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#lewis petronas duties
wejustvibing · 2 months
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he's just a science girl
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emjayewrites · 5 days
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The Princess & The Race Car Driver | LH44
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SYNOPSIS: Lewis meets Princess Tiana and he falls under her spell.
PAIRINGS: Lewis Hamilton x black!femOC Ariel Park (faceclaim is Coco Jones)
WARNINGS: flirting, discussion of sex/sex jokes, corny!Lewis, eventual romance?
TAGLIST: @queenshikongo3 @cocobutterqwueen @mauvecherie-writes @a-moment-captured @yeea-nah @melodichaeuxx-lacritquexx @lewisroscoelove @hxneyclouds @questionable-behaviour @lovebittenbyevans @tian-monique @alika-4466 @saintslewis @cherry2stems @planetmimi @woderfulkawaii @d3kstar @liamundi @trinitoldyouso @scorpiobleue @omgsuperstarg @certifiedlesbianbaddie @serpenttines-library @peyiswriting @motheroffae @hrlzy @sinflowersugar @vile-harlot @xoscar03 @blveeeeee @everywherea11thetime @blckgrl-sunflower @whoreforjjk @blowmymbackout
A/N: Please comment & reblog! I don't know if this will be a mini-series or not....we shall see.
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disney and 3 others
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liked by arielpark, lewishamilton, pharrell and 1.3m others
disney: Check out these brand-new behind-the-scenes stills from #ThePrincessandTheFrog, only in theaters this August! 👸🏾 🐸
If some of you are attending next week’s F1 race in Melbourne, be sure to say hello to #PrincessTiana herself, arielpark! tagged arielpark, princessandthefrogmovie
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arielpark: ah!! so happy! looks so good! 💚
⤷ disney: arielpark you look good #ForeverOurPrincess
mercedesamgf1: so excited to have arielpark at the race! she’s going to enjoy the hot lap!
⤷ arielpark: mercedesamgf1 what’s a hot lap? 🫤
⤷ lewishamilton: arielpark 🏎️💨
⤷ user: lewishamilton what is this, lew? not you trying to make her guess with emojis 🙄
user: so excited!! my two worlds are colliding!! arielpark you’re gonna love it!
Toto Wolff called for everyone's attention as the morning team meeting at the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team garage began. Once the chatter ceased, he launched right in.
"Today we have a very special guest joining us for the race weekend - Ariel Park, the actress set to play Princess Tiana in the upcoming live-action remake of The Princess and the Frog."
A buzz of excitement rippled through the room. This was a lucrative sponsorship deal with Disney that Toto wanted to ensure went perfectly.
"I want Ariel to have an amazing experience," he stated firmly. "This is an important partnership, so I expect everyone to be on their best behavior." His gaze landed on Mick Schumacher. "Mick, you'll be taking her out for a hot lap later."
Lewis Hamilton's hand shot up. "Actually, I can do the hot lap instead if you'd like."
Toto's brow furrowed slightly but he nodded. "Very well. Lewis will be Ariel's driver."
It was no secret that with Lewis' planned move to Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes had been sidelining him from some promotional duties lately. But Lewis had his own motivations for volunteering - he was quite interested in getting to know their lovely guest better.
At twenty-seven years old, Ariel Park was making waves as an up-and-coming actress with an impressive resume. After graduating from Penn State, she had carved out a nice career on Broadway before landing her huge break with the Disney role. And from the images Lewis had seen, she was absolutely gorgeous - ebony skin, wide hips, and a beautifully curved backside that was hard to ignore.
A few hours later, Ariel arrived at the Mercedes garage just before Free Practice. Even amidst the controlled chaos, Lewis couldn't take his eyes off her as she approached. She was utterly stunning - ebony skin glowing like polished onyx, wide eyes fringed with lush lashes, luscious lips curved in a warm smile. Ariel was introduced to the drivers - Lewis, George Russell, and reserve Mick Schumacher - exchanging friendly hugs with each of them.
When Lewis' turn came, her lithe body pressed flush against his own, soft curves molding to the hard planes of his chest. An intoxicating blend of exotic floral and rich vanilla washed over him. He breathed it in deeply, committing the hypnotic scent to memory.
As they parted, Lewis let his gaze leisurely trail over her, taking in the striking features he'd admired in photographs - gorgeous face, radiant skin, and an hourglass figure to leave anyone's mouth watering. Her wide hips flared temptingly above sculpted thighs, backside a work of art that even her slim-fitting jeans struggled to contain.
"You smell incredible," he murmured appreciatively, flashing her his most charming smile, as he went in for another whiff of her scent. "What perfume is that?"
Ariel seemed momentarily flustered by the compliment, cheeks warming as she smiled at him adorably.
"Oh, it's actually a blend of an Arabian perfume oil layered with vanilla body butter and wash."
Lewis hummed in approval, allowing his gaze to linger overtly on her luscious mouth. "I like that." In his head, he added, A lot more than I probably should.
This woman was a goddess, pure and simple. Her siren call was already working under his skin in a way he didn't expect. As if he needed another incentive to look forward to driving her around the track later.
As the drivers made their way to the pre-practice briefing, Lewis found himself stealing glances at Ariel from across the room. She looked equally alluring when standing still - those curves on full display as she chatted animatedly with one of the PR reps, gesturing expressively with her hands.
He watched the way her rose-tinted lips moved, briefly mesmerized by that bright smile. A few stray tendrils of her dark, glossy curls had escaped her updo, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating those high-sculpted cheekbones.
Good lord, she was a vision. Lewis had to tear his eyes away with an internal shake before his thoughts wandered any further down that dangerous path.
The meeting mercifully provided a short reprieve from Ariel's tantalizing presence. But all too soon, it was time to give her the full VIP experience with a hot lap around the track. Lewis tried his best to tune out the heated rush of anticipation flooding his veins as they headed toward the sleek Mercedes AMG GT he'd be driving her in.
Up close again, the warm, spicy vanilla notes of her perfume caressed his senses like a lover's breath against his skin. He caught himself leaning infinitesimally closer, unconsciously drawn into her intoxicating orbit.
"Ready for the ride of your life, Ariel?" he murmured.
She nibbled her full lower lip - whether consciously or not, he didn't know. But the simple, seemingly innocent gesture nearly undid him right then and there. Heat punched low in his belly as those plump lips instantly became the sole focus of his world.
"More than ready," she replied, her tone taking on a husky quality that had his heart kick-starting into a heated gallop.
As she ducked under his arm to climb into the low-slung sports car, the swell of her ample breasts brushed ever so slightly against his chest. Every nerve ending across his body stood at rapt attention. Lewis sucked in a sharp breath through his nostrils, forcing himself to regulate his breathing.
Get a fuckin' grip, he scolded himself sternly. No doubt, this woman was a bombshell, but he needed to conduct himself like a professional, no matter how enticing the temptation.
With a herculean force of will, Lewis slid into the driver's seat, allowing the familiar environment of the powerful car's interior to re-center him, yet even as the twin-turbocharged V8 engine roared to life, he couldn't resist one last look over at his stunning female companion. And what he saw in her heated gaze threatened to shatter what little restraint he had left.
Lewis could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he tore around the track in the powerful Mercedes AMG GT. He risked a glance at Ariel in the passenger seat, taking in her wide-eyed expression with amusement.
As he drifted hard into a corner, her startled scream pierced the air.
"Oh my god!" She clutched at the door frantically, thankful for the sturdy seatbelt keeping her firmly in place. Even so, the brutal g-forces threatened to tug her luscious body sideways.
Lewis chuckled darkly. "You might want to keep those gorgeous eyes open, love. You'll miss everything."
He doubled-clutched and downshifted aggressively, the fat rear tires breaking traction with a squeal of protestation. Ariel yelped again, hands flying up to cover her face as Lewis powered them sideways in a perfect drift around the next bend.
"Want me to do a donut?" he called over the roar of the engine.
Through her fingers, he caught the frantic shaking of Ariel's head. Lewis wasn't having it. "Oh come on, that's the best part! Please?"
He knew he was pushing her limits, but he couldn't resist laying on the puppy dog eyes, unleashing the full force of his most devastating pout. Eventually, Ariel relented with an exasperated sigh.
"Hell yeah!" Lewis crowed triumphantly. He stamped the accelerator, pitching them into a frenzy of spinning rubber and screaming cylinders as he whipped the car through a series of tight donuts.
When he finally let off, Ariel slumped back against the seat, chest heaving. "Thank you, Jesus," she gasped, making the sign of the cross over her heart.
Lewis drank in her disheveled appearance hungrily. Those exotic features were even more alluring flushed with adrenaline and fear, pouty lips parted enticingly. He reached over to place a calming hand on her trembling thigh.
"Deep breaths, love," he murmured. "In…and out. Like this."
He exaggerated his own inhales and exhales until Ariel regained her composure. "Thanks," she managed shakily.
Lewis gave her leg a reassuring squeeze. "Of course. I didn't mean to terrorize a Disney princess. Don't want the Mouse coming after me."
The quip had the intended effect - a bright peal of laughter escaping those luscious lips. Lewis grinned, mesmerized.
"I like that," he admitted frankly.
Ariel arched one sculpted brow. "Like what?"
"Your laugh."
Her eyes danced with mischief. "Well you seem to like a lot of things about me, Lewis."
He shrugged innocently, his whiskey-brown eyes trailing over the tempting swell of her cleavage. "What can I say? You're a beautiful woman. Kind of hard not to find attractive."
Ariel's full lips curved into a coy smile as she cocked her head accusingly. "Is that what that is? Are you flirting with me, Mr. Hamilton?"
Suddenly serious, Lewis met her gaze directly. "Because I am." He paused, heartrate spiking at his own boldness. "Let me take you to dinner to make up for terrifying you."
Ariel's fingertip toyed idly with the fraying of her jeans, the action drawing Lewis' eye inexorably to her shapely thighs. "Alright then," she agreed easily. "I do like to eat."
Lewis bit his lower lip as he lingered over those lush curves. "I can see that…"
@arielpark • posted a story 15 minutes ago
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story comments:
user: ahhh!!! this has to be lewis!!! he looks good from every angle!!
mercedesamgf1: reposted the story someone’s having fun 👀
lewishamilton: reposted the story The Princess is in the building! 👸🏾 🐸
On the way inside the restaurant, Ariel ducked into the bathroom to call her best friend and assistant, Tiffany. She felt uncharacteristically nervous energy thrumming through her veins.
"Tiff, I need your advice," she whispered urgently. "This date with Lewis…I don't know what to expect."
"Girl, that man is fiiine!" Tiffany gushed. "And from what I've seen, he seems like a solid guy too. Just enjoy yourself."
Ariel chewed her lower lip, recalling Lewis' intense yet playful demeanor. He was undeniably gorgeous with his chiseled features, soulful brown eyes, and physique sculpted by years of intense training. How his tight shirts hugged those broad shoulders and outlined the ropes of muscle across his chest made her mouth water.
And the borderline predatory looks he'd leveled her way, sweeping over her body like he wanted to devour her whole? Her thighs clenched instinctively at the memory of that heated appraisal.
"I don't know, Tiff," she fretted. "It's been so long since I've been…intimate with someone. What if I'm rusty?"
Tiffany cackled on the other end. "Then let Mr. Hamilton be the one to knock some cobwebs off that pussy! You need to get laid, sis."
"Tiffany!" Ariel hissed, cheeks flaming even as laughter bubbled up despite herself.
"I'm serious," her friend insisted, voice taking on a softer tone. "You work your ass off, Ari. You deserve to cut loose and have some fun for once, even if it's just amazing rebound sex."
Ariel rolled her eyes but couldn't contain her grin as she emerged from the bathroom. Lewis was waiting, looking like a delicious snack in those designer jeans and a fitted yellow shirt. He flashed her a panty-melting smile that she felt straight down to her core.
"Ready, love?"
She swallowed hard and nodded, falling into step beside him. Over a vegan dinner that surprised Ariel with its deliciousness, their conversation flowed easily.
"So you're an environmental activist as well as a racecar driver?" Ariel asked with an intrigued tilt of her head.
"Among other things." Lewis nodded, spearing a forkful of vegetables. "It's a cause I'm incredibly passionate about. I want to use my platform to raise awareness and drive real change."
"That's really admirable." Ariel found herself leaning in, captivated. "What kind of initiatives are you working on?"
As Lewis launched into an impassioned explanation, complete with expressive hand gestures, Ariel marveled at the depth of his convictions. Her eyes were inevitably drawn to those long-fingered hands - strong and capable, yet with an undercurrent of gentleness.
"…so that's the plan for the upcoming sustainability project," he concluded. Those soulful eyes crinkled at the corners with his warm smile. "But enough about me for now, love. Tell me more about this Disney role that's making you the next big star."
Ariel ducked her head, cheeks warming at the genuine interest and admiration in his gaze. "I don't know about that. It's just such an incredible honor to bring Princess Tiana's story to life."
The night passed in a blur of tantalizing conversation, with Lewis' delicious sense of humor and cheeky banter constantly catching Ariel off guard. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so enthralled by a man's mind as well as his obvious physical attributes.
Between Lewis' attractive principles, quick wit, and the electrifying chemistry simmering between them, she found herself all too eager to extend their time together. Each time their gazes met and held, the heat and tension built exponentially until she could barely focus on her food.
"Would you like to get a drink somewhere?" Lewis asked once their plates had been cleared, dark eyes dancing with suggestion.
Desire curled low in her belly as Ariel bit her lip, giving him a slow once-over from across the table. "I'd love to."
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Ariel shifted restlessly in her seat at the paddock club, unable to keep her mind from replaying the previous night over and over. She and Lewis hadn't gone all the way - he was an absolute gentleman, never pushing her further than she wanted to go, but oh, the heavy petting and heated make-out session they'd engaged in…
She squeezed her thighs together as desire pooled low in her belly, recalling the electrifying feel of Lewis' strong hands roaming her body. The way his chest hair had tickled her palms as she'd mapped every ridge and plane…
"Get it together, Ariel," she muttered under her breath, fanning herself lightly.
In her mind's eye, she could still see Lewis hovering over her on the hotel room's plush sofa, all coiled power and masculine intensity. His full lips had been swollen from kissing, eyes dark with want as they'd raked over her trembling form.
"You're so gorgeous," he'd rasped, dipping his head to trail open-mouthed kisses along the column of her throat. "Smell incredible too…"
Ariel had arched into him with a shameless mewl, fingers buried in his braids. Every nerve ending had been alight, skin blazing under Lewis' skilled touch.
"Lewis…" she'd sighed his name as his hand found her breast, kneading it reverently.
The sudden blaring of the race announcer's voice jolted Ariel from her lascivious reverie. She startled, blinking rapidly as she refocused on her current surroundings at the track.
All around her, the other VIPs were cheering excitedly as the cars took their formation lap. Heat bloomed in Ariel's cheeks - had she really been daydreaming about Lewis so salaciously in public?
"Come on, 44!" she called out, caught up in the infectious energy. Her eyes locked on Lewis' sleek Mercedes as it purred past the stands, heart jackhammering with a combination of adrenaline and lingering arousal.
The race passed in a high-octane blur of sound and fury. Ariel was on the edge of her seat every heart-stopping moment, fists clenched in a white-knuckle grip whenever Lewis made an aggressive overtaking move.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted over the radio communications and her breath hitched. No…it couldn't be. As the commentary confirmed her worst fears, she collapsed back in her chair with a dismayed groan.
"Lewis, no!" she cried in dismay, watching in shock as his crippled car rolled slowly into the pits to retire from the race.
Disappointment and worry for his safety warred within her as the pit crew swarmed around him. Ariel's fingers twitched with the overwhelming urge to go to him, to wrap her arms around his strong frame and check for herself that he was unharmed.
Instead, she stayed frozen in place, lips parted on a silent prayer as she willed images of their passionate tryst from invading her mind again. She was in far too deep already with this man. God help her if anything happens to him.
Ariel's anxious vigil was interrupted as the race commentators confirmed Lewis had been forced to retire due to a terminal power failure, not a crash. She exhaled a relieved sigh, slumping back in her seat.
Thank goodness he's okay.
Still, her heart ached for him as she watched Lewis climb dejectedly from his stricken car, ripping off his helmet and tossing it aside in frustration. He ran one large hand through his sweat-dampened hair. Even from a distance, she could make out the taut lines of tension in his broad shoulders and clenched jaw.
He has to be devastated.
Unbidden, memories of the previous night resurfaced - the unguarded vulnerability in Lewis' warm brown eyes as he'd gazed down at her, the tender path his fingers had carved along her skin. Ariel shivered despite the sweltering pit-lane temperatures, recalling how content and cherished she'd felt in his arms.
She had to go to him. Whatever this undeniable connection between them was becoming, she needed Lewis to know she understood his pain in that moment.
"I'll be right back," Ariel murmured distractedly to her publicist, already rising and slipping away through the crowd.
Making her way down to the team's cordoned-off area was like swimming against the tide of a raucous sea of fans. Ariel kept her head down, focusing on her goal of reaching Lewis' side.
When she finally broke through the mass of bodies, she spotted him bent over the workbench, forearms braced as he studied the telemetry readings with a stormy expression. A few of his crew members hovered nearby, clearly giving the gutted driver a wide berth.
"Lewis?" she called out hesitantly as she walked toward him.
His head whipped up at the sound of her voice and Ariel's breath caught at the naked disappointment burning in those soulful eyes.
"I'm so sorry," she murmured, wishing she could erase that haggard edge of defeat weighing on his features.
Lewis let out a harsh exhale. "Yeah, not a good day..."
His admission struck her like a physical blow - laid bare, haunted by the echoes of countless past heartbreaks and near-misses.
"Do you want me to leave—"
"No," he interrupted, albeit too harshly at first. Clearing his throat, he gave her a small smile. "Stay."
"Okay," was her response as she sat next to him on the bench. "At least Verstappen is out too. I heard from my publicist that there's beef between your teams?"
He let out a hearty chuckle at her words as he nudged her softly. "You don't know a thing bout F1, do you gorgeous?"
"Not a goddamn thing," she quipped with a giggle. "All I know is that the cars go very fast around the track and, of course, the drama."
"Fair enough," he concurred, eyes traveling down her frame. "It seems like I have to teach you a few things..."
"It seems like you do."
arielpark and 4 others - Melbourne, Australia
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liked by lewishamilton, f1, f1paddockclub, mercedesamgf1 and 978k others
arielpark: This past weekend was so much fun! Thanks for having me! tagged lewishamilton, georgerussell63, mercedesamgf1, f1
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lewishamilton: arielpark pleasure meeting u...should definitely get together again 💕
⤷ user: so we're not going to address the fact that you and arielpark were spotted having dinner together?
⤷ lewisfanclub: he irks me, i swear! we all have eyes and it's all over the internet, lew lew. 😒
⤷ user: he irks me too 😫
comment liked by lewishamilton
⤷ user: not him liking this message! lewishamilton throw us a bone!! 🦴 😭
georgerussell63: arielpark nice meeting you, your highness 👸🏾
mercedesamgf1: arielpark the pleasure was all ours!
landonorris: arielpark thank you for saying hi to us! next time, we gotta get you in mclaren orange 🧡
⤷ lewishamilton: nah...never that, mate
⤷ user: and i….oop 🤭 you’re not gonna beat those allegations now sir
⤷ lewisfanclub: if they get together, i will never live it down & i’ll be running to change my username
With Ariel in London working on the album that will accompany the movie, she and Lewis had kept in regular contact after the Australian Grand Prix, occasionally exchanging friendly texts and calls. There was some gossip buzz about them potentially dating, but Ariel's team worked diligently to shut down any relationship rumors.
While Ariel was on a break from recording sessions, she received a text from Lewis hinting for her to come visit him in Tokyo. Part of her was tempted by the opportunity to see him again after they had hit it off so well, yet another part of her couldn't help but hesitate.
Scoffing at the message in disbelief, she then yelled for Tiffany to come over. Tiffany entered the lounge and gave Ariel a worried look. "You good, sis?"
Ariel showed her the message, causing Tiffany to squeal in delight. "Girl, this is your chance! Shit, if you don't get your ass on a plane to Tokyo and ride this man like a rodeo, I swear on our Lord and Savior, I'll beat your ass."
"Tiffany!" Ariel exclaimed. "You're crazy. I barely know this man, I can't just go off to Tokyo."
"And why not?" Tiffany said, crossing her arms.
Ariel gestured around them with a sardonic laugh. "I mean…do I need to explain?"
Tiffany gave her a dismissive eye-roll. "Please, this album is ninety percent finished. Go get some dick and stop being afraid of it. Have you been doing those pelvic floor exercises I told you about?"
"Yeah," she nodded.
"Good," grinned Tiffany, "because judging from the pictures I've seen of him, old boy has a third leg."
"Oh, fuck me!" groaned Ariel with a facepalm.
"Exactly!" Tiffany said, already pulling out her phone. "I'm looking up flights right now. When can you be packed?"
Suddenly considering her friend's point, Ariel felt herself starting to warm up to the idea of a travel adventure…
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fuck it, book recommendations based on your favourite driver
+ age rating, summary and rambling disguised as explanation as to why
if your favourite driver is Lewis Hamilton...then i would recommend Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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(historical sports fiction, standalone) "Carrie Soto, a fierce and determined retired tennis champion, comes out of retirement at thirty-seven to reclaim her record and face personal challenges, coached by her father partnered with the man she almost opened her heart to, in Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel about the cost of greatness and a legendary athlete's epic comeback."
the connection between this book and lewis is what inspired this whole post in the first place. a comeback story even if you have proven all there is to be proven? trying to beat all the odds against you even time? being an all-time champion AND an underdog? there are so many links that can be made between carrie and lewis not just with their careers and relationships but also what adversities they have had to face. idk but is this like manifesting that lewis is going to be "back" for his 8th wdc?
if your favourite driver is George Russell...then i would recommend A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
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(young adult mystery thriller, book 1 of 3) "In 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder,' Pippa Fitz-Amobi reexamines a closed case, challenging the conviction of Sal Singh for Andie Bell's murder, unearthing hidden secrets that threaten her safety as she seeks the elusive truth."
ah mr wannabe investigator (we all saw him checking out that redbull) but seriously there's something we grussell sprouts must enjoy about someone who seems so straight-laced and uptight be absolutely blatantly unhinged both on and off track. it's just so george to choose literal murder inquiry as a school project, from the ambition bordering on arrogance of believing a high schooler could do what the authorities couldn't to the genuine heartfelt sincerity in wanting the truth and to bring justice for those already deemed outcasts by society. he's OUR good girl that's not-so-secretly "bad".
(main ship are george and alex coded btw like im just saying)
(+ bonus rec bc i am incredibly biased) if your favourite team is Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team (had to google the name for the nth time)...then i would recommend The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee
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(adult fantasy, trilogy, best books i have ever read) "The Green Bone Saga is a fantasy trilogy by Fonda Lee, exploring the intricate power struggles and conflicts within and around the Kaul family. Set in the fictional city of Janloon with ability-enhancing jade as it's lifeblood."
my faves with my faves. mercedes aren't a national institution/emotion (ferrari), a team (red bull racing), a villains' lair (ashton martin) or a pop band (mclaren) but a family. a dysfunctional, awkward, barely concealed hot mess of a family, but family nonetheless. chasing victory while trying to survive the horrors of life and each other is the merc way and you will see the same in this trilogy. *toto voice* loyalty!
family is duty. magic is power. honor is everything. <- literally them
if your favourite driver is Oscar Piastri...then i would recommend The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
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(young adult fantasy, book 1 of 5) "In 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan, seemingly troubled teenager Percy Jackson discovers his divine lineage as a demigod, embarks on a perilous quest with his friends to prevent a war among the gods."
wow guys i don't know what to tell you except oscar JACK piastri, SON of nicole and chris piastri, might literally be percy JACKSON (i have connected the dots, you haven't connected shit). your guy might have had a former illustrious career in undertaking dangerous quests and asking greek gods to pay child support, you should check.
if your favourite driver is Lando Norris...then i would recommend Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
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(adult contemporary romance, check tws, book 1 of an ongoing series) "In 'Magnolia Parks' by Jessa Hastings, a tumultuous love story unfolds between the beautiful and self-involved London socialite Magnolia Parks and Britain's notorious bad-boy BJ Ballentine, as they grapple with a dysfunctional relationship marked by heartbreak, secrets, and the enduring pull they feel towards each other."
picked this based on vibes, just pure vibes but immaculate ones. the drama, the glitz, the glam yes but also the family, friendship, and love found within the pages of this series. this is british gossip girl. i am telling you there is a vision here people.
(+ bonus review because this might be the only book on this list that has less (3.84) than 4+ stars on goodreads and i can't do him and y'all dirty like that: i personally didn't love the first book but the series really comes together and you truly get invested in these characters and their happiness, actually pretty excited to read more.
also if nothing else it's fun, just some brain popcorn)
if your favourite driver is Carlos Sainz...then i would recommend The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
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(young adult romance fantasy, check tws, book 1 of 2) "In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, Shahrzad vows vengeance for her friend's death and becomes the next bride of the tormented Caliph Khalid, discovering unexpected love as she navigates the perilous palace of secrets and stories, torn between survival and the promise of retribution."
wow like you think he didn't step out of a magical retelling of 1001 nights? mhm but let's leave aside the fact i am still not convinced otherwise. carlos this year has shown his insane mega ultra galaxy brain, so i believe the plot of the wrath & the dawn would be something that would resonate with you. the quick wit and guile of the mc as she tries to carry out a revenge plot while trying to not get executed is only comparable to carlos coming up with his own race strategy mid race and cementing himself as the only non-rbr race winner in 2023. wow.
if your favourite driver is Charles Leclerc...then i would recommend The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
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(historical romance fantasy, standalone) "The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is an Iliad retelling, focusing on the deep and complex relationship between Achilles and Patroclus."
he has that sadness in his eyes that you only see in tragic greek myths etc etc. i will have to say, achilles walked so charles leclerc could race. *soft longing sigh* il predestinato and aristos achaion, the predestined and the best of the greeks. beloveds born and bathed in golden light. it just makes sense to me.
if your favourite driver is Alex Albon...then i would recommend Beach Read by Emily Henry
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(adult contemporary romance, standalone) "A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters."
i mean alex is a living-breathing romance novel of a man. BUT it hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows (helmut marko if i catch you). so i think any emily henry book but especially beach read captures the ups and downs of alex's journey so well compared to just any ole romcom (...but if i had to give one for the alex enjoyers then it would be Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, coincidentally also george and alex coded lmao).
but was it his remarkable drive back to f1 or the recent holiday beach pics that was the reason behind this rec? i guess we will never know
if your favourite driver is Logan Sargeant...then i would recommend Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
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(young adult fantasy, book 1 of 3)"In 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones, eldest daughter Sophie is cursed to age prematurely, the key to break the spell lies in the enigmatic Wizard Howl's castle. Sophie embarks on a quest to confront the Witch who cursed her all the while unraveling hidden truths about herself and Howl."
"let's bring it in and call it a day - let's look after of you." to "that's my girl" pipeline and vice versa. i know what you are.
but logang (the only one i know frfr) you deserve it okay? a cozy lil fantasy full of whimsy and wonder. tuck in and have some tea and cookies, pookies.
(i wanted to do the full grid but keep the teammates together and i haven't yet come up with something for all of em so there will be a part 2...? hopefully...?)
sources for summaries: thestorygraph and goodreads
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f1 · 1 year
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Mick Schumacher completes first Mercedes seat fit as he settles into reserve driver role
Mercedes have shared photos of reserve driver Mick Schumacher completing a seat fit ahead of the new F1 season, during which he will provide backup to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Schumacher made his F1 debut with Haas in 2021 and continued through 2022, but the German was dropped in favour of compatriot Nico Hulkenberg for 2023 amid a mixed run of results that saw him claim 12 points from 43 starts. READ MORE: Mick Schumacher reaches emotional Race of Champions final as DTM star Mattias Ekstrom triumphs With few full-time opportunities elsewhere on the grid, Schumacher ultimately signed with Mercedes as their new reserve, meaning the 23-year-old will step in if either Hamilton or Russell cannot race. On Tuesday night, Mercedes shared pictures of a smiling Schumacher sitting in the cockpit and getting a custom seat moulded around him, should the aforementioned situation arise, or for any potential testing duties. Schumacher’s deal with Mercedes follows on from his father, seven-time F1 world champion Michael, racing for the Silver Arrows from 2010-12, along with earlier stints in sportscars and the DTM touring car series. After joining Mercedes, Schumacher junior said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment. READ MORE: ‘He deserves a chance’ – Wolff says Mercedes role can help Schumacher get back into an F1 race seat “I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team boss] and everybody involved for putting their trust in me. “F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team.” via Formula 1 News https://www.formula1.com
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alobono · 1 year
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lewis' KL petronas duties can be something so personal...
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calacuspr · 2 years
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Calacus Weekly Hit & Miss – Mercedes-Benz F1 & Robbie Dunne & PJA
Every week we look at the best and worst communicators in the sports world from the previous week.
HIT - MERCEDES-BENZ F1
Formula One running costs have accelerated by 1000% over the past 30 years, meaning teams are relying on sponsorship liveries now more than ever.
Top teams have budgets of more than $400 million and predominantly rely on the financial support from corporate sponsors for funding.
This week, one such sponsorship deal caused a stir, when it was announced that Mercedes-AMG Petronas had agreed a collaboration with British construction company Kingspan.
Kingspan’s subsidiary, Kingspan Insulation UK, remain at the centre of an ongoing enquiry into the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 people, after it was discovered that the insulation materials the company had supplied during the construction of the tower were highly flammable.
Kingspan's logo had appeared on Mercedes driver Sir Lewis Hamilton's car as he won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
Hamilton said, when asked about the controversy, that he had nothing to do with the deal, adding: "Unfortunately my name is associated with it because it has been on my car but whether that remains the same, we will see."
UK government Cabinet minister Michael Gove added his voice to condemnation from relatives of the 72 people killed in the devastating 2017 Grenfell fire of the team's decision to add Kingspan to its financial backers.
In a letter to Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team principal Toto Wolff, Mr Gove said the Government could amend advertising rules on racing cars if he does not pull the partnership with Kingspan.
He wrote: “I am conscious that there are very real questions about whether Parliament would support a statutory regime that enabled a core participant in a public inquiry in to how 72 people lost their lives to advertise its products publicly to millions of families across the country.
“The achievements of Mercedes and Sir Lewis Hamilton in recent years represent a British success story of which we are all proud.
“I hope you will reconsider this commercial partnership which threatens to undermine all the good work the company and sport has done.”
However, to their credit ,Mercedes were very quick to respond, abruptly terminating their partnership with Kingspan with immediate effect.
In a statement, the team said: "The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and Kingspan today announced that they have mutually agreed to end their partnership.
“Both parties have subsequently concluded that it is not appropriate for the partnership to move forward at the current point in time, notwithstanding its intended positive impact, and we have therefore agreed that it will be discontinued with immediate effect.”
Kingspan said: "We are deeply aware of the sensitivities raised in recent days, and so we have jointly agreed that it's not appropriate to move forward at the current point in time."
The survivors' group Grenfell United, welcomed Mercedes’ announcement, saying it had met Mr Wolff to discuss its concerns.
In a sport where cash is nearly always king, Mercedes have done the right thing by dissociating themselves from Kingspan and underlines the importance of organisations putting values and people before profits.
In another encouraging move for Mercedes, Hamilton has been lauded for an incredible act of allyship after adorning his helmet with rainbow colours for the final three Grand Prix races of the season, in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi.
The seven-time Formula One world champion presented the colours of the Progress Pride flag – a banner which recognises the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
On the Gulf States’ approach to human rights issues and discriminatory laws against women and LGBTQ+ individuals, Hamilton said: “We’re aware there are issues in these places that we’re going to. But of course [Qatar] seems to be deemed as one of the worst in this part of the world. As sports go to these places, they are duty bound to raise awareness for these issues. These places need scrutiny. Equal rights is a serious issue.
“If we are coming to these places, we need to be raising the profile of the situation. One person can only make a certain amount of small difference but collectively we can have a bigger impact. Do I wish that more sportsmen and women spoke out on these issues? Yes.
“It’s down to whether you decide to educate yourself and hold the sport more accountable and make sure the sport is actually doing something when they go to those places.”
Richard Morris, a British racing driver and co-founder of Racing Pride, stated that Hamilton’s gesture “fills me with hope”.
“It is an incredible act of allyship from Lewis to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, in the context of Formula One visiting a region in which LGBTQ+ people face discrimination and challenges to their human rights,” Morris said.
“So it fills me with hope that we are now seeing drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel be active champions for inclusion. There’s a lot more work to be done in the sport, but we are starting to move in the right direction.”
Hamilton has previously called on F1 stars and other sportspeople to speak out against human rights abuses. His friend and rival Vettel wore a T-shirt in support of the LGBTQ+ community at the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier in the season.
Hamilton’s gesture demonstrates the capacity the sport has to use its platform positively to promote values of inclusion around the world.
His message is clear and emphasizes the progress in Formula One’s position on diversity and inclusivity. By providing their fans with role models who are willing to speak up on important humanitarian issues, it is an indication that motorsport is starting to move in the right direction.
MISS – ROBBIE DUNNE & PJA
As with so many other sports, horseracing has gone through something of a transformation over recent years.
It was only in 1972 that Meriel Tufnell became the first female jockey to win an official horse race in Britain, the first year that they were allowed to race against men.
Forty years later and Katie Walsh finished third on Seabass at the 2012 Grand National, before Rachael Blackmore became the first female winner with Minella Times at this year’s race.
The Guardian said of Blackmore: “Racing has found a new icon to draw fans back to the track…she is the superstar the sport needed so urgently after a year with no spectators on the racecourse.”
Another star of the sport is Bryony Frost, who made history at the Cheltenham Festival in 2019, winning the Grade One Ryanair Chase, the first woman to win a race at that level and she went on to win the King George VI Chase with Frodon at Kempton on Boxing Day last year.
But Frost has suffered for her success, embroiled in a high profile dispute with fellow jockey Robbie Dunne which resulted in a British Horseracing Association (BHA) independent disciplinary panel banning him from the sport for 18 months (three of which are suspended).
Reports suggested that the problems began early in 2020, although a clash in September when Dunne’s horse Cillian’s Well fell, and was fatally injured, in a clash with Frost was thought to be partly to blame.
An initial report, detailed in The Sunday Times, exposed a culture of “bullying and intimidation in the workplace,” which resulted in Dunne facing disciplinary charges including “conduct prejudicial to the integrity or good reputation” of the sport.
When the investigation was first revealed, Dunne said: "What happens in the weighing room stays in the weighing room,” which gave the impression that he was dismissive of the concerns or complaints being levelled at him.
Frost’s formal complaint to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) listed a series of incidents involving Dunne, dating back to her early days as an amateur rider.
Her father, Jimmy Frost, who won the Grand National in 1989, told the Daily Telegraph in January: “I just think it's a tough world at the moment to go into and it shouldn't be. It should come into the 21st century, and we should look after each youngster. It's probably getting to the stage where I would struggle to recommend a youngster.
“Bryony's got quite a lot of young followers, boys and girls. I've got one who comes for lessons once a week. They want to follow that career but, listening to her sometimes at what goes on, I wouldn't recommend them to follow that. It would be nice to see that change. Something needs looking at.”
The independent disciplinary panel ruled that Dunne had engaged in conduct online, on the track and in the weighing room that was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of racing.
The panel heard that  Dunne had threatened Frost by promising to "put her through a wing" and is also accused of using misogynistic language such as "f****** w***e", "f****** s**t" and "dangerous c***" towards her as well as opening his towel and exposing himself to Frost in the changing rooms.
Former amateur rider Hannah Welch said an incident after a race at Chepstow in November 2018 contributed to her giving up jump racing. She said: "He was shouting and swearing, standing very closely in front of me. I was crying. He did not stop.”
Louis Weston, representing the BHA, said in his closing remarks that Dunne subjected Frost to a "vendetta" which saw her ostracised by other jockeys and valets.
"If there is a weighing-room culture that allows one jockey to threaten another with serious harm to them and their horse, that culture is one that is sour, rancid and we say should be thrown out and discarded. It's had its time," he said, adding that racing "exerted a pressure on people who would otherwise speak freely.
“If what is being said, when you come to determine this case, there is a weighing room culture that allows one jockey to threaten another with serious injury to them or their horse, or to call another a whore, a slut or a slag then that culture is one that is sour, rancid and one that we say should be thrown out and discarded. Its time, if ever it had its time, has gone.”
Panel Chair Brian Barker said they had been "unable to accept Mr Dunne's sweep of denials, criticisms and his reasoning" as well as expressing "real concern" about the described culture of the weighing room in Britain.
Mr Barker added: "A man, who in the view of one of his own witnesses was a 'piss-taker', and who regarded himself as one of the elders of the weighing room and someone who expected his view to be heeded.
"The tenor and type of language that we find was used towards Ms Frost is totally unacceptable, whatever the frustrations about her style and whatever the habits of the weighing room. They fall squarely within the ambit of the prohibition set out in the rule.
"Secondly, in reviewing the evidence given and their approach by jockeys of repute as well as by the valets – who probably find themselves in a difficult position – we have real concern that what was referred to by Mr Weston as the 'weighing room culture' is deep-rooted and coercive, and in itself is not conducive to the good health and the development of modern day race-riding."
This sorry episode has shone a light on a toxic culture of bullying and misogyny, with Dunne a key proponent.
Perhaps tellingly, the Professional Jockey’s Association rejected the damaging assessment made during the inquiry about the culture of the sport.
It rapidly issued a statement after the verdict which said: "The PJA does not accept the disciplinary panel’s findings in relation to the culture within and collective behaviour of the jump jockeys’ weighing room. It is a grossly inaccurate and wholly unfair representation of the weighing-room and a conclusion we believe is at odds with the evidence presented.”
“The PJA therefore accepts that the language used in the weighing room will not always be the language you would expect in an office. This is no different to what happens in the pressure cooker of any professional sport.”
The tone of their statement was one of defensive denial, especially considering that Frost is also one of their members. While others may not have had the confidence to speak up, her accusations were considered to be proven, so why did the PJA not express concern for her and others perhaps less confident to come forward?
Julie Harrington, BHA CEO provided wise counsel: “As the chief executive of the BHA, there is a clear finding that Bryony was bullied. We will take time to reflect and hopefully the PJA will reflect with their members before speaking any further.
“But it is important for racing fans, for the public, for parents who want their children to come into this sport, that we can look them in the eye and are seen to be doing the right thing.
“I would like to praise Bryony Frost for having the courage to come forward and raise her concerns,” she said. “This was not easy to do but sport needs brave pioneers such as her if change is ever going to be made.
“The investigation and the serious charges brought highlight that there is no room for conduct of this nature within our sport. We believe this is an important moment for our industry.”
What reception Frost will receive in the face of such denials from her fellow jockeys remains to be seen.
She made a brief statement which said: “I would like to thank every individual including the racing public that has supported me not only during the last couple of weeks but throughout.
"I wish now to take time to reflect on the outcome before I make any further comment. I ask the media to please give me and the people closest to me a few days of privacy. I need to focus on my upcoming rides over the weekend. Thank you."
Dunne may not be the only jockey whose conduct warrants review, but this case has underlined the need to address genuine problems in the sport’s culture - and Dunne would do well to reflect on his own behaviour.
The fact that he has not yet expressed any regret for his actions speaks volumes about the level of transformation the sport requires if it is to be a welcome environment for everyone.
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sknews7 · 4 years
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Is Toto Wolff Taking a Step Back From F1 as Mercedes Team Principal
Toto Wolff has been within the function of crew principal at Mercedes for eight years now. Throughout his time with the Brackley-based outfit, the crew has seen unprecedented success, successful 6 consecutive Constructors’ Championships.
Below the management of Wolff, Mercedes have achieved full domination over the F1 grid. Nevertheless, Wolff’s contract because the crew boss will get over in 2020. And in keeping with the person himself, he has hinted at not persevering with as crew principal.
Wolff said, “I like this crew and I get alongside properly with Ola Kallenius (Daimler CEO). I believe that is my place. It’s simply that eight years on this crew as crew principal are taking its toll, and that is one thing that I’m reflecting on.”
Speculations are rife, suggesting that Wolff is to be supplied a brand new function throughout the crew. A job that can give the German the liberty of not attending all of the races, permitting him to deal with different duties as a result of lest we neglect, Wolff can also be the CEO Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport Method One crew.
Though the specifics of the function supplied aren’t recognized, in keeping with studies, an announcement relating to the aforementioned is to be made quickly.
Mercedes boss insistent that his stepping out of the function received’t have an effect on the crew’s pursuit of championships
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, when requested if his vacating the function of crew principal would have an effect on Lewis Hamilton and the crew, Wolff stated (quoted by Motorsport.com), “If I made a decision to give up, he would proceed to win.
“There are such a lot of good individuals within the crew. Mercedes wouldn’t begin dropping championships so long as we’ve got the perfect automotive and the perfect drivers.”
Wolff might properly go away his function as crew principal with the parting reward of a seventh Constructors’ title within the bag. In some ways, Wolff is true. Mercedes have been having the perfect automotive, in addition to, the perfect driver on the grid for a lot of years now and they’re going to proceed to have nice success, even with out Wolff on the helm of operations.
However that shouldn’t downplay the work he has executed in getting the crew to the place they’re. Apart from, Wolff isn’t leaving Mercedes as an entire. He’ll nonetheless be round to cheer the crew and can proceed to play a pivotal albeit background function of their future success.
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adriansmithcarslove · 4 years
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2020 MotorTrend Person of the Year: Who’s the Biggest Player in the Auto Industry?
It has been another fascinating year for the auto industry, with product highlights ranging from the much-anticipated mid-engine Corvette to a string of Tesla-challenging EVs to a swath of three-row SUVs and heavy-duty trucks.
As usual, there was drama in the executive ranks of the automakers that make these vehicles happen.
The most tumultuous was at the Nissan Renault Alliance, where the list of “former” CEOs kept growing. The jailed Carlos Ghosn was out, but as the year progressed, many of the people who filled his leadership void were also out.
At the Volkswagen Group, there were more arrests and investigations in the wake of the never-ending Dieselgate scandal as investigators also turned their sights toward Daimler, BMW, FCA, and Ford.
But amid the drama, the auto industry’s powerful players continued to design, innovate, engineer, market, sell, and even race a slew of spectacular vehicles with increasingly complex technology.
This list is a hats-off to the people behind the accomplishments. They are the ones to watch. And No.1 on the Power List is the 15th MotorTrend Person of the Year.
Read about Car, SUV, and Truck of the Year contenders and finalists HERE. Or, check out the 2019 Power List here.
50. Maurizio Reggiani
Chief Technical Officer, Automobili Lamborghini 2019 Rank: 19
His latest is the $2 million, 808-hp Sián hybrid supercar with a V-12 and a supercapacitor (instead of a traditional battery pack), allowing it to store more power, discharge it faster, and require less cooldown time so it’s ready to squirt out of the next corner.
49. Kyle Vogt
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Cruise 2019 Rank: 40
The robotics pioneer has seen his startup raise another $7.25 billion and expand to more than 1,000 employees developing and testing autonomous vehicles for GM with investment from Honda and SoftBank Vision. Cruise is valued at $19 billion and is rivaling Waymo in the race to get robocars on city streets in big volumes.
48. Bryan Salesky
Co-Founder and CEO, Argo AI 2019 Rank: Unranked
Salesky’s startup has attracted enough money and attention to play in the big leagues with Waymo and Cruise and is testing its robocars in six cities now. Ford and VW have invested about $2.6 billion in the private firm, which will give each automaker an autonomous driving system it can tailor to its own vehicle development programs.
47. Albert Biermann
Head of Research and Development, Hyundai Motor Group 2019 Rank: 17
Biermann injected performance as head of Hyundai N, and now, as global R&D boss, he spreads his engineering prowess across all Hyundai Group brands. We anticipate a Ranger Raptor competitor for Hyundai, more N models, and a limited-production halo car in partnership with Rimac.
46. Alfonso Albaisa
Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Co. 2019 Rank: 36
Albaisa continues to redefine the look of the Nissan and Infiniti brands as they embrace a focus on electric vehicles. He poached former Lincoln designer David Woodhouse to help create distinctive Japanese designs. For Infiniti, the Inspiration concepts represent the future of the brand. At Nissan, an overhaul of the lineup is foreshadowed by the IMQ crossover concept.
45. Jim Hackett
CEO, Ford 2019 Rank: Unranked
It has taken a couple of years for Hackett’s ideas and methods to become clear, resonate, and show signs of change. He has made key partnership deals with VW and Rivian, expanded investment in Argo AI for autonomous driving, and sorted out the proper roles for his top lieutenants.
44. Masayoshi Son
Founder and CEO, SoftBank Group 2019 Rank: Unranked
Son is a major player in Silicon Valley, and his Vision Fund has contributed to the mobility space with investments in Uber, Cruise, and a research project with Honda. He has outlined a 300-year plan to make SoftBank a leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, and other advanced technologies.
43. Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1 Driver, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport 2019 Rank: Unranked
The six-time world champion might be the best driver of his—or any—generation. Since his remarkable rookie season in 2007, he has dominated the most elite level of racing. The British driver’s personal branding is unconventional, but his record speaks for itself, and his fans are legion.
42. Michael Mauer
Director of Style, Porsche 2019 Rank: 27
Mauer took the almost perfect 911 and crafted a new iteration that retains its iconic grace and elegance. The designer also created the Taycan, Porsche’s first electric car—which had to be recognizable as a Porsche while establishing a signature look for an electric future.
41. Tobias Moers
Board of Management, Mercedes-AMG, Daimler 2019 Rank: 31
The man behind the performance brand is helping AMG transition to a new future with hybrids, such as the One (with its Formula 1 hybrid engine) and a new EQ Performance line, starting with an AMG GT 4-Door by the end of 2020, while populating the lineup with snarling 43, 53, and 63 models.
40. Thomas Ingenlath
CEO and Chief Designer, Polestar 2019 Rank: 10
After a hybrid model introduced the electric performance brand, Polestar becomes a dedicated EV brand to compete with Tesla. Ingenlath oversees the design and business end of this electric performance vehicle division, which must look different from the Volvos Polestar shares technology with.
More on Polestar’s future here.
39. Michael Simcoe
Vice President of Global Design, General Motors 2019 Rank: Unranked
Simcoe took over the big chair in 2016, so his leadership and design influence is slowly rolling out. Long-term projects like the mid-engine Corvette were largely locked in, but the road appeal of the Chevrolet Blazer and the lines of the Cadillac CT5 have his touch.
38. Peter Faricy
CEO of Global Direct to Consumer, Discovery 2019 Rank: Unranked
Faricy shepherds Discovery’s U.S. digital projects as part of a larger plan to offer low-cost streaming of automotive content. He is positioning MotorTrend as Netflix for cars with Top Gear America, along with new garage, adventure, and lifestyle shows—bringing automotive entertainment to the masses.
37. Alejandro Agag
Chairman, Formula E 2019 Rank: 46
Millions watch each race, as Formula E has become one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, silencing skeptics and raising questions about whether Formula 1 should consider switching to electric race cars. More brands, companies, and cities continue to join as the electric car racing championship enters its sixth season with 14 races scheduled.
36. Andy Palmer
President and Group CEO, Aston Martin Lagonda 2019 Rank: 4
Aston Martin had a rough first year on the stock market, but Palmer continues to work on a lineup of beautiful cars and developing a future with hybrids, a new V-6 engine, and a Lagonda EV lineup—while still offering V-12 cars in a world that demands compliance with stricter emissions regulations.
35. Marek Reichman
Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin 2019 Rank: Unranked
Reichman has injected bold differentiation into new Astons, creating such diverse vehicles as the exotic Valkyrie hypercar, classically beautiful DB11 grand tourer, sporty Vantage two-seater, Vanquish mid-engine car, muscular DBS Superleggera, a first SUV with the DBX, and Lagonda electric concepts.
34. Britta Seeger
Supervisory Board Member for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales, Daimler 2019 Rank: Unranked
Seeger is working to build the EQ electric brand, finally pulling the plug on the profit-draining Smart brand in the U.S., and ensuring all the Mercedes-Benz products in between are resonating with consumers. Sales have grown under her watch.
33. Carlos Tavares
Chairman and CEO, PSA Group 2019 Rank: Unranked
General Motors couldn’t make money with Opel in Europe, but Tavares, who raised eyebrows when PSA bought the brand in 2017, is delivering on his promise to turn the brand around with tough love, cost-cutting, and the same discipline he applied to his other brands—which are showing record profits.
32. Joe Hinrichs
President of Automotive, Ford 2019 Rank: Unranked
Ford CEO Jim Hackett moved Hinrichs to the new role of overseeing the company’s global automotive business as well as product development—a good fit given his business acumen and ability to work with others to get the job done. This puts him in line to succeed Hackett.
31. Giovanni Palazzo
CEO and President, Electrify America 2019 Rank: Unranked
After seven years as VW’s head of e-mobility strategy, Palazzo was put in charge of Electrify America, which is installing fast-charging stations across the U.S. The independent subsidiary of VW was born of scandal, but its comprehensive, open network of charging stations could be Dieselgate’s redemption.
30. Takahiro Hachigo
CEO, Honda 2019 Rank: 29
Under this chief executive with an engineering background, Honda is streamlining its products, consolidating models, reducing variants, introducing a new architecture, expanding its two-motor hybrid system, sharing more parts, reducing manpower, and spending more on R&D.
29. Chris Urmson
Co-Founder and CEO, Aurora Innovation 2019 Rank: Unranked
After leading Google’s self-driving unit, Urmson co-founded his own startup in 2017. Aurora has partnerships with FCA and Hyundai and investment from Amazon, and it’s now valued at about $2.5 billion. Aurora’s autonomous tech will be seen in 2021 in vehicles from Hyundai and Chinese startup Byton.
28. Mark Reuss
President, General Motors 2019 Rank: 32
Reuss is managing the day-to-day for an automaker as focused on the Corvette and Silverado as the goal to put 1 million electric vehicles on the road annually while developing autonomous vehicles and still making a profit. It means overseeing a leaner company going forward to fund the expensive tech.
27. Ralf Speth
CEO, Jaguar Land Rover 2019 Rank: 16
Love it or hate it, after 22 years of begging, the Defender returns to the U.S. Jaguar has its own SUVs now, and the next XJ flagship sedan is expected to be stunning and electric. Even as JLR fights Brexit and slowing sales, Speth is investing heavily and has partnered with BMW to develop electric powertrains.
How the new Land Rover Defender compares to the Jeep Wrangler here.
26. Jensen Huang
Founder and President, Nvidia 2019 Rank: 15
The founder of the graphics-processor chip company has become the king of AI. From gaming roots, he expanded into transportation, manufacturing, and other fields. He is riding the demand for graphics and artificial intelligence chips as deep learning becomes crucial to autonomous driving.
25. Ola Källenius
Chairman and CEO, Daimler AG 2019 Rank: 41
The new CEO is making hard decisions to pare the lineup, reduce cost, and form alliances to improve margins while investing in electric and autonomous vehicles. Sales are strong in China, but there are still problems in Europe—where Daimler paid a fine for diesels accused of not meeting emissions regs.
24. Elon Musk
CEO, Tesla 2019 Rank: 42
Another year of drama for Musk with lawsuits and SEC concerns over tweets. But sales continue to grow, affordable Model 3s are on the road, there’s a new plant in China, and promises of a pickup, compact crossover, roadster, and a big rig continue. Ever the boy at heart, his cars can now fart.
23. Dhivya Suryadevara
Chief Financial Officer, General Motors 2019 Rank: Unranked
In charge of GM’s finance department since 2018, Suryadevara is pivotal in achieving annual cost reductions of $4.5 billion through 2020—ensuring the automaker has the resources for ambitious EV and autonomous vehicle plans while keeping things running during a protracted labor strike.
22. John Krafcik
CEO, Waymo 2019 Rank: 6
Waymo has autonomous taxis on public roads in Phoenix, is mapping the streets of L.A., and will lease a factory in Detroit to retrofit vehicles from FCA and Jaguar to drive autonomously. Krafcik is also testing Waymo’s self-driving technology in Class 8 trucks for use in the trucking industry.
21. Akio Toyoda
President, Toyota 2019 Rank: 35
The scion of the founders remains in charge after a decade with no signs of slowing down. He wants to reinvent the company for the future of mobility with artificial intelligence, partnerships to address the cost of future tech, and an eye to spinning off divisions such as software development or telematics.
20. Häkan Samuelsson
CEO, Volvo 2019 Rank: 3
Design overhaul—check. Creation of a more premium brand in Polestar—check. Big moves to go electric—check. Now the CEO wants to merge engine operations with China’s Geely to create a stand-alone powertrain supplier. Those cut costs can then be used to fund all these future plans.
19. Stefan Weckbach
Taycan Chief Engineer, Porsche 2019 Rank: Unranked
Weckbach is the man behind what might be the most significant, ambitious Porsche of all time: its first electric car that retains the brand’s ultra-high-performance DNA. The Taycan has familial styling cues, punches you out of corners like a 911 Turbo, and offers a range expected to exceed 225 miles.
18. Mike Manley
CEO, FCA 2019 Rank: 12
Since his sudden ascension to the top job, Manley has been quietly implementing the five-year plan, dealing with sales and diesel legal messes, and remaining open to mergers despite a failed attempt with Renault. He’s also returning an idled Detroit plant to production to make a three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee.
17. Mike Flewitt
CEO, McLaren 2019 Rank: 20
Flewitt is making McLaren synonymous with “supercar.” His latest salvo: the magnificent Senna, which can deliver a spiritual awakening to even the most experienced drivers. The company continues to grow its product line, production, sales, profits, and stature under Flewitt’s steady hand.
16. Thomas Ulbrich
Member of the Board of Management for E-Mobility, Volkswagen 2019 Rank: 18
VW’s commitment to electric vehicles is not lip service. The automaker has started showing some of the 33 models planned on the Modular Electric Drive platform. The Zwickau, Germany, plant and half the Chattanooga plant will be converted to make MEB vehicles.
15. Li Shufu
Chairman of Zhejiang Geely, Volvo Cars, and Lynk & Co. 2019 Rank: 9
This auto czar is bringing his interests together as Volvo and Geely create a new stand-alone company to develop next-generation combustion engines and hybrid powertrains. Volvo will focus on electric powertrains that it can supply to Geely, Lynk & Co., Lotus, Proton, and LEVC (London cabs).
14. August Achleitner
Vice President Product Line 911 and 718, Porsche 2019 Rank: Unranked
Mr. 911 calls it a career, but only after his final work: the 992 generation of the sports car he had overseen for 18 years. Achleitner lovingly crafted the evolution of the icon that defines the automaker, without losing its elegant lines or performance.
13. J.B. Straubel
Co-Founder and Senior Adviser, Tesla 2019 Rank: Unranked
Straubel, the former chief technical officer at Tesla, has stepped back from day-to-day authority but will continue to apply his genius toward core technologies—especially around batteries, power electronics, and an expanding network of superchargers. He is essential to Tesla’s drive to retain EV tech leadership.
12. Joy Falotico
Chief Marketing Officer, Ford; President, Lincoln 2019 Rank: 38
Falotico has overseen the launch of two more hits for Lincoln—the compact Corsair and three-row Aviator—while upgrading the Nautilus. The brand now has a strong lineup that is restoring the storied Lincoln name. She is also overseeing Ford’s restructuring of its global marketing and agencies.
11. Eui-Sun Chung
Executive Vice Chairman, Hyundai Motor Group 2019 Rank: 14
The heir apparent makes all the right moves, with vehicles marked by strong design, performance, packaging, and value. They source Hyundai steel and smartly share in-house component sets. A joint venture with Aptiv will develop autonomous cars, an area where Hyundai was falling behind.
10. Marketer: Alan Bethke
Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America 2019 Rank: Unranked
Bethke peddles love. Responsible for Subaru marketing, Bethke is steward of the highly successful campaign that has boosted brand awareness and sales for a decade. The tagline, “Love. It’s what makes a Subaru a Subaru,” made it to a skit on SNL and a question on Jeopardy!. Say no more.
9. One to Watch: Mate Rimac
Founder, Rimac Automobili 2019 Rank: Unranked
The Croatian entrepreneur builds electric hypercars—the $2 million C Two comes out next year—and makes advanced high-density battery systems for other brands’ high-performance vehicles. He has partnered with Seat and received investment from Porsche and Hyundai.
8. Showman: Charles Gordon-Lennox
Duke of Richmond, founder of Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival 2019 Rank: Unranked
Lord March, as he was previously known, is the founder of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, which attract 150,000 motoring enthusiasts a day to his estate in the U.K. to watch vehicles from every era make the famous hill climb. It is a model that could become the auto show of the future.
7. Lion of Industry: Roger Penske
Founder and Chairman, Penske Corporation 2019 Rank: Unranked
Penske, the businessman who has become synonymous with retailing as much as racing, oversees an array of transportation companies, including dealerships and race teams that date back 50 years. The former professional race car driver added this year’s Indy 500 and IMSA titles to his vast collection.
6. CEO: Mary Barra
Chairman and CEO, General Motors 2019 Rank: 11
Barra continues to be the tough, shrewd, and strategic leader that GM needs to remain profitable while investing heavily in electric and autonomous vehicles. Her decisive, no-nonsense approach has led to unpopular decisions to discontinue models, stop production, and cut jobs to meet long-term financial goals.
5. Designer: David Woodhouse
Vice President of Nissan Design America, Nissan 2019 Rank: 22
The former Lincoln design chief hopes to replicate his magic for transforming overlooked vehicles into head turners for the aging Nissan and Infiniti portfolios. Woodhouse’s work has been exceptional and thrust Lincoln back into the spotlight as America’s luxury brand. Can lightning strike twice?
4. Engineer: Tadge Juechter
Corvette Chief Engineer, General Motors 2019 Rank: Unranked
Juechter was able to squeeze the final dollops of power out of the C7 Corvette and then create a whole new beast: the long-awaited C8 with a mid-engine to increase power and performance. Despite all the tech, he engineered an affordable everyman’s supercar: 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds for $60,000.
3. Futurist: RJ Scaringe
Founder and CEO, Rivian Automotive 2019 Rank: Unranked
The super-cool R1S electric SUV and R1T EV pickup are scheduled to start production next year, and Scaringe, an MIT-educated engineer, is making his skateboard platform available to others interested in his tech. That includes Ford and its $500 million investment, which will net the Blue Oval an electric SUV.
2. Product Czar: Kumar Galhotra
President, Ford North America 2019 Rank: Unranked
After spending four years turning around the Lincoln brand, Galhotra stepped up to the top job in North America, where he oversees product development among a hundred other details. He gets credit for ensuring Fords and Lincolns are well differentiated and squarely aimed at their respective buyers. How Ford competes for car shoppers while walking away from traditional sedans will be his biggest challenge.
1. Peter Schreyer
President, Head of Design Management Hyundai Motor Group 2019 Rank: 33
Peter Schreyer is the unflappable man in black, the German designer behind the original Audi TT and rebirthed Volkswagen New Beetle. When he left Volkswagen Group in 2006 to become chief design officer for Kia, it was a lane change many did not see coming.
But Schreyer adjusted his trademark Philippe Starck glasses and clutched the clean sheet of paper he was handed. Korean vehicles were known for their value proposition, but they were saddled with styling that was either anonymous or juvenile. Make us respectable and respected, he was told. Not an easy task with a maker of econoboxes not long exited from bankruptcy.
Schreyer set out to make Kia sporty and recognizable. The 2010 Optima was the first Kia designed entirely under his direction. The mature, upscale sedan with its signature grille wouldn’t have been out of place with a BMW roundel on its hood, and it was the catalyst for the future transformation of the lineup.
Since then, Schreyer has created hit after hit. The second coming of the boxy, quirky Soul appealed to the elusive millennial buyer (and annihilated Toyota’s Scion xB in the process). He expanded Kia’s breadth with the K900 luxury sedan, the sexy Stinger sport coupe, and even the premium-on-a-budget Kia Rio subcompact. His vehicles stand out on today’s crowded roads, blending Korean culture and love of technology.
Given his success in changing the perception of the Kia brand, the company smartly gave him more responsibility and a greater domain. He became one of three Hyundai Group presidents, responsible for the company’s long-term design vision and differentiation between the brands.
That vision is seen in the bold new Hyundai Sonata, the three-row Hyundai Palisade SUV, the gorgeous Genesis Essentia two-door concept with its butterfly doors, the Genesis G70 (our 2019 Car of the Year), and now the 2020 MotorTrend SUV of the Year Kia Telluride. Hyundai now ranks 36th and Kia 78th in Interbrand’s “Best Global Brands” rankings (for context, Ferrari is 77th).
Schreyer is only the third automotive designer to be honored by the Royal College of Art, following in the steps of the legendary Sergio Pininfarina and Giorgetto Giugiaro. It is just another endorsement of his talent for creating stunning vehicles in one of the largest turnarounds in automotive history.
Schreyer once said he wishes he could be a painter. The MotorTrend 2020 Person of the Year has taken a Korean canvas and created a masterpiece.
The post 2020 MotorTrend Person of the Year: Who’s the Biggest Player in the Auto Industry? appeared first on MotorTrend.
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robertkstone · 5 years
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The 2019 Power List – and the Person of the Year Is…
This is the 14th year Motor Trend has scoured the automotive landscape to produce its Power List. We discern the most influential and transformative people of the past year, the ones that make this elaborate industry hum and whirl, speed up and bog down.
As the powertrains of tomorrow transition away from diesels, optimizing gas-engine efficiency and adding electrification, so too do the faces change with the times. There are always CEOs and other C-suite executives on our list, but we look for the people further down in the trenches whose efforts create a buzz. We love this industry and want to reward a job well done. And we try to find the new faces that reflect the trends, new tech, and sometimes new companies that populate the automotive landscape.
This year there were a few big business moves: Aston Martin went public; Tesla pondered going private. There was boardroom drama with a Volkswagen coup, the untimely death of FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne, and the punitive stripping of the chairman’s title from Elon Musk. But largely it was a year of solid product development, with some remakes of classics and launches of a healthy batch of new nameplates.
These are the people behind those successes. Topping the list is the Person of the Year who left an oversized imprint. But the 49 others are the ones to watch in 2019.
50. KLAUS BUSSE
FCA
HEAD OF DESIGN FOR ALFA ROMEO, MASERATI, FIAT, ABARTH, LANCIA
2018 RANK: UNRANKED
Busse spent 10 years with Mercedes in Germany then moved to the U.S. during the DaimlerChrysler years. He chose to stay after the corporate divorce. Now back in Europe and designing FCA’s European brands, he has shaped cars as disparate as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. His next task? Shoring up Maserati’s styling.
49. TOTO WOLFF
MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS MOTORSPORT
TEAM PRINCIPAL AND CEO
2018 RANK: UNRANKED
The former racing driver is the managing partner of the Formula 1 team and also leads the Mercedes motorsports program. He has a 30 percent stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix. Teamed with Niki Lauda, Wolff has produced results exceeding expectations with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
48. DAVID FREIBURGER
MOTOR TREND GROUP
CO-HOST OF ROADKILL
2018 RANK: 47
Freiburger is a former editor-in-chief of Hot Rod magazine and one of the stars of the breakout Motor Trend original series, Roadkill. Under his direction, the unscripted reality series, now shown on Motor Trend’s SVOD channel and the Motor Trend Network (nee Velocity), Roadkill has built a huge fanbase on the strength of its authenticity and credibility.
47. THOMAS DOLL
SUBARU OF AMERICA
CEO
2018 RANK: 35
After posting a decade of growth for Subaru, Doll was promoted to CEO while unveiling the Ascent three-row SUV, launching the Crosstrek, and introducing the next-generation Forester. Subaru continues to cater to its loyal buyers and sell cars as fast as it can make them.
46. ALEJANDRO AGAG
FORMULA E HOLDINGS
CEO
2018 RANK: 10
As the auto world goes electric, the Formula E founder sees a future where his series overtakes Formula 1 as the leading motorsports series. Formula E is starting its fifth season with faster Gen2 cars. More automakers are planning to participate with big-name drivers in the years ahead.
45. KEVIN CLARK
APTIV
PRESIDENT AND CEO
2018 RANK: UNRANKED
Aptiv was spun off from Delphi to focus on electronics and software for autonomous driving, connectivity, and active safety systems. Under Clark, Aptiv has grown its market cap and partnered with Hertz to get autonomous vehicles on the road and with Lyft to test a fleet in Las Vegas.
44. PAM FLETCHER
GENERAL MOTORS
VICE PRESIDENT OF INNOVATION
2018 RANK: 16
Fletcher, a top engineer, takes on a new role identifying and accelerating new growth opportunities as GM works to transform. She now reports directly to CEO Mary Barra. Fletcher has distinguished herself in managing teams bent on bringing industry-leading electric and autonomous vehicles to market.
43. DAVID HALL
VELODYNE LIDAR
FOUNDER AND CEO
2018 RANK: UNRANKED
Everybody seems to be working on smaller, lighter, and less expensive autonomous vehicle lidar systems. Fighting off the myriad startups is Velodyne, which dominates in this crucial field. Hall invented 3-D lidar in 2005 and turned his vision into a thriving company that continues to lead the field.
42(0). ELON MUSK
TESLA
CEO
2018 RANK: 2
The mercurial genius got into trouble with the SEC over tweets about going private (never happened), which cost him fines and his chairman title. Model 3 “production hell” led him to sleep in the factory and build cars in a tent. Tesla’s wild ride includes ever-evolving tech, as well as Musk’s promises to build electric big rigs, pickups, and sports cars. More vaporware? Don’t count him out.
41. OLA KALLENIUS
DAMILER/MERCEDES-BENZ
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, GROUP RESEARCH AND MERCEDES-BENZ CARS DEVELOPMENT
2018 RANK: 27
It’s now official: Kallenius becomes chairman of the board of management at Daimler and CEO of Mercedes-Benz cars next year with the mandatory retirement of Dieter Zetsche. The Swede becomes the first non-German Daimler leader. His clear and transparent leadership style and steady climb up the ranks should make for a smooth transition.
40. KYLE VOGT
CRUISE
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO
2018 RANK: UNRANKED
Vogt’s startup was acquired by GM in 2016 and is the basis for Cadillac’s Super Cruise and a fleet of robotaxis. Cruise received a $2.25 billion infusion from the SoftBank Vision Fund, and Honda will invest a further $2.75 billion over 12 years and take a 5.7 percent stake. Cruise rivals Waymo for autonomous vehicle supremacy.
39. CARLOS GHOSN
RENAULT, NISSAN, MITSUBISHI
FORMER CHAIRMAN, CEO
2018 RANKING: 22
Prior to his sudden arrest on the day the Power List went to press, Ghosn was still chairman of Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi and was CEO of the global Alliance he created (as this is written, he retains his titles at Renault). He took three struggling companies and made them stronger than the sum of their parts. Before the allegations, which could end his career, his legacy reflected efforts to create an automotive juggernaut.
38. JOY FALOTICO
FORD
GROUP VICE PRESIDENT LINCOLN, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, CHAIRMAN FORD CREDIT
2018 RANK: UNRANKED
The longtime head of Ford Credit has heady new duties—running Lincoln and leading Ford Motor marketing—while remaining Ford Credit chairman. She is proving a quick study as Lincoln gains traction. She’s also shaken up marketing with new advertising partners and a new image for the Ford brand.
37. RALPH GILLES
FCA
GLOBAL HEAD OF DESIGN
2018 RANK: 37
FCA’s five-year plan reads like a to-do list for Gilles, who oversees the design of the varied brands, including tough Ram pickups, iconic Jeep Wranglers, tiny Fiats, family-hauling minivans, American muscle cars, and exotic Italian cars. Gilles continues to deliver the goods, keeping each brand distinct and relevant.
36. ALFONSO ALBAISA
NISSAN MOTOR CO.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR GLOBAL DESIGN
2018 RANK: 39
Charged with design for Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun, Albaisa has been prolific. Infiniti has launched the luxe QX50, and Nissan created the smart Kicks. Infiniti also teased its future with the stunning Q Inspiration, Prototype 9, Prototype 10, and Project Black S.
35. AKIO TOYODA
TOYOTA
CEO AND PRESIDENT
2018 RANK: 13
Why is Toyota bringing back the Supra, sustaining the 86, and supporting Gazoo Racing? Because its CEO loves to drive. But Akio is also positioning Toyota as a player in ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles—while ensuring mainstream best-sellers like the Camry and RAV4 continue to evolve. Most recent negotiation: the joint venture plant with Mazda in Alabama.
34. HERBERT DIESS
VOLKSWAGEN
CEO
2018 RANK: UNRANKED
The Dieselgate coup that ousted CEO Matthias Muller also elevated former BMW veteran Diess. He is orchestrating the expensive plan to launch 80 electric vehicles by 2025—including a resurrection of the iconic Microbus. Diess is restructuring the 12 brands under VW’s aegis and tackling a potential IPO of the heavy truck division.
33. PETER SCHREYER
HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER
2018 RANK: 18
This trailblazer is reinventing the world’s view of Korean automakers—in terms of both design and drivability. The Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands are gaining sales and acclaim as they add new nameplates and improve existing models at a rapid clip.
32. MARK REUSS
IFTTT
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wejustvibing · 2 months
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i still love this team (mercedes) so much and that's never gonna change... i genuinely love the brand, i'm always gonna be supporting it. when i left mclaren, even still to this day, i look at the board when we're driving, i'm always hoping they do well. and that will be same feeling for this team.
but i think this is a real pivotal point, another chapter that i'm going to [enter] in my life where i've got this massive challenge up ahead of me, moving forwards. something i'm really, really excited about. it's worrying, it's nerve racking and it's exciting.
- Lewis Hamilton
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wejustvibing · 2 months
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it's the smile after signing that ferrari cap in the petronas backyard for me
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wejustvibing · 2 months
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✌🏾😌.
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wejustvibing · 6 months
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[©ap]
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wejustvibing · 2 months
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"you're so handsome, bro"
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wejustvibing · 2 months
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the fan 😭
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Lewis on sponsor duties in Kuala Lumpur today
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