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5 things we’d like to see in the second half of the 2022 F1 season
5 things we’d like to see in the second half of the 2022 F1 season
Ferrari to put up a fight
After Charles Leclerc retired from the lead for the third time this season in France, team principal Mattia Binotto preferred to look on the bright side.
There was no reason, he insisted, why Ferrari could not win all of the remaining races of 2022 to take the title.
The nature of their defeat in Hungary seven days later, Max Verstappen winning a race Leclerc could not afford to lose and from 10th on the grid, strongly suggested otherwise.
Ferrari’s ability to grab defeat from the jaws of victory knows no limits but with Leclerc driving beautifully and the F1-75 still a gem of a car, why can’t they at least make it interesting – and make Red Bull nervous – in the final nine races?
If Ferrari are set to finish second in 2022, the time has come to go down fighting.
Red Bull to clinch the Constructors’ title at Suzuka
Back in the real world, however, Red Bull already have both titles in the bag.
Eighty points ahead of Leclerc, Verstappen is now too complete a driver to be caught, while the team’s towering advantage in the Constructors’ will be healthy for as long as Ferrari remain unreliable.
This has rapidly become the season of dreams for Red Bull, who in October will return to race in the land where those dreams were powered.
Although Honda officially withdrew from F1 at the end of last season, their continued contribution to Red Bull’s success from afar cannot be underestimated.
The time for special white liveries may have passed and Red Bull’s exciting future with Porsche is likely to have been confirmed when F1 returns to Japan.
5 things we’d like to see in the second half of the 2022 F1 season
But there would be no greater tribute to the potency of the partnership than Red Bull being crowned champions at Honda’s home race.
A different winner
If there is one major drawback to the new regulations, it is that the great barrier separating F1’s haves and have-nots has been re-established.
Pierre Gasly’s victory at Monza in 2020 sparked a crazy couple of years in which seven of the 10 teams won a grand prix and only two (shame on you, Haas and Alfa Romeo!) failed to reach the podium.
In the first 13 races of the new era, however, only Red Bull and Ferrari have won, while only one driver outside of the top three teams (Lando Norris) has stood on the podium.
The racing may have been revolutionised but the competition is sorely lacking. A little more variety would bring total vindication for F1’s rules reset.
Fireworks at Mercedes
If their improved form towards the end of the first half of the season can be sustained, Mercedes are best placed to be the different winner we are looking for.
Merc’s problems at the start of 2022 meant the rivalry expected to develop between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell was put on hold, but how might the dynamic between the drivers change if they find themselves racing for victories?
READ MORE: Many pairs of eyes have been on Kimi Raikkonen NASCAR Cup debut after…
After all he has achieved and the way 2021 ended, Hamilton has not received enough credit for his handling of the team’s struggles, and in Russell he has a team-mate confident to the point of arrogance, growing in stature by the race and determined to make his mark at Mercedes.
In F1’s latest battle between young and old, most accept they will come to blows at some point.
The question is not if but when, where and how.
A soft landing for Ricciardo
With the team recently communicating their intention to replace him with Oscar Piastri for next season, Daniel Ricciardo is close to being put out of his misery at McLaren.
But where next? There is no obvious answer, though a marriage of convenience with Alpine – assuming the wounds of his 2020 departure have healed and Team Enstone have not been put off the scent by Ricciardo’s recent struggles – appears the most likely option.
He has orchestrated his own downfall to some degree, but provided the Ricciardo of old is still in there he has too much to offer for his career to cough to a conclusion having only just turned 33.
F1 would be a poorer place without him and Daniel deserves the chance to restore his reputation somewhere in 2023.
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Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Donald Trump was attacked at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A barrage of gunfire set off panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he was shot in the ear, was surrounded by Secret Service and hurried to his SUV as he pumped his fist in a show of defiance
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting. The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured. All were identified as men. The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981
The attack drew new attention to concerns about political violence in a deeply polarized U.S. less than four months before the presidential election
President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump, was briefed on the incident and spoke to Trump several hours after the shooting. Many Republicans quickly blamed the violence on Biden and his allies, arguing that sustained attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have created a toxic environment.
Elon Musk twitted to condemn the action
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate. Either way, the SS leadership must resign. https://t.co/0vYGrj6yuH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 14, 2024
It’s crazy they didn’t see him in advance from this vantage point?!? https://t.co/4XyuOMYfVT
— Craig Chamberlin (@CraigChamberlin) July 14, 2024
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1812281668759109860?t=9znqS3__kyEUWhXiYGjrFw&s=19
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Zeekr 001 Electrifies with a Power Boost: Zhou Guanyu and Kimi Räikkönen Lead the Charge
Experience the silent power of the Zeekr 001 electric vehicle, with upgraded performance, visual enhancements, and support from racing icons. Embrace the future of sustainable driving.
Imagine a world where the roar of an engine is replaced by the silent surge of electricity, propelling vehicles forward with the press of a pedal. This vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of the updated Zeekr 001 electric vehicle (EV), which has recently been certified for sale in China. With its blend of power, innovation, and the endorsement of racing legends, the Zeekr 001 is setting a new benchmark in the EV market.
The Power Within: A Leap in Performance
The latest iteration of the Zeekr 001 brings to the table a new 95 kWh LFP battery pack and an enhanced entry-level powertrain that boasts 415 hp, a significant leap from the previous 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant now commands an impressive 778 hp, marking a 234 hp increase. This power upgrade is not just about numbers; it represents a leap towards efficiency, sustainability, and the sheer joy of driving an electric powerhouse. The Zeekr 001’s ability to balance performance with environmental responsibility highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry
While the performance upgrades are substantial, the Zeekr 001 also sports minor visual enhancements that signify its evolution. New front and rear bumpers and fresh color options give the vehicle a contemporary edge, appealing to a broader audience. Yet, it’s the optional LiDAR that points to the future, hinting at advanced driving assistance systems and a commitment to safety. These updates, coupled with the anticipated improvements in charging capabilities and multimedia systems, underscore Zeekr’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Champions Behind the Wheel
The announcement of Zhou Guanyu as the ambassador and Chief Driving Officer, alongside Kimi Räikkönen’s continued role as Chief Performance Advisor, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to the Zeekr 001. Guanyu, celebrated as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver, brings a unique perspective and expertise to the brand, bridging the gap between racing technology and everyday driving. Räikkönen, with his storied career and championship pedigree, ensures that performance remains at the heart of Zeekr’s philosophy. Their involvement speaks volumes about the brand’s aspirations and commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Zeekr 001 has found its way into the driveways of 152,064 customers, a testament to its appeal and the growing appetite for electric vehicles. With the refreshed model set to introduce on February 27, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment in Zeekr’s journey and the broader EV landscape. The Zeekr 001, with its blend of power, innovation, and star power, is not just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of an electrified future, promising a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is sustainable.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney were recently on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and talked about the Netflix special NASCAR: Full Speed among other things. During their conversation, Dale Jr. opened up about his traffic violations and revealed the interesting encounters that he had with 4 different police officers.
He took a trip down memory lane to remember how he got his first speeding ticket and quipped that he had received not one, but four tickets between the ages of 16 and 18. He told Clarkson, “I had a few issues in the first two years of having my license, from 16 to 18. I got four tickets, and the funny thing about it is, is that it was four different officers who told me they all gave my dad his first ticket, so I don’t know how that is possible.”
Dale Jr.’s father Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in stock car racing since its advent in the 20th century. While it is natural for anyone to be known as having interacted with the legend, Dale Jr. can’t quite put a finger on how four different officers could have given him his first ticket. However, he did have a more important lesson to take away from the tickets he got
“I learned my lesson,” he affirmed. “I haven’t had any problems since then.” Dale Jr. is one of the executive producers of Full Speed. The docuseries has been very well received by drivers and fans since its premiere last month.
READ: “He Actually Hated Me” – Dale Jr Defends His Late Father’s Legacy as He Publicly Trashes Geoff Bodine’s Shocking Accusation
The instantaneous impact that Full Speed has been having on NASCAR
During the last race weekend, several drivers voiced their support for the Netflix docuseries and said that it was helping the sport generate new fans. One of the series main characters, Denny Hamlin said, “I thought it was a very good introduction for new fans. Because they also were kind of teaching you some 101 stuff, like, here’s how this works.”
Xfinity Series racer and Live Fast Motorsports co-owner B.J. McLeod compared it to the Hollywood hit Days of Thunder and mentioned that it had the best potential since the movie to attract new fans. He said, “It’s something that people should see, and I think that it was an unbelievable opportunity for NASCAR to have that on Netflix.”
The docuseries chronicled the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run and featured others including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Dale Jr., himself.
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Max Verstappen addresses ‘British bias’ at Mexican GP after Lewis Hamilton put-down
$200M Jeff Gordon teams up with Chase Elliott and Co. to decode the HMS driver behind the “Don’t judge me” old tweet
