F1 Car Launch Predictions | Sexism in Formula 1 | Grid Walk Feb 2, 2023

It’s another Thursday which means another episode of Grid Walk! Nicole and Briana have a candid conversation about the continued issue of sexism in motorsports and F1 in particular. We also discuss the (financial) importance of F1’s new female fan base.

The MoneyGram Haas F1 Team held the first livery launch of the season! Was a single tweet enough to kick off the Formula 1 2023 season? Nicole and Briana also make 3 predictions for the remaining car launches.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also teases the possibility of another car manufacturer being interested in joining F1. Meanwhile, Red Bull Formula One’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, give his take on Andretti Autosport | Cadillac/General Motors’ F1 bid. Is Ford Motor Company confirming their sponsorship with the Red Bull Formula One Team? We may be getting more than a livery reveal at Red Bull’s upcoming car launch.

Frédéric Vasseur has officially begun his media tour as Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari. Will Ferrari pick their number one driver between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz? Will Frédéric Vasseur and Charles Leclerc’s history affect this decision?

Alfa Romeo introduced a new title sponsorship transforming them into Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake. Stake is a crypto casino and sportsbook…another crypto sponsor in Formula 1 what could possibly go wrong?

Grid Walk is a weekly Formula 1 show that releases every Thursday. For daily F1 content follow @gridwalkshow on all social media platforms.

**Navigating the Challenges of Being a Female F1 Fan**

The world of Formula One (F1) can be an exhilarating yet challenging space for female fans. The recent headlines regarding the FIA president's controversial quotes, the criticism of the W Series, and the FIA's ban on political messaging without approval highlight the ongoing issues of bigotry and sexism in motorsport. These incidents underscore the need for better leadership in motorsports and the importance of addressing these issues head-on.

**Condemning Hateful Rhetoric and Demanding Change**

The FIA president's comments about women, particularly intelligent women, are not only offensive but also reflect a deep-seated prejudice that has no place in modern society. The subsequent response from Liberty Media and F1, stating that these views do not reflect the current values of the organization, is a positive step. However, actions speak louder than words, and concrete measures must be taken to demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion.

**The Financial Power of Female Fans**

The female fan base in F1 is growing rapidly, and research indicates that women contribute to over 60% of the spending done in the sport. This economic power should not be ignored, and it presents a compelling argument for organizations to prioritize the needs and concerns of female fans. By creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment, F1 can attract and retain a larger and more diverse audience.

**Car Launch Season: A Time for Excitement and Speculation**

With the start of February comes the highly anticipated car launch season, where teams unveil their new liveries and designs for the upcoming season. The Haas launch, with its sleek black livery, met expectations and generated buzz among fans. Other teams, such as Red Bull and Alfa Tauri, are opting for unique launch locations, adding to the excitement and anticipation.

**Predictions for Car Launch Season**

Nicole makes several predictions for car launch season, focusing on non-car-related aspects. She believes that Daniel Ricciardo will emcee the Red Bull launch, Oscar Piastri will have limited speaking time at the McLaren launch, and Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon will maintain a respectful distance from each other at the Alpine launch. Additionally, she predicts that the Mercedes car will look similar to the 2022 model, Aston Martin's launch will focus heavily on Fernando Alonso, and the McLaren and Aston Martin launches will be scheduled within an hour of each other.

**Rumors of Ford's Involvement in F1**

Mohammed bin Salam's statement about another big manufacturer potentially joining F1 has sparked speculation, with Ford being a popular contender. The news of Ford sending influencers to cover the Red Bull car launch in New York City further fuels these rumors. While an official announcement is yet to be made, the possibility of Ford's involvement as a sponsor or even a powertrain supplier is an exciting prospect for fans.

In conclusion, the world of F1 is undergoing significant change, with new challenges and opportunities emerging. The ongoing fight against sexism and bigotry requires continued vigilance and action from leaders in the sport. The growing influence of female fans and the upcoming car launch season bring both excitement and anticipation. Additionally, the rumors of Ford's potential involvement add another layer of intrigue to the already captivating world of Formula One. # Formula One Podcast Episode Summary:

* **FIA's Ban on Political Statements:**
* Helmut Marko criticizes the FIA's decision, stating it's clearly wrong.
* Valtteri Bottas aligns himself against the ban, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech.

* **Team Principal Changes:**
* Ferrari's new team principal, Frederic Vasseur, discusses his plans and approach for the upcoming season.
* Vasseur highlights the team's focus on winning the Constructors' Championship and emphasizes the importance of driver harmony.

* **Sponsorship Deals:**
* Alfa Romeo secures a record-breaking multi-year deal with Stake, a crypto gambling live streaming sponsor associated with Drake.
* Haas unveils its new livery, featuring a sparse logo presence due to the loss of sponsors associated with Mick Schumacher.

* **Driver Activities:**
* Pierre Gasly visits Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, works out at the Dolphins gym, and engages in a foot race with Tyree Kill.
* Lance Stroll attends a Montreal Canadiens hockey game, and Aston Martin shares seat fits for both of their drivers.
* Nick de Vries and his personal trainer appear on the Alphatauri podcast, sparking a call for more teams to start podcasts.

## Notable Quotes:

* **Helmut Marko on the FIA ban:** "This decision is clearly wrong. Ask anyone."

* **Valtteri Bottas on the FIA ban:** "I think it's important to have freedom of speech and be able to express yourself."

* **Frederic Vasseur on Ferrari's goals:** "The priority is Ferrari. Ferrari wants to win the Constructors. They will do whatever they can to win the Constructors."

* **Nicole on the podcast episode:** "Today felt like a grid jog, not a grid walk."