Claro cranks the signal: Alpine goes full Latin power with Franco Colapinto deal!

 

Imagery courtesy of BWT Alpine Formula One Team via www.media.alpinecars.com 

BWT Alpine Formula One (F1), Franco Colapinto and Claro, a leading telecommunications brand under America Movil. Announced yesterday (3^rd of July), a regional partnership deal that sees Claro become an official sponsor of the team.

The partnership targets the Central and South American region, where Claro operates in 16 countries plus a presence in seven European nations.

Julio Porras Zadik, CEO of Claro Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, said: “We have been present in this sport for several years and now we return together with BWT Alpine Formula One Team.”

Leveraging shared values of speed, connectivity and innovation, enhancing Claro’s brand visibility in motorsport. Therefore supporting Colapinto as a rising Latin American talent in F1.

As part of America Movil, the company is one of the largest telecommunication companies worldwide in terms of access and mobile subscribers.

Franco Colapinto, BWT Alpine F1 Team Driver, said: “Claro’s dedication to connectivity and innovation mirrors everything we push for on track.”

Providing connectivity for over 300 million users in 16 countries across Latin America and seven in Europe.

Speed and connection quality for customers are crucial fro Claro making them synonymous with the core principles of motorsport.

Porras Zadik, said: “We are excited to support Franco at this key moment.”

As branding will be featured on Colapinto’s helmet and cap throughout the duration of the active F1 season.

Silverstone showdown: Norris eyes home glory as rain, rivalries and redemption loom

 

Imagery courtesy of BWT Alpine Formula One Team via www.alpinef1.com 

Silverstone marks 75 years since hosting the first ever Formula One (F1) World Championship race in 1950. while the layout has evolved, its DNA remains unmistakable, high-speed sequences like Copse, Maggots and Becketts still define the challenge. The 2025 edition celebrates this legacy with tributes to past champions, classic car demos and a packed crowd ready for another chapter of motorsport.

The weather forecast promises classic British unpredictability:

• Race day – overcast with a 30 – 40% chance of showers, temperatures hovering around 20-21 degrees Celsius and gusty WNW winds up to 30 mph

• Cooler track temps could affect tyre warm-up and grip, especially through Silverstone’s fast corners

• Team will need to stay nimble - a well timed pit stop or tyre switch could swing the race

Pirelli has opted for a softer compound mix than in 2024. C2 (hard), C3 (medium) and C4 (soft) – a step softer across the board. The goal is more strategic variety and less predictable one stoppers. With low degradation early in the weekend but potential rain on Sunday, expect a mixed bag of tyre strategies from aggressive undercuts to late race gambles on slicks or inters.

Lando Norris arrives at Silverstone riding a wave of momentum after his Austrian GP win cutting Oscar Piastri’s championship lead to just 15 points. With three wins already this season and back to back podiums at Silverstone in 2023 plus 2024, Norris is now Britain’s best hope for home victory. This year, he’ll be cheered on by the debut of the “Landostand” – a sold out, 10,000 seat grandstand at Stowe corner, complete with fan packs, exclusive merch and appearances from Norris himself.

Piastri may lead the standings but the pressure is mounting. After a near miss with Norris in Austria and a pit stop strategy misstep that cost him the win, the Australian is determined to reassert control. The McLaren duo have now delivered four 1-2 finished this season but their rivalry is intensifying. Piastri has five wins to Norris’ three but Norris has closed the gap with stronger qualifying form since McLaren’s front-end upgrades. Both drivers have clashed on track – Canada’s collision and Austria’s turn four near miss as well as team boss Andrea Stella has warned they must “race hard, but smart.”

George Russell, fresh off a win in Canada is looking to bounce back from a tough Austrian Grand Prix. Mercedes expect to be more competitive at Silverstone, where Russell took pole in 2024 and Lewis Hamilton won the race. Hamilton, meanwhile is chasing a record extending 10^th British Grand Prix podium in a row but this time in Ferrari red. After a strong fourth place finish in Austria and promising upgrades to the SF-25, Hamilton is optimistic: “There is always magic here at Silverstone … I’m hoping and praying.”

After a punishing Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes is banking on Silverstone’s cooler climate to revive their form. The W16 struggled in the 50 degrees Celsius track temperatures of Spielberg with Russell calling it a “perfect storm” of overheating and tyre degradation. But Silverstone’s forecast, low 20s with overcast skies could play to the car’s strengths.

• Mercedes introduced cooling focused upgrades in Austria, including a revised engine cover and enlarged brake ducts

• The team also experimented with setup in Spielberg using the race as a data gathering exercise for Silverstone

• With Russell and Kimi Antonelli both out of contract for 2026, the pressure is on – not just for points but for future seats

Ferrari arrives with confidence after Charles Leclerc’s podium in Austria and Hamilton’s strong P4 finish. Their new floor package, introduced at the Red Bull Ring has improved load distribution and rear-end stability. The SF-25’s upgrades include a re-profiled diffuser, floor edge and tunnel expansion, all aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency. Hamilton, a nine time Silverstone winner is chasing his first Ferrari podium at home, while Leclerc looks to close the gap to the McLaren duo.

Max Verstappen’s first-lap DNF in Austria was a gut punch—especially at Red Bull’s home race. Now 61 points behind Piastri, he enters Silverstone with swirling rumours about a potential Mercedes switch in 2026. Verstappen has a contract clause allowing him to leave Red Bull if he’s outside the top four by the summer break. Talks with Mercedes have reportedly intensified, though Verstappen remains non-committal publicly. With Russell’s contract extension on hold, Silverstone could be a pivotal weekend in the driver market drama.

Gen Z, girls & the USA: F1's new superfans are changing the game!

 

Imagery courtesy of Formula One via www.corp.formula1.com

Formula One (F1) and Motorsport Network, the world’s largest motorsport media company. Published the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, today (1^st of July), which is a comprehensive study of over 100,000 highly engaged fans from 186 countries exploring how fandom is evolving, especially among Gen Z, women and US audiences.

This is to give a better understanding and adaptive approach to the changing dynamics of F1 fandom.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula One, said: “This study shows that fans are increasingly following Formula One for the stories and the many opportunities to engage with the sport and then they’re becoming hooked on the fantastic racing.”

Findings show that fans are increasingly drawn by storytelling, streaming and social media, additionally female as well as gen z fans are driving a new era of emotionally invested, always one engagement.

Research shows that fans are increasingly drawn to F1 by the breadth of stories and the variety of ways to engage as they’re staying for the speed, strategy plus the spectacle.

Werner Brell, CEO of Motorsport Network, said: “It points to how we can better serve fans, connect them with partners and seize the biggest commercial opportunities for the sport’s future.”

The full study spans eight chapters covering emotional motivators and content engagement to live experiences, lifestyle signals as well as sponsorship impact. Offering insights to help better understand and serve F1’s most engaged fans.

Many newer and younger fans are discovering F1 through social media, streaming series and shared content, entry points that now shape how they connect with the sport.

Domenicali, said: “The sport is embedded in culture now, via streaming, storytelling and social media, that’s helping more people connect.”

Fans are more likely to form identity based connections with F1 citing driver personalities and narrative drama as key drivers of engagement.

F1 fans aren’t just watching – they’re investing, interacting and engaging with the sport frequently. Among surveyed fans, 90% say they’re invested in race outcomes and 61% engage with F1 content daily.

Brell, said: “Gen Z, women and US fans are driving an always on, connected as culturally powerful era for F1.”

Across platforms and time zones, surveyed fans are shaping a continuous connection to the sport, one that reflects a more dynamic, always on relationship with F1.

Alpine's rising star goes rogue: Paul Aron to make FP1 debut with Kick Sauber in surprise deal

FIA regulations require each team to run a rookie in four FP1 sessions per season. With Gabriel Bortoleto already fulfilling half of Sauber’s rookie quota in one car, they needed a rookie to step in for Nico Hulkenberg. Lacking a reserve driver of their own, Sauber turned to Alpine, who agreed to loan Aron for the two sessions.

Aron will replace Hulkenberg in FP1 at both Silverstone and Budapest. After each session, he’ll return to Alpine for the remainder of the race weekend continuing his duties as reserve and simulator driver. He’s also scheduled to complete three additional FP1 sessions for Alpine later in the season.

This move gives Aron valuable track time in competitive machinery which is crucial for a driver not currently racing in Formula Two (F2) or Formula Three (F3). It also subtly positions him as a potential candidate for a future Alpine race seat, especially with Franco Colapinto under pressure to perform. It’s a win-win, Sauber meets its rookie obligations and Alpine sharpens its talent pipeline.

Imagery courtesy of Formula One via www.formula1.com

At just 21 years old, Aron has emerged as one of Alpine’s most promising prospects. After a strong campaign in F2, where he consistently battled at the front, Aron transitioned into a development heavy role with Alpine. His work has included extensive time in the driver in loop simulator contributing to both the 2025 and 2026 car programs. Participating in Alpine’s TPC program, logging six days in the 2023 spec A523. A debut in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test where he drive the A524shortly after being named Reserve Driver.

Aron’s first official FP1 session comes at the British Grand Prix, where he’ll driver for Kick Sauber under a rare inter-team agreement. He’ll replace Nico Hulkenberg for the session helping Sauber meet its FIA rookie participation requirement. Despite the loan, Aron remains Alpine’s reserve driver and will return to the team for the rest of the weekend. He’s also scheduled to complete three more FP1 sessions for Alpine later this season further embedding himself in the team’s long-term plans.

With Alpine undergoing a rebuilding phase, including a shift to Mercedes power units in 2026 and a renewed focus on youth. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore has emphasised the importance of giving young driver like Aron real world experience. In his words,”It is in our best interests to maximise any driving opportunities for our young talent,” especially as the team looks to reclaim competitiveness after a turbulent start to the season.

Photo by BWT Alpine Formula One Team via Instagram 

Alpine’s 2026 driver lineup remains unsettled with Franco Colapinto under pressure and Valtteri Bottas rumoured as a potential replacement. That uncertainty opens the door for Aron, whose FP1 performance with Sauber could serve as a live audition for a full time seat. If he impresses, especially in comparison to other rookies like Bortoleto or Alex Dunner – he could leapfrog into serious contention.

The deal with Sauber reflects Alpine’s adaptive approach to talent development. Rather than hoarding track time, they’ve loaned Aron to a rival team despite Sauber and Alpine being direct competitors in the Constructors’ standings. It’s a pragmatic move that helps Sauber meet its FIA rookie session obligations, gives Aron real world F1 mileage in competitive machinery and allows Alpine to evaluate him under pressure without disrupting their own race weekend flow.

Aron’s FP1 sessions at Silverstone and Budapest are more than regulatory box ticking, they’re a litmus test for his readiness. With no current race seat and limited competitive outings in 2025, these sessions are his best shot at proving he belongs on the 2026 grid. If Aron delivers clean, fast and technically insightful sessions, he could shift Alpine’s internal calculus and potentially disrupt the 2026 silly season.

Alpine loans rising star: Paul Aron to suit up for Kick Sauber in FP1 shake up

 

Imagery courtesy of BWT Alpine F1 Team via www.media.alpinecars.com 

Paul Aron, Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One (F1) and Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in partnership with BWT Alpine F1 Team. Announced yesterday (30^th of June) that an agreement was made allowing Aron to participate in FP1 sessions with Sauber as part of their mandatory rookie outings, additional sessions with Alpine will follow later in the season as he will be continuing his role as their reserve driver.

Providing Aron with valuable track time and development experience as well as helping Sauber fulfil their rookie participation requirement per FIA regulations.

Paul Aron, Reserve Driver, BWT Alpine F1 Team, said: “I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to have valuable track time in Formula One, so thanks to BWT Alpine Formula One Team for coming to this agreement.”

Helping to support his long-term ambition of becoming a full-time F1 driver.

Therefore, Aron will take part in two FP1 sessions with Sauber at the British Grand Prix and Hungarian Grand Prix, this month.

Flavio Briatore, Acting Team Principal, BWT Alpine Formula One Team, said: “It is in our interests to maximise any driving opportunities for our young talent, so it is good to have an agreement with Sauber for Paul to drive in FP1 in Silverstone and Budapest.”

Fulfilling the Swiss team’s mandatory rookie Free Practice outing requirement set in the FIA regulations.

Aron remains a key member of BWT Alpine F1 Team as Reserve Driver as he continues his career development in contemporary machinery.

Briatore, said: “We are seeing varied success from last year’s Formula Two drivers this year up and down the grid.”

In addition to the Sauber outings, he will complete the team’s three remaining mandatory rookie sessions in 2025, dates of which will be confirmed in due course.

Since joining the team last December, Aron has been an important asset on the driver in loop simulator in both 2025 and 2026 car development work.

Aron, said: “While I continue to focus on my development with Alpine, I do look forward to the two sessions with Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber and giving my maximum effort to them at Silverstone and Budapest.”

From participating in six days in the 2023-spec A523 as part of the team’s TPC programme. 

F1: The Album shifts into overdrive - a genre bending soundtrack that races past expectations

 

Screenshot of F1: The Album cover art via Billboard

The album was designed to match the emotional and visual beats of the film with standout contributions from Ed Sheeran’s, “Drive”, a gritty guitar driven anthem co-written with John Mayer capturing the thrill of escape and reinvention. Rose, “Messy”, a sweeping pop-rock ballad that channels vulnerability as well as cinematic grandeur. Tate McRae, “Just keep watching”, a hypnotic high-gloss track that blends seduction and control with racing inspired rhythm. Burna Boy, “Don’t let me drown”, a soulful percussive track that adds emotional weight and Afrobeats flair.

Kicks off with Don Toliver and Doja Cat’s “Lose my mind”, a synth-heavy, swaggering banger that sets the tone for the film’s high-stakes energy. Its pulsing beat and confident delivery make it a perfect sonic match for the opening sequence of F1: The Movie. The album features artists from five continents, including Roddy Ricch, Chris Stapleton and RAYE (North America/ Europe). Myke Towers, Tiesto & Sexyy Red, Peggy Gou, Mr Eazi, Darkoo and Obongjayar (Latin America/ Europe/ Africa/ Asia). This international lineup reflects F1’s global fanbase and the sport’s cultural crossover appeal.

Ed Sheeran’s “Drive” roars with blues rock urgency pairing gritty guitar riffs with cinematic vocals that echo the film’s themes of reinvention and escape. Roddy Ricch’s “Underdog” delivers a defiant, high energy anthem that channels the mindset of a driver clawing through the midfield. Released as a promotional single, it’s been praised for its lyrical bite and raw momentum. RAYE’s “Grandma calls the boy bad news” adds a retro-soul twist, offering emotional depth and storytelling that contrasts beautifully with the album’s high-octane moments. Peggy Gou’s “D.A.N.C.E.” injects club ready energy with her signature blend of house and techno giving the album a global, late-night pulse.

Dom Dolla’s “No room for a saint” while sleek in production, lacks the narrative punch of the album’s stronger entries. It feels more a pit lane interlude than a podium contender. Tiesto & Sexyy Red’s “OMG!” brings festival energy but veers into formulaic territory, offering flash without much substance. Despite a few filler laps, the album maintains a tight thematic arc from the swaggering opener “Lose my mind” to the emotional apex of “Messy” and the closing intensity of “Gasoline.” The diversity of artists from five continents reflects F1’s global grid while the production ensures a polished, immersive experience.

McLaren meltdown averted: Norris holds off Piastri in fiery Austrian Grand Prix thriller

 

Photo by Jonathan Borba via Pexels 

The drama began before the race even started. Carlos Sainz’s Williams stalled on the grid, prompting marshals to push the car into the pit lane. But as the FW47 rolled in, its rear brakes ignited forcing a full start abort and 10 minute delay while marshals extinguished the flames. Sainz was unharmed but devastated – his race over before it began and Williams would later suffer a double DNF with Alex Albon also retiring.

On the opening lap, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli locked up into turn three slamming into Max Verstappen’s Red Bull and eliminating both from the race. The home crowd at the Red Bull Ring was stunned into silence. Antonelli immediately apologised calling it a “big mistakes” and was handed a three place grid penalty for the British Grand Prix. Verstappen, already under pressure with 11 penalty points saw his title hopes take another hit.

With two major contenders out, McLaren seized control. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri traded fastest laps therefore even swapped positions in a tense but respectful duel. Norris ultimately held off Piastri to take his third win of the season delivering McLaren’s first 1-2 finish in Austria in 25 years. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium while Mercedes salvaged points with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in P4 as well as P5 respectively.

Photo by Jonathan Borba via Pexels 

The McLaren pair swapped positions early in the race with Piastri briefly taking the lead at turn three on lap 11, only for Norris to reclaim it immediately at turn four. On lap 20, Piastri attempted a bold lunge at turn four, locking up and nearly colliding with Norris. The move flat-spotted his tyres and prompted McLaren to call off the intra-battle, instructing both drivers to cool it down. Norris pitted immediately after the incident while Piastri stayed out four laps longer – a strategic misstep that allowed Norris to build a six second cushion.

Despite a slightly damaged front win, Norris managed to maintain his lead through the final stint. Piastri, on fresher tyres closed the gap to under two seconds with 10 laps to go but lapped traffic and Norris’s defensive driving kept him at bay. “I need some pace – please help,” Norris radioed in the closing laps as Piastri loomed large in his mirrors.

Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 216 points	McLaren – 417 points
Lando Norris (McLaren) – 201 points	Ferrari – 210 points
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 155 points	Mercedes – 209 points
George Russell (Mercedes) – 146 points	Red Bull – 162 points
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 119 points	Williams – 55 points

Leclerc delivered a composed driver to finish third, securing Ferrari’s fourth podium of the season and reinforcing the team’s recent progress. He held off teammate Hamilton, who finished fourth marking his best Grand Prix result since joining the Scuderia. Hamilton praised Ferrari’s upgrades, particularly a new floor introduced in Austria as a “mega step forward,” while Leclerc acknowledged the team is “moving in the right direction” but still chasing McLaren’s pace.

Photo by Jonathan Borba via Pexels

Verstappen’s title hopes took a major hit after a first lap collision with Antonelli at turn three ended his race prematurely. The DNF leaves him 61 points behind championship leader Piastri, a gap equivalent to more than race wins. With 11 penalty points on his super licence and mountain pressure, Verstappen now faces a critical stretch to stay in contention.

McLaren’s 1-2 finish with Norris winning and Piastri in second was more than just a dominant result as it signalled a potential power shift in the championship narrative. Red Bull’s home race turned into a disaster while McLaren executed a near flawless weekend. Norris’ win cuts Piastri’s lead to just 15 points setting up a tantalising showdown at Silverstone. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko even admitted the team may have to “write off the championship” if they can’t close the gap soon.