🗞 In The Headlines

1/ McLaren Welcomes Mastercard: A Major Partnership to Fuel F1 Success

McLaren has secured a multi-year sponsorship deal with Mastercard, announced just ahead of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix. This partnership marks Mastercard's return to F1 after more than two decades, with their logo set to feature prominently on McLaren's cars later this season. The deal highlights McLaren's ongoing resurgence in the sport, as they have emerged as serious contenders for the Constructors' Championship, trailing leaders Red Bull by only 51 points. Mastercard's Chief Marketing Officer, Raja Rajamannar, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the brand's commitment to connecting with fans through shared passions like racing. McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, echoed this sentiment, noting the iconic status of Mastercard and its alignment with McLaren's values.

2/ Verstappen Faces Grid Penalty at Belgium Grand Prix: Can He Overcome the Odds?

Max Verstappen is gearing up for a challenging Belgium Grand Prix, as he faces a 10-place grid penalty following a tumultuous Hungarian Grand Prix. The race was marred by a series of missteps, including a controversial overtake on Lando Norris and a collision with Lewis Hamilton that sent his Red Bull flying. Although Verstappen managed to finish fifth, he is now set to serve a penalty due to exceeding his engine allowance, having already used the maximum number of power units permitted for the season. Red Bull plans to install a fifth engine at Spa, a track where Verstappen has previously demonstrated remarkable skill in recovering from grid penalties.

3/ Russell Reflects on Hamilton's Ferrari Move: A Missed Opportunity with Mercedes' Comeback?

George Russell has expressed his belief that Lewis Hamilton would not have chosen to leave Mercedes for Ferrari if he had anticipated the recent resurgence of Mercedes' performance in Formula 1. Hamilton's decision to activate an exit clause in his contract with Mercedes over the winter initially seemed wise, as Ferrari started the season strong, positioning themselves as Red Bull's main competitor. However, as the season progressed, Mercedes improved significantly, achieving five consecutive podiums and two wins, while Ferrari faced challenges with their upgrades. Russell, who has also found success with a win in Austria, noted that Hamilton's desire for change after a long tenure at Mercedes is understandable, but he likely would have stayed had he known Mercedes would regain their competitive edge.

4/ Alpine Goes Hollywood: Marvel's Deadpool & Wolverine Set to Roar at Belgian Grand Prix

Alpine has joined the trend of Formula 1 teams collaborating with Hollywood by unveiling a special livery for the Belgian Grand Prix, promoting the upcoming Marvel film "Deadpool & Wolverine." The team's A524 cars will feature a striking red, black, and yellow design that highlights the film's main characters, with drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly donning race overalls inspired by Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively. This partnership is particularly noteworthy as Ryan Reynolds, who portrays Deadpool, is a minority investor in Alpine, having joined the team following Renault's sale of a 24% stake to a US investment group that includes Reynolds and other celebrities. This follows a similar collaboration by Red Bull Racing with Warner Bros. Pictures for the film "Twisters" at the British Grand Prix, showcasing the increasing intersection of motorsport and entertainment.

5/ Lando Norris Warns Critics: ‘I’ll Do What I’ve Got to Do to Win’

Lando Norris, the McLaren star, has expressed his frustration over missed opportunities for victory since his first win at the Miami Grand Prix. Despite coming close to securing a second win, including a contentious moment in Hungary where he had to relinquish the lead to teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris remains determined. His recent clash with Max Verstappen in Austria, which resulted in a crash and retirement, has sparked discussions about his demeanor on the track. While some criticize his "nice guy" persona, Norris maintains that he values respect and camaraderie, asserting that his attitude off the track does not affect his competitive spirit when racing.

🤭 For The Lulz

👀 Did You Know…

Andrea Montermini, who raced in the 1990s, is reported to have a height of 157 cm (5 feet 2 inches), making him the shortest driver in F1 history. Yuki Tsunoda is recognized as the shortest driver in the modern era, standing at 159 cm (5 feet 3 inches) tall.

📷 Pic of the Day

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