RaceFans Round-up: 18th January 2025

Welcome to Saturday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.

Comment of the day

Although Aston Martin had a disappointing season last year, Lawrence Stroll deserves respect for investing to make them genuine competitors, says Michael:

Aston Martin’s investments in their new facilities stand in stark contrast to the lackluster approach taken by Haas, Williams, Sauber, Red Bull II (a few ‘coincidental’ relocations of their staff to ‘certain’ facilities in Milton Keynes notwithstanding), or indeed even by the much bigger manufacturer Renault.

Stroll, whatever misgivings one might have about his belief in his son, is making a serious effort here.
MichaelN

Social media and links

Aston Martin’s plot to take over Formula 1 (Daily Mail – subscription required)

‘Monetary enticement helped ensnare Newey, too. A share in the company was a key inducement, and one which Verstappen, if he ever were to fulfil the conclusion of Stroll’s vaulting aims, would almost certainly be able to avail himself.’

WEC entry list 2025 (PDF) (FIA WEC)

Nicolas Pino and Nicolas Varrone confirmed as Neel Jani’s team mates in the Proton Porsche line-up.

No rest for Penske. Racing titan continues to find new ways to grow (Detroit Free Press)

‘It was that line in the sand that helped him make his decision. He passed on the Indy 500 test, which went to another young driver: Mario Andretti, who would go on to become a racing legend. ‘I went my way, and Mario went his,’ Penske said with a smile. ‘I think it worked out pretty well for both of us.”

Jonathan Refoy to join the FIA as chief ommunications officer (FIA)

‘Jonathan has over 20 years’ experience in corporate communications and campaigning in a range of sectors. He joins from Interserve Group, where he served on the executive committee as group corporate affairs director, leading the company’s global media and government relations, as well as internal, transformation and digital communications.’

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