Daily News 19

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  • Formula 1 Fans Moved as Sebastian Vettel Drives Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 at Monza

    Formula 1 Fans Moved as Sebastian Vettel Drives Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 at Monza

    Sebastian Vettel Honors Michael Schumacher with Ferrari F2002 Demo at Monza

    Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel delivered an emotional tribute to his childhood hero Michael Schumacher on Sunday, piloting the legendary Ferrari F2002 around the Monza circuit ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. The demonstration run, powered by sustainable fuel, coincided with the 30th anniversary of Schumacher’s Formula 1 debut with the Scuderia.

    Iconic Machinery Returns to the Temple of Speed

    The Ferrari F2002 stands among the most dominant cars in F1 history, securing 15 victories across the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Vettel, who raced for Ferrari between 2015 and 2020, took the iconic V10-powered machine onto the track in front of the passionate Tifosi, sparking an immediate and powerful reaction across social media platforms.

    The Sound That Defined an Era

    The unmistakable scream of the early-2000s V10 engine emerged as the primary talking point for fans worldwide. The visceral audio experience triggered a wave of nostalgia and emotion.

    “You just can’t beat that sound. Music to our ears,”

    one fan commented on Reddit, while another added:

    “That noise is so emotive. Modern cars aren’t in the same league.”

    Fans Reflect on Schumacher’s Legacy and Vettel’s Tribute

    The demonstration run prompted deeper reflections on Schumacher’s enduring impact on the sport and the void left by his absence from public life following his 2013 skiing accident.

    “Beautiful car, beautiful sound, driven by the most fitting person to drive it other than the great man himself. Really saddens me that Michael will never get to have these moments in retirement and the appreciation for his achievements and the memories he created for the sport. There’s a void with him missing during these times,”

    one fan posted.

    Others expressed the bittersweet nature of witnessing the car’s return:

    “That sound makes me so happy and so sad. Happy for the memories and the absolute awesomeness of it. Sad that we will never have a grid of those cars racing ever again,”

    read another comment.

    The personal connection many fans felt to the Schumacher-Ferrari era surfaced repeatedly:

    “I was not prepared for how emotional this actually made me. That car and Michael were such a huge part of my youth and a big part of why I fell in love with this sport. And there is nobody more fitting to drive it than Seb.”

    Calls for More Classic F1 Demonstrations

    The overwhelming positive response has led to suggestions that Formula 1 should incorporate historic car runs into more race weekends.

    “They need to bring a classic F1 car to every race and do this so everyone can hear the greatness,”

    one fan wrote.

    For those in attendance at Monza, the experience was particularly visceral:

    “I’m at the circuit right now, watching that car go by while singing and then Seb’s words afterwards. Tears to my eyes, really.”

    The demonstration served as a powerful reminder of Formula 1’s rich heritage and the enduring emotional connection between the sport’s history, its legendary figures, and the global fanbase that cherishes those memories.

  • Pirelli Unveils Unique Trophies for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    Pirelli Unveils Unique Trophies for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    Pirelli has unveiled the trophies for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, continuing its multi-year collaboration with the Pirelli HangarBicocca Museum of Contemporary Art, now entering its sixth year.

    Designed by Italian artist duo Vedovamazzei, comprising Stella Scala and Simeone Crispino, the trophies are titled “FRAGILE”. They were created using 3D-printed nylon powder and are shaped to resemble an unstable stack of small bowls and cups.

    The artists said the design draws inspiration from the tradition of passing a celebratory glass from one person to another.

    Fans react to Pirelli’s unusual Italian GP trophies

    The unconventional design has prompted a mixed reaction among fans. “I get what they are trying to do but it doesn’t seem appropriate for a trophy. Seems like something that might belong in a modern art museum,” one fan commented on Reddit.

    “Love em. Pretty creative. I know I’m in the minority but I like those artful trophies as long as they still resemble trophies in essence. And these do, they look great,” another fan wrote. A third added: “As a designer, I love them! But maybe cause I’m a designer.”

    Others joked that the fragile-looking trophies could be at risk around Lando Norris, recalling the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix. During the podium celebrations, the McLaren driver accidentally knocked Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s winner’s trophy over, breaking it.

    “I hope Lando wins, but please keep him away from these lol,” one fan wrote. Another commented: “That’s the most Lando-breakable trophy yet… they better be praying that he doesn’t make the podium.”

    Further reactions included: “Better make spares in case Lando gets on the podium,” and “Lando will break at least one.”

    The Italian Grand Prix will be held at Monza from 4-6 September. Home driver Kimi Antonelli enters the weekend 59 points clear of his Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who are level on points.

  • Kimi Antonelli Reveals How He Is Staying Grounded in the 2026 F1 Title Fight

    Kimi Antonelli Reveals How He Is Staying Grounded in the 2026 F1 Title Fight

    Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli has revealed how he is staying grounded while competing for the 2026 world title.

    In just his second F1 season, Antonelli became the youngest driver to lead the championship standings after consecutive victories in China and Japan. He added four more Grand Prix wins before the summer break, putting the 20-year-old Italian at the centre of the title battle early in his career.

    Antonelli currently leads his Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton by 59 points.

    Antonelli remains focused in F1 title fight

    During the summer break, Antonelli said he and his family celebrated his achievements without allowing the championship lead to dominate their lives.

    “We watched some of the races on TV while eating dinner. We still talked about F1, but it was in a nice way, just reminding us what we achieved,” Antonelli told F1.com about his summer break.

    The Mercedes driver said maintaining perspective would be crucial as the season progresses.

    “You need to be happy about it, but at the same time not get carried away from it and still maintain focus. The job is not done yet. We’re only halfway through and there is still so much that needs to happen and so much to be achieved.”

    Tennis star Roger Federer attends the Pirelli Hot Laps event. Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

    Roger Federer advice helps Antonelli relax

    Antonelli also discussed advice from tennis great Roger Federer, who encouraged him to “always be yourself and be able to enjoy it as well”. The Formula 1 driver said that guidance had helped him adopt a more relaxed approach behind the wheel.

    “When you understand that you also have to enjoy it as well, it makes the difference, because it helps you to, I feel like at least in my case, drive more relaxed, enjoy the driving more, feel more the car, and then the performance just comes much easier,” Antonelli continued.

    He contrasted that mindset with the pressure of forcing performance and explained how finding positives in difficult moments can support his development.

    “Instead of when you’re chasing it, and you’re driving tense, it’s a big difference. But of course, trying to be yourself and always focusing on the goal and always also try to see the positive, even in the bad situations. Even when something goes bad, there’s always a positive. That can be found, and that can help you to grow.”

  • George Russell “has to win” Italian GP to Keep F1 Title Hopes Alive, Says Former Driver

    George Russell “has to win” Italian GP to Keep F1 Title Hopes Alive, Says Former Driver

    George Russell must win the Italian Grand Prix to keep his Formula 1 championship hopes alive, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has warned.

    Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer assessed the title battle after a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. McLaren’s Lando Norris won in dominant fashion, finishing ahead of Mercedes teammates Kimi Antonelli and Russell.

    Antonelli is set to receive an engine penalty at his home race in Monza, creating an opportunity for Russell to reduce the gap in the championship standings. However, Palmer believes a strong result for Antonelli could put the title beyond Russell’s reach.

    “He could win it because the way that he’s been driving, I think Mercedes are the sure-fire favourites for Monza still,” Palmer said of Antonelli. “But when you reference Max’s comeback wins, that’s largely against Checo, isn’t it? Who was a lot further away from Max’s pace than George is of Kimi’s. And George was better in Zandvoort.

    “I know he still didn’t put the race together. He had two bad first laps that set him apart. And his race pace wasn’t quite as good as Kimi’s either. But I don’t think in a clean race Kimi will come from 10th or 11th to beat George if George is anywhere near form from pole position.

    Palmer expects strategy, safety cars, engine performance and reliability to play important roles at Monza, where Russell will need to capitalize on any advantage created by Antonelli’s grid penalty.

    “With strategy differences, safety car involvements, it’s going to be tough on components across the board. Power units are going to be singing. Reliability’s not going to be easy at Monza.

    “If Kimi wins in Monza with a grid penalty, he is champion. I’ll go as far as saying that. It’ll be such a crushing blow. He will have won his home race with a load of overtaking, huge aplomb, and it will suck the life out of George to not take points out of him in Monza. George has to win this.”

    Antonelli currently leads the Formula 1 standings with 242 points. Russell is second on 183 points, level with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

  • Lewis Hamilton Reveals Ferrari F40 Restoration Project After Selling His Entire Car Collection

    Lewis Hamilton Reveals Ferrari F40 Restoration Project After Selling His Entire Car Collection

    Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he has acquired a rare Ferrari F40, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion shared the news alongside photos of the classic supercar undergoing what appears to be an engine-out restoration.

    “My very own F40. This is the car of my dreams and has been for as long as I can remember,” Hamilton wrote. “As a kid I dreamt of having one. When I joined Ferrari last year I made sure to have one with me on my first day at Maranello. That’s how much it means to me.

    “These cars are works of art and incredibly rare, so when I found this one, covered in dust after being sat in a garage for over thirty years, I knew I had to bring her home.

    “First to Maranello, where the master engineers and mechanics at the factory worked for weeks to bring her back to life. Massive thank you to everyone who had a hand in this project. This has truly been a dream come true.”

    The Ferrari driver also hinted that he could share a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration process, potentially through his YouTube channel.

    “I can’t wait to share more with you all. Stay tuned…” he teased.

    Hamilton’s post, shared on Monday 31 August, had already received more than 278,000 likes.

    Hamilton had been searching for a Ferrari F40

    The 41-year-old driver confirmed in 2025 that he had sold his entire car collection, although he said at the time that he was still hoping to acquire a Ferrari F40.

    Speaking ahead of the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton confirmed that he had parted ways with his impressive collection. It was understood to have included a Pagani Zonda 760 LH, a Mercedes-AMG Project One, a Ferrari LaFerrari and a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427, among other cars.

    “I don’t have any cars anymore,” he said at the time. “I don’t have any cars, so I got rid of all my cars. I’m more into art nowadays. If I was going to get a car, it would be the F40. But that’s a nice piece of art.”

  • Lando Norris’s 2026 F1 Title Hopes Face Crucial Monza Test, Says James Hinchcliffe

    Lando Norris’s 2026 F1 Title Hopes Face Crucial Monza Test, Says James Hinchcliffe

    Former IndyCar Series driver and F1 TV analyst James Hinchcliffe believes McLaren’s performance at Monza will determine whether Lando Norris can mount a realistic challenge for the 2026 Formula 1 championship.

    Norris heads to the Italian Grand Prix after consecutive victories at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Those wins, combined with a third-place finish in the Dutch sprint race, have reduced his championship deficit to 83 points.

    McLaren’s Monza pace could define Norris’ title hopes

    However, Hinchcliffe has cautioned that McLaren’s recent success came at high-downforce circuits. He believes Monza, with its long straights and low-downforce demands, will provide a crucial test of the team’s competitiveness.

    Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Hinchcliffe said:

    “We’ve had two sort of similar tracks back-to-back. I really think Monza is going to answer some questions. I think the level of competitiveness we see out of McLaren at Monza is going to really set the table for whether or not they, and Lando specifically, have a shot at this championship,” Hinchcliffe explained.

    Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, who joined Hinchcliffe and host Tom Clarkson on the podcast, added:

    “Lando at his worst was 101 points [behind] this year. I actually think he’s driving unbelievably well. He’s in the frame for driver of the season, him and Kimi, for me, have been the two standouts.

    “But he’s still 83 points back. I think Hinch is bang on; I think when you look at the last races – Budapest, Zandvoort – they’re both high-downforce. They are both, if you gave me a list to say who these tracks would suit driver-wise, I’d put Lando’s name right next to both of them.

    “He has a great track record there, McLaren has got a great track record at both, and he’s delivered absolutely brilliant wins, but can they do it at Monza? That’s where I’m not sure.”

    Norris is currently fourth in the drivers’ championship with 159 points. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the standings on 242 points, while George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are tied on 183 points.

    The Italian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at Monza from 4-6 September.

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • Guenther Steiner: Lewis Hamilton Can Win an Eighth F1 Title If Ferrari Makes One Key Call

    Guenther Steiner: Lewis Hamilton Can Win an Eighth F1 Title If Ferrari Makes One Key Call

    Guenther Steiner believes Lewis Hamilton has a small but genuine chance of winning a record eighth Formula 1 world championship in 2026. However, the former Haas team principal says Ferrari must fully back Hamilton if the Briton is to overcome championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

    Ferrari may need to prioritise Hamilton

    Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner suggested Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur may soon have to introduce clear team orders in Hamilton’s favour over team-mate Charles Leclerc.

    Hamilton has generally had the upper hand over Leclerc this season, making him Ferrari’s most likely challenger to Mercedes driver Antonelli in the title fight.

    “There need to be two things for Lewis to win the championship, the eighth one, and I think that would be a great moment for the sport, somebody winning eight championships. Kimi needs to make some mistakes. If Kimi stays clean, it will be very difficult to do, but Kimi is young and Mercedes has trouble with the car sometimes, mechanical issues.

    “At some stage, Ferrari needs to put everything behind Lewis if they are serious about winning it because he’s in front of Charles, so he should get the support,” Steiner explained.

    Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images

    Steiner believes Vasseur will recognise that Ferrari cannot afford to divide its efforts between Hamilton and Leclerc if it wants to challenge Mercedes.

    “I think Fred will be doing that and saying, ‘Hey guys, we need to put our money on one of the guys and not try to have papaya rules here.’ They need the help of Kimi and Mercedes as well. Otherwise, it will be very difficult.”

    Asked whether Hamilton can win his eighth world title this season, Steiner said the possibility remains, but the outcome could depend heavily on Antonelli and Mercedes’ performance during the second half of the campaign.

    “I think there is a small chance that it can happen, yes. For me, the biggest thing is how much Kimi and Mercedes will be struggling in the second half of the season.”

    Antonelli currently leads team-mate George Russell and Hamilton by 59 points, with Russell and Hamilton level on points.

  • Carlos Sainz to Launch First Fifty Five Merchandise Collection Ahead of Madrid F1 Race

    Carlos Sainz to Launch First Fifty Five Merchandise Collection Ahead of Madrid F1 Race

    Carlos Sainz to Launch Fifty Five Merchandise at Spanish Grand Prix

    Carlos Sainz has teased the first merchandise drop from his Fifty Five brand ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

    Formula 1 will race through the Spanish capital for the first time in September, giving the Williams driver an opportunity to launch his new collection in front of his home crowd. Sainz addressed fan confusion over his recent cryptic social media posts while reading and responding to comments.

    “I’m seeing a lot of questions – we don’t know what this is, what’s coming – but today is the day,” Sainz said. “I’m going to give you some hints. ‘At this stage, it’s not only clear that everything is completely unclear, but I’m intrigued 100%.’ That’s exactly what we were trying to do. Make it clearly unclear.

    “‘I have gone from cycling equipment to merchandise to clothing to photography, and I’m back to knowing nothing.’ That is the point. We are making you go the whole loop around to see what’s coming.

    “Yes, there is cycling. Yes, there is photography. Yes, there is clothing. Yes, there is merchandise, and yes, there are many other things.”

    Fifty Five merchandise launch planned for Madrid

    Sainz confirmed that the merchandise launch will coincide with the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.

    “I’m going to use my home grand prix to make sure I launch my first merch drop,”

    the 31-year-old said.

    “I think Madrid is so special, and it needed to be the first time I dropped something like that.”

    According to Carlos Sainz’s official website, the Spanish driver has unveiled separate elements of his wider brand strategy. Team Fifty 5 has been created as a community space for his fans.

    “It brings fan activations and merchandising together in one space,”

    the website confirms.

    Alongside Team Fifty 5, Sainz has introduced Fifty Five as a

    “premium lifestyle brand”.

    Explaining the idea behind the brand in a note on his website, Sainz said:

    “This has been something I’ve thought about for a while. I wanted to create something that felt personal — my own taste, my own perspective, away from racing,” Sainz explained in a note on the website.

    “But I also wanted something for the fans, a space and products that speak to them directly. With this, I feel we’re able to give something to every type of fan, in the way that makes sense for them.”

    Products already listed include a limited-edition signed black-and-white Miami poster, a Fifty Five x Gobik cycling jersey, a signed and numbered black-and-white Miami visor poster, and 2026 British Grand Prix mini helmets.

  • Fred Vesti Delights Fans With Mercedes V8 Demonstration Run in Singapore

    Fred Vesti Delights Fans With Mercedes V8 Demonstration Run in Singapore

    Mercedes Formula 1 reserve driver Fred Vesti completed a live street demonstration run in Singapore on Sunday, 30 August, as the headline attraction at the adidas Orchard Ignition festival.

    The event was organised in partnership with Mercedes-AMG, adidas and global partner BABYMONSTER. Vesti completed three separate runs during Sunday afternoon, driving the Mercedes W04 through Orchard Road and performing doughnuts in front of the crowd.

    Footage of the Danish driver’s demonstration was later shared on social media, where fans praised the sound and spectacle of the V8-powered Formula 1 car.

    “Can’t imagine the atmosphere and adrenaline rush being this close to an F1 car!”

    One fan posted the comment on a video that had been viewed more than 136,000 times at the time of writing.

    “Man, those V8 beasts are meant to be let loose!”

    Another fan wrote, while a third added:

    “Wonder how many phones came out the second that V8 fired up.”

    Fred Vesti welcomes Singapore street demonstration

    Vesti said ahead of the event that driving a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team car through Orchard Road would be a memorable experience. He also highlighted the opportunity to bring Formula 1 closer to fans in Singapore.

    “Driving a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team car through the heart of Orchard Road is going to be a special experience,” Vesti said ahead of the event.
    “Demonstration runs are all about bringing fans closer to the sport and giving them a taste of the speed, sound and excitement that make F1 unique.
    “Singapore is already one of the standout events on our calendar, so to be part of the city’s first street demo run in more than a decade is something I’m really looking forward to.
    “Our sport is at its best when it connects with people, and this event does that in a really exciting way. It builds on some of the incredible activations that our team and adidas have already created; once again going beyond motorsport to bring fans of racing, music and culture together in one place.
    “I’m excited to put on a show in the car, but the whole weekend is going to be special. It’s a chance to create a memorable experience for fans and introduce new audiences to our sport.”

  • Jenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael Schumacher

    Jenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael Schumacher

    Jenson Button has compared racing against Fernando Alonso with battling Michael Schumacher, praising the Spaniard’s aggressive but fair approach and ability to adapt to any Formula 1 car.

    Writing in his Jenson’s Journal column for Aston Martin ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, the 2009 F1 world champion reflected on Alonso’s career as speculation continues over whether the Aston Martin driver will remain in the championship beyond the 2026 season.

    “The biggest compliment I can give Fernando is that fighting him was very similar to fighting with Michael Schumacher,” Button wrote. “In my experience against them it would be hard but fair – it was on the limit every time and I loved that. That was part of the challenge.

    “When I won my first grand prix in Hungary, I was fighting against them and that’s what you want as a driver. You want to be fighting against the best, against the greats, to see how you compare.

    “In my career I got to race against the likes of Fernando and Michael, as well as Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. I’ve been really lucky to have raced against some of the true legends of the sport.”

    Button also highlighted Alonso’s distinctive driving style and versatility across different cars and set-ups.

    “Fernando drives like no one else. He’s aggressive, he can adapt brilliantly, and it’s been that way all through his career.”

    Jenson Button backs Fernando Alonso to continue in F1

    Alonso, 45, has faced growing questions about his Formula 1 future. Rumours of retirement and a possible move to Alpine have circulated, but the Aston Martin driver has not yet confirmed his plans beyond the 2026 season.

    “Obviously, this year has been tough, but it’s still an exciting time to be at Aston Martin Aramco and to be working with people like Adrian Newey. Any F1 driver would love to race a car designed by him, and to experience first-hand him driving this team forward,” Button added.

    “I know how difficult it is to decide your future, and he’s been there once before. He left the sport and came back, so he obviously left too early. Now, he will make sure that he’s 100 per cent certain that he doesn’t want to be in the sport before he leaves.

    “Fernando’s still got so much more to give in F1. I would love to see him in an Aston Martin fighting for wins. That’s where he should be, and it’s where this team is aiming to be.”

    Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

    Source: www.motorsport.com