Problemi non ancora risolti per Sauber

05:22 Uhr
Sauber still has unresolved problems
Valtteri Bottas revealed this in today’s media round. Regarding Sauber’s slow pit stops in the first three races, he said: “Some measures have been taken, but unfortunately the problem has not been completely solved yet.”
While the chance of another slow pit stop in Suzuka is slightly lower, there is no “quick solution” to the problem, so it is not certain whether it will be completely resolved in China.
“But additional measures have been taken here,” Bottas assures once again and emphasizes: “The whole team was disappointed, because something like this should not happen. So we take the matter very seriously, and it is now a priority to get it right.”
Due to the slow pit stops, Sauber has not scored any points in the World Championship after the first three races.

05:51 Uhr
Russell: No problem with Alonso
The Brit reveals that he does not have a personal problem with Fernando Alonso after the accident in Australia. He has met the Spaniard again since then, but they have not discussed the incident.
However, he firmly believes that the penalty was correct. A penalty had to be imposed to send a message. Otherwise, in his opinion, it would have opened the door to unfair maneuvers.

05:48 Uhr
Verstappen: Did the retirement hint at something?
In Australia, the world champion said that his retirement did not indicate anything. Now he has revealed that in hindsight there may have been warning signs on Saturday.
There were already “signs” that something was not right. However, at that time it was not clear. “In hindsight,” a connection with the brake caliper could now be established.
He is not worried about a repeat of the defect in Suzuka.

05:44 Uhr
Where will Sainz be in 2025?
He won in Australia, but he does not have a contract for next year yet. “I am of course talking to some [teams],” Sainz reveals when asked about his future.
He is looking with his management for “the best options for me and my future,” and he hopes that the situation will be resolved “sooner rather than later.”
There are no news to report yet.

05:40 Uhr
Williams continues without a spare car
We already knew that Williams will not have a spare chassis this weekend. Albon revealed in the press conference that this will not “affect him at all.”
This means that he will not drive slower to avoid risking an accident. The situation has been the same since the first race in Bahrain, so nothing changes, according to Albon. As a driver, one cannot take that into account.

05:36 Uhr
Sainz back in shape
The Spaniard won in Melbourne, even though he was still dealing with the effects of his operation. “Yes, I think so,” he answers when asked if he is now completely fit again.
He still cannot lift the same weights in strength training as before. But generally, he has been able to complete his training and has also been cycling a lot.
And honestly: after winning in Melbourne, there is probably no need to worry about him!

05:29 Uhr
Press conference
We now turn our focus to the drivers’ press conference, which is starting in Suzuka. The following drivers are present today:
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
George Russell (Mercedes)
Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Alexander Albon (Williams)
As always, you can get the most important statements directly from us here in the ticker!

05:15 Uhr
Media Day
Hello to all early risers and welcome to a new edition of our Formula 1 live ticker. The Japanese Grand Prix officially starts today with Media Day in Suzuka.
We can expect numerous media rounds, and here in the ticker we will provide you with the most important information and exciting statements directly from Japan to your living room.
Ruben Zimmermann will guide you through the day today and for any questions, suggestions, or complaints, you can use our contact form. You can also find us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube, and for questions, our X hashtag #FragMST is also available. Let’s go!
Here you can read our yesterday’s live ticker again for reference!