Maxim

MACHINES The Horacio Pagani’s company is now in its third decade, and here is its third creation... By BILL VARE TIMIDIS F or only the third time since ‘99, bits invade your personal space, the Utopia of slicks was needed. The Pirellis there's a new Pagani. Known as incorporates aero elements under the chosen more than do the job – they the Utopia, the 2023 model is the main body. The result is an even 46-54% give the Utopia exceptional road successor to the Huayra, but more aerodynamic balance front and rear. awareness. importantly, is the car that will bring the manual transmission back to the company. No Pagani is complete without its Naturally, there's lots of leather thumping heart, and here Mercedes AMG’s and aluminum trim, with no huge tablet Horacio Pagani began sketching the Utopia monster V12 is ever present. No heavy invading the dash. Instead, there are over six years ago, and gave it twin stacked rear batteries, no complex hybrids, just a ballistic temperature and pressure gauges above taillights that reference the Zonda – and small sounding V12 that slaps to a whopping 1100 the climate controls, with all infotainment twin headlights, quad centre exhausts, and a Nm of torque. Best of all, it actually meets functions displayed on a screen in the teardrop-shaped cabin, that reference every strict emissions regulations. Buyers will have gauge cluster. other Pagani. The body work is a new, stiffer the choice of an automated box or opt for a carbon fibre, while the doors are now dihedral, retro true manual mounted XTrac seven-speed More than just a third attempt, this a step up from the Huayra’s gullwings. gearbox. With gigantic 21 inch wheels up front is Pagani’s past, present, and future. They and 22 inch wheels at the rear, a hardcore set have managed to capture the soul of Pagani Unlike the Huayra where some aero – in peak physical form. 1 0 MAXIM.COM.AU

2023 PAGANI UTOPIA ENGINE: 5.9 litre twin-turbo V12 TRANSMISSION: 7 speed manual ; 7 speed automated POWER: 635 kW TORQUE: 811 lb-ft @ 5900 rpm TOP SPEED: 370 km/h 0-100 KM/H: 2.7 seconds PRICE: $3.75 million MAXIM.COM.AU 11

MACHINES The motorbike and car amalgamation that you can wear... By BILL VARE TIMIDIS Described as a fusion between The open-wheeled car styling reminds us brought closer together. This is done in order a car and motorbike, the Ryzr of the X-Bow, and it takes much inspiration to give the user/driver/rider greater control – developed for SAIC’s EV ‘R’ from a Formula One car too – common for over the machine, with the possibility of brand – is a car that offers a much many concepts. Carrying sporting twin offering pivoting ability at both ends in future. needed escape from today’s condensed areas seats separated by a central spine, the Ryzr by combining cutting-edge technical apparel offers unparalleled views of the road ahead It’s an unsual idea, but by exploring the with augmented reality. that would make for the most thrilling ride, unconventional, it may unlock new modes or drive. The hubless of transports for the future, along with new Pretty much an electric vehicle that you design of the front experiences and new ways to avoid paying wear, it is designed to offer the same agility as wheels may seem like a for petrol or charging stations. cycling does on the streets – but with a more regular car on first look, stable yet chilled car-like seating. There is but the rear wheels have Of course, this concept is electrically no need for a key, app, start button, or even actually been charged, but it does a decent job of hiding any voice command, it comes with a unique suit/ kind of mechanics/batteries away from view. jacket that must be fastened into tabs on Whether it’s used for driving around the city, the seat in order for it to start for special emergencies, or for military use, and head off. one thing’s for sure – it would take Uber Eats to the next level come 2042. 1 2 MAXIM.COM.AU



MACHINES Revival Cycles’ Ducati Fuse is a stripped-down retro ride worth over half a million dollars... W By NICOLAS STECHER hen the apex motorcycle racing series MotoGP came to Among the two-wheeled sculptures assembled one that stood Austin this spring it brought more than the fastest bikes out was Revival Cycles’ Ducati Fuse – a sleek crimson creation built on the planet to Texas’ capital. Timed to complement in collaboration with the man who commissioned the bike, Ed Boyd. the event, the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show took place The former Vice President of Design for Dell, Global Category Creative highlighting some of the most beautiful, imaginative and wild custom Director for Nike, and Technology Designer for Sony clearly has an eye cycles America has to offer. for aesthetics, so it’s little surprise his vision is so well defined. 1 4 MAXIM.COM.AU

“He’d designed all these electronics, but never a motorcycle,” “In my world it’s beyond compare, but even people that build Revival Cycles founder Alan Stulberg tells us of what brought the motorcycles I have to explain to them what it is about this bike that is two forces together. “So he reached out to us to teach him how to so incredibly special, unique and technical,” explains Stulberg, showing design a motorcycle.” Living in Austin as well, Boyd had fallen in us a mood board/design brief that highlights the smooth, round forms love with a Revival creation called the Ducati J63 and was inspired of Grand Prix cars from the 1950s, an old Auto Union concept car, and to imagine his own unique version. Originally Boyd wanted Stulberg of course his own earlier Ducati J63 custom build. and co. to build it out of an old Yamaha Virago, but quickly that plan turned out to be a fool’s errand – so they pivoted to centering off a Founded in 2008 by Stulberg, Revival Cycles has grown into one of Ducati Monster 1100 engine. the Lone Star state’s most influential customisers. In 2014 they launched the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show which has developed into a three- day spectacle attracting over 25,000 enthusiasts each year, all eager to see what the world’s best custom builders are manifesting. As part of the show, the Fuse was unveiled and displayed at the Design Lounge sponsored by Dell Computers. “If you look at it on the face of it, a lot of guys build custom motorcycles that aren’t capable of being ridden and performing, they just look pretty,” continues Stulberg. “Our goal was to make this [Fuse] very, very technical and very, very performance focused, but also look incredibly well- polished and finished. And those are just really two extremely difficult things to combine.” MAXIM.COM.AU 15

MACHINES “Seven years and more than 1,000 hours went into the machine.” While some rudimentary ‘customisers’ simply bolt on a handful of That piece alone cost over US$60,000 in labor to construct due to café racer parts and maybe craft a custom gas tank and call it a day, the Ed repeatedly changing plans mid-build, requiring re-engineering Fuse revs on the opposite side of the spectrum. The Ducati motor and from scratch, sinking 500 hours on that one single piece. It’s part of wheel hubs are the only remaining original parts – over seven years more the reason in the end the Fuse cost well over a half-million-dollars to than 1,000 hours were poured into this singular museum piece, centring produce – considerably beyond its original US$100K budget. on the 1,100CC motor and a stainless-steel trellis frame loaded with a custom machined swing arm, bespoke leather saddle and stunning “It just kept going because Ed’s imagination as a guy who’s built seven-layer blood-red paint job. anything didn’t want any restraints on what the end product would be,” recalls Stulberg, praising his demanding but generous benefactor. As an example of the Fuse’s intricate build Stulberg mentions “So we just kept going back to the table and redesigning pieces that the top triple-clamp – essentially the handlebar that holds all the could have been simple and off the shelf – but were not.” T hydraulics, electronics, front suspension, brakes and clutch, etc... PHOTOS COURTESY OF REVIVAL CYCLES 1 6 MAXIM.COM.AU



MACHINES TECHNICAL MASTERPIECE Aston Martin and Brough Superior rev up the intensity with reveal of AMB 001 Pro track superbike... A Back in 2019, Aston Martin teamed By BILL VARE TIMIDIS Weighing at just 175 kg gives it a power- up with Brough Superior to unveil aspirated – with all power getting to to-weight ratio that Formula One teams envy. the AMB 001, an ultra-exclusive the rear wheel via a six-speed, cassette- Combined with a new fixed front fairing, track bike. Three years and one style transmission with hydraulic slipper a handful of spoilers, and side wings, the pandemic later, the pairing is back at the Milan clutch. The 25% increase in power is not AMB 001 Pro is designed to stick like glue Motorcycle show with another rare species – just notable – it elevates the AMB 001 the AMB 001 Pro. Like the former, it is inspired Pro to hyperbike category. by Aston Martin's Valkyrie Pro hypercar and turns the volume up accordingly. At the front is a Fior-type aluminum fork suspension with 320 mm stainless The Pro is powered by an all-new water- steel rotors grabbed by four-piston calipers, cooled, dual cylinder, V-Twin that puts while the rear features a more traditional down 225 horsepower (168 kW) – 42 more aluminum swingarm with 230mm rotor than before. While the 2019 AMB 001 was grabbed by two-pistons. The wheels – turbocharged, this new dynamo is naturally sexy ten spokes – are unsurprisingly carbon fibre jobs. 2023 ASTON MARTIN AMB 001 PRO ENGINE: 997cc Dohc 88 degree V-Twin TRANSMISSION: 6 speed cassette type POWER: 168 kW DRY WEIGHT: 175 kg SEAT HEIGHT: 851 mm PRICE: Over $185,000 (est) 1 8 MAXIM.COM.AU

“Only 88 of these track machines will be made, and orders have already begun.” around any track. You won’t see any better management of downforce outside of the MotoGP. Seeing as it is a carbon-fibre weapon fit for James Bond, as well as being an art museum sculpture piece, expect it to easily exceed the AMB 001’s $185,000 price tag. Only 88 of these track machines will be made, and orders have already begun. Hypercars don’t come cheap and neither do hyperbikes of the British marque persuasion. MAXIM.COM.AU 19

ADVENTURE In their recent book Wild Dives, NICK AND CAROLINE ROBERTSON-BROWN take the reader to remote locations to experience some of the best, and weirdest, underwater spectacles and adventures from around the world. In this special edited extract for MAXIM they take an in-depth look at five of the best… 2 0 MAXIM.COM.AU

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ADVENTURE MEXICO Playing Simon Says With A Manta Ray In Socorro Socorro is a volcanic island that is part of small cuttings in the rocks that offer protection The Giant Manta Ray is the largest ray in the Revillagigedo Archipelago in the Pacific from the currents and surge. San Benedicto the world and its wing-span can exceed seven Ocean. It takes a 36-hour boat ride to reach these can offer large numbers of manta rays on every metres. They have the largest brain of any fish islands, which are located some 390km off the dive, but it is Socorro that really impresses with (relative to their size) and to assist in keeping coast of mainland Mexico. It is a remote and incredible encounters every single time. all parts of the brain active, even in really cold rugged destination that can only be visited by conditions, they have blood vessels that are liveaboard. The islands are a marine reserve THE WILD DIVE routed to supply heat to all the principal parts and have also been designated as a UNESCO During the long boat journey to reach the of the brain. Our guide also went on to say World Heritage Site. islands various members of our liveaboard crew that these mantas are truly intelligent and will presented talks in the evenings on the wildlife even make efforts to communicate with us. GENERAL DIVING that we may encounter. Among the specialists As a biologist with an MSc in animal behaviour, The diving here can be challenging with strong on board was a marine biologist whose I was more than a little sceptical about this final currents, surge and large waves. As it is also specialism was in manta rays. On the evening part. However, my principal emotion was one about as remote as you can get, so much so before we arrived at ‘El Boiler’ he spoke to us at of excitement at the prospect of finally getting that special procedures are put in place where some length and gave us scores of fascinating into the water with these magnificent ocean every diver has to wear a GPS location device facts and a mass of information about these wanderers and experiencing a close encounter. in case they drift out of sight of the boat. incredible creatures. Underwater, the topography is impressive. The giant mantas in this area are known These volcanic islands continue their rugged form below the water with huge rock formations that get battered by the waves. Some pinnacles rise up out of the water, and some cannot be seen from the surface, but these islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean attract an incredible array of pelagic marine life. On any single dive you might encounter four or five species of shark. Humpback Whales can be heard singing as you dive, and if you are really lucky you might even encounter one underwater. Dolphins are abundant here and often approach divers. Huge schools of fish swirl near to the safety of the rocks, and Orcas have also been known to hunt here. You can even night snorkel with Silky Sharks. The most compelling reason that divers put this remote destination on their wish list, however, is for the Giant Mantas that frequent all the dive sites along the archipelago. We dived San Benedicto, Socorro and Roca Partida islands on our itinerary. Each one of these islands has amazing diving to offer. On Roca Partida you will find whitetip sharks piled on top of each other trying to get some rest in the 2 2 MAXIM.COM.AU

to be familiar with humans and to regularly approach divers. They are inquisitive and docile, and it appears that they like the bubbles that divers exhale brushing up on their undersides. To reach El Boiler, one of the most famous dive sites of Socorro and the highlight of the whole trip, we had to transfer from our large liveaboard to a small RIB, carrying six divers out to a pinnacle that does not quite break the surface. Once in position our guide gave us the countdown and we all rolled back into the Pacific Ocean together. I looked down and immediately saw a young Whale Shark directly beneath us. It was around four metres in length and not at all bothered by our presence in the water. In fact my buddy, who was focussing on getting his camera set up for the dive, did not see it until he was on top of it. Still it seemed happy to swim along with us for a while. In the distance we spotted two dolphins as they disappeared into the blue. We had only been under the water for a matter of minutes and it was already one of the best dives I had ever been on. Divers who ventured a little deeper reported back after the dive that they had also seen a Tiger Shark. We stayed fairly shallow and waited in a sheltered area near the rocky wall. Alongside us there were bright orange Clarionfish waiting for the same event as us – the arrival of the manta rays. We did not have to wait long because very soon two large mantas were soaring towards us. The Clarionfish darted out into the water to meet them, and to begin their task of cleaning them of parasites. We simply waited, hanging in mid-water, and paused for them to approach us. They were huge, with eyes the size of a softball, and they would slowly glide past looking directly into your eyes as if they were attempting to communicate. One suddenly stopped directly in front of me as I took a few shots before a thought popped into my head: What if I really could communicate with a Giant Manta Ray? How would that work? I did the only thing I could think of at the time and spread my body out, arms and legs as wide as they would go as if I was doing an underwater star-jump. The manta stopped and looked and then reared upwards, manoeuvring so that it too was vertical in the water, its wings stretched out directly in front of me. I could not believe it. Surely this was a fluke? I bent one arm inwards and waited. Sure enough, the manta bent its corresponding wing and waved back. This really was hard to comprehend. Was this manta really playing ‘Simon Says’ with me? I put my arm in front of my face and waggled it in a wavy motion and paused, barely able to breathe as I waited to see what the manta would do. It did not move its wings, but instead unfurled is cephalic lobe and waggled it back at me. I was overwhelmed and could feel my hairs standing up on end and my eyes filling with tears. I had communicated with a Giant Manta Ray. Obviously my emotions were not of interest to the manta as it got bored and swam off to the next diver to check out their bubbles. Recounting this story still gives me goose bumps and it will always be one of the most amazing dives of my life. MAXIM.COM.AU 23

ADVENTURE FIJI Mind-Blowing Coral Fiji is an island nation which forms an archipelago that is made up of more than 300 islands in Melanesia in the South Pacific. It is famous for its golden beaches fringed by palm trees, its clear blue water and its rugged and lush volcanic hills. It is part of the wider region known as Oceania. Fiji is one of those magical places that can be found on many people’s bucket lists of places to visit, and it offers the traveller a host of experiences – whether they want to relax in luxury or be more adventurous, there is something for everyone. Surfers come to ride the waves, you can partake in a natural spa of hot springs and bubbling mud baths which they say will knock 10 years off you (it didn’t work for me!), or join in a local kava ceremony which is based around a mildly narcotic drink made from pepper roots that makes your lips tingle and relaxes your body. The landscape and wildlife are as rich and diverse as the local culture and history. GENERAL DIVING The diving in Fiji is right up there as one of the top activities to include on any traveller’s itinerary. It is probably most famous for its vibrant coral reefs, but many people also want to see the large marine life that inhabits these waters. On the main island of Viti Levu, in a place called Beqa Lagoon (pronounced benga), you can dive with dozens of Bull Sharks. The area has been made a marine reserve and the locals have a huge respect and love of the sharks that frequent these waters. Off the island of Kadavu, on the Great Astrolabe Reef, you can snorkel or dive with manta rays, and off Taveuni you can dive the world-famous Rainbow Reef and White Wall. There are so many great dive sites around these islands that it would take many trips or a long stay in order to appreciate them all. On top of this, the region is a hot-spot for Humpback Whales and other impressive marine life. THE WILD DIVE 2 4 MAXIM.COM.AU

We did so much great diving on the three Fijian islands we visited that it still sits as one of our favourite diving destinations. However, coming to the end of our trip we found ourselves on the main island of Viti Levu, staying in the Pacific Harbour area. We arrived at our hotel in the pouring rain, and even though it was just a couple of steps from the taxi to the hotel reception we looked like drowned rats as we dashed in to get some cover. Tropical rainstorms, as anyone who has experienced one knows, can be intense! Once we had got settled into our room and dried off the weather had magically cleared and we sat under a perfect blue sky and then started to relax as the sun set. While enjoying a cool beer with our hosts they asked us where we would like to dive the next morning. We suggested that they should take us to their own favourite location to kick off this part of our trip, and so it was agreed that we would head to a dive site called Fantasea 1 early the next morning. The following morning we woke to a beautiful day with the sun shining and the seas flat calm. We were excited to be diving a new destination for us. The dive site was adjacent to a small island called Yanuka which would provide us with a place to moor the boat between dives. Our guides eagerly told us that Fantasea 1 was their favourite dive because the coral was like no other dive site they had ever seen, and these guys had worked in a fair number of dive locations. Fiji is famous for its coral and we had already dived several incredible sites, but we were willing to believe them, as this small pinnacle that did not quite reach the surface certainly sounded wonderful. I got into my gear, grabbed my camera, and jumped into the water. As I waited at the surface for my buddy and guide to join me, I dropped my head into the water and looked down at the reef below – the sight was amazing, mind-blowing and absolutely stunning. Every inch of the top of the pinnacle was covered in soft corals and anemones, all lightly swaying in time with the gentle waves. I was eager to explore more and as we descended, and directed our lights onto it, it just got better and better. As we descended further, the soft coral gave way to huge gorgonians and whip corals. Fish darted in and out of the reef, using the corals as protection. The scene so vivid – with bright pinks, oranges, reds, purples – that it was hard to believe that the reef was real. As an experienced dive writer and journalist I never thought that coral alone would be enough to blow my mind on a dive, but Fiji is different and it certainly did. It makes your senses leap to attention, and I just wanted to take some time to hover in mid-water and let it all soak in. Back on the boat the dive guides glanced at each other and laughed as we eagerly chattered about what we had seen. For a dive guide, the excited babble of the divers after a dive is always a great indicator of how much they had enjoyed it, and we have seen so many fabulous places that we cannot be the easiest to please. However, in this case they were right all along — this really is a special dive site. MAXIM.COM.AU 25

ADVENTURE THE BAHAMAS Bimini’s Wild Dolphin’s Located in the far west of the archipelago, Bimini important mangrove areas which are nurseries is closest group of Bahamian islands to the for reef fish and sharks, as well as providing Florida coastline. Bimini has two main islands, the islands with protection from storms. North and South, in addition to a series of small A number of shipwrecks, both deliberately cays. North Bimini in particular is famous for and accidentally sunk, have created havens being Hemingway’s favourite getaway, but less for marine life. well known is the fact that the final scene from the film Silence of the Lambs was shot here — the one where Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) talks on the phone to Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster). “I have to go now Clarice, I’m having an old friend for dinner.” It is also believed that Bimini Road, a series of artificial blocks off the coast of North Bimini, could be the remains of the road to the lost city of Atlantis. What is certain is that Bimini is famous for its sharks and is home to the world- famous Bimini Sharklab that conducts invaluable research into shark behaviour and biology. GENERAL DIVING Among the diving fraternity Bimini is most famous for its Great Hammerhead Sharks, which visit the islands for a few months each winter. There are plenty of other species of shark that reside here permanently, and this is why one of the leading global shark research facilities is based on South Bimini. Divers flock here to dive with the sharks in warm shallow clear blue water, and ‘shark photography’ is a major form of income to the Bahamas. Shark fishing has been banned throughout the islands of the Bahamas since 2011 and hefty fines are imposed on anyone found landing a shark of any species. There are shallow coral reefs around the islands of Bimini, as well as an impressive wall dive that plummets more than 1,200m (4,000ft) below you. These islands are also home to 2 6 MAXIM.COM.AU

THE WILD DIVE Dolphins which are generally not as curious as of feeding. This experience would have been Sometimes the most simple of experiences can their Spotted cousins. However, this particular special enough, but then we spotted a baby bring the most pleasure and this was certainly group seemed to be staying in one place and dolphin. It could only have been a few weeks the case on a sunny afternoon in Bimini. We everyone on the boat was keen to jump in old, perhaps even just a few days. It was tiny! were asked if we would like to join a boat going to have a look. Bowing to pressure, he cut Always accompanied by an adult, with the adult out to see if they could find any wild dolphins. the engines, brought the boat to a stop and positioned between us and the baby, it would declared the ‘pool’ to be open. We did not need come up to breathe and swim at the surface. The waters around Bimini have resident any further encouragement and were finned As the pod became more tolerant of us the populations of both Bottlenose and Atlantic and masked-up and in the water in a matter adults and youngster got closer and closer Spotted Dolphins and the latter are renowned of seconds. Around 20 dolphins were hunting until we had an incredible close-up swim for interacting with snorkellers and free-divers using echo-location on the sandy seabed to past with baby and escorts swimming right in the water. There wasn’t much to think about find their hidden meal. past our masks. really, so we ditched our diving equipment, grabbed our masks, snorkels, fins and cameras, You could hear and feel the dolphins’ sonar It was incredible. Far too soon our skipper and jumped aboard one of the waiting dive clicking away as they searched, and then you was encouraging us to come back on to the boats. We travelled north past the Bimini Islands would see one plunge its head, or rostrum, into boat and we were amazed to find we have until we arrived at the western edge of the the sand, flapping its tail fins to push deeper. been in the water for hours. Great Bahama Bank. Our captain told us to Eventually it would come away with a small start looking for any signs of dolphins leaping fish as its prize. It was mesmerising to watch. This is how dolphins should be experienced. out of the water, and as we peered into the Wild and free, not in captivity where they have sunlit waves it was not long before we caught Dolphins need to come to the surface to been ripped from their families in order to our first glimpse. breathe and so, as we floated at the surface ‘entertain’ humans. We did not get to see the watching, every now and then a member of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins we had hoped for, At first our captain did not appear to be as the pod would come up towards us and, rather and yet we had still had an incredible encounter. keen as we were, and this was because the than avoiding us, would swim close around us We will just have to go back and do it all again dolphin pod we had spotted were Bottlenose for a few minutes before returning to the job some time. MAXIM.COM.AU 27

ADVENTURE Bull Sharks On A Windy Day Bimini is part of the Bahamas chain of islands his final visit also wrote his Sanitation Workers it also has a host of good reef diving and a that is the closest to the U.S.A., just under 80km speech — the last speech he would ever give as number of wrecks to explore. The clear blue off the Florida coast. It has been a popular tourist it happens, as he was assassinated soon after. It waters here are also home to wild dolphins destination for decades and has seen its fair is said that he knew he was going to die and also and in the summer months, when the water is share of the rich and famous taking advantage of wrote part of his own eulogy during this same flat and calm, going out to snorkel with them is the beautiful weather. Bimini was reputed to be visit to Bimini. also a fabulous experience. Spotted Eagle Rays Ernest Hemingway’s favourite place to escape swim in the shallows and can often be seen and is where he wrote Islands in the Stream. GENERAL DIVING aggregating in the narrow stretch of water that Martin Luther King wrote his Nobel Peace Prize The diving in Bimini is famous for its incredible separates North Bimini from South Bimini. The acceptance speech whilst on the island and on Great Hammerhead Shark encounters, but sand banks between the islands are reputed to regularly give up ancient treasure and the marina area of North Bimini is also famous for its Bull Sharks. THE WILD DIVE As you arrive in Bimini in small plane flying relatively low you get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of the low-lying islands of the Bahamas, fringed with white sandy beaches and the pale blue and turquoise shallow water leading into the dark blue deeper waters. It reminded me of my first visit to these magical islands while working on a dive boat as a divemaster. One of the divers in the group I was taking out asked if his wife could come along for the ride and I agreed that would be fine. As we pulled out of the dock she fished a collection of glass vials out of her handbag and asked me to slow the boat down. As I brought the boat to a stop she dipped the vial in the water, sealed it up and dropped it back in her bag. A minute later she repeated this process and then just as we approached the dive site she asked me to stop once again. The suspense was too much for me and this time I had to ask, “What are you doing?” She replied, “I just had to show my friends back home all the different shades of blue the sea has here.” I had no idea how to tell her how disappointed she was going to be when she looked at her results back on dry land! On this trip, however, as I hauled my heavy dive and camera kit to the dive shop, I already knew that I was going to be disappointed. I was supposed to be going out to snorkel with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins but the wind had picked up and the seas were starting to get rough — these were not conditions to be snorkelling in. I dropped into the dive shop to check, just in case, but my suspicions were correct and the trip had already been cancelled. However, the owner tried to make it up to me and suggested that I might like try out a Bull Shark cage dive instead. At the side of the dock, where fishermen often clean their catch and throw the unwanted bits into the sea, was a cage at the surface. Pelicans sat bobbing on the water hoping to get some fish scraps and beneath them I could see the outline of six big Bull Sharks. It was not what I had planned for my day, but sometimes, as any experienced diver knows, you just have to go with the flow. I donned a heavy weight belt, grabbed my mask and camera and slid into the cage. The dive shop owner handed me a long regulator hose attached to a tank that sat at the surface and I dropped down to the cage floor. The water was clear and in front of me I could see the sharks circling and the feet of the pelicans paddling above me. One of the Bull Sharks had some pretty impressive scars on 2 8 MAXIM.COM.AU

its nose and this one had all the attitude of the alpha, the other sharks deferring and moving out of its way. Scarface – the name I gave this shark in my head – also liked to come in close to the cage, perhaps checking out its reflection in the glass dome of my underwater camera. Bull Sharks are always impressive to see up close. They are bulky and all muscle, built for fast bursts of speed. As a shark approached the surface the pelicans would scatter, but then would soon be back again hoping to snatch a free snack and I wondered why the Bull Sharks did not attempt to eat them. There was a queue of divers waiting to take their turn in the cage, due to the weather having stopped all the other diving and snorkelling activities Bimini has to offer and so soon I was being called out. It was not the way I had planned to spend my afternoon, but getting to see these jaw-droppingly impressive sharks up close in clear water was an exhilarating alternative. MAXIM.COM.AU 29

ADVENTURE Finally Getting To Dive With Tiger Sharks Grand Bahama is the northernmost island in the and Lemon Sharks here, so it is a perfect day. The boat ride was going to take between Bahamas. It is a popular tourist destination, with dive for those that love their sharks! one and two hours depending on conditions, so typical white sandy beaches, plenty of night life we focused on getting our dive and camera gear and lots to do for those that want more than THE WILD DIVE ready and loaded onto the boat and then went to just to lounge in the sunshine by the pool or on There are very few places in the world where you find coffee and breakfast for the journey. the beach. It is surrounded by rich mangroves stand a good chance of diving with Tiger Sharks. that help to protect the island from the worst It has been a dream of ours since we started Our group consisted of us, another diver we of the hurricanes. diving over 20 years ago to be able to see these had met at our hotel, our captain and two dive magnificent sharks up close and one that proved guides, so we knew that if we got the chance this GENERAL DIVING very hard to bring to fruition with the weather was the perfect small group for a great day out. Grand Bahama has a host of excellent dive sites and animals proving less than cooperative. As we arrived it was hard not to get overexcited. with varied experiences that include diving with As I looked down through the clear blue shallow sharks, exploring wrecks and enjoying reefs that So it was with some excitement that we woke water I could already see Caribbean Reef Sharks sit just off the shoreline. One of the signature up to an early alarm that indicated today was the and Lemon Sharks swimming under the boat. dives on Grand Bahama is Shark Alley, a site where several dive operators have been performing shark-feeding dives for decades. Now, if you dive in this area, regardless of whether there is any bait in the water, you will be sure to see plenty of Caribbean Reef Sharks patrolling the reef. Stingrays and large green moray eels also frequent this area, along with a large school of Horse-eyed Jacks. The shallow dive in clear blue warm water is high on many people’s lists of favourite dive sites. The reefs that surround the island form long fingers of rock formations covered in coral, with sandy channels in between. Here marine life thrives with delightfully varied creatures living on the reef including weird arrow crabs hiding in sponges, beautiful and delicate angelfish darting along the reef, bright parrotfish audibly chomping on the coral, and the oddly named Flamingo Tongue Snail eating soft corals. Another very famous dive off the West End of Grand Bahama is Tiger Beach, which is named after the Tiger Sharks that frequent this area. Along with Tiger Sharks you may also encounter Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Bull Sharks, Great Hammerhead Sharks 3 0 MAXIM.COM.AU

As the crew start to chum the water it was fade as the Tiger Shark gets older and so the at the back of the boat as we changed over time for us to set up our dive and prepare our biggest of the individuals seen on this dive had tanks and got ready to do it all again. With underwater photo and video equipment. Soon very few of their striped markings still obviously a long ride home we knew that we would have I heard one of our dive guides ask “Is that visible. They are big sharks, with the largest limited time on our second dive with the sharks, one there?” while pointing to a larger shark reaching five metres in length. They are broad but I was already delighted with the encounters swimming below. The first Tiger Shark had and imposing and on this dive they came very we’d had on the first dive, so I was much more arrived. I slid into the water and made my way close indeed to the divers. relaxed second time around, enjoying the return down to the pre-agreed spot on the sandy of the Tiger Sharks swimming over the sand seabed. The view was incredible. Lemon Sharks The dive was in fairly shallow water, between and seagrass at this incredible dive site. joined us, lying on the sand and swimming lazily eight to 15 metres, and the water temperature around our legs. Nurse Sharks stayed right next was a balmy 28°C. I knelt on the sand completely Finally, after many years of trying, to the bait box. Caribbean Reef Sharks swam in mesmerised by the sharks swimming in front my dream of seeing Tiger Sharks circles, never straying too far from the alluring of me. Soon we had a second Tiger Shark that had come true. ■ smell of the bait box. Then as I got my eye in I wanted to get closer and closer to the bait box spotted my very first Tiger Shark in the distance. and the divers. I had heard that these sharks are WILD DIVES by Nick and very used to divers and not at all shy in coming Caroline Robertson-Brown, I could also see a Bull Shark, but this shark in close, and this proved to be true, with both New Holland Publishers RRP stayed away from us and was too nervous to Tiger Sharks making close passes in front of come any closer as the first big Tiger Shark us or over our heads. All too soon our dive guide $35.00, is available from all approached. Tiger Sharks are extremely was signalling for us to head back to the surface. good book retailers or online at beautiful. They get their name from the patterns on their sides that are similar to those of the The Tiger Sharks seemed to know the newhollandpublishers.com eponymous big cat species, but these patterns routine and drifted off into the distance, but the Lemon Sharks followed us up the line and stayed MAXIM.COM.AU 31

TITAN of the How the young MARK ZUCKERBERG became one of the most powerful and influential men on the planet... By KEITH GORDON Seemingly everyone knows the name biography. So, in order to find a more Mark Zuckerberg and furthermore, objective truth, let’s go back to basics. has an opinion about the world- famous, 38-year-old entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg was born in and philanthropist. Since the launch of White Plains, NY to Edward and Karen Facebook in 2004, he has been at the forefront Zuckerberg, a dentist and psychiatrist of the social media and internet age and as respectively. Growing up in Westchester such, has arguably had more impact on the County, an affluent area north of New York world than any other individual in this time of City, Zuckerberg began his fascination with technological revolution and the digitalisation coding and the internet as a whole when he of society on all levels. And he’s accumulated was extremely young. During high school at a truly impressive net worth of US$60 billion the elite Phillips Exeter Academy, Zuckerberg or more along the way (depending on the created a music streaming platform, fluctuations of the stock market), mainly that while ahead of its time, due to a 13.6% share of Facebook parent drew serious interest from company Meta. behemoths such as Microsoft and Most people have strong views on Facebook and the role of social media in this new information age. But perhaps lost in all of the success, occasional controversy, growth, and broader economic and geopolitical impact, is the fact that this is a relatively young man. A young man who single-handedly changed what the 21st century has been thus far, and who will play a major role in shaping what future decades look like with regard to social media and even the next generation of the internet age, Web3 and the metaverse. It’s hard to maintain an accurate public persona when an important part of your life story gets the Hollywood treatment as the basis of an Oscar-winning “biopic”; not to mention several so-called documentaries. But always remember that a biopic is not a 3 2 MAXIM.COM.AU

Above : Facebook campus in California is not open to the public PHOTOS: COURTESY OF META AOL. Buyout and employment offers were technology from his dorm room. Again, concentrated communities of members that presented, but Zuckerberg turned them down. a sophomore in a college dorm created a amplified the utility of the social network, was technology that in many ways has defined a true measure of entrepreneurial genius by So it was with a well-developed sense the most technological era in human Zuckerberg. Needless to say, he left Harvard of coding and software development, and history. That’s worth noting, if not outright after his sophomore year to focus full-time an enthusiastic entrepreneurial streak, that celebrating. Additionally, Zuckerberg should on the business, which has grown to current Zuckerberg enrolled at Harvard to study be lauded for business models that took annual revenues of around US$118 billion. computer science and psychology. While a great product and allowed it to become The Social Network, along with other a great company. Facebook’s growth is such that hyperbole retellings of this time period, focus on the barely does it justice. If Facebook was a drama and battles between the original Often overshadowed are the brilliant country, it would have the most citizens on Facebook contributors and partners, it’s business and entrepreneurial strategies Earth. Just shy of three billion people around Zuckerberg utilised to thrive where others the globe utilise the social network, a number easy to overlook the fact that a kid underwhelmed (remember Myspace?). made even more mind-boggling by the fact who couldn’t legally order a Understanding the need for Facebook to that they have little to no presence in tech- beer was creating a have a certain concentration of members in a obsessed China. world-altering community before the real value and benefits of the site could be maximised, Zuckerberg This is even more drastic when reigned in the excitement and created a considering the 2012 bargain purchase of Instagram. Costing US$1 billion, at the time deliberate process for expansion. Starting the purchase was largely ridiculed by the first at Harvard, then expanding to public, but Zuckerberg would get the last the rest of the Ivy League, and laugh. Today Instagram has become the social then beyond. media of choice for youth, and while still Finding and smaller than its parent network, is reported sticking to a to have over two billion monthly active users compromise that worldwide. While Facebook’s critics point would allow out that younger generations have begun to Facebook to use Facebook less than those over 30, they grow, but in conveniently forget to mention that most of a way that these users simply moved over to Instagram created – that “foolish purchase” Zuckerberg had insisted upon completing a decade ago. Zuckerberg might have lost them from one of his products, but he ensured that he kept the users within the Facebook infrastructure, and in doing so, consolidated his dominance of the social media space for years to come. Of course success often puts a metaphorical target on the back of those succeeding, and Zuckerberg’s experience has MAXIM.COM.AU 33

TITAN been no different. He has appeared in front Above: An aerial view of the original Facebook headquarters in 2020 located of congressional and governmental hearings in Palo Alto, California USA, before moving to Menlo Parwk, California across the globe, rarely to be celebrated for creating jobs or enabling small businesses significance is that Zuckerberg, and his team, The mission of the CZI is to build a to more easily reach consumers, but rather are not going to wait for the next big thing more inclusive, just and healthy future for to be accused or blamed for any problems to come along and then try to find a way for everyone. But rather than the overly-broad, that arise from social media and more Meta to get involved. The Meta team wants intentionally-vague version of this one specifically Facebook. to lead the creation of what comes next, and might expect from a beauty pageant answer, in doing so accomplish both their financial this mission truly does cover an almost I have no interest in debating here the and social impact goals. Rather than resting unfathomably diverse range of causes and pros and cons of Facebook's dominance, on his laurels, and billions of dollars in Meta projects with a focus on science, education its business practices and the responsibility stock, Zuckerberg seems more eager than and local communities. And even earlier in of a social media company to control what ever to help craft the next generation of world 2010 Zuckerberg announced a pledge of happens within their site. Its far too complex changing technologies and products. US$1oo million to the Newark school system, and complicated a question for me, or frankly a troubled public education entity. any other individual, to be able to answer on Social media is far from the only way that their own, and forms the most basic question Mark Zuckerberg impacts the world and its While no-one claims the project for what society and communities will look citizens. Along with his wife, Dr. Priscilla completely fixed Newark's educational like as we progress through the 21st century Chan, he has already cemented himself as situation. ifs a prime example of Zuckerberg and the information age. But somehow Mark one of the most generous, and thoughtful, trying to attack a specific problem with Zuckerberg is expected to have this answer, of philanthropists. In addition to signing the generosity, dedication, expertise and yes, and him alone. He has been made into the face Giving Pledge, promising to give away the money. Instead of going back regretfully of all of these issues, and is seemingly tasked majority of their wealth to charitable causes, and focusing on what more would have with coming up with solutions for problems Zuckerberg and Chan have a stated goal of been needed to fix the system completely, far bigger than just Facebook, or even just giving away 99% of their Meta shares over Zuckerberg, like a good coder, tech social media as a whole. their lifetimes. The than Zuckerberg Initiative, entrepreneur or CEO, took the lessons learned the couple's philanthropic organisation, has and has continued to apply them to similar Frankly, at a time when society is still already given away more than US$3 billion future projects. Zuckerberg not only wants to trying to formulate the right questions to in grants and investments and shows no give away an earth-shaking amount of money, ask regarding social media, were somehow signs of slowing down. he wants those resources to be amplified and determined that one company's founder utilised to the absolute peak of their potential. should already have the answers. It's not only But what stands out for Mark and Priscilla, unfair to a single company in a wider industry, even when compared to other philanthropic With billions already donated to charitable but to then cultivate an image of Zuckerberg billionaires, is the way they choose how and purposes, and much more to follow, that's a lot as the face of anything and everything negative where to distribute their donations. They of potential to make a positive impact around that happens on the web is downright wrong, focus on projects or organisations that can the country and the world. After all, if anyone as well as patently unproductive. benefit not only from money, but from the knows how to make a truly seismic impact on technological expertise they bring to the table. the world, its the man who brought the world Others caught up in the Wild West of early They focus on how technology of all kinds can closer together online and is willing to take the internet and social media include Google, help increase the speed, scale and impact of heat of public opinion in order to extend both whose cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry their charitable work. his and Meta's impact across the globe and for Page allow Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and generations to come. ■ its parent company Alphabet, to represent the company in these hearings. Twitter, perhaps the closest platform to Facebook and Instagram, has had no shortage of its own controversies, but Jack Dorsey was never made into the face of these issues the way Mark Zuckerberg has. Zuckerberg is the only true household name of the bunch, although at this point one has to assume he'd rather not carry this weight alone. So Zuckerberg's success, and willingness to put himself front and centre to defend not only his company but the industry as a whole, makes him stand out even amongst his billionaire tech peers. He's already preparing his company for the future. He changed the name of the corporation to Meta, in an attempt to both show that the company has more products and services than just Facebook, as well as to lay out his vision for how to take the company forward. Of course you've heard of the metaverse, Web 3.0 or other trendy ways of describing what is predicted in the coming years of internet development. But even if not, the 3 4 MAXIM.COM.AU























F1 2023 SEASON PREVIEW NESEPDETheEFDOR Formula One action blasts back onto our screens this month and we’re expecting one hell of a championship battle. Our resident MAXIM Motorhead predicts the storm ahead… I By STEWART BELL t doesn’t matter whom you talk to in Formula One at the top man Mattia Binotto to be jettisoned, and Mercedes, which finally moment, there’s a real buzz that this forthcoming 2023 produced a lame dog of a car after eight-consecutive constructors’ season could be one for the ages – as good, and as close, crowns and had to play catch-up. Both are desperate to gallop back as 2021, when Max Verstappen lifted his maiden title at the into winning contention this season, meaning that we could be in final round (albeit in highly contentious circumstances). for a three-way (six-driver) stoush – in this the second year of F1’s Of course, as we now know, the Dutchman went on to steamroll the “new era” regulations, which saw the cars reboot their aerodynamics opposition last year in his mighty Red Bull RB18, with a record-15 of for closer wheel-to-wheel racing and more overtakes. 22 races won for his second-straight crown. And if that wasn’t enough, The big question though, is will the Silver Arrows or the Prancing his veteran teammate Sergio Pérez nabbed two more for Red Bull Horse be able to hold a candle to top dog Red Bull, with its RB19 an Racing’s first title double since 2013. evolution of its dominant 2022 car? The murmurs from both rival It was a bitter pill to swallow for its main rivals Ferrari, which camps are that the gap to Red Bull has been more than bridged. dropped the ball with reliability issues and strategy errors, forcing Have they done their sums right? Above: The F1 2023 season again kicks off in the desert of Bahrain on March 5, before heading on to Saudi Arabia two weeks later 4 6 MAXIM.COM.AU

THE EXPERT OBSERVATIONS These are the questions that everyone in the F1 paddock – and down your local pub – should be asking ahead of lights out in Bahrain… Will Ferrari’s new team Will Daniel Ricciardo return principal Frédéric Vasseur to the grid in 2024 with (formerly of Sauber) be able Red Bull? to focus the Scuderia into a The ever-smiling Aussie is razor-sharp racing operation? reserve driver for the energy The Prancing Horse has been drinks squad this year, but stretched to breaking point Verstappen is fed-up with with errors in recent times. a slower Pérez demanding equal treatment. If Mercedes’ W14 is a winning car, who will come out ahead Will Fernando Alonso clash between Hamilton and with Aston Martin team Russell, who took the squad’s co-owner Lawrence Stroll? only win last year in Brazil? The multi world champion The pair was all about ‘unite- Spaniard is no shrinking not-fight’ last year given the violet, demands perfection, squad’s technical gremlins, and will very likely show- but gloves will be off if there’s up Stroll’s son Lance in his a title to win. typically brutal fashion. Can Oscar Piastri Will new teammates immediately deliver Esteban Ocon and Pierre at McLaren? Gasly blow up at Alpine? The Australian is up against The pair allegedly does not young gun Lando Norris, who get on, but have been at despatched Daniel Ricciardo pains to show that’s all behind across two seasons. The them, with pictures of them squad’s idiosyncratic car together at an NBA game could see him come undone. on Instagram. THE DRIVER CHANGES maximum stability going into the opening Middle Eastern rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. That means Verstappen and Pérez charge There’s no shortage of changes on the grid this year with new driver on at Red Bull, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz stay at Ferrari, and pairings, and new faces to challenge the establishment. But, none of Sir Lewis Hamilton and George Russell again make for a formidable those are up at the front, with the top teams retaining their line-ups for all-British line-up at Mercedes. All have much to prove, with Hamilton on a crusade for his record-eighth crown. However, the changes come Top (main): Golden twilight in Abu Dhabi last year; (right): Red Bull’s Christian Horner is thrilled to have Daniel Ricciardo back; Bottom (right): Lewis Hamilton congratulates teammate George Russell in Brazil; (left): Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez on the podium in 2022 MAXIM.COM.AU 47

F1 2023 SEASON PREVIEW thick and fast from there. At Alpine, Pierre Gasly joins Esteban Ocon THE CAR MODIFICATIONS for a likely fiery all-French pairing, while at McLaren it’s Lando Norris and hyped Aussie rookie Oscar Piastri. But, while the Melbourne-born This season marks the second year of F1’s “new era” technical racer impressively won three-straight junior crowns (including F2 and regulations, where the cars use ground effect aerodynamics (under F3), he’s got nowhere to hide following his high-profile split with Alpine. the car) to direct the turbulent air skyward, enabling the chasing car Alfa Romeo retains veteran Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, while at to close-up, make a move, and overtake. But there are subtle tweaks to ambitious team Aston Martin, two-time F1 World Champion Fernando the formula. The FIA has clamped down on 2022 scourge “porpoising” Alonso has replaced Sebastian Vettel as Lance Stroll’s teammate. Haas (or bouncing) for a smoother ride with minor changes to the floor and has kept Kevin Magnussen, but said goodbye Mick Schumacher and diffuser’s throat and edge. The roll hoops will now have a rounded top hello to veteran Nico Hülkenberg. for added safety, following Zhou Guanyu’s monster turn one shunt at the British Grand Prix. Down at Red Bull’s sister squad AlphaTauri, Nyck de Vries will make his full-time debut after a standout stand-in with Williams There’s also some minor changes relating to driver mirrors, which last year (having scored two points at the Italian Grand Prix). will now be 50 millimetres larger; total car weight (down 2kg to 796kg), The Dutchman partners Yuki Tsunoda. While at Grove, it’s Alex power unit weight (up 1kg to 151kg), and fuel temperature. For all you Albon and American rookie Logan Sargeant. armchair aerodynamicists, F1 front wing slot gap separators have been banned. Financially, F1’s technical teams will have to do more with even less, with the cost cap reduced to $135 million US dollars (from $140 million). On-track, we will see more Sprint events – six in total to double 2022’s total – in Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, USA (Austin) and Brazil. This page (top): Carlos Sainz must take the fight to teammate Charles Leclerc this year at Ferrari, with both desperate to be top dog; Bottom: Lewis Hamilton finished third in Brazil last year, while his teammate George Russell won. Will the tables be turned in 2023? 4 8 MAXIM.COM.AU

Sargeant On Patrol LOGAN SARGEANT joins Williams this year, as the first American to join the grid since Alexander Rossi in 2015. We caught up with the Fort Lauderdale native… What was your original inspiration years old. I spent about five years first It’s probably my favourite race that I’ve to go racing? in Switzerland, and now have been ever taken part in. It’s just a great track. My family was never sort of hugely into in London for six years. So I’m well And I really enjoyed the F3 car as well. racing. My dad just got my brother and acquainted with Europe, and the And that was a pretty special moment. I go-karts for Christmas when I was five weather change from Florida. years old. It was just meant to be a bit How do you feel joining Williams for of a hobby. Things took off from there What are you most proud of in your F1 debut? and it got a little bit more serious than your junior career? It’s a massively prestigious and historic we anticipated. It’s hard work to be consistently team, and one that’s pretty special to performing at a high level throughout have your name attached to it. They’ve You moved to Europe quite early in your junior career. It’s been a lot of work given me so much support over the past your career, what was that like? in progress. But I’d say one of the results year [2022]. From the moment I walked in, I moved to Europe when I was 12 I’m most proud of third in Macau [in 2019]. they’ve taken me in with open arms and they’ve done their best to shape and form me into the best driver that I can be, between getting my first F1 test at the end of last year [2021], which was a special moment, and then supporting me through F2, driving the sim, as well as shadowing Alex and Nicholas [Latifi] at some of the races. “Every step of the way I’ve been doing everything I can to be ready for that moment.” What was your first F1 test like? To be honest, I felt slightly nervy coming into the day. But, also I felt quite comfortable. It’s quite a nice feeling when you know that you have a full day to just sort of build up to the limit and enjoy it. I was quite amazed at how perfect everything felt, in terms of aero, downforce, and brakes. The drivability was absolutely perfect, and every input you made it just did exactly what you were wanting from the car. And from a driver’s standpoint, that’s what we enjoy most. And that’s why I loved it so much. Lastly, are you ready for F1? I think I am. As I said, every step of the way I’ve been doing everything I can to be ready for that moment. Clockwise (from top left): Logan Sargeant enjoyed four FP1 sessions last year in the FW44, with his first on home soil in Austin; Sergeant celebrates his first of two F2 feature race wins last year at Silverstone; the young American says he’s ready to take on F1 MAXIM.COM.AU 49

F1 2023 SEASON PREVIEW SINGAPORE SLING Looking for the perfect follow-up to Melbourne’s highly anticipated Albert Park race on March 30-April 2? Take your love of the sport to the next level with a trip to the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023 – a perfect post-winter holiday that promises tropical climate, fantastic racing under lights, the hottest music acts on stage, and much more. Those who head to Singapore for the event this year will be among the first to see F1 cars race on its modified track layout that will be in place until 2026 at least. The changes are a result of local redevelopment, and will see the Marina Bay Street Circuit drop to 4.928-kilometres in total distance and 19 turns. The cars will now go straight on at what was turn 16 to connect with what was turn 19 to form a 397.9 metre back straight. A welcome relief for the drivers in what is the toughest event of the year. The lap times are expected to drop by 20 seconds, too, ensuring a thrilling spectacle for trackside fans. As always, the event is about so much more than racing – with music playing a big part. The 2023 acts are yet to be announced, but Marshmello, Westlife, Green Day, Black Eyed Peas, Suede, The Kid LAROI, and TLC headlined 2022’s line-up, in which 92 acts in total performed across nine stages. There’s been no shortage of quality since 2008, with past headliners including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, The Killers, Dua Lipa, Gwen Stefani, Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande, Queen with Adam Lambert, Imagine Dragons, Bon Jovi, Pharrell Williams, Swedish House Mafia, and much, much more. Beyond the track, Singapore is a dream to get around and the city-state is world-renowned for its cuisine, celebrating its Malay, Indian and Chinese heritage. You cannot go wrong, whether you’re booking five-star or budget, and all with just a seven-hour flight from Sydney or Melbourne, or five from Perth. THE CALENDAR designed to capitalise on exploding interest Stateside. “You can definitely see the impact that [popular Netflix reality series] F1’s 2023 season features a record-breaking 23 rounds, but it’s not Formula 1: Drive to Survive has made, both in the USA and globally,” an easy one for those operating within the paddock with two triple- says rookie American driver Logan Sargeant. “I think as well having headers, and six double-headers. There’s also an unusual 28-day gap three Grands Prix there next year between Austin, Miami and Las between Australia and Azerbaijan after China’s last-minute cancellation. Vegas, it’s a good trio to have. Miami is obviously special to me Middle Eastern nation Qatar also returns to the fold, following its because it’s where I’m from.” FIFA World Cup hosting duties. However, the focus is very much on breaking into the USA – with three rounds there, in Miami, Austin and The season again finishes early, in November rather than the return of Las Vegas after four decades for a primetime, blockbuster December, at its now-traditional end-of-season destination in the Saturday night race that takes in the world-famous Strip. All of it is Middle East: Abu Dhabi’s futuristic race venue, Yas Marina Circuit. Will we see the championship battle go down to the wire again? It’s what we’re all hoping for. ■ 5 0 MAXIM.COM.AU