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SAVE 49%: Watch Formula 1 livestreams from anywhere in the world with a streaming-friendly service like ExpressVPN. A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN(opens in a new tab) is on sale for £84.53 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time.
F1 is back once again, which means fans all over the world will be seeking out the best streaming options for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This is where we can help.
When it comes to the best ways to watch the 2023 season, we've got all the information you need.
When is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
Following on from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, there's plenty of excitement for the fourth race in Azerbaijan:
Practice 1 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. GMT on April 28
Qualifying — 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. GMT on April 28
Sprint Shootout — 9:30 to 10:14 a.m. GMT on April 29
Sprint — 2:30 to 3 p.m. GMT on April 29
Race — 12:00 p.m. GMT on April 30
The first Sprint of the season takes place in Azerbaijan, which is always entertaining. Sky Sports is broadcasting live coverage of the F1 in the UK, with race highlights available on Channel 4 after the event on April 30.
Can you livestream the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for free?
The coverage offered by Sky Sports is impressive, with the biggest names in the F1 game giving their insights and opinions. Sky Sports is not cheap though, so a lot of dedicated F1 fans will not be subscribed. That means an alternative way to watch is required.
The good news for F1 fans is that Belgium’s RTBF and Austria’s ServusTV will show all of the 2023 races free to stream, with French and German commentary, respectively. You can watch RTBF and ServusTV from outside Belgium and Austria with a VPN:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Belgium or Austria
Connect to RTBF or ServusTV
Watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from anywhere in the world
Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these guarantees, you can watch Formula 1 livestreams for free.
What is the best VPN for F1?
ExpressVPN(opens in a new tab) is the best service for streaming the F1 due to its impressive connection speeds, powerful levels of encryption, apps for all operating systems, five multi-logins, and helpful customer support. It also offers a generous money-back guarantee.
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN(opens in a new tab) is on sale for £84.53 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up to watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and then recover your investment with the money-back guarantee. This is sneaky, but it works.
Watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN. | Autoracing |
[1/3] Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium - August 26, 2022 Photographers photograph the new Audi F1 car as German manufacturer Audi announce they will join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier REUTERS/Stephane MaheFRANKFURT/LONDON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Audi said on Wednesday it has agreed to take a stake in Swiss-based Sauber Group, whose team will become the German car manufacturer's works entry in Formula One from 2026.No financial details were disclosed in the statement.Sauber has been involved in Formula One since 1993 and currently competes with Ferrari engines, under the name of Alfa Romeo, a Stellantis brand.Audi, owned by Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), announced in August that it would enter Formula One under new engine rules coming in for 2026, with its own power unit to be built in Neuburg, Bavaria."Together we want to write the next chapter from 2026," Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing said.Sauber Motorsport said in a statement that the team will continue to use Ferrari power units for the next three seasons until the rules change."Audi is the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group," said Sauber Holding's board chairman Finn Rausing, the Swedish billionaire whose family owns packaging company Tetra Laval."It is clear that we share values and a vision, and we look forward to achieving our common goals in a strong and successful partnership."German luxury sportscar brand Porsche (P911_p.DE), which recently listed in Frankfurt, is still talking with teams about entering Formula One after discussions with champions Red Bull broke down, the sport's governing body said last week.Formula One's next generation of power units will have significantly more electrical power and use 100% sustainable fuels from 2026.Formula One is also aiming to achieve a net zero carbon footprint by 2030, which Audi chairman Markus Duesmann said in August was a 'boundary condition' for the carmaker's entry.Reporting by Emma-Victoria Farr and Alan Baldwin; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. | Autoracing |
When Formula 1 looked at its workforce six years ago, just 28% of those employed were women. Today that figure stands at more than 30%.
This shift is something Rosie Wait, head of race strategy at Northamptonshire-based Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1, has seen first hand.
She tells how, when she carried out a summer work placement in Formula 1 back in 2008, she could "count the number of females in the engineering office on one hand".
"It is great to see so many more coming through, both in terms of the graduate intake and when you look down the pit lane," she says. "You can see things are changing in every team."
The percentage of women working at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 has risen from 11% to 16% in the past four years.
Ms Wait, who studied engineering at university, is in charge of the team which, among many other things, decides the exact moment drivers should come in for a pit stop.
"I've got a team of around nine people and it is all about trying to maximise whatever result the car is capable of on any weekend," she says.
"We have a lot of people back at the factory doing data analysis, building models and running tools to help drive those decision-making processes - to make sure we get the best out of everything.
"During a race you really get those periods when the adrenaline is pumping and you can tell that a certain decision will be make or break - that's very exciting, it can be pretty scary.
"There's no such thing as being 'done' in Formula 1," she says. "There's always more that you could be doing."
Two years ago, Ms Wait became a mother. She went on maternity leave before returning to a slightly different, but equally senior, role.
"I've been able to do that alongside my caring responsibilities," she says. "My husband is a doctor which means his job is very uncompromising.
"If something comes up, then I am the one who has to compromise and leave work. I hope that becomes more normal in the industry both for the women and the men.
"You can have both a career and a family and be actively involved in both. It is tough, it is tough for anybody, but it really is working."
When Emmie Jones was 16 and living in Wigan, she handed her CV to what she describes as a "back street garage".
"I remember being told I belonged over the road in the offices instead."
She is now an engine technician for Milton Keynes-based Red Bull Powertrains.
Joining Formula 1, Emmie says, is "the best decision I've made" and she is currently working on the 2026 Red Bull engine.
From a young age she shared a passion for Formula 1 with the rest of her family.
"I got started by finding my love for motorsport with my parents and my brothers down at the local racetrack," she says.
"Then I worked in the garage with my dad and I always knew that I wanted to be a mechanic.
"I've got quite a persistent mother who said if I was going to do it, then I should do it at the top level."
Ms Jones now works as a trackside member of staff looking after the engines.
"If you love Formula 1 like I do then the job is easy, though you either have a life or you have Formula 1 - you don't have both," she suggests.
"I've been in Formula 1 for five years and it is everything I expected and more. It is just so enjoyable, it is like its own little family.
"The best bits are the people you meet, the countries you see and the winning."
The last women to compete as drivers in Formula 1 races were Divina Galica and Lella Lombardi during the 1970s.
Earlier this year, the former test driver driver Susie Wolff was appointed managing director of the F1 Academy, the all-female driver category that aims to develop and prepare young drivers to progress to higher levels of competition.
"I think there is a massive push to get a female driver," says Ms Jones. "Personally, I think that once one is ready and competitive enough then she will get a seat in Formula 1."
Fired by a passion for racing, Abbie McMurray watched Formula 1 throughout her childhood.
But imagining herself actually working on racing cars, she says, was difficult.
"When I first wanted to try to get into this," she says, it was all "unknown" and she worried about whether she would "fit in".
"It was hard to imaging being here," she says.
"But in recent years it does feel that the landscape has changed and it is being opened up for more and more people."
Naturally competitive, she says part of her motivation was just to "see if I could do it".
A trainee with the Mercedes F1 team, she currently works on previous seasons' cars.
"The eventual goal is to be full-time trackside, working on builds, set-ups and strip-downs of the cars," she says.
"There's no denying it is male dominated.
"As a mechanic I don't think there are that many of us in F1 and there have been physical challenges I've come across - such as tools that are clearly made for an average man when I am quite a small girl.
"I have to adapt and I like the challenge of it.
"Since I have joined the team I feel I am treated exactly the same and I think that is exactly the equilibrium we should be working for." | Autoracing |
Max Verstappen is the 2023 Formula 1 champion.
That was something known to F1 fans for months given Verstappen’s dominance so far this season. But it became official on Saturday after his teammate Sergio Perez crashed out of the sprint race.
Verstappen clinched the title with six Grand Prix races to go. Perez could only keep Verstappen from clinching the title by winning the sprint and Verstappen finishing seventh or worse. But he was caught up in a wreck with Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Ocon as they went three-wide.
Perez would not have prevented Verstappen from clinching even if he hadn't crashed. Verstappen was running third at the time and Perez was outside the top eight.
The three-time F1 champion is putting together what could be the most dominant season in Formula 1 history. Verstappen has won 13 of 16 Grand Prix races so far this season and has led 712 of a possible 962 laps completed.
He’s the overwhelming favorite to get his 14th win of the season on Sunday as he starts from the pole.
Verstappen entered the 2023 season on the heels of an epic 2022 that looked nearly impossible to duplicate. He set an F1 record with 15 wins in 22 races and had an average finish of 3.5. After mechanical issues took him out of two of the first three races a season ago, Verstappen reeled off five wins in the next six and never finished lower than seventh the rest of the season.
The 26-year-old has been even better in 2023. Verstappen has an average finish of 1.4 and his worst finishes of the season were two second-place seasons until he was fifth in Singapore. If Verstappen wins three of the remaining six races, he’ll break Michael Schumacher’s 2004 record for the best winning percentage in a single season. Schumacher won 72% of the races that season as he scored 13 victories in 18 starts.
Verstappen joins F1 legends
While Verstappen has a ways to go to challenge Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 titles, he’s in legendary company with his third championship. Only five F1 drivers have won more titles and Verstappen now has as many titles as Jack Brabham, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna and Jackie Stewart.
He’s also just the fifth driver to win three consecutive titles. None of the other drivers with three championships won theirs in consecutive seasons and only Hamilton, Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio and Sebastian Vettel have won at least three titles in a row.
Barring a shift in the F1 power dynamic, Verstappen will enter the 2024 season as a big favorite to score his fourth title in a row. A fourth title will tie him with Vettel and Alain Prost for the third-most championships ever.
Verstappen maximizes Red Bull’s car
Success in Formula 1 is largely determined by your equipment. A driver can only do so much with a slow car. And it’s no secret that Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing team has the fastest cars in 2023.
But Verstappen’s success in 2023 isn’t just because he has a great car. Just look at his teammate Perez. Verstappen has overwhelmingly been faster than Perez throughout the entirety of the season. While Perez has struggled to put qualifying sessions together, Verstappen has been nearly flawless in qualifying. As Red Bull set an F1 record with 15 consecutive wins dating back to the 2022 season finale, Verstappen scored 13 of those wins.
Verstappen and Red Bull have been so good this season that it was an open question for much of the summer if the team was going to sweep the season in what would have been an unprecedented achievement. The answer to that finally became “no” at the Singapore Grand Prix as Red Bull struggled for the first time all season and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz won from the pole.
Sainz led all 62 laps in that race and has led 77 laps all season. Verstappen and Perez have combined to lead 850 laps while everyone else in F1 has combined to lead 35 laps. | Autoracing |
Max Verstappen won the Italian Grand Prix in another dominant run for the Red Bull driver who came through the field from seventh on the grid. He beat the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc into second place at Monza, where the Scuderia tried an alternative strategy but once more were simply unable to match the pace of Verstappen. George Russel was third for Mercedes, Carlos Sainz fourth for Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton came back from 19th on the grid to take fifth. Sergio Pérez was sixth for Red Bull.Verstappen was absolutely on top almost from the off in what was ultimately a rather pedestrian Italian GP. Such is the world champion’s composure and pace at the moment, once he had made the initial passes of the race cleanly the result never really seemed in doubt. Indeed after the Dutchman had the lead he was all but untroubled at the front for his first win at Monza.Verstappen has now taken five wins in a row in an indomitable run that has ensured he has one hand on his second championship. His 31st career win is his 11th this season and in another remarkable display of dominance and controlled skill in coming through the field. It is the third time he has won from seventh or lower on the grid this year.He now leads Leclerc, who is in second, by 116 points and with six meetings to go and 164 points available, he can potentially seal the title at the next round in Singapore or barring that almost certainly the following race in Japan. Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel’s shared record of 13 wins in a season is also now well within his compass.This was another masterclass from the world champion who is demonstrating a control and composure that has left his rivals reeling.Leclerc had just held his lead from pole through the first chicane from Russell but Verstappen’s determination was immediately clear as he made up two places through the first corner. The Dutchman then took fourth, passing Pierre Gasly at Ascari, while Daniel Ricciardo promptly fell on the straight on lap two, taking him to third.He had closed to within a tenth of Russell by lap four with the two front runners simply having no time to open a gap to Verstappen. A lap later he had a strong run down the start-finish straight to dive past the British driver up the inside at turn one.Hamilton from 19th was unable to make such swift progress, making up one place by lap five. Sainz in the Ferrari was swiftly advancing however up from 18th to sixth by lap 12.Verstappen was two seconds back from Leclerc and seemingly unstoppable. The Monegasque driver stuck at it however, with Verstappen taking only a tenth a lap out of his lead. His gains were, nonetheless, inexorable and the gap was down to a second by lap 12.Charles Leclerc in the pits. Photograph: Dan Istitene/Formula 1/Getty ImagesA VSC was called when Sebastian Vettel pulled over with an issue with his car. Ferrari pitted Leclerc under the VSC to go for a free stop and he emerged in third place in front of the traffic but Ferrari had committed to a long final stint and not quite enjoyed all the benefit of the VSC which ended midway through their stop. Verstappen stayed out, while Leclerc now had to complete the rest of the race on the medium tyres.Verstappen led from Russell, with Leclerc 17 seconds back, while Hamilton was finally moving through the field, up to 11th by lap 18. Red Bull pitted Verstappen on lap 25 to take the medium rubber, with 28 laps to go. He emerged in second, 10 seconds back from Leclerc but with much fresher tyres. Hamilton stayed out having made it to seventh, where he vied with Fernando Alonso, finally making it stick on lap 27.Verstappen was now setting the pace however, taking up to half a second a lap from Leclerc’s lead and Ferrari had no option but to try to two-stop their man. They duly pitted Leclerc on lap 33 to take the soft tyres to hunt down the Dutchman. He emerged 18 seconds back with 20 laps to go, a tall order of almost a second a lap. Which became clear it was indeed too much when Leclerc could not match let alone surpass Verstappen’s pace.However while Verstappen continued to what seemed an inevitable win, a late safety car was called on lap 48 when Ricciardo came to a halt on track. Red Bull pitted Verstappen and Leclerc had to match them but there was to be no late drama. Ricciardo’s car could not be moved in time and the race came to a conclusion behind the safety car. A far from spectacular finish but one with which Verstappen was entirely happy as his second title looms large on the horizon.Quick GuideHow do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?ShowDownload the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhones or the Google Play store on Android phones by searching for 'The Guardian'.If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.In the Guardian app, tap the yellow button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.Turn on sport notifications.Lando Norris was in seventh for McLaren, Pierre Gasly in eighth for AlphaTauri, Nyck de Vries scored his first points in F1 in his debut race with ninth for Williams, sitting in for Alex Albon. Guanyu Zhou was in tenth for Alfa Romeo. | Autoracing |
Max Verstappen is officially having the most dominant season in Formula 1 history.
Verstappen cruised to a win in the Mexico Grand Prix for his 16th victory over the first 19 races of the season. The win breaks the record Verstappen set in 2022 for the most Grand Prix wins in a single season and ensures that Verstappen will end the 2023 season with the best single-season winning percentage of any driver in Formula 1 history.
Michael Schumacher previously held the win percentage record with 13 wins in 18 starts over the 2004 season. Schumacher won 72.2% of races that season. Even if Verstappen fails to win any of the final three races of this season, he’ll end the year with a win percentage of 72.7%.
The 2023 F1 champ got the lead from third heading into the first corner of the race and then had to retain it on a standing start on lap 36. The race was red-flagged on lap 35 of 71 after a massive crash by Kevin Magnussen required lengthy repairs to the foam barriers he hit.
Verstappen easily kept first on the restart of the race as Charles Leclerc was left to defend against Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time champion finished second after he got past Leclerc but no one had anything for Verstappen and his Red Bull.
Leclerc finished third ahead of his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz in fourth. Lando Norris made an incredible drive to finish fifth after starting 19th.
Sergio Perez crashes out in the first turn
Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez started fifth and tried to have the lead through Turn 1 at his home Grand Prix.
He instead found himself out of the race after his car popped into the air after he collided with Leclerc.
Perez went three-wide on the outside of Verstappen and Leclerc and made contact with the Ferrari as he aggressively tried to turn to the right into the corner. The contact damaged Perez’s car enough that he was forced to retire the car after completing just a single lap.
Perez’s DNF means that Hamilton is once again 19 points back of Perez for second in the standings with three races to go. Hamilton entered the race 37 points back after he was disqualified for a floor plank violation following a second-place finish to Verstappen at the United States Grand Prix.
With the way that Hamilton and Perez’s seasons are trending, Perez is in danger of falling to third in the standings. Since finishing second at Monza, Perez has finished eighth, 19th, 10th, fourth and last. Hamilton, meanwhile has three top-five finishes in that span and had a fourth taken away because of the disqualification.
Race results
1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
3. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
4. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
5. Lando Norris, McLaren
6. George Russell, Mercedes
7. Daniel Ricciardo, AlphaTauri
8. Oscar Piastri, McLaren
9. Alex Albon, Williams
10. Esteban Ocon, Alpine
11. Pierre Gasly, Alpine
12. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
13. Logan Sargeant, Williams
14. Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri
15. Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo
16. Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo
Not Classified: Lance Stroll, Aston Martin; Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin; Kevin Magnussen, Haas; Sergio Perez, Red Bull | Autoracing |
'What's going on with your drivers?': Christian Horner reveals the Queen once quizzed him over Red Bull's infamous feud between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber over lunch at Buckingham PalaceChristian Horner revealed The Queen asked him to explain the 'Multi 21' feudTensions between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber came to a head in 2013 Vettel was behind Mark Webber and he ignored Red Bull's orders to stay thereThe relationship between the team-mates broke down after the Malaysian GP Published: 08:42 EDT, 11 September 2022 | Updated: 09:19 EDT, 11 September 2022 Christian Horner has revealed The Queen once asked him to explain the feud between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber after their relationship as team-mates at Red Bull broke down.German star Vettel rose up through Red Bull's youth programme to become world champion in 2010 while Australian Webber was brought into the team - therefore there was often a form of tension between the two.Tensions between them finally came to a head in 2013, during their final season together, when Vettel ignored team orders to overtake in the late stages of the Malaysian Grand Prix. The Queen quizzed Christian Horner over Red Bull's infamous Multi 21 feud back in 2013Vettel was behind Webber as Red Bull had both their drivers at the front of the race, and the team ordered him to stay there. The German was, however, keen to start the season well and secure that fourth title in a row, he ignored that 'Multi-21' request and overtook the Aussie to steal the win.The incident even came to the attention of Her Majesty, as Horner revealed in an interview, in which he recalled a conversation he had with the monarch at Buckingham Palace about that day in Kuala Lumpur. Tensions between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber came to a head at the Malaysian GP'She loved her horses obviously, a real passion of hers, competitive spirit. But I remember being invited to a lunch at Buckingham Palace by herself and Prince Philip,' Horner told Sky Sports F1. 'There were very few of us there and she'd obviously been well briefed. And she asked me... we sat down for lunch and she said 'what's going on with your drivers? Why don't they get on?''Now Red Bull team principal Horner also paid tribute to the Queen, who died on Thursday at the age of 96. Red Bull team principal Horner (pictured, left) also paid tribute to the Queen who passed awayHe added: 'She was just the most remarkable person, immediately put you at ease. She had a sense of humour as well. She'll be sorely, sorely missed.'It's just tremendously sad because she's been the stability for such a long period of time that it's almost unimaginable to think of her not being there. She's on every coin, every pound note. It's just a real shame.'Formula 1 paid its respects to the Queen with a minute's silence held in the paddock at Monza ahead of the first practice.Another moment of reflection was held by the drivers ahead of Sunday's race. British drivers Lando Norris, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, plus the rest of the field, observe a minutes silence to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pre-race at Monza Advertisement | Autoracing |
Formula 1 begins a five-week, four-race tour of North and South America this weekend with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
The constructors’ and drivers’ world championships have already been awarded as Red Bull and Max Verstappen, respectively, have clinched, but there are plenty of other compelling battles down the order. Resurgent McLaren have had back-to-back double-podium finishes and Oscar Piastri won the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint, rocketing the Woking team up the constructors’ standings.
Closing the 79-point gap to Ferrari for third in the constructors’ standings with five race weekends to go might be too much of an ask, but Aston Martin is within striking distance with just 11-point edge over McLaren.
Here’s what to know ahead of the 2023 United States Grand Prix:
United States Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Free practice (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
4:55 - 6 p.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Saturday
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Sprint Shootout (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
6 - 7 p.m.: Sprint (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sunday
1:30 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.: Pre-race show (ABC, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
2:55 - 5 p.m.: United States Grand Prix (ABC, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
United States Grand Prix details
Track: Circuit of the Americas, 3.542-mile, 20-turn permanent racing facility in Austin, Texas
Race length: 56 laps for 191 miles
Lap record: Charles Leclerc, 1:36.369 (2019, Ferrari)
Tire compounds: C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), C4 (Soft)
2022 winner: Max Verstappen, Red Bull-RBPT
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 16, 2023
United States Grand Prix qualifying results
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
United States Grand Prix Sprint results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
United States Grand Prix Sprint Shootout results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
United States Grand Prix practice results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT 1:35.912
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari +.156
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes +.281
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT +300
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari +.560
George Russell (63), Mercedes +.562
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes +.580
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari +.621
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari +790
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault +793
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes +1.075
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault +1.154
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT +1.192
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT +1.240
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes +1.1344
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari +1.506
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari +1.605
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes +1.928
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes +2.508
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes +4.028
Daniel Ricciardo returns for United States Grand Prix
AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo will return this weekend after missing the last five races, which will be a welcome sight for many fans as the Australian driver is incredibly popular in the U.S.
Ricciardo broke several bones in his left hand in a crash during practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix on Aug. 25. New Zealander Liam Lawson impressed driving in Ricciardo’s place, particularly during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend knocking Max Verstappen out of qualifying in the second session and going on to finish ninth to notch two world championship points.
Sprint weekend format returns
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition. This weekend marks the fifth of six sprint format weekends in 2023 with the final one coming next month in Brazil.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The 2023 format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3).
Top drivers and best bets for the United States Grand Prix
Oddsmakers sure don’t anticipate Max Verstappen taking his foot off the gas after clinching his third straight world championship as he enters the weekend with a -400 moneyline according to BetMGM. No other driver sports odds of better than 10-to-1.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -400
• Lando Norris +1000
• Oscar Piastri +1200
• Sergio Perez +1800
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote earlier in the week on the betting outlook and in addition to backing Verstappen’s massive race-win odds, likes him to post the fastest practice time (-175) and qualify on pole (-250). Bromberg also recommends betting Lewis Hamilton to finish ahead of Charles Leclerc (-155) and the Mercedes stable overall to finish ahead of Ferrari (-140).
F1 world drivers’ championship standings
1. Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 433*
2. Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 224
3. Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes – 194
4. Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 183
5. Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari – 153
6. Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari – 145
7. Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes – 136
8. George Russell (63), Mercedes – 132
9. Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes – 83
10. Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 47
11. Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault – 46
12. Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault – 44
13. Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes – 23
14. Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 10
15. Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari – 6
16. Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 6
17. Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 3
18. Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari – 3
19. Liam Lawson (40), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 2
20. Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes – 0
21. Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
22. Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
* — Clinched world championship
United States Grand Prix weather
The forecasted daytime high temperature for all three days of on-track running is 88 degrees, but cloud cover is expected to be different each day. That shouldn’t necessarily mean identical results in all sessions, though, given those differences in cloud cover (which impacts track temperature) and the fact that qualifying, the Sprint and Grand Prix all go off at different times of the day. | Autoracing |
Sunday could be the day when Max Verstappen breaks more Formula 1 records.
Verstappen enters Sunday’s Mexico Grand Prix (4 p.m. ET, ABC) looking for his 16th win of the season. The 2023 Formula 1 champion got his 15th win of the season last week at the United States Grand Prix to tie the wins record that he set a season ago on the way to his second title.
A win on Sunday not only means Verstappen is the winningest driver in any F1 season, it also would give him the most dominant F1 season ever even if he fails to score points in the final three races of the season.
Michael Schumacher won 13 of 18 races in 2004 on the way to his seventh and final title. His win percentage of 72.2% has stood for nearly 20 years as the best win percentage for any driver in a single season.
If Verstappen gets his 16th win in 19 races in Mexico City, he’ll have a win percentage of 84% and be guaranteed to have a win percentage of no worse than 72.7% for the entire 2023 season.
Oddsmakers are once again bullish on Verstappen’s chances at a win too, though the No. 2 favorite’s odds aren’t bad either. Verstappen enters the Mexico Grand Prix at -275 to get the win. With an incredibly long front straightaway and a few high-speed turns, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez sets up well for Red Bull’s car.
Lewis Hamilton is the No. 2 favorite to win at +600 after his unofficial second-place showing at the USGP. Hamilton was disqualified after the race because of excessive wear on the floor plank of his car, but the speed that he and Mercedes showed throughout the weekend didn’t appear to be a fluke or the product of a car that didn’t conform to F1 regulations.
If Hamilton and Mercedes can hang with Verstappen again in Mexico — and not get disqualified, of course — then it bodes well for the Brazilian Grand Prix. Mercedes’ George Russell won that race a season ago and it wouldn’t be surprising for Hamilton to have odds of +500 or better ahead of Brazil with another good race in Mexico.
Here are a few bets we like ahead of the 19th Grand Prix of the season.
Max Verstappen to win the race (-275)
This feels too obvious to officially consider as a bet, but sometimes it’s worth stating the obvious.
Both McLaren drivers to score points (-250)
The USGP was disappointing for Oscar Piastri. We expect him to bounce back in Mexico.
Lewis Hamilton to finish in the top 3 (-165)
These are great odds for the No. 2 favorite to simply finish in the top three, especially when you consider that Verstappen is -1400 for a top-10 finish and Hamilton is at -1200.
Lando Norris to beat Sergio Perez (-105)
Perez could be buoyed by the exuberant crowd at his home Grand Prix, but Norris has been the better driver over the second half of the season.
Charles Leclerc to win pole (+800)
This is our flier of the weekend. Ferrari’s straight-line speed in qualifying is the best in the paddock and it wouldn’t be too much of a stunner to see Leclerc get back-to-back pole positions. | Autoracing |
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The annual Russian Grand Prix scheduled for next month was canceled following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but Formula One president and CEO Stefano Domenicali vowed this week that another race would never be held in the country again. F1 terminated its contract in May after canceling the race in February following the "sadness and shock" that followed the early days of Russian attacks on Ukraine, according to reports at the time, but Domenicali clarified the sports stance on the issue this week, stating that F1 has no plans to hold future events there. Bernie Ecclestone, Chairman Emeritus of the Formula One Group talks with President of Russia Vladimir Putin next to Chase Carey, CEO and Executive Chairman of the Formula One Group during the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia on April 30, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)"I've always believed that you should never say never," Domenicali told Sport Bild magazine, per GrandPrix.com. "But in this case, I can promise for sure -- we will no longer negotiate with them.FOUR-TIME FORMULA ONE CHAMPION SEBASTION VETTEL TO RETIRE AT END OF SEASON "There will be no more racing in Russia." Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the Formula One Group, looks on, on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 31, 2022 in Budapest, Hungary. (Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)Despite this, CEO of Russian GP promoter ANO Rosgonki Alexey Titov responded to Domenicali’s comments saying the future of their relationships remain "unclear" and his comments were said with a "pronounced political connotation."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"The current situation in world sports is extremely politicized. It is necessary to take Domenicali's words here with this in mind. What he said has a pronounced political connotation that has nothing to do with the real spirit of sports," he said, via Reuters. Winner Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton, second placed Mercedes' Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas and third placed Ferrari's German driver Sebastian Vettel celebrate during the podium ceremony for the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit in Sochi on September 30, 2018. (ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)"The future of our relations today is really unclear. We will take Domenicali's position into account in our further work."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPTitov also said that the debt from the canceled event, which has been held since 2014, must be repaid by F1. "We expect a refund regardless of the current position of Formula One Management in relation to holding races in the Russian Federation." Paulina Dedaj is a Digital Reporter for Fox News and Fox Business. Follow Paulina Dedaj on Twitter at @PaulinaDedaj. If you've got a tip, you can email Paulina at [email protected] | Autoracing |
Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrian billionaire founder and owner of Red Bull, has died aged 78 after a serious illness with cancer.Considered to be the richest man in Austria, the entrepreneur built a global empire around the energy drink.
Mr Mateschitz's fortune is estimated at around €25bn (£21.8bn), putting him 51st on Forbes' list of the world's richest people.Formula 1 praised his "unforgettable contribution" to the sport and said he leaves behind a "lasting legacy".Little is known about Mr Mateschitz's private life - he was publicity shy and rarely gave interviews.
He lived in Salzburg with his long-term girlfriend and once said years ago that he drank 10 to 12 cans of Red Bull a day.After graduating from the University of World Trade in Vienna, he worked as a marketing specialist for various companies in the 1970s. More from World 'Not a civilian evacuation': Collaborators and Russians leaving Kherson, resident says Ukraine war: Russian-installed authorities in Kherson order 'immediate' evacuation amid warnings of counteroffensive The Amazon rainforest is being destroyed on an industrial scale - and the Brazilian election could decide its future Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. Open Privacy Options On his business trips to Asia, he got to know the market of energy and stimulant drinks, which at the time were still completely unknown in Europe and the US.In 1984, together with Thai entrepreneurs, he founded Red Bull GmbH, in which he held a 49% stake. After modifying the recipe of a Thai energy drink and developing a marketing concept, Red Bull was introduced to the market in 1987.The bubbly, carbonated, sweet drink, whose taste is described as similar to that of gummy bears, rose to become the global market leader after a difficult market entry.The group achieved a turnover of €7.8bn (£6.8bn) in 2021 and sold 9.8 billion Red Bull cans worldwide.Mateschitz was the founder and owner of Red Bull Racing, a Formula 1 racing team based in Milton Keynes.News of his death emerged just before qualifying at the United States Grand Prix, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports News they were determined to "do our best for him" during this weekend's races.He added: "It is very, very sad. What a great man. We are just incredibly grateful for him and everything he has done, everything he has supported us with over the years and so many drivers, so many team members, so many people in this pitlane owe him so much."It is important that we celebrate and recognise the contribution that he has made. Quite a remarkable man, an inspiration, and one that we owe a huge amount." | Autoracing |
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto doubts Formula 1's ability to enforce the budget capFerrari have questioned the ability of Formula 1's governing body to police the sport's budget cap effectively.Team principal Mattia Binotto said the cap was "a very green regulation", adding: "The number of people in the FIA monitoring it is very little."He said: "It has to improve for the future because it would be really bad if somehow a championship was dictated by a financial regulation and not technical or sporting."His comments come in the wake of claims Red Bull will introduce a lighter car in forthcoming races.It is a widespread belief in F1 that Red Bull will introduce a new chassis that is 4kg lighter than its existing one as it seeks to close off Max Verstappen's second world drivers' title and the constructors' championship.The Singapore Grand Prix at the beginning of October, in three races' time, is said to be the target event, although it could be sooner.No stopping Verstappen as second title approaches'I don't do excuses' - Leclerc on honesty, 'respect' for Max & golfRed Bull have said a number of times this season that they have been working on reducing the weight of their car this year and 4kg would amount to a lap-time gain in the region of 0.14 seconds.Asked whether this was Red Bull's plan, team principal Christian Horner said: "No, there is no [lighter chassis]. These chassis will run for the next few races."And asked whether the team would stay within the budget cap this year, a spokesperson said: "Yes, we have had less upgrades than Ferrari and Mercedes."Asked about the governing body's monitoring budget cap procedures, an FIA spokesperson said: "The FIA is committed to robust monitoring processes and will continue to strengthen, develop and refine all areas of its activities in this new era of Formula 1."Red Bull are widely expected to introduce a new, lighter chassis before the end of the seasonBinotto said: "I cannot know what they are doing, if they have a [lighter] chassis or not, but the budget cap is always a concern. "The financial regulations can make differences between teams in the way they are interpreting and somehow executing it. "And we know we need a very strong FIA to make sure they are properly focusing, otherwise the regulations will not be fair and equitable. "Ferrari would never be capable of introducing a lightweight chassis or a different chassis through a season simply [because of the] budget cap and I would be very surprised if a team is capable of doing it. "And if they are, it is back to the regulation itself - is it fair enough, is it equitable enough, is the policing sufficient?"Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: "We wouldn't be able to introduce a chassis at that stage of the season. We are massively overweight, which we haven't been able to sort out because we are trying parts on the car in order to solve our various issues, so can't afford that, full stop. "So what was aimed for by introducing the cost cap absolutely hit the target. It is what they wanted to achieve. The big teams can't just throw money at it."The budget cap was introduced in 2021 and was set at $140m (£119m) this season, but teams have been permitted a 3.5% overspend because of the rise in inflation.The inside story of Ferrari's F1 resurgenceHow is the iconic red double-decker bus made? Gregg Wallace goes Inside the Factory to find outFrom footballing heaven to personal hell: This is the raw and honest story of Paul Gascoigne and his turbulent life | Autoracing |
Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz (R) congratulates Red Bull Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany for winning the championship and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit November 14, 2010. REUTERS/Ahmed JadallahOct 22 (Reuters) - Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrian billionaire founder and owner of energy drink company Red Bull, died on Saturday at the age 78 after a serious illness with cancer.His death was confirmed by the championship-leading Red Bull Formula One team.The Styrian-born entrepreneur built a global empire around the energy drink Red Bull and was considered the richest man in Austria. Mateschitz's fortune is estimated at around 25 billion euros ($24.65 billion). This puts him in 51st place on Forbes' list on the world's richest people.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comThe self-made billionaire was considered a marketing genius. After graduating from the University of World Trade in Vienna, he worked as a marketing specialist for various companies in the 1970s.On his business trips to Asia, he got to know the market of energy and stimulant drinks. At that time, these drinks were still completely unknown in Europe and the United States. In 1983, he acquired the licence for such a drink in Asia. One year later, together with the Thai entrepreneurial family Yoovidhya, he founded Red Bull GmbH, in which he held a 49% stake.After modifying the recipe of a Thai energy drink and developing a marketing concept, Red Bull was introduced to the market in 1987. The bubbly, carbonated, sweet drink, whose taste is described as similar to that of gummy bears, rose to become the global market leader after a difficult market entry. The group achieved a turnover of 7.8 billion euros in 2021 and sold 9.8 billion Red Bull cans worldwide.The Fuschl am See, Salzburg-based company is also known for its creative advertising with the world famous slogan "Red Bull gives you wings". An important milestone for Mateschitz was the entry into the U.S. market at the end of the 1990s. Today, every third can is sold in the United States.The entrepreneur paid a lot of attention to the image of the drink. He associated the Red Bull brand with adventure sports like surfing, mountain biking and cliff diving with the company eventually involved as a sponsor in a lot of them.Mateschitz was also the founder and owner of Red Bull Racing, a Formula 1 racing team based in Milton Keynes, Britain. He had taken over the football club SV Austria Salzburg, now known as "Red Bull Salzburg".Little is known about Mateschitz's private life. He was publicity shy and rarely gave interviews. He lived in Salzburg with his long-term girlfriend and once said years ago that he drank 10 to 12 cans of Red Bull a day himself.It is not clear what consequences the Red Bull empire will face after his death. His only son Mark, 30, who most recently acted as managing director of one of his father's investment companies is seen as a possible successor.($1 = 1.0142 euros)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru, Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich in Vienna, and Michael Shields; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Marguerita ChoyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. | Autoracing |
Formula One Cancels Chinese Grand Prix Amid Covid-19 Restrictions 12/2/2022 7:02 AM PT Formula One will NOT be making a return to China in 2023 -- the series just announced it has pulled the Chinese Grand Prix due to Covid-19 difficulties. China recently implemented strict guidelines and lockdowns as part of a "zero-Covid" approach ... which has resulted in public protests. China has since reportedly announced a plan to loosen its protocols by reducing mass testing in the coming days ... but F1 decided it was best to start its search for a replacement host ASAP. "Formula 1 can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation," F1 announced Friday. "Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course." The April 16 event at Shanghai International Circuit was set to be F1's first return to China since 2019 ... and would have been Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu's debut home race of his career. It's not the first time the plug has been pulled on the Chinese GP -- it was one of the first races to be canceled prior to the pandemic in 2020. | Autoracing |
F1 Commentator Suspended By TV Network ... After Calling Lance Stroll 'The Autistic' 7/13/2022 6:31 AM PT A Formula 1 commentator has been suspended by his TV network indefinitely ... after he called driver Lance Stroll "the autistic" during a race's broadcast over the weekend. Lionel Froissart, a French journalist, made the remark during RTBF Sport's broadcast of the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday. As racecars were whizzing around the track, Froissart -- speaking in French -- called Stroll "the autistic," and when his broadcast partner condemned him for the words, he fired back, "Honestly, this is the truth." "Lance Stroll, l'autiste."On est où là ? C'est irrespectueux. Immonde de la part de Lionel Froissart.Un manque de respect pour les autistes. Un manque de respect pour Lance Stroll.C'est normal cela @F1 sur votre chaine ?pic.twitter.com/6RV2pHjxrt— Alexandre Khaldi (@Alex_Racing1) July 10, 2022 @Alex_Racing1 The comments were immediately panned on social media ... and on Wednesday, RTBF Sport announced it has put Froissart on ice over it all. "RTBF strongly condemns the words used on Sunday, July 10, on air by its consultant Lionel Froissart during the Austrian Grand Prix," network officials said in a statement to GP Fans. "Associating autism with a driver’s way of communicating was misplaced and completely inconsistent with RTBF values. An internal investigation will be conducted, to hear all the involved persons. The goal is to understand in detail what could have led to this incident." The network added, "Pending the results of this investigation, RTBF will no longer work with the consultant in question until further notice.” Neither Froissart nor Stroll has appeared to comment publicly on the discipline yet. Stroll, meanwhile, finished the Austrian GP in 13th place. | Autoracing |
Mark Thompson/Getty Images
toggle caption
Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on October 08, 2023 in Lusail City, Qatar.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on October 08, 2023 in Lusail City, Qatar.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll said he was "passing out" and dizzy behind the wheel.
Esteban Ocon, racing for Alpine, vomited in his helmet during the race, he told reporters.
Medical officials evaluated Williams driver Alexander Albon for acute heat exposure, while his teammate Logan Sargeant retired from the competition after feeling sick and suffering from "intense dehydration."
Scorching temperatures at the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday turned up the heat on elite drivers who already face physically demanding conditions on the track, from racing at extreme speeds to regularly experiencing elevated G-forces.
But it was so hot in Qatar that the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of Formula 1, said it's considering taking steps to better prepare drivers for rising temperatures.
"While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise their health or safety," the FIA said in a statement.
Qatar is already among the world's hottest countries, and with climate change, high temperatures will get even more extreme.
Mercedes driver George Russell said the temperature in the cockpit of his car exceeded 50 degrees Celsius — or 122 degrees Fahrenheit — ESPN reported.
The FIA is now conducting an analysis into the race and considering a raft of potential measures to deal with extreme heat in the future, such as providing additional guidance to competitors, researching how to improve cockpit airflow and changing the race calendar "to align with acceptable climatic conditions."
Temperatures are expected to be lower during next year's Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for Nov. 29 through Dec. 1., but the organization also said it "prefers to take material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario."
The FIA plans to discuss the potential recommendations at its upcoming medical commission meeting in Paris.
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen, racing with team Red Bull, won the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, followed by McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. | Autoracing |
Michael Schumacher's family are planning legal action against a magazine which published an artificial intelligence-generated 'interview' with the former Formula 1 driver.
Schumacher, a seven-time F1 champion, suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013 and has not been seen in public since.
Die Aktuelle ran a picture of a smiling Schumacher, 54, on the front cover of its latest edition with a headline of "Michael Schumacher, the first interview".
A strapline underneath reads "it sounded deceptively real", and it emerges in the article that the supposed quotes had been produced by AI.
The family have confirmed to news agency Reuters that they are planning to pursue the matter legally.
Following his skiing accident, Schumacher was placed into an induced coma and was brought home in September 2014, with his medical condition since kept private by his family.
Schumacher's son Mick used to drive for Haas in F1 and is currently a reserve driver for Mercedes.
In a 2021 Netflix documentary, Schumacher's wife Corinna said: "We live together at home. We do therapy. We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he's comfortable, and to simply make him feel our family, our bond.
"We're trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives.
"'Private is private', as he always said. It's very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael." | Autoracing |
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Lance Stroll reporting drops of rain on track ☔️
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Albon leaps to P4 with a monster lap.
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Drop zone with three minutes left in Q1
HUL
ZHO
MAG
SAR
ALB
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Wet stuff hasn't hit the track ... so far
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Both Ferraris get flying laps in before the rain is scheduled to hit the track. Leclerc goes P1 (1:10.472) and Sainz goes P4 (1:11.000)
Formula 1 concludes its lone triple-header of the 2023 season this weekend in Brazil with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Interlagos and the Autódromo José Carlos Pace are a favorite of drivers and fans alike for its unique twisting layout, elevation changes and propensity to deliver memorable and thrilling moments. Just last year, Kevin Magnussen won his maiden pole (albeit, yes, it was aided by weather) and George Russell won his first F1 Grand Prix.
Here’s what to know ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix:
Sao Paulo Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
10:25-11:30 a.m.: Free practice 1 (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
1:55-3 p.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Saturday
9:55-11 a.m.: Sprint Shootout (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
2:25-3:30 p.m.: Sprint (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sunday
10:30-11:55 a.m.: Pre-race show (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
11:55 a.m.-2 p.m.: Sao Paulo Grand Prix (ESPN, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sao Paulo Grand Prix details
Track: Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) | 2.677-mile, 15-turn permanent racing facility in Sao Paulo
Race length: 71 laps
Lap record: 1:10.540 (Valtteri Bottas, 2018, Mercedes)
Tire compounds: Hard (C4), Medium (C3), Soft (C2)
2022 winner: George Russell, Mercedes
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 31, 2023
Final sprint weekend of 2023
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition. This weekend marks the sixth and final sprint format weekends of 2023.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The 2023 format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3, etc.).
Top drivers and best bets for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Max Verstappen has already broken his own record for wins in a single season and enters Interlagos again a massive favorite according to BetMGM, entering the weekend with a -300 moneyline. The next-best odds belong to Lewis Hamilton at 7-to-1. Lando Norris is the only other driver with 12-to-1 odds or better entering the weekend.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -300
• Lewis Hamilton +700
• Lando Norris +1200
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote yesterday on the betting market and, in addition to backing Verstappen for the race win, also likes George Russell to finish ahead of Charles Leclerc (-120) and Verstappen and Hamilton to finish in the top two (+165).
2023 F1 drivers' standings
1. Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 491*
2. Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 240
3. Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes – 220
4. Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari – 183
5. Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 183
6. Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes – 169
7. Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari – 166
8. George Russell (63), Mercedes – 151
9. Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes – 87
10. Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault – 56
11. Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 53
12. Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault – 45
13. Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes – 27
14. Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 10
15. Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari – 9
16. Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 6
17. Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 6
18. Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 8
19. Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari – 3
20. Liam Lawson (40), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 2
21. Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes – 1
22. Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
* — Clinched world championship
Sao Paulo Grand Prix weather
While race day appears clear there is a 51% chance of rain forecast for qualifying and sprint days, with possible thunderstorms Friday. Wet conditions typically influence Sao Paulo race weekends; even if rain doesn’t fall, teams are monitoring the radar as much as they are the timing screens. | Autoracing |
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso both said they felt errors prevented them from joining Red Bull's Max Verstappen on the front row for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Both drivers made errors in Turn 10 on their final qualifying laps that they said prevented them beating Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to second.
Hamilton, who said he was "genuinely really happy" with the upgraded Mercedes, starts fourth.
Alonso said he could have been second even after damaging his car's floor in an off-track moment, but then ran wide on his final lap when on course for a time good enough for second.
The two-time champion said he was "disappointed" with his own performance.
Alonso will start eighth - both men were promoted a place because Alpine's Pierre Gasly, who qualified fourth fastest, was hit with two three-place grid penalties for impeding Verstappen and Sainz in separate incidents.
Hamilton said: "To be fighting for P2 was a big surprise. We did some great work overnight and the car felt so much better this morning.
"So these upgrades have definitely worked so a big thank you to everyone at back at home. Massively encouraging.
"If I was fighting for a championship, maybe I would be a bit more frustrated that I lost 0.2secs in Turn 10 but I will try to get it back tomorrow."
Mercedes introduced a major redesign of their car in Monaco last weekend but always insisted that Spain's Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya would give the first true indication of its performance because its combination of long corners of varying speeds is a comprehensive test for the aerodynamics of Formula 1 cars.
Team principal Toto Wolff described the performance of the revised Mercedes, which features new sidepods, floor and front suspension, as "solid".
"I believe in the package," Wolff said. "It is a new baseline. It is something to work on without needing to question certain parts of the car and this is what we are taking forward now."
The new concept is an abandonment of the unique design philosophy Mercedes pursued for the new regulations that were introduced for 2022, but which Wolff said they would have to abandon at the first race of this season when it became clear the team had not made the progress they had planned.
"We had to discover the direction we went simply didn't work," he said. "We are a team who won eight consecutive world championships who just got it wrong last year.
"We tried to find out what it was we didn't understand, things got better towards the end of the season, the regulations were changed which we misinterpreted and here we go, we start from zero.
"The learning is tremendously important going forward."
Wolff described an incident in which Hamilton and his team-mate George Russell collided during qualifying as "all down to miscommunication".
Hamilton was trying to pass Russell on the outside down the pit straight but did not know that his team-mate, who was also starting a flying lap, did not know he was there.
"It looks silly," Wolff said, "but it wasn't. It was just miscommunication."
- How to follow the Spanish Grand Prix on the BBC
- Chequered Flag podcast: Spanish Grand Prix preview
- Full qualifying times
Alonso's double error
Alonso said it "hurt" that he had made two separate mistakes in qualifying.
The 41-year-old has been virtually flawless all season after joining an Aston Martin team on the up after making major progress with their car, and lies third in the championship after five podiums in the first six races.
Alonso ran off track on his first lap of qualifying at the high-speed last corner and damaged his floor, on which his team were forced to carry out running repairs for the rest of the session. He qualified with the car sporting adhesive tape in various places to hold it together.
Aston Martin said the impact on the car's performance was "significant".
"Q1 did compromise everything," Alonso said. "I did a mistake and went on the damp part of the circuit on the last corner and lost the car. That was very costly - the gravel completely destroyed the floor.
"It hurts even more because it was the out lap. I was not even pushing. Disappointed with my performance today and hopefully I can do a better Sunday.
"The car was behaving weirdly in a few corners but you never know if it is just the wind or track conditions.
"It was a strange qualifying to see [Ferrari's Charles] Leclerc out in Q1 and Russell and [Red Bull's Sergio] Perez out in Q2. We were struggling as well.
"It was tricky for everyone but in my case it was just my mistake. The car still feels competitive even with some damage to the floor so if we put everything together we are still optimistic we can score many points."
Even with the damage, Alonso said he was on course for the front row on his final lap until running wide at Turn 10.
Asked what he could have achieved, Alonso said: "P2 probably even with the floor as it was because in the Q3 lap I was coming for a [one minute] 12.7 [seconds lap] until Turn 10 when again I ran wide into the damp part on the outside.
"So when I saw now that 12.7 is P2 and P3 I was surprised. That is why I am optimistic for tomorrow because the car still has a lot of pace."
Aston Martin are allowed under F1 regulations to replace any damaged parts of the car, despite teams not being allowed to work on their cars between qualifying and race.
Leclerc mystified by qualifying pace
It was a qualifying session of shocks that could lead to an interesting race with a lot of quick drivers out of position.
In addition to Hamilton and Alonso being hopeful of making progress, Red Bull's Sergio Perez starts 11th after making a mistake and running off track, Russell is 12th after struggling with his car but confident of being better in the race, and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is 19th after a session that left him confused.
He had been pleased with the car in final practice, but said after being eliminated in the first quaifying session: "We'll have to check the data but most of all check the car because there was definitely something strange.
"I nearly lost it during the red flag and I was at about 70km/h [44mph], and there was no warning.
"Left-hand corners were really, really bad on the rear right. And at first I thought it was tyres so we went for a new set of tyres and on the new set of tyres it was exactly the same feeling. Right-hand corners really good, left-hand corners completely off.
"We'll have to check but I would be very, very surprised if we don't find something on the data.
"I am quite confident that there is something not the way it should be."
Norris stuns with third place
Lando Norris surprised himself and McLaren with a stunning third place on the grid, his best performance of a season that has started in problematic fashion for the team.
Norris, who is 11th in the championship, said his team had been expecting it to be difficult to progress beyond the first knockout qualifying session after one of their "worst Fridays" of the season.
"We all sat down and we were thinking it's going to be tough to get over Q1," Norris said. "I really wasn't that hopeful. But things just seem to come together, other people struggled a bit more today than maybe us over-performing kind of thing or being our true potential."
Norris said he believed McLaren had been helped by the change of layout of the Barcelona track, where a slow-speed chicane has been removed at the end of the lap, which now concludes with two high-speed right-handers.
"We're still pretty poor in many areas," Norris said, "but high speed has always been one of our strengths for years and slow speed quite the opposite. So I think this layout has helped us, so it has benefited us a bit more.
"I think already FP2 was flat in Turn Three, flat in Turn Nine, probably one of the few guys apart from Red Bull who did that.
"We do struggle a lot in the slow-speed corners so that's still the area we know we want to take big steps forward."
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Italian GP: F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Cancelled Due To Flooding In Italy
Formula 1 confirmed that the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend has been cancelled due to adverse weather in the region.
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in northern Italy was cancelled on Wednesday due to deadly floods in the region. Formula One on Twitter said, "The decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend in Imola."
Formula 1 statement on Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
In a statement Formula 1 said, "The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region. It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time."
The F1 community sent its thoughts to the people and communities affected by floods in the region and paid tribute to the work of emergency services who are doing everything that they can do to help the ones in need. F1 also added that it made the decision for safety reasons and to avoid any extra burden on the emergency services, after the infrastructure minister in Italy's government Matteo Salvini requested the race be cancelled to favour the flow of resources and help the hardest hit areas of the flooding.
As the Santerno River runs right next to the track, the Formula One personnel had earlier been told to stay away from the track after floods affected large parts of the Emilia-Romagna region.
If the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is not rescheduled, which seems improbable due to the Formula 1's congested calendar, the total number of races in the season will remain at 22, matching last year's count instead of setting a new record of 23 for the most F1 races in a year. The Emilia-Romagna GP was meant to be the beginning of three weeks of back-to-back-to-back races. It was supposed to be followed by the Monaco Grand Prix which is on May 28 and the Spanish GP which will be conducted a week later.
Scuderia AlphaTauri team's tweet
The AlphaTauri team on Wednesday made a plea for donations to support the local community. The team is located in the neighboring town of Faenza and is the nearest team to the circuit. In a tweet, Scuderia AlphaTauri team wrote, "Scuderia AlphaTauri is very concerned about events unfolding over the past hours in Faenza and indeed in tne whole Emila-Romagna area, with flooding and heavy rain causing considerable damage. The team's factory is currently unaffected and everything is being done to ensure safety of our employyes and their families. Our sympathies go out to all those affected and we continue to monitor the situation, to see what can be done to help those in need as we wait for further developments."
It might be noted that this is the second race on the 2023 calendar to be cancelled. The Chinese Grand Prix was scheduled for April but was cancelled in December amid concerns about coronavirus pandemic related restrictions. | Autoracing |
Formula 1 speeds into Barcelona this weekend for the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix. Max Verstappen is still in the lead for the drivers’ championship with 144 points, with fellow Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez holding down second place at 105 points. Last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix saw Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso take second place, this time around, it's likely that all eyes will be on Alonso as he heads to the site of his last F1 victory back in 2013, the Circuit de Catalunya, with a home race advantage (alongside Carlos Sainz Jr.).
Whether you’ve already got some miles on you as a Formula 1 fan, or this weekend’s race is your first time tuning into the action on the track, watching or streaming this wildly popular international sport from the US can be a challenge. If you don’t want to have to race to find the F1 Spanish Grand Prix on TV, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to watch F1 races this weekend:
How to watch the F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2023:
- Watch F1 on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+
Hulu + Live TV
- Stream F1 with ESPN+
ESPN+
- Stream F1 from anywhere ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
Date: June 2-4, 2023
Grand Prix start time: 9 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 4
Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+
What channel is the F1 Spanish Grand Prix on?
The 2023 AWS Spanish Grand Prix will air live on ESPN and stream live on ESPN+. So if you only want to tune in to the main event and you already know you have ESPN or subscribe to ESPN+, then you’re off to the races (literally). If you're still not sure how to stream the race this weekend, keep scrolling, we've got answers for you.
This F1 season, all 23 races in the championship will air across ESPN platforms, with 18 of the 23 airing on either ABC or ESPN and ESPN+, and the other five airing on ESPN2. So for cord cutters, we recommend a live TV streaming service such as Hulu’s live TV bundle, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+.
How to watch F1 in the USA:
How to stream F1 for free from the US
Don’t want to deal with racing to find F1 coverage across ESPN platforms every Grand Prix? We’ve got a hack for you. Residents of Luxembourg or Austria are able to watch free F1 live streams of every Grand Prix in 2023 on the free-to-air ServusTV and ORF. If you don’t live in either of those countries, you can still stream like you do with the help of a VPN.
A VPN (virtual private network) helps protect your data, can mask your IP address and is perhaps most popular for being especially useful in the age of streaming. Whether you’re looking to watch Friends on Netflix (which left the U.S. version of the streamer back in 2019) or tune in to the F1 race this weekend without a cable package, a VPN can help you out. Looking to try a VPN for the first time? This guide breaks down the best VPN options for every kind of user.
Other ways to watch the F1 AWS Spanish Grand Prix without cable:
- Watch F1 on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2
Sling TV
- Watch F1 on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2
Fubo TV
Where to watch Spanish Grand Prix practices?
Friday and Saturday's F1 practices will air on ESPN2. Saturday’s F1 qualifying race will air on ESPN. Sunday’s pre-race coverage will air on ESPN and stream live on ESPN+.
F1 Spanish Grand Prix schedule:
Friday, June 2
Practice 1: 7.25AM (ESPN2)
Practice 2: 10.55AM (ESPN2)
Saturday, June 3
Practice 3: 6.25AM (ESPN2)
Qualifying: 9.55AM (ESPN)
Sunday, June 4
F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2023 live updates:
Check back here during the weekend for live F1 AWS Spanish Grand Prix updates from Yahoo Sports. | Autoracing |
F1 has invaded Miami, and the stars have followed.
On the Sky Sports pre-race broadcast, former IndyCar and NASCAR driver turned analyst Danica Patrick remarked that the list of celebrity guests topped 57 pages.
Here's a rundown of the stars present to see and be seen in the paddock and on the grid:
LL Cool J welcomes all 20 drivers to the grid
— The Red Pills And Rabbit Holes (@BigRedPill_007) May 7, 2023
Martin Brundle gets his redemption with Paolo Banchero
After last year's cringe moment, when former F1 driver and Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle mistook 6-foot-10 basketball player Paolo Banchero for 6-foot-2 NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the two had a lovely moment on the grid.
Martin Brundle and Paolo Banchero reunited and it feels so good. pic.twitter.com/SJMEZfkHt7
— Wes Reynolds (@WesReynolds1) May 7, 2023
Serena and Venus Williams
Serena and Venus Williams are often spotted at F1 events in the Americas, and Sunday in Miami was no different. Unfortunately for Brundle, he again scored a double-fault in trying to interview the sisters on his grid walk.
Tom Cruise on the headset with Mercedes
— GQ Sports (@GQSports) May 7, 2023
Patrick Mahomes, Roger Federer, Gabriela Sabatini, Will.i.Am
Vin Diesel ... err Dominic Toretto
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 7, 2023
Lindsey Vonn
BIG F1 fan Lindsey Vonn is back at the Miami Grand Prix race for the second straight year, and she’s excited to go to the Las Vegas race later this year too. @f1miami #MiamiGP #mybad pic.twitter.com/nk3t66w52Z
— Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 (@Safid_Deen) May 7, 2023
Jonas Brothers visit Alpine
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 7, 2023
Carlos Sainz meets Colombian musician Maluma
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 7, 2023 | Autoracing |
Silverstone Circuit will pay £1,500-worth of fixed penalty notices issued to villagers who were fined for parking outside their own homes.
Residents of neighbouring Silverstone village fell foul of a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) issued for last month's British Grand Prix.
A total of 33 fines were issued to locals during the Formula 1 event.
The Northamptonshire track said it would refund the fines as a "goodwill gesture".
A record-breaking 480,000 people attended this year's British Grand Prix weekend, with some 160,000 fans at the circuit on Sunday's race day alone.
The circuit applied for a TTRO in an attempt to help alleviate the pressure on surrounding villages such as Silverstone and Whittlebury, which are close to the track and its many camp sites.
However, an apparent miscommunication saw residents with passes fined by traffic wardens.
Resident Mel Dennision, who has lived in the village for 60 years, said: "We've never had this issue before. We've never been demanded to move our cars."
Mrs Dennison, who has multiple sclerosis, said she was told there were no exemptions for drivers with blue badges.
"I've always left my car there with my residents' pass and blue badge and never been asked to move it before. Never."
Louise Fleming, who works at the White Horse pub in the village, said this year's traffic from the event was "chaos" and "the worst she's ever seen".
Stuart Pringle, the managing director of Silverstone Circuit, said: "Following criticism from local residents of lack of parking enforcement over the F1 weekend in 2021 and 2022, we worked hard with the appropriate bodies to ensure that those who ignore the parking restrictions that are put in place to enable the safe running of our event and the safe enjoyment of the villages, were penalised.
"We communicated these local and temporary enforcements in good time and in good faith, but they were always intended to deter and punish our customers and not local residents." | Autoracing |
Points leader Max Verstappen scored yet another pole position on Saturday in Montreal but a wet qualifying session yielded an intriguing starting lineup behind him.
Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg will start second in Sunday’s Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix after he snuck in a lap in the third qualifying round right before a red flag for Oscar Piastri’s crash. It rained for the entirety of the third round of qualifying and as the track got wetter, speeds got slower.
Piastri crashed less than three minutes into the final round as Verstappen had already put in a lap that put him over a second ahead of everyone else on intermediate tires. Hulkenberg then narrowly got to the finish line ahead of a red flag with 7:11 to go in the third round to go second.
Fernando Alonso will start third and would have started second had the red flag waited about five more seconds. He was right behind Hulkenberg on the track but his lap didn’t count.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton will start fourth ahead of teammate George Russell. Hamilton has never started lower than fifth in the Canadian GP and has won the race seven times.
Hulkenberg has been a good qualifier in his first year at Haas. Saturday’s session was his fifth Q3 appearance in eight races after he qualified seventh at the Spanish Grand Prix. His qualifying effort also comes after he was forced to stop his car after it started spewing smoke during Friday's practice session.
The front row is also the second for Haas in the last 10 races dating back to 2022. Kevin Magnussen swiped pole ahead of the rain in Brazil in November of 2022, though he ultimately started the grand prix eighth after falling back during the sprint race the day before.
Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc go out in Q2
The final qualifying round didn’t feature Red Bull’s Sergio Perez or Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc as they both failed to capitalize on a drying track.
Alex Alton posted the fastest lap in the second round on a set of slick tires as he was one of the first to try soft tires on a track that had a small dry line form. That dry line didn’t last very long, however, as the rain picked up at the end of the round before continuing through Q3.
The rain’s timing made it tricky for teams that waited longer than Albon and Williams did to get to the soft tires. Hamilton found himself in 10th and last of the drivers into Q3 for the final five minutes, but neither Perez or Leclerc could post a faster lap on both the soft and intermediate tires because the track had gotten too wet for both tires to work well enough.
Starting lineup
1. Max Verstappen
2. Nico Hulkenberg
3. Fernando Alonso
4. Lewis Hamilton
5. George Russell
6. Esteban Ocon
7. Lando Norris
8. Carlos Sainz
9. Oscar Piastri
10. Alex Albon
11. Charles Leclerc
12. Sergio Perez
13. Lance Stroll
14. Kevin Magnussen
15. Valtteri Bottas
16. Yuki Tsunoda
17. Pierre Gasly
18. Nyck De Vries
19. Logan Sergeant
20. Zhou Guanyu | Autoracing |
Alpine will part ways with team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane after the Belgian Grand Prix.
The latest in a series of management changes at the team come after a disappointing performance by the Renault-owned team this season so far.
Alpine are also losing chief technical officer Pat Fry, who will start the same role at Williams later this year.
Alpine have failed to meet the targets they set for themselves this year.
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The Renault-owned team started the season aiming to finish fourth for a second consecutive year but move closer to the top three teams.
Instead, they are sixth and have been leapfrogged by Aston Martin and McLaren.
The decision to split with Szafnauer and Permane comes just over a week after former Alpine chief executive officer Laurent Rossi was moved into a new role in special projects at Renault and replaced with a new CEO in Philippe Krief.
And that happened two weeks after Bruno Famin was named vice-president of Alpine Motorsport.
Famin said at the Belgian Grand Prix on Friday that the moves had been made with "the aim of reaching faster the level of performance we are waiting for".
He added that the team, Szafnauer and Permane "were not on the same line on the timeline" and that "we have a different view of the way of doing it".
Szafnauer joined Alpine from Aston Martin, where he was team principal since August 2018, when the team was known as Racing Point. It became Aston Martin in 2021.
Prior to that, he was a senior executive of the team in its previous guise as Force India since 2009.
Permane has been with Alpine in its various guises for 34 years. He started working for the Benetton team in 1989, and moved during its shifting to Renault, then Lotus, back to Renault again and then Alpine from roles as an engineer before becoming sporting director in 2012.
In that position, he has been central to the way the team runs for the past decade. A statement thanked him for his "34 distinguished years at Enstone", the team's base.
Alpine said both Szafnauer and Permane would stay in position until the end of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend before departing.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Permane's three decades at the teem was "a truly remarkable achievement".
He added: "He has been one of the mainstays of that period and been there through the championship years with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
"He is a hugely competent guy - I doubt he is going to be unemployed for too long."
Fry moves to Williams
Fry, an experienced design engineer who has previously held senior positions at worked at McLaren and Ferrari, had been at Renault/Alpine since 2020. He will start his new role at Williams on 1 November.
His move is the first senior appointment made by new Williams team principal James Vowles since he joined the team from Mercedes in February.
Vowles has set himself the target of returning Williams to competitiveness and the team have already moved forward this season.
Vowles said: "Pat's knowledge and experience will further strengthen the team's technical capabilities and pursuit of excellence as we build the next chapter of Williams.
"Pat has been a core part of winning teams throughout his career, he is one of the most respected experts in our industry and I'm excited to begin work with him when he joins in November."
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Now that Alonso is out of the team, Ocon criticizes the Spaniard. Once the 2022 Formula 1 season is over, Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso are now 'free' to... Now that Alonso is out of the team, Ocon criticizes the Spaniard. Once the 2022 Formula 1 season is over, Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso are now ‘free’ to talk about each other in front of the media, without fear that this will affect the performance of the Alpine team on the track… and Ocon has been in charge of throwing the first stone. The Frenchman has done an interview with an important medium in his country , “L’Equipe”, and he complains of having carried practically all the weight of the work within the team. Esteban, who can boast of having been one of the few pilots with whom Alonso has shared a team to beat the Spaniard, and who will surely do so without taking into account the mechanical problems that the ’14’ has suffered throughout the season, he has now complained about the workload he had during 2022. “I hope he changes (with his new partner, Pierre Gasly ). Honestly, I carried 98% of the work on my back and Alonso only did 2% . He was not overloaded, but I did all the development in the simulator and participated in almost all marketing activities,” Ocon said. Follow us on twitter to be always updated. “I think I can do that job well with Pierre. It will help me have more energy for the next season and I’m sure it will be much better,” he added. On his relationship with Alonso , Esteban has been upset by the Asturian’s comments after the sprint race in Brazil, where Fernando complained that his partner almost ran him into the wall on several occasions. read also: OFFICIAL: The Chinese GP falls off the F1 2023 calendar ” I’m disappointed by his comments to the media . We didn’t have discussions about this issue and I prefer that it remain private and that we talk to each other. He didn’t do it and then said that,” said the French pilot, who reiterated the respect he feels for Alonso despite the friction they have had this year. “I respect what he has done on the track, his titles and the motivation he has at his age. It is good that he continues to compete in Aston Martin F1 “; he pointed at him. Now, with Pierre Gasly as a partner – with whom he has had his ups and downs, in F1 and in lower categories -, Ocon believes that Alpine, after finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship this season, can take another step forward. Follow us on instagram to be always updated. “With two French drivers, at Alpine we hope to tickle the top three in the constructors’ championship in 2023,” he said, being very optimistic. Continue Reading | Autoracing |
Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is set to be charged with fraud by false representation 'after failing to declare £400m worth of assets held overseas'Former F1 chief Mr Ecclestone is to be charged over the alleged £400m fraudAnnouncement was made by the CPS following a 'worldwide' HMRC probeThe investigation is one of the UK's highest value fraud investigations so far Published: 08:26 EDT, 11 July 2022 | Updated: 09:07 EDT, 11 July 2022 Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone is to be charged over an alleged £400m fraud following an HMRC probe.The CPS has authorised the action over allegations of fraud by false representation.It follows what HMRC called a 'complex and worldwide criminal investigation'.Andrew Penhale, Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: 'The CPS has reviewed a file of evidence from HMRC and has authorised a charge against Bernard Ecclestone of fraud by false representation in respect of his failure to declare to HMRC the existence of assets held overseas believed to be worth in excess of £400m.'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial. Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone is to be charged over a £400m fraud the CPS announced Mr Eccelstone had socialite daughters Tamara and Petra with second wife Slavica Radić, right'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.'Mr Ecclestone splits his time between his coffee farm on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, a mansion in Gstaad, Switzerland, and his villa in Ibiza, where he was last seen a fortnight ago during a disastrous media round where he praised Vladimir Putin.He later apologised for describing Putin as a 'first class person' and that he would ‘take a bullet for him’. He missed the Austrian grand prix over the weekend. Simon York, Director, Fraud Investigation Service (FIS), HMRC, said: 'We can confirm that a fraud by false representation charge has been authorised against Bernard Ecclestone. Pictured: Model Tamara Ecclestone with Bernie Ecclestone who was F1 chief at the time at the F1 World Championship 2013 Pictured: Bernie Ecclestone and Tamara Ecclestone attend a Formula 1 charity photographic auction on February 07, 2014'This follows a complex and worldwide criminal investigation by HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service.'The criminal charge relates to projected tax liabilities arising from more than £400m of offshore assets which were concealed from HMRC.'HMRC is on the side of honest taxpayers and we will take tough action wherever we suspect tax fraud. Our message is clear – no one is beyond our reach.'We remind people to refrain from commentary or sharing of information that could prejudice proceedings in any way.'This is now a matter for the courts and we will not be commenting further.'Mr Ecclestone became a father for the fourth time when he welcomed son Ace last July with Fabiana, who he married in 2012.The billionaire businessman is already a father to daughters Deborah, 66, Tamara and Petra Ecclestone.Deborah was born to his first wife Ivy Bamford before he welcomed socialites Tamara and Petra with his second wife Slavica Radić.Bernie married Fabiana three years after he divorced Croatian Slavica. He confirmed he and Fabiana were expecting a child to Swiss newspaper Blick last April.The case will first be heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 22. Advertisement | Autoracing |
Formula 1 will likely crown its 2023 world drivers’ champion this weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Two-time defending champion Max Verstappen only needs to secure five points out of a possible 34 over the weekend to win his third straight title. Verstappen enters with a staggering 177-point lead over Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Red Bull clinched the constructors’ championship two weeks ago in Japan.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix:
Qatar Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
9:25 - 10:30 a.m.: Free practice 1 (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
12:55 - 2 p.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Saturday
8:55 - 10 a.m.: Sprint Shootout (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
1:25 - 2:30 p.m.: Sprint (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sunday
11:30 a.m. - 12:55 p.m.: Pre-race show (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
12:55 - 3 p.m.: Qatar Grand Prix (ESPN, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Qatar Grand Prix details
Track: Lusail International Circuit, 3.637-mile, 16 turn permanent racing facility
Race length: 57 laps for 191.761 miles
Lap record: N/A (configuration changed from 2021 race)
Tire compounds: C1 (Hard), C2 (Medium), C3 (Soft)
2021 winner: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Daniel Ricciardo out for Qatar Grand Prix
AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo will miss a fifth straight grand prix with several fractures in his left hand — injuries he suffered during practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix on Aug. 25. Liam Lawson, as he has since the Dutch GP weekend, will pilot Ricciardo’s car.
Lawson has impressed during his substitution spell. He had an eventful Singapore Grand Prix weekend in just his third entry, knocking Verstappen out of qualifying in the second session and going on to finish ninth and notch two points. Ricciardo — who himself replaced Nyck de Vries just 10 races into the latter’s career — will return to AlphaTauri at some point, having inked a contract extension for 2024 last month.
Sprint weekend format returns
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition. This weekend marks the fourth of six sprint format weekends in 2023.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The 2023 format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3).
Top drivers and best bets for the Qatar Grand Prix
While it remains to be seen if the overwhelming odds Verstappen enters every race weekend with will go down once he clinches the title, it is still in play and the Dutchman is -450 for the race win according to BetMGM. No other driver is better than 12-to-1.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -450
• Lando Norris +1200
• Sergio Perez +1200
• Oscar Piastri +1800
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote earlier in the week on the betting outlook and, in addition to Verstappen for the win, identified some intriguing props. With the Lusail Circuit favoring Red Bull’s strengths and reduced pressure on Perez, he likes the Mexican to finish on the podium at a -135 moneyline. Additionally, he recommends betting Mercedes to finish ahead of Ferrari (+100).
F1 world drivers’ championship standings
1. Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 400
2. Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 223
3. Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes – 190
4. Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 174
5. Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari – 150
6. Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari – 135
7. Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes – 115
8. George Russell (63), Mercedes – 115
9. Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes – 57
10. Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 47
11. Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault – 46
12. Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault – 38
13. Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes – 21
14. Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari – 9
15. Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 6
16. Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 4
17. Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 3
18. Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari – 3
19. Liam Lawson (40), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 2
20. Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes – 0
21. Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
22. Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
Qatar Grand Prix weather
It’s a good thing qualifying, the sprint and grand prix are all starting past 10 p.m. local time, because the daytime highs are forecast to be 103-107 degrees. Even with the hardest compound tires in the Pirelli range this has the feeling of a two-stop race between hot track temperatures, fast flowing corners and desert sand surrounding the facility, adding to the surface abrasion. | Autoracing |
'Another one around the sun': Lewis Hamilton swaps the grid for the glaciers as Formula 1 ace celebrates his 38th birthday in Antarctica Published: 19:27 EST, 9 January 2023 | Updated: 20:08 EST, 9 January 2023 Lewis Hamilton seemed to be having the time of his life as he celebrated his birthday in Antarctica on Saturday as he shared a series of incredible snaps to Instagram. The seven-time F1 world champion, who turned 38 over the weekend, said it was the 'most beautiful place' he has ever been in a clip as he walked along in the snow. Hamilton stood out from the crowd in a bright orange jacket which he teamed with coordinated trousers. All smiles: Lewis Hamilton seemed to be having the time of his life as he celebrated his birthday in Antarctica on Saturday as he shared a series of incredible snaps to InstagramHe kept warm under a black winter hat and donned a pair of eye catching yellow framed sunglasses. The racing driver opted for a pair of black boots as he made with way through the snow in the South Pole before posing for a number of snaps for his 31.1 million fans. He penned to the post: 'Another one around the sun'. 'Another one around the sun': The seven-time F1 world champion, who turned 38, said it was the 'most beautiful place' he has ever been in a clip as he walked along in the snowHamilton joined US Olympic gold medallist snowboarder Shaun White, 36, and actress Nina Dobrev, 34, on the trip. The F1 star was spotted in a video on Instagram that Shaun shared while the group visited Adelie penguins in Antarctica's Victoria Land. The stars enjoyed their time on board a £200million mega-yacht, which costs £1.8million a week to charter. Amazing: Hamilton stood out from the crowd in a bright orange jacket which he teamed with coordinated trousers Pals: Hamilton joined US Olympic gold medallist snowboarder Shaun White(left), 36, and actress Nina Dobrev, 34, on the trip as they spent time on board a £200million mega-yachtEarlier last week the legendary racing driver shared a video of himself running in the freezing cold and snowy weather wearing a gilet and hat. As he flipped the camera around he showed his followers a number of penguins and seals which stood in front of him.He captioned the post: '11km run in Antarctica, best run ever when you run past penguins and seals.'It comes as Hamilton is hoping for a more successful 2023 campaign after failing to win a race last year for the first season in his F1 career. Dedicated: Earlier last week the legendary racing driver shared a video of himself running in the freezing cold and snowy weather wearing a gilet and hat. He captioned the post: '11km run in Antarctica, best run ever when you run past penguins and seals' Advertisement | Autoracing |
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce now own minority stakes in a Formula 1 team.
Alpine and Otro Capital announced Tuesday that the two Kansas City Chiefs stars, golfer Rory McIlroy an ex-boxer Anthony Joshua were among the group of people who had joined as partners in Otro’s 24% stake in the team. The group purchased nearly a quarter of the team earlier in 2023 with an investor list that included actor Ryan Reynolds.
“I am thrilled to lead an investor group and join forces with Patrick and the team at Otro Capital on this exciting venture with Alpine F1,” Kelce said in a statement. “Our shared passion for excellence and innovation forms the cornerstone of this partnership.
“It’s about being able to contribute to a sport that demands precision, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of success. I am looking forward to this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”
The announcement that the athletes have joined the team as minority owners comes ahead of Sunday’s United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Mahomes and Kelce will not be in attendance at the race — the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
This isn’t Mahomes’ first foray into sports ownership. He has a minority stake in the Kansas City Royals’ ownership group and he and his wife Brittany are part of the ownership group for the NWSL’s KC Current.
“I’ve always had a passion for all sports. The opportunity to lead an investor group with Travis in Alpine F1 alongside Otro Capital was one I couldn’t pass up," Mahomes said in a statement.
“It’s an exciting time for the sport and this is an opportunity to bring our shared values to the world stage. I’m looking forward to being a part of its growth.
French automotive company Renault is still the principal owner of Alpine and rebranded the team formerly known as Renault F1 before the 2021 season. Alpine is Renault’s sports car brand.
The team is currently sixth of 10 teams in the F1 constructor’s standings and will likely finish the season in that position. Pierre Gasly is 11th in the standings with 46 points while Esteban Ocon is 12th and two points back of Gasly. | Autoracing |
Max Verstappen cruised to victory in the British Grand Prix for his sixth win in a row and a record-equalling 11th consecutive triumph for Red Bull.
McLaren's Lando Norris fought off an attack from Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes after a late safety car to finish second to give the 160,000 fans a double home podium to cheer.
Verstappen's eighth win in 10 races this year brought Red Bull level with the record McLaren established in their historic 1988 season with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.
Oscar Piastri made it a great day for McLaren with fourth ahead of George Russell's Mercedes.
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Verstappen was untouchable out front, once he had repassed Norris for the lead on lap five after the McLaren jumped ahead when the world champion suffered too much wheelspin at the start.
But the race came alive after the safety car, called when Kevin Magnussen's Haas caught fire down the Wellington straight.
Divergent tyre choices introduced jeopardy and intrigue for everyone else over the final 14 laps.
Norris and Piastri had looked on course for a double podium for McLaren, who introduced a major upgrade for Norris to great effect at the last race in Austria and gave it to Piastri at Silverstone as well.
But the safety car changed everything and gave Hamilton a chance not only to jump ahead of Piastri but also to threaten Norris briefly.
The seven-time champion, who started seventh, drove steadily in the opening laps, biding his time once he had re-passed Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin, which overtook him on the first lap.
He moved up as the pit stops started to happen ahead of him, with first Charles Leclerc pitting his Ferrari out of fourth place, followed by the second Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, the Mercedes of George Russell and Piastri.
Hamilton was on course to finish fifth behind Piastri and Russell, but stopping under the safety car allowed him to jump both and line up behind Norris at the restart.
Norris expressed over the radio his fears that he would struggle to hold Hamilton back, with the Mercedes on soft tyres and the McLaren on hard, but the 23-year-old weathered an early storm after the restart with aplomb and then edged away to consolidate his second place.
Piastri, also fitted with hard tyres at his pit stop, was equally impressive, and as Hamilton dropped away from Norris, the Mercedes came under pressure from the Australian rookie, who crossed the line less than a second behind.
Russell was the only man in the top 10 to choose soft tyres for the start rather than mediums, and jumped up a place at the start to threaten Leclerc for fourth place.
But he lost out by stopping before the safety car and came home fifth as Sergio Perez recovered from yet another poor qualifying session to finish sixth from 15th on the grid.
Ferrari's day crumbled after a promising start. Leclerc had no pace in the first part of the race, made an early stop for hards and then came in again under the safety car for mediums.
But he again struggled and lost eighth place to the impressive Williams of Alex Albon, who chose soft tyres at the safety car, in the closing laps.
Sainz, who was left on hard tyres when he did not stop under the safety car, lost three places in a few corners as Perez, Leclerc and Albon all passed him after the restart, trailed in a disappointing 10th. | Autoracing |
We hope your calendar is clear because there’s a slew of exciting new shows and films to stream this weekend. If you’re a fan of horror movies, the immensely popular M3gan is now streaming on Peacock Premium. If you’re looking for a laugh, the new season of Party Down is an early contender for the funniest show of 2023. And last but not least, a new season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive is now streaming on Netflix!
The fifth season of Drive to Survive once again offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the drivers as they prepare to battle it out for the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The feverishly adored series has blossomed into a stealthy hit for Netflix, with sports fans preparing to devour all ten Season 5 episodes in a single weekend.
The fifth season is now streaming on Netflix, but what Season 6? Will there be a sixth season of Drive to Survive? Here’s everything you need to know.
DRIVE TO SURVIVE SEASON 5 RELEASE DATE:
All ten episodes of Drive To Survive Season 5 premiered Friday, February 24 on Netflix.
HAS DRIVE TO SURVIVE BEEN RENEWED FOR SEASON 6?
Yes! Thankfully, we haven’t seen the last of Netflix’s beloved docuseries. In May of 2022, Formula 1 announced that Drive to Survive had been renewed for Seasons 5 and 6.
WHEN WILL DRIVE TO SURVIVE SEASON 6 BE ON NETFLIX?
Season 6 will cover the 2023 Formula One World Championship. No official release date has been announced, but we have a pretty good idea of when to expect new episodes:
- Season 1 premiere date: March 8, 2019
- Season 2 premiere date: February 28, 2020
- Season 3 premiere date: March 19, 2021
- Season 4 premiere date: March 11, 2022
- Season 5 premiere date: February 24, 2023
Based on previous release dates, we expect Season 6 to debut on Netflix in late February or early March of 2024.
Drive to Survive Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix. | Autoracing |
Bennetton Renault B195 which helped Michael Schumacher win his second world championship is tipped to sell for £2.6millionBritish enthusiast had it fully restored and fitted with a Judd V10 700bhp engine READ MORE: Michael Schumacher's children share throwback photographs with heartfelt tributes to 'the best dad ever' as they celebrate his 54th birthday Published: 13:30 EST, 22 January 2023 | Updated: 13:31 EST, 22 January 2023 The stunning F1 car which helped Michael Schumacher win his second world championship is tipped to sell for £2.6m.The 1995 Bennetton Renault B195 was raced to victory by Schumacher who won nine of the 17 Grand Prix in that season.It was purchased by a British F1 enthusiast who had it fully restored and fitted with a Judd V10 700bhp engine.The incredibly rare motor is tipped to spark a bidding war when it comes to auction at Artcurial of Paris in France and will be sold on February 3. The 1995 Bennetton Renault B195 (pictured) was raced to victory by Schumacher who won nine of the 17 Grand Prix in that season The stunning piece of machinery was purchased by a British F1 enthusiast who had it fully restored Schumacher competed in Formula 1 for Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes.The German has a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, tied with Lewis Hamilton, and the record for the highest total of fastest laps.He announced his retirement in 2012, but a year later the racer became paralysed after hitting his head in a skiing incident.A spokeswoman for the auctioneers said: 'The car we are presenting is the Benetton B195 no. 02, one of the Benettons which Schumacher drove to his nine victories during the 1995 season and which saw him crowned World Drivers' and Constructors' Champion.'It is hard to find exact information regarding the victories achieved by each chassis number during the 1995 season, but we can be certain that no. 02 won several Grands Prix and contributed to the Drivers' and Constructors' titles. Micheal Schumacher competed in Formula 1 for Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes Speed: The enthusiast fitted the stunning F1 car with a Judd V10 700bhp engine The Bennetton Renault B195 helped Michael Schumacher win his second world championship'For 1995, the car was powered by the 3-litre Renault RS7 V10 engine. When its owner bought the car in England, where it was taking part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, it no longer had its Renault engine but was equipped with a Judd V10.'After he bought the car, the owner, a leading collector of Formula 1 cars, handed it over to his team of mechanics to overhaul it completely and get it running, so that he could drive it at various events, such as at Magny-Cours.'This single-seater in its Mild Seven livery is a monument, a testament to one of Michael Schumacher's most brilliant seasons, and to Benetton's instinctive belief in the emerging talent of this promising young driver.' The incredibly rare motor is tipped to spark a bidding war when it comes to auction at Artcurial of Paris in France A spokeswoman for the auctioneers said: 'This single-seater in its Mild Seven livery is a monument, a testament to one of Michael Schumacher's most brilliant seasons' Rare find: The impressive motor that helped Schumacher win his second world championship will be sold on February 3 in France The outstanding car took part in the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester, England Schumacher has a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, tied with Lewis Hamilton Advertisement | Autoracing |
"The new contract is a top priority over the winter"
Toto Wolff remains "absolutely" confident that Lewis Hamilton will extend his F1 career by signing a . . . “The new contract is a top priority over the winter” Toto Wolff remains “absolutely” confident that Lewis Hamilton will extend his F1 career by signing a new contract with Mercedes “for several years”. The seven-time world champion’s current contract expires at the end of next year but the Briton has already made clear his intention to extend beyond the 39 years he will be in January 2024. Follow us on instagram to be always updated. For the Mercedes F1 director, “Lewis’ new contract is a top priority over the winter.” “That’s one of the topics we will discuss. There is no firm deadline for the end of the negotiations because I already see the speculation in the media if we don’t announce anything before the presentation of the car, before the first practice or before the first race.” “Lewis is part of the team and the team is part of Lewis. There is no reason not to continue. I am absolutely confident that he will sign, for several years.” Read also: How Verstappen’s Red Bull car been copied by the competition “Two years at least. At his age, the rest will be a bonus. We will have to see his motivation. I think one of his strengths is that he is always hungry, always wanting. He is a great sportsman, but he is also an extremely motivated and determined person.” As for former Haas F1 driver Mick Schumacher, Wolff gave another strong hint that the 23-year-old German could find a place at Mercedes next year. “I really love Mick and I love the family, how they raised their kids with this incredibly famous name. I think he deserves a chance.” Follow us on twitter to be always updated. “Things can go against you in your early years in Formula 1, then he was under pressure to deliver which doesn’t help. Formula 1 is brutal.” “It can be good for him to be maybe a year away from the grids, to be there as a third driver, like Daniel (Ricciardo) to put himself in a better position and hopefully find a square.” Continue Reading | Autoracing |
This is Red Bull's fourth one-two this seasonThere is just no stopping Max Verstappen right now - not on his way to a stunning victory in the Belgian Grand Prix, and not as he heads inexorably towards a second consecutive world championship.The Red Bull driver's first title may have been won in dramatic and controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi last year, but the only remaining question marks over his second are when he will clinch it.Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said after Sunday's race at Spa-Francorchamps that it would be by the time Formula 1 leaves Europe. As that is in two races' time and there will still be six races to go at that point, that is highly unlikely. But shortly after that, in either Singapore or Japan, now looks distinctly possible. When it comes, he will deserve it. His driving this season has been peerless, and in Spa that was more the case than ever.On pole by more than 0.6secs; consistently quicker than anyone else in the race by at least a second. He was, as his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez put it, "on another level".The Red Bull team principal Christian Horner described it as "a phenomenal performance"."Max was quite simply in a league of his own," Horner said. "And not just today; all weekend. He has excelled here in the past and today he has basically smashed it out of the park."Horner added: "Max, since winning that championship last year, has taken another step. It's in many ways released him, and he's driving at an incredible level. "A driver that is completely at one with the car and is in an absolute purple patch of his career." Verstappen fans were not shy in hoping he could come back after starting the race in 14th Records under threatIt was Verstappen's ninth win in 14 races, and right now it is difficult to see how anyone else will win another race this season. They probably will, of course. Red Bull surely can't be as dominant as this at all the remaining eight races. Or perhaps they can. Certainly, the single-season record of 13 wins, held jointly by Michael Schumacher with Ferrari in 2004 and Verstappen's predecessor at Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel, in 2013, is looking vulnerable.Indeed, Horner described this as "probably one of the most dominant performances that we have had as a team since either 2010 (he meant 2011) or 2013. It is right up with that period, and I don't think we have ever won a race starting from 14th on the grid."In 2013, it is worth reminding oneself, Vettel won the final nine races in a row. Verstappen is already on a run of three, and he heads into his home race in Zandvoort this coming weekend, a race he utterly dominated last year in his close championship battle with Lewis Hamilton.Full race resultsBelgian Grand Prix secures place on 2023 F1 calendar'The car has been incredible'Verstappen acknowledged that this was, in terms of an entire grand prix weekend, the most dominant performance of his career. Not even a penalty for using too many engine parts, that led him to start the race in 14th on the grid, delayed him too much at Spa. By lap 12, he was in the lead for the first time after Ferrari's Carlos Sainz made his first pit stop from the lead; seven laps later, after his own first pit stop, Verstappen had it for real. And that was the last time anyone saw him."The car has been incredible from first practice," Verstappen said. "We didn't expect it to be like this but it is nice when things positively surprise you and it has been really enjoyable to drive it around here."We had difficulties starting 14th which wasn't easy, it was very hectic in front of me but once everything calmed down literally overtaking one car every lap and when I saw the softs were holding on I knew there was a good possibility we could win the race."Horner said that "to be fighting for the lead by lap 18 was beyond any of our predictions; when you look at pre-race plots, it looked like by the last pit stop we could be somewhere around the podium."Others had already seen the writing on the wall. Mercedes' George Russell said after qualifying he expected Verstappen to win. And up and down the paddock on Sunday many more agreed. How good were Verstappen and Red Bull at Spa. A little vignette in the last part of the race proved it.He set fastest lap - on medium tyres, on his first lap of his final stint, still with 13 laps of fuel left in the car. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc made a late pit stop to try to grab it back, in a vain attempt to limit the championship damage. It went wrong, as so many things have for Ferrari this year. Leclerc broke the pit-lane speed limit because Ferrari's back-up system after an early failure was wrongly calibrated. He was passed for fifth place by Fernando Alonso's Alpine as he rejoined the track. And could not get within 0.6secs of Verstappen's time, despite an empty tank, soft tyres, and the aid of the DRS overtaking aid and a tow as he repassed Alonso. To add insult to injury, Leclerc was penalised five seconds for the pit transgression, which demoted him back behind Alonso, and the loss of two further points.Verstappen won the race from 14thWhy were Red Bull so fast?How to explain such dominance, in a season in which Red Bull and Ferrari have until now been so close it is difficult to say which team has the faster car?The Ferrari drivers were asking themselves the same question.Leclerc, who is now 98 points adrift of Verstappen in the championship, said: "If you look at Red Bull, they were on another level. They found something this weekend that is a bit worrying for us, because for now we don't exactly understand. "They are still extremely quick in the straights, which it looks like they have no downforce. But then they get into the corners and they're as quick as us. Or quicker. So, it's a bit worrying."Before thinking about progress we need to understand where it's coming from, and for now it's a big question mark because if you look at the midfield also, the gap (to Ferrari) is more or less the same as it's been for the first part of the season. Just Red Bull is so much quicker than everybody. So, yeah, it's strange."Team boss Mattia Binotto said he thought the difference was not "track-specific", as they say in F1. But then he contradicted himself by saying that part of the explanation was down to the Red Bull's aerodynamic efficiency. Ferrari also, he said, had worse tyre degradation.In this answer lies part of the explanation. It seems it was car - and track-specific. Aerodynamic efficiency - the ratio of downforce to drag - is important anywhere, but especially so at Spa, where the layout of the track demands speed on the long flat-out sections, but also downforce through the long, medium- and high-speed corners in the middle of the lap.On top of that, the length of the lap accentuates the time gaps.And on top of that is the question of the ride-height of the cars. All F1 cars benefit by being run low to the ground. But at Spa teams have to make a compromise because of the massive compression at 190mph as the cars go through Eau Rouge.This requires teams to raise the cars more than they would do for optimum performance if that compression was not there. So a car that still generates strong downforce at a higher ride-height, or loses less as the ride-height increases, will be advantaged - and that's exactly what the Red Bull is."We have seen that already this year," Horner said. "We have run a higher ride-height. Our philosophy is probably slightly different to some of the others."In other words, the Red Bull generates the same - or more - downforce as other cars while running higher off the ground. Exactly what is needed at Spa. "Our car is just very efficient and this track suits it perfectly," Verstappen said. "Some tracks coming up might be a little more difficult and I expect again a good battle with Ferrari. It's just this track seemed to be perfect for the car."Leclerc, meanwhile, has all but admitted the championship is over."It is definitely looking extremely difficult now, especially after the pace they've shown today," he said.Verstappen will surely end his agony before long, although it may take Ferrari longer to get on top of the repeated errors they are making in the pits.Red Bull lead the constructors' championship with 475 pointsMercedes slump after Hungary highAfter taking pole and a double podium in Hungary before the summer break, Mercedes were nowhere in Spa. And there were a number of reasons for that.First, their general 2022 bugbear of tyre temperature - they could not generate enough in the cool conditions of qualifying and so simply did not have enough grip. Hence the two-second gap to Verstappen, and being beaten by the Alpine and managing to be only 0.2secs quicker than Alex Albon's Williams.On top of that, they ran relatively high on rear-wing levels - perhaps optimum for a theoretical lap time, but not much use in a race, so the car was too slow on the straights.And they suffered especially for the ride-height issues.As much of a problem as Eau Rouge was, the last two right-handers at the end of the middle sector, known as Stavelot and Paul Frere, were an even bigger one. They were finding that they were having to raise the car even further than was required for Eau Rouge to stop the floor edges grinding away. Which further cost performance.Even so, after Lewis Hamilton took himself out on the first lap by squeezing Fernando Alonso too much at Les Combes - as Hamilton admitted after the race - George Russell looked to have a good chance to beating Sainz to third place.But he found that when he got to within two seconds, his tyres became saturated he could make no further progress.Wolff admitted that Mercedes are still having "have massive swings of performance that we can't really get on top of".But he added: "We still have the ambition to win races this year. If I would have told you that in Budapest you would have said that is pretty possible. Today, saying that I look like a fool. "But there are some race tracks that will suit our car much more than now. Hopefully we get it right on Saturday, so that is the ambition while at the same time giving it a big focus on next year. "The positions between the top three teams are where they are. Finishing second or third makes no difference to me. Nevertheless, I want the best possible race result every weekend to gain confidence in what we do." | Autoracing |
The young F1 star is the son of one of the sport's greatest drivers and he opted to share a heartwarming throwback photo online with his beloved father while he was still in the sportMick uploaded this picture to TwitterMick Schumacher has uploaded a sweet photo with his iconic father Michael to social media amid the F1 icon's ongoing health battle. The 23-year-old updated his Twitter profile picture to a snap of himself as a toddler being held by his legendary dad. The seven-time world champion was dressed in his racing gear when the photo was taken. The aspiring F1 starlet posted the photo with the hashtag #NeuesProfilbild which translates to new profile picture. The change has got almost 77,000 likes thanks to the love for his father, who many consider to be the greatest driver in history. Schumacher's Instagram account told fans he'll "keep fighting" as they thanked those who wished him happy birthday back in January, when his son put a snap on Instagram. They posted to his 1.2million Instagram followers: "Thank you so much everybody for the warm birthday wishes! They are greatly appreciated [thumbs up emoji] #TeamMichael #KeepFighting #KeepFightingMichael." Earlier this month, Mick shared a throwback photograph of himself with his legendary father to mark his birthday. "Happy birthday to the best Dad ever," wrote Mick, adding: "Love you!" after a heart emoji. Accompanying that was a photo of Michael smiling behind the wheel of a car and another of them together from several years ago, before the F1 legend's tragic accident. Mick’ has gone through a change in his young F1 career as Haas opted not to renew his contract before being signed by Mercedes as a reserve driver. But before his time at the Silver Arrows has truly begun, team principal Toto Wolff has said they will let the youngster leave if another team offers him a seat. The 23-year-old is set to start next season as a test driver for Mercedes (
Image:
Getty Images) On the other hand, Wolff is confident that he will prove to be an asset for the team, especially when it comes to helping to assess car developments and setups over the course of the year. “I believe that if we can provide him with a safe environment to develop further, he can be a good driver in a full-time seat in the future," Wolff said this week of his situation. "We had to let Nyck [de Vries] go in the same way for him to have a career, now that could also happen with Mick. Whether it's with our team or whether we have to let him go, we don't know yet. "He will contribute enormously as he has already driven the new car and he has been in Formula 1 for two years. He will be super helpful in the simulator and when judging the car. It's good to have him on track and in the debriefing area." Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More | Autoracing |
Formula 1 begins a five-week, four-race tour of North and South America this weekend with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
The constructors’ and drivers’ world championships have already been awarded as Red Bull and Max Verstappen, respectively, have clinched, but there are plenty of other compelling battles down the order. Resurgent McLaren have had back-to-back double-podium finishes and Oscar Piastri won the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint, rocketing the Woking team up the constructors’ standings.
Closing the 79-point gap to Ferrari for third in the constructors’ standings with five race weekends to go might be too much of an ask, but Aston Martin is within striking distance with just 11-point edge over McLaren.
Here’s what to know ahead of the 2023 United States Grand Prix:
United States Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Free practice (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
4:55 - 6 p.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Saturday
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Sprint Shootout (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
6 - 7 p.m.: Sprint (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sunday
1:30 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.: Pre-race show (ABC, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
2:55 - 5 p.m.: United States Grand Prix (ABC, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
United States Grand Prix details
Track: Circuit of the Americas, 3.542-mile, 20-turn permanent racing facility in Austin, Texas
Race length: 56 laps for 191 miles
Lap record: Charles Leclerc, 1:36.369 (2019, Ferrari)
Tire compounds: C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), C4 (Soft)
2022 winner: Max Verstappen, Red Bull-RBPT
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 16, 2023
Daniel Ricciardo returns for United States Grand Prix
AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo will return this weekend after missing the last five races with, which will be a welcome sight for many fans as the Australian driver is incredibly popular in the U.S.
Ricciardo broke several bones in his left hand in a crash during practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix on Aug. 25. New Zealander Liam Lawson impressed driving in Riccardo’s place, particularly during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend knocking Max Verstappen out of qualifying in the second session and going on to finish ninth to notch two world championship points.
Sprint weekend format returns
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition. This weekend marks the fifth of six sprint format weekends in 2023 with the final one coming next month in Brazil.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The 2023 format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3, etc.).
Top drivers and best bets for the United States Grand Prix
Oddsmakers sure don’t anticipate Max Verstappen taking his foot off the gas after clinching his third straight world championship as he enters the weekend with a -400 moneyline according to BetMGM. No other driver sports odds of better than 10-to-1.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -400
• Lando Norris +1000
• Oscar Piastri +1200
• Sergio Perez +1800
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote earlier in the week on the betting outlook and in addition to backing Verstappen’s massive race-win odds, likes him to post the fastest practice time (-175) and qualify on pole (-250). Bromberg also recommends betting Lewis Hamilton to finish ahead of Charles Leclerc (-155) and the Mercedes stable overall to finish ahead of Ferrari (-140).
F1 world drivers’ championship standings
1. Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 433*
2. Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 224
3. Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes – 194
4. Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 183
5. Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari – 153
6. Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari – 145
7. Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes – 136
8. George Russell (63), Mercedes – 132
9. Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes – 83
10. Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 47
11. Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault – 46
12. Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault – 44
13. Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes – 23
14. Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 10
15. Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari – 6
16. Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 6
17. Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 3
18. Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari – 3
19. Liam Lawson (40), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 2
20. Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes – 0
21. Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
22. Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
* — Clinched world championship
United States Grand Prix weather
The forecasted daytime high temperature for all three days of on-track running is 88 degrees for all three days, but cloud cover is expected to be different each day. That shouldn’t necessarily mean identical results in all sessions, though, given those differences in cloud cover (which impacts track temperature) and the fact that qualifying, the Sprint and Grand Prix all go off at different times of the day. | Autoracing |
MARTIN SAMUEL: Max Verstappen's reaction to Nelson Piquet's racist bile is a disgrace... he had a chance to show Lewis Hamilton he's not alone, but instead he chose to side with the old white guysMax Verstappen had a chance to make a stand after Nelson Piquet's racist slurHe had a chance to show Lewis Hamilton he's not alone in fight against racism Instead the 24-year-old world champion chose to side with the old white guys Verstappen's girlfriend Kelly Piquet is the daughter of former F1 champion Piquet Published: 17:30 EDT, 1 July 2022 | Updated: 17:30 EDT, 1 July 2022 Max Verstappen had a chance. He had the chance to show Lewis Hamilton he was not alone in Formula 1, had a chance to make a stand for the young, the new, for a different way of doing things.He rejected that. He went with the familiar, the old white guys he is most comfortable around as a scion of privilege. When your father is an F1 driver, growing up, you won’t come across many black folk.Once he entered the industry, Hamilton won’t have come across many, either. That’s why he feels it so strongly. That sense of exclusion, of being the outlier every day, in every room. So when Nelson Piquet referred to him as ‘neguinho’ — little black man at best, little n***** at worst, depending on context — he had every right to be angry. The ‘neguinho’ has a name. And it is one that should command the greatest respect for any driver in F1 history. Piquet is now banned from the paddock, but the wider reaction was telling. Nelson Piquet (above) has sparked outrage with his derogatory slur about Lewis Hamilton Piquet being the father of Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly, all eyes turned to the champion for a reaction. Verstappen doesn’t have to apologise for something another man said, but the least that could be expected is empathy, even embarrassment, given the connection. Verstappen should at least have known right from wrong in this conversation. This is what he said. ‘It’s probably not something that’s appropriate with us but it probably isn’t something terrible that happens if you said those things in Brazil. I don’t know what the reaction is there. People say things and talk about people if they happen to be a bit overweight or undersized. I’m sure quite a lot of people have made remarks about that.‘If I’d heard about it I’d have been able to deal with it without too much trouble and I’m surprised that Lewis hasn’t just brushed it aside or better than that replied. But he’s now come out and Nelson’s apologised so everyone should be happy.’Max Verstappen's girlfriend Kelly Piquet (L) is the daughter of former F1 champion Piquet (R) Piquet had been discussing an incident between Red Bull's Verstappen and Hamilton, pictured, at the British Grand Prix last year, when they collided on the first lapSorry, my mistake, that was 91-year-old Bernie Ecclestone talking. Here’s what 24-year-old Verstappen said. ‘I’ve spent a bit of time with Nelson and he’s definitely not a racist. He’s actually a really nice and relaxed guy. That word can be interpreted two ways and people pick up on the bad side and, of course, it gets really blown out of proportion.‘People label him a racist, which I don’t think he is. It’s better to open a conversation than to ban people. You are not helping the situation by doing that. It’s not helping what you are trying to enforce, it’s better to chat. I don’t think he should be banned from the paddock — especially as he’s a three-time world champion.’So when Hamilton says his sport needs to tune out the voices and opinions of the unreconstructed older generation, that will solve nothing. Not much point if the 24-year-olds are just 91-year-olds in waiting.Yes, Verstappen said other stuff about Piquet’s language being wrong, and that it should be a lesson for the future but that seemed to come from a spreadsheet marked Anti-Racism 1.0.World champion Verstappen has insisted Piquet is not a racist despite his offensive comments‘Everyone is against racism,’ said Verstappen and, wise words mate, everyone is. Right up until it starts to get difficult or might affect them. Piquet’s slur occurred while blaming Hamilton for the collision with Verstappen at Silverstone last year. Maybe the Dutchman doesn’t want to upset his fan club. Verstappen had a chance to show Hamilton he's not alone in fight against racismNowhere in Verstappen’s words is there the slightest indication he knows, or cares, what it must have been like for Hamilton in this sport. He thinks he should ‘chat’ to the guy who defined him as neguinho; he thinks Piquet’s three titles should bestow special privileges. What about Hamilton’s seven, which we all know should be eight really. Shouldn’t they afford him some rights, too? The right not to be referred to by his skin colour, for instance.Verstappen was in a difficult position, given his connection to the Piquet family, but even so, his reaction was a disgrace. If anything positive has come from this it is that those who have condemned Hamilton for posturing and taking the knee, now know what he has been up against throughout his career. It’s not just old, white guys. It’s a hell of a lot bigger, and younger, than that. Advertisement | Autoracing |
Vettel won his four world drivers' titles with Red BullFour-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is to retire from Formula 1 at the end of this season.The 35-year-old said the decision had been "difficult" and that he had "spent a lot of time thinking about it".The German said he would "take more time to reflect on what I will focus on next" at the end of the year. He said spending more time with his family was a priority.Vettel will leave the sport as one of the most successful drivers in history.Only Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio have won more world titles than Vettel, and only Hamilton and Schumacher have more than his 53 race wins.He added: "Today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it is about saying thank you - to everyone - not least to the fans, without whose passionate support F1 could not exist."Vettel, who won four consecutive drivers' titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013, said he had "really enjoyed" his time with Aston Martin in 2021 and 2022, adding: "Although our results have not been as good as we had hoped, it is very clear to me that everything is being put together that a team needs to race at the very highest level for years to come."I hope that the work I did last year and am continuing to do this year will be helpful in the development of a team that will win in the future, and I will work as hard as I can between now and the end of the year with that goal in mind, giving as always my best in the last 10 races."Aston Martin had wanted to keep Vettel next season, but he decided he wanted to step away from the sport.In recent years he has become an outspoken campaigner on social and environmental issues. Vettel has always eschewed social media, but he launched an Instagram account on Thursday just before his retirement announcement, with his biography there describing him as "public figure".More to follow. | Autoracing |
The Formula 1 paddock returns to Budapest this weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the popular Hungaroring circuit.
Max Verstappen is looking for a seventh grand prix victory in a row at a track where he won last year from 10th on the grid. The Dutchman is cruising to a third world championship this season, currently holding a 99-point to Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in second.
Yet the biggest talking point this weekend is Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the grid with AlphaTauri. The Australian, dropped by McLaren last year, replaces Nyck de Vries for the remainder of this season and starts at a track where he claimed his second F1 victory in 2014.
Lando Norris will be hoping to back up his strong performance for McLaren at Silverstone two weeks ago, a race where Lewis Hamilton finished third for Mercedes. Hamilton is an eight-time winner in Hungary. On Friday, Charles Leclerc was quickest in second practice after Sergio Perez crashed in first practice.
Follow live updates from the Hungarian GP with The Independent
F1 HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX - QUALIFYING
Qualifying in Hungary is at 3pm (BST)
Lewis Hamilton fastest in third practice; Verstappen 2nd; Perez 3rd
What is the new qualifying format this weekend?
13:18 , Kieran Jackson
F1 is trialling a new ‘alternative qualifying format’ this weekend in Hungary. It was originally set to debut in Imola in May but that race was cancelled.
The format is as follows: timings will be the same, but tyre allocations will not.
Q1 - hard tyre
Q2 - medium tyre
Q3 - soft tyre
Could well spice up the pecking order!
Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton’s new contract:
13:04 , Kieran Jackson
“We haven’t signed it but emotionally we have!”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff after FP3:
12:55 , Kieran Jackson
“This tyre format is weird, no one understands where you are. Put on the softs and the grip was very good, Lewis is able to add another two and three tenths.
“George was saying the car was completely transformed with the soft on. A second quicker. We don’t see how we can run it in the race though.
“If teams just drive one tyre in FP1 or FP2, it doesn’t make any sense. You can’t really understand the pecking order. It’s not broken, let’s keep it.
“To a large degree we’re on next year’s car. Slowly but surely everything is transitioning to next year.”
FP3 CLASSIFICATION
12:47 , Kieran Jackson
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 22, 2023
Lewis Hamilton a happy man after FP3!
12:39 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton the fastest man in third practice!
12:34 , Kieran Jackson
An encouraging hour for the eight-time winner in Hungary Lewis Hamilton - he’s quickest with a 1:17:811!
Max Verstappen is second, 0.250secs back, with Sergio Perez in third.
Nico Hulkenberg - who has been so impressive for Haas on Saturdays so far this season - is fourth, with Lando Norris fifth.
6-10: Russell, Leclerc, Sainz, Alonso, Bottas
Daniel Ricciardo, incidentally, down in 18th but quicker than his AlphaTauri team-mate Yuki Tsunoda in dead-last!
Should make for an interesting qualifying I reckon!
Max Verstappen not happy:
12:30 , Kieran Jackson
“Unbelievable! No f***ing grip!” says Verstappen!
He’s not overly happy out there is the championship leader!
He won’t like being behind Lewis Hamilton either!
Final qualifying simulation runs coming up now...
Lewis Hamilton quickest in FP3!
12:27 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton goes fastest with a 1:17:811 on soft tyres for Mercedes!
Max Verstappen is 0.250 secs back for Red Bull in second, with Sergio Perez in third.
4-10: Norris, Russell, Alonso, Bottas, Stroll, Zhou, Albon
10 minutes to go... and both Ferraris are in the bottom-three!
Alfa Romeo now towards the top of the standings
12:03 , Kieran Jackson
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are second and third respectively after half-an-hour!
Bottas is just 0.011 secs off Verstappen’s leading time of 1:18:478.
Zhou is 0.066 secs off Verstappen, with Lando Norris in fourth and Sergio Perez fifth.
“Just randomly lost the rear there,” Verstappen said. That’ll be the wind, Max....
Lewis Hamilton down in 10th for the time being, with George Russell in 14th.
McLaren look quick again!
11:49 , Kieran Jackson
Oscar Piastri has just put in a belter of a lap, going third - 0.471 secs off Verstappen‘s leading time of 1:18:478.
Esteban Ocon goes fourth, with Lando Norris in fifth.
6-10: Gasly, Russell, Leclerc, Hamilton, Alonso
20 minutes gone in FP3...
Max Verstappen top of the timesheet early on
11:40 , Kieran Jackson
After finishing an odd 11th place in second practice on Friday, Max Verstappen is back where he belongs here - top of the timesheets in FP3 early on with a 1:18:478 on mediums, with Sergio Perez setting the exactly the same time in second!
Charles Leclerc is third for Ferrari, with Lance Stroll fourth and Alex Albon fifth.
“I think I’m struggling with the wind,” says Carlos Sainz on what is clearly a gusty day.
Both Mercedes and McLaren drivers yet to leave the pits after the first 10 minutes...
FP3 underway!
11:34 , Kieran Jackson
It’s a stunning day in Budapest as we get underway with third practice!
Daniel Ricciardo among one of the first drivers out on track in the Hungarian capital...
FP3 at the Hungarian Grand Prix LIVE
11:28 , Kieran Jackson
We’re just a few minutes away from the third and final hour of practice at the Hungaroring!
It was a tough day to read on Friday, with the first practice a washout and FP2 producing a mixed-up leaderboard - what will Saturday morning bring?
Lewis Hamilton reacts to Nyck de Vries axing: ‘That’s how Red Bull work’
11:19 , Kieran Jackson
Daniel Ricciardo has been handed a second chance in Formula One, replacing De Vries at Red Bull’s junior team AlphaTauri for the concluding dozen rounds of the year, starting at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.
De Vries, 28, crashed on multiple occasions and failed to score a single point, with a best finish of 12th in Monaco, before he was handed his marching orders by Red Bull’s ruthless motorsport adviser Helmut Marko 48 hours after he finished 17th and last at the British Grand Prix.
“I am not surprised to see Daniel back but I was surprised to see the decision they took for poor Nyck,” said Hamilton at the Hungaroring.
Constructors standings ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix:
11:09 , Kieran Jackson
1) Red Bull - 411 points
2) Mercedes - 203 points
3) Aston Martin - 181 points
4) Ferrari - 157 points
5) McLaren - 59 points
6) Alpine - 47 points
7) Williams - 11 points
8) Haas - 11 points
9) Alfa Romeo - 9 points
10) AlphaTauri - 2 points
Sebastian Vettel hints at return to F1: ‘I have some ideas’
10:58 , Kieran Jackson
Sebastian Vettel revealed he “has some ideas” about a return to Formula 1 in some capacity in the future.
The 36-year-old retired from the sport after the 2022 season, leaving a lasting legacy with his four championship triumphs with Red Bull from 2010-2013.
The German, who also raced for Ferrari and Aston Martin, is a climate change activist and campaigner and regularly spoke out about environmental issues towards the end of his career. Now, Vettel admits that he would be open to a return to F1 down the line, hinting that the sport’s sustainability could be a potential avenue.
Full quotes below:
Christian Horner responds to Red Bull-cost cap punishment accusations:
10:43 , Kieran Jackson
"It's easy to throw shade when you're not performing..." 👀
Christian Horner responds to claims that Red Bull's punishment for their cost cap breach wasn't 'severe' enough. pic.twitter.com/NmYrgf47XE
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 21, 2023
Daniel Ricciardo is back - and this time he wants to go out on top
10:30 , Kieran Jackson
Exclusive interview by Kieran Jackson
Daniel Ricciardo is pondering. This year, a presence in the paddock – but not on the racetrack – has been a curiously flummoxing existence for someone so synonymous with a seat at the 20-man table. In his own words, he has been doing “everything the drivers are doing… other than the driving.” So aside from the obvious of the lights-to-flag racing, what has the Australian found the most difficult about his eight months away from Formula 1?
“I’d say the starting grid on Sunday,” he says, a glint in his eye, a longing for something previous. “I love that feeling before you’re about to race. It’s intense, it’s nerve-racking but it’s awesome. I miss that buzz.”
Well, miss it no longer. The Honey Badger is back. Officially on loan from Red Bull to sister team AlphaTauri for the remainder of the season, Ricciardo last week replaced the axed Nyck de Vries and will be in the cockpit in Hungary this weekend. It represents a lifeline – his lifeline – back into the sport, a carving of an opportunity so desperately craved. In the end, he only missed 10 races.
Full interview below:
Driver Standings ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix:
10:27 , Kieran Jackson
1) Max Verstappen - 255 points
2) Sergio Perez - 156 points
3) Fernando Alonso - 137 points
4) Lewis Hamilton - 121 points
5) Carlos Sainz - 83 points
6) George Russell - 82 points
7) Charles Leclerc - 74 points
8) Lance Stroll - 44 points
9) Lando Norris - 42 points
10) Esteban Ocon - 31 points
11) Oscar Piastri - 17 points
12) Pierre Gasly - 16 points
13) Alex Albon - 11 points
14) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points
15) Valtteri Bottas - 5 points
16) Zhou Guanyu - 4 points
17) Yuki Tsunoda - 2 points
18) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points
19) Logan Sargeant - 0 points
20) Nyck de Vries - 0 points
Nervous, Checo? Sergio Perez crashes in practice as Daniel Ricciardo returns in Hungary
10:24 , Kieran Jackson
Weekend preview by Kieran Jackson
Two practice laps. That’s all it took for Sergio Perez to show – much to his own astonishment – how the Red Bull pendulum has swung ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. From a position of such strength three months ago off the back of two wins in four races, the Mexican’s spot at the runaway leaders in Formula 1 looks to be shrouded in more doubt as the weeks go on.
On Friday, barely five minutes into first practice at the short and twisty Hungaroring in Budapest, Perez inexplicably clipped the grass and crashed heavily into the barrier at turn five. The shunt is a sign of the times.
Full piece below:
F1 qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix LIVE
10:22 , Kieran Jackson
The Formula 1 paddock returns to Budapest this weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the popular Hungaroring circuit.
Max Verstappen is looking for a seventh grand prix victory in a row at a track where he won last year from 10th on the grid. The Dutchman is cruising to a third world championship this season, currently holding a 99-point to Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in second.
Yet the biggest talking point this weekend is Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the grid with AlphaTauri. The Australian, dropped by McLaren last year, replaces Nyck de Vries for the remainder of this season and starts at a track where he claimed his second F1 victory in 2014.
Lando Norris will be hoping to back up his strong performance for McLaren at Silverstone two weeks ago, a race where Lewis Hamilton finished third for Mercedes. Hamilton is an eight-time winner in Hungary.
FP1 starts at 11:30pm; qualifying is at 3pm (BST). | Autoracing |
An electric ambulance which uses Formula 1 technology and is fitted with X-ray machines could be coming to a hospital near you.The sleek six-wheeler Integro-E can go twice as fast as the NHS' current fleet of vans and is kitted out with all of the medical gear needed to 'bring the hospital to patients'.There has been a drive in the NHS towards more eco-friendly vehicles over the past decade, with health bosses insisting on making the health service carbon neutral by 2045. With traditional box-based vans now out of favour, trusts have no other option but to buy van conversions, which are more eco-friendly because they are more fuel efficient or even electric. But they are often criticised for being too small and too basic.International Ambulances, a Norfolk-based firm, believes its Integro-E is the future of NHS emergency services and could be rolled out as soon as next year, if it passes health service tests.More akin to a futuristic bus than a traditional ambulance, it has an on-board X-ray and ultrasound system, which its manufacturers think could help with current crisis in A&E, by diagnosing patients on-site and prioritising who actually needs to be admitted.In terms of efficiency, it can get 10 times more miles out of the same amount of charge as the electric ambulances on the NHS's current fleetBut its hefty £300,000 price tag means commissioners may baulk at the prospect of having to pay twice as much as the £150,000 they pay for the current batch of vehicles, which tend to be Fiats. International Ambulances, a Norfolk-based emergency service vehicle manufacturing firm, believes its Integro-E is the future of NHS emergency services and could be rolled out as soon as next year, if it passes health service tests. Pictured: The Integro-E concept drawing The roomy, 6ft 9 interiors (pictured) are tall enough to allow patients and paramedics to stand up inside and they have a sky ceiling to calm patients suffering with psychosis Although it is yet to actually put its electric vehicles on the road, its first is due to be rolled out in July. Pictured: The Integro-E being shown at the Emergency Services Show at the NEC in Birmingham on September 7 last year The Integro-E was first shown at the Emergency Services Show at the NEC in Birmingham on September 7 last year and the final version will be paraded to NHS trusts at the Ambulance Leadership Forum in Hinckley, Leicestershire, from September 6 to 7 A second battery, carrying an extra 250 miles, is housed in a detachable trailer (pictured) that can be switched over within four minutes, allowing ambulances to stay on the road for a whole 12-hour shift As well as being able to travel at 99mph — dwarfing the ability of most current vehicles, which can't surpass 62mph — it is much bigger. Pictured: The blueprints for the Integro-E's interior NHS could have sacked ambulance drivers who were 'too tall or small' NHS ambulance drivers may have been sacked for being 'too tall or too small' for eco-friendlier vans, union bosses have claimed. South East Coast Ambulance Service, which covers 4.5million patients in Surrey, Sussex and Kent, wanted its entire fleet to be made up of converted Fiat vans.An NHS-commissioned review claimed the conversions are cheaper and better for the environment than the traditional dual-crewed 'box' vehicles. The service's own risk assessment ruled the conversions, due to how the seats and seatbelts are fitted, were unsafe for 10 per cent of its current staff because of their height. No actual heights were specified.Trade union GMB claimed the 'bizarre' move, now officially on hold following huge backlash, could have effectively seen 'experienced staff forced out of the service' or redeployed at a time when the service is in crisis mode.Charles Harrity, from GMB, said: 'Frontline ambulance clinicians and paramedics are highly trained and qualified professionals. 'The investment in the training and development of 10 per cent of staff could have been thrown away due to their body shape. 'There has never been a minimum or maximum height requirement to work in the ambulance service. Skills and professionalism have always been the criteria to work in this service.'Furthermore, SECAMB did not consider how their proposals would have affected future recruitment policy nor the impact that such a change would have on their stated policy on promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workforce. 'The proposal also had the distinct possibility that long term experienced staff could have been forced out of the service for the bizarre reason that they are either too small or too tall.'International Ambulances' first working Integro-E is set to be debuted towards the end of July, before being displayed at the Ambulance Leadership Forum from September 6 to 7 in Hinckley Island, Leicestershire.It will then be tested against its main rivals by NHS England at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire at the end of the year, where health service bosses will decide whether it meets the national specification.Ambulance trusts across the country will then be able to commission it, if it is given approval.England's NHS ambulance fleet consists of more than 5,000 vehicles, which can travel up to 50,000 miles each year. There is no set standard for ambulances in the NHS, meaning there can be huge disparities in quality across regions.They cost around £150,000 when bought new, with some trusts relying on vehicles that are up to seven years old, on average.International Ambulances say fuel savings, reliability and the cost of land required for vehicle charging for the Integro-E mean their cost is comparable, if not technically lower.The two current options used within the NHS are box-shaped ambulances (where a modular unit is shoved on top of the chassis) or the preferred van-conversion (when the interior of the base is kitted out). Labour's Lord Carter, who led the NHS's review into the ambulance service in 2018, estimates vehicles like the Integro E could save the health service £200million a year. It is the only purpose-built ambulance on the market, according to the manufacturer, with all other options being conversions.As well as being able to travel at 99mph — dwarfing the ability of most current vehicles, which can't surpass 62mph — it is much bigger. The roomy, 6ft 10in interiors are tall enough to allow patients and paramedics to stand up inside and they have a sky ceiling to calm patients suffering with psychosis. They also have ultrasounds that scan heart and soft tissue, stocked on some air ambulances but no land vehicles on the NHS's current roster Integro-E, the fully-electric version of its current Aceso model, uses the same lightweight body panels as F1 racecars. They have Baulkhead 'suicide' doors - which are hinged at the rear, rather than the front - on the side of the cabin, allowing paramedics to get out the vehicle quickly if a patient becomes aggressive.And it has similar active air suspension to the high-speed, tilting Pendolino trains, which ensures an extremely smooth ride, even when going round corners.The 155mph trains are used across Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, Russia, the Czech Republic, UK, Switzerland, China, Germany and Romania, and utilise special hydraulic technology to turn at high speeds.Keith Bolton, managing director at International Ambulances, claimed the suspension is so comfortable, drivers could go over speed bumps at 50mph without patients being dislodged from the stretcher. He told MailOnline: 'We're here to transform the patient experience and the live of paramedics who have to spend 12 hours in these vehicles.' Integro-E, the fully-electric version of its current Aceso model (pictured), uses F1 technology from Williams to keep the body panels lightweight Rather than being a converted van, the Integro-E is purpose built, meaning it has an array of features unavailable in traditional vans and ambulance boxes. Pictured: The International Ambulances Aceso, the petrol version of the Integro-EInternational Ambulances say its vehicle could revolutionise the service by bringing 'the hospital to the patient'. Mr Bolton the new tech could help alleviate the current A&E crisis by allowing paramedics to X-ray patients at the scene, so they can be prioritised at emergency departments.New infrastructure would have to be built for charging the vehicles, however, with many trusts still to provide charging ports outside hospitals.Despite concerns about electric vehicles and their supposed lack of range, Swaffham-based International Ambulances boasts that the Integro-E can do up to 1,000 miles on its main battery.A second battery, offering an extra 250 miles, is housed in a detachable trailer that can be switched over within four minutes, allowing ambulances to stay on the road for a whole 12-hour shift.Most electric ambulances — including ones rolled out in the West Midlands — currently take around two hours to charge because of their weight. The Integro-E also weighs less than 3.5 tonnes, meaning that drivers do not have to pass their C1 tests, allowing ambulance services to recruit people with special HGV licences. Ambulances took an average of 39 minutes and 58 seconds to respond to category two calls, such as burns, epilepsy and strokes. This is 11 minutes and 24 seconds quicker than one month earlier but more than double the 18-minute target Separate data on A&E performance in May shows a 19,053 people were forced to wait 12 hours or more to be treated, three times longer than the NHS target. The figure is a fifth lower than last month. Less than three-quarters of patients were seen within the four-hour target of arriving at emergency departments, a slight recovery from last month but the third-lowest rate ever recorded The postcode lottery of ‘life-threatening’ delays means some callers are waiting longer to report their emergency than it should take for the ambulance to arrive. The East Midlands has the best average 999 answering times, whereas Yorkshire suffers the mostInternational Ambulances told MailOnline it is already in positive discussions with trusts across the country, as well with buyers in countries in places like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The firm is run by medics and engineers who have also designed NHS hospital treatment rooms and operating theatres.It comes after it was suggested ambulance staff in Surrey, Sussex and Kent, may have been sacked for being 'too tall or too small' to drive the current fleet of Fiat ambulances.And while services battle it out with workers over ambulance model disputes, patients have been left in agony waiting up to 14 hours for paramedics to arrive with callout and handover times reaching record highs.Even heart attack patients faced delays of over an hour during the busiest parts of winter, with problems blamed on staffing shortages and unprecedented demand. The ambulance crisis was laid bare by the president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine last month, after she admitted she would consider ordering a taxi to take her family to A&E rather than dial 999. Ambulances took an average of 39 minutes and 58 seconds to respond to emergency calls such as burns, heart attacks and strokes in May. The target is 18 minutes.Crews are expected to reach people with the most serious life-threatening illnesses or injuries in an average time of 7 minutes. However, the latest figures — published yesterday — show the average response time to these calls was 8 minutes 36 seconds last month.Delays in response times have been blamed on staffing shortages. More than 1,000 ambulance workers have left their jobs since 2018 to seek a better work-life balance, more pay, or to take early retirement.But busy A&E departments — fuelled by a lack of beds due to the social care crisis and their own workforce issues — are also having a knock-on effect. Patients struggling to see their GP has also been named as one contributing factor in casualty units being overwhelmed. Ambulance teams are expected to hand all patients over to A&E within 15 minutes of arriving at hospital. But the Daily Mail revealed that the average handover time stood at 36 minutes, with a staggering 11,000 taking over three hours. | Autoracing |
Mateschitz helped the energy drink become popular around the world, and built up a sports, media, real estate and gastronomy empire around the brand. Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz attends the start of the Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria, on July 3, 2016.Kerstin Joensson / AP, fileOct. 22, 2022, 11:05 PM UTC / Source: Associated PressAUSTIN, Texas — Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, the co-founder of energy drink company Red Bull and founder and owner of the Red Bull Formula One racing team, has died. He was 78.Officials with the Red Bull racing team at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, said Saturday that Mateschitz had died.Mateschitz gained fame as the public face of Red Bull, an Austrian-Thai conglomerate that says it sold nearly 10 billion cans of its caffeine and taurine-based drink in 172 countries worldwide last year.Mateschitz not only helped the energy drink become popular around the world, but also built up a sports, media, real estate and gastronomy empire around the brand.With the growing success of Red Bull, he significantly expanded his investments in sports. Red Bull now operates football clubs, ice hockey teams and F1 racing teams, and has contracts with hundreds of athletes in various sports.Mateschitz and Thai investor Chaleo Yoovidhya founded the company in 1984 after Mateschitz recognized the potential in marketing Krating Daeng — another energy drink created by Chaleo — for a western audience. Red Bull says Mateschitz worked on the formula for three years before the modified drink was launched under its new name in his native Austria in 1987.Under Mateschitz’ stewardship, Red Bull quickly increased its market share, first in Europe, then in the United States, helped by marketing campaigns promoting the drink’s claimed stimulating properties and extensive sponsorship agreements in motorsports, soccer, extreme sports and the music industry.The Red Bull Racing team has enjoyed success in Formula 1, winning the constructors’ championship in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, while German driver Sebastian Vettel won four drivers’ championships in row while signed to the team.Red Bull operates soccer teams in top divisions across Austria, Germany, Brazil and the United States. The company started by buying Austrian club SV Austria Salzburg in 2005 and rebranding it in the company colors under the name Red Bull Salzburg.It repeated the move in Germany, where it bought fifth-tier club SSV Markranstädt in 2009, rebranded it as RasenBallsport Leipzig, and financed its steady progress through the league system till it was promoted to the Bundesliga in 2016. German league regulations prevented the company from naming the team Red Bull Leipzig — its name in German, RasenBallsport, means “grass ball sport Leipzig” but the club just refers to itself as RB Leipzig.Mateschitz also made headlines for his populist views. He previously criticized German chancellor Angela Merkel for her handling of the refugee crisis over 2015-16. The Austrian Servus TV station, owned by Red Bull Media House GmbH, is known for promoting right-wing provocative views. | Autoracing |
Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Formula 1 concludes its lone triple-header of the 2023 season this weekend in Brazil with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Interlagos and the Autódromo José Carlos Pace are a favorite of drivers and fans alike for its unique twisting layout, elevation changes and propensity to deliver memorable and thrilling moments. Just last year, Kevin Magnussen won his maiden pole (albeit, yes, it was aided by weather) and George Russell won his first F1 Grand Prix.
Here’s what to know ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix:
Sao Paulo Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
10:25-11:30 a.m.: Free practice 1 (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
1:55-3 p.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Saturday
9:55-11 a.m.: Sprint Shootout (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
2:25-3:30 p.m.: Sprint (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sunday
10:30-11:55 a.m.: Pre-race show (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
11:55 a.m.-2 p.m.: Sao Paulo Grand Prix (ESPN, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sao Paulo Grand Prix details
Track: Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) | 2.677-mile, 15-turn permanent racing facility in Sao Paulo
Race length: 71 laps
Lap record: 1:10.540 (Valtteri Bottas, 2018, Mercedes)
Tire compounds: Hard (C4), Medium (C3), Soft (C2)
2022 winner: George Russell, Mercedes
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 31, 2023
Final sprint weekend of 2023
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition. This weekend marks the sixth and final sprint format weekends of 2023.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The 2023 format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3, etc.).
Top drivers and best bets for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Max Verstappen has already broken his own record for wins in a single season and enters Interlagos again a massive favorite according to BetMGM, entering the weekend with a -300 moneyline. The next-best odds belong to Lewis Hamilton at 7-to-1. Lando Norris is the only other driver with 12-to-1 odds or better entering the weekend.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -300
• Lewis Hamilton +700
• Lando Norris +1200
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote yesterday on the betting market and, in addition to backing Verstappen for the race win, also likes George Russell to finish ahead of Charles Leclerc (-120) and Verstappen and Hamilton to finish in the top two (+165).
2023 F1 drivers' standings
1. Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 491*
2. Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 240
3. Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes – 220
4. Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari – 183
5. Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 183
6. Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes – 169
7. Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari – 166
8. George Russell (63), Mercedes – 151
9. Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes – 87
10. Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault – 56
11. Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 53
12. Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault – 45
13. Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes – 27
14. Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 10
15. Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari – 9
16. Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 6
17. Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 6
18. Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 8
19. Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari – 3
20. Liam Lawson (40), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 2
21. Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes – 1
22. Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
* — Clinched world championship
Sao Paulo Grand Prix weather
While race day appears clear there is a 51% chance of rain forecast for qualifying and sprint days, with possible thunderstorms Friday. Wet conditions typically influence Sao Paulo race weekends; even if rain doesn’t fall, teams are monitoring the radar as much as they are the timing screens. | Autoracing |
Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, who has been cast as an F1 driver in a movie, will be seen racing at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix weekend.
Pitt is to be filmed racing an adapted Formula 2 machine between practice sessions on Friday.
British champion Lewis Hamilton is helping to produce the film featuring the American actor, called "Apex".
The 59-year-old Oscar-winner is playing the role of a veteran driver returning to the grid after a 30-year absence.
The plot line has raised eyebrows, given Pitt's age, but Hamilton said: "Brad looks like he's ageing backwards. He looks great for his age.
"I can't tell you how excited I am to have Brad Pitt in Formula 1. It's incredible."
While Pitt will be alone on the track at Silverstone in a modified car prepared by Hamilton's Mercedes team, it is believed the assistance of computer generated imagery will make him look as though he is racing on this season's grid.
The film crew will also have a presence on the grid ahead of Sunday's race.
Hamilton has been involved in preparations for the movie, including trying to make it as authentic as possible - a criticism levelled at previous motorsport films.
He said: "It is massively exciting to know it is all coming together and we are starting to film this weekend.
"It's nerves because we have been working on it for so long and we want people to love it and [think that] we captured what the essence of the sport is all about."
Hamilton said he had spent time at a track in California with Pitt helping him to learn about race-driving.
Filming for Apex is due to continue throughout the remainder of the 2023 season. | Autoracing |
Red Bull's Dietrich Mateschitz started an energy drink company and ended up with a sports empire. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)Red Bull president and CEO Dietrich Mateschitz, a man who co-founded an energy drink company that would eventually become one of the world's largest sports empires, has died, his company confirmed Saturday. He was 78.Born in Austria in 1944, Mateschitz founded Red Bull GmbH alongside Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1984. The brand would become the top energy drink company in the world, with Mateschitz owning 49 percent of the company.Long known for aggressive and innovative marketing, Mateschitz's Red Bull found a novel way to get its name and logo in front of as many people as possible: buy and rename sports teams, specifically in soccer and auto racing.The company first made its presence known in Formula 1 with a sponsorship deal with Sauber in 1995 after Mateschitz purchased a majority share in the team, but it became a true power player when it purchased the Jaguar team in 2004 and transformed it into Red Bull Racing. The team has since won six Formula 1 Drivers Championships — four by Sebastian Vettel and two by Max Verstappen — and four Constructors' Championships.Meanwhile, Red Bull moved into soccer with its controversial purchase of SV Austria Salzburg, turning it into Red Bull Salzburg. It would not be the last league Red Bull bought into, nor its last controversial move.Red Bull's sports holdings now include the following:RacingRed Bull Racing (Formula 1)Scuderia AlphaTauri (Formula 1)SoccerRB Leipzig (German Bundersliga)FC Red Bull Salzburg (Austrian Bundesliga) and its reserve teamNew York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer) and its reserve teamsRed Bull Bragantino (Brazilian Série A) and its reserve teamIce hockeyEC Red Bull Salzburg (Austrian ICE Hockey League)EHC Red Bull München (German Deutsche Eishockey Liga)Motorcycle racingTen Kate RacingRed Bull KTM Factory RacingEsportsOG (various video games)That's all in addition to Red Bull's prodigious sponsorship of various extreme sports and stunt events.Much of that is attributable to Mateschitz's leadership. As Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said in a release:“I am deeply saddened by the news that Dietrich Mateschitz, a hugely respected and much-loved member of the Formula 1 family has passed away.“He was an incredible visionary entrepreneur and a man who helped to transform our sport and created the Red Bull brand that is known all around the world.“I will miss him greatly, as will the whole community in Formula 1, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Red Bull and AlphaTauri teams at this very sad time.” | Autoracing |
It feels like it's been ages since we first heard about the Mercedes-AMG One, a hypercar for public consumption that relies on Formula 1 powertrain tech. But the long wait for this car to enter production has finally reached its endpoint.Mercedes-Benz this week announced that the AMG One has finally entered series production. 275 vehicles will be built, with initial deliveries expected to take place before the year ends, with each model costing its lucky owner nearly $3 million. The vehicles will be assembled at a small facility in the United Kingdom, with the help of its manufacturing partner Multimatic. The AMG One is entirely hand-built. Each vehicle will go through 16 individual assembly and testing stations. It's quite the arduous process, with some parts of the car being assembled and then disassembled again for various reasons. The outer skin of the vehicle, for example, gets put together to ensure that every panel fits to perfection, before being taken apart so each piece can be painted by hand.The first four stations in the assembly process are devoted to installing mechanical and low-voltage components, including the car's electrical system. After that, the high-voltage parts (including the battery) are installed, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 and its four electric motors are tested, and then the interior is installed. Following the interior, the exterior is reassembled. Then, the wheels and headlights are installed and adjusted, and the whole thing is sent to the dyno to ensure the vehicle functions properly in all modes. The "monsoon" test looks pretty intense, not that any owner will brave these conditions in a car as expensive as the One. Mercedes-Benz The final steps ensure the AMG One stands up to Mercedes' snuff for noise, vibration and harshness, in addition to "monsoon" testing that makes sure the vehicle is nice and waterproof. Finally, a light booth lets technicians inspect all vehicle surfaces, while basic function tests ensure that every last component is functioning perfectly. More than 50 individuals will be involved in the car's assembly from start to finish. To cap everything off, the automaker's test driver takes each car for a spin on a nearby proving ground before it's wrapped in protective materials and shipped to Mercedes-AMG's headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany, where customers will take delivery of the 1,049-horsepower F1-based hypercar. | Autoracing |
Image source, Helena Hicks / PA MediaImage caption, Protesters invaded the Silverstone track at the beginning of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, a court heardFive people said to have invaded the track at the start of the F1 British Grand Prix posed a serious risk of harm to drivers and marshals, a court heard.The invasion by climate activists from the Just Stop Oil group took place at Silverstone, Northamptonshire, in July, Northampton Crown Court was told. Prosecutor Simon Jones said they "could have been struck by fast-moving vehicles with severe consequences".Six people deny causing a public nuisance at the circuit.The defendants are David Baldwin, 47, of Stonesfield, Oxfordshire; Emily Brocklebank, 24, of Yeadon, Leeds; Alasdair Gibson, 22, of Aberdeen; Louis McKechnie, 22, of Manchester; Bethany Mogie, 40, of St Albans, Hertfordshire; and Joshua Smith, 29, of Lees, Oldham.Mr Jones told the court: "It is not in dispute that five of the defendants in this case - all of them save for David Baldwin - made it on to the racetrack and they did not have permission to be there."The court heard Mr Baldwin was found in a car park along with glue, cable ties and a Just Stop Oil banner and was said by the Crown to have been "in it together" with his co-defendants.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The court was told the protestors sat down in front of Formula 1 cars at Silverstone CircuitVideo was played to the jury showing F1 stars Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon driving past five protesters, who were sitting on or being dragged off the track.Footage recorded by Lewis Hamilton's car passing protesters shortly before the track invasion was also shown to the court.Video was also played to the jury of statements recorded by five of the accused the day before the protest, claiming the world was "being destroyed for the benefit of a few people"."They will inevitably say that this was done as an act of protest and in order to bring publicity to the cause, and demand they make no new oil and gas licences," Mr Jones said to the court. "The prosecution say that there was clearly an immediate risk of serious harm being caused. "Plainly, they could have been struck by fast-moving vehicles with obvious severe consequences."Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected] Internet LinksThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | Autoracing |
Dutch racing driver Dilano van 't Hoff has died after a crash at a race in the Formula Regional European Championship.
The 18-year-old MP Motorsport driver was competing in the second race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, organisers announced.
French driver Anthoine Hubert lost his life at the same circuit during a Formula 2 race in 2019.
The race organisers said: "We want to express our sincere condolences to the family, team and friends."
They added: "Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps and SRO Motorsports Group join Alpine and ACI in expressing their sincerest condolences to the driver's family, team and friends."
Organisers of the headline GT race, the 24 Hours of Spa, said on social media: "All start line entertainments for the 24 Hours of Spa have been cancelled and there will be a minute's silence before the start of the race to honour the memory of Dilano."
The Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine is a European Formula Three racing series intended to be a stepping stone to the FIA Formula Three Championship.
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali said on Twitter: "We are so sad to learn of the passing of Dilano van 't Hoff today at Spa-Francorchamps.
"Dilano died in pursuit of his dream to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. Along with the entire motorsport community, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
McLaren also added: "The McLaren Racing Team are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dilano van 't Hoff in a Formula Regional race at Spa-Francorchamps today.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire MP Motorsport team at this difficult time." | Autoracing |
F1's Pierre Gasly Narrowly Escapes Car Fire ... During Practice 9/30/2022 8:03 AM PT Formula 1 Frightening moment during free practice at the Singapore Grand Prix -- AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly just barely escaped as his car burst into flames ... and the video is wild. The incident went down as the 26-year-old made his way into the pit lane ... and as his car was being tended to, the area near his air box caught fire. Luckily, Gasly was able to hop out of the vehicle as his pit crew put out the blaze. Pit reporter Ted Kravitz provided an update on the Sky Sports broadcast ... saying, "Everything’s been sorted out. There’s been a bit of tape that’s been out over the fire-damaged engine cover." "The team are telling me the fire started when the fuel breather was connected to the car but it was put out quickly and then he’s going back out on the circuit." The Singapore GP is known for giving drivers one of the biggest challenges on the calendar due to humid temperatures and the nature of the track. Great to hear Gasly avoided any injury ... and shoutout to the mechanics for reacting so quickly. | Autoracing |
'Congratulations to Max': Lewis Hamilton keeps it short and sweet as he congratulates F1 World Champion Max Verstappen at the end of his Instagram post after the Red Bull driver controversially sealed the title with victory in JapanLewis Hamilton has congratulated Max Verstappen on his F1 Championship The Dutch driver sealed the title with a win in the rain-hit Japanese Grand PrixHamilton finished fifth in Suzuka as he missed out on a place on the podium The 37-year-old will be hoping to bounce back in next year's Championship Published: 05:51 EDT, 10 October 2022 | Updated: 05:51 EDT, 10 October 2022 Lewis Hamilton has congratulated Max Verstappen who was crowned Formula 1 World Champion for the second year in a row after a win in Japan. Hamilton decided to keep his message short and sweet on Instagram, as he posted about his own efforts in Suzuka.The British driver finished fifth in the rain but said it was 'good to be leaving with some points for the team.' Lewis Hamilton has congratulated Max Verstappen on his F1 World Drivers' Championship The 37-year-old then signed off the Instagram post with: 'Finally, congratulations to Max on a great season.' Verstappen cruised to victory in the rain-hit race as he finished almost 30 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor, teammate Sergio Perez. However, similarly to last season, there was confusion surrounding the way Verstappen won his second World Drivers' Championship.It appeared that nobody knew how many points would be dished out following the rain delays but, upon full points being awarded, the Dutch driver wrapped up the title. Hamilton has struggled this season for Mercedes and will be hoping for better next year The 25-year-old now sits on two titles and will be looking for more as he seeks to dominate the world of driving - like Hamilton once did. Prior to last year, Hamilton had won six titles in seven F1 seasons but last year's controversial conclusion put an end to the Mercedes driver's reign. The race which decided the 2021 Championship intensified the rivalry between the two drivers and Hamilton's post has done little to play it down. The Mercedes man will be hoping for a better season next year as he looks to win his eighth title - making him the most successful driver of all time. The F1 season continues with the United States Grand Prix where practice starts on October 21. Verstappen wrapped up back-to-back titles with a win in the rain-hit Japanese Grand Prix Advertisement | Autoracing |
The 2023 F1 season resumes this weekend at the home track of the team that has topped the series for the past two-plus seasons. The Austrian Grand Prix emanates from the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Styria and will feature the second sprint weekend of the season.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen enters in imperious form, having won the past four races on the trot and sporting a massive 69-point lead in the world drivers’ standings over teammate Sergio Perez. That’s nearly a full three-race lead. Verstappen has won four times in 10 starts at the Red Bull Ring.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Austrian Grand Prix weekend:
Austrian Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
7:25 - 8:30 a.m.: Free practice 1 (ESPN2, ESPN+)
10:55 - 11 a.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+)
Saturday
6:25 - 7:30 a.m.: Sprint shootout (ESPN2, ESPN+)
10:25 - 11:30 a.m.: Sprint (ESPN, ESPN+)
Sunday
7:30 - 8:55 a.m.: Pre-race show (ESPN)
8:55 - 11 a.m.: Austrian Grand Prix (ESPN, ESPN+)
How to watch the Austrian Grand Prix:
- Watch F1 on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+
Hulu + Live TV
- Stream F1 with ESPN+
ESPN+
- Stream F1 from anywhere ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
Austrian Grand Prix qualifying results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Nico Hulkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Austrian Grand Prix details
Track: Red Bull Ring (Spielberg, Austria), 2.683-mile, 10-turn permanent racing facility
Race length: 71 laps for 190 miles
Lap record: 1:05.619 (Carlos Sainz, Ferrari, 2020)
Tire compounds: C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium), C5 (Soft)
Last year’s winner: Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Sprint weekend format returns
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The new format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3, etc.).
McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin bringing upgrades
After being overtaken for second place in the world constructors’ standings by Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix, Aston Martin is bringing an upgrade package they hope will enable them to “attack” the Silver Arrows. Fourth-place Ferrari will debut new front-wing elements, a new floor and a new rear wing it hopes will make its race performance more predictable. McLaren, mired in sixth in the constructors’ standings, will begin a series of significant changes to the car beginning in Austria.
“I look forward to anything that’s new,” McLaren driver Lando Norris told Australia’s Speedcafe.
Norris currently sits in 11th in the drivers’ standings after a sixth-place showing in 2022.
Top drivers and best bets for the Austrian Grand Prix
Barring an unforeseen catastrophe, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will be the favorite entering every race weekend for the rest of the season as he charges toward his inevitable third-straight world drivers’ championship. He’s -275 to win in Austria at his team’s home track according to BetMGM and the next-best moneyline is Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso at +700.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -275
• Fernando Alonso +700
• Lewis Hamilton +800
• Sergio Perez +900
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote earlier in the week on some props worthy of consideration, including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to finish on the podium (-225). He also likes Fernando Alonso to finish on the podium in the sprint (-110), pointing to the strength of the car two weeks ago in Montreal.
Austrian Grand Prix entry list
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Nico Hulkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Weather for the Austrian Grand Prix
Thunderstorms are expected to impact Friday afternoon’s qualifying session as well as the sprint shootout qualifying session Saturday morning before conditions potentially improve. Race day is only forecast to have a 20% chance of rain, which means even if the grid is mixed up by variable conditions Friday, the stronger cars like Red Bull, Aston Martin and Mercedes should be able to carve their way up the field by the end of the grand prix. | Autoracing |
Engine overrun - a sound created when droplets of fuel escape on to red-hot exhaust pipes.
Sometimes it sounds like thunder. Sometimes a robot exploding. Sometimes like a huge tree snapping in half. Occasionally, if you're close enough, it rattles your rib cage.
Curiously, it doesn't register on television coverage, but it is loud. Very loud.
It is part of motorsport's majesty. Whether it is part of its future, though, is another thing.
The sound of fuel frying on metal seems to many to be increasingly out of step with a warming world, in which climate consciousness is rising with the mercury.
At Le Mans, engine overrun drowns out a backing track of thumping house music, fireworks and drunken roars.
About 300,000 people flock to north-west France for this annual Glastonbury for petrolheads, with the hardest core collecting around the Dunlop Curve to watch the action.
The headline act, as ever, is the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Over the course of a day and night, three-strong driver teams battle fatigue and the field to steer their aggressive prototype racing machine towards one of the biggest prizes in motorsport.
This year marks 100 years since the race's first staging. For a while, though, it seemed likely to limp past the landmark.
With the prohibitive costs of competition and the race's old-school image apparently out of time, Toyota had been the only top-level manufacturer competing in recent years, effectively racing themselves.
The glory days, epitomised by the 1971 film Le Mans - in which actor Steve McQueen broods and Porsches and Ferraris battle under banners advertising oil and cigarettes - seemed gone for good.
The organisers faced a dilemma: how to tap a rich past while making the race relevant once again.
The answer lay in the rule book.
"These new regulations permit car manufacturers to have freedom of design and now we have fantastic cars," says World Endurance Championship CEO Frederic Lequien.
"It's a return to the history of Ferrari competing against Peugeot, Porsche and Cadillac. We have the best car manufacturers in the world. Never in history has endurance racing been so bright."
Looser restrictions have given rise to hypercars - beautiful evolutions of sportscars of the past, with each company free to follow a philosophy and field statement-making models, something that is far harder to do in Formula 1 and Formula E, where largely identikit cars fill the grid.
Lining up for this year's season are a sleek Porsche, General Motors' Cadillac, which sounds like a muscle car on steroids, and Peugeot's masterpiece, the 9X8 - a rear wing-less, childhood dream of a design.
But this revival - which saw the race sold out two weeks after going on sale - is led by Ferrari, who have returned to Le Mans after 50 years away, adding to their already exhaustive F1 schedule.
"We are very, very busy, but very happy," says Antonello Coletta, Ferrari's head of GT sport. "We come back to the pinnacle of endurance in the most important category - hypercar - with less time in respect to the other competitors, but we are super happy.
"Le Mans is the most important race in the world."
Coletta is part of a new mould of Ferrari leaders. Gone are the Gucci socks and blazers. He reflects a more business-like approach, and you can hear it in his words.
He says that many parts of the 499P - which, like all good Ferraris, is beautiful, but hard to manage - are being tested for use on road cars.
The most important component isn't part of the 499P's sweeping bodywork, however. It is hidden away, deep in the engine. And it is the innovation, maybe more than any other, that is critical for Le Mans' future.
At this year's race all 62 cars, including the many privateer entries, run on a sustainable fuel made from vineyard grape skin waste.
The wine industry's residue is transformed into ethanol, then converted into useable fuel. Its makers say it reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 65%.
It is a very French solution to a global problem.
F1's innovations tend to take longer to arrive on the road, but their direction of travel is the same.
Like Le Mans, F1 is keen to show there is an alternative to electric cars, and has promised to run on its own 100% sustainable fuel for 2026.
For the moment, though, Le Mans is the most powerful example yet for manufacturers as they advocate for a diversity of ways to fuel the future.
Combined with Ferrari's super-efficient engine, which uses far less fuel for just as much power, there is a modern, more frugal face for a storied race.
Could the present for Le Mans also be the future for the man in the street?
Certainly some of the arguments put forward by the race's supporters appear to be having an effect.
The European Union (EU) is reportedly close to amending a proposed plan to outlaw the sale of all new combustion-powered cars by 2035. Instead of electric-only cars, it apparently intends to allow the manufacture of new models that run off carbon-neutral fuel.
The possible move has been criticised by environmental groups, who argue that carbon-neutral fuels are unproven, expensive to produce and a costly distraction from the most effective route to decarbonising road transport.
"I don't want anyone to think we're anti-electric. Far from it," says F1 technical head Pat Symonds, who is spending his 70th birthday visiting Le Mans for the first time.
"In an urban environment an electric vehicle is a very good solution to many problems.
"But, equally, in other arenas and other territories an electric vehicle isn't the perfect answer.
"In the race to reduce carbon emissions and tackle global warming - something dear to my heart, believe me - too many governments around the world say, 'here is solution we want you to adopt' and engineers say 'OK, it's a good solution but not the only solution'.
"We've seen this change recently since February in the EU, which is leading to them recognising the value of sustainable fuels, and I think we'll see that worldwide."
In the thick forest next to the famous Mulsanne straight at Le Mans, you can hear the distant drone of the engines held in the tall trees. It's a dream-like experience at night, a constant churn of bright headlights and raw sound.
In the oppressive heat of a Le Mans summer day, the soft moss saps energy from the air.
Mulsanne has been sanitised since Ferrari last raced here as a works team - two chicanes slow the pace to help reduce the chance of a car losing its downforce load and, as they have in the past, taking off like an aeroplane and landing in the trees.
It is 10 years since the race saw its most recent fatality when Dane Allan Simonsen crashed his Aston Martin at the corner preceding Mulsanne, Tertre Rouge. His car hit a tree behind the barrier, just minutes into the race.
"On every driver's licence it says motorsport is dangerous," Ferrari's James Calado muses in the team's huge hospitality suite.
"We realise the danger, but in all honesty the risk isn't high if you compare it to bikes on the Isle of Man. It's not even 0.1% of the danger of what those boys are doing.
"Occasionally bad accidents can happen - normally fluke. I don't want to jinx it, but cars are super safe - you can have a big impact and the car will be fully intact."
Motorsport has cleaned up its safety record since Le Mans' grimy glory days. Given sustainable fuels still release particulates such as toxic nitrogen dioxide and electric cars soak up power from the grid, there is a way to go before the same can be said for its sustainability credentials.
"As a driver my job is to drive the car and do the best I can," says Calado.
"I'm all for sustainability. It's difficult to know what's going to happen in the future. The whole world needs to make a difference and we will do everything we can to help."
Calado, Britain's most high-profile factory Ferrari driver since Nigel Mansell in the late 1980s, acknowledges the power that Le Mans has as a stage, both for a race and, potentially, for bigger questions that affect us all.
"It is magical," he adds with a smile when talking about driving in the middle of the night. "The fans never go away… it's three or four in morning and you can still see and smell the barbecues when you are in the car.
"You smell everything - the sparks when a car scrapes the ground, and we get dust in our eyes where the visor's open."
It's an elemental experience. Tired drivers feel the aches, taste the dirt and smell the fumes.
For Calado and Ferrari, the weekend also finished with the sight of the chequered flag and a landmark victory to cap off the marque's comeback to Le Mans.
And the signature sound, for better or worse, remained the same as ever - the crackle of engine overrun. | Autoracing |
As Lando Norris navigates the best season of his Formula 1 career, he's getting accustomed to finishing in second place.
Over his last seven races, he's come in second four times, most recently at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sept. 23. That's an impressive showing for a driver who had only managed one second-place finish in his first 82 races at the F1 level — without a win to his name.
The lack of a victory for Norris reached a historic milestone in Japan as his career point total (543) is now the largest ever accumulated by a driver who hasn't won a race.
It's a bit of a complicated statistic to unpack as indicates good and bad things about the 23-year-old Englishman. The unavoidable truth is that the goal of any F1 driver is to win races, and Norris has been unable to do so. He also watched a teammate — Daniel Ricciardo — earn a victory during that time, although the two didn't battle each other at Monza in 2021 because the team didn't want to risk a crash.
On the flip side, Norris wouldn't hold the record for points without a win if he wasn't consistently producing strong finishes. One of the best measures of a driver is how he performs against his teammates, and Norris has outscored his by 122 points in his career — more than a point per race. That's impressive considering he's driven alongside the accomplished veteran duo of Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo, plus heralded rookie Oscar Piastri.
Few doubt that Norris has the talent to finally get a win, although the five second-places he's accumulated might give the false impression that's he's knocking at the door. In 2023 there has been such a massive gap between Max Verstappen and the rest of the field that coming second doesn't necessarily mean you're close to matching the defending double world champion.
Norris has finished behind Verstappen by at least 19 seconds twice, and on one other occasion — the British Grand Prix — his gap to the Dutchman (3.78 seconds) was artificially low thanks to a late safety car. That said, he does deserve credit for beating Verstappen off the start and leading that race for the first four laps.
The only real chance Norris has had to win in 2023 came in Singapore when Red Bull was MIA and he finished less than a second behind his former teammate, Sainz. Even that result is a little bit misleading as Sainz hung close to Norris on purpose, giving Norris DRS to help him hold off a pair of hard-charging Mercedes drivers on fresher Pirelli rubber.
While it may seem counterintuitive, the young Brit's best chance at a win came in a race he finished seventh. Norris appeared on track for a victory at the 2021 Russian Grand Prix until some late-lap rain got in the way. When his rivals pitted for intermediate tyres, Norris insisted on staying out to maintain track position.
The result wasn't pretty.
Now Norris finds himself in an interesting position. He projects to have one of the best cars on the grid in any given race down the stretch in 2023 — and any wobble on Verstappen's end could open the door for him.
At the same time, it's possible that he already missed the boat on the one opportunity he could've grasped all year thanks to Verstappen's dominance.
Things will get a bit cloudier after this season ends. Norris is under contract with McLaren for two more seasons, and it's worth wondering if they can replicate the success of the 2023 car.
After all, this is a team that has a single win to its name since Lewis Hamilton left after the 2012 season. Between 2013 and 2022, McLaren finished in the top three in the constructors championship just once (2020) and that streak is likely to continue this year due to the awful start the team got off to.
Norris is linked to a car that's been good more often that it's been great for more than a decade, and it hasn't always been good. It's possible that 2023 is the beginning of a new chapter for McLaren, but the team might also be exploiting unusual down years from Ferrari and Mercedes — plus a total no-show from Alpine.
It's well within the realm of possibility that Norris continues to be that guy who is clearly good enough to win but can't seem to do it. If he's unable to manage an opportunistic victory down the stretch in 2023, then all bets are off for his medium-term future.
Because F1 contracts aren't all out in the open, his longer-term prospects are less clear. Mercedes has locked in Hamilton and George Russell through 2025, which means Norris might become a free agent just as the Silver Arrows are looking to start over.
Ferrari's duo — Sainz and Charles Leclerc — are rumored to be staying put through 2024, and the biggest prize in the sport, the Red Bull seat alongside Verstappen, should open up after 2024 as well. Based on the way Norris is driving it's possible one of those teams would consider trying to buy out the last year of his deal and bring him aboard for 2025, but that would cost a king's ransom.
Back in 2017, Mercedes paid Williams £10 million to release Valtteri Bottas, and the Finnish driver was coming off a season where he finished eighth in the drivers standings and managed one podium.
It may be too early to contemplate where Norris could head in the future, but one thing is clear: he has shown enough in 2023 that one of these days he'll either find a way to win in his McLaren — or earn himself on a seat with a team capable of helping him reach the mountaintop.
Sooner or later, the record for most points without a victory will likely return to its rightful owner, Nico Hülkenberg, who doesn't even have a podium in 200 races. | Autoracing |
AUSTIN, Texas -- Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, the co-founder of energy drink company Red Bull and founder and owner of the Red Bull Formula One racing team, has died. He was 78.Officials with the Red Bull racing team at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, said Saturday that Mateschitz had died.There was no immediate word where he died, or a cause of death.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner paid tribute to Mateschitz shortly before its drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez got in their cars for qualifying at the U.S. race."He is the reason that we are here. It was his passion for Formula One and his vision. He was always enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive on the good days and the bad days," Horner said. "I feel privileged to have known him. For the whole team now, despite the shock, we're going to do exactly what he would have wanted, which is to go there with his cars and do the very best that we can, and try to close this constructor's championship (title) down."Red Bull driver Verstappen has already secured the drivers' title for a second straight season.Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motor sports governing body FIA, said Mateschitz was "a towering figure in motor sport.""The thoughts of all the FIA family are with his loved ones at this time and he will be greatly missed."Mateschitz gained fame as the public face of Red Bull, an Austrian-Thai conglomerate that says it sold nearly 10 billion cans of its caffeine and taurine-based drink in 172 countries worldwide last year.Mateschitz not only helped the energy drink become popular around the world, but also built up a sports, media, real estate and gastronomy empire around the brand.With the growing success of Red Bull, he significantly expanded his investments in sports. Red Bull now operates football clubs, ice hockey teams and F1 racing teams, and has contracts with hundreds of athletes in various sports.Mateschitz and Thai investor Chaleo Yoovidhya founded the company in 1984 after Mateschitz recognized the potential in marketing Krating Daeng - another energy drink created by Chaleo - for a western audience. Red Bull says Mateschitz worked on the formula for three years before the modified drink was launched under its new name in his native Austria in 1987.Under Mateschitz' stewardship, Red Bull quickly increased its market share, first in Europe, then in the United States, helped by marketing campaigns promoting the drink's claimed stimulating properties and extensive sponsorship agreements in motorsports, soccer, extreme sports and the music industry.The Red Bull Racing team has enjoyed success in Formula 1, winning the constructors' championship in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, while German driver Sebastian Vettel won four drivers' championships in row while signed to the team.Red Bull operates soccer teams in top divisions across Austria, Germany, Brazil and the United States. The company started by buying Austrian club SV Austria Salzburg in 2005 and rebranding it in the company colors under the name Red Bull Salzburg.It repeated the move in Germany, where it bought fifth-tier club SSV Markranstdt in 2009, rebranded it as RasenBallsport Leipzig, and financed its steady progress through the league system till it was promoted to the Bundesliga in 2016. German league regulations prevented the company from naming the team Red Bull Leipzig - its name in German, RasenBallsport, means "grass ball sport Leipzig" but the club just refers to itself as RB Leipzig.Mateschitz also made headlines for his populist views. He previously criticized German chancellor Angela Merkel for her handling of the refugee crisis over 2015-16. The Austrian Servus TV station, owned by Red Bull Media House GmbH, is known for promoting right-wing provocative views.Mateschitz bought the Jaguar Racing team from previous owner Ford at the end of 2004 and rebranded it as Red Bull for the 2005 season. Later that year, he then also bought Minardi and renamed it Toro Rosso, astutely using the team as a feed team for Red Bull."It's important that we recognize everything that he's contributed to the sport," Horner said. "Not just this sport, but it goes way, way beyond that."Copyright © 2022 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. | Autoracing |
The 2023 F1 season resumes this weekend at the home track of the team that has topped the series for the past two-plus seasons. The Austrian Grand Prix emanates from the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Styria and will feature the second sprint weekend of the season.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen enters in imperious form, having won the past four races on the trot and sporting a massive 69-point lead in the world drivers’ standings over teammate Sergio Perez. That’s nearly a full three-race lead. Verstappen has won four times in 10 starts at the Red Bull Ring.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Austrian Grand Prix weekend:
Austrian Grand Prix starting grid
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Nico Hulkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Austrian Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
7:25 - 8:30 a.m.: Free practice 1 (ESPN2, ESPN+)
10:55 - 11 a.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+)
Saturday
6:25 - 7:30 a.m.: Sprint shootout (ESPN2, ESPN+)
10:25 - 11:30 a.m.: Sprint (ESPN, ESPN+)
Sunday
7:30 - 8:55 a.m.: Pre-race show (ESPN)
8:55 - 11 a.m.: Austrian Grand Prix (ESPN, ESPN+)
How to watch the Austrian Grand Prix:
- Watch F1 on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+
Hulu + Live TV
- Stream F1 with ESPN+
ESPN+
- Stream F1 from anywhere ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
Verstappen wins wet-dry Austrian Grand Prix sprint
Max Verstappen started the Austrian Grand Prix sprint from pole and, despite losing the lead to Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez for two corners, dominated the afternoon. Verstappen won by more than 21 seconds over Perez, completing all 24 laps on intermediate tires. In all, 11 cars pitted for slick tires late in the race as the track had dried sufficiently, making for some exciting racing up and down the order.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz finished third, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll was able to hold off a strong challenge from teammate Fernando Alonso for fourth, Nico Hulkenberg bagged three surprise points for Haas in sixth, Alpine's Esteban Ocon finished seventh and Mercedes' George Russell nabbed the final point in eighth.
Austrian Grand Prix sprint results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Nico Hulkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Austrian Grand Prix details
Track: Red Bull Ring (Spielberg, Austria), 2.683-mile, 10-turn permanent racing facility
Race length: 71 laps for 190 miles
Lap record: 1:05.619 (Carlos Sainz, Ferrari, 2020)
Tire compounds: C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium), C5 (Soft)
Last year’s winner: Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Sprint weekend format returns
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The new format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3, etc.).
McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin bringing upgrades
After being overtaken for second place in the world constructors’ standings by Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix, Aston Martin is bringing an upgrade package they hope will enable them to “attack” the Silver Arrows. Fourth-place Ferrari will debut new front-wing elements, a new floor and a new rear wing it hopes will make its race performance more predictable. McLaren, mired in sixth in the constructors’ standings, will begin a series of significant changes to the car beginning in Austria.
“I look forward to anything that’s new,” McLaren driver Lando Norris told Australia’s Speedcafe.
Norris currently sits in 11th in the drivers’ standings after a sixth-place showing in 2022.
Top drivers and best bets for the Austrian Grand Prix
Barring an unforeseen catastrophe, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will be the favorite entering every race weekend for the rest of the season as he charges toward his inevitable third-straight world drivers’ championship. He’s -275 to win in Austria at his team’s home track according to BetMGM and the next-best moneyline is Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso at +700.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -275
• Fernando Alonso +700
• Lewis Hamilton +800
• Sergio Perez +900
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote earlier in the week on some props worthy of consideration, including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to finish on the podium (-225). He also likes Fernando Alonso to finish on the podium in the sprint (-110), pointing to the strength of the car two weeks ago in Montreal.
Austrian Grand Prix entry list
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Nico Hulkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Weather for the Austrian Grand Prix
Thunderstorms are expected to impact Friday afternoon’s qualifying session as well as the sprint shootout qualifying session Saturday morning before conditions potentially improve. Race day is only forecast to have a 20% chance of rain, which means even if the grid is mixed up by variable conditions Friday, the stronger cars like Red Bull, Aston Martin and Mercedes should be able to carve their way up the field by the end of the grand prix. | Autoracing |
SAVE 49%: Watch Formula 1 livestreams in 2023 from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN(Opens in a new tab) is on sale for £86.15 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time.
Formula 1 is properly up and running and we've already been treated to plenty of intriguing storylines, with a lot more to come this week.
We're sure you've got plenty of questions when it comes to keeping up with the schedule and the best ways to watch the 2023 season. This is the best place to be, because we've got all the information you need.
When is the Australia Grand Prix?
Following on from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, there's plenty of excitement for the third week in Australia:
Practice 1 — 2:30 to 3:30 a.m. GMT on March 31
Practice 2 — 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. GMT on March 31
Practice 3 — 2:30 to 3:30 a.m. GMT on April 1
Qualifying — 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. GMT on April 1
Race — 6:00 a.m. GMT on April 2
Sky Sports has the rights to broadcast live coverage of the F1 in the UK, with race highlights available on Channel 4 a few hours after the event on April 2. Those are not your only options though.
How can you livestream the Australia Grand Prix for free?
Sky Sports subscribers can enjoy industry-leading coverage from the biggest names in the F1 game, but Sky Sports does not come cheap. A lot of dedicated F1 fans will not be subscribed, so alternative ways to watch are required.
The good news for F1 fans is that Belgium’s RTBF and Austria’s ServusTV will show all of the 2023 races free to stream, with French and German commentary, respectively. You can watch RTBF and ServusTV from outside Belgium and Austria with a VPN. All you need to do is subscribe to a streaming-friendly service, download the app for your preferred operating system, and then connect to a secure server in Belgium or Austria. Once you're connected, you can visit RTBF or ServusTV to watch the Australia Grand Prix.
Australia’s Network 10 will also air the Australian Grand Prix live from March 31 to April 2. You can livestream everything on its companion streaming platform 10 play by connecting to a server in Australia.
What is the best VPN for F1?
ExpressVPN remains the top choice for unblocking streaming sites from around the world.
ExpressVPN(Opens in a new tab) is the best service for livestreaming the F1 due to its impressive connection speeds, powerful levels of encryption, apps for all operating systems, five multi-logins, and helpful customer support.
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN(Opens in a new tab) is on sale for £86.15 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up to watch the Australia Grand Prix and then recover your investment with the money-back guarantee. Yes, this is sneaky. But it works, and it means you can watch the F1 for free from anywhere in the world.
Livestream the Australia Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN. | Autoracing |
Who is the second-fastest team in Formula 1?
That’s a big question entering Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix (2 p.m. ET, ABC). We all know by now that Red Bull is the dominant team of the season and will stay in that position barring a catastrophe. But the fight for No. 2 in the constructor’s standings is an intriguing one. Especially after the Spanish Grand Prix.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell rounded out the podium spots behind Max Verstappen in Barcelona to bump Mercedes up to best-of-the-rest status in the standings. Aston Martin had been the No. 2 team thanks to Fernando Alonso’s excellence, but Alonso had his slowest race of the season in his home country.
The Spanish Grand Prix looked like validation for Mercedes’ upgrades that debuted at Monaco and showed that Ferrari still had some work to do. Charles Leclerc struggled after starting at the back of the field and Carlos Sainz didn’t have any speed to match the Red Bull or Mercedes cars.
Aston Martin looks poised to bring updates to the Canadian Grand Prix as Alonso is chasing his first F1 win since 2013. Alonso has scored five podium finishes over the first seven races of 2023 after getting just three podium finishes combined in his last seven years in the series.
If the Aston Martin upgrades are more like Mercedes’ and less like Ferrari’s, then the team will be in the mix right behind Verstappen on Sunday. And that could set up a big battle for second place unless Sergio Perez somehow has pace to match Verstappen.
Perez enters Sunday’s race as the No. 2 favorite at +500 behind Verstappen at -275 while Hamilton is at +800, Russell is at +1200 and Alonso is at +1400. Mercedes has finished on the podium in each of the last eight Canadian Grand Prix races while Hamilton has seven career wins at the track.
If you'd prefer to bet a constructor, there's no value unless you are going with a non-Red Bull winner. Red Bull is -700 to win the race while the rest of the field is at +400. Mercedes is the No. 2 favorite to produce the winner at +600.
Here are a few bets at BetMGM that we like for the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.
Lando Norris to finish in the top 10 (-140)
Norris had a great qualifying effort in Spain that was ruined after first-lap contact with Hamilton forced him to pit for a new front wing. Norris is due for some good luck and a solid finish and McLaren’s speed should carry over to Montreal.
Esteban Ocon to finish ahead of Pierre Gasly (-125)
Ocon has finished ahead of Gasly in each of the last two races. We’ll go with three in a row as Ocon beats Gasly for the fourth time this season.
Lewis Hamilton to finish ahead of Fernando Alonso (-110)
We’re going with Hamilton’s excellence in Montreal over the unknown of the Aston Martin upgrades here. It’s also worth noting that there’s a little bit of incongruity in BetMGM’s head-to-head matchups. Alonso is favored in this one at -125, but if you bet Mercedes vs. Aston Martin in a head-to-head matchup, Mercedes is the favorite at -135.
Alex Albon to finish ahead of Zhou Guanyu (+100)
We’re going with the underdog in this one. Albon has overachieved this season and Williams has some decent straight-line speed. That will be important at a track that’s full-throttle for much of the lap.
Verstappen and Hamilton both to finish in the top three (+125)
Since we’re going with Hamilton to beat Alonso, we might as well back that up with this bet as well. | Autoracing |
Image caption, Christian Horner said there is talent in the Milton Keynes area to make the team's new enginesThe team principal of the Red Bull Formula 1 team Christian Horner said the whole of the car would be built in Milton Keynes by 2026.At the moment only the chassis is built at the factory, with its engines produced by Honda.The Japanese company officially pulled out of F1 last year, but agreed to continue to supply engines and engineering support until 2025.Horner said: "We're bringing the whole car here on site at Milton Keynes."The team have been based in the city, with Horner in charge, since it was formed in 2005.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Red Bull is in Milton Keynes and will host its "homerun" event in the city for the first time in 11 yearsOnce the engines are built in Milton Keynes it will "be the only team other than Ferrari in Maranello [Italy] that has engine and chassis all produced on one site", he said.The 49-year-old said: "We'll have engine designers and chassis designers sitting side-by-side, so absolute vertical integration of those disciplines."I think for Milton Keynes, for the UK, to have that based here, is testimony to the skill set that is in the area and the talent we're able to attract."'I love this place'The plan is for the engine to be built on-site by 2026, which Horner said "in engine terms it is tomorrow".He said: "We've got 36-and-a-half months to produce an all-new engine and take on Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Audi that'll be coming into the sport."So it's a huge challenge for us, but I think with the right people, with the right tools, with the right culture and approach, we can hopefully produce similar to what we have with the chassis."Image caption, Max Verstappen said he wanted to appreciate the team's achievement this seasonRed Bull driver Max Verstappen won his second World Championship last month, with the team securing the Constructors' Championship.The team held a celebration for staff at the factory on Friday and will also have an event for fans in the centre of Milton Keynes.Verstappen said of the factory in the city, "I love this place"."I've been part of Red Bull for quite a while. Every year you see new faces, but also old faces that you have been working with for a long time," the 25-year-old said.Image source, Red BullImage caption, Christian Horner and Max Verstappen celebrated the championships with staff at the factory at Milton KeynesFind BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected] Internet LinksThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | Autoracing |
Attracting young fans was once dismissed as an irrelevance by Formula One, but now the sport seems to have finally accepted that the kids are alright. Formula One has enjoyed an explosion in popularity in recent years, unthinkable a decade ago. Attracting a swathe of fresh fans, the boom has been driven by the grid’s young guns who are connecting with a new generation and reinvigorating the sport.Nowhere is this more evident than in the resurgence of interest in F1 in the USA, an audience it craved for decades. This weekend’s US Grand Prix is expected to be a sellout with 440,000 in attendance across three days, 10% up on 2021.The US will host three races next season, this one at the Circuit of the Americas, Miami and a new meeting in Las Vegas. In Austin, the expectations are that the boom will only continue.“We have already comfortably exceeded last year’s sales. We sold out our first round of tickets in April within 48 hours, which led to us adding several more grandstands,” says Cota chairman, Bobby Epstein. “The demand in the US right now is incredible and will absolutely support three races, and could support many more.”Harrison Callaway, an 18-year-old from Westchester, New York, who attended his first race this year at Silverstone has been part of this sea-change in F1’s popularity.“Maybe two or three years ago I don’t think people would have even known Lewis Hamilton,” he said. “At school they would have no clue but now everybody knows Lewis Hamilton even if they don’t watch F1.”Callaway is typical of many new fans. He came to the sport during lockdown, was enthused by last season’s titanic battle between Hamilton and Max Verstappen and had his passion further fired by the Netflix series Drive to Survive. He cites Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo as favourites but also emphasises how important the younger drivers have been in provoking interest.“I like George Russell and Lando Norris as well,” he said. “Lando is not much older than me, it feels like they are approachable. They seem funny and cool like you could hang out with them for a day, like someone you could be friends with.”In 2014, with TV audiences in decline, F1’s former CEO Bernie Ecclestone famously dismissed trying to appeal to a younger audience or embracing social media. “Young kids will see the Rolex brand, but are they going to go and buy one?,” he said. Such short-termism was typical of the period when the sport was treated as but a cash cow by then owners CVC capital.F1’s new owners have proven Ecclestone fundamentally wrong and ensured the sport’s long-term future by actively courting a new audience.Fans watch with phones at the ready as Lewis Hamilton makes a pitstop in his Mercedes Petronas W13 at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this year. Photograph: Dan Istitene/Formula 1/Getty ImagesIn Miami earlier this year that pursuit was validated given the audience was overwhelmingly young and clearly had money to spend with enormously expensive ticket prices.They were revelling in enjoying a sport they felt they could be part of. Speaking to them trackside, many cited Drive to Survive as what had piqued their interest but it was not what held their attention.Jennifer Davis was attending her first race at this year’s Miami GP. “Once I started following F1 I was drawn in by the drivers,” said the 24-year-old from Boston. “The young ones are relatable, they’re changing things up. Max, Charles [Leclerc], George, Lando, they are my generation. They are on social media, TikTok; you feel like you know them and that through them you know the sport.”In Miami this repeated refrain was something of a surprise. There were team allegiances, of course, but generally these fans were less encumbered by following nationality, or a team’s history. Personality mattered more. “I really like Alex Albon,” said Josh Wilson, a 27-year-old from Orlando, also at his first GP in Miami. “I know his car’s not great but he’s fighting with a smile on his face, having fun and he’s got real character. Drive to Survive is a drama but nothing beats the real competition on track and Alex’s generation are the ones me and my friends are here to follow.”The bounty from this new audience has been large. F1 measures its global viewing figures across its 23 major markets worldwide. This season almost every race has been up more than 10% on the 2021 numbers. Silverstone had a 41% increase, Hungary and France 15%. The Miami meet attracted the largest audience for a live race in the US of 2.2m. After the opening seven rounds the average audience per GP was 22.9m, up 11% on 2021.Scuderia AlphaTauri drivers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda take a selfie on the fan stage prior to practice ahead of the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Photograph: Peter Fox/Getty ImagesThe growth is global but the demographics in the US reflect what fans said trackside, that F1’s expansion is hitting a very specific mark. The Miami race was run on the same afternoon as the Nascar Cup Series race at Darlington. That attracted 2.6m viewers, but of those only 517,000 were below the age of 50. ESPN’s F1 coverage had 735,000 in the 18-49 range, which for the sport’s future is what matters.Detractors claim these new fans don’t have the staying power, the investment, to stick with the sport. But as Harrison said: “The Australian GP was at one in the morning and I had school the next day. But I still woke up and watched it. It made it more exciting in a way. Now I know the drivers and what it’s about, it’s engaged me more and more. I am more enthused than ever.”Many fans clearly have every intention of sticking with F1. | Autoracing |
Max Verstappen says the new sprint-race format will make the Azerbaijan Grand Prix "a little more chaotic".
Formula 1 has introduced a second qualifying session on Saturday to set the grid for the 'sprint' race.
The Red Bull driver said: "This track is normally quite chaotic and this will only make it more chaotic."
Fernando Alonso said it was "more challenging and stressful". And Lewis Hamilton feels it is "the most exciting weekend so far this year".
The new format, confirmed only two days ago, will be used at all six of F1's 'sprint' events this year, starting in Baku this weekend.
The key change is that it separates out the 'sprint' race on Saturday from the main grand prix.
In the last two years, the sprint - a shorter race run to about one-third of the distance of a grand prix - set the grid for the main event on Sunday.
Now, a Friday qualifying session sets the grid for the grand prix, while Saturday starts with a qualifying session - called the 'sprint shoot-out' - which sets the grid for the 'sprint' later that afternoon.
The changes also remove a practice session on Saturday in which teams ran only with race fuel loads and which had little value as a spectacle.
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Alonso, who returned to F1 in 2021 after two years away, said going straight into qualifying on Saturday would be a new experience for all the drivers.
"When I was out of the sport those two years, I was not watching the practice," Alonso said.
"They were too long and boring. So I see the point of making something different on the weekend.
"We have to embrace that and help f1 and hopefully the fans will give us a good feedback.
"But it is more stressful, especially the Saturday. Friday, we are used to this new format where we only have one practice.
"But the really different thing now is Saturday. Even in the past, doing one qualifying on Friday and Saturday, like in 2004 or 2006 or whenever, we had always practice before qualifying.
"Now, we have breakfast, we go in the car, we tighten the belts and we are in Q1. This is completely new. It is stressful, for sure, and more difficult for the drivers."
The idea behind the changes is to introduce more jeopardy into the 'sprint' by encouraging drivers to take more risks.
The previous format for sprint weekends, which were introduced in 2021, had the Friday qualifying session setting the grid for the sprint and the result of the sprint establishing the grid for the main grand prix.
That meant drivers were reluctant to take chances in the sprint because any errors or accidents would disproportionately harm their chances in the grand prix.
The new format received a universally warm reaction from the drivers on Thursday's media day in Baku, although Verstappen repeated his opinion that F1 had to be careful not to burn out its participants with too much racing.
"I understand selling more tickets on Friday and Saturday to make every day worth fighting for," the world champion said.
"But when you do 24, 25 weekends a good option would be to shorten a bit the weekend.
"It needs to be healthy and at one point you start questioning that and if you add in the sprint weekends it makes it even more busy."
Alonso and Taylor Swift?
Alonso arrives in Baku after a week in which he became an internet sensation following speculation in the Spanish media that he might be dating the pop star Taylor Swift went viral.
On Monday, the Aston Martin driver nodded to the situation when he released a short video on TikTok, in which he was pictured listening to a a speeded up version of Swift's song 'Karma' and winked at the camera.
He laughed when the subject was brought up in Baku and referenced other memes which have centred on him in recent times, including a widespread focus in his native Spain on '33' - his quest for a 33rd victory after 10 years away from the top step of the podium.
"I have been always active and ironic a little bit on social media," Alonso said. "I remember in the Ferrari days doing a lot of samurai quotes and things like that, and we didn't have the fanbase we have now, the younger generation.
"So between this and 'El Plan' and '33'… I think also the drivers have guys taking care of the social media channels, so maybe they see a little bit more authentic way of doing things."
Asked whether the rumours about an apparently unlikely relationship between himself and Swift were true, he laughed again and said: "I don't comment."
Hope for McLaren
McLaren have targeted the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as the start of their comeback after a difficult start to the season.
The team admitted before the championship started that they had missed a development avenue with their 2023 car and therefore would be starting the season behind where they had hoped to be.
They are introducing a major upgrade this weekend which is their first step on the development route opened up when they realised they had missed opportunities with the design of the floor edge.
Driver Lando Norris said: "I don't want to get ahead of myself. Australia was a better weekend for us. (Before that in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia) we were unlucky and that made things look worse than they are.
"What we have now (on the car) is where we wanted to start the year. A lot of other teams have upgrades and our job is to try and bring slightly bigger things and play catch-up.
"This is the baseline we should have stared the year with. It is more room for improvement and it is going to take us a small step forward but with other people bringing upgrades it will be slightly smaller (than it would otherwise appear)."
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Formula 1 is racing into the winner’s circle with major advertisers and titans of industry as the wildly popular global sport gains traction with fans in the US, sources tell On The Money.
Fresh off the success of last month’s glitzy F1 race in Miami, and ahead of this weekend’s marquee event in Monaco, US advertisers are jumping aboard the speeding bandwagon like it was the Super Bowl..
“It’s the difference between hot dogs and pretzels as opposed to caviar and champagne,” a source said of the difference between the Super Bowl and F1. “Formula 1 is associated with glamour and Monaco and celebrities, as opposed to football, which is simply the great American sport.”
Long-suffering US-based fans credit the sport’s surge in popularity in this country to the Netflix smash hit “Drive to Survive,” which helped put a face on the helmeted drivers and their behind-the-scenes drama.
The show, now in its fifth season, was the most-watched Netflix series in the U.S. and 32 other countries. An upcoming Grand Prix film with Brad Pitt will also help put F1’s popularity into overdrive.
Not only does F1 have a global following, the sport is also designed to create endless sponsorships.
Companies can sponsor an entire season globally or pick one race car team to partner with. Global sponsors this year include AWS, Salesforce, Rolex, and DHL and team sponsors include AT&T, Microsoft, Ritz Carlton, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Coca Cola, Walmart.
Formula 1 now has more financial partners and sponsors from the U.S. than it does from its historically most important partners: England, Italy, Switzerland, German and France, according to data from Spomotion Analytics.
The sport allows advertisers and celebrities greater opportunities to schmooze with the F1 stars than basketball and football provide. The race spans three days instead of three hours — there is practice day, qualifying day, and race day, which means there are three nights worth of parties.
The global glitterati seem to be lapping it up.
During the Miami Grand Prix, moguls like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt, Ken Griffin and David Solomon hobnobbed at private clubs and restaurants, including pop ups by Big Apple hot spots Carbone and Zero Bond. MAXIM, GQ, LIV and Tommy Hilfiger all hosted parties as well.
Another F1 event races into Las Vegas in November, and expectations from F1 insiders are that the three-day event in Sin City will generate the type of revenue – and buzz – associated with the NFL’s premiere event.
The NFL suggests the Super Bowl can bring a host city between $300 million and $500 million, but economists say the range is between $30 million and $130 million.
Last year’s Miami F1 generated $350 million for the city, according to South Florida Motorsports. Figures for this year were not available.. | Autoracing |
Formula 1 concludes its lone triple-header of the 2023 season this weekend in Brazil with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Interlagos and the Autódromo José Carlos Pace are a favorite of drivers and fans alike for its unique twisting layout, elevation changes and propensity to deliver memorable and thrilling moments. Just last year, Kevin Magnussen won his maiden pole (albeit, yes, it was aided by weather) and George Russell won his first F1 Grand Prix.
Here’s what to know ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix:
Sao Paulo Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
10:25-11:30 a.m.: Free practice 1 (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
1:55-3 p.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Saturday
9:55-11 a.m.: Sprint Shootout (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
2:25-3:30 p.m.: Sprint (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sunday
10:30-11:55 a.m.: Pre-race show (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
11:55 a.m.-2 p.m.: Sao Paulo Grand Prix (ESPN, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sao Paulo Grand Prix details
Track: Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) | 2.677-mile, 15-turn permanent racing facility in Sao Paulo
Race length: 71 laps
Lap record: 1:10.540 (Valtteri Bottas, 2018, Mercedes)
Tire compounds: Hard (C4), Medium (C3), Soft (C2)
2022 winner: George Russell, Mercedes
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 31, 2023
Final sprint weekend of 2023
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition. This weekend marks the sixth and final sprint format weekends of 2023.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The 2023 format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3, etc.).
Top drivers and best bets for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Max Verstappen has already broken his own record for wins in a single season and enters Interlagos again a massive favorite according to BetMGM, entering the weekend with a -300 moneyline. The next-best odds belong to Lewis Hamilton at 7-to-1. Lando Norris is the only other driver with 12-to-1 odds or better entering the weekend.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -300
• Lewis Hamilton +700
• Lando Norris +1200
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote yesterday on the betting market and, in addition to backing Verstappen for the race win, also likes George Russell to finish ahead of Charles Leclerc (-120) and Verstappen and Hamilton to finish in the top two (+165).
2023 F1 drivers' standings
1. Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 491*
2. Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 240
3. Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes – 220
4. Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari – 183
5. Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 183
6. Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes – 169
7. Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari – 166
8. George Russell (63), Mercedes – 151
9. Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes – 87
10. Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault – 56
11. Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 53
12. Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault – 45
13. Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes – 27
14. Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 10
15. Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari – 9
16. Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 6
17. Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 6
18. Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 8
19. Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari – 3
20. Liam Lawson (40), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 2
21. Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes – 1
22. Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
* — Clinched world championship
Sao Paulo Grand Prix weather
While race day appears clear there is a 51% chance of rain forecast for qualifying and sprint days, with possible thunderstorms Friday. Wet conditions typically influence Sao Paulo race weekends; even if rain doesn’t fall, teams are monitoring the radar as much as they are the timing screens. | Autoracing |
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In the first full trailer for Neon’s Ferrari, the Italian automotive mogul’s personal and professional lives collide.
The new Michael Mann-directed film stars Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari, the ex-Formula 1 racer who built his own factory and established the Ferrari brand. Set during the summer of 1957, the movie’s two-minute teaser plays on a well-repeated concept in quantum mechanics: Two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same moment in time. The full look follows a previously released teaser trailer.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Ferrari is testing the limits of his new cars, resulting in sometimes explosive and even deadly crashes. At the same time, he is grappling with the life he built with wife and business partner Laura (Penélope Cruz) amid the death of their son, Dino, and his other family with mistress Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley) and their son, Piero.
But he is also facing challenges at their company, where money is running out. The only way to save his legacy and business is to win the Mille Miglia, a treacherous 1,000-mile race across Italy. Past and present, ambition and duty, dreams and delusions collide in an action-driven, emotionally explosive trailer for the upcoming film.
Based on Brock Yates’ book Enzo Ferrari: The Man, The Cars, The Races, The Machine, Ferrari is written by Troy Kennedy Martin. The film also stars Patrick Dempsey as driver Piero Taruffi, Jack O’Connell as driver Peter Collins; Sarah Gadon as Linda Christian, and Gabriel Leone as Fon de Portago.
Mann serves as producer along with P.J. van Sandwijk, Marie Savare, John Lesher, Thomas Hayslip, John Friedberg, Laura Rister, Andrea lervolino, Monika Bacardi, Gareth West, Lars Sylvest and Thorsten Schumacher.
Ferrari will release in theaters Dec. 25.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter | Autoracing |
Audi has confirmed it will enter Formula One by taking a stake in the Sauber team which will become the car manufacturer’s works entry in 2026. Sauber currently races under the Alfa Romeo brand using Ferrari engines. It will continue to use their power units when it is expected to revert to the Sauber name for 2024 and 2025 before becoming the Audi factory team and using Audi engines on its entry into the sport.Audi, which is part of the Volkswagen group, announced its intent to enter F1 at this year’s Belgian GP in August. Its partnership with Sauber was long expected and was formally confirmed on Wednesday. The manufacturer, which was founded in 1909, has not competed in F1 before and the decision to enter the sport was grounded in the new engine regulations set to begin in 2026.Sauber has been competing in F1 since 1993 when it used Mercedes engines. The team’s best finish in the world championship was second in 2007 (the year McLaren were disqualified) and third in 2008.The Sauber team principal Fred Vasseur was optimistic Audi resources would make a real difference to the team. “The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our team as we continue to make progress towards the front of the grid,” he said. “To become Audi’s official works team is not only an honour and a great responsibility: it’s the best option for the future, and we are fully confident we can help Audi achieve the objectives they have set for their journey in F1.”Oliver Hoffmann, the Audi F1 head of F1 technical development, also expected a strong partnership.“We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” he said. “We already know the Sauber Group with its state-of-the-art facility and experienced team from previous collaborations and are convinced that together we will form a strong team.”It was also welcomed by Finn Rausing the chairman of Sauber’s board of directors. “Audi is the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group,” he said. “It is clear that we share values and a vision, and we look forward to achieving our common goals in a strong and successful partnership.”It is known that the increased role electrical elements in the 2026 power units would play and the intent to run the engines on fully sustainable fuels were a key part in Audi’s decision-making process. The engines will be manufactured at its Neuburg base in Bavaria.Audi had previously placed a central focus of its racing activities in sports cars, enjoying enormous success at the Le Mans 24 Hours, where it has taken victory 13 times.Earlier this year Porsche, also part of the Volkswagen group, were expected to enter F1, but their proposed partnership with Red Bull fell through. The FIA has stated that the manufacturer remains in discussions with teams for a potential entry in future. | Autoracing |
At least eight people have been killed by heavy flooding and mudslides in the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna, with more than 5,000 residents being forced to evacuate, according to local authorities.
The bodies have been retrieved from various locations, the vice president of Emilia Romagna, Irene Priolo, told reporters according to Reuters, adding that the rains were easing but that river levels were still rising.
The region, which has been suffering a prolonged drought, is under a red alert – the highest level warning or state of emergency for life-threatening weather events. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, scheduled for this weekend, has been canceled and the site evacuated.
Fourteen rivers burst their banks in the region, forcing people in cities such as Cesena to climb onto the roof of their buildings to escape incoming water, Reuters reported. Firefighters rescued them with helicopters or rubber dinghies.
A total of 600 firefighters have been deployed from across Italy to assist with evacuations in the region after Italy’s longest river, the Po, broke its banks,” the Italian Department for Civil Protection said in a tweet.
Residents in numerous areas across the region, including in the city of Bologna, were asked not to leave their homes.
‘Worst night in history’
The city of Ravenna has also been heavily affected. “It’s probably been the worst night in the history of Romagna,” Ravenna Mayor Michele de Pascale told RAI public radio according to Reuters, saying that 5,000 people had been evacuated from his city alone overnight.
“Ravenna is unrecognizable for the damage it has suffered,” he added.
Tweeting on Tuesday evening, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her “total sympathy” to those affected by the flooding, adding that the government stands “ready to intervene with the necessary aid.”
This pledge was echoed by Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani in a tweet Wednesday morning, saying that the “government will do everything necessary to help” everyone from “evacuees to those who have lost crops” due to the flooding.
In the neighboring eastern region of Le Marche, also severely hit by flooding, 200 firefighters have been mobilized for rescue efforts in the past 24 hours, according to the Vigili del Fuoco fire service.
Water disasters linked to climate crisis
The torrential rains come after months of drought that dried out the land – which meteorologists say has reduced its capacity to absorb water, worsening the floods, according to Reuters.
Water levels on northern Italy’s Lake Garda fell to record lows in February, with Venice experiencing unusually low tides.
From lengthy droughts to severe flooding, the intensity of water-related disasters around the world has increased over the last two decades as global temperatures climbed to record levels, according to recent research.
The study from NASA scientists published in March in the journal Nature Water found that increasingly frequent, widespread and intense droughts and floods were linked more strongly to higher global temperatures than to naturally changing weather patterns, like El Niño and La Niña. This suggests these intense events will increase as the climate crisis accelerates, the study says.
Formula 1 race canceled
Formula 1 has announced the cancellation of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix because of heavy flooding in the region, citing safety concerns.
In a statement shared on Twitter, it said, “It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.”
On Tuesday, Formula 1 staff were asked to leave the site of the race as a precautionary measure, an F1 source told CNN.
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is the first event of the Formula 1 season in Europe and was scheduled to take place this weekend. | Autoracing |
Synthetic fuel promises to put gasoline back in our future. Motorsport will be using it in 2026, and European Union law is using it as a stay of execution for the combustion engine. Advertising promises that a future without fossil fuels doesn't need to be one without gasoline. But burning petrochemicals, wherever they come from, is still burning petrochemicals, and synthetic fuels come at a cost their supporters aren't talking about.
We live in perilous times. The annual Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report has become blunter with every edition. The sixth, published this March, described the steps we need to take to "secure a livable future." Not a good future filled with an abundance of resources and biodiversity, just a survivable one. We're in this situation because we've spent the better part of two centuries digging up fossil fuels and burning them, putting carbon and other greenhouse gases like methane into the atmosphere and causing significant global warming.
But even though there's a domino effect to climate change—drought breeds drought as the land cooks and water seeps into the sea, for instance—mathematically, there is still time to act.
However, it's become clear that we can't be trusted to do the right thing. As the precipice we're wobbling on gets thinner with every misstep, some solutions that may have been on the table 30 years ago aren't great options for our current situation.
Synthetic fuel is one of those solutions.
What is synthetic fuel?
There are many types of fuel that carry the "sustainable" label, meaning they're made from a smaller percentage of—or are entirely free from—fossil fuels. They range from things like reusing cooking oil as a diesel replacement to molecularly constructing and then refining methanol.
Synthetic fuels are the latter. In theory, the process is a high school class on organic chemistry: Hydrocarbons are strings of hydrogen and carbon, so you break them apart and put them back together until you have the right one.
The synthesis could be done with any old carbon and hydrogen you happen to have—you could even get them out of fossil fuels if you wanted to needlessly complicate refining crude oil or natural gas. The process of creating synthetic fuel doesn't care where the carbon and hydrogen come from, and there's no purity advantage to them being sustainably generated; it's just the only justifiable way of doing it.
In theory, to make a synthetic fuel, you capture carbon from the air and generate hydrogen from electrolysis of water using clean and renewable electricity. You then jumble the carbon and hydrogen up and put them through a series of processes that ultimately lead to a drop-in gasoline.
When the fuel burns, it's just petrol, and it will re-release the captured carbon into the atmosphere. But it won't have taken any more out of the ground, which is why advocates for synthetic fuel refer to it as carbon-neutral.
It sounds too good to be true: carbon-neutral, guilt-free, renewable fuel for all our existing, beloved cars, planes, and ships. But the process of making synthetic fuel is real and possible.
We can (and in some places, already do) capture carbon from the air. We make hydrogen from electrolysis, though it accounts for just 4 percent of hydrogen generated worldwide. The Fischer-Tropsch process for turning methanol to gasoline exists, and there are catalysts and existing technologies that can make it happen.
Although the process is a very nerdy way of making gasoline, it's not confined to a laboratory stage, and there are companies—more each year—making fuel this way. Porsche opened an enormous new facility in southern Chile at the end of 2022 and generated its first barrel of all-synthetic fuel; it plans to release nearly 11,000 more gallons in 2023.
Germany just pushed the European Union to give a stay of execution to new combustion engine cars in 2035. The condition is that these cars must run only on synthetic fuel (or its more online-sounding synonym, e-fuel). Of course, that may sound like a transparent play to influence emissions restrictions toward the interests of, at the least, the VW Group.
Formula 1 is moving to 100 percent synthetic fuels by 2026, with its feeder series Formula 2 and 3 already steadily increasing the percentage of sustainably sourced gasoline in their Aramco-supplied fuel. There's no shortage of petrochemical companies that want to be part of the shift to gasoline that can wear a carbon-neutral badge.
There's a "but," though: synthetic fuel probably isn't a workable solution. | Autoracing |
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Max Verstappen’s winning streak rolled on at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix on Sunday as the dominant driver picked up his fifth consecutive win and his sixth straight podium.Verstappen is now within striking distance of his second consecutive F1 points title with six races remaining. He holds a 116-point lead over Charles Leclerc, who finished second after another questionable strategy decision during the race. Verstappen could clinch the title next month in Singapore.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Red Bull driver Max Verstappen gets a pit service during the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza racetrack, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Ciro De Luca, Pool via AP)The win at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza was Verstappen’s first podium of his career at the iconic track. His previous highest finish was fifth in 2018. He started the race in seventh but multiple grid penalties to drivers in front of him made it easy to work his way up and by the fifth lap he was leading.In Lap 12, the Virtual Safety Car came out when Sebastian Vettel dealt with a power issue.Leclerc was brought into the pits for a tire change, which allowed Verstappen to gain the lead. Seven laps later, Leclerc was back in the pits after had taken the lead from Verstappen. He rejoined the race in third place and moved his way up to second – where he would finish.MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS F1 DUTCH GRAND PRIX IN HOME COUNTRY FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc gets a pit service during the Italian Grand Prix, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Ciro De Luca, Pool via AP)"The end was frustrating, I wish we could have had a bit of a race," Leclerc said after the race, via Reuters. "It's a shame, but I gave it all today. I wish I could have won in front of the amazing Tifosi (fans) but I just couldn't today."The race came to an anticlimactic end when Daniel Riccardo’s car stalled out on Lap 47.A safety car came out and a final lap for the victory never came to fruition. Verstappen would finish first under caution with Leclerc in second and George Russell in third. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen crosses the finish line to win the Italian Grand Prix, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Ciro De Luca, Pool via AP)CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPCarlos Sainz Jr. and Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and fifth, respectively.The Associated Press contributed to this report. Ryan Gaydos is the sports editor for Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to [email protected]. | Autoracing |
Fernando Alonso packs his bags and heads to Aston Martin after a season plagued by reliability issues at Alpine. Has it been that long? We go through . . . Fernando Alonso packs his bags and heads to Aston Martin after a season plagued by reliability issues at Alpine. Has it been that long? We go through it race by race. When Fernando Alonso decided to return to Formula 1 with the Alpine team and signed his contract with the Enstone team in mid-2020, he set himself the goal of fighting for important results in 2022. His first full season – 2021 – would be to return to the maximum level; he took several races, and got it. He even finished the course on the podium in Qatar. There were high hopes placed in his second year of contract, since the regulations changed and all the teams started from scratch . Alpine had been hard at work since the beginning of 2021 and, during pre-season, it was already rumored that they had pushed the Renault hybrid V6 Turbo engine to its limits in favor of performance and to the detriment of reliability. Follow us on instagram to be always updated. This could have its good part, but also its bad part, which is what ended up weighing down Alonso’s season. By pushing the propulsion system to the limit, it could be expected that, at the beginning of the year, there would be technical problems, which would gradually be resolved to continue obtaining the maximum on the track. The point is that these problems ended up becoming the usual trend in Alonso ‘s box – not so much in that of his partner, Esteban Ocon – and the Spanish driver ended up getting fed up and packing his bags , for this and for other important reasons in which Alpine’s decisions were far from Alonso’s position. Problems career yes and career no (or also) When you finish the 2021 season on the podium (Qatar Grand Prix), you think that everything is on the right track, especially when the technical regulations change and all the teams start from scratch. But this time, in Alonso’s box, things did not go as expected . The Spaniard’s season began with a discreet ninth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix , where the two-time champion was hampered by an engine problem. The unit had to return to Viry’s headquarters for examination. It was expected to be an isolated case, but nothing could be further from the truth. In the next race, Saudi Arabia, with a new unit, Alonso couldn’t even see the checkered flag . He was seventh. From here, to Australia, where the Spaniard had to mount his third engine of the season (the limit per season is three, before receiving a penalty!). Read also: Wolff: Hamilton should renew at Mercedes for ‘several years’ And, although it may seem like a joke, in Melbourne it was a two-euro piece that caused the Alpine 14 to suffer a serious accident when it was trying to finish in the top five of the classification. In the race, a bad strategy left him seventeenth. The Imola race was also one to forget, this time due to a touch from Mick Schumacher on the first lap . And Miami, more of the same: a slow stop by Alpine in the pits, put a stop to it again. And, in addition, he is penalized for a defense that is too tough against Gasly. In Spain, he has to ride his fourth engine and is penalized, so he starts from the back… Even so, he finishes ninth in front of his fans. Then come Monaco and Azerbaijan, where the ‘comeback’ seems to be on the right track with two seventh places. Alonso smiles, he has not yet spoken about the renewal -which is taken for granted-, but there is still a long season ahead. And doubts will soon begin to arise. Follow us on twitter to be always updated. Results of Fernando Alonso in 2022 Big prizeFinal scoreBahrain9thSaudi ArabiaAbandonmentAustralia17themilia romagnaAbandonmentMiami11thSpain9thMonaco7thAzerbaijan7thCanada9thBritain5thAustria10thFrance6thHungary8thBelgium5thNetherlands6thItalyAbandonmentSingaporeAbandonmentJapan7thUSA7thMexicoAbandonmentBrazil5thAbu DhabiAbandonment In Canada, we once again saw Fernando Alonso qualify in the front row after many years , in an incredible session that was soggy. We knew that in the race, in the dry, he would lose several places to Red Bull and Ferrari, but what we did not expect (or did not want to expect) is another engine problem, which at least this time was not critical. In the end, Alonso’s race was a shambles, not just because of his loss of performance, but because his defense against Bottas was penalized, dropping him from seventh to ninth. In Great Britain, he manages to finish in a fantastic fifth position. In the next test, Austria, Alonso cannot even start the sprint race because his car has another problem. In the Grand Prix, despite this, he went back to tenth place. His partner, without problems, finishes fifth. In France, Alonso finished sixth and in Hungary, ninth. In Belgium, an accident with Hamilton at the start did not prevent him from finishing fifth; he also finishes in the points at Zandvoort (sixth); and in Italy he retires due to engine failure, just like in Singapore, where he was having a great race. After two seventh places in Japan – where he complained about his team’s strategy – and in Canada, Alonso once again suffered another problem in Mexico. There, he explodes before the team and also the media. “What a season, man…it’s amazing,” he told his engineer over the radio before getting out of the car. After Mexico came Brazil and Abu Dhabi. In the penultimate round, in Interlagos, sparks flew between Alonso and Ocon in the sprint race, which the Spaniard resolved on the track, finishing in a spectacular fifth position on Sunday. In the last race of the year, at Yas Marina, Alonso finished his stage with Alpine following the trend of the season… with another retirement, of course, due to engine problems. Motorsport Images Lack of ‘affection’ on the part of the team No less important has been the attitude of the Alpine team towards Fernando Alonso, the pilot – let’s not forget – with whom they won the only world titles in their history. It has not only been appreciated from the outside, Alonso himself came to speak of the team’s lack of affection towards him. “I saw the desire that Aston Martin had to have me and those that were missing in Alpine; the signs of affection that I did not have,” said Alonso when he explained at the end of the summer his departure from the French team to Aston Martin F1 from 2023. These “lack of affection” can be, for example, the meaningless fight with Esteban Ocon and the Frenchman’s iron defense at the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix . That fight hampered the team’s chances for several laps, when the two drivers had to row in the same direction. It is also that Alonso seemed to never get along with Laurent Rossi (CEO of Alpine) or with Otmar Szafnauer , the team leader. And the straw that broke the camel’s back was the lack of desire to renew Alonso for more than a year, a logical condition on the part of the Spaniard, who feels that he has the rhythm to continue fighting at the highest level for several more seasons. As soon as Aston Martin sat down with him, offered him a two-year contract (extendable) and showed him their plans for growth, Alonso did not hesitate to sign. The first test with the green car, a couple of weeks ago, has been the beginning of his new adventure that will begin ‘for real’ on March 5 in Bahrain. Continue Reading | Autoracing |
MotoGP India 2023: Dates, Time, Venue, Ticket Price, Live Streaming And All You Need To Know
The 13th leg of the prestigious MotoGP event will be the next big motorsports event to be organised at BIC.
India's first MotoGP race -- the Grand Prix of Bharat is scheduled to take place this weekend.
Equipment for MotoGP's Grand Prix of India started arriving at the Buddh International Circuit, with the first batch of motorcycles and gears transported to Greater Noida near Delhi last week.
The 13th leg of the prestigious MotoGP event will be the next big motorsports event to be organised at BIC after the three Formula 1 races held at the venue between 2011 and 2013.
The Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix was dropped from the calendar following the 2013 season due to financial, taxation and bureaucratic issues.
News agency PTI has reported that some of the riders and team officials bound for the inaugural MotoGP round in India, including six-time champion Marc Marquez, are awaiting their visas ahead of the race.
Sources in Repsol Honda Team confirmed to PTI that the arrival of its riders Marquez and Joan Mir in India has been delayed due to visa issues.
Dorna Sports are the organisers and rights holders of the event. Fairstreet Sports are the local promoters of the event.
Dorna and Fairstreet have signed a seven-year MoU for the race in India but the event's future hugely depends on how this weekend unfolds.
Here's all you need to know about the Grand Prix of Bharat.
वासà¥à¤¦à¥à¤µ à¤à¥à¤à¥à¤à¤¬à¤®à¤à¤®à¥.. worldâs best and fastest have arrived to Uttar Pradesh. Thanks a lot to @CMOfficeUP @ChiefSecyUP @UPGovt @InfoDeptUP @UPGovtSports and our super cops @Uppolice @CP_Noida @dmgbnagar @DCPGreaterNoida @noidapolice @noidatraffic for getting @MotoGP convey safely. pic.twitter.com/gSp655po8f— MotoGP Bharat (@MotoGPBharat) September 14, 2023
MotoGP Bharat 2023: Dates, Time And Venue
The race at the Buddh International Circuit is scheduled to be held on September 22-24.
MotoGP India 2023: Full Schedule
MotoGP Bharat 2023: Tickets And Prices
Tickets for the MotoGP Bharat 2023 are available on BookMyShow. The tickets are priced from Rs 800 to Rs 1,80,000. The tickets priced Rs 800 and Rs 10,000 have been sold out. These tickets will give fans access to all 3 days of the event.
MotoGP Bharat 2023: Live Telecast And Live Streaming
The high-pulsating action will be telecast live on Sports18 channel in India. MotoGP Bharat 2023 will be streamed live on Jio Cinema.
MotoGP Bharat 2023: About BIC
Total Length: 4.96 Km/ 3.08 Miles
Total Width: 12 m/ 39.37 ft
Right Corners: 8
Left Corners: 5
Longest Straight: 1,006 m/ 3300.53 ft
Image Source: motogp.com
Image Source: motogp.com
The Grand Prix of India will see some of the biggest names in Grand Prix motorcycle racing such as Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Jack Miller, Jorge Martin and Fabio Quartararo, among others, in action, according to the organisers.
(With PTI inputs) | Autoracing |
Max Verstappen may have been an incredible talent when he first lined up on the F1 grid, but according to Italian journalist Leo Turrini, he was also a “bully”.
That, though, is a characteristic he has grown out of it.
Verstappen first lined up on the F1 grid back in 2015, the prolific talent taking a huge leap up from Formula 3 to Formula 1, and completely bypassing Formula 2.
Max Verstappen talented but ‘he was a bully to begin with’
It was a gamble that paid off for Red Bull as a year and bit into his Formula 1 career they promoted him to the senior team and he won his debut race for Red Bull Racing, the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
The performances, and results, have only improved from there with Verstappen on his way to a third successive Drivers’ title.
However, there have been lessons, if you will, along the way.
The driver was criticised by his rivals for dangerously moving under braking leading to a ban against drivers doing that, one that has since been lifted but only one move is permitted, while after the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix, he was ordered by the FIA to complete two days of public service for getting physical with Esteban Ocon.
In the ensuing years, there have been complaints from Charles Leclerc to Lewis Hamilton, but there have also been two – soon to be three – World titles as well as shattered records.
This year Verstappen is on course for a third title, most wins in a season, consecutive wins, and the earliest date for winning a title.
Italian journalist Turrini says that highlights the path the Dutchman has walked.
“Verstappen has matured over the years. He’s always had incredible talent, but he was a bully to begin with. Now, he’s almost perfect,” he said on his blog.
“Verstappen is an absolute phenomenon. To deny it is foolish.
“Everyone can have the ideas he wants about the character, but if one argues Max as a driver, well, he’s an expert.
“Verstappen is definitely stronger than [Sergio] Perez – as well as almost all of his competitors in the present.”
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“Verstappen is to Perez what Messi is to the former Juventus player Paredes,” he said.
As for Verstappen versus Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, “Verstappen is stronger than Leclerc because when he had a car from him he won the world championship.
“Leclerc has never had it, no one can say, for example, how it would hold up to the horrendous pressure of 2021.”
Read next: Lewis Hamilton snubbed with Verstappen and Alonso ‘head and shoulders above’
The article ‘Max Verstappen always had incredible talent, but he was a bully’ appeared first on Planetf1.com. | Autoracing |
Formula One (F1) motor racing chiefs have fired a warning shot to the sport's regulator over a claim that it is not worth $20bn.Sky News has seen a letter from Sacha Woodward Hill, F1's veteran legal supremo, and Renee Wilm, chief legal and administrative officer of Liberty Media Corporation, F1's controlling shareholder, accusing the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) of straying beyond its remit.
In the letter, the legal chiefs argued that Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, "interfered with our [commercial] rights in an unacceptable manner" when he referred to an "alleged inflated price tag of $20bn" being placed on the sport.He added that a potential buyer of F1 should "come with a clear, sustainable plan - not just a lot of money".Mr Ben Sulayem's comments, posted on Twitter on Monday, came in response to a report last week by Bloomberg News that Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund had explored a $20bn takeover bid for the sport in 2022.
Neither F1 nor Saudi's Public Investment Fund has commented on the report. Image: The FIA is F1's governing body. Pic: AP The letter, a copy of which was forwarded to F1 teams including Ferrari and Mercedes on Tuesday, warned the FIA that "Formula 1 has the exclusive right to exploit the commercial rights in the FIA Formula One World Championship" under a 100-year deal. More from Business Topshop pensioners fashion £1bn funding deal with Aviva Cost of living latest: Two reasons behind big rise in house sales collapsing Menopause leave trial rejected by government "Further, the FIA has given unequivocal undertakings that it will not do anything to prejudice the ownership, management and/or exploitation of those rights."We consider that those comments, made from the FIA president's official social media account, interfere with those rights in an unacceptable manner." The response to Mr Ben Sulayem's comments comes at a time of heightened tensions between F1 and its governing body.The letter from Ms Woodward Hill and Ms Wilm also said the suggestion, implicit in the FIA president's remarks, "that any potential purchaser of the Formula 1 business is required to consult with the FIA is wrong".It added that Mr Ben Sulayem had "overstep[ped] the bounds of the FIA's remit, saying that "any individual or organisation commenting on the value of a listed entity or its subsidiaries, especially claiming or implying possession of inside knowledge while doing so, risks causing substantial damage to the shareholders and investors of that entity, not to mention potential exposure to serious regulatory consequences"."To the degree that these comments damage the value of Liberty Media Corporation, the FIA may be liable as a result."Contacted by Sky News, a Formula One spokesman declined to comment.The FIA could not be reached for comment. | Autoracing |
In August of last year, we were somewhat shocked when Audi confirmed that it would enter Formula 1 in 2026. Rumors had swirled for many years that Volkswagen Group was considering entering the sport with one or more of its brands, even as Audi and then Porsche racked up win after win in other categories. But those rumors never seemed to go anywhere, earning a kind of vaporware status similar to the infamous Duke Nukem Forever.
That game did eventually see the light of day, though, and so too will Audi's F1 ambitions when it takes over the Sauber team as F1 ushers in a new set of technical regulations. We recently spoke with Oliver Hoffmann, Audi's board member for technical development, who told us more about the company's F1 plans and how entering that sport should help some of its road cars.
Audi will be new to F1 when it joins the sport in three years, but it's certainly not new to motorsport. In the 1980s, it made a name for itself—and its "quattro" all-wheel drive technology—in the World Rally Championship. More recently, it dominated endurance racing for almost two decades, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans 13 times between 2000 and 2016, plus two World Endurance Championships and nine American Le Mans Series championships. While doing so, it proved the value of new technology that transferred to its road cars—direct injection gasoline engines, direct injection turbo diesel engines, hybrid powertrains, and laser beam headlights, to name just a few.
Why F1?
After a few years in the doldrums—a fallow period following Audi's withdrawal from the sport at the end of 2016—endurance racing is going through something of a renaissance. There's a new rulebook, which keeps costs much lower than the hundreds of millions of euros that Audi and Porsche spent on fiendishly complicated so-called LMP1h race cars, and Audi was set to take part until it reversed that decision last year. I asked Hoffmann about why the company is making such a sudden switch when sports cars seemed to be a more natural fit for the brand.
"For us, it's very, very important to be progressive and to be pioneers on the technology itself. When we looked at 'what is the right motorsport series for the future,' it was very important for us to show 'vorsprung durch technik' and to be progressive, and I think Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport," Hoffmann told me.
It was actually the new cost-controlled regulations, along with a lot of standard parts, that doomed Audi's sports car program. "I really appreciate, cost-wise, bringing technological solutions together to say, 'OK, there's a platform solution,' but there's not enough room to be innovative," he explained. (The ruleset known as LMDh, which Audi was going to enter, requires participants to use the same standard transmission, hybrid battery, and electric motor.)
Ironically, Formula 1's program to rein in costs was a big factor in making that series more attractive to Audi. But a larger draw was new powertrain regulations starting in 2026.
Along with a switch to carbon-neutral fuels, the new technical rules made the sport highly attractive to automakers once again—Ford will be represented in F1 in 2026, as will Audi, Alpine, Honda, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG. Cadillac is also looking for a place on the grid.
F1 cars currently use two different hybrid systems. There's an MGU-K, which harvests kinetic energy under braking, and an MGU-H, which uses a turbine spun by exhaust gasses to also charge the battery. The MGU-H has been extremely expensive to develop and has limited road car applications, so it's being dropped for 2026. Instead, the MGU-K will be far more powerful to compensate. | Autoracing |
|Hungarian Grand Prix|
|Date: Sunday, 23 July Venue: Hungaroring|
|Coverage: Live text and online-only radio commentary on BBC Sport website and app|
Lewis Hamilton beat Max Verstappen in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying to take his first pole position since the penultimate race of the 2021 season.
Hamilton snatched pole position from the world champion by just 0.003 seconds with the very final lap of the session.
Lando Norris led team-mate Oscar Piastri to an all-McLaren second row.
Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu impressed with fifth place on the grid ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez made it into the top 10 on the grid for the first time in six races but it will do little to release the pressure on the Mexican as he was ninth and 0.433secs slower than the Dutchman.
Zhou's team-mate Valtteri Bottas was seventh fastest, ahead of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, whose eighth place seemed to confirm his team's relative slump in recent races in the face of car upgrades from their main rivals.
Haas' Nico Hulkenberg was the final man in the top 10, while Daniel Ricciardo managed 13th place on his return to Formula 1 with Alpha Tauri, out-qualifying team-mate Yuki Tsunoda at the first attempt.
There were contrasting fortunes for Hamilton's Mercedes' team-mate George Russell, who will start 18th after being hampered by traffic on his final run in Q1.
The battle for pole
Verstappen looked on course for yet another pole - he had won it at the past six races in a row - when he went fastest on his first run in the final part of qualifying.
But Hamilton was only 0.126secs adrift on his own first run and looked like he might be able to challenge if he nailed his last lap and Verstappen did not quite.
Verstappen failed to improve on his final run - he was 0.02secs down on his own time - and Hamilton nailed his on a track he has made his own with eight victories in his career.
Hamilton, who has had a difficult time with his team since the advent of new regulations in 2022, said: "It's been a crazy year and a half. I have lost my voice from shouting so much in the car.
"We have been pushing so hard to finally get a pole and it just feels like the first time.
"I didn't expect to be fighting for pole so when I went into that final run I gave it everything.
"It has been massively challenging for everyone in the team. We have been focusing so much on trying to improve.
"We have been losing so much time in Turns Four and 11 compared to the others, so I just sent it. It has been so tough and it is going to continue to be tough after this, but this just shows we can do it."
Verstappen, for his part, said he believed the upgrades Red Bull have introduced for this weekend had worked but that he had been struggling for balance and that he believed the team "haven't nailed it this weekend".
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- Is hydrogen the solution to our energy needs? The Inquiry explores the potential of replacing our current fossil fuel usage with hydrogen | Autoracing |
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the United States Grand Prix for technical violations found after the conclusion of the race.
The FIA said after the race that skids on both Hamilton and Leclerc’s cars were “found not to be in compliance” with the rules and regulations. Per the F1 site, “both teams sent a representative to speak to the stewards, stating that ‘the high wear on the skid pads was probably a result of the unique combination of the bumpy track and the sprint race schedule that minimized the time to set up and check the car before the race.’”
The FIA said in its statement that “the onus is on the competitor to ensure that the car is in compliance with the regulations at all times during an event. In this particular case, the rear skid in the area defined in the Technical Delegate’s report was outside the thresholds outlined” in the specific rule that the teams violated.
Hamilton finished second to race winner Max Verstappen while Leclerc finished sixth. The disqualifications mean that neither driver earns points for their efforts on Sunday and significantly complicates Hamilton’s chances of catching Red Bull’s Sergio Perez for second place in the points standings.
Perez’s teammate Verstappen won his 15th race of the season on Sunday and clinched his third consecutive Formula 1 title at Suzuka. Perez entered Sunday’s race 27 points ahead of Hamilton as Hamilton finished second and Perez finished fifth.
In the moments after the race, it appeared that Hamilton had cut the deficit to Perez to 19 points with four races to go. But now Perez is up 39 points on Hamilton ahead of the final four races of the season.
Mercedes brought its final upgrades of the season to the Circuit of the Americas and had a car that was capable of challenging Verstappen’s Red Bull. As Verstappen struggled with brake issues over the final laps of the race, Hamilton closed on the race winner and finished just over two seconds behind. Hamilton also finished second to Verstappen in Saturday’s sprint race.
While Hamilton remains in third in the points standings, the disqualification drops Leclerc to seventh in the standings behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. Norris finished third behind Verstappen and Hamilton and was bumped up to second after the disqualification.
Updated United States Grand Prix finishing order
1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2. Lando Norris, McLaren
3. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
4. Sergio Perez, Red Bull
5. George Russell, Mercedes
6. Pierre Gasly, Alpine
7. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
8. Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri
9. Alex Albon, Williams
10. Logan Sergeant, Williams
11. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
12. Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo
13. Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo
14. Kevin Magnussen, Haas
15. Daniel Ricciardo, AlphaTauri
Not classified:
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Esteban Ocon, Alpine
Disqualified
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari | Autoracing |
As a boy growing up in south Florida, Logan Hunter Sargeant savored every pulse-pounding second while chasing his older brother on anything with wheels.
Many miles later, that insatiable pursuit has transformed the young driver into an international racing phenom.
Sargeant, 22, will become the first Formula 1 driver from the United States to compete in the apex of auto racing in nearly a decade when he gets behind the wheel at Sunday’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
The confident rookie credits his older brother, Dalton, as a key inspiration ahead of the biggest event of his brief career.
“We started racing together,” Sargeant told The Post Thursday from Bahrain. “So that was my main source of competition. I was always going up against my older brother. I wanted to be as quick as him, and I wanted to be as good as him.”
That natural impulse to beat 24-year-old Dalton — who later made 22 starts in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series between 2015 and 2018 — proved to be invaluable, Logan said.
“As a young kid, that’s probably a massive plus — having an older brother to chase,” he added. “That instilled a bit of competitiveness in me. I’ve always been the younger brother trying to beat the older brother.”
At just 5 years old, Sargeant started his motorsports journey as a kart racer. It was an immediate love affair, he said.
“I was really young,” he recalled. “It was really just something to have fun with on the weekends with my brother and dad, and then it just got more and more serious and competitive. It just kept escalating at an extreme rate.”
The champion kart racer now finds himself in F1 commandeering the wheel for a British team, Williams Racing, in one of 20 spots alongside teammate Alexander Albon, a 26-year-old London native competing under Thailand’s flag.
He’ll be driving Williams’ Mercedes’ FW45, an eight-speed, 79-inch-wide blue beast with a supercharged transmission unveiled last month.
Sargeant and Albon covered more than 1,400 miles in preseason testing, but the season could be an uphill one for Williams, which finished last among F1 teams in 2022.
Albon acknowledged Thursday he’s “more pessimistic than optimistic,” Autosport.com reported.
“So I do think, at least from the initial looks at testing, we are the 10th quickest team,” Albon told the outlet. “You have to be realistic. We definitely have made a better car but in terms of pace, everyone has — so it’s all relative.”
But Sargeant – the first American F1 driver since Alexander Rossi in 2015 – is convinced his high-speed hijinks as a child and beyond could reap huge dividends.
“I feel very relaxed,” he said. “I feel like my preparation has been top-notch, I feel like I’ve left no stone unturned. I’m fully prepared – physically and mentally – and I’ve had a lot of work in the stimulator with the engineers.”
Sargeant, a Fort Lauderdale native, now lives in London, but frequently has the Sunshine State on his mind.
“I absolutely get back home to Florida as much as I can,” he said, citing his close relationship with his brother Dalton and his parents, Dan and Madelyn Sargeant.
“Both my parents have always been very supportive of me racing,” Sargeant told Formula 2 Championship officials in June while racing for Carlin, another British team.
(Logan’s uncle, Harry Sargeant III, meanwhile, is an oil and shipping billionaire in Florida, where he once served as the state’s GOP finance chairman. He was previously linked to the impeachment trial of President Trump.)
Logan’s tight family won’t be with him in Bahrain, but he expects to see his mother at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on April 2.
A month later, his parents, older brother and grandparents will join him at the Miami Grand Prix, dubbed by some as the “Super Bowl” of Formula 1.
“I’ve never had the opportunity to race a Formula car in America,” he said. “And that’s going to be an awesome experience, having my family and friends there, as well as the home crowd, the energy and the atmosphere.”
The star-studded event last May drew a varied field of luminaries ranging from LeBron James to Tom Brady to Paris Hilton to Miami in its inaugural year of a decade-long deal.
Interest in Formula One among American fans has surged in recent years, due in large part to the popularity of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” a docuseries chronicling its drivers, managers and team owners.
Since the show’s debut in 2019, the audience for ESPN’s F1 coverage has doubled — up to 1.5 million.
The US Grand Prix, held in Austin, Texas since 2012, drew 250,000 fans in 2019 — the first year of “Drive to Survive” — which was a 15% increase from 2018.
That figure swelled to more than 440,000 attendees in 2022, making it the most-attended F1 race of the entire season.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 19 will be the third and final US race in the 2023 F1 season.
Drivers like Sargeant will reach speeds in excess of 220 mph along the Strip, marking the first Grand Prix in Sin City since 1982, organizers announced in November.
The 23-race competition ends on Nov. 26 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a patriotic Sargeant believes the support he expects to receive stateside will have Williams near the top of F1 team standings.
“Being from America, I think we’re all very patriotic, and I love where I’m from,” he said. “So I want to do the best I can to represent the USA to the best of my ability. But I’m more looking forward to having three races in the US.”
Sargeant, who previously competed in slower-speed international championships, became the first US-born driver to win a Formula 2 race last July at the British Grand Prix.
A week later, in just his first full F2 season, he won again at the Australian Grand Prix. He later finished fourth in overall standings.
With just hours to go before practice sessions starting Friday, Sargeant said he was primed to take advantage of the “pretty awesome opportunity” awaiting him.
The F1 newbie — too focused on racing to date right now — thinks he’s as prepared as possible for 57 laps of the 3.3-mile track awaiting him in Bahrain.
“I feel like I’ve done everything I can to be my best,” Sargeant told The Post. “I’m confident going into the season that’s going to pay off.” | Autoracing |
CNN — Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has said he supports the cause of environmentalist group Just Stop Oil, but not some of its methods after group members invaded the track during the British Grand Prix. At Sunday’s Grand Prix at Silverstone, a group of protesters wearing orange T-shirts sat on the Wellington straight when cars were returning to the pit at low speeds with the race red-flagged after Zhoy Guanyu’s high-speed crash. Mercedes driver Hamilton, who found out about the protests opposing global oil usage in the post-race press conference, said: “Big up the protesters.” The 37-year-old, who finished third in a dramatic race, added: “I love that people are fighting for the planet and we need more people like them.” After the press conference, Mercedes said in a statement, which was sent to CNN: “Lewis was endorsing their right to protest but not the method that they chose, which compromised their safety and that of others.” Later in the day, Hamilton took to Instagram to clarify his thoughts. “As we’ve seen today, this is a very dangerous sport,” he wrote. “I wasn’t aware of the protests today, and while I’ll always support those standing up for what they believe in, it must be done safely. Please don’t jump onto our race circuits to protest, we don’t want to put you in harm’s way.” Northamptonshire Police said that seven people were in custody after the incident, with chief inspector Tom Thompson saying he was “really disappointed” the protesters ignored prior warnings about safety issues. “We offered to facilitate a peaceful event at the circuit but they instead chose to put the lives of the drivers, marshals and volunteers at risk. It is incredibly disappointing that anyone would make the decision to do this,” he said. “Thankfully we had plans in place for an eventuality such as this and the group were swiftly removed and arrested by our officers.” Just Stop Oil posted a statement on social media after the race claiming responsibility for incident and outlining its reasons for doing so. “If you are more outraged about this disruption than our world being burnt before our eyes, then you need to get your priorities straight,” the post said. Both race winner Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez, who finished second, said they backed the cause, but criticized the way the protest was carried out. “I think people have the opportunity to speak out and do manifestations wherever they want, because it’s a right. I just don’t believe jumping into a Formula 1 track is the best way to do it, and putting yourself at risk and all the other drivers,” Ferrari driver Sainz, who claimed his maiden victory, said in the post-race press conference. “So yes, I support the cause, I think Formula 1 is doing a great job already to try and go carbon zero by 2030. And we are pushing on this area and we are pushing F1 and pushing the FIA [motorsport’s governing body] to find ways to go in this direction.” Stefano Domenicali, F1’s chief executive, called the protestors actions “irresponsible and dangerous.” “Everyone has the right to speak out on issues, but no one has the right to put lives in danger,” he told reporters. “The actions of a small group of people today were completely irresponsible and dangerous. “We thank the police for their great work and we shouldn’t be complacent about the risk this posed to the safety of the drivers, marshals, fans and the individuals themselves.” | Autoracing |
Netflix got to be where it is today — the biggest streamer in the world, with a best-in-class user experience and staggeringly massive content library — by offering its users almost every kind of streaming entertainment they could possibly want. From the prestige drama of The Crown to dumb reality shows like Love is Blind, as well as local content that goes on to find success around the world, the streaming giant is basically the Amazon of streaming.
Inside of live sports, Netflix has so many great sports docuseries
That’s not to say, of course, that Netflix truly offers everything imaginable. Live sports, for example, is perhaps the biggest piece of content still missing from the pie. But even there, Netflix still offers a replacement of sorts — in the form of sports docuseries, something the company keeps offering users more and more of.
From snapshots of sports that range from golf to basketball to professional racing, the Netflix docuseries you’ll find listed below are some of the best of the best. They offer moments of thrilling victory, devastating defeat, and a look at the grueling hours of practice and prep that turn ordinary players and competitors into legends that endure.
The Last Dance is the name of both a 2020 Netflix sports docuseries, as well as the label that former Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson gave to the effort, in the fall of 1997, wherein the Chicago Bulls attempted to win a sixth NBA title in eight years.
This was the heyday of the Michael Jordan era — but, as Netflix explains, the team’s quest is overshadowed by “tension with the club’s front office and the overwhelming sense that this was the last time the world would ever see the greatest player of all time, and his extraordinary teammates, in full flight.” Needless to say, this Netflix series is the perfect homage to a truly unforgettable season of professional basketball.
This next Netflix sports docuseries — which, to me, has always felt way more underrated than it deserves — is sort of like a real-life version of Ted Lasso (in the sense of an underdog team, not unlike AFC Richmond, relying mostly on grit, determination, and love of the game).
The 2-season Sunderland ‘Til I Die introduces an underdog football club that has way more spirit than glory, finds itself relegated to the bottom rungs of English football, and fights like hell to get back into the Premier League. And honestly, I can’t praise this docuseries enough, because of everything from its celebration of ordinary people fighting against long odds to the theme song alone that helps you appreciate the team’s (and the town’s) incredible spirit. “Not many people have had it easy in Sunderland,” viewers are told at one point. “It is a hard place.”
Sunderland ‘Till I Die is about a group of football players and fans who understand and acknowledge that it’s the hope that kills you, but they still choose to believe anyway. Because their little town, they realize, is better off holding on to something together, like a beloved football club, than existing disconnected from each other — every man for himself.
From the official Netflix synopsis of the latest season of this 5-season sports docuseries: “Offering unprecedented access, this new season will once again take fans behind the scenes to witness first-hand how the drivers and teams prepare to battle it out for the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
“The series will offer never-before-seen footage and interviews from the sport’s biggest names. Formula 1: Drive to Survive is executive-produced by Academy-Award winner James Gay-Rees (Amy, Senna) and Paul Martin (Diego Maradona) for Box to Box Films.”
In this 4-episode docuseries, director Daniel Gordon takes viewers beneath the surface of the FIFA organization — where the series finds a toxic mix of corruption and power struggles casting a shadow over the organization.
Indeed, we come to learn that FIFA has faced accusations over the years involving everything from money laundering to tax evasion and wire fraud. The organization is even compared at one point during the series to a “criminal organization.” “For decades,” Netflix’s logline for FIFA Uncovered explains, “FIFA united the globe through football. But behind the game, craftier schemes were at play.
“This documentary series traces the organization’s legacy, exploring the pageantry, power struggles, and politics of hosting the World Cup.”
In this next Netflix sports docuseries, director Greg Whiteley and BBC Studios Los Angeles take viewers inside the wrestling ring. Wrestlers is focused on Louisville, Kentucky’s Ohio Valley Wrestling — a regional gym whose alumni include stars like John Cena and Dave Bautista. It’s an old-school gym, which still follows a “storytelling” approach to wrestling, but it’s fallen on hard times and is struggling to remain relevant.
The biggest fight, in other words, unfolds outside of the ring, and viewers are treated to an emotional and rewarding story about a sport that looks kind of unserious from a distance — but which is still pursued with a deep and abiding love by wrestlers who dream of glory.
The same team behind Netflix’s Formula 1 docuseries is also responsible for Break Point, a 10-episode series that follows a group of tennis players on and off the court as they compete in tournaments around the world.
“Their dream: lifting a trophy and becoming number one,” explains the official Netflix synopsis. “As some of tennis’ legends reach the twilight of their careers, this is the chance for a new generation to claim the spotlight. Break Point gets up close and personal with these players over a year competing across the globe in the ATP and WTA tours. From career-threatening injuries and emotional heartbreak, to triumphant victories and personal moments off the court, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the pressure-tested lives of some of the best tennis players in the world.”
The final Netflix sports docuseries on our list follows a group of pro golfers as they play during competition season, and we follow their grueling schedule each week on the PGA Tour.
This series is all about showing viewers what it takes to succeed at the sport’s highest level — and this is also the first opportunity that cameras have gotten to go behind the scenes and follow players during events that include the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, US Open, The Open Championship, and the FedExCup Playoffs. | Autoracing |
F1 Australian GP 2023 Race Details: When And Where To Watch The Formula 1 Race
Formula 1 heads down under with the Australian Grand Prix. Here's all you need to know about the 3rd race of F1 2023 calendar.
Two weeks after the dramatic Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, F1 fans around the world are all set for the third race of the F1 2023 season in Melbourne.
Reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen heads into the 2023 F1 Australian GP with a one-point lead over his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez in the 2023 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings. Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso was the talk of the paddock after the events during the podium celebrations at the Saudi Arabian GP. Alonso was given a 10-second penalty after the celebrations, demoting him to a P4 finish. However, Alonso’s podium finish was later reinstated, giving him his 100th podium finish.
Though Red Bull and Aston Martin will be hoping to continue their stellar performances, all eyes will be on McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri during the F1 Australian GP, as the Melbourne-born driver will be racing on his home turf for the first time.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2023 F1 Australian GP.
2023 F1 Australian GP Venue
The 2023 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will be held at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, which is one of the fastest tracks on the . An interesting fact to note about the Albert Park Circuit is that no Australian driver has ever won a home grand prix.
Australian GP 2023 Race Weekend Schedule
The upcoming race in Melbourne will have the usual F1 weekend schedule, which includes three practice sessions, one qualifying session, and the main race.
The first and second free practice sessions will be held on Friday, March 31, at 12:30 pm and 4 pm (local time). The final free practice session will be held on Saturday, April 1, at 12:30 pm (local time), followed by the Australian GP qualifying session at 4 pm (local time).
Finally, it will be time for lights out at 3 pm local time on April 2 at the Albert Park Circuit. The 2023 F1 Australian GP main race will go on for 58 laps.
Here is a look at the 2023 Australian GP timings as per IST.
Australian GP 2023 Full Practice Schedule: Date And Time (IST)
Practice Session 1: March 31, 2023, 7:00 am to 8:00 am
Practice Session 2: March 31, 2023, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Practice Session 3: April 1, 2023, 7:00 am to 8:00 am
Australian GP 2023 Qualifying And Main Race Schedule: Date And Time (IST)
Australian GP 2023 Qualifying Session: April 1, 2023, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Australian GP 2023 Main Race: April 2, 2023, 10:30 am onwards
Where To Watch Australian GP 2023
Unfortunately, for F1 fans in India, the Formula 1 races are no longer telecast live on any television network. However, they can now get access to the official F1 OTT platform—F1 TV—in India to stream the races. The monthly F1 TV Pro subscription costs ₹299 while the annual subscription is priced at ₹2,499. Know all the . | Autoracing |
Happy 51st birthday to Brazilian racing driver, Rubens Barrichello. In Formula 1, Rubens raced notably for Ferrari, Honda (later Brawn GP) and Williams, winning 11 Grand Prix and making 68 podium finishes. Later he raced in Stockcar Brazil, in which he won 18 championships. Driving for Ferrari between 2000 and 2006, he was the teammate of Michael Schumacher, alongside which he took third, second, and fourth place finishes in the Driver’s Championship. READ about his encounter with the “Stig”…
After his Ferrari days, Barrichello raced a rickety three years with Honda, during which the team could never get sufficient momentum or success. Despite that, the 2008 Turkish Grand Prix was the 257th Grand Prix of Barrichello’s career, marking him out as the most experienced driver in history. With Williams he became the highest-scoring Brazilian F1 driver in history, passing Ayrton Senna’s tally of 614.
Barrichello formerly held the fastest time by a Formula One driver around the Top Gear test track during the show’s (F1) Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car segment. His lap time of 1:44.3 put him ahead of the show’s in-house racing/test driver, a strange anonymous helmeted driver called “The Stig” by 0.1 seconds. For the rest of the show, it was alluded that the Stig had a deep-seated hatred of Barrichello, with the host Jeremy Clarkson at one point saying that around the office, rather than F1 glory, the Stig mostly talks about what Rubens Barrichello would look like if one were to send him through a ham slicer.
MORE Good News on this Day:
- Canada’s North West Mounted Police force was established (1873)
- Inventor of the synthesizer Robert Moog, who built his first electronic instrument, a theremin at age 14 and debuted the MiniMoog, the first compact, easy-to-use synthesizer in 1970, was born (1934)
- The Shining, a horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall and based on book by Stephen King, was released (1980)
- The first version of the Java programming language was released, one of the most popular languages in use today (1995)
- Mohammad Khatami, a moderate candidate interested in cultural and governmental exchange with the US, and heavily favored by women and young people, was elected President of Iran (1997)
- The Sunfull movement of positive encouragement on social media began in South Korea (2007)
- Following the overthrow of autocrat Hosni Mubarak, Egypt held the Arab world’s first competitive presidential election (2012)
- The Boy Scouts of America’s National Council of 1232 delegates voted overwhelmingly (61 percent) to end its ban on gay youth membership (2013)
- Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by national referendum (2015)
32 years ago today, publicity shots for Nirvana’s album Nevermind of a baby underwater in a swimming pool were taken by photographer Michael Lavine at Jay Aaron Studios in Los Angeles.
The idea came to Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain and drummer Dave Grohl after they saw a TV documentary on water babies. Several babies were used, but 5-month-old Spencer Eldon’s photo came out best. (1991)
On this day 210 years ago, South American revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar entered Mérida, leading the invasion of Venezuela, and was proclaimed El Libertador (“The Liberator”). Credited with leading the fight for independence in areas of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia, he is revered as a hero in these countries and throughout much of Latin America. A great admirer of the American Revolution (and a critic of the French Revolution), Bolívar described himself in his many letters as a classical “liberal” and defender of the free market economic system.
Among the books he traveled with when he wrote the Bolivian Constitution were Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Laws and Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations. Bolívar’s many speeches and writings reveal him to be an adherent of limited government, the separation of powers, freedom of religion, property rights, and the rule of law. On his deathbed, Bolivar asked his aide-de-camp, General Daniel Florencio O’Leary to burn the extensive archive of his writings, letters, and speeches. O’Leary disobeyed the order and his writings survived, providing historians with a vast wealth of information about Bolivar’s classical liberal philosophy and thought. (1813)
Happy 65th Birthday to comedian, actor, and TV host Drew Carey. Carey has appeared in films and sitcoms and has hosted the game show The Price Is Right since 2007. He loves being involved in professional sports, and uses a pseudonym to market his soccer photography of the U.S. National Team. In his New York Times bestselling autobiography, he revealed that he was once molested, and has suffered bouts of depression. While filming The Drew Carey Show, he needed heart surgery and later began a diet and exercise plan, resulting in extensive weight loss, which cured his Type 2 diabetes. (1958)
Also Happy Birthday to Victor Espinoza who turns 51 today. The thoroughbred horse racing jockey won the Triple Crown in 2015—the oldest jockey and first Hispanic ever to win the award.
Overcoming his fear of horses on his family’s farm in Mexico, he left home at 15 to pursue his dreams of riding. He has won the Kentucky Derby three times, in 2002, 2014, and 2015—and won the Preakness Stakes three times, in those same years. He donates 10 percent of all his prize money to a cancer research and treatment center. The first jockey in history to enter the Belmont Stakes with a third opportunity to win the Triple Crown, he finally won the elusive honor in 2015 on American Pharoah, the first horse to do it in 37 years. (1972)
And, 54 years ago today, The Who released in the UK the first rock opera, entitled Tommy, about a “deaf, dumb and blind kid,” who “sure played a mean pinball.” The double album written by Pete Townshend, sold more than 20 million copies by 2012, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Iconic singles include Pinball Wizard, I’m Free, and See Me, Feel Me. WATCH the band perform the Tommy Overture live – and hear the condensed story. (1969)
53 years ago today, in the wake of The Beatles breaking up, Paul McCartney’s debut solo album, McCartney, featuring Maybe I’m Amazed, hit No.1 on the US album chart.
Apart from Linda McCartney’s vocals, McCartney performed and recorded the entire album solo—mostly using basic home-recording equipment and overdubs on four-track tape. Other soulful songs on the LP on Apple records were Every Night and That Would Be Something. LISTEN and WATCH a video of Paul talking about making the album while The Beatles were breaking up, and finding comfort in his family… (1970)
SHARE the Milestones, Memories, and Music… | Autoracing |
Fancy catering and energy drinks. Social security contributions and medical treatments for an employee that survived an illness.Those are some of the expenditures Red Bull claimed Friday it improperly misrepresented when submitting its 2021 financial report. It led to a breach of Formula One's spending cap, set at $145 million for its debut season, and penalties handed down by the series governing body.The FIA on Friday ordered the F1 championship team to pay a $7 million fine and forfeit wind tunnel time as punishment for overspending by $1.8 million during Max Verstappen’s first championship season. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates with the Red Bull team following the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)The FIA found 13 discrepancies in an audit of over 75,000 line items on Red Bull's 2021 financial report, team principal Christian Horner said.But he was adamant the areas of overspending had zero benefit on team performance. He called the penalties "draconian" and said the cost cap structure inherited by first-year FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem was "immature."Horner also strongly intimated Red Bull was targeted because of its on-track success and blasted the initial leak that the FIA was investigating a potential spending breach. He said the weeks of paddock sniping and cheating accusations damaged Red Bull's reputation, and the team only "begrudgingly" settled with the FIA to end the saga that has engrossed the world's top motorsports series.MAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES HOME US GRAND PRIX TITLE IN RECORD-TYING VICTORY"Not one penny was spent on performance," said Horner, who shooed away complaints the penalty was too soft. Mexican Formula One Red Bull driver Sergio "Checo" Perez waves at fans while holding a Mexican national flag after an exhibition race through the streets of Guadalajara, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. (AP Photo)"That's an enormous amount of money that is payable within 30 days," Horner said of the fine. He said the loss of 10% time in the wind tunnel "represents anywhere between a quarter and a half a second worth of lap time. That has direct effect on next year's car.Horner had compulsive note-keeping on the entire process, noting Red Bull was informed it was over the cap exactly 19 minutes after Verstappen won his second F1 title Oct. 9.The FIA on Friday also fined Aston Martin $450,000 for a "procedural" violation on its 2021 expenditure submission. The FIA found Aston Martin had incorrectly excluded or adjusted 12 separate costs, among them a signing bonus, the costs of desks and chairs, and, like Red Bull, financial discrepancies in catering.The FIA noted neither team acted "in bad faith, dishonesty or in a fraudulent manner" in their respective breaches. The penalties were deliberately delayed one week out of respect of last week's death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving (16) the Ferrari F1-75 during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit March 27, 2022, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Dan Istitene/Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)Coincidentally, Horner argued Friday that the Red Bull drinks consumed by the race team and its guests shouldn't count because they come from a different part of the company.To hear Horner's nearly 50-minute long defense of Red Bull's spending, the saga seems trite. He spent a great deal of time defending high-end catering services and included a reference to Red Bull's sick pay policy. Horner said the team paid sick leave to an employee as an excludable cost, but "had the person died, and thankfully they didn't, the cost would have been excluded."Either way, the penalties in no way satisfied Red Bull rivals, many of whom called for harsh penalties ranging from stripping Verstappen of last year’s title and a reduction in future Red Bull spending. Red Bull has already wrapped up both a second F1 title with Verstappen and the constructors' championship with three races remaining this season.FERNANDO ALONSO, LANCE STROLL INVOLVED IN SCARY CRASH AT F1 RACEMcLaren head Zak Brown had accused Red Bull of cheating by breaching the spending cap in a letter Brown sent to the FIA. The cost cap was put in place as a competition equalizer to prevent the larger, heavily-funded teams from outspending the smaller organizations struggling to keep up.Most teams believed that if Red Bull only received a monetary penalty it would encourage others to deliberately overspend and simply pay the fine as punishment. Horner was incensed by Brown's letter, which Horner said was just another baseless allegation that had led to Red Bull employees' children being bullied at school. McLaren CEO Zak Brown, left, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, right, take part in a news conference at the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)"It's still a mystery to me how a team can publicly say they submitted comfortably within the cap and what is in contention is some $200,000, when in fact they were $1.8 million over, which is not an insignificant number," said Brown. "There is a competitive advantage that has been gained by that."Horner said the saga has not distracted Verstappen or teammate Sergio Perez, who on Sunday is trying to become the first Mexican driver to win the Mexico City Grand Prix. He's also trying to finish second in the standings behind Verstappen.Horner said Verstappen fairly won his 2021 championship. Verstappen, meanwhile, said he knows there are many who will never accept that title.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPVerstappen beat Lewis Hamilton in a controversial finish when the since-fired race director made a late race change in protocol during the season finale that allowed Verstappen to pass Hamilton for the win and the championship."From my side, I can (accept it), probably they can’t and will never be able to and that’s a problem for them to deal with," Verstappen said. | Autoracing |
Nelson Piquet has apologised "wholeheartedly" to Lewis Hamilton - but "strongly condemns any suggestion" the expression he used when referring to the F1 ace during an interview was intentionally racially offensive.The three-time world champion - who is the father of Max Verstappen's partner, Kelly Piquet - used a racial slur in Portuguese when discussing a collision between Hamilton and Verstappen during the 2021 British GP on a Brazilian podcast last November.
The word the 69-year-old used is reported to be an equivalent or similar to the N-word.But he insisted the word he used had been mistranslated and denied it "was used by me with the aim of belittling a driver because of his skin colour".Piquet said in a statement: "I would like to clear up the stories circulating in the media about a comment I made in an interview last year. "What I said was ill thought out, and I make no defence for it, but I will clarify that the term used is one that has widely and historically been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for 'guy' or 'person' and was never intended to offend.
"I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations. I strongly condemn any suggestion that the word was used by me with the aim of belittling a driver because of his skin colour. More on Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton responds after racist slur used by former world champion Nelson Piquet Lewis Hamilton wins council tussle to cut down a tree at his multimillion-pound west London home Chelsea FC sale: Sir Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams pledge funds to Broughton bid "I apologise wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible driver, but the translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is not correct. Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I am happy to clarify my thoughts in that respect."The PA news agency understands that Piquet's access to the Formula 1 paddock was likely to be revoked if he did not publicly apologise.His comments came to light yesterday, and Formula 1's governing body FIA and Hamilton's team Mercedes immediately condemned "in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind". Image: Verstappen with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet Hamilton also responded, tweeting: "It's more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I've been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action."Fellow Mercedes driver George Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also gave Hamilton their full backing by posting messages of support on Twitter.Russell said Hamilton has "done more for the sport than any driver in history, not just on track but off it", adding: "The fact that he and so many others are STILL having to deal with this behaviour is unacceptable. We all need to stand together against discrimination of any kind."Leclerc said: "Knowing Lewis since I arrived in Formula 1, he has always been extremely respectful to me and everyone that he meets. Those values should be the standard to anybody around the world."The comments made towards Lewis should not be tolerated, and we should continue to push for a more diverse and inclusive sport. We need to remove discriminatory behaviour and racist language in any form from not just our sport, but our society as well." | Autoracing |
Fernando Alonso is to join the Aston Martin Formula One team in 2023. In what was a shock move apparently concluded in a short period of time, the two-times world champion will leave the Alpine team at the end of this season.The 41-year-old Spaniard will replace Sebastian Vettel, who announced on Thursday he is to retire at the end of this season at Aston Martin. Alonso will join Lance Stroll at the team on what is described as a “multi-year contract”.“This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is therefore one of the most exciting teams in Formula 1 today,” he said.Acknowledged as one of the most talented drivers of his generation, Alonso won his two titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault but has failed to repeat the success since. He came close with Ferrari in 2010 only to be denied by Vettel at the final round in Abu Dhabi and after his relationship with the Scuderia deteriorated he returned to McLaren with whom he had driven for a year in 2007.However the Woking team’s partnership with Honda as engine supplier proved disastrous. He took two years out of the sport in 2019 and 2020, when he competed in the World Endurance Championship and won Le Mans twice before coming back to F1 with Alpine in 2021, convinced that their programme would give him the chance to challenge for wins, however they remain firmly in midfield at present.After Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix, he had said he expected his future plans would be concluded by the end of F1’s summer break but talks with Aston Martin’s owner Lawrence Stroll, the billionaire father of Lance, clearly advanced quickly and he made the announcement on Monday morning.Stroll has invested heavily in Aston Martin, the British-based team formerly known as Force India and Racing Point, including building a new factory at Silverstone. This season however they are off the pace, ninth in the constructors’ championship but Alonso was confident they could give him a competitive drive.“I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone,” he said. “No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me. I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop and succeed.” | Autoracing |
Two racing drivers have been involved in a horror crash at the British Grand Prix - with experts saying it could have deadly but for a life-saving "Halo" device.Formula 2 drivers Roy Nissany and Dennis Hauger collided on the opening lap at Silverstone on Saturday, as Hauger's car was launched over the "sausage" kerb and sent airborne towards Nissany.
Hauger's vehicle landed on top of his rival at speed, before both cars came to a stop in the gravel.Incredibly, both drivers escaped unhurt and television replays showed it was the halo - the cockpit-fixed safety device introduced to Formula 1 and Formula 2 in 2018 - that had saved the life of Nissany. Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. Open Privacy Options After the crash, F1 journalist Chris Medland tweeted: "The Halo absolutely saved Nissany's life. 100%." F1 commentator Tom Gaymor wrote: "Thank goodness for the Halo, unequivocally the saviour yet again."
The Halo is a protective barrier that helps to prevent large objects and debris from entering the cockpit of a single-seat racing car. Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. Open Privacy Options It has proven controversial with critics saying it spoils the "purity" of a single-seat, open-cockpit racing car.Some have also claimed it can get in the way if a driver needs to get out of the car quickly. In practice, this has proved to not be an issue.Lewis Hamilton credited the Halo for saving him after he was involved in a crash at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix with fierce rival Max Verstappen. Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. Open Privacy Options Verstappen's Red Bull car was sent out of control and airborne into the path of Hamilton, with the rear-right wheel crushing the top of the Briton's Mercedes.Afterwards, Hamilton said: "I feel very, very fortunate today. Thank God for the Halo which saved me, and saved my neck." | Autoracing |
Shane van Gisbergen is coming back to the NASCAR Cup Series.
Trackhouse Racing announced Wednesday that van Gisbergen would run the Indianapolis road course race on Aug. 13. Van Gisbergen became the first driver in 60 years to win in his first Cup Series start when he won the Chicago street course race on July 2.
The three-time Australian Supercars champion put on a clinic over the final laps of the Chicago race as he sliced his way through the field and then easily drove away from Justin Haley over the final two laps of the race.
A return to NASCAR seemed likely after that win and van Gisbergen joins fellow Supercars driver Brodie Kostecki in the Indianapolis field. Kostecki is set to drive a third car for Richard Childress Racing in what will be his first Cup Series race.
“I never dreamed this could have all rolled out this way,” van Gisbergen said in a team statement. “Just getting to race in NASCAR is an opportunity I never thought I would get, but then to win and get another chance this year is beyond anything I imagined.”
A stacked field of part-timers racing in Indy
The race on the Indianapolis road course will feature two Supercars drivers in Kostecki and van Gisbergen and two former Formula 1 drivers in Kamui Kobayashi and Jenson Button.
The race is set to be Kobayashi’s debut as he drives a third car for 23XI Racing. The sports car driver has made 75 F1 starts and has two Rolex 24 wins in IMSA.
Button will be making his third and final start of the season. The 2009 Formula 1 champion was also in the field in Chicago and made his first start at Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Button finished 18th at COTA and was 21st in the Chicago race. | Autoracing |
Daniel Ricciardo looks set to return to AlphaTauri in 2024.
According to ESPN, Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will continue to be the team’s two primary drivers next season. Tsunoda is currently in his second season with the team while Ricciardo replaced Nyck De Vries after the first 10 races of the season.
Ricciardo is currently sidelined after breaking a bone in his left hand during a practice crash at Zandvoort ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. He’s been replaced by Liam Lawson for the past three races and Lawson is again set to compete in Ricciardo’s place in this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
The return of Ricciardo and Tsunoda to the team could put Lawson’s immediate F1 future in limbo despite impressive results in his three substitute races so far. Lawson finished 13th in the Netherlands, 11th at Monza in the Italian Grand Prix and was ninth in Singapore. He finished two spots ahead of Tsunoda at Zandvoort while Tsunoda’s had mechanical issues before he’s completed a lap in each of the last two races.
AlphaTauri was Lawson’s best chance at a Formula 1 ride in 2024, especially if the team wanted to take a longer-term view in terms of driver development. The only other open seat on the grid next season could be the second seat at Williams if Logan Sergeant doesn’t return.
Ricciardo’s best chance to return to Red Bull?
Ricciardo, 34, is an eight-time Formula 1 winner and parted ways with McLaren at the end of the 2022 season. He decided to rejoin Red Bull as the team’s reserve driver behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez ahead of the 2023 season after getting seven of his career wins with the team from 2014-18.
He’s unlikely to win a race at AlphaTauri in 2024 as the team is one of the backmarkers on the F1 grid. The team has scored just five points so far in 2023 and sits last in the constructor’s standings.
But if Ricciardo can consistently outrun Tsunoda at the junior Red Bull team and get his car in the points on a semi-regular basis next season, he could be seen as a viable option to return to Red Bull Racing in 2025. While soon-to-be three-time champion Max Verstappen is locked up for the foreseeable future, Sergio Perez’s contract runs through the 2024 season.
It’s no secret that Perez has been consistently outrun by Verstappen, especially in qualifying. If the team decides it wants to make a switch in two seasons, Ricciardo would be an appealing option if he’s having a solid 2024. | Autoracing |
Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension with Mercedes is official.
The Formula 1 team announced Thursday that Hamilton, 38, had signed a two-year extension through the 2025 season. Hamilton’s contract had been up at the end of the 2023 season but it was widely considered a given that he would continue to drive for Mercedes.
The seven-time champion has been with the team since moving from McLaren before the 2013 season. The winningest driver in Formula 1 history has scored 82 of his 103 victories with Mercedes and won six of his seven titles with the team.
"Our partnership with Lewis is one of the most successful in the sport’s history," Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said in a statement. "It was always a formality that we would continue together – and it’s energizing for us all to be confirming that publicly. His qualities as a pure racing driver are illustrated by his remarkable track record; but over our years together, he has grown to become a pillar and leader of our team. Those leadership qualities are crucial as we focus on fighting for world championships again. As F1’s biggest global star, he has also played a key role in shaping our commitments to diversity, inclusion and sustainability, that will be foundations for our success in the years ahead."
Mercedes has struggled to keep up with Red Bull since Hamilton lost out on a record-breaking eighth title to Max Verstappen in 2021. Hamilton was cruising to a race win in Abu Dhabi and an eighth title before a late caution bunched the field and race officials moved lapped cars out of the way for Verstappen to easily overtake Hamilton on a late restart.
Hamilton entered that race looking to win his fifth consecutive world championship. Since then, Red Bull and Verstappen have become the dominant force in F1. Verstappen is well on his way to a third straight title in 2023 and is looking to win his 10th race in a row on Sunday at the Italian Grand Prix. Hamilton hasn’t scored a win since Saudi Arabia in 2021 and currently sits fourth in the standings.
"We dream everyday of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal," Hamilton said in a statement. "Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work and dedication and it’s been an honor to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team."
"We have never been hungrier to win. We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again. I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do."
While Mercedes has lacked outright pace this season, it’s at least had a reliable car. Hamilton has finished no lower than eighth in the first 13 races of 2023 and has 12 top-six finishes. He’s 12 points behind Fernando Alonso in the points standings.
Mercedes also announced Thursday that George Russell had re-upped with the team through 2025. Russell scored the team’s only win a season ago when he won in Brazil and is currently sixth in the standings despite just one podium finish in 2023. Russell is currently in his second season with Mercedes after moving from Williams Racing to replace Valtteri Bottas. | Autoracing |
Max Verstappen, nursing a braking issue, held off a charging Lewis Hamilton who was on fresher tires with more grip to win the United States Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
It turns out that wouldn't have mattered as about four hours after the conclusion of the race, stewards disqualified Hamilton and the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc for technical infringements. That nullifies a second-place finish for Hamilton — crucial in his pursuit of Sergio Perez for second in the drivers' championship — and a P6 for Leclerc.
The disqualifications resulted in Carlos Sainz being promoted to the podium and American rookie Logan Sargeant scoring his maiden F1 point on home soil.
Updated United States Grand Prix results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Not classified:
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes (damage)
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes (mechanical)
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault (damage)
Disqualified:
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Updated 2023 F1 drivers' standings
1. Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 466*
2. Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT – 238
3. Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes – 219
4. Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 183
5. Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari – 168
6. Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari – 159
7. Lando Norris (4), McLaren-Mercedes – 156
8. George Russell (63), Mercedes – 139
9. Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes – 83
10. Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault – 52
11. Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes – 49
12. Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault – 44
13. Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes – 23
14. Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 10
15. Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari – 6
16. Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari – 6
17. Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 5
18. Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari – 3
19. Liam Lawson (40), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 2
20. Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes – 0
21. Nyck De Vries (21), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
22. Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT – 0
* — Clinched world championship
United States Grand Prix preview
Formula 1 begins a five-week, four-race tour of North and South America this weekend with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
The constructors’ and drivers’ world championships have already been awarded as Red Bull and Max Verstappen, respectively, have clinched, but there are plenty of other compelling battles down the order. Resurgent McLaren have had back-to-back double-podium finishes and Oscar Piastri won the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint, rocketing the Woking team up the constructors’ standings.
Closing the 79-point gap to Ferrari for third in the constructors’ standings with five race weekends to go might be too much of an ask, but Aston Martin is within striking distance with just 11-point edge over McLaren. Lewis Hamilton is also on the charge to wrestle second in the drivers' standings from Sergio Perez.
Here’s what to know ahead of the 2023 United States Grand Prix:
United States Grand Prix TV/streaming schedule
All times Eastern
Friday
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Free practice (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
4:55 - 6 p.m.: Qualifying (ESPN2, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Saturday
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Sprint Shootout (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
6 - 7 p.m.: Sprint (ESPNNews, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
Sunday
1:30 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.: Pre-race show (ABC, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
2:55 - 5 p.m.: United States Grand Prix (ABC, ESPN+, F1 TV Pro)
United States Grand Prix details
Track: Circuit of the Americas, 3.542-mile, 20-turn permanent racing facility in Austin, Texas
Race length: 56 laps for 191 miles
Lap record: Charles Leclerc, 1:36.369 (2019, Ferrari)
Tire compounds: C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), C4 (Soft)
2022 winner: Max Verstappen, Red Bull-RBPT
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 16, 2023
United States Grand Prix qualifying results
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Starting from pit lane:
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
United States Grand Prix Sprint results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
United States Grand Prix Sprint Shootout results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT
George Russell (63), Mercedes
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes
United States Grand Prix practice results
Max Verstappen (1), Red Bull-Honda RBPT 1:35.912
Charles Leclerc (16), Ferrari +.156
Lewis Hamilton (44), Mercedes +.281
Sergio Perez (11), Red Bull-Honda RBPT +300
Kevin Magnussen (20), Haas-Ferrari +.560
George Russell (63), Mercedes +.562
Alexander Albon (23), Williams-Mercedes +.580
Carlos Sainz (55), Ferrari +.621
Nico Hülkenberg, (27), Haas-Ferrari +790
Pierre Gasly (10), Alpine-Renault +793
Logan Sargeant (2), Williams-Mercedes +1.075
Esteban Ocon (31), Alpine-Renault +1.154
Yuki Tsunoda (22), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT +1.192
Daniel Ricciardo (3), AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT +1.240
Lando Norris (14), McLaren-Mercedes +1.1344
Zhou Guanyu (24), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari +1.506
Valtteri Bottas (77), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari +1.605
Fernando Alonso (14), Aston Martin-Mercedes +1.928
Oscar Piastri (81), McLaren-Mercedes +2.508
Lance Stroll (18), Aston Martin-Mercedes +4.028
Daniel Ricciardo returns for United States Grand Prix
AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo will return this weekend after missing the last five races, which will be a welcome sight for many fans as the Australian driver is incredibly popular in the U.S.
Ricciardo broke several bones in his left hand in a crash during practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix on Aug. 25. New Zealander Liam Lawson impressed driving in Ricciardo’s place, particularly during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend knocking Max Verstappen out of qualifying in the second session and going on to finish ninth to notch two world championship points.
Sprint weekend format returns
In 2021, F1 introduced the Sprint weekend format, which moved traditional qualifying to Friday and put in its place a shortened race that would award minimal points and set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. A few nominal tweaks later, we have our current format for the 2023 season, which effectively makes Saturday more like an exhibition. This weekend marks the fifth of six sprint format weekends in 2023 with the final one coming next month in Brazil.
Sprint Shootout is here! 🍿
Imagine qualifying, but even quicker. Every lap counts as Saturday's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for the #F1Sprint
Leaving Sunday's Grand Prix unaffected 🔒 pic.twitter.com/oTVrJIuLvl
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2023
The 2023 format ditches the lame-duck Saturday morning practice session in favor of a quicker version of the traditional three-stage knockout qualifying format to set the grid for the sprint race later in the day. The top eight finishers of the sprint will be awarded points in descending order (eight for P1, seven for P2, six for P3).
Top drivers and best bets for the United States Grand Prix
Oddsmakers sure don’t anticipate Max Verstappen taking his foot off the gas after clinching his third straight world championship as he enters the weekend with a -400 moneyline according to BetMGM. No other driver sports odds of better than 10-to-1.
Best odds to win
• Max Verstappen -400
• Lando Norris +1000
• Oscar Piastri +1200
• Sergio Perez +1800
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote earlier in the week on the betting outlook and in addition to backing Verstappen’s massive race-win odds, likes him to post the fastest practice time (-175) and qualify on pole (-250). Bromberg also recommends betting Lewis Hamilton to finish ahead of Charles Leclerc (-155) and the Mercedes stable overall to finish ahead of Ferrari (-140).
United States Grand Prix weather
The forecasted daytime high temperature for all three days of on-track running is 88 degrees, but cloud cover is expected to be different each day. That shouldn’t necessarily mean identical results in all sessions, though, given those differences in cloud cover (which impacts track temperature) and the fact that qualifying, the Sprint and Grand Prix all go off at different times of the day. | Autoracing |
November 03, 2022 01:11 PM Tickets for the Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas went on presale Tuesday for anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000. American Express cardholders had the first choice on Tuesday, Nov. 1, with those on the priority interest list able to buy tickets beginning Thursday. Tickets will be open to the public on Saturday. Tickets are sold only as multiday passes and include food and nonalcoholic beverages. NASCAR DRIVER KURT BUSCH PULLS OUT FROM THE 2023 SEASON OVER CONCUSSION Despite the Grand Prix limiting ticket sales to eight per person, some scalpers have already begun selling tickets online, with one three-day ticket to the Paddock Club going for $60,000 on eBay. Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, speaks during a news conference announcing a 2023 Formula One Grand Prix race to be held in Las Vegas, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher/AP Prices for the Grand Prix have been on the rise since 2005, increasing 51.6% to an average of $438 by 2015. There were some tickets this year going for $500, according to one pair of American Express cardholders. In addition to increased ticket costs, hotel prices in the area have increased 300% since the same time the year before, according to data gathered by a local news outlet, 8 News Now. One local reported to the outlet that her own home will be available to rent that weekend. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali announced Las Vegas would be the location of the Grand Prix in March. It is the first time since 1982 that the racing championship will be hosted by the Nevada city. This year's Grand Prix in Russia was canceled due to the country's invasion of Ukraine. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER F1 will have three races total hosted by the United States in 2023. | Autoracing |
Max Verstappen vowed to kiss and make up with his race engineer following their X-rated row in Belgian Grand Prix qualifying.
Verstappen finished fastest in a wet-dry session at Spa-Francorchamps, but he will start Sunday’s 44-lap race from sixth following a gearbox penalty.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is promoted to pole position, with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez second. Lewis Hamilton, on pole a week ago in Hungary, will line up in third.
🏁 QUALIFYING CLASSIFICATION 🏁
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 28, 2023
Verstappen made it into Q3 – the final phase of qualifying – by the skin of his teeth and vented his anger at long-serving race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, known as GP, following the close-call.
“I should have just f****** pushed two laps in a row like I said,” said Verstappen, who sneaked through in 10th place.
“But you are through, Max,” replied Lambiase.
“I don’t give a f*** that we are P10, mate. It is just s*** execution,” came Verstappen’s fiery response.
Lambiase snapped back: “OK, and then when the track was two seconds quicker for your final lap and you didn’t have any energy left, how would that have gone down?”
A surly Lambiase added: “But you tell me what you want to do in Q3 and we’ll do it. Tyre sets, fuel, run plan.”
After returning to finish eighth tenths clear of Leclerc, Verstappen issued an apology.
“Sorry to GP for being such on the rant,” he said over the radio.
Lambiase replied: “Slowly getting used to it, Max.”
Speaking afterwards, Verstappen added: “It happens sometimes. Most of it is blocked off.
“We are mates. We can get quite emotional, quite vocal. We sort it out afterwards.”
Verstappen’s grid drop for exceeding the allocated number of four gearboxes will provide his rivals with forlorn hope they can end his seven-race winning streak.
However, the Dutchman, a winner of nine of the 11 rounds so far this season, started this race from 14th last year owing to engine penalties and still took the victory in his all-conquering Red Bull machine.
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) July 28, 2023
For Hamilton, the seven-time world champion faced a post-qualifying investigation from the stewards after he ran off the circuit at Eau Rouge before re-joining in front of team-mate George Russell in Q2.
Russell was forced to slow down to avoid making contact with the sister Mercedes. Race control noted the incident and confirmed they would investigate, but the stewards took no further action against Hamilton.
Hamilton finished nine tenths slower than Verstappen, with Russell even further back in eighth, 0.8sec adrift of his team-mate.
“It was definitely very hectic because it was consistently drying up,” said Hamilton after the running started on a wet track.
“It was difficult to see with the spray. I was head down, just maximining as much as I could.
“At the end, I was still a good chunk off Max. But I am really happy with the result I’ve got.”
It's a solid P4 for Lewis and P8 for George in a wet-dry Quali.
Attention now on tomorrow’s F1 Sprint. 👊 pic.twitter.com/Pz7RZHncsk
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 28, 2023
Carlos Sainz qualified fifth for Ferrari, one spot ahead of Oscar Piastri, with Lando Norris seventh in the other McLaren.
Daniel Ricciardo finished a commendable 13th on his F1 comeback but the Australian will line up from the penultimate spot on the grid.
Ricciardo temporarily hauled his AlphaTauri through to Q2 only to see his lap time deleted for exceeding track limits.
“F***, I am sorry,” said Ricciardo when informed of the chalked-off lap. “I just lost it through Turn 3. I am sorry.”
Spa-Francorchamps is hosting the sport’s third sprint event of the year with a shortened race on Saturday to come before Sunday’s main event – the concluding round ahead of the sport’s summer shutdown. | Autoracing |
Red Bull's Max Verstappen took a controlled victory in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to extend his all-time record for wins in a season to 17.
Verstappen fended off a brief challenge from McLaren's Lando Norris early on before easing away to control the race.
Fernando Alonso took the final podium position after a stunning drive in the Aston Martin, re-passing Sergio Perez's Red Bull on the last lap after losing the place a lap before.
Mercedes had their worst race of 2023, Lewis Hamilton finishing eighth and George Russell retiring when running 11th.
It was an unwelcome surprise for the former champions after the team felt they had been making progress in recent races with an upgraded floor.
Verstappen's win was copybook after a brief challenge from Norris in the opening laps.
But the star of the race was arguably Alonso, with a masterful defensive drive against Perez and then some remarkable race-craft to reclaim the position after losing it on the penultimate lap.
Perez was within a second of Alonso, and therefore with use of the DRS overtaking aid, with 16 laps to go.
But a masterful performance from Alonso kept a faster car behind him by clever driving, gauging his pace just right at the key points of the track to ensure Perez was never quite able to get by.
As the race went into its final three laps, it appeared as if Alonso was going to hold on, only for Perez to pass him into Turn One on the penultimate lap.
Alonso challenged back into Turn Four, but was unable to make the move stick, and it appeared as if third place was gone.
But he closed back in on Perez, sold him a dummy into Turn One at the start of the final lap, which allowed him to compromise the Red Bull's run through the Senna S.
That gave Alonso a better run on to the back straight and he reclaimed third place around the outside into Turn Four, and fended Perez off through the final corner and on the run to the line by 0.053secs.
Return to form for Aston Martin
At the front, it was another masterful performance from Verstappen in one of the greatest cars Formula 1 has ever seen, despite a multi-car pile-up among the back markers at the start, which was followed by a safety car and then a race stoppage.
At the restart, Norris tracked Verstappen for a few laps as Verstappen trod carefully with his tyres in the early stages, and even challenged the Red Bull for the lead into Turn Four on lap eight.
But Verstappen then upped his pace and broke Norris' challenge, and the destiny of the race was quickly clear.
Norris was equally untroubled in second place, as was Alonso for the first two-thirds of the race in third until the battle with Perez in the closing laps.
Ten seconds back from his team-mate, Stroll also went some way to answering his critics after a poor season in which he has usually lagged well behind Alonso with a strong drive to fifth, ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Hamilton.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who started second alongside Verstappen on the front row, spun off on the formation lap with what he said was a hydraulic failure.
For Aston Martin, it was a return to form after a difficult few races when they appeared to have lost their way.
But after qualifying on the second row by virtue of going out early in a qualifying session on Friday defined by impending rain and rapidly changing conditions, Alonso made the most he possibly could have out of the race.
Miserable day for Mercedes
Mercedes will leave Brazil with further questions about their recalcitrant car and unpredictable performance.
Hamilton was second in Mexico a week ago, and also in Austin a week before that, until being disqualified for excessive wear of his car's underfloor.
But in Brazil they were nowhere, in both sprint race on Saturday and in the grand prix on Sunday.
Hamilton made a good start and ran third in the early laps, with Russell right behind him in fourth.
But the cars lacked pace and slid backwards through the race, struggling with worse tyre wear than their rivals - unusually - and fighting to make their stint lengths.
At one stage, Russell was behind Hamilton and asking to be let by because he was faster, but as the race went progressed he dropped back and was eventually called into the pits to retire because of power-unit overheating, with the team saying it was on the point of imminent failure.
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- From the football pitch to the rainforest...: David Beckham and three friends embark on a Brazilian adventure | Autoracing |
Image caption, McLaren opened a factory in South Yorkshire in 2018 to support its centre in WokingIn 2011, the brand McLaren, famous for Formula 1 racing, returned to building road supercars. The company now produces luxury vehicles at its factories in Woking and Rotherham. The BBC's We Are England film-makers have been to find out what it takes to build a supercar and speak to some of the men and increasing number of women working in the industry."There's no feeling quite like seeing the product on the road, as what we call 'in the wild'," said Holly Yeomans.Holly is a senior project engineer at McLaren's Woking factory. She dreams of inspiring other girls to follow a similar career path and is a STEM ambassador, visiting schools to speak to pupils about careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.It was only when she was 18 that Holly understood what it was to be an engineer, "I had heard there was a particular female that had won as part of a Le Mans team as a race engineer. It wasn't until then, I thought 'that's cool, is that an engineer? I want to be that."But it was not easy. Other people's attitudes were challenging, she said. When Holly began to gain an interest in engineering she said people joked about her and told her "she should be in the kitchen"."Ten-year-old Holly never thought she would be sat here doing this, " she said. "It's a big deal."Image caption, Holly Yeomans said she enjoys seeing the supercars "in the wild"In 2018, McLaren opened a £50m factory at a site in Rotherham, creating more than 100 jobs in the area. It is where the company builds the chassis of its cars, which are then sent on to the Woking factory. Claire Smith, 31, is a team leader at the site. "When we heard about McLaren coming to the local area, it was massive to us," she said. "We're not used to having such big companies here. We're not used to seeing supercars like this every day."Claire works preparing the carbon fibre cut-outs for the moulding machine, to create the car's chassis. She uses a stacking iron that heats up to 170C to bind parts of the frame together.She said the company has been a "welcoming" and accepting place to work. "I enjoy what I do. When I see one of our cars on the road I can say that I was part of making that supercar. It's a nice feeling."Image caption, Claire Smith prepares the carbon fibre chassis of the supercars at the factory in South YorkshireHarrison Vinall, 21, followed his older brother Sam into the company."As soon as I heard McLaren were setting up a facility up here I applied as soon as I could," he said. "There wasn't an automotive company in our city at the time, it was never something we even thought was achievable, so for it to be here now is absolutely amazing."Harrison works in quality control at the factory, while Sam works in the engineering team. Harrison was 18 when he started working alongside his big brother and Sam said: "I'm really proud of him, he's taken the opportunities that have come to him and ran with them himself."Image caption, Sam Vinall (left) and his younger brother, Harrison, who followed him into the companyThe company's Woking factory employs more than 3,000 people and prices for the latest McLaren supercar, which is made there, start at around £190,000.Shihui Liu is a principal engineer in electric drive controls and is part of the team that designs the control systems inside the cars."From a very young age I realised that I'm very good at maths," she laughed. "For me, maths is beautiful because it provides a different dimension of language for you to explain the real world."Shihui has lived in England for eight years and said her "role model" is her mother, who works as a professor of mechanical engineering in China. "It was always natural for me that women can do engineering," she said. "There's nothing women can't do."Image caption, Shihui Liu said pursuing a career in engineering was "always natural" for herResearch shows more women are pursuing careers in the industry. According to Engineering UK, 562,000 women worked in engineering in 2010 but by 2021 that number had increased to 936,000.Once a year the staff at McLaren's two factories meet up to compete against each other in a football tournament. Although it gets competitive, Claire said: "It's like a family, really."We Make Supercars will be broadcast on Friday 11 November at 7.30pm on BBC One in Yorkshire, the North West and Lincolnshire and will be available on the iPlayer straight after.Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]. | Autoracing |
Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrian billionaire founder and owner of Red Bull, has died aged 78 after a serious illness with cancer.Considered to be the richest man in Austria, the entrepreneur built a global empire around the energy drink.
Mr Mateschitz's fortune is estimated at around €25bn (£21.8bn), putting him 51st on Forbes' list of the world's richest people.Formula 1 praised his "unforgettable contribution" to the sport and said he leaves behind a "lasting legacy".Little is known about Mr Mateschitz's private life - he was publicity shy and rarely gave interviews.
He lived in Salzburg with his long-term girlfriend and once said years ago that he drank 10 to 12 cans of Red Bull a day.After graduating from the University of World Trade in Vienna, he worked as a marketing specialist for various companies in the 1970s. More from World History made in China as Xi Jinping to serve third term - breaking decades-long precedent Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin would sacrifice 20 million soldiers to win and ensure political survival, exiled diplomat says Ukraine war: 'Massive new strike' targets energy grid and leaves 1.5 million without power Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. Open Privacy Options On his business trips to Asia, he got to know the market of energy and stimulant drinks, which at the time were still completely unknown in Europe and the US.In 1984, together with Thai entrepreneurs, he founded Red Bull GmbH, in which he held a 49% stake. After modifying the recipe of a Thai energy drink and developing a marketing concept, Red Bull was introduced to the market in 1987.The bubbly, carbonated, sweet drink, whose taste is described as similar to that of gummy bears, rose to become the global market leader after a difficult market entry.The group achieved a turnover of €7.8bn (£6.8bn) in 2021 and sold 9.8 billion Red Bull cans worldwide.Mateschitz was the founder and owner of Red Bull Racing, a Formula 1 racing team based in Milton Keynes.News of his death emerged just before qualifying at the United States Grand Prix, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports News they were determined to "do our best for him" during this weekend's races.He added: "It is very, very sad. What a great man. We are just incredibly grateful for him and everything he has done, everything he has supported us with over the years and so many drivers, so many team members, so many people in this pitlane owe him so much."It is important that we celebrate and recognise the contribution that he has made. Quite a remarkable man, an inspiration, and one that we owe a huge amount." | Autoracing |
A prominent human rights group has written to Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali to raise serious concerns over what it claims is the sport’s ongoing role in “sportswashing” ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The new season gets underway in Bahrain on March 5, ahead of which the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) has urged F1 and the FIA, motorsport’s governing body, not to “sportswash the blood-soaked images” of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which hosts a race on March 19.
“Sportswashing” refers to governments using high-profile sporting events to project a favorable image of their country around the world, often to draw attention away from alleged wrongdoing.
“Despite horrific human rights records, both states enjoy generous F1 contracts and exploit the F1 platform to sanitize their image on the world stage, while thousands of political prisoners languish behind bars,” Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, BIRD’s Advocacy Director, said in a statement commenting on the letter on Monday.
“F1 must establish an independent and impartial inquiry to examine the role of their races in human rights violations, and the FIA must adopt a human rights policy consistent with UN principles.
“Failure to do so will allow their sport to continue to be used to repair the reputation of brutal dictators.”
In response to BIRD, an F1 spokesperson in a statement to CNN: “For decades Formula 1 has worked hard be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social, and cultural benefits.
“Sports like Formula 1 are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition and achievement.
“We take our responsibilities very seriously and have made our position on human rights and other issues clear to all our partners and host countries who commit to respect human rights in the way their events are hosted and delivered.”
The FIA, motorsport’s governing body told CNN it “cannot interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.”
“The FIA, as is the case with other international sporting federations, cannot interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state,” said an FIA spokesperson in a statement on Monday.
“This independence from the affairs of states, as underlined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), does not mean however that we are insensitive to any potential hardships endured by the people concerned.
“At the pinnacle of motor sport, F1 events take place across a huge spectrum of different countries and cultures around the world,” added the FIA statement.
“It is our belief that the most fundamental goal of motor sport, and all sport, is founded on the desire to increase our common ground and cultivate the principles of cooperation and commonality between people.
“The FIA will continue to work on projects that bring positive benefits to the wider society, acting always within its scope as the regulator of world motor sport,” the federation added.
CNN has reached out to the Bahrain Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport for comment.
This is not the first time that F1 has come under the spotlight for hosting races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
In 2020, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said the sport has a “massive issue” with human rights ahead of competing in Bahrain.
But speaking to CNN Sports days after Hamilton’s comments, former F1 CEO Chase Carey said the sport has been “very clear about our commitment to human rights” and is “very proud of our partnership here in Bahrain.”
CNN’s Amanda Davies, Jack Guy and Matias Grez contributed to reporting. | Autoracing |
Is Sunday the day that Red Bull’s domination of the 2023 Formula 1 season ends?
Lewis Hamilton clipped Max Verstappen for the pole during Saturday’s qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Hamilton’s lap was 0.003 seconds faster than Verstappen’s as he captured the ninth pole of his career at the Hungaroring.
Hamilton has won eight times in Hungary and five of those wins have come from the top spot. He last won in Hungary in 2020 when he started and finished first and led all but one lap. He started first in 2021 and finished second to Esteban Ocon after a big crash on the first lap.
Sunday’s race marks just the first time that a Red Bull driver hasn’t started first through the first 11 races of the season. Verstappen has won eight of the first 10 races while teammate Sergio Perez has the other two wins.
Practice and qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix was different than normal thanks to F1’s experimental tire limits. The race weekend is the first of two this season that saw teams get fewer tires for the race weekend and mandated that all teams use hard compound tires in the first qualifying session, medium tires in the second session and soft tires in the third session.
Hamilton’s pace doesn’t appear to be a fluke, however. While Mercedes teammate George Russell qualified 18th because of traffic in the first session, Hamilton posted the fastest lap of the final practice session Saturday.
If Hamilton can win from the pole on Sunday it’ll be his 104th win in Formula 1 and his first win since winning the penultimate race of the 2021 season. He was on the way to winning the final race of 2021 and getting a record 8th F1 title before a caution for Nicholas Latifi’s crash led F1 officials to restart the race with a lap to go and Verstappen passed Hamilton for the win and the championship on fresh tires.
Verstappen has been the dominant driver since that first title as he cruised to the 2022 title and is well on his way to his third championship in 2023. He enters the Hungarian Grand Prix with a 99-point lead over Perez while Hamilton is 134 points back in fourth.
Hungarian Grand Prix starting lineup
1. Lewis Hamilton
2. Max Verstappen
3. Lando Norris
4. Oscar Piatri
5. Zhou Guanyu
6. Charles Leclerc
7. Valtteri Bottas
8. Fernando Alonso
9. Sergio Perez
10. Nico Hülkenberg
11. Carlos Sainz
12. Esteban Ocon
13. Daniel Ricciardo
14. Lance Stroll
15. Pierre Gasly
16. Alexander Albon
17. Yuki Tsunoda
18. George Russell
19. Kevin Magnussen
20. Logan Sergeant | Autoracing |
A female driver hasn't competed in a Formula 1 grand prix since 1976. Only last year the sport's CEO said he couldn't see that changing in the next five years. But are they finally taking women seriously with the introduction of the new F1 Academy?
There are no rules preventing women from competing against men but a lack of funding is often blamed as a reason we don't see any making it to the grid.
It can cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, to sponsor a young racer through an F3 season - way before you're even close to the higher profile F1.
To try and change that, the sport has launched a new all-female racing category called the F1 Academy - with 15 women competing across five teams.
The series will see F1 subsidise the cost of each car with a budget of £130,000 and the drivers will have to match that total with their own backing.
The race schedule has been announced - with Austria the location for the first race in April, and a season finale pencilled in alongside Formula 1's weekend in Austin, Texas.
It's not the first all-female driving championship, with the free-to-enter W Series created in 2019 removing financial barriers to competing.
But some, including Sir Lewis Hamilton, have felt it doesn't offer enough progression for female drivers - because it was separate from F1.
And the series has faced money troubles, with the previous season ending three races early and fundraising currently taking place for the 2023 season.
'Break that barrier'
So will the new F1 Academy lead to a female driver lining up against Sir Lewis on the starting grid in the near future?
One person hoping for that is 19-year-old Abbi Pulling who's already been making waves in British Formula 4 as well as the all-female W Series.
She told Newsbeat the new F1 Academy could break down the barriers for women getting into the sport.
"I've been involved in motorsports since I was eight years old and the price just goes up and up the further you go," she says.
"So it ends up making it quite hard to actually end up affording [to go] up and ends up being more money driven than talent driven.
"I think it's something that needs to be addressed and it is being addressed. They're providing opportunities to women that couldn't afford going into the championships."
Abbi, who's from Spalding in Lincolnshire, has signed for the Rodin Carlin team and is a member of the Alpine Academy driver programme - which produced current F1 stars Oscar Piastri and Guanyu Zhou.
She says being part of the team should give her a good chance at developing her racing career.
But what does she make of the sport's aim of getting women racing in an F1 grand prix within a decade?
"I think it's definitely doable," she says.
"It's going to take a lot of hard work, especially if it's to be me. I've got to get physically fitter and things like that.
"And if it's not me, I want it to be the next generation. I want someone to break that barrier."
Jess Edgar is 17, and one of the first drivers to be signed up for the F1 Academy.
"As soon as I heard about the series, the backing of Formula 1 and the teams and people involved, I was extremely keen to be part of this first historic season," she tells Newsbeat.
"It's not just about being fast. It's about being consistent and making the right strategic decisions."
Jess hopes the all-female series will inspire other young girls who want to start racing.
"There were definitely times when I felt like an outsider in the racing world, but I used that as fuel to prove myself," she says.
"I don't want to be seen as a female driver, I just want to be seen as a driver.
"I think it's important for young girls to see that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself," she adds. | Autoracing |
Daniel Ricciardo looks set to return to AlphaTauri in 2024.
According to ESPN, Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will continue to be the team’s two primary drivers next season. Tsunoda is currently in his second season with the team, while Ricciardo replaced Nyck De Vries after the first 10 races of the season.
Ricciardo is currently sidelined after breaking a bone in his left hand during a practice crash at Zandvoort ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. He’s been replaced by Liam Lawson for the past three races and Lawson is again set to compete in Ricciardo’s place in this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
The return of Ricciardo and Tsunoda to the team could put Lawson’s immediate F1 future in limbo despite impressive results in his three substitute races so far. Lawson finished 13th in the Netherlands, 11th at Monza in the Italian Grand Prix and was ninth in Singapore. He finished two spots ahead of Tsunoda at Zandvoort while Tsunoda’s car had mechanical issues before he’d completed a lap in each of the last two races.
AlphaTauri was Lawson’s best chance at a Formula 1 ride in 2024, especially if the team wanted to take a longer-term view in terms of driver development. The only other open seat on the grid next season could be the second seat at Williams if Logan Sergeant doesn’t return.
Ricciardo’s best chance to return to Red Bull?
Ricciardo, 34, is an eight-time Formula 1 winner and parted ways with McLaren at the end of the 2022 season. He decided to rejoin Red Bull as the team’s reserve driver behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez ahead of the 2023 season after getting seven of his career wins with the team from 2014-18.
He’s unlikely to win a race at AlphaTauri in 2024 as the team is one of the backmarkers on the F1 grid. The team has scored just five points so far in 2023 and sits last in the constructor’s standings.
But if Ricciardo can consistently outrun Tsunoda on the junior Red Bull team and get his car in the points on a semi-regular basis next season, he could be seen as a viable option to return to Red Bull Racing in 2025. While soon-to-be three-time champion Max Verstappen is locked up for the foreseeable future, Sergio Perez’s contract runs through the 2024 season.
It’s no secret that Perez has been consistently outrun by Verstappen, especially in qualifying. If the team decides it wants to make a switch in two seasons, Ricciardo would be an appealing option if he’s having a solid 2024. | Autoracing |
Tyson Fury's cousin 'spent his last hours watching Anthony Joshua's bout with Oleksandr Usyk before he was stabbed to death in a 'senseless attack' during an evening out with friends - as police arrest two men.Rico Burton, 31, died last night after being 'stabbed in the neck' outside a bar in Goose Green, Altrincham.He is understood to have been enjoying an evening out with friends when he was stabbed in a 'spontaneous' and 'unplanned' attack outside a bar, Greater Manchester Police said today.Two men, 21 and 20, have been arrested in connection with the attack. They both remain in police custody. Fury today made an emotional plea for tougher sentences for knife crime.In a post on Instagram this morning, the heavyweight champion called on the Government to deal with the knife 'pandemic' and paid tribute to his cousin.Fury wrote today: 'My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck, this is becoming ridiculous idiots carry knives. 'This needs to stop. ASAP, UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime, it's a pandemic and you don't know how bad it is until it's one of your own! 'Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick enjoy every moment. RIP RICO BURTON. May the lord god grant you a good place in heaven. See you soon.'In a police press conference today, Superintendent Ben Ewart said the attack was 'senseless', adding that the stabbing took place 'spontaneously' and was 'unplanned'.Meanwhile, tributes have flooded in for the once-promising boxer, who trained in Manchester throughout his teenage years.Shaun Egan, who previously coached Rico alongside his brother Steve at Jimmy Egan's Boxing Academy in Manchester, said: 'He was an absolute talent. He was such a nice lad, he was hard working and had a great sense of humour.'What's happened is just awful. He was just a great guy. To hear he has died like this is devastating.' Tyson Fury's cousin Rico Burton (pictured) died last night after being 'stabbed in the neck' A blue tent has been erected inside a police cordon at the scene at Goose Green, Altrincham, where Mr Burton was killed Tyson Fury (pictured) paid tribute to his cousin and called on the Government to deal with the knife 'pandemic'The two-time heavyweight champion (pictured) called for tougher punishments for people convicted of knife crimes The 34-year-old revealed the tragic news in a post on Instagram earlier this morning Police were called after a fight outside a bar in Goose Green, Altrincham, in the early hours of this morning What are the sentences for knife crimes? The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either four years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.Any adult who is convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once is sent to prison for a minimum of six months.Youth offenders aged 16 or 17 face a minimum four-month Detention and Training Order for their second conviction of carrying a knife or illegal weapon.Anyone aged 18 or older who takes a knife or any other weapon to commit murder faces a starting point of a minimum 25 years in prison. Adults who use bladed weapons when threatening people face a maximum of four years in prison.Prosecutors should seek the forfeiture of any knife or weapon seized by police after the commission of a criminal offence. Mr Egan spoke of how Mr Burton previously trained and boxed at the gym until his late teens, during which time he won two national titles fighting as a junior.He added: 'Out of the people we had coming through our doors, he was probably one of the best we have ever seen.'As a young adult he used to come to our gym and was so talented with so much potential. 'I have watched him win a national title after going through a windscreen in the same week. He was always smiling and a real positive force.'What people don't realise when they stab someone is what that does to families and how it can ruin them.'Also paying tribute, Shaun's brother Steve wrote on Facebook: 'Rico Burton. Fantastic Boxer, very skilled, lovely lad and always smiling. RIP.'Heavyweight champion Tyson, who is originally from Wythenshawe, took to Instagram on Sunday morning to confirm the death of his cousin. He added that he had been stabbed alongside a picture that read 'Stop Knife Crime'. At a press conference at the scene today, Supt Ewen praised people who had given first aid at the scene and confirmed a 17-year-old boy remains in a 'serious but not life-threatening condition'.He continued: 'Both victims should have returned home this morning after enjoying a night out with friends.'Everything suggests at this stage that [Mr Burton] was enjoying an evening out with friends, and this has taken place spontaneously and unplanned - it's a very tragic ending to what should have been a good night out with friends.'Superintendent Ben Ewart said: "At around 3am this morning on Sunday August 21, emergency services received multiple calls about a disturbance in Goose Green in Altrincham.'On arrival, we found a 17-year-old male and a 31-year-old man with stab wounds receiving first aid from members of the public before officers and paramedics took over.'Both males were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where sadly the 31-year-old man succumbed to his injuries and died. I can confirm that male is Rico Burton. The 17-year-old remains in hospital with serious injuries.'Can I take this opportunity first to pass on my sincere condolences to Rico's family and friends, and also praise the members of the public who stepped in and provided first aid.'Supt Ewart added: 'Greater Manchester Police has launched a murder investigation and specialist officers are supporting both families.'A 21-year-old man was arrested at the scene, and a short while later, a 20-year-old male was further arrested in connection with this incident, and both remain in custody.'This is without doubt a senseless attack and both victims should have returned home this morning after enjoying a night out with friends.'Goose Green is a popular nightspot and would have been busy at the time and I appeal for anyone who was there overnight on Saturday August 20 or anyone with information about this incident including phone photograph footage or videos to come forward, in particular any friends of any of the victims or suspects who may have been out with them that night who has not yet come forward.'We have increased police controls in the area and knife crime remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police, the devastating effects of which have been demonstrated this morning.'And asked what police had been told about there being an argument, he said police are continuing a 'very live' investigation and it is a factor they are looking into.On what police could say about the man who was killed, he said: 'At this stage I don't know any further information. We are in contact with his family.He added: 'Everything suggests, at this stage, he was out enjoying an evening with friends and this has taken place spontaneously and unplanned.'So it's a very, very tragic ending to what should have been a good night out with friends.'It is believed Mr Burton in a fight outside a bar in Altrincham that saw two people stabbed, the Manchester Evening News reports.Police say the incident took place just after 3am this morning in Goose Green, Altrincham. Greater Manchester Police says one man has died and another has been seriously injured after being stabbed Police say they have arrested one person in relation to the incident, which took place just before 3amGreater Manchester Police says two men were rushed to hospital with serious and life-changing injuries.The force said: 'A 31-year-old male has sadly passed away a short time later in hospital. A 17-year-old male also remains in hospital with serious injuries.'A 21-year-old male was arrested at the scene on suspicion of section 18 assault and remains in custody.'A murder investigation has been launched and would like to appeal to members of the public who have any further information regarding this incident.'It added that anyone with information, CCTV, photos or videos can should get in touch. Fury's post has triggered an outpouring of grief, with well wishers sending their condolences.Steve Egan used to coach Rico and Fury and said he was 'devastated' to hear of the tragedy.The 60-year-old told The Sun: 'I taught Rico, he's a lovely lad. I'm devastated.'I feel like crying. I've known him and his brother since he was 13. What a talent, he was fantastic.'He was always a grafter, he worked hard and he worked so hard in the ring too.'He said there 'wasn't a bad bone' in Rico and that he could never see him 'getting in trouble with anyone'.He added: 'His mam is going to be devastated, it's going to finish her off.'Family friend Eddie Nevins said: 'Funny guy and a decent boxer, one we looked up to as kids.' Michael Edwards, who lives close to the pub where the tragedy happened, told The Sun: 'It's really shocking when something like this happens.'It’s terrible so many people carry knives these days.' One person wrote: 'Tyson so sorry to hear of this tragic loss of life. All my thoughts and prayers go out his complete family circle at this horrendous time. May the lad be at peace and rest easy. R.I.P Rico.'Another wrote: 'So sorry for your loss Tyson. Thinking of you and your family.'Someone else added: 'Sorry to hear that Tyson. 100% agree with you that only cowards carry.' News of Mr Burton's death prompted an outpouring of well wishes and support on social media for the boxing legendThe tragic development came hours after Fury shared his thoughts on last night's world heavyweight boxing match between Joshua and Usyk.Speaking after the fight, which saw Usyk defend his unified WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles in a second bout against the Brit, Fury bragged he could beat both men.Posting on Instagram, the 34-year-old said: 'To be honest with you lads, both of them were s***e. The tragic development came hours after Fury posted an Instagram story giving his thoughts on last night's world heavyweight title bout between Anthony Joshue and Oleksandr Usyk'It was one of the worst heavyweight title fights I've ever seen. It was bulls**t. 'I would annihilate both of them on the same night. F*****g s***e. 'Get your f*****g cheque book out, because the Gypsy King is here to stay forever.'Fury, who is known as the Gypsy King, is currently on holiday in Menorca with his family. Last night he posted videos on Instagram showing him and his family partying into the night before the tragic news came through. | Boxing |
Jake Paul I'm Still Down To Fight Tommy Fury ... After Hasim Rahman Jr. 7/8/2022 12:10 AM PT TMZSports.com Despite the Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury fight falling apart for the second time, The Problem Child tells TMZ Sports he STILL wants to beat the pugilist reality star's ass ... after he defeats Hasim Rahman Jr. "I'm considering [fighting Fury] after August 6, but I want to fight at Madison Square Garden, and the show must go on whether or not Tommy Fury's in the arena. I don't wait for people. I don't need to wait around. I have a responsibility to my fans to put on shows." Of course, Jake and Tommy were set to scrap at MSG in NYC in August ... until Tyson's younger bro learned he wasn't able to enter the United States (backstory here). Despite the official account, Jake says he's skeptical Fury truly wants the fight. "I don't buy it. I had multiple people hit me up that said, 'I can get him in. I have connections to people at the embassy. We'll get him his visa, no problem.' And I DM'ed Tommy and he just went into hiding." FYI, it's the second time Jake and Tommy were scheduled to fight. Back in December, Fury pulled out after saying he developed a "chest infection." Enter 31-year-old Hasim Rahman Jr. -- a professional boxer with a 12-1 record who previously trained with 25-year-old Paul -- stepped in on short notice to accept the fight. He's bigger and more experienced ... so, we asked Jake if he believes HR Jr.'s a tougher test than Tommy. "Yeah, this is a harder opponent than Tommy Fury," Jake says. The 5-0 boxing star continued ... "Look, [Hasim] has more amateur fights, he has more heavyweight fights. He’s a heavyweight. He’s been in boxing his whole entire life. He’s older, more experienced than Tommy Fury and has been in a lot bigger fights and has sparred with some of the toughest heavyweights in the world.“ If Rahman Jr.'s name rings a bell ... there's a reason. His dad, Hasim Rahman, was a 2x heavyweight champ who once absolutely starched boxing great Lennox Lewis. In fact, Jake says Rahman Jr. is such a step up in competition, his own brother and team advised him NOT to accept the fight. "Really my manager, and even my own brother [Logan] was like 'Yo, you shouldn't be doing this fight. Like why do you want to do this? The risk isn't worth the reward.'" "And I was just like, 'Yo, I'm built different.' I really want to do this. I want to prove to the world that I can knock out a professional boxer no matter how good he, or she is, or anyone. I'll knock out anyone!" We also talked to Jake about star boxer Amanda Serrano, signed to Paul's MVP promotions, beef he has with Rahman, and much more! Fight goes down August 6 on Showtime PPV! Then, third time's a charm? | Boxing |
MELBOURNE, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Undisputed lightweight world champion Devin Haney retained his titles in style with another unanimous decision in his rematch against Australia's George Kambosos at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.Haney had defeated Kambosos via unanimous decision in June to add the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring belts to the WBC strap he already held and become the first undisputed champion at the weight since the start of the four-belt era. read more The 23-year-old American produced another masterclass and received scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 118-110 from the three judges to seal the win on Sunday. He has now won all 29 of his fights, including 15 by knockout.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com"I went in there and knew he was looking to the jab. We wanted to show some more tools in my arsenal. I think the right hand won the fight tonight," Haney said after handing Kambosos only the second defeat of his career."He is a warrior. I take my hat off to George Kambosos and all the Australians who came out."Kambosos had previously suggested that he would hang up his gloves if he failed to win the rematch, but the 29-year-old said his latest defeat was not the end."I'm still a big, big name in the world of boxing. I hope you guys don't forget the 'Ferocious' Kambosos... I'll be back. There's still some big fights out there for me," Kambosos said."He's a great fighter. For me, to have the guts to go again with him. He gave me a good boxing lesson in the first round. He's a slick man. I gave my best."I tried my heart out. But this guy is going to be there for a long time. I gave him a great challenge. A great fight over 24 rounds. He's one of the best in the world in boxing, not just this division."Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in BengaluruOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. | Boxing |
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! WNBA star Brittney Griner has a fellow superstar athlete in her corner as she fights to return home to the United States.Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. is offering up his connections in Russia to help the American athlete after she was arrested at an airport near Moscow in February on charges of possession and transportation of cannabis – and she's been detained there ever since. Roy Jones Jr. trains an aspiring fighter at his gym in Pensacola, Florida. (Lorraine Taylor/Fox News Digital)Jones, considered by many to be one of the greatest boxers of all time with an illustrious career spanning nearly 30 years, became aware of Griner's predicament and decided he might be able to help."First, she’s an athlete. I have ties with Russia because of my athleticism and my athletic career," Jones told Fox News Digital. "It’s nothing political. It’s all about sports."BRITTNEY GRINER'S AGENT IMPLORES WHITE HOUSE TO ‘GET A DEAL DONE’ AFTER WNBA STAR'S TRIAL DATE SET IN RUSSIAJones explained that back in the height of his boxing career, there were only two or three TV channels in Russia – and one of those channels was boxing. He said boxing became a very popular sport in the country as a result, and he was asked to train boxers to "help them up their game." Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. works with aspiring fighters at his gym in Pensacola, Florida. Jones hopes to help WNBA star Brittney Griner who is detained in Russia. (Lorraine Taylor/Fox News Digital)Jones, 53, is a dual U.S. and Russian citizen. He was operating a gym in Moscow where he trained young boxers before Russia's war with Ukraine forced him to shutter his operation. He hopes to someday return to continue his work with the aspiring fighters."If my athlete affiliations can help rectify the situation – why wouldn’t I try?" he said of Griner's situation. BRITTNEY GRINER APPEARS IN RUSSIAN COURTROOM, CRIMINAL TRIAL DATE SET FILE - Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)"So, I thought about it for a little while and one night I was sleeping and it hit me – what if it was my daughter stuck in a foreign country?" Jones continued. "They don’t speak no English and she don’t speak the language that they speak. It’s bad enough being incarcerated but what if you incarcerated in a foreign land where they don’t speak your language? You know how bad that is? So, that thought alone terrified me."Jones said he reached out to his lawyer to get in contact with the White House. He also connected with a friend who knows people well-connected in Russian politics.Jones said his contact was able to reach authorities in Russia who expressed willingness to conduct a prisoner swap with the U.S. Jones said the process was slow moving and has since stalled. He’s hoping to continue to help facilitate future communication or negotiations as much as he’s able. WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)Russian news media has repeatedly suggested that Griner could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, otherwise known as "The Merchant of Death." Bout is serving a 25-year sentence on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.But U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken would not disclose U.S. plans to bring Griner home when asked if a swap was being considered.BRITTNEY GRINER DETENTION: WNBA STAR'S WIFE WANTS BIDEN ADMIN TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON RHETORICJones is still hopeful that Griner will be able to return home safely. Roy Jones Jr. is hoping he can use his connections in Russia to help free WNBA star Brittney Griner. Jones is pictured here training at his gym in Pensacola, Florida. (Lorraine Taylor/Fox News Digital)"I’m not a politician," he said. "I don’t do all that. But if I can get her home, and they say they’re willing to do a prisoner swap and somebody here is willing to do that – then let’s make it happen."He continued, "I would feel bad sitting there comfortable at night knowing she’s in that country in prison and I have citizenship in that country and I’m not trying to do nothing to help. That would be bad on my part."Jones said he has been unable to reach Griner or her family, but he’s open and willing to communicate should they reach out."This is what I do. God blessed me with boxing, so I’m trying to pass my blessing down to other people because that’s what God gave me," Jones said.MIKE TYSON, ROY JONES JR. FIGHT TO A DRAW IN BOXING SPECTACLE Roy Jones Jr. trains aspiring boxers at his gym in Pensacola, Florida. (Lorraine Taylor/Fox News Digital)The Mercury center's arrest happened less than a week before Russia invaded Ukraine. Griner, an Olympic gold medalist, had been playing overseas during the league's offseason to make money. She's been playing basketball in Russia for the past seven years.The U.S. State Department classified Griner as wrongfully detained in May. She appeared in court Monday for a preliminary hearing. The court ordered her detention to be extended for six months. She faces up to 10 years in prison if she's convicted. Her trial is set to begin on Friday.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhen asked if he had a message to share with Griner, Jones simply said: "Keep God first in everything you do and things will work out." Lorraine Taylor is an editor at Fox News. News tips can be sent to [email protected] or on Twitter @LorraineEMT. | Boxing |
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