It's a news bonanza on the mid-week episode of The Race F1 Podcast as Edd Straw is joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm and special guest Christian Menath from German outlet Motorsport Magazin to unpack several big stories.

The first is the shock news that Formula 1 will have a new race director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Niels Wittich has stepped down with immediate effect. We discuss what's behind his sudden departure, and Christian explains why there's more to it than the FIA's statement lets on.

Next Dan Fallows' impending departure from his technical director role at Aston Martin is discussed, before talk turns to suggestions that Sauber owner Audi is looking to sell a stake in the team to a Qatari group.

And the episode is rounded out with talk about the big shake-up to F1 launch season, with a joint launch event set to take place at London's O2 Arena in February. Edd, Scott and Christian explain why this is happening before turning their attention to Alpine, following the confirmation that Renault's F1 team will use Mercedes power units (as taking gearboxes and rear suspension) from 2026.

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