F1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      French GP qualifying results: Verstappen grabs pole with Hamilton 2nd as Schumacher crashes out after reaching first Q2

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN stormed to pole position at the French Grand Prix after holding off Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.The Dutch star, 23, recorded the only sub-1:30.00 lap to grab the top spot on the grid for Red Bull in Sunday’s race for the first time since the 2021 opener in Bahrain.
      Max Verstappen charged to his second pole of the season after holding off Lewis Hamilton to start at the front of the grid for Sunday’s French GPCredit: AP
      Mick Schumacher’s car was towed following his crash after securing his first-ever place in Q2Credit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton could only finish second behind Verstappen for Sunday’s race in FranceCredit: AFP
      Verstappen will now start on the front row alongside Hamilton, with Bottas and team-mate Perez in third and fourth respectively.
      Pierre Gasly took sixth place to split the two Ferraris, with Carlos Sainz enjoying a better afternoon than team-mate Charles Leclerc, who struggled in pursuit of a third straight pole.
      Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo completed the top ten after an exciting afternoon of racing at the Circuit Paul Ricard.
      Verstappen had gone quickest in Q1, marginally ahead of Hamilton, team-mate Perez and Bottas.
      But the big story came further down the grid, as Mick Schumacher reached Q2 for the first time in his fledgling career after finishing 14th.
      In a cruel twist of fate, though, the son of F1 legend Michael crashed having already set his Q1 time, with the red flag waved, cutting the session short.
      That meant Schumacher was unable to push for a spot in Q3, sitting out the second session and will start Sunday’s race in 15th.
      Yuki Tsunoda will start from the back of the grid after failing to set a time following a crash early in the session.
      Mick Schumacher had his car lifted off the track on a crane after crashing out late in Q1 having finished the session 14thCredit: Getty

      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

      Lance Stroll, Nikita Mazepin, Kimi Raikkonen and Nicholas Latifi also failed to make it to Q2.
      Joining Schumacher in not reaching Q3 were George Russell, Antonio Giovinazzi, Sebastian Vettel and Esteban Ocon after a much less eventful session.
      Mercedes stormed to the top two positions in Q2, with Bottas and Hamilton leading Red Bull pair Perez and Verstappen.
      But Verstappen ensured Mercedes didn’t secure their first pole since Spain after Ferrari’s recent dominance on Saturdays.
      In the process, the Dutch ace bagged Red Bull’s first top spot on the grid since he clinched the top spot for the opening race of the season in Bahrain.
      On his qualifying performance, Verstappen said: “So far it’s been a really positive weekend, on a track that is normally difficult for us.
      “To get pole position was really nice but we have to finish it off and get 25 points – which we lost in Baku.
      “Great promise from our side. The car felt good, so looking forward to it.”

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      Hamilton congratulated Verstappen for grabbing pole on a ‘tough’ weekend for Mercedes – but warned him the ‘rain master’ is coming for him should the wet weather arrive.
      The Brit said: “It’s been a really hard weekend trying to get the car into a happy place.
      “Going round and round, making so many changes since practice one – chasing our tail.
      “Congrats to Max, he did an an incredible job. I think they have a new engine and there’s a lot of time on the straights.
      “We’ll keep pushing, keep fighting and giving it everything.
      “Their long-run pace is a tenth or two quicker than us, but the car’s in a much different place now.
      “We’re going to fight for a chance into Turn One and there could be some interesting strategy tomorrow.
      “I think there could be some rain, so a chance to see the rain master.”

      Lewis Hamilton says winning a record-breaking eighth world championship will not determine whether he quits Formula One at the end of the year More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 French Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates ahead of qualifying – stream, TV channel, UK start time

      by

      THE FRENCH Grand Prix is HERE!Champion Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to bounce back with the Brit star slipping to four points behind leader Max Verstappen.

      Qualifying: 2pm today
      Race time: 2pm Sunday
      TV channel: Sky Sports F1

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      KERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
      Mercedes have complained that the Turn 2 yellow kerbs have caused ‘hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage ‘for going three feet wide’.
      The FIA will face questions over the issue following today’s running – and it would not be a surprise to see them ditched.
      Yet race director Michael Masi shot back over radio ‘it is more than three feet’ after Valtteri Bottas was among those running over the kerbs.
      LEW: I’M STRUGGLING
      Disgruntled Lewis Hamilton was third in today’s practice having swapped chassis with Valtteri Bottas and admitted he was struggling at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
      He said: “It was quite a struggle this week for everyone.
      “Maybe it was because the inflated tyres, which are higher than ever before and we are all sliding around.
      “I am looking at every option and we have made lots of changes and done a lot of analysis but we won’t know if that works until we go out in P3.”
      NORRIS REACTION
      Lando Norris was 10th fastest in practice today.
      Here’s what the Brit’s had to say…

      MORE GUENTHER, PLEASE
      Who doesn’t love some Guenther Steiner content after a long day or practice?
      It was another difficult afternoon for Haas, as Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin were the slowest drivers in practice.

      ALONSO REACTION
      It was a good day at the office today for Fernando Alonso, who was fourth fastest in practice…

      STROLL REACTION
      Lance Stroll has been reflecting on a disappointing day for Aston Martin…
      Feeling the heat. 🔥 Hear what @Lance_Stroll had to say about the first day of the #FrenchGP in our latest debrief.— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) June 18, 2021

      HAMILTON REACTION
      Disgruntled Lewis Hamilton was third in today’s practice having swapped chassis with Valtteri Bottas and admitted he was struggling at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
      He said: “It was quite a struggle this week for everyone.
      “Maybe it was because the inflated tyres, which are higher than ever before and we are all sliding around.
      “I am looking at every option and we have made lots of changes and done a lot of analysis but we won’t know if that works until we go out in P3.”
      FROM BAD TO VERS
      Max Verstappen set the pace in practice for the French GP – with Valtteri Bottas breathing down his neck.
      The Red Bull man, who leads the drivers’ championship from Lewis Hamilton, was just 0.008 seconds quicker than under-fire Bottas.
      Bottas said: “I am confident with the car and I can trust it as well. It is going to be close.
      “We were expecting Red Bull to be strong. I am sure they have much more to come and so do we.”
      GEARED UP
      England’s players have been revved up to face Scotland on Friday – by trying to beat F1 ace, Lando Norris on a simulator.
      McLaren star Norris revealed that he has been messaged by players who are trying to beat his benchmark time for a lap of Brands Hatch, set on a computer at England’s training camp at St George’s Park.
      Norris said: “I am supporting England and speak to some of the guys. Mason [Mount] sent me a jersey to wear, which I will be wearing.
      “I know a lot of them are motorsport fans too, who want to come to some of the races when they can.
      “They have two simulators installed by my brother at Cool Performance, so they are doing hot laps of Brands Hatch when they are resting in between training.
      “I know they are trying to beat my lap time I did for Brands. I don’t think any of them have done it yet. I know Mason messaged me to say he is trying hard to beat me.”

      ALP-FINE
      Fernando Alonso was the fourth fastest in practice today.
      The two-time world champion is yet to finish better than P6 this season and will be hoping to continue his good form heading into the weekend.
      Can he get a first F1 podium for Alpine?
      RICCIARDO’S STRUGGLES CONTINUE
      It was another bad day for Daniel Ricciardo in practice.
      He was the 14th fastest, four places behind McLaren team-mate Lando Norris.
      He’s finished in P7, P6, P9, P6, P12 and P9 in the first six races of the season.
      Can the 31-year-old turn his form around in France?
      SHOCKER FOR ASTON MARTIN
      Aston Martin did not have a good FP2 ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix.
      Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll were 15th and 16th fastest, with only the Williams and Haas drivers going slower.
      It’s a far cry from two weeks ago, when Vettel finished P2 at the Azerbaijan GP.
      FINAL STANDINGS IN FP2

      KERBS CAUSING CHAOS
      Final element from FP2 is that Red Bull have asked to remove the kerbs that cost Verstappen some bodywork at Turn 2.
      A frank exchange between the team and race director, Michael Masi.
      Red Bull: “It is a huge penalty for going wide – penalty is around £100,000.”
      Masi: “Teams have asked for physical limits, they were there in 2019…I will have a look at it”.
      FP3 IS DONE
      Verstappen leads and looks good.Bottas looks inspired and revived.Hamilton unhappy in third place and said so.Alonso a surprise in P4 but getting up to speed for Alpine.
      BOTTAS IS LOOKING STRONG IN FRANCE
      And boys does he need it. Questions about his future. Two races with no points. Down in sixth place in the championship.
      He knows he needs a win this weekend before the pressure builds.
      VERSTAPPEN TOPS FP2 PEREZ IN 12TH

      ALONSO REDISCOVERING FORM
      It has not been the return to F1 he wanted, as he has been soundly beaten by his teammate. But there are signs he is getting back up to speed.

      HAMILTON UNHAPPY
      He radios his team and says: “There is something not right with the car, man!”
      BOTTAS STILL LEADS HAMILTON
      Remember, there was that curious decision from Mercedes to swap their chassis over for this race.
      Unusual to do it. Even more strange to announce it. Perhaps a way to show there is no preferred driver? Or to give under performing Bottas a lift?
      CHARLES LECLERC GOING FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE POLES
      But this could be one race too much. Ferrari were fortunate in Monaco and Azerbaijan, but they are off the pace in France so far.
      They have some work to do if they are to catch the Mercs and Red Bull.

      BITS FALLING OFF VERSTAPPEN’S CAR
      He runs over the kerbs and a part breaks off. Red Bull immediately radio race control to request the part is returned to the garage.
      That’s Red Bull wanting to protect their upgrades from prying eyes and to reattach it to Verstappen’s car.

      SPIN FOR MAZEPIN
      Death, taxes and spins for the Russian, as the Haas driver loses grip and slides around.
      DIZZYING PAINT WORK AT PAUL RICARD
      The red, white and blue painted lines is all rather striking but this track has so far served up two dull races in 2018 and 2019.
      Both of those won by Lewis Hamilton, who is going in search of his hatrick.
      FP2 IS GO IN FRANCE
      It was a Merc 1-2 in the morning session. Can Red Bull find a way back?
      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen sets fastest pace in French Grand Prix final practice with Lewis Hamilton back in third behind Bottas

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN set the pace in practice for the French GP – with Valtteri Bottas breathing down his neck.The Red Bull man, who leads the drivers’ championship from Lewis Hamilton, was just 0.008 seconds quicker than under-fire Bottas.
      Red Bull ace Max Verstappen is well placed to boost his title lead, but Lewis Hamilton was slower than Mercedes team-mate Valtteri BottasCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes are pondering ‘every option, to try to solve their problems after practice in FranceCredit: Getty
      Disgruntled Hamilton was third having swapped chassis with Bottas and admitted he was struggling at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
      He said: “It was quite a struggle this week for everyone.
      “Maybe it was because the inflated tyres, which are higher than ever before and we are all sliding around.
      “I am looking at every option and we have made lots of changes and done a lot of analysis but we won’t know if that works until we go out in P3.”
      Bottas, who has Hamilton’s chassis from Baku, added: “It is hard to say it is chassis or the track but there is a lot better feeling than two weeks ago.
      “We have started on the right foot and I feel pretty comfortable.
      “The balance is good and the tyres are working well.
      “I am confident with the car and I can trust it as well. It is going to be close.
      “We were expecting Red Bull to be strong. I am sure they have much more to come and so do we.”

      Royal Ascot special 🏇🎩

      Meanwhile, Merc boss Toto Wolff played down the suggestion that Hamilton and Bottas’s performance has swapped as a result of the chassis change.
      He said: “We swap parts around all the time and it is part of our planning.
      “It is good to get the feedback but we have a spare chassis, which is a new one, we can always use that.”
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Lewis Hamilton says winning a record-breaking eighth world championship will not determine whether he quits Formula One at the end of the year More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 French Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates as practice gets UNDERWAY – stream, TV channel, UK start time

      by

      THE FRENCH Grand Prix is HERE!Champion Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to bounce back with the Brit star slipping to four points behind leader Max Verstappen.

      Start times: Practice sessions from 10.30am BST today
      Qualifying: 2pm tomorrow
      Race time: 2pm Sunday
      TV channel: Sky Sports F1

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs SCOTLAND BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      RICCIARDO’S STRUGGLES CONTINUE
      It was another bad day for Daniel Ricciardo in practice.
      He was the 14th fastest, four places behind McLaren team-mate Lando Norris.
      He’s finished in P7, P6, P9, P6, P12 and P9 in the first six races of the season.
      Can the 31-year-old turn his form around in France?
      SHOCKER FOR ASTON MARTIN
      Aston Martin did not have a good FP2 ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix.
      Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll were 15th and 16th fastest, with only the Williams and Haas drivers going slower.
      It’s a far cry from two weeks ago, when Vettel finished P2 at the Azerbaijan GP.
      FINAL STANDINGS IN FP2

      KERBS CAUSING CHAOS
      Final element from FP2 is that Red Bull have asked to remove the kerbs that cost Verstappen some bodywork at Turn 2.
      A frank exchange between the team and race director, Michael Masi.
      Red Bull: “It is a huge penalty for going wide – penalty is around £100,000.”
      Masi: “Teams have asked for physical limits, they were there in 2019…I will have a look at it”.
      FP3 IS DONE
      Verstappen leads and looks good.Bottas looks inspired and revived.Hamilton unhappy in third place and said so.Alonso a surprise in P4 but getting up to speed for Alpine.
      BOTTAS IS LOOKING STRONG IN FRANCE
      And boys does he need it. Questions about his future. Two races with no points. Down in sixth place in the championship.
      He knows he needs a win this weekend before the pressure builds.
      VERSTAPPEN TOPS FP2 PEREZ IN 12TH

      ALONSO REDISCOVERING FORM
      It has not been the return to F1 he wanted, as he has been soundly beaten by his teammate. But there are signs he is getting back up to speed.

      HAMILTON UNHAPPY
      He radios his team and says: “There is something not right with the car, man!”
      BOTTAS STILL LEADS HAMILTON
      Remember, there was that curious decision from Mercedes to swap their chassis over for this race.
      Unusual to do it. Even more strange to announce it. Perhaps a way to show there is no preferred driver? Or to give under performing Bottas a lift?
      CHARLES LECLERC GOING FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE POLES
      But this could be one race too much. Ferrari were fortunate in Monaco and Azerbaijan, but they are off the pace in France so far.
      They have some work to do if they are to catch the Mercs and Red Bull.

      BITS FALLING OFF VERSTAPPEN’S CAR
      He runs over the kerbs and a part breaks off. Red Bull immediately radio race control to request the part is returned to the garage.
      That’s Red Bull wanting to protect their upgrades from prying eyes and to reattach it to Verstappen’s car.

      SPIN FOR MAZEPIN
      Death, taxes and spins for the Russian, as the Haas driver loses grip and slides around.
      DIZZYING PAINT WORK AT PAUL RICARD
      The red, white and blue painted lines is all rather striking but this track has so far served up two dull races in 2018 and 2019.
      Both of those won by Lewis Hamilton, who is going in search of his hatrick.
      FP2 IS GO IN FRANCE
      It was a Merc 1-2 in the morning session. Can Red Bull find a way back?
      DEFLATEGATE
      Lewis Hamilton’s rivalry with Max Verstappen has blown up with F1’s very own deflategate.
      Verstappen was sent crashing out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when his tyre burst without warning, sending him into a wall at 200mph.
      And Hamilton said: “Every weekend whenever there is a failure, they always put the pressures up – so that tells you something.
      “More often than not, [it’s] that the tyres are not being run at the pressures that are being asked. We didn’t have a problem with our tyres.
      “I think Pirelli have done a great job with the tyres this year, they’re more robust than before, and I think in this particular instance, I don’t think Pirelli are at fault.”
      But Verstappen shot back: “The only thing I can say is from our side the team did everything like they should have done. Pirelli cannot put the blame on us, and I think they have to look at themselves.”
      ALL EYES ON PIRELLI
      A major subplot following Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll’s crashes in Baku has been the Pirelli tyre failures that caused them.
      Both the teams and tyre manufacturer claim no fault in the high-speed smashes with Pirelli blaming lower pressures and errors in data simulations.
      Pirelli’s head of F1 and car racing Mario Isola said: “What happened in Baku is simply that the running conditions expected were different compared to the actual running conditions – and that created the failure.
      “When you have a lot of energy going into the tyres, with the pressure that is lower compared to the expectation, the result is that on the sidewall you have what we call standing waves.
      “Standing waves are putting a lot of energy into the inside shoulder of the tyre. And, at a certain point, the tyre breaks. That is what happened, and the reason why we had this situation in Baku.”
      LEW-SING OUT
      Lewis Hamilton has stated that Mercedes will look for a ‘long-term’ solution to the error that ended his Azerbaijan Grand Prix hopes.
      The Brit knocked his ‘magic’ steering wheel button that severely reduced his brakes at the restart in Baku, and moving the feature around the pad is no quick fix.
      Hamilton said: “I don’t even count it as a mistake.
      “You can’t always be perfect [but] a mistake is where you drive off the track through missing your braking point or hitting the wall. 
      “But it was an unforced error, really something we had that was sitting there that could have happened at any point and it unfortunately bit us pretty hard. But we learned from the experience and we move forwards.”
      SET YOUR WATCH
      The second and final session of the day gets underway in just over an hour from southern France.
      Stay with us for FP2 at 2pm.
      GROSJEAN KO
      Romain Grosjean was set to run this weekend in a Mercedes for an emotional final outing in an F1 car.
      The Frenchman missed the final weeks of last year when his Haas car was involved in a terrifying fireball crash in Bahrain.
      And he had been given the chance to enjoy a test with the Mercs at Circuit Paul Ricard.
      Yet Covid quarantine regulations and travel restrictions has meant a delay, with the team restating their commitment to giving Grosjean a proper send-off.
      VETTEL’S SPIN
      It was a rather hairy first practice in Le Castellet and chief among the incidents was Sebastian Vettel’s collision with the wall at Turn 10.

      TOP TEN IN FP1
      1. BOT – 1:33.4482. HAM – Three tenths back3. VER – Unable to put in clean hot lap on Softs4. PER – 1:34.193 on Hard tyre5. OCO – Joint-most laps on 25 with Perez6. RIC7. ALO8. GAS9. NOR10. TSU
      Credit: AP
      CHEQUERED FLAG
      That is the end of the first session and Mercedes will be quietly pleased with a one-two on the timesheets.
      Plenty more running to come and there is a strong feeling that those Red Bulls have a lot left in the tank.
      VERSTAPPEN GOES WIDE
      In chasing the FP1 honour, Max Verstappen has to bail at Turn 1.
      Mind you, no one has won the race after ‘winning’ first practice this season, so it’s maybe not the most prestigious of gongs…
      OCON ON FORM
      Esteban Ocon celebrating his new contract with Alpine and is sitting above Fernando Alonso after a quick lap.
      The Frenchman is fifth with Daniel Ricciardo, who really needs a good weekend, sixth.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton’s rivalry with Max Verstappen blows up as pair row over Pirelli tyre failures in Azerbaijan GP

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’s rivalry with Max Verstappen has blown up with F1’s very own deflategate.Verstappen was sent crashing out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when his tyre burst without warning, sending him into a wall at 200mph.
      Hamilton and Verstappen are fierce rivalsCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      Red Bull say they adhered to all the guidelinesCredit: RUETERS
      Tyre suppliers Pirelli say their investigation found no fault with the tyre and blamed “running conditions”, with the FIA responding by ramping up tyre pressures and checks for this weekend’s French GP.
      And while Red Bull say they adhered to all the guidelines, Hamilton cryptically suggested the problem WAS caused by Verstappen running lower pressures for more grip.
      And the world champion, who is second in the standings behind Verstappen, called on F1’s governing body to start policing it.
      He said: “Every weekend whenever there is a failure, they always put the pressures up – so that tells you something.
      “More often than not, [it’s] that the tyres are not being run at the pressures that are being asked. We didn’t have a problem with our tyres.
      “I think Pirelli have done a great job with the tyres this year, they’re more robust than before, and I think in this particular instance, I don’t think Pirelli are at fault.
      “At the end of the day, safety is always the priority and for me and for my team, there have been clear rules and guidelines as to where we have to operate.
      “So I was very surprised to see that [the FIA] had to clarify those, which obviously, you can take what you want from that.
      Royal Ascot special 🏇🎩

      “I’m happy that they have acknowledged that they need to clarify it but what’s really, really important from now is how they police it, because they’ve not been policing how the tyres are being used, tyre pressures, tyre temperatures, and we need to do better.
      “We need to see them really follow through and be really vigilant to make sure that it’s equal across the field.”
      Meanwhile, Verstappen hit back at his claim and adamant that Red Bull did nothing and that Pirelli should “look at themselves”.
      He added: “The only thing I can say is from our side the team did everything like they should have done. They followed all the guidelines with tyre pressures and stuff, so there was nothing to be found there.
      “[Pirelli] cannot put the blame on us, and I think they have to look at themselves.”
      Lewis Hamilton says winning a record-breaking eighth world championship will not determine whether he quits Formula One at the end of the year More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 French Grand Prix practice: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and race schedule from Circuit Paul Ricard

      by

      F1 heads to France with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen almost inseparable at the top of the world championship standings.In an incredible race in Azerbaijan, both drivers crashed out in the final three laps with victory in their grasp.
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen take their fight to France
      And that allowed Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez to pick up only a second ever race win.
      Following the race in Baku, Verstappen remains first in the world championship on 105 points, four points ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
      What time does the F1 French Grand Prix practice start?

      The F1 French Grand Prix race weekend takes place from Friday, June 18 to Sunday, June 20.
      FP1 in France commences at 10.30am UK time.
      This will be followed by FP2 at 2pm UK time.

      What TV channel is the F1 French Grand Prix practice on and can I live stream it?

      The F1 French Grand Prix is live on Sky Sports F1.
      Coverage commences at 10am on Friday, 10.45am on Saturday and 12.30pm on Sunday.
      To stream the race live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      F1 French Grand Prix schedule
      Friday

      Free Practice One (10.30am)
      Free Practice Two (2pm)

      Saturday

      Free Practice Three (11am)
      Qualifying (2pm)

      Sunday

      Race (2pm) More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      George Russell ‘enjoying the curiosity’ of speculation he will be named as Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL is “enjoying the curiosity” of speculation that he will be named as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate next season.The Brit is effectively on loan at Williams from Mercedes but his contract – along with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas – is up in December.
      Russell is on loan at Williams from MercedesCredit: REUTERS
      Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton could have Russell as a team-mateCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      The 23-year-old is expected to replace the under-performing Finn but as yet says he has received no contract from Merc boss Toto Wolff.
      He said: “Obviously I’m aware of all of the speculation but right now I’m just enjoying driving race by race.
      “I want to get my future nailed down at some point. I’m just focused on this weekend, the French Grand Prix and then into Austria.
      “The summer break is usually when these things sort of happen. For most people the summer break is where you get things set in stone.
      “I’m just focused race by race and just enjoying the curiosity of what’s to come. It’s sometimes exciting not knowing what the future holds.”

      Royal Ascot special 🏇🎩

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info

      While Russell might be enjoying the unknown, Bottas is trying not to get sidetracked by the speculation about his future.
      When quizzed by SunSport if he expects to remain with the team next season, he said: “My gut feeling at the moment? I haven’t really allowed myself to think about that too much, because that can become a distraction, I’ve learned that.
      “So it will come at some point. And so, for now the gut is not saying anything. I just want to win races and get the results that I’m aiming for.”
      Lewis Hamilton says winning a record-breaking eighth world championship will not determine whether he quits Formula One at the end of the year More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      England stars preparing to face Scotland in Euro 2020 by taking on Lando Norris on F1 simulator

      by

      ENGLAND’s players have been revved up to face Scotland on Friday – by trying to beat F1 ace, Lando Norris on a simulator.McLaren star Norris revealed that he has been messaged by players who are trying to beat his benchmark time for a lap of Brands Hatch, set on a computer at England’s training camp at St George’s Park.
      England stars, including Mason Mount, are using their spare time to race Lando NorrisCredit: PA
      Lando Norris revealed Three Lions star Mason Mount has sent him an England shirtCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount is one player who has been in contact with Norris and the two have struck up a friendship, with the Chelsea midfielder sending him an England shirt to wear for tonight’s game.
      Norris said: “I am supporting England and speak to some of the guys. Mason sent me a jersey to wear, which I will be wearing.
      “I know a lot of them are motorsport fans too, who want to come to some of the races when they can.
      “They have two simulators installed by my brother at Cool Performance, so they are doing hot laps of Brands Hatch when they are resting in between training.
      “I know they are trying to beat my lap time I did for Brands. I don’t think any of them have done it yet. I know Mason messaged me to say he is trying hard to beat me.”
      Bristol-born Norris says he grew up supporting his local side Bristol City and says he wants the Three Lions to beat Germany in the Euros – so he can taunt his German boss, Andreas Seidl.
      England have a F1 simulator at their St George’s baseCredit: Alamy

      He added: “Andreas is a hardcore Germany supporter, probably the biggest football fanatic in the paddock.
      “So I really hope England get to go against Germany and smash them, so I can laugh at Andreas. That would make my year if that happened!”
      Norris is currently fourth in the driver standings on 66 points, three behind Sergio Perez.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England train on the eve of the Euro 2020 match with Scotland More