Lewis Hamilton reveals the Queen told him off at the Royal lunch SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Back-to-back titles appear to be on the cards for Red Bull and Max Verstappen after he capitalised on Ferrari 's woes to win Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix. The Dutchman now sits 80 points ahead of Charles Leclerc , who failed to capitalise on a strong start at the Hungaroring and finished sixth. Mercedes , meanwhile, continued to improve after Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both claimed podium places for the second straight weekend. Only two drivers failed to complete what proved to be a tough test in Mogyorod, and Express Sport breaks down post-race ratings for every driver in the field. Related articles … [Read more...] about F1 Hungarian Grand Prix driver ratings: Lewis Hamilton soars as Max Verstappen boosts lead
F1 spanish grand prix
Red Bull made last-second change which won Max Verstappen the Hungarian Grand Prix
F1 preview: A lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Red Bull boss Christian Horner revealed the team made a last-second change which proved key to Max Verstappen winning the Hungarian Grand Prix. He confirmed the team were moments away from making Ferrari’s mistake by putting on the hard compound tyre. Related articles Red Bull snap up F1 legend's son in bid to find the next Verstappen F1 Hungarian Grand Prix: Verstappen wins thrilling contest in Budapest However, both drivers' comments on the out-lap to the grid made the team change tactics and start the race on the softs. This allowed Verstappen to carve his way through the pack early on before switching to the … [Read more...] about Red Bull made last-second change which won Max Verstappen the Hungarian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton backed for “surprise” British Grand Prix success – if allowed to race
Lewis Hamilton could shock favourites Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc at Silverstone this weekend, with an F1 icon tipping the Mercedes star to "surprise" at the British Grand Prix . No-one in the history of Formula 1 has won this race more times than Hamilton, who is the real fans' favourite at Silverstone on account of his unprecedented success there. But a record ninth victory looks unlikely this weekend, given the performance chasm between Mercedes and front runners Red Bull . Hamilton and George Russell have managed to produce some impressive results this season given all the difficulties they have faced, but haven't come close to a race win. Defending champion Verstappen has been dominant in that regard, while Leclerc has also been in regular contention – when his Ferrari has been reliable. But Mercedes are bringing car upgrades with them to Silverstone this weekend , that they hope will be able to help them get closer to the two teams ahead of them. … [Read more...] about Lewis Hamilton backed for “surprise” British Grand Prix success – if allowed to race
Fight breaks out in Azerbaijan Grand Prix paddock as young driver’s dad slapped with ban
A Formula 2 driver has been slapped with a fine after his father pushed and threatened another racer's trainer in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix paddock. Cem Bolukbasi was ordered to pay £4,284.55 to the FIA as a result of his father's behaviour on Sunday. According to an official report released by motorsport's governing body, Yavuz Bolukbasi "provoked a heated verbal exchange" with the trainer of fellow racer Roy Nissany. It happened after the two drivers were involved in an on-track incident earlier in the day. Bolukbasi Snr, along with his son's manager, made their way to the paddock tent of Nissany's team before losing his temper after believing he had heard a derogatory comment made towards his son. That was when Mr Bolukbasi is alleged to have begun shouting, causing Nissany's trainer to get involved. The FIA's report said: "There was some pushing and physical contact between the father and the trainer," before adding that "no punches were exchanged and the unwanted guests … [Read more...] about Fight breaks out in Azerbaijan Grand Prix paddock as young driver’s dad slapped with ban
Yuki Tsunoda wants F1 penalty points system axed as AlphaTauri star creeps towards ban
Yuki Tsunoda has called for Formula 1 to scrap the current penalty points system as the AlphaTauri star moves closer to being slapped with a race ban. Drivers pick up points for a wide range of reasons whenever they break the rules – it can happen even if they get no other form of penalty. Under current regulations, they are allowed to accumulate up to 11 points in a 12 month period without incurring further punishment. As soon as that 12th point is collected, that racer must serve an automatic one-race ban. It is a punishment that no F1 driver has ever faced, though there have been several examples of those who have come close. Lando Norris was on 10 points after the Austrian Grand Prix last season, leaving him on a tightrope. In response, his McLaren team called for the rules to change, with chief executive Zak Brown telling reporters: "I can't remember any incident where Lando drove dangerously. "We wrote to the FIA and Formula 1 with seven races to go and said … [Read more...] about Yuki Tsunoda wants F1 penalty points system axed as AlphaTauri star creeps towards ban
F1 fans suspicious after Michael Masi ‘signed NDA’ with FIA over Abu Dhabi GP fiasco
Almost a year on from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and tremors are still being felt following arguably the most controversial result in Formula 1 history. Michael Masi oversaw his last event as F1 race director at Yas Marina Circuit, where it was his decisions that led to Max Verstappen claiming his first world championship. It's now been claimed Masi signed a non-disclosure agreement with the FIA to never discuss the race, which many fans have interpreted as further evidence that Lewis Hamilton was dealt a major injustice in the 2021 title decider. Australia's Daily Telegraph reported on the NDA as part of a new interview with Masi, who was sacked as race director on the eve of the 2022 campaign. Motorsport's governing body has been criticised for its failure to properly address the 'Decider in the Desert', and these latest developments have given fans fresh ammunition. "Masi signing an NDA makes perfect sense, and also reinforces the claim that F1 journalists were … [Read more...] about F1 fans suspicious after Michael Masi ‘signed NDA’ with FIA over Abu Dhabi GP fiasco
F1 supremo hints at handing Michael Masi lifeline despite Abu Dhabi debacle
The F1 career of former race director Michael Masi may not yet be over if FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem's comments are anything to go by. Masi, 44, took over the role in 2019 following the sudden death of Charlie Whiting. He was still in post for the dramatic 2021 title decider in Abu Dhabi, when he suddenly became one of the most divisive figures in the sport. Masi came in for a siege of criticism for altering his initial safety car instructions to drivers during the final laps at the Yas Marina. The Australian, under pressure from Red Bull boss Christian Horner , fast-tracked matters in order to ensure one final lap of racing. It gifted Max Verstappen the chance to overtake Lewis Hamilton and take the chequered flag, crowning him world champion in sensational fashion . Mercedes promptly launched two separate protests into what transpired, but both were dismissed by a panel of race stewards. Toto Wolff and co then immediately launched notice of intent to … [Read more...] about F1 supremo hints at handing Michael Masi lifeline despite Abu Dhabi debacle
Mercedes star George Russell accuses rivals Red Bull and Ferrari of “pushing” F1 rules
George Russell suggested Red Bull and Ferrari might not be so far ahead of Mercedes when the Formula 1 circus returns from its summer break. The Belgian Grand Prix will finally see the implementation of the technical directive announced by the FIA in June over porpoising and its effect on the health of drivers. It was due to take effect in France last month, but it has been delayed more than once amid backlash from some teams. Mercedes had been particularly vocal in their desire for lawmakers to step in, with Russell and Lewis Hamilton among those worst affected by porpoising at the time. The likes of Red Bull and Ferrari, however, had fixed the problem themselves and so did not welcome FIA intervention. The Silver Arrows appeared to have figured out how to fix the issue themselves since, and have been far more competitive in recent races. And Russell believes they could be even closer in the second part of the season as the FIA clamps down on 'flexi-floors'. … [Read more...] about Mercedes star George Russell accuses rivals Red Bull and Ferrari of “pushing” F1 rules
F1 chief takes swipe at Lewis Hamilton over porpoising with ‘stay at home’ jibe
A Formula 1 team chief has told drivers they should "stay at home" if they cannot cope with discomfort from porpoising cars, in a thinly-veiled swipe at Lewis Hamilton . The Mercedes ace has been one of the racers most affected by the bouncing phenomenon which has been the talk of the paddock this season. It was the seven-time world champion who clambered out of his car in agony after a tough Azerbaijan Grand Prix earlier this month. It was after those scenes that the FIA decided to step in with a technical directive as the sport's governing body vowed to "reduce or eliminate" porpoising. It plans to create a metric to determine an "acceptable level of vertical oscillations", which will then be enforced so teams have to set up their car with driver comfort in mind. AlphaTauri chief Franz Tost said he supports the FIA in its mid-season intervention, but also had a scathing message for complaining F1 drivers as he assessed the situation. "This is a Formula 1 car," … [Read more...] about F1 chief takes swipe at Lewis Hamilton over porpoising with ‘stay at home’ jibe
F1 saga takes new twist as Alpine boss takes fresh ‘loyalty’ swipe at Oscar Piastri
Otmar Szafnauer is not impressed with Oscar Piastri (Image: GETTY) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer has continued his war of words with Oscar Piastri after the F1 driver denied that an agreement was in place for him to take Fernando Alonso's seat from next year. Alonso's surprise switch to Aston Martin as Sebastian Vettel's replacement seemingly opened the door for Piastri to step in alongside Esteban Ocon. Related articles Christian Horner reacts as Red Bull poach ex-Lewis Hamilton engineer Lewis Hamilton cautious of Toto Wolff approach at Mercedes Alpine subsequently announced that Piastri would be given the seat but, in a shock twist, the Frenchman took to social media to deny it all … [Read more...] about F1 saga takes new twist as Alpine boss takes fresh ‘loyalty’ swipe at Oscar Piastri