**”Alpine Staff Protest, F1 Gossip, and Track Changes Stir the Paddock at Monza”**

Alpine employees are set to demonstrate against the team's proposed actions in the Monza grandstand. Crash.net correspondent Lewis Larkam is on location in Monza, gathering the newest rumors in the world of Formula 1.

Here are the newest behind-the-scenes details from the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, brought to you from the paddock by Lewis Larkam of Crash.net.

Alpine F1 team members organizing demonstration at Monza

Renault's Formula 1 engine team plans to hold a peaceful demonstration at Monza on Friday. This protest is in response to Alpine's decision to switch to using Mercedes engines starting in 2026. The event will occur in the grandstands.

In addition to the protest, employees at Renault’s power unit facility in Viry-Chatillon plan to strike during the Italian Grand Prix weekend to voice their dissatisfaction with the shift away from engines made in France.

"Alpine has issued a statement acknowledging that they are informed about certain events scheduled for this weekend involving the Viry staff."

According to their statements, the protests are expected to be peaceful and will not disrupt team activities.

"The Alpine management team is currently assessing the transformation project, and no final decision has been made at this time."

The conversation that began when the project was introduced to the Viry staff representatives in July holds significance for Alpine’s leadership and will continue in the next few weeks.

A Safety Car, which sustained damage, is being taken away from the barriers at the Parabolica curve 🫣#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/SJZ6UG2opW— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) August 29, 2024

Lando Norris shares his strategies for managing stress and anxiety

Lando Norris from McLaren has shared that he “hardly” consumes food or beverages before a grand prix because of the anxiety and pressure to excel.

He acknowledged on Thursday that there is always pressure, and he still feels very nervous before qualifying. When it comes to the races, he gets just as excited and nervous as ever.

"On Sundays, I hardly consume any food or beverages due to feeling anxious and stressed."

"It’s really about transforming that into something beneficial, right? How can you prevent it from negatively impacting you, and instead leverage it positively to concentrate on the right priorities?"

Every time you start a qualifying lap, the pressure and nerves are overwhelming, giving you butterflies in your stomach. There's so much at stake that a minor mistake, like braking a meter too late or turning at the wrong moment, can end your chances immediately.

"However, it's an incredible sensation, one that I believe is hard to find in most other sports or activities. I'm uncertain, but I continue to feel anxious and likely always will."

Formula 1 drivers express dissatisfaction with modifications to Monza circuit

Multiple F1 drivers have expressed worries regarding modifications to certain kerbs at the Monza track, which has also undergone significant resurfacing.

Modifications have adjusted the shape of certain curbs, while others have been entirely substituted.

Mercedes driver George Russell, who serves as the director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), commented that the modifications to the kerbs at the Ascari corner will reduce its iconic status.

"In my opinion, it's quite unfortunate because it had a lot of unique character. For instance, I don't believe Ascari will be as remarkable with the modifications to the curbs."

"I’m really unsure about who is responsible for making these decisions. I suspect it’s not the FIA but the individual circuits. We have consistently emphasized that these classic circuits, which have remarkable character, must be protected no matter what."

Daniel Ricciardo, the victor at Monza in 2021, commented: "The kerbs have been altered. I'm not particularly impressed; some aspects have lost their uniqueness."

“Kerbs give a track its distinct character. If you install flat kerbs…

“The second chicane had a narrow strip of concrete followed by gravel. Drivers would aim to keep their wheels on the concrete, making the most of the track without overstepping the bounds.

"It used to have a classic feel, but that's no longer the case. The new surface looks fantastic, but I'm let down by the curbs."

Lewis Hamilton 'thrilled' about forging bond with Tifosi

Lewis Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm about strengthening his bond with Ferrari's dedicated supporters, known as the Tifosi, as he prepares for his upcoming transition to Maranello next year.

Hamilton remarked that it will be intriguing to observe how things unfold this year. However, he noted that he had already received a very warm welcome at Imola, when asked about the kind of reception he anticipates at Monza, which is Ferrari’s home race.

"I have to say, I'm really thrilled. Each year, coming here and witnessing it, you're standing on the podium and can see the Tifosi stretching all the way to Turn 1, and honestly, it's like this everywhere around the globe."

"I'm not entirely sure what to anticipate, but I'm genuinely excited to engage with the community and join them on this journey as we strive to advance the team."

Discover More

Breaking News

Current Headlines

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce text, images, or drawings in whole or in part in any manner.