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Footballers Race an F1 Car
Andrew Evans
June 04, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
BMW reveals track-focused M2 CS
Alpine racer picks up an F3 ban after 18 penalty points in one week
Ferrari chairman’s blue FF sells for €200,000
Land Rover presents two special Discovery models to mark 35 years of the badge
Cadillac F1 signs deal with Tommy Hilfiger
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The BMW M2 CS has been unveiled, featuring significant design enhancements and performance upgrades that distinguish it from the standard M2. While it is expected to deliver increased horsepower and improved handling, the absence of a manual transmission option may disappoint some enthusiasts.
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Tempest and Gemini editions commemorate 35 years of the iconic British SUV by offering distinct interpretations of its versatile character. While the Tempest emphasizes luxury and sporty features, the Gemini focuses on comfort and practicality, both models reflecting the Discovery's blend of style and off-road capability.
Edmunds reported an incident involving unintended acceleration in a Dodge Charger Daytona, which has raised concerns among drivers and prompted a response from parent marque Stellantis. It claims that this behavior is a deliberate safety feature designed to allow control through braking when there is a fault with the accelerator, although drivers are unfamiliar with this function and have expressed confusion regarding its operation.
Toyota has introduced an updated version of the Hilux Champ, priced around $14,000 in Thailand, with a 2.4-liter diesel engine and options for either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. However, this model will not be available in the US, and even so the tariffs on imports and chicken tax would significantly raise its cost beyond the price elsewhere.
The Genesis GV60 Magma has been seen in testing with its front end exposed, revealing a prominent grille and additional vents similar to the initial concept car, while towing a trailer. Set to share components with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, this performance SUV is anticipated to deliver nearly 700hp, potentially outperforming its siblings in acceleration.
The 2026 Polestar 4, now available in the US, marks a shift in production from China to South Korea due to rising trade tensions. This all-electric coupe maintains its competitive features, including a range exceeding 300 miles and a unique design lacking a rear window, while positioning itself as the most affordable option in Polestar's North American offerings.
The upcoming Nissan Leaf will transition from its traditional hatchback design to an electric crossover, featuring enhancements such as improved aerodynamics and an extended driving range. With a projected drag coefficient of 0.26 in the US and a charging port compatible with Tesla's network, the new model aims to offer better efficiency and accessibility.
A recent AAA survey reveals that interest in electric vehicles among Americans has declined, with only 16% indicating a likelihood of purchasing one, the lowest figure since 2019. Major concerns include high battery repair costs and steep purchase prices, contributing to a growing skepticism about the future of EV adoption in the country.
Ford is initiating yet another series of recalls affecting various models due to significant safety concerns and previous repair errors. Among the vehicles involved in five separate recalls are the Lincoln Corsair and Nautilus, along with the Ford Bronco Sport, Escape, and Maverick, all of which face risks such as potential fire hazards and engine failures.
MOTORSPORT
Nicola Lacorte, a junior driver for Alpine F1, will miss the upcoming Formula 3 event at the Red Bull Ring due to an accumulation of penalty points. After a challenging week that saw Lacorte collect 18 points in just two rounds in Monaco and Spain, for a variety of offenses from ignoring black flags to multiple counts of causing a collision, his DAMS team will need to find a replacement for the next round.
Cadillac has formed its first F1 team partnership, with Tommy Hilfiger, ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, representing a collaboration between two American brands as part of the team’s strong US identity. This multi-year agreement will feature co-branded apparel for team members and a fanwear collection.
Helmut Marko remarked that Red Bull and Max Verstappen faced a challenging reality after being outperformed by McLaren during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. Despite expectations that new regulations would level the playing field at a track not suited to the McLaren, the team was fastest in every session including a 1-2 in qualifying and the race.
Formula 1 has decided against mandating steel skid blocks for certain races this season after conducting tests in Barcelona, despite initial safety concerns related to fire hazards at previous events. Instead, teams will be encouraged to have these steel components available as a precautionary measure, while further evaluations will continue throughout the season.
Taxi drivers in Italy have rejected claims from Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff that reigning world champion Max Verstappen drives like the taxis in Rome and Naples, “without rules”. His comments were called “a banal cliche” by one taxi driver, while Nicola Di Giacobbe, of taxi union Filt-Cgil, quipped that taxi drivers are more like Mercedes since they too can only drive at 30mph.
Lando Norris admitted that he was surprised by the quick transition of the lights at the beginning of the Spanish Grand Prix. Starting from second position, he struggled to maintain his place as his teammate Oscar Piastri launched ahead, allowing Max Verstappen to overtake him shortly after the start.
Atlanta Motor Speedway, a staple of the NASCAR Cup series since 1960, will now be referred to as EchoPark Speedway following a seven-year sponsorship agreement. This partnership with EchoPark Automotive aims to enhance the experience for fans and marks a shift in branding for the venue, which will host two Cup races annually.
Michael Dunlop has achieved his 31st victory at the Isle of Man TT during the opening Supertwin race, further solidifying his status as the most accomplished rider in TT history. He was joined on the podium by Mike Evans and Rob Hodson, both of whom celebrated their first-ever TT podium appearances, as Dunlop marked his 48th.
FUN STUFF
Red Bull has a history of remarkable stunts, but its latest venture involved racing F1 cars against Leeds United footballers on the pitch. After becoming the team's shirt sponsor for the successful 2024-2025 Championship season, Red Bull sent F2 driver Arvid Lindblad to take the RB7 for a spin at the club’s Elland Road stadium, racing two lengths of the pitch against three Leeds players in a surprisingly close finish.
The Ferrari FF, a unique shooting brake produced from 2011 to 2016, features a powerful V12 engine and all-wheel drive, accommodating four passengers and their luggage. Recently auctioned for €200,000, this particular model was customized by John Elkann, Ferrari's chairman, showcasing a distinctive deep blue exterior and luxurious cloth seats, marking a notable milestone as the 1000th Ferrari sold on the online platform.
In Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt's efforts to redesign the state's license plate have faced backlash, particularly after it was revealed that he overlooked public feedback suggesting dissatisfaction with the new design. Despite the governor's defense of the process, records indicate that the original concept featuring the Guardian statue was more favored among residents than the final red plate that was ultimately chosen.
A recent lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against the Honolulu Police Department claims that officers have been wrongfully arresting sober individuals for DUI, allegedly to inflate arrest statistics and benefit from early shifts. The legal action highlights instances where drivers, who passed sobriety tests and registered no alcohol, faced significant repercussions, including damage to their reputations and records, despite their innocence.
A report from the Utah State Auditor’s Office has revealed that six cities in the state derived over 10 percent of their general fund revenue in 2024 from traffic fines, with Sunset leading at nearly $500,000, representing 14.7 percent of its total funds. This reliance on fines raises concerns about potential shifts in policing priorities and the integrity of law enforcement, despite a 2021 law intended to reduce such practices.
The 1949 Olson Kurbmaster, originally a delivery van, was transformed into a distinctive camper in the 1970s, showcasing the creativity of custom RV builders. While it reflects the vintage style of its era, this unique vehicle offers a glimpse into the history of RV conversions and is currently available for auction at a reasonable price.
A GMC Yukon listed for sale at a dealership in Wisconsin sports a remarkably low mileage, with the 2002 car only showing 7,944 miles over 23 years. Priced at $42,995, the Yukon retains its original features and appears to be in excellent condition, though the dealer has provided no ownership information to explain the mileage, or service history.
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