Legendary Formula 1 designer Gordon Murray has revealed that he is battling esophageal cancer, which was discovered following an endoscopy, and that he has undergone major surgery.

Formula 1 fans—especially McLaren supporters—will remember Gordon Murray with great affection. The British designer is renowned for having created some of the most iconic cars in the sport’s history, including the legendary McLaren MP4/4, developed alongside Steve Nichols. On top of that, he also designed the iconic McLaren F1 road car.

During recent Grands Prix at Silverstone, a familiar picture has emerged: Red Bull receives little in the way of supportive cheers. How is that possible in a sport where, in the past, every driver and team used to be greeted with enthusiastic applause?

Since its debut in 2005, the team led by Christian Horner has only had world champions from outside the United Kingdom, with David Coulthard being the sole British driver to represent the team—though without any particularly notable results. Could this be the reason why British fans are not so emotionally tied to the Milton Keynes-based team?

With four titles already under his belt, Verstappen is doing everything he can to secure a fifth consecutive championship, although overcoming McLaren’s dominance is proving to be a tough challenge even for an exceptional talent like the Dutchman.

However, with a 43-point gap behind Oscar Piastri in the standings, the drivers’ championship remains open, albeit somewhat compromised. According to Juan Pablo Montoya, no one is better suited than Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, to advise him on potential moves during the upcoming driver market frenzy, as the silly season gears up.