Latest news with #F1GrandPrix
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Jeremy Clarkson Slams the FIA Over Belgian Grand Prix Delayed Start
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson ripped the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix race director after fans were denied wet-weather racing. The forecast for Sunday's race at Spa called for a good amount of rain to fall throughout the day. The race director delayed the start of the race due to rain, opting to wait and see if the rain stopped. After more than an hour, they finally got the race underway, though it was via a rolling start. The FIA Safety Car leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes and Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix... The FIA Safety Car leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes and Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. More Photo byThe safety car did four laps as the cars swept the water off the track. Then it came in, and the pole-sitter, McLaren's Lando Norris, got the race underway. The cars used intermediate tires for the first part of the race and then switched to slick tires for the second portion. The wet tires were never used despite the amount of rain that poured on the track, with the FIA arguing that it was in fact the lack of visibility that was the issue, not the lack of grip. After the race, drivers and fans alike were left questioning the purpose of the blue-stripped tire and whether wet conditions would feature in any future race. Clarkson offered his thoughts on the delay of the race and called out the race directors. "Dear God in heaven. What is the race director at Spa doing?" Clarkson posted to X. Dear God in heaven. What is the race director at Spa doing? — Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 27, 2025 Clarkson is a well-known critic of the FIA and its decision-making processes. He is fond of the old-school racing approach when cars raced under intense conditions. The reality TV star wasn't the only one left wondering why the race was handled in such a way. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen also wondered why the drivers weren't allowed to race at the original start time. "It's a bit disappointing, because we spoke after Silverstone to be a little bit more cautious with the decisions," the four-time champion said. "But this was then the other extreme for me. Of course, between Turn 1 [La Source] and 5 [Les Combes] was quite a bit of water, but if you do two or three laps behind the safety car, then it would have been a lot more clear, and the rest of the track was, anyway, ready to go. "It's a bit of a shame. Of course. I knew that they would be a bit more cautious after Silverstone, but this also didn't make sense. "Then it's better to say: 'You know what? Let's wait until it's completely dry and then we just start on slicks.' Because this is not really wet-weather racing for me." Belgian Grand Prix Results
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Baba Vanga's chilling 2025 Prophecy: Will Aliens crash the Euro Final or F1 Grand Prix?
Baba Vanga's Chilling 2025 Prophecy: Will Aliens crash the Euro Final or F1 Grand Prix? Synopsis Renowned for foreseeing pivotal events like the 9/11 attacks, Princess Diana's tragic death, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Baba Vanga's legacy continues to captivate the world, especially as many of her predictions appear to echo emerging scientific theories and evolving psychic interpretations. Baba Vanga, the blind Bulgarian mystic whose predictions have often rattled the world with eerie precision, is once again in the spotlight. Her latest forecast, a startling claim that aliens could make contact during a major global sports event in 2025, has triggered widespread curiosity and debate. Known for accurately predicting events such as the 9/11 attacks, Princess Diana's death, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Baba Vanga's legacy continues to stir fascination, especially as her prophecies begin aligning with modern scientific speculation and psychic insights. ADVERTISEMENT According to reports by The Times of India, Baba Vanga foresaw humanity's first real encounter with extraterrestrial life happening not through invasion or stealth, but in the full view of a global audience, possibly during a live broadcast of an international sporting event. As major competitions such as the Women's Euro Final, Women's Rugby World Cup, and Formula 1 races approach, speculation grows: Could a stadium, packed with spectators and cameras, become the backdrop for humanity's most extraordinary revelation? Adding weight to the prophecy is Brazilian psychic Athos Salomé, widely referred to as the 'Living Nostradamus.' Salomé, who has made a name for himself with predictions involving global crises and technological breakthroughs, also forecasts alien contact in 2025. Speaking to media outlets, he stressed that this revelation would not unfold through flying saucers or abductions but via scientific instruments, most notably, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.'Thanks to the James Webb Telescope, humanity might finally get the answer to the existence of alien life,' said Salomé. 'And if governments, like that of the United States, choose to declassify UFO-related files, our understanding of the universe, and of ourselves, could be forever changed.'Though no official confirmation exists, the idea that alien contact could occur during a live sporting event has sent ripples across both social media and scientific communities. The world's attention often turns to such global spectacles, and with cameras rolling 24/7, any anomaly could instantly reach billions. ADVERTISEMENT While skeptics question the credibility of such predictions, believers argue that past fulfillments of Baba Vanga's visions lend her new forecasts a level of urgency worth Vanga's vision for 2025 goes far beyond alien contact. The seer's predictions paint a picture of both turmoil and hope in the year ahead: ADVERTISEMENT 1. Natural Catastrophes in AsiaThe mystic warned of a devastating natural event in Asia, likely an earthquake or tsunami. Although no dates were assigned, such geophysical threats remain a constant in the region's seismic zones. ADVERTISEMENT 2. Global Economic CrisisA severe economic collapse is also among her prophecies. With inflation fears, volatile markets, and rising debt, the notion of a worldwide financial downturn is gaining traction. 3. Breakthroughs in Medicine Amid New Diseases Baba Vanga predicted the emergence of mysterious illnesses but also foresaw revolutionary medical treatments. Among these are synthetic organs and cures for chronic conditions, suggesting a dual narrative of peril and progress in global healthcare. ADVERTISEMENT 4. Europe's Shrinking DemographicsAnother concern she raised was a sharp decline in Europe's population. Modern demographic trends—including low birth rates and aging societies—already validate parts of this forecast. 5. Social Unity on the Horizon In a rare optimistic note, Baba Vanga saw the potential for the breakdown of social and racial divisions. She envisioned a future where caste and ethnic identities no longer define human relationships—a world moving toward idea that alien life could be revealed to humanity in a public setting has reignited age-old debates. Are Baba Vanga's visions genuinely prophetic, or are they merely broad interpretations that resonate because of current anxieties and technological developments? While science offers new tools to explore the cosmos, mystics like Baba Vanga and Athos Salomé provide narratives that spark imagination and fear in equal or not aliens truly reveal themselves during a 2025 sporting event, the mere suggestion reflects how human consciousness is evolving. Once confined to the realm of science fiction, the question of extraterrestrial life is now part of mainstream scientific and political Vanga was a blind Bulgarian mystic renowned for her predictions, many of which followers claim have come true, including the 9/11 attacks, Princess Diana's death, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her prophecies continue to draw global attention due to their uncanny resonance with real-world events. She made several predictions for 2025, most notably the possibility of alien contact during a major global sports event. She also forecasted a devastating natural disaster in Asia, an economic crisis, medical breakthroughs, demographic shifts in Europe, and increased global social unity. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Nico Rosberg on Russell's Contract: 'Toto's Horrible to Negotiate With'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has opened up on the situation that could be unfolding for George Russell amid the delay in talks of his contract extension. Rosberg recalled that team principal Toto Wolff was "horrible to negotiate with" during his days at Mercedes. Russell's current contract expires at the end of the 2025 season, and with the summer break approaching after the Hungarian Grand Prix, a contract extension is nowhere in sight. Wolff was open about the ongoing talks with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen for the future. Still, he recently confirmed ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will form the team's driver lineup for the 2026 season. But with the delayed discussions, Russell admitted that he couldn't take Wolff's statements at face value. He said: George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes talks with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff at the Mercedes GP Team Photo during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina... George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes talks with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff at the Mercedes GP Team Photo during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 23, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. More"No, not really. That was for you [media], not for me. You know, what happens behind closed doors is behind closed doors. Nothing from my side has changed. "I wasn't even aware of this statement until one hour ago, so it's not something I'm looking for, it's not something I really care about." Speaking on the possibility of talks taking place before the summer break, the British driver said: "I don't know. You know, there is still no contract on the table, so to have something done in the space of two weeks is unlikely. It's got to work both ways, and you need to talk about the finer details. "Formula One's evolving so much now — you need to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb to make sure it's all OK. But as I said, there is no rush really from my side, because ultimately, those from the team will decide what they wish to do, and I will be in a position of reacting to what they wish to do. As I said, I'm just focusing on performance, and everything else will sort itself out." Rosberg, who raced for Mercedes from 2010 to 2016, spoke on Russell's situation, highlighting that something was "cooking" at Mercedes. He told Sky Sports F1: "Did you hear George Russell? He was like, 'Oh, no, definitely I won't have a contract signed by Hungary. Like, so definitive that he knows nothing's gonna happen until Hungary, so there must be something cooking there, right?" Addressing that the summer break begins after the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, he said: "Sure, but it's like we're in August then. There's only a couple of months left after that to the end of the season. And he's like, 'oh no, for sure I'm not gonna have a contract yet' - that's a bit extreme, no?" The former champion then highlighted his experience with Wolff when it came to negotiating contract extensions. Rosberg said: "Toto's horrible to negotiate with, because his tactic is to disappear. So when you try... like George now, he's trying to get hold of him, Toto will disappear... George will be trying to write Toto to get him [to get] a move on, or whatever, and Toto disappears." He added: "By the way, this is not a fact; this is just me making it up. But I remember from my time that was his style, just like disappearing, not answering, being hard to reach... and it's horrible, because you're like, 'come on!' "You have nothing, you have no chance... do whatever you can; you need to find a way to cross paths."
IOL News
7 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
South Africa's bid to retain Formula 1 licence faces competition from Morocco
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status. South Africa's sole chance of retaining the continent's Formula 1 licence is on the line. A media statement from the Cape Town F1 City Development Consortium confirmed that the Minister of Sport has announced plans to lead a high-profile delegation to a meeting during the Budapest F1 Grand Prix, taking place from 1–3 August 2025. Their objective: to engage with Formula 1 authorities and bolster the bid for Kyalami, the historic racetrack that once hosted the Grand Prix. The urgency of this initiative arises from the singular nature of the proposal being presented. Currently, Kyalami stands as South Africa's only contender to maintain the F1 licence; a supporting bid from Morocco has emerged, posing a significant threat to South Africa's standing in the motorsport arena. If Morocco's proposal, which has garnered considerable attention, is submitted and deemed satisfactory by F1 officials, it could spell the end of South Africa's long-standing connection with the prestigious racing series. Historically, Kyalami has been a cherished venue, often described as the 'home of South African motorsport.' However, the reality of stiff competition looms large as F1 expands its global reach. Many countries, such as Thailand, are eyeing the coveted F1 licence, and the pressure mounts further on South Africa's sporting bureaucracies and stakeholders. The Cape Town F1 City Development Consortium has tabled an audacious bid. This initiative aims to transform 500 hectares of the Wingfield and Ysterplaat air bases into a state-of-the-art F1 Grand Prix circuit, accompanied by hospitality and urban development offerings. Positioned strategically near the vibrant Cape Town CBD, the project is designed to elevate not only the city's profile but also the entire African region as a premier sporting and entertainment hub. The Cape Town F1 bid stands apart due to its innovative approach that aligns with the evolving business model of Formula 1. Rather than relying solely on motor racing, this bid envisions a multisensory experience for fans, providing an array of entertainment, tourism attractions, and luxury accommodations to cater to a diverse clientele. From dollar multi-billionaires to high-net-worth enthusiasts, the plan includes top-tier accommodations on docked cruise ships and superyachts within proximity to Cape Town's award-winning international airport. Underpinning the ambitious vision is the integration of rich local culture and scenic attractions. With the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the renowned Cape Winelands, the bid not only seeks to draw in F1 fans but also serves as an invitation to explore the beauty and heritage of the region. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Kimi Antonelli Addresses Idea of Max Verstappen as Mercedes Teammate
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Mercedes Formula One driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli opened up on having Max Verstappen as a potential teammate. Given Mercedes' interest in signing the four-time world champion, George Russell's contract extension talks have been put on hold. Russell broke the news about Mercedes' ongoing talks with Verstappen a few weeks ago. Despite the Briton's contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season, he emphasized that he was loyal to Mercedes and was not considering a switch for the 2026 season. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged Russell's contribution, saying that he was driving the car to its full potential, leaving no stone unturned. While Wolff admitted that Russell and Kimi Antonelli will likely form the 2026 driver lineup, he also said that he was keeping an eye on Verstappen for the long-term future. Verstappen's Red Bull contract lasts until the end of 2028, but his challenges with the team's car in the last year could push him to explore other options, especially considering the big reset in F1 next year, when the sport enters a new era of regulations. Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix... Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. MoreIn addition, the recent ousting of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has reportedly added to the uncertainty within the team. With the rumor mill doing its job, Kimi Antonelli has opened up on the prospect of Verstappen becoming his teammate, saying that he doesn't mind either driver, but highlighted that he was happy having Russell as his teammate. He told Sky Sports F1: "I don't mind. To be honest, they are two very good drivers. I'm very happy with George. I'm finding that there is a really good dynamic in the team at the moment." However, Kimi Antonelli is also contracted to Mercedes until the end of this year, meaning Mercedes could drop him for Verstappen instead of Russell. The Italian rookie driver is aware of this possibility playing out in the future. When asked if he had received assurances from Mercedes about racing in 2026, he said: "I mean, obviously, there is a lot going on. But I am sure the team is doing their best to provide for the future as well, because they're obviously not just looking at next year, but also looking for the future as well. "There are a lot of talks going on, but my goal is just to try and do my best, no matter what." Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes Mercedes should drop Kimi Antonelli for Verstappen instead of Russell. Explaining his reasoning, he said: "How could they replace George with Max and leave Kimi Antonelli there if Mercedes wants to win a world championship? Kimi did one good race in Canada. "The rest, how many good races did he have? Not many. So you take George out, who is doing a good job, like him or not, he's doing a good job. He won a race [in Canada], so he's obviously a good leader there. "I think they [Mercedes] would need to take Kimi out to put Max in. I would understand that one at the moment say, 'Hey, Kimi, let's do a year at Alpine, or Williams,' wherever, build it up." He added: "He's a good driver, but he needs to get experience. Being thrown in at that age, in a car which could win races, and you don't win, it is not good for your build-up, so that's difficult."
