Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen asks to ‘skip’ question ahead of F1 Brazil Grand Prix after Red Bull drivers’ second world title

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN made it clear he wanted to “skip” a question he was asked ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend.The two-time F1 world champion declined to speak about about a crash in a virtual race.
      Max Verstappen asked to “skip” a question during a press conferenceCredit: Getty
      A break in the F1 calendar last week saw Verstappen, 25, compete in the Le Mans Virtual Series Six Hours of Spa event.
      But the Red Bull star couldn’t translate his real-life success into the virtual race.
      Verstappen joined the virtual race at Belgium’s Spa circuit behind the wheel of Team Redline’s then fourth-placed car, with just over three hours left to race.
      After moving up into third he was sent spinning at Eau Rouge corner, hitting the barrier, after making contact with a lapped GTE Ferrari.
      Read More In F1
      Verstappen was able to continue and battled back to finish second, but was left wondering what could have been had he not spun out.
      And he didn’t appear to be in the mood to answer questions about the virtual incident when quizzed in Brazil.
      Asked how the virtual race went, he said: “It was quite eventful to be honest.
      “Can we skip that? It was okay but I had a moment in Eau Rouge.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Then when quizzed if it was a small moment, Verstappen replied: “No. It was quite a big moment, It happens.”
      Elsewhere Verstappen confirmed he has now dropped his Sky Sports boycott.
      The Dutchman has agreed to be questioned by the broadcaster again following clear the air talks.
      Verstappen returns to the real-life track in Brazil this weekend looking for a record 15th race win of the season.
      The Red Bull ace has already wrapped up the world title and victory in Mexico last time out saw him set the record for most wins in a single season. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Toto Wolff wants salary cap to be LOWER than what £40m-a-year F1 stars Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen earn

      by

      MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff says F1’s plans to impose a salary cap on drivers should be LOWER than what top earns Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen currently get paid.The sport’s bosses are keen to reduce drivers’ wages as part of their push to reduce costs.
      Toto Wolff reckons the new salary cap should be LESS than Lewis Hamilton’s £40m a yearCredit: Getty
      How much F1 stars earn
      Hamilton and Verstappen earn around £40million a year, with their contracts running until the end of 2023 and 2028, respectively.
      Drivers reacted angrily to the proposal in Baku in June but Wolff, who is a three-way owner of the Mercedes team, says he is in favour of the cap.
      He said: “It certainly has come up as a controversial topic. We can see that we are facing a very difficult situation in F1 overall.
      “The sport is booming and F1 is earning more money and that trickles down to the teams.
      Read more in sport
      “But we have a cost cap. We have $140million for 1,000 people. With inflation, we haven’t been able to even pay the inflation.
      “The talk about $30 or $40m salary allowance is inadequate when you take that perspective.
      “Clearly the drivers will have an opinion on that. Maybe as a driver I would say the same thing, but the US American leagues that are the most successful in the world have introduced salary caps 15 years ago. It works pretty well over there.
      “We need to find a way of how we can act sustainably and become independent from sovereign funds or state-owned teams.
      Mercedes had a rainbow badge in BakuCredit: AFP
      Most read in Motorsport
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “Therefore it is certainly clear that this is going to be one of the main areas because you can’t simply have a salary bill in some of the top teams that is 30, 40, 50m when the rest of the team needs to be divided in 140m.
      “But having said that, they are tremendous superstars, they deserve to be among the top earners in the sport.
      “In terms of direct salaries they already are and then we need to find a way of unlocking the capability of doing endorsement deals which is two-thirds if not more for US American sports teams.
      “But certainly, direct salaries, F1 drivers are paid the most.” More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Motorsport

      Verstappen DROPS Sky Sports F1 boycott ahead of Brazil GP after Mexico snub over comment he’d ‘robbed’ Hamilton of title

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN says he’s buried the hatchet with Sky F1 and has dropped his boycott of the broadcaster.The F1 world champion was upset with digs from one of the channel’s presenters, Ted Kravitz.
      Verstappen is looking to finish the season with two more winsCredit: Getty
      The final straw came at the US GP in Austin where Kravitz used the word “robbed” to insinuate the Red Bull racer had stolen the world crown from Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
      The Verstappen camp’s decision to ignore the channel was supported by his team, who also ignored the rights’ holders at the Mexico GP.
      However, after clear the air talks on Monday, Verstappen says he is happy for them to question him again.
      Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Brazil Grand Prix, he said: “We drew a line under it and we keep on going. I  am looking forward to [speaking to Sky].”
      READ MORE IN F1
      Meanwhile, this weekend will see the third and final sprint race weekend, where a short 30-minute race dictates the grid for Sunday’s actual GP.
      It is F1’s attempt to mix up the grid and increase the excitement over the weekend, but Verstappen is not a fan of the format, which will be at six races next season.
      He added: “I am honestly not a big fan of it because I feel like we don’t really race. There are a few points that you can get, but you know you can’t risk it because the main race is where you get the points.
      “You don’t really do a pitstop, you just put on a tyre that will last the distance. And you don’t see a lot of overtaking unless there is a car out of position.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “For me, it is not fun. I like one practice session and then into qualifying. I like that because you need to nail the set-up.
      “But when I go into a sprint race, you are risking a lot and wanting to play safe.”
      Brit star Lando Norris’ participation in this weekend’s action has been thrown into doubt after the McLaren driver came down with suspected food poisoning. More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris in race against time to be fit for Brazilian GP after bout of FOOD POISONING with Nyck de Vries on standby

      by

      LANDO NORRIS is facing a race against time to be fit for the start of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend after going down with suspected food poisoning.The McLaren driver, 22, was forced to abandon his media duties at Interlagos on Thursday, and is resting at the team hotel in Sao Paulo.
      Brit Lando Norris is a doubt for the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      The 22-year-old is dealing with about of food poisoningCredit: INSTAGRAM@LANDONORRIS
      Nyck de Vries is on standby to fill in for Norris should be unable to raceCredit: Rex
      Norris has been in Brazil since the weekend and spent Wednesday evening watching Sao Paulo side Palmeiras beat América Mineiro 2-1.
      He also posted a snap on Instagram of himself eating some chips at a buffet, presumably before the game.
      McLaren have allowed him more recovery time however, Dutch driver Nyck de Vries – who stood in for Alex Albon at the Italian Grand Prix in September after the Williams driver contracted appendicitis – is on standby.
      Norris wasn’t too optimistic about McLaren’s chances of a strong finish at the Autódromo Jose Carlos Pace.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      He said: “I wouldn’t say Brazil is going to suit us at all with the balance of the car and out struggles.
      “I think even the last few races we’ve not been the quickest car or quick enough.
      “We’ve just done a better job with the strategy and with reliability to at least get to the checkered flag.”
      Despite a disappointing season, Norris still has full faith in the McLaren project.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He said: “I didn’t come into the season expecting us to be on the podium every weekend and fighting, maybe not top steps, but fighting for third and fourth, and fifth.
      “I wasn’t probably expecting that every weekend.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s always hard, especially when it’s a new car, new era of cars, to know exactly what’s going to happen.
      “People are always going to find much better solutions, you know, like with Red Bull and not porpoising and not bouncing anywhere near as much as other people, Mercedes with their car, like there’s some big differences.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s record-breaking Ferrari sells at auction for £13m and becomes most valuable ‘modern-era’ F1 car

      by

      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S old Ferrari Formula One car has become the most valuable of the “modern era”.The Ferrari F2003 was sold for an immense £12.6million, breaking the previous record, which was also held by an old Schumacher model.
      Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2003 was sold for over £10m in a recent auction.Credit: AP:Associated Press
      The auction of the car took place in Geneva, Switzerland at Sotherby’sCredit: Getty
      The car helped Schumacher become one of the best Formula 1 drivers of all time.Credit: Getty – Contributor
      That car was the F2001, which was sold in 2017 for £6.4m, almost half the price of the new record holder.
      The F2003 was the car in which Schumacher won his sixth Formula One world title.
      And five of Schumacher’s six victories that season came in the exact model sold in Geneva, along with two more podium finishes.
      Top Gear magazine revealed that the car was presented in “in full running order” after being rejuvenated by Ferrari.
      READ MORE ON MOTORSPORT
      It is believed that Mick Schumacher, Michael’s son, had a look at the car to check it over at Ferrari’s private testing ground at Fiorano.
      Since the vehicle has stopped racing it has only covered 148 miles, mostly driven by Mick.
      The car’s final price surged past the £9m that it was expected to be sold for.
      Mick is currently racing for the American team Haas, but could be replaced by Nico Hulkenburg next season.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      Team Williams have been rumoured to be interested in giving him a lifeline by offering him a seat.
      RM Sotheby’s, a classic car auction house, said that the record breaking car: “provided an unforgettable moment for all Formula One fans.”
      Whoever has bought the car has got themselves a bit of Formula 1 history and one of the finest bits of F1 memorabilia ever offered up.
      The car gave Schumacher five wins and two further podiums in 2003Credit: EPA
      It had been back to Ferrari and is now as it was when it lined up on the grid in 2003Credit: EPA More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Keith Farmer dead at 35: Tributes paid to four-time British motorcycle champion after shock sudden passing

      by

      FOUR-TIME British motorcycle champion Keith Farmer has passed away aged 35.Farmer, known as the Clogher Bullet, passed away suddenly, his brother David announced on Thursday.
      Keith Farmer has passed away suddenly aged 35Credit: Pacemaker
      The ex-TAS Racing rider was a four-time British championCredit: Pacemaker
      David wrote: “I’m lost for words our little brother left us at 1.45 this morning with us all by his side.
      “Life will never be the same again, he made us all so proud and he will be very sorely missed. Love you Meekie #33.”
      Farmer, who was based in Cumbria, was described as “pure raw talent” whose motorsport career was hampered by injury and bad luck.
      He had retired from racing in September 2021, after battling injury for the final few years of his career, and was looking forward to spending time with his family.
      READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT
      At the time of his retirement, Keith told the News Letter: “I just feel the time is right now because the enjoyment’s not there any more and my body needs the chance to heal from the injuries I’ve had over these past couple of years.
      “I’ve another baby due in five weeks’ time and my other youngest daughter is turning five in December, plus I’ve my eldest daughter back in Northern Ireland.
      “I want to walk away now when I can rather than keeping going for the sake of it, and I want to spend more time with my family.”
      Four-time British champ Farmer competed for BSB, Paul Bird Motorsport, Buildbase Suzuki and TAS Racing, with the latter describing his passing as “absolute devastation”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Team principal Philip Neill offered his sympathies to Farmer’s family and friends, saying: “We enjoyed many happy memories together both within racing and on a personal level as Keith had remained a close friend of the team.
      “His talent was undeniable and although his successes were many, including a memorable Superstock championship win with Tyco BMW in 2018, I will always feel like we never actually witnessed Keith’s full potential on a superbike – as he was so often hampered by injury or bad luck.”
      The British Superbike Championship say Farmer will be remembered fondly by his rivals.
      The organisation said: “Keith will be terribly missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting him throughout his career.
      “He was a brilliant and successful rider on track, who will be fondly remembered by his rivals, colleagues and fans following today’s tragic news.”
      Glenn Irwin, British Superbike rider, described him as his “fierce rival”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Sharing a picture on Twitter of the pair on a podium, he added: “The day 3 mad Irish men locked out the podium. 2011 you were my fierce rival winning the stock 600 title.
      “I remember when PBM snapped you up, sure you would go all the way to the top with birdys then GP team. That’s how good you were, pure raw talent.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton is Mercedes’ best chance of winning despite George Russell’s 15 point gap, says F1 pundit

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON is still Mercedes’ best chance of claiming a win, not George Russell, claims Jolyon Palmer.Rookie Russell leads his legendary Formula One team-mate by 15 points in the Drivers’ Standings.
      George Russell currently leads Lewis Hamilton by 15 points in the standingsCredit: Getty
      Seven-time world champ Hamilton has failed to mount a title challenge this term but after a poor start battling for midfield spots he has finished second in his last two outings.
      F1 pundit Palmer is adamant that the 37-year-old has shown recently that he is back to his best.
      And he added that if Mercedes can build a car capable of mounting a shot at the championship next season, then it will be Hamilton that will be pushing for it rather than his junior colleague.
      Discussing the points gap between the pair on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer said: “I imagine George will close it out, just by sheer numbers.
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      “There’s only two races left and if he just manages to keep this consistency, he’ll be there.
      “But I think that doesn’t really tell the picture of the Mercedes story.
      “I think George has been impressive, if he beats Lewis it will be an amazing achievement.
      “But I do think the more the season’s gone on, the more Lewis looks like Lewis again.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      He added: “At the start of the year, there was a really odd moment where everyone was a bit perplexed [thinking] ‘is George Russell, gonna outdo Lewis Hamilton?’ and for the first six, seven races, it was looking that way.
      “As the season’s gone on, I think Lewis has got on top.
      “And I think if they do have a title-challenging car next year, I still think it’d be Lewis that would be that man.” More

    • 213 Shares119 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘Max is weak technically’ – Ex-Red Bull engineer slams Verstappen despite Dutchman securing back-to-back F1 world titles

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S technical skills have been brutally criticised by former Red Bull engineer Guillaume Rocquelin.The driver won his second World Championship this year after winning a record 14 races this season, but that has not been enough to convince Rocquelin of his skills.
      Max Verstappen has been told that he can still improve despite winning his second World Championship title this year.Credit: EPA
      The ex-engineer believed that the Dutchman can still improve his ability in and out of the car in order to improve the team.
      He told Eurosport France’s ‘Les Fous du Volant’ podcast: “I’ll be honest, Max is weak technically compared to other drivers we’ve worked with.
      “I think he still has a lot of progress to make. He is a leader by his attitude, his results. But I think he can improve from a technical point of view and in the way of developing the car.”
      Verstappen beat Sebastien Vettel and Michael Schumacher’s record of wins in a season, but Rocquelin views Vettel as the “more complete driver”.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      For seven years between 2015 and 2022 Rocquelin was Red Bull Racing’s head of engineering.
      He was the race engineer for all of Vettel’s championship wins, before the German driver left for Ferrari in 2015.
      He added: “I think Sebastian (Vettel) was a more complete driver than Max (Verstappen) when he arrived with us.
      “At the professional level, technique, mediation…he was trained at the (Michael) Schumacher school.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “He asked a lot of questions, took a lot of notes and when he arrived with us he was very thorough.
      “It’s no coincidence he won several titles. He was more prepared technically, and mentally.
      “I think Max (Verstappen) maybe had more natural talent, that’s what he relied on the most.
      “But Sebastian was the most complete. Max has always been a boss. He has enormous self-confidence, he knows what he wants and he is very direct.” More