Why Monaco GP demands unique high-downforce car upgrades, Verstappen’s £10M yacht debuts at Monaco GP, and other big updates

Why Monaco GP demands unique high-downforce car upgrades

Monaco's tight, low-speed layout forces F1 teams to bring unique, circuit-specific updates like reshaped front suspension components and larger brake ducts to handle extreme steering angles and maintain brake cooling. The low air speeds mean teams use their highest-downforce aerodynamic packages without worrying about added drag, often fitting their biggest wings. McLaren is testing multiple rear wing setups for optimal performance, while Aston Martin has introduced a new high-load front wing flap to increase front-end grip. Some teams, like Ferrari and Williams, have opted to reuse last year's Monaco-specific wings, knowing these upgrades won't appear again except possibly at similarly slow circuits like Hungary or Singapore.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Boxall-Legge (motorsport.com)

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Verstappen’s £10M yacht debuts at Monaco GP

Max Verstappen’s luxury 33-metre Mangusta GranSport 33 yacht, worth over £10 million, has arrived at the Monaco Grand Prix. He picked it up earlier this year in Italy with his partner Kelly Piquet and named it ‘Unleash the Lion.’ Verstappen also has a private jet worth $15 million from Richard Branson, but it does not have a racing simulator like some people said. Forbes says Verstappen will make $78 million in 2025, so he can afford all these luxuries easily.

Click here to read the full article by Lewis Larkam (crash.net)

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Challenges teams could face in Monaco’s new two-stop race

Formula 1 is forcing a mandatory two-stop strategy at Monaco to shake up the usual one-stop races, which could lead to more chaos depending on safety cars and team gambles. The new softer C6 tires may change qualifying tactics, with some teams favoring mediums for better grip and confidence in Monaco’s low-speed corners. Pole position still matters most, but the extra stops increase chances for mistakes and make it harder for leaders to maintain position, while backmarkers might try risky early stops to gain ground. Teams also worry about drivers blocking rivals or helping teammates with pit strategy, potentially creating unfair advantages or “gimmicks” during the race.

Click here to read the full article by Jon Noble & Scott Mitchell-Malm (the-race.com)

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Schumacher’s legendary Chassis 211 heads to auction

Michael Schumacher didn’t plan to use Chassis 211 at the 2001 Monaco Grand Prix, but he had to switch after his main car got damaged. He immediately took the lead when David Coulthard’s car failed, and Schumacher stayed in front to win by 18 seconds. Chassis 211 was also used later that season in Hungary, where Schumacher claimed another win and helped him secure his fourth world title. Despite being a backup, this car is now the most valuable from that season and was fully restored before going up for auction.

Click here to read the full article by Phuti Mpyane (businesslive.co.za)

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Buxton talks F1 & Indycar on Java with James

Will Buxton, the British motorsport journalist and presenter known for his deep coverage of Formula 1 and, more recently, IndyCar, gets chatty with James Hinchcliffe on Java with James. Turns out he's the first non-driver on the show, and he talks about his love for sweets, racing adventures, and jumping from Formula 1 to IndyCar.