F1 News

W16, Lawson steps into Red Bull, WoRDA statement

F1 Today | W16, Lawson steps into Red Bull, WoRDA statement

24 February at 21:00
  • Savannah Lenz

Formula 1 fans do not have to wait much longer for the start of the season, as pre-season testing starts in only two days! Before that, however, Mercedes released photos of their W16. Liam Lawson was also able to jump into the RB21. 

WoRDA speaks out 

Following the steps of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, the World Rally Drivers Alliance released a statement regarding the new rules and regulations from the  FIA. This comes following one of the drivers, Adrien Fourmaux, was penalised in Sweden. They said, "WoRDA has always recognised our responsibilities and commitment to collaborate in a constructive way with all stakeholders, including the FIA President, in order to promote and elevate our outstanding Sport for the benefit of all. In recent months, however, there has been an alarming increase in the severity of the sanctions imposed for minor, isolated and unintentional language lapses.” Towards the end of 2024, the Formula 1 drivers, with their association, also addressed the FIA. Due to the new rules, Fourmaux received a fine of €10,000 fine plus a €20,000 conditional fine. In the future, if he repeats the same actions, he will face higher fines, and more will lay on the line. 

In the end, they called for more clarity. "In such a case, we question the relevance and validity of imposing any sort of penalty. Moreover, the exorbitant fines are vastly disproportionate to the average income and budget in rallying. We are also concerned with the public impression these excessive sums create in the minds of the fans, suggesting this is an industry where money doesn’t matter. This also raises a fundamental question: where does the money from these fines go? The lack of transparency only amplifies concerns and undermines confidence in the system. Surely, the negative impressions surrounding these penalties far outweigh the impact of any language lapse. We call for direct communication and engagement between the FIA President and WoRDA members to find a mutually agreeable and urgent solution."

Mercedes unveils W16  

Regarding the W16, George Russell said,  "This coming season will be my seventh in the sport and fourth with the works Mercedes team, and I'm working hard to improve year-on-year. As a team, we are incredibly motivated to improve on last season. There is a great energy within the factories at Brackley and Brixworth so I'm eager to take to the track."It's also exciting to have a new teammate in Kimi this year. He's incredibly quick and I think we will make a great partnership. Naturally, there is a lot for him to learn in his first season, but I'm looking forward to helping him do that and working together to help push the team forward," 

Lawson takes on Red Bull