ranked by cost

• IndyCar working to maintain growth

• NASCAR eyes Dodger Stadium

• Liberty Media looking to expand portfolio with MotoGP

• McLaren/Senna Lego now available*

*a message from our sponsor

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