▲ 1.2k r/formula1
[Lawrence Barreto] Sources say Verstappen's team had an informal chat with McLaren boss Zak Brown
"Sources say Verstappen's team had an informal chat with McLaren boss Zak Brown, but that doesn't mean the world championship-winning team were actively pursuing the Dutchman.
It's commonplace in F1 that team principals, team owners, driver managers and even fathers hold talks with each other to build a picture of what the driver market looks like.
Verstappen's future has been a talking point in the driver market
It makes sense for a driver and his management to test the water with rival teams to assess potential opportunities, either because they want a move or they want to know there's potential if they need a move in the future.
Sometimes, such conversations can be used to put pressure on a driver's current team to improve their situation or help them realise they have the best option.
It also makes sense for teams to respond to interest from other parties and have an informal conversation with a rival, even if they don't need a driver because information is power.
So, while Verstappen's team did speak to McLaren, that doesn't mean that it will progress or definitely turn into something. At this stage, it's simply a case of both sides doing what everyone else is likely doing – assessing the market.
As it stands, McLaren are very happy with their current line-up of Norris and Piastri and have no intention of deviating from that position for the foreseeable future."
u/Crobe — 2 months ago
▲ 111 r/chess
Wadim Rosenstein announces candidacy for FIDE President
https://x.com/WadimRosenstein/status/2070371557466107942
"Dear chess friends,
Today, I am announcing my candidacy for the presidency of FIDE.
I love chess. It has shaped my life, my way of thinking, and even the way I built my businesses. Chess deserves an organization that matches its greatness.
Today, FIDE has many dedicated people working hard for our sport. But dedication alone is not enough. We need stronger leadership, professional governance, faster decision-making, and a clear vision for the future. Our national federations deserve a governing body that listens, supports, innovates, and delivers.
That is why I have decided to run for President of FIDE.
I am proud to do so together with my running mate, Gordon Tang.
Together, we have built international companies, managed large organizations, attracted investment, and led teams across the world. We understand how successful organizations grow, how they create opportunities, and how they deliver results. It is time to bring this experience to FIDE.
Chess has enormous untapped potential. We must strengthen communication, modernize our digital infrastructure, attract new sponsors, improve marketing, invest in education, support our federations more effectively, and build a truly global chess ecosystem.
My vision is clear: FIDE should become one of the world’s most respected institutions in international sport.
And my goal is non-negotiable: FIDE needs to empower every one of its member federations.
In the coming weeks, we will present a comprehensive programme with concrete proposals and measurable objectives. We will also introduce a diverse international team of experienced professionals, grandmasters, business leaders, investors, and respected public figures who believe that chess deserves more.
We will work to strengthen every federation, create new opportunities for players of every level, develop exciting new competition formats, increase investment in chess worldwide, and continue pursuing our long-term goal of bringing chess into the Olympic Games.
This election is not about personalities.
It is about the future of chess.
The time has come to think bigger. The time has come to lead better. The time has come for change.
I invite every federation, every player, every organizer, and every chess supporter to join us.
Together, we will build the future of chess."
u/Crobe — 2 months ago
▲ 842 r/chess
“What I won’t let pass is his line that I played the final game “with no inaccuracies, like my younger years.” I’d ask Ian to say plainly what he means.“ — Hans Niemann responds to Nepo's complaints
Setting the record straight on the match with Ian Nepomniachtchi.
The $100,000 came up last year at the Aeroflot Open and appeared in our promo video as part of the narrative. We should have made clear at the time that it wasn’t the agreed terms for this match, and that’s on us. What isn’t in question is that Ian accepted the actual terms before we played a single move. Prize funds reflect a player’s current rating and standing, and Ian’s are well off his peak, so the figure was fair and he was glad to take it.
Calling it “embarrassingly low” only after losing is poor form. I even offered a tiebreak that gave him a real chance to win the match outright. He turned it down. He then asked for half the winner’s bonus for drawing the match, insisted on it, and complained when we said no. That bonus was for winning, nothing else, and we found the demand unreasonable.
Great effort went into this event, and I treated it as the occasion it was. Ian didn’t seem to take it as seriously. He wore the exact same shirt and hoodie every single day.
What I won’t let pass is his line that I played the final game “with no inaccuracies, like my younger years.” I’d ask Ian to say plainly what he means. Insinuations like that are serious and damaging, and we all remember what they cost me for years. I’d hoped he wouldn’t reach for them.
On a better note, revenue from ticket sales went to a local orphanage, with an additional donation from Endgame.
That’s all I’ll say. From here, I’ll let the chess speak for itself.
u/Crobe — 3 months ago