NASCAR Daytona 500 2024 Race Rescheduled to Monday Due to Weather
Feb 18, 2024
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 McDonald's Toyota, Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota, Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, and Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Monster Energy Toyota, drive drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The 2024 NASCAR season will have to wait one more day before it officially commences.
Per ESPN, the season-opening Daytona 500 was postponed on Sunday and rescheduled to Monday at 4 p.m. ET due to inclement weather that brought "two days of rain" to Daytona International Speedway.
ESPN noted that there were already "heavy doubts" that the Daytona 500 would take place at its original start time on Sunday afternoon, as Saturday's final practice for the event and the scheduled Xfinity Series race were both canceled. The Xfinity Series race will now be held at 11 a.m. ET on Monday.
This is the first time a Daytona 500 has been postponed for a full day since 2012. In 2020, the race was halted due to rain after 20 laps and resumed the next day.
The early call on Sunday to cancel the Daytona 500 continues an effort by NASCAR to avoid forcing fans to sit through unpleasant weather conditions while waiting for a decision. Earlier this month, the exhibition Clash at the Coliseum was moved up one full day due to poor weather in the Los Angeles area.
Team Penske's Joey Logano, the 2015 Daytona 500 winner, won the pole position for this year's Daytona 500 on Wednesday night. Hendrick Motorsports drivers had won the pole at Daytona in eight of the last nine years, but the team's highest qualifier this time around was Kyle Larson in third.
2023 Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is starting from the 35th position as he looks to become the first driver to win the event in back-to-back years since Denny Hamlin did so in 2019 and 2020.
Lewis Hamilton Discusses Ferrari Contract for 2025 F1 Season, Mercedes Exit
Feb 3, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 14: Lewis Hamilton attends an exclusive event organized by IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG at "Speed City” on November 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ahead of the Grand Prix, Speed City is an outdoor desert camp and entertainment venue taking over the famous Speedvegas racetrack. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for IWC Schaffhausen)
Legendary Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton released a statement Saturday on Twitter, formerly known as X, explaining his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025.
In the statement, Hamilton thanked Mercedes and reflected on the great times he had, but also expressed his belief that it is time for a new challenge:
It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions.
But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
"The time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn't understand it at the time, but I was right to make the move then and it's the feeling I have again now. I'm excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together."
On Thursday, Hamilton's upcoming move to Ferrari was confirmed, meaning he will leave Mercedes-AMG Petronas after 12 seasons with the team.
The 39-year-old Hamilton enjoyed unprecedented success with Mercedes, winning six points titles over a seven-year stretch from 2014 through 2020.
When taking into account his 2008 points title while with McLaren, Hamilton is a seven-time F1 champion, tying him with Michael Schumacher for the most all time.
Hamilton is also the winningest driver in F1 history, winning 103 races during his illustrious career.
As great as Hamilton's run has been, the past two seasons have been something of a struggle, as he finished sixth in the standings in 2022 and third last season. Hamilton didn't register a win in either season.
In his statement, Hamilton noted that "driving in Ferrari red" is a "childhood dream" that he will get to fulfill starting in 2025.
Although he is clearly looking forward to the move, Hamilton made it clear that he is also focused on ending his time with Mercedes on a high note, saying:
"Right now, I'm not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes. I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focused than than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100 percent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high."
Preseason testing begins later this month for the 2024 F1 season, followed by the season-opening race in Bahrain.
On March 2, the Bahrain Grand Prix will mark the start of Hamilton's final season with Mercedes, and once he departs, it will be the end of one of the most successful partnerships in motorsports history.
Lewis Hamilton Signs Ferrari Contract for 2025 F1 Season, Will Leave Mercedes
Feb 1, 2024
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 23: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 F1 W14 during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 23, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Potts/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Legendary Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season and join Ferrari.
Mercedes and Hamilton confirmed the split Thursday.
"I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together, Hamilton said. "Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It's a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together. I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember."
Ferrari confirmed the agreement with Hamilton shortly after the announcement of his impending Mercedes exit.
Team Statement
Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract. pic.twitter.com/moEMqUgzXH
According to Sky News, Hamilton signed a two-year, £100 million contract last summer to stay with Mercedes through 2025, but the team confirmed he exercised an out after the 2024 season.
Hamilton has been a Mercedes driver for the past 11 years.
"We start with MASSIVE transfer news this deadline day. Not in football, but in Formula 1." 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fpNhCPR7zZ
Sainz finished seventh in the F1 standings last season, and he has finished 10th or better in each of the past seven campaigns.
Hamilton will be teammates with Charles Leclerc, who finished fifth in the standings last season following a second-place finish in 2022.
According to Sky News, Hamilton told ESPN last May that he would be "lying" if he said he didn't ever think about driving with a team other than Mercedes before adding: "I thought about and watched the Ferrari drivers on the screens at the track and of course you wonder what it would be like to be in red."
Hamilton made his F1 debut in 2007 for McLaren, and after six seasons with that team, during which he won an F1 title, he made the move to Mercedes in 2013.
It was there that Hamilton established himself as one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history, winning six championships in seven seasons from 2014 through 2020.
Overall, the 39-year-old is first on the F1 all-time race wins list with 103, putting him well ahead of Michael Schumacher's 91 wins in second place.
Hamilton is also tied with Schumacher for the most career F1 points titles with seven.
While Hamilton's place in F1 history is undeniable, the past couple of years have been a bit of a struggle for him and could explain his decision to leave for Ferrari.
Hamilton finished second in the points in 2021, followed by sixth in 2022 and third last season. While he won eight races in 2021, he has no wins in two seasons since then.
That has put Hamilton in unfamiliar territory, as he won at least one race in each of his first 15 Formula One seasons.
Hamilton is still a great driver capable of running up front and contending, but he is banking on the idea that Ferrari will help take him from contending back to winning races regularly once again.
Dakar Rally 2024 Results: Carlos Sainz Earns Audi's 1st Win; Father of Star F1 Driver
Jan 19, 2024
Team Audi Sport's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz (R) and his Spanish co-driver Lucas Cruzof (L) celebrate on their car after crossing the finish line of stage 12 of the Dakar rally 2024 from Yanbu to Yanbu, on January 19, 2024, at the end. Veteran Spanish driver Carlos Sainz won on January 19, 2024 the gruelling Dakar Rally for a fourth time on Friday, becoming at 61 the oldest winner of the race. (Photo by PATRICK HERTZOG / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP via Getty Images)
Carlos Sainz, the father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., won the 2024 Dakar Rally on Friday in Saudi Arabia to give Audi it's first-ever victory in the race.
Sainz, who has now won the race four times, finished one hour, 20 minutes and 25 seconds ahead of Guillaume de Mevius to claim the title. He broke his own record as the oldest winner in Dakar Rally history at 61 years old.
The Spaniard also won the race in 2010, 2018 and 2020. However, he was racing for different manufacturers in each of those races—Mini, Volkswagen and Peugeot.
"To be here at my age and to stay at the level, you need to work a lot beforehand. It doesn't just come like that," Sainz said after the race, according to BBC.
"It shows that when you work hard, normally it pays off."
"I'm proud, relieved and happy, obviously, of what he has achieved," Sainz Jr. said of his father after the race. "He is incredible at his age and this project was his dream and he made it happen."
The win is particularly impressive for Sainz, who was forced out of the 2023 Dakar Rally after he fractured his back when his Audi rolled over while driving over a dune.
The only racers to win the Dakar Rally more times than Sainz are Qatar's Nasser Al Attiyah, who has won five titles, and France's Stephane Peterhansel, who has won eight titles.
The Dakar Rally is considered one of the toughest motorsport races in the world. That said, it's unclear if Sainz intends to return to defend his title next year.
"At the moment, I want to enjoy this victory and I will think about my future in the next weeks," Sainz said after the win.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough Dies at 84
Dec 31, 2023
BRISTOL, TN - MARCH 21: NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough stands next to his car prior to the start of the NASCAR Legends UARA Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 21, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR)
NASCAR announced Saturday that stock car racing legend and NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough died at the age of 84.
Yarborough was a three-time champion of what is now known as the NASCAR Cup Series, as well as a four-time winner of the Daytona 500.
Born in Timmonsville, South Carolina, in 1939, Yarborough went on to become one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR history, leading to his induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France honored Yarborough on Sunday in a statement:
"Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen. His combination of talent, grit and determination separated Cale from his peers, both on the track and in the record book. He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike and was as comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor as he was behind the wheel of a stock car. On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cale Yarborough."
Yarborough's 83 career race wins at the highest level of stock car racing are tied with fellow legend Jimmie Johnson for sixth on the all-time list behind only Richard Petty, David Pearson, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip.
He is also one of only two drivers in NASCAR history to win at least three Cup Series titles in a row, doing so from 1976 to 1978. Johnson is the other with five in a row from 2006 through 2010.
Yarborough is also second in NASCAR history in Daytona 500 wins, as his four victories trail only Petty's seven.
In 1957, Yarborough made his debut for the Grand National Series, which was the precursor to the NASCAR Cup Series, and he remained an active driver through 1988.
His first win came in 1965 at Valdosta Speedway at the age of 26, and he won his final race 20 years later when he was victorious in the 1985 Miller High Life 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
After retiring in 1988 with 83 wins, 319 top-10 finishes and 69 poles to his credit, Yarborough primarily focused on being a NASCAR team owner.
Yarborough ran his team from 1986 until he sold it in 2000 with his lone win coming courtesy of driver John Andretti in the 1997 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
Gil De Ferran, Indianapolis 500 Winner and Land Speed World Record Holder, Dies at 56
Dec 30, 2023
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 28: Gil de Ferran participate in the past winners parade before the start of the NTT IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2023, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Gil de Ferran, winner of the 2003 Indianapolis 500 and holder of the closed course land speed record, died Friday at 56 years old.
De Ferran was racing with his son at a private race track in Opa-Locka, Florida, when he suffered a fatal heart attack, according to Fryer.
The Brazilian racer won the 2000 and 2001 Champ Car World Series, as well as the 2003 Indy 500, for Team Penske. He was most recently serving as a consultant for McLaren.
"We are terribly saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Gil de Ferran. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Angela, Anna, Luke and the entire de Ferran family," Roger Penske said in a statement. "Gil defined class as a driver and a gentleman. As an IndyCar Champion and an Indianapolis 500 winner, Gil accomplished so much during his career, both on and off the track."
"Everyone at McLaren Racing is shocked and deeply saddened to learn we have lost a beloved member of our McLaren family," McLaren said in its own statement. "We send our deepest condolences to Gil de Ferran's family, friends and loved ones."
De Ferran was also honored by dozens of other members of the racing community on social media.
My friend. One of the real ones. One of the reasons for my F1 tests. Loved your passion and love for our sport. Thank you for what you contributed to my life. pic.twitter.com/jNW1iKpCXN
I am shocked and devastated to hear of the loss of our great friend and teammate. I’ve raced with Gil all over the world and watched him win some of the biggest races. He’s been a great friend for over 20 years and will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My deepest… pic.twitter.com/vJBbnK650F
I am at a complete loss for words. Gil de Ferran was a legend of our sport and an inspiration and mentor to so many, myself included. Absolutely shocked at news of his passing. My heart goes out to his family and fans.
De Ferran made history during a qualifying race at the two-mile California Speedway in October 2000.
The racer took the lap at 241.428 miles per hour, setting a record for the fastest official closed-course lap in the sport's history that still stands today.
Three years later, De Ferran suffered a broken back during a crash in March 2003. He nonetheless returned to the track two months later to race in the Indianapolis 500, where he claimed an emotional victory for Team Penske.
Fellow Brazilian racing driver Tony Kanaan told the Associated Press he was "devastated" by the loss of de Ferran.
"I have to say, he went in Gil style, driving a racecar," Kanaan said. "If I could choose a way to go, that's what I could do."
De Ferran is survived by his wife, Angela, as well as his daughter Anna and son Luke.
Max Verstappen Tops Forbes' List of Highest-Paid F1 Drivers for 2023 at $70M
Nov 29, 2023
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 26: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 26, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by James Gasperotti/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
Max Verstappen dominated the Formula One circuit to an unprecedented degree in 2023, which allowed the Red Bull Racing star to remain the highest-paid driver in the world.
According to Forbes' Brett Knight, Verstappen earned $45 million in salary and $25 million in bonuses for 2023. That put him well ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who collected $55 million total, in second place, and his payout was more than double Fernando Alonso ($34 million) in third place.
Knight noted Formula One drivers are somewhat atypical in that they don't make a lot of money through endorsements.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, for example, was the highest-paid NBA player this year, and his off-court earnings ($70 million) far surpassed what he earned on the court ($47.6 million), per Knight.
Verstappen's overall haul illustrates how F1's biggest stars nonetheless have little trouble raking in the cash.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a campaign for the record books, one that might not be replicated for a long time. He won 19 races and earned 575 points, both of which were the most ever in a single season.
Verstappen's performance on the track had an accompanying effect on his earnings. He made $60 million in 2022, $5 million more than Hamilton.
In 2022, Red Bull signed Verstappen to a five-year extension that's reportedly worth $55 million annually. Considering he has won two more Formula One titles since penning the deal, his team might be getting a bit of a bargain now.
Abu Dhabi F1 GP 2023 Results: Max Verstappen Wins Final Race After Clinching Title
Nov 26, 2023
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 26: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks to media prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 26, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.(Photo by Edmund So/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Stop us when you've heard this before: Max Verstappen just won a Formula 1 race.
Verstappen concluded putting together the greatest season the sport has ever seen as Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, walking away with his record-setting 19th win of the 2023 season.
A three-time champion of the world celebrating how you should... 🏆🏆🏆
Charles Leclerc finished second and George Russell rounded out the podium.
With Sunday's race concluding the 2023 campaign, it's only right to look back on what was one of the most impressive feats in sports history. Verstappen was victorious in 19 of the 22 races on the F1 circuit, breaking his own record for wins in a season by four—which was set just once year ago.
The 26-year-old now ranks third in the history of Formula 1 with 54 wins. Only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher rank ahead of him, and Verstappen has at least another decade of prime driving ahead of him.
"Of course it's quite a crazy number. We had a crazy, crazy year," Verstappen told reporters this week. "It will end at one point, but hopefully not too soon. ... I love driving, that's the foremost (thing) and winning is the best thing in Formula One. At the same time, I'm very focused on what's ahead of me and hopefully next year we have a competitive car again and continue that momentum."
It's impossible to contextualize Verstappen's dominance in modern times. No one has ever been this dominant this often. Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Novak Djokovic, all historically dominant but none of their peaks had them so far ahead of the competition.
Verstappen has now won three straight F1 championships, making him one of 11 drivers to pull off that feat. He could move into a tie for fourth on the all-time list if he wins next season, and there's no sign of him letting up anytime soon.
Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix 2023 Results: Max Verstappen Wins Historic Race; Hamilton 7th
Nov 19, 2023
LAS VEGAS - Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) cheers after winning the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Nevada. ANP SEM VAN DER WAL (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Max Verstappen might not have loved his entire Las Vegas experience, but that did not stop him from walking away with another victory.
Verstappen once again dominated to capture Saturday's Las Vegas Grand Prix, capturing his record-setting 18th victory of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He's now three wins clear of the previous single-season record, which was set by Verstappen just one year ago.
The most dominant figure in all of sports at the moment, Verstappen has won 33 of the last 43 F1 races.
can we all agree that we won’t ever see a driver like Max Verstappen.
they threw everything at him!!! media duties!! a track he despises!!! terrible tarmac conditions!! an ugly racesuit!!! a 5s penalty!!! george russell!!! and he still won!! max verstappen everyone
"A great crowd. I hope everyone enjoyed it. We definitely did," Verstappen said after the race. "I'm already excited to come back here next year and hopefully try to do something similar."
Of course, Verstappen was singing a bit of a different tune leading up to Saturday night. He spoke openly about his distaste for the Las Vegas-style spectacle attached to the race, saying it distracted from educating fans about F1 as a sport.
"I understand that fans, they need maybe something to do as well around the track," Verstappen told reporters. "But I think it's more important that you actually make them understand what we do as a sport because most of them just come to have a party, drink, see a DJ play or a performance act.
"I can do that all over the world. I can go to Ibiza and get completely s--t-faced and have a good time. But that's what happens, and actually people … they come and they become fan of what? They want to see maybe their favorite artists and have a few drinks with their mates and then go out and have a crazy night out. But they don't actually understand what we're doing or what we're putting on the line to perform."
Regardless of his opinion on the event itself, Verstappen once again proved he's the best in the world.
Charles Leclerc finished in second, while Sergio Pérez rounded out the podium.
Meanwhile, it was a miserable day for Lando Norris, who crashed out in Lap 4 and Lewis Hamilton, who somehow wound up finishing seventh despite dropping to 14th in the first lap after colliding with Carlos Sainz Jr. and then suffering a punctured tire later in the race.
Sainz finished sixth after his own whirlwind week that was lowlighted by needing a battery change after the first practice session.
F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Subject of Class Action Lawsuit over Practice Session Issues
Nov 18, 2023
LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 18: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) of Monaco races in front of the Sphere with "Welcome to Las Vegas" art displayed during qualifying for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Gran Prix on November 18, 2023 on the Las Vegas Street Circuit in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A class action lawsuit was filed against the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday over the cancellation of Thursday's practice session.
Per Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the lawsuit alleges "breach of contract, negligence, and deceptive trade practices," because of the fact that spectators were removed from the area after a practice session was called off:
A class action lawsuit has been filed against the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in relation to fans who were escorted out of spectator zones after Thursday’s delayed practice session. Lawsuit alleges breach of contract, negligence, and deceptive trade practices. #vegas#f1#lasvegasgppic.twitter.com/rSpmzUEtjP
The Las Vegas Grand Prix released a statement in which it declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying: "We cannot comment on the litigation. Our focus is on ensuring that our fans have an entertaining experience in a safe and secure environment which is always our top priority."
The first practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was scheduled for Thursday night, but according to ESPN's Nate Saunders, it was stopped after just eight minutes when Carlos Sainz's car hit a loose drain cover along the Las Vegas Strip and damaged his car.
F1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix's organizers released a joint statement on the matter, saying: "After inspection by Formula 1 and the FIA, a single water valve cover on the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit failed during the first practice session. The FIA, F1 and local circuit engineering teams are actively working to review and address the issue."
The incident forced FIA representatives to check every drain cover along a 1.3-mile portion of the track and use quick-drying cement to secure any additional ones that were loose.
F1 did go forward with its second scheduled practice a few hours later, and Scuderia Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Sainz occupied the top two spots.
This weekend marks the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Formula One is heavily invested in making sure it goes well.
Per Saunders, F1 has spent $500 million to make the race a reality, and it has also served as the promoter, which is not typical.
Qualifying went forward as planned early Saturday morning with Leclerc securing the pole, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled to start Sunday at 1 a.m. ET.
