What does the £115 million Mercedes really mean for classic car values?

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July 21, 2022

It isn’t just the staggering sales figure; it’s also the massive price difference between this new record and the previous one. The ‘Uhlenhaut coupe’ hasn’t just moved the needle, it’s broken the pin at the 8,000rpm limiter.

This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR – only two of which were made – sold for a jaw-dropping $142.7 million (£115 million) at auction, more than doubling the old record. The previous champion, a 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO, held the title at £56 million. The Italian marque had been top of the pops for some time with a succession of (mainly) 250 GTOs, but 300 SLR landed a knockout blow that nobody – perhaps not even the Mercedes-Benz Museum, which put the car up for sale – could have predicted.

While cars like the Uhlenhaut 300 SLR are only accessible to the 0.01 percent, it is a significant moment for the automotive landscape. A sale like this stirs interest, ignites conversations and affects values.

‘A game-changer for the market’

RM Sotheby’s, which facilitated the sale, is still basking in the glory. Marketing and comms manager Peter Haynes said: “It is clear that the sale of this car is a game-changer in the collector car market and has, naturally, forced people to re-assess the values that can be attributed to cars that sit amongst the rarest and most historically significant examples in the world. But it may be many years before we see a sale of another car that can compare to this remarkable event.”

For some time now, classic cars have been considered legitimate investments. In the same way that one might buy a painting by a famous artist, a rare and sought-after car can be fun to own and financially prudent. Whether you’re a member of the world’s financial elite or just someone with a bit of expendable income looking to be smart with your money, buying the right classic is a proven economic strategy. It doesn’t have to be a multi-million-pound Mercedes, either. An early Volkswagen Beetle, for example, bought for £7,000 a decade ago, might be worth twice that amount today.

The trick is, as with any investment, is finding the right car. In the case of the Uhlenhaut 300 SLR – named after then-head of testing at Mercedes Benz, Rudolph Uhlenhaut – or indeed a Ferrari 250 GTO, the car’s rarity, its motorsport heritage, and the brand’s providence make it an easy pick. But how does one find an affordable car that offers some degree of confidence in its future value?

Sharp-suited supercars

The recent Concours on Savile Row, held on that famous, high-end men’s fashion street in London, featured an impressive selection of contemporary and classic cars. Many were limited-production models made even more exclusive by independent design houses. From both a financial and a passion perspective, there is a growing appetite for high-end cars with bespoke modifications – the cost of which can often double the purchase price. These owners – and investors – are confident that the one-off nature of their car will retain or even increase its value.

When asked about the sale of the 300 SLR, Savile Row co-organiser Geoff Love said: “The price paid for the Mercedes-Benz reflected the unique nature of the individual car. In my view, it will challenge the valuations of the most important classic cars that transcend automotive culture and move them into fine art. It will raise the bar for the absolute very best cars of real provenance, rather than have a general impact on all classic cars. It may move the general value of certain classic Mercedes, but the real winners will be those rare cars that are rolling works of art.”

There is no doubt that style plays a part in a car’s desirability. And even though beauty is in the eye of the beholder (and sometimes even the beer-holder), there are some cars that the vast majority of people, car lovers or not, agree would look great parked outside their home.

Gold-standard classics

Hagerty is a world-renowned classic car insurer and valuations expert. Its Classic Index tracks the values of 50 individual cars to analyse the ‘gold standard’ landscape. It therefore gives a useful insight into future developments within the UK and world markets.

John Mayhead, editor of the UK Hagerty Price Guide, said, “In general, the old ‘gold standard’ classics have been either flat or reduced in value. Pre-1970s Aston Martins, E-Type Jaguars, Jensen Interceptors, etc, have all slipped back, except very special cars (matching numbers, interesting provenance, originality, good spec and colour). Hagerty believes that if you were of the generation that remembers the impact a DB5 or an E-Type had when new, you’ve either reached the point in your life when you can afford one, or you never will.”

We asked John about his views on future classic Mercedes-Benz models: “Early AMG Mercedes saloons (C36, C43, E55, and so on) are likely to rise if in good condition. Similarly, any well-maintained Black Series cars are already very collectable. The SLS and SLR McLaren have both been added to the Hagerty Price Guide recently for the same reason.”

Early SL rising in value

Mayhead feels that the cars that are growing in value – apart from the ‘unicorns’ – are vehicles relevant to the generation enthusiastic about spending its money today. The baby boomers have perhaps already bought the cars they want. Gen Xers and Millennials now have their faces glued to the windows of today’s digital showrooms. It’s their hero cars that are gaining momentum.

Mayhead also says: “At the top end, there seems to be a US-led surge in the values of the 300SL Gullwing and Roadster. Values dipped just before the pandemic, but have rallied strongly. We’ve seen a 22 percent increase in average Gullwing values (to £1.131 million) in the last three years.”

“The original (W121) 190SL has also performed extremely well, with a rise of 18 percent over the same period (the average price is now £119,000). The (W113) ‘Pagoda’ 230SL and 280SL models have been increasing steadily, but feel undervalued. They combine classic styling with a driving practicality that puts them in a very usable category.”

Find a perfect Pagoda

With the Pagoda set for its 60th anniversary in 2023, now could be the perfect time to snap one up. The 280SL has always been the ‘one to buy’, but both the 250SL and 230SL are now gaining momentum.

We also asked John for final comments on the sale of the 300 SLR and whether moments like this will impact overall prices: “We think not directly. Industry insiders suggest that this is a strong play by M-B, though – to make the point that their car is the most valuable in the world. Coming so close to the release of the AMG One hypercar, it is a statement of intent to the opposition. This is such a high level of sale that it is unlikely to directly increase other Mercedes-Benz prices, but it will increase interest in the brand. That could signal a rise in values. One dealer we spoke to told us that his phone was ringing off the hook in the weeks following the sale.”

One wonders then if the 10 people invited to the auction of the ‘Uhlenhaut’ 300 SLR and the timing of the sale were, therefore, part of a carefully structured marketing plan by the Stuttgart-based automotive giant?

Beautiful old cars

UK-based SL Shop has more than 15 years of experience with classic Mercedes-Benz models. Founder Sam Bailey told us: “The sale of Uhlenhaut’s 300 SL certainly marked a new era for the rarer classic cars. It may well be some time before we see a phenomenon like this again and drawing a direct correlation with the broader classic Mercedes-Benz market would be speculation at this stage.

“What this moment does confirm, however, is that the rich stories, experiences and popular culture that underpin a vehicle’s existence are inseparable from a vehicle’s revered style and engineering. That said, the fact that this vehicle was put up for auction by Stuttgart suggests a desire to reignite interest in the SL and the brand in general. Now that 1950s SLs are scarcely available, the knock-on effect is a relentless demand for the very best successors. Where an original 280 SL five years ago would fetch circa £150,000, we are now seeing these same vehicles sell for more than £250,000. And where previously complete originality was favoured, a fully restored W113 280 SL Pagoda is now just as appealing.”

There is clear daylight between the handful of folks who might consider an ultra-rare crown jewel like the Uhlenhaut 300 SLR, and the rest of the classic car enthusiast community. Most of us are looking for something cool, or something beautiful, for reasonable money. The late-1980s and 1990s SLs are not yet out of reach for Millennials and can be discovered through a whole host of digital platforms, making the transaction a much more fluid process.

There’s always an easy argument to be made among motoring enthusiasts for having a beautiful old car on your driveway. If you can combine that with a sound financial decision, perhaps that search can begin today…

Kieran Rennie is a contributor to Motoring Research

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Ken Block’s amazing ‘Hoonicorn’ Ford Mustang is now an RC car

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Ken Block’s amazing ‘Hoonicorn’ Ford Mustang is now an RC car

By

John Redfern

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July 19, 2022

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Fans of Ken Block’s 1965 Ford Mustang ‘Hoonicorn’ now have a chance to drive their very own version.

Responsible for some of Block’s greatest stunts, including the incredible ‘Climbkhana’ video made at Pikes Peak, the Hoonicorn V2 has become an icon.

It’s now available in 1:10 scale radio-controlled form, thanks to an ongoing partnership with Team Associated.

Capturing a mythical beast

Unlike the full-size, flame-spitting Hoonicorn V2, the RC version is powered by an electric motor. This is said to be more than powerful enough for ‘tyre-slaying’ action, however, including huge drifts.

It features all-wheel drive, like the real thing, with heavy-duty differentials and adjustable suspension for Hoonigan activities.

What makes the RC Hoonicorn stand out is a detailed bodyshell. It features replica air intakes, a rear diffuser and turbochargers on top of the 1965 Ford Mustang design.

Replica American Racing VF503 wheels are fitted, with miniature brakes hiding behind them.

Ready to run

To make the RC Hoonicorn V2 more accessible, it is supplied assembled, and comes with almost all the equipment you need. This includes a radio transmitter and receiver, along with a printed and decal-covered body.

Buyers simply need to add a compatible battery pack, although this can be purchased as part of a bundle deal.

The scale Hoonicorn is currently available directly from the Hoonigan online store. Prices start from $359.99 (approx. £300), plus the options of extra batteries and a charger.

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Taxi! We swap seats to drive London’s electrified black cab

By

Tim Pitt

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July 17, 2022

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Walking to the office of the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) near Kings Cross, I pass a souvenir shop. There, in the window, among Royal Family tea towels, fluffy British bulldogs and Big Ben bookends, are two toy vehicles: a red bus and a black cab. Because very few things say ‘London’ quite like its traditional taxi.

One way the black cab became so iconic, a cynic might say, was by failing to move with the times. The motorised Hackney Carriage had only seen three significant updates since the Austin FX3 was launched in 1948. The car I’m here to drive changed all that. Behind a familiar face, London finally has a high-tech taxi it deserves.

Going by the snappy title of LEVC TX eCity, the latest cab ditches outdated diesel engines for plug-in electric tech. It’s cleaner, cheaper to run, safer and more socially acceptable. It’s also much nicer for both passengers and drivers, as I’ll discover.

Sent to Coventry

LEVC is owned by Chinese carmaker, Geely, but the TX is built in the UK. A £325 million investment created 1,000 new jobs, plus capacity to build more than 20,000 taxis per year.

Now, with the addition of the mechanically similar LEVC VN5 van and spin-off camper van, the factory in Ansty, near Coventry, is growing further.

Geely also owns Lotus and is best known for bankrolling the rebirth of Volvo. Since the takeover in 2010, Volvo has launched a new range of award-winning cars and SUVs, plus standalone sub-brand Polestar.

The LEVC TX borrows many parts from its Swedish cousin, including an electric motor from the sporty Polestar 1 (which has two of them).

Making the black cab green

LEVC refers to the TX as ‘electric’ because its 1.5-litre petrol engine is only used to boost the batteries – not drive the wheels. More accurately, it’s a range-extender hybrid, with plug-in points for both CCS- and Chademo-style chargers either side of the front grille.

The batteries can be topped up to 80 percent capacity in 25 minutes, and full charge gives an electric-only range of 80 miles – two thirds of the 120 miles a typical cabbie drives in a day.

Quoted fuel economy is 217.3mpg, although that drops to just 36.7mpg with the batteries depleted. Still, the old diesel-powered TX4 managed 33.2mpg at best.

One stumbling block for LEVC is that only 60 percent of cabbies have off-street parking to charge overnight. For those that do, however, the savings are significant. My driver, Pat, told me his TX cost £2.80 to charge and saved £80 a week in fuel – around £4,000 a year – versus his TX4. With recent rises in the cost of fuel, that advantage will only have increased.

More pleasant for passengers

The plan is for Pat to chauffeur me into central London, then I’ll drive back. Opening the TX’s big, rear-hinged door, there are now six seats rather than five, along with appreciably more space.

Passengers in wheelchairs can also face forwards for the first time: a notable safety gain.

Pat here is chauffeuring me around in the LEVC TX – London’s new hybrid black cab.

It’s the ‘ultimate driving machine’ for cabbies, he says. pic.twitter.com/HrrYVEFjHC
— Tim Pitt (@timpitt100) July 18, 2018

The fabrics and fittings are still very much ‘wipe clean’, but there’s air-conditioning, on-board wi-fi and charging sockets for phones and laptops. A standard-fit panoramic glass sunroof bathes the cabin in light – and offers a great view of London’s loftier landmarks. “Tourists love it,” smiles Pat.

On the move, the TX is smooth and eerily quiet, a calm cocoon amid the bustling streets and a stark contrast to rattling taxis of old. With just me on board, its ride feels on the firm side, although a full complement of six passengers would doubtless dampen it down.

The ‘ultimate driving machine’ for cabbies

Pat pulls over by Regent’s Park and it’s my turn to take the wheel. If you’ve driven any recent Volvo, the TX’s dashboard will feel instantly familiar. There’s a rebranded version of the Sensus touchscreen media system and even the key is the same.

Squared-off styling and a high, SUV-like driving position make the TX easy to place on the road. It’s astonishingly manoeuvrable, too, mainly thanks to front wheels that swivel 63 degrees (versus 38 degrees in a typical car). Three-point turns are a thing of the past.

A few more pics of the LEVC TX black cab.

My driver reckons it costs £2.80 to home-charge – and saves him £80 a week versus the diesel. pic.twitter.com/xOGZQKMcnW
— Tim Pitt (@timpitt100) July 18, 2018

The instant torque of the electric motor offers brisk acceleration, even if top speed is a modest 80mph. You can also switch into one of two regenerative braking modes, which use friction to slow the car and charge the batteries – allowing one-pedal driving at city speeds.

The new cab is a great way to travel around London – and not only because you can zip along bus lanes. It’s capable and well suited to its environment. Sadly, the same can’t be said of me, and I rely on Pat’s directions to get us home. Sat-nav is optional, but it’s no substitute for three years of learning The Knowledge.

First London, then the world

LEVC has plans that stretch far beyond the M25. The cab is already carrying passengers in Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Oslo and many other cities.

There was even talk of the TX being sold in New York – in iconic ‘yellow cab’ livery, no less – now the city’s taxi industry has been deregulated. It sure beats the ‘van with windows’ Nissan NV200.

London will remain LEVC’s biggest market, though, and the TX has already become part of the streetscape here. Shame the souvenir industry hasn’t kept pace; it’s still flogging toy TX4s.

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A latte money: £50 Bugatti coffee comes in a carbon fibre cup

By

John Redfern

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July 13, 2022

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The first coffee bar inside a Bugatti dealership has opened in London.

H.R. Owen Bugatti, located on Bruton Street in Mayfair, is the home of Ettore’s Espresso Bar. Its name comes from Ettore Bugatti, the Italian-born French designer and engineer who founded his own car company in 1909.

The coffee bar is themed around Bugatti’s heritage, with a high-end Italian espresso machine and specially trained barista on-hand to make drinks.

Make mine a single shot…

H.R. Owen’s Bugatti showroom was previously off-limits to the public, with access on an invite-only basis. However, the new coffee bar means visitors can see inside the venue, and browse a range of Bugatti merchandise.

Those wanting the ultimate coffee experience, however, will need to dig deeper into their pockets.

For a not-inconsiderable £50, you can buy The Ettore Shot espresso. This is served in a carbon fibre cup, and gives you access to the exclusive Bugatti lounge.

While sipping your espresso (try not to calculate the cost of each sip) you take a seat in a leather and carbon fibre armchair, surrounded by a range of art installations and sculptures.

Caffeine and machines

Bugatti ambassadors will be on-hand to explain the history of the marque to Ettore Shot customers. Most importantly, they will show off the now-sold-out Chiron hypercar.

For those who prefer not to to spend £50 on their morning dose of caffeine, the coffee bar serves more affordable drinks to take away.

This is not the first time Bugatti has offered money-no-object trinkets. The company previously revealed a £215,000 pool table made from carbon fibre and aluminium.

The first completed pool table was displayed in the Cidade da Cultura Galicia cultural centre in Spain.

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Cinch car-buying website: how does it work?

By

Motoring Research team

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July 7, 2022

0

Cinch is a popular website to find and buy second-hand cars. Part of the same group as British Car Auctions and WeBuyAnyCar, its aim is to offer a ‘faff-free online car service’.

All used cars offered by Cinch are less than seven years old and come with a minimum of six months’ MOT. Each car goes through a 225-point inspection before sale, too.

The site lists around 9,000 used cars and customers can either buy online with free home delivery, or collect from their local branch of WeBuyAnyCar.

What does Cinch do differently?

While you can search for a car in the traditional sense, by make, model, mileage and so on, the interesting bit is the new way of finding what you need, with the ‘Help me choose’ option.

‘Help me choose’ assists buyers’ search based on their needs. You can narrow down choices based on statements such as ‘Compact and easy to park’ or ‘Ready for off-road’.

You then get a series of pictures that you have to select from, based on what vehicle types you like (e.g. hatchback or SUV). Last but not least, you can narrow down the list by selecting the car brands you prefer.

Hit the button and you have a list of cars that could suit you. For those not in-the-know, it could certainly help.

A hub for used cars

Cinch is primarily a hub for car supermarkets and dealers to show off their stock. Not only are all listed second-hand cars seven years old or younger, they also have less than 70,000 miles on the clock.

“Every element of Cinch has been built in direct response to what the dealers and consumers have told us they want from the car finding, buying and selling process,” said Jonny Crowe, divisional CEO at Cinch.

“Many consumers currently arrive at dealerships without really knowing what they want and dealers get overloaded with undifferentiated enquiries.

“Cinch cuts through this inefficiency, empowering dealers with better-qualified leads that have a higher likelihood of conversion and helping consumers make the right decision.”

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New F1 22 game for Xbox, PlayStation and PC: our review and verdict

By

John Redfern

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July 5, 2022

0

If the dramatic 2022 British Grand Prix has inspired you to have a go yourself, the new F1 22 video game is here to help.

Out now, the game is available for Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation and Windows PC. The latter supports the use of a VR headset for the first time, designed to offer maximum immersion.

We headed out for some virtual laps to see whether the new game is worth adding to your collection.

Welcome to Miami

As the official game of Formula 1, F1 22 fully replicates the 2022 season. Spain, Australia and Abu Dhabi gain updated circuit layouts, and there’s the addition of the brand-new Miami Grand Prix track.

The biggest change are the 2022-specification Formula 1 cars. Designed to improve how closely competitors can race on track, they are the largest and heaviest Formula 1 racers ever built.

For those who mastered last year’s F1 2021 game, these new cars will provide a rude awakening. Do not expect to jump in the cockpit and instantly be at the front of the grid. The sheer size of the new cars, combined with the complexity of their ground effect aerodynamics, results in a steep learning curve.

Fortunately, F1 22 does include an array of driving assists to help players become familiar with the new machines.

This is your life

EA Sports has ditched the previous ‘Braking Point’ story mode for F1 22, with a new ‘F1 Life’ social hub making its debut. This allows players to show off their collection of supercars, personalise their luxury homes, and purchase clothes from an in-game shop.

F1 Life will feel familiar to anyone who has played the Test Drive Unlimited series of games. It adds little to the overall experience, and the handling of the various supercars is not a patch on dedicated racing games like Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport.

Other elements have continued from F1 2021, including My Team. This allows you to join the grid as your own Formula 1 constructor, and be responsible for managing your team to glory.

Players can compete in the Formula 2 support series, albeit still with cars from last season.

Two-player championship mode and various multiplayer options are also retained.

Mid-pack visualisation

In terms of presentation, F1 22 is virtually identical to previous versions. Aside from the F1 Life screens, the majority of menus will seem instantly familiar.

On-track graphics and effects also appear unchanged. Although accurate and detailed, there is still no doubt you are playing a video game when looking at F1 22.

One of the biggest differences for this year’s edition is the option to change commentators. Should you be bored of the frantic excitement of David Croft, F1 22 allows you to pick the accomplished Alex Jacques instead.

Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham makes a cameo appearance, too.

Sprinting up the grid

F1 22 Video Game Reviewcontent/uploads/2022/07/004-F1-22-Video-Game-Review.jpg

Another new feature for F1 22 is the inclusion of Sprint race weekends. Although they were introduced to the Formula 1 calendar last year, F1 22 is the first time they have appeared in a game.

Taking place between qualifying and the main race on Sunday, Sprint races are used to determine the starting grid for the full Grand Prix.

Being able to replicate them adds an extra degree of authenticity, even if some are still unconvinced by the whole Sprint race concept.

Dive into full immersion

New for 2022 includes the option of ‘Immersive’ or ‘Broadcast’ settings for dealing with formation laps, pit stops, and safety car periods.

Picking the Broadcast setting replicates what players would see when watching a race on TV. Control during these critical times is automated, although your virtual mechanics can still be faced with a stuck wheel during a pit stop.

Switching to Immersive puts the responsibility for lining up on the grid and stopping in your pit box all on you. Managing all these elements takes skill and precision, with manual race starts particularly challenging.

Get them right and you will gain real satisfaction, but do it wrong and you’ll go backwards faster than Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career.

The chequered flag is in sight

Yearly updates for sports games means the pace of change is slow, with only minor tweaks on top of updated driver rosters and tracks. F1 22 is no different, with only a handful of significant features to separate it from F1 2021.

The biggest change for F1 22 clearly is the addition of the new-specification Formula 1 cars themselves, which do present a genuine challenge for experienced players.

Along with these, new tracks, the full-immersive race experience, and even the addition of a proper music playlist, there is just about enough here to justify upgrading from last year’s title.

Indeed, for those who want the most up-to-date Formula 1 video game, there really is no other choice.

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Highway Code gains new section for self-driving vehicles

By

John Redfern

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July 5, 2022

0

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published an updated version of the Highway Code that includes self-driving cars.

It aims to clarify what responsibilities a driver has when using a self-driving car, including what they can and cannot do on the road.

For legal purposes, a self-driving car is one defined as such by the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018.

This means vehicles that can safely and lawfully drive themselves, according to the Secretary of State for Transport’s opinion.

Ready to take control

The new text says drivers are ‘not responsible’ for a self-driving car when it is in charge of driving. This will allow drivers to view ‘built-in infotainment’ screens and turn their attention away from the road. However, this must still be done within the law.

In particular, the revised Highway Code stipulates that, even with a car in self-driving mode, drivers must still follow all relevant laws. This includes not being unfit through drink or drugs, and not using a handheld mobile phone.

You can also forget any ideas of having a quick nap in the back seat of a self-driving car.

The updated Highway Code says that drivers ‘must always be able and ready to take control, and do it when the vehicle prompts you’. In particular, this means ‘remaining in the driving seat’ and staying awake at all times.

The autonomous waiting list

Drivers must insure a self-driving car specifically as such. Should an accident occur with the vehicle in self-driving mode, the driver’s insurance policy would be liable.

The DfT notes that, at present, there are no production cars in Great Britain that are deemed to be self-driving. A small number of test vehicles have been permitted to evaluate self-driving technology on the road.

When self-driving vehicles do become available, the Secretary of State for Transport will publish details of them in a list on the Gov.UK website.

Details of self-driving cars will also be recorded on the DVLA database, offering a searchable list of those on offer.

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British Grand Prix 2022: full preview of this weekend’s race

By

Grace Murray

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July 3, 2022

0

Cancel your plans and stay at home this weekend: it’s nearly time for the British Grand Prix. Yes, the Formula One circus is paying its annual visit to the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.

If you’d like to see the race in person, there are a small number of tickets still available via the Silverstone website, priced from £199. Otherwise, like us, you’ll be watching it on TV.

Read on for a full guide to the British Grand Prix weekend, including our predictions for success.

Where can I watch the 2022 British Grand Prix?

The first practice session begins at 1pm on Friday 1 July, followed by more practice laps at 4pm the same day. The third practice takes place on Saturday 4 July at noon, before qualifying kicks off at 3pm.

The lights go green on Sunday 3 July at 3pm. Race coverage is available on Channel 4 and Sky Sports F1, with the build-up starting from 1:30pm on both channels.

Who are the front-running drivers for the British Grand Prix?

We are now almost half-way through the 2022 F1 season. As it stands, Max Verstappen is leading the championship with 175 points after securing another win in Canada – adding to his five victories in 2022 so far.

After his unlucky crash with Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone last year, Verstappen will certainly be gunning for the win. Apart from a few faults with its Drag Reduction System (DRS), the Dutchman’s Red Bull RB18 racer has been dependable so far.

With the same car as Verstappen, Sergio Perez may be one to watch. The Mexican driver has enjoyed an incredible run throughout the season so far, securing five podiums within the first nine races, including a win at Monaco back in May. At this point, the Red Bull ‘second driver’ is also second in the driver standings, with 129 points.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has experienced a torrid time over the past few races. His first Did Not Finish (DNF) in Spain has led to him slowly tumbling down the Drivers’ Championship standings. Yet he drove hard in Canada a couple of weeks ago; starting from the back row of the grid, Leclerc made his way up to fifth, showing his steely determination to compete.

It wouldn’t be right to not mention the three British drivers at Silverstone. The Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have experienced their fair share of car problems, but Russell has made an incredible start with his new team. Nicknamed ‘Mr Consistency’, will he be able to secure a podium place?

Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Hamilton is aiming for some much-needed points for the team to catch up in the Constructors’ Championship.

Finally, Lando Norris may draw upon the support of McLaren’s home-team fans to push his car ever-closer to its limits. He’s definitely in the running, too.

Which teams should I look out for at Silverstone?

One team that has flown under the radar so far this year is Alpine, another F1 constructor based in the UK. As it stands in the Constructors’ Championship, Alpine is in fifth place on 57 points, giving it the opportunity to further its lead over Alfa Romeo.

Indeed, with only six points between Alpine and Woking-based McLaren, this may be the race where Alpine forges ahead. Alpine has a variety of car upgrades ready for the race, with driver Esteban Ocon concluding that it will be “a good step” for his team.

British Grand Prix 2022: our predictions for the race

Our team to watch at Silverstone is Mercedes. It had some major issues with the latest car, which has caused much friction with number-one driver, Lewis Hamilton. However, a podium finish in the last race may reassure him it’s returning to winning ways.

Now with two British drivers, this is a team the fans love to support – especially Hamilton, who will be looking to score his ninth win at Silverstone this year.

A driver who enjoys getting the crowd in the mood for race day is Daniel Ricciardo. It simply wouldn’t be Formula One without him. With concerns the McLaren team are looking for ways to end his contract, the Aussie will be seeking some points to prove his worth. McLaren is another favourite team with the fans, so expect to see a mass of Papaya-coloured caps in the Silverstone grandstands.

This season is a battle between Red Bull and Ferrari overall, but who will take home the silverware at the British Grand Prix 2022? The race is on…

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W Series 2022: your complete guide to the cars, drivers and race calendar

By

John Redfern

-

July 1, 2022

0

The W Series single-seater championship heads to Silverstone this weekend, in support of the British Grand Prix. TV coverage of the race will be shown on Channel 4 and Sky Sports.

This season, the all-female W Series runs alongside eight rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship across the globe.

This connects the W Series even closer with its ultimate mission of seeing a female driver in Formula 1 for the first time in decades.

Here’s everything you need to know about the W Series championship.

What is the W Series?

The W Series is the first all-female single-seater motorsport competition in the world.

It was created in 2018 to promote the best women drivers in motorsport, with the aim of helping them progress to the very top echelons of racing.

Using mechanically identical cars means that drivers succeed in the W Series based on talent alone, not who has the most money behind them.

Importantly, the championship itself is free to enter, with a $1.5 million prize fund on offer.

Does motorsport need an all-female championship?

The organisers of the W Series believe an all-female competition is needed to help fast-track the best women drivers to Formula 1 and other top-level motorsport competitions. A gender-specific championship is seen as the most effective way of doing this.

Whatever your opinion, what cannot be denied is that female drivers are still underrepresented in motorsport. For example, only five women have entered Formula 1 races since the championship began in 1950. The last woman to actually start a Grand Prix was Lella Lombardi – in 1976!

Although other series such as IndyCar and NASCAR have seen more recent, and regular, female entrants, there is still a clear gender imbalance.

Competing in the W Series rewards the top eight finishers with points towards an FIA Super Licence. This is required for anyone who wants to compete in Formula 1.

What impact has the W Series had so far?

The W Series has seen previous racers move further up the motorsport ladder, although it has not yet met its goal of a female driver on the F1 grid.

Alice Powell, who finished second in the 2021 W Series, has become a Talent Identification & Development Mentor for the Alpine F1 Team’s Academy.

One of the people she will be mentoring is W Series driver Abbi Pulling, who was one of the first women to drive an F1 car in Saudi Arabia.

After winning the 2019 W Series, Jamie Chadwick became a development driver for the Williams Racing F1 team. She defended her title in 2021, and also entered the Extreme E off-road championship.

Chadwick had hoped to compete in the FIA Formula 3 series, but struggled to secure the necessary budget.

Jess Hawkins has also edged closer to Formula 1. She is now a driver ambassador for the Aston Martin F1 Team, supporting them on race weekends.

Beitske Visser finished as runner up in the 2019 W Series. Since then, she has competed at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans, and taken part in the 2021 World Endurance Championship.

What is new for the W Series in 2022?

The biggest change for the W Series this year is that it will span three continents, with 10 races taking place.

A race at Suzuka in Japan marks the first time the series has been to Asia.

High-profile event backers, such as Hard Rock International becoming the title sponsor of the opening Miami rounds, also demonstrate how the championship has grown in stature.

How were the 2022 W Series drivers chosen?

The top eight drivers from the 2021 W Series automatically qualified for the 2022 season.

Two W Series Academy drivers, Nerea Marti and Irina Sidorkova, were guaranteed places on the grid. However, Sidorkova became ineligible to compete, due to restrictions on Russian drivers in motorsport.

For the rest of the grid, a five-day test was held at the Inde Motorsports Ranch in Arizona. Organisers selected 15 drivers to undertake evaluations, with five then picked to move to the next stage of testing.

A second test session was held at the Catalunya circuit in Spain, with 20 drivers completing almost 7,000 miles on the track.

Who are the British drivers in the 2022 W Series?

Although 10 nationalities are represented in the 2021 W Series, British drivers have a third of the coveted 18 seats.

Double W Series champion Jamie Chadwick returns to defend her 2019 and 2021 titles. She was the first female driver to win a British GT Championship, along with being the first woman to win a British Formula 3 race.

Alice Powell was the first female driver to win a Formula Renault race, and won the 2014 Asian Formula Renault Championship. Along with driving in the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, she has become an accomplished TV commentator, and finished second in the 2021 W Series.

As a driver ambassador for the Aston Martin F1 Team, Jess Hawkins has an extensive motorsport CV behind her. From stunt work to setting a Guinness World Record for driving the fastest lawnmower, she has done it all. Expect to see more of her trademark bobble hat throughout the year.

Yorkshire-based Sarah Moore has already competed in multiple championships. She became the first woman to win the Ginetta Junior Championship and also the Britcar Endurance Championship. She returns for her third W Series season.

Abbie Eaton admitted to being “initially sceptical” about the W Series. However, the GT racer and test driver for Amazon’s The Grand Tour was attracted by the competitive level of racing. She suffered a broken vertebrae in during last year’s W Series, and became the last driver named for the grid in 2022.

Lincolnshire’s Abbi Pulling is one of the youngest drivers on the grid at just 19, but has already competed in the Ginetta Juniors and British F4 championships. She is now an Alpine F1 Academy Affiliate member.

What cars do they use in the W Series?

All drivers use equal-specification single-seater racers. For the 2022 season, the W Series uses two slightly different versions of the Tatuus F3-spec car due to logistics.

Both the Tatuus–Alfa Romeo T-318 and Tatuus–Toyota FT-60 have turbocharged engines that produce up to 285hp.

Hankook supplies slick tyres, with the cars also featuring adjustable aerodynamic wings and spoilers. Just as in Formula 1, a HALO safety device is fitted over the open cockpit.

How do teams work in the 2022 W Series?

A teams format was introduced shortly before the beginning of the 2021 W Series, intended to allow third-party sponsorship and bespoke liveries.

This has continued for 2022, with a number of new teams heading to the grid. This includes Jenner Racing, owned by former Olympic champion Caitlyn Jenner. Defending champion Jamie Chadwick drives for the team this year.

Community Owned Racing Team DAO (CortDAO) is another new addition, with fans able to buy a stake in the team online.

All cars are still prepared centrally, ensuring there should be no mechanical differences them.

Where do W Series races take place?

For 2022, the W Series is a support act to eight rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship.

This means drivers will be sharing a paddock with F1 stars, and competing on the same circuits as them throughout the year.

The season-opening Miami weekend was a double-header event, as is the grande finale in Mexico City.

What is the format for a W Series weekend?

W Series race weekends will typically see drivers undertake a 30-minute practice session on the Friday, followed by a qualifying session later that day.

The race itself takes place on Saturday afternoon, lasting for around 30 minutes. As in Formula 1, the top 10 finishers will each score championship points.

How can I watch the W Series on TV in 2022?

The W Series signed a major multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports earlier this year, replacing Channel 4 in the UK.

Sky will broadcast each qualifying session and race live, with practice sessions available to watch online through YouTube.

Channel 4 has retained rights to show this weekend’s British round of the W Series live, and will also air highlights after each race weekend.

Lee McKenzie will lead the W Series TV coverage, supported by Amy Reynolds and Ted Kravitz as pitlane reporters. Naomi Schiff will act as an analyst, having previously competed in the W Series and now a presenter on Sky Sports.

Alex Jacques will be the lead commentator, and is joined by David Coulthard and Billy Monger.

How can I learn more about the W Series?

The W Series shares a wide range of behind-the-scenes information about the championship through its YouTube channel.

Episodes of the W Series: Off Track include all the extra background information fans could ever need to know, along with insights from the drivers themselves.

W Series 2022 Calendar

Round	Venue	Date
1	Miami GP, United States	7 May
2	Miami GP, United States	8 May
3	Catalunya, Spain	21 May
4	Silverstone, United Kingdom	3 July
5	Paul Ricard, France	24 July
6	Hungaroring, Hungary	31 July
7	Suzuka, Japan	9 October
8	Circuit of the Americas, United States	23 October
9	Mexico City, Mexico	29 October
10	Mexico City, Mexico	30 October

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Lewis Hamilton’s charity offers grants for girls and black students

By

John Redfern

-

July 1, 2022

0

Charities supporting female motorsport, and engineering scholarships for black students, will be the first to receive grants from the Ignite Partnership.

Founded in 2021 by Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG F1 team, the charity was created to increase diversity and inclusion within motorsport. It has more than £5 million of seed funding available for projects.

Motorsport UK and the Royal Academy of Engineering will be the first beneficiaries of the Ignite Partnership. The money will promote motorsport careers to girls, and help black students gain engineering scholarships.

Expanding motorsport careers to all

The Royal Academy of Engineering will look to establish a motorsport scholarship scheme to support 10 black students.

This will take place across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years, allowing students to study a masters degree in engineering or another motorsport-related subject.

Seeing 90 percent of the scholars find a role in motorsport will be the key success criteria.

Motorsport UK’s FIA Girls on Track programme will also receive funding.

Launched in 2016, the Girls on Track UK programme aims to encourage underrepresented groups to take an interest in motorsport careers. This has a special focus on improving female representation.

The new funding will expand the programme to reach 8,000 girls and young women from ages eight to 24. New schools will be added, with at least 50 percent of the participants qualifying for free school meals.

Pushing for better representation

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s own charitable foundation, Mission 44, leads the coordination of the Ignite Partnership initiative.

Following the announcement of the first two funding grants, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion said: “I’m very proud to see Ignite announcing our first two grants today. There has been a lot of work behind the scenes since launching and I’m delighted that Mercedes and I can continue to demonstrate our commitment towards creating a more diverse industry in this way.

“We chose these grants because they focus on supporting individuals from two crucial and underrepresented demographics, moving us towards our goal of increasing the number of women and black talent in the sport. The events of this week have shown us why there continues to be an urgent need to push for better representation in our industry. More than ever, we must focus on how we can use action to change motorsport for the better and this is an exciting next step.”

The funding announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix. Our full preview guide to the race is available here.

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