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.
Alonso responds to contract extension in five words
Fernando Alonso made his Formula 1 debut in 2001, but has now signed a contract extension until 2026. The Spaniard has signed many contracts over the years, and therefore did not react too extensively to the big news. “I am here to stay,” was the 43-year-old’s text on Aston Martin’s website, or: “I am here to stay.” Alonso was a little longer on social media.
The man who introduced Senna to F1 has died at the age of 86
Ted Toleman, founder and team boss of the F1 team of the same name, has died at the age of 86. After successes in the junior classes, Toleman and his team moved to Formula 1 in the early 1980s, before giving Ayrton Senna – who became a legend of the sport – his F1 debut. Senna and Toleman announced themselves to the world with a stunning second-place finish at the rainy Monaco Grand Prix in the Brazilian’s debut season in 1984, giving the British team their best ever F1 result. “I am saddened to hear that Ted Toleman has passed away,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said on F1’s official website. “He contributed so much to Formula 1 and his achievements and legacy will always be part of our history. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Verstappen enjoys Formula E: ‘He must have been drunk’
Last weekend all eyes were on the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Japan, but a week earlier the very first ePrix of Japan took place in Formula E. Max Verstappen thought it was worthwhile to take a look at the electric motorsport class and enjoyed it, although he did have one point of criticism on the Tokyo circuit. ‘I have always enjoyed the series because the level is really high and there are many good drivers participating. That makes it interesting to watch. It was a beautiful sight, that circuit in the middle of the city, but there was a kind of bump in the middle of the track. Whoever approved that must have been drunk.’
South Korea one step closer to returning to the F1 calendar
It has been known for a while that South Korea would like to organize another Formula 1 Grand Prix, but a return to the calendar now seems to have actually come one step closer. Last weekend, a delegation from the South Korean city presented a letter of intent to F1 boss Stefano Domenicali to organize a Grand Prix from 2026 or 2027. It would involve a period of five years,” Motorsport.com reports. An F1 Grand Prix was last held in South Korea in 2013. Sebastian Vettel, then competing for Red Bull Racing, won the race.
