F1 Notebook: McLaren Will Shine at Silverstone; Red Bull Ring Gets Extension

Austria’s event gets an extension, two teams will have special liveries this weekend, and the paddock pays tribute to a former team chief.

Autoweek rounds up its notebook from the Austrian Grand Prix.

McLaren Will Shine In Britain

McLaren will sport a special livery for this weekend’s British Grand Prix through its partnership with Google. The MCL60 will run in a throwback scheme that draws from when McLaren ran a chrome livery from 2006 through 2014, in order to promote Google Chrome’s service. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will wear special race suits while the Briton will sport a one-off helmet design and racing boots.

“It’s no secret that racing fans love McLaren’s classic chrome livery,” said Brown. “Google Chrome wanted to bring back elements of this iconic livery to celebrate our team’s history at the British Grand Prix, and we’re excited to be able to give our fans what they want. I’m sure this livery will bring back great memories for many of our fans, and I can’t wait to see it out on track at our home race.”

F1 Paddock Remembers Fernley

Formula 1 figures paid tribute to Bob Fernley, who died on Friday at the age of 70. The gregarious Fernley, passionate about motorsport, was best known for his role as Deputy Team Principal at Force India for a decade, where he was effectively in charge of the team’s operations at grands prix. Fernley was the public face of a team that gained a reputation as a plucky underdog and occasional podium finisher, and Fernley would regularly speak up for the needs of the lesser-funded teams in the sport. Fernley, who left after the Lawrence Stroll-led takeover in mid-2018, went on to have roles at McLaren’s IndyCar team and at the FIA, before departing in early 2022.

“He was such an important part of Formula 1 and his love and passion for the sport will live forever,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. “My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Esteban Ocon, who spent two seasons at Force India, said: “He was a great person and leader, and I was lucky enough to work and learn from him during my days at Force India. Sending my thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.”

Austria Stays Through 2030

Formula 1’s Austrian Grand Prix will stay on the calendar through at least 2030 after a fresh agreement was reached. The amended deal was announced during the build-up to Sunday’s race at the Red Bull Ring. Austria returned to Formula 1 in 2014 at a renovated Red Bull Ring, over a decade after it had a seven-year stint as the A1-Ring. The grand prix was also held from 1970 through 1987 on the longer Osterreichring. Earlier this year Austria signed a new four-year deal with Formula 1 to keep the event from 2024 through 2027. On Sunday a further three years was added that duration, meaning Austria will remain on the schedule through 2030.

“The Red Bull Ring is excited to announce that we will continue our special relationship with Formula 1 until 2030,” said Red Bull Ring General Manager Erich Wolf. “This long-term deal represents Formula 1’s strong commitment to Austria and Styria. The fact that the Formula 1 keeps the home Grand Prix of Red Bull Racing is of great importance for the Murtal region and for the employees of the Red Bull Ring.”

Austria’s deal is now the longest of the European events, with several holding only short-term contracts.

Williams To Mark 800^th Race Over Two Events

Williams will run a special livery at Silverstone as part of the celebrations of its 800^th grand prix. The squad will sport a one-off scheme for its FW45 – though Silverstone will actually be its 799^th race.

The plans have been in the pipeline for several months but the cancellation of Imola’s round means Williams’ 800^thrace will not be its home race in Silverstone, but the following event in Budapest. As a result, Williams will spread its celebrations across two events. As part of the commemorations team advisor and 2009 world champion Jenson Button, who spent his rookie season with Williams in 2000, will complete demonstration laps in the 1992 title winning FW14B.

Schumacher To Demo Another One Of His Father’s Mercedes

Mick Schumacher is set to demonstrate a Mercedes Formula 1 car previously raced by his father. Mercedes reserve driver Schumacher has previously sampled the Jordan 191 in which Michael made his debut, the title-winning Benetton from 1994, as well as a couple of championship-winning Ferraris. Mick’s run will be in the 2011-spec Mercedes W02 which his father raced during the second season of his three-year comeback with the Silver Arrows and will take place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 14-16 July.

“It's going to be spectacular to run in my dad’s 2011 car, the W02, even if it is only a short run,” he said. “Just experiencing this generation of cars will be mega! Knowing that he raced this car makes it extra special, and there will be many emotions coming with it.”

Jani Joins Audi’s F1 Project

Audi has appointed Neel Jani to work on its simulator for the development of its 2026 power unit. Audi is gradually acquiring Sauber Motorsport and will become the team’s strategic partner from 2026, when new rules are introduced. Audi has already developed a single cylinder engine and hopes to have a prototype power unit running on its test bench by the end of the year. Jani, 39, was previously a Red Bull junior in the late 2000s before switching to sportscars, winning Le Mans with Porsche in 2016.