Spa-Francorchamps mourns shock death of CEO Maillet · RaceFans

In brief

Spa circuit CEO Nathalie Maillet dead at 51

Maillet (pictured left in 2016 with RACB president François Cornelis), a racer in karts and then Fun Cup championships, went on to work in organising motorsports and became the CEO of Spa-Francorchamps circuit in 2016.

Local news has reported Maillet was found dead on Sunday morning, with some reports claiming she was murdered by her husband at their home in Luxembourg.

Spa-Francorchamps issued a statement from their chairman of the board, Melchior Wathelet, which confirmed Maillet’s passing.

“My thoughts are with Nathalie’s family, her parents, her loved ones and her teams,” reads the statement. “I know how much this news will upset our teams and I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the entire circuit team on behalf of the entire board.

“Today, we are losing a highly respected lady, a true leader who will be greatly missed. Nathalie had become the face of the circuit, she embodied the passion for racing that we all share.”

Vergne: Techeetah only quick enough for third this season

Two-time Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne, whose Techeetah team has won the past three driver titles and past two teams’ championships, said their car’s pace this year was simply lacking compared to Mercedes and Jaguar.

“We finished third in the teams championship and I think, clearly, that’s where our position is,” explained Vergne, who had taken pole during the first Berlin round but then slid down the order during the race. “In qualifying yesterday I think we did a very good job, but our pace is not there. Yesterday, in the race, we fell back to where our pace is and today I tried to come back, but at the end it was a bit crazy cars, so I could have been finishing higher.

“But it’s what it is. It’s Formula E, the driving has to improve because with drivers crashing into everybody all the time, it’s becoming a nightmare. In any case, season was tough, a lot of drama, lows and highs – it was a bit of a rollercoaster. But I think we’re going to be working very hard next year to come back stronger. We know what to improve, we know what we need to be working on.”

Steiner: Mazepin pace improving relative to Schumacher

Gunther Steiner has said that he believes Nikita Mazepin is improving on pace, compared to team mate Mick Schumacher.

“I think it didn’t change a lot, but it is changing,” Steiner said. “He sometimes is getting closer to Mick.

“Like the race in Silverstone he was in front of Mick in the race. So I think he’s developing in that area quite a bit as well. But for sure that is what we want, two drivers at the same speed, at the end.”

Let that sink in, Nyck… 🏆#WeDriveTheCity #BerlinEPrix #ABBFormulaE pic.twitter.com/Y4fvvc2pE4

— Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team (@MercedesEQFE) August 15, 2021

We are WORLD CHAMPIONS!!! Incredible effort by everyone @MercedesEQFE 🙏🏼 We deserve this so much after showing so much pace all season! Congratulations @nyckdevries , Fons, be proud and we’ll come back fighting next year! 🙌🏆 pic.twitter.com/0Dp9FpKSPM

— Stoffel Vandoorne (@svandoorne) August 15, 2021

⚡️ FORMULA E TEAMS RUNNERS-UP 🙌
⁰We want to say a massive thanks to all of you, the fans who have supported, voted and kept pushing us forward in the good and the bad.

P2 in the Teams’ Championship is progress but we will be back next year looking to go one place further 🙌 pic.twitter.com/5H55PkOm6L

— Jaguar Racing (@JaguarRacing) August 15, 2021

.@edomortara is OK after the first-lap incident, but is off to the medical centre for precautionary checks. We’re also relieved to see @JaguarRacing‘s Mitch Evans safely back with the team. Sending love to you guys ❤️#BerlinEPrix #MadeInMonaco #ABBFormulaE pic.twitter.com/FMxXA0Y9Yl

— ROKiT Venturi Racing (@VenturiFE) August 15, 2021

• 40 years ago today Jacques Laffite won the Austrian Grand Prix for Ligier at the Osterreichring, ahead of pole-winner Rene Arnoux in his Renault