Latest news with #BelgiumGrandPrix
Forbes
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
The F1 deal with Moët & Chandon; Strategy, Stats And Storytelling
The new Moët & Chandon F1 Champions Corridor unveiled at the Belgium Grand Prix The Moët & Chandon deal with FI, commenced 2025, is a 10-year affair forming part of a wider ecosystem partnership between parent group LVMH and Formula 1 that also takes in trunk partner Louis Vuitton and official timekeeper TAG Heuer. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the F1 championship which falls in the same year, each brand has enjoyed its own headline moment. Louis Vuitton opened the season in Melbourne, the Monaco Grand Prix in May was the TAG Heuer moment and Moët & Chandon took pole position as title partner of the Belgium Grand Prix in July on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Moët and F1 have an unquestionable legacy. After all, it was a jeroboam of Moët & Chandon Champagne that Dan Gurney sprayed into the crowd to celebrate his 24 Hours of Le Mans win in 1967 that gave rise to the podium tradition synonymous with the sport for which Moët was an official Champagne partner from 1981 to 1997. The history with Spa goes back even further. It resonates profoundly with Moët as it is the closest Grand Prix to the house's Épernay heartland to which it has been linked from the F1 Championship's outset in 1950. Winning driver Juan Manuel Fangio was later invited by Paul Chandon-Moët and his cousin Count Frédéric Chandon de Briailles to celebrate his victory at emblematic estate property, Château de Saran. Belgium Grand Prix winner McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc celebrate by ... More spraying bottles of Moët & Chandon. What does the F1 Moët & Chandon deal actually mean? In concrete terms, the F1 deal constitutes three red and white branded moments played out for F1's 826.5 million global fanbase at the end of each Grand Prix) excepting those where alcohol advertising is prohibited in respect of local cultures). On site in the Cool Down Room (moment two) at Spa, Moët & Chandon CEO Sibylle Scherer described how they work. First up is the Parc Fermé (a French term meaning 'closed park' appropriated for use in F1) when the winning drivers jump out at the end of the race to celebrate with their respective teams. Next is aforementioned Cool Down Room where the drivers get to sit down and take a breath, albeit while being live streamed, before making their way to the Podium (moment three) where they follow in Gurney's footsteps, let rip with the Jeroboams and celebrate in front of a global audience. At Spa, Moët's title partnership was further feted by the introduction of a new Champions' Corridor leading from Cool Down Room to Podium. Evoking the famous 'tunnel' walked by of soccer and basketball players on match days, the Moët & Chandon version features a role call of previous champions printed on the floor; to which, of course, Belgium Grand Prix winner, McLaren's Oscar Piastri has been duly added. According to Scherer, said moments represent the living embodiment of Moët slogans: 'let us celebrate you,' and 'life is better when shared.' Now of course, there's another F1 specific version: 'victory is better when shared.' The Moët & Chandon branded Cool Down Room at the Belgium Grand Prix. Moët & Chandon F1 deal: Strategy and cultural participation Addressing a tough period for the industry—LVMH's half year results reported a 7% revenue drop across its Wine and Spirits category while the Comité Champagne reported a 9.2% year on year drop in sales for 2024— the executive was bullish in defending the F1 investment (doubtless considerable though she declined to put a number on it). "We've been part of the tapestry of motorsport since the beginning. It's part of our DNA, it's part of our history. We have 283 years of history, in 280 years, we will be still there. So we have to invest in the future, and we have to tell our story." The deal, two years in the making, continues momentum created by LVMH's $163 million sponsorship of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games but also capitalises on surging global interest in motor racing fuelled by Netflix's seven-series 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' franchise and, of course, the 2025 F1: The Movie starring Brad Pitt with the involvement of Dawn Apollo, the production company of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. 'I think the moment is perfect,' Scherer said, speaking to the sport's increasingly widening audience demographic—both geographically (in the region of 200 territories worldwide to Moët's 155 odd) but also in terms of profile. 'I remember 30 years ago when it was much less diverse. Now you see all age groups and more and more women.' With the F1 Academy women's championship which has spawned its own Netflix documentary series, this extends both on and off the grid. From a brand point of view, participation in such cultural phenomena cannot be overestimated she said. 'To connect the past with the future you have to be there where culture is made, you need to be culturally relevant. You need to speak the language of today and tomorrow. And again, that's what we've always done at Moët.' Cars on the Belgium Grand Prix grid. F1 Moët & Chandon deal: Synergy and shared values She continued, however, that it's not just about visibility. 'For us, it's really a very authentic relationship that we have with this sport' she said, citing the house's historic links with F1 but also shared values such as precision, craftsmanship and team spirit. "This is what Champagne is all about. It takes a village to craft a bottle of Champagne. It's not just the winemaker and the star, it's the people in the vineyards and production in marketing. Experience too is a major fil rouge across both businesses. "We're not about possessing a bottle," she says. "We're about enjoying it, creating memories. When you open a bottle of Moët for your birthday, or your child's graduation or your wedding, or your divorce, or whatever it is you're celebrating. you create memories, and this is who we are. Luxury, she added, is 'no longer just around physically owning something. It's the experience." Case in point, Moët collaborated with Louis Vuitton artistic director Pharrell Williams earlier this year on limited edition pearl decorated bottles celebrating birthdays with a global advertising campaign to match. Scherer revealed that we can expect a second 'super crazy beautiful' installment for spring 2026.
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Lewis Hamilton admits he's cancelling work just to play new video game
Lewis Hamilton has always been a keen gamer but there's one upcoming title he's looking forward to above all else. With video games more mainstream than they've ever been, it shouldn't be surprising whenever a celebrity expresses an interest in them, but somehow it still is, like when Andor actor Muhannad Ben Amor joined the call for a new Star Wars Battlefront. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has always described himself as a 'big gamer'; so much so that he plans to cancel all his work plans just to play a certain game when it launches. Unsurprisingly, the game in question is GTA 6, easily the most anticipated video game in history, to the point where many expect its success to help prop up the wider games industry. Hamilton shared his enthusiasm during an interview following the Belgium Grand Prix, which took place last weekend, with the GTA 6 part shared online by fan account LH44(A). 'I'm dying for the new Grand Theft Auto to come out,' said Hamilton, a sentiment shared by everyone else considering it's been over a decade since GTA 5 arrived. 'I'll have to cancel all my work when that game comes out,' Hamilton added. Again, this is something many others are likely planning as well, which is easy to organise since GTA 6 has a set launch date of May 26. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. If you're curious, according to the 2026 F1 calendar, GTA 6's launch happens to take place a couple of days after the Canada Grand Prix wraps up and about a week and a half before the Monaco Grand Prix. So, Hamilton will have some free time to himself to enjoy GTA 6. More Trending That's assuming GTA 6 isn't hit with a second delay (something that other games publishers are worried about) although that hopefully shouldn't happen since developer Rockstar Games is gearing up for a global promotional campaign. Hamilton also mentioned that he enjoys playing the Call Of Duty and Assassin's Creed games as well as the Gran Turismo racing sims. In fact, back in 2016 he was in Call Of Duty: Infinite Warfare. This is in stark contrast to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick who, despite overseeing GTA 6's launch and hyping it up, has expressed zero interest in playing it himself or any other video games. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Upset Lewis Hamilton reveals the 'career first' mistake he made at Belgian Grand Prix MORE: GTA 6 delay is to give Rockstar 'no limitations' as Take-Two commits to new date MORE: GTA 6 will earn a record breaking £5,000,000,000 in 60 days claims analyst
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Apologizes to Yuki Tsunoda over Belgian GP Blunder
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies apologized to Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda after the team made a mistake in strategy. Tsunoda started in seventh position, one of his best starts while at the senior Red Bull team. He looked poised to capture a massive points haul, but he ended up finishing outside of the top 10. During the first half of the race, when all the cars had intermediate tires, Tsunoda maintained a points-scoring position. As the track dried up, some of the cars started pitting for slick tires. Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing with Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in... Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing with Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. More Photo byRed Bull called Tsunoda in too late and forced him to complete another lap on worn-out intermediate tires while everyone else had slick tires and were completing outlaps at much faster times. Mekies accepted responsibility for Tsunoda's failing to capitalize on his impressive qualifying position. "We called him too late today and that's cost him position[s]," Mekies told Formula 1. "So sorry to him for that, because he was doing a good race until [then]. The crew was ready, we simply called him too late so we'll certainly do better next time there." "He did a very strong qualifying yesterday. We upgraded the car just before qualifying, but it's so difficult to adapt [...] with new conditions in a qualifying session like that. He did a very, very strong job, so I'm very happy for him. "Today he had the right pace as well and he was certainly up for some good points, but that's how it went. "So we take the good step forward this weekend and hopefully we carry on in Budapest." While there may be lingering disappointment, Tsunoda should take solace in his impressive performance in qualifying and during the race. He should be motivated to repeat his results, especially since he looks closer to his teammate Max Verstappen than ever. If he keeps performing at this level, the Japanese driver might keep his seat or at the very least, attract another team. Belgium Grand Prix Results Oscar Piastri (McLaren) Lando Norris (McLaren) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) Max Verstappen (Red Bull) George Russell (Mercedes) Alex Albon (Williams) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) Pierre Gasly (Alpine) Ollie Bearman (Haas) Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) Esteban Ocon (Haas) Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) Carlos Sainz (Williams) Franco Colapinto (Alpine) Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Max Verstappen Gets Brutally Honest About Belgian GP Delay
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen finished in fourth place at the Belgian Grand Prix, but he was left unhappy after a controversial start, which resulted in the race being delayed and the rolling start procedure being implemented. Massive amounts of rain delayed the start of the race. It took over an hour for the rain to subside and the track to be ready for racing. Once the FIA deemed the circuit ready for racing, they opted for a rolling start, deeming it too wet for a standing start on the grid. This meant four laps under a safety car, allowing the cars to dry the track, after which the safety car would re-enter, and the polesitter would initiate the race. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. Photo byVerstappen was not a fan of the decision made by the race directors, feeling the race should have started on time under wet conditions. "It was not even raining. And, of course, between Turn 1 and 5 there was quite a bit of water," the Dutch driver said. "But if we had been two or three laps behind the safety car, then it would have been a lot more clear. "And the rest of the track was anyway ready to go. It's a bit of a shame. Of course, I knew that there would be a bit more cautious over the Silverstone, but this also didn't make sense. "Then it's better to say, you know what, let's wait until it's completely dry and then we just start on slicks. Because this is not really wet weather racing for me." The Red Bull driver is one of the best in wet conditions, successfully controlling the car despite the intense rain. His performance in Brazil last season was magical, and his success in the wet meant he was relishing the chance to race under those conditions. "But I just find that it's a bit of a shame for everyone. You will never see these classic kind of wet races anymore. "I think they still can happen. And I think also the rain that fell afterwards was still manageable if we would have kept lapping anyway. "And, you know, you make all the decisions based on wet racing. So that also just ruins your whole race a bit." Belgium Grand Prix Results
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Piastri Slams Rolling Start After Winning Belgian GP: "I Was Disappointed"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri secured another win at the Belgium Grand Prix, growing his lead in the Drivers' Championship, but he wasn't happy with every aspect of the race. The race got delayed by more than an hour after rain poured down on the track. It eventually got started under a rolling start. Pole-sitter Lando Norris controlled the pack behind him for the first four laps of the race under a safety car, much to the chagrin of Piastri. Considering how poorly the modern Formula 1 cars deal with following behind another car, the lap one developments matter more than ever as the top four fight for the lead at the front. McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri waves after winning the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa, on July 27, 2025. McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri waves after winning the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa, on July 27, 2025. Photo byNorris's control meant Piastri was limited in his ability to attack on the opening lap, leaving the Aussie driver "disappointed." "Once I knew I was close, to be honest, I was a bit disappointed," he said. It was a rolling start because I thought that was going to take away some opportunity, but I got a good exit out of Turn 1, was able to stay close. "When I was that close, I knew I was just going to lift a little bit less than Lando did and try and keep it on the track. "And, yeah, it was a bit lively up over the hill, but, no, I managed to make it stick. "And then from there, the tire helped me out. So, no, proud of my first lap." The title leader showed his overtaking chops on the opening lap. He stayed patient and waited for Norris to have a slide before making the move. Once Piastri got past his teammate, the race became straightforward with clear air in front of the Aussie and set the fastest lap of the race as soon as he got in front. With his sixth win of the season, he leads the Drivers' Championship by 16 points, a solid lead with one more race until the summer break in August. Belgium Grand Prix Results
