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UEFA punishes Tottenham Hotspur for “disgusting behavior” by three fans

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UEFA punishes Tottenham Hotspur for “disgusting behavior” by three fans

Tottenham Hotspur is in the Champions League round of 16 and will face Atlético Madrid there—but misconduct by its own fans in Frankfurt has now earned the English club a penalty.

At the end of January, Tottenham Hotspur won 2-0 at Eintracht Frankfurt in their final Champions League group stage match thanks to goals from Randal Kolo Muani (47′) and Dominic Solanke (77′), finishing the group stage in fourth place. However, the misconduct of some individuals in the Spurs section cast a dark shadow over the game. Three individuals made the Hitler salute towards German fans during the game. UEFA has now punished this discriminatory behavior with a fine of €30,000. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) confirmed the penalty against the top English club, which is struggling badly in the Premier League this season and is currently in 16th place, just four points above the relegation zone.

The relatively small fine is unlikely to seriously affect the financially strong London club, but the fact that their fans are now on probation for a year is more significant. This is because the next offense will result in the exclusion of away fans from an away game.

Perpetrators already identified and banned

At least the three perpetrators from Frankfurt have already been identified and have been “banned indefinitely in accordance with the club’s sanctions and exclusion policy.” This was announced by Spurs, who emphasized that as a club, they “strongly reject any form of discrimination and have therefore taken the strictest possible measures. The repugnant behavior of a minority of so-called fans that night in no way reflects the values of our club and its supporters.”

Incidentally, Spurs have not won a game since the Frankfurt match, going five games without a victory and most recently suffering four defeats in a row. On Thursday (9 p.m.), Tottenham now has a home game against Crystal Palace in the league, before the first leg of the round of 16 at Atletico Madrid exactly one week later. Then the Spurs fans will once again be under observation.

Flourishing under Spalletti: McKennie extends contract in Turin

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Flourishing under Spalletti: McKennie extends contract in Turin

Former Schalke player Weston McKennie has officially put an end to speculation about a summer transfer and extended his expiring contract with Juventus Turin.

Weston McKennie has been one of Juventus Turin’s top performers this season and has become an integral part of the Old Lady’s starting lineup. He has now been rewarded for his efforts. As Juve announced on Monday evening, McKennie has signed a new contract in Turin that runs until June 30, 2030.

With 15 points in 38 games across all competitions (eight goals, seven assists), the versatile McKennie is the team’s second-highest scorer this season behind Kenan Yildiz, who also extended his contract early a few weeks ago until 2030. McKennie has really blossomed since Luciano Spalletti was appointed on October 30 last year, scoring all of his points since then.

McKennie rises to become one of the top earners

With the exception of a six-month loan to Leeds in the second half of the 2022/23 season, McKennie has been playing for the Old Lady since his transfer from Schalke 04 in 2020. He has made a total of 220 competitive appearances for the Italian record champions since then. McKennie has not yet won the Scudetto with Juve, but he has won the Italian Cup twice (2020/21 and 2023/24) and the Supercoppa once (2020).

The Italian championship will not be happening this season either. Currently in 6th place, Juve is fighting for qualification for the Champions League, four points behind AS Roma, against whom they drew 3-3 at the weekend. In the Champions League, their journey ended in the play-offs after being knocked out by Galatasaray Istanbul.

With the contract extension, McKennie has also become one of the top earners on the team. According to Italian media reports, the American’s salary could nearly double from around 2.5 million euros to over 4 million euros net, including bonuses.

“Making the impossible possible”: Flick cites BVB as a good example

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“Making the impossible possible”: Flick cites BVB as a good example

FC Barcelona needs a minor miracle on Tuesday evening in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg to make up for the 4-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid. Hansi Flick cited Borussia Dortmund, of all teams, as a positive example.
Four goals in one game? FC Barcelona already “practiced” for this on Saturday, winning their league game against Villarreal 4-1. However, this result would not help Barcelona after their 4-0 defeat in the first leg at Atlético.

Inevitably, many are reminded of the starting situation in the 2016/17 Champions League round of 16 second leg, when Barcelona made up for a 4-0 defeat at Paris St. Germain with a 6-1 victory. In Spain, such comebacks are known as “La Remontada,” the resurrection. Flick did not want to talk about it, but said he had “never been in such a situation before. But I’m not afraid of it.”

The German coach had a completely different game in mind. In last year’s Champions League quarter-finals, Barcelona won 4-0 at home against BVB but still found themselves in trouble in the second leg. “We have a good example of this, namely the game against Dortmund,” said the 60-year-old. “They told themselves they wanted to score two goals in each half.”

The Westphalians didn’t quite manage that at the time, but in the 49th minute Serhou Guirassy scored twice to make it 2-0. Only an own goal by Ramy Bensabaini destroyed Borussia’s hopes, who ultimately won “only” 3-1 and have recently made headlines for squandering a favorable starting position – see Bergamo.

For Barcelona, however, the situation is even more complicated. Step by step, Flick wants to make the dream of reaching the final come true on Tuesday. “It’s always better to think about the first goal than the second. We’ll be hungry to score it,” he promised. “Against Villarreal, we saw a team in which everyone fights and has good momentum. That’s the key for tomorrow.” Everyone knows “that we are four goals behind and want to make the impossible possible. We will not give up. You have to believe in it.”

Lewandowski is not the only one missing for Barcelona

It’s bitter for Barcelona that Robert Lewandowski, an important attacker, will be missing. The Pole suffered an eye socket fracture and is out for the time being. “When he turned around, he bumped into his opponent’s shoulder, then he scored the goal,” Flick explained, before listing the injured and suspended players once again. “Losing a player like him, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Eric Garcia, or Andreas Christensen is always difficult. The good thing is that other players get the chance to prove themselves.”

Wirtz remains sidelined – Slot laments controversial Premier League trend

Lesley Summerville
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Wirtz remains sidelined – Slot laments controversial Premier League trend

Florian Wirtz will be out for Liverpool FC longer than originally thought. Ahead of this week’s two almost identical competitive matches, coach Arne Slot also spoke about a league trend – one that has recently helped him himself.

Last Sunday, Florian Wirtz was supposed to play as usual when Liverpool FC visited Nottingham. However, back problems during warm-up meant that this plan had to be scrapped at short notice. Coach Arne Slot had given the all-clear and predicted a quick comeback – but he has since been proven wrong.

Wirtz was again absent from Saturday’s 5-2 home win against West Ham United, and it appears that the national team player, who has been in such good form recently, will miss two more competitive games. As Slot announced on Monday, Tuesday’s league match against bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton (9:15 p.m.) is “probably too soon,” and the same may be true for the FA Cup round of 16 match three days later at the same venue against the same opponent (9 p.m.).
“Let’s see how it turns out,” said the coach. “But we hope to have him back at some point next week.” Then on Tuesday, the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Galatasaray Istanbul is on the schedule. Wirtz’s availability would certainly be even more important there than against the Wolves.

Liverpool’s radical turnaround after set pieces

But even without the 22-year-old playmaker, the Reds recently continued their small run of four competitive wins in a row – partly due to a rediscovered strength: against West Ham, three corners led to goals. Until the turn of the year, the defending champions were bottom of the Premier League in terms of set pieces (excluding penalties), but since then, no one has made better use of them.

On Saturday, his professionals repeatedly blocked Hammers keeper Mads Hermansen, as we have come to expect from leaders Arsenal for months. Slot also critically questions the Premier League trend of set pieces becoming increasingly important and increasingly being taken on the edge of legality.

“Most games in the Premier League are no longer a joy for me”

“This is especially true here in the Premier League. That’s the new reality. When I look at other leagues, I don’t think as much emphasis is placed on set pieces. When I watch a game in the Eredivisie, I see goals being disallowed and fouls being called on goalkeepers. Here, on the other hand, you can almost punch a goalkeeper in the face and the referee still says, ‘Just keep playing,’“ Slot marvels.
”Do I like that? My soccer heart doesn’t like it. If you ask me what I understand by soccer, I think of the Barcelona team from 10 to 15 years ago. Today, most of the games I see in the Premier League are no longer a joy for me,“ admitted the Dutchman, not without adding reassuringly: ”But it’s always interesting because it’s so competitive, and that’s what makes this league so great.”

After Banchero’s criticism: Orlando coach Mosley hits back

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After Banchero’s criticism: Orlando coach Mosley hits back

The Orlando Magic continue to tread water in sporting terms, which recently led to criticism of the coaching from star player Paolo Banchero. Now coach Jamahl Mosley has hit back at the comments.

After the loss to Detroit, Banchero criticized the team’s lack of adjustments to the opponent. While the Pistons made changes at halftime, his team failed to respond—a subtle but clear criticism of head coach Jamahl Mosley’s actions.

When asked about the comments, Mosley passed the ball back to Banchero: “The one adjustment Detroit made was to play harder,” he said, indirectly rejecting the criticism. “They focused more on the ball and sealed off the zone more. Our decisions slowed down because there were a lot of gaps.“

However, he emphasized that the Pistons’ approach after the break was not based on ”any tactical adjustments.” Mosley refrained from giving a general assessment of Banchero’s comment, however.

This is not the first time that differences of opinion between star players and coaches in Orlando have been reported. Back in January, ESPN wrote that the impression had been created throughout the league that the two “did not always see eye to eye.” Mosley, however, contradicted this portrayal at the time.

CGN wins fifth title in front of spectacular home crowd

Jason Maverick
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CGN wins fifth title in front of spectacular home crowd

CGN is once again German Valorant champion. The record title holder from Cologne confidently defeated Eintracht Frankfurt in its own arena, celebrating its fifth national title win.

The last time CGN competed for the DACH region’s Challengers title in front of a home crowd, FOKUS came out on top. Last season, MOUZ triumphed, but they have since withdrawn from the Valorant scene.

In the first split of 2026, record champions CGN have reason to celebrate once again. Opponents Eintracht Frankfurt were clearly defeated 3-0 in the final in Cologne.

CGN dominates its own map picks

Not only did the Cologne organization’s typically loud fans make their presence felt, but the game plan for the final also worked out perfectly. As the winner of the upper bracket final, CGN was allowed to ban two maps and choose the first and third maps. The record champions did not disappoint, winning Corrode and Abyss 13-8 each. CGN also got off to a better start on Pearl, but had to go into overtime after a 10-4 lead. Nevertheless, Eintracht Frankfurt’s comeback was short-lived, with the duel ending 14-12.

“This time it was too easy — because of ‘kapio’,” joked Sentinel player Berkant ‘Wolfen’ Joshkun after the final in conversation with the organizer. Working together with Vincent ‘Vince’ Kranz, who took on the IGL role at CGN this season, coach Navid ‘kapio’ Javadi was able to get his team perfectly prepared for the final.

Strong final after a mixed season

At the start of the season, it initially looked as if CGN would not play a role in the title race. After the Cologne team missed the playoffs in the previous split, the team did not seem stable enough in the current year either. However, the end of the group stage was accompanied by a sudden improvement in performance.

The record champions got off to a perfect start in the knockout rounds, beating Dortmund eSport 13-0 and 13-3. This was followed by victories against Eintracht Frankfurt and FOKUS, giving the Cologne-based organization three weeks to prepare for the final.

CGN expanded their coaching staff with Nino ‘TonY’ Keijman and brought in Vincent ‘Zescht’ Talmon-Gros as an analyst. They were also able to offer rookie duelist Samed ‘samed’ Topbas more time to work with former VCT pro Saif ‘Sayf’ Jibraeel. The 2025 World Cup participant had already joined the organization in a supporting role during the season.

There was another surprise in store for Eintracht Frankfurt: Chinese VCT organization FPX courted CGN initiator Blendi ‘kovaQ’ Kovaci. The Swiss player was therefore released and replaced by CGN veteran David ‘DaviH’ Cruz for the final.

A poster by Eintracht Frankfurt fans before the final against CGN.
A poster by Eintracht Frankfurt fans before the final against CGN.

An Austrian at the top of the DACH region for the first time

The CGN fans, who are used to success, were clearly delighted after winning the title. Each player was cheered with chants, and the atmosphere in the Xperion was sometimes too loud for the official post-game interviews.

Even for the fan favorite, it was overwhelming. “It’s so incredibly cool to have this whole crowd behind me, now also as IGL. It’s just so much cooler to win the title in this role. And I’m just happy that you’re all here and have always been there for us and for me,” said ‘Vince’ on stage. For him, it was his first championship in his new role.

For duelist ‘samed’, it was his first trophy, which also means the first title for an Austrian. He also seemed to be moved by the situation: “Last time at the Split Finals, I was a spectator, and now I’m simply the German champion.”

Frankfurt still waiting for its first title

Eintracht Frankfurt, on the other hand, once again came away empty-handed. For the eSports department of the German soccer club, this is already the second consecutive final defeat – and the fifth playoff appearance. At least the SGE is not completely without trophies: the team won THE POKAL cup competition under a pseudonym.

Another ray of hope are the SGE fans, who turned up in large numbers despite the long journey and even prepared a “choreography.” A white sheet was used to depict how CGN and FOKUS wanted to reach for the title, but an eagle carried it away. Unfortunately, as we all know, the reality was quite different.

Chill mode and KTM progress: Why Pedro Acosta is so strong right now

Phil Laffertey
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Chill mode and KTM progress: Why Pedro Acosta is so strong right now

Pedro Acosta leads the World Championship after Thailand – KTM has massively improved tire wear and turning – “I might be in chill mode,” grins the Spaniard calmly

Pedro Acosta and KTM had a successful start to the 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand. The Spaniard celebrated his first victory in the premier class in the sprint, even though this triumph does not count towards the Grand Prix victory statistics.

In the long race, Acosta took second place behind Marco Bezzecchi’s superior Aprilia. After the first race weekend, Acosta leads the World Championship for the first time. It is also KTM’s first World Championship lead in the MotoGP class. “Yes, it’s great to start the season like this,” said a delighted Acosta. “I remember last year we really struggled to get into the top 10 here.” That’s why he expressly praises: “KTM is doing a really good job.”

One aspect was tire wear over the race distance. That was KTM’s big Achilles’ heel last year. The engineers focused on this in addition to improving turning behavior. With success, as Buriram has shown.

“It looks like we’ve improved the tire’s lifespan,” confirms Acosta. “Let’s see how it goes on other tracks in Europe and even in Brazil, but we’re managing it better somehow. The pit crew is also working better.”

“Last year, we had the problem everywhere, not just at the end of the races. We just suffered a lot more. But I say: we still have to keep working in all areas, because you can see that Aprilia and Ducati are still super fast in qualifying.”

That’s why Acosta sees qualifying as the next step that needs to improve in order to increase the chances in the race. In Buriram, he qualified in sixth place on the second row of the grid, four tenths of a second behind.

If he had started from the front row, he might have been able to keep up with Bezzecchi. That’s why Acosta says about qualifying: “That would make our lives a lot easier. It’s true, we’re not as bad as last year, but we still have a way to go.”

KTM lacks a little speed on the straights

KTM has improved turning and optimized tire wear, but Acosta struggled in the duel on the straights. This was particularly evident in the sprint duel with Marc Marquez’s Ducati, when he came up short on the home straight.

Acosta’s best top speed over the weekend was 341.7 km/h in qualifying. The Aprilias of Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin were clocked at 345.0 km/h in qualifying, and Francesco Bagnaia’s fastest Ducati also reached this speed.

“We know that our top speed isn’t great this year compared to Ducati and Aprilia. I struggled in the first two sectors of the track,” said Acosta, referring to the two long straights. However, he did very well in the twisty section thanks to better turning.

This sector also suits him as a rider: “Even in the other classes, I always had a fast fourth sector here. That was the only place where I could overtake because you have that last braking point there. That was my only trump card that I could use.”

Acosta really enjoyed the numerous duels. Especially the battle with Marc Marquez in the sprint, but also in the Grand Prix with Jorge Martin, again with Marc Marquez, and finally with Raul Fernandez.

“Yes, I enjoyed it just like in my Moto3 days,” says Acosta with a grin, “that’s when I usually made overtaking maneuvers like that. I’m in a really good phase right now, enjoying every second of the duel with Jorge in the race.”

Acosta sees himself as a better rider in his third season

It is also striking that Acosta has not crashed yet this year. He did not go down during the five days of testing or during the first race weekend. “I’m making fewer mistakes than two years ago and even than last year,” he says.

“Last year, especially at the beginning of the season, I wasn’t nervous, but when the situation was out of control, I always made mistakes or crashed or went too far or whatever.”

“That may not have been the way to build confidence. Now I’m maybe in chill mode, let’s say, and even in bad moments I use my head more. Maybe that’s the biggest difference.“

That’s why the World Championship leader isn’t making any big announcements after his strong opening weekend. When asked if his goals have changed after Thailand, he answers clearly: ”The goal is still the same: don’t make any mistakes.”

Does he still think a World Championship title is realistic? “You never know. In the end, we have to stay calm, do the work we do, know where we stand, and not expect more than we can deliver. So let’s stay calm. I’ve been leading the World Championship for more than just one day now. That’s cool!” The next race won’t take place for another two weeks in Brazil.

After Schumacher collision: Sharp criticism of Sting Ray Robb

Sotd Editor
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After Schumacher collision: Sharp criticism of Sting Ray Robb

Sting Ray Robb takes Mick Schumacher and Santino Ferrucci out of the race after four corners – who is the driver who is also viewed critically by fans?

Mick Schumacher was diplomatic in his comments after his early exit from the IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida. His fellow driver Santino Ferrucci, who was also knocked out of the race by Sting Ray Robb’s reckless braking, took a very different view, harshly criticizing the 24-year-old.
“You know, it’s kind of strange—we all sit together and talk about it at the drivers’ meeting or at the drivers’ presentation: Let’s be careful on the first lap. And every season there are a few of us who do that, and then there are a few of us who just forget where the braking zone is. So, no, it’s really a shame,” said the A.J. Foyt Racing driver.

“Our car was fast, and we’re trying to get the guys and the car on TV and finish in the top 10 to generate some attention. It’s just a shame when something like this happens,” he continues.

He had already criticized Robb’s actions during the race, but the interview with FOX was incomplete due to a microphone problem. “It’s a 100-lap race with three stops. Everyone has different strategies. There’s no reason for such maneuvers in the first lap,” he said in the audible passages of the interview.

Robb received a penalty for the maneuver, but it had little sporting significance as he lost five laps anyway due to repairs. He finished the race in 21st place, last of all those who saw the checkered flag.

With faith funds in the cockpit

Sting Ray Robb is considered a pay driver in the IndyCar series. His dowry for the 2026 season is estimated at up to nine million US dollars. In his early years, Robb competed with the support of Pray.com, a religious-oriented online platform, among others.

He performed well in his junior career: in 2015, he won a karting championship in the USA, and in 2020, he became champion in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship (now USF Pro 2000), the third step on the IndyCar ladder and most comparable to Formula 3.

Accordingly, Indy Lights (now Indy NXT) was the next step in his career as a stepping stone to IndyCars. Robb finished runner-up in 2022 behind Linus Lundqvist, who competed in one season with Ganassi in IndyCars in 2024.

Robb made the leap to a full-time cockpit in the 2023 IndyCar season. In his three years with Dale Coyne Racing, A.J. Foyt Racing, and, since 2025, Juncos Hollinger Racing, his performances have remained modest. His best results so far are two ninth places, and he finished 23rd, 20th, and 25th in the overall standings. At the start of the 2025 season, Robb signed a two-year contract with Juncos Hollinger Racing, but was not confirmed for the 2026 season until early December 2025. Only Romain Grosjean’s signing with Dale Coyne Racing was announced later. The relatively late confirmation fueled speculation in the paddock that his team was looking for alternatives, wondering if someone would buy him out of his contract.

Malicious reactions from fans

Sting Ray Robb is also viewed critically by the American audience. After Juncos Hollinger Racing signed Rinus “VeeKay” van Kalmthout early for the 2026 season, it was clear that either Robb or fan favorite Conor Daly would have to go. Ultimately, the team decided to drop Daly.

Accordingly, Robb is not being spared by IndyCar fans on social media after the incident. There are numerous mocking comments under IndyCar’s official accident video.

“The American version of Lance Stroll,” one user scoffs—well aware that the Canadian does not necessarily enjoy the best reputation in Formula 1. One response to this comment is: “Lance isn’t that bad.” Another user simply states: “Stingray does Stingray things.”

At least those involved will have a quick opportunity to put the accident behind them. The 2026 IndyCar season continues this Saturday (March 7) at Phoenix Raceway.

Max Verstappen speaks plainly: “Hopefully I’ll stay in Formula 1 for a long time”

Lesley Summerville
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Max Verstappen speaks plainly: “Hopefully I’ll stay in Formula 1 for a long time”

Max Verstappen has announced that he will “hopefully stay in Formula 1 for a long time” – but it has to continue to be fun, which has nothing to do with results.
Max Verstappen’s fierce criticism that Formula 1 will be “like Formula E on steroids” in the future and will no longer be fun sparked speculation about the four-time world champion’s immediate future. But now the 28-year-old Dutchman is making his position clear.

When asked how long Verstappen plans to stay in Formula 1, he gives a clear answer: “Hopefully a long time,” says the Red Bull star in an interview with Viaplay, dispelling rumors that he is actually considering an early exit from Formula 1 due to the new regulations. “But that’s always very difficult to predict,” adds Verstappen, also with regard to Red Bull’s competitiveness. “It’s also hard to assess where we stand. And hopefully it won’t be too bad. Some tracks will definitely be better than others. But hopefully we’ll be able to enjoy it on Sunday.”

Max Verstappen: It still has to be fun!

However, Verstappen rules out the possibility that success alone will change his mind. “It has nothing to do with my results,” says the Red Bull driver. “You still have to enjoy what you do. Even if you’re the best in your profession—and it doesn’t matter if that’s racing—you have to enjoy it.”

“If you don’t enjoy going to work, it won’t last long. I think that applies to everyone. It wouldn’t be nice if you didn’t enjoy your work.” But the new Formula 1 regulations are not currently helping the Dutchman to really enjoy his job.

“In the end, anything you drive at the limit is difficult,” emphasizes the four-time world champion. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a Formula 1 car, a GT car, or a road car. Some things are just more comfortable to drive than others.” Nevertheless, Verstappen’s original criticism remains: “Is this really what we want?”

Efficiency as an important factor in competitiveness

Verstappen is not yet ready to agree that drivers will make a bigger difference in the future, as Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies had said. “At the end of the day, you have a certain amount of energy that you can use per lap,” the 28-year-old reminds us.

“And of course it depends on how good your engine is or how efficient your car is on the straights. So a lot of things have to come together. But in terms of defending and attacking—because now everyone has their wings open on the straights—it will be different in terms of how you can overtake,” says Verstappen, adding that energy use in Melbourne will be “pretty limited.”

“So that will be very tricky,” said the Red Bull driver. “There are very few strong braking zones, lots of long straights. Small differences in how you can charge the battery have a huge impact on performance. It’s very complicated. That’s why we spend a lot of time in the simulator to optimize it as much as possible.”

Question marks “also make things interesting”

Overall, there are still a few question marks ahead of the season opener this coming weekend, Verstappen admits. Incidentally, this also applies to the spectators. “It will be complicated to understand and explain. I think that’s the main point.”

“At the end of the day, it’s still a Formula 1 car, a race car,” says the Dutchman. “There will still be qualifying and races. But I think it will take some time to get used to. Also when it comes to overtaking. I have no idea what that will be like. So there are a lot of question marks for everyone. And on the other hand, that also makes things interesting, because that’s exactly what the spectators will be paying attention to.”

Red Bull team boss believes drivers can make the difference this season

Sotd Editor
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Red Bull team boss believes drivers can make the difference this season

Even the cook can drive the new cars? Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies disagrees: Drivers can make an even bigger difference than last year

The new Formula 1 regulations continue to be a topic of discussion ahead of the season opener in Australia: the required energy management and low cornering speeds are not exactly cause for celebration, but Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies is convinced that the drivers will continue to make the difference.

The best and smartest driver is likely to come out on top again this year, believes the Frenchman. “More than before, for two reasons,” says Mekies in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com Italy. “Firstly, the cars are slower in the corners and faster on the straights,” recalls the Red Bull team boss. “That means a driver spends more time in the corners during a lap, and that’s where the crucial difference lies.”

“Put simply, the time limited by grip is longer than last year, and driving talent has more time to unfold.” Mekies thus contradicts Fernando Alonso’s claim that the new cars could even be driven by the team chef due to their low cornering speeds.

“Drivers can make an even bigger difference”

“Secondly, the cars and energy management are more complex,” adds the Frenchman. “This means that drivers can make an even bigger difference in the cockpit than last year. A lot of work will be needed to exploit the maximum potential.”

Nevertheless, the team boss admits that the new regulations have changed the demands on drivers. “There is no guarantee that the same qualities that used to distinguish a driver will still be decisive today,” says Mekies.

However, the Frenchman is reluctant to criticize the new Formula 1 era. “As a motorsport enthusiast, I am excited about the technical developments we will see on the track, both in terms of the power units and the chassis.”

Development “three to four times greater” than last year

“We are on the eve of one of the most intense development cycles ever, and that’s what fascinates me the most,” says Mekies, who, as a long-standing and experienced Formula 1 engineer, is also very familiar with the technology of the new cars.

“There are some critical issues at the moment, particularly with charging the power units, but history teaches us that Formula 1 teams have an incredible ability to tackle and solve problems. That’s one of the most fascinating aspects of this sport.”

That is why Formula 1 will continue to develop significantly over the course of this season, although the engineer is reluctant to make predictions. “It’s hard to quantify, but I think the development from the first to the last race of the season will be three to four times greater than last year.”

For this reason, Mekies is currently refraining from condemning the new generation of cars. “We are at the beginning of this project, and I am confident that we can overcome the technological hurdles that seem so difficult to master today.”

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