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Michael Schumacher's F2001 Heads to Auction
Andrew Evans
April 02, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Perez set for F1 return?
Drivers confused by safety systems
Honda to auction Senna F1 car parts
Aston Martin gains royal approval
Tsunoda’s Red Bull not so tricky in the simulator
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
A growing disconnect is emerging between drivers and the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in their vehicles, primarily due to a lack of clarity regarding the technology's functions and limitations. Research indicates that many drivers feel inadequately informed during the car-buying process, leading to skepticism about the reliability of these systems and concerns about safety, prompting calls for more stringent regulations and comprehensive testing by manufacturers.
Aston Martin has received a Royal Warrant from King Charles III, which will now feature on all its branding, marking a significant recognition of the brand's long-standing relationship with the royal family. This announcement aligns with the unveiling of the King's new Royal Crest and highlights over four decades of association between the manufacturer and the monarchy, including previous acknowledgments of Aston Martin's contributions to British automotive excellence.
The European Commission has imposed significant fines on multiple automakers for their involvement in a long-term recycling cartel that stifled competition and violated regulatory directives. Notably, Mercedes disclosed the group's activities to authorities, allowing them to evade a substantial penalty while other manufacturers faced hefty fines for their collusion.
Economists from France and Germany have urged their governments to pursue a unified strategy for reducing carbon emissions in the trucking sector, emphasizing the importance of fully electric vehicles over hydrogen alternatives. They argue that battery-electric trucks represent the most advanced and viable solution for road freight, advocating for increased public investment in charging infrastructure to support their widespread adoption.
In the first quarter of 2025, sales of the Mustang Mach-E surged by 21 percent, surpassing the traditional gas-powered Mustang, whose sales plummeted nearly 32 percent during the same timeframe. While the Bronco and F-series trucks saw significant sales increases, overall Ford vehicle sales experienced a slight decline, indicating shifting consumer preferences in the automotive market.
Despite Norway's strong market for electric vehicles, where over 90% of new car sales are electric, Tesla has experienced a notable decline in its sales, dropping more than 12% this year. This downturn is echoed in other European markets, raising concerns among analysts about the company's performance and the impact of Elon Musk's political affiliations on consumer perception.
Subaru achieved a record-breaking sales milestone in March, moving 71,478 vehicles, surpassing its previous high from August 2019. The Forester led sales, while the Solterra saw a significant increase in demand following a price reduction, even though total electric vehicle sales remained modest.
A new lightweight EV sports car is set to launch this April in China, with the 429hp, 3,009lb JMEV01 to start at the equivalent of $41,300. Originally conceived of as the SSC SC-01 back in 2022 and resembling a cross between the Lancia Stratos and Tesla Roadster, the vehicle is now part of the JMEV brand under the JMC marque backed by consumer electronics and smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi.
MOTORSPORT
Yuki Tsunoda, preparing for his debut with Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix, expressed surprise at the manageable handling of the RB21 during his simulator sessions, despite concerns stemming from Liam Lawson's earlier difficulties. After canceling promotional events to focus on simulator time, Tsunoda feels optimistic about his performance, emphasizing the importance of comfort with the car's dynamics to achieve positive results on track.
Sergio Perez has indicated that he has engaged in discussions with several teams regarding a potential comeback for the next racing season. After a challenging year in 2024, marked by no race victories and only four podiums - his least successful performance since joining the team in 2021 - the 35-year-old parted ways with Red Bull, who has subsequently replaced him with Liam Lawson and then Yuki Tsunoda.
Thai racer Alex Albon recently engaged with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as part of ongoing efforts to secure a Formula 1 race in the country. Albon's discussions come after F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed interest in Thailand as a potential venue, highlighting the government's enthusiasm for developing the motorsport scene there.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has expressed appreciation for his collaboration with race engineer Peter Bonnington as he embarks on his Formula 1 journey. With Bonnington's extensive experience, including his work with renowned drivers, Antonelli feels well-supported in navigating the challenges of his rookie season.
Christian Horner, the principal of Red Bull Racing, expressed his regret over the decision to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix, describing the conversation as distressing. Despite Lawson's disappointing performance in the initial races, Horner emphasized that this change does not diminish Lawson's future potential in Formula 1, suggesting it may ultimately benefit his development.
Zhou Guanyu has clarified that his relationship with Cadillac's team principal does not enhance his prospects of securing a position with the new F1 team. Although he is exploring opportunities to return to the grid after being let go by Stake, Zhou emphasized that the final decision rests with others in the organization.
Mercedes has expressed concerns about the feasibility of transitioning to V10 engines in Formula 1 before the new turbo hybrid regulations are implemented in 2026. The team's motorsport director, Toto Wolff, emphasizes the need for a thorough discussion on the sport's objectives and the implications of such a change, particularly regarding audience demographics and noise pollution.
Ralf Schumacher has expressed his belief that Max Verstappen may soon leave Red Bull due to significant internal issues within the team. Despite having a contract until 2028, ongoing challenges and recent departures of key personnel suggest that Verstappen's future may lie elsewhere, potentially with Aston Martin.
Several drivers in the SUPER GT series have expressed doubts about the championship's upcoming sprint race format at Fuji Speedway, scheduled for August, which will feature a mix of GT500 and GT300 cars without the traditional pit stops or driver changes. While some participants appreciate the initiative to innovate, they worry that the absence of traffic and extended race strategies could lead to less engaging competition.
FUN STUFF
Michael Schumacher's influence in motorsport remains significant, even years after his departure from the public eye, with various memorabilia associated with him fetching high prices among collectors. One standout item, the 2001 Ferrari F2001 chassis 211, which played a pivotal role in Schumacher's success that season, is set to be auctioned again after being restored, with part of the proceeds benefiting his charitable foundation.
Honda Racing Corporation is preparing to auction components from a V10 engine that powered Ayrton Senna to his second World Drivers' Championship in 1990, marking the launch of its new memorabilia division. The auction, scheduled for Monterey Car Week in August, will feature significant parts from the engine, which has been meticulously disassembled, alongside other items from Honda's racing heritage.
The market for Nissan Skylines has seen significant price increases recently, driven by nostalgia among fans and the eligibility of many models for import into the US. A rare R34 Nismo R1, believed to be one of fewer than 30 in existence, is set to be auctioned soon, and while it may not break the existing record for a Skyline, its unique modifications and rarity could attract substantial bids.
A Rimac Nevera has come up for auction, offering a rare opportunity to pick up a low-mileage example of the world’s fastest production electric vehicle. Originally priced at $2.3m when new, the Nevera sports four individual electric motors that produce a combined 1,813hp, delivering 0-60mph times below two seconds and an 8.6s quarter-mile sprint, with this pearlescent blue example showing just 1,371 miles on the clocks and bidding already over $1m.
A recent incident involving a 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, previously won in a giveaway by a Nevada resident, ended with the vehicle crashing down a mountainside after the driver lost control while speeding. Local authorities reported that the driver, who was arrested for suspected DUI, faced significant charges as the car sustained severe damage, likely rendering it a total loss.
Automobile shredders, more correctly called “Hammermills”, are giant machines intended to ingest cars whole and shred them into small pieces. Coming in at up to 10 feet in diameter and using diesel engines or electric motors to deliver up to 6,000 horsepower to rotors equipped with heavy duty hammers, watching the machines pulverize whole vehicles is endlessly fascinating.
In Illinois, the state government has begun revoking the registrations of Kei vehicles, which were previously allowed on the roads, raising concerns among local enthusiasts about the future of their imported cars. Activists, inspired by successful efforts in Texas, are mobilizing to challenge these restrictions and advocate for the legal status of Kei vehicles in the state.
In Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania, officials are experimenting with unconventional methods to reduce speeding on Grays Lane, a residential road frequently used as a shortcut between two busy routes. Instead of traditional measures like speed bumps, they are implementing wobbly road markings and cones, which have led to mixed reactions from drivers as they adjust to the new traffic pattern.
The initial version of The Fast And The Furious aimed to authentically portray tuner culture, but it often missed the mark, particularly in a memorable scene involving Brian's eventual hero car. Originally, the script featured a Nissan 240SX with a Skyline engine instead of the iconic Supra - explaining the group’s surprise when the hood is lifted - which was owned by the movie’s car consultant Craig Lieberman.
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!