Bayer: In several races Lawson was faster than Hadjar.
Peter Bayer, the executive director of Racing Bulls, spoke about what was the main argument in favor of Liam Lawson when the team decided to extend his contract for the 2026 season.
The past season was uneven for the New Zealand driver: he started it with Red Bull Racing, but the results were clearly below expectations, so after just two rounds Lawson was returned to the “junior” team, and Yuki Tsunoda became Max Verstappen’s new teammate.
After that, Liam only managed to score points at the end of May in Monaco, but he then finished in the top ten six more times, with his best result being 5th place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
In an interview with RacingNews365, Bayer said that Lawson fits Racing Bulls well, and the team decided to continue working with him for another season.
Peter Bayer, the executive director of Racing Bulls, spoke about what was the main argument in favor of Liam Lawson when the team decided to extend his contract for the 2026 season.
The past season was uneven for the New Zealand driver: he started it with Red Bull Racing, but the results were clearly below expectations, so after just two rounds Lawson was returned to the “junior” team, and Yuki Tsunoda became Max Verstappen’s new teammate.
After that, Liam only managed to score points at the end of May in Monaco, but he then finished in the top ten six more times, with his best result being 5th place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
In an interview with RacingNews365, Bayer said that Lawson fits Racing Bulls well, and the team decided to continue working with him for another season.
Zak Brown: We are trying to destabilize our rivals.
Zak Brown has in recent years become one of the more prominent figures in the paddock, especially as McLaren has performed more successfully each season. But the chief executive of McLaren Racing attracts attention for more than that.
He admits that in public debates with the bosses of other teams he deliberately tries to throw them off balance — as was the case in his disputes with Christian Horner, now the former head of Red Bull Racing. In Brown’s view, it’s a perfectly normal tactic, given how politicized the world of Formula 1 is.
“Teams compete in every area — the fight is for drivers, for sponsors, for staff,” Brown admitted on London’s talkSPORT. “I mean, the fighting is real — I think it’s one of those sides of Formula 1 that’s well shown in the documentary series Drive to Survive.
Zak Brown has in recent years become one of the more prominent figures in the paddock, especially as McLaren has performed more successfully each season. But the chief executive of McLaren Racing attracts attention for more than that.
He admits that in public debates with the bosses of other teams he deliberately tries to throw them off balance — as was the case in his disputes with Christian Horner, now the former head of Red Bull Racing. In Brown’s view, it’s a perfectly normal tactic, given how politicized the world of Formula 1 is.
“Teams compete in every area — the fight is for drivers, for sponsors, for staff,” Brown admitted on London’s talkSPORT. “I mean, the fighting is real — I think it’s one of those sides of Formula 1 that’s well shown in the documentary series Drive to Survive.
Albon believes that F1 will become somewhat similar to Formula E.
The scale of the changes that Formula 1 teams are intensively preparing for in 2026 is very large, and it’s still difficult to assess the balance of power even approximately. And drivers will have to get to grips with new cars that are also quite different from the previous generation’s machinery, which, of course, will affect the nature of the on-track battles.
“I suppose it will be unlike anything we’ve done before,” says Alex Albon. “The job for the drivers is to adapt to it, but everything takes time. For example, I don’t think this winter break will be as quiet as in previous years, when we mostly focused on physical training.
Now we’ll have to spend a lot more time on the simulator, because we need to really understand how everything works, try different driving styles and decide which suits best.
The scale of the changes that Formula 1 teams are intensively preparing for in 2026 is very large, and it’s still difficult to assess the balance of power even approximately. And drivers will have to get to grips with new cars that are also quite different from the previous generation’s machinery, which, of course, will affect the nature of the on-track battles.
“I suppose it will be unlike anything we’ve done before,” says Alex Albon. “The job for the drivers is to adapt to it, but everything takes time. For example, I don’t think this winter break will be as quiet as in previous years, when we mostly focused on physical training.
Now we’ll have to spend a lot more time on the simulator, because we need to really understand how everything works, try different driving styles and decide which suits best.
Coulthard: Norris knows the team better than his teammate.
One of the topics being actively discussed after the end of the season is McLaren’s policy regarding Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. On the one hand, the team proclaims a principle of equality and says it has no No. 1 or No. 2 driver; on the other, it was hard to shake the impression that McLaren’s management favored Lando. In part for that reason, he became the 2025 world champion.
“This is a difficult question, isn’t it?” mused David Coulthard, a former Formula 1 driver, while taking part in the Red Flags podcast. “Of course, ask anyone at McLaren and they’ll immediately tell you it’s not the case. And that’s perfectly understandable — I can see that. Moreover, they can sincerely believe it.
You know, I only have one son, but if you have two children, one of them will be a little closer to you. That happens because we are all different.
One of the topics being actively discussed after the end of the season is McLaren’s policy regarding Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. On the one hand, the team proclaims a principle of equality and says it has no No. 1 or No. 2 driver; on the other, it was hard to shake the impression that McLaren’s management favored Lando. In part for that reason, he became the 2025 world champion.
“This is a difficult question, isn’t it?” mused David Coulthard, a former Formula 1 driver, while taking part in the Red Flags podcast. “Of course, ask anyone at McLaren and they’ll immediately tell you it’s not the case. And that’s perfectly understandable — I can see that. Moreover, they can sincerely believe it.
You know, I only have one son, but if you have two children, one of them will be a little closer to you. That happens because we are all different.
Peres recounted how Marko referred him to a psychologist.
Sergio Pérez revealed that in 2021, during his first season with Red Bull Racing, Helmut Marko paid for a very expensive psychologist that was offered for the Mexican driver to work with.
“When I started driving for Red Bull, after the first races in which I couldn’t get the necessary results, I was told I needed to see a psychologist,” Sergio recalled while taking part in the Cracks podcast. “Of course, I was ready for anything. So, we spoke with the psychologist — this Englishman said something to me, after which I told him that I didn’t have time to talk then, but let’s pick another time for the session.
And then he showed up at the Red Bull Racing base, brought a bill for £6,000 and said: ‘Please send this to Helmut, he will pay.
Sergio Pérez revealed that in 2021, during his first season with Red Bull Racing, Helmut Marko paid for a very expensive psychologist that was offered for the Mexican driver to work with.
“When I started driving for Red Bull, after the first races in which I couldn’t get the necessary results, I was told I needed to see a psychologist,” Sergio recalled while taking part in the Cracks podcast. “Of course, I was ready for anything. So, we spoke with the psychologist — this Englishman said something to me, after which I told him that I didn’t have time to talk then, but let’s pick another time for the session.
And then he showed up at the Red Bull Racing base, brought a bill for £6,000 and said: ‘Please send this to Helmut, he will pay.
Haas F1 has decided to move the VF-26 presentation to an earlier date: today the team announced it will unveil its new car on January 19.
A poster in a red-and-black color scheme appeared on its social media pages marking the news, accompanied by the comment, "We're starting earlier than expected to avoid traffic."
Originally, Haas had planned to hold the presentation on January 23, but Ferrari and Alpine will unveil their cars on the same day. It's therefore logical that the American team chose to change the date, as this will at least help attract more attention to the event.
All the more so since everything will take place online, which doesn't involve logistical complications.
A poster in a red-and-black color scheme appeared on its social media pages marking the news, accompanied by the comment, "We're starting earlier than expected to avoid traffic."
Originally, Haas had planned to hold the presentation on January 23, but Ferrari and Alpine will unveil their cars on the same day. It's therefore logical that the American team chose to change the date, as this will at least help attract more attention to the event.
All the more so since everything will take place online, which doesn't involve logistical complications.
Derek Daly: Max has a unique ability
Derek Daly competed in Formula 1 in the late 1970s and early 1980s for teams such as Ensign, Tyrrell, March, Theodore Racing and Williams, but he still keeps a close eye on what is happening in the World Championship.
The 72-year-old Irishman believes nature has endowed Max with a unique gift, and it has been a long time since there were talents like his in Formula 1. It is enough to recall that over the last ten rounds of last season the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver regularly finished on the podium, winning six times, which allowed him to make up 104 points and finish the championship second in the drivers' standings.
Many, Daly included, consider him the true hero of 2025.
“Max has a unique ability to calculate what is happening around his car, and he does it much better than any other driver in the championship,” the Irish veteran told RacingNews365.
Derek Daly competed in Formula 1 in the late 1970s and early 1980s for teams such as Ensign, Tyrrell, March, Theodore Racing and Williams, but he still keeps a close eye on what is happening in the World Championship.
The 72-year-old Irishman believes nature has endowed Max with a unique gift, and it has been a long time since there were talents like his in Formula 1. It is enough to recall that over the last ten rounds of last season the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver regularly finished on the podium, winning six times, which allowed him to make up 104 points and finish the championship second in the drivers' standings.
Many, Daly included, consider him the true hero of 2025.
“Max has a unique ability to calculate what is happening around his car, and he does it much better than any other driver in the championship,” the Irish veteran told RacingNews365.
Gianpiero Lambiase remains at Red Bull Racing
At the end of the year there were reports that Aston Martin had shown interest in Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s race engineer, but today it emerged that the key phrase in those reports was “nothing has been definitively agreed yet.” The same British publication, The Race, which we cited at the time, wrote on Tuesday that in 2026 Lambiase will continue to work with the four-time world champion in the same capacity. Although Aston Martin allegedly offered him the prospect of moving to a much more senior position in the future, the Silverstone-based team declined to comment on such rumours. Other suggestions were also made at the time that Williams was among those interested in working with the experienced specialist.
At the end of the year there were reports that Aston Martin had shown interest in Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s race engineer, but today it emerged that the key phrase in those reports was “nothing has been definitively agreed yet.” The same British publication, The Race, which we cited at the time, wrote on Tuesday that in 2026 Lambiase will continue to work with the four-time world champion in the same capacity. Although Aston Martin allegedly offered him the prospect of moving to a much more senior position in the future, the Silverstone-based team declined to comment on such rumours. Other suggestions were also made at the time that Williams was among those interested in working with the experienced specialist.
Zhou: I think I already know everyone at Cadillac.
Guanyu Zhou, as could be expected, remains in the paddock, but now as a reserve driver for Cadillac F1, which was announced yesterday. The Chinese driver will work with Valtteri Bottas, his former Sauber teammate, Sergio Pérez and Colton Herta, who previously raced in IndyCar.
In 2025 Zhou performed the same role at Ferrari, but Cadillac is a new team at the very start of its journey, so the tasks will now be different. And the experience Guanyu gained in Formula 1 over the previous four seasons will come in very handy.
"Most importantly, this new project really excites me," Zhou said in an interview with the championship's official website. "Besides, I know Graham Lowdon, Valtteri, and many of the engineers who are working at Cadillac F1, and I have watched the team's development throughout this year.
Guanyu Zhou, as could be expected, remains in the paddock, but now as a reserve driver for Cadillac F1, which was announced yesterday. The Chinese driver will work with Valtteri Bottas, his former Sauber teammate, Sergio Pérez and Colton Herta, who previously raced in IndyCar.
In 2025 Zhou performed the same role at Ferrari, but Cadillac is a new team at the very start of its journey, so the tasks will now be different. And the experience Guanyu gained in Formula 1 over the previous four seasons will come in very handy.
"Most importantly, this new project really excites me," Zhou said in an interview with the championship's official website. "Besides, I know Graham Lowdon, Valtteri, and many of the engineers who are working at Cadillac F1, and I have watched the team's development throughout this year.
Dakar: Mitch Gatri won the stage and leads overall.
Following Seth Quintero’s win on the second stage of the Dakar rally-raid yesterday, Tuesday belonged to another American driver: today Mitch Guthrie, competing in the Ford Raptor No. 228, covered the third stage distance faster than anyone else.
Until 2024 Guthrie competed in the Challenger class; in 2025 he debuted in the T1+ category and finished 5th overall, but today he stepped up to a new level. Part of that success came from he and his co-driver, Kellon Welch, managing to avoid tyre punctures.
In addition, this factory Ford Racing crew also took the overall lead, although their advantage over the Czech duo of Martin Prokop, driving an identical race SUV, is only 26 seconds. But today Guthrie beat the Czech by almost two and a half minutes; Prokop, representing the Orlen Jipocar Team, finished second.
Following Seth Quintero’s win on the second stage of the Dakar rally-raid yesterday, Tuesday belonged to another American driver: today Mitch Guthrie, competing in the Ford Raptor No. 228, covered the third stage distance faster than anyone else.
Until 2024 Guthrie competed in the Challenger class; in 2025 he debuted in the T1+ category and finished 5th overall, but today he stepped up to a new level. Part of that success came from he and his co-driver, Kellon Welch, managing to avoid tyre punctures.
In addition, this factory Ford Racing crew also took the overall lead, although their advantage over the Czech duo of Martin Prokop, driving an identical race SUV, is only 26 seconds. But today Guthrie beat the Czech by almost two and a half minutes; Prokop, representing the Orlen Jipocar Team, finished second.
Bianca's family had cards stolen, including Jules's car.
Philippe Bianchi, the father of Jules Bianchi, a talented driver who passed away from severe injuries sustained at the Japanese Grand Prix in the autumn of 2014, shared some rather troubling news.
Nine karts belonging to the Bianchi family, including the last kart Jules once drove, have been stolen. Here is a translation of the message Philippe Bianchi posted on social media:
“Dear friends, today I appeal to the karting community. Last night we were robbed, and shameless thieves made off with nine JB17 Forever chassis. Moreover, they stole Jules’s last kart — a KZ 125 ART GP — as well as my grandchildren’s mini-karts.
Beyond the actual value of these machines, they are precious to us, and we are very upset. If you see JB17 karts appearing anywhere, please report them. Thank you in advance.”
The stolen equipment is truly more than just machines.
Philippe Bianchi, the father of Jules Bianchi, a talented driver who passed away from severe injuries sustained at the Japanese Grand Prix in the autumn of 2014, shared some rather troubling news.
Nine karts belonging to the Bianchi family, including the last kart Jules once drove, have been stolen. Here is a translation of the message Philippe Bianchi posted on social media:
“Dear friends, today I appeal to the karting community. Last night we were robbed, and shameless thieves made off with nine JB17 Forever chassis. Moreover, they stole Jules’s last kart — a KZ 125 ART GP — as well as my grandchildren’s mini-karts.
Beyond the actual value of these machines, they are precious to us, and we are very upset. If you see JB17 karts appearing anywhere, please report them. Thank you in advance.”
The stolen equipment is truly more than just machines.
Formula E: Jake Hughes – Mahindra reserve driver
Jake Hughes remains in Formula E: the 31-year-old Briton will serve as Mahindra's reserve driver and, in that role, will work with Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara.
Hughes spent the previous three seasons in the electric-car world championship with McLaren and Maserati, but it would be wrong to say he stood out, although he did make the podium a couple of times. Last year he also worked with McLaren Racing in Formula 1 as a simulator driver.
Incidentally, he holds an interesting Guinness World Record — the indoor speed record. In July 2023, Jake, then driving for McLaren, reached 218.71 km/h in a Formula E car over a distance of just 346 metres at the ExCeL centre in London.
"I'm pleased to begin a new chapter in my Formula E career with Mahindra Racing," Hughes commented.
Jake Hughes remains in Formula E: the 31-year-old Briton will serve as Mahindra's reserve driver and, in that role, will work with Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara.
Hughes spent the previous three seasons in the electric-car world championship with McLaren and Maserati, but it would be wrong to say he stood out, although he did make the podium a couple of times. Last year he also worked with McLaren Racing in Formula 1 as a simulator driver.
Incidentally, he holds an interesting Guinness World Record — the indoor speed record. In July 2023, Jake, then driving for McLaren, reached 218.71 km/h in a Formula E car over a distance of just 346 metres at the ExCeL centre in London.
"I'm pleased to begin a new chapter in my Formula E career with Mahindra Racing," Hughes commented.
Lawson believes he is already better at dealing with pressing.
Liam Lawson believes that the experience and resilience gained over 36 Grands Prix with both Red Bull teams will help him cope with the psychological pressure that will inevitably accompany his second full season in Formula 1.
The New Zealand driver for Racing Bulls is ready to admit that last year he struggled in that respect, in part because with so many rounds on the calendar running literally one after another he simply didn’t have time for proper preparation.
"The main difference in Formula 1 compared to other categories is the very short breaks between races," Lawson told RacingNews365. "Sometimes you think you’re perfectly prepared. Then you head to the next round of the season and you’re already at the start of qualifying before you’ve even had time to realise it. It’s quite possible that because of that your session won’t go as well.
Liam Lawson believes that the experience and resilience gained over 36 Grands Prix with both Red Bull teams will help him cope with the psychological pressure that will inevitably accompany his second full season in Formula 1.
The New Zealand driver for Racing Bulls is ready to admit that last year he struggled in that respect, in part because with so many rounds on the calendar running literally one after another he simply didn’t have time for proper preparation.
"The main difference in Formula 1 compared to other categories is the very short breaks between races," Lawson told RacingNews365. "Sometimes you think you’re perfectly prepared. Then you head to the next round of the season and you’re already at the start of qualifying before you’ve even had time to realise it. It’s quite possible that because of that your session won’t go as well.
This Dakar served as yet another reminder to Yazeed Al-Rajhi of the fickleness of sporting fortune. In 2025 he became the first representative of Saudi Arabia to win the legendary rally-raid, and today the Toyota factory driver retired from the race.
At the 234th kilometer of the fourth, and longest, marathon stage, the Toyota Hilux GR race SUV carrying number 201 stopped and was unable to continue. According to preliminary information, Al-Rajhi and his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk ran into an age-old problem — they punctured three tires while having only two spares.
The feature of the marathon stage is that crews are prohibited from receiving outside assistance. However, Al-Rajhi has a theoretical chance to remain among the competitors and reach the bivouac, but only after the stage is over. In any case, crew No. 201 has already been excluded from the overall classification.
At the 234th kilometer of the fourth, and longest, marathon stage, the Toyota Hilux GR race SUV carrying number 201 stopped and was unable to continue. According to preliminary information, Al-Rajhi and his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk ran into an age-old problem — they punctured three tires while having only two spares.
The feature of the marathon stage is that crews are prohibited from receiving outside assistance. However, Al-Rajhi has a theoretical chance to remain among the competitors and reach the bivouac, but only after the stage is over. In any case, crew No. 201 has already been excluded from the overall classification.
The factory Audi F1 team, created on the basis of Sauber, reported a successful first engine start, already installed on the 2026 chassis, calling it "a turning point."
However, the event itself took place in Hinwil, Switzerland, where the team's base is located, back on December 19, but it was only reported now, and it was described in the following terms: "this symbolizes the transition of the project from the design stage to dynamic reality."
Years of work by many hundreds of engineers and designers are behind it, who work in the engine-building division in Neuburg, at the team's base in Hinwil, and at the new Audi Sport Technical Centre in Bicester (United Kingdom).
Audi regard this as an important achievement, and representatives of the company's and team's senior management commented on it.
Gernot Döllner, Chief Executive Officer of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Audi Motorsport: "Audi's debut in Formula 1 is a crucial part of the ongoing renewal of our brand. This milestone clearly demonstrates our ambitious goals, expressed by the slogan Vorsprung durch Technik (which can be roughly translated as 'Advantage through Technology').
It is the result of uninterrupted teamwork and an untiring pursuit of excellence that will serve as an example for our entire organisation. This project is a catalyst for change, a source of particular pride, and a testament to our identity and enthusiasm.
With the engine start, the tireless efforts of everyone working in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester take the team to a new level, marking the next, very exciting chapter in Audi's motorsport history."
Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 project: "An engine start is always a special moment, but this time it is also a new beginning. It is a tangible result of our shared ambitions and the devoted work of the teams in Neuburg and Hinwil.
For the first time we see how everything comes together, and this gives the whole project an incredible boost of energy. We have built a solid foundation for this journey, which promises to be long, and our relentless drive to become better will be decisive along the way."
Jonathan Wheatley, Head of the Audi F1 Team: "A successful engine start is a crucial milestone that allows us to assess the quality of our work and the collaboration across all divisions of the team. It energizes the entire team and sets a clear reference point as we prepare for the next stages of the project, including the moment when we first put our car on track..."
The team's intensive preparation for its debut season continues; the next important moment will be a presentation to be held in Berlin on January 20 — at which the team promises to reveal the full livery of the new car. This will precede the start of the first tests in Barcelona, scheduled for the end of January.
However, the event itself took place in Hinwil, Switzerland, where the team's base is located, back on December 19, but it was only reported now, and it was described in the following terms: "this symbolizes the transition of the project from the design stage to dynamic reality."
Years of work by many hundreds of engineers and designers are behind it, who work in the engine-building division in Neuburg, at the team's base in Hinwil, and at the new Audi Sport Technical Centre in Bicester (United Kingdom).
Audi regard this as an important achievement, and representatives of the company's and team's senior management commented on it.
Gernot Döllner, Chief Executive Officer of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Audi Motorsport: "Audi's debut in Formula 1 is a crucial part of the ongoing renewal of our brand. This milestone clearly demonstrates our ambitious goals, expressed by the slogan Vorsprung durch Technik (which can be roughly translated as 'Advantage through Technology').
It is the result of uninterrupted teamwork and an untiring pursuit of excellence that will serve as an example for our entire organisation. This project is a catalyst for change, a source of particular pride, and a testament to our identity and enthusiasm.
With the engine start, the tireless efforts of everyone working in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester take the team to a new level, marking the next, very exciting chapter in Audi's motorsport history."
Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 project: "An engine start is always a special moment, but this time it is also a new beginning. It is a tangible result of our shared ambitions and the devoted work of the teams in Neuburg and Hinwil.
For the first time we see how everything comes together, and this gives the whole project an incredible boost of energy. We have built a solid foundation for this journey, which promises to be long, and our relentless drive to become better will be decisive along the way."
Jonathan Wheatley, Head of the Audi F1 Team: "A successful engine start is a crucial milestone that allows us to assess the quality of our work and the collaboration across all divisions of the team. It energizes the entire team and sets a clear reference point as we prepare for the next stages of the project, including the moment when we first put our car on track..."
The team's intensive preparation for its debut season continues; the next important moment will be a presentation to be held in Berlin on January 20 — at which the team promises to reveal the full livery of the new car. This will precede the start of the first tests in Barcelona, scheduled for the end of January.
WEC: Toyota's factory team changes its name
Toyota Motor Corporation and its European racing and research division, located in the German city of Cologne, are changing the company's name, which is now somewhat shorter. As of today it is called TOYOTA RACING GmbH — that is the official spelling of the new name.
In addition, the name of the factory team under which Toyota competes in the World Endurance Championship is changing. From 2016 until last year it was Toyota Gazoo Racing, but, according to a press release published on Wednesday, "starting with the 2026 season the team will compete under the new brand TOYOTA RACING and will present the enhanced TR010 HYBRID hypercar."
As can be understood from that same statement, in the World Rally Championship the Japanese manufacturer's factory team will continue to compete under the former name Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Toyota Motor Corporation and its European racing and research division, located in the German city of Cologne, are changing the company's name, which is now somewhat shorter. As of today it is called TOYOTA RACING GmbH — that is the official spelling of the new name.
In addition, the name of the factory team under which Toyota competes in the World Endurance Championship is changing. From 2016 until last year it was Toyota Gazoo Racing, but, according to a press release published on Wednesday, "starting with the 2026 season the team will compete under the new brand TOYOTA RACING and will present the enhanced TR010 HYBRID hypercar."
As can be understood from that same statement, in the World Rally Championship the Japanese manufacturer's factory team will continue to compete under the former name Toyota Gazoo Racing.
The FIA expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased driver.
The whole world was shaken by the tragedy that occurred in Switzerland, where on New Year's Eve the La Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort burned down; 40 people were killed in the fire and a further 116 sustained burns.
Among the victims was Joachim van Tyune, an 18-year-old Swiss karting driver, and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile expressed its condolences to his loved ones:
"With deep sadness, the FIA learned of the death of Joachim van Tyune, an 18-year-old Swiss karting driver, in the tragic incident in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve.
Everyone who knew him and who raced against him will long remember Joachim's professionalism, his kindness and his passionate love of motorsport.
The whole world was shaken by the tragedy that occurred in Switzerland, where on New Year's Eve the La Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort burned down; 40 people were killed in the fire and a further 116 sustained burns.
Among the victims was Joachim van Tyune, an 18-year-old Swiss karting driver, and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile expressed its condolences to his loved ones:
"With deep sadness, the FIA learned of the death of Joachim van Tyune, an 18-year-old Swiss karting driver, in the tragic incident in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve.
Everyone who knew him and who raced against him will long remember Joachim's professionalism, his kindness and his passionate love of motorsport.
The DTM champion will compete in the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Our site had written about Ayhancan Güven only a few times — for example, in July last year, when the Turkish driver took part in the Formula E rookie tests held in Berlin. Incidentally, he posted the second-fastest time then, which was another confirmation of his professionalism.
Later, in the autumn, Güven won the DTM title behind the wheel of a Porsche for the German team Manthey, and that’s no small feat. Manthey also won the team championship.
Ayhancan, now a factory Porsche driver, then beat the experienced Austrian Lucas Auer by just 4 points; Auer races for Mercedes and, incidentally, is the nephew of Gerhard Berger, a Formula 1 veteran whose last major motorsport project was running this German touring car series — but that’s another story.
Our site had written about Ayhancan Güven only a few times — for example, in July last year, when the Turkish driver took part in the Formula E rookie tests held in Berlin. Incidentally, he posted the second-fastest time then, which was another confirmation of his professionalism.
Later, in the autumn, Güven won the DTM title behind the wheel of a Porsche for the German team Manthey, and that’s no small feat. Manthey also won the team championship.
Ayhancan, now a factory Porsche driver, then beat the experienced Austrian Lucas Auer by just 4 points; Auer races for Mercedes and, incidentally, is the nephew of Gerhard Berger, a Formula 1 veteran whose last major motorsport project was running this German touring car series — but that’s another story.