Jess Hawkins has become the first woman to drive a modern Formula One car in five years, following a test session. The experienced racing and stunt driver got a chance to drive the current Aston Martin AMR21 F1 race car at the Hungaroring circuit, near Budapest.
It was the fulfillment of a life-long dream for the Hampshire-born star, and a further benefit of her role as an official ‘driver ambassador’ for Aston Martin.
Completing 26 laps of the Hungaroring in total, Hawkins shared the test session with Aston Martin’s test and reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich.
Fulfilling a career goal
Jess Hawkins has already established an impressive motorsport CV, having won numerous karting championships.
The British driver also competed in the all-female W Series in both 2019 and 2021, and has made appearances in the British Touring Car Championship. She was appointed a driver ambassador for Aston Martin two years ago.
Next year will see Hawkins compete in the all-female F1 Academy series, representing the Aston Martin team as its nominated driver. The 2024 F1 Academy season will see Formula One outfits taking a greater involvement in the development championship.
Away from the track, Hawkins was a stunt driver in the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die, and even holds a Guinness World Record for driving the fastest-accelerating lawnmower.
“Blood, sweat and tears to get here”
Speaking after the test session, Hawkins said: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone at AMF1 Team for having the trust in me, believing in me, and for giving me this opportunity. It’s taken me every bit of blood, sweat and tears to get here. When I first heard it might be a possibility, I could hardly believe it.”
She added: “I’ve had to keep it secret for months now – which was pretty hard! It’s been absolutely worth it and it’s given me really valuable insight. Nothing will compare to the acceleration and braking of a Formula One car and, having looked at the data, I’m really proud of my performance.”
Mike Krack, Aston Martin F1 team principal said: “We were really impressed by Jessica’s preparation for the test – she worked incredibly hard with our simulator team and that made it an easy decision to put her in the AMR21. Jessica approached the opportunity with great maturity; she was up to speed quickly and found a nice rhythm.”
Maserati has opened the doors to its new London showroom, with help from David Beckham. The former England football captain drove to the launch party in a new Maserati GranTurismo, then spoke to guests about his custom MC20 supercar.
The flagship Maserati facility is located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, just outside the M25 and close to the Galleria shopping centre. It forms part of luxury dealer group H.R. Owen’s huge new multi-marque site, which includes showrooms and servicing workshops for Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini.
This is also the first UK showroom to adopt Maserati’s new design aesthetic, including colours ‘reminiscent of the rustic hues found in Italian countryside villages’. Or so it says here.
Blue is the colour
Pride of price on the opening night went to a glamorous, deep blue GranTurismo Trofeo (pictured above) – Maserati’s answer to the Bentley Continental GT or Porsche 911 Turbo, with a 550hp V6 engine and price tag of around £163,000.
We tested the Trofeo earlier this year, saying: ‘it feels like a car you could drive for hours to the French Alps, then enjoy threading together a few hairpins when you get there’.
Bernard Loire, chief commercial officer at Maserati, also spoke about the fully electric GranTurismo Folgore (‘lightning’ in English), which is due imminently. With a mighty 761hp from a 92.5kWh battery, it will bring true supercar performance to the Italian brand’s luxury GT.
Proving that you should *always* check the car park is this Maserati Kyalami.
Closely related to the De Tomaso Longchamp and one of 210 made. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one before. pic.twitter.com/amp3IBsIPf
Speaking of supercars, there were three examples of the McLaren-baiting Maserati MC20 on display in Hatfield, two parked outside (see below), plus the same MC20 Cielo convertible we reviewed in May. Our thoughts at the time: ‘Whatever the weather, it excels as a refreshingly uncomplicated and authentic supercar’.
A game of two halves
As Maserati’s global brand ambassador, David Beckham naturally owns an MC20, which has been modified using the in-house ‘Fuoriserie’ personalisation service – also offered in Hatfield via a 3D digital configurator on a large screen.
As Beckham explained, his car sports the colours of his Miami-based football team (sorry, ‘soccer team’), with gloss black paint and pale pink MC20 badges and brake callipers.
Each to their own, of course, but we discovered our favourite Maserati of the evening outside in the car park: an ultra-rare classic Kyalami. The crisply styled V8 coupe was one of 210 produced between 1976 and 1982. It served as a reminder that glamorous Maseratis are nothing new.
Children have finally returned to school after the long summer holiday. However, while many parents will be breathing a quiet sigh of relief, the school run can be one of the most hazardous journeys we take.
Arguing siblings in the back, other children crossing the road, competing with other parents for a parking space… it can all add up to a very stressful experience.
With help from road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart, we’ve compiled some tips on how to make this twice-a-day car journey as smooth and safe as possible.
Driving to school in safety
Sit tight, buckle up
Make sure all your children are in their child car seats, that the seats fit properly (taking into account the child’s height and weight) and that all belts are fastened.
The government guidance states: ‘Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.’
With any luck, your kids will be strapped in so securely they won’t be able to reach each other…
A snack hack
Pack snacks, along with toys or books to distract them when the going gets stroppy. A bite to eat or something to amuse them should keep spirits up.
As all parents know, it doesn’t take much for a young child’s mood to change, so back-ups are always good to have.
Be a punctual parent
It’s easier said than done, but try not to rush. A school-run with time to spare is safer and far more relaxed, for everyone involved.
Allow plenty of time and stay calm. Children may react to your mood, which can spiral into arguments that distract you from the road.
Go slow and steady
Following on from the above, if you’re not rushing, you’re not speeding. A slower car is a safer car, particularly when children may be crossing the road.
Many schools already have 20mph speed limits nearby, and you should adhere to these carefully.
Rules of the road
The learning doesn’t have to start on the school premises. Teach your kids as much as you can about road safety as possible. Set a good example for them by being a patient, considerate and observant driver.
Don’t park your car in a position that could endanger others. You could even park a short distance away from the school, so a brief walk can offer a practical demonstration of pedestrian safety.
“Traffic always picks up again after the school holidays, so your journey will take longer and potentially be more stressful,” said Richard Gladman of IAM RoadSmart.
“Make sure the car is fuelled up and fit and ready for stop-start traffic, so you have one less thing to worry about. Be vigilant around schools as there’s likely to be children getting out of cars or walking to school.”
British Bugatti owners can now have their exclusive hypercars serviced at a new aftersales centre in London. Luxury car dealership H.R. Owen has opened the facility to complement its Mayfair showroom, which is dedicated to the Bugatti brand.
The new London workshop becomes the only Bugatti Service Partner of Excellence centre in the UK, and one of only six in the world.
Well-heeled (and probably quite demanding) Bugatti owners are promised ‘a peerless and serene ownership journey’ and ‘absolute customer satisfaction’.
More than just an oil-change
Being a Bugatti Service Partner of Excellence means the London workshop is allowed to perform more complex aspects of maintenance work and specialised repairs. Owners can request an interior retrim, have new accessories installed, or even commission a custom makeover for their car’s bodywork.
That’s all in addition to the ‘regular’ servicing needed to keep a 1,500hp Bugatti Chiron at the peak of its powers, of course.
Members of the London service team have received in-depth training at Bugatti headquarters in Molsheim, France. There are seven service bays in the 554 square-metre facility, each with the latest diagnostic technology. Along with servicing the current Chiron, the technicians can maintain older Veyron and EB110 models, too.
The ultimate service experience
“The facility that Bugatti London has created is one of the most advanced aftersales sites, perfectly in line with our commitment to deliver the very best service experience for our customers,” said Alexis Ploix, director of aftersales at Bugatti.
“Our constant development of the partner and aftersales network ensures that each and every step of owning a Bugatti is incomparable – just as our founder, Ettore, had always wanted it to be – but also impeccable.”
Bugatti London offers its customers a chauffeur-driven collection service, along with access to high-end courtesy cars while maintenance work is being undertaken.
Tellingly, no prices are quoted. However, Bugatti London charges up to £50 for an espresso at its Mayfair showroom, which perhaps offers an insight into how daunting your service bill might be.
Owners of certain Volvo and Polestar models will soon be able to watch Amazon Prime Video content inside their cars.
An update to the Android Automotive operating system in Volvo and Polestar vehicles will see the Prime Video streaming service available to download via the built-in Google Play app store.
Drivers can then watch Amazon Prime Video content – such as the new Mammals series with James Corden – using the infotainment screen of their Volvo or Polestar.
Moving upstream
“Adding access to services such as Prime Video and YouTube in our cars bolsters the continuously growing list of software and applications to make lives for our drivers better,” said Erik Severinson, global head of new car programmes at Volvo. “We are delivering on our promise of building cars that grow with our customers over time.”
Access to YouTube video streaming will become available for Volvo models in the near-future, too.
YouTube access was added to the Polestar 2 earlier this year, as part of the electric car’s 15th over-the-air software update so far.
Safety comes first
In the name of safety, access to both Amazon Prime Video and YouTube streaming content is limited to when the car is fully stationary. This might include time spent waiting for an electric car to charge, for example.
Prime Video will be offered through the Google Play app store, while YouTube access will be added to Volvo models via an over-the-air software update. The rollout of Amazon Prime Video starts on 18 September 2023, with a market-by-market approach.
All Volvo cars with built-in Google operating systems will be able to receive the new updates, other than those located in China, South Korea and Vietnam.
A new trend for car cannibalisation is being reported across the UK. The problem has been highlighted by Tracker, which supplies GPS tracking systems to help locate stolen cars.
The process involves vehicles are being stripped for parts – often with alarming speed – when left in public car parks or on owners’ driveways.
“When the pandemic slammed on the brakes on new car manufacturing, the UK saw a surge in demand for used cars and with this a worrying increase in thefts of older vehicles and parts,” explains Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker.
Enabled by illegal ‘chop shops’
Wain continues: “An influx of chop shops – illegal body shops used to illicitly disassemble stolen motor vehicles so their parts can be sold on – began appearing nationwide to support car-theft rings and organised crime gangs. This continues to be a significant concern for the police and car owners. This year to date, the number of illegal chop shops we have helped UK police forces uncover has more than doubled compared with the whole of 2022.”
Although criminal networks in the UK are the main marketplace for stolen car parts, Tracker says that items can end up being sold further afield. The rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa have all become destinations for car parts stolen in the UK.
Opportunistic individuals are also said to be engaged in car cannibalisation, aided by the ease of selling used parts online.
Tips to deter the car cannibals
Tracker has provided a list of tips on how to reduce the risk of your car being cannibalised by criminals:
Avoid parking in unlit areas, as this gives thieves cover to work in. Fit motion-activated security lights at home if your driveway is in darkness.
Consider installing a dashcam in your car, or adding external CCTV to your house to deter thieves. Many dashcams come with a parking mode to begin recording automatically.
Upgrade your physical security at home, with security posts or a substantial gate to prevent easy access to your vehicle.
Etch easily stolen parts with the vehicle’s registration number. This could aid recovery, or dissuade thieves from taking them in the first place.
Add an alarm to your car if it does not already have one. Although it may not prevent an initial attack, it could stop multiple parts being taken.
Avoid leaving valuables on display inside your car, reducing the chance of it being attractive to opportunistic thieves.
Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel have brought the excitement of Formula 1 back to Germany’s legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.
At a weekend packed with motorsport action, the highlight was seeing Vettel take to the track in a Red Bull Racing RB7 Formula 1 car.
The RB7 was previously used by the four-time Formula 1 World Champion during his dominant 2011 season. That year, Vettel won 11 of the 19 races with the RB7, making it one of the most successful Formula 1 cars ever.
Pushing F1 to a carbon-neutral future
Driving a modern Formula 1 car around the Nurburgring Nordschleife requires serious commitment. Vettel had to contend with some 154 corners on the undulating circuit, which measures close to 13 miles in length.
Formula 1 stopped using the full Nordschleife circuit after Niki Lauda’s horrifying crash in 1976. A modern Nurburgring track hosted F1 racing action until 2020, and was the scene of Vettel’s 2013 Eifel Grand Prix victory.
For its return to the Nurburgring, the Red Bull Racing RB7 was powered by carbon-neutral fuel. Vettel commented: “I feel like I’m in a time capsule – a lot of memories have come up once I got into the car. It’s going to be a lot of fun going on the big track and doing it in a way that I am happy with. Somehow everything fits together here today – including the fact that we are now running the car with CO2-neutral fuel.”
A celebration of motorsport
Alongside Vettel at the event was current Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda in a Honda NSX GT3 Evo, along with former F1 drivers David Coulthard, Gerhard Berger and Ralf Schumacher.
Jos Verstappen, father of current Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen, took to the track in the all-electric Ford Transit Supervan 4.2. Mathias Lauda, son of the late Niki Lauda, drove a Ferrari 312 B3-74 used by his father.
Other highlights included Red Bull drift cars, freestyle motocross exhibitions and even a NASCAR on the Nordschleife.
The Rimac Nevera has become the fastest production electric car to lap the Nurburgring, with a time of 7min 5.30sec around the notorious Nordschleife circuit in Germany – used as a benchmark for performance car testing.
This scorching lap-time places the Rimac just inside the top 20 road-legal cars around the ‘Ring. Here, we count down the incredible machines that have gone even quicker, including supercars from Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and more.
20. Rimac Nevera – 7:05.30
The Nevera’s record lap was driven by Croatian racing driver Martin Kodric, with the car wearing Michelin Cup 2R tyres. It’s one of more than 20 performance records the 1,914hp hypercar has broken this year, including the highest verified top speed for an EV – at 256mph.
19. Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro – 7:04.63
Mercedes-AMG’s ‘Beast of the Green Hell’ GT R received a selection of aerodynamic and chassis upgrades with this Pro package. That shaved valuable seconds from its lap-time, but the Black Series version would go even quicker.
18. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS – 7:04.51
The ultimate Cayman has the same Porsche Motorsport-derived flat-six engine as the 911 GT3, producing 500hp at a frenzied 8,400rpm. Some consider it too hardcore for the road (we respectfully disagree), but the RS is a weapon on-track – as a 7min 4.51sec Nurburgring lap-time demonstrates.
17. Dodge Viper ACR 2017 – 7:01.30
The 2008 Viper ACR was one of the original ’Ring heroes. This brutal lump of American iron cemented itself as a serious contender by dominating the circuit. No pressure on the 2017 car, then, which was rumoured to be a contender for the record. Sadly, it never happened, with the Viper ACR failing to break seven minutes. That said, it remains the fastest car around the track with a manual gearbox.
16. Ferrari 488 Pista – 7:00.03
Pista means ‘track’ in Italian, so it’s no surprise this lighter, more powerful 488 was quick around the Nurburgring. Indeed it even borrowed some components from the 488 Challenge and GTE race cars, such as exotic Inconel exhaust manifolds. The open-top Spider version seemed to miss the point, somehow.
15. Porsche 992 GT3 – 6:59.93
The latest Porsche 911 GT3 still has a naturally aspirated flat-six and comes with a choice manual or PDK auto transmissions. With 510hp and a kerb weight of 1,418kg (1,435kg with PDK), it blasts to 62mph in 3.4 seconds and lapped the Nurburgring in a fraction under seven minutes. Porsche pro driver Jörg Bergmeister described it as “by far the best production car” he has driven around the circuit.
14. Lamborghini Aventador SV – 6:59.73
Before the record-breaking Aventador SVJ came the SV, with revised damping, less weight and some serious aero. It also boasted more power and stickier tyres, and became the second road car (after the Porsche 918 Spyder), to break the seven-minute barrier around the Nurburgring. Impressive at the time, but others have surpassed it now.
13. Ferrari 296 GTB– 6:58.70
Blisteringly fast and beautiful, the heart of the Ferrari 296 GTB is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that revs to 8,500rpm, plus a plug-in hybrid system with a 7.45kW battery. Together, they serve up a mighty 830hp – good for a Nurburging lap-time that starts with a ‘six’.
12. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS MR– 6:58.09
This harder, faster GT4 RS is a joint effort between the ‘Nordschleife specialists’ at Manthey and Porsche Motorsport. The improvements are focused mainly on aerodynamics, including a carbon fibre undertray with built-in diffusers and CFRP aerodisc rear wheels to help reduce turbulence. A serious bit of kit.
11. Porsche 918 Spyder – 6:57
Porsche works racing driver Marc Lieb was tasked with extracting the maximum from the firm’s 887hp hybrid hypercar. He did so brilliantly, setting a lap time of 6min 57sec. With Ferrari and McLaren not publishing times for the LaFerrari and P1 respectively, the Porsche is officially the quickest of the hypercar ‘Holy Trinity’.
10. Porsche 991.2 GT3 RS – 6:56.4
Not five years after the Porsche 918 owned the Nurburgring, the 911 went and beat it. Who needs nearly 900hp, all-wheel drive and instant electric power? Equipped with the lightweight Weissach package, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres and a 500hp free-breathing flat-six, the previous 911 GT3 RS did the business a second quicker.
9. Radical SR8 – 6:55
The Radical SR8 isn’t a car for long motorway journeys. Its manic 2.6-litre V8 develops 360hp and, in theory, it generates enough downforce to drive upside-down. Back in 2005, it blasted around the Nurburgring in a supercar-slaying 6min 55sec.
8. Lamborghini Huracan Performante – 6:52.01
A year before the 911 GT2 fought back, the Lamborghini Huracan Performante put its active aerodynamics to the test for a scarcely believable 6min 52.01sec lap. In 2016, the thought of this relatively conventional supercar beating the sophisticated Porsche 918 Spyder was a real shock. Light weight is another of the Performante’s key strengths.
7. Radical SR8 LM – 6:48.28
When people say “It’s a racing car with number plates”, generally that’s not accurate. This actually is. Radicals race in this spec, minus headlights and those all-important plates. Michael Vergers drove the SR8 LM around the Nurburgring on street-legal tyres for a time of 6min 48.28sec. That’s pretty epic, particularly as it was achieved way back in 2009.
6. Porsche 991 GT2 RS – 6:47.25
The 911 GT2 RS was a fitting run-out model for the ‘991’ model. Its incredible performance at the Nurburgring places it sixth in the current ranking. Given the GT2 name’s reputation for spikiness, it’s quite an achievement to create such a well-rounded 700hp-plus 911.
5. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ – 6:44.97
The biggest and baddest of the raging bulls didn’t enjoy a lot of time atop the Nurburgring throne. Nevertheless, as a proof of how far the Aventador has come, the SVJ’s 6min 44.97sec time is undeniably incredible. Compare that to the original Aventador LP700’s time of 7min 25sec. Yes, that’s 40 seconds slower.
4. Porsche 992 GT3 RS – 6:44.85
With even more aero than a Le Mans-spec 911 RSR – including that monstrous rear wing – the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RS is all about downforce: 870kg at 177mph, to be precise. The extra grip generated means a 525hp 911 edges ahead of a 770hp Aventador around a lap of the ’Ring. Sensational.
3. Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series – 6:43.62
Amazingly, this scorching 6min 43.62sec time was achieved on a cold day with track tarmac that was still damp in patches. Could the mega-Merc emulate the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 and break its own record? Perhaps, but another Mercedes-Benz is faster still…
2. Porsche 991 GT2 RS MR – 6:43.30
Nurburgring lap times are often a bit controversial. So it proves with the second-placed Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Yes, it’s a production car – albeit now discontinued – but like the Cayman GT4 RS further up this list, the record-holder was fitted with the optional Manthey Performance Kit. This consists of chassis, brake and aerodynamic upgrades, plus the lightweight magnesium wheels of Porsche’s own Weissach Package.
1. Mercedes-AMG One – 6:30.71
Mercedes-Benz engineers spent five years grappling with the challenge of making a 1.6-litre V6 Formula One engine pass emissions and noise tests – arguably an even greater achievement than the AMG One’s all-conquering Nurburgring lap record. Still, a time of 6min 30.71sec, set by fearless driver Maro Engel, is pretty incredible. What will it take to beat it?
The legendary GTI badge has a place in Volkswagen’s electric future, as revealed by the new ID. GTI concept car.
Ahead of the 2023 Munich Motor Show, which opens its doors on Tuesday 5 September, Volkswagen has released these official images of the ID. GTI.
Based on the ID. 2all concept, shown earlier this year, the ID. GTI is described by Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer as the “perfect combination of driving pleasure and everyday usability”.
Classic GTI styling
Volkswagen head of design Andreas Mindt ensured all the typical hot hatch styling features were included on the ID. GTI. In terms of proportions, the car is only fractionally larger than the ID. 2all, measuring 4,104mm in length. This makes it closer in scale to a Volkswagen Polo than the current Mk8 Golf.
Despite its supermini size, Volkswagen has fitted 20-inch alloy wheels, which are inspired by Golf GTI models of the past. At the rear, the darkened area below the tail light cluster is a nod to the original Mk1 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Other GTI staples include a rear spoiler, plus liberal use of honeycomb trim inside the front bumper. A red stripe spans the radiator grille, while the Mars Red and Diamond Silver colours of the concept cars are also taken from Golf GTIs of the past.
A modern GTI interior
If the outside of the ID. GTI concept is all traditional Volkswagen hot hatchback, its interior is far more futuristic.
This includes a head-up display that can project across the entire windscreen. This allows the passenger to see lap times on a circuit, for example, along with other driving or infotainment data.
Engaging GTI mode via a steering wheel-mounted button switches the dashboard back-lighting to red. Take the ID. GTI concept onto Germany’s famous Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit and a map of the track will appear on the windscreen.
Still a front-driven hot hatch
Currently just a concept car, Volkswagen has not released any major technical details about the ID. GTI. We know it’s front-wheel drive, but with an electronically controlled differential lock that can be adjusted by the driver.
With the production version of the Volkswagen ID. 2all concept expected to arrive in 2025, the electric GTI could reach showrooms the following year.
Volkswagen plans to launch 11 new EVs by 2027. However, enthusiasts can feel reassured that the GTI badge won’t be lost in the move to electrification.
Now, as Alfa Romeo heads towards an electrified future, a limited production run of the reimagined 33 Stradale celebrates its past and future. Significantly, this will be the last combustion-engined supercar from the Italian marque.
Making the Alfisti proud
According to Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato, the aim with the new 33 Stradale was “to create something that lived up to our past, to serve the brand and to make the Alfisti fandom proud”.
The voluptuous design is by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, and reinvents the classic model’s dramatic butterfly doors. Unlike the original, however, the latest 33 Stradale is made from a combination of lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium.
More radical is the choice of powertrains on offer. Buyers can choose a 620hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine or a fully electric version. The EV musters an even more substantial 750hp.
Both cars are said to be capable of 0-62mph in less than three seconds, plus a top speed of 207mph. Opting for battery power means an official range of 280 miles.
Handling by Valterri Bottas
Formula One driver Valterri Bottas is responsible for the car’s final chassis setup. Double wishbone suspension and carbon ceramic brakes with brake-by-wire technology should ensure the 33 Stradale handles and stops like a supercar, too.
Buyers can opt for two different interior designs. Tributo honours the late-1960s classic, with aluminium design details, while the track-focused Alfa Corse option features exposed carbon fibre.
The 33 Stradale will be hand-built by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, and each of the 33 examples was sold within weeks of potential customers seeing design sketches at the 2022 Monza Grand Prix. The first lucky owners should receive their cars in 2024.
