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Russell Calls for Disqualification After Verstappen's "Mario Kart" Move
Andrew Evans
June 02, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
McLaren 750S Le Mans marks 30 years since famous win
Aston Martin Valkyrie arrives in LEGO form
Piastri wins in Spain despite late safety car and drama
Ford’s Super Mustang Mach-E set for Pikes Peak attempt
Xiaomi could be heading to Gran Turismo game series
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the McLaren F1's triumph at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the brand has unveiled a limited edition 750S featuring significant aerodynamic enhancements and design elements reminiscent of the iconic race car. With only 50 units available, this model incorporates exclusive features such as a High Downforce Kit, unique color options, and a range of customizable upgrades, making it a highly sought-after addition to McLaren's lineup.
The Super Mustang Mach-E is set to tackle the challenging 12-mile course of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, featuring 156 turns and a peak elevation of 14,115 feet. Ford has again enlisted Pikes Peak record-holder Romain Dumas to drive, following his 2023 and 2024 drives in the SuperVan 4.2 and F150 Lightning respectively, and he’ll be aiming for his sixth victory as well as his own record with the Volkswagen ID.R.
The fifth-generation Toyota Supra, produced in collaboration with BMW, is set to conclude its run shortly, but the brand is already planning for a successor model. While there are no firm plans yet, and it remains to be seen if the car will be another collaboration with a different brand, Toyota is aiming to minimize the time between generations compared to the lengthy gap after the fourth generation.
Alfa Romeo faced disappointing sales figures in 2024, with only 8,865 vehicles sold in the U.S. and a total of 62,000 units globally, falling short of its target. The aging Stelvio SUV, initially successful but now nearing a decade since its debut, has seen its next-generation model delayed by a year due to challenges in hybrid development, although the redesign of the Giulia remains on schedule for 2026.
Toyota is developing a compact off-road vehicle intended to complement its SUV range, positioned beneath the Land Cruiser. Recent patent images filed in the Philippines suggest that this model, potentially named the Land Cruiser FJ, closely resembles earlier concepts and draws design inspiration from classic FJ-series models and the more recent FJ Cruiser.
The latest iteration of the Toyota Aygo X introduces a GR Sport variant, featuring a sportier aesthetic with design elements inspired by the GR Yaris, including a distinctive front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels. Alongside its visual upgrades, the Aygo X now incorporates a hybrid powertrain, enhancing its performance, with further refinements aimed at improving driving dynamics and reducing cabin noise.
Mazda is set to introduce the CX-20 as a replacement for the aging CX-3, featuring a more modern design and enhanced interior space. Built on an electrified platform, this new SUV will likely offer mild-hybrid engine options and a more upscale cabin equipped with advanced technology.
Nissan has discontinued the five-speed manual version of its Versa, a model that has been available since 2006, due to challenges in profitability and the impact of tariffs. While this marks the end of the last new manual transmission vehicle under $20,000 in the U.S. market, the company will continue to produce other more successful trims of the Versa.
Ford is initiating a recall affecting over a million vehicles in the US due to a software glitch that may hinder the rearview camera's functionality when reversing. This recall encompasses a range of models from 2021 to 2024, and while a minor crash has been linked to the issue, there have been no reported injuries; affected owners will be notified shortly.
MOTORSPORT
A late-race incident which saw world champion Max Verstappen seemingly make deliberate contact with George Russell has resulted in calls for the Red Bull driver’s disqualification from the race. Runner-up Lando Norris described the move as reminiscent of playing Mario Kart, while former world champion and Russell himself both stated that if the collision was deliberate then a race disqualification would be appropriate rather than the ten-second penalty awarded.
Oscar Piastri secured victory for McLaren, finishing ahead of teammate Lando Norris at the Spanish Grand Prix, where a late safety car altered the race's dynamics, particularly impacting Max Verstappen from Red Bull. After being compelled to switch to hard tyres, Verstappen encountered multiple incidents, ultimately finishing in 10th place due to a penalty for colliding with George Russell.
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, explained the choices that the team made with regards to Max Verstappen’s late pit stop under the safety car which ultimately led to incidents in the closing laps. Feeling that there were too many laps remaining to make the soft tyre viable, Red Bull was forced into fitting new hards as the only remaining tyre, while the call to let George Russell through came as it was felt Russell was ahead when the two initially clashed.
Lando Norris highlighted that McLaren's recent success in the Spanish Grand Prix, marked by a one-two finish, demonstrates the team's resilience despite new front wing regulations that did not impact their performance. While he acknowledges the increasing competition and potential vulnerabilities in qualifying, Norris remains confident in McLaren's capabilities and continued effort to maintain its edge.
Oscar Piastri has matched Ayrton Senna's McLaren record of eight consecutive podium finishes in Formula 1 after winning the Spanish Grand Prix, where he led from pole and skillfully managed pit stops and a late safety car restart, though has one more to go before matching Lewis Hamilton’s nine-race run. Piastri has now won five races from the first nine this year, leading teammate Lando Norris by ten points.
Fred Vasseur downplayed Lewis Hamilton's negative assessment of his performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, emphasizing that the race was not as disastrous as Hamilton suggested. Despite finishing seventh after a late challenge, Vasseur highlighted that Hamilton spent a significant portion of the race ahead of the Mercedes of his former teammate, George Russell, and noted that the team faced issues in the final stint.
Liam Lawson expressed disappointment after a late Safety Car deployment cost him a chance at earning points during the Spanish Grand Prix, as he had just completed a pit stop and moved into 10th place. Despite a strong performance throughout the race, he felt the timing of the Safety Car unfairly benefited his competitors, particularly Fernando Alonso who capitalized on fresh tires to overtake him for the final points position.
Lance Stroll was unable to participate in the Spanish Grand Prix due to an injury, following an incident in the Aston Martin garage where he reportedly expressed frustration after a disappointing qualifying performance. While a team representative acknowledged Stroll's upset demeanor, they clarified that his injury was not connected to the garage incident, and another source refuted claims of any damaged equipment or inappropriate language directed at team members.
The Toyota GR Corolla H2 Concept achieved its best performance at the Fuji 24 Hours, completing 468 laps despite challenges such as fog delays and red flags, which fell just short of its previous distance record set in 2022 but at a much higher proportion of the winning car’s effort. Enhancements to the vehicle's efficiency and refueling capabilities contributed to a significant increase in its performance percentage relative to the winning car, marking a notable advancement in its hydrogen technology.
FUN STUFF
Lego enthusiasts can now construct a detailed model of Aston Martin's Valkyrie hypercar, featuring 700 pieces that replicate its dynamic elements such as moving pistons and functional doors. This collaboration not only allows for an engaging building experience but also integrates the model into the Gameloft Asphalt Legends Unite game.
Recent social media activity from the creator of Gran Turismo has sparked speculation about the inclusion of Xiaomi in the game, particularly with its high-performance SU7 Ultra model. Following a hint about driving a powerful 1,500 hp vehicle and a photo with Xiaomi's CEO, the potential collaboration between the gaming franchise and the automotive newcomer seems increasingly plausible.
Last week, German motorists experienced significant confusion when Google Maps erroneously indicated that all autobahns were closed, prompting many to consider extreme scenarios such as an attack or a hacking incident. This glitch coincided with the start of a major holiday, leading to heavy congestion on smaller roads as drivers were rerouted, while alternative navigation apps like Apple Maps and Waze reported no such issues.
The Mercedes-AMG One, a hybrid hypercar with a complex engineering design, has reportedly suffered another fire incident, following a previous occurrence in May 2023. While the exact cause remains uncertain, the vehicle, identified by its Oldenburg license plate, seems to have been a customer-owned unit rather than a prototype, and fortunately, the driver managed to exit the car before the flames consumed it.
Alfa Romeo's TZ3 Stradale, a limited-edition sports car created to commemorate the brand's centenary, features a lightweight design and powerful V10 engine derived from the Dodge Viper. One example of the nine ever made is currently available for purchase in Arizona, and this particular model has low mileage and is offered at a reduced price, making it an appealing opportunity for collectors.
Residents of a San Antonio neighborhood, frustrated by the lack of action from local authorities regarding reckless driving and nighttime sideshows, took matters into their own hands by installing speed bumps without official permission. However, city officials responded by removing these speed bumps, arguing that such unapproved measures could pose safety hazards, despite evidence suggesting that speed bumps effectively reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety.
A rare Audi Sport R8 V10 Plus Performance Parts Edition, produced in a run of just 44 cars as a tribute to the brand's motorsport legacy, is available for sale in the UK. The vehicle is one of five made for this right-hand drive market, and features aerodynamic enhancements and changes to the suspension, brakes, and exhaust system.
The Bugatti Chiron formerly owned by boxing champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez sold at auction for slightly less than its original list price despite only accumulating 2,200 miles in seven years. Sporting a classic paint scheme that could be a reference to the car’s original “Vision GT” concept, the Chiron came with over $194,000 in optional upgrades that included staggered-width wheels, and remains in pristine condition.
The Cadillac Celestiq exemplifies the extent of personalization available to affluent customers, allowing for unique interior designs that often defy conventional tastes. One particular model, featuring a striking mix of bright blue, red, and white interior elements, has sparked a variety of reactions online, with many likening its appearance to various comic book themes rather than traditional luxury.
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