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This special Summer edition of Autosport magazine marks a significant milestone, celebrating 75 years since its inception. The publication embarks on a journey through motorsport's rich history, spotlighting the visionaries, groundbreaking designs, and iconic races that have fundamentally reshaped the competitive landscape. Beyond this retrospective, the issue also delivers up-to-the-minute coverage of current events, offering a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of racing.

Since its inaugural weekly issue on August 25, 1950, Autosport has chronicled the dynamic evolution of motorsport. Over these seven and a half decades, the sport has undergone immense transformation, yet the fundamental spirit of excitement and dedication remains constant. A unifying theme among the "game-changers" featured in this anniversary edition—from legendary figures like Lotus founder Colin Chapman to British Touring Car magnate Alan Gow, and influential manufacturers such as Porsche and Dallara—is their unwavering drive for continuous improvement and their relentless pursuit of exceeding previous achievements.

The path of innovation in motorsport has not always been straightforward; numerous developments have led to dead ends, even for brilliant minds like Chapman. Nevertheless, the sport has consistently advanced, giving rise to countless memorable narratives and unforgettable moments. Curating the content for this special issue was a challenging task given the vast array of potential subjects. The editorial team meticulously selected a diverse range of personalities and disciplines from across the decades, striving to capture the essence and excitement that define motorsport.

While reflecting on its illustrious past, the magazine also keeps a keen eye on the present. Readers will find in-depth analysis of the current state of Mercedes, amidst the intense speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's future following Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull. Additionally, an exclusive interview with Formula 1's recent podium finisher, Nico Hulkenberg, provides unique insights. The British Grand Prix is thoroughly reviewed, offering readers a detailed guide to the event's highlights.

Beyond Formula 1, the special edition spotlights other compelling stories from 2025. Robert Kubica, fresh off his victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours with Ferrari, shares his deep affection for the iconic endurance race and hints at his future aspirations. Motorsport enthusiasts will also enjoy an interview with four-time World Rally champion Juha Kankkunen, who discusses his exciting new role at Toyota. Furthermore, the National section features Tom Skelton, a remarkable racer with a career spanning even longer than Autosport's own history, and includes highlights from editor Marcus Pye's nearly fifty years covering the sport.

As Autosport celebrates 75 years of dedication, the magazine extends its gratitude to its loyal readership, committed staff, and all the influential individuals who have contributed to its enduring legacy. This extensive anniversary issue is a testament to the collective passion that fuels the world of motorsport.

During a brief respite between the British and Belgian Grands Prix, Haas F1 rookie Oliver Bearman, renowned for his unwavering passion for speed, embarked on a seemingly tranquil vacation in Sweden. However, the discovery of a local corporate karting circuit swiftly transformed his holiday into an intense, multi-day mission. This unforeseen challenge ignited his competitive spirit, leading him on a relentless pursuit of the track’s elusive lap record, showcasing his innate dedication to racing even away from the professional circuit.

Bearman's journey to conquer the karting lap record was anything but ordinary. Upon his initial attempts, he found himself several tenths of a second adrift from the record-holder. The circuit, a tight 29-second lap, demanded absolute precision, pushing the young driver to meticulously refine his technique. His competitive drive, a hallmark of his burgeoning career, ensured that simply enjoying the holiday karting experience wasn't enough; he needed to master the track.

The pursuit of this record evolved into a detailed, almost scientific endeavor. Bearman, with assistance from his girlfriend, implemented various strategies typically seen in high-level motorsport. This included removing fuel from the kart to reduce weight, using a leaf blower to cool the engine between runs to maintain optimal performance, and even having his girlfriend manage tire pressures. Such meticulous preparation underscored his profound commitment and refusal to accept defeat.

Despite the initial struggles and the numerous adjustments, Bearman's persistence paid off. On the final day of his unexpected karting adventure, equipped with new tires and a refreshed approach, he finally eclipsed the long-standing record, albeit by a mere half a tenth of a second. He recounted having completed numerous laps that were agonizingly close to the record, emphasizing that he couldn't simply walk away until victory was secured. This experience served not only as a refreshing break but also as a reconnection with the fundamental joy and challenge of motorsport that first captivated him.

This unique holiday episode offered Bearman a valuable opportunity to reset and reflect, providing a mental and physical recharge ahead of demanding professional engagements. It also reaffirmed his deep-seated love for the sport, taking him back to its grassroots elements. As for the identity of the mysterious local karting phenomenon whose record he broke, Bearman playfully suggested that the individual must either possess extraordinary talent worthy of F1 or perhaps benefited from exceptionally cold weather conditions, making light of his arduous three-day quest.