Verstappen’s signed simulator fetches £103K for charity, How the FIA spends money from driver fines, and other big updates

Verstappen’s signed simulator fetches £103K for charity

A Red Bull Racing F1 simulator, signed by Max Verstappen and modeled after the RB19, sold for £103,000 at auction. The money will go to Wings for Life, a charity that helps with spinal cord injury research. The winner also gets to visit Red Bull Racing's Technology Campus in Milton Keynes. Everyone involved said the auction was a big success and would make a big difference for the charity.

Click here to read the full article by Jenny Garnett (gpblog.com)

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How the FIA spends money from driver fines

The FIA clarified that the money collected from fining Formula 1 drivers is used for beneficial purposes, including grassroots motorsport development, road safety projects, and campaigns like addressing online abuse. Last season, drivers were fined a total of €270,000 for various infractions, including pitlane speeding and foul language, with notable instances involving Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s head of single-seater racing, emphasized that the organization is non-profit and does not use fines for unrelated expenses like celebrations. Instead, these funds contribute to impactful initiatives while ensuring that motorsport and societal improvements remain the primary focus.

Click here to read the full article by James Dielhenn (crash.net)

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Pierer steps down as KTM CEO

Stefan Pierer has stepped down as CEO of KTM, and Gottfried Neumeister will take over, with Pierer staying on as Co-CEO during the company’s restructuring. This change comes before a court hearing in Austria, where KTM faces claims from over 5,400 creditors, including the town of Mattighofen. KTM's turnover dropped by 29% in 2024, and the company cut 1,800 jobs and reduced production, but demand for motorcycles is still strong. KTM is looking for new investors with a plan to restructure and pay a 30% debt quota over the next two years.

Click here to read the full article by Gerald Dirnbeck (motorsport.com)

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Controversial Drag Reduction System explained

DRS, or Drag Reduction System, was added to Formula 1 in 2011 to help drivers overtake by reducing drag on straights. It works when drivers press a button on the steering wheel in specific zones, which opens the rear wing flap to increase speed. While it helps with overtaking, many people think it makes it too easy and unnatural. In 2026, DRS will be replaced by a new system.

Click here to read the full article at the-race.com

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Horner takes the wheel after 30 years 

It's easy to give orders to drivers from the comfort of the round table, but what does it really feel like to be in the hot seat? Christian Horner's experience says it all! Join Red Bull's CEO and team principal as he drives an F1 car for the first time since 1993, celebrating the team's 20th season in Formula 1.