Ferrari is reportedly set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the most momentous moments in the Formula 1 team’s history at next week’s Italian Grand Prix.

The Scuderia has not enjoyed the happiest of seasons in 2025, with the team so far yet to score a single Grand Prix victory.

Ferrari’s SF-25 challenger has been a continuing source of problems for the team, with Lewis Hamilton’s China Sprint Race win the team’s only triumph of the year.

Despite lying second in the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari is currently a whopping 299 points behind runaway leaders McLaren.

But the team will be buoyed by its usual partisan support at Monza, where F1 arrives next after this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.

According to Italian publication Auto Racer, the team is set to mark 50 years since the late Niki Lauda won the World Championship in its colours.

It was at Monza that year that Lauda finished third to secure the first of his three Drivers’ championships, with team-mate Clay Regazzoni winning the race.

Across the summer break, Ferrari has been documenting Lauda’s triumph on its social media platforms, further hinting that the celebration will take place.

Its content was concluded with a brief clip of Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc, followed by the caption: “Monza 2025: Coming soon.”

“When I got to Monza, it was different,” the Monegasque says in the video.

Hamilton, whose decision to join Mercedes was largely down to Lauda’s influence and to whom he was close, added: “The tifosi are just… you see them there in the biggest and fullest force.

“It’s such a privilege and an honour to be able to be racing for this team.”

Ferrari may sport a special livery for the race, a tradition of the previous two seasons. In 2023, a special colour scheme was released to celebrate its Le Mans 24 Hours triumph.

And in 2024, a tweaked livery was used along with Leclerc and then-team-mate Carlos Sainz sporting black overalls to celebrate the use of carbon fibre in F1.

READ MORE – Ex-F1 chief urges Ferrari to sign rookie as long-term successor to Lewis Hamilton

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With the likelihood that Cadillac will now be signing two of Formula 1‘s most experienced out-of-work drivers, the team might just have placed itself in the best possible place for 2026.

Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez can boast 527 Grand Prix starts between them, along with 16 race wins, and such know-how of their way around an F1 car will be invaluable.

F1 is preparing to enter the unknown next year, with the FIA’s new set of regulations threatening to shake the sport up as much as it ever has been. That, in effect, gives Cadillac the advantage of a blank slate, plus the benefit of the most amount of aerodynamic testing as per F1’s rules.

But the nascent squad’s necessity to have some expertise behind the wheel will be all-important if it is to get itself a foothold on the F1 ladder.

Perhaps more so with Bottas, as he will perhaps possess more prior knowledge of the new technical regulations via his current role as Mercedes’ reserve driver.

With teams already enabling drivers to perform simulator runs on early incarnations of the ’26 cars, Bottas may well have placed his mulleted head beneath the Halo, so to speak.

The Finn has already indicated, since being out of full-time racing since losing his Sauber drive last year, that he is ready and willing to race again.

And it’s not just what skill he can bring to the table; it is also the fact that his humorous profile and willingness to make himself the butt of it will bring added marketing clout to the team.

For Perez, it will be a mission to prove himself still worthy of an F1 seat after his unceremonious dismissal from Red Bull at the end of last year.

With Liam Lawson losing the drive that he took from Perez after two races, and with Yuki Tsunoda continuing to struggle, he will surely never be more motivated to prove to the outside world that he was never the problem in that second seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

And being Mexican, Perez is naturally the closest the team has to an American driver. That sort of profile will also give the team the ability to potentially find a new wave of fans across the Americas, something that F1’s other American squad, Haas, has continuously failed to find.

The hurdle of securing an American driver would always prove to be tricky anyway, with the likes of IndyCar’s Colton Herta needing to find the necessary Super Licence points.

Jak Crawford was perhaps the only realistic option, but it seems that Cadillac appeared less interested in finding a compatriot to fill a seat and instead found the right men to be on the right platform towards success in the future. With Bottas and Perez, it is set to accomplish that.

Both drivers were given an equal chance to become World Champions in their prime: Bottas spent five seasons alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, while Perez was Verstappen’s team-mate at Red Bull between 2021 and 2024. The pair had title-winning equipment at their disposal during those periods; the problem was, they had generational drivers in the opposite garage.

Bottas harboured the pace over a single lap to rival Hamilton on numerous occasions, but he didn’t possess the all-round skillset to translate that into more victories to mount a sustained title bid throughout his spell with the Silver Arrows. Likewise, Perez never posed a serious internal threat to Verstappen, although it was his raw speed that ultimately undermined his endeavours.

But as a new entrant with a steep learning curve, Cadillac will not be calling on either driver to go out and win races against the very best competitors on the grid. Instead, the American marque will be reliant on the two individuals in the cockpit to assist with the team’s development and to capitalise on points-scoring opportunities that arise in a tightly contested midfield battle.

In that regard, Bottas and Perez are the ideal candidates. Bottas starred at Williams to earn his eventual switch to Mercedes as the successor to the then-reigning champion, Nico Rosberg, while he also did a sterling job when Sauber was a competitive entity upon his arrival in 2022.

Meanwhile, Perez was long renowned as a midfield specialist prior to his Red Bull stint, scoring three podiums in a Sauber in a breakout campaign in 2012 – landing him what transpired to be an ill-fated move to McLaren – and several more top three finishes with the Silverstone-based squad before it morphed into Aston Martin, including a coveted maiden win in Bahrain in 2020.

Haas was the last new team to be granted a place on the grid, and it immediately showed how valuable having a driver with extensive experience in the sport can be when starting out. Romain Grosjean produced a memorable shock when he drove his Haas VF-16 to sixth place on the American outfit’s debut in Australia and then went one better at the next race in Bahrain. Haas would be unable to maintain that level of competitiveness throughout the team’s inaugural campaign, but Grosjean’s exploits had been enough to help it finish eighth, above Renault.

Now, to expect Cadillac to replicate Haas’ debut heroics is not realistic. The team has been candid about the inevitable tribulations that it is poised to endure. However, in Bottas and Perez, Cadillac will have two drivers who are guaranteed to make that transition much more seamless.

READ MORE – The key storylines to follow for the rest of the 2025 F1 season

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Sauber will be forced to enter the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix under a revised full name due to strict laws in the country regarding gambling advertisements.

The Swiss squad is fully entered as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, after its title sponsor, a Curacao-based online casino firm.

It has been the team’s lead backer since last year, when Sauber cut its ties with Alfa Romeo amid its transition to Audi, which begins next season.

The Netherlands, which hosts F1’s first post-summer break round at Zandvoort next week, has recently introduced stricter laws, curbing adverts on gambling firms.

This encompasses sponsorships at sporting events and on competitors’ apparel, leaving Sauber with no option but to tweak its identity for the race.

Holland’s gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit [KSA] forbade Sauber from brandishing the company’s logo on its cars last year, but the team proceeded to do so anyway.

However, the team has heeded the warning this year, Zandvoort being the second time in 2025 in which it has been forced to undergo this change.

Similar laws in Belgium meant the team had to remove the company’s branding from both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto’s C45s.

Sauber will arrive in Holland seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, having amassed much of its 51 points haul since the start of the European leg of the season.

Combined, Hulkenberg and Bortoleto have managed to help the team to top 10 finishes in the last six races, including the German’s maiden podium at Silverstone.

The Brazilian rookie was responsible for the team’s most recent points finish, a career-best sixth place last time out in Hungary.

Just one point behind Aston Martin, Sauber will hope to continue its momentum, as it aims to secure a positive midfield finish with its Audi identity change just months away.

READ MORE – Kuwaiti investor aiming for 2027 F1 entry with Caterham name

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The 2025 Motocross World Championship is delivering exactly what fans expected: drama, speed, and the emergence of both established legends and new talents across the MXGP, MX2, and junior categories.

From Jeffrey Herlings defending his legacy in the premier class, to the growing rivalry between Kay de Wolf, Andrea Adamo, and Simon Längenfelder in MX2, the international motocross scene is buzzing with storylines that also carry weight for those who enjoy betting on the sport.

Recognizing talent in motocross is both an art and a science. The numbers – wins, podiums, lap times – tell part of the story, but often it’s the subtle skills, race craft, and mental resilience that separate future champions from promising but inconsistent riders.

For bettors, understanding these elements is crucial in evaluating where the true value lies in outright odds or individual race wagers, especially when paired with promotions like a William Hill sign up offer that can enhance the overall betting experience.

MX2: The battle of rising stars

The MX2 category has been one of the highlights of the 2025 season.

• Kay de Wolf (Netherlands), reigning 2024 MX2 World Champion, has carried the momentum into 2025. Known for his outstanding sand riding ability and smooth consistency, de Wolf combines technical mastery with composure beyond his years. Bettors respect riders like him not just for outright wins but for their ability to consistently score top three finishes, which often matter more in season-long markets.
  
• Andrea Adamo (Italy) has emerged as a true challenger. With his aggressive riding style and ability to dominate qualifying sessions, Adamo’s ceiling is high. He may be slightly more volatile than de Wolf, but that volatility can create opportunities for betting markets, especially when his odds drift after a poor heat or tricky qualifying result.
  
• Simon Längenfelder (Germany) adds another dimension. His strength on technical tracks and endurance over long races make him a dark horse for the title. Consistency has been his main question mark, but those willing to back him in specific race markets could find value.

The betting angle: MX2 often rewards those who look beyond the obvious favourites. A rider like de Wolf is reliable, but Adamo and Längenfelder may carry better odds-to-performance ratios on certain circuits. Watching qualifying and free practice sessions is key, as MX2 riders often show their form early in a weekend.

MXGP: The Herlings legacy

In the MXGP class, one name continues to dominate headlines: Jeffrey Herlings.

• With 109 career Grand Prix victories and five world titles, Herlings is already considered one of the greatest motocross riders of all time.
  
• His aggressive riding style, resilience in returning from injuries, and ability to control races from the front make him both a fan favourite and a consistent betting option.
  
• However, bettors must weigh the risk: Herlings’ injury history means outright season-long wagers carry inherent volatility.

From a betting perspective, MXGP can often present clearer favourites than MX2. Herlings is usually priced as such, but in motocross, one crash or mechanical failure can change the picture instantly.

Smart bettors often look for hedging strategies: backing Herlings for outright glory while also placing smaller wagers on rivals in individual Grands Prix.

Junior champions: The next generation

The junior classes are where the next MXGP and MX2 stars are forged, and 2025 has already crowned three new champions:

• Mano Faure (France, 125cc): A tactical rider with race management skills beyond his years. His smooth style suggests adaptability to higher classes.
  
• Rafael Mennillo (Brazil, 85cc): Known for explosive starts and raw pace, Mennillo’s aggressive approach makes him exciting to watch and a potential future MX2 contender.
  
• Kannon Zabojnik (Czech Republic, 65cc): Already displaying technical precision unusual for his age, Zabojnik represents long-term potential.

For betting, juniors are not typically offered in mainstream markets, but recognizing their skills now can give you an edge when they transition to MX2. Bettors who track these riders early often benefit when oddsmakers underestimate them in their first senior seasons.

How to recognize a talent in motocross

Spotting future champions is essential for anyone serious about betting on motocross. Here are the key elements to evaluate:

1. Consistency under pressure
    Riders who finish in the top five week after week, even when not winning, demonstrate resilience. Championship success is often built on minimizing bad weekends.
   
2. Starts and first-lap control
    In motocross, track position is critical. Talents who consistently get out of the gate quickly and manage the opening laps are usually in contention for wins.
   
3. Adaptability across circuits
    Sand, hardpack, mud, and mixed terrain all demand different skills. A rider like Kay de Wolf, renowned for his sand mastery, shows how surface specialization can become a title-deciding strength.
   
4. Physical and mental fitness
    Motocross is one of the most physically demanding sports. Talents who can endure the full race distance while making smart decisions (avoiding risky overtakes late in races, for example) are the ones who develop into champions.
   
5. Progression through categories
    Following careers from EMX125 → EMX250 → MX2 → MXGP provides clues. Riders who dominate every level rarely stall once they reach MXGP.

Betting on motocross: Practical tips

Unlike football or rugby, motocross betting requires a slightly different mindset. Here are some strategies to consider for 2025:

• Focus on race weekends: Track conditions, weather, and qualifying results heavily influence race outcomes. Odds can shift dramatically from Friday to Sunday.
  
• Bet live: Because 33–40% of motocross races are decided by crashes or mistakes, live betting during heats offers opportunities to spot momentum shifts before odds adjust.
  
• Outright vs. race bets: Outright championship bets reward consistency. Race-by-race betting allows you to exploit circuit-specific strengths. Mixing both is often the smartest strategy.
  
• Look for value beyond favourites: Riders like Herlings and de Wolf dominate headlines, but backing riders like Adamo or Längenfelder in specific races can deliver bigger returns.
  
• Home advantage: Riders often perform better in front of home fans (Adamo in Italy, de Wolf in the Netherlands). Bookmakers may undervalue this psychological edge.

2025 as a Turning Point

The 2025 Motocross World Championship is not just about who lifts the trophies in MXGP and MX2. It is also about identifying the next wave of stars. Kay de Wolf seeks to defend his MX2 crown with the maturity of a champion.

Andrea Adamo and Simon Längenfelder are pushing him every week, showing that the title is far from secure. In MXGP, Jeffrey Herlings continues to extend his legendary record, though challengers lurk. Meanwhile, junior champions Mano Faure, Rafael Mennillo, and Kannon Zabojnik remind us that motocross is a sport with constant renewal.

For those betting on motorsports and motocross, the message is clear: don’t just follow the names you already know. Pay attention to who adapts fastest, who stays consistent, and who thrives in pressure situations. That’s how you recognize a talent — and that’s how you stay one step ahead in the markets.

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Formula 1 and gambling seem to be everywhere together lately. Brightly coloured race cars flash by, plastered with the logos of sports betting companies and online casinos; there is always some sort of brand sponsorship involved.

How did this relationship start? Does it make sense? Is it good for the sport? These questions are asked all the time, and it makes it seem complicated, but it is worth exploring given the legal stakes.

Starting the engines: Early partnerships

For a long time, gambling was frowned upon, like it was something sneaky or wrong. So, it kept away from mainstream sports. Formula 1 was all about luxury and technology, but gambling was mostly done in private. That totally changed in the past few years. Things relaxed a lot, and sports betting became okay in lots of places.

Now, the laws and rules changed everywhere. This new landscape created an opportunity for gambling companies to promote themselves. They started looking at huge sports like Formula 1 to get their name out there.

The first deals weren’t as giant as they are now; they were simple sponsorships. Best online casinos would get their logos on a race car, or on a driver’s uniform, and everything would change over time. It may make them more money.

These deals weren’t cheap. Formula 1 teams saw these companies and said, “Okay, we can work together on this!”

Why the perfect fit is so appealing

Formula 1 offers several valuable things to gamblers with the audience they have available. First off, it’s incredibly popular worldwide. Races take place everywhere, from Europe to Asia to the Americas, so more people from different locations are getting involved. Second, a global spread helps gambling brands reach loads of people.

Formula 1 also brings technology, data, and strategy, all of which are a great fit; it focuses on split-second decisions, risk assessment, and analysis. Sports betting loves those exact things! Sports betting is all about understanding the numbers and how the teams make decisions, the whole sport matches perfectly.

This mix, which is both glamorous and high-tech, draws gambling firms in big numbers.

Taking a turn: Types of deals on the track

Gambling firms don’t just slap their logo on a Formula 1 car and call it a day though. There are, in fact, different ways that they get to working with the teams:

• Team Sponsors: The most common way is when a gambling company becomes an official sponsor of a Formula 1 team. This means their logo gets shown very visibly on the car, the drivers’ suits, and maybe even on the team’s equipment, helping more people get involved in betting.
• Circuit Partnerships: Brands can also partner with specific races (like the Monaco Grand Prix or the British Grand Prix). They will set up special fan lounges, have advertisements all over the racetrack, and make betting easier for everyone who’s present to gamble on the exciting race.
• Data Deals: Some companies work together, using official race data to create unique betting chances. For instance, you might bet on which driver will have the fastest pit stop, or which car will have the highest top speed by the end of the race. These “in-play” betting options keep fans engaged but also require high quality data.

Placing your bets responsibly online

The rise of gambling partnerships in Formula 1 reflects a broader shift toward online betting, for example if you want a flutter and are looking for the best online casinos, then you’ll find plenty of those online.

Formula 1’s global reach means these deals are also global, driving more betting engagement in local and foreign markets, there are also huge legal questions as a result. This means accessibility needs to also be responsible.

The ethical lap: Worries about how gambling Is portrayed

Of course, this partnership between Formula 1 and sportsbooks does have a downside. There are growing worries about how visible gambling is, and what is being promoted. Some point out that young people are being exposed to gambling too early.

The fear is that younger crowds start seeing it as normal and safe, which would lead younger people to recklessly gamble.

Others worry about fairness and transparency. Are sportsbooks sharing appropriate data to the racers regarding performance? Are referees treating everyone fairly? How can sports protect the sport and guarantee the public that these partnerships don’t affect sports’ integrity because if integrity is gone, everything is gone.

Some people think Formula 1 should have some limits on these deals. Maybe no showing advertisements during family-friendly hours or making sure gambling companies do more to encourage safe betting.

Pit stop: Concerns in several countries about promotion

Across borders, the issue of gambling promotion is hotly debated. Certain countries have more open laws. Other countries do stricter regulation and laws surrounding sports betting to protect the citizens.

If any Formula 1 team, that sponsors a gambling organization, is racing in certain areas, the team could have some problems.

The legal requirements can vary widely and can cause some sponsorship ads to pull out of the race. So, it just proves that as Formula 1 becomes more global, the more the racing team need to be aware of the local legal issues.

Conclusion

Formula 1 and gambling are now intertwined because both sports see global potential. The association drives profits for both parties, and fans enjoy higher-risk entertainment. But the gambling partnership raises some complex legal issues because gambling, if not regulated, can cause ethical concerns for the teams.

The future will greatly depend on how they handle it. They should strive to strike a balance between excitement and responsibility.

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With the news that Portugal is primed to make a significant push to return to the Formula 1 calendar, Motorsport Week asks: Can, or will, it be worthy of a slot on the coveted schedule?

Despite there now being 24 races compared to the usual 16 when it was previously a regular Grand Prix host, Portugal will be facing a battle to secure a place on the modern-day calendar.

It will need to prove its place, particularly as F1 has been making a concerted effort to ensure other continents and their respective markets are given a fair slice of the cake. This has been made more difficult due to the fact that Madrid has been chosen to host the Spanish Grand Prix.

But it is undeniable that the country did a sterling job of stepping in to host Grands Prix during the Covid-afflicted 2020 and ‘21 seasons. The Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, a now-frequent MotoGP venue, provided an ample amount of positives to put up a good show. This will enable the powers that be to, in the first instance, take its bid seriously.

And whilst Portimao is not the same circuit as Estoril – it gives F1 and its new breed of fans a chance to keep in touch with its past. And with good reason, as it was often the location of some memorable moments that are indelibly woven into the sport’s historic tapestry.

Estoril made its debut on the calendar in 1984, after a 24-year gap without a Portuguese Grand Prix, and it immediately set the scene for the culmination of a titanic title battle.

Not dissimilar to this year, it was a closely fought intra-team battle between McLaren’s Alain Prost and Niki Lauda. Prost had come close but was yet to be champion, with Lauda, who had returned to F1 after a three-year hiatus two seasons previously, looking to take his third title. Despite starting in 11th with Prost second, Lauda used all his experience and calmness to take second place, which, despite Prost winning the race, was enough to see the Austrian prevail.

A year later, it was a less dramatic race, but enough to have its own unique place in the record books. In a rain-sodden race, Ayrton Senna took the first of his 41 Grand Prix wins, famously unstrapping himself from his Lotus and waving both his arms out of the cockpit in jubilation.

Pivotal moments in other championship quests were made at Estoril. In 1989, a black-flagged Nigel Mansell took Senna out, handing an advantage to eventual champion Prost. Two years later, Mansell’s right rear wheel came free after a routine pitstop, handing him an uphill battle against Senna, who went on to be champion.

Two years after that, Prost claimed his fourth and final title at Estoril, in a gripping late-race battle with Michael Schumacher, who held on to take the race win, his second in F1.

The Estoril owners had a lax attitude towards improving the circuit’s facilities, which was what ultimately saw the track disappear off the calendar. After numerous times of asking for improvements, the FIA eventually had enough, and the scheduled race in 1997 was cut.

As Estoril perished, Portimao emerged, and the venue became a fan favourite when it was called upon to hold an F1 race when the COVID pandemic cancelled certain events in 2020. The inaugural race at Portimao provided numerous memories, beginning with a rain shower in the opening stages that saw Carlos Sainz, then with McLaren, surge into an unexpected lead at a time when the Woking-based squad was not a regular fixture at the sharp end as it is today. Sainz’s grip on first place wouldn’t last once the conditions settled, though, with Lewis Hamilton steering his Mercedes W11, adorned in an all-black colour scheme as a stand against racism and discrimination, to a 92nd win, surpassing the record he had shared with Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton, now a seven-time F1 champion, would replicate that seven months later when Portimao was included as the third round on the 2021 calendar. But while the sport hasn’t returned since then, the current government is seeking to change that in the coming years.

But is it a realistic proposition, and how could a Portimao comeback materialise?

Well, with widespread demand across the globe to host an F1 race, the sports bosses opened the door to a rotation system back in January 2021, and that has since been put into action.

The Belgian Grand Prix’s place on the calendar has been preserved until 2031 through a deal that will see the series continue to visit the popular Spa-Francorchamps circuit on a bi-annual basis past the 2027 season, skipping out 2028 and 2030. That arrangement could provide a blueprint that more European circuits subscribe to as F1 endeavours to explore new territories.

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will disappear after 2026, while Imola has not been included on next season’s calendar as two races in Italy are no longer deemed feasible amid Madrid’s impending debut. The ‘Madring’ circuit will become the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix, but the Circuit du Barcelona-Catalunya will also hold a race as it has an existing deal in place.

Barcelona has signalled a desire to continue its long-standing association with F1. The rotation model could provide it with that chance. Likewise, Portimao and Imola are also contenders to host rounds in Belgium’s place should a European replacement be sought for those years. Regardless, Portugal’s presence, even on a bi-annual basis, would be very much welcomed.

READ MORE – Portugal ready to ‘formalise’ country’s return to F1 calendar

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Motorsport is often portrayed as a cold, mechanical science: engineers crunching data, drivers following strategy sheets and teams investing millions to shave off tenths of a second.

But at its heart, motor racing has always been about audacity. Some of the sport’s greatest legends are not the ones who had the best cars or the biggest budgets, but those who stared down impossible odds, made a gamble and came out victorious.

Just like the unpredictable spin of online slots, racing history is littered with stories of those who embraced risk when others played safe. Sometimes it ended in heartbreak, but other times it rewrote the record books.

James Hunt – The playboy who became Formula 1 World Champion

James Hunt (pictured above) was never meant to be the corporate-friendly face of Formula 1. He was scrappy, unpolished and more likely to be photographed with a cigarette and a pint than in the gym. When he entered the 1976 season, few believed he could seriously challenge the might of Ferrari and Niki Lauda.

But Hunt thrived on chaos. He gambled with daring overtakes, sometimes brushing wheels and dancing on the edge of disaster. The season culminated in one of the most dramatic finales in motorsport history.

Lauda, having miraculously returned after a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring, withdrew from a rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix. Hunt needed to finish third to take the championship. He went all-in, clawing through the field with a puncture, barely securing enough points to be crowned FIA Formula 1 World Champion by a single point.

It was a victory defined by risk, resilience and timing. The perfect metaphor for fortune favouring the bold.

Ayrton Senna at Donnington – Rain masterclass of ’93

Few drivers embodied risk like Ayrton Senna. While his three championships already cemented his place in history, one particular race in 1993 remains the stuff of legend.

The European Grand Prix at Donnington was a wet and miserable affair, the kind of conditions that terrify even seasoned pros. On the opening lap, Senna started fourth but unleashed an assault so breathtaking that it is still considered the greatest opening lap in Formula 1 history.

He passed four cars in less than a minute, carving through Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Alain Prost and Karl Wendlinger with a mixture of raw instinct and razor-thin margins.

That day, Senna didn’t just win a race. He showcased how intuition and daring can make miracles. It was calculated madness, a reminder that in motorsport, sometimes instinct can be worth more than strategy.

Brawn GP – The miracle of 2009

In modern motorsport, where billions back the top teams, the story of Brawn GP feels almost mythical. When Honda suddenly withdrew from Formula 1 in late 2008, the team’s staff faced unemployment. Enter Ross Brawn, who led a management buyout, rebranded the team and showed up at the first race with a car few took seriously.

Then came the shock. The BGP 001 was a rocket, aided by a controversial “double diffuser” that rival teams had overlooked. Suddenly, this supposed underfunded outfit was leading the championship.

Against all expectations, and despite limited resources, Jenson Button won six of the first seven races, riding the wave of risk that Ross Brawn had staked everything on. By the season’s end, Brawn GP had claimed both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

It was a Cinderella story for modern racing. proof that even in an era of corporate giants, daring innovation can still tilt the odds.

Fernando Alonso – Valencia’s masterstroke in 2012

By 2012, many thought Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari career was winding down. The car was not competitive enough to win consistently, and the championship looked out of reach. Then came the European Grand Prix at Valencia.

Starting from 11^th on the grid, Alonso needed something extraordinary. Through aggressive overtakes, perfect timing during safety cars and sheer determination, he fought his way to the front in front of his home crowd. Tears streamed down his face on the podium as the Spanish fans roared.

It wasn’t a championship win, but it was the ultimate underdog performance. Alonso had risked everything in a car that shouldn’t have been on the podium, let alone first place.

Risk, reward and the allure of the unexpected

What unites these stories is not just victory, but the willingness to embrace risk when others hesitated. Motorsport has always thrived on its unpredictability (i.e. a sudden rain shower, a mechanical gamble a daring strategy). For fans, that’s part of the allure: knowing that the odds are never fully set in stone.

It is the same thrill that draws people to games of chance. The spin of online slots, like the lap of a race, is a dance between precision and unpredictability. Sometimes the favourites win. Sometimes the outsiders change history. But in both arenas, it’s the uncertainty that keeps people coming back for more.

Why these stories still matter…

In an era where teams increasingly rely on data simulations and risk-averse strategies, these underdog tales remind us why fans fell in love with motorsport in the first place. They celebrate human daring, ingenuity and the courage to chase glory against improbable odds.

From Hunt’s chaotic championship to Brawn GP’s impossible fairytale, the legends of risk-taking endure because they capture something universal: the idea that even in the most controlled environments, fortune still favours the brave.

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Hydrogen is gaining traction as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Yet, for this material to be fully adaptable to widespread use, it must be suitable for any purpose, including fuelling motorsport cars, and be able to operate at high speeds.

In this article, we will discuss hydrogen racing cars, their history, current achievements, and whether they will one day become the leaders in racing, offering a 100% chance to win on platforms like Mostbet.

What Is a hydrogen engine?

The hydrogen currently fuelling engines in cars are a lighter and cleaner alternative to petroleum or electricity, which is generated by the combustion of coal and natural gas.

The hydrogen engine operates either by burning hydrogen or by using it to generate electricity, which is then utilised to power the car.

For example, in cars like the Toyota Mirai or Hyundai NEXO, hydrogen is stored in a fuel tank. The car uses the fuel cell to split the hydrogen molecule (H2) into electrons and protons. The electrons (electricity) later flow through the wire to create electricity.

The protons are then connected with electrons and oxygen (O2) to produce water. Such a process is considered more effective than using hydrogen combustion. It is more efficient, meaning it goes faster and/or further on the same amount of hydrogen.

It also has fewer moving parts and is safer, as hydrogen combustion cars are more likely to explode when designed poorly.

Since hydrogen is derived from water and then converted into hydrogen through steam methane reforming and electrolysis, it is stored, chilled, and compressed into the car’s tank. It is then transported to the gas station by pipelines or trucks. It can also be made at the hydrogen station in minutes.

What is the history of hydrogen cars?

The first car to use hydrogen as fuel was the Chevrolet Electrovan, created in 1966 by General Motors. The Toyota FCHV and Honda FCX became the first government-certified commercial hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

In 2006, BMW created 100 luxury test models of the BMW Hydrogen 7 to prove the concept. The first real-world hydrogen car used by everyday drivers was the Honda FCX Clarity. It was a commercially leased hydrogen car, available in small numbers, in 2008, and it was also an experiment to test its performance in real-world conditions.

In 2013, the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell became the first mass-produced hydrogen SUV, making hydrogen cars more practical.

The Toyota Mirai, introduced in 2014, has become one of the most successful hydrogen fuel cell electric cars, still being sold to date. The 2018 Hyundai NEXO has become one of the most efficient hydrogen vehicles available and one of the most popular.

Visibly, hydrogen cars are slowly entering the market to take their firm positions in the future. Still, as of now, one of the major barriers to their adoption is the difficulty of fuelling them. This year, Honda has introduced a hydrogen fuel cell SUV that combines a fuel cell with plug-in charging capability. This innovation can make hydrogen cars more accessible to users and increase their popularity on the mass market.

Racing cars powered by hydrogen

Racing cars powered by hydrogen are gaining interest from both amateurs and professionals. Most of the models are still experimental, yet promising.

For example, in 2017, the Dutch student team Forze developed the first motor racing car to participate in the Supercar Challenge in the Netherlands.

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 210 km/h.

Toyota’s model, Toyota GR H2, is a hydrogen combustion prototype, built to compete in future racing events. It is planned that it will take part in the World Endurance Championship in 2028.

Pioneer 25 (Extreme H series) is a hydrogen-powered motor racing car designed to compete in off-road racing. FIA recognizes it as the world’s first hydrogen race series. The car is quite fast. It hits 0–100 km/h in 4.5 s, and its top speed is about ~200 km/h.

All of these models proved quite capable of competing with petrol-based cars in the world-class events.

For example, Forze and GreenG demonstrated that hydrogen racing cars can compete in real events. The BMW H2R demonstrated that hydrogen combustion cars can achieve the same speed records as conventional models, and the Pioneer 25 passed the rigorous crash tests conducted by the FIA, showing that the cars remain reliable in various situations.

Although the hydrogen racing car concept is still in development, it has already drawn attention and popularity.

The main constraint to pushing these models to the mass market is the safety concerns and high costs associated with hydrogen production. Yet, if engineers find ways to overcome these barriers shortly, the popularity of various hydrogen-powered cars will skyrocket, making the products popular worldwide.

As the current models promise high speeds and the ability to compete in races on par with conventional cars, they are likely to become the standard participants in competitions shortly.

The post What we know about hydrogen-powered racing cars appeared first on Motorsport Week.

Formula 1’s high-octane racing continues after the white flag. The sport’s global appeal supports a flourishing gaming business.

There are now computer models that put you in the driver’s seat, as well as gambling slots and mobile strategy games that feel like the Grand Prix. Whether racing around a simulated Monaco circuit or spinning reels with super-charged rewards, F1 games are quick and fun for everyone. Explore this fast-paced gaming environment and discover its appeal.

Console Kings: F1 25 and Racing Simulators

Of all the official FIA Formula 1 World Championship video games released in 2025, the most downloaded is F1 25 by Codemasters. In Germany, it sold over 100,000 copies and was awarded a Gold Sales Award.

With its breathtaking graphics and engaging gameplay, you’ll feel like you’re racing in Silverstone or Miami like Max Verstappen or Lando Norris. Racing games such as iRacing and Assetto Corsa include tracks and cars inspired by Formula 1, much like the real thing.

The cars and tracks in these games are based on real-life models from the 2025 season, down to the weather and tyre wear. They have deep job modes that let players build their own F1 reputation while dealing with team rivalries and race plans.

Players feel like they’re battling folks from across the globe in their online modes. Modding possibilities enable fans to explore anything from 1970s machines to modern mixes, making games like Assetto Corsa more exciting.

Spinning reels: F1-themed casino slots

Online gambling games like Grand Prix Gold by 1X2 Gaming and F1 Race by Playtech bring the track to your screen with their exciting F1 themes. These games have racing icons, white flags, and extras that make you feel like you’re in a Grand Prix.

These slots combine the excitement of Formula One with the high risks of gaming, making them a thrilling choice at the fastest payout online casino. Some important things about F1-themed slots are:

• Engaging themes. Symbols like helmets, tires, and trophies create an authentic racing vibe.
• Bonus rounds. Pit-stop challenges or free spins add strategic depth, like choosing tires in a race.
• Accessibility. Playable on mobile, perfect for quick gaming sessions.
• Popular titles. Speedway Riches, Nitro Reels, and Racing Reels lead the pack with vibrant graphics and progressive jackpots.

Mobile and strategy: F1 clash and beyond

Mobile games like F1 Clash (formerly F1 Manager) are fun for fans who like strategy games more than fast-paced racing games. In this legally approved game, players are in charge of a racing team and have to make important choices about which drivers to hire, when to make pit stops, and how to best use tires to beat the other teams.

With real teams and drivers, it gives you a real feel for being a boss in a style that’s great for both short lessons and longer ones. Other strategy games, like Motorsport Manager Online, put players in charge of everything, from making budgets to improving cars. These games credit players who plan and think about the long term.

Their ease of play and detail attract players. Die-hard fans might get buried in multi-season clashes, while casual players enjoy short, precise bouts. Along with these finished games, independent releases add a bit of creativity. For example, fan-made mobile races like the strange obstacle-dodging F1-inspired games seen on X add a lot of new variety to the genre.

Virtual betting and niche titles

Formula 1 has an impact on more than just standard games. It can be seen in virtual bets and special games as well. In virtual race games like Race to Riches, events are run by AI, and players can bet on the results at any time, adding to the excitement.

On the other hand, independent websites like itch.io show many F1-themed projects, such as Mot’s Grand Prix, which has a retro look, and F1 / 2D, which is simple but fun.

These games show how versatile the genre is. For example, virtual betting platforms let you bet on random races and guess who will win or how long each lap will take. And independent games often put fun and imagination ahead of cutting-edge graphics, making them easy to access or cheap to enjoy.

Together, they reach people all over the world, from casual bettors looking for quick thrills to players who miss the good old days of racing.

Why F1 games thrive

Games that are based on Formula 1 capture the spirit of the sport: speed, planning, and thrills. This is why they’re in charge:

Diverse Appeal

From extremely realistic simulators like F1 25 that put die-hard racing enthusiasts in the heart of a race day to short, enjoyable diversions like themed slots and mobile games that keep casual gamers pleased, anybody with a passing interest in racing can find their corner.

Cultural Boost

Netflix’s Drive to Survive and F1’s success in new nations have increased demand for sports games. Many new F1 fans discovered the sport via streaming and social media and can’t wait to continue the pleasure beyond the race weekend.

Innovation

Adding new forms, powerful physics systems, and images that look amazingly real is how game makers keep raising the stakes. VR racing games and professional e-sports leagues are no longer just ideas. They’re now important parts of the F1 gaming environment.

Accessibility

The hurdles to entry have never been lower since games can be played on platforms, PCs, and mobile phones. If you want to feel like you’re in charge of an Formula 1 car, you don’t need a high-end gaming PC, a fancy laptop, or even just your phone.

F1 25 lets you try to get pole position, F1-themed slots give you a chance at a jackpot, and F1 Clash lets you be the commander. These games keep the energy going long after the checkered flag has been waved. Formula 1’s world growth is happening at the same speed as the video game industry. 

The post Racing from tracks to screens, Formula 1 inspired games appeared first on Motorsport Week.

By 2025, in motorsport terms, blockchain is now the new normal, not a novelty. It’s transforming fundraising for teams, fan engagement, and innovation in the sport. 

From the initial concept of logos on cars, what has evolved into will ultimately become the real deal: actual utility, real fan engagement-driven decisions, and immersive digital experiences that transcend the divide of trackside and online.

From logos to utility
In earlier years, crypto entered motorsport through classic sponsorships. The big deal with Crypto.com and Formula 1, like the naming of the Miami Grand Prix, has made them known all over the world. By 2025, however, partnerships have evolved.

The situation with OKX and McLaren involves the use of data-driven storytelling, including the Senna tribute livery during the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, which combines the world of crypto and racing traditions.

Similarly, Bybit’s former partnership with Red Bull Racing introduced the Velocity Series, NFT drops tied to live car telemetry and race moments. Though this collaboration ended in 2025, replaced by Gate.io, it set a precedent for blockchain-based fan experiences.

Crypto sponsorships are changing and it’s no longer only advertising. Now, crypto firms are intertwining digital currencies, fanbases, and in-game systems into an actual racing experience. It is less logo-related and more about genuine fan value.

DAO-powered sponsorship
An example of this trend is the 2024 collaborations with Alpine F1 of ApeCoin DAO: a community poll provided consent to all digital merchandise, community activities, and activations of promotion with tokens.

This community-driven venture, whose token holders will have a say in partnerships, promises a future in which fans might co-sponsor teams or vote on car designs or even in wildcard entries, but each is still a realm of e-motorsport speculation.

Crypto miner
While not yet prominent, the idea of crypto mining DAOs or tokenised sponsorships is discussed in Web3 communities. Such ideas, not published publicly, advance fractional ownership or fan-funded models as a method of democratising motorsport, a sport that is traditionally expensive and network-locked by design.

Why motorsport is a perfect fit for Web3 innovation

Crypto brands target motorsport for strategic reasons:

• International Reach: Races on five continents provide races with millions of viewers, making motorsport an excellent means to get the brand out.
• Consumer Fit: Motorsport and crypto share a lot in common in terms of innovation and performance, serving motorsport to enter the industry as a sponsor and receive a payback in terms of brand promotion
• Sponsorship Freedom: Motorsport is free of the most stringent sponsorship restrictions, with tobacco, alcohol, and betting banned in some jurisdictions, with crypto displacing them as a disruptive sponsor.

Evolving crypto sponsorship

The 2022 fall of FTX, which hit the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 Team, made teams put more care into being transparent, making plans that last, and looking at what crypto backers bring to the table. Leading sponsors like Coinbase (Aston Martin) and Kraken (Williams) now offer:

• Fan-first NFT programs, such as Kraken’s “Grid Pass” collectibles.
• Platform support infrastructure.
• Digital fan experience integrations.

Other crypto companies are promoting greener mining or having renewable energy power their mining facilities. This fits with the ambitions of Formula 1 to become carbon-neutral by 2030. However, thus far, there are no racing sponsors who are actually doing so, and now it is more of a possibility in the future rather than a current reality.

Web3 and Esports

Web3 extends beyond the track to sim-racing and esports. Platforms like Torque Drift, REVV Racing, and RaceFi offer:

• Crypto-powered tournaments
• NFT-based car ownership and upgrades
• Play-to-earn mechanics

Alpine is exploring NFT-linked fan experiences, potentially including access to telemetry data for select collectible holders, though this is not yet confirmed. With the rise of sim-racing, in the future, it is possible to imagine NFT communities sponsoring esports pilots or DAO votes deciding the result of the race; however, those are scenarios that are unlikely to happen.

What to expect by 2026

Emerging trends include:

• Tokenised Ticketing: Ensuring tickets with anti-scalping, loyalty rewards, and programmable access are provided by smart contracts, which are enforced in the Formula 1 2023 NFT ticketing trial.
• Green Mining Partnerships: Teams can investigate collaboration with crypto companies using clean power, which can be associated with the sustainability targets established by FIA, although no such agreements are present at the moment.
• DAO-Governed Teams: Smaller motorsport series could experiment with fan voting on team decisions, like liveries or strategies, but this is untested.
• Driver NFTs as Investment Tools: Initiatives tying NFT ownership to a driver’s career milestones or merchandise sales are being explored but are not yet implemented.

Conclusion

Motorsport, a domain of engineering excellence, is becoming a hub for economic experimentation. Crypto.com’s trackside branding and Alpine’s DAO-driven sponsorship with ApeCoin highlight Web3’s growing influence.

Although crypto miners may, theoretically, support the infrastructure when it comes to green energy requirements, and esports drivers may be fan-funded with NFTs in the future, the mentioned ideas remain in a distant perspective.

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