- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Brad Pitt's F1 Car Now Available as Hot Wheels Model
Brad Pitt's F1 Car Now Available as Hot Wheels Model
Andrew Evans
June 20, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Maserati for sale?
Dumas qualifies Super Mach-E in first for Pikes Peak
Ford to fund 7ft Tina Turner statue
Ransomware attacks threaten automotive industry
Williams boss Vowles signs contract extension
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Stellantis is reportedly considering selling Maserati as part of a broader strategy to revamp its operations, following significant financial losses and declining sales figures for the luxury brand. Despite recent product launches, including the electric GranCabrio, Maserati has struggled to maintain market presence, prompting the company to reassess its future direction under new leadership.
The automotive sector faces a growing threat from ransomware, which now represents a significant portion of cyber incidents, with large-scale attacks impacting millions of vehicles on the rise. As cars become increasingly interconnected, the potential for cyber vulnerabilities increases, prompting the need for drivers to adopt security measures to safeguard their vehicles and personal data.
Toyota is considering introducing the GR Corolla to European markets, in line with plans for production at its Derbyshire facility set to begin in 2026. This model, which has already gained traction in regions like Japan and North America, aims to meet the growing demand for performance vehicles in Europe as other hot hatches are phased out.
Tesla is set to introduce its 'Robotaxi' service in Austin, Texas, this weekend, but the initiative will feature a safety monitor in the front seat, highlighting its limitations. Unlike fully autonomous ride-hailing services, this operation relies on a controlled fleet and is restricted by various operational rules, revealing Tesla's ongoing challenges in achieving true self-driving capabilities.
The Lexus IS 500, the last compact sedan equipped with a V8 engine, is nearing its end, with the announcement of the limited IS 500 Climax Edition for Japan following the release of the Ultimate Edition for North America. This special version features distinctive design elements and retains the powerful 472hp engine, marking its status as a potential future collectible.
Skoda's Vocational School has shown off its creativity by transforming a Superb Estate into a unique pick-up truck with a retractable load bed, designed to honor the company's 130th anniversary and its bicycle heritage. This one-off project features innovative elements such as sliding rear doors for easy access near bike paths and a passenger-side display for real-time bike-race telemetry.
During a recent online press event, Josh Holder indicated that there are no immediate plans for an electric Corvette, though he acknowledged the possibility of such a model in the future. He emphasized that the current Corvette lineup, including the E-Ray and ZR1X, was designed with electrification in mind, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance performance within the brand.
HWA has announced its intention to enter two of its Mercedes 190-based Evos in the SP-X class for the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours, with development vehicles set to perform demonstration laps at this weekend's event. While the team acknowledges it may not compete for overall victory against faster GT3 cars, it aims to excel within this experimental class, drawing on its rich motorsport heritage.
MOTORSPORT
James Vowles has extended his role as team principal at Williams, reflecting the organization’s trust in his leadership since his arrival from Mercedes in 2023. Under his guidance the team has made significant progress this season, currently sitting fifth in the championship and achieving a points total that surpasses the combined results of the previous three years.
The qualifying rounds for the 103rd Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb concluded on Thursday, with all divisions having completed their runs and established times ahead of the race day on Sunday. Pre-event favorite Romain Dumas set the fastest time across all qualifiers in the Super Mach-E, despite a rocky start, as the record-holder aims for another victory.
The FIA aims to expand its global motorsport audience by embracing Esports, which presents an accessible platform for engaging younger fans. Recent updates to regulations will enhance oversight of Esports competitions and introduce an International Esports Licence, enabling National Sporting Authorities to establish their own competition rules and promote participation in this growing field.
Alex Albon suggests that the significant disparity between the Red Bull and Racing Bulls vehicles may contribute to the challenges faced by teammates in keeping pace with Max Verstappen. He emphasizes that adapting to the distinct characteristics of these cars requires a deep understanding of their dynamics, which can be particularly daunting for less experienced drivers.
Fernando Alonso has regained his confidence in the AMR25 following significant upgrades to the car, which have improved its handling and allowed him to achieve better results in recent races. In contrast, his teammate Lance Stroll is struggling with performance issues, expressing frustration over the car's characteristics and the impact of qualifying strategies on his results.
Young female racers have expressed frustration over a lack of respect from their male counterparts as they strive for a place in Formula 1. At Blyton Park in Lincolnshire, participants of the More Than Equal training camp had the opportunity to refine their skills while driving Ginetta G40 cars, with organizers emphasizing their commitment to identifying and supporting talented women in motorsport.
The FIA has eliminated the position of head of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, leading to the departure of Sara Mariani, who expressed her discontent with the organization's leadership in her farewell message. Following an internal restructuring, the responsibilities previously held by Mariani will be divided between two different divisions, as stated by the FIA.
FUN STUFF
Hot Wheels is introducing a miniature version of the car featured in F1: The Movie, with the 1:64 scale model adorned with the fictional Apex Grand Prix team's distinctive gold-and-black design. The model, priced at $25, wears the number 7 of Brad Pitt’s character Sonny Hayes, and comes with three sets of Pirelli tires, a tire carrier, and a protective display case.
Ford is committing $150,000 to help create a bronze statue in Heritage Park, honoring the late Tina Turner as part of its community development efforts in West Tennessee. This initiative, aligned with the company's Good Neighbor Plan, aims to celebrate Turner's legacy while also emphasizing the importance of local culture and history.
A sequel to the 1990 film Days of Thunder is currently in development, with Tom Cruise set to reprise his role as Cole Trickle alongside producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Although details remain scarce, the project aims to incorporate modern advancements while potentially following a narrative that mirrors the original film’s themes.
The Suzuki Jimny has been introduced as a community-focused vehicle for the Lake Macquarie Police District, aimed at enhancing interactions between law enforcement and local residents. While it serves as a charming presence at events, its role is primarily to foster trust and engagement rather than to function as a high-performance police vehicle.
A video has emerged of the Rimac Nevera, formerly the record-holding EV at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, running at an open tourist day at the famous circuit, cruising past all-comers even on street tires. The hypercar from Croatia boasts an impressive 1,914hp and, despite the driver not using full throttle to avoid damaging the tires, cruised past other attendees’ vehicles while achieving 200mph on the final straight.
A stolen Land Cruiser crashed into a police vehicle before careening through a Melbourne shopping center, narrowly avoiding pedestrians as the driver attempted to evade capture. The driver abandoned the SUV nearby and was apprehended the following day, with authorities linking the vehicle to a prior theft.
New York City has implemented a law prohibiting non-city buses and trucks from idling, while allowing residents to report violations and earn a portion of the resulting fines. Some individuals have profited significantly from this initiative, though others have encountered hostility from drivers who violate the idling regulations.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!