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Carlos Sainz On Charles Leclerc; had to reinvent myself’ to…
Carlos Sainz On Charles Leclerc; had to reinvent myself’ to… The 28-year-old Spaniard has had a breakthrough season – taking his first pole position and his first win – but the big concern for this thoughtful perfectionist has been that for a long time in 2022 he struggled to meet his own high standards.
“It has been an extremely challenging season for me,” Sainz says. “I found a lot of setbacks at the beginning of the year with this new car, with the new regulations, that didn’t adapt to my driving style.
“I had to reinvent myself in many ways to try and find the pace.
“I didn’t give up. I kept pushing even in the difficult moments, and you can see it paying off now at the end of the season in terms of speed.”
Those few lines are Sainz in a nutshell – honest, self-critical, humble, determined, hard-working.
It can sound esoteric when a Formula 1 driver talks in this way – of driving style, of struggling with his car. But these things really matter.
Look at Red Bull, where the car was heavy and somewhat ponderous at the beginning of the year. Max Verstappen was unable to exploit his extravagant skills to the point that – early in the season – he was barely quicker than team-mate Sergio Perez. A bit of weight was taken out, and the car came alive for the Dutchman, who suddenly became effectively unbeatable.
Or at McLaren, where Daniel Ricciardo’s struggles with the corner-entry characteristics of the car left him so far adrift of Lando Norris the team terminated his contract a year early. A winner of eight grands prix, all but one taken in swashbuckling style with Red Bull, finds himself without a seat on the grid next year.
Carlos Sainz On Charles Leclerc; had to reinvent myself’ to…
At Ferrari, Sainz’s struggles manifested themselves in Leclerc’s overwhelming superiority in the first part of the season. The car has an oversteer balance – where the rear is loose and tends to move and slide – which Leclerc loved but Sainz could not handle as well.
Leclerc out-qualified Sainz in the first eight races in a row, at an average advantage of 0.265 seconds, as the older man struggled with the characteristics of the car.
“I have never been 0.2-0.3secs off any team-mate in F1 and I can never accept that,” says Sainz, who was actually marginally faster than Verstappen in qualifying when they were team-mates at Toro Rosso at the beginning of their careers, and neck-and-neck with Norris at McLaren in 2019-20.
“I always feel like I am quick in any kind of car, and for the first time in my career I found myself with a very competitive car but one I didn’t feel comfortable and natural with.
“I had to challenge myself and open up new roads of set-up and driving style that I wish I didn’t have to open, because I wish everything had come a lot more natural and positively.
“But it happened this way, and I stayed disciplined. I tried a lot of things and I made a lot of mistakes trying things. But it was all about trial and error and then coming back and discovering a new path that was a little step forward.”
A breakthrough and success
Gradually, things began to come together for Sainz. He fought for victory with Verstappen in Canada, just losing out, in a race Leclerc started from the back with an engine-related grid penalty.
READ MORE: Ferrari explains Charles Leclerc’s ABC plan
Then, at the British Grand Prix, came that first pole, won superbly in the wet, with Leclerc third behind Verstappen.
The maiden win also happened that weekend, albeit only after Ferrari had scuppered Leclerc’s chances with a strategy error.
And gradually the qualifying battle has shifted. After Silverstone, Sainz out-qualified Leclerc in Hungary, Belgium, the USA and at the last race in Mexico, where Leclerc complained of engine problems. In that period, the average gap between them has been only 0.013secs – still in Leclerc’s favour, but so small as to be almost insignificant.
Against a man some regard as perhaps the fastest in F1 over one lap, it is some achievement.
“I’m realistic,” Sainz says, “and I know how good Charles is in those conditions. This year he has been driving at a level that is very close to Max or any other driver. And for me he’s in a way done a perfect season, apart from the two or three typical mistakes everyone does in a year, or the luck which maybe he has been lacking the same as me.
“I am not proud, because I am not ahead. The day I am ahead in the statistics is the day I will be proud. Until then, I will keep working at it, keep finding lap time in myself.
“But it’s a statistic that makes me proud about the progress – not giving up, not letting myself get comfortable with being 0.2secs behind, and always challenging myself to find new ways of driving cars, which is not easy.
“When you see other drivers on the grid, you can see it is difficult to turn around a season, or turn around the feeling with the car. You don’t see it very often. The fact I managed to do that makes me happy.”
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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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