Category: Motorsport

The Formula One season is in full swing and with nine races already chalked off, the standings are starting to take shape. Max Verstappen only won the championship for the first time in 2021 but he seems to have picked up where he left off last time and has started 2023 in fine form.

But there’s a long way to go and with the British Grand Prix taking place this weekend, Lewis Hamilton will be hoping his fortunes turn around on familiar territory. Ahead of the showpiece event at Silverstone, we’ve delved deeper into how the Formula One season has unfolded.

The story so far

We’re not even halfway through the season but if form has anything to do with it, Verstappen already looks to have one hand on the trophy. The reigning champion has come racing out of the blocks in 2023, winning six of the first eight races and coming second in the other two.

Verstappen has dominated the track so far and was particularly comfortable in Monaco and Spain, winning both races by more than 24 seconds. The 25-year-old is way out in front on 229 points, with Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez in second after winning in both Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.

Hamilton’s former team-mate Fernando Alonso, who is now with Aston Martin, sits in third having finished on the podium six times so far. Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon and George Russell are the only other three drivers to have finished in the top three.

Despite Verstappen’s explosive start to the season, there are still 13 races left so a lot can change. But it’s looking like his year at the moment as he targets a third consecutive Formula One title.

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How is Lewis Hamilton doing?

Hamilton is yet to win a race this year but he’s going steady at fourth in the rankings. The seven-time champion finished second to Verstappen in Australia in a chaotic race that was dominated by red flags, crashes and safety cars.

Hamilton also finished runner-up in Spain and finds himself 123 points off top, just below Alonso in third. The 38-year-old hasn’t won the championship since 2020 but prior to this season he vowed that he wouldn’t retire until he’s claimed his eighth title.

He’s currently level in the record books with Michael Schumacher and finishing top would make him the most successful driver in Formula One history.

 The British Grand Prix

The season continues this weekend at Silverstone and there are plenty of exciting races to look forward to, including Japan, Las Vegas and the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi.

But as the British Grand Prix edges closer, all eyes will soon be on Silverstone. The pinnacle of the British Formula One calendar takes place on Sunday 9th July, with Hamilton, Verstappen and co. looking to emulate Carlos Sainz Jr’s win in 2022.

Hamilton managed to finish third on home soil last year, recording the fastest lap in the process. He’ll be keen to add to his record eight titles at Silverstone, with his most recent coming in 2021.

The British Grand Prix will take us to near the halfway point of the season and you can watch the action unfold with one of our hospitality experiences. With our ICON facility, private suites and trackside viewpoints, there’s something for everyone, with food and drink packages on offer for groups of all sizes.

And if you fancy seeing if you can cut the mustard on the track, you can step into the shoes of your racing heroes in one of our state-of-the-art F1 racing simulators.

British Grand Prix

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• Concours de Vente is a unique highlight of Salon Privé London at Royal Hospital Chelsea
• 75 of the world’s finest collector cars will be on display – and they will all be for sale
• Latest entries include legendary models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and AC
• The Second edition of Salon Privé London is being held on 20-22 April 2023

Salon Privé London

Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 April

Secure Hospitality Today

More entries have been confirmed for the famous Salon Privé London Concours de Vente collector car spectacle. From 20-22 April, 75 of the world’s most iconic classic cars will be on display in the central area of Royal Hospital Chelsea – and in contrast to other concours events, every one of them will be for sale! With three classes – up to £250,000, between £250,000 and £1 million, and over £1 million – awards include best in class prizes and the ultimate Prix d’Honneur, or best in show.

After the inaugural success of 2022, a number of classic car specialists are returning for 2023. Simon Drabble Cars will show a headline-grabbing 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 which has been upgraded to S specification. It is just the 23^rd Miura ever built, finished in the classic combination of Rosso Miura over Nero Fintapelle. Registered in Italy, the car travelled to France and then to the United States, before returning to France in the 1990s for a comprehensive restoration – and exhibition at the 2003 Paris Retromobile. It came to the UK in 2013, took part in 2016’s 50^th Anniversary Miura Tour in Spain, and in 2020 was added to the collection of a noted collector and Lamborghini VIP client.

For those who prefer an open-top British classic, Classic Motor Hub will be featuring a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, one of just 123 drop-top DB5s to leave the Newport Pagnell factory. Its first owner was high-end shirtmaker Lionel Frank, whose clients fittingly included three James Bond actors: Sean Connery, George Lazenby and Roger Moore. Passing through several owners through the years, the ‘shabby chic’ DB5 Convertible was used regularly before a full body-off restoration in the early 2010s. Once complete, it lined up at the 2013 Wilton Supercar Day as part of an Aston Martin centenary timeline, and later won Best in Show at the 2015 Bristol Classic Car Show. The history file includes the car’s original factory build sheet, complete pictorial record of its restoration, and an Aston Martin Heritage certificate.

Barkaways will showcase an immaculate 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB that’s covered a mere 17,857km (just over 11,000 miles). Sold new in Italy, it was originally owned by a Fiat dealer principal for many years. The second owner purchased the car, imported it to the UK and commissioned Barkaways for a full restoration in 2014. Upon completion, the Rosso Chiaro car was used as one of the promotional models for Salon Privé Blenheim in 2015 – where it won an award at the Concours event. It is an attainable classic that, like all Concours de Vente cars, is up for sale and can be purchased on the day at Salon Privé London 2023.

A stunning AC Cobra Lightweight will be exhibited by Hendon Way Motors, one of just 44 original and correct lightweights produced. The super-rare 1991 car was built by AutoKraft, the British company that manufactured genuine and fully-licenced AC-badged sports cars throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Founded by Brian Angliss, his cars were so good, AC’s owners sold him the rights to the name in 1986. The Lightweight model was revealed at the 1990 Geneva Salon. Weighing just 1,070kg, this car has an SVO high-performance V8, Holley carburettors and has covered just 2,701 miles. It’s finished in Ford Diamond White with a red stripe, and Salon Privé London’s Concours de Vente presents a rare opportunity to inspect and buy this truly exceptional one-owner vehicle.

Confirming the unique appeal of Concours de Vente, Salon Privé London is attracting a rich gathering of specialist dealers from throughout the classic car industry. Two specialists will be making their Royal Hospital Chelsea debut; Rutland’s Car Iconics and Chelmsford’s J.D Classics will both be bringing fantastic models for sale to the immaculate lawns on the banks of the River Thames.

Other confirmed dealers for Salon Privé London 2023 include Aston Martin specialist RS Williams, online platform Collecting Cars and Ferrari specialist Furlonger Specialist Sports Cars. And be it historic collector cars from Graeme Hunt or luxury cars from Hilton & Moss, the Salon Privé London Concours de Vente has it all.

Salon Privé London is one of the world’s most prestigious automotive events and the sister event to the globally renowned Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace which is now in its 18^th year.

Set to be the capital’s most exclusive automotive party, Salon Privé London offers plenty to see and do in addition to the motoring attractions. There will be a luxury shopping village featuring brands such as high-end British Jewellery designer Boodles, and watches from famed luxury brand, Montblanc. Food and hospitality will also be first class, in the famed Salon Privé tradition, with a three-course luncheon, delicious Pommery Champagne, cocktails from the London Essence Co and fine wines from Chateau La Gordonne.  

Further highlights include Friday’s Boodles Ladies’ Day, fun for all the family during Saturday at Salon Privé, plus exclusive VIP hospitality at The Sloane and DJs keeping the party going well into the evening on Thursday and Friday.  

Since its inaugural season back in 1950, the United States has been a mainstay in Formula One, despite the prominence of other motor racing championships in the country such as NASCAR and IndyCar.

In the sport’s 73-year history, the US ranks 10th on the all-time list of Grand Prixs held, and that number will be further bolstered by the inclusion of three US-based Grand Prixs in 2023, the most in a single season since 1982.

The three races will be held in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas respectively, and are sure to be among the most star-studded races on the F1 calendar, with a host of A-list celebrities guaranteed to be on the grids.

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United States Grand Prix

Date: Sun, 22 Oct, 20:00

Track: Circuit of the Americas

The United States Grand Prix has been held in Austin for the last 10 years at the Circuit of the Americas. The first race was held in 2012 in front of 100,000 spectators, as Lewis Hamilton claimed victory in what would turn out to be his last-ever win as a McClaren driver.

The high-speed runs have been compared to Silverstone whilst the S turns have been likened to the Suzuka circuit in Japan.

Now driving for Mercedes, British driver Lewis Hamilton has won the most United States Grand Prixs with six wins, however Max Verstappen of Red Bull has won the last two on his way to claiming back-to-back World Championships.

As you might expect from an American sports event, music concerts are often organised around the main spectacle. For instance, in 2016, Taylor Swift performed the evening before race day as 270,000 fans attended across the weekend.

The following year, former US President Bill Clinton presented the winning trophy to seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton after his victory. That year, Justin Timberlake helped to further boost attendances with a pre-race performance. Other musical acts to have performed include Bruno Mars and Britney Spears.

The race in Austin is always one of the most popular on the F1 calendar, thanks to its status as one of the coolest American cities with its vibrant nightlife and much-loved food.

In 2022, Mr Austin himself Matthew McConaughey was among the attendees along with fellow actor Brad Pitt, pop star Ed Sheeran and hip-hop legend Pharrell Williams.

USA GP

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Miami Grand Prix

Date: Sun, 7 May, 20:30

Track: Miami International Autodrome

From one party town to another, the F1’s inaugural Miami race was last year in 2022, when, you guessed it, Dutchman Max Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, both of Ferrari.

The circuit itself probably most closely resembles Melbourne Park, giving the 19-turn track the feel of a street circuit, despite being held at the Hard Rock Stadium, home to NFL outfit the Miami Dolphins.

The 5.41km track consists of 19 corners, three straights and three DRS zones, so you can expect plenty of overtaking.

With six Super Bowls, two World Series and numerous music concerts under its belt, the Hard Rock Stadium is one of the elite venues in America. The state-of-the-art stadium combined with an intimate street-style circuit creates an ideal viewing experience for the spectators in the Sunshine State.

Predictably, there were stars galore at the 2022 Miami GP including basketball legend Michael Jordan, Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady and former England captain, and owner of MLS team Inter Miami, David Beckham.

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Las Vegas Grand Prix

Date: Sat, 18 Nov, 06:00

Track: Las Vegas Street Circuit

Las Vegas will host its first Grand Prix since 1982 at an all-new circuit around the Las Vegas Strip, which will bypass famous landmarks like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio and the Venetian.

The 6.12km, 14-turn street circuit is expected to be one the quickest races on the calendar with speeds likely to exceed that of Italian track Monza, otherwise known as the ‘Temple of Speed’.

Despite being a completely new track, Las Vegas has hosted GPs on two separate occasions in 1981 and 1982, for the Caesars Palace Grand Prix. Williams driver Alan Jones claimed victory in 1981 and Michele Alboreto of Tyrrell won the 1982 race.

The 2023 race is scheduled for lights out on Saturday night and is one of the most highly anticipated F1 races of the year. New tracks always carry with them an air of unpredictability, which will only add to the entertainment value.

Off the track, there will be plenty to keep fans entertained as well, with Vegas band The Killers heavily rumoured to be performing.

Don’t be surprised to see a few Vegas locals such as Mike Tyson, Celine Dion and Floyd Mayweather Jr. show up for the main event too.

It’s going to be a blockbuster for F1 in the US, so which race will you choose?

Las Vegas GP

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The pinnacle of motor racing is set to return in March, with a cocktail of new cars, drivers and races to look forward to.

Last year’s champion Max Verstappen is again the odds-on favourite to take the Driver’s Championship along with his team Red Bull for the Contructor’s Crown.

At the time of writing all of the new cars have been revealed ahead of pre-season testing for the 2023 season, where contenders for the title may yet emerge, chiefly in the form of Mercedes and Ferrari.

Last year’s top three teams all have unchanged driver lineups but there have been many changes elsewhere in the field.

F1 2023 driver changes

Following the retirement of four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin were able to entice none other than Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard, who has won the World Championship two times made the surprise switch from 4th-placed Alpine to 7th-placed Aston Martin in the postseason.

The popular Daniel Ricciardo was ousted by McClaren and replaced by Oscar Piastri, a 21-year-old rookie with Formula 2 and 3 titles under his belt.

To replace Alonso Alpine opted for Pierre Gasly to complete their all-French driver lineup with Esteban Ocon.

As part of the knock-on effect, AlphaTauri replaced Gasly with Nyck de Vries, the Formula E champion and long-time Mercedes reserve.

Elsewhere, rookie Logan Sargeant replaces Nicholas Latifi at Williams and Nico Hulkenberg has replaced Mick Schumacher at Haas after impressing as Aston Martin’s reserve driver last season.

The aforementioned Ricciardo keeps his place in the F1 bubble by virtue of Red Bull, where he will serve as the team’s reserve driver.

2023 Formula 1

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F1 2023 rule changes

To combat the porpoising issues many teams had last year four additional changes will come into play according to the FIA: floor edges have been raised by 15mm; the diffuser throat height has been raised; the diffuser edge stiffness has been increased; and an additional sensor has been mandated to more effectively monitor the porpoising phenomenon.

In terms of safety, following Zhou Guanyu’s horrific crash at the British Grand Prix last year, new roll hoop regulations have been put in place to reduce the possibility of the hoop digging into the ground after impact.

One of the most impactful regulation changes is likely to be a reduction in minimum car weight. A reduction of 2kg – to 796kg has been given the green light ahead of the new season, meaning mechanics will be doing everything within their power to  shave off weight. It’s possibly the reason why so many of the new cars this season feature black designs – bare carbon fibre is lighter than a coat of paint.

Looking ahead to race formats and sprint races will once again be a feature in qualifying expanding from three to six for the new season. It’s essentially a 100km dash with no pit stops to determine the grid lineup on race day – think of it as F1’s answer to T20.

The races with sprints in 2023 will be; Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin and Brazil.

At the tail-end of last season, the issue of cast caps dominated the F1 headlines as Red Bull were found to have exceeded the $145m cap by $2m.

The cost cap has been reduced to approximately $135m for the 2023 season.

Formula 1 – Silverstone

British Grand Prix

F1 2023 calendar and new races

The F1 calendar in 2023 will be the biggest ever in the competition’s history featuring 23 races (up from 22 last year), including the all-new Las Vegas street circuit. The Qatar GP will also be returning to the calendar in 2023.

March 5: Bahrain (Sakhir)

March 19: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)

April 2: Australia (Melbourne)

April 30: Azerbaijan (Baku)

May 7: Miami (Miami)

May 21: Emilia Romagna (Imola)

May 28: Monaco (Monaco)

June 4: Spain (Barcelona)

June 18: Canada (Montreal)

July 2: Austria (Spielberg)

July 9: Great Britain (Silverstone)

July 23: Hungary (Budapest)

July 30: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)

August 27: Netherlands (Zandvoort)

September 3: Italy (Monza)

September 17: Singapore (Marina Bay)

September 24: Japan (Suzuka)

October 8: Qatar (Losail)

October 22: USA (Austin)

October 29: Mexico (Mexico City)

November 5: Brazil (Sao Paulo)

November 18: Las Vegas

November 26: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

From the glamour of Monaco to the octane of Spa, there isn’t a circuit in this year’s F1 calendar that won’t delight fans. With an exciting roster of drivers, and a new set of regulations for teams to contend with, it’s bound to be a highly competitive season both on the race track, and in the politically-charged paddocks.

The hit Netflix series Drive to Survive has provided fans with unprecedented access to the trials and tribulations of F1, but there’s nothing quite like seeing the events of race weekend unfold in front of your eyes.

The grid on race day is truly a sight to behold, you have the drivers, aka the prized assets being fanned and fussed over like Egyptian pharaohs, whilst the mechanics, resembling Stormtroopers in matching uniforms, exchange paranoid glances as they agonise over rival cars, looking for potential regulation breaches. And then, of course, you have the fans, who, despite a chorus of engine revs, can be heard chanting their favourite driver’s name, on a day they are likely to never forget.

Lights out and away we go…

Once a year, the world’s second-smallest nation becomes a race track and welcomes the fastest drivers on the planet and a host of celebrities for the most important weekend on the Formula 1 calendar.

The first Monaco Grand Prix was held in 1929, and the track hasn’t changed much since. Using the winding streets of Monte Carlo, the public roads are resurfaced each year before the event, with little room for overtaking on race day.

The temporary grandstands are installed across the city, alongside famous Monaco landmarks like the Monte Carlo Casino and the world-renowned harbour, where the rich and famous view the race from their boats and yachts.

Only 39,000 people live in Monaco, but come race weekend some 200,000 people travel to the principality for the spectacle.

Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet once said that the Monaco Grand Prix was like “[..] cycling around your living room[..],” meaning that the corners were too tight. However, the former world champion also said winning Monaco was, “[..] worth winning twice anywhere else [..].” Unfortunately, Piquet never tasted victory at Monaco.

His compatriot, the late, great Ayrton Senna has claimed the most Monaco GP wins (6). Despite this, the title “Mr Monaco” is reserved for British driver Graham Hill. The moustachioed racer won the event five times during an era of dominance in the 60s. He is also the only driver to have claimed ‘The Triple Crown of Motorsport’, an unofficial achievement, regarded as winning the three most prestigious races in motorsport; the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.

The prestige on the track is only matched by the glitz and glamour in the Monaco harbour. Thanks to the region’s status as a tax haven, owing to the unprecedented rise of the Monte Carlo Casino in the 1860s, during a time when gambling was outlawed elsewhere across Europe, many celebrities have since flocked to the region to enjoy its lavish parties.

The rich and famous have been long associated with Monaco. In 1956, the actress Grace Kelly, known for her roles in Rear Window and To Catch a Thief became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III.

Over the years, many famous faces have been spotted in the Monaco F1 paddocks, from Leonardo DiCaprio and Naomi Campbell to Serena Williams and Cristiano Ronaldo, and many are bound to be in attendance in 2023

In the 2022 season, the race was won by Sergio Perez. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes has won the race three times and next year both drivers will be competing once again alongside the likes of Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. This one-of-a-kind event combines the high-octane energy of a motor race against a backdrop of parties, celebrities and champagne. Whether it be from one of the many yachts in the harbour or in the grandstand, the Monaco GP should be on the bucket list of any self-respecting sports fan.

Our Super Yacht Hospitality

VIP Hospitality at the Monaco Grand Prix is an unique experience like no other on the sporting calendar and you can be there on one of our impeccable yacht packages.

It’s the ultimate form of luxury, with Champagne, premium drinks and premium gourmet food throughout the weekend.

There will be celebrities and sport stars making guest appearances, especially at the exclusive parties that are an important part of the Monaco experience.

With incredible views of the famous Monaco circuit, there’s no better way to spend a weekend in true, luxurious style.

Saturday and Sunday Trackside Super Yacht Hospitlaity

• Guest Meet & Greet and Reception in Fontvielle
• Transfer from Fontvieille to a Super Yacht in Monaco Harbour by private tender & return
• VIP Hospitality on a Super Yacht
• Spectacular views and Giant TV Screen
• Circuit TV and Timing Monitors in Salon
• Continental Breakfast on arrival
• Coffee, Tea and refreshments served all day
• Complimentary Bar all day including fine wines and Champagne
• Monaco Grand Prix Buffet Luncheon served on Main Deck
• Afternoon Tea with pastries and coffee
• Live Music and Celebrity Guest appearances

Hotel Accommodation / Flights from London 

Flight from London and accommodation package – £2,150 Per Person (based on double occupancy)

• Return chartered flight from London to Nice
• 3 Nights stay in 4* Hotel Suisse, Nice (based on double occupancy)
• Twin or King room
• Breakfast Included

3 Nights stay in 4* Hotel Suisse, Nice – £1,500 Per Person (based on double occupancy)

• Twin or King room
• Breakfast Included

3 Nights at 5* Anantanra Nice – £2,500 Per Person (based on double occupancy)

• Deluxe Twin or King room
• Breakfast Included

Written by @BayleyCakes_