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Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel and two other F1 drivers furious with Formula 1 decision
Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel and two other F1 drivers furious with Formula 1 decision
Next weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix looks set to be the last in Formula 1, at least for the time being.
The circuit is looking set to be dropped from the 2023 calendar, with the venue to be replaced by either South Africa or another money-making race.
The circuit organisers have already planned for next weekend’s race to be its best event yet, after following advice from the FIA to make the GP more entertaining.
The organisers have looked at the “American way” of hosting a Grand Prix, as well as making track changes to Eau Rouge.
After last year’s washout due to torrential rain, the circuit has also had better drainage installed, to ensure that what happened last year doesn’t happen again.
Despite everything the circuit organisers are doing to make it better for both fans and drivers, Spa still looks set for the axe.
A number of drivers are furious with the yet to be announced decision, including Lando Norris, who is half-Belgian.
Norris “loves” the circuit and insists that there are more important things than “money”, a clear message to championship CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel and two other F1 drivers furious with Formula 1 decision
“I personally have a lot to do with Spa of course and I love the circuit,” said the 22-year-old.
“I went to Belgium for many years and spent a lot of time there with my family. I’m looking forward to experiencing the changes and the new tarmac, and a new grandstand at Raidillon. I always look forward to Spa. It’s one of the coolest circuits all season.
“It would be a shame to lose Spa. A lot of things these days are just about money – that’s the problem. It’s a business. It’s a historic race for F1, the same as Monaco.
“As far as I know, they don’t even pay in Monaco and it’s still on the calendar – same with Monza. So I think Spa should always be there as long as Formula 1 exists.”
Sebastian Vettel is also disappointed with the news that Spa looks set to disappear from the calendar, with the four-time World Champion believing people would rather race at Spa than Sochi, Russia.
“Spa is an amazing track,” said the 35-year-old.
Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel and two other F1 drivers furious with Formula 1 decision
“I don’t know any driver that doesn’t like driving at Spa whereas I do know drivers that don’t like the circuit in Russia – not because it’s Russia but because the track is a bit all the same. That (losing the Belgian GP) would be a shame. I have no vote in this but my vote would be to go to Spa. But it would be wrong to lose Spa on so many levels.”
Should the historic race at Spa be dropped, then it may be only a matter of time until the likes of Monza and Monte-Carlo are also axed by the series.
Pierre Gasly “can’t wrap” his head around why Spa is set to go, with the answer seemingly down to money.
“Personally I don’t think it has anything to do with safety, but I can’t wrap my head around the fact that it’s disappearing from the calendar,” said the 26-year-old.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has faced backlash over his treatment of Spa, with the venue pulling out all the stops to make it an incredible spectacle worth a spot on the calendar.
READ MORE: 5 things we’d like to see in the second half of the 2022 F1 season
The former Ferrari team principal has explained that the sport is trying to “open up to whole world” and that he’s not “selling the soul of F1”.
“I am not selling the soul of Formula 1,” he said.
“That is the normal change. We are opening up to the whole world. Money is important everywhere. For us too. But we don’t just look at it – the whole package has to be right. If we only looked at the bank account, the racing calendar would definitely look different.”
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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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