Rumor mill Mexico – Verstappen Fastest: Clean: Now Audi has to show its colours

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Rumors have been circulating about the new Formula 1 project for weeks. An uncharitable denial from Ingolstadt has been the only response so far. But since “Spiegel” got involved in the delicate matter, Audi now has to show its colors in the 19th World Cup round. Because ‘Spiegel’ is certainly not a constant guest in the rumor mill.

Porsche as an Audi replacement?

A German exit would be as embarrassing as the September 2022 split between Red Bull and Porsche. When the Germans did not get the power they wanted, they withdrew from the treaty and the global marriage bed.

What’s going on at Audi? The new engine factory in Neuburg an der Donau has just been completed and all test benches are available. These costs alone represent an investment in the mid-three-digit million range. And costs at Audi and Sauber are in double figures due to the new employment contracts. They should all be disbanded again.

Audi must stop rumors

Exception: VW subsidiary Porsche comes and takes over the project. However, this brand would have to work from the Audi base because Porsche itself had no infrastructure for building and operating a Formula 1 engine.

The ball is now in Audi’s court: tell the truth. After weeks of speculation, silence is no longer an option. The fans also have a right to know what is going on.

Hulkenberg 200 – Bernie 93

At the first training for the Mexican GP (Sunday, 9 p.m. CET, live on Blick in the ticker), more than 100,000 spectators were already on the track, which runs through a baseball stadium. With an anniversary: ​​Nico Hülkenberg (36) has already gone 200 races without a podium appearance. The German already has a contract with Haas-Ferrari for 2024. That’s why “Hülk” had to cancel next season with Sauber!

Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone turns 93 years old on Saturday in Gstaad BE. “I’m doing well,” the Brit laughed and revealed to Blick: “On Monday I’m flying with the whole family to our ranch in Brazil.”

Permanent pit guest Pourchaire

On the 4,304 km long course, under beautiful weather conditions on the still dusty asphalt, five talents took part in a 60-minute mission: Théo Pourchaire (20) at Alfa-Sauber, Oliver Bearman (18) at Haas-Ferrari, Frederik Vesti ( 21) Mercedes, Jack Doohan (20) at Alpine and Isack Hadjar (19) at Alpha Tauri-Honda.

The “victory” after an hour went to the British Bearman in 15th place. The confident Formula 2 leader from the Sauber Academy, Pourchaire, had to return to the pits after the first lap: problems with the pedals. After 60 minutes the Frenchman still had no timed lap. Four times he went out and came right back in! Only Alonso (18) completed fewer than twenty laps.

Verstappen for Albon

The 15 regular drivers were immediately led by world champion Max Verstappen (26) in the Red Bull Honda. The Dutchman was the first pilot to break the 1:20 minute barrier. After just twelve minutes, Carlos Sainz (29) had hydraulic problems in the Ferrari. And then the Spaniard drove across the track and through the grass without steering. In 2023, Sainz is still the only winner who – in Singapore – did not drive a Red Bull.

Behind them, Lando Norris (23), Alexander Albon (27), Sergio Pérez (33) and Charles Leclerc (26) took turns in the chase positions. Only Albon in the Williams-Mercedes achieved a time of under 80 seconds. Seventh place in the World Championship (ten points ahead of Alfa-Sauber) for a new surprise?

Source : Blick