HAMILTON'S MIAMI REVOLUTION
INSIDE LEWIS’ LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
TANKING TO THE TOP 15 years ago controversy riled the sport. The untold story behind the darkest moment in Formula 1 and why it isn't over yet
LOST TIME
Two rare watches worn by Paul Newman are going up for auction five decades after the actor’s Rolex inspired a generation
BEYOND THE FINISH LINE
What to do, where to eat, and where to party. The essential A-to-Z guide for navigating the Magic City this weekend
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES
A coterie of Miamians who embody success, culture, change, and the art of living well
Dinh
THE SCENE & The Seen
GRAZIA has its pulse on the best parties happening from coast to coast
As VP of Spa & Wellness at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Pahel oversees the property's 60,000-squarefoot spa and fitness program, implementing a forwardthinking approach and cutting-edge technology including touchless wellness services.
COSTAS SPILIADIS
The chef and founder of Estiatorio Milos prides himself on using fresh ingredients and expert preparation at the beloved Mediterranean seafood restaurant located in the heart South of Fifth in Miami Beach.
and Aurora James
To celebrate the recent St. John campaign dubbed #OwnYourPower starring Shonda Rhimes, the brand hosted an event at Shondaland ‘s New York office in partnership with Gyrl Wonder, a nonprofit organization that gives a professional pipeline to young women of color. During the event, Rhimes held a discussion with activist and Brother Vellies founder Aurora James, where they talked about their careers and answered questions from Gyrl Wonder attendees. Guests could also
Sharf co-founded the architectural and design studio YoDezeen along with Artem Zverev in 2010. Over a decade later, Sharf is a well-known name in global residential and commercial real estate sectors.
JOANA VASCONCELOS
Since the mid-1990s, the Portuguese visual and graphic artist has been continuously exhibiting her work, which honors Portugal’s artisanal traditions. Vasconcelos’s Bom Bom collection of furnishings for Roche Bobois includes vibrant seating and colorful decorative accessories.
DAVID OXFELD
As Chief Commercial Officer for the Miami Marlins, Oxfeld leads creative strategic partnerships with the team, and has helped make loanDepot park a destination for concerts and events in South Florida.
THE NEW & TH E NOW MAKING MAGIC
BY CASEY BRENNANSince landing in Miami in early 2021, Major Food Group has wasted no time making a mark on the city’s culinary scene. Under the leadership of chef Mario Carbone and partners Jeff Zalaznik and Rich Torrisi, the company has opened hit after hit: classic red sauce celeb haunt Carbone, Mediterranean-inspired HaSalon, steakhouse Dirty French, private members club ZZ’s and bagel and schmear spot Sadelle’s (including a new location at the Kith boutique in the Design District) among others. Next came Contessa, a two-story Northern Italian-style “grand trattoria,” a term Carbone told GRAZIA USA “is an oxymoron and subcategory we somewhat invented.” For Miami Grand Prix Formula 1 2023, Major Food Group is bringing back Carbone Beach—a super-exclusive beachfront event with tickets going for a staggering $3,000 a seat. Th e party includes an overthe-top luxurious dining experience for VIPS (last year’s guest list included LeBron James and David Beckham with performances by Wyclef Jean, Andrea Bocelli, Kygo and Nas). Ahead of race weekend, we caught up with Carbone about what inspires him as a chef, the current hospitality landscape in Miami and what he does to unwind out of the kitchen.
GRAZIA USA: How would you describe the current hospitality landscape of Miami?
Mario Carbone: Miami’s hospitality industry is booming, mirroring the growth seen throughout the city, and we are thrilled to play a prominent role in it.
G: How has Major Food Group fit into and influenced the Miami culinary scene?
Carbone: Jeff, Rich and I are passionate about creating unique luxury dining experiences across the board. When we came to Miami, our goal was to keep pursuing our passion for creating and building, as well as to continue sharing meaningful stories as storytellers. Miami embraced us with open arms, and we are excited to be a part of this renaissance.
G: What inspires you as a chef?
Carbone: I am frequently inspired in many different ways, and while the kitchen is a common source of inspiration, it can come from elsewhere too. Some of these inspirations may have nothing to do with food but still greatly impact and influence every aspect of the restaurant.
G: What are some of your favorite spots in Miami? Carbone: Joe's Stone Crab, Pura Vida and Bachour Bakery.
Mario Carbone and Major Food Group are back with Carbone Beach during Formula 1 weekend
G: What do you enjoy doing to relax and unwind?
Carbone: I find comfort in spending quality time with friends and family, as well as visiting any of our restaurants and soaking up the energy that each of them has to offer. Aside from that, I enjoy running, having Frank Sinatra on repeat and a good cigar.
G: What can guests expect from Carbone Beach at F1 this year?
Carbone: Guests can expect the grandest form of a supper club from a bygone era. This year we plan to increase the decadence level even further. The biggest and newest element this year will be a new roster of surprise headlining performers.
G: What’s next for you and MFG?
Carbone: We are just getting started. We recently announced our plans to build Villa—a waterfront condo tower in Edgewater. My clothing line, Our Lady of Rocco, continues to evolve with new collections. This spring, we are launching an all-white capsule collection, which will coincide with a pop-up store in Miami. We look forward to adding several new South Florida restaurants to our portfolio in the year to come and continuing the expansion of ZZ’s Members Club.
Official Outfitter
Puma takes the lead with F1 as the exclusive licensing partner and trackside retailer
BY COLLEEN KRATOFILThe merch at F1 races is getting even cooler thanks to its new exclusive licensing partner and trackside retailer, Puma. The German sportswear giant is bringing a streetwear edge to the Formula 1 scene after being named the official supplier at Formula 1 races. That means, get ready for F1-branded Puma apparel, footwear and accessories, plus fanwear of all 10 teams.
Since this is Puma we’re talking about, this new exclusive deal with F1 means they can appeal to the ever-growing fanbase of F1 viewers—and those that just want to tap into the current racing aesthetic that's driving many collections (see pg. 15 for proof). Puma promises to bring “on-track gear to offtrack fashion” but they’re still creating technical gear too—Puma will also equip Formula 1 sports officials on the track.
The partnership is an extension of the rich history the brand already has with the sport. After all, Puma has been making fireproof overalls and race gear for drivers since the ‘80s, along with teamwear, fanwear and lifestyle collections for successful teams. They’ve also worked with partners including Mercedes AMG Petronas F1, Scuderia Ferrari, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake, BMW M Motorsport and Porsche Motorsport.
“PUMA has become the most authentic and credible sports brand in motorsports and has the expertise to create the best products for the world’s leading drivers and teams as well as for its fans,” said Arne Freundt, CEO of PUMA. “The influence of motorsport, and Formula 1 in particular, on sports and streetwear culture has significantly increased in recent years. Our new partnership with Formula 1 is an exciting opportunity to further explore this blend of motorsports and lifestyle. PUMA has always sat at the intersection of sports and fashion and we feel we are in the perfect position to translate the culture of the sport into relevant streetwear collections and drive brand heat with a young, affluent, and diverse audience.”
Helping operate the fan retail stores at races will be Puma’s subsidiary stichd, where shoppers will find team replica, fanwear and special-edition collections from all 10 teams on the Formula 1 grid and F1 legends. Get ready to see up to 65 mobile stores at over 20 races in 19 different countries. “Selling fanwear at every F1 race is a fun and challenging project because the conditions at every track are different, from the hillsides of Zeltweg and Spa to the city centers of Monaco and Baku,” said Nina Nix, CEO of stichd. “No matter where the race is held, stichd will create a truly immersive fan experience that goes well beyond selling fanwear.”
The partnership kicks off in 2024.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO
MIAMI'S BIG RACEFROM A TO Z
A new and improved Miami International Autodrome track isn't the only exciting enhancement, writes Casey Brennan
The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is back—and this year’s Miami International Autodrome is better than ever. Taking place at the Hard Rock Stadium from May 5-7, the big race weekend will draw top talent from the Grand Prix scene including Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and 2022 winner Max Verstappen.
The Miami International Autodrome track at Hard Rock Stadium is the first circuit to be designed by and with the support of Formula 1. It has the capacity to hold 65,000 fans and features a 5.41-kilometer circuit length with 19 corners and three straights with top speeds estimated to be a staggering 200 miles per hour. Fans can attend with a variety of ticket options, including Grandstand, Campus
A- APP
The official Miami Grand Prix app gives fans the chance to manage their electronic tickets and explore the campus with an interactive 3D map.
B- BEACH CLUB
The Hard Rock Beach Club, located on the outside of Turns 11-13, is where South Beach meets Formula 1 with pools, multiple bars and all-day cuisine.
Stylish Stays
From Miami Beach to Brickell and Wynwood, here are the best spots to take a pit stop during Formula 1 race weekend
Pass, Luxury and private Suites. For a truly unparalleled viewing experience, the Clubs offer panoramic views as well as premium food and beverage options, including the brand-new Boathouse and Views at Turn 1. For 2023, the team village will move to the football field and a new permanent Paddock Club will make its debut. Hard Rock Beach Club and MIA Marina are back, featuring brand-new sunset cabanas and there is an incredible selection of food and beverage options from award-winning chefs and restaurants like local favorites Casa Tua, Bodega and Doma, along with cocktails from Flor de Cana, Herradura and Glenfiddich—all the fuel fans need for a day at the races. Visit Autodrome at Hard Rock Stadium; 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens; f1miamigp.com
E- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
In line with the Sustainability Agenda of Formula 1, organizers of the Miami Grand Prix have a climate action plan aimed at reducing energy consumption and waste and hosting a fully sustainable event by 2030.
F- FOOD & BEVERAGE
Over 65 of Miami’s top restaurants bring the authentic flavor of South Florida to the Miami International Autodrome each year.
C- CASA TUA
The soulful, boutique hospitality space Casa Tua Trackside Club at Turn 1 offers impeccable service, authentic Italian cuisine and trackside views of the action in the surroundings of a private members’ club.
D- DOLPHINS
The legendary NFL team Miami Dolphins play home games at Hard Rock Stadium and are the oldest professional sports team in Florida (their inaugural season was in 1966).
CARILLON MIAMI WELLNESS RESORT
Located in Miami’s North Beach, the oceanfront Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is the perfect respite from all the action, with a 60,000-squarefoot spa and fitness center including infrared sauna, acupuncture and energy healing on site. Visit
6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; carillonhotel.com
ESMÉ MIAMI BEACH HOTEL
Once a 1920s bohemian artists’ colony, the Esmé transformed into a hidden gem thanks to a $40 million renovation. Today it brings a SpanishMediterranean lifestyle to South
Beach with an eight-building “Spanish village” connected by charming paths for an ideal “paseo.” Visit 1438 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; esmehotel.com
THE MIAMI BEACH EDITION
The luxurious Miami Beach EDITION is the ideal escape during F1 race weekend.
G- GONDOLAS
Known as the Heineken Highline, the 12 cable-cabin, glassfloor open-air gondolas provide fans with a bird’s-eye view across the Miami International Autodrome.
H- HARD ROCK STADIUM
A global entertainment destination and cultural curator of world-class events, Hard Rock Stadium is the centerpiece of the Formula 1 Miami Campus and is home to the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Open tennis tournament, presented by Itaú.
I- INTERNSHIPS
Last year the circuit provided 12 internships to students from nearby Florida Memorial University and St. Thomas University and residents; this year the internship program has expanded to welcome 23 students from the local area.
J- JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT
Initial planning of the Miami International Autodrome started in the spring of 2019; the overall economic impact had reached $350 million and supported more than $100 million in salaries and wages for over 3,000 local workers.
Track FACTS
R- RACE STATS
The inaugural Miami Grand Prix was won by Max Verstappen, who completed the 57 laps in 1 hour 34 minutes and 24.258 seconds. His margin of victory was 3.786 seconds from Charles Leclerc and he set the fastest race lap time of 1 minute and 31.361 seconds.
S- SPEEDS
The highest top speed recorded at the end of the straight in the 2022 race was 214.75 mph, set by Kevin Magnussen in the Haas. The average speed for the 57 laps of last year’s race was 121.70 mph.
T- TURNS
Planning for Miami International Autodrome began in 2019 in which originally 45 different layout iterations of were drawn; the anticlockwise course features 19 turns in total, seven righthanders and 12 left.
U- UNDERSTEER
It’s the sensation in a race car that all drivers dislike. To understeer going into a corner means the front of the car washes out and runs wide. There is no front-end grip and the result is often contact with the wall. In contrast, oversteer is when the rear of the car steps out of line and causes a driver to spin off.
5.41 km Circuit Length
K- KARTING
Students part of the F1 in Schools program took part in a karting event and have received tickets to this year’s Miami Grand Prix. The program is dedicated to introducing students to design, engineering and teamwork.
L- LOGAN SARGEANT
Seven years since Alex Rossi was the last American to compete full-time in F1, South Florida-native Logan Sargeant lines up for Williams on the starting grid in 2023.
M- MIA MARGARITA
Once again, the Herradura Ultra MIA Margarita will be the signature cocktail of the event, serving up its unmistakable blend of tequila, triple sec and lime juice, served with salt on the rim of the glass.
3 DRS Zones
V- VILLAGE
New for 2023 is the Team Village, where the 10 teams, the FIA, F1 and Pirelli will base their hospitality units on the field of Hard Rock Stadium.
W- WATER
Last year the construction of a dry-dock marina inside Turns 6-8 of the Miami International Autodrome was one of the most ambitious projects to bring a new level of fan experience to the race. This year the MIA Marina and Yacht Club will feature a new luxury space, the Sunset Cabanas, that will include real water with ornamental style pools.
320 km/h Estimated Top Speed
N- NORTH SUITES
Located on top of the Turn 1 North Grandstand, the open-air North Suites are new to the circuit for 2023 and will offer a curated food and beverage menu all weekend long.
O- OVERTAKING
Last year featured 45 official overtaking maneuvers, aided by the three Drag Reduction System (DRS) zones where cars open up their rear wing, to increase their top speed advantage over a rival ahead.
P- PADDOCK CLUB
A brand-new permanent bespoke three-story facility with a breathtaking rooftop has been built above the pits and will house luxury suites for over 6,000 VIPs with views of the start/finish line.
Q- QUALIFYING
A Grand Prix weekend includes two hours of practice on Friday, an hour on Saturday morning then Qualifying to determine the grid for race day. Qualifying is split into three parts: Q1, Q2 and Q3. Each session lasts for a specific amount of time and eliminates a number of cars with Q1 lasting 18 minutes (eliminating five drivers) Q2 lasting 15 minutes (another five) and Q3 lasting 12 minutes to determine the order of the top 10 on the grid.
With two ocean-facing pools, a wellness spa and gym, a bowling alley and an ice-skating rink, guests will have plenty to do. Visit 2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; editionhotels.com
W SOUTH BEACH
W South Beach is the place to stay during F1 weekend. Home to the Williams F1 team for
X- XTREME
The sound from the Hard Rock Beach Club resonated around the Campus in 2022 with a number of iHeartRadio DJs providing the music mix throughout the weekend. DJ Xtreme brought his musical sounds to wind up the first day of action on Friday evening last year.
Y- YACHT CLUB
The Yacht Club Suites at the iconic MIA Marina provide elevated views of Turns 6 and 7 of the Miami International Autodrome.
For 2023, The Yacht Club Suites will include cuisine curated by renowned chef Michelle Bernstein.
Z- (FAN) ZONE
The F1 Fan Zone has been enhanced and improved for 2023 with activations including autograph sessions and eSports simulators, Pit Stop challenges, photo booths, a replica podium, merchandise stalls and family entertainment.
the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, the hotel, which underwent a $30 million renovation, hosts an exclusive viewing party. Visit 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; marriott.com
THE ELSER HOTEL & RESIDENCES
Featuring 646 fully furnished studio to threebedroom residences, The Elser is the ultimate
adult playground. The property is located in the heart of downtown Miami and boasts a 19,000-square-foot double level amenity deck and a resort-style pool. Visit 398 NE 5th St, Miami; theelsermiami.com
PELICAN HOTEL
When the boutique hotel Pelican Miami
19 Corners 3 Straights
KIMPTON EPIC
Beach was acquired by Diesel founder Renzo Rosso, it received a seriously fashionable upgrade. The historic Art Deco property, situated on Ocean Drive and overlooking the Atlantic, features playfully designed guestrooms and suites as well as a single penthouse, inspired by movie sets. Visit 826 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; pelicanhotel.com
Located at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, Kimpton EPIC Hotel combines the style of a cosmopolitan boutique property with the amenities of a resort to create a sophisticated oasis for guests right in the heart of buzzy downtown Miami. Visit 270 Biscayne Blvd Way Miami; epichotel.com
Rare FINDS
Two historic
Daytona
BY COLLEEN KRATOFILRolex Daytona watches have become one of the most sought-after in the horological world thanks to the style’s first fan, Paul Newman. When the actor, director and philanthropist began his racecar driving career, he wore the not-so-popular Daytona model as a precision instrument to time laps and it turned into a good luck charm. Rolex “Paul Newman Daytona” watches are now a coveted vintage model, but even rarer are Daytonas worn by Newman himself. One hit a record-setting price in 2017 for $17.8 million, and next month, two more Rolex Daytona watches worn by Newman will be put up for auction.
The reference 16520 Zenith 1993 Daytona was presented to Newman after his team won the GTS-1 class at the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona Race—and he became the oldest driver to ever win at 70 years old. He auctioned off the watch in 1999 and gave the proceeds to charity, but he was seen years later wearing it again, prompting many to believe he or someone else bought it back. The 116519 Daytona from 2006 was the last Daytona ever gifted to Newman by his wife, Joanne Woodward, and it includes the engraved note, “Drive Very Slowly Joanne.” He wore it when he drove his final laps in 2008. Both are estimated to sell for $500,000 - $1 million apiece.
“Watches were Paul Newman’s faithful companions throughout his life, especially during his celebrated racing career,” Leigh Safar, Sotheby’s Head of Important Watches, NY tells GRAZIA Gazette: Formula 1. “What’s so fascinating about his relationship with watches is that he didn’t wear them out of vanity or for what they might be worth, but used them purely based on their primary function—and in his case as a racecar driver, as a precision instrument to time laps around the track. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to present these two horological treasures that are imbued with sentimental and historical value imparting from pinnacle moments in Newman’s illustrious racing career.”
After the watches travel in exhibitions in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Geneva, they will go on sale in New York City during Sotheby’s Important Watches auction on June 9. 300 other items from Newman and Woodward’s estate will also be auctioned in June.
KIMPTON ANGLER’S SOUTH BEACH
Kimpton Angler’s South Beach has a mix of accommodations from studios, suites, lofts, villas and one, two and three-story bungalows. There are two pools and 360-degree views of South Beach along with bars and Seawell Fish N’ Oyster restaurant.
Visit 660 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; anglershotelmiami.com
GOODTIME HOTEL
The Goodtime Hotel is a vibrant collaboration between entrepreneur David Grutman and Pharrell Williams that’s all about hedonistic revelry and laidback R&R. Make sure to check out Strawberry Moon, a high-energy Mediterranean restaurant, bar and day-tonight swim club on the property that serves up delicious Mediterranean food and drinks.
Visit 601 Washington Ave, Miami Beach; the goodtimehotel.com
ARLO WYNWOOD
A creative homebase in the heart of Wynwood Arts District, Arlo Wynwood draws from the area’s artistic vibes for the perfect home away from home. There’s a rooftop, yoga deck, third floor lounge and a 24-hour fitness center, plus there’s MaryGold’s
Restaurant and Higher Ground cocktail lounge. Visit 2217 NW Miami Court, Miami; arlohotels.com
HOTEL AKA BRICKELL
Perched 36 stories above Miami's Financial District, Hotel AKA Brickell boasts stunning views of the city and Biscayne Bay from the 201 rooms and suites, offering both short and long-term stays for guests. Visit 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami; stayaka.com
Rolex
watches worn by Paul Newman were discovered in a desk drawer by his daughter. Now, they’re going up for auctionRolex Daytona ref. 16520 was given to Newman for winning the Man of the Year award at the 24 Hours of Daytona Race in 1995. The Rolex Daytona ref. 116519 was the last watch gifted by wife Joanne Woodward with the inscription, "Drive Very Slowly Joanne."
SPORT MODE
This season, moto-inspired jackets, pants, skirts and accessories dominated the runways. In the spirit of F1, rev up your spring wardrobe with racing-inspired pieces in edgy leather, bold hardware and a few sporty stripes for good measure.
BY SHELBYHands on the WHEEL
A chic pair of driving gloves sends any look into overdrive
Making a Mark
Over 20 years since the first Miami location debuted, the owners behind Casa Tua have more impressive projects in the works grounded in building community
Nestled in a lush tropical garden just off the main strip off Collins Avenue in South Beach, Casa Tua is a true Miami institution. Since opening in 2001 as a welcoming place for friends and family, owners Miky and Leticia Grendene have turned Casa Tua into a global brand with locations around the world.
“Casa Tua means ‘your home’ in Italian,” the owners tell GRAZIA USA. “The inspiration was literally our home. When we started our family, we wanted to create a space to entertain and enjoy special moments that echoed our home, where our friends and family and like-minded individuals could come together and enjoy good conversation, happy moments and great food. We love sharing the warmth and soul of our home with our friends and family.”
They’ve brought delicious food, excellent service and exclusive events all over the world. After opening the very first Casa Tua in Miami, there are now locations in Aspen and Paris, as well as plans for more in Miami and one at The Surrey in New York City. “We open places where we like to be,” the husband and wife duo explain. “We chose Aspen because we wanted to raise our kids there. We opened Paris because it is one of the most
Mascaras THAT GO THE DISTANCE
beautiful cities in the world and our daughter was in school there at the time.”
Next, the Grendenes are branching out into real estate and giving it their special twist. “People live in a different way now and we aim to create a place that takes the best elements of residential and hotel,” they say. “We wanted to create a place for people to come together and build community.”
As Miami takes its place as a global destination—in many ways, escalated due to the global pandemic— Casa Tua continues to blaze the trail. “Miami is finally having the moment that is long overdue,” they admit. “Our city has become a destination for food, culture, art, fashion, elevated sports and entertainment. With Formula 1 and other global events coming to the city, the standouts are those who have been in the Miami market for a while now, those who have believed in Miami and continue to build our city.”
One way they made such a mark on the Miami culinary scene is by standing out and going against the grain. “We opened the flagship restaurant on Miami Beach over 20 years ago and chose to put quality and passion before anything else. We created more than a restaurant, we created a home for our clients.”
THE CLASS OF 2023
LEWIS HAMILTON
With seven Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship titles to his name, the British racing star is currently competing for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team. Th e 38-year-old took home his fi rst championship win in his second year of racing in the top fl ight in 2008. Now, Hamilton holds a joint record of wins with Michael Schumacher. Hamilton missed out on a recordbreaking eighth win after a nail-biting and controversial conclusion to the 2021 F1 season in Abu Dhabi, when Max Verstappen took home the title for the fi rst time. Off the track, Hamilton revved up the fashion industry through collaborations with brands like Tommy Hilfi ger. He's also earned an impressive number of other accolades too, including being made MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2009 by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Hamilton was later included in the Queen’s New Year Honours List and received knighthood from King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales) at Windsor Castle in 2021, thanks to his contributions to the racing industry.
As the fi rst Black driver in Formula 1, the pro founded the Hamilton Commission in 2020 alongside Th e Royal Academy of Engineering to improve representation of the Black community in U.K. motorsports beyond the driver pool. Hamilton is fi ghting for more diversity for those working in the garage, as well as engineers in the factories. After accumulating data and research, the commission
published its offi cial report on the matter in 2021. “I am proud to have published Th e Hamilton Commission report, Accelerating Change: Improving Representation of Black People in UK Motorsport, alongside Th e Royal Academy of Engineering,” Hamilton said in a statement. “Th rough this report, I feel that we have a clearer understanding of what is preventing the motorsport industry from being truly representative. I am committed to turning these recommendations into action and making real, lasting change for the better.”
He’s spreading his love of racing to a wider audience with two new projects. Hamilton’s production company Dawn Apollo Films and Apple Original Films are working on a movie directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski and starring none other than Brad Pitt as a former driver who returns to the sport.
"I have such high hopes for it," Hamilton said in October. “I know we're going to make the best racing movie that's ever existed, both visually, and we're going to work on making sure we pull on the heartstrings of all those fans."
Hamilton also has a documentary in the works with Apple TV+ that will highlight his cultural signifi cance in the sport. It’s been reported there will be “full access to Hamilton and his team, on and off the track,” as well as a star-studded cast of guest interviews.
CARLOS SAINZ JR.
Spanish race car driver Carlos Sainz Jr. is currently competing in Formula 1for Scuderia Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc. The 28-year-old Madrid racing royalty is the son of Carlos Sainz Sr., a double World Rally Champion. In 2010, he began racing open-wheel cars with the Eurointernational team in Formula BMW Europe. After entering F1’s Bull Ring in 2015, Sainz proved to be a strong competitor, claiming both the pole position and taking home his maiden F1 win with his victory at Silverstone in 2022. Sainz just entered into his third season as a Ferrari driver and signed a contract extension that will keep him on the team through 2024.
Under the Hammer
Revealed: The most expensive Formula 1 vehicles to ever sell at auction
FERNANDO ALONSO
e Spanish race car driver made quite the habit of breaking records in his early career. At one point, he was F1’s youngest polesitter, race winner, world champion and double world champion while on the Renault team (he won the World Drivers’ Championship in both 2005 and 2006). After a twoyear hiatus, Alonso returned with Alpine in 2021 before signing a multi-year deal with Aston Martin for 2023. Alonso recently earned a spot on the podium coming in third place at the Australian Grand Prix in April. He said he experienced a “rollercoaster of emotions” and he’s shooting for “higher up on the podium” at his next race.
SERGIO PÉREZ
Pérez broke into F1 with Sauber in 2011 (becoming the fifth Mexican to compete in F1) and drove for McLaren, Force India and Racing Point. Today he competes for Red Bull Racing. The 33-year-old won his first-ever F1 race at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020. He took home another win at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2022, which he described as a “dream come true,” and secured his second win of the 2022 season in Singapore.
THE 1954 MERCEDESBENZ W196R: The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 racing car, that drove Juan Manuel Fangio to victory at the 1954 Swiss Grand Prix, sold for $30 million by Bonhams Auctions at Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale in 2013.
THE 2001 FERRARI F2001: Michael Schumacher’s 2001 Ferrari F2001, chassis 211, sold for $7,504,000 at the Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Sale in New York in 2017, exceeding the auction house’s original estimate by $2 million.
MAX VERSTAPPEN
The Belgian-Dutch racing wunderkind is the son of racing drivers Jos Verstappen, who also competed in Formula 1, and Sophie Kumpen. At 17, he became the youngest F1 driver in history to start a World Championship race when he debuted at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix. Now, Verstappen, 25, was the 2021 and 2022 Formula 1 World Champion and can’t picture life any other way. “When I was little, my goal was F1 and, so far, it has been pretty good. I can’t complain,” said the pro, now in his ninth season and driving with Red Bull Racing.
“This is what I have done my whole life. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.”
CHARLES LECLERC
The impressive 25-year-old Monte-Carlo native won the GP3 Series championship in 2016 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017. Then, Leclerc stepped up to the F1 plate in 2018 and ranked No.1 during the 2022 Formula 1 driver standings after he won the Bahrain and Australian Grand Prix. In addition to his reported $12 million salary from his team, Scuderia Ferrari, Leclerc has endorsement deals with the sunglass brand Ray-Ban and the fashion house Giorgio Armani, the latter of which enlisted the driver as a campaign spokesperson in 2020 and outfit his team.
TEAMS & Drivers
THE 2010
The 2010 McLaren
was driven by Lewis Hamilton at the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix and the Chinese Grand Prix the same year. It sold for $6.6 million during a special auction event during the 2021 British Grand Prix.
TANKING TO THE TOP
The checkered flag might have waved after the most audacious maneuver in the history of F1. But as Nick Harding explains, the race isn’t over on the sport’s darkest day
The phrase “crashgate” meant nothing to recent F1 converts until very recently. Today’s billion-dollar sport is a starstudded carnival of glitz that brings thrills and excitement to some of the most glamorous locations on the planet. F1 is as much about fashion, style, celebrity and excess as it is about fast cars. But scratch beneath the surface and it hides some dirty secrets, and none dirtier than the 2008 crashgate scandal, which years later now threatens to strip Lewis Hamilton—the joint holder of the all-time F1 record for world titles—of one his accolades.
Crashgate centered around a collision which took place on the 17th turn of the Singapore Grand Prix circuit when Renault F1 driver, Nelson Piquet Jr., crashed into a wall. He was unhurt but the position of the crash on the track meant a safety car had to be released, to slow the field while the debris was cleared. This turn of events gave Piquet’s teammate, Fernando Alonso a seemingly lucky advantage. At the time Alonso was having a torrid season and had struggled to reach the podium. Thanks to Piquet’s misfortune, Alonso went on to win the race and secure his first victory of the season.
Fate, it appeared, was on his side that night.
The seeds of crashgate were sown six years previously in 2002 when Renault rejoined F1 after 17 years on the sidelines. The company took over Benetton racing in 2000 before rebranding as Renault F1 for the 2002 season. The team remained essentially the same with convicted fraudster, former fugitive and businessman Flavio Briatore in charge and Pat Symonds heading the technical department.
Spaniard Alonso joined in 2002 and in 2005 won the driver’s championship while his team took the constructor’s championship. The following season he once again won the driver’s championship and secured the constructors championship for Renault.
It came as a surprise in 2007 when, due to new technical regulations that were introduced, he decided to leave the team and join McLaren, where his young teammate was Lewis Hamilton who was embarking on his first ever season in F1.
Alonso only stayed at McLaren for a season and returned to struggling Renault in 2008, which had only managed two podium places in 2007. Piquet, the son of a three-time champion, was second driver. The season did not start well and Alonso struggled to score a podium place.
Singapore was the 15th race of the world championship and also the first ever F1 night race. Alonso’s teammate from the previous year, Hamilton, was leading the championship
by a point ahead of Felipe Massa. On the grid Alonso was 15th, just one place ahead of his junior teammate and as the cars roared off, Massa took the lead while Alonso got lost in the middle of the field and failed to make up any ground.
Renault decided on a novel strategy and had started Alonso with low fuel, which meant his car was lighter than the others. The hope was that he would then have an advantage which he could use to gain early ground. However, it also meant that on lap 12 he needed to pit to refuel and change tires.
When he came out, he re-joined the race at the back of the field as expected but had the advantage of already having pitted ahead of the other competitors. Two laps later Piquet crashed. The awkward location of the accident meant that debris could not be cleared while the race was active and so the safety car came out, behind which the race field, which had previously been spread out, then bunched up. The landscape of the race completely changed and when the race did start there was a back-up of cars pitting which caused chaos in the pit lane as teams had to double stack both their cars.
Alonso found himself leading the race and maintained his lead despite pressure from Hamilton who came second. He stepped on the podium for his first win of the season. Massa finished out of the points entirely.
“This will be a historic race for Formula 1,” he said in a post-race interview.
Alonso went on to win the next race in Japan. Hamilton clinched the championship at the final race in Brazil, just a point ahead of Massa, and despite his two wins of the season, Alonso finished fifth.
In August 2009, Piquet had amassed zero points by round 10 and was unceremoniously dropped and replaced by Roman Grosjean.
A year had passed since Piquet’s Singapore crash which had been chalked up as just another of the 1.4 crashes that occur on average during each race in the season. What happened next then, caused shockwaves not just in F1, but throughout the world of sports.
In the week of his departure from Renault, Piquet went to the FIA and revealed that Briatore and Symonds had directed him to crash to allow Alonso to win. His former employer, he claimed, had fixed the results.
The FIA took his allegations seriously and issued a holding statement which announced they were investigating “alleged incidents at a previous event.”
Five days later, Renault F1 were formally accused of
interfering with the outcome of the race and of conspiring to deliberately crash to give their star driver an advantage. The team was ordered to attend a hearing at a FIA world motorsport council meeting on September 21. In the following days Piquet made two further statements to the FIA and said he’d had a conversation with Briatore in which the best location to crash on the Singapore course was discussed.
Initially Renault came out fighting and threatened legal action against Piquet, who they accused of blackmail. But on September 15, the team reversed its position and released one of sport’s most earth-shattering statements, effectively admitting to the crime.
“The ING Renault F1 team will not dispute the recent allegations made by the FIA concerning the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. It also wishes to state that its manager director, Flavio Briatore and its executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, have left the team,” it said.
At the subsequent FIA meeting the following week, Alonso was cleared of any involvement while Renault F1 received a disqualification from the sport for the offense, which was ruled as “of unparalleled severity.” However, in another twist, officials decided to suspend the punishment for two years because Renault had admitted cheating and had severed ties with Briatore and Symonds. The former denied any wrongdoing and was given a lifetime ban from F1 events (later overturned) while Symonds admitted his part in the scheme and received a five-year ban. He later returned to the sport and is now chief technical officer for F1.
Piquet positioned himself as a victim and many sympathized.
He told the hearing: “My situation at Renault turned into a nightmare. Having dreamed of being a Formula 1 driver and having worked so hard to get there, I found myself at the mercy of Mr. Briatore. His true character, which had previously only been known to those he had treated like this in the past, is now known. Mr. Briatore was my manager as well as the team boss, he had my future in his hands but he cared nothing for it. By the time of the Singapore GP he had isolated me and driven me to the lowest point I had ever reached in my life. Now that I am out of that situation, I cannot believe that I agreed to the plan, but when it was put to me, I felt that I was in no position to refuse.”
Piquet was paid substantial compensation by Renault and received an apology but never raced in F1 again. He went to the US and competed in NASCAR for a few years before joining Formula E in 2014 where he won the inaugural championship. He currently competes full-time in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series driving a souped-up Toyota Corolla.
And the dirty legacy of crashgate refuses to die. In a recent interview, 92-year-old Bernie Ecclestone, who was CEO of F1 at the time of the scandal, admitted that he believed Massa had been robbed of the 2008 title and indicated that he and F1 president Mosley knew about the crash during the season when the result could have been overturned, thereby taking points off Hamilton for his win there and handing the title to Massa.
He told F1-insider: “According to the statutes, we should have canceled the race in Singapore under these conditions. And then Felipe Massa would have become world champion and not Lewis Hamilton."
Massa is considering a legal challenge. He said: “This is very sad, to know the result of this race was supposed to be canceled and I would have a title. In the end, I was the one who lost the most with this result. So, we are going after it to understand all this.”
It appears that the race is not over yet.
Secret Finds
It was one of the best-kept secret car collections in the world—a private collection of 230 rare and classic BMWs, Mercedes, Maseratis and Ferraris, recently discovered in the Netherlands. Known in car circles as a “barn find,” the impressive array was kept mostly under wraps, stored in a church and two dusty warehouses after being collected for four decades by a man named Ad Palmen. The 82-year-old former professional dealer specialized in rare cars and kept most in their original and unrestored condition in Dordrecht. He reportedly started the eclectic collection with a yellow Lancia B20 and is said to have maintained the cars on his own, starting them on a regular basis to ensure the engines remained operational.
Now, the extensive and enviable collection, which includes cars from Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce and more obscure brands like Tatra, Monica, Moretti and Villard, is heading to auction. According to reports, there is a rare Lancia B4 Spider
America and Ferrari 365, several Facel Vegas, a Maserati Bora, a Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupe and a Jaguar E-Type, along with a Messerschmitt bubble car, a Citroen SM, two Corvairs and a Studebaker Avanti among other rarities in the lot.
Palmen was careful about who he allowed to view the treasure trove—even his neighbor never got a glimpse. “We have been at this location for about 15 years and have regularly asked the owner if we could take a look inside, but it never came to a viewing,” a neighbor told the auctioneers.
Hosted by Gallery Aaldering in conjunction with Classic Car Auctions, the vehicles have been moved to one location for viewing with bidding set to go live online next month. “It is unlikely that anyone will ever see a collection of this caliber and condition again in their lifetime,” Nico and Nick Aaldering of Gallery Aaldering said in a statement.
BY CASEY BRENNAN & HANNAH MILITANOJoin the Club
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BY HANNAH MILITANOA stunning collection of over 200 collectible cars found in a Netherlands warehouse heads to auction