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Secrets Revealed: Why Mike Elliott Took a Break from F1 after Tough Years

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UNITED KINGDOM: In a surprising move last month that left Formula 1 enthusiasts speculating, Mike Elliott, the now-former Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes, resigned from his post after 11 years with the team.

Toto Wolff, the team principal, recently shed light on Elliott’s departure, revealing that the seasoned engineer needed time to “consolidate” following a challenging period in the high-speed world of Formula 1.

Elliott initially joined Mercedes in 2012 as the head of aerodynamics, steadily climbing the ranks until he assumed the role of technical director in July 2021. However, his tenure faced turbulence with the problematic W13 car, and despite efforts to revive the team’s performance with the W14, a reshuffle occurred earlier this year.

Wolff expressed his understanding of Elliott’s decision, stating, “It’s just been super tough for him in the last two years. He felt like he needed a break from Formula 1, he needed to consolidate what he wants to do, and we’ve respected that decision.”

Elliott, who has kept his plans under wraps, cited the need to pause and reflect after 23 years of relentless commitment to the sport. “I have decided that now is the right time to make my next step beyond Mercedes.”

He added that he first intends to take a pause and take stock of his life after 23 years of working flat-out in motorsports. He claims that he will “find his next challenge,” Mike remarked upon his departure.

As the Formula 1 community bids farewell to a key figure in the Mercedes team, Elliott expressed gratitude to his colleagues, saying, “I would like to thank my teammates for a fantastic 12 seasons together and wish them every success for the years to come.”

The departure leaves an open question about Elliott’s next move and adds an element of uncertainty to Mercedes’ technical lineup for the upcoming seasons.

Also Read: Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Decries ‘Inexcusable’ Performance in Brazilian Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing Shifts Gears with Ambitious Move to Develop In-House Power Unit

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UNITED KINGDOM: In a bold move that marks a departure from its recent dominance, Red Bull Racing is gearing up for a groundbreaking shift in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The Milton Keynes-based team, which has clinched consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023, is taking on the challenge of designing and manufacturing its power unit.

The decision comes on the heels of Honda’s initial intention to exit F1, a move the Japanese manufacturer has since retracted. Despite their current unprecedented success with Honda, Red Bull is venturing into uncharted territory with the establishment of its Red Bull Powertrains division. Heavy investments and an extensive recruitment drive underscore the team’s commitment to this monumental undertaking.

Acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge, Red Bull’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, stated, “Nothing lasts forever. You just got to keep evolving.” While admitting a degree of trepidation about the unknown, especially with their current success, Horner emphasized the inevitability of change.

The desire for performance autonomy is what drives the decision to produce the engine. Horner highlighted the attraction of not being reliant on external entities for success, stating, “2026 is the next chapter for us, and it’s taking control of the one bit of variable that we’ve had.”

The team’s proactive approach to the challenge reflects their successful mindset, mirroring their strategy with the chassis. Despite the uncertainty, Red Bull Racing seems confident in the trajectory they’ve set.

As the clock ticks towards the 2026 season, Red Bull Racing remains undeterred. With a strong team culture and a robust trajectory, the squad aims to hit the track with a Red Bull-designed and manufactured engine, showcasing a unique blend of nerve-wracking excitement and anticipation for the challenges that lie ahead.

Also Read: Red Bull’s Double Offer Couldn’t Keep Ricciardo: The Shocking 2019 Move to Renault

NASA’s LRO Unravels Lunar Mystery: Swirls on Moon Linked to Topography Changes

UNITED STATES: In a breakthrough revelation, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has uncovered the long-debated connection between lunar swirls and changes in the moon’s topography. These distinctive twisted patches on the lunar surface, known for their high reflectivity, or “albedo,” have perplexed scientists since their discovery. 

However, recent observations, led by John Weirich of the Planetary Science Institute, have brought a new dimension to the understanding of these lunar anomalies. Lunar swirls, characterized by bright loops and dark lanes, were previously believed to be unaffected by the moon’s topography. 

However, Weirich’s research challenges this notion. By examining high-resolution topographic data from the Mare Ingenii and the prominent Reiner Gamma, the team found a significant correlation between the elevation of bright areas and the dark lanes, debunking the conventional wisdom surrounding their formation.

The Mare Ingenii lunar swirl displayed bright areas approximately 9.8 feet lower than the dark lanes, while the Reiner Gamma showcased an even more pronounced difference of around 13 feet. Weirich emphasized that the relationship is not uniform across the entire swirl but emerges when comparing the average heights of bright and dark regions.

Utilizing data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) and employing advanced techniques, including the Stereophotoclinometry software suite and machine learning programs, the researchers delved into the intricate details of these enigmatic lunar features. 

Weirich pointed out that the findings indicate a complex formation process involving a combination of known processes or possibly an undiscovered one.

“Lunar swirls have always intrigued scientists, not just for their scientific significance but also for their aesthetic appeal,” Weirich remarked. “They are not only a key to understanding the moon’s history but also a visually captivating phenomenon.”

As the scientific community continues to unravel the mysteries of these lunar swirls, the latest findings open new avenues for understanding the intricate relationship between the moon’s topography and the unique features that grace its surface.

Also Read: NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Preps for Solitary Flight Stretch After 66 Successful Sorties

Bagnaia Seizes Sepang Pole by a Whisker in Thrilling Qualifying Battle

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MALAYSIA: In a heart-stopping showdown at the Sepang International Circuit, Francesco Bagnaia narrowly edged out Jorge Martin to claim pole position for the afternoon’s sprint contest. The tension reached its peak during the critical qualifying session on Saturday morning, setting the stage for an electrifying race.

Martin of the Pramac team initially seemed poised for a third straight pole, breaking his lap record with a blazing 1m57.549s. However, Bagnaia, riding for the Ducati squad, responded with an emphatic 1m57.491s, snatching the pole by a mere 0.058 seconds.

The stakes were high as the riders vied for supremacy, with Martin recovering from a late crash to secure the second spot on the grid. Enea Bastianini of Ducati completed the front row, adding an extra layer of drama to the contest.

Ducati dominated the 15-minute Q2 segment, with Alex Marquez initially setting the pace before being overtaken by Luca Marini. Martin’s impressive lap, over two-tenths faster than his previous record, showcased the fierce competition among the riders.

The battle for the pole took an unexpected turn when Bagnaia had to abort a flying lap due to a crash by Marini. In the closing stages, Martin’s crash at Turn 4 on his final lap opened the door for Bagnaia to secure his seventh pole of the season.

As the riders prepare for the sprint contest, the closely contested qualifying promises a thrilling race at Sepang. The front row sets the stage for a fierce battle between Bagnaia, Martin, and Bastianini, keeping fans on the edge of their seats for what is sure to be a nail-biting race day.

Also Read: Lockheed Martin Secures $33.7 Million Contract for Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft Tech

Vanwall Racing Team Set to Turbocharge into WEC 2024 Season with Engine Swap

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UNITED KINGDOM: In a strategic move gearing up for the 2024 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, Team Vanwall, led by Colin Kolles, is set to swap out the normally-aspirated 4.5-litre Gibson V8 that powered their non-hybrid LMH in its debut season.

Kolles, not one to divulge the mystery surrounding the new powertrain, did confirm a significant shift: the adoption of a proven turbocharged engine. Assuring fans and rivals alike, he emphasized, “It is not in any way an experiment. It will be a turbo and is a proven engine with enough power and good reliability.”

The decision to part ways with the Gibson GL458 V8 was motivated by its inability to reach the maximum power level set by the Hypercar Balance of Performance. During the Bahrain races, the team experienced a power deficit, being 60kW (80bhp) down during the day and 50kW (67hp) at night. The team’s quest for increased performance prompted this strategic move.

Despite not disclosing the exact identity of the new engine, Kolles expressed confidence in the team’s compliance with regulations and highlighted the quality of the chassis. He dismissed concerns about securing drivers for the 2024 season, stating, “I don’t think that will be a major problem.”

The Vanwall, developed in-house by Kolles’s operation, scored its only points of the 2023 season with an eighth-place finish at the season-opening Sebring 1000 Miles. With the upcoming turbocharged upgrade, the team aims to elevate its performance and make a bold statement in the highly competitive world of endurance racing. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes are on Team Vanwall to see how this powertrain switch will impact their quest for victory on the WEC stage.

Also Read: McLaren’s Miraculous Revival Leaves F1 Legend Eddie Jordan in Awe

McLaren’s Miraculous Revival Leaves F1 Legend Eddie Jordan in Awe

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UNITED KINGDOM: Former F1 team principal Eddie Jordan has expressed his amazement at McLaren’s spectacular recovery under chief executive Zak Brown, following what he deemed “the worst decision they could have made” – parting ways with Honda.

After a high-profile reunion in 2015, McLaren and Honda endured three challenging seasons, both on and off the track. Meanwhile, Honda joined forces with Red Bull, propelling Max Verstappen to a third consecutive World Championship in 2023, leaving McLaren momentarily relegated to backmarkers.

Despite a sluggish start to 2023, McLaren has emerged as Red Bull’s primary threat in recent months. Lando Norris has notched six second-place finishes since July, while rookie Oscar Piastri clinched victory in the sprint race in Qatar.

Eddie Jordan, known for his previous criticisms of McLaren, has made a 180-degree turn in his assessment. Speaking on the Formula for Success podcast with former McLaren driver David Coulthard, Jordan admitted surprise at the turnaround and praised Zak Brown’s leadership.

He admitted that he was very critical of the team’s decision. He said that whoever decided to leave Honda was in an absolute fool’s paradise. At the time, he felt it was the worst decision McLaren could have made. However, McLaren has come back from its downfall. Acknowledging the drivers’ role in the revival, Jordan highlighted Oscar Piastri’s impact, saying, “He’s shown that the car must be OK to drive because he’s a rookie coming in.”

Despite McLaren’s resurgence, team principal Andrea Stella revealed the team is aware of its biggest weakness compared to Red Bull. The unexpected turnaround has left the racing community and fans alike eager to see how McLaren will continue to challenge the top contenders in the F1 circuit.

Also Read: McLaren Announces Bianca Bustamante as First Driver for 2024 F1 Women’s Series

Lockheed Martin Secures $33.7 Million Contract for Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft Tech

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UNITED STATES: In a significant leap forward for space exploration, Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $33.7 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to spearhead advancements in nuclear-powered spacecraft technologies. This initiative, named the Joint Emergent Technology Supplying On-Orbit Nuclear (JETSON) effort, aims to mature high-power nuclear electric power and propulsion technologies, as well as spacecraft design.

The core of the project involves developing a fission reactor that activates once in space. This reactor will generate heat, which, in turn, will be transferred to Stirling power converters to produce electricity. This groundbreaking technology can be harnessed to power spacecraft payloads or electric thrusters for propulsion, potentially transforming the way we explore the vastness of space.

Barry Miles, JETSON program manager and principal investigator at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the pivotal role of nuclear fission development in space applications, stating, “Lockheed Martin is focused on developing these systems with our important government agencies and industry partners.”

Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Space Nuclear Power Corp. (SpaceNukes) and BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT), both renowned for their expertise in nuclear power and reactor design. The project is currently undergoing the preliminary design review stage, with the option to progress to the critical design review level.

The contract announcement, made on Sept. 29, also highlighted contracts for two other key players under JETSON. Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based startup, secured a $9.4 million contract to design a spacecraft concept utilizing a compact radioisotope power system. Meanwhile, Westinghouse Government Services received a contract to further research high-power nuclear fission systems in spacecraft.

This recent contract awarded to Lockheed Martin adds to their achievements in space nuclear power, following their selection by NASA and the U.S. military in July to develop and launch a spacecraft for testing nuclear thermal propulsion in space under the DRACO project (“Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations”).

Also Read: NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Preps for Solitary Flight Stretch After 66 Successful Sorties

Race for the Throne: Honda’s Pursuit of Marquez Successor Heats Up

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JAPAN: In a high-stakes scramble to fill the void left by the departure of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez, Honda is exploring its options with a shortlist of contenders for the coveted seat. With Marquez set to join Gresini Ducati next season, Honda faced the daunting task of finding a suitable replacement. 

Initially eyeing Miguel Oliveira, negotiations hit a roadblock due to Honda’s insistence on a one-year deal, leading to the removal of the five-time Grand Prix winner from consideration. Amid speculations surrounding Fabio Di Giannantonio and Moto2 race winner Fermin Aldeguer, Honda’s team boss, Alberto Puig, clarified the situation in a recent interview with a media outlet. 

Puig identified Pol Espargaro, Di Giannantonio, and Marini as the primary contenders. However, Espargaro has already confirmed his commitment to KTM as a test rider, leaving Di Giannantonio and Marini at the forefront.

In a candid statement, Marini expressed openness to the idea of joining Honda, despite being under contract with VR46 for the 2024 season. Acknowledging the appeal of leading development at a factory team, Marini emphasized the significance of the correct project and situation aligning with his ambitions.

While Di Giannantonio remains focused on his performance in the current season, downplaying concerns about the competition for the coveted Honda seat, the uncertainty surrounding Marini’s potential switch adds an intriguing dimension to the MotoGP narrative.

As the 2023 season unfolds, MotoGP enthusiasts eagerly await the resolution of this intense competition, anticipating the rider who will step into the formidable shoes of Marc Marquez at Honda. The race for the throne is on, and the outcome promises to shape the landscape of MotoGP for seasons to come.

Also Read: Controversy Brews in F1: Disqualifications, Track Limits, and Entry Fees

Google’s Bard Chatbot Leads AI Revolution with Two Billion Users in Sight

UNITED STATES: Google’s experimental chatbot, Bard, is not just a tech experiment; it’s a strategic move towards developing another product that could potentially engage two billion users, according to statements made by Google’s Product Lead, Jack Krawczyk, at a conference in New York on Thursday.

Bard, designed to facilitate brainstorming and information retrieval through artificial intelligence, is laying the groundwork for an ambitious expansion of Google’s customer base. Krawczyk highlighted plans to integrate Bard’s human-directed suggestions into Google.

Assistant, promising a more interactive and user-friendly experience. This connection, starting with mobile devices in the coming months, aims to introduce AI to a broader audience. “We think that opens a completely new path,” Krawczyk stated, emphasizing the potential of this integration.

The move reflects Google’s overarching ambitions for AI within its parent company, Alphabet, which already boasts six products attracting billions of users, including the search engine and YouTube. However, competition is intensifying, with Amazon pledging upgrades to its Alexa assistant using similar generative AI and OpenAI enhancing ChatGPT with voice commands. 

While Google Assistant currently resides on over a billion devices, the landscape of information gathering is evolving. Bard’s web traffic experienced 2% growth in October, reaching 8.7 million, though Bank of America analysts noted that chief rival ChatGPT outpaced this growth.

Krawczyk acknowledged challenges faced by Bard, including instances of generating non-existent messages and recent hiccups during high usage periods. However, he emphasized a commitment to improving Bard’s helpfulness, downplaying immediate monetization strategies like subscription models or ads. As Google continues to navigate the evolving AI landscape, Bard stands as a key player in the tech giant’s strategy to make artificial intelligence more accessible to the masses.

Also Read: Leaked Google Email Reignites Antitrust Concerns over Search Monopoly

Red Bull’s Double Offer Couldn’t Keep Ricciardo: The Shocking 2019 Move to Renault

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UNITED KINGDOM: Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, recently revealed that the team was prepared to almost double Daniel Ricciardo’s salary in a desperate bid to prevent him from making the switch to Renault in 2019.

Ricciardo, a longstanding member of the Red Bull family, had been associated with the team from his junior years to becoming a prominent driver for Toro Rosso and, later, Red Bull itself. His decision to move to Renault, a team that finished fourth in the 2018 standings, raised eyebrows throughout the Formula 1 community.

Despite being part of a formidable driver pairing alongside Max Verstappen, Ricciardo felt overshadowed by his younger teammate’s growing prominence. This led to his contemplation of a new challenge outside of Red Bull.

Speaking on the “eff won with DRS” podcast, Horner disclosed that Red Bull was prepared to match the $10 million contract they had just awarded Verstappen in a bid to retain Ricciardo. However, the Australian driver was already entertaining offers from other teams, which ultimately influenced his decision.

Horner further revealed a pivotal conversation with Red Bull’s owner, Dietrich Mateschitz, before the Austrian Grand Prix, where he implored Mateschitz to convey the team’s desire to keep Ricciardo. Astonishingly, Mateschitz agreed to offer Ricciardo the same salary as Verstappen, much to Horner’s surprise.

However, a twist occurred when Ricciardo, after a test in Hungary, opted to change his mind, desiring a one-year contract instead. This unexpected turn of events left Horner questioning Ricciardo’s intentions.

In hindsight, Horner believes Ricciardo eventually came to regret his decision. During the pandemic year, Ricciardo admitted that Horner was right, acknowledging the misjudgement in his choice to leave Red Bull for Renault.

The revelation sheds light on the complexities and uncertainties that permeate the world of Formula 1, even for seasoned drivers like Ricciardo, who, in the end, found himself in a new racing environment with Renault, where he raced till 2020 before leaving for McLaren in 2021.

The Aussie struggled to come to terms with the McLaren car in 2021 and 2022, barring a solitary win in Monza in an eventful 2021 season. McLaren brought him out of his contract and replaced him with rookie Oscar Piastri for the 2023 season.

Ricciardo found himself back to his roots during the mid-season break of 2023 when AlphaTauri announced that he would partner Yuki Tsunoda for the rest of the season, replacing a below-par Nyck de Vries.

Also Read: Kepler Discovered an Alien Solar System with Seven Exoplanets