Category: Formula 1

Alpine’s Mercedes F1 engine switch for 2026 the ‘pragmatic, obvious’ choice Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has opened up on the team’s decision to switch to Mercedes powertrains for Formula 1’s new rules for 2026, stating the team simply wanted “the best engine in the back of the car”.The team’s parent company Renault had invested…

Why Vegas’s Monza and Baku similarities aren’t good news for Ferrari and McLaren Based on previous results on similar circuits, Ferrari and McLaren are the pre-race favourites as Formula 1 heads to Las Vegas, but two key factors could yet trip them up.This is also notwithstanding a rather resurgent Red Bull after Max Verstappen’s thumping…

How F1 teams are preparing to race Vegas’ cold desert nights Formula 1’s return to the American desert, a first in more than four decades, offered up-close racing and myriad of overtakes, proving that the F1 circus and the accompanying spectacle of Las Vegas were made for each other. As the circus sets up in…

Wolff says Hamilton “shelf-life” comments “taken out of context” Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff has claimed suggestions he is “happy” that Lewis Hamilton is leaving the team have taken his comments “out of context”.Hamilton is entering his last three races in Mercedes colours before his switch to Ferrari for next year, having won…

Explained: How F1’s new driver cooling device will work The FIA’s prototype method for its new Formula 1 cooling device involves cooled water being pumped around driver overalls, with different design approaches permitted in future rules, Motorsport.com can reveal.Last week, the results of the latest meeting of the F1 Commission declared that a new driver…

F1 stance to ban third-party tickets from livery event “unfairly targets fans” Formula 1 has been accused of “stifling competition” after insisting all tickets resold through third parties for the F175 event at London’s O2 next year will be invalid.Tickets for the 18 February event, where all 10 teams will unveil their liveries for 2025…

Promoted: Sainz and Leclerc drive into the Desert Sun The two drivers have been seen in many different special styles from the sportswear manufacturer in recent seasons and will now sport clothing with ‘natural fading and distressed elements’ from the latest collection, which is also available to fans.  Ferrari finished second and sixth on their last…

F1 announces Canadian GP date change to “rationalise” 2026 calendar Formula 1 has formally announced that from 2026 the Canadian Grand Prix will move to earlier in the calendar to “rationalise” the schedule with an expected link with Miami.In a statement issued on Monday, F1 said that the Montreal race was “planned to be scheduled…

What’s at stake at F1’s second Las Vegas GP Formula 1 heads to Las Vegas for the second edition of its street race on the Strip. Here’s what’s at stake in Sin City.A fourth world title for Verstappen?In the drivers’ championship, Max Verstappen could claim his fourth straight world title. With 86 points up for…

F2 star Hadjar on potential F1 debut in 2025: “My chances are alive” While he fights for the Formula 2 crown, Isack Hadjar is keeping a watchful eye on developments as Red Bull evaluates its Formula 1 driver line-ups.Officially, Sergio Perez was confirmed alongside Max Verstappen at the Milton Keynes-based squad, while Yuki Tsunoda was…

“A lot of hard work” needed for F1 return to Argentina Argentina has taken its first tentative steps towards a return of its Formula 1 grand prix in Buenos Aires but will have several hurdles to overcome to get there.Argentina’s former vice president Daniel Scioli, who currently serves as the country’s tourism minister, led a…

Exclusive: Behind the scenes of the “critical” 150-minute test facing F1 mechanics every race Ahead of grand prix qualifying at every Formula 1 race, the mechanics across the grid must complete a task they just cannot get wrong.This is to strip two cars down after each FP3 session or sprint race and build them back…

Sainz gets permission to drive for Williams in 2024 Abu Dhabi test Williams has announced that Carlos Sainz has received Ferrari’s permission to appear in Formula 1’s season-concluding Abu Dhabi tyre test to get an early sample of his new team’s car.Sainz will join Williams alongside Alex Albon in 2025, with his current deal to…

F1 warns resale tickets for London O2 event will not be valid Fans who were unable to purchase tickets for F1’s livery launch event at London’s O2 Arena next year have been urged not to buy from resale websites.Formula 1’s 75th anniversary season will begin in unfamiliar surroundings as all 10 teams launch their 2025…

Hill departs Sky F1 punditry role after 13 years Damon Hill has announced his exit from the Sky Sports Formula 1 presenting roster ahead of the 2024 season-ending triple-header.The 1996 Formula 1 world champion had been a permanent fixture on the Sky Sports team since the broadcaster gained the rights to F1 from the BBC…

The unconventional route taken by McLaren’s new academy chief After almost two decades working at one of the most successful junior single-seater teams in motorsport, Stephanie Carlin joined McLaren at the beginning of the year, supporting young drivers who are part of the team’s Driver Development Programme.Carlin’s route to the job is in stark contrast…

F1’s promise to be less tough on Las Vegas in its second year Despite some teething issues — Formula 1’s first Las Vegas Grand Prix on and around the gambling haven’s iconic Strip was both an on-track and commercial success. After several hiccups during practice the race turned out to be entertaining, and the marketing…

Does the Monaco GP deserve its place on the F1 calendar? Our writers have their say The Monaco Grand Prix’s position on the Formula 1 calendar remains intact, bar a minor date tweak, as a new deal has been signed to run until 2031.But given the iconic race’s place in F1 has come under question…

Mercedes reveals main end-of-season focus with top-three rivals out of reach Mercedes is set to use the final Formula 1 races of the season to gain further understanding of its weaknesses, having accepted it will finish fourth in the constructors’ standings.The Silver Arrows displayed a turn in fortunes mid-season and after a winless 2023 picked…

Red Bull feared “villain” portrayal in F1 film Red Bull was concerned about being portrayed as the “villain” in the new Formula 1 film, co-producer Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed.The upcoming F1 movie has seen heavy involvement from the real-world paddock, with filming continuing to take place on grand prix weekends, including at the recent Mexico…

FIA approves driver cooling kits from 2025 in F1 The FIA’s Formula 1 Commission has approved the introduction of driver cooling kits for the 2025 season, to be used in extreme heat conditions.Driver cooling has become a topic since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, with several drivers suffering from symptoms of heat exhaustion after the…

Watch this incredibly fun 2008 video of F1 drivers singing along to My Chemical Romance Welcome to the 2008 Formula 1 grid: Lewis Hamilton clinched his maiden world championship, Red Bull was on the brink of dominance, and everyone was embracing their emo phase. A resurfaced video from the final race of the season showed…

Maffei to step down as CEO of F1 owner Liberty Media Formula 1 owner Liberty Media has announced its president and CEO Greg Maffei will leave his role by the end of 2024.Maffei, who joined the American investment firm in 2005 and became its CEO in February 2006, will depart Liberty Media after opting not…

Las Vegas organisers play down future Formula 1 sprint race There is unlikely to be a trilogy of Formula 1 sprint races in the United States in the near future as Las Vegas organisers have distanced themselves from introducing the format.Two of the six sprint races of the 2024 F1 season have taken place in…

Las Vegas GP organisers hoping to celebrate Verstappen’s F1 title on the Strip If Max Verstappen hits the jackpot and retains his Formula 1 world title in Las Vegas next week, the series could be in for the most memorable championship celebration in its long and storied history.The Las Vegas Strip Circuit hosted its first…

A detailed investigation by FIA staff who visited Red Bull’s Milton Keynes factory has concluded that the squad did not use its controversial front bib adjuster in an illegal manner, Motorsport.com can reveal.Red Bull had found itself at the centre of intrigue in recent weeks over a tool it had tucked away in its car…

The Alpine Formula 1 team has officially announced it will switch to Mercedes power units from the 2026 season onwards.Alpine’s parent company Renault formally decided at the end of September to go through with plans to abandon its works engine programme in France’s Viry-Chatillon, which had been working on developing brand-new power units for 2026’s…

The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has announced Dan Fallows has stepped down with immediate effect from his role as technical director of the Silverstone squad.Fallows joined Aston Martin in April 2022, taking up the job of technical director after a long stint with Red Bull, where he rose through the ranks to become Chief…

The FIA has announced Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has left his role with immediate effect.On Tuesday the FIA said in a statement that the German had left his position ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix to “pursue new opportunities”.”The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as…

Formula 1’s 75th anniversary season will begin in unprecedented and unfamiliar surroundings as all 10 teams launch their 2025 liveries alongside one another at London’s O2 Arena on 18 February.The event will bring together all 20 drivers and their team principals, giving fans a first look at how the F1 grid will look for the…

Both Aston Martin and Red Bull have access to good wind tunnels and have produced – certainly in Red Bull’s case – some exceptional machinery over the past couple of years. Choosing to throw millions at a new wind tunnel, since a new facility doesn’t guarantee performance, is something of a calculated risk. If an old…

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur thinks that Formula 1’s aerodynamic testing restrictions could be a “game-changer” next year if teams deliberately write off the season to gain an advantage for 2026.F1 is approaching its next rules era in two years’ time, when revamped turbo hybrid engines with increased battery power will be matched with all-new aerodynamic…

Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu revealed he “never expected” Alpine to secure its double podium in Brazil that vaulted it to sixth in the Formula 1 constructors’ standings – but he pointed to the positive performance displayed by future driver Esteban Ocon.Alpine has struggled all year following a poor opening to the season with no…

The Brazilian GP’s sometimes near-aquaplaning conditions were a huge challenge for all Formula 1 drivers, but even more so for the most inexperienced ones on the grid.Among those with fewer than 10 grand prix starts, only Liam Lawson had previous experience in wet racing conditions – from his very first outing at the 2023 Dutch…

Audi is on the verge of selling a shareholding in its Formula 1 Sauber team to Qatar – with an announcement potentially coming ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.Despite repeated denials, the first speculation about a potential deal was revealed by veteran F1 journalist Joe Saward, while Motorsport.com sources have suggested, however, that the deal…

Twelve months ago, Aston Martin left the Brazilian Grand Prix with a podium finish that pointed to the outfit finally having some answers about its car as it headed into the winter.Fast-forward to now and things could not be more different, as the squad left Interlagos scratching its head over problems in the wet race…

Toto Wolff has revealed he did not try to persuade Lewis Hamilton to remain at Mercedes instead of switching to Ferrari and says he was concerned about the F1 driver’s “shelf life”.At the start of the year, Hamilton told Wolff he wanted to cut short his contract with Mercedes in order to join the Scuderia…

It was only a few years ago that some of Formula 1’s brightest minds were predicting a future where wind tunnels were no longer needed. Think of the wasted expense powering a giant fan in a massive, empty room filled with nothing but a 60% scale model of a car, and all the time spent…

Franco Colapinto’s strong arrival in Formula 1 has created a small earthquake that threatens to shake up the 2025 grid amid rumours linking him to Red Bull’s teams.The 21-year-old has impressed since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams, having scored points in two of his six outings with the Grove-based team.Although Colapinto doesn’t have a full-time…

Quite apart from the unfavourable competitive situation of March Grand Prix in 1982, the year’s dizzying politics and the deaths of two fellow Formula 1 drivers made it a tough baptism for Raul Boesel. Driving the DFV-powered 821 chassis that used three different tyre suppliers during the season, the Brazilian never figured in the points.…

In a Formula 1 season dominated by technical intrigue between the top squads, attention was grabbed at the Brazilian Grand Prix by suspicions over a potential trick involving the internal water cooling of tyres.The speculation follows hot on the heels of wild rumours we have seen throughout 2024 of asymmetric braking systems, flexi front wings,…

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has opened up on details surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari – and how he got an early tip-off from Carlos Sainz Sr.Hamilton told Wolff during a visit to his house at the end of January that he would be activating an exit clause in his Mercedes contract and joining…

Aston Martin has got to the bottom of its troubled Brazilian Grand Prix that left Lance Stroll out on the formation lap and Fernando Alonso battling extreme bouncing.The Silverstone-based team endured a hugely challenging race afternoon at Interlagos as Stroll spun into the wall on the formation lap after his rears unexpectedly locked, before he…

An unspecified number of European Formula 1 grands prix face the prospect of hosting races on a rotational basis sooner rather than later, according to series CEO Stefano Domenicali.With a record-breaking 24 rounds already crammed onto the F1 calendar, the scope for adding new venues is now arguably smaller than ever.Domenicali has previously suggested rotating…

In December 2022, Formula 1 reporter Jennie Gow’s life was turned upside down. Out of nowhere, the BBC 5 Live radio journalist suffered a stroke that left her unable to read, write or speak, with fears over whether she would ever be able to live a normal life again, never mind being her energetic and…

Williams has admitted that the five major shunts from the last two Formula 1 race weekends have caused an ‘unsustainable’ run of damage to leave it short on spares.The Grove-based squad has endured two bruising events in Mexico and Brazil, where drivers Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto both endured a run of heavy accidents.Albon suffered…

Nico Hulkenberg has revealed how the marshals at Turn 1 for the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix were “partying” after illegally helping the Haas driver rejoin the race after an off.The German spun out in difficult conditions at Interlagos and although he failed to reach the barriers at the first corner, he became beached on…

The rain-affected Brazilian Grand Prix delivered what was perhaps the biggest shock podium of the Formula 1 season so far.Max Verstappen’s charge from 17th on the grid to the front had been anticipated by very few people, and it marked his first triumph since the Spanish Grand Prix back in June.Right behind the Dutchman were…

Yuki Tsunoda believes he would have led the Brazilian Grand Prix had the safety car and subsequent red flags not been called for at Interlagos.The Japanese driver was one of a select few to opt for a switch to extreme wet tyres as rain pelted the Sao Paulo circuit, with he and team-mate Liam Lawson…

The peculiarity of the free tyre change that is allowed under Formula 1’s red flag rules has long been a source of frustration to drivers.When the situation crops up, like it did in Brazil last weekend and at the Monaco GP in May, those who are caught on the wrong side of things bemoan the…

McLaren says that guiding Lando Norris to the drivers’ championship was never ultimately its main target – as it has always been more focused on the constructors’ crown.Norris had a golden opportunity to close down Max Verstappen’s points advantage in the Brazilian Grand Prix, starting on pole position with his rival down in 17th on…

For the first time since the pair started sharing the Formula 1 grid, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly joined each other on the podium of a grand prix, capitalising on a bold strategy in a wet Interlagos classic to finish second and third behind the untouchable Max Verstappen.It was a huge boost to Alpine, the…

McLaren has continued to push developments of its MCL38 at the back end of the Formula 1 season, as it knuckles down to try to secure the constructors’ championship.And while its rivals pretty much steered clear of any upgrades in Brazil for what was the third race of a triple-header, it was interesting that McLaren…

Johnny Herbert has insisted he is entitled to his opinions on reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen as a response to criticism from the Dutchman’s father, Jos.The two former F1 drivers are at loggerheads after Herbert initially remarked that the time penalties dished out to the Red Bull driver during the Mexico Grand Prix “would…

Lewis Hamilton revealed he cannot wait for Christmas in what is a telling summary of his final Formula 1 season with Mercedes.At the start of the year, Hamilton informed boss Toto Wolff of his decision to terminate his deal with the Silver Arrows to join Ferrari for 2025.However, the Briton made it clear he wanted…

McLaren says that brake lock-up problems, rather than driving errors under pressure, were the main factor that derailed Lando Norris’s hopes in Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix.Norris had a golden opportunity to cut into Max Verstappen’s championship lead at Interlagos after securing pole position in the race, with his title rival down in 17th on…

Fernando Alonso has opened up on the back pain, emotions and mystery brake problems that he battled to drag his Aston Martin to the finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix.The Spaniard had been struggling throughout last weekend with the new bumpy Interlagos surface, but matters reached a peak in the race as the repeated impacts…

We were due a mad one, weren’t we? There’s usually at least one Formula 1 race per year which goes off-script, usually thanks to a few lashings of rain, and Brazil gave us this year’s instalment of a break with the usual competitive order.Despite the trials and tribulations of qualifying – held on Sunday morning…

“Nada ultrapassa essa emoção,” is the slogan greeting fans at Interlagos’ entrances. Nothing surpasses this emotion.Walk through the tunnels underneath the Autodromo Carlos Pace and it’s obvious why. The bowl-shaped venue in the middle of Sao Paulo’s bustling metropolis is one of motor racing’s most revered cathedrals, its ancient grandstands steeped in history. Ayrton Senna…

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly described an unlikely double-podium for Alpine in a dramatic, rain-hit Brazilian Grand Prix as “incredible” after “such a tough season” for the French team.In a difficult season for the team, which has seen a number of management changes, plus the controversial decision for Renault to cut off it’s F1 engine plans…

George Russell believes he should have stuck with his gut and overruled his Mercedes team when it called him to pit moments before Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix was red-flagged.Having taken the lead into the first corner following the aborted start, which remains under investigation, Russell kept clear of polesitter Lando Norris despite the McLaren…

Max Verstappen breathed a huge sigh of relief after his spectacular victory in the rain-hit Brazilian Grand Prix saw him close in on the 2024 Formula 1 world drivers’ title.While his nearest championship rival Lando Norris faltered, Verstappen held his nerve with a flawless performance in the wet, as the reigning world champion served up an incredible…

Mercedes has been handed two separate 5000 Euro fines for breaching Formula 1’s regulations regarding the adjustment of tyre pressures on the grid.The German manufacturer had been summoned to see the stewards after the Brazilian Grand Prix for allegedly having lowered the pressure of the tyres on Lewis Hamilton and George Russell’s cars, after their…

McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes driver George Russell have each been handed a reprimand and a 5,000 Euro fine for breaching the FIA’s start procedure at Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix.Sao Paulo’s F1 race received a messy start, with Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll spinning into the gravel on the formation lap at the entry…

Qualifying for the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix has been postponed to Sunday due to a deluge of rain that hit the Interlagos circuit.Rain began to fall half an hour before the qualifying session for Sunday’s grand prix was due to begin at 1500 local time.The sprint race had run on Saturday morning in dry…

Formula 1’s latest technical controversy has erupted at the Brazilian Grand Prix amid suspicions that some teams have allegedly used water to cool their tyres from the inside.With the fight for the championship between Red Bull and McLaren getting super close, there has been an increased probing between the two squads over elements of their…

Lewis Hamilton has reacted to the decision to postpone Saturday’s qualifying session for the Brazilian Grand Prix by giving his opinions straight to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.Hamilton interrupted a live F1TV interview with Domenicali, in which the F1 boss was explaining the decision not to allow qualifying to go ahead at the rain-lashed Interlagos…

The FIA has confirmed that qualifying for Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix will now take place at 07:30 local time on Sunday morning, with the start of the race brought forward to 12:30 local time.On Saturday afternoon qualifying had to be continuously delayed and ultimately postponed due to heavy rainfall over Sao Paulo, with standing…

The unexpected downpour that forced qualifying for Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix to be postponed has prompted great intrigue about a unique ‘what if’ scenario.And it is that, if the weather in Sao Paulo remains treacherous on Sunday morning and the rescheduled session cannot run, how will the grid for the F1 race be formed?The…

Kevin Magnussen will sit out the entire Brazilian Grand Prix weekend due to illness, with reserve driver Oliver Bearman remaining in the car until Sunday.On Friday morning Haas announced that Magnussen would have to sit out the Friday running after being taken ill, and that he would be replaced by Bearman for free practice and…

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has been handed a €10,000 fine, half of which suspended, for swearing in the Mexico Grand Prix’s post-race press conference.After finishing third in Mexico City, Leclerc used an expletive in the FIA press conference to describe his thinking as he went off the track at Mexico’s final corner, which allowed McLaren…

Oscar Piastri says he would be willing to give up a potential victory in the sprint race of Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix to help McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in the championship, despite getting pole position in sprint qualifying on Friday.Read Also: Formula 1F1 Brazilian GP: Piastri grabs sprint pole from Norris; Verstappen fourth Norris…

Formula 1 drivers have been caught up by the bumpiness of Interlagos’ new track surface, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri joking “seeing the end of the straight is the first objective” in Saturday’s sprint.The historic Brazilian Grand Prix venue in Sao Paulo has been completely resurfaced for 2024, and while drivers agreed the new asphalt delivered…

A new Red Bull chassis didn’t help Sergio Perez turn his fortunes around as he could only qualify in 13th place for the sprint race in Brazil.The under-fire Red Bull driver continues to struggle for form after a poor performance in the US GP in Austin followed by his shocking home race in Mexico last…