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Max Verstappen returns to scene of one of the biggest crimes in F1 history
Max Verstappen returns to scene of one of the biggest crimes in F1 history.
Not because of what happened at the Abu Dhabi GP 12 months ago, when former FIA Race Director Michael Masi fudged the rules which resulted in the Dutchman winning the title.
But because of the petulant and somewhat disgraceful way he defied team orders not to help his teammate, Sergio Perez in São Paulo.
Verstappen, who has already wrapped up the title, was told to swap places with his Red Bull teammate to boost the Mexican’s chances of finishing second in the championship.
Team orders are divisive, but he flatly refused for his reasons while his team boss, Christian Horner, apologised to Perez.
Verstappen said: “I have my reasons for that. I think it was good that we finally just sat together and talked about it and just move forward from here.
“If we go to Abu Dhabi and he needs support, it is not the end of the world. It is all about who finishes ahead anyway.
“If he needs help, I am there. But it is good that we first talked about it now and cleared everything that was there and why I didn’t do it.”
Just 12 months ago, Perez had played his crucial part, to hold up rival Lewis Hamilton in the Abu Dhabi GP, assisting Verstappen to his route to glory.
Max Verstappen returns to scene of one of the biggest crimes in F1 history
Verstappen hailed Perez as “a legend” for his part in delaying Hamilton’s romp to a record eighth world title – but the cooperation was not reciprocated in Brazil.
Instead, his defiance leaves their relationship in tatters and creates a huge problem for Horner.
Yes, he has been here before.
Remember the Multi 21 saga in 2013 when Sebastian Vettel ignored orders to hold station and overtook team-mate Mark Webber in Malaysia?
What happened on Sunday, in my opinion, was much worse.
Firstly, unlike in 2013, the title was still up for grabs.
Second, it was the venomousness with which Verstappen delivered his defiance, sending a clear message to the team as to who is boss.
READ MORE: Debates Spark On and Off the Track as Nemeses Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton Inevitably Clash at Interlagos
And there is the third problem.
It has created an impossible position for Horner to manage.
Two weeks ago, Horner stood by his driver after Verstappen started boycotting SkyF1 for comments made by one of their staff.
It was all rather messy but he remained loyal to Verstappen and his dad, and his driver’s manager.
But where was the loyalty shown by Verstappen to Perez, or Horner, or Red Bull Racing?
Horner says they will discuss it again internally, with speculation that it could be some sort of payback for Perez’s spin in Monaco, which cost Verstappen a shot at pole.
This could be a moment where Horner’s own position in the team has been compromised.
It feels like we are straying into to Cristiano Ronaldo territory here where one person thinks they are bigger than the team itself, and that can only end badly.
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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
