Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      The sky-high cost of an F1 car, from the £15million engine to a £2million hybrid system and £500,000 gearbox

      by

      TO own a F1 team, you have to be minted.So, it’s no surprise teams like Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Ferrari, Red Bull and more are owned by billionaires.Inside the amazing cost of an F1 carBuilding a F1 car is an expensive task costing millionsCredit: PAAn engine can cost as much as £15mCredit: GettyThe power unit is the most important part of the jigsaw of the building of an F1 carCredit: mercedesamgf1.comTo make a successful team, you need a great racing car. And that means having to spend millions assembling it.Figures for how much a Formula One car vary, with some saying a ballpark figure could be around the £16million mark.But with the budget cap set at around £106million-per-team each season, there’s plenty of wiggle room to spend even more money perfecting your car.With the help of experts at ALA Insurance, we look at the most expensive components of a F1 car, starting off with the most expensive.Read more F1 newsIt’s worth noting, though, these costs are estimates.Power unit (Engine) – £5m-£15mObviously, the engine is the most important piece of the jigsaw.Therefore, it’s no surprise they cost a pretty penny – and can set manufacturers back as much as £15million.The power unit consists of a combustion engine and the associated hybrid systems.Most read in MotorsportThey are tasked with recovering and deploying energy.Lewis Hamilton reveals why he turned down Top Gun 2 role despite begging Tom Cruise for a part in movie It is a highly advanced and meticulously engineered piece of machinery.The extensive research, development, and manufacturing processes, along with the utilisation of cutting-edge materials and technologies, contribute to its high cost.Carbon fiber monocoque – £200k- £500kA car’s frame is vitally important to its success.The monocoque serves as the structural chassis of an F1 car, and it is usually constructed using carbon fibre composites.Carbon fibre is used because of its strength and is very light, meaning it won’t take away any speed.Again, complex manufacturing techniques, meticulous quality control, and high-grade carbon fibre materials mean it’s not a cheap process.Up to half a million pounds could be spent on the monocoque.The monocoque serves as the structural chassis of an F1 carCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresAerodynamic components – £50k – £200kWhen it comes to optimising performance and handling, aerodynamics play a vital role.This covers the design and development of intricate aerodynamic components, such as wings, diffusers, and bargeboards.It also involves extensive wind tunnel testing, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and continuous refinement.The complexity of these components, along with the costs associated with research and development, contribute to their higher price tags.The aerodynamic components of a race car are crucialCredit: GettyWings, diffusers, and bargeboards cost serious moneyCredit: APGearbox – £200k- £500kThe gearbox in an F1 car it’s an extremely complex component.Its job is to withstand immense force and transmit power efficiently for the best drive.F1 gearboxes are typically built to withstand rapid gear changes and extreme torque, requiring high-performance materials, precision machining, and stringent quality control.With a minimum figure of £200,000 spent, it’s a little pricier than fixing up your souped up Supra.The engine, gearbox and electronic system in the garage in all its gloryCredit: RexHybrid systems – £500k – £2mF1 cars employ advanced hybrid systems to capture and deploy energy for improved performance.Such systems include the Energy Recovery System (ERS) and associated electronics, incorporate cutting-edge technology and components.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe development and integration of these complex hybrid systems, along with the necessary research and testing, contribute to them costing as much as £2m.If you had the money, would you launch an F1 team and pay this much for a car?The Hybrid Energy System can cost up to £2mCredit: Formula1.comThe rough estimate for the cost of an F1 car is as much as £16mCredit: AFP More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sky Sports forced to apologise for Lewis Hamilton’s four-letter outburst live on TV after F1 star’s Chinese GP nightmare

      by

      SKY SPORTS were forced to apologise after Lewis Hamilton swore on live TV following disappointment at the Chinese Grand Prix.The 39-year-old was eliminated in the first qualifying session in Shanghai.Lewis Hamilton let out his frustration after a poor Q1Credit: SplashHamilton will start from 18th in ShanghaiCredit: SplashHamilton finished in an underwhelming 18th after a blunder saw him go too wide around a corner.Speaking after his qualifying nightmare, he told Sky Sports: “I just struggled – it is what it is”This morning, George [Russell] and I had very similar cars but this afternoon, we are trying to experiment still with car.”So I went one way, a long way, and he went the other way, just to see if we could find anything.READ MORE IN F1″But yeah, it didn’t work. I’ll give it my best shot – 18th is pretty bad. “When I was making the setup changes I was like ‘it can’t get any worse, surely’.”And it did. S**t happens.”Sky Sports’ David Croft apologised for his bad language immediately.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHamilton’s poor Q1 result was called a “disaster” and “seriously painful” by former world champion Nico Rosberg.It came after Hamilton finished second in the earlier Sprint race to earn Mercedes seven points.Lewis Hamilton storms out of interview after Japanese Grand Prix as F1 legend slams journalist’s questionAfter the Sprint, he said: “Every time I have come here the crowd has been so, so supportive. “That’s the best result I’ve had in a long time. I am super happy and grateful. “Of course, we couldn’t fight the Red Bulls but this is a huge step and improvement.”I found out a lot about the car in this short stint for the race, so I’m excited for tomorrow.”We are still not as quick on a single lap as the Ferraris, Red Bulls and McLarens and perhaps the Aston Martins. “I don’t anticipate we will fight for the front row, but hopefully we will have a better qualifying session than we have had in the past.”Verstappen went on to clinch pole position and has become the first driver to start the opening five races of the season from the front since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.Red Bull’s Sergio Perez will be behind the Dutchman in second on the grid.READ MORE SUN STORIESFernando Alonso sealed third in his Aston Martin.McLaren’s Lando Norris is in fourth and Hamilton’s team-mate Russell will begin from eighth tomorrow. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Hamilton suffers shock early elimination in qualifying for Chinese Grand Prix and will start 18th on the grid

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has been eliminated from Chinese Grand Prix qualifying in the first session.The seven-time world champion will start tomorrow’s race from 18th place.Lewis Hamilton is out in Q1 and will start in 18thCredit: SplashHamilton had begun the weekend’s action positively, coming second in the Sprint behind only Max Verstappen.The 39-year-old Brit described the finish as “the best result I’ve had in a long time.”But disaster followed for the Mercedes star in qualifying for the main race.Hamilton made a costly mistake, going too wide around a corner on his final lap.READ MORE IN F1He therefore failed to improve on the time he had already set and finished in a disappointing 18th.Frustration was written across the face of Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, who looked to the heavens in disbelief.Former world champ-turned-pundit Nico Rosberg called it a “disaster” and “seriously painful”.After qualifying, Hamilton swore in a live interview with Sky Sports.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I just struggled – it is what it is.”This morning, George [Russell] and I had very similar cars but this afternoon, we are trying to experiment still with car.Formula One’s Highest Earners”So I went one way, a long way, and he went the other way, just to see if we could find anything.”But yeah, it didn’t work. I’ll give it my best shot – 18th is pretty bad. “When I was making the setup changes I was like ‘it can’t get any worse, surely’.”And it did. S**t happens.”Sky Sports broadcaster David Croft was forced to apologise for the bad language.Verstappen went on to clinch pole position and make it five out of five this season.The Dutchman is the first driver to start the opening five races of the year from the front since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.It was also Red Bull’s 100th pole position. The team’s other star Sergio Perez will be behind Verstappen on the grid, sealing a qualifying one-two.READ MORE SUN STORIESVeteran Fernando Alonso came third in his Aston Martin.McLaren’s Lando Norris is in fourth and Hamilton’s team-mate Russell will begin from eighth. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Geri Halliwell & Christian Horner ‘in talks’ to make fly-on-the-wall Netflix doc as couple move on from ‘sext’ storm

      by

      CHRISTIAN Horner and Geri Halliwell are “in talks” to make a fly-on-the-wall documentary after the racing boss’ “sexting” saga, a source claimed.The rumoured opportunity arose after a streaming company – that works with Netflix – reached out to the couple.The couple could be in talks to have their own behind-the-scenes documentaryCredit: InstagramThe pair have put on a united front amid the scandalCredit: GettyThe F1 racing boss and his Spice Girl wife kissed and hugged before the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.Credit: PAHorner and Halliwell – who already featured in Netflix’s Drive to Survive – are said to want to put the recent storm behind them.F1 chief Horner, 50, was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague – allegations he had always denied – by an internal probe in February.A source told the Mirror: “The idea that has been pitched is a really personal documentary, capturing Geri and Christian at home.”Following the recent speculation about their relationship, there would be a huge amount of interest in seeing them together away from the race track and how they interact with their friends and family.”They added how Geri hailed the Beckhams’ Netflix documentary and was inspired by how behind the scenes footage helped re-mould their image in the public eye.But, if the Horner family give the green light, it could spark a “bidding war” over which streaming service produces it.Horner was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague by an internal probe.His unnamed female accuser has lodged an appeal – which is said to be ongoing – after her complaints were dismissed and is said to be “determined for the truth to come out”.Most read in MotorsportShe is set to be grilled again by investigators and her evidence could also see the racing boss star quizzed again too.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysAn F1 source said: “No one wants this to drag on any longer than it needs to.”Red Bull has made it clear that once the appeal is over, they are willing to be fully transparent.“They don’t want to do anything that compromises the process but when it’s done, the gloves are off.”Bosses remain unlikely to publish the full report into the scandal, however, as both sides have signed confidentiality agreements.The woman has separately lodged a complaint against Horner with the sport’s ruling body, the FIA.But five races into the 2024 season and the outwardly business-as-usual Horner appears to have weathered the storm.Ex-F1 chief Ecclestone, who is one of the sport’s most iconic and long-standing figures, told the Mail: “It’s peace in our time.”And Christian informs me everything’s fantastic with Geri.”Ecclestone was best man at Horner and Halliwell’s wedding nine years ago and brought the former racing driver into the sport to head up the new Red Bull team in 2005.He revealed: “Max (Verstappen) seems likely to stay, and it’s like all wars in so much as people get over things and move on… after not too long everyone forgets.”However, Ecclestone’s support for Horner keeping his £8million-a-year role seemed to waver in February, when Horner was engulfed in the first stage of the scandal.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
      FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job.
      But he denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.
      MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared & the sport’s governing body, the FIA
      MAR 17: Horner, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen agree to a ‘public ceasefire’.

      Following news of a probe into the team principal’s alleged controlling and inappropriate behaviour, Ecclestone allegedly urged his friend to resign.Sources told F1 Insider that he warned his long-term pal that standing down would save him and his family from further damage.Yet, the billionaire businessman, who ran F1 for over four decades, said everyone is ready to move on now.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe called Horner a “great healer” who was doing a “super job”.”He has Geri’s support, and the whole team is doing well,” he added, adding that a few weeks has made a “big difference”.Horner was cleared of misconduct against a female colleagueCredit: GettyHe has always denied all of the allegationsCredit: PAHorner’s accuser has allegedly launched an appeal against the investigationCredit: Instagram More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 fans convinced Taylor Swift took swipe at Fernando Alonso in The Tortured Poets Department after romance rumours

      by

      F1 FANS are convinced Taylor Swift has taken a swipe at Fernando Alonso in her new album.The Aston Martin driver was rumoured to be dating the popstar last year.Fans are convinced Taylor Swift has sung about Fernando Alonso in a new songCredit: PAShe references Aston Martin which is Alonso’s F1 teamCredit: EPAThe Spaniard, 42, fuelled rumours about their relationship with posts on social media.One of these included him winking at the camera while Taylor’s song, Karma, played in the background.Fans are now sure that she has taken a swipe at the F1 star in one of her songs from The Tortured Poets Department album.On track 18, titled ‘imgonnagetyouback’, she references an Aston Martin being driving into a ditch.READ MORE ON F1Fans have reacted to the suggestion on social media.One posted: “Alonso what did you do?!”A second commented: “Wait….. did they actually date then?”A third wrote: “Taylonso will never die.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “We’re reviving Taylonso rumours for funsies.”Another added: “An f1 and Taylor Swift crossover is not what I was expecting to wake up to.”Fernando Alonso fuels Taylor Swift dating rumours as F1 legend posts hilarious TikTok videoSwift has been dating NFL star Travis Kelce since September 2023.They met at one of Taylor’s historic Eras Tour concerts at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, he planned and failed to give her a friendship bracelet containing his number.Swift’s swip at AlonsoHere are the lyrics thought to be referencing Fernando Alonso in full:
      Small talk, big walk, act like I don’t care what you didI’m an Aston Martin that you steered straight into the ditch.
      Then ran and hid.
      And I’ll tell you one thing, honey.
      I can take the upper hand and touch your body.
      Flip the script and leave you like a dumb house partyOr I might just love you ’til the end (Ah-ah-ah)

      Taylor is currently on her Eras tourCredit: GettyShe is dating Travis KelceCredit: GettySwift’s savage swipes at Matt Healy
      1. Guilty as Sin?
      In Guilty as Sin? Taylor – who previously dated actor Joe Alwyn for six years until their split in April 2023 – sings about intense romantic feelings and “fatal fantasies” for someone from her past while still in another relationship.
      2. The Black Dog
      Another song, The Black Dog, mentions The Starting Line, a pop-punk band ex Matt Healy admires.
      3. The Tortured Poets Department
      In the album’s title track, The Tortured Poets Department, the Grammy winner jokes about Matty’s habit of bringing a typewriter to her apartment, likening him to poets like Dylan Thomas.
      4. loml
      loml discusses rekindling a past relationship that falls apart just as quickly as it resumed, with Taylor telling the tale of how someone “waltzed back” into her life after they initially met as “kids,” assuring her that she “reformed” him and was the love of his life.
      She refers to him as a “con man” who offered “a fool a get-love-quick scheme” with a “counterfeit” love, but the promises were hollow.
      5. Down Bad and I Can Do It with a Broken Heart
      Other tracks like Down Bad and I Can Do It with a Broken Heart express the pain of maintaining a public facade of happiness each night of her Eras Tour amid heartbreak.
      6. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
      The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived is particularly cutting, with Taylor lamenting over a fleeting summer love who led her on before leaving unexpectedly.
      7. The Alchemy
      Taylor, who is now dating NFL star Travis Kelce, seems to allude to these struggles in The Alchemy, with the line, “He jokes that it’s heroin / But this time with a ‘e’.” More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘That’s not nice to say’ – Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg ‘disrespected’ live on TV during Chinese GP qualifying

      by

      FORMER Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg was left red faced after a sly dig was aimed at him live on TV.During Sky Sports F1’s coverage of the Chinese Grand Prix, Rosberg was asked to analyse what the driver dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could be like in 2025.Nico Rosberg was taken aback by a comment made by Sky Sports F1’s Karun ChandhokCredit: Sky SportsIt was announced before the season that the seven-time world champion would be transferring to Ferrari from Mercedes in a move which rocked the world of F1.Kicking of his analysis, Rosberg said: “Of course we’re all looking forward to that dynamic again.”Charles doesn’t seem like someone who goes into conflict too much with his team-mate.”This prompted Sky’s F1 expert Karun Chandhok to joke: “Like you?”READ MORE IN F1Rosberg seemed to stumble over his sentence slightly before sheepishly replying back: “Oh come on. That’s not nice to say.”This came in reference to the German’s time as Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes between 2014 and 2016, when the duo butted heads when vying for the title.A friend of Hamilton, 39, from their karting days, Rosberg, 38, linked up with the former McLaren star at Mercedes between 2014 and 2015.But as they both went for F1 titles their relationship broke down, coming to a head in 2016 with a number of high profile incidents such as heated exchanges and crashes throughout the season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReacting to the clip, one fan said: “Karun ATE.”A second said: “It’s savage… he still can’t help it lol.”The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsA third added: “You can tell from Nico’s response how deeply sensitive and emotional he feels about his conflict with Lewis, even now.”Another said: “You can tell that Nico was p****d off there.”A fifth accused Chandhok of not showing Rosberg “respect”.While a sixth said: “Got him!!! 😂”Rosberg dramatically retired from F1 at the end of the 2016 season, admitting afterwards that the pressure of racing against Hamilton that season took its toll on him.On their heated rivalry, Rosberg previously said: “It [the friendship breakdown] happened immediately when we were fighting for the World Championship, not before.Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton came into conflict during the 2016 F1 seasonCredit: GettyThe pair turned from friends to enemies but Rosberg has since insisted they have ‘repaired’ their bondCredit: Getty”But that’s always the case: When you’re fighting for success in every race and for titles, it doesn’t work anymore.”It was a build-up from one race to the next. If you want to decide the world championship for yourself, you can’t play ‘love, peace and harmony’.”You have to test limits and go into grey areas to win, especially when two drivers are at such a high level. Then it often gets tight.”Despite the fractured relationship, Rosberg insists they have since “repaired our friendship” and revealed Hamilton sends a “huge box full of gifts” to her.Hamilton has since gone on to rack up a record-equalling seven world titles, but has not won a race for two years following a change in regulations that has seen Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominate.The Brit thought he had claimed sprint pole during sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lando Norris’ lap time – originally removed from the timings – was reinstated and placed the McLaren ace on pole for the sprint race instead. That came as a fire broke out on the GRASS by the track, causing two delays – one in free practice and one in SQ1.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s family auctioning off stricken F1 legend’s extravagant watch collection for up to £5MILLION

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher’s family will auction off the German F1 great’s personal luxury watch collection in a matter of weeks.The condition of the former racing driver remains a mystery to the public after he suffered a serious brain injury while skiing in 2013.Michael Schumacher poses as he arrives for the Audemars Piguet dinner at the Kraftwerk in Berlin in October 2012Credit: 2012 AFPCorinna, left, is pictured with husband Schumacher in Italy in 2005Credit: AFPSchumacher poses for the official driver’s portrait ahead of Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in 2012Credit: AFPSchumacher is pictured at the bobsleigh world championship in Saint Moritz, Switzerland in 2002Credit: 2011 Gamma-RaphoSchumacher’s wife Corinna, 55, is said to be the driving force behind the decision to auction off her husband’s watches.She has previously sold other family assets including Schumacher’s private jet and his house in Norway.The sale is expected to earn her family some $6million (£4.8million), which could be used to help care for the stricken Schumacher, 55.Eight watches will go up for sale on May 13 in Geneva, Switzerland, according to British auction house Christie’s.Read more on SchumacherTwo of the most notable pieces in the auction are custom-made gifts from close family friend and former Ferrari boss Jean Todt.One of the watches, a one-of-a-kind FP Journe Vagabondage 1 Model gifted at Christmastime from Todt to Schumacher in celebration of the F1 star’s seventh world championship in 2004, is expected to fetch between $1.7million (£1.4million) and $3.4million (£2.7million).Along with the Ferrari emblem, Schumacher’s helmet design, and symbols representing the driver’s seven titles, the watch features an engraved message which reads: “Xmas 2004 – Jean Todt for my friend Michael Schumacher.”A second Christmas present from Todt to Schumacher, a customised Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch from 2003, is also up for auction – and is expected to sell for between $255,000 (£200,000) to $425,000 (£340,000).Most read in MotorsportFive limited edition 2004 FP Journe watches will also be available for purchase, to be sold separately, for an estimated total of between $1.8million (£1.4million) and $3million (£2.4million).A “historically important, extremely rare and highly attractive” 14K gold Rolex Daytona – a gift from Schumacher’s long-time manager Willi Weber – is also expected to sell at the auction next month, for between $425,000 (£340,000) and $850,000 (£680,000).Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateThe Rolex was said to have been gifted to the F1 star in 2021 – two years before Weber told of being frozen out by Schumacher’s family.He said in December: “When I think of Michael now, unfortunately I don’t have anymore hope that I will see him again.”No positive news after ten years,” Cologne Express reports.Weber had earlier demanded that Schumacher’s family come out with the truth about his health, and said he was “angry” that no one had kept him in the loop with how he was faring post-ski accident.He told Italian sports outlet La Gazetta dello Sport in 2022 that he “tried hundreds of times to contact Corinna” and she never answered.Corinna has fiercely protected her husband’s privacy ever since the accident, allowing very few details of his condition to be made public.Today, she not only cares for Schumacher but also manages their family’s massive $970million (£780million) fortune.Schumacher and Corinna married in 1995 and share two children, Mick and Gina-Maria.The auction house said of the upcoming sale: “Christie’s expresses sincere thanks to the Schumacher family for their trust in us and their wish to share these masterpieces of horology with other passionate collectors around the globe.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We are proud to present these iconic and unique timepieces belonging to one of the most celebrated Formula 1 legends.”An exceptional moment, for watch and F1 enthusiasts alike. We are looking forward to meeting with passionate collectors during our international exhibitions and the auction on 13 May in Geneva.”Corinna and Schumacher married in 1995 and share two childrenCredit: Getty – ContributorThe F1 legend celebrates on the podium after winning the German Formula One Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring in 2006Credit: GettySchumacher makes a call at the Belgian formula One Grand Prix in Spa Francorchamps in August 2001Credit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      New country ‘set to host TWO F1 races as shock five-year deal on verge of being reached’

      by

      A THIRD country could be set to play host to multiple Formula One races.Shock reports in Spain suggest there could be grand prix held in both Madrid AND Barcelona.Barcelona are in talks to extend their stay with F1Credit: GettyThe circuit has been a mainstay on the calendar since 1991Credit: GettyThe USA currently play host to THREE F1 grand prix races; The Circuit of the Americas in Texas, Miami Street Circuit and the most new Las Vegas Strip Circuit.Meanwhile Italy host two, with Imola and Monza staging races.No other country hosts more than one, but that could be about to change according to Mundo Deportivo.In January, F1 announced they had signed a ten-year deal to bring the Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid from 2026 until 2035.READ MORE IN F1The announcement left Spain’s current F1 host, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, fearing it could leave the calendar.Its contract to host races expires after they host in 2025, meaning there is just one more year before it leaves the calendar.But a fresh development may see the circuit stay pm the calendar for around for five more years.Barcelona are reported to be in negotiations to achieve a “long-term” agreement and are now “very close” to agreeing terms.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarcelona City Council are said to have committed to a “save F1” project with Mayor Jaume Collboni to “do everything necessary” to ensure its continuation.The Spanish GP has been hosted in Barcelona since 1991, and an extension to 2031 would see it get up to the 40-year mark as part of the F1 diary.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsThe most recent agreement was signed in 2021 in exchange for a modernisation plan of the facility that will, when all it said and done, cost an estimated £42.8million.Part of this came with the old chicane of Turns 14 and 15 removed for a sweeping right hand corner to improve the racing experience.F1 chief Stefano Domenicali has left the door open to the possibility of two races in Spain.When F1 unveiled the Madrid circuit, Domenicali said: “Barcelona is Formula 1 and work is being done to look beyond.”This year’s race in Barcelona will commence on June 23.Max Verstappen has won the last two races, with Lewis Hamilton winning there five times in a row before that.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 F1’s newest trackThe Madrid circuit will be built around the IFEMA exhibitionThe new IFEMA Madrid track will mix street and non-street sections into a 5.47km circuit with 20 corners.It will be located near Barajas airport and next to Real Madrid’s training base Ciudad in the suburb of Valdebebas and built around the Ifema exhibition centre.A premium paddock building with a new race tower, office spaces, VIP hospitality and entertainment areas will also be present.The venue itself will have more than 110,000 fans per day across its grandstands, general admission and VIP hospitality sections.There are also plans to increase the capacity to 140,000 per day, making Madrid one of the largest venues on the F1 calendar.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, in line with F1’s aims, the track is also committed to reaching “Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and plans to be the most sustainable event of the season”.All buildings will use renewable energy and any temporary structure will be made of recyclable materials. More