F1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen’s dad Jos to hold talks with Mercedes after Miami GP as Red Bull star lined up to replace Lewis Hamilton

      by

      SOURCES in Germany say that Max Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Verstappen’s dad, Jos, and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the F1 team; Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Max Verstappen is set to hold talks with Mercedes after the Miami GPCredit: ReutersA meeting is set to take place with Verstappen’s team and senior Mercedes figures including Toto WolffCredit: GettyWolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Verstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Christian Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.Verstappen Sr has admitted they are considering the three-time champion’s options before the 2026 regulation change. READ MORE IN F1Speaking during the Rally de Wallonie, via RacingNews365, he said: “I think everyone wants him, only I think Max is right for the moment.”He has a fast car, but we also have to look further to 2026, so we are letting everything come to us at the moment. We stay very calm and see what will happen.”WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      On talk of signing Verstappen, Wolff said in Shanghai, China: “There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining.”Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say: ‘That’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’. But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think, for simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that’s it but maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that.”In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don’t think it’s a matter of convincing. The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him.”I think a few factors play a role, but he’s the one that is going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterward. Everybody is waiting for what he’s going to do.”The Horner-storm which has surrounded the team has been cited as a key factor in reports suggesting car designer Adrian Newey could leave the team amid heavy links to Ferrari and Aston Martin.The internal power struggle at the team also saw advisor Helmut Marko placed under investigation, which is said to have left Verstappen angered and ready to leave if Marko was axed. Jos Verstappen, right, has previously hinted at his son leaving Red BullCredit: PAVerstappen threw his support behind his dad and advisor Helmut Marko when the latter’s job appeared to be threatened earlier this seasonCredit: GettyCare designer Adrian Newey is said to have been left uncomfortable following the Christian Horner storm earlier this seasonCredit: PAVerstappen said at the time: “I am loyal to Helmut. “He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”British racing icon Johnny Herbert then suggested a Verstappen-Mercedes deal was edging closer last month. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told The Sun: “They’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.”Nico Hulkenberg is the latest F1 star to confirm their position on the grid next season after picking up a seat with Sauber, opening the door for Haas to sign Brit teen Oliver Bearman.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      British F1 wonderkid Oliver Bearman, 18, lined up for 2025 seat after breakthrough year to replace fan-favourite racer

      by

      BRITISH wonderkid Oliver Bearman looks set to earn a seat with Haas for the 2025 Formula 1 season, according to reports.The 18-year-old impressed on his F1 debut in Saudi Arabia last month as he finished a highly respectable seventh after being handed an opportunity with Ferrari when Carlos Sainz was ruled out with appendicitis.Oliver Bearman could land a seat for the 2025 Formula 1 seasonCredit: GettyNico Hulkenberg will leave Haas for Stake at the end of the seasonCredit: SplashThat caught the attention of the paddock as the teenager put himself in the frame to be considered for a permanent seat next year.And according to The Times he is now the frontrunner to replace Nico Hulkenberg, 36, at Haas after it was confirmed the fan-favourite will be leaving at the end of the 2024 campaign.It comes after SunSport exclusively tipped Bearman to join the team back in March.Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, who was alerted to Bearman’s quality by his performance in Saudi, will give the Chelmsford-born star six practice sessions in their car this season.READ MORE ON OLIVER BEARMANHe is also the favourite to succeed Hulkenberg – who has signed a multi-year deal with Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.Stake will become Audi in 2026.An announcement about Bearman to Haas is not expected in the near-future.Bearman has been tipped as a future star after winning the F4 series in both Italy and Germany in 2021.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe sixth race of the season is the Miami Grand Prix on May 5After climbing up to F3, the teen sensation finished third and was then promoted to F2 last year with Prema Racing.He has driven four of the six F2 races so far this season, achieving a best finish of ninth place.Meanwhile, there are a number of other driver moves being mooted for 2025.Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, seals impressive 7th in first ever GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi ArabiaRed Bull are keeping tabs on Sainz as he prepares to lose his seat at Ferrari to Lewis Hamilton, although the constructors champions would rather keep hold of Sergio Perez providing he maintains his level.Hulkenberg will replace either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu at Stake, meaning one of them need to find a seat for next season.Mercedes are also understood to be keen on bringing in world champion Max Verstappen by 2026.Bearman impressed in Saudi Arabia as he claimed seventh place on his F1 debutCredit: AFP More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      Red Bull supremo set to QUIT F1 team over Christian Horner sexting scandal in huge blow with rivals ready to pounce

      by

      RED BULL design chief Adrian Newey is set to leave the team following the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.The BBC have reported that Newey has informed Red Bull that he wants to move on after almost 20 years with the team.Adrian Newey is set to step down from Red BullCredit: GettyNewey’s exit is reportedly rooted from the controversy surrounding Christian HornerCredit: GettyNewey, 65, is said to be “unsettled” by the situation at Red Bull in the wake of Horner’s sexting scandal.And it is reported that his decision to call an end to his time with Red Bull can be traced back to the situation involving Horner.Red Bull cleared Horner of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation into alleged sexual harassment and coercive and abusive behaviour by a female employee.The unnamed complainant has since been suspended by the team and has launched an appeal against the decision.READ MORE ON F1Newey’s seemingly forthcoming exit will reignite rumours around a switch to another major F1 team.The Brit, who has won 12 World Constructors’ titles, has been linked with a move to Ferrari and is understood to have previously received an offer from Aston Martin.Newey is under contract with Red Bull until 2025 but the BBC claim that he believes he can negotiate a deal that would see him work for another team from next season.It would be a huge blow for Red Bull to lose Newey who is regarded as one of the best designers in the history of F1.Most read in MotorsportWhile many consider the former McLaren designer as the brains behind the dominance and success that Red Bull have experienced over recent years.Red Bull have seen an internal power battle crop up following Horner’s controversy.The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyThere has been widespread concern over the future of Max Verstappen who is also said to be unnerved by the situation.Speaking at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend Verstappen discussed his desire to keep the chiefs at Red Bull in place and keep a “peaceful environment”.The star, who is contracted until 2028, said: “I signed a long deal with team.”The only thing I said from the beginning is we want to have a peaceful environment, lately we have been talking about the car. “I am happy about that, I am happy with the team and there has never been a reason to leave.”Who is Adrian Newey?
      Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Ferrari to DITCH iconic red livery for their F1 cars at Miami GP for ‘fresh and unexpected colours’

      by

      FERRARI will embrace a new look and ditch their iconic red for the Miami Grand Prix next month in favour of some “fresh and unexpected colours”.The Prancing Horse cars will instead be adorned with the colour blue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari making their mark in North America.Ferrari will ditch their red livery for the Miami Grand Prix in MayCredit: RexThe red livery won’t be gone forever though with the change just a one-off in celebration of the milestone.The design change will see two different shades of blue used on the vehicles with Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino taking the place of the traditional Rosso Corsa that can be found on the cars.The Scuderia have carefully picked the two colours to represent their history with meaning behind the specific shades.Azzuro La Plata is a lighter blue which is said to hark back to the colour worn by legendary driver Alberto Ascari during his 1952 and 1953 world Formula One titles for Ferrari.READ MORE IN F1While Azzurro Dino is a darker blue which is said to be a nod to the colours first worn by Ferrari in 1974 when five-time Grand Prix winner Clay Rega donned the shade before the team returned to their iconic red.The dual colour livery will be plastered all over the SF-24 car when Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz take to the track in Miami on May 5.While the pair, currently third and fourth in the driver’s standings, will also wear light blue racing suits as they lap round the Miami International Autodrome.There is yet to be an official announcement of a launch date for the car’s unveiling but it is set to be revealed in the build-up to the Florida race.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFerrari have also teased a collection of merchandise to go with the shake up in an Instagram post featuring both Leclerc and Sainz sporting the colours.The Scuderia switched things up with a red and white livery at the Las Vegas GP last season too.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsBut this will be the first time they have ditched the red altogether since 1964, when it was replaced by a white and blue livery for the final two rounds of the championship.Ferrari have previously used blue on their carsCredit: Getty🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Christian Horner accuser quizzed by investigators over ‘sexting scandal’ after launching appeal against Red Bull probe

      by

      THE woman at the centre of the Christian Horner sexting scandal has been grilled by investigators.She was quizzed after contesting the findings of the original investigation when her complaint against the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 boss was dismissed.The woman at the centre of the Christian Horner sexting scandal has been quizzedCredit: RexHorner is married to ex-Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyHorner and Geri at recent point-to-point races as they try to get their lives back on track and leave the accusations in the pastCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5LK-oooIVd/?img_index=1The unnamed woman, who has been suspended from her job at the team’s UK headquarters, has challenged the independent report into her claims.The new KC-led internal probe is expected to last until mid-May, sources said.A source said: “The KC leading the appeal process had hoped to interview her sooner, but there was an unavoidable delay.“A lot of work has gone into the appeal already. But her evidence will obviously form a substantial part of the new investigation.Read more on Horner“It’s important to get it right.”Her latest testimony could also result in investigators wanting to speak to the F1 chief – married to ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – all over again.“It is possible Christian may be asked further questions in light of anything new she has to say,” the source continued.“He has co-operated fully throughout and will continue to do so.”Most read in MotorsportThis could potentially reopen wounds for Horner and his wife as they attempt to move on from the drama and live a normal yet lavish life.The woman originally accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour back in February as the bombshell accusations rocked the sporting world.Ben Hunt gives update Christian Horner sexting accuser is SUSPENDED by Red Bull after Geri Halliwell’s demands she be ‘out of the picture’She claims he sent her hundreds of “sexually suggestive” texts.At the end of February, these alleged texts from Horner were leaked to journalists and F1 bosses.Horner has always denied the claims of inappropriate behaviour and described the text leaks as “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.On March 7, the woman was suspended on full pay from Red Bull HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”The reasons allegedly given to her were that she appeared dishonest owing to inconsistencies in the evidence she had provided.She went on to file a grievance with the FIA and its ethics committee, says a source.They revealed: “She has not been allowed to see the whole of the report which cleared Horner and has no clarity as to why the inquiry reached its decision.”The woman was also said to have been “disappointed” and “unsupported” by Red Bull.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeri, who partied at Victoria Beckham’s 50th at the weekend, is standing by her husband and has done the entire time.Horner, who has saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife throughout the investigation, has made it clear he wanted to “draw a line” under the scandal as soon as the final decision was declared. 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 female employee.
      MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
      MAR 17: Horner, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen agree to a ‘public ceasefire’.
      APR 23: Female accuser gets quizzed by investigators over claims

      The new internal probe is expected to last until mid-May, sources saidCredit: GettyHorner could be made to speak to investigators again over the claimsCredit: GettyHorner with star driver Max Verstappen after a dominant race win in China for the championship chasing DutchmanCredit: PA More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 ‘could introduce major rule change for 2025 season’ in bid to help teams outside ‘Big Five’ teams

      by

      FORMULA ONE are set to introduce a new points system next season that will boost competition on the track.The likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been been dominating F1 for a great part of the last few years.Formula One will introduce a new points system for the top 12, instead of the top 10Credit: SplashThat will create more competition for the Big Five, including FerrariCredit: RexBut racing chiefs are considering a new rule that will create a more equal competition between the Big Five and smaller teams.According to Bild, points will be awarded to the 12 best drivers from 2025 onwards.That will see more F1 teams reaping the rewards rather than just the top 10.The amount of points earned will remain the same for the top 7 as they will be gaining 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, eight and six – in that order.Read More on F1However, come next year, eighth place will lead to five points – one more than it used to be – ninth doubles to four points while 10th will become three instead of one.And 11th and 12th place will earn drivers two and one points respectively.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken in favour of that initiative.Horner said: “The competition is tough. Two groups have formed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”There are the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth place.“There is a fight for every single point.Kay Adams pretends to faint live on her show after Darius Butler delivers ‘huge’ F1 news like to ‘Tom Brady to Cowboys’Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

      “But in the end you have to ask yourself what it would really change.”I’m completely impartial. But of course, points bring money. So I understand the concern.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Mechanic left ‘bashed up and bruised’ after he was hit by driver Pierre Gasly at the Chinese Grand Prix

      by

      A FORMULA ONE mechanic was knocked to the floor after a pit stop blunder.Alpine driver Pierre Gasly pulled in for a tyre change 12 laps into the Chinese Grand Prix.A mechanic was knocked to the floor as Pierre Gasly tried to set offCredit: F1TVThe wheel was not screwed on properly and fell offCredit: F1TVAlpine’s mechanic fell to the floorCredit: F1TVBut as the Frenchman went to pull away – disaster struck as one of the wheels was not attached properly.It led to the tyre coming off the car and hitting one of the mechanics.The Alpine staff member was knocked to the floor in worrying scenes.His colleagues rushed to put the wheel back on but the delay saw Gasly stay in the pits for close to 20 seconds.READ MORE IN SPORTSky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz later revealed the mechanic was left “bashed and bruised” by the incident but sustained no serious injury.Gasly finished the race in 13th and was heard later on the team radio asking if his colleague was okay. Max Verstappen continued his dominance, winning his fourth race of the season.McLaren’s Lando Norris came home in second.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez completed the podium.Lewis Hamilton had a disastrous qualifying session yesterday in his Mercedes and started from 18th on the grid.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramBut he was able to climb up and finish in ninth place. Pierre Gasly finished 13th at the Chinese GPCredit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Daniel Ricciardo says Lance Stroll makes ‘his blood boil’ after crash that sent Aussie out of Chinese GP

      by

      DANIEL RICCIARDO was left seething at Lance Stroll claiming the Canadian made “his blood boil”.Stroll clattered into the back of Ricciardo’s RB to send the Aussie out of the Chinese GP.Daniel Ricciardo has claimed Lance Stroll makes ‘his blood boil’Credit: GettyStroll crashed into Ricciardo during Sunday’s Chinese Grand PrixCredit: EPATo make matters worse, the incident happened behind the safety car when Stroll lost his concentration.It was another error from Stroll, who was slapped with a 10-second penalty by the race stewards for causing the collision.Ricciardo fumed: “Maybe in an hour, when he sees it, he might take some accountability. But if he doesn’t, I can’t help him, nor can anyone.”It’s so frustrating. Obviously, racing incidents happen, but behind a safety car, that should never happen.READ MORE IN SPORT”What made my blood boil is I watched his onboard, to just see it from his perspective.”And as soon as we start braking, you can see his helmet turn right and he’s looking at the apex of Turn 14, he’s not even watching me.”And then when he looks back, he’s in the back of me.”I don’t know what he’s doing, where his head is, but all he has to do is worry about me in that situation, and he clearly wasn’t.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Let’s see what he says in the media, but if he comes after me, then I’ll say more…”Ricciardo’s rage reignited after he heard Stroll whining about his penalty and later added: “I’d slowly started to calm down, and then I was told what Lance thinks of the incident.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”Apparently, I’m an idiot, and it was my fault. That made my blood boil, because it’s clear as day and it’s also behind a safety car.”The only thing you’ve got to do is watch the car in front. We can’t predict what the leader’s gonna do. The race doesn’t start until the control line.”I’m doing my best not to say what I want to say, but f*** that guy. And I’m being nice, too! But if that’s what he thinks…”Stroll tried to backtrack later on and insisted his “idiot” comments were not aimed at Ricciardo specifically.”I don’t think it was him,” Stroll said. “Everyone just slammed on the brakes and he was the guy in front of me.”So I don’t think he slammed on the brakes, It was a concertina effect.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More