F1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 faces THIRD race cancellation of the season with Canadian Grand Prix at risk amid raging forest fires

      by

      FORMULA ONE chiefs have spoken out amid fears that forest fires across Canada could force a THIRD race of the season to be cancelled.The circuit is set to return to Canada for the seventh race of the 2023 season on June 18.
      The Canadian GP is at risk of being cancelled due to wildfires across QuebecCredit: AFP
      Canada would be the third race cancelled or postponed this season after Imola and ChinaCredit: Reuters
      But a reported 160 fires are burning throughout the Quebec region, north east of where the race is held in Montreal.
      More than 15,000 Quebec residents have been forced to evacuate the area, which could cause problems for the race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
      F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is closely monitoring the situation according to reports.
      Bosses have attempted to calm fears that the race could be called off.

      An F1 spokesman said on Thursday: “The event is not at risk, and we have been assured by all the relevant information that the situation in Montreal is different to other parts of the country and northern US”.
      The situation in Canada comes just a few weeks after F1 was forced to cancel the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix due to heavy flooding.
      While the Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled before the season even began due to COVID-19.
      The provisional record 24-race calendar could be reduced to 21 if the race is cancelled in Montreal.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      According to Canada’s Emergency Minister Bill Blair, 9.4 million acres have already burned, which is larger than the US state of Maryland.
      Smoke from the wildfires has been thrown as far west as Chicago and as far south as New York City.
      The situation has prompted worries that a change of wind direction could impact Montreal, which is due to hold the GP next weekend.
      Blazes across Canada have thrown smoke across North America – reaching New York CityCredit: AFP More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 legend spots ‘good sign’ for Lewis Hamilton ahead of Canadian GP as Brit icon targets record eighth world title

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’s positivity about his upgraded car is a “good sign”, says F1 legend Damon Hill.The Silver Arrows demonstrated their best car performance in the Spanish Grand Prix, with both Hamilton and George Russell finishing on the podium.
      Hamilton finished second in the Spanish GPCredit: Alamy
      F1 Champion Damon Hill spotted a good sign for HamiltonCredit: Getty
      Hamilton, 38, finished second behind only Max Verstappen, as Red Bull showed there is still some way to go before they can be caught. 
      Mercedes brought its first major upgrade package of the season, including a new bodywork, revised floor and front suspension configuration.
      The seven-time world champion revealed it was the best he’d felt in the car for 15 months.
      F1 legend Damon Hill said: “it is a good sign” that Hamilton is positive about his car again after his public criticism of his Mercedes team this season.

      Hill said: “To hear Lewis say ‘I’m enjoying driving the car’. That’s a good sign.
      “They have gone and done what he has been pleading with them to do and they have seen some progress, so well done Lewis.”
      He added: “Mercedes showed in the race they’ve leapfrogged the threat from Aston Martin and Ferrari on a circuit.
      “I think there are encouraging signs there for Mercedes definitely”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      There is renewed optimism that the Silver Arrows’ revised car design can help deliver them a much needed boost in the form of a victory.
      Both Hamilton and team-mate Russell managed to hold off Sergio Perez, who started 11th on the grid.
      Rivals Ferrari continued to struggle for pace, and Aston Martin were not as competitive as they have been at other circuits this season.
      This comes as Hamilton made no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction with the lack of progress made from last season.
      Speaking to the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast in March, he said: “Last year, I told them the issues related to the car.
      “Like, I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t need.”
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year

      The double-podium finish at the Spanish GP will be encouraging for the 38-year-old.
      Mercedes can continue to improve for next season, where they hope to challenge for the title – which would be a record eighth for Hamilton.
      It comes after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confidently insisted he will keep leading the team until Hamilton gets his historic eighth championship.
      Read more on The Sun
      The British icon has achieved 2 podium finishes so far this season and is fourth in driver standings, 83 points behind leader Verstappen.
      And he will look to get on the podium again at the Canadian GP next week on June 18.
      Hamilton achieved their first double podium of the season at the Spanish GPCredit: Rex More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sky Sports suspend two F1 commentators after sexism storm which saw female reporter fume at colleague on live TV

      by

      SKY SPORTS have suspended two Formula One commentators after sexist remarks made live on air.Matteo Bobbi, who spent three years as a Minardi test driver in F1, and Davide Valsecchi, an Italian former racing driver and the 2012 GP2 Series champion, have been temporarily stood down from their Italian channel by the broadcaster.
      Sky Sport Italy have suspended F1 commentators Matteo Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi for sexist remarks on airCredit: Sky Sport Italy
      From the studio Bobbi pointed to a woman behind Valsecchi, in the paddock, and called her an ‘upgrade package’Credit: Sky Sport Italy
      Co-host Federica Masolin was standing alongside Valsecchi and looked fumingCredit: Sky Sport Italy
      She then read out a viewer’s comment that led to more jokingCredit: Sky Sport Italy
      It comes after comments they made during the post-race analysis of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.
      The former drivers were talking about the race when Bobbi, 45, began a sexist joke with his colleague.
      He was in the studio speaking to 36-year-old Valsecchi, who was in the paddock at trackside, when he pointed to a woman in the background and referred to her as an “upgrade package”.
      That led to Valsecchi responding: “I already know them but they told me I can’t test them. So I raise my hands.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      But their exchange on Sky Sport Italia went down like a lead balloon with the other broadcasters they were working with.
      Federica Masolin was standing alongside Valsecchi and instantly produced a stern stare towards him before telling the pair to “be careful”.
      As the joke continued, she grew more furious, and that led to her adding: “Can we watch some interviews instead of these two?
      “Let’s hear from Carlos Sainz, please. I’m going to censure you two.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Masolin continued to read a viewer’s comment after the interview clip that said: “Fabio is concerned for your physical safety, Matteo and Davide.
      “Will they be safe and sound, after this gag, at the next Grand Prix. Appreciated by all their wives?”
      Bobbi responded with: “Well when I get home I’ll get a beating, probably. Sorry, Davide.”
      Valsecchi continued to joke, adding: “Well you know I’ve had eye surgery twice because I’ve been losing sight since I was a child, looking at those things.”
      Both individuals have now apologised over their comments with Valsecchi writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry, because on Sunday in the post-race I fell into an exchange of bad-tasteful jokes and used unsuitable and disrespectful words. And I’m not.
      “This is why I would like to apologise to those who felt offended, to women and to Sky. Really.”
      Bobbi also said: “After the race I was the protagonist of a joke that came out in a completely unhappy way, although it was not in my intentions I generated an unpleasant moment that made the sensitivity of some people suffer. I ended up in gravel.
      “Being anything but a disrespectful person I sincerely apologise to those who felt offended by reiterating my total and deep respect for everyone and towards women, particularly starting with the beautiful woman next to me.
      “For 10 years I have been commenting on F1 with the friends of Sky, a family now and in 10 years I had never found myself in such an unpleasant situation.

      “I’ve always thought that from mistakes you understand, learn and start again. What happened will lead me to try to improve further as a man and as a professional.”
      Now both men will be absent from the coverage for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Major Grand Prix ABANDONED after F1 U-turn in blow to Lewis Hamilton’s ‘huge dream’

      by

      SOUTH AFRICA’S hopes of returning to the F1 calendar have been dealt a blow due to the country’s links to Russia.Bosses at the Kyalami circuit just north of Johannesburg had hoped to take a spot on the 2024 calendar – possibly in place of the Belgian GP, which is in the final year of its contract.
      Lewis Hamilton’s ‘dream’ of racing in South Africa has suffered a blowCredit: Reuters
      However, after meeting F1 chiefs in London there is a fear from inside the sport that South Africa’s political links to Russia could see them hit with sanctions due to the country’s war with Ukraine.
      In February, a Russian flagship frigate equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles arrived in the South African port of Richards Bay.
      And last month a Russian cargo ship also arrived in the country, with questions over the consignment, with US reports alleging it collected weapons heading for Moscow.
      South Africa last held an F1 race in 1993 and the Kyalami circuit has undergone substantial investment and redevelopment but the political situation has caused F1 some concerns.
      READ MORE ON F1
      South African GP bosses are now believed to be concentrating on 2025, which could again come at the expense of the Belgian GP.
      Lewis Hamilton said ahead of the Miami GP this year that it would be a “huge dream” for him to race in Africa.
      He said: “I’ve been chatting about having a race in Miami and the next one I’ve been talking about is South Africa, that’s what I’m pushing for in the background.
      “Hopefully you’ll see that come to light soon as well. It’s a really big dream for me to race in South Africa.
      Most read in Sport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “To race in Africa in my career is a huge, huge dream for me. I know I have a big following out there.
      “I know a lot of people are into Formula One now, so I’m pushing as hard as I can in the background and I’m going high up to make sure we have that race happen.”
      When asked by SunSport, an F1 spokesperson declined to comment on the 2024 F1 calendar.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      I’m an F1 world champion watched by millions – yet many people don’t know who I am, says Lucas Blakeley

      by

      LUCAS Blakeley is a Formula 1 world champion watched by millions – yet many people don’t know who he is.The Scottish-born competitor races for McLaren’s F1 Esports team and was crowned world champion last year.
      Lucas Blakeley races for McLaren’s F1 Esports team and was crowned world champion last yearCredit: Twitter
      Lucas, now in his twenties, started go-karting at seven years oldCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      He finished third in the 2021 season with Aston Martin and beat four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel in the Race of Nations Cup in 2022.
      The racing superstar most recently knocked out Mika Hakkinen and Valtteri Bottas at the 2023 Race of Champions.
      Lucas, now in his twenties, started go-karting at seven years old and was inspired by Lewis Hamilton winning the championship in 2008.
      His dream was to become an F1 driver, but he had to stop for financial reasons.
      More on Sports
      “That’s the harsh reality for many racing families out there,” he told the BBC.
      More than 45 million people watched at least one Esport race in 2022, according to Gfinity.
      With fans watching major competitions on Twitch, Lucas said the ‘the pressure is immense’.
      He continued: “Mentally that’s the hardest part, the results in F1 esports can change in a literal flash of an eye.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “You also learn about yourself. How do you react to pressure? How does your body respond? How does your mind respond?”
      Lucas also previously described his racing style as ‘calculated’ and commented on the rigorous training regime in Esports.
      “It’s a lot of dedication. You’ve got to be prepared to put in the hours because you can’t leave any stone unturned. The training needs to be in-depth and unrelenting,” he told McLaren.
      “The second complacency seeps in is when things start to go wrong. During the day, it involves a lot of driving.
      “You’re driving for eight, nine, 10 hours a day, sometimes more when you’re gathering data, going through video footage, or looking at telemetry. If you want to get to that point, you need to really work hard for it.”
      His dream was to become an F1 driver, but he had to stop for financial reasonsCredit: Twitter More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen laughs at George Russell blunder during chat with Lewis Hamilton after Spanish GP podium finish

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN was left in stitches after hearing of George Russell’s bizarre Spanish Grand Prix blunder.The Dutchman cruised to his fifth win of the season on Sunday, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second and Russell crossing the line in third.
      Russell admitted a mid-race blunder to Verstappen in the cooldown roomCredit: Getty
      Verstappen found it hilarious
      After the race, the trio took to the cooldown room to discuss some key moments.
      And one particular comment from Russell appeared to give Verstappen the giggles.
      While most weather forecasts had threatened rain for the race, the circuit stayed dry throughout – much to the relief of all 20 drivers.
      However, at around lap 30 Russell began to worry about the weather.
      Read More on F1
      The 25-year-old informed his team that it had started to rain, but nobody else on the grid had reported it.
      A few laps later, he then admitted that it was actually SWEAT from the inside of his helmet.
      Over the Mercedes team radio, he said: “Is anyone else reporting rain? I think it’s sweat from the inside of my helmet.”
      To which somebody responded: “Sounds like it’s just you that’s reporting rain. I suspect it might be the sweat.”
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Russell referenced the blunder in his cooldown room conversation with Verstappen.
      He admitted: “I thought it was raining at one point but it was sweat under my visor!”
      Verstappen appeared to find it hilarious as he let out a bark of laughter.
      When speaking to the press after the race, Russell explained how he got mixed-up.
      He revealed: “I had my hair dangling down in the first stint. I didn’t quite get it in my balaclava and that was sort of annoying me because it was sort of in my peripheral vision.
      “And then as I was sweating, because it wasn’t in my balaclava, it was sort of dripping down onto my face.
      “And then when I was braking, it was coming onto my visor. So with the grey clouds, and then the sort of spots of water on the visor I thought it was rain so that was a bit of an embarrassing one, but moving on…”
      Verstappen won the Spanish GP to extend his lead at the top of the championshipCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton piles praise on Mick Schumacher for his huge role in Mercedes’ first double podium of 2023 at Spanish GP

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON reserved special praise for Mick Schumacher after Mercedes secured their first double podium of the season.Following upgrades brought in prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton and team-mate George Russell were able to show off what their newly-improved car can do in Barcelona yesterday.
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both secured a place on the podium in BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Mick Schumacher has drawn praise for his contributions as reserve driverCredit: Rex
      Hamilton, 38, rolled back the years to secure second place, while Russell finished third.
      After standing on the podium with Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton made sure to give Mercedes reserve driver Schumacher a mention.
      Sir Lewis said of the German: “He did a very good job in the simulator.
      “That played a part in the fact that we were able to perform like this today.”
      READ MORE ON F1
      Prior to arriving in Barcelona on Saturday, Schumacher was back at base in Brackley working in the simulator.
      According to Bild, Mercedes have been very pleased with the 24-year-old’s contributions as reserve driver this season.
      Schumacher, son of F1 icon Michael, was let go by Haas after two seasons at the end of last year but is hoping to return to the grid in 2024.
      He endured a difficult start to life In Formula 1, with Haas possessing an uncompetitive car in his first season – before a series of unfortunate incidents in his second.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Haas elected to replace him with veteran Nico Hulkenberg this term, with team principal Guenther Steiner complaining at the cost of damages caused by Schumacher’s crashes.
      The Italian revealed in his book that Schumacher’s various smashes had cost the team £1.7million, before adding: “We lose a car after five minutes and now have to build another.
      “I cannot have a driver who I am not confident can take a car around safely on a slow lap. It’s just f***ing ridiculous.”
      Bristling at one particular crash that cost £550k to repair, he added: “How many people could we employ with $700,000 (£550,000)?
      “And I have to now find that money.”
      There’s no love lost between Schumacher and Guenther SteinerCredit: AFP More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Ben Chilwell left in stitches as his mate ‘becomes famous’ with confused F1 fans at Spanish GP

      by

      CHELSEA defender Ben Chilwell was left in stitches after his friend was mistaken for a celebrity at the Spanish Grand Prix.The England star, 26, was in attendance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over the weekend with Blues team-mates Joao Felix, Reece James and Mason Mount.
      Chilwell’s friend posed for pictures with fansCredit: INSTAGRAM/BENCHILWELL
      Some fans had mistaken him for a celebrityCredit: INSTAGRAM/BENCHILWELL
      Chilwell’s friend, Harvey Diack, was also in Spain to enjoy the weekend with the stars.
      But, after the race, he got caught up in a group of fans.
      While Mount was posing for a photo with one person, another came over to ask his friend for a picture, mistaking him for a celebrity.
      Diack then went on to take pictures with two other fans before joking with Chilwell.
      Read More on Chelsea
      The Chelsea defender was quick to post the video on his Instagram story with a caption that read: “@HarveyDiack somehow became famous this weekend,” with a laughing emoji.
      Chilwell was questioned about the future of Mount, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, ahead of Sunday’s race.
      When speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s none of my business personally but he is my best mate so I would love him to stay.”
      Formula One presenter Martin Brundle then caught up with the pair when completing his grid-walk.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The 64-year-old attempted to ask Mount if he will leave Chelsea to join Manchester United this summer, to which the midfielder responded: “I’m here to just enjoy the race today.
      “Amazing day, I can’t wait to watch it.”
      Mount has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks.
      He reportedly agreed personal terms with Man Utd last week, but the Red Devils will have to fork out £70million plus add-ons if they want to secure his signature.
      Mount, Felix and Chilwell were all at the Spanish GPCredit: Getty
      James was also in attendanceCredit: Getty More