Paddock News: Dubai Historic cancelled, Silverstone Festival & Other Stories
F1 NewsSunday, 27 July 2025 at 07:30
The summer motorsport calendar continues to heat up with major announcements and landmark events across Formula 1 and historic racing.
From a decade-long extension securing Formula E’s future with the FIA, to fresh sponsorship deals in the Formula 1 paddock, the headlines reflect both innovation and nostalgia.
KICK Sauber welcomes Amazon’s eero for Spa and Zandvoort, while the Masters Historic Racing team reshapes its 2025 plans amid logistical challenges.
At Silverstone, two high-profile initiatives - The Refuel campaign and McLaren’s support of the World Champions Collection - are set to make the August Bank Holiday a celebration of motorsport legacy and human connection.
Here’s a round-up of the biggest motorsport press releases this week.
KICK Sauber and eero Join Forces for Spa and Zandvoort
KICK Sauber F1 Team has announced a new partnership with eero, Amazon’s mesh Wi-Fi specialist, for the 2025 Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix.
eero branding will appear on the nose and halo of the Sauber C44 while also powering the team’s guest and operational areas with its TrueMesh and TrueRoam technologies.
The deal brings high-performance connectivity to one of F1’s most data-driven teams. “Partnering with eero ensures our team hospitality is powered by best‑in‑class home mesh Wi‑Fi,” said Stefano Battiston, KICK Sauber’s Chief Commercial Officer.
eero’s Head of Marketing Laura Levine added: “This partnership allows us to showcase the reliability of eero in one of the world’s most demanding environments.”
Founded in 2014, eero was the first to market with home mesh Wi-Fi and is known for its award-winning software and sleek hardware. The collaboration is focused solely on Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort for the 2025 F1 calendar.
Masters Historic Cancels Dubai and Yas Marina Events
Masters Historic Racing has confirmed the cancellation of its 2025 UAE events - the Masters Historic Weekend at Dubai Autodrome and the Gulf Historic Grand Prix Revival at Yas Marina.
The decision was made due to unforeseen logistical issues surrounding equipment and vehicle transport, prompting organisers to prioritise quality over risk. “Cancellation is the most responsible course of action,” they stated.
Masters will now focus on delivering a standout Silverstone Festival, where all Masters grids will appear, and on concluding the season with support races at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Looking ahead, planning is underway for a global 2026 Masters Tour featuring iconic circuits and expanded grids. Teams and drivers interested in racing during the Abu Dhabi F1 weekend are encouraged to contact Masters directly.
The team thanked fans, partners and competitors for their continued support, promising that this “small step back will only fuel an even greater comeback.”
The Refuel Partners with Silverstone Festival to Inspire Connection
Silverstone Festival will host “The Refuel” campaign this August, celebrating the emotional and social power of shared road trips. The initiative aims to “drive a million miles of conversation” and reduce social isolation.
Launched by Charlie Turner and partners, The Refuel encourages attendees to log their journey at TheRefuel.com/SilverstoneFestival. Visitors can also engage at the dedicated Refuel Zone on-site and enter to win a custom Roadtrip Roadster.
“The journey is where memories are made,” Turner said. “Cars create unique connections between people, places, and experiences.”
Silverstone Festival runs 22–24 August and includes live music from Craig David, Natasha Bedingfield, and Ministry of Sound Classical, plus family attractions and retro racing.
Nick Wigley, Event Director, said the campaign fits perfectly with the Festival's values: “This event inspires joy, reflection, and connection for all generations.” Tickets include admission to the Silverstone Museum and children under 15 attend free.
McLaren Backs World Champions Collection at Silverstone Festival
McLaren Racing will contribute five of its Formula 1 title-winning cars to the “World Champions Collection” at Silverstone Festival, held 22–24 August, as part of F1’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
The display will include machinery driven by James Hunt, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen and Lewis Hamilton. Emerson Fittipaldi and Niki Lauda will also be represented.
“It’s fantastic to be able to provide such a great collection,” said Piers Thynne, McLaren F1 COO. “Celebrating our legacy is a key part of McLaren’s culture.”
McLaren has claimed 12 drivers’ titles and nine constructors’ crowns since entering F1 in 1966. The team’s contribution bolsters what Nick Wigley, Festival Event Director, called “the most high-profile attraction” at this year’s event.
The weekend also features retro F1 races, a grid of 500cc F3 cars, car club displays, family entertainment, and headline musical acts. Tickets are available now, with discounts for early bookings and car club participants.
Formula E Secured Until 2038 in Landmark FIA Agreement
Formula E’s future has been secured until 2038 through a major 10-year extension with the FIA. The deal guarantees top-tier electric racing will remain on the FIA calendar, enabling long-term growth, investment, and global expansion.
Since its 2014 debut in Beijing, Formula E has experienced 20% annual growth and now reaches over 400 million fans globally. It features 11 teams and 22 drivers competing in iconic cities including Monaco, Tokyo, and Miami.
The Gen3 Evo car demonstrates the series' technological ambition, accelerating from 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds and regenerating 50% of race energy. Manufacturers like Porsche, Jaguar, and Nissan are already on board.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the agreement “reaffirms our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological progress.” Formula E is ranked as the world’s top ESG sport for the third consecutive year. CEO Jeff Dodds said the extension allows the championship to “build the brand and deliver captivating racing.”
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