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F1 Today | Rumoured proposal against customer teams, FIA appoint director
Enzo Fittipaldi nearly joined VCARB, his advisor claims, Auto, Motor und Sport report that a rumoured new proposal has been submitted to the FIA that could hurt customer teams, and the FIA appointed a new director, after Niels Wittich's and Paolo Basarri's departures have been announced already this week. GPblog brings you the best news of the day from the world of F1.
'Fittipaldi close to joining VCARB'
The last remaining seat for the 2025 Formula One season is at Visa Cash App RB at the moment. Given the Red Bull family's decision, they could open up another set by releasing Sergio Perez, but sticking to already signed contracts, there is only one available.
Last year, Emerson Fittipaldi's grandson, Enzo Fittipaldi was close to joining the team, his advisor, Pedro Boesel told Motorsport.com. "Last year, Enzo had a meeting with the top of Red Bull. He was called to this meeting and there they said they had chosen him to drive for AlphaTauri at Red Bull this year and test the F1 car," Boesel explained. However, in the end, the Austrians opted to keep Isack Hadjar instead.
New proposal for 'too successful teams'
According to Auto, Motor und Sport, a rumoured proposal has been submitted to teams performing well in the competition. Namely, constructors that finish in the Top 5 of the standings should produce more parts for themselves, rather than being customer teams. This proposal for example could hurt Haas or VCARB. The Americans have a close relationship with Ferrari, while VCARB also plan to get more components from Red Bull Racing next season.
Villeneuve surprised to see Wittich leave
The 1997 F1 world champion, who does not shy away from sharing his views about the competition, was surprised to see Niels Wittich leave (according to rumours, getting let go) as F1 Race Director following the Sao Paulo GP. "We don't know if there are some personal issues as well that have nothing to do with racing so let's not read into it too soon. It is surprising though to have a change like this with three races to go. He was a fixture and quite strict and direct," he told Grosvenor Sport.
Meanwhile, after Wittich and also FIA's Compliance Officer, Paolo Basarri left, a new person has been appointed at the federation. Lee Fedden will join next Monday as FIA's new Digital Director.
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