Red Bull Racing

Subterms

    Latest story

    263 Shares123 Views

    Huge F1 row erupts on eve of Brazilian GP as Red Bull accuse title rivals McLaren of illegally tampering with tyres

    by

    A HUGE row has erupted before the Brazilian GP between Red Bull and McLaren.Red Bull have accused their title rivals of injecting water into their tyres to cool them.Red Bull, who have Christian Horner as team principal, have accused McLaren of tampering with their tyresLando Norris in action for McLaren in the Sprint raceThe constructor, who have Christian Horner as team principal, claim McLaren have inserted either water or an unknown substance through a valve in the tyre.They first came to that conclusion in Singapore when a jet of water came flying out of the tyre rims.Red Bull have informed the FIA, who will reportedly keep a close eye on the allegation.McLaren have dismissed Red Bull’s theory. While a spokesperson for Pirelli tyres has confirmed if they felt there was anything tampering with their equipment, they would have told the FIA themselves.Read more F1 newsPirelli regularly collect all the tyres after F1 races and analyse them.The reason for using water, or any other substance, to cool tyres before they are fitted to their cars in a race is to help limit thermal degradation.This, in turn, would help drivers drive faster, especially in the later stages of a Grand Prix.The FIA have already banned this practice before.Most read in MotorsportSeveral teams, including Red Bull, were said to have done it a number of years ago.Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistNow Red Bull believe their rivals are doing it and achieving better performances.Red Bull and McLaren are already at loggerheads – with their drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, respectively, fighting to be world champion.McLaren’s ‘mini DRS’ was scrutinised by Red Bull recently, which forced them to tweak the design after conversations with the FIA.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCurrently champ Verstappen’s lead at the top was cut to 44 points, after Oscar Piastri let Norris through to win the Sprint.However, in the constructor’s standings it’s a different story.McLaren lead Red Bull by a whopping 63 points, with their nearest rival being Ferrari who trail by only 34 points. More

    More stories

    • 238 Shares84 Views

      in Motorsport

      Huge Lando Norris F1 title boost as Max Verstappen slapped with five-place grid penalty for Sao Paulo Grand Prix

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race in Brazil in a boost for McLaren title rival Lando Norris.The penalty comes after Red Bull put a new engine in Verstappen’s RB20 with four races remaining. Max Verstappen has been hit with a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand PrixLando Norris has been handed a boost as he bids to reduce the gap in the Drivers’ ChampionshipVerstappen will be using his sixth internal combustion engine for the race at Interlagos, his second such breach of the season.The move had been expected after the Dutchman finished sixth at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko revealed there was a leak in the previous engine’s intake tract on Sunday.Verstappen’s grid penalty will boost Norris’ hopes of reducing the Dutchman’s 47-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship.READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWSWith the Brazilian GP being a Sprint track, Interlagos will host a shortened race on Saturday.But Verstappen’s penalty only applies to Sunday’s full-length contest.Meanwhile, Norris topped the only practice session in Sao Paulo earlier today, with qualifying due to start at 6:30pm.Verstappen leads Norris with four races of the season remaining.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe three-time champ aborted his only attempt at a flying lap on soft tyres and finished 15th in practice.Verstappen, 27, was given two 10-second time penalties for being overly aggressive in wheel-to-wheel combat with Norris last Sunday.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing He finished 59 seconds down on race-winner Carlos Sainz in Mexico, so even without the penalties, would have been fourth at best.Norris closed the gap after picking up 18 points following his second-place finish.Verstappen, who has not won since June’s Spanish GP, did not want to go into details about the incidents and was more concerned about Red Bull’s lack of pace.Each driver is entitled to use four power units throughout the course of the season and face grid penalties for exceeding the limit.Verstappen incurred a 10-place grid penalty after taking his fifth engine of the season in Belgium in July.Red Bull’s decision to take the penalty in Brazil will have been largely motivated by the many straightforward overtaking opportunities the circuit presents.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Popular F1 driver facing axe BEFORE the end of the season as team chief says ‘difficult decisions have to be made’

      by

      FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez is at risk of losing his spot on the grid after a disastrous home Grand Prix.The 34-year-old was out to end his six-month podium drought in Mexico but came 17th.Sergio Perez is in danger of losing his spot on the gridCredit: RexThe driver came closer to crashing into his possible replacementCredit: GettyPerez’s Red Bull car struggled with braking problems, with reports suggesting that his poor year could see him axed in the final four races of the season.Asked about Checo’s future, team principal Christian Horner said: “Look, it’s a performance based business. There comes a point in time that difficult decisions have to be made.”His comments come after chief Helmut Marko added: “The hoped for upturn that we all expected has unfortunately not materialised.”Perez may have a contract, but F1 is a meritocracy. If the performance is not right, even contracts are useless.”READ MORE F1 NEWSMax Verstappen could soon have a new team-mate, with Liam Lawson rumoured to be in the running.The New Zealander has impressed for RB in recent weeks, who are the team owned by Red Bull.Lawson came to blows with Perez in Mexico after a controversial overtake saw them go wheel-to-wheel.Perez raged about him post-race, saying: “I think the way he has come to F1, I don’t think he has the right attitude for it. He needs to be a bit more humble.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you come to F1, you’re obviously very, very hungry and so on, but you have to be as well respectful off track and on track. “I don’t think he’s showing the right attitude to show a good case for himself.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him”I think he’s a great driver and I hope for him that he can step back and learn from it.“In his two first Grands Prix, he has had too many incidents. I think there will be a point where it can cost him too much.” More

    • 225 Shares95 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris back in title contention as Sainz wins F1 Mexican Grand Prix after 20-SECOND Max Verstappen penalty

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN was slapped with a whopping 20-second penalty after a ferocious battle with title rival Lando Norris.The huge punishment from stewards at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix came on the weekend Norris, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and others urged the FIA to tighten rules on Verstappen’s “unfair” driving style.Carlos Sainz hails his dominant win in MexicoCredit: ReutersLando Norris finished second, four places and ten points clear of Max VerstappenCredit: GettySainz completed another excellent win for FerrariCredit: AFPNorris drove a superb race to finish in second place, sandwiched between the two Ferraris — race-winner Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in third.It means the McLaren driver collected 18 points to Verstappen’s eight.And Norris said: “I didn’t want to expect such a thing because I respect Max a lot as a driver but I was ready to expect something like this.“It was not clean driving in my opinion but I avoided it and it was a good race. A lot of it was trying to stay in the race and avoid crashes.READ MORE F1 NEWS“Congratulations to Carlos, he drove a great race. I tried my best. We were the quickest team, we’ll focus on ourselves.” This GP could prove crucial in the title race, with 47 points now separating the duo with four races remaining.In total there are 120 points up for grabs — 25 for a win and one for the fastest lap, plus 16 for the two remaining sprint races. It is still a huge stretch for Norris.Dutchman Verstappen had clearly taken no notice of the complaints about his driving and  tussled with Norris for ­second place on lap ten. Most read in MotorsportHOW IT FINISHED IN MEXICOTHIS is how it concluded on Sunday.1. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)2. Lando Norris (McLaren)3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)5. George Russell (Mercedes)6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 7. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)9. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)12. Franco Colapinto (Williams)13. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)14. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)15. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)16. Liam Lawson (RB)17. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)Did Not Finish: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Alex Albon (Williams), Yuki Tsunoda (RB)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris went for an overtake around the outside of turn four but Verstappen nudged him wide and the McLaren was forced to cut the corner.And when 24-year-old Norris tried to let him through at turn eight, both him and Verstappen went off track, allowing Leclerc to leave them for dust.Kimi Raikkonen’s son Robin shows his skills on the Karting track Seething Norris slammed Verstappen on the team radio and said: “I was ahead the whole way through the corner — this guy is dangerous.“I just have to avoid a crash, I will end up in the wall in a minute.”Stewards  hit world champion Verstappen with the hefty ten-second penalty for “forcing another driver off the track”.When told about the penalty, Verstappen said: “Ten? That’s quite impressive.”Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase replied on the radio: “There was a lot of whinging. A lot.”Verstappen was then hit with ANOTHER ten-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage for the incident with his nearest challenger.In Mexico, F1’s governing body decided to revise its racing guidelines following uproar over Norris’ controversial five- second penalty for an overtake on  Verstappen in Texas a week ago.The FIA gave no details as to what would change, but there was a discussion over the tactics Verstappen used to keep his position and whether he should have been punished.Sainz took the flag for an impressive success in MexicoCredit: ReutersIt seems they were keen to get their message across loud and clear during yesterday’s race.  There was chaos from the start as Yuki Tsunoda made contact with Alex Albon and spun into the wall —  a wheel coming off his RB car.Smoke plumed out of the car but luckily the Japanese driver quickly said “I’m OK” on the team radio. Amid the drama, home hero Sergio Perez had risen from 13th to fifth, but stewards were investigating the Red Bull driver for a false start as he looked well beyond his pit box.Verstappen fired into the lead at turn one ahead of Sainz, who veered off track and across the grass but gave the place back to the Dutchman.On lap nine, Sainz and Verstappen ­tussled for the lead as the Spaniard wriggled inside thanks to DRS.The claws were out from there as old foes Verstappen and Norris reignited their on-track battle — which led to the Red Bull driver’s two penalties.The Dutchman sailed into the pit lane on lap 27 and served his 20-second ­penalty before returning in 15th place.Yuki Tsunoda, as well as Alex Albon, crashed out on the first lapCredit: ReutersRed Bull’s Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz storm off as Tsunoda crashesCredit: ReutersThe pack shuffled out by lap 38, with Sainz still in the lead followed by Leclerc, Norris, Russell and ­Hamilton.There was a heart-in-mouth moment as Leclerc nearly careered into the barrier on lap 63 but saved himself just in time. Norris snuck through while the Ferrari went wide to leave him eight ­seconds behind leader Sainz.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorris then chipped away at the gap until the very end but Sainz sailed over the line 4.7 seconds ahead.Hamilton finished fourth after a near wheel-to-wheel battle with teammate Russell, who had to settle for fifth.Racing Bull’s Japanese ace Tsunoda was soon out of the raceCredit: Sky Sports F1 More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff heard fuming ‘total joke’ on radio to George Russell after Max Verstappen decision in US GP

      by

      TOTO WOLFF slammed F1 stewards’ decision to award George Russell a penalty as a “total joke” before watching Max Verstappen get away with the same thing later on.The Mercedes chief was heard fuming over the radio to Russell – who recovered to P6 following a pit lane start – as he was awarded a five-second penalty for running Valtteri Bottas off track.Toto Wolff slammed the ‘inconsistent’ decisions made by F1 stewards during the US GPCredit: GettyGeorge Russell was hit with a five-second penalty for pushing Valtteri Bottas off track at Turn 12Credit: GettyBut Max Verstappen did not receive a penalty when he forced Lando Norris off track in the same spotCredit: F1tvNorris received a five-second penalty for going off track and gaining an advantageCredit: RexWolff said of the steward’s verdict on the radio when the penalty was awarded: “Total joke with the penalty George, total joke.”However, on lap 52 of the race, championship leader Verstappen appeared to run himself and title rival Lando Norris off the track at Turn 12 as he went up the inside to try and stay ahead at the apex.The move forced both drivers off track before Norris re-entered the circuit ahead of the Dutchman.However, F1 stewards then handed the McLaren driver a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage, which reinstated Verstappen in P3 at the end of the race.READ MORE IN F1Wolff, 52, took issue with the incident given how Russell was punished for a similar move.On the cool-down lap, Wolff was once again heard speaking to Russell, 26, who asked whether Verstappen had received a penalty.He replied: “No, he didn’t get a penalty and at the end Lando got a penalty for being forced off and overtaking on the outside. “I guess it’s a bit biased decision-making but not surprising.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA similar incident at Turn One in the first lap had allowed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to sweep into the lead – before going on to win the race – with Verstappen forcing Norris off track to avoid a collision.Earlier in the race Verstappen had been forced off track himself by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at Turn 12 who had run deep, though once again no penalty was awarded for the incident.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Wolff added: “It’s inconsistent. With Valtteri [Bottas] it wasn’t even a race. “Yesterday [Saturday Sprint race] we’ve seen a few of those incidents which were exactly the same that weren’t penalised, racing for real positions actually. “Receiving that penalty is completely odd and bizarre. I think we know why but obviously I can’t say that on television.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. In his own interview about the incident with the broadcaster, Norris said: “They obviously can’t make their minds up for a few laps. It’s not an easy decision otherwise it would have come a bit sooner.”I tried. He also went off the track. If he’s gone off the track clearly he’s gone in way too hard and also gained an advantage by doing what he did. But I don’t make the rules, so.”On the other hand, Verstappen accused McLaren of complaining a lot.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe feature and sprint race results this weekend saw the gap in the driver’s championship widen to 57 points.F1 heads to Mexico next week as the second race in a triple header.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton crashes out just THREE LAPS into US Grand Prix as birthday boy Charles Leclerc coasts to victory

      by

      A FERRARI double rained on the parade of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ charge to the title.It truly was the Wild West on track from start to finish as Norris and Verstappen produced an almighty scrap as they battled nose to tail for third-place for the final 12-laps.Lewis Hamilton’s body language says it all as he exited the US GP earlyCredit: GettyVictory meant extra birthday fizz for Charles LeclercCredit: GettyStewards probed an incident, with Norris penalised for passing VerstappenThe top two positions had already been snatched from their clutches as birthday boy Charles Leclerc capitalised on a poor start from pole-sitter Norris to cross the line in first.Carlos Sainz took second-place eight seconds behind his team-mate but no one will care.All eyes had been on Norris and Verstappen’s all-out war with the Dutchman producing a defensive masterclass until five-laps-to-go.Norris overtook the Red Bull on lap 51 but went off the track and was slapped with a five-second penalty meaning he had to settle for fourth behind third-place Verstappen.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe Texas rodeo continued as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was forced to RETIRE just three laps in after spinning off at Turn 19 and beaching himself on the gravel.Norris knew it was pretty much do or die in Texas, given Verstappen soared to victory in Saturday’s sprint-race and stretching his lead to 54 points in the driver’s championship.Verstappen’s world championship lead is now up to 57 points, having  built it by five points across the weekend, while Norris’ hopes of chasing down the Dutchman have been massively dented with five rounds remaining.The McLaren driver, whose starts have been his Achilles’ heel, got off well but left too much space for Verstappen to bulldoze inside.Most read in MotorsportVerstappen and Norris had a fierce duel for third spotCredit: ReutersHamilton’s Mercedes had to be towed awayFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is the fifth race this season that he has started on pole but not been in the lead after the opening lap, having done the same at the Spanish, Hungarian, Dutch and Italian Grands Prix.The Red Bull ran Norris wide on the way out of the first corner, and Leclerc swept through to take the lead from fourth.Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’The other Ferrari, of Sainz, also nipped past Norris, leaving the McLaren in fourth.McLaren reported the incident as they felt Verstappen pushed him wide, but really Norris was not aggressive enough and only had himself to blame.Norris said on his team radio: “He clearly pushed me off. He had no intent to make the corner.”Even he went off the track. I had to avoid crashing into him or him into me.”There was a safety car on lap 3 as disaster struck for Hamilton who was forced to retire as he spun off and beached himself on the gravel on Turn 19.It was the exact same spot his teammate Russell spun out in qualifying and there wasn’t much the seven-time world champion could do about it.It prompted the first Safety Car since the Canadian Grand Prix in June and at the restart Leclerc struggled to create a gap to Verstappen but managed to make it through the first corner in the lead.On lap 17 Toto Wolff came on the radio to slam the “total joke” five-second penalty for an overtake on for allegedly forcing Valtteri Bottas off the track in an overtake earlier on.Half way through and Leclerc was a whopping ten seconds ahead of Verstappen, but the Ferrari driver did not want to be left out as bait for too long before pitting.He said on his team radio: “Don’t leave me out for too long. I do not want to be under pressure.”Verstappen eventually pipped Norris for the final spot on the podiumCredit: RexBy lap 36, Norris and Verstappen were tussling for third place as the McLaren was closing in on his rival.Verstappen was fuming and said on his team radio: “These tyres just aren’t good. I can’t brake, I can’t attack anything.”Second-placed Sainz was relentless and by lap 43 hit back with another fastest lap, cranking up the pressure on his teammate out front.Norris continued to snap at Verstappen’s heels and closed the gap to just 0.6 seconds with 12 laps to go.The Dutchman knew he had a race on his hands and kept the McLaren at bay with text-book defense until lap 52.Norris got the move down at Turn 12 but it appeared to be off the track and Verstappen fumed on his team radio: “He overtook me outside of the track.”Hamilton said after the race: “I have never spun especially on the second lap, it’s devastating to not be in the race because I love this race.”It’s obviously a similar situation to George yesterday, the car is very sensitive, it started bouncing, I wasn’t even pushing. I lost a load of the rear and it came round.”On hoping for another win in the Mercedes with five races to go, he added: “Of course, that’s what we’re working towards.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That is painful, it’s never happened to me before but this weekend the confidence had gone already from the first spin we had.”We need to go back to the drawing board and figure out what has been wrong with the car this weekend because it’s not been normal. We will work on it and try and come back stronger.”Verstappen’s third place leaves him top in the overall table on 354 points, with Norris second on 297 after he finished fourthCredit: GettyMonegasque star Leclerc hails his victory in Austin, TexasCredit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 axe fastest lap bonus point rule just weeks after Red Bull ‘cheating’ claims sparked controversy

      by

      FORMULA ONE is bringing in a new rule change – just weeks after claims of collusion amongst teams. The FIA has announced it will scrap the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap from next season. Daniel Ricciardo took the fastest lap bonus point in Singapore – despite being in 18th placeCredit: GettyLando Norris won the race, cutting the lead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (pictured) in the Driver’s ChampionshipCredit: ReutersIt follows controversy at the Singapore Grand Prix involving RB driver Daniel Ricciardo.McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was left baffled after Ricciardo posted the fastest lap at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22. Ricciardo, who drives for Red Bull’s junior RB team, pitted to go onto soft tyres when back in 18th place.He thundered around the circuit, denying a point to McLaren’s Lando Norris who would go on to win the race. READ MORE ON F1The bonus point is only awarded if a driver finishes inside the top 10, meaning Ricciardo’s own standing did not benefit from the move.Norris reduced Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 52 points thanks to his victory – but it would have been even tighter were it not for Ricciardo’s flying lap.Stella called for the issue to be “addressed,” but stopped short of accusing Red Bull of colluding with sister team RB. He said: “As soon as you invoke the sportsmanship, I think you need to approach this with a sense of responsibility that I want to have.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t know the facts, I just saw that Racing Bulls went for the fastest lap and they achieved it. I just find it a little peculiar.”The FIA has since announced the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap will be scrapped in 2025. Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’But no official reasoning for the change has yet been given. A statement read: “Minor changes for 2024 and 2025 Sporting and Technical regulations were approved by the World Council, including the removal of the point awarded for setting the fastest lap.”The rule returned to the sport after a 60-year absence in 2019.Savage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT.Red Bull boss Christian Horner denied any collusion between the teams following last month’s race in Singapore. He said: “Daniel obviously wanted to finish the race on a high.”You’d have to ask VCARB about that.”RB chief Laurent Mekies later clarified the team’s own position, claiming Ricciardo was sent out for one last hurrah.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 35-year-old looks set to be replaced with reserve driver Liam Lawson in Austin. Mekies said: “Given this may have been Daniel’s last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savour it and go out with the fastest lap.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Red Bull banned from using controversial device in major boost to Lando Norris’ F1 World Championship hopes

      by

      LANDO NORRIS believes he has been dealt a possible boost in his bid to beat Max Verstappen to world championship glory after Red Bull were ordered to make changes to their car.Rival teams claimed Red Bull have gained an advantage by running a contentious device which allowed them to adjust the setup of the car between qualifying and the race – something which is not prohibited in the sport’s rules.Max Verstappen could see his title chances take a hitCredit: ReutersThe changes could boost Lando Norris’ title hopesCredit: AFPA senior team representative at Red Bull said: “Yes it (the device) exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.”In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”Speaking ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix, McLaren’s Norris was asked if the FIA’s move to intervene will hand the title advantage his way.He replied: “If it has been helping them, and they have been utilising it in a way that people think they have, then maybe it will shift in our direction.READ MORE F1 NEWS”But they wouldn’t have got several poles and wins because of such a device.”I don’t think it will really change anything, but then when you look at the gaps in qualifying, and when the gap has been just hundredths of a second, then you might say this has helped.”It is good that the FIA are doing such a thing. There is a difference between black and white stuff like this, and a difference between Formula One and pushing the boundaries and innovating.”That is what we have done a very good job on, but been sure not to go any further than that.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri said: “From what I heard, and I have been told, something like this is not pushing the boundaries, it is clearly breaking them.”Norris’ emphatic win at the last round in Singapore a month ago means he trails Verstappen by 52 points with 180 still to play for over the remaining six rounds.Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ Norris has taken 26 points out of Verstappen in the last four races.And there will be an additional eight points up for grabs in Austin with a sprint race on Saturday.He said: “After Singapore I wanted to keep going.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁”We were in a good rhythm, and we have been for quite a while, but everyone needs a break, including my team.”It is nice to reboot and put our heads down again.”I have been happy with how things have gone and I am confident if we keep our heads down and keep pushing we can do it, we can close the gap, but it is not going to be easy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I need more than me first, and Max to finish second, but I cannot change that.”I need to focus on myself and leave the rest to everyone else.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 organisers confirm change to track after Max Verstappen complained as title race set to come down to the wire

      by

      ORGANISERS of the US Grand Prix have confirmed a major change has been made for this year’s Formula One race.After a three-week break, F1 returns with the title battle well and truly on between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.US Grand Prix organisers have confirmed they have completed a major change to the trackCredit: APThey said it came in light of a complaint made by Max Verstappen last yearCredit: GettyIt comes with Verstappen and Lando Norris fighting for the titleCredit: GettyThe rivals are separated by just 52 points with six grand prix weekends to go.However, as the Drivers’ Championship heads into crunch time, track chiefs at this weekend’s race of Circuit of the Americas in Texas, have confirmed the course has been fully resurfaced with new asphalt.It follows a complaint Verstappen made last year.The Austin track has always been a bumpy ride for drivers, however, last year’s edition proved particularly problematic.READ MORE IN F1Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified following the race when they were found to have excessive wear on the planks underneath their cars.Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso was forced to retire mid-event after smashing up his car floor.Verstappen, 27, won both the sprint and feature race at COTA last year on route to his third F1 title, but was very vocal about the problems he and his fellow drivers endured during the race.The flying Dutchman said at the time: “It needs to be redone because at the moment it feels like it’s better suited to a rally car. I’m jumping and bouncing around.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In an F1 car probably you don’t even see it as much because, of course, we are glued to the ground because of the downforce, but the bumps and jumps that we have in some places, this is way too much. “I don’t think it’s F1 level. I love this track. Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks”Honestly, the layout is amazing but we definitely need new tarmac and it needs to be a lot smoother for the coming years, because we already asking for this for I think quite a few years, and it’s not really been done.”Fast forward to this weekend, and race promoter Bobby Epstein has revealed the Red Bull driver’s complaint was a factor in finally getting the much-needed work done.He said: “It was mainly to get rid of the bumps. Some of that track was 12 years old, so it was time. “I know Max gave it a pretty poor review last year, so I hope we hear something positive. I’m certain we’re going to hear, ‘This is like a totally new track. It’s fantastic’.”As well as a resurfaced track, some of the verges have been narrowed and replaced with turf in an effort to reduce track limit violations.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Like last year, Verstappen is in the drivers seat to win the title.However, this time he is at a disadvantage due to the fact that Norris, 24, has a quicker car and has hit a strong run of form that has seen the Brit win two of the last four races.That being said, Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by almost nine points (8.67) every weekend to complete the greatest comeback in the sport’s history.COTA will kick off a second series of three sprint and feature race double headers to finish the season.A standard one-race weekend in Mexico will follow a week later before Brazil sees the penultimate sprint and feature race weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis will give way to another two-week break before F1 returns in Las Vegas.Vegas will then be followed by the final sprint weekend of the season in Qatar, before the season finale plays out in Abu Dhabi on December 8.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. 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 Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More