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Day: 5 December 2024

Leclerc brothers to make history by driving in F1 session as teammates

by: Elsa Carpenter
05/12/2024

Charles and Arthur Leclerc are set to become the first brothers in the history of F1 racing to drive on track at the same time and for the same team when they hit the FP1 session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be one to remember for Scuderia Ferrari. Not only will the team be fighting to claim the Constructors’ title in the final round for the first time in the hybrid era, as well as saying goodbye to Spaniard Carlos Sainz after four seasons, but this last race of the season will also see two brothers, Charles and Arthur Leclerc, drive in an F1 session at the same time and for the same team.

It has been confirmed that 24-year-old Arthur will be driving Sainz’s car in the first free practice session on the Yas Marina Circuit on 6th December as part of the mandatory young driver test.

See more: Charles Leclerc documents “dream” Monaco GP win in new vlog

The younger Leclerc is also expected to drive in the post-season test next Tuesday, sharing one car with Antonio Fuoco, while his 27-year-old brother Charles will drive the second car.

While it is the first time ever that brothers have driven for the same team at the same time, plenty of other siblings have taken part in an official F1 session before them – 19 pairs, in fact.

The most famous brothers are Michael and Ralf Schumacher who, during their respective F1 careers, won 91 and six Grand Prix. At one point in 2003, the Schumacher brothers were both in contention for the championship. Elder brother Michael ultimately took the title for Ferrari.

Other well-known competitive siblings include Teo and Corrado Fabi, who raced the Brabham BT53 in 1984, but never in the same race; Jody and Ian Scheckter; and Jackie and Jimmy Stewart.

Constructors’ title a “mathematical possibility”

With just one race to go, Ferrari is second in the Constructors’ standings behind McLaren, which has a 21-point lead over the Maranello marque.

“For the first time in the hybrid era, we are in the running for the championship title at the final round. That in itself is a great achievement, but this weekend we will be trying to take that important final step,” says Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur of the battle for first place. “Let’s be honest, it is a mathematical possibility, but in reality, it will be very difficult to achieve, because even if we finish first and second, McLaren can afford to finish third and fourth, or even worse, and still have the edge. But Ferrari has always liked a challenge!”

He adds, “If we can once again produce a perfect weekend from start to finish, we will at least be in with a chance and able to leave Abu Dhabi saying we gave it our best shot. Our preparation for this event has been thorough, and we know that qualifying will play a very important role, even if our car tends to perform better in the race. Charles, Carlos, and the entire team are all set to fight tooth and nail to bring home the title.”

Read related:

Motorsports: Arthur Leclerc takes on new role as development driver at Scuderia Ferrari 

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photos credit: Charles Leclerc / Facebook

Rare conch pearls, pigeon blood rubies and iconic brands: highlights of Accademia Fine Art’s upcoming auction

by: Niki Borisova
05/12/2024

Extraordinary jewels and timeless treasures are set to dazzle bidders at Accademia Fine Art’s highly anticipated sale, which will be held at the auction house on Boulevard des Moulins on 8th and 9th December.

Earlier this week, Monaco Life had the opportunity to preview some of the remarkable items set to go under the hammer at Accademia Fine Art’s upcoming auction, many of which will be on display at the Fairmont’s Salle Naïade until 7th December.

The auction will feature two exceptional collections: one belonging to a Sicilian noblewoman and another prestigious set from an anonymous figure on the Côte d’Azur.

Among the highlights of the sale is an unprecedented offering of 75 Bulgari pieces—the largest number ever created by the iconic Italian jeweller to be presented in a single auction. Complementing this are items from other renowned houses, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Chopard, Buccellati, Köchert, Roberto Coin and Harry Winston.

Auction highlights

One particular prize is the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Sautoir in 18k yellow gold with 20 mother-of-pearl clover motifs, estimated at €8,000 to €12,000. Another standout item is a Köchert pearl necklace in yellow gold, featuring 14 SSEF-certified natural pearls, diamonds and coral, valued at €80,000 to €160,000 (main photo).

A Bulgari ring in 18k white gold showcases a 3.32-carat Colombian emerald surrounded by 3.5 carats of pear-shaped diamonds, estimated at €25,000 to €50,000.

From Simone Rucellai, an impressive jade and coral necklace with four jade strands, a coral centrepiece and jade cabochons has been valued at €50,000 to €70,000. Also exceptional is the Toi et Moi ring, set with two vivid pigeon blood red Myanmar rubies, valued at €8,000 to €12,000.

Chopard is represented by the Temptations necklace, featuring white gold adorned with tanzanites, diamonds and sapphires, with a 28.49-carat tanzanite pendant, estimated at €30,000 to €50,000.

Among the rarest pieces is a Tamara Comolli necklace comprising 36 conch pearls from the Caribbean in varying shades of pink, cream and caramel, connected by diamond-pavé links and a diamond-set clasp. The necklace, estimated at €60,000 to €120,000, is a rarity due to the natural origins of its pearls.

Another unique item from Comolli is a bangle bracelet centred with a 4.5-carat diamond and paired with six interchangeable acrylic bands in vibrant colours. The bracelet is estimated at €25,000 to €35,000.

The auction’s most valuable jewellery piece is a necklace of 63 natural pearls, alternating with diamond briolettes and pavé diamond rings, with a clasp featuring a button pearl surrounded by old-cut diamonds. Accompanied by three certificates, this rare necklace is expected to achieve between €300,000 and €600,000.

This rare pearl and diamond necklace is expected to achieve between €300,000 and €600,000 at auction. Photo by Monaco Life

Timeless masterpieces

The auction will also include an array of handbags, with the most remarkable being an oval-shaped evening bag in 18k gold with a diamond-set clasp and a black tassel accent. This item, designed with a mirrored interior, is estimated at €12,000 to €20,000.

For collectors of historic silverware, a pair of silver coolers by Charles-Nicolas Odiot, jeweller to France’s penultimate ruler, King Louis-Philippe, is among the most striking items. These 1839 pieces are estimated at €80,000 to €120,000.

The sale also includes an extraordinary vase known as Victoria by KPM, once owned by Emperor Wilhelm II and King Leopold II. The cobalt-blue porcelain vase, adorned with gilded details, floral decorations and cherubs, is the auction’s most expensive offering, and it is expected to sell for between €500,000 and €1,000,000.

For watch enthusiasts, a rare ladies’ Rolex Precision watch from the 1940s–1950s in 18k yellow gold, featuring ruby and diamond embellishments, is also available. This vintage timepiece is estimated at €1,500 to €2,500.

For more information about the auction, click here.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photos by Monaco Life