Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix set to be held this weekend at the iconic circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Formula One, in partnership with cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com, will award the driver with the most overtakes across the season with a brand new trophy, the F1 Crypto.com Overtake Award.
The innovative idea comes, as a way, to spotlight the driver’s skills behind the wheel during the season.
Ben Pincus, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Formula 1, said: We’re delighted to be expanding our partnership with Crypto.com as we introduce the Overtake Award, which will integrate the brand into Formula 1 throughout the season, in addition to the title partnership of the F1 Sprint Events.
“The Crypto.com Overtake Award gives us the chance to celebrate driver’s instincts to make bold and strategic moves, which reflects the qualities needed when dealing in cryptocurrency.”
Steve Kalifowitz, CMO of Crypto.com, stated: “We are extremely proud to be introducing a first of its kind award to Formula 1. We strive to create partnerships that deliver win-win-win opportunities, and I can’t think of a more perfect opportunity than the Crypto.com Overtake Award.”
Kalifowitz added: “This award allows our values to shine through, celebrating the moments where drivers exhibit the bravery required to get ahead. This season has already seen some amazing overtakes, and I can’t wait to see who this year’s champion is.”
Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel currently leads the charts in the hunt for the brand new trophy.
However, as the series returns from summer break, heading to the 12th round of a 23-race calendar, the battle is not yet halfway through, meaning plenty of racing and opportunities lie ahead.
According to Formula One, new broadcast graphics will be introduced during each race to highlight overtaking possibilities, helping fans to keep track of the driver’s progress.
Crypto.com is the sport’s seventh Global Partner and Title Partner of the F1 Sprint Events, a new qualifying format for the race on Sunday, introduced in 2021 at the British GP in Silverstone, set to take place at three venues during the season.
The second European trial of F1 Sprint will take place in September at the Italian GP in the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.
Meanwhile, a third non-European venue will be host in November at the Sao Paulo GP in Interlagos, Brazil.
THE BELGIAN GP
One of Formula One most challenging racetracks, Spa-Francorchamps, is also the longest to feature in the race calendar, spanning 7.004km (4.352 miles).
In 2020, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton won the grand prix, teammate Valtteri Bottas crossed the finish line in second, and Red Bull Racing Honda’ Max Verstappen in third.
In 2021, Hamilton and Verstappen will kick off the second half of the season with only eight points between them in what has turned to be an intense fight for the title.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Toto Wolff, CEO, Team Principal, and co-owner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, commented: “We head to Spa-Francorchamps in a good position. We lead both Championships, and the W12 feels in a better place after the upgrades introduced at Silverstone and an encouraging showing in Hungary. But we know there is a long road ahead, and so much can still happen in this season of ups and downs.
“Spa is a track that we all know and love, one of the true F1 classics with its iconic corners, long-flat-out sections, and beautiful scenery.
“It’s a hugely challenging track for both the drivers and the cars, with the longest lap of the season, lots of elevation change, and some very high g-forces.
“The weather is also notoriously unpredictable at Spa and always throws a curveball our way. With the Belgian Grand Prix always producing exciting and fun racing, it’s the perfect place to start the second half of the season. Bring it on!”