Fast Five: WhatsApp announces historic sponsorship deal with Mercedes, why Verstappen-Ocon 'mess' calls for attention, and other big updates

WhatsApp announces historic sponsorship deal with Mercedes

WhatsApp has entered its first sports sponsorship deal with the Mercedes Formula One team, offering exclusive team content and in-race updates to its two billion global users. The partnership focuses on highlighting the new WhatsApp Channels broadcast feature, showcasing behind-the-scenes experiences and insights, as well as in-race updates and exclusive content about drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff emphasized the significance of WhatsApp in coordinating and communicating within the organization, praising its efficiency in data-driven, real-time communication throughout the 24-race season.

Click here to read the full article by Jenna Fryer (apnews.com)

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Why Verstappen-Ocon Vegas 'mess' calls for serious attention

During Formula 1 qualifying at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon clashed when Ocon overtook Verstappen in the low-speed Turns 14-16 complex, prompting Verstappen to retaliate into Turn 1. Ocon, fearing a penalty for not respecting the maximum delta time on prep laps, explained that he had to make the move to avoid elimination. Despite the incident causing Ocon and Zhou Guanyu to exit Q1, the stewards took no action, raising concerns about the lack of formal scrutiny and setting a precedent for overtaking during push laps.

Click here to read the full article by Josh Suttill (the-race.com)

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Verstappen rips Las Vegas organization for practice chaos

Max Verstappen is unsatisfied with the Las Vegas track and compared it unfavorably to Monaco, describing it as the "Eredivisie" compared to Monaco's "Champions League." He expressed frustration over the chaotic Friday sessions and criticized the compensation offered to fans, suggesting they deserved more. Verstappen also took aim at Toto Wolff for defending the track's issues, emphasizing the need to learn from mistakes and accept criticism.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers (racingnews365.com)

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'Rail the Snail' with Albon

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Alex Albon took on the challenge of designing a particularly tough Formula One track. Albon started by saying that because drivers are used to driving clockwise, he would start the sketch in an anti-clockwise direction. The result was a snail-like diagram he named 'Rail the Snail' or 'Train Rail,' proposing it could be in Thailand.

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How manhole mishap disrupted the Las Vegas GP

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Carlos Sainz faced an unexpected setback during the Vegas Grand Prix when he hit a manhole cover at high speed, causing substantial damage to his Ferrari. The impact cracked his chassis, necessitating a replacement. In response to the incident, the FIA decided on a grid penalty for Carlos Sainz. How did a manhole cover incident disrupt the Las Vegas GP?