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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I lived the A-list celebrity life at the F1 – here's the Silverstone secrets'
Mirror audience editor Harry Rutter enjoyed a lavish, star-studded VIP experience at the British Grand Prix as Lando Norris scooped his first Silverstone win for McLaren, watching Glastonbury-like performances from Sam Fender and Raye Lando Norris won his first British Grand Prix in front of thousands of soaked fans at Silverstone on Sunday – but the F1 isn't all about the racing this year. Behind-the-scenes there's a lot more going on, and that's exactly what Mirror man Harry Rutter found out during a days-long, celebrity-packed VIP experience at the famous racetrack nestled near its tiny Northamptonshire village. With performances from Seventeen Going Under hitmaker Sam Fender, rockers Blossoms, Little Mix sensation Jade Thirlwall and recent Glastonbury sensation Raye, there's clearly something for everyone over the Formula 1 weekend. Our jam-packed schedule started on the Thursday, with a warm welcome at the official backstage provider for this year's grand prix, Bluebird. With instant behind-the-scenes privileges came an exciting moment for our group as Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc casually cycled past as he prepared for Friday's round of free practice events. Leclerc, who was runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2022, acknowledged us and was shortly followed by Red Bull's Liam Lawson, who now races for the Christian Horner-fronted team's second unit, the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. Also dropping by Bluebird was F1 commentator and Sky Sports star David Croft, known to TV viewers as Crofty. Speaking to the Mirror he explained how nice it was to relax before being thrown into work over the weekend. He too was gearing up for a night of music before needing to jump on the microphone ahead of Sunday's big race. "It's lights out... and away we Land-ooo," he says in a personal video filmed for me, pre-emptively hinting at a big year for Norris, or maybe even predicting his win. Love Island's season five-star Michael Griffiths was also spotted enjoying Bluebird's amenities, getting an oiled hand massage from one of the staff before hitting the free bar. All-inclusive offerings included pricey bottles of Moey and Chandon champagne, giving the exclusive guests the full Formula 1 experience. Unlimited free Red Bull was also on the cards, with Heineken beers available as well across the extensive menu. Shuttle buses and black London taxis took us across the mammoth Silverstone site, taking us to Escapade for dinner. The lavish location boasts homes costing over £2million for the uberwealthy to enjoy the calendar of races from a private balcony. With a £150 special F1 menu on offer from their main guest 'club house', we were treated to the ultimate meal that the stars tuck into before watching the cars go by. We were transported to the paddock next where we experienced everything the rich and famous can, right behind the pit wall. But it wasn't just celebrities walking around, it was the drivers too – shockingly. We bumped right into Lewis Hamilton, sporting his Ferrari race suit following his transition from Mercedes. Moments later we saw Lando Norris doing some press interviews through the glass at McLaren's hospitality. Sky Sports were live on-air as we watched TV crews scramble to keep the programme running, along with dozens of international outlets reporting from the garages. Normal folk like me would never normally see this kind of behind-the-scenes action, without shelling out thousands on paddock passes of course. Blossoms kicked off Thursday night's entertainment with guitar-driven melodic hits, including Charlemagne, Your Girlfriend, and recent fan-favourite Gary. Sam Fender took to the stage and cranked things up a notch for the roaring crowd, performing a set of classic hits such as Seventeen Going Under, People Watching and Hypersonic Missiles to close out night one at Silverstone in style. It was the next day's tour of the paddock where we bumped into more famous faces, including Williams driver Carlos Sainz, followed by RB's Liam Lawson – again. Also wondering around was Maura Higgins, as well as Gordon Ramsay. Joined by his wife and daughter, the TV chef was hosting his own VIP restaurant for paddock passers. Friday night saw Raye take to the stage as the Mirror saw Hamilton once again appear – but this time he was side of stage, cheering on the singer amid swirling romance rumours. He watched her entire set, clapping from the sidelines and soaking up the atmosphere following the hitmaker's impressive set at Glastonbury Festival. She closed the show with an unforgettable performance, playing a catalogue of hits such as Prada and Escapism – finishing off two days of wild entertainment even before the racing had begun in a festival-like extravaganza for ticker holders. Commenting on the action away from the track Silverstone's chief commercial officer Nick Read told the Mirror: "This year, Silverstone is proud to showcase the best of British talent, bringing together iconic artists as we celebrate Formula 1's 75th anniversary as we continue to up our game. "Our all-British music lineup reflects our commitment to delivering world-class entertainment that resonates with fans both on and off the track. We are delighted to welcome JADE, Mabel, Blossoms Idris, Mike Skinner, Sub Focus, Eats Everything and DJ Luck & MC Neat to this year's lineup. "It's a testament to the rich heritage of British motorsport and music that Silverstone has developed since hosting its first Formula 1 British Grand Prix 75 years ago, and we're super excited to honour this milestone with an unforgettable festival experience."
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sam Bird shares thrilling skydiving throwback with Michael Schumacher ahead of Jakarta E-Prix
Image credit: Sam Bird/Instagram NEOM McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird took a trip down memory lane on Saturday, sharing a nostalgic photo with the legendary Michael Schumacher . Currently 17th in the Formula E Drivers' Standings, Sam Bird posted on Instagram about a memorable conversation with Schumacher that unexpectedly led to a spontaneous skydiving adventure. Sam Bird and Michael Schumacher's skydiving plan "Canada F1 week always reminds me of this crazy memory. Phone going while chilling in my hotel room late on Wednesday evening, it's Michael ….. 'Sam, what are you doing tomorrow morning?' I replied, 'Well, we are going to the track, aren't we?' Michael then said, 'No, we can go in later. Meet me downstairs at 6 a.m. — we are going skydiving.' … He hangs up the phone. I'm panicking at this point, but I'm not going to say no to my hero. So off we went and did the jump. This is a very special memory that will stay with me forever. Big thanks to @nicomalley1 for sending me these pics," Sam Bird's Instagram post read on Saturday. Michael Schumacher, a legendary figure in the Formula One circuit, won a record-breaking seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles. He clinched the championships in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. In 2013, Schumacher suffered a severe brain injury during a skiing accident. He was placed in an induced coma until June 2014 due to the extent of the injury. Since then, Schumacher has not made any public appearances. Earlier, Bird had also penned an emotional note to share his feelings about missing an iconic French race. He wrote that post after being forced to skip the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Bird has been a regular participant at Le Mans since 2014, but he hasn't featured in the race since joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E team in 2023. Bird had written: 'Le Mans is only a week away!!! Gutted I'm not racing this year in what is my favourite race of the calendar year. The teamwork, dedication, rivalries, the ups and downs of emotions all bubbling up over a 24-hour period. Best of luck to everyone taking part. I hope to be back slinging a car through Porsche Curves soon enough.' Sam Bird is still hoping for a better season this time. Bird will next be seen in action at the Jakarta E-Prix, scheduled to take place on June 20 and 21. He is currently in 17th position in the Formula E Drivers' Standings this year, with just 27 points and no podiums.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Sergio Perez could replace Franco Colapinto at Alpine if he doesn't join Cadillac: Reports
Image credit: Sergio Perez/Instagram Formula 1 teams are known for axing drivers over lack of performance, and Alpine is the new one to join in after Red Bull to axe a driver over the same. Sergio Perez , who was replaced by Liam Lawson at Red Bull after the 2024 F1 season, is now open to good options to make a comeback in 2026. Several reports have claimed that besides the name of the new 11th F1 team, Cadillac, doing the rounds, Alpine also seems to be considering Perez to drive alongside Pierre Gasly . Operation Sindoor 'Did not want to...': Pak def min gives absurd excuse for army's failure to withstand Op Sindoor Blackouts, sirens & Pak's failed attacks: 10 things that happened in the last 36 hrs '1971 war was not remotely as terrifying': Residents of border areas shell-shocked Sergio Perez may join either Alpine or Cadillac After Liam Lawson was sent back from Red Bull to Racing Bulls due to poor performance, Jack Doohan is the second rookie to be sent back to his former designation of a reserve driver for Alpine. He has been replaced by Franco Colapinto for the next five races, which the team boss says is for evaluation purposes. But now it seems even Colapinto is not a permanent replacement for Doohan, and only his terrific performance in the next F1 races can earn him a permanent place alongside Pierre Gasly. Otherwise, Sergio Perez may be called in if he doesn't choose Cadillac as his new team next year. Sharing his interest in joining a new F1 team next year, Sergio Perez had said at the León State Fair, "Now I'm in an incredible, dreamy position, which I didn't even realise I was in, so if you ask me now, I don't know.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pernas e pés inchados: Isso ajuda a drenar o fluido do edema aartedoherbalismo Undo While Sergio Perez is reportedly being considered for Alpine, one cannot prove how safe Pierre Gasly is at Alpine. Jack Doohan's father and motorcycle race champion Mick Doohan had recently compared his son's F1 stats with that of Gasly in consecutive posts on his Instagram Stories. And F1 fans could see there wasn't a stark difference. Also Read: Mick Doohan defends son Jack Doohan in comparison to fellow Alpine driver Pierre Gasly Sergio Perez, lovingly called Checo by his fans, was removed from Red Bull at the end of last season, just a year after he emerged as the runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2023. He was just behind the leading champion and teammate Max Verstappen at number 2 with 285 points that year.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Denver Broncos co-owner and F1 racer Lewis Hamilton to chair at Met Gala
DENVER (KDVR) — The annual Met Gala is happening on Monday, bringing dozens of the world's biggest names of celebrities, fashion designers, athletes and more to New York City for a formal dinner party and fashion exhibition. Co-owner of the Denver Broncos and Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton was selected as one of the co-chairs for this year's gala alongside Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Anna Wintour, as well as honorary chair Lebron James. It's Met Gala time! Get yourself suitable with this guide on what to expect The Met Gala is held every first Monday of May to raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute and marks the launch of the institute's new annual fashion exhibition. The exhibit this spring, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' examines Black menswear fashion over the centuries, according to the Met website, and 'explores the importance of sartorial style to the formation of Black identities.' Hamilton said in a post on Instagram following his chair announcement last fall that he is 'beyond honored' to be one of the co-chairs for the 2025 Met Gala. Met Gala attendees are typically dressed to the nines, showing off outfits that reflect the theme and are within the dress code. This year, that theme is 'Tailored For You.' 'This theme speaks to me deeply. When I started my career I never imagined what I might be capable of beyond my sport. The pressure to conform holds so many people back. Growing up as the only Black kid on the track, so often that pressure got to me. Expressing myself creatively was and still is my freedom from that conformity. For Black people across the diaspora, fashion is self-preservation. Fashion is resilience, and I can't wait to further explore and amplify our underrepresented voices,' Hamilton wrote. Hamilton is a driver for Ferrari and has won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship seven times. He was knighted by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle in December 2021 and became a co-owner of the Denver Broncos in 2022. 'Excited to join an incredible group of owners and become a part of the Broncos story!! Honoured to work with a world-class team and serve as an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports,' Hamilton wrote on X at the time. Arcade bar with 69 Formula 1 simulators to open in Denver At the Met Gala last year, Hamilton told Vogue about his custom Burberry look, which he said was inspired by John Ystumllym, who came to Wales from Africa during the 18th century and became the first Black gardener in Wales. On the inside of his trench coat, Hamilton showed Vogue reporters an embroidered poem written by English Black poet Alex Wharton. He added that the thorn designs on his necklace show the pain that Black people experienced in the slave trade era. Fans can expect to see Hamilton, along with some 400 people who are expected to attend, showing off new looks on the red carpet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Red Bull boss Christian Horner says Max Verstappen's baby girl has incredible genes: 'If it was a racehorse, it'd be worth a fortune'
Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet welcomed a baby girl on Saturday and named her Lily. Red Bull principal Christian Horner has denied that the birth of Lily could impact Verstappen's performance on the track in any way. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Horner is, however, amazed at how incredible the genes of the baby girl will be, being born into a family where even the maternal and paternal grandfathers (Jos Verstappen and Nelson Piquet) were Formula 1 drivers. Red Bull principal on Max Verstappen becoming a father Christian Horner was among the first to congratulate Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet on the birth of their baby girl. He denied it could impact Verstappen's racing at all. While talking to the media, including Horner said, 'He's a pretty measured guy. He's got a stepdaughter as well. He's just very measured. He enjoys family life and for him it's business as usual.' Horner expressed confidence in Verstappen, saying he would be a very present father for sure. 'You've got to get involved with the nappies, in the middle of the night, all of that. It's the most wonderful thing, welcoming a new addition to any family,' he said. 'But I'm just thinking – the genes of that child are quite incredible. When you think of Verstappen and Piquet – if it was a racehorse, it'd be worth a fortune! But yeah, it's going to make life a little different for [Verstappen],' he added. Lily carries the legacy of Verstappen and Piquet families Formula 1 racing is a common factor in both Max and Kelly's legacy. Max is the son of Jos Verstappen, who competed in F1 from 1994 to 2003. He trained Max in his initial years. Kelly is a model and the daughter of Nelson Piquet, who competed in Formula 1 from 1978 to 1991. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He even won three Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, who is being referred to as a girl dad now, has said he has spent time with Kelly's elder daughter Penelope as well. On becoming a father to Lily, he told ESPN, 'You never really know what to expect. Yeah, it's been very enjoyable, it's for sure very special.' Also Read: Lily was born ahead of the F1 Sprint Qualifying race at the Miami Grand Prix. Sharing a picture with her and Kelly, Verstappen wrote on Instagram, 'Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever - you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.'
