Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
IndyCar driver Alex Palou has confirmed he will not be attending any F1 races for McLaren during the Singapore Grand Prix. McLaren accused Palou of sidestepping a binding agreement for 2024, prompting legal action. Despite this, Palou was originally scheduled as McLaren's official reserve driver for the upcoming race. In 2022, Palou had shown interest in transitioning from Chip Ganassi to McLaren, but his relationship soured after his second championship win with Ganassi. The F1 team initiated a UK lawsuit against him, citing a contract breach and financial issues.
Click here to read the full article by Lydia Mee (si.com)
McLaren is introducing a new predominantly black livery called 'Stealth Mode' on its Formula 1 car for the upcoming races in Singapore and Japan in collaboration with primary sponsor OKX. The unveiling took place at a media event in Singapore, and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will debut the livery in practice sessions. McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed excitement about the partnership with OKX, and OKX's CMO, Haider Rafique, linked the livery to teamwork and innovation while celebrating F1's return to the Asia Pacific region. McLaren has previously featured one-off liveries this season, including a triple crown design in Monaco and a throwback chrome scheme at the British Grand Prix.
Click here to read the full article by Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths (readmotorsport.com)
Formula 1 race organizers are considering changing the term "paddock" for the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to the association with the 2017 mass shooter, Stephen Paddock. This move is seen by some as an attempt to avoid negative memories but is criticized for drawing attention to the issue. Critics argue that Formula 1 should focus on the event's success rather than virtue signaling, especially given the sport's presence in countries with human rights issues. The proposed change raises questions about whether Formula 1 has similarly avoided names coinciding with their drivers and whether it's best to avoid naming mass shooters altogether to prevent glorification.
Click here to read the full article by Asher Fair (beyondtheflag.com)
Former Formula One champion Nigel Mansell is auctioning over 300 personal items, known as the 'Legacy Collection,' including racing helmets, caps, race suits, trophies, and awards from his career. Notable items include his "final F1 win helmet," estimated at £50,000, and his 1992 championship-winning helmets. Unique items like champagne magnums and a Japanese crystal dagger are also up for auction. Mansell's personal number plate '5 NM' may go for £30,000 to £60,000, and a bespoke 2020 BMW R18 'II Leone Edition' motorbike could fetch £20,000 to £40,000. The auction, representing Mansell's racing career, takes place online from October 4 to 11 through RM Sotheby's.
Click here to read the full article on itv.com
Popular F1 photographer Kym Illman has witnessed countless F1 drivers and personnel cycle through the sport. Now, he's revealing who he misses the most. Among them are German racing driver Sebastian Vettel, who was known for his easy going and friendly demeanor in the paddock, and Angela Cullen, Lewis Hamilton's trainer.