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[sparkleofpizza]

The Alchemy

Lando Norris x fem!reader

The beginning.

THE 2019 SEASON

Melbourne, Australia, 2019

I was nervous, I knew you shouldn't be, but I was.

The sun was shining bright down at the Melbourne Circuit, you could hear the delighted conversations from fans just outside of the motorhome. Everyone was excited for the upcoming season of Formula 1, with new drivers and grid line up changes. And I was one of the new faces at the paddock, although not a driver.

I’ve been no stranger to this whole life at the paddock and following Formula 1. I grew up with it as I’d follow my father around since the moment i learned how to walk.

Jenson Button, former Formula 1 driver and world champion. I carried my last name with pride, I love my dad more than anything in the world, but the moment I showed genuine interest in the motorsport world people started to talk.

So now, I can't help but wonder, what is everyone going to say the minute you walk into the paddock as not a guest, but as a McLaren intern.

Sure, I will be the first to admit that having the Button last name did help I get this internship, but I conclude the training to be here on your effort, with my intelligence, my studies and everything I prepared myself for.

I knew working at the PR department didn't come easy in the motorsport world, I not only had to deal with PR, reporters, FIA, and the drivers, but you had to understand the dynamic of the sport, of the car, and everything else in case I needed to step up to give a statement on behalf of a driver or the team.

I spent countless days, in 2018, going over the FIA regulations, learning about the cars, all while taking classes in UNI and juggling the McLaren PR training.

Someone called out my name in a soothing manner. I lifted your head, meeting Sophie's smile. Behind her there were two men, one standing tall and proud and the other a bit more awkwardly. I knew very well who they were as I will be working close to them.

"Hi, Sophie." I smile at her "Would you like to join me for coffee?"

She nods, taking a sit across from me and gesturing the two men to do the same.

"I wanted to introduce you three properly since you'll be working close together." She says "These are our 2019 drivers, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. This is Y/n, she is our new PR intern."

I smile at both of them.

“It’s nice to finally meet you both.”

Carlos smiles “Likewise, I hope we get along well, the three newbies of McLaren.”

I laugh at his little joke and Lando follows suit with his own laughter that is a bit too contagious.

He seems a bit shy, maybe it’s because it’s his first season in Formula 1 and he feels like he has a lot to prove. In a sense I relate to him. We’re both here to show we’re good and deserve to be here.

And without even speaking for more than 5 minutes with him, I can already feel that we’re going to be friends soon enough.

Xangai, China, 2019

I have my back turned to the door of McLaren hospitality as I fumble with the coffee machine. It’s very early in the morning on Friday, a few hours away from the start of free practice. I am feeling exhausted from the long flight from England to China and the different time zones.

“It seems like the coffee machine is winning the fight.” A voice cut through the silence of the hospitality.

I turn around to find Lando standing beside me with a smile on his face, showing his dimples and amusement.

“I can’t get it to make coffee, I think it’s broken.” I complain with a huff

“Did you turn it on?” He asks me amused

“What?”

“Did you turn on the machine?”

“Of course I…” He reaches his arm across from me, pushing a button and the coffee machine beeps before finally brewing my coffee. I feel my cheeks go warm in embarrassment “Sorry, I’m uh still half asleep.”

He giggles, that infectious laugh of his that I always find myself smiling and giggling along whenever I hear it. If there is one thing I have already learned from Lando, it's that it’s nearly impossible to be serious around him. He carries this natural good natured aura, and he’s funny and likes to make jokes and see the good side of things. And whenever I’m around him I find myself a giggling mess.

We grab our cups of coffee and take a seat at one of the comfortable arm chairs at the corner of the room.

“You look tired.” Lando points out, sipping his coffee.

“I’m jet lagged, and I had a paper to turn in for uni so I stayed up until late and I only got a few hours of sleep on the plane because I had to review the questions for yesterday’s press conference.” I tell him, basically chugging down my coffee “Do you think I’d get fired if I drank Red Bull?”

He shakes his head.

“You should get some sleep during FP1.” He tells me

I sigh “Yeah, but it’s not really worth the drive back to the hotel, I will probably only manage a twenty minute nap before I have to come back here.”

“You can nap in my driver's room.” He offers, a friendly smile on his face

“Oh, no, I can’t accept it.” I shake my head “Thank you, thought.”

Lando smiles, leaning over the armrest of his seat to get closer to me.

“I insist. You need sleep to be on top of your game. Come on.” He stands up offering his hand. I eye it for a moment before accepting it. He pulls me up to my feet.

He guides me through the corridors of the hospitality until we reach his driver’s room. He opens the door and I’m a bit surprised at how neat it looks. I half expected it to be a mess of clothes.

“Here, you can sleep on the couch, it isn’t much but it’s better than nothing.”

“Thank you.” I smile, sitting on the couch and taking off my shoes.

I get into a comfortable position, curling up on the couch and instantly closing my eyes. I feel something soft covering me and I open my eyes a bit confused.

“I don’t have a blanket.” Lando says, his cheeks turning red. “So I uh… covered you with my jacket.”

I feel my chest grow warm at his sweet gesture. I smile at him.

“Thank you, Lando.”

He smiles back at me, and at that moment, I think is when I started to have a crush on him.

Barcelona, Spain, 2019

I should have expected Spain to be a bit insane considering the fact that I work with a Spanish driver. The minute I stepped out of the car with Carlos following behind me, the fans started to scream and throw themselves at us.

I’m not unfamiliar with the whole passionate fans wanting pictures and autographs, but since I used be a toddler or a child, they at least head the decency to not push and pull at my dad because I was clinging to him.

But now I am an adult, and they don’t care about those things anymore and I had never been mobbed by fans before without having my dad or my uncles by my side.

The fans screamed at Carlos who was doing his best to attend each and every single one of them. And things only got worse when Lando arrived and they suddenly wanted pictures of the best new funny duo of the grid.

They pulled at me, shoving pictures on my face to get them to sign since I worked with them, and they yelled questions about what it was like to work with the both young drivers.

I tried to step away, get away from them fans, but I was stuck in between the mass of people and to make matters worse they managed to separate me from Carlos and Lando who were looking at me concerned over the chaos.

“What the fuck?! What the fuck is going on?” A harsh loud voice cut through the yell of fans “Stop pulling at her! Get your hands off of her!”

Suddenly a tall blonde man dressed in red was pushing the fans away from me, shielding me with his body as he yelled.

I cling to the back of Sebastian's Ferrari shirt, telling like a little girl again, but completely relieved that he was there with me with his familiar force of comfort he always knew how to bring me.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, gluing me to his side and I knew if I wasn’t 20 years old anymore he would have picked me up and carried me like a toddler out of this mess. He glared at everyone who tried to get in our way and stirred me inside the paddock.

“Prinzessi.” Sebastian called me the same nickname from when he first met me as a newborn “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”

I shake my head “No, I’m… I’m fine.” I say, but my voice is shaky and he can tell that I’m holding back tears.

He places his hands on my shoulders, peering down at me with intense concerned eyes as he scans my body to look for any injury.

“What the hell is wrong with you both?” Sebastian yells the minute Lando and Carlos finally catch up to us “They were eating her alive!”

They look sheepish and terrified of being scolded by the German who looks lived with anger.

“She’s your PR assistant, but you’re supposed to keep your fans in check to keep her safe!” Sebastian continues with the harsh tone “She could have gotten hurt! They were touching her and shoving her! That was so reckless from the both of you!”

They nod, stiffly.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Vettel.” Lando says, eyes wide “I promise this will never happen again. I’ll- I’ll make sure she is safe at all times from now own. I- I swear!”

Sebastian doesn’t correct him on the Mr. Vettel name calling, he nods still with a glare.

“Come on, prinzessin.” He says in a much more soft tone, his arm resting against my shoulder in a protective parental manner “Let’s get you to Ferrari, uh? I will get you one of those chocolate pastries you love so much.”

With one final glare Sebastian takes me away from them. The McLaren drivers share a confused look as they watch me walk away.

Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2019

The Monaco Grand Prix is always a big event. Lots of celebrities and former drivers gather in the city to watch the historical race, and that’s how I find myself sitting at the McLaren hospitality chatting away with uncle Nico while my dad gets us drinks.

“Are you sure you don’t want to watch the race from Mercedes, uncle Nico?” I ask him, making my best innocent look that always got me away with things when I was younger and probably until this day when it comes to the drivers who watch me grow up.

“No, of course not.” Nico Rosberg shakes his head, a found and almost proud smile on his face “This is the first race I am watching this season in person and you’re officially a Formula 1 employee, I’m staying all weekend here with you at McLaren.”

I want to argue with him that I’m not technically a F1 employee as I’m just an intern, but he gives me a pointed look and I only nod.

“So, what is this that I hear about you and a rookie driver?”

I widen my eyes as I look at him.

“What? What are you talking about?”

Nico laughs at me “Seb has told me that you’ve become inseparable from the rookie McLaren driver, Norris.”

I huff, I should have known uncle Sebastian would open his mouth and gossip about me to his retired friends.

As if being summoned, Lando walked into the McLaren hospitality, wearing his cap backwards and smiling big as always. Carlos is beside him as usual and they both make their way over once they spot me.

“Hola, pequenita.” Carlos greets me, ruffling my hair affectionately before spotting Nico sitting across for me and getting a bit embarrassed.

Lando stands beside me ready to make a joke when he notices Carlos’ expression and widening his eyes when he sees Nico as well.

“Hello, Nico.” Carlos greets him

“Carlos, always good to see you.” He smiles before turning to Lando “And you must be one of the 2019 rookies, Lando?”

Lando nods quickly “Yeah, yeah. That’s me, nice to meet you Mr. Rosberg.”

Nico’s smile widens as Lando addresses him as Mr. Rosberg, feeling pleased with himself. I shot him a warning glare.

“Please, join us.” He says, motioning for the boys to the empty seats.

Lando sits beside me as Carlos sits across from me, leaving one empty space at the head of the table.

Nico makes light conversation, asking mostly questions about Formula 1, but I could see the glint in his eyes every time he asked Lando something, who seemed incredibly shy at receiving attention from a World Champion.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to get the drinks, I ran into some old friends.” My dad says walking to the table with a glass of my favorite refreshing drink to have in Monaco “There you go, sweetheart.”

I smile, accepting the drink “Thank you, dad.”

Lando and Carlos both choke on their saliva at the same time when they hear me call Jensen Button my dad.

“Ah, just the men I wanted to meet!” He exclaims “Carlos, Lando, you both have been doing such good jobs here at McLaren. My daughter talks a lot about you.”

I watch as they become flustered over the news. My dad smiles, taking a sit at the head of the table.

“I heard you both let her get swamped by a mob of fans?” He asks with a smile, but I can see the hard look in his eyes.

“Dad!” I scold him “Uncle Seb already gave them a hard time!”

My father chuckles, soon being followed by Nico. Carlos and Lando’s eyes are wide and they look terrified.

“I know, I know.” My dad lifts his hands in surrender “I’m just messing with them. But I still have eyes and ears on the paddock so…”

“Dad!” I scold him once more.

He laughs again and finally switch subjects, talking about the new grid line up of this year and asking questions to Lando and Carlos who seem to become a bit more comfortable at the presence of Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.

Hockenheim, Germany, 2019

Lando was in a bad mood, I could tell it from far away. He was moving frantically around the garage and he had a scowl on his face.

The past five races have been of ups and downs from him, he had two DNF, one race out of top ten because he got p11 and two races where he scored points. But he was pissed off still from his p11 on his home race in England.

It also didn’t help that the reporter he got placed with decided to improvise some questions that wasn’t pre approved and it made Lando uncomfortable with the way he was pressing on the matter of him doing a bad job at his home race.

And then, to make matters worse, he DNFed again today.

“Lando.” I say his name in a soft tone

He whips his head quickly towards me, a deep frown on his face.

“It wasn’t your fault.” I say, I place a hand on his forearm, squeezing it in reassurance “It’s raining terribly today, everyone is spinning.”

He huffs annoyed.

“I should be good at racing in the rain.” He complains.

“How many times have you raced in this circuit?” I ask him, calmly.

“Well- this was the first time, but…”

I cut him off “And how many times have you raced in the rain in a Formula 1 car?”

Lando blinks at me as he answers “This was also the first time.”

I nod, my thumb rubbing sof circles on his forearm.

“And how do you expect to be good at something you’re doing for the first time?”

He looks away from me, and I can tell he is staring to consider my words.

“Valtteri has been doing this for a long time and he also crashed.” I tell him.

That get him to look at me again, his frown turning into something a bit more hopeful.

“Bottas didn’t finish the race?”

I shake my head “No, he didn’t. Even the experienced ones are having a hard time out there. This is only your first race in the rain, Lando.”

He sighs, and slowly he nods his head. He shifts his arm, making my hand slide down and towards his. His hand is much bigger than mine and it’s warm despite the cold weather from the rain. He squeezes my hand.

“Thank you. I just-…”

I smile at him, squeezing his hand back.

“It’s okay. I get it.”

And for the first time since he DNFed, I saw Lando’s dimples as he smiled at me.

Marina Bay, Singapore, 2019

Singapore has always been a hard circuit. The warmth and humidity did no good for the drivers to be racing for long periods of time. Still, it’s one of my favorite circuits because I find it beautiful to watch the race at night.

I’m watching from the McLaren garage, this time considering the hot weather conditions, they allowed the PR team to wear lighter clothes, so I’m in a simple dress, standing close to the AC and sipping water every few minutes.

I wince when I watch Carlos spin and crash into the barrier. The garage grows quiet for a minute.

“He’s ok!” His race engineer announces and we all finally breath normally again

A few moments later Carlos enters the garage with an annoyed look on his face. He places his helmet on one of the shelves and go to speak to his team.

I keep my eyes trained on the screen to watch Lando’s progress while I look for the schedule of reporters who want a world with Carlos after his DNF.

I accept the request of two journalists and move over to where Carlos is.

“Hey… you ready for some interviews?” I ask, eyeing him

He clenched his jaw before nodding and following me out of the garage and onto the media pan.

I give out instructions to him on the way there and step back when he positions himself to give the interviews. I watch intensely, jotting out necessary information on my iPad and ready to intervene at any given moment, but despite the bad situation, the interviews go smoothly and soon enough we’re back at the garage.

Carlos excuses himself to go shower and change clothes, clearly not in the mood for conversation.

In a blur of moments I watch as uncle Seb wins the Singapore Grand Prix, a proud smile on my face. Lando finishes in p7 which is great since he’s on the pointing zone.

“Congratulations, Lando. You did a really good job today!” I tell him

His smile grows bigger “Thank you, thank you!”

Even though he’s happy, I can notice the tiredness ok his face. He’s completely drenched in swest and I can see the slightly tremor of his hands, probably about to begin an hypoglycemic episode without even realizing.

“Hey, why don’t you take a sit?” I say, gently grabbing both his arms and walking him to a chair. I move quickly as I push my water bottle into his hands and search for a snack “Here.”

Lando looks at me a bit confused, but obliged.

“Oh.. wow.” He chuckles “How did you even know how to do this? I didn’t even realize I was feeling weak.”

I smile, my hand twitches at my side as I feel the want to run my fingers over his curls.

“I’ve been on the watching side of this sport since I learned how to walk. I learned a thing or two.”

He nods, still munching on the chocolate protein bar I gave him.

“Yeah… I uh sometimes forget you’re the Jenson Button’s daughter.”

“I’m glad you do.”

Lando tilts his head to the side, confused, but doesn’t say anything and I’m grateful for that.

Austin, United States, 2019

The season is coming to an end, thankfully. All the traveling, working and university studying at the same time has been taking a toll on me. It is too much, and I could see it every time I woke up and looked at myself in the mirror. The circles staring back at me.

My body was sore, my throat scratchy and my head hurt. I knew the flu was making it’s way to dominate my body.

Still, I put on makeup to cover up my sickness face and went to the paddock for media day.

“Buenos dias!” Carlos greeted me once I entered the van and sat across from him and beside Lando who was bouncing with energy on the seat

“Good morning.” I say, cringing a little at the way my voice sounded

Lando frowned, pushing his face close to mine to examine me.

“What’s wrong?” He asked in a low voice, his brows furrowing

“Nothing’s wrong.”

Still, he kept analyzing me. From the corner of my eyes I could see Carlos lips turn upwards in a smile he hid behind his phone as he scrolled through it.

Lando said my name slowly, softly.

“You look sick.”

I pout slightly as I say “Geez, thank you for saying I look terrible.”

He huffs, clearly not finding my attempt to brush it off as funny as I did. He lifted his hand up before placing it on my forehead.

“You’re hot.”

“Oh, so now I’m…”

“Stop trying to deflect it.” Lando cuts me off before I can make another joke. “You’re sick. Why didn’t you say anything? You should be in bed resting.”

I shake my head, getting away from his hand.

“I’m not sick. I’m great. I’m just jet lagged and a bit tired, nothing some coffee won’t fix.”

Lando frowns and it takes me by surprise to see the irritated look on his face directed at me. Sure, I’ve seen him mad before when the race doesn’t go the way expected or when the media gets too much, but never aimed at me.

“I’ve seen you jet lagged and tired before and this is not it.”

I say his name in a sigh and he says my name in a warning. We stared at each other for what feels like forever, before Carlos giggles at us and says we arrived at the paddock.

The minute I get out of the van I start to quickly walk inside the paddock, scanning my pass, knowing the guys will stop to talk to the fans and I will be free of Lando’s questioning. I start to make my way to the McLaren hospitality when I feel a large hand land on my shoulder.

I flinch in surprise, whipping my head around and finding Lando beside me, still frowning.

“Lando.” I try to sound stern as I say his name, but it gets mixed up with a cough I try to hold in.

That only makes his frown deepen. He starts to drag me somewhere.

“You’re going to the medic center now.” He says, stern.

I complain and try to stand still, but he is taller, bigger and much stronger than me so he basically drags me.

I can see some people turning around to look at us, but I keep telling him to let go.

“Hey, hey, hey.” Sebastian shows up in front of us, hands on his waist and I know that behind his sunglasses he is glaring at Lando. “What is going on here?”

“She’s sick and she’s being stubborn about it.” Lando says, still holding onto my shoulder “So I’m taking her to the medic center.”

Sebastian frowns, placing his sunglasses on top of his head as he takes a step closer to me.

“I’m not sick.” I say “Lando is being dramatic. Tell him to leave me alone.”

“She is sick! She even has a fever!”

Sebastian looks between the two of us, but he knows me long enough to know I am lying. He places a hand on my forehead.

“Norris ir right, you do have a fever, prinzessin.”

“No I don’t.” I say stubbornly.

He arches an eyebrow, as if challenging me.

“Do you want me to carry you to the medic center like you’re still a tiny baby?” He asks and I shake my head quickly, knowing very well he isn’t bluffing “Then let Norris take you and follow everything the medics say.”

“But Sebby!” I whine.

“Prinzessin.” He gives me an unimpressed look “Go to the medic center with Norris, now. And I’m not asking, I am telling you to go.”

I huff with a pout, knowing I won’t win this argument so I let Lando take me to the medic center while Sebastian watches from the distant as the McLaren rookie fusses over me.

Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, 2019

The paddock was busier than ever, so many people with so many big smiles and shouts of happiness.

It’s the last race of the season and it leaves a bittersweet feeling on my chest. On one hand I am extremely happy that the season is finally over and I will be able to go back to a somewhat normal routine, going to college everyday, normal sleep schedules, as normal as an university student sleep schedule can go, and staying at home for a bit.

But at the same time, I am upset about being away from Formula 1 for the time being. I got used to seeing Lando and Carlos everyday, they are already a big important part of my life. I like the thrill of being in a different place every other week, of learning new things and watching the races.

I’m sitting at the VIP lounge section at the rooftop, overlooking the paddock bustling with activities. I’m sipping an Italian soda while I soak in the last moments of the 2019 season.

I don’t say anything as Lando slips quietly on the seat beside me. He has dark sunglasses perched on the top of his nose and he’s wearing a black McLaren shirt. His thigh brushes my slightly to gather my attention.

I shift in my seat to look at him and he already has that dimple smile on his face.

“It’s been a long year, huh?” He says quietly

I nod, smiling softly at him.

“It has been… feels like it was yesterday that I meet you and Carlos on my first day at the paddock.”

He hums, reaching out for my glass of Italian soda and taking a sip without even asking for it. I don’t mind, it’s normal between us by now.

“How was your first year as a Formula 1 employee?” He asks

“Better than I expected to be honest.” I tell him, playing with the hem of my dress “I didn’t get bad words from people for being Jenson Button’s daughter.”

Lando nods, understanding what I’m hinting at.

“You’ve been doing a good job, I think you’ve proved yourself here.”

“No, I haven’t yet.” I tell him. “But what about you? How was your first year as a Formula 1 driver?”

His smile widens “It was insane. Sometimes still feels like I’m dreaming. I know the results I’ve been getting aren’t ideal yet, but being here… it’s great.” I can tell he’s happy by the way his eyes lit up “I got so luck to have a good teammate.”

I nod, he sure indeed found a friend in Carlos.

“And even luckier to have the most beautiful and incredible PR intern.”

My cheeks grow hot the minute my brain register and processes his words. I lift my eyes to look at him, his cheeks are also tinted pink and he was a sweet smile on his face.

We stare at each other for a moment, only gazing in each others eyes. I reach for his hand and he squeezes mine in his big one.

“Will you be here with me next year?” Lando asks in a soft tone.

“Yes.” I breath out “I’ll be here with you next year.”

[eirianerisdar]

As a doctor I am incensed at how blasé the FIA have been about the drain/valve cover situation

Max just said in a dutch interview that Carlos apparently couldn't feel his legs for a few seconds after impact. Which is INSANE from a medical point of view - as a medical professional if I were driving that car I would have insisted on getting winched out and put on a backboard and wouldn't have moved until I got an x-ray

While Carlos is okay now, driving well and he hasn't obviously been in pain, I'm APPALLED at how close we came to a driver being paralysed or worse.

This should be all over the news. Not because of penalties or fans being kicked out (though worthy issues to be talked about in their own right) but the fact we came SO CLOSE to a permanent or life-threatening injury.

The valve cover broke his seat. You could see the floor through the cockpit. If Carlos hadn't lifted on the straight because of the yellow he could have lost both legs, been paralysed, or outright killed.

This isn't a "we fixed it by filling in the holes with concrete" issue. This is a "we need to have better regulations to screen all street circuits" issue, or in a few years we'll have a seriously injured or dead driver on our hands.

[umseb]

vettel to mercedes?! 👀 | sebastian vettel reveals dicussions for f1 return [part 1/2] - 2024 (transcript under the cut)

Interviewer: "Yeah, it's great to join Sebastian Vettel live on Sky Sports News ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, which is a favorite circuit of yours, obviously, Sebastian. But, I mean, what a career you've had. You've been out of F1 for a year and a bit now, but four times a world champion, 53 times you sprayed champagne or sparkling rose water from the top step of the podium. But it's a different beverage which brings you to London today. What's the big concept?" Seb: "Yeah, so there was the time where I was spraying champagne. Obviously, racing in Formula 1 at the highest level, it's an environment where you're looking for perfection, so you're trying to tune everything you can, and it's also your body. You try to train as good as you can, you try to eat as well as you can, and you try to have the best drink inside the car that gives you the energy for the full two hours. It's trying all sorts of stuff-powders, gels-and they didn't really work, but they came, mostly-and that's the problem-with side effects. I suffered stomach cramps. Speaking to other drivers, they felt similar; other athletes. So it seemed to be a thing, and it was only until the end of my career where I stumbled across a product that is now Perple, a sports drink that didn't do that, that didn't give me any suffering, and giving me the energy towards the end of the race. So I was curious why that is and got to know the person behind- the founder, the story, and got involved, as well, invested, so… I think the biggest surprise to me was that the industry of sports drinks, all your supplements and so on, is not regulated. There's a lot of synthetic stuff that people are taking in every day. These are expensive products, and they're trying to optimize their performance, whether it's your cyclist that goes for one or two rides a week, whether it's the occasional runner, squash player, but then also your professional, and that's where Perple now kicks in. And Perple, not with U but with E, and it stands for P-E-R-P-L-E, performance and pleasure, and it's an all-natural product so you're not putting any of this rubbish stuff into your body. So yeah, give it a go. I'm a big fan of it, obviously, and I think obviously proving it in the testing ground of the car, it did make a difference and I hope people are giving it a go and see what they think." Interviewer: "Sustainable fuel for the body, I guess." Seb: "It is! It's a good comparison, yeah, it is. Yeah." Interviewer: [laughs] "But, I mean…" Seb: "And people become more and more aware that the stuff that we used to consume, eat, drink, maybe isn't doing the trick, so that's where stuff like this offers an alternative." Interviewer: "Okay. Well, I wanna know how sustainable you are, Sebastian, because you're only 36."

Seb: "Yeah." Interviewer: "You've only been out of Formula 1 for a year and a bit. Are you potentially on the driver market for next season?" Seb: "Well, potentially I am because I haven't got a ride, but the question is am I looking for one. I think it depends on the package. I retired from Formula 1 not to come back, but I also did say that you never know, so I think it still stands. Obviously there's things that I miss, which is mostly the competition, and things that I don't miss, so yeah, that hasn't changed. Obviously life is very different if you're not involved, and I do enjoy that still. Still trying lots of different things. Now we're talking about a sports drink. I didn't think [laughs] years ago that this will be something I'll be talking about in the future or be involved in, but you never know where life's taking you, so maybe it takes me back behind the wheel, maybe it doesn't." Interviewer: "I'm just thinking, might it be now or never? As I say, you're still young. It looks like some interesting potential opportunities on the grid for next season. There's a rule change coming in, as well, with some sustainable aspects which you have promoted. I know you've had some conversations with Toto Wolff. If that Mercedes seat was offered to you, how hard would it be to turn down?" Seb: "Well, I had conversations with him, not really about a seat. We did speak about the whole situation, in short, as well, but I did speak to others, as well, because I'm still keeping in touch every now and then. I have some projects and ideas together with F1. We'll see if they will turn out or not, but yeah, so I am staying in touch. I don't know. It has to be a couple more phone calls and conversations, I guess, to really, yeah, find out a little bit more. But for sure it's one of the best cockpits, or best seats, on the grid. I think, performance-wise, Mercedes has a great track record. Struggling a little bit in the last years, but then struggle, you're still second or third in the constructor's, it's not like you're racing in no man's land." Interviewer: "Well, Lewis Hamilton was prepared to leave that car…" Seb: "Yeah." Interviewer: "…even though he had another year on the contract. Going to Ferrari, what sort of fit might he be at that team? He's a big individual and we know it's very much about the team at Ferrari. Is that any…" Seb: "Well, it's true. I think it's about the team everywhere you go. Obviously each to their own, but I think it is a team sport and I think someone like Lewis has said that over and over again, thanking the team around him. I think, without Mercedes, Lewis' career would have been very different. Mine, too. [laughs] But that's how it goes. No regrets. [laughs] No, no. But yeah, I think time will tell. I think if he's excited, that's the main thing. It was ultimately his decision and he took it for himself, so best of luck. I know the team in Ferrari, and yeah, obviously for us or for the outside, the measure is always whether you're successful or not, but the real measure I think is whether Lewis is happy or not."

[wistsandmagic]

Transformers Headcanon Time 3: There's A THIRD?

Today's Subject: Cybertronian Sex and Gender!

Been a while since one of these came up, huh? I haven't been idle, however, despite the lack of writing about it. Remedying some of that NOW. Again with the disclaimer that this is for a fan continuity, the Eterna AU, so please take everything with a grain of salt. This is how it works for this particular AU, and if it does not align with your own personal headcanons, that is perfectly fine! Your headcanons are yours, not part of this particular fan continuity!

Once again again, we’re going to condense things and call Cybertronians AND the colony-worlders by the umbrella-term “Cybertronian” because it saves me typing and helps with my brain fog, keeping things clearer when I write.

Necessary background: Cybertronians are, as humans define it, an asexual species. They have no genitalia as humans define them, everyone has the exact same thing -- a Spark -- and that is all that is needed. No external genitalia, no internal genitalia or genital organ structures. As mentioned in Headcanon 2: Electric Boogaloo, all Cybertronians are capable of forming a Gestational Forge or laying eggs if they reproduce on their own, and thus there is no sexual difference. With no genitalia, they are not a hermaphroditic species, they are truly 'lacking sex', and thus, asexual, in the scientific (non sexual orientation) way.

HOWEVER.

Cybertronians have 3 distinct 'neurological genders': Mech, Fem, and Novi. There has been debate about increasing this to 4, as the 'Novi' category has two very distinct subtypes, and among the Novi themselves the distinction has resulted in a split into two more neurological genders, Novi and Eda, but legally, there has been no change. For the sake of inclusivity, Novi and Eda will be referred to as separate neurological genders in this essay.

The neurological patterning covering the processor is distinct enough between the four to call them 'genders', with Mech neurological circuit patterns tending toward branched lines, Fem toward interlocking rings, Novi toward connected starbursts, and Eda toward concentric ripples. It is also common for Novi and Eda patterning-structures to be far more dense in certain areas than either Mech or Fem.

There are, of course, variations and 'intermediate' steps in between each of the four types that might equate to the spectrum of intersex individuals for humanity, but there is so much individuality in these variations that they have not been classified as a 'true' fifth gender. Most bots who fall into the variation spectrum personally lean toward one of the other genders, and if they do not, Cybertronians and humans actually share a word for this: Agender.

Mech, since the encounter with humans, has become equated to 'male'. Fem has become equated to 'female'. Novi and Eda donot seem to have a biological human sex counterpart, as 'intersex' among humans has too much variety to easily compare to a Novi or Eda. The closest human terminology seems to be 'nonbinary', and while for humans sex and gender seem to be two separate things, the term is accurate enough for a Cybertronian, as they are biologically sexless, with no reproductive difference between Mech, Fem, Novi, Eda, or any variations in between. Any and all Cybertronians can be a sire or a carrier, barring health issues or other barriers caused by frame type incompatibilities, and their neurological gender has nothing to do with reproductive viability.

Under Functionism, by long-enforced decree of the Senate, only one in thirteen bots born or forged, whether via The Well, Hotspot, or the increasingly-frowned-upon Carrier methodology (whether or not it was achieved via carrier self-splitspark or with sire(s)), could be deemed a Fem, with none being deemed a Novi or Eda, in an attempt to force the population to self-regulate types of alt-modes and enforce classist boundaries. Fem-designated bots were exclusively limited to small, slight frames, deemed weaker and thus more protected and 'fragile' than their forced-Mech counterparts.

Before Functionism, bots born were simply scanned as their protoforms solidified and settled into circuitry patterns, and their gender revealed. They were not locked into this gender, either; as they became more themselves, they were free to transition if they so chose, and their new pronouns in Cybex (and later Neocybex) would reflect the change. They were not limited in body shape nor alt-mode according to their neurological gender, either, only by what their bodies would accept, which varies from individual to individual, though anecdotal preferential 'trends' do tend to appear among the genders.

Mech body-types in general lean toward larger, bulkier, and comparatively stronger than the others, with their alt-modes tending to reflect this, being larger trucks or heavier cars, including muscle cars, large planes, helicopters, or starships (bombers, shuttles, or gunships), larger boats in the old days when Cybertron had oceans, or heavier-duty construction equipment. Beastformer Mechs tend to be bulkier or more heavily-armoured animals and insects for their body size, with longer teeth, horns, antlers, claws, and/or heavier shoulders than their Novi, Eda, or Fem counterparts.

Fem body-types in general lean toward shorter and more lithe than the Mechs, though not necessarily as tiny as what they were forced into under Functionism. They also tend to be much faster, and their alt-modes tend to reflect this, leaning more toward motorcycles, drag-race cars, smaller compact cars, fighter jets or reconnaisance planes, small 'bubble' style helicopters, or smaller starships, such as starfighters, small watercraft like jetskis, or small versions of the mech construction equipment, designed for tighter spaces or handling more delicate parts. Beastformer Fems tended toward sleeker and more lithe than their mech counterparts, albeit with sharper teeth and claws, with some beast alts foregoing things like antlers or horns entirely, in return for being much faster and more agile.

Novi and Eda body-types run the gamut much more than their Mech or Fem counterparts, though in general they fall somewhere in between, though they are more prone to extreme outliers in size and weight. There are exceptions, just as there are for Mech and Fem, so this is not a hard and fast rule, though many Novis tend to have slightly longer limbs and/or digits in comparison to their body than their Mech, Fem, or Eda counterparts, regardless of the rest of their frame. Edas, meanwhile, tend to have thicker shins and feet in comparison to other genders of similar builds, and tend to be slightly more sturdily-built than a Novi of the same frame-type. Novis and Edas both are much more likely to be standard race cars, '4-wheeler' style and amphibious/hover ATVs, small bi-planes or steath fighters, wind-powered watercraft like sailboats, small submersibles, and 'lamprey' style spacecraft that are designed to attach to larger craft and serve as close-quarters guardians. Beastformers tend to have smaller antlers or horns than Mechs, in some cases lacking them entirely like Fems, depending on Mech-to-Fem ratio in their given areas, while Novi and Eda Beastformers tend to, surprisingly, actually have longer fangs and claws than their Mech counterparts, though not as sharp as most Fems'. In the case of Insecticons and Avianformers, Novis and Edas tend to be more brightly or intricately patterned than either Mech or Fem of the same insect type, and their wings tend to be longer or more numerous than either of the others, though a Novi will lean more toward excessive patterning, while Eda lean more toward excessive colouration.

Under the Functionist Senate, Novis (and Edas, as a result) did not exist, and they were typically relegated to Mechs, with a rare Fem occasionally actually being an Eda or a Novi. In addition, any bot that would have otherwise been a Fem whose birth protoform was too large to reasonably accomodate a forced alt-mode that was typically assigned to Fems -- such as a motorcycle -- was assigned to be a Mech, whether or not their neurological patterning readily accepted a Mech-stype altmode or not. Many later 'transitioned' Fems discovered that they had a much easier time scanning and maintaining a Fem-style altmode than they ever had as a Mech, validating their decision to transition. On the other hand, any very small birth protoform tended to be assigned as a Fem, with the same results for forced-feminization as for forced-mechanization for their assigned-Mech counterparts.

Novis and Edas, on the other hand, often found themselves unable to take an alt mode of any kind, as their neurological programming tended to reject forced alts at a young age of both types, and many children and newbuilts, whether they were assigned Mech or Fem, found themselves altless until a much later age than their peers as a result, unless someone took pity on them and assigned them an alt that would have, once upon a time, been a 'true' Novi or Eda alt, now divided up between the Mech and Fem approved alt-mode lists for frame type.

Nowadays, Functionism does not exist, and thus bots are free to be who they are, without being forced into a narrow definition decided by others. This is, sadly, taking some getting used to for quite a few bots, and going has been slow. The rejoining of the lost colonies to Cybertron, however, has helped in this regard, as most of the lost colonies split from Cybertron before the rise of Functionism, and never developed the strict gender roles and alts forced upon their originator planet.

[formulaphoe]

a deep dive into endurance racing

wec for beginners

image source: british gq

the fia world endurance championship (wec) is a racing discipline where speed meets strategy, and drivers push their limits for hours on end. if you're new to this exhilarating world, or if you've been following it from a distance, we're going to explore everything you need to know about this thrilling motorsport.

what is wec?

image source: dailysportscar

the wec, established in 2012, is an international series of endurance races organised by the fédération internationale de l'automobile (fia). it brings together the best manufacturers and drivers from around the globe, testing not just their speed, but also their ability to endure the grueling demands of long-distance racing. each race can last anywhere from six to 24 hours, with teams often swapping drivers and strategising pit stops to keep their cars in peak condition.

key features

endurance racing format: unlike traditional races that might only last a couple of hours, wec events are marathons. the races include the iconic 24 hours of le mans, a test of stamina, skill, and strategy, held annually since 1923. other races in the championship include six-hour events at various tracks around the world.

diverse categories: the wec features several classes of cars, including le mans prototype (lmp) and grand touring (gt) categories. each class has its own unique set of regulations and performance characteristics, making for an exciting mix on the track

global reach: the championship hosts races in various countries, providing fans with a chance to experience a multitude of different tracks and cultures. from the rolling hills of spa-francorchamps in belgium to the iconic circuit de la sarthe in france, each location brings its own challenges and charm.

evolution of wec

image source: wec-magazin

the history of the wec is a fascinating one. it replaced the previous intercontinental le mans cup and aimed to revitalize interest in endurance racing. the early years saw fierce competition, particularly in the lmp1 class, which featured powerful hybrid prototypes from manufacturers like audi, porsche, and toyota. these teams showcased cutting-edge technology, blending performance with environmental considerations.

as the years progressed, regulations changed, leading to the introduction of the le mans daytona h (lmdh) class, which aims to bring more manufacturers into the fold. this class allows for greater technical freedom while ensuring that costs remain manageable, making it more accessible for teams looking to compete at the highest level.

iconic races and legendary teams

image source: autosport

one of the standout features of wec is its iconic races. the 24 hours of le mans is undoubtedly the crown jewel, drawing massive crowds and significant media attention. winning at le mans is considered one of the highest honours in motorsport, and teams prepare for it all year round.

aside from le mans, other races like the 6 hours of silverstone and the 6 hours of fuji have become staples in the endurance racing calendar. legendary teams such as audi, porsche, and toyota have built a rich legacy in these events, each with their own stories of triumph and heartache.

the role of technology

image source: pit lane

technology plats a massive role in wec racing. cars are equipped with hybrid powertrains, advanced aerodynamics, and sophisticated data analytics. this focus on innovation not only pushes the boundaries of performance on the track, but also helps manufacturers develop technologies that can be applied to road cars too. the crossover between motorsport and everyday vehicles is a hallmark of wec's philosophy, blending sustainability with speed.

sustainability and the future

as we move towards a more environmentally-conscious future, the wec has made significant strides in promoting sustainability. with the introduction of hybrid technology and plans for fully electric racing, the championship is at the forefront of a green revolution in motorsport. this focus on eco-friendliness doesn't sacrifice the excitement and competitiveness that fans crave; instead, it enhances the sport's relevance in a changing world.

how to get involved

image source: racer

whether you're a die-hard motorsport enthusiast or a casual fan, getting involved in the wec can be incredibly rewarding. attending a race is an experience like no other. the atmosphere is electric, and the camaraderie among fans is palpable. for those who prefer to enjoy the action from home, wec races are broadcast worldwide, often featuring comprehensive coverage that highlights not just the racing, but also the stories behind the teams and drivers that make up the sport.

sources

"fia world endurance championship." fia wec, www.fiawec.com/en/

"fia world endurance championship." wikipedia, 9 aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIA_World_Endurance_Championship

"wec beginner's guide: about the fia wec." wec-magazin, www.wec-magazin.com/features/about-the-fia-wec/

"fia world endurance championship." federation internationale de l'automobile, www.fia.com/events/world-endurance-championship/season-2023/fia-world-endurance-championship

"the world of wec: a beginner's guide to endurance racing." circuit of the americas, 1 sept. 2023, www.circuitoftheamericas.com/blog/2023/9/1/the-world-of-wec-a-beginners-guide-to-endurance-racing/

"history of the wec." wec-magazin, www.wec-magazin.com/features/history-of-the-wec/

if any errors or typos are noticed, PLS PLS point them out via comment, ask, or dm. if there is a specific topic you would like me to cover, send in an ask and i'll look into it!

[catenary-chad]

Short fic (924 words) about an older post-canon Electra overheating and cuddling with Volta to regulate it. PG-13, sensual but nothing happens beyond snuggles.

Characters based on pre-2018 versions, goes into some personal lore about post-canon Electra moving more into freight duties (ft. my pretty contrarian physical depictions of Electra as short and beefy)

A distant rushing noise down the track grew into a hum and then a vacuum cleaner roar.  Electra was approaching.  

The loud whine of fans and decades-old electrical equipment was replaced by the higher squeal of brakes. Electra came to a smooth, gradual stop, handling the line of coal trucks like they were full of fine china.

“You’re such an old priss”

“I used to work top-of-the-line passenger trains, I’ve got higher standards than a lot of the rough and tumble freighters you’re used to.”

It always looked weird seeing former glamorous express engines on freight services, but it wasn’t a rarity at all.  It had happened to all kinds of late-era steam engines, various Nez Cassé models, and perhaps most infamously, the GG1s.  

It happened to a lot of older engines when they got outsped, a lot of them were beefy enough to be very capable of working slower, heavier trains with a change in gearing.  And Electra was downright archetypal.  They resisted it for years, but warmed up to the idea when they realized just how much of an advantage they had, being faster than most dedicated freight engines, and stronger than a lot of others with their speed.  And surprisingly, it made them a lot calmer and smoother with less pressure and more to gain by being courteous and pleasant.  It was a way to make up for being teased by their rougher coworkers for wearing falsies and looking a little too cute and “old world”.  And some quietly appreciated how… oddly refined and gentle they were for their position.  

Electra uncoupled from the line of trucks and eased along, barely moving beyond a casual lope.  There wasn’t much point in rushing and coming to harsh stops and starts anymore.  Schedule wasn’t as tight and they were just getting old and easily tired.  They just didn’t want to expend more energy than necessary.  They came to a stop in front of Volta.

Their fans roared as they panted, exhausted and overheated.  This kind of work hardly challenged them at all, but they always struggled with temperature regulation.  Rheostat braking and increasing age and inefficient circuits meant a lot of waste heat.  Their sleek, glamorous face had a notable flushed tint.  It had hardly changed since their racing days, just some creasing around their eyes and mouth.   

But below the neck, Electra had changed a lot.  They eased into her lap wordlessly,  flattening their body against her frosty form, searing hot, the air rippling slightly around them.  They were shorter than her, but much denser and heavier.   Still bunchy and elegantly arcing, but much thicker and stronger than they used to be.  A huge, forward slanted chest, dramatically curving arms, a well-nourished stockiness to their dense middle.   And of course the big beautiful butt and enormous thighs you’d expect on a heavy freight engine.  Oversized, full, and rounded but much leaner than they looked, just a bit of extra padding softening them.  It felt wonderful when they shifted and scooted around, tensing and flexing that powerful rear end and pushing their cushy middle against her. 

There was something so gloriously idealistic about electric freighters.  But heat management… wasn’t one of those things.  Being that thick and compact made it hard for Electra to shed heat, and she could feel them desperately wrapping around her to cool off.  

They nuzzled a cheek against her chest as she stroked and massaged their back.  They were just melting into her, bwirring contentedly.  Some claimed it was hard to understand electric engines, but it really wasn’t, they made all kind of noises and could be very expressive.  Their fans began to slow a little as their temperature fell.  Heat radiated off their core, being sucked away by her ice-cold form. Their hands were always hot too- a sharp contrast to her clammy ones.  

Electra gave her a comfortable squint as they cuddled.  All kinds of attachment issues from being poorly socialized early on, but eager to curl up with anyone who let them because they felt no shame in it.  It could get downright annoying… but when you wanted that, it was nice to always have someone to be your teddy bear.  Even when that someone weighed twice as much as you…

She wiped some of her condensation under their chin, helping them cool further.  Just a little convex under there.  Their face was naturally round and fleshy even when lean, and got chubby and sweet with even a little extra heft on them.  Electra gave a happy chirr and she massaged them more.  They always loved having their head rubbed and shed a lot of heat from there.  Thumbing their full cheeks and squishing their fat apples.  Stroking the soft, flat structure of their nose and brow.  Scratching behind their ears and pinching the roll on the back of their head.  They just kept humming in delight the more she did.  And it was hard to stop squishing their face like a stress ball.  

Their fans had quieted to a reasonable level as they got comfortable again.  Ready to scoot off.  She could feel their weight shift as their muscles tensed.  She gave them a playful swat on the butt and offered to squeeze them closer.  They didn’t have to go.  Electra wrapped their arms back around her again in acceptance and nuzzled their weight back against her.  She hadn’t done this in a while and other engines rarely accepted this kind of affection.  It was just like the good old days, in a way.  

[coimbrabertone]

Cautiously Optimistic - Liberty Media Buying MotoGP

So, Liberty Media, owners of Formula One, are officially trying to buy MotoGP. This has been rumored for the last few months, with Dorna Sports - the parent company of MotoGP and World Superbike - had spent the last few years making the kind of moves you'd make before a big sale. The launch of sprint races in MotoGP, appointing a new CCO in the form of Dan Rossomondo, and expanding the calendar with new races in new markets.

Nevertheless, there were always question marks over whether Liberty Media could own both MotoGP and Formula One, because precedent suggested they could not. As Simon Patterson reported for the Race, in 2006, CVC Capital Partners acquired Formula One and thus European regulators ordered them to sell off MotoGP. Thus, MotoGP was sold to another private equity firm, Bridgepoint. Bridgepoint would then acquire World Superbike in 2013, and evidently owning the two premier global motorcycle racing series didn't seem to bother any regulators at that point.

I can't help but combine that with a quote from Dan Rossomondo made at some point while being the Chief Commercial Officer of MotoGP. Rossomondo said, essentially, that MotoGP doesn't just compete with other racing series, it competes with going out for a walk, listening to music, and all the other things you could do on a Sunday instead of sitting down and watching a motorcycle race.

Was that more than just an innocuous quote? Maybe it's a hint of how Dorna and Liberty will make their case to various regulatory bodies to justify this merger.

Whether or not that's true, Liberty Media seems confident that they're going to pass regulatory approval. How exactly that'll happen remains to be seen - some have suggested that World Superbike will be sold off as a sort of sacrificial lamb to allow this to happen - but it now seems like MotoGP and F1 will very likely end up under the same ownership.

So...what does that mean for MotoGP?

Well, it means that the company that turned F1 into this trendy giant of a series is going to give some of that marketing love to MotoGP. That can only be a good thing - MotoGP is fantastic racing and it deserves more attention.

Will MotoGP see a move from historic venues to chase new markets? I would argue that it already has. Dorna has already been chasing emerging markets and a simple look at the calendar will show that - Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, etc, etc. Not only that, but that's arguably a necessary decision for MotoGP because, quite frankly, those are the countries that are buying motorcycles these days. 1000cc sport bikes? Not necessarily, but quite frankly, KTM doesn't even make a 1000cc sport bike, so MotoGP has become more of a showcase of the motorcycle industry rather than a marketing tool for a particular type of motorcycle.

Will this result in MotoGP chasing street circuits like F1 did? Well, Liberty Media has already said no, and as much as the word of giant corporations is worthless in 2024, simple safety concerns make it unfeasible. MotoGP needs a ton of space and big gravel traps to stop the bikes - and more importantly, the riders - in the kind of dramatic crashes that can happen in this sport.

What do I think will happen? Well, in the short term, not much, but come 2026, 2027 when circuit contracts start expiring, I suspect we'll lose a few existing venues - having four races in Spain presents an obvious opportunity for some trimming - and probably gain another race in the US (likely that Flatrock track in Tennessee) and if I had to guess, another one in East Asia, most likely China.

Maybe India will pave the way towards MotoGP reviving old, disused F1 tracks, and we could see the likes of South Korea and Istanbul Park added to the MotoGP calendar. If not MotoGP, then WSBK with a Turkish star in the form of Toprak Razgatlioglu really ought to consider it.

Anyway, the way I see it, the legitimate criticisms that F1 fans have with Liberty Media - being greedy, chasing new venues at the expense of historic ones, pushing the teams hard by constantly expanding the schedule - is all stuff that Dorna has already been doing. Even the complaints about the Drive to Survive drama, Dorna has tried two different DTS clones and neither one moved the needle. If you're going to be doing these things anyway, you might as well do them with the company that has at least been successful with it.

For now though, I have MotoGP coverage through Max and TruTV in the US, commercial free, and that's a dramatic improvement over how I had to watch the series last year. Dan Rossomondo's team has made MotoGP far more accessible and pleasant to watch already, and if that can continue under Liberty Media's ownership, then I hope this series that I've fallen in love with over the last year and a half can grow.

Thus, the overall verdict is...I'm cautiously optimistic.

[cameronfodder]

This is one of my first times doing fan art as an adult. I was convinced by others that doing any sort of fan art wasn't really art growing up, or was something regulated to just teenagers. I'm glad I finally got away from it. This Jigglypuff was in a breeding circuit to get shinies. But when she was born with one arm she was released into the wild to fend for herself. But instead of fear she found beauty everywhere.

[chussyracing]

what has been happening in the world of motorsports lately?

Natalie Robyn will leave the role of CEO of FIA after little over one year in the position after a “mutual agreement”

there is a rumour about Logan’s manager speaking to Haas for the opportunity of American team hiring American driver from next season onwards (reminder that Kevin is likely out of contention, Ollie is the hottest candidate and Guanyu is next in talks with Haas according to the paddock gossip)

the Chicago GP was denied …for now (so at this point you have to consider it being a possibility, potentially rotating circuit?)

Merc apparently offered Carlos a one year contract, since they want to keep their options open (potentially for Max leaving or for Kimi stepping up into the team), Red Bull is keen on keeping Checo (although Marko denied they would give him the 3 years contract extension he would like to get) so that door is closing, Audi reportedly extended the deadline on the decision from Carlos till around Monaco

there will be a special edition of Ferrari Trento on the podium this weekend (I’m adding a picture below) and special awards with names of previous winners including people of Emilia Romagna for the year 2023

Williams posted Lap of Legends with Logan driving against AI programmed legends (Andretti, Hill, Manson, Prost, Button, Villeneuve)

Alex Albon extended his Williams contract on multiple year basis (meaning he will be driving with the team through the new regs, but with Fred and Charles starting a new fashion in F1, we simply don’t know how long exactly that contract is)

Domenicali confirmed 25 races a season is a maximum stated by the Concorde Agreement, but he wants to expand F1 calendar in other ways (rotating circuits, more sprints, some journals even talk about sprints at every race weekend)

Ferrari esports team won the constructor championship

Max is supposed to be joining Team Redline this weekend because apart from Imola he is said to be racing in virtual 24 hours of Nürburgring (but with how their weekend is going so far? who knows)

F3 drivers Alex Dunne and Martinius Stenshorne became members of the McLaren junior academy

speaking of juniors, Nikola Tsolov, Martinius Stenshorne and Arvid Linblad (Alpine, McLaren and Red Bull juniors) broke the sporting code by racing in different series without announcing it (the reports differ about who raced where, if they announced it to their teams or to FIA) – the result is, Tsolov and Stenshorne will get a race ban, one of Spa, one for Silverstone, and Lindblad will only get a fine, because he didn’t race in a full race just took a part in testing/practice before the real race

reminder for people watching Sky Sports, that David Croft won’t be in this weekend, and Harry Benjamin is stepping in his place

FIA is considering a different penalty system for continuous penalties and for the situation where a driver gains advantage by leaving the track (Kevin started a revolution)

Domenicali also spoke about a possible engine change for 2030 regulations as the feedback from fans is that they miss the good old sound of F1 (so possibly more noise)

team principals (and Domenicali) had a shared dinner together in Imola and Andrea Stella didn’t get the memo about the dress code for the night

More than Equal initiative founded by David Coulthard and a Czech businessman Karel Komárek started a driver development programme with first 6 female drivers between 13 and 14 years from across the world including Czechia and Slovakia (and 4 more female drivers under the age of 13 got their backing)

31st world stars charity football match between star team for the children and all stars drivers will be held in Monaco on 21st May (we have yet to get confirmed who will be present)

Adrian Newey said he is ready to join another team after a short holiday and according to Jonathan Mcaboy, he already signed with Ferrari

in the latest interview James Vowles reminded that letting go of Logan in the middle of the season is not planned but he has to be open and say that he is at risk of losing his seat for next season because they are talking to 4-5 other drivers (he also said that their car is about 15 kgs overweight and their new upgrade introduced here is meant to fight that problem)

head aerodynamicist Gioacchino Vino is leaving Mercedes but they will get Simone Resta (strategy) and Enrico Sampo (performance) joining as soon as in October (side note: some reports say Vino was poached by Ferrari but 1: it is one not very reliable source, I highly doubt this is a figure Ferrari would go for and there are also reports it was not his choice to leave the team)

Pierre will run an auction for his tribute helmet for Senna after this weekend and donate the money to his charity

Charles said that Xavi leaving was a team decision, and he was informed after Miami

Valtteri Bottas held talks with James Vowles behind closed doors in Imola

[5haketramp]

Posting for a friend of mine from China, she's ArnoldP(active on Lofter)and really likes msb and Arnold Perlstein!!

ArnoldP's account: https://5233148518.lofter.com

So here's her concept of a vocaloid Arnold Perlstein.

Art is made by 莹桑虫子(another chinese fan from Lofter)

The artist account: https://flyer206.lofter.com

Because I love vocaloid so much, I had this idea. I must have written it myself, but the drawing was done with the help of others. He doesn't have a voice, but I'm thinking about my own voice to voice him. Though I've recorded a few of my own voices, I don't have much confidence in myself... Is it contradictory or unpleasant?

PS:

If you are interested in him or want to change something, please comment! I'll tell you his story later.

——From the original author ArnoldP

Arnloid Perlstein

Originally a calculation system, was turned into a robot later on.

Permanent Style:Yellow and white gym uniform with hoodie with yellow and white stripe on the sleeve, black long pants.

His appearance changes according to different songs.

Birthday: January 1st.

Height:165cm

Weight:38kg

His favorite food is chocolate.

Likes:Light hearted prank, Jokes, a calm and chill life, be approved by others, warmth.

Hate: Horror film, behavior that isn't humane, bullies, sad emotion.

Rely on the AI system and compiled hard drive to function. (Except for his hearing sentiment and tasting and smelling sentiment.)

Basic structural is form by skeleton titanium alloy + artificial nerve conduction circuit (conduction command control action) + temperature control system (regulates body surface temperature) + filler + artificial skin (imitates touch).

There's a miniature computer that controls his finger tip.

Hair is made of acrylic cotton fiber (yellow + red dye).

Eyes are used for picture taking and recording, made from high quality double lens cameras.

Relies on the conversion of biochemical energy into electrical energy for power supply, and can also be charged directly (contact electric field charging without wires).

Specially implanted biological enzymes convert food into energy and store carbon dioxide and water (and possibly nitrogen) in air sacs located in the chest, which need to be opened regularly.

Unable to decompose acids, alkalis and alcohol, excessive intake may cause body poisoning.

Have partially full emotions and independent consciousness.

Have a knowledge base and learning system to understand phenomena in life.

An AI program originally designed for psychological counseling (only about 60% of the abandoned semi-finished program was completed). Because of the idea of ​​"wanting to live like a human being", he was modified Later into a robot, and became envious of the ability to sing, so he also came to acquired that ability as well, and has his own musical instrument - an electric guitar he named Tele-Caster.

Likes chocolate-related foods, keeps pockets full of candies, cares a lot about his patient, giving them candies is thought by him to relieve pain.

Really likes flurry stuff and warm hearted things, positive and energetic, constantly curious about everything around him.

Don’t get angry often, but that don't mean he doesn't not get angry. Get sulky when something bad happens to someone, and get angry when he sees others commiting crimes to hurt others, always will be there right away to stop them.

[umgeorge]

Russell: "Crazy" F1 2026 top speeds will have safety implications

Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has urged the FIA to look into safety improvements over the "pretty crazy" top speeds the 2026 cars will be capable of.

On Thursday the FIA presented an outline of the all-new 2026 F1 cars, with a bigger emphasis on electric energy and much lower drag and downforce levels. The more slippery cars are projected to be slower through the corners, but faster on the straights than the current machinery, which Russell believes comes with safety implications. "The cars are going to take a quite a big turn, in terms of how they perform," said Russell, also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association that represents the drivers' interests. "They're going to be exceptionally quick in the straights-360 kilometers an hour, probably, at most tracks-which is pretty impressive. Obviously, then, the safety needs to be probably improved, because having a crash at 360, 370 kilometers an hour is going to be pretty crazy." A particular point of concern is what could happen on ultra-fast street circuits like Jeddah and Baku, with Russell urging the rule makers to rethink whether even faster top speeds are really a desired by-product of the 2026 rules shift. "When it comes to safety, unfortunately, history has told us that incidents need to happen before changes are made," he explained. "Everybody needs to do a really thorough job ahead of these regulations, because the cars are going to be so quick. It's going to have so little downforce in the straights, it's almost going to feel like you're just flying through the air. You can imagine in a race that it starts raining and you're on slick tyres, and you're doing 250 miles an hour on a street circuit... That's going to be a bit of a sketchy place to be, so these are questions that need to be answered. To be fair to the FIA, they are fully aware of this and they're on top of this, and they're looking at all of the possible scenarios of what could happen. Time will tell, but the cars are already bloody fast as they are. Where do we stop? Are we going to get up to 400 kilometres an hour? Do the fans really need or want to see this?" Russell felt it would be a shame to lose the high-downforce performance of the current generation of cars, but said it would be a worthy compromise if it means the quality of the racing improves. "From a driving standpoint you want the fastest cars, you want to feel like you're in a fighter jet and in 2020 and 2021 that's how it felt, and now these cars are getting very quick again," he added. "It would be a shame to lose some of that performance of the car. But on the flip side, it will improve the racing if there's less downforce and there's less dirty air. You can't have it all and you've got to choose your battles. What is it that we want to achieve? For me, you want to have good, hard racing, and strong competition, ideally, between every team and every driver."

[hirocimacruiser]

Speaking of the Skyline GT-R, it was a straight 6 engine. The first-generation GT-R, which debuted in 1969, was also a straight-six engine, and its predecessor, the 1964 GTB, had a 1500 with an extended engine room and a straight-six engine. The R32 GT-R, which returned to the circuit in 1990 and went on a winning streak, was naturally equipped with a straight-six engine. However, in May 2002, a GT-R that appeared in the All Japan GT Championship SUGO was equipped with a new "V6 engine." All GT-R models were changed to V6.

In March 1990, the Skyline GT-R (BNR32) made its spectacular debut at the West Japan Circuit at the opening round of the All Japan Touring Car Championship. He achieved his first victory by holding off strong opponents such as the Ford Sierra RS500 and Toyota Supra, and since then has won 30 races.

They would be on an unbeatable 20 race winning streak until the Group A regulations expire at the end of the year. The overwhelming speed of its RB26DETT engine (inline 6-cylinder 2771cc+ twin turbo with nominally over 470 horsepower/02 specification) and four-wheel drive completely changed the conventional wisdom of touring cars around the world.

The All Japan GT Championship, which started in 1993, rapidly grew to become the most popular racing event in Japan. The main battlefield for the GT-R has also shifted here. In 1993, it won 3 out of 3 races, in 1994 it won 2 out of 5 races against Porsche and Ferrari, in 1995 it was replaced with the BCNR33 and won 2 out of 6 races, and in 1996 it won 1 out of 6 races during the overwhelming dominance of McLaren F1. In 1997 1 win in 6 races with the rise of Supra, 2 wins in 7 races in 1998 with the rise of NSX, 1 win in 7 races in 1999 after replacing with BNR34. 2 wins in 7 races in 2000, 1 win in 7 races in 2001, and 0 wins in 8 races in 2002. This is a total of 15 wins in the All Japan GT Championship. It wasn't until 1999 that Toyota's Supra and Honda's NSX gained strength, and a close-up competition between them and the Skyline GT/R began. Due to changes in the regulations unique to the series that equalize the combat power of each car, it is impossible to say whether the machines are superior or inferior just by looking at the trends in the number of wins, but since the beginning of the new century, the GT-R has been relatively competitive. The chances of winning have diminished.

Under these circumstances, the decision was made to switch to a V6 engine midway through the 2002 season. The rear-wheel drive BNR34, equipped with the new VQ30DETT engine (V6 cylinder 2987cc+ twin turbo, over 485 horsepower), showed off its good origins by finishing in 2nd place at the 5th race at Fuji and at the 7th race at MINE. The team is disappointed that it ended 2002 without a win.

The team is determined to make amends for the lack of a win in 2002 in 2003.

The 2003 machine has changed before and after due to changes in vehicle regulations.

It became possible to use a vibrator frame, and the low hood shape of the 2003 GT-R became a hot topic among fans as soon as test runs began. We need to pay attention to future developments.

However, on the other hand, there are many GT-R fans who are disappointed that the long-loved straight-six (RB) will be replaced by the V6 (VQ). This was an era when in-line six-cylinder engines were becoming more valuable, and the RB engine's great appeal was its torque characteristics that appealed to the rider's five senses, as well as its good engine speed and vibration.

Each engine type has advantages and disadvantages. While reflecting the various needs of each era, from a global perspective as an automobile manufacturer, we created products specifically designed for motorsports.

We come to the fact that it is difficult to make an engine exhaust. An RB engine that exhausts from the left side cannot be used in left-hand drive cars, and because of its length, it cannot be installed in front-wheel drive cars either. When considering the global automobile market, it is important to have an engine that can be used in left-hand drive and front-wheel drive cars, and the lightweight and compact V-type 6-cylinder VQ engine can be used for a variety of purposes.

It was.

VQ engine became a luxury in 1999

When it was first introduced in the Cefiro car, it was not an engine designed for motorsports use. However, the VQ was introduced into the motorsports scene one after another overseas. Overseas motorsports officials were quick to realize that it had high potential as a base engine for racing. For example, Spain's one-make formula, which is becoming increasingly popular, Grand Am racing sports cars, the Dakar Rally, and off-road racing in South Africa.

VQ is demonstrating high combat power.

The decision to equip the 2003 model GT-R with a V6 engine instead of the familiar straight-six was not a sales strategy, but an essential choice to improve the machine's competitiveness. I'm saying that.

At the ``Nissan Motorsports Press Conference'' held in February 2003 the keyword mentioned was ``fast GT-R.'' The revitalization of the GT-R, which emphasizes ``fast'' rather than ``strong,'' has just begun with the V-6 VQ engine.

PIC CAPTIONS

BNR32 (1990~1995)

In 1990, the GT-R myth returns. BNR32 begins a winning streak. The GT-R is back for the first time in about 20 years.

BCNR33 (1996~1998)

In 1998, E. Comas/Masami Kageyama, riding BCNR33, won the JGTC championship.

BNR34(1999~2002)

GT-R equipped with VQ engine participates in test race at JGTC Round 3 in 2002 (car No. 22)

[lit-works]

Seattle, of The Washington Free State. A metropolis of the future, where gargantuan gun-metal skyscrapers loomed over an unending labyrinth of neon illuminated streets. The city was carved into corporate zones, with each one’s only commonality was the brutal enforcement of their own policies...unless you’re one of the corporate elites of the city, in which case you get to make up and live by your own rules. Like the other free states of the former USA, Washington is heavily influenced by the Megacorporations. These Corporations(N54) all wielded significant power and held more control than the local government. A society where business interest often took precedence over that of its citizens. The city faced crime, extreme poverty, and constant power struggles amongst corporations, but the region’s autonomy allowed it to address those issues in its own way: Little oversight, and even less regulation. Ultimately, Seattle served as a prominent hub for technology and Corporate activity, and attracted both skilled professionals and those who intended to exploit the system. 

The entire city is eagerly on edge – it is 24hrs before industrial synth-pop musician, Amethyst “The Saviour of Synth-Pop", releases his new album, NOT ENOUGH GRID. Amethyst has been hyping this album for several years, and even his most devoted fans wonder if he’s really going to deliver this time. Throngs of people littered the streets and stared up at the city’s massive LCD screens, waiting for the N54 broadcast of the new album that they hope will inspire a generation...much like Amethyst’s 1st album, IMPETUS, did 2 decades ago. 

Deep within the city was The Aspect Underground, a gritty nightclub known for its dark layout, Rorschach-pattern floors, and electric-cabled dancing areas. In The Aspect Underground it’s customary for patrons  to wear black hoodies emblazoned with glow tape that spells out nonsense Kanji. “What’s your Kanji say?” was the usual start of ever conversation, hook-up, and brawl. 

The basement of the club was lined with black leather couches and smelled vaguely of tennis balls and sweat, but tonight held over a dozen street thugs and would-be gangsters – anyone who wanted to sign up for the chance to make 100K Credits. The basement was typically reserved for Fickle Refurb and his closest friends. As the guests conversed and made banter amongst themselves, Fickle Refurb strutted into the room with his bodyguards. He had recently tattooed himself, putting blue tears on his face to represent his grief. 

“Listen up, my fodder boys and girls. I’m sure you’ve heard my story many times already. But, I’m gonna tell it to ya again. Here I was, sitting upstairs, minding my own business, me and Hannah Reign, my beautiful, perfect, glitter girl...when who walks in? Amethyst. Here I think, ‘Hey, we got a celebrity in my house tonight’. So i buy him a drink. Not just any drink, one of those Top-Shelf Japanese whiskeys, right? And what does HE do? Does he say thank you? Does he give me a polite little nod? Nope. He struts right up to my girl, stares her in her eyes, and asks her if she wants to take a ride in his brand new Violacious Limousine.  

“And my doll, my beautiful girl Hannah, just smiles and walks out with him. Now, you all saw me go for my Centronica. Was gonna gun him down right there. But rich boys like Amethyst always got special security implants now. Just turned my 4-5 right off on me. And I was left just standing there like a sucker; watching as he strut off with my girl. 

“Now you listen up real close. I’m not gonna let this rich singer saviour-boy embarass me no more. I don’t care how famous he is, cause tonight, one of you is gonna gun him down for me...BEFORE HE RELEASES THIS SHIT NEW ALBUM! If you do this, I’ve got 100K Creds for you. 50K more if you make it so bloody it ends up on the snuff circuit, get me? I can’t wait to see how this turns out.” 

The enthusiastic crowd of assorted criminals shouted their support as Fickle broke into dramatic tears.  Soon, Fickle Refurb’s right-hand Lieutenant FRIK SHUN took over the briefing and announced that Amethyst usually hangs out in his penthouse apartment in the Syngara Agriculture Tower. “While it’s possible he’s still there, his watcher brigade hasn’t seen him enter or exit in over a week.” 

[2 B Cont.d]

[racequeenparadise]

Jun and Yurie Seno, "Jun & Etty with AISIN" with Haruka Natsumi and Urara, Eneos Girls

Korean Male Model Jun Appears As a Race Ambassador For the First Race of the New Season's Super GT in Okayama On Sunday

The first round of Super GT was held at the Okayama International Circuit in Okayama Prefecture from April 13th to 14th. Various regulations have changed for Super GT, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, but this season, the gender designation of the race queen that has graced the circuit has been abolished, and the name has been changed. Already in the first race, a male "Race Ambassador" has appeared as part of the TGR Team Eneos Rookie team, which will be participating in the GT500 class.

While many Race Ambassadors appeared this season, one person stood out in particular. He is Korean model Park Min-Joon, who goes by the name of Jun. He is the ambassador of AISIN, which sponsors TGR Team Eneos Rookie. According to the team, the appointment of this male Race Ambassador was made by team owner Akio Toyoda of TGR Team Eneos Rookie and AISIN president Moritaka Yoshida.

Due to changes in Super GT regulations in 2024, they decided to give a male Race Ambassador a try. Jun started working at the circuit from April 13th. "I've been nervous since the day of the preliminaries, but I heard that this is the first time there has been a male ambassador, so there's no precedent. I'm trying to figure out what kind of poses I should do as a male model". Jun is actually a huge race car fan. "I love cars that run on gasoline engines more than EVs. I really like the sound of an engine, so coming to the circuit and hearing the sounds of the engines and smell of fuel, I was really excited".

However, the challenge for Jun who works in the world of Super GT both a man and a foreigner, can be said to be an expression of the era of diversity. "I want to continue to do my best in Super GT, and I want to show off my cool side. I want to be able to make the fans smile, and with the feeling of 'I Love Cars!'. I want to do my best to make people who have never been interested in motorsports fall in love with it" Jun said emphatically. Jun has been partnered with female Race Ambassador Yurie Seno, who has previously been a Race Queen for several years. Their unit name is Jun & Etty with AISIN (Etty is Seno's nickname).

Blog Editorial; Please note I will not be posting any images of male Race Attendants besides the rare occasional news item such as this one. However, I do find it interesting that Japanese motorsport has decided to take this path rather than Formula 1's motor racing body, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), outright discontinuation Grid Girls at all F1 Grands Prix worldwide in 2018 because they were “at odds with modern day societal norms”. Super GT's solution seems far more fair and reasonable for everyone involved, especially the female models. Original news item below;

[bryantselectricalltd]

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