Motorsport Briefs: Key Headlines and Developments

Aitken Makes Surprise Return to Formula 2 in Monaco

Jack Aitken, known for his Formula 1 debut at the Sakhir Grand Prix last year, is set for an unexpected return to the Formula 2 championship. This weekend’s triple-header event in Monaco will mark his comeback, filling a vacant seat at HWA Racelab. Aitken’s return comes as a surprise for many, offering a seasoned hand to a team that has been navigating a challenging 2021 season.

Aitken will step in for Matteo Nannini, who has opted to discontinue his dual campaign in both Formula 2 and Formula 3. Nannini’s decision means he will now focus solely on his Formula 3 commitments, paving the way for Aitken to rejoin the F2 grid for the Monaco and subsequent Baku rounds. Aitken brings a wealth of experience, having secured four race victories at this level previously. His expertise will be invaluable to HWA, a team that began its 2021 F2 campaign with an all-rookie lineup. He is set to partner Alessio Deledda, providing a strong point of reference for the team’s ongoing development.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity, Aitken remarked, “I was surprised but also very honored that HWA asked me to support the team in Monaco and Baku. They are two of my favorite circuits, and it is going to be a real pleasure to be back on track.” His return is highly anticipated, especially on the iconic street circuits known for demanding precision and experience, qualities Aitken certainly possesses.

Indianapolis 500 Practice Commences with Magnussen’s Visit

The hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway came alive as practice sessions for the iconic Indianapolis 500 officially got underway. Will Power, the formidable 2018 winner, demonstrated his prowess by topping the speed charts on the opening day, recording an impressive average speed of 364.468 kph (226.47 mph). His performance immediately set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling build-up to the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’.

Among the notable observers present at the Brickyard was former Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen. Magnussen has previously expressed a keen interest in competing in the legendary race, and his presence fueled speculation about a potential future bid. Currently racing for Ganassi in IMSA, a team with a strong four-car entry in this year’s 35-strong Indy 500 field, Magnussen’s visit offered him a firsthand look at the unique challenges and atmosphere of the event. His transition from Formula 1 to endurance racing has been successful, and an eventual pivot to the Indy 500 would be a natural progression for a driver of his caliber.

Also back in action was Max Chilton, returning to Carlin after missing the previous IndyCar round due to travel complications. Chilton’s practice day, however, was not without its hitches, as he encountered a minor disruption when an air hose connected to his helmet became loose. Despite the brief setback, his return marks a welcome sight for fans and his team, as he prepares for one of motorsport’s most demanding races.

Hamilton’s Historic 2010 McLaren MP4-25 Set for Auction

A truly rare and highly anticipated event is on the horizon for Formula 1 collectors and enthusiasts: a 2010-specification McLaren MP4-25, a car driven to victory by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is slated for auction during the British Grand Prix. This occasion marks what is believed to be the very first time an F1 car with a race win attributed to Hamilton has been offered for public sale, making it an unprecedented opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history.

The specific car, chassis number one, famously carried Hamilton to victory in the Turkish Grand Prix of that year. The MP4-25 was a significant car in McLaren’s history, known for its innovative ‘F-duct’ system, which was a clever aerodynamic solution of its time. Given its provenance and the legendary status of its driver, the car is expected to fetch a staggering sum, with estimates ranging between five and seven million dollars. This auction underscores the increasing value of historically significant Formula 1 machinery, especially those linked to the sport’s greatest drivers.

Netherlands Poised for New Formula 1 Broadcaster

Formula 1 is preparing to announce a new broadcasting partner in the Netherlands, a country that has seen an exponential surge in F1 popularity thanks to its superstar driver, Max Verstappen. Dutch broadcaster Ziggo, which has held the rights for several years, confirmed yesterday that it will relinquish its broadcast rights in Verstappen’s home country at the conclusion of the current season. This development heralds a new era for Dutch F1 fans and reflects the dynamic nature of sports media rights.

The departure of Ziggo opens the door for a new provider to cater to the immense demand for Formula 1 content in the Netherlands. Max Verstappen’s ascent to championship contention has transformed F1 into a mainstream sport in the country, attracting millions of new viewers. The new broadcaster will face the challenge and opportunity of maintaining and growing this passionate fanbase. Changes in broadcast partners often bring new presentation styles, commentary teams, and viewing packages, which can significantly alter the fan experience. This move is indicative of F1’s global expansion and its strategic efforts to maximize reach and revenue in key markets, especially those influenced by popular local heroes.

Social Media Buzz from the Motorsport World

Keeping a pulse on the motorsport community, here are some notable posts from Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms that caught our attention:

Following the recent changes to the grand prix schedule, the RaceFans #F1 calendar has been updated with all the revised races and session times.

Get it here: https://t.co/cVyRrAvtuY

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) May 18, 2021

This update from RaceFans is crucial for fans trying to keep track of the ever-evolving Formula 1 calendar. With global events and restrictions continually impacting the schedule, a reliable and updated resource for race and session times is invaluable for planning and staying informed.

Nice-Matin newspaper warning about first Monaco race in 1929: ‘Any respectable traffic system would have covered the track with DANGER signposts, left, right and centre.’

— Gerald Donaldson – F1 Writer (@f1speedreader) May 18, 2021

Gerald Donaldson’s historical tweet offers a humorous yet insightful glimpse into the early perceptions of the Monaco Grand Prix. The enduring challenge and inherent danger of the street circuit, highlighted even by a 1929 newspaper, truly underscore why Monaco remains one of F1’s most revered and feared venues. It’s a testament to the circuit’s timeless allure and its reputation as a test of ultimate driving skill.

• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Further Reading: Motorsport Links of Interest

Explore these interesting articles and reports from around the motorsport world:

Calls for Dedicated Quarantine Facilities; Airline Boss’s Border Comments Condemned (The Guardian)

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison weighed in on the contentious issue of imposing quarantines on international competitors to facilitate major sporting events like the Australian Grand Prix. He stated, “I think it’s a bit premature to be making those decisions at this point. What I would note, though, is it’s very different coming to Australia, because in most of the countries, they’re moving around in, Covid is riddled through those countries. Australia is not riddled with Covid.” This highlights the significant logistical and political hurdles faced by organizers of international sporting events in a post-pandemic world, especially in countries with strict border controls.

Bernie Ecclestone’s Lawyer Ordered to Pay Tax on £37m ‘Gifts’ (Accountancy Daily)

This report details a legal development concerning Bernie Ecclestone’s family solicitor, Stephen Mullens. Mullens has been instructed to pay tax on a staggering £37 million worth of ‘gifts’ he received from Slavica Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 boss’s ex-wife. The payments, described as seven ‘one-off’ transactions, occurred between 1999 and 2013. This story offers a glimpse into the high-stakes financial dealings often associated with figures at the pinnacle of global sports, and the intricate tax implications that can arise.

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it in via the contact form.

Comment of the Day: Ferrari’s Podium Hopes in Monaco

Today’s featured comment sparks an intriguing discussion: Are Ferrari contenders for a podium finish in the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix?

This is probably Ferrari’s best chance to get on the podium on merit this season. Their car is very good in low speed corners and there are almost no other corner types in Monaco (except three medium speed corners: Massenet, Casino and Tabac). Plus they aren’t disadvantaged by their weaker power unit, as power and straight line speed/drag are irrelevant at Monaco.

They and Alpine are going to be the dark horses this weekend.
Srdjan Mandic (@Srga91)

Srdjan Mandic’s analysis highlights a crucial aspect of the Monaco circuit: its unique demands on car performance. Ferrari’s 2021 challenger has consistently shown strength in low-speed corners, a characteristic that perfectly aligns with the tight, twisty nature of the Monaco track. The circuit largely negates the advantage of a powerful engine and superior straight-line speed, factors where Ferrari has sometimes struggled compared to rivals. This theoretical advantage, coupled with the precision and balance needed for Monaco’s relentless turns, could indeed position Ferrari, and potentially Alpine, as strong dark horses for a coveted podium finish this weekend, making it a must-watch race for Scuderia fans.

Happy Birthday!

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to David Craft and Laurie Gregg! We hope you both have a fantastic day celebrating.

If you’d like a birthday shout-out in a future roundup, please let us know when yours is via the contact form or by adding it to our list here.

On This Day in Motorsport History

• **20 years ago today:** On this historic day, Kenny Brack secured victory in the fifth race of the CART IndyCar series for Team Rahal at Motegi, Japan. This triumph propelled him into the lead of the championship standings, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career and the 2001 IndyCar season. Brack, a seasoned competitor, showcased his mastery on the oval, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in American open-wheel racing.