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Back At Base S2: Project Pencil

Aston Martin unveils a major signing to shape its future and F1 cars. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri prompt McLaren to reassess their game plan as the Championships heat up.

The Aston Martin team is preparing to unveil the super signing of the 2024 season. Someone who will shape their Formula 1 cars and - if things go to plan - the team鈥檚 future at the front of the grid. But until then the news has to be kept under wraps. In the ultra-competitive world of Formula 1 secrecy is a necessity.

The McLaren and Aston Martin teams are also gearing up for a return to racing at Round 15 of the World Championship, the Dutch Grand Prix, held at the seaside circuit of Zandvoort. Here, Lando Norris will take on Red Bull title rival Max Verstappen in his own backyard. Since becoming an F1 race-winner at the Miami Grand Prix, Norris has been racing at the next level, but he鈥檚 taking nothing for granted as he goes up against the Dutch hero in front of his adoring fans.

The titles, trophies and Championships that spur on the teams are hard-fought. The art of racing can perhaps be compared to the art of war. Aston Martin鈥檚 Performance Director Tom McCullough says the teams must steel themselves with a 鈥渨ar mentality鈥 before each race weekend. Within their ranks, Aston Martin boasts a seasoned warrior - double World Champion Fernando Alonso. Team insiders call the Spanish legend a human 鈥渟upercomputer鈥 because of the high-level performance he brings on and off the track.

At Monza, the famous Italian circuit known as the Temple of Speed, the scene is set for another dramatic grand prix. Sometimes the art of racing means you have to battle those closest to you, and there鈥檚 no-one nearer than the driver on the other side of the garage. McLaren have two exciting, young drivers on their books in Norris and Oscar Piastri. Letting them race - so long as it鈥檚 a clean fight - is part of the team鈥檚 philosophy. But, after the Italian Grand Prix, will McLaren re-examine how they take on the battle for both Championships?

At their Silverstone headquarters, Aston Martin unveils a big-name signing with a live television broadcast. The team鈥檚 owner Lawrence Stroll is on hand to make the big announcement, not only to the world鈥檚 media, but the workforce assembled back at base. But even the arrival of one of F1鈥檚 most-famous names doesn鈥檛 stop the focussed work inside an F1 factory. This is the pinnacle of motorsport and the stopwatch never stands still.

F1:Back at Base is narrated by Josh Hartnett. It is created and produced by Sarah Holt and Holly Samos and is an IMG Production for the 成人快手.

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30 minutes

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