Paddock Tales: Mercedes-AMG’s F1 surge, new Safety Car debut and GT3 milestones
Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 squad sits atop both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships after a dominant first half of the 2026 season. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli combined for eight victories in the opening eleven races, including the season opener in…
U.S. diesel stockpiles hit record seasonal low, prices surge above $5.60/gallon
U.S. distillate fuel oil inventories—primarily diesel—plummeted to 103.4 million barrels in the week ending August 21, marking the lowest seasonal level on record since the early 1980s, according to Energy Information Administration data released August 26. The decline reflects soaring…
Hyundai unveils 100 new models, doubles down on U.S. hybrid push
Hyundai Motor Group has launched its most aggressive product offensive to date, announcing plans to introduce more than 100 new or refreshed models globally by 2030. The strategy, unveiled at Hyundai’s CEO Investor Day in Seoul on August 26, 2026,…
Iran and Oman strike revenue-sharing deal for Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing transit restrictions
Iran and Oman have reached a revenue-sharing agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade before the conflict. The announcement came from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard…
U.S. and Canada poised to avoid full-blown trade war despite escalating tariffs
The United States and Canada have escalated their trade dispute with new tariffs, but analysts believe the neighboring countries still have room to negotiate a resolution before a full-blown trade war erupts. On August 25, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs…
U.S. economy grows at sluggish 1.5% in Q2, consumer spending remains strong
The U.S. economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% annual rate in the second quarter, down from 2.1% in the first quarter, according to the Commerce Department’s Aug. 26 report. Consumer spending, which drives roughly 70% of U.S. economic activity, surged…
Oil prices fall as Iran tensions escalate
Global oil prices slid on August 26, 2026, as geopolitical tensions with Iran intensified following new U.S. sanctions announced earlier in the week. Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped 2.4% to $85.17 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark crude fell by…
The Throttle Stop – September 2026: Forks in the Roads
Motorcycling isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about the detours. In this month’s column, we’re talking escapism on two wheels, and how even the shortest rides can turn a mundane errand into a mini-adventure. Whether it’s a lunchtime…
MINI 1965 Victory Edition: a motorsport legend reborn in special trim
MINI has unveiled the 1965 Victory Edition, a limited-run special model that channels the spirit of the brand’s greatest motorsport triumph—the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally victory by the Mini Cooper S, driven by Timo Mäkinen and Paul Easter. The tribute…
Mercedes-Benz Classic Motorsport Newsletter 2/2026: Celebrating 140 Years of Innovation
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 140th anniversary, and the company's motorsport division is looking back at some of the most important milestones in its history. In this newsletter, we highlight the achievements of Alfred Neubauer, who made his debut as Mercedes-Benz's…