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Classic F1 Car Parts Stolen at British Grand Prix
Andrew Evans
July 07, 2025
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Now, onto today’s issue! Here's what's on the SpeedBites menu today:
Lando Norris wins first British GP in chaotic race
Porsche creates 70th anniversary 911 for Porsche Club of America members
F1 winners given trophies made out of Lego
Special edition Lexus LBX Morizo RR limited to 100 cars in Japan
Oscar Piastri’s controversial Silverstone penalty
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
A planned large electric SUV has reportedly been cancelled for the US market, as a casualty of Honda’s decision to reduce its electric vehicle ambitions there due to shifting market demands and regulatory challenges. Despite this setback, the automaker remains committed to developing a range of electric models, including a mid-size SUV and a flagship sedan, while also significantly expanding its hybrid offerings in the coming years.
Porsche is introducing a limited edition 911 Club Coupe to commemorate its 70th anniversary with only 70 units available, all of which are offered to Porsche Club of America members first. This special model, based on the 911 Carrera T, features a unique Sholar Blue paint, named for the club’s founder, and distinctive design elements that pay tribute to the club's heritage.
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR Original Edition, limited to just 100 units for Japan, features a distinctive Sonic Chrome exterior with yellow accents and will be available through a lottery system. Like its standard Morizo RR sibling, the compact SUV retains the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the GR Yaris, producing 300hp, but has no additional performance modifications.
Kia is gearing up to introduce a new lineup of electric vehicles by the end of the decade, which will include a budget-friendly model priced under €25,000 and new platforms to replace the existing EV6 and EV9. The company is also advancing its electric technology while maintaining a diverse range of vehicles, including hybrids and internal combustion models, as it aims to enhance accessibility and affordability in its offerings.
Ford recently halted production at one of its factories due to a shortage of essential rare earth magnets, a situation exacerbated by new export regulations from China. This disruption not only impacted the manufacturing of the Ford Explorer SUV but also underscored the challenges faced by US automakers reliant on these critical materials.
Bugatti implements rigorous quality assurance protocols for the W16 Mistral, ensuring that each of the limited 99 units meets the highest standards before reaching their owners. This extensive testing process, which includes a 400km evaluation through diverse terrains, relies heavily on the expertise of a select few specialists who meticulously assess every aspect of the vehicle's performance and craftsmanship.
BYD has announced that its Seagull model has surpassed one million units sold worldwide in just 27 months, marking a significant achievement since its launch in early 2023. While the Seagull primarily thrives in the Chinese market, it is also gaining traction in regions like Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Western Europe under various names, including the Dolphin Mini and Dolphin Surf.
The upcoming Porsche Cayenne will introduce a significant shift with the addition of an electric variant alongside traditional combustion models, reflecting the growing demand for electric SUVs in the market. A prototype has already demonstrated impressive capabilities, including a record-setting hillclimb time and a towing capacity of 3,500kg, highlighting its versatility and performance potential.
Slate Auto's plans for an electric pickup priced below $20,000 may be jeopardized by recent changes in federal tax incentives. The startup, which aimed to offer a basic truck allowing customers to customize features, now faces challenges as the elimination of these credits complicates its pricing strategy amidst growing competition in the EV market.
MOTORSPORT
Lando Norris achieved his inaugural home victory at the British Grand Prix amid challenging weather conditions and a series of safety car interruptions. His triumph was aided by a penalty imposed on teammate Oscar Piastri, allowing Norris to overtake him during the final stages of the race, while Nico Hulkenberg celebrated his first podium finish after a lengthy wait.
Oscar Piastri finished second at Silverstone after picking up a ten-second penalty for breaching safety car restart protocols, prompting McLaren to seek clarification from the FIA regarding the ruling. Despite the team's concerns about the circumstances surrounding the penalty, including the timing of the safety car lights and comparisons to similar incidents, officials determined that Piastri's actions warranted disciplinary action due to prior warnings about his braking behavior.
Nico Hulkenberg expressed that it will take him some time to fully comprehend his remarkable achievement of finishing third at the British Grand Prix, marking his first podium in Formula 1 after 239 races despite starting from almost the back of the grid. The 37-year old driver described the race as highly intense, particularly due to the challenging conditions, and he plans to take advantage of the upcoming break to celebrate this milestone.
Lewis Hamilton described the Ferrari he piloted during the challenging conditions of the British Grand Prix as exceptionally difficult to handle. Finishing fourth, he emphasized the need for discussions with the design team to address specific aspects of the car that are not suited for future races.
Yuki Tsunoda has incurred a penalty point on his racing license for the third consecutive event at the British Grand Prix, following a collision with Oliver Bearman. Although the stewards acknowledged the difficult weather conditions and reduced his penalty to a 10-second time addition, they determined that Tsunoda was at fault for the incident.
Max Verstappen described his experience at the British Grand Prix as more challenging than anticipated, primarily due to the rain impacting his low downforce wing setup. Despite securing pole position, he struggled with grip and pace throughout the race, ultimately finishing fifth after a series of difficulties, including a spin during a restart.
The FIA Senate has seen a change in its British representative, with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem appointing Azerbaijani Anar Alakbarov to replace Ben Cussons, who served for over three years. Cussons, who previously endorsed Sulayem's presidential bid, reported receiving a notification about his replacement without any explanation or specified timeline.
David Floury, the technical director for Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, indicated that the GR010 Hybrid may undergo changes for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship to align with the brand's updated road car designs. While the GR010 has remained visually consistent since the Hypercar class began in 2021, Floury acknowledged the need for a potential redesign, contingent on forthcoming regulations.
Ty Dillon's unexpected journey in NASCAR's in-season tournament continues as he progresses to Round 3 after defeating both Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski. In this upcoming round at Sonoma, Dillon will compete against Alex Bowman, while fellow teammates John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones face off in another intriguing matchup.
CURIOSITIES
During the 2025 British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, two incidents involving classic cars resulted in significant damage and theft, prompting police involvement. Authorities reported that three individuals were arrested for vandalism related to one incident, which saw them livestreaming an attempt to access a Racing Point car, while another attendee stole an irreplaceable, original steering wheel from a historic Leyton House car on display.
Lego celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship and an expanded partnership with the sport by presenting unique trophies crafted from thousands of its iconic bricks to the top drivers at Silverstone. This collaboration between Lego and F1, which began in 1998, has reached new heights this year with these Lego trophies following on from an earlier event that saw drivers race in full-size Lego F1 cars.
A serious collision occurred at the Nurburgring involving a Porsche 911 GT3 RS and a BMW M2, both of which were destroyed, though the drivers emerged unscathed. The incident, which took place during a public driving session, has sparked debate online regarding responsibility for the crash, with opinions divided on whether the BMW or Porsche driver was at fault.
Recent events in Malaysia highlight the dangers of distracted driving, as a 62-year-old bus driver crashed into an overhead barrier while focused on the Waze navigation app. Despite being an experienced driver familiar with the route, he failed to notice the obstacle, resulting in injuries to several passengers and underscoring the risks associated with mobile device use while driving.
A man in Salt Lake City allegedly impersonated a California attorney to acquire a $218,000 Porsche, using a counterfeit $100,000 cashier's check that ultimately failed to clear. He now faces multiple charges, including identity fraud and forgery, as police investigate his possible involvement in similar fraudulent activities in Nevada.
Humanity is preparing for a return to the Moon, necessitating advanced infrastructure, including human-operated rovers that surpass the capabilities of the original Lunar Roving Vehicle. Lunar Outpost, led by Justin Cyrus, is developing the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, or "Eagle", which aims to support long-term missions on the Moon and potentially Mars, leveraging modern technology and partnerships with major aerospace and automotive companies.
Authorities in Plano, Texas, apprehended a trio of suspects linked to the theft of luxury vehicles valued at approximately $1.5 million, including high-end brands like Rolls-Royce and Maserati. The investigation was prompted by a stolen Rolls-Royce incident at a restaurant, leading to a coordinated raid that successfully recovered multiple stolen cars and resulted in significant charges against the individuals involved.
In 2024, Ohio recorded 97 fatal accidents involving teenage drivers, with 67 of those incidents attributed to the teens themselves, highlighting a significant concern for road safety. To address this issue, the state has enacted a law mandating that all drivers under 21 complete a comprehensive driver education program, a shift from previous regulations that allowed those over 18 to bypass such training.
A recent analysis by eSpatial has identified Rhode Island as the least favorable state for driving, citing its poor road quality and high rates of traffic-related fatalities. The study evaluated various metrics, revealing that the state's narrow streets and aging infrastructure contribute significantly to a frustrating driving experience, further supported by federal data ranking it last in transportation quality.
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