Electric Cars

In the recent Formula 1 practice sessions at the Sepang International Circuit, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing opted for a unique strategy during FP2, foregoing the typical soft-tyre qualifying simulations that most competitors engaged in. This decision, aimed at gathering crucial long-run data in anticipation of potential rain, highlights the complex considerations teams face in dynamic race environments. Despite finishing fourth, Verstappen's focus remained on understanding tire degradation under the demanding hot and humid conditions, suggesting a cautious but strategic approach to the race weekend.

Formula 1's return to the Sepang International Circuit saw Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen leading the initial Free Practice 1 session. This early success stirred excitement among fans, hinting at a potential repeat of his 2017 victory at the track. However, in the subsequent FP2 session, the Dutch driver concluded in fourth position on the time charts. While practice results often come with inherent caveats, Verstappen's insights into his performance and the team's overall standing shed light on their strategy.

Verstappen revealed that he deliberately spent the entire FP2 session on medium compound tires. This contrasted with the approach of most other front-runners, including Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and his Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar, who both utilized soft compound tires for qualifying simulations. Verstappen explained his choice, stating, "I wanted to do a long run in case there was some rain coming in." Although the anticipated rain did not materialize, with FP2 remaining dry from beginning to end, this strategic decision was driven by the need to understand tire behavior over extended periods under specific weather forecasts.

The conditions at Sepang, characterized by an old and sun-baked asphalt, presented significant challenges, particularly concerning tire degradation. The FIA's declaration of a heat hazard due to high temperatures and humidity underscored the importance of long-run data. Understanding how tires would cope with these extreme conditions was paramount for race weekend preparations. Verstappen acknowledged these factors, commenting, "I think we had a decent start, but it's tricky, the track is really hot, a lot of degradation, so a lot of things to figure out, but it's been positive."

When questioned about whether Red Bull had made actual progress, especially after appearing strong in both practice sessions, Verstappen tempered expectations. He noted the variations in conditions between FP1 and FP2 and the differing programs run by teams. "I mean, progress, it is difficult," he admitted. "It was warmer again in FP2, different programs, so hard to say progress, but there's still a lot of things to look at to try and understand better." This measured response reflects the team's analytical approach, prioritizing data and understanding over immediate-lap times, particularly in a circuit known for its challenging climate and track surface.

Max Verstappen's calculated decision to focus on long-run performance in FP2, bypassing the conventional soft-tyre qualifying simulations, was a testament to Red Bull's strategic depth. Facing high temperatures and humidity at the Sepang International Circuit, the team aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of tire degradation, a critical factor for the upcoming race. Despite finishing lower on the FP2 timesheets than some rivals, Verstappen's cautious assessment emphasized the ongoing need to analyze data and refine their setup, rather than celebrating premature gains. The focus remains squarely on race day performance, underscoring the complexities of Formula 1 strategy in challenging environments.

Formula 1 superstars Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc recently got behind the wheel of Ferrari's new, limited-edition 12Cilindri Manuale at the iconic Fiorano circuit. This exclusive track experience provided both drivers with a unique opportunity to assess the super GT, which is equipped with a formidable 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, capable of generating an impressive 830 horsepower. The event captured considerable attention, particularly as the drivers shared their enthusiastic reactions, reinforcing the car's appeal to both enthusiasts and the general public. Their positive comments, widely disseminated through a viral video, underscore the success of Ferrari's latest creation in delivering an exhilarating and memorable driving experience.

The 12Cilindri Manuale, introduced in July 2026, is a special series model that showcases Ferrari’s innovative Manuale-By-Wire system. This groundbreaking technology aims to fuse the visceral engagement of a traditional manual gearbox with the efficiency and performance benefits of a modern dual-clutch transmission. The vehicle also incorporates advanced integrated active aerodynamics and pays homage to Ferrari's rich GT heritage through design elements such as a classic round aluminum gear knob, a six-speed shift gate, and a clutch-by-wire pedal. The combination of cutting-edge engineering and nostalgic design has clearly resonated with both professional drivers and a broad audience, cementing the car’s status as a remarkable achievement in automotive design and performance.

Ferrari's Latest Masterpiece: The 12Cilindri Manuale

Ferrari's new 12Cilindri Manuale represents a significant achievement in automotive engineering and design, offering a unique blend of traditional driving engagement and modern technological advancements. This limited-edition super GT, unveiled in July 2026, is engineered to provide an unparalleled driving experience. At its core lies a potent 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, meticulously crafted to produce a staggering 830 horsepower, ensuring exhilarating performance on both road and track. The car's introduction has been met with widespread acclaim, further amplified by the enthusiastic endorsements of Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during their recent test at the Fiorano circuit, solidifying its position as a highly desirable and exclusive vehicle.

Central to the 12Cilindri Manuale's innovative appeal is Ferrari’s proprietary Manuale-By-Wire system. This advanced technology ingeniously simulates the tactile and immersive experience of a manual gearbox while leveraging the rapid and precise shifts of a dual-clutch transmission. This clever integration ensures a raw, physical intensity that echoes the golden age of V12-powered sports cars, yet with the enhanced performance and reliability of contemporary engineering. Beyond its mechanical prowess, the car features sophisticated integrated active aerodynamics, enhancing its handling and stability. Design details, such as a classically inspired round aluminum gear knob and a six-speed shift gate, along with a state-of-the-art clutch-by-wire pedal, elegantly blend heritage with innovation, creating a vehicle that is both a nod to the past and a vision for the future of high-performance driving.

Elite Drivers' Enthusiastic Reception at Fiorano

The exclusive track test of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale at Fiorano saw Formula 1 champions Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc providing invaluable feedback and experiencing firsthand the capabilities of this extraordinary vehicle. Charles Leclerc was the initial driver to take the wheel, with Hamilton occupying the passenger seat. Leclerc’s reaction was one of pure excitement, exclaiming, “You’re so chill. You are the chill guy!” to Hamilton, and later adding an emphatic “Amazing!” after completing his laps. This initial interaction set a highly positive tone for the testing session, demonstrating the car's immediate impact on even the most seasoned professional drivers.

When it was Lewis Hamilton's turn to drive, the atmosphere remained equally enthusiastic. The duo shared laughter as Hamilton navigated the circuit, and he later described the experience as “Fantastico! It’s very cool. Wow. It’s so much fun to drive.” The genuine excitement from both drivers was palpable, as evidenced by their remarks and the viral video subsequently released on Ferrari's official YouTube channel, which quickly garnered over 200,000 views. Fans eagerly commented on the video, praising both the car and the drivers' reactions. Remarks such as, "This has to be one of the first videos in a while where the drivers driving the new car are actually happy, especially Leclerc. Nice job Ferrari on producing a Magnificent car," and "So cool to see the boys having fun driving that Ferrari!" highlight the widespread admiration for the 12Cilindri Manuale and the joyous display from the F1 stars. Only 1499 units of this remarkable vehicle will be produced, adding to its exclusivity and allure.