F1 Notes: Sainz Penalty Disaster, Hulkenberg Doubts, Azerbaijan GP Sprint, And More

A daily round-up to keep you updated on F1 when you're too busy.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is just a week and a half away and there is a lot going on as the teams and drivers gear up to get back on track. 

The FIA has come to a decision on Ferrari's application to appeal Carlos Sainz's Australian Grand Prix penalty, Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has been non-committal on whether Nico Hulkenberg's contract will be extended, and the new sprint race set-up is confirmed for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Here is everything you need to catch up on. 

• Aston Martin Team Chief Gives Performance Verdict: "Gap Too Big To Catch Red Bull"
• Guenther Steiner Casts Doubt On Nico Hulkenberg's Haas Contract
• FIA Refuses Ferrari's Appeal Request In Disastrous Blow For Carlos Sainz
• Red Bull Chief Slams FIA After Confirmation Of Azerbaijan GP Sprint Race: "Ludicrous!"
• F1 CEO Teases Another American Grand Prix Amid Sport's Expansion Plans
• F1 Rumour: Aston Martin In Negotiations With Honda For Exclusive Engine Contract In 2026
• George Russell Facing Grid Penalty As Mercedes W14 Fire Cause Is Revealed Ahead Of Azerbaijan GP

Your F1 Guides - The Background To Help You Understand The News

• Azerbaijan GP: Everything You Need To Know About The Iconic Baku Street Circuit
• Ferrari's Secret Weapon That Makes Them the Most Powerful Team in F1

F1 Social Media

📰: Haas team principal, Guenther Steiner, stated that it is too early in the year to discuss contract talks with Nico Hulkenberg, despite the German driver's impressive performance so far this season. Steiner suggested that Haas will assess the driver market before committing to… pic.twitter.com/rHtjwnoUpq

— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) April 18, 2023

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says the team is excited “to have all of you cheering for us as we race for our next podium, win or championship”.#F1 #MercedesAMGF1https://t.co/VjEIrjIYW1

— Mercedes F1 News - SilverArrows.Net (@SilverArrowsNet) April 18, 2023

New document:
Published on 18-04-2023 14:00 CEThttps://t.co/lOAmEhasGT#F1 #Formula1 #FIA #AustralianGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/wGtSe9mZDz

— FIA F1 Documents Bot (@fiadocsbot) April 18, 2023

Nico seems to have settled juuuust ok 👌#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/Ak37Oeqpuq

— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) April 18, 2023

MAX INTRODUCING SASSY TO THE CHAT I AM NOT FINE 😭🥺

I noticed he was looking around and he was looking for the cats to show 😭 pic.twitter.com/iiNa0ZrOCG

— Ana 🦁 (@maxvcalloway) April 17, 2023