F1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      George Russell BEATS Lewis Hamilton in F1 Belgian Grand Prix after dramatic late battle with incredible strategy

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL completed his redemption by battling to a shock victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Mercedes man said: “Amazing strategy, you guys are the best” after he fought from sixth in the grid to first after a lacklustre qualifying session. George Russell pipped Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian GPCredit: APRussell’s one-stop strategy paid dividendsCredit: ReutersHamilton led the race from lap three after overtaking future Ferrari team-mate Charles LeclercCredit: AFPMercedes boss Toto Wolff labelled Russell the “tyre whisperer” after the race, given he endured a whopping 34 laps on his tyres before crossing the line. It will be extra special for the British 26-year-old given his petrol nightmare in Hungary when he ran out of fuel in qualifying, leaving him starting in 17th, and having to reitre his car in Silverstone before that. It will be a tough one to take for Hamilton who was snapping at the heels of his teammate by half a second until the very end as Oscar Piastri settled for third. . The seven-time world champion had not won a race for all of last season but has come alive since Barcelona.READ MORE IN F1He nabbed his first podium of the year in Spain with a third-place finish before his Silverstone heroics. Hamilton enjoyed a blistering start in his Mercedes, overtaking Sergio Perez on the first-lap. The seven-time world champion then eased past Charles Leclerc and into the lead on lap three. Lando Norris suffered another miserable start as he slipped from fourth into seventh. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBy lap 22 Max Verstappen was battling with his old pal Norris, having bulldozed away from starting in 11th place due to a grid penalty. Small mistakes hurt Norris throughout who had a go at overtaking the Dutchman into the final chicane of lap 24 but locked up and veered off the track. Watch Rowan Atkinson ‘do Martin Brundle impression to Martin Brundle’ without Sky Sports F1 reporter having a clueRussell led the charge with eight laps to go but Hamilton was chipping away at his teammate in second. Oscar Piastri danced around the outside of Leclerc to take third-place as he trailed Hamilton by five seconds on lap 36. 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.Russell, Hamilton and Piastri were separated by a whisker in the final eight laps which was a welcome sight at a track which has been so used to Verstappen’s dominance. The win moved Russell back to within two points of his team-mate in the driver standings, while Piastri leapfrogged Carlos Sainz into fourth.McLaren’s 20-point haul also took a bite out of Red Bull’s lead in the constructors, though this was slightly mitigated by eighth-place Perez winning an extra point for the fastest lap.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and TBCMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and TBCSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and TBCRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen escalates ban row with Red Bull as F1 champ says ‘I don’t tell them what to do in their private time’

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has told Red Bull to stay out of his personal life — and vowed to carry on late-night gaming.Formula One star Verstappen also instructed his critics to “turn the volume down” if they do not like his furious swearing on the team radio.Max Verstappen warned Red Bull bosses to stay out of his private lifeCredit: RexThe Dutch driver, 26, came under fire for staying up until 3am on his £10,000 racing simulator before the Hungarian Grand Prix.On the real track the following day, he crashed into Brit rival Lewis Hamilton late on and was effing and blinding on his team radio throughout — before finishing in fifth place.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko said after the race the team had put a ban on Verstappen’s virtual racing.But three-time world champ Verstappen insisted yesterday ahead of this weekend’s Belgian GP: “We’ve talked about it. There are no new sim races coming up, so I said he doesn’t have to worry.READ MORE ON F1“I don’t have a ban. I don’t tell them what to do in their private time at the weekend. That also applies to me the other way around.“Something is always invented. If you don’t win a race, you get blamed for being up until 3am but in Imola I won the race, while I was also doing sim racing.“This is not something new. I’ve been doing this since 2015. So for me, this is not something that is any different in my preparation.“I’ve won three world championships. I know what I can and what I cannot do.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 Verstappen extended his winless run to three races, his longest since 2021.That stat may explain his fruity language last weekend as he blasted the team’s “s**t strategy, said his race was “f****d” and also hit his steering wheel in qualifying.Watch Max Verstappen swerve to avoid killing a GROUNDHOG during Canadian GPAnd seven-time title-winner Hamilton said Verstappen did not conduct himself like a world champ after the race.The Mercedes ace stressed: “As a team leader, as a team member, as a team-mate, you have to act like a world champion.”He was asked if those comments from Verstappen portrayed that, to which Hamilton replied: “Not like it was last weekend.”Verstappen said: “People that don’t like my language, then don’t listen in, turn the volume down.“I’m very driven to success, I’ve proven that already, I always want to optimise stuff.“People can argue that he might not be so vocal on the radio but that’s their opinion.“My opinion is that it needs to be said at the time, to maybe also try to force that the second pit stop would have been a bit different, that’s how it goes.”Meanwhile, Lando Norris has been feeling guilty team-mate Oscar Piastri’s maiden win in Hungary was overshadowed by his radio row.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit, with one eye on the championship, ignored McLaren team orders to allow Piastri past on fresher tyres until just three laps to go.He said: “The fact I kind of clouded over Oscar’s first race win is something I’ve not felt too proud about.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Verstappen ordered to stop playing video games as Red Bull chief says it’s ‘no wonder’ he was slammed for Hungarian GP

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been told to end his late-night video game sessions after struggling at the Hungarian Grand Prix.The three-time world champion, 26 was up until the early hours on race day and ultimately finished fifth.Max Verstappen takes virtual racing very seriouslyCredit: GettyThe Dutchman is on a poor run of formCredit: APHe has not won since Barcelona three GPs ago – his worst run since 2021.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko told Speedweek: “It didn’t take long for criticism of Max to arise this weekend. “It’s no wonder, given that he spends half the night playing sim racing. “We have agreed that he won’t do simulations so late any more.”READ MORE IN F1Verstappen, who crashed into Lewis Hamilton in Hungry, still leads the drivers’ standings with 265 points but Brit Lando Norris is closing the gap after moving to 189.The Dutchman will be hit with a 10-place grid penalty at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix after exceeding his engine allowance.Verstappen blasted race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over the radio in Hungary.He said: “No mate, don’t give me that s*** now.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”You guys gave me this s*** strategy, OK? I’m trying to rescue what’s left.”Nico Rosberg questioned his rival’s professionalism after news of his gaming session broke.Verstappen walks in on Hamilton napping in press conference and listening to Bob Marley”They can all f*** off,” was Vertappen’s blunt response to his critics.Virtual racing is becoming a huge business with high-tech set-ups trying to emulate the feeling of driving a real car.Verstappen’s Team Redline co-drivers make a decent living with six-figure sums on offer in the top events.Defending his involvement, he said: “I think I’m professional enough that I know what can and can’t be done.”If you don’t go to bed and you don’t sleep, it won’t be good for your race on Sunday. “But I think with so many years of experience I do know what to do.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Watch moment furious Fernando Alonso throws jacket to ground in anger after major blunder at Hungarian GP

      by

      FERNANDO ALONSO lost his cool at the Hungarian Grand Prix over a major blunder made by the FIA.The veteran racer threw his jacket and hat on the ground in fury as he remonstrated with a race official.Fernando Alonso lost his cool at the FIA during the Hungarian GPCredit: RexHe threw his jacket and hat to the ground in a fit of rageCredit: XAlonso was left fuming over an incident in qualifying and later slammed the race organisers.His complaint was over the FIA issuing a red flag after Sergio Perez crashed at turn six – which was the second red flag of the session.Alonso, 42, was carrying out a hot lap at the time so was called to a halt, much to his frustration.The Spaniard still achieved seventh place on the grid but bemoaned the “mistakes” made by the FIA.READ MORE ON F1He said: “The truth is that the FIA sometimes gets it right and sometimes they make gross mistakes, today they had made one. “They put out the red flag when I was in the last corner, which is surprising. There was an accident at turn eight [five]. Normally they always wait for the cars to complete the lap. It’s the ‘spoken norm’.“When entering the pit lane, Lance and I were put into parc ferme. They closed the pit lane. “They put us into parc ferme, we got out of the car, then they told us that Q3 was starting again.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We went back to the car, they tightened our seatbelts, and we went to the garage. I had no more tires, so I didn’t go out anymore.”Alonso’s race did not go to plan either as he fell back several places to finish 11th.Watch Max Verstappen get slammed as ‘CHILDISH’ by his own team on radio after smashing into F1 rival Lewis Hamilton🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Watch Max Verstappen get slammed as ‘CHILDISH’ by his own team on radio after smashing into F1 rival Lewis Hamilton

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN was slammed as “CHILDISH” by his own team after crashing into Lewis Hamilton.The Red Bull Racing star collided with the Brit during the 63rd lap of the Hungarian GP on Sunday.Max Verstappen crashed into Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian GPCredit: SplashVerstappen appeared to be called ‘childish’ on the team radioCredit: The Mega AgencyRed Bull principal Christian Horner has played down the argumentCredit: GettyVerstappen, 26, tried to overtake Hamilton on the inside on one corner but instead saw contact between the cars.The Red Bull car shot up into the air and was fortunately able to continue the race.The driver’s conversation with his team on the radio has been picked up.Verstappen’s team blasted him as a result as race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase labelled him as “childish.”READ MORE ON F1He said: “I am not even going to get into a radio fight with the other teams Max.”We will let the officials just do their thing.”Childish on the radio, just childish.”As a result of the collision, Verstappen had to settle for a 4th placed finish as Hamilton took the third podium spot.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter the race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed that the jibe was not being directed at Verstappen.He said: “I think that GP [Lambiase] at that point wasn’t actually referring to Max.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I think he was referring to others on the radio complaining about penalties.”So, I don’t think GP’s reference at that point was in reference to Max.”Others obviously goading for penalties because the stewards are listening to the radio as well.”They’ve been together for eight years.”There are things that we could have done better in the race today but it’s something we’ll talk about as a team.”Verstappen was critical of the team strategy throughout at the race, at one point calling it “s**t”.He was asked about what he. thinks of those who have criticised him and the driver gave a very blunt response.He said: “They can all f**k off.”McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won the Gran Prix after being let through by team-mate Lando Norris.It was a momentous moment for the Australian as it was his first-ever F1 victory.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Norris was less than happy about being asked to move aside as he took a couple of laps to obey the instruction.He also had a spikey moment with Hamilton in which some fans believe that the pair may have some “underlying problems”.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      What did Max Verstappen say on the radio at the Hungarian Grand Prix?

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN finished fifth in a chaotic Hungarian GP – and the Red Bull racer wasn’t afraid to hide how his feelings on the radio.The serial Championship winner collided with British icon Lewis Hamilton on lap 63.Max Verstappen launched a foul-mouthed rantCredit: RexAnd then he had to witness bitter rivals McLaren earn a one-two finish.But what he said during the race was shocking to a lot of viewers.What did Max Verstappen say on the radio at the Hungarian Grand Prix?After seeing his rivals undercut him on pit strategy, Max Verstappen had some furious words for engineer Gianpietro Lambiase.Verstappen said: “It completely f—ed my race”Read more on Max VerstappenLater, when he believed Red Bull had mangled its strategy for the race, Verstappen snapped at Lambiase again saying, “No mate, don’t give me that s*** now. You guys gave me this s*** strategy, O.K.? I’m trying to rescue what’s left.”What was said after the Hungarian GP?Verstappen was asked whether he felt he needed to apologise for what was said on the radio.And the Belgian’s response was just as harsh.Max Verstappen said: I don’t think we need to apologise, I just think we need to do better.Most read in Motorsport “I don’t know why people think you cannot be vocal on a radio. This is a sport. If some people don’t like that then stay home.”He was then pressed for a reaction to external criticism suggesting that he had gone too far with his messages.Verstappen replied: “They can all **** off.”Who won the Hungarian GP?Oscar Piastri (McLaren) Lando Norris (McLaren)Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)Max Verstappen (Red Bull) More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’

      by

      FANS fear there’s an “underlying issue” between Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton after an uncomfortable exchange following the Hungarian GP.Norris had earlier defied team order before eventually letting McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri pass for his first ever F1 win.Some fans wondered if Lando Norris took Lewis Hamilton’s words the wrong wayHamilton gave fellow Brit Norris a dowsing on the podiumCredit: RexHamilton was third in his Mercedes, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and fifth-placed World Championship leader Max Verstappen.Norris’ performance tightened his grip on second spot in the title hunt.But some viewers reckon he showed, in an awkward encounter with Hamilton, he was still disgruntled at missing out on victory.The 24-year-old was told by the seven-time F1 king: “Phew! You guys are fast.”READ MORE TOP STORIESNorris replied: “You had a fast car 7 years ago.”Hamilton, 39, queried in turn: “Seven years ago? Long time. Were you here seven years ago?”Norris responded: “You had a quick car, and now it’s us.”A calm-sounding Hamilton appeared surprised by that comment and said: “I wasn’t complaining, I was complimenting your car.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne fan posted: “Lando appears to have an underlying issue with Lewis.”Other viewers suggested Norris “can’t take a compliment”.Model Margarida Corceiro shows off her curvesOne believed it was because he was “so mad about not winning”.Most read in MotorsportThat was a reference to Norris slowing down with three laps left to hand Piastri his maiden triumph.Hamilton, meanwhile, might actually have been happier with the outcome of the race despite coming a spot below his fellow Brit at the Hungaroring.The Stevenage star overcame a collision with Verstappen seven laps from home to notch the 200th podium finish of his 17-year F1 career. “Oscar’s done a lot for me in the past and helped me in many races” Lando Norris with an open and honest reflection of his Hungarian Grand Prix and swapping positions with Oscar Piastri 👇 pic.twitter.com/8SxVFvrBg8— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 21, 2024 More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris raging after McLaren force him to give up Hungarian Grand Prix win as Max Verstappen hits Lewis Hamilton

      by

      LANDO NORRIS fought with his own McLaren team before eventually handing Oscar Piastri his first-ever Grand Prix win. The British 24-year-old defied his team orders until two laps to go to allow Piastri past him with fresher tyres despite being almost six-seconds clear in front. Oscar Piastri has won the Hungarian GPCredit: GettyIt was the Australian’s first ever F1 victoryCredit: GettyLando Norris allowed him to take first place in the 68th lapCredit: EPAMax Verstappen collided with Lewis HamiltonCredit: Sky SportsHe was told on the team radio: “Lando, he can’t catch you up. You’ve proved your point, and it really doesn’t matter,”The way to win a championship is not by yourself. You’re going to need Oscar, and you’re going to need the team.”There has now been seven different Grand Prix winners in 2024 and the last time there was this many winners in F1 was 2012Lewis Hamilton overcame a collision with Max Verstappen on lap 63 to bag a 200th podium finish after bagging third. READ MORE ON F1Verstappen, who finished in fifth behind Charles Leclerc, was livid throughout the race, battling with his old foe Hamilton wheel to wheel before clipping the Mercedes man’s tyre. The collision flipped the back of the Red Bull car up in the air before he careered off the track and now faces a post-race investigation. Norris was made to pay for suffering another poor start as his teammate Piastri nipped past him, to take the lead.Verstappen ran wide and re-joined the track in second, prompting an investigation and more handbags with his pal Norris.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe duo fired digs at each other over their team radio with Norris saying Verstappen had gained an advantage, while the Dutchman claimed he was forced off by the McLaren. The stewards investigated and Verstappen was advised by his team to let Norris through at the start of lap four. Watch moment distraught F1 star Lando Norris’ interview is interrupted by Hollywood stars filming ‘fake interviews’Livid Verstappen fumed on his team radio and said: “OK, so you can just drive people off the track then? “You can tell the FIA that’s how we’re going to race from now onwards. Just driving people off the road.”Hamilton did well to climb into fourth from fifth in the opening corners and briefly challenged Norris for third. Fans were licking their lips at a tussle between old foes Hamilton and Verstappen who went wheel to wheel with 25 laps to go. The Mercedes man’s tyres were wearing down and Verstappen attempted an overtake and passed him by Turn Two only to run wide and allow Hamilton back into third-place.  Verstappen let rip on the radio and Hamilton lived to fight another day as the old maestro somehow held off the Dutchman again before finally pitting on lap 41. Verstappen fumed again: “It’s quite impressive how we let ourselves get undercut and just completely **** my race.”He was even seen HITTING his steering wheel. Norris ignored calls from his McLaren team about pushing his tyres too hard and extended his lead over Piastri by more than four seconds on lap 58.It looked as though he had no intention of letting Piastri through despite persistent demands from his team. Verstappen and Hamilton were back at it again and on lap 63 the pair collided after the Dutchman went inside and locked up. Verstappen rejoined the track in fifth behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and grumbled in the team radio. But Red Bull hit back at their driver saying: “I’m not going to get in a radio fight. It’s childish on the team radio.”Norris continued defying orders from his team, soaring ahead of his teammate. McLaren said on the team radio “You proved your point Lando. The way to win the Championship is with your team and with Oscar, not by yourself.“It’s going to make this very awkward, please do it now.” There must have been a sigh of relief from the McLaren pit wall when Norris finally let Piastri past on the main straight. After the race was through, Norris showed his class as he congratulated Piastri on his first F1 win.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe did address the moment to the press as he gave a brief answer when quizzed.He said: “The team asked me to do it, and I did it, so yeah, that is it.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and TBCMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and TBCSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and TBCRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and TBC More