Welcome to Thursday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.
Comment of the day
Is it time to revise Ayrton Senna’s most misunderstood quote?
“Why would you go for a gap that exists when you can recharge your energy and make the pass on the straight?” – Ayrton Senna, probably
Patrick (@Paeschli)
Social media and links
Escort, champagne e segreti: alle serate milanesi anche calciatori di Milan, Inter e Juve (Il Giornale – Italian)
An investigation reportedly links a network of organised evenings in Milan to numerous high-profile clients, including businesspeople, celebrities and a substantial number of professional athletes. Sources suggest around 70 sportspeople may have been involved, not confined to Lombardy residents, with some travelling specifically to attend these events. Wiretaps reportedly reference at least one Formula 1 driver among the visitors.
McLaren driver development programme signs British karting talent Harry Williams (McLaren)
McLaren has added British karting prospect Harry Williams to its driver development programme. The scheme aims to support drivers progressing toward Formula 1, IndyCar and the team’s future World Endurance Championship entry. The programme, overseen by chief business affairs officer Alessandro Alunni Bravi, already includes a range of junior and senior talents.
Zhenrui Chi joins the Aston Martin Driver Academy (Aston Martin)
Seventeen-year-old Zhenrui Chi, regarded as one of China’s most promising young drivers, has joined the Aston Martin Driver Academy. The addition reflects the Academy’s ongoing efforts to expand its global talent pathway and support emerging drivers as they develop their careers in motorsport.
IndyCar Officiating Statement following the Streets of Long Beach race (IndyCar)
IndyCar Officiating announced that a Push-to-Pass software failure was discovered after a lap 61 restart at the Long Beach race, prompting a post-race review. The review found that 12 cars used the system before the alternate start-finish line. Officials stated they do not consider this a team or driver infraction.
All-new FIA Formula Regional European Championship is go (FIA)
The inaugural FIA Formula Regional European Championship for 2026 will permit drivers to use a new Race Mode push-to-pass system. Race Mode allows drivers to temporarily access full engine performance via a cockpit-mounted button. The FIA introduced this feature after extensive research and development to enhance racing and overtaking opportunities.
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Wonderduck, Hydro, Rylan Ziegler, Kadir Issa and BenH!
On this day in motorsport
- 65 today: Pierluigi Martini
- 20 years ago today Michael Schumacher resisted pressure from Fernando Alonso to win the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola
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