World champion Lando Norris claimed his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season with a commanding drive at the Hungarian Grand Prix, leading McLaren to a third consecutive triumph at the Hungaroring. Starting from pole position, the 26-year-old Briton recovered brilliantly after a difficult opening lap to finish 15 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the podium after another impressive performance.&nbsp;The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and fifth respectively, followed by Isack Hadjar, George Russell and Liam Lawson. Audi's Nico Huelkenberg secured his first points of the season by finishing ninth, while Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad rounded out the top ten. The victory marked Norris' 12th Formula 1 career win and a successful title defence at the Hungaroring, where he also triumphed last season.&nbsp;Antonelli's podium further strengthened his lead in the drivers' championship, extending his advantage over Hamilton to 50 points heading into the summer break. "Beautiful," said Norris on team radio. "The car was unbelievable today! Flying! "It's probably the best pace I've ever had," he said. “This track is good for us.” Verstappen admitted Red Bull had exceeded expectations despite lacking outright pace. "I didn't expect it today, we had to work very hard for this," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-pm-modi-to-mandaviya-india-salutes-mirabai-chanu-s-record-breaking-gold-at-cwg-2026-1785083227462">From PM Modi to Mandaviya, India salutes Mirabai Chanu's record-breaking Gold at CWG 2026</a>&nbsp;Antonelli was pleased to finish on the podium after an intense race. “It was so tough to overtake, but it is the best result for me to go into the break and now we can keep pushing.” The race started in scorching conditions with air temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius and track temperatures climbing to 51 degrees. Ferrari opted for soft tyres at the start while the rest of the leading contenders chose medium compounds.&nbsp;Oscar Piastri made a lightning getaway to move ahead of Charles Leclerc, while Norris ran wide at Turn Two, allowing Piastri into the lead. Lewis Hamilton also overtook Leclerc to move into fourth behind Verstappen. George Russell endured a nightmare start after his Mercedes went into anti-stall mode on the grid, dropping him from sixth to last as Antonelli moved up the order.Hamilton briefly challenged Verstappen before suffering tyre degradation and pitted early in an attempt to undercut the Red Bull driver. "Max is slow," reported Hamilton before diving into the pits on lap 14.&nbsp;Verstappen responded one lap later and reclaimed position from Hamilton with a decisive move at Turn One. As the race unfolded, varying tyre strategies reshuffled the order, with Antonelli briefly leading before Norris regained control after making full use of fresher tyres. McLaren's hopes of a one-two finish ended when Piastri retired with gearbox problems, triggering a Virtual Safety Car. Norris immediately pitted for soft tyres, maintaining track position over Verstappen.&nbsp;In the closing laps, Norris comfortably controlled the race to secure a dominant victory, while Verstappen held off Antonelli for second place. Hamilton crossed the line fourth on the road but dropped behind Leclerc after receiving a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

Lando Norris claimed his first Formula 1 win of the 2026 season with a dominant Hungarian Grand Prix victory ahead of Max Verstappen, while Kimi Antonelli finished third

World champion Lando Norris claimed his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season with a commanding drive at the Hungarian Grand Prix, leading McLaren to a third consecutive triumph at the Hungaroring. Starting from pole position, the 26-year-old Briton recovered brilliantly after a difficult opening lap to finish 15 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the podium after another impressive performance. The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and fifth respectively, followed by Isack Hadjar, George Russell and Liam Lawson. Audi's Nico Huelkenberg secured his first points of the season by finishing ninth, while Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad rounded out the top ten. The victory marked Norris' 12th Formula 1 career win and a successful title defence at the Hungaroring, where he also triumphed last season. Antonelli's podium further strengthened his lead in the drivers' championship, extending his advantage over Hamilton to 50 points heading into the summer break. "Beautiful," said Norris on team radio. "The car was unbelievable today! Flying! "It's probably the best pace I've ever had," he said. “This track is good for us.” Verstappen admitted Red Bull had exceeded expectations despite lacking outright pace. "I didn't expect it today, we had to work very hard for this," he said. Also Read: From PM Modi to Mandaviya, India salutes Mirabai Chanu's record-breaking Gold at CWG 2026 Antonelli was pleased to finish on the podium after an intense race. “It was so tough to overtake, but it is the best result for me to go into the break and now we can keep pushing.” The race started in scorching conditions with air temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius and track temperatures climbing to 51 degrees. Ferrari opted for soft tyres at the start while the rest of the leading contenders chose medium compounds. Oscar Piastri made a lightning getaway to move ahead of Charles Leclerc, while Norris ran wide at Turn Two, allowing Piastri into the lead. Lewis Hamilton also overtook Leclerc to move into fourth behind Verstappen. George Russell endured a nightmare start after his Mercedes went into anti-stall mode on the grid, dropping him from sixth to last as Antonelli moved up the order. Hamilton briefly challenged Verstappen before suffering tyre degradation and pitted early in an attempt to undercut the Red Bull driver. "Max is slow," reported Hamilton before diving into the pits on lap 14. Verstappen responded one lap later and reclaimed position from Hamilton with a decisive move at Turn One. As the race unfolded, varying tyre strategies reshuffled the order, with Antonelli briefly leading before Norris regained control after making full use of fresher tyres. McLaren's hopes of a one-two finish ended when Piastri retired with gearbox problems, triggering a Virtual Safety Car. Norris immediately pitted for soft tyres, maintaining track position over Verstappen. In the closing laps, Norris comfortably controlled the race to secure a dominant victory, while Verstappen held off Antonelli for second place. Hamilton crossed the line fourth on the road but dropped behind Leclerc after receiving a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

Lando Norris won the Hungarian Grand Prix, beating Red Bull's Max Verstappen as McLaren celebrated a third straight victory at the Hungaroring

Formula 1: World champion Lando Norris storms to first win of 2026 season at Hungarian Grand Prix

Formula One has officially confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was cancelled earlier this year because of the Middle East conflict, will now take place in Malaysia at the iconic Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, 2026. The announcement was made jointly by Formula One and the FIA on Sunday, marking Sepang's return to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2017. "Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4 2026," F1 and motorsport's world governing body said in a statement.&nbsp;The original 2026 Formula One calendar featured 24 races, but the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled following the outbreak of war in the Middle East. While Formula One had explored the possibility of staging the Bahrain race later in the year in the Gulf region, renewed tensions involving Iran and the United States made those plans unfeasible. Instead, Sepang will host the event under the official title 'Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia'.&nbsp;The Malaysian circuit, located near Kuala Lumpur International Airport, has a rich Formula One history and has also hosted MotoGP races since 1999. Its return provides fans with another opportunity to witness racing at one of the sport's most popular venues. Formula One also confirmed that Bahrain will bear a significant portion of the financial costs associated with relocating and rescheduling the race.&nbsp;The revised calendar places the Malaysia-hosted Bahrain Grand Prix between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11, increasing the 2026 championship schedule to 23 races. "This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue," said Domenicali. "Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-test-injury-woes-hit-india-as-washington-sundar-doubtful-jasprit-bumrah-under-watch-saransh-jain-in-line-for-maiden-call-up-1785068392291">IND vs SL Test: Injury woes hit India as Washington Sundar doubtful, Jasprit Bumrah under watch; Saransh Jain in line for maiden call-up</a><h2>Qatar and Abu Dhabi races still uncertain</h2>Despite the revised schedule, uncertainty remains over the final two races of the 2026 Formula One season. The Qatar Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are currently scheduled for November 29 and December 6, respectively. However, both events could still face cancellation depending on developments in the region. Formula One is evaluating several contingency plans if those races cannot go ahead. Among the options being discussed are hosting two consecutive Grands Prix in Las Vegas or shifting one or two season-ending races to Europe.&nbsp;According to paddock sources, Italy's Imola circuit and Portugal's Portimao circuit are among the leading alternatives under consideration. A final decision regarding the closing rounds of the championship is not expected before late September or early October, with officials continuing to monitor the geopolitical situation before making any changes.

Formula One confirms the Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Malaysia's Sepang Circuit in October 2026 after its cancellation due to the Middle East conflict. Qatar and Abu Dhabi races remain under review amid regional uncertainty

Formula One has officially confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was cancelled earlier this year because of the Middle East conflict, will now take place in Malaysia at the iconic Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, 2026. The announcement was made jointly by Formula One and the FIA on Sunday, marking Sepang's return to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2017. "Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4 2026," F1 and motorsport's world governing body said in a statement. The original 2026 Formula One calendar featured 24 races, but the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled following the outbreak of war in the Middle East. While Formula One had explored the possibility of staging the Bahrain race later in the year in the Gulf region, renewed tensions involving Iran and the United States made those plans unfeasible. Instead, Sepang will host the event under the official title 'Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia'. The Malaysian circuit, located near Kuala Lumpur International Airport, has a rich Formula One history and has also hosted MotoGP races since 1999. Its return provides fans with another opportunity to witness racing at one of the sport's most popular venues. Formula One also confirmed that Bahrain will bear a significant portion of the financial costs associated with relocating and rescheduling the race. The revised calendar places the Malaysia-hosted Bahrain Grand Prix between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11, increasing the 2026 championship schedule to 23 races. "This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue," said Domenicali. "Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world." Also Read: IND vs SL Test: Injury woes hit India as Washington Sundar doubtful, Jasprit Bumrah under watch; Saransh Jain in line for maiden call-up Qatar and Abu Dhabi races still uncertain Despite the revised schedule, uncertainty remains over the final two races of the 2026 Formula One season. The Qatar Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are currently scheduled for November 29 and December 6, respectively. However, both events could still face cancellation depending on developments in the region. Formula One is evaluating several contingency plans if those races cannot go ahead. Among the options being discussed are hosting two consecutive Grands Prix in Las Vegas or shifting one or two season-ending races to Europe. According to paddock sources, Italy's Imola circuit and Portugal's Portimao circuit are among the leading alternatives under consideration. A final decision regarding the closing rounds of the championship is not expected before late September or early October, with officials continuing to monitor the geopolitical situation before making any changes.

Formula One confirms Malaysia's Sepang Circuit will host the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in October as Gulf races remain uncertain

Formula 1: Malaysia to host rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang in October

World champion Lando Norris produced a stunning final lap to snatch pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, edging Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by just 0.012 seconds in a thrilling qualifying session at the Hungaroring on Saturday. The McLaren driver clocked a best time of 1:17.207, securing his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season and denying Hamilton a record-extending 10th pole at the Budapest circuit.&nbsp;Ferrari's Charles Leclerc qualified third, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli put his Mercedes fourth, 0.260 seconds behind Norris. Oscar Piastri completed the top five for McLaren, ahead of four-time world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull. "I am very happy to be back on top," said Norris. "It was a tough session and these guys (Ferrari) were very quick. It's been tough all weekend, but we have been quick and our upgrades have helped – it's so nice to be on pole especially at this track."&nbsp;Hamilton came agonisingly close to becoming the oldest Formula 1 pole-sitter since Mario Andretti at the 1982 Italian Grand Prix, but ultimately fell short despite leading after the opening runs in Q3. "Congratulations to Lando," said Hamilton. "I think we did a great job all weekend and we were solid in qualifying, but going out first was not the right call. On top of that, the grip just wasn't there for Charles and I at the end. We were quickest, but it got away from us ultimately."&nbsp;Leclerc admitted changing conditions caught Ferrari off guard. “There was quite a bit of wind change today and I didn't anticipate it well. It was all a bit messy.” Qualifying began in scorching conditions, with track temperatures reaching 52°C. Ferrari opted to send both Hamilton and Leclerc out on medium tyres in Q1, and Hamilton immediately topped the timesheets with a 1:18.730 lap before Leclerc's effort was deleted for exceeding track limits.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-was-tulika-maan-withdrawn-from-the-commonwealth-games-explained-what-happened-whereabouts-rules-and-what-happens-next-1784997078500">Why was Tulika Maan withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games? Explained: What happened, whereabouts rules, and what happens next</a>&nbsp;McLaren responded on soft tyres, with Norris setting the fastest time ahead of Verstappen and Antonelli, while Aston Martin celebrated Fernando Alonso reaching Q2 for the first time this season. Eliminated in Q1 were both Cadillacs, both Williams cars, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and Haas rookie Oliver Bearman. Q2 saw Hamilton once again emerge as the quickest with a 1:17.931 lap. Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar recovered from a spin at Turn 12 to briefly go fastest before Norris reclaimed the top spot. Leclerc also squeezed into the final shootout with a late improvement.&nbsp;Liam Lawson, both Alpine drivers, Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto, Haas' Esteban Ocon and Alonso were knocked out in the second segment. In Q3, Hamilton grabbed provisional pole with a 1:17.219 lap, leading Norris by a tenth after the first flying runs. Ferrari sent both drivers out early for their final attempts, but neither improved.&nbsp;Verstappen spun at Turn 13 during the closing moments, briefly bringing out yellow flags that disrupted several drivers. Norris, however, had already begun his decisive lap and delivered a flawless final sector to claim the 17th pole position of his Formula 1 career and his second at the Hungaroring.

Lando Norris clinched a dramatic Hungarian Grand Prix pole position, beating Lewis Hamilton by 0.012 seconds as Ferrari narrowly missed a record 10th Budapest pole. Read the full qualifying report

World champion Lando Norris produced a stunning final lap to snatch pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, edging Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by just 0.012 seconds in a thrilling qualifying session at the Hungaroring on Saturday. The McLaren driver clocked a best time of 1:17.207, securing his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season and denying Hamilton a record-extending 10th pole at the Budapest circuit. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc qualified third, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli put his Mercedes fourth, 0.260 seconds behind Norris. Oscar Piastri completed the top five for McLaren, ahead of four-time world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull. "I am very happy to be back on top," said Norris. "It was a tough session and these guys (Ferrari) were very quick. It's been tough all weekend, but we have been quick and our upgrades have helped – it's so nice to be on pole especially at this track." Hamilton came agonisingly close to becoming the oldest Formula 1 pole-sitter since Mario Andretti at the 1982 Italian Grand Prix, but ultimately fell short despite leading after the opening runs in Q3. "Congratulations to Lando," said Hamilton. "I think we did a great job all weekend and we were solid in qualifying, but going out first was not the right call. On top of that, the grip just wasn't there for Charles and I at the end. We were quickest, but it got away from us ultimately." Leclerc admitted changing conditions caught Ferrari off guard. “There was quite a bit of wind change today and I didn't anticipate it well. It was all a bit messy.” Qualifying began in scorching conditions, with track temperatures reaching 52°C. Ferrari opted to send both Hamilton and Leclerc out on medium tyres in Q1, and Hamilton immediately topped the timesheets with a 1:18.730 lap before Leclerc's effort was deleted for exceeding track limits. Also Read: Why was Tulika Maan withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games? Explained: What happened, whereabouts rules, and what happens next McLaren responded on soft tyres, with Norris setting the fastest time ahead of Verstappen and Antonelli, while Aston Martin celebrated Fernando Alonso reaching Q2 for the first time this season. Eliminated in Q1 were both Cadillacs, both Williams cars, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and Haas rookie Oliver Bearman. Q2 saw Hamilton once again emerge as the quickest with a 1:17.931 lap. Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar recovered from a spin at Turn 12 to briefly go fastest before Norris reclaimed the top spot. Leclerc also squeezed into the final shootout with a late improvement. Liam Lawson, both Alpine drivers, Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto, Haas' Esteban Ocon and Alonso were knocked out in the second segment. In Q3, Hamilton grabbed provisional pole with a 1:17.219 lap, leading Norris by a tenth after the first flying runs. Ferrari sent both drivers out early for their final attempts, but neither improved. Verstappen spun at Turn 13 during the closing moments, briefly bringing out yellow flags that disrupted several drivers. Norris, however, had already begun his decisive lap and delivered a flawless final sector to claim the 17th pole position of his Formula 1 career and his second at the Hungaroring.

Lando Norris beat Lewis Hamilton by just 0.012s to claim Hungarian Grand Prix pole position, denying Ferrari a record 10th Budapest pole

Hungarian Grand Prix: Lando Norris denies Lewis Hamilton record 10th pole in thrilling finish

India’s 11-year-old racing prodigy Atiqa Mir gave another compelling example of her precocious talent by outqualifying two Mercedes F1 junior drivers for pole position in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Round 3 here. Despite no testing on a rather technical Leopard Circuit, Atiqa, the first Indian to be backed by Formula 1 Academy, set sizzling pace in qualifying of the karting series. &nbsp; She beat established Mercedes F1 Junior drivers like Niccolo Perico of Italy and Devin Titz of Germany for pole position besides setting an event record, earning the plaudits from one and all in the paddock. Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month. Post the stellar pole position, Atiqa secured P2 and P3 in the Heats after engrossing battles.&nbsp; In the final, Atiqa started P2 and passed Niccolo for the lead. However, due to an engine mis-fire, she couldn’t hold on to the lead and lost places finally before recovering to finish P6. The results don’t reflect Atiqa’s sensational speed but she did make a mark with the audacious move for the lead on Lap 1 against Niccolo after outpacing him in qualifying. On Day 2, Atiqa was hit by engine trouble and qualified 27th. The organisers were quick to change her engine but the damage was done by then.&nbsp; A recovery drive followed and she charged through the field in every heat to start the final 18th on the grid. In the Final, Atiqa passed as many as nine karts in only one and a half laps before a fellow driver forced her out of the race with a collision from the side. The errant driver was duly penalised.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-why-did-icc-penalise-india-pacer-gurnoor-brar-1784199279505">IND vs ENG: Why did ICC penalise India pacer Gurnoor Brar?</a> Reflecting on a rollercoaster weekend, Atiqa said: “A bittersweet weekend for me, but I was able to show my pace against the world’s best and beat them. I feel confident in the kart every time I am on the track but the engine and equipment let me down this weekend.&nbsp; “It could have easily been another couple of podiums but they weren’t meant to be. Motorsports can be harsh sometimes. I am happy with my performance and couldn’t have done anything more”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-lionel-messi-dedicates-argentina-s-win-over-england-to-diego-maradona-1784198122173">FIFA WC 2026: Messi dedicates Argentina's win over England to Diego Maradona</a> Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, said her daughter did all she could considering the sequence of events. “Atiqa had a stellar weekend and set the event record at Viterbo. The results don’t show the true picture. The DNF in Final was heartbreaking but she is a strong girl and will recover soon.” Atiqa will next be seen racing in Sweden later this month.

Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month.

India’s 11-year-old racing prodigy Atiqa Mir gave another compelling example of her precocious talent by outqualifying two Mercedes F1 junior drivers for pole position in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Round 3 here. Despite no testing on a rather technical Leopard Circuit, Atiqa, the first Indian to be backed by Formula 1 Academy, set sizzling pace in qualifying of the karting series. She beat established Mercedes F1 Junior drivers like Niccolo Perico of Italy and Devin Titz of Germany for pole position besides setting an event record, earning the plaudits from one and all in the paddock. Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month. Post the stellar pole position, Atiqa secured P2 and P3 in the Heats after engrossing battles. In the final, Atiqa started P2 and passed Niccolo for the lead. However, due to an engine mis-fire, she couldn’t hold on to the lead and lost places finally before recovering to finish P6. The results don’t reflect Atiqa’s sensational speed but she did make a mark with the audacious move for the lead on Lap 1 against Niccolo after outpacing him in qualifying. On Day 2, Atiqa was hit by engine trouble and qualified 27th. The organisers were quick to change her engine but the damage was done by then. A recovery drive followed and she charged through the field in every heat to start the final 18th on the grid. In the Final, Atiqa passed as many as nine karts in only one and a half laps before a fellow driver forced her out of the race with a collision from the side. The errant driver was duly penalised. Also Read - IND vs ENG: Why did ICC penalise India pacer Gurnoor Brar? Reflecting on a rollercoaster weekend, Atiqa said: “A bittersweet weekend for me, but I was able to show my pace against the world’s best and beat them. I feel confident in the kart every time I am on the track but the engine and equipment let me down this weekend. “It could have easily been another couple of podiums but they weren’t meant to be. Motorsports can be harsh sometimes. I am happy with my performance and couldn’t have done anything more” Also Read - FIFA WC 2026: Messi dedicates Argentina's win over England to Diego Maradona Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, said her daughter did all she could considering the sequence of events. “Atiqa had a stellar weekend and set the event record at Viterbo. The results don’t show the true picture. The DNF in Final was heartbreaking but she is a strong girl and will recover soon.” Atiqa will next be seen racing in Sweden later this month.

Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month.

Atiqa beats two Mercedes F1 juniors to clinch pole position in Italy

Lewis Hamilton produced a vintage performance for Ferrari on Friday, topping every session before securing sprint pole position for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The seven-time Formula One world champion delighted the home crowd by setting the fastest lap of sprint qualifying in 1:28.376, edging Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. Hamilton, who is aiming to claim a record ninth British Grand Prix victory on Sunday, admitted the result exceeded Ferrari's expectations."I'm so happy, just so happy," said Hamilton.&nbsp;"We didn't expect we would be competing for the front row so it's an amazing surprise. I'm ecstatic. "This track is still just phenomenal and so great to drive, and we didn't have the engine drop-off (in power output) that we had anticipated. "It all goes back to the work of everyone at the factory. They are pushing so hard. Last year, we were in a rut, but this season is so different, we have a real synergy now and we are adding small bit to add performance every week. "And Silverstone is so great, it's the best track in the world to drive!"&nbsp;The sprint pole marks the third of Hamilton's Formula One career and could provide valuable championship points as he continues his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth world title. Speaking to fans later on Friday, Hamilton also confirmed his determination to continue racing until he achieves that goal. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who replaced Hamilton at the team following his move to Ferrari, narrowly missed out on pole but congratulated the British driver after qualifying. "It was so close between us," the Italian said. "So for me, it is a shame. In SQ1, I felt a bit bad and we made a slight balance adjustment and it was night and day and we were back on the pace.&nbsp;"In the end, there was a little left on the table for my last lap and I was super-close to Lewis... But, of course, congrats to him.”Four-time world champion Max Verstappen qualified fourth for Red Bull and admitted Ferrari and Mercedes currently held the advantage. "I have a few things to figure out for more lap time," said Verstappen. "Lewis and Kimi look a bit too quick for me."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/egypt-make-fifa-world-cup-history-with-penalty-win-over-australia-after-1-1-draw-1783113793476">Egypt make FIFA World Cup history with penalty win over Australia after 1-1 draw</a>&nbsp;Ferrari's Charles Leclerc secured fourth place ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell, who won last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix. Leclerc acknowledged Hamilton's consistency behind the wheel. "Lewis is more often at 100 percent of the potential of the car, which I'm not," admitted the Monegasque. Russell reflected on another difficult qualifying session. "It's the story of my year, to be honest. Always on the back foot. I usually make a step forward in Q3, but not today."&nbsp;Defending British Grand Prix champion Lando Norris qualified sixth after damaging his McLaren during practice. "It was unfortunate today," said Norris. “The pace was still there but not enough to compete. It’s cool for the fans to have Lewis P1.” Earlier in the day, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur ended speculation over Hamilton's future by confirming the seven-time champion will remain with the team next season. "He knows the tools, the people and our approach now," said Vasseur."And with these good results, he's entered a virtuous circle."

Lewis Hamilton claimed sprint pole for Ferrari at the British Grand Prix after a brilliant Silverstone qualifying session, edging Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli

Lewis Hamilton produced a vintage performance for Ferrari on Friday, topping every session before securing sprint pole position for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The seven-time Formula One world champion delighted the home crowd by setting the fastest lap of sprint qualifying in 1:28.376, edging Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. Hamilton, who is aiming to claim a record ninth British Grand Prix victory on Sunday, admitted the result exceeded Ferrari's expectations. "I'm so happy, just so happy," said Hamilton. "We didn't expect we would be competing for the front row so it's an amazing surprise. I'm ecstatic. "This track is still just phenomenal and so great to drive, and we didn't have the engine drop-off (in power output) that we had anticipated. "It all goes back to the work of everyone at the factory. They are pushing so hard. Last year, we were in a rut, but this season is so different, we have a real synergy now and we are adding small bit to add performance every week. "And Silverstone is so great, it's the best track in the world to drive!" The sprint pole marks the third of Hamilton's Formula One career and could provide valuable championship points as he continues his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth world title. Speaking to fans later on Friday, Hamilton also confirmed his determination to continue racing until he achieves that goal. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who replaced Hamilton at the team following his move to Ferrari, narrowly missed out on pole but congratulated the British driver after qualifying. "It was so close between us," the Italian said. "So for me, it is a shame. In SQ1, I felt a bit bad and we made a slight balance adjustment and it was night and day and we were back on the pace. "In the end, there was a little left on the table for my last lap and I was super-close to Lewis... But, of course, congrats to him.” Four-time world champion Max Verstappen qualified fourth for Red Bull and admitted Ferrari and Mercedes currently held the advantage. "I have a few things to figure out for more lap time," said Verstappen. "Lewis and Kimi look a bit too quick for me." Also Read: Egypt make FIFA World Cup history with penalty win over Australia after 1-1 draw Ferrari's Charles Leclerc secured fourth place ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell, who won last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix. Leclerc acknowledged Hamilton's consistency behind the wheel. "Lewis is more often at 100 percent of the potential of the car, which I'm not," admitted the Monegasque. Russell reflected on another difficult qualifying session. "It's the story of my year, to be honest. Always on the back foot. I usually make a step forward in Q3, but not today." Defending British Grand Prix champion Lando Norris qualified sixth after damaging his McLaren during practice. "It was unfortunate today," said Norris. “The pace was still there but not enough to compete. It’s cool for the fans to have Lewis P1.” Earlier in the day, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur ended speculation over Hamilton's future by confirming the seven-time champion will remain with the team next season. "He knows the tools, the people and our approach now," said Vasseur. "And with these good results, he's entered a virtuous circle."

Lewis Hamilton secured Ferrari sprint pole at Silverstone, beating Kimi Antonelli as the seven-time champion thrilled his home fans

Lewis Hamilton sends Silverstone crowd wild with stunning sprint pole for Ferrari

George Russell showcased his experience and deep understanding of Formula One regulations by navigating a controversial final qualifying lap to claim pole position for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver rebounded impressively after a difficult Friday, when team-mate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli topped the practice sessions. Russell responded by leading the final practice before producing a stunning lap in qualifying, helped by staying composed after Max Verstappen crashed his Red Bull at Turn Nine.&nbsp;Verstappen, who escaped unhurt after hitting the barriers, triggered waved single yellow flags. Russell, running directly behind the Dutchman, correctly interpreted the caution and briefly lifted off before continuing once the green flag appeared. Several drivers behind him, including Antonelli, believed double yellow flags had been displayed and abandoned their laps. Despite losing valuable time, Russell completed his lap and edged both Ferrari drivers to secure his fourth pole position of the season and the 11th of his Formula One career.&nbsp;"The lap was unbelievable," said British driver Russell, who was immediately behind Verstappen on track when he crashed.“I don't know where it came from. I saw the single yellows and made a big lift off in mid-corner. I saw the green flag. I lost a lot of time, three or four tenths or more.” Antonelli, who was five seconds behind Russell during his final flying lap, admitted he misunderstood the warning signals.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emma-raducanu-s-wimbledon-participation-in-doubt-after-injury-scare-during-practice-1782574595133">Emma Raducanu's Wimbledon participation in doubt after injury scare during practice</a>&nbsp;"I thought it was a double yellow," he admitted. “So, I aborted completely and I missed the front row. It was my mistake. We were very close with George, only a tenth between us.” Russell explained that he recognized the difference between the electronic marshal signals, with a solid yellow indicating a single yellow and a flashing diagonal display representing a double yellow."It's not easy, but once you know it, you know it," he said.&nbsp;Looking ahead to Sunday's race, Russell expects a fierce battle. "It's going to be very hot! The Ferraris are looking incredibly fast. In the corners, they are the fastest team, but they are a bit more 'draggy' than us, which may help us to defend."Russell's fastest lap of 1:06.113 placed him comfortably ahead of Charles Leclerc, while Lewis Hamilton completed an all-Ferrari second row after an eventful qualifying session. Antonelli qualified fourth, ahead of Verstappen in fifth. Championship contenders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri followed, with Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson and impressive British rookie Arvid Lindblad completing the top ten.&nbsp;Verstappen questioned the decision to use only single waved yellow flags after his accident. "I've only just heard of this, just now," said Verstappen. “And to me that's quite crazy.” Antonelli also expressed concerns over the handling of the incident. "There was a car in the wall in a fast corner," said the Italian. "In this situation, I don’t know why it didn't go double-yellow straight away, because it's a super quick corner and if you go off at the same time it can end up very badly. "It was a bit confusing, but it's what it is. If it's a slow-speed, single yellow can be ok but fast corners should be double yellow straight away."&nbsp;Had race control displayed double yellow flags immediately, every driver still on a flying lap would have had their times cancelled, potentially handing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton the front row for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

George Russell claimed Austrian Grand Prix pole after expertly handling controversial yellow flags following Max Verstappen's crash. Read qualifying highlights, driver reactions, and full F1 analysis

George Russell showcased his experience and deep understanding of Formula One regulations by navigating a controversial final qualifying lap to claim pole position for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver rebounded impressively after a difficult Friday, when team-mate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli topped the practice sessions. Russell responded by leading the final practice before producing a stunning lap in qualifying, helped by staying composed after Max Verstappen crashed his Red Bull at Turn Nine. Verstappen, who escaped unhurt after hitting the barriers, triggered waved single yellow flags. Russell, running directly behind the Dutchman, correctly interpreted the caution and briefly lifted off before continuing once the green flag appeared. Several drivers behind him, including Antonelli, believed double yellow flags had been displayed and abandoned their laps. Despite losing valuable time, Russell completed his lap and edged both Ferrari drivers to secure his fourth pole position of the season and the 11th of his Formula One career. "The lap was unbelievable," said British driver Russell, who was immediately behind Verstappen on track when he crashed. “I don't know where it came from. I saw the single yellows and made a big lift off in mid-corner. I saw the green flag. I lost a lot of time, three or four tenths or more.” Antonelli, who was five seconds behind Russell during his final flying lap, admitted he misunderstood the warning signals. Also Read: Emma Raducanu's Wimbledon participation in doubt after injury scare during practice "I thought it was a double yellow," he admitted. “So, I aborted completely and I missed the front row. It was my mistake. We were very close with George, only a tenth between us.” Russell explained that he recognized the difference between the electronic marshal signals, with a solid yellow indicating a single yellow and a flashing diagonal display representing a double yellow. "It's not easy, but once you know it, you know it," he said. Looking ahead to Sunday's race, Russell expects a fierce battle. "It's going to be very hot! The Ferraris are looking incredibly fast. In the corners, they are the fastest team, but they are a bit more 'draggy' than us, which may help us to defend." Russell's fastest lap of 1:06.113 placed him comfortably ahead of Charles Leclerc, while Lewis Hamilton completed an all-Ferrari second row after an eventful qualifying session. Antonelli qualified fourth, ahead of Verstappen in fifth. Championship contenders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri followed, with Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson and impressive British rookie Arvid Lindblad completing the top ten. Verstappen questioned the decision to use only single waved yellow flags after his accident. "I've only just heard of this, just now," said Verstappen. “And to me that's quite crazy.” Antonelli also expressed concerns over the handling of the incident. "There was a car in the wall in a fast corner," said the Italian. "In this situation, I don’t know why it didn't go double-yellow straight away, because it's a super quick corner and if you go off at the same time it can end up very badly. "It was a bit confusing, but it's what it is. If it's a slow-speed, single yellow can be ok but fast corners should be double yellow straight away." Had race control displayed double yellow flags immediately, every driver still on a flying lap would have had their times cancelled, potentially handing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton the front row for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

George Russell mastered yellow flag rules to beat Ferrari rivals and secure Austrian GP pole after Verstappen's crash caused qualifying controversy

George Russell capitalises on Yellow flag drama to secure Austrian GP pole

Formula One's governing body has declared a heat hazard for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, marking the first time the designation has been used during the 2026 season. Race Director Rui Marques confirmed that temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) are forecast for the event. Under Formula One regulations, a heat hazard declaration requires teams to install a driver cooling system, such as a liquid-cooled vest. However, drivers are not required to use the equipment and may instead accept a ballast penalty.&nbsp;To accommodate the additional cooling hardware, the minimum weight of the cars is increased. The heat hazard designation was first introduced after being added to Formula One regulations in 2025. It was initially used during the Singapore Grand Prix in October 2025 and later at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar believes the most challenging moments come when drivers are stationary rather than racing at speed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-fifa-world-cup-2026-on-course-to-become-the-highest-scoring-tournament-ever-1782401030978">FIFA World Cup 2026 becomes highest-scoring World Cup in 68 years as Lionel Messi leads goal rush</a>&nbsp;"I think the moments where you have zero kph in the car, they are definitely the worst," said Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar of sitting on the starting grid in such hot conditions. “To be fair, when driving, it’s not too bad. We’ve got good AC (air conditioning) with our open cockpit, so it’s fine.” &nbsp;The French driver also revealed he will not use a cooling vest because he finds it uncomfortable and restrictive. "It works really well though for like 10 minutes and then it’s warm again. So, I’m okay. Honestly, I’ve never been to a point where I really needed that vest. If I need it, that means the car as well can’t handle it and we can’t drive. So, I think the car will give up before I do," he said.&nbsp;McLaren's Oscar Piastri offered a different perspective and explained how he prepared for the expected high temperatures. "You can cause yourself a lot of discomfort, a lot of pain by doing that. So, I do that for the benefit of my performance. Not for pleasure, that’s for sure," smiled the Australian.&nbsp;Piastri disclosed that he trained using portable heaters and an exercise bike in a small bathroom to simulate race-day conditions.“I think if you get the (cooling jacket) system working well, then it can help a bit. It’s not a complete game changer but when I used it last year, it was okay.” Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix will be the eighth round of the Formula One championship, with 19-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leading the standings heading into the race weekend.

Formula One has activated a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring as temperatures surpass 31°C. Drivers discuss cooling vests, race conditions, and preparations ahead of the championship battle

Formula One's governing body has declared a heat hazard for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, marking the first time the designation has been used during the 2026 season. Race Director Rui Marques confirmed that temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) are forecast for the event. Under Formula One regulations, a heat hazard declaration requires teams to install a driver cooling system, such as a liquid-cooled vest. However, drivers are not required to use the equipment and may instead accept a ballast penalty. To accommodate the additional cooling hardware, the minimum weight of the cars is increased. The heat hazard designation was first introduced after being added to Formula One regulations in 2025. It was initially used during the Singapore Grand Prix in October 2025 and later at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar believes the most challenging moments come when drivers are stationary rather than racing at speed. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 becomes highest-scoring World Cup in 68 years as Lionel Messi leads goal rush "I think the moments where you have zero kph in the car, they are definitely the worst," said Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar of sitting on the starting grid in such hot conditions. “To be fair, when driving, it’s not too bad. We’ve got good AC (air conditioning) with our open cockpit, so it’s fine.” The French driver also revealed he will not use a cooling vest because he finds it uncomfortable and restrictive. "It works really well though for like 10 minutes and then it’s warm again. So, I’m okay. Honestly, I’ve never been to a point where I really needed that vest. If I need it, that means the car as well can’t handle it and we can’t drive. So, I think the car will give up before I do," he said. McLaren's Oscar Piastri offered a different perspective and explained how he prepared for the expected high temperatures. "You can cause yourself a lot of discomfort, a lot of pain by doing that. So, I do that for the benefit of my performance. Not for pleasure, that’s for sure," smiled the Australian. Piastri disclosed that he trained using portable heaters and an exercise bike in a small bathroom to simulate race-day conditions. “I think if you get the (cooling jacket) system working well, then it can help a bit. It’s not a complete game changer but when I used it last year, it was okay.” Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix will be the eighth round of the Formula One championship, with 19-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leading the standings heading into the race weekend.

Formula One has declared a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix as temperatures exceed 31°C, forcing teams to install cooling systems

Why has Formula One declared a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix? Here's all you need to know

George Russell produced a stunning qualifying performance to secure pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, edging out Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic session that also saw Charles Leclerc crash out. After enduring a frustrating run of races, Russell bounced back in style by putting his Mercedes on pole with a lap just 0.064 seconds quicker than Hamilton's Ferrari. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the top three in the second Mercedes, while McLaren's Lando Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen rounded out the top five.&nbsp;Russell's pole position marks a significant turnaround after failing to score points in the previous two Grands Prix, including a difficult weekend in Monaco that was ruined by a penalty. Reflecting on his performance, Russell said: "The last few races haven't been on our side but I came into the race with a clean slate and job done. "It's going to be an interesting race tomorrow, Lewis did an amazing job to get up there, we thought the fight was with ourselves and McLaren and Lewis was very fast in that session."&nbsp;Hamilton came agonisingly close to taking pole himself as Ferrari's latest upgrades showed encouraging signs. The seven-time world champion secured his first front-row start for a Grand Prix since the 2024 British Grand Prix. After struggling throughout practice and missing the opening session to allow development driver Dino Beganovic track time, Hamilton admitted he was surprised by his turnaround. "I was easily 0.4-0.5secs off in final practice," he said. "I was thinking: 'Where am I going to get that pace?' I left the track between P3 and Q1, went back to my motorhome, and then Q1 I was first. "These guys did a great lap, congrats for George but we're in a good position to fight for tomorrow so we have a race."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/germany-vs-curacao-meet-the-two-zoo-animals-predicting-the-match-result-1781367447508">Germany vs Curacao: Meet the two zoo animals predicting the match result</a>&nbsp;Championship leader Antonelli qualified third despite admitting he was still searching for confidence in the car. “It has been a little bit of a difficult weekend for me, didn't really have the feeling in the car.” Further back, Norris secured fourth place ahead of Verstappen, while Isack Hadjar impressed once again by qualifying sixth. One of the biggest talking points of the session was Leclerc's crash in the final qualifying segment. The Ferrari driver brought out a red flag after hitting the wall, ending his hopes of challenging near the front of the grid.&nbsp;The incident marked the second consecutive Grand Prix weekend in which Leclerc has crashed during qualifying, following a similar disappointment in Monaco. Unlike his home-race accident, which he blamed on braking issues, Leclerc accepted full responsibility for the Barcelona incident. "The car was great, the car was amazing and I didn't deliver. And I think it's a lot worse than that - I put it into the wall," he said. "No excuses. I just feel ashamed. It's part of our job to come out after a session and speak in front of the camera but I just feel ashamed.&nbsp;"The only positive I can take is the feeling that I have in the car back, and for tomorrow I feel optimistic we can have a good race. But I need to show that. “I just need to do the perfect race. It's the least I can do. But yeah, ashamed.” Leclerc will start 10th on the grid and now faces a major challenge to recover positions on race day, while Russell heads into Sunday's Grand Prix looking to convert pole position into a much-needed victory.<h2>Top 10</h2>1. George Russell (Mercedes) 1:14.6792. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.0643. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.3194. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.3225. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.3426. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +0.3987. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.4118. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1.8639. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) +1.97810. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) No time set

George Russell secured Spanish Grand Prix pole ahead of Lewis Hamilton as Charles Leclerc crashed in qualifying and admitted he felt ashamed

George Russell produced a stunning qualifying performance to secure pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, edging out Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic session that also saw Charles Leclerc crash out. After enduring a frustrating run of races, Russell bounced back in style by putting his Mercedes on pole with a lap just 0.064 seconds quicker than Hamilton's Ferrari. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the top three in the second Mercedes, while McLaren's Lando Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen rounded out the top five. Russell's pole position marks a significant turnaround after failing to score points in the previous two Grands Prix, including a difficult weekend in Monaco that was ruined by a penalty. Reflecting on his performance, Russell said: "The last few races haven't been on our side but I came into the race with a clean slate and job done. "It's going to be an interesting race tomorrow, Lewis did an amazing job to get up there, we thought the fight was with ourselves and McLaren and Lewis was very fast in that session." Hamilton came agonisingly close to taking pole himself as Ferrari's latest upgrades showed encouraging signs. The seven-time world champion secured his first front-row start for a Grand Prix since the 2024 British Grand Prix. After struggling throughout practice and missing the opening session to allow development driver Dino Beganovic track time, Hamilton admitted he was surprised by his turnaround. "I was easily 0.4-0.5secs off in final practice," he said. "I was thinking: 'Where am I going to get that pace?' I left the track between P3 and Q1, went back to my motorhome, and then Q1 I was first. "These guys did a great lap, congrats for George but we're in a good position to fight for tomorrow so we have a race." Also Read: Germany vs Curacao: Meet the two zoo animals predicting the match result Championship leader Antonelli qualified third despite admitting he was still searching for confidence in the car. “It has been a little bit of a difficult weekend for me, didn't really have the feeling in the car.” Further back, Norris secured fourth place ahead of Verstappen, while Isack Hadjar impressed once again by qualifying sixth. One of the biggest talking points of the session was Leclerc's crash in the final qualifying segment. The Ferrari driver brought out a red flag after hitting the wall, ending his hopes of challenging near the front of the grid. The incident marked the second consecutive Grand Prix weekend in which Leclerc has crashed during qualifying, following a similar disappointment in Monaco. Unlike his home-race accident, which he blamed on braking issues, Leclerc accepted full responsibility for the Barcelona incident. "The car was great, the car was amazing and I didn't deliver. And I think it's a lot worse than that - I put it into the wall," he said. "No excuses. I just feel ashamed. It's part of our job to come out after a session and speak in front of the camera but I just feel ashamed. "The only positive I can take is the feeling that I have in the car back, and for tomorrow I feel optimistic we can have a good race. But I need to show that. “I just need to do the perfect race. It's the least I can do. But yeah, ashamed.” Leclerc will start 10th on the grid and now faces a major challenge to recover positions on race day, while Russell heads into Sunday's Grand Prix looking to convert pole position into a much-needed victory. Top 10 1. George Russell (Mercedes) 1:14.679 2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.064 3. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.319 4. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.322 5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.342 6. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +0.398 7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.411 8. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1.863 9. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) +1.978 10. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) No time set

George Russell claimed pole in Barcelona ahead of Lewis Hamilton, while Charles Leclerc crashed and admitted he felt ‘ashamed’

Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix: George Russell beats Lewis Hamilton for pole in thrilling qualifying as Leclerc crashes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli etched his name into Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Monaco Grand Prix after holding off Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic race that was shortened to a 10-lap sprint finish. The race was red-flagged with just 10 laps remaining after officials detected a ‘track break-up’ at Turn 19 following a collision involving Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc. The incident prompted stewards to halt the action for approximately 40 minutes while repairs and safety inspections were carried out.&nbsp;When the race was suspended, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver was leading over seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Following the restart, Antonelli maintained his composure under intense pressure to secure a landmark victory on the streets of Monaco. Hamilton crossed the line in second place, while French rookie Isack Hadjar provisionally completed the podium in third. Race officials continued reviewing several incidents and potential penalties after the checkered flag, but Antonelli's breakthrough performance marked a historic moment as the young Italian claimed one of Formula 1's most prestigious victories.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ronaldo-to-beckham-8-most-iconic-fifa-world-cup-haircuts-that-football-fans-still-remember-1780838916605">Ronaldo to Beckham: 8 most iconic FIFA World Cup haircuts that football fans still remember</a><h2>Why was the Monaco Grand Prix red-flagged?</h2>The Monaco Grand Prix was brought to a halt with just 10 laps remaining on Sunday after concerns emerged over damage to the track surface. Race officials suspended the Formula 1 event under a red flag while the field was circulating behind the safety car following a crash involving Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.&nbsp;The decision was made after race control identified significant deterioration in a section of asphalt on the inside of Turn 19. Officials deemed it necessary to stop the race and conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage. Images from the circuit showed a strip of asphalt breaking apart, raising safety concerns for drivers and teams. Organisers, working closely with race control, immediately began evaluating repair options in an effort to make the track safe and allow the race to resume.

F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli wins ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar; Verstappen out on the opening lap

Andrea Kimi Antonelli etched his name into Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Monaco Grand Prix after holding off Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic race that was shortened to a 10-lap sprint finish. The race was red-flagged with just 10 laps remaining after officials detected a ‘track break-up’ at Turn 19 following a collision involving Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc. The incident prompted stewards to halt the action for approximately 40 minutes while repairs and safety inspections were carried out. When the race was suspended, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver was leading over seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Following the restart, Antonelli maintained his composure under intense pressure to secure a landmark victory on the streets of Monaco. Hamilton crossed the line in second place, while French rookie Isack Hadjar provisionally completed the podium in third. Race officials continued reviewing several incidents and potential penalties after the checkered flag, but Antonelli's breakthrough performance marked a historic moment as the young Italian claimed one of Formula 1's most prestigious victories. Also Read: Ronaldo to Beckham: 8 most iconic FIFA World Cup haircuts that football fans still remember Why was the Monaco Grand Prix red-flagged? The Monaco Grand Prix was brought to a halt with just 10 laps remaining on Sunday after concerns emerged over damage to the track surface. Race officials suspended the Formula 1 event under a red flag while the field was circulating behind the safety car following a crash involving Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. The decision was made after race control identified significant deterioration in a section of asphalt on the inside of Turn 19. Officials deemed it necessary to stop the race and conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage. Images from the circuit showed a strip of asphalt breaking apart, raising safety concerns for drivers and teams. Organisers, working closely with race control, immediately began evaluating repair options in an effort to make the track safe and allow the race to resume.

Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton finishing second and Isack Hadjar finishing third, as Max Verstappen retired early on the opening lap of the race

F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli wins ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar; Verstappen out on opening lap

Formula 1 has agreed to tweak engines for the next season, pending final approval, after drivers, most importantly four-time champ Max Verstappen, were left dissatisfied with the new engines brought in for the ongoing 2026 season. The F1 needed all the teams to come together and reach an agreement quickly if they were to make changes for the next season, and it appears that drivers' concern have been taken seriously. F1 did make some rule changes after the first three races of the season and the new tweaks were implemented in Miami Grand Prix on May 3, but the defending champion Lando Norris had said that there was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-2026-penalised-for-pushing-defending-champ-norris-wants-batteries-removed-1777955150577">still a long way to go</a> before F1 returns to older level.<h2>What are the engine changes for 2027 F1 cars?</h2>The main concern for the drivers was 50-50 spilt between internal combustion engine and electrical energy which left them wanting for more on straights and corner as they had to save the energy. The drivers were often found lifting and coasting on the straights which caused frustration and the speed differential also caused a accident earlier in the season as well.Under the new engine changes, which will be brought in 2027 season, the engines will see 60-40 split towards internal combustion and electrical energy which will reduces the alternate power source energy from 350 KW to 300 KW. The new changes are expected to let the drivers race flat-out instead of focusing on harvesting the electrical energy.The new changes will also address drivers getting penalised to push the pedal on corners and then on the following straight instead of lifting and coasting.<h2>F1 2026 drivers' standings</h2>Mercedes' Antonelli currently leads the drivers' standing with 100 points in four races including three P1 finishes in the last three races. His teammate George Russell is second with 80 points followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at third position with 59 points. Norris is fourth with 51 points, Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton is fifth also with 51 points, Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri is sixth with 43 points, Red Bull's Max Verstappen is seventh with 26 points, Haas' Oliver Bearman is eighth 17 points, Alpine Pierre Gasly is ninth with 16 points, and Racing Bulls Liam Lawson is 10th with 10 points.

The F1 engine changes for 2027 season will see engine energy being spilt 60-40 in favour of internal combustion and electrical energy, allowing drivers to push through corners and following straight without being penalised.

Formula 1 has agreed to tweak engines for the next season, pending final approval, after drivers, most importantly four-time champ Max Verstappen, were left dissatisfied with the new engines brought in for the ongoing 2026 season. The F1 needed all the teams to come together and reach an agreement quickly if they were to make changes for the next season, and it appears that drivers' concern have been taken seriously. F1 did make some rule changes after the first three races of the season and the new tweaks were implemented in Miami Grand Prix on May 3, but the defending champion Lando Norris had said that there was still a long way to go before F1 returns to older level. What are the engine changes for 2027 F1 cars? The main concern for the drivers was 50-50 spilt between internal combustion engine and electrical energy which left them wanting for more on straights and corner as they had to save the energy. The drivers were often found lifting and coasting on the straights which caused frustration and the speed differential also caused a accident earlier in the season as well. Under the new engine changes, which will be brought in 2027 season, the engines will see 60-40 split towards internal combustion and electrical energy which will reduces the alternate power source energy from 350 KW to 300 KW. The new changes are expected to let the drivers race flat-out instead of focusing on harvesting the electrical energy. The new changes will also address drivers getting penalised to push the pedal on corners and then on the following straight instead of lifting and coasting. F1 2026 drivers' standings Mercedes' Antonelli currently leads the drivers' standing with 100 points in four races including three P1 finishes in the last three races. His teammate George Russell is second with 80 points followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at third position with 59 points. Norris is fourth with 51 points, Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton is fifth also with 51 points, Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri is sixth with 43 points, Red Bull's Max Verstappen is seventh with 26 points, Haas' Oliver Bearman is eighth 17 points, Alpine Pierre Gasly is ninth with 16 points, and Racing Bulls Liam Lawson is 10th with 10 points.

The F1 engine changes for 2027 season will see engine energy being spilt 60-40 in favour of internal combustion and electrical energy, allowing drivers to push through corners and following straight without being penalised.

F1 agrees to engine changes for 2027 season amid drivers' concern

The Miami Grand Prix on Sunday (May 3) includes some tweaks to the rules introduced by Formula 1 in 2026 season, mainly the 50-50 split between internal combustion engine and electrical energy for the cars. The drivers, while happy with the changes, are not completely satisfied and want the batteries to be removed completely. The latest concerns raised were led by defending champion Lando Norris of McLaren who finished second in Miami behind Mercedes' teen sensation Kimi Antonelli in a thrilling finish. The F1 is running out of time as they would have to take the decision about car changes for the next season in three weeks' time or the Canadian Grand Prix on on May 25.<h2>Why Norris wants batteries to be removed from F1 cars?</h2>Speaking after the Miami race, Norris said: "It’s a small step in the right direction (rule tweaks) but it’s not to the level that Formula One should still be at yet. If you go flat out everywhere and you try pushing like you were in previous years you still just get penalised for it. You still can’t be flat out everywhere. You should never get penalised for that kind of thing and you still do.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-2026-miami-gp-result-how-mercedes-19-year-old-italian-driver-kimi-antonelli-is-lightning-up-ongoing-season-1777867799981">F1 2026 | Mercedes' teen driver Antonelli wins Miami GP for 3rd straight victory</a>"Honestly, I don’t really think you can fix that. You just have to get rid of the battery. So hopefully in a few years, that’s the case."<h2>F1 drivers standings</h2>Mercedes' Antonelli currently leads the drivers' standing with 100 points in four races including three P1 finishes in the last three races. His teammate George Russell is second with 80 points followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at third position with 59 points. Norris is fourth with 51 points, Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton is fifth also with 51 points, Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri is sixth with 43 points, Red Bull's Max Verstappen is seventh with 26 points, Haas' Oliver Bearman is eighth 17 points, Alpine Pierre Gasly is ninth with 16 points, and Racing Bulls Liam Lawson is 10th with 10 points.

Mercedes' Antonelli currently leads the drivers' standing with 100 points. His teammate George Russell is second with 80 points followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at third position with 59 points. Norris is fourth with 51 points.

The Miami Grand Prix on Sunday (May 3) includes some tweaks to the rules introduced by Formula 1 in 2026 season, mainly the 50-50 split between internal combustion engine and electrical energy for the cars. The drivers, while happy with the changes, are not completely satisfied and want the batteries to be removed completely. The latest concerns raised were led by defending champion Lando Norris of McLaren who finished second in Miami behind Mercedes' teen sensation Kimi Antonelli in a thrilling finish. The F1 is running out of time as they would have to take the decision about car changes for the next season in three weeks' time or the Canadian Grand Prix on on May 25. Why Norris wants batteries to be removed from F1 cars? Speaking after the Miami race, Norris said: "It’s a small step in the right direction (rule tweaks) but it’s not to the level that Formula One should still be at yet. If you go flat out everywhere and you try pushing like you were in previous years you still just get penalised for it. You still can’t be flat out everywhere. You should never get penalised for that kind of thing and you still do. Also Read - F1 2026 | Mercedes' teen driver Antonelli wins Miami GP for 3rd straight victory "Honestly, I don’t really think you can fix that. You just have to get rid of the battery. So hopefully in a few years, that’s the case." F1 drivers standings Mercedes' Antonelli currently leads the drivers' standing with 100 points in four races including three P1 finishes in the last three races. His teammate George Russell is second with 80 points followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at third position with 59 points. Norris is fourth with 51 points, Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton is fifth also with 51 points, Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri is sixth with 43 points, Red Bull's Max Verstappen is seventh with 26 points, Haas' Oliver Bearman is eighth 17 points, Alpine Pierre Gasly is ninth with 16 points, and Racing Bulls Liam Lawson is 10th with 10 points.

Mercedes' Antonelli currently leads the drivers' standing with 100 points. His teammate George Russell is second with 80 points followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at third position with 59 points. Norris is fourth with 51 points.

F1 2026 | 'Penalised for pushing': Defending champ Norris wants batteries removed

Romain Grosjean, the ex-Formula 1 driver who survived the fireball crash in 2020, has drawn the ire of animal rights organization PETA for his insensitive comments after hitting a bird. The French driver, while test driving for Indianapolis 500 scheduled next month on May 24, hit a bird and made absurd remarks about the unfortunate incident. This is not the first time he has done so - in 2018 he collided with a groundhog on the race track while practicing for the Canadian Grand Prix and called out race officials for not doing enough to preven the incident in which his car's nose was damaged.<h2>What did Grosjean say after hitting a bird during Indianapolis 500 testing?</h2>Driving at a speed of nearly 230 mph or 370 km/h, Grosjean hit the bird but described the incident in a very graphic manner which did not go down well with PETA.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-are-new-f1-rule-changes-following-drivers-discontentment-and-safety-concerns-1776749478170">F1 tweaks rules following drivers' discontentment and safety concerns</a>"I still have blood on my race suit, there were pieces of the bird on the rollbar. I couldn’t see where I was going any more, there’s plenty on the aero screen," said the 40-year-old former F1 racer. "The helmet stinks, the seat stinks. I didn’t get any chicken for lunch; I just walked past it."<h2>How did PETA react to Grosjean's comments?</h2>PETA took cognizance of the incident as well as Grosjean's remarks about hitting the bird and called them 'lacking of empathy.'"Birds have feelings, apparently more than Grosjean does, considering that he seemed more concerned with his car, helmet, and suit – all replaceable – than the smash-up of this unsuspecting bird," Mimi Bekhechi, the senior vice-president for Peta UK and Europe, said in a statement.Grosjean no longer competes in the Formula 1 where he survived a car crash, which resulted in his car going up in flames, with only a few injuries.&nbsp;

Driving at a speed of nearly 230 mph or 370 km/h, Grosjean hit the bird but described the incident in a very graphic manner which did not go down well with PETA.

Romain Grosjean, the ex-Formula 1 driver who survived the fireball crash in 2020, has drawn the ire of animal rights organization PETA for his insensitive comments after hitting a bird. The French driver, while test driving for Indianapolis 500 scheduled next month on May 24, hit a bird and made absurd remarks about the unfortunate incident. This is not the first time he has done so - in 2018 he collided with a groundhog on the race track while practicing for the Canadian Grand Prix and called out race officials for not doing enough to preven the incident in which his car's nose was damaged. What did Grosjean say after hitting a bird during Indianapolis 500 testing? Driving at a speed of nearly 230 mph or 370 km/h, Grosjean hit the bird but described the incident in a very graphic manner which did not go down well with PETA. Also Read - F1 tweaks rules following drivers' discontentment and safety concerns "I still have blood on my race suit, there were pieces of the bird on the rollbar. I couldn’t see where I was going any more, there’s plenty on the aero screen," said the 40-year-old former F1 racer. "The helmet stinks, the seat stinks. I didn’t get any chicken for lunch; I just walked past it." How did PETA react to Grosjean's comments? PETA took cognizance of the incident as well as Grosjean's remarks about hitting the bird and called them 'lacking of empathy.' "Birds have feelings, apparently more than Grosjean does, considering that he seemed more concerned with his car, helmet, and suit – all replaceable – than the smash-up of this unsuspecting bird," Mimi Bekhechi, the senior vice-president for Peta UK and Europe, said in a statement. Grosjean no longer competes in the Formula 1 where he survived a car crash, which resulted in his car going up in flames, with only a few injuries.

Driving at a speed of nearly 230 mph or 370 km/h, Grosjean hit the bird but described the incident in a very graphic manner which did not go down well with PETA.

'Did not get chicken for lunch': Ex-F1 racer Grosjean makes apathatic remarks after bird strike at 370 kmph

Formula 1 has agreed to tweak the changes brought into the ongoing season after several drivers, including four-time champion Max Verstappen, raised concerns. The new rule changes are expected to be formalised in before the next round in Miami on May 3. The F1 management, which includes team principals and their chief executives, the power unit manufacturers and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, agreed to the rule changes on Monday (Apr 20) after multiple rounds of talks following last round in Japan. The rule tweaks address the most important of drivers' concern regarding the 50-50 power split between the electrical energy and internal combustion engine. It also paid heed to safety concerns which were raised following a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-2026-watch-speed-differential-thanks-to-new-engines-causes-haas-driver-bearman-to-crash-at-300-kmph-during-japanese-gp-1774846730080">crash of Oliver Bearman in Japanese Grand Prix because of speed difference</a>.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/verstappen-finally-wins-in-germany-but-gets-disqualified-in-germany-by-no-fault-of-his-1774241468570">Verstappen finally wins but gets disqualified in Germany by no fault of his</a><h2>What are the new major F1 rule tweaks?</h2>The formalised proposal of F1 rules changes, which will come into force from Miami Grand Prix on May 3, included performance improvement in qualifying, enhanced safety and improved performance consistency in races. Below are some of the major changes as shared by F1 in statement:<ul><li>Adjustments to energy management parameters in qualifying, including a reduction in maximum permitted recharge from 8MJ to 7MJ, aimed at reducing excessive harvesting and encouraging more consistent flat-out driving. This change targets a maximum superclip duration reduced to approximately two to four seconds per lap.</li><li>Peak superclip power increased to 350 kW, previously being 250 kW, further reducing the time spent recharging, and reducing driver workload on energy management. This will be applied in race as well as qualifying conditions.</li><li>The maximum power available through the Boost in race conditions is now capped at +150 kW (or the car’s current power level at activation if higher) limiting sudden performance differentials during races.</li><li>MGU-K deployment is maintained at 350 kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones) but will be limited to 250 kW in other parts of the lap.</li><li>A new ‘low power start detection’ system has been developed, capable of identifying cars with abnormally low acceleration shortly after clutch release at the start of the race.</li><li>An associated visual warning system is being introduced, activating flashing lights (rear and lateral) on affected cars to alert following drivers.</li><li>Tyre blanket temperatures for intermediate tyres have been increased following driver feedback in order to improve initial grip and tyre performance in wet conditions.</li></ul>

The new rule changes are expected to be formalised in before the next round in Miami on May 3.  The rule tweaks address the most important of drivers' concern regarding the 50-50 power split between the electrical and IC engine as well as safety concerns following a crash in Japan.

Formula 1 has agreed to tweak the changes brought into the ongoing season after several drivers, including four-time champion Max Verstappen, raised concerns. The new rule changes are expected to be formalised in before the next round in Miami on May 3. The F1 management, which includes team principals and their chief executives, the power unit manufacturers and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, agreed to the rule changes on Monday (Apr 20) after multiple rounds of talks following last round in Japan. The rule tweaks address the most important of drivers' concern regarding the 50-50 power split between the electrical energy and internal combustion engine. It also paid heed to safety concerns which were raised following a crash of Oliver Bearman in Japanese Grand Prix because of speed difference. Also Read - Verstappen finally wins but gets disqualified in Germany by no fault of his What are the new major F1 rule tweaks? The formalised proposal of F1 rules changes, which will come into force from Miami Grand Prix on May 3, included performance improvement in qualifying, enhanced safety and improved performance consistency in races. Below are some of the major changes as shared by F1 in statement: Adjustments to energy management parameters in qualifying, including a reduction in maximum permitted recharge from 8MJ to 7MJ, aimed at reducing excessive harvesting and encouraging more consistent flat-out driving. This change targets a maximum superclip duration reduced to approximately two to four seconds per lap. Peak superclip power increased to 350 kW, previously being 250 kW, further reducing the time spent recharging, and reducing driver workload on energy management. This will be applied in race as well as qualifying conditions. The maximum power available through the Boost in race conditions is now capped at +150 kW (or the car’s current power level at activation if higher) limiting sudden performance differentials during races. MGU-K deployment is maintained at 350 kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones) but will be limited to 250 kW in other parts of the lap. A new ‘low power start detection’ system has been developed, capable of identifying cars with abnormally low acceleration shortly after clutch release at the start of the race. An associated visual warning system is being introduced, activating flashing lights (rear and lateral) on affected cars to alert following drivers. Tyre blanket temperatures for intermediate tyres have been increased following driver feedback in order to improve initial grip and tyre performance in wet conditions.

The new rule changes are expected to be formalised in before the next round in Miami on May 3. &nbsp;The rule tweaks address the most important of drivers' concern regarding the 50-50 power split between the electrical and IC engine as well as safety concerns following a crash in Japan.

F1 tweaks rules following drivers' discontentment and safety concerns

In a tragic accident, 66-year-old Finnish driver Juha Miettinen died in a seven-car crash at the unforgiving Nurburging circuit during Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) qualifiers on Saturday (Apr 18). The race also had four-time Formula 1 champions Max Verstappen participating and the F1 drivers expressed shock on the accident in a social media post. The race was halted after the accident for some time before being suspended as the authorities became aware of the severity of the accident. The track, once used by F1 as well, was abandoned after famous race driver Niki Lauda faced severe burns in a horrific car crash in 1976.<h2>Who was Miettinen and how the fatal crash happen?</h2>The 66-year-old was an endurance driver from Finland who had been participating in the NLS for quite some time. He was driving BMW 325i on the dangerous 13-mile circuit in German hills. The circuit has over 100 corers, making it an arduous task for the drivers to compete. The fact that Miettinen was still competing at the age of 66 speaks volumes about his love for the sport and his death exposes the grim reality as well as the dangers faced by drivers.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-matt-fitzpatrick-beats-scottie-scheffler-in-playoff-with-out-of-world-shot-wins-rbc-heritage-1776657045989">Fitzpatrick's 'out of world' approach shot to win RBC Heritage playoff</a>The race was first of the qualifiers for ADAC 24h Nürburgring and the accident, involving seven cars, happened at the Klostertal section of the Nordschleife - a tight stretch of the circuit with sharp corners and barriers - making it a nightmare for the drivers.There will be a throrough investigation about the accident but the initial assessment says that an oil spill on the stretch may have caused the accident.<h2>What did Verstappen say about the accident?</h2>The race got extra attention as Verstappen was participating to qualify for the 24-hour Nürburgring endurance race, which is scheduled for 16–17 May 2026. He was deeply shocked by the accident and posted on social media: "Shocked by what happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha's family and loved ones."

The race was first of the qualifiers for ADAC 24h Nürburgring and the accident, involving seven cars, happened at the Klostertal section of the Nordschleife - a tight stretch of the circuit with sharp corners and barriers - making it a nightmare for the drivers.

In a tragic accident, 66-year-old Finnish driver Juha Miettinen died in a seven-car crash at the unforgiving Nurburging circuit during Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) qualifiers on Saturday (Apr 18). The race also had four-time Formula 1 champions Max Verstappen participating and the F1 drivers expressed shock on the accident in a social media post. The race was halted after the accident for some time before being suspended as the authorities became aware of the severity of the accident. The track, once used by F1 as well, was abandoned after famous race driver Niki Lauda faced severe burns in a horrific car crash in 1976. Who was Miettinen and how the fatal crash happen? The 66-year-old was an endurance driver from Finland who had been participating in the NLS for quite some time. He was driving BMW 325i on the dangerous 13-mile circuit in German hills. The circuit has over 100 corers, making it an arduous task for the drivers to compete. The fact that Miettinen was still competing at the age of 66 speaks volumes about his love for the sport and his death exposes the grim reality as well as the dangers faced by drivers. Also Watch - Fitzpatrick's 'out of world' approach shot to win RBC Heritage playoff The race was first of the qualifiers for ADAC 24h Nürburgring and the accident, involving seven cars, happened at the Klostertal section of the Nordschleife - a tight stretch of the circuit with sharp corners and barriers - making it a nightmare for the drivers. There will be a throrough investigation about the accident but the initial assessment says that an oil spill on the stretch may have caused the accident. What did Verstappen say about the accident? The race got extra attention as Verstappen was participating to qualify for the 24-hour Nürburgring endurance race, which is scheduled for 16–17 May 2026. He was deeply shocked by the accident and posted on social media: "Shocked by what happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha's family and loved ones."

The race was first of the qualifiers for ADAC 24h Nürburgring and the accident, involving seven cars, happened at the Klostertal section of the Nordschleife - a tight stretch of the circuit with sharp corners and barriers - making it a nightmare for the drivers.

Who was Juha Miettinen? 66-year-old driver dies in seven-car crash in Nurgurging race featuring Max Verstappen

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has blamed the Red Bull car for four-time world champion Max Verstappen's horror show in the ongoing Formula 1 2026 season. After finishing sixth in the season opener Australian Grand Prix on March 8, Verstappen failed to complete Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday (Mar 15). Mercedes, on the other hand, finished 1-2 in both races with Kimi Antonelli finishing first on the podium in the Chinese GP. Behind Mercedes, 7-time world champions Lewis Hamilton and his team partner Charles Leclerc finsihed 3-4 in both the races.<h2>Wolff blames car for Verstappen's horror in F1 2026</h2>"Max is really, I think, in a horror show," Wolff said about the Red Bull driver. “When you look at the onboard he has in qualifying, this is just horrendous to drive," opined Wolff on the Red Bull car this season. The comments came on the back of Verstappen's comments on the new F1 regulations, especially the 50-50 divide of internal combustion and battery-powered engine.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kimi-antonelli-sets-record-as-f1-s-second-youngest-race-winner-1773580415113">Kimi Antonelli sets record as F1’s second-youngest race winner</a>"It’s terrible," Verstappen said about the current situation of F1. "If someone likes this, then you really don’t know what racing is like. Not fun at all. Playing Mario Kart. This is not racing and I would say the same if I would be winning races because I care about the racing product."<h2>How are the fans liking the new rules?</h2>The F1 leadership was expected to meet after the Chinese GP and bring changes, if required, in the ongoing rules. After the the race, however, the any changes look unlikely as fans did enjoy multiple takeovers during the race involving Mercedes and Ferrari."From an entertainment perspective, I believe what we’ve seen between Ferrari and Mercedes was good racing, many overtakes. We were all part of Formula One when there was no overtaking. Sometimes we’re too nostalgic about the good old years, but the product is good in itself. We saw quite some racing in the midfield also and that is the positive," Wolff said.

After finishing sixth in the season opener Australian Grand Prix on March 8, Verstappen failed to complete Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday (Mar 15). Mercedes, on the other hand, finished 1-2 in both races, while Ferrari finished 3-4.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has blamed the Red Bull car for four-time world champion Max Verstappen's horror show in the ongoing Formula 1 2026 season. After finishing sixth in the season opener Australian Grand Prix on March 8, Verstappen failed to complete Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday (Mar 15). Mercedes, on the other hand, finished 1-2 in both races with Kimi Antonelli finishing first on the podium in the Chinese GP. Behind Mercedes, 7-time world champions Lewis Hamilton and his team partner Charles Leclerc finsihed 3-4 in both the races. Wolff blames car for Verstappen's horror in F1 2026 "Max is really, I think, in a horror show," Wolff said about the Red Bull driver. “When you look at the onboard he has in qualifying, this is just horrendous to drive," opined Wolff on the Red Bull car this season. The comments came on the back of Verstappen's comments on the new F1 regulations, especially the 50-50 divide of internal combustion and battery-powered engine. Also Read - Kimi Antonelli sets record as F1’s second-youngest race winner "It’s terrible," Verstappen said about the current situation of F1. "If someone likes this, then you really don’t know what racing is like. Not fun at all. Playing Mario Kart. This is not racing and I would say the same if I would be winning races because I care about the racing product." How are the fans liking the new rules? The F1 leadership was expected to meet after the Chinese GP and bring changes, if required, in the ongoing rules. After the the race, however, the any changes look unlikely as fans did enjoy multiple takeovers during the race involving Mercedes and Ferrari. "From an entertainment perspective, I believe what we’ve seen between Ferrari and Mercedes was good racing, many overtakes. We were all part of Formula One when there was no overtaking. Sometimes we’re too nostalgic about the good old years, but the product is good in itself. We saw quite some racing in the midfield also and that is the positive," Wolff said.

After finishing sixth in the season opener Australian Grand Prix on March 8, Verstappen failed to complete Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday (Mar 15). Mercedes, on the other hand, finished 1-2 in both races, while Ferrari finished 3-4.

F1 2026: Mercedes boss Wolff blames 'horrendous to drive' car for Verstappen's horror show

The new Formula 1 energy conservation rules, which came into effect in the ongoing season which started last Sunday (Mar 8) at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, is making four-time world champion Max Verstappen wishing for 'more fun." Could the statement be avbout Verstappen finishing sixth in the Aus GP, nearly a minute behind the race winner George Russell of Mercedes? Well, he says it is because he 'doesn't enjoy the car.' Verstappen, however, hopes for things to get better because he doesn't wanna leave Formula1 1 just yet. Notably, he had said in the past that he'll quit if he stops enjoying - is that time arriving sooner that he himself thought?<h2>Why Verstappen isn't enjoying cars at Formula 1 2026?</h2>The major concern among the drivers is 50-50 split of internal combustion and battery-driven electrical power in the engine. Beacuse of this new powertrain, the drivers need to make sure that the batter is fully charged on certain areas of he track to ensure optimal performance.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-that-s-the-reason-f1-boss-clears-air-about-max-verstappen-s-particiaption-in-upcoming-season-1771563519968">F1 boss clears air about Max Verstappen's participation in upcoming season</a>In some cases, the drivers are consvering power on high-speed areas to save the power and charge battery, known as 'clipping.' These two conditions have led to the drivers coming out slower out of corners - one of the most challenging areas on an F1 track - leading to diminished experience for both fans and drivers alike of a high-octane F1 race."I am a bit conflicted, because I don't really enjoy to drive the car but I do enjoy working with the team," Verstappen, who drivers for Red Bull, said."I don't want to leave [F1] but I also hope of course it gets better. I have had discussions with F1 and the [governing body] FIA and we are working towards something that will hopefully improve everything."<h2>What is F1 doing about it?</h2>Intially, the F1 agreed to look into the matter of bringing in some changes after the first three races of the seaso but amid the ongoing and constant concerns raised by the drivers, the changes to improve could come after this Sunday's (Mar 15) Chinese Grand Prix - the second race of the season. &nbsp;

The major concern among the drivers is 50-50 split of internal combustion and battery-driven electrical power in the engine. Beacuse of this new powertrain, the drivers need to make sure that the batter is fully charged on certain areas of he track to ensure optimal performance.

The new Formula 1 energy conservation rules, which came into effect in the ongoing season which started last Sunday (Mar 8) at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, is making four-time world champion Max Verstappen wishing for 'more fun." Could the statement be avbout Verstappen finishing sixth in the Aus GP, nearly a minute behind the race winner George Russell of Mercedes? Well, he says it is because he 'doesn't enjoy the car.' Verstappen, however, hopes for things to get better because he doesn't wanna leave Formula1 1 just yet. Notably, he had said in the past that he'll quit if he stops enjoying - is that time arriving sooner that he himself thought? Why Verstappen isn't enjoying cars at Formula 1 2026? The major concern among the drivers is 50-50 split of internal combustion and battery-driven electrical power in the engine. Beacuse of this new powertrain, the drivers need to make sure that the batter is fully charged on certain areas of he track to ensure optimal performance. Also Read - F1 boss clears air about Max Verstappen's participation in upcoming season In some cases, the drivers are consvering power on high-speed areas to save the power and charge battery, known as 'clipping.' These two conditions have led to the drivers coming out slower out of corners - one of the most challenging areas on an F1 track - leading to diminished experience for both fans and drivers alike of a high-octane F1 race. "I am a bit conflicted, because I don't really enjoy to drive the car but I do enjoy working with the team," Verstappen, who drivers for Red Bull, said. "I don't want to leave [F1] but I also hope of course it gets better. I have had discussions with F1 and the [governing body] FIA and we are working towards something that will hopefully improve everything." What is F1 doing about it? Intially, the F1 agreed to look into the matter of bringing in some changes after the first three races of the seaso but amid the ongoing and constant concerns raised by the drivers, the changes to improve could come after this Sunday's (Mar 15) Chinese Grand Prix - the second race of the season.

The major concern among the drivers is 50-50 split of internal combustion and battery-driven electrical power in the engine. Beacuse of this new powertrain, the drivers need to make sure that the batter is fully charged on certain areas of he track to ensure optimal performance.

F1 2026 | Red Bull's Max Verstappen 'doesn't want to leave' but 'not enjoying' either

George Russell won Formula 1 2026 season's first race as Mercedes finished 1-2 in the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday (Mar 8). Russell's teammate Andrea Antonelli finished second in the 58-lap race with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and 7-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton finishing third and fourth, respectively. McLaren's Lando Norris, who won the F1 title last season, finished fifth while four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished sixth for the Red Bull Racing. Hass driver Oliver Bearman got his team on the points table after finishing seventh while 18-year-old Lindblad secured eighth position for the Racing Bulls. Gabriel Bortoleto from Audi finished ninth while Pierre Gasly of Alpine completed top 10.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inside-the-mind-of-f1-s-newest-driver-18-year-old-arvid-lindblad-on-failure-learning-and-formula-1-1772836576595">Inside the mind of F1’s newest driver: Arvid Lindblad on failure and learning</a>"Feeling incredible. It was a hell of a fight in the beginning," said Russell after his first win since Singapore GP last year. "We knew it was going to be challenging. "I made a bad start and some really tight battles with Charles at the start. Just really glad to cross the finish line."Hamilton also had a flying start for Ferrari and surged to third, ahead of Hadjar.Russell immediately hit back, reclaiming the lead on lap two before Leclerc responded a lap later to go first again as they and Hamilton began pulling clear.It morphed into a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle at the front, with the lead changing hands three times on lap eight as Russell and Leclerc fought for supremacy.The virtual safety car came out on lap 12 when Hadjar's car stopped with Russell and Antonelli pitting and coming back on hards.With his tyres starting to wear, Leclerc pitted on lap 26 but Hamilton stayed out and was passed by Russell before coming in.Russell radioed that he thought a one-stop race was viable and he began pulling clear, with Antonelli second.And there was no way back for the Ferraris, who were 15 seconds behind and barely made a dent in the Mercedes advantage in the second half of the race.With inputs from Agencies

Russell's teammate Andrea Antonelli finished second in the 58-lap race with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and 7-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton finishing third and fourth, respectively.

George Russell won Formula 1 2026 season's first race as Mercedes finished 1-2 in the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday (Mar 8). Russell's teammate Andrea Antonelli finished second in the 58-lap race with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and 7-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton finishing third and fourth, respectively. McLaren's Lando Norris, who won the F1 title last season, finished fifth while four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished sixth for the Red Bull Racing. Hass driver Oliver Bearman got his team on the points table after finishing seventh while 18-year-old Lindblad secured eighth position for the Racing Bulls. Gabriel Bortoleto from Audi finished ninth while Pierre Gasly of Alpine completed top 10. Also Read - Inside the mind of F1’s newest driver: Arvid Lindblad on failure and learning "Feeling incredible. It was a hell of a fight in the beginning," said Russell after his first win since Singapore GP last year. "We knew it was going to be challenging. "I made a bad start and some really tight battles with Charles at the start. Just really glad to cross the finish line." Hamilton also had a flying start for Ferrari and surged to third, ahead of Hadjar. Russell immediately hit back, reclaiming the lead on lap two before Leclerc responded a lap later to go first again as they and Hamilton began pulling clear. It morphed into a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle at the front, with the lead changing hands three times on lap eight as Russell and Leclerc fought for supremacy. The virtual safety car came out on lap 12 when Hadjar's car stopped with Russell and Antonelli pitting and coming back on hards. With his tyres starting to wear, Leclerc pitted on lap 26 but Hamilton stayed out and was passed by Russell before coming in. Russell radioed that he thought a one-stop race was viable and he began pulling clear, with Antonelli second. And there was no way back for the Ferraris, who were 15 seconds behind and barely made a dent in the Mercedes advantage in the second half of the race. With inputs from Agencies

Russell's teammate Andrea Antonelli finished second in the 58-lap race with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and 7-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton finishing third and fourth, respectively.

F1 2026 | George Russell wins Australian Grand Prix in Mercedes' 1-2 finish in Melbourne

Lewis Hamilton, 7-time Formula 1 champion, wants to race in an Africa Grand Prix before calling his time in the sport. The 41-year-old is currently gearing up for the upcomin F1 2026 seaso which starts Sunday (Mar 8) with Australian GP in Melbourne where he will race for Ferarri. Hamilton, having African roots, also wants people of Africa to take back their continent from other countries including the British. His statement came on Thursday (Mar 5), two days out of season's first race. Notably, Hamilton is not only the first Black British driver to win a F1 title but he's the first Black driver in whole of sports.<h2>Why Hamilton is calling for people to take back Africa?</h2>The British driver, who has roots from Togo and Benin in Africa, while talking to reporters on Mar 5, said: "I think it is the most beautiful part of the world, and I don't like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it and no one speaks about it. I'm really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-2026-risk-of-permanent-nerve-damage-aston-martin-drivers-alonson-and-stroll-won-t-be-completing-melbourne-gp-1772696224725">F1 | 'Risk of nerve damage': Aston Martin drivers won't be finishing AUS GP</a>"That's what I want to see. Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British. It's so important for the future of that continent. They have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that's probably why they are being controlled the way they are," he added.<h2>How Hamilton is working towards his dream of Africa GP?</h2>Hamilton also informed the reporters that he's been talking to the stakeholders about a potential Africa GP for the last decade. The F1 champ also suggested a couple of countries for the event - Rwanda and South Africa."I have been fighting in the background to get a grand prix ... sitting with stakeholders," he said. They're setting certain dates; I'm like, 'Damn, I could be running out of time,' so I'm going to be here for a while until that happens. That would be amazing, given that I'm half African. There's one on every other continent, why not Africa? I know they're really trying."

Notably, Hamilton is not only the first Black British driver to win a F1 title but he's the first Black driver in whole of sports. he's been talking to the stakeholders about a potential Africa GP for the last decade. He also suggested a couple of countries for the event - Rwanda and South Africa.

Lewis Hamilton, 7-time Formula 1 champion, wants to race in an Africa Grand Prix before calling his time in the sport. The 41-year-old is currently gearing up for the upcomin F1 2026 seaso which starts Sunday (Mar 8) with Australian GP in Melbourne where he will race for Ferarri. Hamilton, having African roots, also wants people of Africa to take back their continent from other countries including the British. His statement came on Thursday (Mar 5), two days out of season's first race. Notably, Hamilton is not only the first Black British driver to win a F1 title but he's the first Black driver in whole of sports. Why Hamilton is calling for people to take back Africa? The British driver, who has roots from Togo and Benin in Africa, while talking to reporters on Mar 5, said: "I think it is the most beautiful part of the world, and I don't like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it and no one speaks about it. I'm really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back." Also Read - F1 | 'Risk of nerve damage': Aston Martin drivers won't be finishing AUS GP "That's what I want to see. Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British. It's so important for the future of that continent. They have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that's probably why they are being controlled the way they are," he added. How Hamilton is working towards his dream of Africa GP? Hamilton also informed the reporters that he's been talking to the stakeholders about a potential Africa GP for the last decade. The F1 champ also suggested a couple of countries for the event - Rwanda and South Africa. "I have been fighting in the background to get a grand prix ... sitting with stakeholders," he said. They're setting certain dates; I'm like, 'Damn, I could be running out of time,' so I'm going to be here for a while until that happens. That would be amazing, given that I'm half African. There's one on every other continent, why not Africa? I know they're really trying."

7-time F1 winner Hamilton wants people to take back Africa from foreign countries including Britain.He's been talking to the stakeholders about a potential Africa GP for the last decade.Hamilton is F1's first Black driver and has roots in Togo and Benin in Africa.

'Take Africa back': 7-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton wants to race in Africa GP before retiring

The ongoing US-Israel war with Iran is now affecting the world of motorsport. The escalating conflict has disrupted travel routes and raised safety concerns for major events like Formula 1 and MotoGP, especially those scheduled in the Gulf region.


US-Israel in War with Iran: Formula 1 & MotoGP Face Disruption Due to Iran War

In a blow before the season even begins, Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll won't be able to complete opening race of Formula 1 2026 season - the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday (Mar 8). Both the drivers will complete limited number of laps before retiring to avoid the nerve damage in fingers. The development was shared by Aston Martin team principal and car designer Adrian Newey on Thursday (Feb 5) in the race paddock. The drivers are suffering from vibrations stemming from the Honda engine in the car which has made it infeasible for them to complete the race.<h2>Aston Martin drivers won't complete Australian GP on Mar 8 &nbsp;</h2>“That vibration into the chassis is causing a few reliability problems, mirrors falling off, tail lights falling off, all that sort of thing, which we are having to address,” Newey said while talking about the issue. It is a blow to Aston Martin's aspirations of getting on the podium this season after a series of made in the team including getting Newey from Red Bull Racing.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-fifa-officials-meet-with-mexican-authorities-to-review-safety-measures-amid-concerns-of-violence-1772692719645">FIFA WC 2026 | FIFA officials meet with Mexican authorities to review safety</a>“But the much more significant problem with that, is that vibration is transmitted ultimately into the driver’s fingers. Fernando is of the feeling that he can’t do more than 25 laps consecutively before he will risk permanent nerve damage into his hands. Lance [who has had several wrist injuries] is of the opinion that he can’t do more than 15 laps before that threshold,” Newery added.<h2>What is the issue in Aston Martin car?</h2>The engine for the Aston Martin car is provided by Honda which is also making a comeback in the Formula 1 as an engine provider. Currently, the engine in Aston Martin car is shaking and the vibrations are being felt by the chassis, making it hard for the drivers to drive the car.The engine, which is provided by Honda, is unlikely to get fixed by the time second race of the season - Chinese GP (Mar 15) - a week after the opening weekend.President of Honda Racing, Koji Watanabe, was also available with Newey to talk about the issue but did not give a precise timeline to fix it."We are working together as one team and further measures are already under consideration," he said. "But we are not able to share that technical detail, so we ask for your patience as we continue working toward unlocking full performance potential."

The engine for the Aston Martin car is provided by Honda which is also making a comeback in the Formula 1 as an engine provider. Currently, the engine in Aston Martin car is shaking and the vibrations are being felt by the chassis, making it hard for the drivers to drive the car.

In a blow before the season even begins, Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll won't be able to complete opening race of Formula 1 2026 season - the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday (Mar 8). Both the drivers will complete limited number of laps before retiring to avoid the nerve damage in fingers. The development was shared by Aston Martin team principal and car designer Adrian Newey on Thursday (Feb 5) in the race paddock. The drivers are suffering from vibrations stemming from the Honda engine in the car which has made it infeasible for them to complete the race. Aston Martin drivers won't complete Australian GP on Mar 8 “That vibration into the chassis is causing a few reliability problems, mirrors falling off, tail lights falling off, all that sort of thing, which we are having to address,” Newey said while talking about the issue. It is a blow to Aston Martin's aspirations of getting on the podium this season after a series of made in the team including getting Newey from Red Bull Racing. Also Read - FIFA WC 2026 | FIFA officials meet with Mexican authorities to review safety “But the much more significant problem with that, is that vibration is transmitted ultimately into the driver’s fingers. Fernando is of the feeling that he can’t do more than 25 laps consecutively before he will risk permanent nerve damage into his hands. Lance [who has had several wrist injuries] is of the opinion that he can’t do more than 15 laps before that threshold,” Newery added. What is the issue in Aston Martin car? The engine for the Aston Martin car is provided by Honda which is also making a comeback in the Formula 1 as an engine provider. Currently, the engine in Aston Martin car is shaking and the vibrations are being felt by the chassis, making it hard for the drivers to drive the car. The engine, which is provided by Honda, is unlikely to get fixed by the time second race of the season - Chinese GP (Mar 15) - a week after the opening weekend. President of Honda Racing, Koji Watanabe, was also available with Newey to talk about the issue but did not give a precise timeline to fix it. "We are working together as one team and further measures are already under consideration," he said. "But we are not able to share that technical detail, so we ask for your patience as we continue working toward unlocking full performance potential."

The engine for the Aston Martin car is provided by Honda which is also making a comeback in the Formula 1 as an engine provider. Currently, the engine in Aston Martin car is shaking and the vibrations are being felt by the chassis, making it hard for the drivers to drive the car.

F1 2026 | 'Risk of permanent nerve damage': Aston Martin drivers Alonson and Stroll won't be completing Australian GP

Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has created history by becoming the first Indian to secure a podium finish in the highly-competitive European leg of the COTFA karting series. The 11-year-old finished third in the final of the opening round in the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) series. The result over the weekend was also Atiqa’s biggest success since moving from the mini to the junior category. Atiqa is the first Indian to be supported by the F1 Academy, a testament to her special talent. Throughout the weekend, Atiqa was in top form and also recorded the fastest lap in the final.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-35k-fine-and-banned-from-selling-tickets-uefa-punishes-tottenham-hotspur-for-nazi-salutes-by-fans-1772519731548">Champions League | '$35k fine and banned from selling tickets': UEFA punishes Tottenham Hotspur for Nazi Salutes by fans</a>She was on course to get pole position but encountered a slow driver in the last corner on her flying lap, pushing her down to ninth on the grid. Determined to get back to the front, Atiqa stormed to P3 in Race 1 and P2 in Race 2, setting her up for a third place start in the Final Race.The 15-lap race the Final was a true test of strength and stamina on the super fast Lucas Guerrero Circuit. Atiqa held second place at the start and had a long battle with the leading pack. On the final lap, Atiqa made an audacious move on the second place driver around the outside of the infamous chicane at the last corner. She held off the challenge to secure a second place on track, a record finish for an Indian in the Europe leg of the series.A post-race penalty dropped her to the third spot on the podium.On day two of the weekend, Atiqa was again held back by a slow driver on her flying lap during qualifying. Her theoretical time was good enough for pole position but she had to settle for seventh on the grid.In Race 1, Atiqa was pushed off the circuit before recovering to finish 9th. In Race 2, she zoomed to a special victory, only to be denied by a post race penalty for contact with another driver.Despite her fair share of bad luck, Atiqa was able to produce head turning performances through the weekend.“That was a great race. Really tough pace at the front and I could manage to fight till the last corner. I took a risk in the last corner going for the move as I didn’t want to settle for a third place finish.“Like the great Ayrton Senna said if you no longer go for a gap that exists you are no longer a racing driver. It was risky but it paid off. I’m happy to have the India flag at the podium and a proud moment for me and the country,” said Atiqa.Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, also reflected on a successful weekend.“An outstanding performance in her debut in OKNJ race in this series. She had only few sessions to adapt to the circuit which she had never driven before in a Junior kart.“She had good speed but missed the top spot due to the post race penalty. I don’t mind that as long as she makes overtakes like that,” Asif Mir added.

The 15-lap race the Final was a true test of strength and stamina on the super fast Lucas Guerrero Circuit. Atiqa held second place at the start and had a long battle with the leading pack.

Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has created history by becoming the first Indian to secure a podium finish in the highly-competitive European leg of the COTFA karting series. The 11-year-old finished third in the final of the opening round in the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) series. The result over the weekend was also Atiqa’s biggest success since moving from the mini to the junior category. Atiqa is the first Indian to be supported by the F1 Academy, a testament to her special talent. Throughout the weekend, Atiqa was in top form and also recorded the fastest lap in the final. Also Read - Champions League | '$35k fine and banned from selling tickets': UEFA punishes Tottenham Hotspur for Nazi Salutes by fans She was on course to get pole position but encountered a slow driver in the last corner on her flying lap, pushing her down to ninth on the grid. Determined to get back to the front, Atiqa stormed to P3 in Race 1 and P2 in Race 2, setting her up for a third place start in the Final Race. The 15-lap race the Final was a true test of strength and stamina on the super fast Lucas Guerrero Circuit. Atiqa held second place at the start and had a long battle with the leading pack. On the final lap, Atiqa made an audacious move on the second place driver around the outside of the infamous chicane at the last corner. She held off the challenge to secure a second place on track, a record finish for an Indian in the Europe leg of the series. A post-race penalty dropped her to the third spot on the podium. On day two of the weekend, Atiqa was again held back by a slow driver on her flying lap during qualifying. Her theoretical time was good enough for pole position but she had to settle for seventh on the grid. In Race 1, Atiqa was pushed off the circuit before recovering to finish 9th. In Race 2, she zoomed to a special victory, only to be denied by a post race penalty for contact with another driver. Despite her fair share of bad luck, Atiqa was able to produce head turning performances through the weekend. “That was a great race. Really tough pace at the front and I could manage to fight till the last corner. I took a risk in the last corner going for the move as I didn’t want to settle for a third place finish. “Like the great Ayrton Senna said if you no longer go for a gap that exists you are no longer a racing driver. It was risky but it paid off. I’m happy to have the India flag at the podium and a proud moment for me and the country,” said Atiqa. Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, also reflected on a successful weekend. “An outstanding performance in her debut in OKNJ race in this series. She had only few sessions to adapt to the circuit which she had never driven before in a Junior kart. “She had good speed but missed the top spot due to the post race penalty. I don’t mind that as long as she makes overtakes like that,” Asif Mir added.

The 15-lap race the Final was a true test of strength and stamina on the super fast Lucas Guerrero Circuit. Atiqa held second place at the start and had a long battle with the leading pack.

Atiqa Mir marks major milestone in Europe, becomes first Indian to secure podium

FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem said "safety and wellbeing" will guide decision-making with Formula One's calendar plunged into uncertainty by the war in the Middle East. This weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix has been hit by travel chaos but is not under threat. After Melbourne, Formula One heads to China then Japan, which are not expected to be affected.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iran-us-israel-war-forces-stranded-pv-sindhu-out-of-all-england-open-2026-first-reserve-k-srikanth-could-earn-main-draw-entry-1772467561674">Stranded in Dubai: Israel-Iran war forces PV Sindhu out of All England Open</a>However, concerns are mounting over whether next month's Bahrain race from April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia a week later will be able to go ahead.US President Donald Trump on Monday said the assault on Iran could go "far longer" than his initial estimates of about a month.In response, Iran and its allies have launched retaliatory strikes on Israel as well as US military bases and other areas in a host of Mideast nations, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.Ben Sulayem, president of global motorsport governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said he was closely monitoring the situation."At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities," he said in his first statement on the matter late Monday."We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly."Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled for the World Endurance Championship and the Formula 1 World Championship."The Endurance Championship is a leading sportscar event due to open its season in Qatar at the end of March.While freight, including the cars, is safely in Melbourne for the Grand Prix this weekend, the closure of airspace and airports in the Middle East has caused chaos to travel plans for team personnel.Dubai and Doha are major flight hubs on the path to Melbourne and around 1,000 race staff have had to scramble and change flights.Australian Formula One chief Travis Auld on Monday said he was confident "everyone will be here ready for the race"."We're in a space where we're really confident there will be no impact," he added.McLaren world champion Lando Norris will kickstart his title defence in Melbourne, which will be the first race for new team Cadillac -- with experienced pair Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in the cockpit.

Concerns are mounting over whether next month's Bahrain race from April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia a week later will be able to go ahead. US President Donald Trump on Monday said the assault on Iran could go "far longer" than his initial estimates of about a month.

FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem said "safety and wellbeing" will guide decision-making with Formula One's calendar plunged into uncertainty by the war in the Middle East. This weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix has been hit by travel chaos but is not under threat. After Melbourne, Formula One heads to China then Japan, which are not expected to be affected. Also Read - Stranded in Dubai: Israel-Iran war forces PV Sindhu out of All England Open However, concerns are mounting over whether next month's Bahrain race from April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia a week later will be able to go ahead. US President Donald Trump on Monday said the assault on Iran could go "far longer" than his initial estimates of about a month. In response, Iran and its allies have launched retaliatory strikes on Israel as well as US military bases and other areas in a host of Mideast nations, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Ben Sulayem, president of global motorsport governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said he was closely monitoring the situation. "At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities," he said in his first statement on the matter late Monday. "We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly. "Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled for the World Endurance Championship and the Formula 1 World Championship." The Endurance Championship is a leading sportscar event due to open its season in Qatar at the end of March. While freight, including the cars, is safely in Melbourne for the Grand Prix this weekend, the closure of airspace and airports in the Middle East has caused chaos to travel plans for team personnel. Dubai and Doha are major flight hubs on the path to Melbourne and around 1,000 race staff have had to scramble and change flights. Australian Formula One chief Travis Auld on Monday said he was confident "everyone will be here ready for the race". "We're in a space where we're really confident there will be no impact," he added. McLaren world champion Lando Norris will kickstart his title defence in Melbourne, which will be the first race for new team Cadillac -- with experienced pair Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in the cockpit.

Concerns are mounting over whether next month's Bahrain race from April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia a week later will be able to go ahead. US President Donald Trump on Monday said the assault on Iran could go "far longer" than his initial estimates of about a month.

F1 2026: FIA chief asserts 'safety and wellbeing' to determine Middle East races

Out of race gear and dressed in casuals, Oscar Cooper stood beside a piece of Formula 1 history, the V8-powered championship-winning car driven by Sebastian Vettel. The car that once dominated the grid sat on display, a reminder of an era when naturally aspirated engines screamed at 18,000 RPM, and aerodynamics were sculpted under a very different rulebook. That machine, a title-winning car from Red Bull Racing’s golden run in the V8 era, represented the peak of one generation of Formula 1 engineering. But as Cooper started to speak, it became clear how dramatically the sport has evolved since those days.&nbsp;After a decade at the forefront of Red Bull’s global marketing organisation, including four years embedded within the race team, Cooper has witnessed the transformation firsthand: from V8 dominance to hybrid complexity, from wind tunnel intuition to simulation supremacy. And if there’s one myth he’s quick to dispel, it’s this: a Formula 1 car is never static. “It’s not a one-stop shop, one-size-fits-all for the year,” Cooper explains while talking to WION on the sidelines of the Garage Tour facilitated by Red Bull, ahead of the Red Bull Moto Jam on March 1, where VCARB's Arvid Lindblad will be driving the RB8. “It’s very much a specific prototype car for every single race.”&nbsp;Standing beside Vettel’s championship machine only made that point sharper. That V8 car was built for a different aerodynamic philosophy, a different energy system, a different competitive landscape. Today’s cars operate in a world defined by ground-effect evolution, hybrid deployment strategies, and data models that predict performance before rubber even meets asphalt. And contrary to popular belief, a Formula 1 car isn’t built once and refined gently across a season. It is constantly reborn.<h2>The aerodynamic compromise</h2>The conversation around ground effect regulations and porpoising dominated recent seasons, but Cooper makes it clear that the current regulatory landscape has shifted. “The regulation has changed now. We’re not running the Venturi-effect floor. So we shouldn’t see those porpoising issues.” Yet the core aerodynamic dilemma remains timeless: peak downforce versus straight-line speed. “There’s always a trade-off between downforce and top speed. That’s the game. That’s the dance.” At tracks with long straights, Monza-style layouts, trimming drag becomes essential. At tighter, high-load circuits, teams chase cornering performance. The balance is never static. It’s recalculated weekly, sometimes daily. What makes modern Formula 1 fascinating is that the compromise isn’t just aerodynamic. Ride height sensitivity, mechanical setup, tyre behaviour, and energy deployment all feed into a complex matrix of decisions. The “golden middle section,” as Cooper calls it, is not a fixed point. It’s a moving target shaped by track characteristics, weather, tyre compounds, and even competitor performance.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-you-can-line-him-up-kumble-du-plessis-raise-concerns-over-india-s-sixth-bowling-option-1772176857054">'You can line him up': Kumble, Du Plessis raise concerns over India’s sixth bowling option</a><h2>The digital backbone of modern F1</h2>If Formula 1 once relied heavily on mechanical feel and wind tunnel experimentation, today it is powered by simulation.“More and more now, CFD and modelling are integral to the design, development, and running of the car as well during a race weekend,” Cooper says. With strict limitations on wind tunnel time, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become the development heartbeat. Engineers create a digital twin of the car, run countless simulations, and predict performance outcomes long before the wheels turn in anger.&nbsp;But simulation is only powerful if it is accurate. “It only counts if you believe in your accuracy and you calibrate your CFD models correctly,” he explains. “If the data is not consistent and not accurate, then you have a real uphill battle.”This is where free practice becomes critical. It’s not just about lap times, it’s about correlation. Engineers compare real-world telemetry with the digital projections. If the numbers diverge, alarms go off.&nbsp;“That’s when the engineers start scratching their heads and thinking, where have we gone wrong? Because what we thought would happen isn’t what’s happening.” In many ways, modern race weekends are less about experimentation and more about validation, aligning the virtual car with the physical one.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-no-longer-only-a-player-but-a-football-club-owner-in-spain-1772177590511">Ronaldo no longer only a player but a football club owner in Spain</a><h2>A new power chapter</h2>Perhaps the most significant shift, however, is happening beneath the bodywork. For the first time, Red Bull is running its own engine through Red Bull Powertrains, a major milestone for a team that historically partnered with external manufacturers. “It’s a huge feat and a great success in and of itself to have started producing an engine three years ago and now still be at the top of the grid in terms of performance and reliability,” Cooper says.&nbsp;With the evolving power unit regulations placing nearly 50% emphasis on hybrid energy deployment, race dynamics are poised to change. Battery usage will no longer follow predictable deployment zones. Instead, teams will strategically decide when to harvest and when to release energy. “It’s not just going to be standardized moments across the racetrack where they might choose to deploy that power,” Cooper explains. “Hopefully, we’ll see some interesting overtaking maneuvers and certainly some different strategic approaches.”&nbsp;The implications are significant. Drivers will need to think differently. Engineers will model countless race scenarios. Energy management could determine overtakes, defensive positioning, and even championship outcomes. Simulation departments are already running thousands of virtual races to optimise deployment maps. Because in a sport decided by tenths and hundredths, efficiency isn’t optional; it’s everything.<h2>The bigger picture</h2>Having worked at the intersection of engineering, performance, and global brand activation, Cooper understands that Formula 1 is more than just speed. It’s a storytelling machine powered by innovation. What stands out in his reflections is how fluid everything has become. Cars evolve weekly. Strategy shifts corner by corner. Data drives instinct. And the competition never stands still. In the end, Formula 1 remains what it has always been, a relentless pursuit of marginal gains. But as Cooper puts it best: “That’s the dance.” And in 2026’s hybrid-heavy, simulation-driven era, the choreography is only getting more intricate.

Inside the aerodynamic secrets of an F1 car: Red Bull’s Oscar Cooper explains

Out of race gear and dressed in casuals, Oscar Cooper stood beside a piece of Formula 1 history, the V8-powered championship-winning car driven by Sebastian Vettel. The car that once dominated the grid sat on display, a reminder of an era when naturally aspirated engines screamed at 18,000 RPM, and aerodynamics were sculpted under a very different rulebook. That machine, a title-winning car from Red Bull Racing’s golden run in the V8 era, represented the peak of one generation of Formula 1 engineering. But as Cooper started to speak, it became clear how dramatically the sport has evolved since those days. After a decade at the forefront of Red Bull’s global marketing organisation, including four years embedded within the race team, Cooper has witnessed the transformation firsthand: from V8 dominance to hybrid complexity, from wind tunnel intuition to simulation supremacy. And if there’s one myth he’s quick to dispel, it’s this: a Formula 1 car is never static. “It’s not a one-stop shop, one-size-fits-all for the year,” Cooper explains while talking to WION on the sidelines of the Garage Tour facilitated by Red Bull, ahead of the Red Bull Moto Jam on March 1, where VCARB's Arvid Lindblad will be driving the RB8. “It’s very much a specific prototype car for every single race.” Standing beside Vettel’s championship machine only made that point sharper. That V8 car was built for a different aerodynamic philosophy, a different energy system, a different competitive landscape. Today’s cars operate in a world defined by ground-effect evolution, hybrid deployment strategies, and data models that predict performance before rubber even meets asphalt. And contrary to popular belief, a Formula 1 car isn’t built once and refined gently across a season. It is constantly reborn. The aerodynamic compromise The conversation around ground effect regulations and porpoising dominated recent seasons, but Cooper makes it clear that the current regulatory landscape has shifted. “The regulation has changed now. We’re not running the Venturi-effect floor. So we shouldn’t see those porpoising issues.” Yet the core aerodynamic dilemma remains timeless: peak downforce versus straight-line speed. “There’s always a trade-off between downforce and top speed. That’s the game. That’s the dance.” At tracks with long straights, Monza-style layouts, trimming drag becomes essential. At tighter, high-load circuits, teams chase cornering performance. The balance is never static. It’s recalculated weekly, sometimes daily. What makes modern Formula 1 fascinating is that the compromise isn’t just aerodynamic. Ride height sensitivity, mechanical setup, tyre behaviour, and energy deployment all feed into a complex matrix of decisions. The “golden middle section,” as Cooper calls it, is not a fixed point. It’s a moving target shaped by track characteristics, weather, tyre compounds, and even competitor performance. Also Read: 'You can line him up': Kumble, Du Plessis raise concerns over India’s sixth bowling option The digital backbone of modern F1 If Formula 1 once relied heavily on mechanical feel and wind tunnel experimentation, today it is powered by simulation. “More and more now, CFD and modelling are integral to the design, development, and running of the car as well during a race weekend,” Cooper says. With strict limitations on wind tunnel time, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become the development heartbeat. Engineers create a digital twin of the car, run countless simulations, and predict performance outcomes long before the wheels turn in anger. But simulation is only powerful if it is accurate. “It only counts if you believe in your accuracy and you calibrate your CFD models correctly,” he explains. “If the data is not consistent and not accurate, then you have a real uphill battle.” This is where free practice becomes critical. It’s not just about lap times, it’s about correlation. Engineers compare real-world telemetry with the digital projections. If the numbers diverge, alarms go off. “That’s when the engineers start scratching their heads and thinking, where have we gone wrong? Because what we thought would happen isn’t what’s happening.” In many ways, modern race weekends are less about experimentation and more about validation, aligning the virtual car with the physical one. Also Read: Ronaldo no longer only a player but a football club owner in Spain A new power chapter Perhaps the most significant shift, however, is happening beneath the bodywork. For the first time, Red Bull is running its own engine through Red Bull Powertrains, a major milestone for a team that historically partnered with external manufacturers. “It’s a huge feat and a great success in and of itself to have started producing an engine three years ago and now still be at the top of the grid in terms of performance and reliability,” Cooper says. With the evolving power unit regulations placing nearly 50% emphasis on hybrid energy deployment, race dynamics are poised to change. Battery usage will no longer follow predictable deployment zones. Instead, teams will strategically decide when to harvest and when to release energy. “It’s not just going to be standardized moments across the racetrack where they might choose to deploy that power,” Cooper explains. “Hopefully, we’ll see some interesting overtaking maneuvers and certainly some different strategic approaches.” The implications are significant. Drivers will need to think differently. Engineers will model countless race scenarios. Energy management could determine overtakes, defensive positioning, and even championship outcomes. Simulation departments are already running thousands of virtual races to optimise deployment maps. Because in a sport decided by tenths and hundredths, efficiency isn’t optional; it’s everything. The bigger picture Having worked at the intersection of engineering, performance, and global brand activation, Cooper understands that Formula 1 is more than just speed. It’s a storytelling machine powered by innovation. What stands out in his reflections is how fluid everything has become. Cars evolve weekly. Strategy shifts corner by corner. Data drives instinct. And the competition never stands still. In the end, Formula 1 remains what it has always been, a relentless pursuit of marginal gains. But as Cooper puts it best: “That’s the dance.” And in 2026’s hybrid-heavy, simulation-driven era, the choreography is only getting more intricate.

Oscar Cooper breaks down F1’s aero trade-offs, simulation reliance, and how hybrid deployment will reshape race strategy in the upcoming 2026 season of Formula 1

Out of his race suit and in relaxed casuals, Karun Chandhok looked more like a paddock insider than a former Formula 1 driver. But as soon as the conversation shifted to engines, hybrids, and the 2026 reset, the tone changed. The analysis was sharp, technical, and unfiltered. What followed was not hype about liveries or driver line-ups. It was a deep dive into electronics, integration, and why Formula 1’s next era could be defined less by outright combustion power and more by who controls the energy flow best.<h2>The integration advantage: Why 2026 is different?</h2>Formula 1’s 2026 regulations will push the sport into an unprecedented balance, close to a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. On paper, that sounds evolutionary. In practice, Chandhok believes it could be revolutionary. “What you have to remember,” he explained, “is that this puts huge emphasis on the electronics. When does the battery deploy? When does it switch off? How does it blend with the combustion engine so you don’t get a sudden surge? All of that is super important.”&nbsp;In the current era, hybrid deployment already plays a critical role. But in 2026, energy harvesting, storage, and deployment will define not just straight-line speed, but drivability. Drivers will no longer simply manage tyre wear and fuel loads; they will manage energy windows corner by corner. And that’s where the real advantage lies. “If you can have the engine, the chassis, and the electronics all under the same roof, you have an advantage,” Chandhok, who is in India ahead of the Red Bull Moto Jam, said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-sanju-samson-back-for-zimbabwe-clash-here-s-what-batting-coach-sitanshu-kotak-said-1772030131060">T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson back for Zimbabwe clash? Here's what batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said</a>&nbsp;In the upcoming cycle, that narrows the early favourites considerably. Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Red Bull Racing, and Audi F1 Team are the primary outfits operating as works projects with full integration. Ferrari and Mercedes have decades of engine-building heritage. Red Bull is entering new territory with their in-house power unit programme. Audi arrives as a full works manufacturer, building both chassis and engine together from day one. On paper, that synergy matters. Because in this formula, it’s not just about building a powerful engine. It’s about building a system.&nbsp;Battery cooling, power delivery mapping, energy regeneration efficiency, weight distribution, and software logic; each element must speak the same language. If one part of the ecosystem lags, the entire car suffers. Chandhok believes early confidence from certain camps is not accidental. “I think Mercedes is very confident with what they’ve got from testing,” he said. “And in my opinion, George Russell starts the season as the favourite. Last year, he was arguably the second-best driver on the grid behind Max.” It’s a bold claim in a field still shaped by Max Verstappen’s dominance. But in a reset year, history shows that power units can reshuffle hierarchies overnight.<h2>Smart drivers, bigger gaps, and the engine war within</h2>Every time Formula 1 resets its regulations, performance gaps initially widen. Chandhok expects 2026 to follow that pattern. “When you start a new rule cycle, the car makes a bigger difference. Some teams will get it more right than others.” Last season, the spread between the best and worst car was just over one per cent, a historically tight grid. Under a fresh engine formula, that gap could grow again before development gradually compresses the field.But the competitive shift won’t just be between teams. It will also be within cockpits.&nbsp;Energy deployment will no longer be a background process. Drivers will actively decide when to harvest, when to defend, and when to unleash maximum deployment. Using too much battery exiting one corner, and you could be exposed three corners later on a long straight. “If I use too much energy here, four corners later, I could be in trouble. The smart drivers will be the successful drivers.” That emphasis on intelligence and adaptability plays into the hands of drivers known for racecraft and calculation. Verstappen’s ability to read races in real time. Alonso’s instinctive energy management and tyre preservation. Drivers who think while attacking.&nbsp;In qualifying, the equation becomes even more complex. Certain tracks, especially those with long straights, may expose limitations in sustained electrical deployment. Managing a single flying lap could require strategic compromise.Yet Chandhok remains unfazed by the narrative that hybrid-heavy regulations dilute the sport. “F1 has always been a technologically led sport. The fastest teams were always at the front. It’s just a different set of rules now.”&nbsp;Formula 1 has evolved from V10 screamers to turbo hybrids, from refuelling sprints to tyre management marathons. Each era has had its critics. Each era has also produced excellence. The 2026 reset, in his view, is simply the next evolution. And for all the technical complexity, the hierarchy principle remains unchanged. “Take any racing car in the world to the same circuit, the Formula 1 car will still be the fastest. That’s why it’s the pinnacle.”&nbsp;Sitting in casual clothes, far removed from helmet visors and grid walks, Chandhok spoke less like a former driver and more like a systems analyst breaking down a high-performance ecosystem. Because that’s what Formula 1 is becoming, a battle of integration as much as innovation. The next championship may not be won purely on horsepower. It may be won in software labs, cooling simulations, and energy models.&nbsp;An engine war, yes. But more than that, an intelligence war. And in 2026, the teams that think best might just win fastest. We just have to wait and watch as the countdown for the season begins.

The 2026 title fight is between Mercedes and Ferrari: Karun Chandhok

Out of his race suit and in relaxed casuals, Karun Chandhok looked more like a paddock insider than a former Formula 1 driver. But as soon as the conversation shifted to engines, hybrids, and the 2026 reset, the tone changed. The analysis was sharp, technical, and unfiltered. What followed was not hype about liveries or driver line-ups. It was a deep dive into electronics, integration, and why Formula 1’s next era could be defined less by outright combustion power and more by who controls the energy flow best. The integration advantage: Why 2026 is different? Formula 1’s 2026 regulations will push the sport into an unprecedented balance, close to a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. On paper, that sounds evolutionary. In practice, Chandhok believes it could be revolutionary. “What you have to remember,” he explained, “is that this puts huge emphasis on the electronics. When does the battery deploy? When does it switch off? How does it blend with the combustion engine so you don’t get a sudden surge? All of that is super important.” In the current era, hybrid deployment already plays a critical role. But in 2026, energy harvesting, storage, and deployment will define not just straight-line speed, but drivability. Drivers will no longer simply manage tyre wear and fuel loads; they will manage energy windows corner by corner. And that’s where the real advantage lies. “If you can have the engine, the chassis, and the electronics all under the same roof, you have an advantage,” Chandhok, who is in India ahead of the Red Bull Moto Jam, said. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson back for Zimbabwe clash? Here's what batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said In the upcoming cycle, that narrows the early favourites considerably. Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Red Bull Racing, and Audi F1 Team are the primary outfits operating as works projects with full integration. Ferrari and Mercedes have decades of engine-building heritage. Red Bull is entering new territory with their in-house power unit programme. Audi arrives as a full works manufacturer, building both chassis and engine together from day one. On paper, that synergy matters. Because in this formula, it’s not just about building a powerful engine. It’s about building a system. Battery cooling, power delivery mapping, energy regeneration efficiency, weight distribution, and software logic; each element must speak the same language. If one part of the ecosystem lags, the entire car suffers. Chandhok believes early confidence from certain camps is not accidental. “I think Mercedes is very confident with what they’ve got from testing,” he said. “And in my opinion, George Russell starts the season as the favourite. Last year, he was arguably the second-best driver on the grid behind Max.” It’s a bold claim in a field still shaped by Max Verstappen’s dominance. But in a reset year, history shows that power units can reshuffle hierarchies overnight. Smart drivers, bigger gaps, and the engine war within Every time Formula 1 resets its regulations, performance gaps initially widen. Chandhok expects 2026 to follow that pattern. “When you start a new rule cycle, the car makes a bigger difference. Some teams will get it more right than others.” Last season, the spread between the best and worst car was just over one per cent, a historically tight grid. Under a fresh engine formula, that gap could grow again before development gradually compresses the field. But the competitive shift won’t just be between teams. It will also be within cockpits. Energy deployment will no longer be a background process. Drivers will actively decide when to harvest, when to defend, and when to unleash maximum deployment. Using too much battery exiting one corner, and you could be exposed three corners later on a long straight. “If I use too much energy here, four corners later, I could be in trouble. The smart drivers will be the successful drivers.” That emphasis on intelligence and adaptability plays into the hands of drivers known for racecraft and calculation. Verstappen’s ability to read races in real time. Alonso’s instinctive energy management and tyre preservation. Drivers who think while attacking. In qualifying, the equation becomes even more complex. Certain tracks, especially those with long straights, may expose limitations in sustained electrical deployment. Managing a single flying lap could require strategic compromise. Yet Chandhok remains unfazed by the narrative that hybrid-heavy regulations dilute the sport. “F1 has always been a technologically led sport. The fastest teams were always at the front. It’s just a different set of rules now.” Formula 1 has evolved from V10 screamers to turbo hybrids, from refuelling sprints to tyre management marathons. Each era has had its critics. Each era has also produced excellence. The 2026 reset, in his view, is simply the next evolution. And for all the technical complexity, the hierarchy principle remains unchanged. “Take any racing car in the world to the same circuit, the Formula 1 car will still be the fastest. That’s why it’s the pinnacle.” Sitting in casual clothes, far removed from helmet visors and grid walks, Chandhok spoke less like a former driver and more like a systems analyst breaking down a high-performance ecosystem. Because that’s what Formula 1 is becoming, a battle of integration as much as innovation. The next championship may not be won purely on horsepower. It may be won in software labs, cooling simulations, and energy models. An engine war, yes. But more than that, an intelligence war. And in 2026, the teams that think best might just win fastest. We just have to wait and watch as the countdown for the season begins.

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok reflects on F1’s hybrid era, India’s F1 dream, and why the sport remains the pinnacle despite evolving technology

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