Latest news with #MiltonKeynes-based
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Former Red Bull Director Backs Sergio Perez for F1 Return
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's former sporting director, Jonathan Wheatley, has praised former driver Sergio Perez, backing him for a Formula One return in the future. Wheatley worked closely with Perez at Red Bull and revealed how they motivated each other to push themselves further. The Milton Keynes-based outfit ousted Perez after the 2024 season due to performance concerns. The Mexican driver struggled with the RB20 car due to balance problems, which even affected his teammate Max Verstappen following the summer break. Despite the car's issues, Verstappen's talent behind the wheel enabled him to win his fourth championship, but Perez found the car too difficult to drive. Now, Perez has chosen to remain away from premier class of racing but is reportedly in talks with the Cadillac F1 team for 2026. The 35-year-old driver revealed that he was interested in returning to the sport only if he believed in the project. Wheatley opened up to F1 about Perez's performance, revealing that he had no doubts about his capabilities as a racing driver. He said: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 30, 2024... Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 30, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. More"Firstly, I really enjoyed working with Checo. He's a great personality, great attitude to life, full stop. "I have no doubt about his pace and his speed. It's been natural since the beginning. "He put in some tremendous drives at my former team and I don't think it's much of a barrier that he's had a bit of time off between driving a Formula 1 car because when you know how to do that, you know how to do it." Wheatley then detailed how Perez pushed him during his time at Red Bull, which made him better at his job. The former sporting director's expertise led him to secure the role of team principal at Sauber, an outfit that will be taken over by Audi in 2026. Wheatley said: "I spent a lot of time with him early on because I wanted to get to know him and I wanted him to adjust to the team. What I really liked was he pushed me in my sporting role – pushed me very, very hard. "He made me question whether I was putting every bit of effort in, not that he was criticising but he would challenge you in a positive way and I enjoyed it. "I think it helped motivate me to become better at my job and I'd like to think maybe it was reciprocal and the work that we did together made him better at his." He added: "He's fully focused on performance and what do you want from a driver?" With Cadillac seeking an experienced driver to fill one of its seats next year, Perez could likely seal a deal in the coming months if he is shortlisted.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Christian Horner Reportedly Set to Receive Over $80 Million in Red Bull Exit Payout
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Christian Horner could receive a massive payout of over $80 million (£60 million) from Red Bull following his sudden ousting on Wednesday. Red Bull didn't reveal the reason for parting ways with him, but announced that it was with immediate effect. Horner's original contract was reported to last until the end of 2030. Horner served the Milton Keynes-based team for 20 years, a partnership that saw six Constructors' Championships and eight drivers' titles. His Red Bull exit came as a shock to the entire F1 community. Horner's leadership played a crucial role in elevating the team to the level where it could maintain its dominance over the field in the current ground effect era until last year. A report from The Telegraph claimed that Horner was likely the highest-paid director, whose salary increased by eleven percent from 2022 to 2023. Based on this trajectory, Horner could be owed in excess of $80 million for the remaining five-year period of his contract. The report stated: "Horner's contract is believed to run for another five-and-a-half years, until the end of 2030. The latest accounts for Red Bull Technology Ltd show the remuneration for its highest-paid director, understood to be Horner, rose from £8.04 million in 2022 to £8.92 million in 2023. Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom."That was an 11 per cent rise and cemented his status as the highest-paid team principal on the grid. But it is a salary that is almost certain to have risen again since then, with the team having won the drivers' title in 2024. "If his lawyers push for his contract to be paid up in full, they could be looking at anywhere up to £60 million. And there may be other income streams or bonuses which would have been paid had Horner remained in position." Horner reached Red Bull's factory at Milton Keynes yesterday following his exit announcement. Later in the day, he posted a farewell note on Instagram, revealing that he was proud of what his team achieved under his leadership. He said: "After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It's been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all. "Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers' Championships. "Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You've pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow. "Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special. "It's been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we've achieved and also with what's in the pipeline for 2026 - and huge respect for everyone who's made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You."
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Horner's Exit Sparks Reactions Across F1 - 'Must Be Something Very Serious'
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. The world of Formula One has been reflecting on Red Bull's decision to part ways with the CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner. Several personalities from his team and from the sport have voiced their opinions, such as former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, who said the reason for Horner's sacking "must be something very serious." Red Bull hasn't revealed the reason for the unexpected decision. Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies has replaced Horner at Red Bull. Horner joined the Milton Keynes-based team in 2005, celebrating six constructors' titles and eight drivers' championships in the last 20 years. Bernie Ecclestone Ecclestone shared his shock at Red Bull's decision, especially given that he spoke to Horner after the British Grand Prix, just a day before his exit announcement. He said: "I spoke to him the day before [on Monday] and he didn't know. Well, he might have known, but he didn't tell me. Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives in the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.... Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives in the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. More"It was a normal conversation. We were talking about Max [Verstappen]. Nothing to do with this, otherwise he would have told me. "All I know is the message the whole world has got, which is, he's been fired, effective immediately. "It's the effective immediately I don't understand. Why would they ask him to leave with immediate effect? It's like he's murdered somebody. "You can understand, if you're going to fire somebody, then you'd have a chat before and you'd come out with something like, 'We've agreed to part company', or something. "But to come out and say, 'You're fired with immediate effect', he must have done something a bit drastic for that to happen. "Let's assume they were unhappy with the results, which I can understand, that's one thing, but to be fired immediately, that's a different thing altogether." Martin Brundle Sky Sports F1 presenter and former driver Martin Brundle said from his conversation with Horner that the former team boss was not aware of the reason for his ousting. He said: "It is not completely out of the blue, given the problems in the team. I'm quite sad about it. I consider Christian a friend and he's done an incredible job for 20 years. "He's won an awful lot of races and world championships for drivers and the team. He took it from what was the Stewart team and Jaguar struggling, into a massive campus in Milton Keynes and [had] an awful lot of success and a huge trophy cabinet. "It's not too difficult to feel in the F1 paddock and to observe and hear that things were not particularly rosy. "[The allegations and investigation] are probably part of it but I believe it's performance-related as well. It perhaps makes it more likely that the Verstappens will stay there - I think that became quite personal. "There are a number of aspects but particularly that the car is struggling, although they have won races brilliantly this year." He stated further: "Christian has told me no reason was given to him as to why he's been released. Nothing is forever. Things move on. "Red Bull have already put in place significant changes with Laurent Mekies coming over from Racing Bulls - their sister team - and Alan Permane will take over the reins there, so they have quickly put into place solutions." Max Verstappen The four-time F1 world champion expressed his gratitude to Horner on social media. He wrote: "From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!" Damon Hill 1996 F1 champion and presenter Damon Hill raised doubts about whether Horner's successor would be able to fill "those boots." He stated on X: "CH [Christian Horner] enjoyed massive support from the team he built. I really doubt if a replacement will be able to fill those boots. This might not be the great new beginning some are hoping for. A Palace Coup rarely has good outcomes. But it will be a huge story for F1, seeing how this goes." Helmut Marko Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko opened up about his 20-year work relationship with Horner. He said: "Christian and I have worked together very successfully for over 20 years – both in Formula 1 and in Formula 3000. "I would like to sincerely thank Christian for that. During this time, we were able to celebrate an incredible number of outstanding achievements. "We helped develop two World Drivers' Champions and several Grand Prix winners. That has always been – and still is – the Red Bull way. "As for the current sporting situation: there are still 12 races to go, and we will continue to fight for the Drivers' Championship as long as it's mathematically possible." Yuki Tsunoda Yuki Tsunoda thanked Horner for his support. He wrote: "thank you Christian for all the support you've given me this year. it's been amazing to see what you've built at @redbullracing and thank you for making me part of that. i've learned a lot and am grateful for everything" [sic] Flavio Briatore Alpine's executive advisor and interim team principal praised Horner for his impressive track record and wished him the best for his next "adventure." He wrote on Instagram: "20 years at the top says it all. A competitor on the track but also a friend off track. "Well done on your achievements @christianhorner at @redbullracing and Wishing you all the best on your next adventure. Forza Christian!"
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Councillors refuse Coupar Angus solar farm on prime agricultural land
Cllr Brawn argued "Coupar Angus has done its bit for renewable energy already" Perth and Kinross councillors have refused an application for a solar farm on prime agricultural land near Coupar Angus. The plans - which went before the Planning and Placemaking Committee on Wednesday, July 9 - had been recommended for approval by council officers. It was refused by a single vote after objectors raised fears about going from living in open countryside to being in the middle of an industrial site. Elected members in the SNP administration - who voted to approve the application - were outnumbered by opposition councillors who voted for refusal. Milton Keynes-based Greentech Invest UK (9) submitted plans to develop a 22MW solar farm on 46 hectares of land 320m north-west of Peattie Farm, Kinnochtry near Coupar Angus. The solar panels themselves would occupy around 24 hectares of the site. PKC received 44 letters of objection to the application and just one letter of support. Kettins Parish Community Council and Burrelton And District Community Council both objected to the proposal. Campmuir resident Dave Ritchie, addressed the council on behalf of local residents opposed to the proposal. He said: "While we all recognise the requirements to produce green energy, the use of prime agricultural land is a real concern, particularly in light of the recent political and economical uncertainties when arguments for food security are stronger than ever. "There's only eight per cent of Scotland that's prime agricultural land, so there must be plenty more room on other land to put these solar farms on. We've got brownfield sites, rooftops and plenty of unproductive sites." He highlighted concern about the swathe of renewable energy developments in the Coupar Angus area. Mr Ritchie said: "There's a gathering pace of solar development - all on prime agricultural land. "Of particular concern to residents is the prospect of being sandwiched between two separate developments - one which is at Markethill, 250 acres, (which is awaiting a decision from Scottish Ministers) and this one here at Peattie which is 110 acres. "Before long, we'll no longer be living in the countryside but on a solar farm." He told councillors the arable land was used every year to grow crops such as potatoes, barley, carrots and turnips. Objector Polly Jones' home neighbours the site. Addressing councillors, she said: "My concern, I believe, is shared by all of my neighbours and many of the residents of Campmuir. "We were actually really shocked to hear this was being considered for approval, given the size of it and the impact it's going to have on all of us. "Currently, we look at a wide open expanse of beautiful agricultural land. We bought our properties due to their location, at a price which reflected that setting and we pay our council tax to reflect that value and setting. "If this proposal is allowed I and my neighbours will be faced directly with a minimum six-metre wall of solar panels." With the application site opposite her home being on a slope she explained they were "very sceptical the screening will have any effect and even once the screening is fully grown, we're still going to be dwarfed by the panels that are visible higher up the hill". She added: "As developments - like these - crowd in and around the substation there is a risk in Coupar Angus (with multiple developments proposed) that if they go ahead we won't be living in the countryside any more but in an industrial site. "I feel, in Scotland, we don't have to have the trade-off between energy and food because we have a lot of land that is not prime agricultural land." Greentech senior planning manager James Jenkins told councillors: "We estimate the project will deliver over £4.5 million of construction work that can be delivered by local contractors and specialists." He said rent paid to the landowner would "ensure they could continue investing in their farming enterprise and maintain it as a viable operation" and the community would benefit from around £500 per MW (£11,000). When councillors questioned the use of prime agricultural land, PKC's Major Applications and Enforcement team leader Sean Panton told councillors: "The loss of prime agricultural land is regrettable but national planning policy does allow it." National Planning Framework 4 permits development on prime agricultural land for "essential infrastructure and there is a specific locational need and no other suitable site". Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Bob Brawn moved to refuse the application. The Conservative councillor said: "This part of the world, Coupar Angus, has already lost prime agricultural land to battery storage at Pleasance Road; last month we, as consultees, agreed to battery storage at Kettins on prime agricultural land; Markethill is still in abeyance and could happen (but we can't use that as a justification); there's also a solar farm development at Keithick. "The exception for the use of prime agricultural land is for essential renewable energy. I would argue that Coupar Angus has done its bit for renewable energy already and I don't believe this is now classed as essential in this area. "I feel the need for prime agricultural land outweighs the need for renewable energy in this area." Conservative councillor Ian James seconded the motion for refusal. SNP councillor Ken Harvey moved to approve the plans and claimed the land was "in a poor state and doesn't appear to have been used for anything other than silage the past few years". Following a brief recess, he corrected himself and said: "I said it was getting used for silage. Obviously not, there are potatoes and what looked like turnips being grown." He added: "The loss of prime agricultural land is outweighed by the benefit of solar energy we're getting. We are constrained by where the substations are for such developments and we need to take due cognisance of that going forward with the other developments but I think this development is reasonable." It was seconded by Bailie Mike Williamson. Six Conservative, Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors voted to refuse the application and the five SNP councillors on the committee voted to approve the application. It was refused by one vote.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Perth and Kinross councillors reject plans for solar farm
The plans – which went before the Planning and Placemaking Committee on Wednesday, July 9 – had been recommended for approval by council officers. It was refused by a single vote after objectors raised fears about going from living in open countryside to being in the middle of an industrial site. Elected members in the SNP administration – who voted to approve the application – were outnumbered by opposition councillors who voted for refusal. READ MORE: Time Team archaeologists hunt for Viking boat burial on Scottish island Milton Keynes-based Greentech Invest UK (9) submitted plans to develop a 22MW solar farm on 46 hectares of land 320m north-west of Peattie Farm, Kinnochtry near Coupar Angus. The solar panels themselves would occupy around 24 hectares of the site. PKC received 44 letters of objection to the application and just one letter of support. Kettins Parish Community Council and Burrelton And District Community Council both objected to the proposal. Campmuir resident Dave Ritchie, addressed the council on behalf of local residents opposed to the proposal. He said: 'While we all recognise the requirements to produce green energy, the use of prime agricultural land is a real concern, particularly in light of the recent political and economical uncertainties when arguments for food security are stronger than ever. 'There's only eight per cent of Scotland that's prime agricultural land, so there must be plenty more room on other land to put these solar farms on. We've got brownfield sites, rooftops and plenty of unproductive sites.' (Image: Perth and Kinross Council) He highlighted concern about the swathe of renewable energy developments in the Coupar Angus area. Ritchie said: 'There's a gathering pace of solar development – all on prime agricultural land. 'Of particular concern to residents is the prospect of being sandwiched between two separate developments – one which is at Markethill, 250 acres, (which is awaiting a decision from Scottish Ministers) and this one here at Peattie which is 110 acres. 'Before long, we'll no longer be living in the countryside but on a solar farm.' He told councillors the arable land was used every year to grow crops such as potatoes, barley, carrots and turnips. Objector Polly Jones' home neighbours the site. Addressing councillors, she said: 'My concern, I believe, is shared by all of my neighbours and many of the residents of Campmuir. 'We were actually really shocked to hear this was being considered for approval, given the size of it and the impact it's going to have on all of us. 'Currently, we look at a wide open expanse of beautiful agricultural land. We bought our properties due to their location, at a price which reflected that setting and we pay our council tax to reflect that value and setting. 'If this proposal is allowed I and my neighbours will be faced directly with a minimum six-metre wall of solar panels.' With the application site opposite her home being on a slope she explained they were 'very sceptical the screening will have any effect and even once the screening is fully grown, we're still going to be dwarfed by the panels that are visible higher up the hill'. She added: 'As developments – like these – crowd in and around the substation there is a risk in Coupar Angus (with multiple developments proposed) that if they go ahead we won't be living in the countryside any more but in an industrial site. 'I feel, in Scotland, we don't have to have the trade-off between energy and food because we have a lot of land that is not prime agricultural land.' Greentech senior planning manager James Jenkins told councillors: 'We estimate the project will deliver over £4.5 million of construction work that can be delivered by local contractors and specialists.' He said rent paid to the landowner would 'ensure they could continue investing in their farming enterprise and maintain it as a viable operation' and the community would benefit from around £500 per MW (£11,000). When councillors questioned the use of prime agricultural land, PKC's Major Applications and Enforcement team leader Sean Panton told councillors: 'The loss of prime agricultural land is regrettable but national planning policy does allow it.' National Planning Framework 4 permits development on prime agricultural land for 'essential infrastructure and there is a specific locational need and no other suitable site'. Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Bob Brawn moved to refuse the application. The Conservative councillor said: 'This part of the world, Coupar Angus, has already lost prime agricultural land to battery storage at Pleasance Road; last month we, as consultees, agreed to battery storage at Kettins on prime agricultural land; Markethill is still in abeyance and could happen (but we can't use that as a justification); there's also a solar farm development at Keithick. READ MORE: Inquiry held up as SNP change policy on protected Highlands beach 'The exception for the use of prime agricultural land is for essential renewable energy. I would argue that Coupar Angus has done its bit for renewable energy already and I don't believe this is now classed as essential in this area. 'I feel the need for prime agricultural land outweighs the need for renewable energy in this area.' Conservative councillor Ian James seconded the motion for refusal. SNP councillor Ken Harvey moved to approve the plans and claimed the land was 'in a poor state and doesn't appear to have been used for anything other than silage the past few years'. Following a brief recess, he corrected himself and said: 'I said it was getting used for silage. Obviously not, there are potatoes and what looked like turnips being grown.' He added: 'The loss of prime agricultural land is outweighed by the benefit of solar energy we're getting. We are constrained by where the substations are for such developments and we need to take due cognisance of that going forward with the other developments but I think this development is reasonable.' It was seconded by Bailie Mike Williamson. Six Conservative, Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors voted to refuse the application and the five SNP councillors on the committee voted to approve the application. It was refused by one vote.
