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Red Bull Confirms Lawson/Tsunoda Swap
Andrew Evans
March 27, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
F1 25 game announced for May launch
White House imposes 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars
Top Gear host argues cars are pointless in cities
Half the F1 grid affected by rear-wing rule change
Maserati reveals new personalization scheme
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Maserati has introduced a new personalization initiative named Officine Fuoriserie Maserati, allowing customers to customize its entire vehicle lineup through two distinct categories: customizable collections and bespoke one-off designs. The program debuted with a unique MC20 Cielo, showcasing a blend of matte and glossy finishes inspired by Bauhaus art, emphasizing the brand's commitment to individual expression in luxury automotive design.
Mitsuoka, known for its unconventional automotive designs, is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the return of the M55, a unique model inspired by the Honda Civic and the classic Nissan Skyline. The new M55 1st Edition offers more customization than its predecessor, featuring various finishes and drivetrain options, with production limited to 250 units set to be delivered in 2026.
The United States is set to impose a 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles starting April 2, a decision that President Trump claims will significantly boost the domestic auto sector. Analysts have warned that this tariff could lead to increased prices for new cars, while the President asserts that consumers will benefit from lower auto loan interest rates for vehicles produced within the country.
Nissan’s new CEO has confirmed that the GT-R will return, although details regarding its design or timeline remain undisclosed. Ivan Espinosa emphasized the company's commitment to sports cars, hinting at the possibility of an electric or hybrid successor to the iconic model.
Alfa Romeo's current offerings in the US consist of the Giulia sedan and two SUVs, the Stelvio and Tonale, lacking the compact and sporty models traditionally associated with the brand. Despite plans for hybrid and electric variants, recent reports suggest that this new direction may not include the introduction of a sports car in the near future due to declining sales of its core models.
Rivian has introduced a new venture named Also, which will concentrate on developing small, lightweight electric vehicles, while retaining a minority interest in the company to explore future partnerships. The startup has secured $105 million in funding to enhance its micromobility initiatives, with plans to unveil its first product in early 2026.
Infiniti is set to unveil an updated version of the QX60 in 2025, accompanied by a Sport package for the QX80, while the QX65 crossover coupe is expected to launch in 2026 as a sportier alternative. Additionally, the automaker plans to introduce a fully electric SUV in 2028, although the timeline for its electric sedan appears to have been postponed.
Stellantis is extending voluntary buyout options to hourly UAW workers at over 20 facilities, with compensation reaching as high as $72,000, in response to economic challenges and market fluctuations. This initiative, which follows previous job reductions, aims to enhance operational efficiency while allowing employees with at least one year of service to consider retirement or termination packages amid ongoing industry uncertainties.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull has announced the immediate replacement of Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda, who will join Max Verstappen for the upcoming race in Japan. This change follows Lawson's underwhelming performance in his two races with the team, failing to score or advance from the first stage of qualifying in either event, leading to his reassignment to Racing Bulls alongside rookie Isack Hadjar.
The FIA has mandated modifications to the rear wings of nearly half the Formula 1 teams prior to the Chinese Grand Prix, following enhanced testing protocols aimed at limiting wing flex during high-speed conditions. As a result of these stricter regulations, several teams, including Alpine and Haas, were required to make adjustments to ensure compliance after initial assessments revealed discrepancies during the season opener in Australia.
Pascal Wehrlein, the current Formula E champion, has shared valuable insights with Liam Lawson, who is facing challenges in his first full season. Drawing from his own experiences in Formula 1, Wehrlein emphasized the pressure of media scrutiny on young drivers and the importance of seizing opportunities in a highly competitive environment.
Ralf Schumacher has criticized Red Bull for its swift decision to replace Liam Lawson after only two races, questioning the rationale behind the move despite the team's initial confidence in the young driver. He expressed concern over the implications for both Red Bull and its sister team, Racing Bulls, suggesting that the changes disrupt the stability achieved with their current driver lineup.
Liam Lawson is facing criticism from Guenther Steiner regarding his performance at Red Bull, as the former Haas team principal suggests that the driver’s struggles with speed may stem from personal pressures rather than the car itself. Steiner supported Lawson to continue to drive for Red Bull in the third race in Japan, on a circuit of which he already has experience, but noted the New Zealander’s significant pace deficit to team-mate Max Verstappen.
Pierre Gasly is already setting his sights on the 2026 Formula 1 season, emphasizing the significance of upcoming power unit regulations for his team, Alpine. With the current season being Alpine's final one as a factory team, former Red Bull driver Gasly believes it would be wise to prioritize the development of next year's car over immediate results.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has expressed his surprise at the demanding nature of Formula 1 following his debut at the Australian Grand Prix, where he quickly made a name for himself with a strong performance. As he adapts to the rigorous pace of the sport, he notes that the intensity extends beyond driving, encompassing the need for thorough post-session evaluations to aid team development.
The FIA has rolled out new safety-focused technical guidelines aimed at assisting member clubs in developing nations to create affordable entry-level touring car racing. These guidelines allow for a variety of vehicles and performance specifications, enabling clubs to tailor their competitions to local contexts while ensuring essential safety standards are met.
Nissan has officially withdrawn its Z NISMO GT4 from North American racing, ending its participation in the SRO America series after two seasons. The company will now focus on developing the vehicle for Japan's Super Taikyu series, while expressing gratitude to Flying Lizard for their contributions to its motorsport endeavors.
FUN STUFF
James May, known for his roles in "Top Gear" and "Grand Tour", has shifted his perspective on automobiles, now advocating against urban driving. In a recent discussion with the London Cycling Campaign, he expressed that navigating city streets diminishes the enjoyment of cars, suggesting they are better suited for longer excursions rather than short trips.
The latest update for Gran Turismo 7, version 1.57, has been released for both PlayStation 4 and 5, introducing new features and content as the game passes its third anniversary. This update includes the advanced AI, Sophy 2.1, now available in Custom Races, alongside three new vehicles and additional race events, while also making various adjustments and enhancements to the game.
The upcoming release of EA's F1 25, set for May 30, 2025, will exclusively launch on PC and current-generation consoles, marking the absence of support for older systems. The game will reintroduce the "Braking Point" story mode, now featuring adjustable difficulty levels and additional content inspired by the forthcoming F1 film, while also hinting at an expanded track lineup that may include reverse racing on select circuits.
Willow Springs International Raceway is set to undergo renovations this summer, resulting in the temporary closure of the facility during its typically quieter months of July and August. This transition to new ownership has led to eviction notices for some tenants and a potential increase in pricing, raising concerns among local businesses and car enthusiasts about the future accessibility of the track.
NISMO, Nissan's performance division, has collaborated with Chef Hiroyuki Terada to introduce a limited-edition sushi knife, the Z NISMO Precision Sushi Knife, which reflects the precision and performance associated with the new NISMO Z model. Produced in a limited run of 240 units, the $300 knife has already sold out.
Highway on-ramps equipped with traffic lights that allow only one vehicle at a time aim to enhance the overall flow of traffic, although they can be a source of frustration for drivers waiting to merge. Historical observations, particularly in Minnesota during the late 1990s, revealed that deactivating these meters led to significant delays, prompting discussions about their effectiveness in managing congestion.
Florida is considering legislation that would require vehicles to display both front and rear license plates, aiming to reduce the number of hit-and-run incidents by improving vehicle identification. Additionally, the proposed bill mandates that drivers submit crash reports to auto body shops for significant repairs, with penalties for non-compliance, and it is named in memory of a young victim of a hit-and-run accident.
A Swedish car enthusiast has created a life-sized replica of a Volvo V70 wagon using Lego bricks, showcasing an impressive array of functional features despite the absence of commercial building instructions. Documented on the Instagram account Brick Scale, this unique project combines a custom steel frame with real wheels and a remote-controlled motor, all while maintaining remarkable accuracy in its design.
In Brazil during the 1970s and 1980s, a unique automotive landscape emerged, characterized by local adaptations of popular models due to import restrictions, leading to the creation of unusual vehicles like the Avallone limousines based on the Volkswagen Passat. Founded by former race car driver Antonio Carlos Avallone, the company transitioned from building replicas and convertibles to producing a variety of stretch limousines, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Brazilian automotive industry in that era.
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