F1 News
F1 Today | Verstappen enjoys stunning wedding, Sainz shocked by Binotto
It's finally race week, and the F1 world is preparing itself for the upcoming triple-header after a three-week autumn break. With just six races left, every point scored will be crucial for teams and drivers alike in their battles up and down the world championship table. Max Verstappen enjoyed the wedding of a fellow driver in Portugal, Toyota revealed to GPblog how their new partnership with Haas will benefit them, and Carlos Sainz was left shocked by former team principal Mattia Binotto's recent admission. See it all here and read the full articles below!
Verstappen enjoys a stunning wedding:
Earlier this week, images were shared showing Verstappen running with Kelly's brother, Nelson Piquet Jr. They were doing this in Portugal, and there was a reason. They were about to attend Antonio Felix da Costa's wedding. The Formula E driver celebrated at a stunning location. You can see all the images from the wedding by clicking this link here. On her stories, Kelly shared several photos with Verstappen. One picture shows them posing in a suit and dress. Other photos show the happy couple having fun together and enjoying themselves. The Dutchman returns to F1 action this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas. Verstappen still holds a 52-point lead in the driver's title over his closest challenger, Lando Norris.
Toyota reveals the benefits of its F1 return:
Suddenly, Japanese giants Toyota announced they would be returning to Formula 1 in a technical partnership with Haas. Earlier this year, Toyota Gazoo Racing (Toyota's motorsport branch) revealed to GPblog that they had no concrete plans for an F1 return. They decided, however, that teaming up with Haas would be beneficial for both parties. TGR's general manager, Masaya Kaji, was asked by GPblog about the partnership.
"The trigger was from our top management, Akio Toyoda. He's always thinking about the driver. I had communication with Kaji at the beginning of this year. Actually he would like to find a way for our drivers and engineers and mechanics to enter the top category [of motorsport] for good learning and developing people. So after this communication, I started communicating with some teams, including Haas. As I said, Haas was the best partner," he added. The benefit for both parties remains to be seen, but 2023 WEC and WRC champions Toyota will certainly not be a burden to the American team.
Sainz left shocked by Binotto's admission:
Carlos Sainz has been left surprised by Mattia Binotto's recent comment about Lewis Hamilton. The former Ferrari boss, who worked at Ferrari with Charles Leclerc and Sainz, said he would never have signed the seven-time World Champion if it was his choice. The Spaniard had to make way for Hamilton and instead will race for Williams in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
In an interview with Marca, Sainz was surprised by the comments of his former team boss. "Did Binotto say that?" That was the Spaniard's first reaction after being told the comment. Although he's leaving the Italian squad, Sainz holds no bitterness towards his former employers. "It has been four wonderful years, as a Ferrari driver and racing for this team. My first wins, pole positions and podiums [he also achieved one podium as a McLaren driver] were all as a driver from Maranello. I will never forget that, being a Ferrari driver. But we will continue for a while, so who knows, maybe our paths will cross again," he explained.
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