– Motorsports

The Netflix series “Senna” revisits the story of legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, who forever changed Formula 1. This production delves into his life, achievements, and the tragic events of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, which left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. A LEGEND IN FORMULA 1 Ayrton Senna claimed three Formula 1 World Championships in 1988, 1990, and 1991, securing his place among the sport’s greatest figures. Over his career, the Brazilian raced for legendary teams such as McLaren, Lotus, Toleman, and Williams, the team he was driving for during his fatal accident in 1994.     The darkest moment of his life occurred at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit, where Senna, behind the wheel of a car designed by Adrian Newey (now an engineer at Aston Martin), crashed into a wall at over 300 km/h. The impact caused severe skull fractures that ultimately led to his death. Netflix’s “Senna” offers a unique opportunity to bring Ayrton Senna’s life and legacy closer to audiences. This type of production not only honors the memory of legendary figures but also educates and inspires new generations who may not fully grasp the magnitude of his impact. A WEEKEND MARKED BY DANGER The Netflix series portrays what many consider one of the “black weekends” in Formula 1 history. A day before Senna’s accident, fellow driver Rubens Barrichello suffered a terrifying crash during free practice. Although his car flipped and was severely damaged, Barrichello survived. According to Adriana Gallisteu, Senna’s girlfriend at the time, the driver already had a bad feeling about the race. “Ayrton called me. He had a bad feeling and told me he didn’t want to race,” she revealed. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACCIDENT Senna’s accident raised many questions about the car’s condition. In later interviews, Adrian Newey acknowledged potential issues with the steering column of the car. However, he also mentioned a possible rear right tire puncture as a factor in the crash. “No one will ever know exactly what happened. The steering column failed, but it’s unclear if it caused the accident. There were unusual signs in the car’s behavior,” Newey explained. THE SERIES AND ITS IMPACT This Brazilian production consists of six episodes, each lasting approximately one hour. Netflix narrates the life, achievements, and challenges of the driver, while also exploring his impact on the world of motorsport. The episodes are titled: Vocation, Determination, Ambition, Passion, Hero, and Time.     “Senna,” available on the streaming platform since November 29, pays tribute to one of the most iconic figures in motorsport, revisiting his legacy and the tragedy that shook the Formula 1 world. BEYOND TRIUMPHS AND TRAGEDIES Personally, documenting the lives of figures like Senna is vital to keeping the history of motorsport alive. Beyond triumphs and tragedies, these stories convey values such as passion, sacrifice, and commitment, essential elements in any area of life. The well-structured narrative of the series, its focus on both technical and human aspects, and the way it revisits the events of the fateful weekend at Imola 1994 are key to understanding how his legacy transformed safety standards and the sport itself. Productions like this enrich sports culture, honor the heroes who defined an era, and foster admiration for disciplines as complex as Formula 1. Supporting projects that preserve and perpetuate these stories is crucial to maintaining the spirit of the sport’s greats.

The first electric school bus is set to debut in Mexico City, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility. This innovative vehicle underscores the city’s commitment to environmental protection and reducing pollutant emissions. A STEP TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY The “LiPU by Traxión” electric bus, with a capacity for 44 passengers, combines cutting-edge technology and comfort. It offers a range of up to 210 kilometers per charge, regenerative braking, reclining seats, and an optimized body design that ensures safety and comfort.     “The launch of this bus is more than a technical achievement; it’s a call to society to embrace the commitment to transform our way of moving,” said Elías Dana, General Director of Mobility for Traxión. This initiative is part of Traxión’s sustainability strategy, which in 2024 prevented the emission of over 60,000 tons of carbon through the implementation of energy efficiency measures and clean technologies. BENEFITS FOR THE CITY The electric school bus is designed to operate in the western area of Mexico City, a region with a high concentration of vehicle traffic. Incorporating this technology aims to improve air quality, mitigate climate change, and promote a model of sustainable mobility.     During the unveiling event, Luis Aranda Terrones, Director of Freight and Specialized Transport for Mexico City, emphasized the importance of adopting electric vehicles in public transport to reduce carbon emissions and progress toward a cleaner future. A CLEANER FUTURE LiPU by Traxión’s initiative is just the beginning. The company aims to lead the transition toward more efficient and environmentally responsible transport. “This project shows us that change is possible, but it requires the collective effort of society,” Dana concluded.     The introduction of the electric school bus not only benefits students and their families but also sends a strong message about the importance of sustainability in urban mobility. This advancement positions Mexico City as a pioneer in implementing clean technologies in public transportation.

Sergio “Checo” Pérez, Red Bull Racing driver, faced a challenging weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, where a spin ended his race early, marking his fourth retirement in the 2024 season. A PROMISING START Pérez started within the top ten and climbed to seventh place after a strong opening. During the second safety car, he pitted for a tire change, rejoining with potential to secure important points. However, changing conditions and an unexpected incident altered his outcome.     The Mexican driver explained that upon restarting, his hard tires failed to reach the optimal temperature, further complicated by an engine overload. This led to a spin in the middle of the track. “I lost momentum, I simply couldn’t control the car,” Pérez stated about the unfortunate moment. INVESTIGATION WITH NO PENALTIES After the incident, the stewards reviewed the case, initially labeling it as “dangerous driving.” However, the final verdict attributed the situation to a clutch failure, ruling out any deliberate actions by the driver. The official report stated: “The driver’s attempt to recover the car was viable under normal conditions, but the mechanical failure caused the incident.” This decision spared the Mexican driver from further penalties. A WEEKEND OF LEARNING Despite the retirement, Red Bull Racing turned this setback into an opportunity for improvement. Adjustments made to Pérez’s car’s suspension before the Sprint race proved crucial in fine-tuning the performance of Max Verstappen’s car, who ultimately won the Grand Prix. “We used the Sprint as a test session that allowed us to find a positive direction with the car,” Pérez said. Now, the Mexican driver and his team aim to consolidate these learnings as they approach the season finale in Abu Dhabi. CHECO LOOKS TO THE FUTURE Looking ahead to the last race of the year, Pérez remains optimistic about the improvements made to the RB20. “I hope we can confirm everything we’ve learned and finish the season on a high note,” he concluded.     While the Qatar GP left a bitter taste, the Mexican driver continues to work on strengthening his position in the championship and contributing to the team’s development, proving that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. The next chapter for Checo Pérez will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he will strive to close the 2024 season strong and reaffirm his place among Formula 1’s elite.  

Sergio “Checo” Pérez will start ninth on the grid at the Qatar Grand Prix after a solid performance in qualifying. Having missed Q3 since the United States Grand Prix, the Mexican driver showed significant improvement with a competitive pace. In Q2, Pérez placed fourth on fresh tires and remained among the top six for most of the session. Although he couldn’t challenge leading teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, he capitalized on a mistake by Pierre Gasly in the final attempt to secure a spot in Q3. In the last session, Pérez couldn’t improve his position further but locked in the ninth spot. This result marks a notable step forward after several difficult qualifying sessions, demonstrating clear progress in his performance.  Also of interest: A premium motorcycle tire store opens in Mexico

The iconic Italian circuit will continue to host the Italian Grand Prix following a new contract extension. The Historic Agreement Extension The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, known as the Temple of Speed, will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2031. This extension, adding six years to the current agreement, solidifies Monza’s importance as one of the most iconic venues in motorsport.     The announcement follows recent infrastructure upgrades made ahead of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, which welcomed over 335,000 fans. Built in 1922, Monza has hosted the Italian Grand Prix nearly every season since the World Championship began in 1950, except for 1980, when it closed for renovations. A Circuit That Makes History Located near Milan, Monza is distinguished by its 5.8-kilometer track, renowned as one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, with drivers at full throttle for 80% of the lap. In 2020, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history by average speed, clocking 264.362 km/h during qualifying. Legendary figures like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio have triumphed at Monza, while current stars like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc continue to write new chapters at this historic track. Commitment to the Future Formula 1 has seen remarkable growth in Italy, with a cumulative audience of 183.3 million in 2023 and a 16% increasein social media followers. Local authorities, led by the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) and supported by the Italian Government and the Lombardy Region, have invested heavily in recent circuit upgrades.     According to Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, these investments reflect a commitment to sustainability and improving the fan experience. Upgrades have included track resurfacing, enhanced access, and improved safety measures for both drivers and spectators. Projections Towards 2025 Looking ahead, plans are in place for further improvements to hospitality and services to meet the high standards of modern Formula 1. ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani emphasized that Monza is not only the oldest circuit on the calendar but also an event that continues to draw massive crowds thanks to its rich history and ongoing innovations. With this extension, Monza secures its place in Formula 1, keeping the passion of the tifosi alive and cementing its status as a true icon of motorsport.  

The Qatar Grand Prix will host the final Sprint weekend of the 2024 Formula 1 season, with the Lusail International Circuit as the stage. Pirelli has unveiled the tire compounds that will play a pivotal role in team strategies for this penultimate race of the championship. HARDER COMPOUNDS FOR QATAR Unlike the previous race in Las Vegas, where the softest compounds were used, Qatar will see the hardest selection. Pirelli will bring the C1 as hard (white-marked), the C2 as medium (yellow-marked), and the C3 as soft (red-marked).     Due to the Sprint format, the tire allocation is reduced from 13 to 12 sets: 2 sets of hard tires 4 sets of medium tires 6 sets of soft tires The number of wet-weather tires remains unchanged, with five intermediate sets and two for extreme rain. LESSONS FROM 2023 The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix provided valuable insights for Pirelli and the FIA, after lap limits were imposed on each tire set (maximum of 18 laps) due to issues with the circuit’s curbs. This forced drivers to make at least three pit stops during the race. For 2024, adjustments were made to the curbs at seven key corners, including turns 1, 4, and the complex section from turns 12 to 14, which caused excessive wear on the tire sidewalls last year.     TECHNICAL PREPARATION AND TESTING Pirelli Motorsport engineers conducted extensive testing in their Milan laboratories, using samples of the new curbs designed by the FIA. Additionally, data from recent test sessions with older cars confirmed that these changes will mitigate the issues faced in 2023. Another significant adjustment was the addition of gravel strips at the exits of certain corners, a measure to prevent drivers from exceeding track limits.     STRATEGY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS This year’s conditions in Qatar will differ as the race takes place later in the season. While humidity may be lower, temperatures could still affect tire thermal degradation, complicating strategic decisions. In 2021, under different circumstances, some drivers opted for a single-stop strategy, while others, like Hamilton and Verstappen, used two-stop strategies to fight for victory. This highlights that tire management will be critical in Lusail, especially with the return of the Sprint format. A UNIQUE CHALLENGE TO CLOSE THE YEAR The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix will not only test the skills of drivers but also the adaptability of teams. Tires will play a decisive role on a circuit that promises unique challenges and a strategic battle for the final championship points.

AN INNOVATIVE IDEA TO UNIFY FANS Roger Penske, a legendary figure in motorsport and owner of IndyCar as well as a leading NASCAR team, has put forth a bold proposal: fostering a strategic collaboration between the two series to reinvigorate interest in racing across the United States. Penske emphasized that instead of competing against each other, NASCAR and IndyCar could unite to attract a broader audience and regain the cultural prominence they once enjoyed.   Todas las categorías   “We could consider doubleheader events combining the best of both categories. This is not an announcement, but it would be a way to offer fans a diverse and exciting show,” Penske stated during the 2024 NASCAR Awards. THE CHALLENGE: FORMULA 1 AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Both NASCAR and IndyCar face challenges posed by the meteoric rise of Formula 1, which has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Penske believes the key to counteracting this trend lies in working together. Events like the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have demonstrated the potential of combined events. These doubleheaders not only bring together fans of both disciplines but also offer unique experiences by blending the adrenaline of stock cars with the precision of single-seaters. “It’s a proven formula. Double events generate excitement and diversity, something U.S. motorsport needs to keep growing,” Penske stressed. ROGER PENSKE’S LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE Penske’s vision is supported by decades of success in motorsport. His team, Team Penske, has secured 47 championships across various disciplines, reflecting his relentless pursuit of excellence. “At Team Penske, you know where you’re working. Roger expects you to win, or you won’t stay long,” said the 2024 NASCAR champion, highlighting the culture of accountability and high performance that defines the team.       BENEFITS OF A NASCAR-INDYCAR ALLIANCE Penske believes a collaboration between the two series could offer significant advantages: Attracting new audiences:Diversifying events could capture the attention of new fans. Increased revenue:Joint promotions, higher ticket sales, and innovative sponsorship deals. Cross-pollination:Introducing NASCAR fans to IndyCar and vice versa. A PROMISING FUTURE FOR AMERICAN MOTORSPORT Penske’s idea aims not only to deliver unforgettable weekends but also to ensure the survival and growth of motorsport in a competitive environment. If NASCAR and IndyCar manage to join forces, they could successfully address audience fragmentation and strengthen their position in the global sports landscape, ensuring a vibrant legacy for future generations.

Three victories and a promising future in the category A 2024 OF TRIUMPHS AND CHALLENGES FOR DIMAYUGA Driver Andrik Dimayuga finished the 2024 season of the NASCAR Challenge Series with an outstanding performance, securing three victories and eight Top Five finishes across the 12 race dates. Dimayuga, who raced behind the wheel of his Chevrolet #67. Dimayuga expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and remained optimistic about his championship aspirations for 2025.     “We had three victories, and once again, we were in the championship fight,” Dimayuga commented, noting that this was the second consecutive year he had been a contender for the title. The young driver added: “Although the championship didn’t materialize, it was a very good year. We were contenders, and that makes me really happy.” A TEAM CRUCIAL TO HIS SUCCESS Dimayuga highlighted the importance of his sponsors and the teamwork that contributed to his success, emphasizing the collaboration with other drivers and the effort of the mechanics. “Sharing experiences and sensations with other drivers helped us a lot. I’m also very grateful to the mechanics, who did an incredible job, especially in the final, where they always worked at their best to keep the car in top condition until the last minute,” said Andrik about the factors that influenced his great performance. A PATH OF CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES The 20-year-old driver also reflected on the circumstances that prevented him from securing more victories in 2024. He mentioned the Querétaro Grand Prix, where he unfortunately suffered a technical setback with his car, which kept him from battling for the win. “In Querétaro, we had the chance to fight, but the car had a fuel issue. We’ll work to make sure those situations don’t happen again next year,” Dimayuga assured.     In addition to his victories in Chiapas, Chihuahua, and Aguascalientes, Dimayuga made it to the podium in races one and nine, finishing in second place in San Luis Potosí and Aguascalientes. He also achieved a close fourth place in Querétaro on two occasions and a third place in Puebla during the eleventh race. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: MOVE UP OR STAY IN CHALLENGE? Andrik Dimayuga, who showed an impressive performance in 2024, is still unsure about his future. “We’re considering whether to move up a category or stay in Challenge to keep fighting for the title,” said the young driver. The decision to move up or remain in the NASCAR Challenge Series will depend on the agreements and analysis he makes with his team, but what is certain is that Dimayuga is more determined than ever to keep fighting for glory in motorsport. Without a doubt, 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for Dimayuga, who, with his talent and perseverance, promises to continue making waves in national motorsport.  

Sainz and Leclerc secure third and fourth place in a challenging Grand Prix A ROLLERCOASTER RACE FOR FERRARI The Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered intense emotions for Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz finishing in third place and Charles Leclerc taking fourth. While the results placed the team in competitive positions, the day was overshadowed by strategic complications and Leclerc’s public complaints about his team.     Leclerc attempted to challenge George Russell for the lead, but the medium tires couldn’t sustain the required pace, causing him to lose ground. Later, with hard tires, his performance improved, but after a pit stop, he fell behind Sainz, who quickly overtook him. Sainz, meanwhile, faced a critical moment when he received an unexpected order to stay on track as he was heading to the pits, forcing him to react quickly to avoid major issues. VASSEUR ADDRESSES STRATEGIC DECISIONS Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, analyzed the challenges faced during the race. Regarding tire degradation, he commented: “When Leclerc tried to overtake Russell, the tires immediately degraded. Sometimes these situations are unavoidable.” He also acknowledged that delaying Sainz’s pit stop was a complex but necessary decision to avoid getting stuck in traffic.     Vasseur addressed Leclerc’s frustrated radio messages to the pit wall: “Tension during a race is normal. We understand his perspective, but these decisions are made to avoid internal clashes and to optimize the team’s results.” MERCEDES DOMINATES THE WEEKEND Despite Ferrari’s efforts, Vasseur admitted that Mercedes showed superior pace in Las Vegas: “Even with different strategies, I don’t think we could have won. Their performance was stronger throughout the event.” With this result, Ferrari retains its chances in the Constructors’ Championship, though the gap to McLaren remains at 24 points with only two races left. QATAR AND ABU DHABI: THE FINAL OPPORTUNITY Looking ahead to the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Vasseur assured that Ferrari will give its all: “We’d rather be 24 points behind than 200. There are still opportunities, and anything can happen. We will keep pushing until the final corner of the season.”     Ferrari aims to capitalize on any opportunity in these final events, striving to close the gap with McLaren and end the year with a strong performance that reaffirms their competitiveness.