How an F1 tech writer experiences launch season
OPINION: Formula 1 launch season is a busy time of year for all concerned in the specialist press. Our tech expert lifts the lid on what it's like to bring on-the-spot analysis of the latest - at least sometimes - grand prix machinery
Expensive events in far-flung locales just to pull the covers away from a barely different new livery. F1's official showcar, brazenly branded as a team's new car just to avoid revealing the real thing. Spy shots, fake bodywork, and copycats; late cars, ill-fitting components, and hacked apps. These are all just part of Formula 1's launch and test cycle, a carousel of 'anything goes' and wild vacillations between excess and minimal effort.
2024 is the sixth F1 launch season I've covered since joining Motorsport.com, and each one has been surprisingly different as global conditions and trends have somewhat dictated how F1 teams have planned their launch events. Physical launches subsided for a good few years as the world was entwined in COVID's stranglehold, but the bluster has returned - although this hasn't stopped some teams from persisting with online-only launches. Others will wait until testing to shove the car out of the garage in front of a wall of snappers, and then get on with their day's run plan.
The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater
The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater
Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win?
Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win? Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win?
The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car
The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car
Can Ferrari's all-new car challenge for 2024's F1 honours?
Can Ferrari's all-new car challenge for 2024's F1 honours? Can Ferrari's all-new car challenge for 2024's F1 honours?
How Aston Martin has evolved its F1 concept for 2024
How Aston Martin has evolved its F1 concept for 2024 How Aston Martin has evolved its F1 concept for 2024
How the renewed Red Bull influence is present in RB's new F1 car
How the renewed Red Bull influence is present in RB's new F1 car How the renewed Red Bull influence is present in RB's new F1 car
The contrasting fortunes of F1's big-name moves to Ferrari
The contrasting fortunes of F1's big-name moves to Ferrari The contrasting fortunes of F1's big-name moves to Ferrari
F1 2024's latest disappointing livery shows trend that needs to change
F1 2024's latest disappointing livery shows trend that needs to change F1 2024's latest disappointing livery shows trend that needs to change
Ex-F1 driver Glock in DTM comeback talks with McLaren team
Ex-F1 driver Glock in DTM comeback talks with McLaren team Ex-F1 driver Glock in DTM comeback talks with McLaren team
Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation
Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation
Unpicking the secrets of Red Bull’s brave new F1 sidepods
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Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash
Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash
The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater
The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater
Why Aston is coming out with fighting talk for its F1 2024 chances against Red Bull
Why Aston is coming out with fighting talk for its F1 2024 chances against Red Bull Why Aston is coming out with fighting talk for its F1 2024 chances against Red Bull
Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win?
Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win? Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win?
The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car
The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car
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