In the F1 in brief section, F1Maximaal.nl keeps you informed of the latest news from the premier class of motorsport that does not qualify for an extensive mention, but is of course relevant to mention on the website.
Aston Martin sells shares to Arctos Partners
The Aston Martin team has sold some of its shares to holding company Arctos Partners, Motorsport.com reports. The Financial Times reports that this has increased the value of the F1 company to a billion dollars. ‘I am very pleased to welcome Arctos Partners as a partner and shareholder of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. They have already invested in many sports franchises,” explains Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Strolll. The holding company also owns shares in Paris Saint-Germain football club, among others. ‘Arctos brings a lot of knowledge of the sports industry and I am proud that Aston Martin joins such a prestigious portfolio.’
F1 bans three colors on the Sphere, as it could distract drivers
The colors red, yellow and blue will not appear at the Sphere in Las Vegas this weekend. These are colors that F1 drivers pay attention to when they are behind the wheel. During the weekend, images of the live action will be shown on the Sphere. In addition, images of the drivers, presentations, advertisements and, for example, the podium ceremony will also appear. The giant illuminated sphere is made up of more than a million LED lights and can potentially distract the drivers. Formula 1 has therefore intervened and banned the three prominent colors.
Las Vegas residents receive apology from Liberty Media
Greg Maffei, the CEO of Liberty Media, has apologized to the residents of Las Vegas. The Grand Prix is scheduled for this coming weekend and the work in the city has taken a very long time. Liberty Media hopes to be able to make up for it during the weekend. “I would like to apologize to all Las Vegas residents,” Maffei said on Fox5 Vegas. “We’re going to bring about $1.7 billion in revenue to the area. So it’s not just for the benefit of the fans who want to watch. We hope this is a great economic benefit for Las Vegas.”
Daughter Ken Block signs with Williams, drives for ART in F1 Academy
The Williams Formula 1 team announced on Tuesday that it has signed Lia Block for next season. The daughter of the late rally hero Ken Block will be supported by the British F1 team in the F1 Academy, the racing series in which women are prepared for F1. Block will defend the colors of ART in 2024 and will become the teammate of Bianca Bustamante, who was included in the McLaren program last month.
Verstappen tests Ferrari 296 GTR at Mugello
With a triple header behind them and another double header ahead, the Formula 1 drivers will relax this weekend, and for Verstappen this meant racing across the asphalt of Mugello, Italy, in a Ferrari.
Veijer stunts with Grand Prix victory in Moto3
While Formula 1 has a weekend off, MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 were in action in Malaysia. In Moto3 this resulted in a victory for 18-year-old Collin Veijer. It resulted in the first Dutch Grand Prix winner since Hans Spaan in 1990. Veijer entered the final lap as part of a three-man leading group, together with both title contenders. The Dutch rookie opened a gap in the middle sector and ultimately had just enough margin on the straights. Teammate Ayumu Sasaki fell 0.066 seconds short, while championship leader Jaume Masia finished close behind in third.
Wolff bans casino for Mercedes employees
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff indicates in conversation with Motorsport.com that he does not want the employees of the German racing team to be distracted by the casinos in Las Vegas. The gambling city in Nevada has no fewer than 122 places where you can gamble and stay busy for hours at the pinball machines and poker tables. “We don’t know yet how we will get from the hotel to the circuit and vice versa, but we will find a solution,” says the Austrian with a wink. “I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but we’re going to make sure everyone stays away from the casinos. I don’t gamble, and I’ll make sure no one else gambles!’
Hearing on Haas request suspended, rescheduled for Thursday
The right to review request that the Haas Formula 1 team had submitted regarding the result of the United States GP has been suspended and postponed to Thursday. Then there will be another meeting at 3:00 PM. The stewards will then judge whether Haas’s evidence contains significant new information. If the stewards rule in Haas’ favor, the outcome of the American Grand Prix may be adjusted.
