Formula One on Friday said it will not race in Russia this season, saying it was "impossible" to do so after the country launched an invasion on neighbouring Ukraine.

The race was scheduled for Sept. 25 at Sochi`s Olympic park. "We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation," the sport said in a statement.

"On Thursday evening Formula One, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is ... that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances."&nbsp;

Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, sea and air on Thursday.

Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel told a news conference that he would not take part in the Russian Grand Prix if it went ahead.

World champion Max Verstappen also said racing in a country at war was "not correct". U.S.-owned Haas ran their car in Barcelona testing on Friday in an all-white livery, having taken off all branding representing title sponsor and Russian potash producer Uralkali.&nbsp;

Team principal Guenther Steiner also acknowledged that the outfit`s Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, whose father owns Uralkali, faces an uncertain future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-moves-champions-league-final-from-st-petersburg-to-paris-amid-russia-ukraine-conflict-456427">UEFA moves Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris amid Russia-Ukraine conflict</a>

European soccer`s governing body UEFA, earlier on Friday, said it had moved the Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris. The cancellation of the Russian race brings Formula One`s calendar back down to 22 races from a planned record 23-round schedule.

But the sport, which pulled off 17 races in the pandemic-hit 2020 season and held 22 races last year, has options it can pick to fill the spot vacated by Russia, after a number of venues held races as COVID-19 stand-ins over the last two seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Russian race debuted on the calendar in 2014 and was set to move to a new track outside St Petersburg from its current Sochi Olympic park venue next year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has attended the race in the past, even handing out the trophies on the podium. The title sponsor of the race is the VTB Group whose VTB Bank was hit with sanctions by the United States and Britain following the Russian invasion.

Formula One on Friday said it will not race in Russia this season, saying it was "impossible" to do so after the country launched an invasion on neighbouring Ukraine.

Formula One on Friday said it will not race in Russia this season, saying it was "impossible" to do so after the country launched an invasion on neighbouring Ukraine. The race was scheduled for Sept. 25 at Sochi`s Olympic park. "We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation," the sport said in a statement. "On Thursday evening Formula One, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is ... that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances." Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, sea and air on Thursday. Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel told a news conference that he would not take part in the Russian Grand Prix if it went ahead. World champion Max Verstappen also said racing in a country at war was "not correct". U.S.-owned Haas ran their car in Barcelona testing on Friday in an all-white livery, having taken off all branding representing title sponsor and Russian potash producer Uralkali. Team principal Guenther Steiner also acknowledged that the outfit`s Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, whose father owns Uralkali, faces an uncertain future. Also Read: UEFA moves Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris amid Russia-Ukraine conflict European soccer`s governing body UEFA, earlier on Friday, said it had moved the Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris. The cancellation of the Russian race brings Formula One`s calendar back down to 22 races from a planned record 23-round schedule. But the sport, which pulled off 17 races in the pandemic-hit 2020 season and held 22 races last year, has options it can pick to fill the spot vacated by Russia, after a number of venues held races as COVID-19 stand-ins over the last two seasons. The Russian race debuted on the calendar in 2014 and was set to move to a new track outside St Petersburg from its current Sochi Olympic park venue next year. Russian President Vladimir Putin has attended the race in the past, even handing out the trophies on the podium. The title sponsor of the race is the VTB Group whose VTB Bank was hit with sanctions by the United States and Britain following the Russian invasion.

Formula One cancels 2022 Russian Grand Prix after Ukraine invasion

German racing driver Sebastian Vettel has said he will not compete in Formula One`s Russian Grand Prix this year amid the ongoing military operations of Russia in Ukraine. The four-time Formula One champion said he was "shocked" to see what is happening."In my personal opinion, I woke up to this morning`s news, shocked, so I don`t know. I think it`s horrible to see what is happening," Sky Sports quoted Vettel as saying at a press conference during pre-season testing.

"Obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. For myself, my own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it`s wrong to race in the country," he added. Vettel said he has made his decision and when a country is at war it is not right to compete in a race there."I`m sure it`s something that we will talk about, but personally I`m just so shocked and sad to see what is going on. So we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made," said Vettel.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-calls-extraordinary-meeting-to-discuss-situation-in-the-wake-of-russia-ukraine-crisis-456057">UEFA calls extraordinary meeting to discuss situation in the wake of Russia-Ukraine crisis</a>

"When a country is at war it is not right to race there," he added. Leaders from a number of countries including the UK, the US, Canada and the European Union have condemned Russia`s military operations in the Donbas region.

German racing driver Sebastian Vettel has said he will not compete in Formula One`s Russian Grand Prix this year amid the ongoing military operations of Russia in Ukraine.

German racing driver Sebastian Vettel has said he will not compete in Formula One`s Russian Grand Prix this year amid the ongoing military operations of Russia in Ukraine. The four-time Formula One champion said he was "shocked" to see what is happening."In my personal opinion, I woke up to this morning`s news, shocked, so I don`t know. I think it`s horrible to see what is happening," Sky Sports quoted Vettel as saying at a press conference during pre-season testing. "Obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. For myself, my own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it`s wrong to race in the country," he added. Vettel said he has made his decision and when a country is at war it is not right to compete in a race there."I`m sure it`s something that we will talk about, but personally I`m just so shocked and sad to see what is going on. So we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made," said Vettel. ALSO READ | UEFA calls extraordinary meeting to discuss situation in the wake of Russia-Ukraine crisis "When a country is at war it is not right to race there," he added. Leaders from a number of countries including the UK, the US, Canada and the European Union have condemned Russia`s military operations in the Donbas region.

Ukraine conflict: German racing driver Sebastian Vettel says he will not race at 2022 Russian GP

Lewis Hamilton said Friday he was ready to attack the new Formula One season after getting over a “difficult time" following the traumatic end to his 2021 world championship campaign.

The British driver, 37, was speaking for the first time since he lost the championship in controversial circumstances to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi on December 12.

Hamilton was poised to capture a record-breaking eighth world title at the season finale before a controversial safety car restart allowed Dutch driver Verstappen to pass his British rival on the last lap.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-reminds-me-of-muhammad-ali-sir-viv-richards-compares-pakistan-cricketer-to-legendary-boxer-454371">'He reminds me of Muhammad Ali': Sir Viv Richards compares Pakistan cricketer to legendary boxer</a>

The seven-time world champion was disillusioned following his defeat and, at one stage, it was unclear if he would return to the grid.

But Hamilton, speaking at the launch of the Mercedes car for the 2022 season — and a day after Michael Masi was removed as F1 race director — said he was still hungry for more success.

“I never ever said I was going to stop," he insisted.

“I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people and you feel like you are part of a family. There is nothing quite like it."

Hamilton said the race at Yas Marina was “manipulated" after Masi’s decision to allow the race to restart, which ultimately handed Verstappen the chance to win the title.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-ukrainian-bobsledder-lidiia-hunko-tests-positive-for-banned-substance-says-ita-454331">Beijing Olympics: Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko tests positive for banned substance, says ITA</a>

Reflecting on the moments after the race, Hamilton, who appeared alongside new team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff, added: “It was a difficult time for me and a time where I needed to take a step back and focus on the present.

“I had my family all around me and creating great memories.

“I eventually got to a point where I decided I would be attacking again coming into another season and working with Toto and George."

‘EXCITING TIMES’

Mercedes have reverted from black — installed for the past two seasons in the fight against racism — to their traditional silver colours for the new campaign.

“It is probably one of the most exciting times," added Hamilton. “It feels like the first (launch) again.

“It is very surreal to think I have been with Mercedes for 10 years.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-was-chilling-to-witness-kamila-valieva-crumble-under-pressure-says-ioc-chief-thomas-bach-454315">Beijing Olympics: Was 'chilling' to witness Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure, says IOC chief Thomas Bach</a>

“Seeing George have his seat fit at the factory was reminiscent of when I had my first seat fit with Mercedes at 2013. The journey we have been on since is absolutely phenomenal.

“Going into this year, I have not really set any goals. Every individual within this team has worked towards the ultimate goal of winning the world championship and raising the bar and doing something that has not been done before."

Wolff said earlier on Friday that he was never concerned that Hamilton would quit Formula One.

“No, I was never worried — although you have to respect the driver is disillusioned after such an event," he told the BBC.

Lewis Hamilton said Friday he was ready to attack the new Formula One season after getting over a “difficult time" following the traumatic end to his 2021 world championship campaign.

Lewis Hamilton said Friday he was ready to attack the new Formula One season after getting over a “difficult time" following the traumatic end to his 2021 world championship campaign. The British driver, 37, was speaking for the first time since he lost the championship in controversial circumstances to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi on December 12. Hamilton was poised to capture a record-breaking eighth world title at the season finale before a controversial safety car restart allowed Dutch driver Verstappen to pass his British rival on the last lap. ALSO READ: 'He reminds me of Muhammad Ali': Sir Viv Richards compares Pakistan cricketer to legendary boxer The seven-time world champion was disillusioned following his defeat and, at one stage, it was unclear if he would return to the grid. But Hamilton, speaking at the launch of the Mercedes car for the 2022 season — and a day after Michael Masi was removed as F1 race director — said he was still hungry for more success. “I never ever said I was going to stop," he insisted. “I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people and you feel like you are part of a family. There is nothing quite like it." Hamilton said the race at Yas Marina was “manipulated" after Masi’s decision to allow the race to restart, which ultimately handed Verstappen the chance to win the title. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko tests positive for banned substance, says ITA Reflecting on the moments after the race, Hamilton, who appeared alongside new team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff, added: “It was a difficult time for me and a time where I needed to take a step back and focus on the present. “I had my family all around me and creating great memories. “I eventually got to a point where I decided I would be attacking again coming into another season and working with Toto and George." ‘EXCITING TIMES’ Mercedes have reverted from black — installed for the past two seasons in the fight against racism — to their traditional silver colours for the new campaign. “It is probably one of the most exciting times," added Hamilton. “It feels like the first (launch) again. “It is very surreal to think I have been with Mercedes for 10 years. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Was 'chilling' to witness Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure, says IOC chief Thomas Bach “Seeing George have his seat fit at the factory was reminiscent of when I had my first seat fit with Mercedes at 2013. The journey we have been on since is absolutely phenomenal. “Going into this year, I have not really set any goals. Every individual within this team has worked towards the ultimate goal of winning the world championship and raising the bar and doing something that has not been done before." Wolff said earlier on Friday that he was never concerned that Hamilton would quit Formula One. “No, I was never worried — although you have to respect the driver is disillusioned after such an event," he told the BBC.

'Never said I was going to stop': Lewis Hamilton hungry for more success ahead of new F1 season

Mercedes have confirmed that Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton will race for them again this year after the seven-time world champion ended his social media silence on Saturday, saying, "I`ve been gone. Now I`m back!". 
 
In reaction to Hamilton`s social media post, Mercedes shared the image with the caption "I`m back". Hamilton had been absent from social media since December 11 after posting an image from celebrating his P2 qualifying at Yas Marina. 
 
Now, his future is poised to be clarified with some previously suggesting he`d retire and quit the sport he has dominated for many years. 
 
Hamilton missed out on the F1 title in 2021, with Max Verstappen claiming the prize in controversial circumstances. Although his social media return is not confirmation of his position on the grid, it appears extremely likely he will be in the Mercedes garage for pre-season testing in Barcelona. 
&nbsp;

Mercedes have confirmed that Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton will race for them again this year after the seven-time world champion ended his social media silence on Saturday, saying, "I`ve been gone.

Mercedes have confirmed that Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton will race for them again this year after the seven-time world champion ended his social media silence on Saturday, saying, "I`ve been gone. Now I`m back!". In reaction to Hamilton`s social media post, Mercedes shared the image with the caption "I`m back". Hamilton had been absent from social media since December 11 after posting an image from celebrating his P2 qualifying at Yas Marina. Now, his future is poised to be clarified with some previously suggesting he`d retire and quit the sport he has dominated for many years. Hamilton missed out on the F1 title in 2021, with Max Verstappen claiming the prize in controversial circumstances. Although his social media return is not confirmation of his position on the grid, it appears extremely likely he will be in the Mercedes garage for pre-season testing in Barcelona.

Mercedes confirm Lewis Hamilton's comeback after F1 star ends social media silence

Formula One will make it mandatory for all personnel working in its paddock to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, without exemption, starting this season, a spokesperson for the sport`s commercial arm said on Monday.

The mandate, which was first reported by the Times newspaper and the BBC, will apply to anyone entering the paddock -- an exclusive area in which teams and drivers set up shop for a race weekend. "F1 will require all travelling personnel to be fully vaxxed and will not request exemptions," the spokesperson said. This will include all competitors, hospitality staff, members of the media, the governing FIA, Liberty Media-owned commercial rights holders FOM and even celebrity guests.

The mandate was approved at a December meeting of the FIA`s World Motor Sport Council.&nbsp;News of Formula One`s vaccine mandate comes after Novak Djokovic`s Australian Open vaccine controversy.&nbsp;The world number one was detained by immigration authorities on Jan. 6, ordered released by a court on Jan. 10, then detained again before being forced to leave Australia after a final court ruling that upheld the government`s decision to cancel his visa.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-christian-horner-opens-up-on-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-max-verstappen-vs-lewis-hamilton-rivalry-447562">EXCLUSIVE | Christian Horner opens up on Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton rivalry</a>

The new rules call into question the future of long-time medical car driver Alan van der Merwe. The South African, who played a pivotal role rescuing Romain Grosjean from a fiery crash in the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, has chosen not to get vaccinated for personal reasons.&nbsp;The FIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the vaccine mandate or Van der Merwe`s future. Formula One is set for a record 23-race calendar this year, with races&nbsp;such as Singapore, Japan, Canada and Australia, which had been cancelled for the last two years, set to return.

The sport successfully staged two seasons amid the pandemic by adopting a bubble system and regular testing. The 2022 season, which will feature all new cars designed to a radical rules overhaul, gets underway in Bahrain on March 20. Teams will run their cars at a pre-season session in Spain from Feb. 23-25 and an official test session in Bahrain from March 10-12. &nbsp;

Formula One will make it mandatory for all personnel working in its paddock to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, without exemption, starting this season, a spokesperson for the sport`s commercial arm said on Monday.

Formula One will make it mandatory for all personnel working in its paddock to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, without exemption, starting this season, a spokesperson for the sport`s commercial arm said on Monday. The mandate, which was first reported by the Times newspaper and the BBC, will apply to anyone entering the paddock -- an exclusive area in which teams and drivers set up shop for a race weekend. "F1 will require all travelling personnel to be fully vaxxed and will not request exemptions," the spokesperson said. This will include all competitors, hospitality staff, members of the media, the governing FIA, Liberty Media-owned commercial rights holders FOM and even celebrity guests. The mandate was approved at a December meeting of the FIA`s World Motor Sport Council. News of Formula One`s vaccine mandate comes after Novak Djokovic`s Australian Open vaccine controversy. The world number one was detained by immigration authorities on Jan. 6, ordered released by a court on Jan. 10, then detained again before being forced to leave Australia after a final court ruling that upheld the government`s decision to cancel his visa. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Christian Horner opens up on Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton rivalry The new rules call into question the future of long-time medical car driver Alan van der Merwe. The South African, who played a pivotal role rescuing Romain Grosjean from a fiery crash in the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, has chosen not to get vaccinated for personal reasons. The FIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the vaccine mandate or Van der Merwe`s future. Formula One is set for a record 23-race calendar this year, with races such as Singapore, Japan, Canada and Australia, which had been cancelled for the last two years, set to return. The sport successfully staged two seasons amid the pandemic by adopting a bubble system and regular testing. The 2022 season, which will feature all new cars designed to a radical rules overhaul, gets underway in Bahrain on March 20. Teams will run their cars at a pre-season session in Spain from Feb. 23-25 and an official test session in Bahrain from March 10-12.

Formula One set to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for 2022 season

Before the end of 2021, the Red Bull's driver Max Verstappen went past the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting end to the Formula One&nbsp;2021 season; the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in early December. While many expected the veteran driver Hamilton to claim his eighth title, it was the 24-year-old Belgian-Dutch racing driver&nbsp;Verstappen who stunned one and all and went ahead of his competitor in the final lap to win a maiden driver's title.

The race was full of ups and downs. The 37-year-old British car race driver&nbsp;Hamilton was on the verge&nbsp;of lifting his eighth title before&nbsp;Canadian driver Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams prior to the four laps before the last one, calling for the appearance of the safety car. Verstappen went ahead with new&nbsp;tyres, however, Hamilton didn't. Thus, the youngster Verstappen moved past his&nbsp;close rival -- courtesy the fresh wheels -- to emerge victorious at the&nbsp;Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi.

The race remains in discussion to date.&nbsp;The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has ordered an investigation into the conduct of the entire proceedings in Abu Dhabi. The result is expected to be out in March, 2022.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EXCLUSIVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EXCLUSIVE</a> | Red Bull Racing (<a href="https://twitter.com/redbullracing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@redbullracing</a>) Team Principal Christian Horner speaks to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/DiggySinghDeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiggySinghDeo</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/Max33Verstappen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Max33Verstappen</a>'s maiden world title win at 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/F1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabiGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabiGP</a> and uncertainty over 7-time World Champion <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LewisHamilton</a> for the 2022 season<a href="https://twitter.com/redbull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@redbull</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/redbullindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@redbullindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/thdSbK9F3h">pic.twitter.com/thdSbK9F3h</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1486024818386477065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/max-verstappens-maiden-formula-one-world-title-red-bulls-biggest-achievement-so-far-christian-horner-436466">Max Verstappen's maiden Formula One World title Red Bull's biggest achievement so far: Christian Horner</a>

Anid all this, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo got a chance to interact with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Horner&nbsp;opened up on the epic race in Abu Dhabi, rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, Hamilton's future and more.&nbsp;

The 48-year-old Horner, who remains&nbsp;the mastermind behind four constructors' titles at Red Bull racing, lauded Max's rise and said, "Amazing reception to welcome Max back as a world champion. He has grown up with Red Bull, a product of the junior team. The way he drove last year, he fully deserved the world title."

Horner admitted that a late safety car played into Max's hands and took Hamilton by surprise. On the intense rivalry between the duo, which has gained mileage in recent times, Horner stated it is the need of the hour for the sport. He pointed out, "For sure, sport is all about competition. When you have good serial winners, it becomes less attractive. There was big rivalry and it was very little to choose between the two teams and drivers, hence, it was the best year Formula One has had as a sport for probably 30-40 years."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-sachin-to-rosberg-how-sporting-fraternity-reacted-to-max-verstappens-thrilling-maiden-f1-win-436510">From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win</a>

Following the season-finale,&nbsp;Hamilton had alleged that the race was manipulated. Moreover, the&nbsp;Mercedes Principal Toto Wolff went ahead and said that the superstar driver is disillusioned and may not race again. Horner, under whose guidance&nbsp;the Red Bull drivers have won as many as five titles, also opined on Hamilton's future. He said, "Certainly, hope Lewis will be around. Ultimately, it is his choice, his career and his decision. I am sure he will decide to do what he wants to do and what is best for him."

Before the end of 2021, the Red Bull's driver Max Verstappen went past the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting end to the Formula One 2021 season; the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in early December.

Before the end of 2021, the Red Bull's driver Max Verstappen went past the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting end to the Formula One 2021 season; the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in early December. While many expected the veteran driver Hamilton to claim his eighth title, it was the 24-year-old Belgian-Dutch racing driver Verstappen who stunned one and all and went ahead of his competitor in the final lap to win a maiden driver's title. The race was full of ups and downs. The 37-year-old British car race driver Hamilton was on the verge of lifting his eighth title before Canadian driver Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams prior to the four laps before the last one, calling for the appearance of the safety car. Verstappen went ahead with new tyres, however, Hamilton didn't. Thus, the youngster Verstappen moved past his close rival -- courtesy the fresh wheels -- to emerge victorious at the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi. The race remains in discussion to date. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has ordered an investigation into the conduct of the entire proceedings in Abu Dhabi. The result is expected to be out in March, 2022. #EXCLUSIVE | Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) Team Principal Christian Horner speaks to WION's @DiggySinghDeo on @Max33Verstappen's maiden world title win at 2021 @F1 #AbuDhabiGP and uncertainty over 7-time World Champion @LewisHamilton for the 2022 season@redbull @redbullindia pic.twitter.com/thdSbK9F3h — WION (@WIONews) January 25, 2022 × ALSO READ | Max Verstappen's maiden Formula One World title Red Bull's biggest achievement so far: Christian Horner Anid all this, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo got a chance to interact with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Horner opened up on the epic race in Abu Dhabi, rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, Hamilton's future and more. The 48-year-old Horner, who remains the mastermind behind four constructors' titles at Red Bull racing, lauded Max's rise and said, "Amazing reception to welcome Max back as a world champion. He has grown up with Red Bull, a product of the junior team. The way he drove last year, he fully deserved the world title." Horner admitted that a late safety car played into Max's hands and took Hamilton by surprise. On the intense rivalry between the duo, which has gained mileage in recent times, Horner stated it is the need of the hour for the sport. He pointed out, "For sure, sport is all about competition. When you have good serial winners, it becomes less attractive. There was big rivalry and it was very little to choose between the two teams and drivers, hence, it was the best year Formula One has had as a sport for probably 30-40 years." ALSO READ | From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win Following the season-finale, Hamilton had alleged that the race was manipulated. Moreover, the Mercedes Principal Toto Wolff went ahead and said that the superstar driver is disillusioned and may not race again. Horner, under whose guidance the Red Bull drivers have won as many as five titles, also opined on Hamilton's future. He said, "Certainly, hope Lewis will be around. Ultimately, it is his choice, his career and his decision. I am sure he will decide to do what he wants to do and what is best for him."

EXCLUSIVE | Christian Horner opens up on Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton rivalry

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen pulled off a thrilling last-lap win against Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton to clinch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and win his maiden Formula One World Championship title on Sunday (December 12). It was a sensational race that went down the wire with Verstappen overtaking Hamilton in the final lap to emerge victorious after a nail-biting finish.

Hamilton dominated the proceedings for the most part of the race and looked close to bagging his record eighth Formula One title&nbsp;but was beaten by Verstappen towards the end. The momentum shifted towards Verstappen after Nicholas Latifi's crash led to the appearance of the safety car. While Hamilton decided to continue and keep his track position, Verstappen pitted for new tyres.

Verstappen zoomed past Hamilton in the final lap with his fresh tyres and pulled off a miraculous win which left the entire sporting fraternity in awe. The 24-year-old became the first Dutch driver to win the Formula One title and brought an end to Mercedes' dominance. Mercedes has won seven back-to-back F1 titles since 2014.

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The grand finale to a season that had everything <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabiGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabiGP</a> 🇦🇪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/WpjPhhoeQY">pic.twitter.com/WpjPhhoeQY</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1470315303812820994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-sachin-to-rosberg-how-sporting-fraternity-reacted-to-max-verstappens-thrilling-maiden-f1-win-436510">From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win</a>

As Verstappen won his maiden title under controversial circumstances, social media exploded with memes. While some took a dig at the officials and the Dutch driver, some celebrated the underdog's memorable triumph at the&nbsp;Yas Marina Circuit.

Here are some of the best memes on Max Verstappen's Formula One win:

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Explaining in football terms how Max Verstappen won the 2021 F1 World Championship: <a href="https://t.co/eLXLXKtozF">pic.twitter.com/eLXLXKtozF</a>
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) <a href="https://twitter.com/FootyHumour/status/1470042769569812487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Verstappen to Hamilton when he overtook him in the last lap <a href="https://t.co/oe7Zdz1lFc">pic.twitter.com/oe7Zdz1lFc</a>
— Naughty PT (@fpl_pt) <a href="https://twitter.com/fpl_pt/status/1470059015501668353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Latifi, now crash the car so we can get the safety car out” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/YTUX2O8znY">pic.twitter.com/YTUX2O8znY</a>
— Alex SHAQ Shafiq (@InkedUpSHAQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/InkedUpSHAQ/status/1470042963807985672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Red bull and max fans rn after latifi’s crash <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDabhiGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDabhiGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaxVerstappen33?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaxVerstappen33</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTF1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTF1</a> <a href="https://t.co/cYptEAEitS">pic.twitter.com/cYptEAEitS</a>
— Tushar (@TusharShandilya) <a href="https://twitter.com/TusharShandilya/status/1470054389092028417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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everybody watching the abu dhabi gp <a href="https://t.co/o9by6VUVLk">pic.twitter.com/o9by6VUVLk</a>
— sam (@rbrseb) <a href="https://twitter.com/rbrseb/status/1470032796257189891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Max Verstappen overtaking Lewis Hamilton: <a href="https://t.co/gjJqrc4qvS">pic.twitter.com/gjJqrc4qvS</a>
— ً (@utdrobbo) <a href="https://twitter.com/utdrobbo/status/1470043079986098181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Latifi walking into the red bull garage after the race <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/latifi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#latifi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Verstappen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Verstappen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hamilton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hamilton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/f1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#f1</a>: <a href="https://t.co/YMh9qB05Lt">pic.twitter.com/YMh9qB05Lt</a>
— Ed blythman (@Ed_Blythman) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ed_Blythman/status/1470042386474713099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/max-verstappens-maiden-formula-one-world-title-red-bulls-biggest-achievement-so-far-christian-horner-436466">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/max-verstappens-maiden-formula-one-world-title-red-bulls-biggest-achievement-so-far-christian-horner-436466">Verstappen's maiden Formula One World title Red Bull's biggest achievement so far: Christian Horner</a>

Regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time, Hamilton was gunning for his record eighth world title having won seven straight titles since 2014. A win would have taken the British star past F1 legend Michael&nbsp;Schumacher's tally of seven Formula One World Championships.

However, Verstappen denied the Britisher a record win with an unbelievable effort in the final lap which brought a fitting end to what had been a stunning Formula One season.

&nbsp;

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen pulled off a thrilling last-lap win against Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton to clinch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and win his maiden Formula One World Championship title on Sunday (December 12).

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen pulled off a thrilling last-lap win against Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton to clinch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and win his maiden Formula One World Championship title on Sunday (December 12). It was a sensational race that went down the wire with Verstappen overtaking Hamilton in the final lap to emerge victorious after a nail-biting finish. Hamilton dominated the proceedings for the most part of the race and looked close to bagging his record eighth Formula One title but was beaten by Verstappen towards the end. The momentum shifted towards Verstappen after Nicholas Latifi's crash led to the appearance of the safety car. While Hamilton decided to continue and keep his track position, Verstappen pitted for new tyres. Verstappen zoomed past Hamilton in the final lap with his fresh tyres and pulled off a miraculous win which left the entire sporting fraternity in awe. The 24-year-old became the first Dutch driver to win the Formula One title and brought an end to Mercedes' dominance. Mercedes has won seven back-to-back F1 titles since 2014. The grand finale to a season that had everything #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/WpjPhhoeQY — Formula 1 (@F1) December 13, 2021 × Also Read: From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win As Verstappen won his maiden title under controversial circumstances, social media exploded with memes. While some took a dig at the officials and the Dutch driver, some celebrated the underdog's memorable triumph at the Yas Marina Circuit. Here are some of the best memes on Max Verstappen's Formula One win: Explaining in football terms how Max Verstappen won the 2021 F1 World Championship: pic.twitter.com/eLXLXKtozF — Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) December 12, 2021 × Verstappen to Hamilton when he overtook him in the last lap pic.twitter.com/oe7Zdz1lFc — Naughty PT (@fpl_pt) December 12, 2021 × “Latifi, now crash the car so we can get the safety car out” #F1 pic.twitter.com/YTUX2O8znY — Alex SHAQ Shafiq (@InkedUpSHAQ) December 12, 2021 × Red bull and max fans rn after latifi’s crash #AbuDabhiGP #MaxVerstappen33 #WTF1 pic.twitter.com/cYptEAEitS — Tushar (@TusharShandilya) December 12, 2021 × everybody watching the abu dhabi gp pic.twitter.com/o9by6VUVLk — sam (@rbrseb) December 12, 2021 × Max Verstappen overtaking Lewis Hamilton: pic.twitter.com/gjJqrc4qvS — ً (@utdrobbo) December 12, 2021 × Latifi walking into the red bull garage after the race #latifi #Verstappen #Hamilton #f1: pic.twitter.com/YMh9qB05Lt — Ed blythman (@Ed_Blythman) December 12, 2021 × Also Read: Verstappen's maiden Formula One World title Red Bull's biggest achievement so far: Christian Horner Regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time, Hamilton was gunning for his record eighth world title having won seven straight titles since 2014. A win would have taken the British star past F1 legend Michael Schumacher's tally of seven Formula One World Championships. However, Verstappen denied the Britisher a record win with an unbelievable effort in the final lap which brought a fitting end to what had been a stunning Formula One season.

Memes galore as Max Verstappen denies Lewis Hamilton record 8th F1 world title in dramatic finish

On Sunday (December 12), the Red Bull's driver Max Verstappen edged past the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting end to the Formula One season. The race was thoroughly dominated by&nbsp;Hamilton in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, however, the 24-year-old Belgian-Dutch racing driver&nbsp;Verstappen went ahead of his competitor in the final lap to prevent Hamilton from claiming&nbsp;his eighth F1 World title.

For the unversed, Hamilton was on the cusp of lifting his eighth title before&nbsp;Canadian driver Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams just four laps before the last one, leading to the appearance of the safety car.

Verstappen chose new&nbsp;tyres, however, the veteran 36-year-old Hamilton didn't. Verstappen managed to move past his arch-rival -- courtesy the fresh wheels -- to clinch his maiden Formula One title at the&nbsp;Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/max-verstappens-maiden-formula-one-world-title-red-bulls-biggest-achievement-so-far-christian-horner-436466">Max Verstappen's maiden Formula One World title Red Bull's biggest achievement so far: Christian Horner</a>

Following Verstappen's thrilling win, many from the sports fraternity reacted to the dramatic turn of events in the Abu Dhabu Grand Prix. From Sachin Tendulkar, Nico Rosberg, Rohit Sharma to Harry Kane, here's how sports personalities reacted to Verstappen's triumph:

Sachin wrote, "What a race! Congrats to Max for becoming the World Champion for the 1st time &amp; there will be many more. However, my heart goes out to Lewis. What a season he’s had too. If not for the safety car, the trophy would’ve been his. Sheer bad luck. All the best for the next season."

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What a race! 
 
Congrats to Max for becoming the World Champion for the 1st time &amp; there will be many more. 
 
However, my heart goes out to Lewis. What a season he’s had too. If not for the safety car, the trophy would’ve been his. Sheer bad luck. All the best for the next season. <a href="https://t.co/pYPLoin4gO">pic.twitter.com/pYPLoin4gO</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1470054227498225665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Rohit tweeted saying, "1 ball 6 required and guess what, Max Verstappen hits it. Unbelievable win #AbuDhabiGP #F1TitleChampionship"

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1 ball 6 required and guess what, Max Verstappen hits it. Unbelievable win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabiGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabiGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1TitleChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1TitleChampionship</a>
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/1470041760038461441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nico Rosberg said, "Hats off to Max...big congrats &amp; respect!!! Also an awesome performance by Lewis...it's been an epic F1 season!"

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Hats off to Max...big congrats &amp; respect!!! Also an awesome performance by Lewis...it's been an epic F1 season! 
 
Here's my title reaction from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabiGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabiGP</a> paddock 👇<a href="https://t.co/bFtIgrE12t">https://t.co/bFtIgrE12t</a>
— Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/NicoRosberg/status/1470091136123482120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur striker and England captain, stated, "I’m new to F1 and it’s been amazing to watch Lewis and Max battle it out. I’m no expert on it but I feel like there’s some bizarre rules that give an unfair advantage like today ? Why should Hamilton be penalised for somebody else’s crash?"

"He literally raced the perfect race under the highest pressure and gets the World Championship taken away from him. Seems like common sense to keep the lead that you’d raced so hard to gain. Shame it had to end like that," he added.

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He literally raced the perfect race under the highest pressure and gets the World Championship taken away from him. Seems like common sense to keep the lead that you’d raced so hard to gain. Shame it had to end like that.
— Harry Kane (@HKane) <a href="https://twitter.com/HKane/status/1470150445431758850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abu-dhabi-gp-mercedes-protest-after-max-verstappen-beats-lewis-hamilton-to-win-f1-title-436362">Abu Dhabi GP: Mercedes protest after Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win F1 title</a>

On the other hand,&nbsp;India's first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan opined that it was Hamilton's race and the decision was unfair.&nbsp;"How the entire situation unfolded, it seemed like they wanted Max to win. It was a great battle for the championship but what happened yesterday it wasn't sport. You need close battles in Formula 1 but it has to be fair at the same time," Karthikeyan told PTI.

On Sunday (December 12), the Red Bull's driver Max Verstappen edged past the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting end to the Formula One season.

On Sunday (December 12), the Red Bull's driver Max Verstappen edged past the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting end to the Formula One season. The race was thoroughly dominated by Hamilton in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, however, the 24-year-old Belgian-Dutch racing driver Verstappen went ahead of his competitor in the final lap to prevent Hamilton from claiming his eighth F1 World title. For the unversed, Hamilton was on the cusp of lifting his eighth title before Canadian driver Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams just four laps before the last one, leading to the appearance of the safety car. Verstappen chose new tyres, however, the veteran 36-year-old Hamilton didn't. Verstappen managed to move past his arch-rival -- courtesy the fresh wheels -- to clinch his maiden Formula One title at the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi. ALSO READ | Max Verstappen's maiden Formula One World title Red Bull's biggest achievement so far: Christian Horner Following Verstappen's thrilling win, many from the sports fraternity reacted to the dramatic turn of events in the Abu Dhabu Grand Prix. From Sachin Tendulkar, Nico Rosberg, Rohit Sharma to Harry Kane, here's how sports personalities reacted to Verstappen's triumph: Sachin wrote, "What a race! Congrats to Max for becoming the World Champion for the 1st time & there will be many more. However, my heart goes out to Lewis. What a season he’s had too. If not for the safety car, the trophy would’ve been his. Sheer bad luck. All the best for the next season." What a race! Congrats to Max for becoming the World Champion for the 1st time & there will be many more. However, my heart goes out to Lewis. What a season he’s had too. If not for the safety car, the trophy would’ve been his. Sheer bad luck. All the best for the next season. pic.twitter.com/pYPLoin4gO — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 12, 2021 × Rohit tweeted saying, "1 ball 6 required and guess what, Max Verstappen hits it. Unbelievable win #AbuDhabiGP #F1TitleChampionship" 1 ball 6 required and guess what, Max Verstappen hits it. Unbelievable win #AbuDhabiGP #F1TitleChampionship — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) December 12, 2021 × Nico Rosberg said, "Hats off to Max...big congrats & respect!!! Also an awesome performance by Lewis...it's been an epic F1 season!" Hats off to Max...big congrats & respect!!! Also an awesome performance by Lewis...it's been an epic F1 season! Here's my title reaction from the #AbuDhabiGP paddock 👇https://t.co/bFtIgrE12t — Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) December 12, 2021 × Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur striker and England captain, stated, "I’m new to F1 and it’s been amazing to watch Lewis and Max battle it out. I’m no expert on it but I feel like there’s some bizarre rules that give an unfair advantage like today ? Why should Hamilton be penalised for somebody else’s crash?" "He literally raced the perfect race under the highest pressure and gets the World Championship taken away from him. Seems like common sense to keep the lead that you’d raced so hard to gain. Shame it had to end like that," he added. He literally raced the perfect race under the highest pressure and gets the World Championship taken away from him. Seems like common sense to keep the lead that you’d raced so hard to gain. Shame it had to end like that. — Harry Kane (@HKane) December 12, 2021 × ALSO READ | Abu Dhabi GP: Mercedes protest after Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win F1 title On the other hand, India's first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan opined that it was Hamilton's race and the decision was unfair. "How the entire situation unfolded, it seemed like they wanted Max to win. It was a great battle for the championship but what happened yesterday it wasn't sport. You need close battles in Formula 1 but it has to be fair at the same time," Karthikeyan told PTI.

From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said that Formula One is “duty bound” to raise awareness of human rights issues as the series closes its season in the Middle East. Qatar is holding its maiden Formula 1 race this weekend and, from 2023, has a 10-year contract that is said to be the most lucrative in F1.

Hamilton calls for Qatar and Saudi Arabia to be scrutinised over human rights issues

Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg says motorsport has a positive role to play as the world seeks to combat climate change.

The 36-year-old German, who spent much of his career flying around the world to race cars powered by fossil fuels before quitting in 2016, now promotes green technology and sustainability as an eco-entrepreneur.

An investor in the electric Formula E championship, and team owner in the off-road electric Extreme E series as well as a founder of Greentech Festival, Rosberg will be at the COP26 climate change conference that starts in Glasgow next week.

"The mobility industry is an extremely big emitter at the moment. It’s a big problem and motorsports can play a role as always in shifting the industry in the right direction," he told Reuters.

"If you have this race-to-road transfer of progress that’s perfect, that’s where motorsports has to be."

While Formula E and Extreme E have promoted electric cars, Formula One is working to banish the old gas-guzzling stereotypes and address its relevance to a world focused on clean energy.

It aims to achieve a net zero-carbon footprint by 2030, with 100% sustainable fuels introduced long before and a ban on single-use plastics.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1-max-verstappen-calls-lewis-hamilton-a-stupid-idiot-as-f1-rivals-clash-423264">Formula 1: Max Verstappen calls Lewis Hamilton a 'stupid idiot' as F1 rivals clash</a>

Williams, a team Rosberg once raced for, recently announced they had become the first in Formula One to sign the U.N. Sports for Climate Action Framework and pledged to be climate positive by 2030.

Asked how that squared with an expanding global F1 calendar, with a record 23 races next year, Rosberg looked to future technology.

"If we want to make sure that we have zero negative impact, then we need to live in a cave," he said.

"So I’m of the opinion that it’s fine to go out there and continue doing what so many people around the world love watching, but make sure that it’s used for the benefit of everybody.

"In 2030 maybe we’ll have synthetic fuels in the planes which Formula One will help develop. Synthetic fuels or hydrogen planes or whatever.

"I think there’s going to be huge progress and hopefully we’ll be able to really have a carbon neutral sport."

The Rosberg X Racing team lead Extreme E after last weekend`s round in Sardinia, held against a background of scorched landscapes and some of the Mediterranean island`s worst forest fires.

The SUV series aims to highlight the effects of climate change and promote sustainability by racing in locations already showing signs of damage and stress, from the glaciers of Greenland to the deserts of Saudi Arabia.

Rosberg said the team and sponsors had handed over 39,000 euros ($45,228.30) to help local families in Sardinia who had lost their homes and livelihoods pay for food, medicines and essential supplies.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excessive-make-up-restricted-dressing-saudi-arabias-dress-code-for-formula-1-sparks-controversy-422060">No excessive make-up, restricted dressing: Saudi Arabia's dress code for Formula 1 sparks controversy</a>

"Aside of that, we’re raising a lot of awareness for what’s happening in the world," he said. "It’s step by step getting people acquainted with the threat that we’re facing.

"People are really appreciative of what we are trying to do and understand we are doing all that is within our power to be environmentally friendly in our endeavours and to leave every place we visit in a better state than when we arrived. That’s the mission." 
&nbsp;

Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg says motorsport has a positive role to play as the world seeks to combat climate change. The 36-year-old German, who spent much of his career flying around the world to race cars powered by fossil fuels before quitting in 2016, now promotes green technology and sustainability as an eco-entrepreneur.

Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg says motorsport has a positive role to play as the world seeks to combat climate change. The 36-year-old German, who spent much of his career flying around the world to race cars powered by fossil fuels before quitting in 2016, now promotes green technology and sustainability as an eco-entrepreneur. An investor in the electric Formula E championship, and team owner in the off-road electric Extreme E series as well as a founder of Greentech Festival, Rosberg will be at the COP26 climate change conference that starts in Glasgow next week. "The mobility industry is an extremely big emitter at the moment. It’s a big problem and motorsports can play a role as always in shifting the industry in the right direction," he told Reuters. "If you have this race-to-road transfer of progress that’s perfect, that’s where motorsports has to be." While Formula E and Extreme E have promoted electric cars, Formula One is working to banish the old gas-guzzling stereotypes and address its relevance to a world focused on clean energy. It aims to achieve a net zero-carbon footprint by 2030, with 100% sustainable fuels introduced long before and a ban on single-use plastics. ALSO READ: Formula 1: Max Verstappen calls Lewis Hamilton a 'stupid idiot' as F1 rivals clash Williams, a team Rosberg once raced for, recently announced they had become the first in Formula One to sign the U.N. Sports for Climate Action Framework and pledged to be climate positive by 2030. Asked how that squared with an expanding global F1 calendar, with a record 23 races next year, Rosberg looked to future technology. "If we want to make sure that we have zero negative impact, then we need to live in a cave," he said. "So I’m of the opinion that it’s fine to go out there and continue doing what so many people around the world love watching, but make sure that it’s used for the benefit of everybody. "In 2030 maybe we’ll have synthetic fuels in the planes which Formula One will help develop. Synthetic fuels or hydrogen planes or whatever. "I think there’s going to be huge progress and hopefully we’ll be able to really have a carbon neutral sport." The Rosberg X Racing team lead Extreme E after last weekend`s round in Sardinia, held against a background of scorched landscapes and some of the Mediterranean island`s worst forest fires. The SUV series aims to highlight the effects of climate change and promote sustainability by racing in locations already showing signs of damage and stress, from the glaciers of Greenland to the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Rosberg said the team and sponsors had handed over 39,000 euros ($45,228.30) to help local families in Sardinia who had lost their homes and livelihoods pay for food, medicines and essential supplies. ALSO READ: No excessive make-up, restricted dressing: Saudi Arabia's dress code for Formula 1 sparks controversy "Aside of that, we’re raising a lot of awareness for what’s happening in the world," he said. "It’s step by step getting people acquainted with the threat that we’re facing. "People are really appreciative of what we are trying to do and understand we are doing all that is within our power to be environmentally friendly in our endeavours and to leave every place we visit in a better state than when we arrived. That’s the mission."

Nico Rosberg says motorsport can help tackle climate change

Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton expressed his thoughts on bullying and hate and opened up on learning Karate as a young boy to defend himself.&nbsp;

"So many people are going through in different ways. And after social media the hate and bullying is growing we need to protect the youth," said Hamilton in an interview with CNN.

"I am a fighter and I always wanted to fight back when I was being bullied in my childhood by bigger kids. I was too weak back then, for example, I went and did Karate because I wanted to channelise my aggression and learn to protect myself and anyone around me," said Hamilton.&nbsp;

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-much-cristiano-ronaldo-earns-per-week-mind-boggling-salary-of-manchester-united-star-and-his-net-worth-421599">How much Cristiano Ronaldo earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of Manchester United star and his net worth</a>

The seven-times Formula One world champion further said, "And then I put my skills in racing. When I was on the racing track and if someone told names to me or my parent, I just go out there and beat. It's a good feeling."&nbsp;

Previously also, Hamilton spoke about the mental scars left by the abuse he suffered. In 2020, he wrote on his Instagram, "Vivid memories of the challenges I faced when I was a kid, as I’m sure many of you who have experienced racism or some sort of discrimination have faced."

"I have spoken so little about my personal experiences because I was taught to keep it in, don’t show weakness, kill them with love and beat them on the track. But when it was away from the track, I was bullied, beaten and the only way I could fight this was to learn to defend myself, so I went to karate. The negative psychological effects cannot be measured," he added.&nbsp;

Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton expressed his thoughts on bullying and hate and opened up on learning Karate as a young boy to defend himself. "So many people are going through in different ways.

Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton expressed his thoughts on bullying and hate and opened up on learning Karate as a young boy to defend himself. "So many people are going through in different ways. And after social media the hate and bullying is growing we need to protect the youth," said Hamilton in an interview with CNN. "I am a fighter and I always wanted to fight back when I was being bullied in my childhood by bigger kids. I was too weak back then, for example, I went and did Karate because I wanted to channelise my aggression and learn to protect myself and anyone around me," said Hamilton. IN PICS | How much Cristiano Ronaldo earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of Manchester United star and his net worth The seven-times Formula One world champion further said, "And then I put my skills in racing. When I was on the racing track and if someone told names to me or my parent, I just go out there and beat. It's a good feeling." Previously also, Hamilton spoke about the mental scars left by the abuse he suffered. In 2020, he wrote on his Instagram, "Vivid memories of the challenges I faced when I was a kid, as I’m sure many of you who have experienced racism or some sort of discrimination have faced." "I have spoken so little about my personal experiences because I was taught to keep it in, don’t show weakness, kill them with love and beat them on the track. But when it was away from the track, I was bullied, beaten and the only way I could fight this was to learn to defend myself, so I went to karate. The negative psychological effects cannot be measured," he added.

Lewis Hamilton: 'Social media hate and bullying is growing, we need to protect the youth'

Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;became the first Formula One driver to win 100 grands prix with a dramatic rain-assisted victory in Russia that sent the Mercedes driver two points clear in the championship on Sunday.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished an impressive second at Sochi's Olympic Park, after starting 20th and last due to engine penalties, thereby limiting the damage from his rival's fifth win of the season and first since July.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz was third for Ferrari on a day of hope and ultimate heartbreak for McLaren's Lando Norris as a late downpour dashed his hopes of a first win.

The 21-year-old Briton started on pole for the first time in his career, lost out to Sainz at the start but then passed the Spaniard 13 laps later and was still leading when the clouds burst.

Norris decided to stay out on slicks, after&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;had stopped for intermediates on team advice, with the top two comfortably clear of the rest.

He then plunged from first to seventh in the last three laps after slipping, sliding off and eventually having to pit.

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14 years, 108 days after his first win... 
 
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"What a race the weather provided. It's taken a long time to get to 100 and I wasn't sure it would come," said&nbsp;Hamilton, who last season passed Ferrari great Michael Schumacher's previous record of 91 wins.

"Max must've done a really great job to come up to second from last. We've got our work cut out," added the Briton, who started the day five points behind Verstappen with seven races remaining after Sochi.

Hamilton&nbsp;had slipped to seventh at the end of lap one, losing out at the start after being fourth on the grid, but made up places as those ahead of him pitted early.

He was still 25 seconds behind Norris after his final stop but the team had read the weather right and the tyres easily allowed him to catch up and overtake his compatriot for a landmark win.

"The team made a great call right at the end. I didn't want to let Lando go and I didn't know what the weather was doing," said&nbsp;Hamilton.

"It would've been tough to get past Lando unless we came up to some traffic or he made a mistake, which he hasn't been doing, so then the rain came and it was very opportunistic."

While&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;celebrated a personal century, his Mercedes team maintained their own 100% record in Sochi.

The champions have won every Russian grand prix since the first in 2014,&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;triumphant in five of them.

RICCIARDO FOURTH

Australian Daniel Ricciardo, winner of the previous race at Italy's Monza circuit, was fourth for McLaren, with Valtteri Bottas fifth for Mercedes after starting 16th. Both benefited from stopping early for the treaded tyres.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso was sixth for Renault-owned Alpine.

Kimi Raikkonen, returning for Alfa Romeo after missing the previous two races due to a positive COVID-19 test, was eighth and Mexican Sergio Perez ninth for Red Bull.

George Russell, who had started a stunning third for Williams, struggled to 10th -- his fourth points finish in the last five races for a team that had not scored for two years before that.

The only consolation for Norris, and it was a scant one on an afternoon that had offered so much more, was a bonus point for fastest lap.

Mercedes stretched their lead over Red Bull in the constructors' standings to 33 points.

Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of Michael, was the only retirement from the race.

The next round is at Turkey's Istanbul Park on Oct. 10.

Hamilton&nbsp;won his record-equalling seventh title there last November in a wet and slippery race but this year's championship chase looks like going the distance.

Lewis Hamilton became the first Formula One driver to win 100 grands prix with a dramatic rain-assisted victory in Russia that sent the Mercedes driver two points clear in the championship on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton became the first Formula One driver to win 100 grands prix with a dramatic rain-assisted victory in Russia that sent the Mercedes driver two points clear in the championship on Sunday. Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished an impressive second at Sochi's Olympic Park, after starting 20th and last due to engine penalties, thereby limiting the damage from his rival's fifth win of the season and first since July. Spaniard Carlos Sainz was third for Ferrari on a day of hope and ultimate heartbreak for McLaren's Lando Norris as a late downpour dashed his hopes of a first win. The 21-year-old Briton started on pole for the first time in his career, lost out to Sainz at the start but then passed the Spaniard 13 laps later and was still leading when the clouds burst. Norris decided to stay out on slicks, after Hamilton had stopped for intermediates on team advice, with the top two comfortably clear of the rest. He then plunged from first to seventh in the last three laps after slipping, sliding off and eventually having to pit. 14 years, 108 days after his first win... Lewis celebrates his 100th in Sochi#RussianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/UM0Z7PJP2T — Formula 1 (@F1) September 26, 2021 × "What a race the weather provided. It's taken a long time to get to 100 and I wasn't sure it would come," said Hamilton, who last season passed Ferrari great Michael Schumacher's previous record of 91 wins. "Max must've done a really great job to come up to second from last. We've got our work cut out," added the Briton, who started the day five points behind Verstappen with seven races remaining after Sochi. Hamilton had slipped to seventh at the end of lap one, losing out at the start after being fourth on the grid, but made up places as those ahead of him pitted early. He was still 25 seconds behind Norris after his final stop but the team had read the weather right and the tyres easily allowed him to catch up and overtake his compatriot for a landmark win. "The team made a great call right at the end. I didn't want to let Lando go and I didn't know what the weather was doing," said Hamilton. "It would've been tough to get past Lando unless we came up to some traffic or he made a mistake, which he hasn't been doing, so then the rain came and it was very opportunistic." While Hamilton celebrated a personal century, his Mercedes team maintained their own 100% record in Sochi. The champions have won every Russian grand prix since the first in 2014, Hamilton triumphant in five of them. RICCIARDO FOURTH Australian Daniel Ricciardo, winner of the previous race at Italy's Monza circuit, was fourth for McLaren, with Valtteri Bottas fifth for Mercedes after starting 16th. Both benefited from stopping early for the treaded tyres. Double world champion Fernando Alonso was sixth for Renault-owned Alpine. Kimi Raikkonen, returning for Alfa Romeo after missing the previous two races due to a positive COVID-19 test, was eighth and Mexican Sergio Perez ninth for Red Bull. George Russell, who had started a stunning third for Williams, struggled to 10th -- his fourth points finish in the last five races for a team that had not scored for two years before that. The only consolation for Norris, and it was a scant one on an afternoon that had offered so much more, was a bonus point for fastest lap. Mercedes stretched their lead over Red Bull in the constructors' standings to 33 points. Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of Michael, was the only retirement from the race. The next round is at Turkey's Istanbul Park on Oct. 10. Hamilton won his record-equalling seventh title there last November in a wet and slippery race but this year's championship chase looks like going the distance.

Russian GP: Lewis Hamilton goes back on top with his 100th F1 win

Lewis Hamilton has every chance of celebrating a record-extending 100th Formula One victory on Sunday, but the seven-times world champion can still take nothing for granted at Russia's Sochi circuit.

Hamilton's Mercedes team have won every race at the Olympic Park circuit since the first in 2014, the Briton triumphant in four of the seven and current team mate Valtteri Bottas in two including last year.

Past performance has not been the greatest of indicators this season, however, with Red Bull and championship leader Max Verstappen, 24 next week, pushing harder than ever in an increasingly intense title battle.

Verstappen's task is tougher this time due to a three place grid penalty imposed after he and Hamilton collided and retired at the Italian Grand Prix, with stewards ruling the Dutch youngster was mostly to blame.

Hamilton has not won since his home British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July but Sochi could bring him that 100th win at the fifth attempt.

No other team, not even Ferrari, have ever won the same race for seven years in a row, let alone eight, but Mercedes are still favourites.

"Lewis... is laser focused on what he needs to deliver in the next eight races," said team boss Toto Wolff ahead of the Black Sea resort's penultimate race before the Russian round moves to St Petersburg for 2023.

"As for Valtteri, he's driving better than ever... there's a calm determination about the team right now and the business end of a season, fighting for championships, is exactly what we enjoy the most."

While Red Bull have never been on pole in Sochi, a position only ever achieved by Mercedes and Ferrari drivers, Verstappen has started from the top slot in eight of 14 races so far including seven of the last eight.

None of his seven wins so far in 2021 has come from lower than third on the grid, however.

The Dutch driver, five points clear of Hamilton in the standings while Red Bull are 18 behind Mercedes, was second in Sochi last year.

"We have been more competitive this year and we have a better package at the moment so it will be interesting to see how competitive we can be there this year," said Verstappen.

"It will be of course completely different to Monza and it looks like there might be some rain this weekend... I'm definitely looking forward to going back there and seeing what we can do.

"The penalty is of course not ideal but nothing is lost, that’s how I look at it."

McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo led team mate Lando Norris in a one-two finish at Monza but Sochi was McLaren's only non-scoring race of the 2020 campaign.

They will also be hoping past performance is no guide to current form, with both drivers fired up by the team's first win since 2012 and first one-two since 2010.

Ferrari, fighting McLaren for third place, will also be in the reckoning for solid points with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

Lewis Hamilton has every chance of celebrating a record-extending 100th Formula One victory on Sunday, but the seven-times world champion can still take nothing for granted at Russia's Sochi circuit.

Lewis Hamilton has every chance of celebrating a record-extending 100th Formula One victory on Sunday, but the seven-times world champion can still take nothing for granted at Russia's Sochi circuit. Hamilton's Mercedes team have won every race at the Olympic Park circuit since the first in 2014, the Briton triumphant in four of the seven and current team mate Valtteri Bottas in two including last year. Past performance has not been the greatest of indicators this season, however, with Red Bull and championship leader Max Verstappen, 24 next week, pushing harder than ever in an increasingly intense title battle. Verstappen's task is tougher this time due to a three place grid penalty imposed after he and Hamilton collided and retired at the Italian Grand Prix, with stewards ruling the Dutch youngster was mostly to blame. Hamilton has not won since his home British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July but Sochi could bring him that 100th win at the fifth attempt. No other team, not even Ferrari, have ever won the same race for seven years in a row, let alone eight, but Mercedes are still favourites. "Lewis... is laser focused on what he needs to deliver in the next eight races," said team boss Toto Wolff ahead of the Black Sea resort's penultimate race before the Russian round moves to St Petersburg for 2023. "As for Valtteri, he's driving better than ever... there's a calm determination about the team right now and the business end of a season, fighting for championships, is exactly what we enjoy the most." While Red Bull have never been on pole in Sochi, a position only ever achieved by Mercedes and Ferrari drivers, Verstappen has started from the top slot in eight of 14 races so far including seven of the last eight. None of his seven wins so far in 2021 has come from lower than third on the grid, however. The Dutch driver, five points clear of Hamilton in the standings while Red Bull are 18 behind Mercedes, was second in Sochi last year. "We have been more competitive this year and we have a better package at the moment so it will be interesting to see how competitive we can be there this year," said Verstappen. "It will be of course completely different to Monza and it looks like there might be some rain this weekend... I'm definitely looking forward to going back there and seeing what we can do. "The penalty is of course not ideal but nothing is lost, that’s how I look at it." McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo led team mate Lando Norris in a one-two finish at Monza but Sochi was McLaren's only non-scoring race of the 2020 campaign. They will also be hoping past performance is no guide to current form, with both drivers fired up by the team's first win since 2012 and first one-two since 2010. Ferrari, fighting McLaren for third place, will also be in the reckoning for solid points with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

Russia a real chance for Lewis Hamilton to secure 100th win

Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Canadian Lance Stroll, son of the owner, will race for Aston Martin next season in an unchanged driver line-up, the Formula One team said on Thursday.

Vettel, who won his titles with Red Bull between 2010-13, joined at the end of last year from Ferrari. Executive chairman Lawrence Stroll had assured reporters this week that the German was set to stay after media speculation he might not.

Stroll senior said also that he saw Lance, 22, as a potential champion.

The Mercedes-powered team are building a new factory at Silverstone and hiring staff with the aim of positioning themselves as title contenders within three to five years.

Stroll will be starting his sixth season in Formula One next year after making his debut with former champions Williams in 2017.

Lawrence Stroll said the line-up blended youth and experience while team principal Otmar Szafnauer hailed Lance as "one of the most gifted drivers in modern Formula One" and Vettel as "a massive asset".

"Next year we expect both of them to race well in what will be a very different formula from the current one," added Szafnauer.

Formula One faces a major shake-up in 2022, with new aerodynamic rules aimed at making racing more competitive.

Aston Martin, the renamed Racing Point team that was previously Force India and started out as Jordan in 1991, are currently seventh of 10 in the constructors' standings.

They finished fourth last year, despite being docked 15 points that would have put them ahead of McLaren, but have been less competitive this year due to regulation changes over the winter.

Vettel, disqualified from second place in Hungary in August for not having enough fuel left in his car, has scored 35 points from 14 races and Stroll 24 although the Canadian has had more top 10 finishes.

"I am really looking forward to racing the new generation of Formula One cars. Their look is very different and the new technical regulations should give us cars that can race much more closely than recently," said Vettel.

Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Canadian Lance Stroll, son of the owner, will race for Aston Martin next season in an unchanged driver line-up, the Formula One team said on Thursday.

Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Canadian Lance Stroll, son of the owner, will race for Aston Martin next season in an unchanged driver line-up, the Formula One team said on Thursday. Vettel, who won his titles with Red Bull between 2010-13, joined at the end of last year from Ferrari. Executive chairman Lawrence Stroll had assured reporters this week that the German was set to stay after media speculation he might not. Stroll senior said also that he saw Lance, 22, as a potential champion. The Mercedes-powered team are building a new factory at Silverstone and hiring staff with the aim of positioning themselves as title contenders within three to five years. Stroll will be starting his sixth season in Formula One next year after making his debut with former champions Williams in 2017. Lawrence Stroll said the line-up blended youth and experience while team principal Otmar Szafnauer hailed Lance as "one of the most gifted drivers in modern Formula One" and Vettel as "a massive asset". "Next year we expect both of them to race well in what will be a very different formula from the current one," added Szafnauer. Formula One faces a major shake-up in 2022, with new aerodynamic rules aimed at making racing more competitive. Aston Martin, the renamed Racing Point team that was previously Force India and started out as Jordan in 1991, are currently seventh of 10 in the constructors' standings. They finished fourth last year, despite being docked 15 points that would have put them ahead of McLaren, but have been less competitive this year due to regulation changes over the winter. Vettel, disqualified from second place in Hungary in August for not having enough fuel left in his car, has scored 35 points from 14 races and Stroll 24 although the Canadian has had more top 10 finishes. "I am really looking forward to racing the new generation of Formula One cars. Their look is very different and the new technical regulations should give us cars that can race much more closely than recently," said Vettel.

Aston Martin F1 team confirm Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel for 2022

Mercedes are open to compromise on Formula One's future engine rules to make it easier for the Volkswagen Group to enter the sport, motorsport head and F1 team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix.

The sport is due to introduce a new engine formula from 2025 and manufacturers are discussing how to make power units simpler, cheaper and more sustainable.

The Volkswagen Group, whose brands include Porsche and Audi, has attended engine manufacturer meetings as an interested party with the latest held on Sunday.

Wolff said Mercedes would be willing to get rid of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat) element, with the new rules possibly delayed to 2026.

The current V6 turbo hybrid power units have two Motor Generator Units, the other being the MGU-K that recovers and supplies kinetic energy from braking. The MGU-H recovers and stores energy from or to the turbocharger.

"The MGU-H is going to be dropped if we can find alignment of many other points," said Wolff.

"I think it's a compromise. I cannot speak for anybody else but at Mercedes we are prepared to...in order to facilitate the entry of the Volkswagen Group.

"But there are several other topics where compromise needs to be found," he added.

"If compromise cannot be found then we will probably revert to the governance and have 2026 regulations that the (governing) FIA and FOM (Formula One Management) are going to come up with."

Formula One said in a statement that Sunday's meeting involved existing and prospective power unit suppliers as well as the FIA and Formula One.

"The discussion was positive and progress was made," it said. Some details remain to be addressed, however, we expect these to be resolved in the coming weeks."

The sport is hoping to attract more engine manufacturers with Honda pulling out at the end of this season and Red Bull taking over the Japanese manufacturer's intellectual property.

Red Bull are keen to simplify the engines and cut out the MGU-H element.

Champions Mercedes supply four of the 10 teams at present and Ferrari three, with Renault providing engines to their own Alpine-branded team. Honda work with Red Bull and sister team AlphaTauri.

Red Bull have worked with the Volkswagen Group in the past, notably in the world rally championship before the German manufacturer withdrew, and there has long been talk of a partnership with Audi or Porsche in Formula One.

Former Volkswagen Motorsport head Jost Capito is now boss of the Mercedes-powered Williams team, who last week announced Red Bull-backed Alex Albon would be racing for them next season.

Formula One's chief executive Stefano Domenicali was previously head of Italian sportscar marque Lamborghini, a subsidiary of Audi, while Renault CEO Luca di Meo joined the French manufacturer from VW brand Seat after a stint at Audi.

Mercedes are open to compromise on Formula One's future engine rules to make it easier for the Volkswagen Group to enter the sport, motorsport head and F1 team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix.

Mercedes are open to compromise on Formula One's future engine rules to make it easier for the Volkswagen Group to enter the sport, motorsport head and F1 team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix. The sport is due to introduce a new engine formula from 2025 and manufacturers are discussing how to make power units simpler, cheaper and more sustainable. The Volkswagen Group, whose brands include Porsche and Audi, has attended engine manufacturer meetings as an interested party with the latest held on Sunday. Wolff said Mercedes would be willing to get rid of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat) element, with the new rules possibly delayed to 2026. The current V6 turbo hybrid power units have two Motor Generator Units, the other being the MGU-K that recovers and supplies kinetic energy from braking. The MGU-H recovers and stores energy from or to the turbocharger. "The MGU-H is going to be dropped if we can find alignment of many other points," said Wolff. "I think it's a compromise. I cannot speak for anybody else but at Mercedes we are prepared to...in order to facilitate the entry of the Volkswagen Group. "But there are several other topics where compromise needs to be found," he added. "If compromise cannot be found then we will probably revert to the governance and have 2026 regulations that the (governing) FIA and FOM (Formula One Management) are going to come up with." Formula One said in a statement that Sunday's meeting involved existing and prospective power unit suppliers as well as the FIA and Formula One. "The discussion was positive and progress was made," it said. Some details remain to be addressed, however, we expect these to be resolved in the coming weeks." The sport is hoping to attract more engine manufacturers with Honda pulling out at the end of this season and Red Bull taking over the Japanese manufacturer's intellectual property. Red Bull are keen to simplify the engines and cut out the MGU-H element. Champions Mercedes supply four of the 10 teams at present and Ferrari three, with Renault providing engines to their own Alpine-branded team. Honda work with Red Bull and sister team AlphaTauri. Red Bull have worked with the Volkswagen Group in the past, notably in the world rally championship before the German manufacturer withdrew, and there has long been talk of a partnership with Audi or Porsche in Formula One. Former Volkswagen Motorsport head Jost Capito is now boss of the Mercedes-powered Williams team, who last week announced Red Bull-backed Alex Albon would be racing for them next season. Formula One's chief executive Stefano Domenicali was previously head of Italian sportscar marque Lamborghini, a subsidiary of Audi, while Renault CEO Luca di Meo joined the French manufacturer from VW brand Seat after a stint at Audi.

Mercedes see engine compromise to help VW enter Formula One

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff dismissed Formula One`s experimental Saturday sprint format as `not fish, not meat` and said it was not doing much for the sport either. 
 
The 100km qualifying race was trialled for the second time at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, but drivers struggled to overtake. 
 
Mercedes` seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton made a poor start and ended up fourth on the grid for Sunday`s main race, with title rival Max Verstappen putting his Red Bull on pole. 
 
Valtteri Bottas won the sprint for Mercedes, leading all the way, but the Finn will start last on Sunday due to engine penalties. 
 
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has suggested reverse grids could be used next season while Formula One is also considering running sprint races as stand-alone events unrelated to Sunday`s grand prix. 
 
Asked for his opinion, Wolff told reporters he felt the experiments were `diluting the DNA of the sport as a meritocracy. 
 
"I think the sprint races was worth the try, not sure we will keep them," he added. 
 
"Reverse grids can be done in junior formulas where you want to see the overtaking abilities of drivers but its not something we should even come close to in Formula One." 
 
Wolff said his preference would be to reduce the amount of practice time. 
 
"Start Friday afternoon with FP1 (first practice), do a Saturday morning FP2, do a conventional qualifying like we do and a fantastic grand prix on Sunday," he said. 
 
"And maybe you want to do some warm-up on Sunday morning, to have a little bit more spectacle for the people. I would just shorten the free practice sessions so there is more variability in the results, keep the rest like it is." 
 
The Austrian said everybody was confused with the sprint format and it "doesn`t give a lot of benefit" because nobody was prepared to take a serious risk. 
 
Formula One has scheduled a third sprint for Brazil in November and Wolff agreed the sport should give it another try and see if anything changed. 
 
Formula One managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn said it had been a "little bit quiet" at the front of the field but that happened in races anyway and the potential was evident. 
 
"I think it`s added to the whole weekend," he said. 
 
The Briton said drivers had been generally positive but some felt there should be more reward for the sprint and also more jeopardy. 
 
"If we`re doing that, then maybe a stand-alone event is a consideration. Qualifying on a Friday, race on a Sunday but a stand-alone event with some decent reward but maybe a little bit of jeopardy in the grid and how you start it," he said. 
 
"We don`t want gimmicks, we don`t want to cannibalise, we don`t want to affect the integrity." 
 
Brawn said there had been much more engagement with fans on a Friday.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff dismissed Formula One`s experimental Saturday sprint format as `not fish, not meat` and said it was not doing much for the sport either.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff dismissed Formula One`s experimental Saturday sprint format as `not fish, not meat` and said it was not doing much for the sport either. The 100km qualifying race was trialled for the second time at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, but drivers struggled to overtake. Mercedes` seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton made a poor start and ended up fourth on the grid for Sunday`s main race, with title rival Max Verstappen putting his Red Bull on pole. Valtteri Bottas won the sprint for Mercedes, leading all the way, but the Finn will start last on Sunday due to engine penalties. Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has suggested reverse grids could be used next season while Formula One is also considering running sprint races as stand-alone events unrelated to Sunday`s grand prix. Asked for his opinion, Wolff told reporters he felt the experiments were `diluting the DNA of the sport as a meritocracy. "I think the sprint races was worth the try, not sure we will keep them," he added. "Reverse grids can be done in junior formulas where you want to see the overtaking abilities of drivers but its not something we should even come close to in Formula One." Wolff said his preference would be to reduce the amount of practice time. "Start Friday afternoon with FP1 (first practice), do a Saturday morning FP2, do a conventional qualifying like we do and a fantastic grand prix on Sunday," he said. "And maybe you want to do some warm-up on Sunday morning, to have a little bit more spectacle for the people. I would just shorten the free practice sessions so there is more variability in the results, keep the rest like it is." The Austrian said everybody was confused with the sprint format and it "doesn`t give a lot of benefit" because nobody was prepared to take a serious risk. Formula One has scheduled a third sprint for Brazil in November and Wolff agreed the sport should give it another try and see if anything changed. Formula One managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn said it had been a "little bit quiet" at the front of the field but that happened in races anyway and the potential was evident. "I think it`s added to the whole weekend," he said. The Briton said drivers had been generally positive but some felt there should be more reward for the sprint and also more jeopardy. "If we`re doing that, then maybe a stand-alone event is a consideration. Qualifying on a Friday, race on a Sunday but a stand-alone event with some decent reward but maybe a little bit of jeopardy in the grid and how you start it," he said. "We don`t want gimmicks, we don`t want to cannibalise, we don`t want to affect the integrity." Brawn said there had been much more engagement with fans on a Friday.

Mercedes boss says F1 sprint format is 'not fish, not meat'

After an old video of a Pakistani TV anchor asking strange questions about Formula 1 vehicles reappeared on social media, it amused netizens.

After making an electric Formula 1 racing car for a US-based competition, television personality Nida Yasir welcomed students Abdul Aleem and Mohammad Shariq Waqar from the National University of Sciences and Technology to her show "Good Morning Pakistan" in 2016.

Yasir, on the other hand, appeared to have misinterpreted the meaning of the term "Formula 1," as she proceeded to ask her visitors a series of odd questions.

She can be heard asking, "How many people can be sitting in the car?" in&nbsp;the viral footage.&nbsp;

The viral video has sparked a barrage of responses on social media, with many people ridiculing the TV programme host.

While some people thought Yasir should have prepared for the interview, others found the questions amusing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Kill me. Now. <a href="https://t.co/XLl4KlYA3j">pic.twitter.com/XLl4KlYA3j</a>
— Zarrar Khuhro (@ZarrarKhuhro) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZarrarKhuhro/status/1433879230085926916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nida Yasir … please … do some homework before you start your shows … please. 
Please 😭😭😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nidayasir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nidayasir</a> <a href="https://t.co/sq6DTgHHf6">https://t.co/sq6DTgHHf6</a>
— Natasha Kundi نتاشا کُندی (@NatashaKLondon) <a href="https://twitter.com/NatashaKLondon/status/1433909026413322246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Huge Respect for both of them who patiently explained about the race car to her <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nidayasir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nidayasir</a> <a href="https://t.co/2b4ltz1DkL">pic.twitter.com/2b4ltz1DkL</a>
— Farhat Aly 🦋🌙 (@farhat_alyyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/farhat_alyyy/status/1434412330780143621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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You can watch the entire video here:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

After an old video of a Pakistani TV anchor asking strange questions about Formula 1 vehicles reappeared on social media, it amused netizens. After making an electric Formula 1 racing car for a US-based competition, television personality Nida Yasir welcomed students Abdul Aleem and Mohammad Shariq Waqar from the National University of Sciences and Technology to her show "Good Morning Pakistan" in 2016.

After an old video of a Pakistani TV anchor asking strange questions about Formula 1 vehicles reappeared on social media, it amused netizens. After making an electric Formula 1 racing car for a US-based competition, television personality Nida Yasir welcomed students Abdul Aleem and Mohammad Shariq Waqar from the National University of Sciences and Technology to her show "Good Morning Pakistan" in 2016. Yasir, on the other hand, appeared to have misinterpreted the meaning of the term "Formula 1," as she proceeded to ask her visitors a series of odd questions. She can be heard asking, "How many people can be sitting in the car?" in the viral footage. The viral video has sparked a barrage of responses on social media, with many people ridiculing the TV programme host. While some people thought Yasir should have prepared for the interview, others found the questions amusing. Kill me. Now. pic.twitter.com/XLl4KlYA3j — Zarrar Khuhro (@ZarrarKhuhro) September 3, 2021 × Nida Yasir … please … do some homework before you start your shows … please. Please 😭😭😭#nidayasir https://t.co/sq6DTgHHf6 — Natasha Kundi نتاشا کُندی (@NatashaKLondon) September 3, 2021 × Huge Respect for both of them who patiently explained about the race car to her #nidayasir pic.twitter.com/2b4ltz1DkL — Farhat Aly 🦋🌙 (@farhat_alyyy) September 5, 2021 × You can watch the entire video here: ×

Watch | Pakistani news anchor stuns social media with her 'Formula 1' blunder: ‘How many can sit in it?’

Valtteri Bottas will leave Mercedes and race for Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo in a multi-year deal from 2022, the Swiss-based Formula One team said in a statement on Monday.

The Finn's departure clears the way for George Russell, 23, to leave Williams and join seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in an all-British line-up.

"A new chapter in my racing career is opening," said Bottas, a nine-times grand prix winner, who will replace retiring compatriot and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

"I am relishing the opportunity to help lead the team forward up the grid, especially with the new regulations in 2022 giving the team a chance to make a leap in performance.

"I'm grateful for the trust the team has put in me and I cannot wait to repay their faith: I'm as hungry as ever to race for results and, when the time comes, for wins."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-schumachers-close-friend-gives-a-rare-update-on-formula-1-legend-411051">Michael Schumacher's close friend gives a rare update on Formula 1 legend</a>

Bottas, 32, joined Mercedes from Williams in 2017 after the abrupt retirement of 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg and he said he was proud of what he had achieved alongside Hamilton.

"It has been a privilege and a great sporting challenge to work with Lewis, and the harmony in our relationship played a big part in the constructors' championships we won as team mates," he said.

Mercedes have won the last seven drivers' and constructors' championships.

Alfa boss Frederic Vasseur, who worked with Bottas when the Finn was coming through the junior series, said the driver had shown he was a strong team player.

"Valtteri has been an integral part of a team that rewrote the history books and he has four constructors’ world titles to his name: he is the right driver to help Alfa Romeo Racing make a step forward towards the front of the grid," he said.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing him put his ability to work for the good of the team."

Mercedes paid tribute to the Finn, without any mention of his replacement.

"This hasn't been an easy process or a straightforward decision for us," said team boss Toto Wolff.

"Valtteri has done a fantastic job over the past five seasons and he has made an essential contribution to our success and to our growth.

"Together with Lewis, he has built a benchmark partnership between two team-mates in the sport, and that has been a valuable weapon in our championship battles and pushed us to achieve unprecedented success."

Wolff said Bottas, a calm and straightforward personality who gets on well with Hamilton, would have deserved to stay with Mercedes.

"When the time comes, he will leave us with huge goodwill from every single member of the team, and he will forever be part of the Mercedes family," said the Austrian.

Valtteri Bottas will leave Mercedes and race for Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo in a multi-year deal from 2022, the Swiss-based Formula One team said in a statement on Monday.

Valtteri Bottas will leave Mercedes and race for Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo in a multi-year deal from 2022, the Swiss-based Formula One team said in a statement on Monday. The Finn's departure clears the way for George Russell, 23, to leave Williams and join seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in an all-British line-up. "A new chapter in my racing career is opening," said Bottas, a nine-times grand prix winner, who will replace retiring compatriot and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen. "I am relishing the opportunity to help lead the team forward up the grid, especially with the new regulations in 2022 giving the team a chance to make a leap in performance. "I'm grateful for the trust the team has put in me and I cannot wait to repay their faith: I'm as hungry as ever to race for results and, when the time comes, for wins." ALSO READ | Michael Schumacher's close friend gives a rare update on Formula 1 legend Bottas, 32, joined Mercedes from Williams in 2017 after the abrupt retirement of 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg and he said he was proud of what he had achieved alongside Hamilton. "It has been a privilege and a great sporting challenge to work with Lewis, and the harmony in our relationship played a big part in the constructors' championships we won as team mates," he said. Mercedes have won the last seven drivers' and constructors' championships. Alfa boss Frederic Vasseur, who worked with Bottas when the Finn was coming through the junior series, said the driver had shown he was a strong team player. "Valtteri has been an integral part of a team that rewrote the history books and he has four constructors’ world titles to his name: he is the right driver to help Alfa Romeo Racing make a step forward towards the front of the grid," he said. "I’m really looking forward to seeing him put his ability to work for the good of the team." Mercedes paid tribute to the Finn, without any mention of his replacement. "This hasn't been an easy process or a straightforward decision for us," said team boss Toto Wolff. "Valtteri has done a fantastic job over the past five seasons and he has made an essential contribution to our success and to our growth. "Together with Lewis, he has built a benchmark partnership between two team-mates in the sport, and that has been a valuable weapon in our championship battles and pushed us to achieve unprecedented success." Wolff said Bottas, a calm and straightforward personality who gets on well with Hamilton, would have deserved to stay with Mercedes. "When the time comes, he will leave us with huge goodwill from every single member of the team, and he will forever be part of the Mercedes family," said the Austrian.

Valtteri Bottas to leave Mercedes and race for Alfa Romeo in 2022

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Dutch Grand Prix and will be replaced by Polish reserve driver Robert Kubica, the Formula One team said on Saturday.

Williams said their team boss Jost Capito would also be absent from the paddock for the rest of the weekend as a precautionary measure, despite testing negative, after meeting the Finn on Friday.

Kubica, who last raced in Formula One at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2019 with Williams, joined the Swiss-based team in 2020 and has taken part in three free practice sessions so far this season.

"Kimi is displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits. He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel. The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery," Alfa Romeo said in a statement.

Raikkonen's participation at next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the fastest track on the calendar and a home race for Alfa, is also in doubt as the Finn cannot return to the paddock until he receives a negative test.

"First we check on Monday," team boss Frederic Vasseur told Sky Sports television. "And we check with the local authorities in Italy but we are staying focused on this weekend first and then we'll see for Monza what we can do."

Raikkonen announced this week that he was retiring at the end of the season, 20 years after his Formula One debut.

At 41, the "Iceman" is the oldest driver on the starting grid and the 2007 world champion with Ferrari holds the all-time record for most race starts, at 341.

Kubica, 36, had stints with BMW Sauber and Renault from 2006 to 2010 and returned to the Formula One grid in 2019 after a near-fatal rally crash in 2011.

Sunday's race at Zandvoort is the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years and a new challenge for all on the F1 grid, with practice punctuated by red flags on Friday and overtaking expected to be difficult.

"I think he's ready," said Vasseur of Kubica, who was 19th of 20 drivers in final practice. "It's probably not the easiest track to jump in on ... but it is like it is and we'll have to do the best job that we can."

Alfa Romeo are ninth in the 10-team standings, 17 points behind Williams and three clear of bottom team Haas.

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Dutch Grand Prix and will be replaced by Polish reserve driver Robert Kubica, the Formula One team said on Saturday.

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Dutch Grand Prix and will be replaced by Polish reserve driver Robert Kubica, the Formula One team said on Saturday. Williams said their team boss Jost Capito would also be absent from the paddock for the rest of the weekend as a precautionary measure, despite testing negative, after meeting the Finn on Friday. Kubica, who last raced in Formula One at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2019 with Williams, joined the Swiss-based team in 2020 and has taken part in three free practice sessions so far this season. "Kimi is displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits. He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel. The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery," Alfa Romeo said in a statement. Raikkonen's participation at next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the fastest track on the calendar and a home race for Alfa, is also in doubt as the Finn cannot return to the paddock until he receives a negative test. "First we check on Monday," team boss Frederic Vasseur told Sky Sports television. "And we check with the local authorities in Italy but we are staying focused on this weekend first and then we'll see for Monza what we can do." Raikkonen announced this week that he was retiring at the end of the season, 20 years after his Formula One debut. At 41, the "Iceman" is the oldest driver on the starting grid and the 2007 world champion with Ferrari holds the all-time record for most race starts, at 341. Kubica, 36, had stints with BMW Sauber and Renault from 2006 to 2010 and returned to the Formula One grid in 2019 after a near-fatal rally crash in 2011. Sunday's race at Zandvoort is the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years and a new challenge for all on the F1 grid, with practice punctuated by red flags on Friday and overtaking expected to be difficult. "I think he's ready," said Vasseur of Kubica, who was 19th of 20 drivers in final practice. "It's probably not the easiest track to jump in on ... but it is like it is and we'll have to do the best job that we can." Alfa Romeo are ninth in the 10-team standings, 17 points behind Williams and three clear of bottom team Haas.

Kimi Raikkonen positive for COVID-19, Robert Kubica to stand in

Formula One should award points for qualifying if circumstances prevent a meaningful race from going ahead, as was the case in Belgium last weekend, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl said on Friday. 
 
Half-points were awarded at a wet Spa on Sunday after drivers completed a couple of laps behind the safety car with no overtaking, the podium places effectively a reward for Saturday`s qualifying. 
 
The farce has led to calls for a review of the regulations that allow half-points to be awarded after two laps have been completed. 
 
"On the points side, there is definitely something that should be learned from what happened last weekend," Seidl told reporters at Zandvoort, ahead of the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years. 
 
He said race director Michael Masi had already asked teams to provide feedback. 
 
"One idea is simply to make crystal clear and straightforward that if a race can’t happen... that you then award or distribute points based on qualifying result, maybe half points. 
 
"I think that needs to be discussed in detail, I would be fine with that and it would also avoid this discussion that we had of `were the laps only done because of getting a classification or not`," added the German. 
 
"From my point of view, rewarding points for a qualifying result, if the race doesn’t happen, is something I could imagine is introduced. It would be also fair because that`s the last point during a weekend where you had a fair competition between all competitors." 
 
Seidl said that would be the same as qualifying not happening and the grid being established by final practice times, and easy for everyone to understand. 
 
FIA President Jean Todt said after Spa that the governing body would review how points are awarded. 
 
The findings will be on the agenda for the next F1 Commission meeting, which includes the teams and stakeholders, on Oct. 5. 
&nbsp;

Formula One should award points for qualifying if circumstances prevent a meaningful race from going ahead, as was the case in Belgium last weekend, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl said on Friday.

Formula One should award points for qualifying if circumstances prevent a meaningful race from going ahead, as was the case in Belgium last weekend, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl said on Friday. Half-points were awarded at a wet Spa on Sunday after drivers completed a couple of laps behind the safety car with no overtaking, the podium places effectively a reward for Saturday`s qualifying. The farce has led to calls for a review of the regulations that allow half-points to be awarded after two laps have been completed. "On the points side, there is definitely something that should be learned from what happened last weekend," Seidl told reporters at Zandvoort, ahead of the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years. He said race director Michael Masi had already asked teams to provide feedback. "One idea is simply to make crystal clear and straightforward that if a race can’t happen... that you then award or distribute points based on qualifying result, maybe half points. "I think that needs to be discussed in detail, I would be fine with that and it would also avoid this discussion that we had of `were the laps only done because of getting a classification or not`," added the German. "From my point of view, rewarding points for a qualifying result, if the race doesn’t happen, is something I could imagine is introduced. It would be also fair because that`s the last point during a weekend where you had a fair competition between all competitors." Seidl said that would be the same as qualifying not happening and the grid being established by final practice times, and easy for everyone to understand. FIA President Jean Todt said after Spa that the governing body would review how points are awarded. The findings will be on the agenda for the next F1 Commission meeting, which includes the teams and stakeholders, on Oct. 5.

Formula One: McLaren boss would support points for qualifying if no race

Kimi&nbsp;Raikkonen&nbsp;said on Thursday he has "no complaints" about his time in Formula One after announcing he will retire from the sport at the end of the season.

This weekend's Dutch Grand Prix will be the 345th race entry of the Finn's career, the highlight of which was winning the 2007 world championship for Ferrari.

"I had a good run, I'm happy with what I achieved," said&nbsp;Raikkonen.

"Obviously you want to win and it's not easy to win. I wanted to win a championship, I got close quite a few times and managed to win it with Ferrari, so happy that it happened, especially with them...

"I had fun and I did it my way, and I wouldn't change a single thing even if I could, because otherwise then maybe we wouldn't be sitting here today if you changed one thing along the way. No complaints –- I cannot really complain."

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Kimi Raikkonen Team Radio: The Ultimate Collection 😎🎬🍿 
 
So many brilliant Iceman moments from down the years - watch the complete collection now! ⬇️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1433490576847089664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The 41-year-old, who has won 21 races since his 2001 debut, has scored only two points this season for the struggling Alfa Romeo team.

His last victory came at the 2018 United States Grand Prix in the final year of his second stint at Ferrari.

Raikkonen, who previously raced in NASCAR and the world rally championship during a two-year hiatus from F1 in 2010-11, said he was yet to decide what his next move would be.

"No plans. I don't want to have some schedule put on, because obviously the last 18, 19 years in F1, since I started -- I did rally in those two years -- there was always a schedule, always what is coming next and what is this date and that date," he added. "So I don't want that."

Raikkonen, nicknamed 'The Iceman', insisted he does not think he will regret his decision to leave the sport.

"Will I miss the racing? I don't know. I've done it so long that I doubt that I'll start to miss it that much."

Media reports have linked his compatriot Valtteri Bottas with a move to replace him at Alfa Romeo, which would free up a seat alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for promising Williams driver George Russell.

Kimi Raikkonen said on Thursday he has "no complaints" about his time in Formula One after announcing he will retire from the sport at the end of the season. This weekend's Dutch Grand Prix will be the 345th race entry of the Finn's career, the highlight of which was winning the 2007 world championship for Ferrari.

Kimi Raikkonen said on Thursday he has "no complaints" about his time in Formula One after announcing he will retire from the sport at the end of the season. This weekend's Dutch Grand Prix will be the 345th race entry of the Finn's career, the highlight of which was winning the 2007 world championship for Ferrari. "I had a good run, I'm happy with what I achieved," said Raikkonen. "Obviously you want to win and it's not easy to win. I wanted to win a championship, I got close quite a few times and managed to win it with Ferrari, so happy that it happened, especially with them... "I had fun and I did it my way, and I wouldn't change a single thing even if I could, because otherwise then maybe we wouldn't be sitting here today if you changed one thing along the way. No complaints –- I cannot really complain." Kimi Raikkonen Team Radio: The Ultimate Collection 😎🎬🍿 So many brilliant Iceman moments from down the years - watch the complete collection now! ⬇️#F1 — Formula 1 (@F1) September 2, 2021 × The 41-year-old, who has won 21 races since his 2001 debut, has scored only two points this season for the struggling Alfa Romeo team. His last victory came at the 2018 United States Grand Prix in the final year of his second stint at Ferrari. Raikkonen, who previously raced in NASCAR and the world rally championship during a two-year hiatus from F1 in 2010-11, said he was yet to decide what his next move would be. "No plans. I don't want to have some schedule put on, because obviously the last 18, 19 years in F1, since I started -- I did rally in those two years -- there was always a schedule, always what is coming next and what is this date and that date," he added. "So I don't want that." Raikkonen, nicknamed 'The Iceman', insisted he does not think he will regret his decision to leave the sport. "Will I miss the racing? I don't know. I've done it so long that I doubt that I'll start to miss it that much." Media reports have linked his compatriot Valtteri Bottas with a move to replace him at Alfa Romeo, which would free up a seat alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for promising Williams driver George Russell.

Kimi Raikkonen has 'no complaints' ahead of F1 retirement

Four-times Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel was reprimanded for not removing a t-shirt promoting LGBTQ+ rights ahead of the national anthem at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. 
 
The German was wearing a rainbow coloured t-shirt with the message "Same Love" on the grid ahead of the start of the race. 
 
Three other drivers -- Mercedes` Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz and Vettel`s Aston Martin team mate Lance Stroll -- were also reprimanded for failing to remove their `We Race As One` t-shirts in time for the national anthem. 
 
Vettel and the other drivers said they had forgotten to take their t-shirts off because of the onset of rain. They were all found to be in breach of Article 12.2.1.i) of the FIA International Sporting Code and given non-driving reprimands.&nbsp; 
 
`We Race As One` is a platform launched by Formula One last year that counts diversity, inclusivity and sustainability as its core principles. 
 
Drivers are free to wear apparel with a message that is supportive of the initiative`s principles. But they were instructed to remove any such t-shirts before the national anthem and wear their race suits in a pre-race note issued by race director Michael Masi. 
 
Hungary is set to put an anti-LGBTQ+ law that limits schools’ teaching about homosexuality and transgender issues to a referendum. 
 
Vettel, who on Thursday wore shoes carrying a rainbow stripe, has spoken out against the legislation along with seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton who called on Hungarians to vote against it.

Four-times Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel was reprimanded for not removing a t-shirt promoting LGBTQ+ rights ahead of the national anthem at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Four-times Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel was reprimanded for not removing a t-shirt promoting LGBTQ+ rights ahead of the national anthem at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. The German was wearing a rainbow coloured t-shirt with the message "Same Love" on the grid ahead of the start of the race. Three other drivers -- Mercedes` Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz and Vettel`s Aston Martin team mate Lance Stroll -- were also reprimanded for failing to remove their `We Race As One` t-shirts in time for the national anthem. Vettel and the other drivers said they had forgotten to take their t-shirts off because of the onset of rain. They were all found to be in breach of Article 12.2.1.i) of the FIA International Sporting Code and given non-driving reprimands. `We Race As One` is a platform launched by Formula One last year that counts diversity, inclusivity and sustainability as its core principles. Drivers are free to wear apparel with a message that is supportive of the initiative`s principles. But they were instructed to remove any such t-shirts before the national anthem and wear their race suits in a pre-race note issued by race director Michael Masi. Hungary is set to put an anti-LGBTQ+ law that limits schools’ teaching about homosexuality and transgender issues to a referendum. Vettel, who on Thursday wore shoes carrying a rainbow stripe, has spoken out against the legislation along with seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton who called on Hungarians to vote against it.

Formula One: Sebastian Vettel and three others reprimanded for not removing LGBTQ+ rights t-shirts before anthem

Frenchman Esteban Ocon raced to his maiden Formula One win in a chaotic Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday (August 1), as Lewis Hamilton vaulted back into the championship lead with a second-placed finish after Sebastian&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;was disqualified.

The 24-year-old Ocon took the flag 1.8 seconds clear of&nbsp;Vettel, but the four-times world champion German was disqualified after his Aston Martin was found not to have enough fuel to provide the mandatory post-race sample.

Rules require cars to have at least a litre of fuel left in the tank at the end of a race to be extracted as a sample. But only 0.3 litres of fuel could be taken from&nbsp;Vettel's car.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-have-to-be-careful-with-our-words-lewis-hamilton-on-being-booed-by-verstappen-fans-402082">'We have to be careful with our words': Lewis Hamilton on being booed by Verstappen fans</a>

As a result, Hamilton, who put in a stirring drive to recover from a strategic misstep that dropped him from first to last, moved up to second having very nearly caught Ocon and&nbsp;Vettel.

The Briton turned his eight-point deficit to Max Verstappen in the standings into an eight-point lead over the Dutchman, who finished 10th but was classified ninth following&nbsp;Vettel's disqualification.

The German's Aston Martin team said they intended to appeal the decision.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz moved into the final podium spot for Ferrari to take his second top-three finish for the Maranello-based team this season.

Starting eighth and 10th respectively, neither Ocon nor&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;were thought to be remotely in contention for a race expected to play out as a straight fight between pole-sitter Hamilton and third-placed Verstappen.

But carnage on a wet opening lap and a strategy error wrong footed both title protagonists.

McLaren's Lando Norris smacked into the side of Verstappen's Red Bull after being tagged by the slow starting Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, who went on to collect the other Red Bull of Sergio Perez, putting both cars out of the race.

That incident and a collision between Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll brought out the safety car before the race was halted on the second lap.

Verstappen's crew tried to repair his car during the interruption but the Red Bull had suffered far too much damage to bring the Dutchman, now in 13th, back into contention.

Hamilton suffered a setback of his own as he lined up alone for the restart on intermediate tyres on a bone-dry grid even as the rest of the field peeled off into the pits.

He pitted a lap later but came out last, scything through the field in a charge that saw him engage in a potentially race-deciding duel with Fernando Alonso, who was voted 'Driver of the Day' by fans and moved up to fourth after&nbsp;Vettel's penalty.

AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly, the last Frenchman to win a race, was classified fifth after&nbsp;Vettel's penalty. He also took the point for fastest lap.

Frenchman Esteban Ocon raced to his maiden Formula One win in a chaotic Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday (August 1), as Lewis Hamilton vaulted back into the championship lead with a second-placed finish after Sebastian Vettel was disqualified.

Frenchman Esteban Ocon raced to his maiden Formula One win in a chaotic Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday (August 1), as Lewis Hamilton vaulted back into the championship lead with a second-placed finish after Sebastian Vettel was disqualified. The 24-year-old Ocon took the flag 1.8 seconds clear of Vettel, but the four-times world champion German was disqualified after his Aston Martin was found not to have enough fuel to provide the mandatory post-race sample. Rules require cars to have at least a litre of fuel left in the tank at the end of a race to be extracted as a sample. But only 0.3 litres of fuel could be taken from Vettel's car. ALSO READ | 'We have to be careful with our words': Lewis Hamilton on being booed by Verstappen fans As a result, Hamilton, who put in a stirring drive to recover from a strategic misstep that dropped him from first to last, moved up to second having very nearly caught Ocon and Vettel. The Briton turned his eight-point deficit to Max Verstappen in the standings into an eight-point lead over the Dutchman, who finished 10th but was classified ninth following Vettel's disqualification. The German's Aston Martin team said they intended to appeal the decision. Spaniard Carlos Sainz moved into the final podium spot for Ferrari to take his second top-three finish for the Maranello-based team this season. Starting eighth and 10th respectively, neither Ocon nor Vettel were thought to be remotely in contention for a race expected to play out as a straight fight between pole-sitter Hamilton and third-placed Verstappen. But carnage on a wet opening lap and a strategy error wrong footed both title protagonists. McLaren's Lando Norris smacked into the side of Verstappen's Red Bull after being tagged by the slow starting Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, who went on to collect the other Red Bull of Sergio Perez, putting both cars out of the race. That incident and a collision between Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll brought out the safety car before the race was halted on the second lap. Verstappen's crew tried to repair his car during the interruption but the Red Bull had suffered far too much damage to bring the Dutchman, now in 13th, back into contention. Hamilton suffered a setback of his own as he lined up alone for the restart on intermediate tyres on a bone-dry grid even as the rest of the field peeled off into the pits. He pitted a lap later but came out last, scything through the field in a charge that saw him engage in a potentially race-deciding duel with Fernando Alonso, who was voted 'Driver of the Day' by fans and moved up to fourth after Vettel's penalty. AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly, the last Frenchman to win a race, was classified fifth after Vettel's penalty. He also took the point for fastest lap.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Ocon races to maiden win, Vettel disqualified, Hamilton up to second

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said he suspects he has long COVID, after suffering dizziness and fatigue in the aftermath of a hard-fought Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.

"Everything got a bit blurry on the podium," said the 36-year-old, who had to be looked over by his Mercedes team doctor after a flat-out charge from last to third around the twisting Hungaroring.

"I've been fighting all year, really, with staying healthy after what happened at the end of last year.

"It’s still a battle."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-have-to-be-careful-with-our-words-lewis-hamilton-on-being-booed-by-verstappen-fans-402082">'We have to be careful with our words': Lewis Hamilton on being booed by Verstappen fans</a>

Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to miss last year's penultimate Sakhir Grand Prix in December.

The Briton was back in action at the final race in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 13, where he finished third after testing negative but reported feeling the after-effects of the disease. On Sunday, he said those effects had lingered.

"I haven’t spoken to anyone particularly about it but I think it is lingering," said Hamilton, who turned an eight-point deficit to Red Bull rival Max Verstappen into a six-point lead with his drive on Sunday.

"I remember when I had it, training’s been different since then, the levels of fatigue that you get, it’s different.

"Who knows what it is today, maybe its hydration, I don’t know. But I’ve definitely not had that experience.

"I had something similar in Silverstone but it's just way worse," added the Briton who took his fourth win of the season at the British track two weeks ago.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-sebastian-vettel-and-three-others-reprimanded-for-not-removing-lgbtq-rights-t-shirts-before-anthem-402291">Sebastian Vettel and three others reprimanded for not removing LGBTQ+ rights t-shirts before anthem</a>

The 4.3-kilometre Hungaroring with its constant twists and turns is a physically demanding track. The race is also often hot.

Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas compared his Mercedes cockpit to a Finnish sauna on Friday.

Hamilton said he "gave it everything" in his bid to chase down surprise winner Esteban Ocon, who took his maiden victory, and second-placed four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. &nbsp;

"It was a really hard race in general," said Ocon, sitting alongside Hamilton in the post-race news conference.

"This track with the heat, the humidity, the corners, you don’t have a breather here. I feel flat, I feel completely dead as well. I tell you I will have a good sleep tonight."&nbsp;

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said he suspects he has long COVID, after suffering dizziness and fatigue in the aftermath of a hard-fought Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said he suspects he has long COVID, after suffering dizziness and fatigue in the aftermath of a hard-fought Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. "Everything got a bit blurry on the podium," said the 36-year-old, who had to be looked over by his Mercedes team doctor after a flat-out charge from last to third around the twisting Hungaroring. "I've been fighting all year, really, with staying healthy after what happened at the end of last year. "It’s still a battle." ALSO READ | 'We have to be careful with our words': Lewis Hamilton on being booed by Verstappen fans Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to miss last year's penultimate Sakhir Grand Prix in December. The Briton was back in action at the final race in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 13, where he finished third after testing negative but reported feeling the after-effects of the disease. On Sunday, he said those effects had lingered. "I haven’t spoken to anyone particularly about it but I think it is lingering," said Hamilton, who turned an eight-point deficit to Red Bull rival Max Verstappen into a six-point lead with his drive on Sunday. "I remember when I had it, training’s been different since then, the levels of fatigue that you get, it’s different. "Who knows what it is today, maybe its hydration, I don’t know. But I’ve definitely not had that experience. "I had something similar in Silverstone but it's just way worse," added the Briton who took his fourth win of the season at the British track two weeks ago. ALSO READ | Sebastian Vettel and three others reprimanded for not removing LGBTQ+ rights t-shirts before anthem The 4.3-kilometre Hungaroring with its constant twists and turns is a physically demanding track. The race is also often hot. Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas compared his Mercedes cockpit to a Finnish sauna on Friday. Hamilton said he "gave it everything" in his bid to chase down surprise winner Esteban Ocon, who took his maiden victory, and second-placed four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. "It was a really hard race in general," said Ocon, sitting alongside Hamilton in the post-race news conference. "This track with the heat, the humidity, the corners, you don’t have a breather here. I feel flat, I feel completely dead as well. I tell you I will have a good sleep tonight."

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton suspects long COVID-19 after suffering fatigue, dizziness

World championship leader Max&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;won Formula One's inaugural&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;race&nbsp;on Saturday to take&nbsp;pole&nbsp;position for the&nbsp;British&nbsp;Grand&nbsp;Prix.

The Red Bull driver finished the 100km dash ahead of defending world champion Lewis Hamilton with Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes in third place.

Verstappen&nbsp;went into the weekend with a 32-point lead over seven-time champion Hamilton who is hoping to capture an eighth&nbsp;British&nbsp;Grand&nbsp;Prix&nbsp;triumph on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-verstappen-ready-to-pounce-as-cracks-widen-in-mercedes-armour-393583">Formula One: Verstappen ready to pounce as cracks widen in Mercedes armour</a>

"We were pushing each other hard as the tyres were blistering a lot," said&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;who collected three points for his win.

Hamilton took two and Bottas one.

"I am happy to have scored the three points and it is funny to say I have scored the&nbsp;pole&nbsp;position too, but we'll take it," added the Dutchman.

Hamilton started the&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;at the front of the grid having topped qualifying on Friday.

However, he admitted he will face a battle to secure a 99th career win in front of around 90,000 fans on Sunday.

"First&nbsp;of all, let me say thank you to the fans, their energy is amazing," he said.

"I gave it everything today, I'm just sorry I couldn't win it for them. Tomorrow we will fight again, but Red Bull are just so strong."

Saturday's&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;qualifying&nbsp;race&nbsp;was the&nbsp;first&nbsp;of three planned for this year.

Another will follow at the Italian&nbsp;Grand&nbsp;Prix&nbsp;in September with the third venue still to be confirmed.

World championship leader Max Verstappen won Formula One's inaugural sprint race on Saturday to take pole position for the British Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver finished the 100km dash ahead of defending world champion Lewis Hamilton with Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes in third place.

World championship leader Max Verstappen won Formula One's inaugural sprint race on Saturday to take pole position for the British Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver finished the 100km dash ahead of defending world champion Lewis Hamilton with Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes in third place. Verstappen went into the weekend with a 32-point lead over seven-time champion Hamilton who is hoping to capture an eighth British Grand Prix triumph on Sunday. Also read | Formula One: Verstappen ready to pounce as cracks widen in Mercedes armour "We were pushing each other hard as the tyres were blistering a lot," said Verstappen who collected three points for his win. Hamilton took two and Bottas one. "I am happy to have scored the three points and it is funny to say I have scored the pole position too, but we'll take it," added the Dutchman. Hamilton started the sprint at the front of the grid having topped qualifying on Friday. However, he admitted he will face a battle to secure a 99th career win in front of around 90,000 fans on Sunday. "First of all, let me say thank you to the fans, their energy is amazing," he said. "I gave it everything today, I'm just sorry I couldn't win it for them. Tomorrow we will fight again, but Red Bull are just so strong." Saturday's sprint qualifying race was the first of three planned for this year. Another will follow at the Italian Grand Prix in September with the third venue still to be confirmed.

Verstappen wins first sprint race to claim British Grand Prix pole

Lewis Hamilton says he has no plans to stick around in Formula One into his 40s but signed up for two more years because this season`s close competition has been so exciting. 
 
Explaining the thinking behind a contract extension announced at the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday, Mercedes` seven times world champion told reporters he was loving the challenge. 
 
The 36-year-old said he had considered leaving but felt both he and the sport were entering an interesting new phase. 
 
"I think we are being challenged more than ever this year, which is great," said the most successful driver of all time. "And I love racing. This is what I want to do." 
 
Hamilton said his previous contract was supposed to be for two years but he asked for one because he was unsure whether he would continue or not, with the COVID-19 pandemic also casting uncertainty. 
 
"I had the best and most enjoyable start of the year, enjoyed the roller-coaster ride that we`re having," he explained. 
 
"The start of this season, when the cars were so close in performance -- pretty much equal -- then it was really one of the most exciting times I`ve had for some time. To be able to have this battle with Red Bull. 
 
"I was really hoping that it would continue on like that for the rest of the year but they`ve taken a huge leap forwards," said Hamilton. 
 
The Briton is 18 points behind Max Verstappen after the opening eight races, with Red Bull winning four in a row up to Sunday after Hamilton triumphed in three of the first four. 
 
Hamilton has used his platform to campaign for diversity and equal rights, an important part of his decision to stay, but he said he was also just loving his job. 
 
"I found myself just waking up thinking about racing, so I wanted to continue to race," he said. 
 
"Now we are having this tight battle it`s brought me closer to the team, closer to the engineers, it`s making me dig deeper and I love that. It has reinvigorated the love that I have for this sport and love for what I do." 
 
The new contract will see Hamilton, who has 98 wins and 100 poles, race on until he is 38 -- an age he said "doesn`t actually sound that bad". 
 
He would not stick around just for the sake of it, though. 
 
"There`s going to be a point at which I`m going to want to move on to do different things...I`m not going to do it at 80%, 70% and just trundle along," he said. 
 
"I`m only here to win. So if there`s ever a point that I feel I don`t want to commit the time or the effort, that will be the time for me to stop. I don`t plan to be here until I`m 40. I hope I have something else exciting to do beyond."

Lewis Hamilton says he has no plans to stick around in Formula One into his 40s but signed up for two more years because this season`s close competition has been so exciting.

Lewis Hamilton says he has no plans to stick around in Formula One into his 40s but signed up for two more years because this season`s close competition has been so exciting. Explaining the thinking behind a contract extension announced at the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday, Mercedes` seven times world champion told reporters he was loving the challenge. The 36-year-old said he had considered leaving but felt both he and the sport were entering an interesting new phase. "I think we are being challenged more than ever this year, which is great," said the most successful driver of all time. "And I love racing. This is what I want to do." Hamilton said his previous contract was supposed to be for two years but he asked for one because he was unsure whether he would continue or not, with the COVID-19 pandemic also casting uncertainty. "I had the best and most enjoyable start of the year, enjoyed the roller-coaster ride that we`re having," he explained. "The start of this season, when the cars were so close in performance -- pretty much equal -- then it was really one of the most exciting times I`ve had for some time. To be able to have this battle with Red Bull. "I was really hoping that it would continue on like that for the rest of the year but they`ve taken a huge leap forwards," said Hamilton. The Briton is 18 points behind Max Verstappen after the opening eight races, with Red Bull winning four in a row up to Sunday after Hamilton triumphed in three of the first four. Hamilton has used his platform to campaign for diversity and equal rights, an important part of his decision to stay, but he said he was also just loving his job. "I found myself just waking up thinking about racing, so I wanted to continue to race," he said. "Now we are having this tight battle it`s brought me closer to the team, closer to the engineers, it`s making me dig deeper and I love that. It has reinvigorated the love that I have for this sport and love for what I do." The new contract will see Hamilton, who has 98 wins and 100 poles, race on until he is 38 -- an age he said "doesn`t actually sound that bad". He would not stick around just for the sake of it, though. "There`s going to be a point at which I`m going to want to move on to do different things...I`m not going to do it at 80%, 70% and just trundle along," he said. "I`m only here to win. So if there`s ever a point that I feel I don`t want to commit the time or the effort, that will be the time for me to stop. I don`t plan to be here until I`m 40. I hope I have something else exciting to do beyond."

Lewis Hamilton says thrilling season convinced him to stay in F1

Max Verstappen will seek to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the world championship at this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix as the cracks in Mercedes' armoury widen.

The 23-year-old Dutchman heads the defending seven time champion by 12 points after beating him at last Sunday's French Grand Prix as the Formula One circus prepares for the second part of a triple-header of three consecutive races, two in Austria following the closely-fought encounter at Le Castellet.

Hamilton, 36, and his Mercedes team were unable to find an answer to Red Bull's competitiveness, speed and superior tactical acumen in France and their hopes of retaining their titles could be badly damaged if they cannot recapture form and fortunes.

But after licking their wounds, they are determined to bounce back with an attacking response to prevent their rivals claiming a fourth straight win for the first time since 2014.&nbsp;

Last year, when the sweeping circuit in the Styrian Alps also hosted two successive season-opening events, Mercedes won both with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas claiming one apiece.

However, Verstappen won in 2018 and 2019 and he has been the dominant force since Hamilton's last win in early May.

If he can triumph again in the Styrian race, he will be well-placed for a repeat seven days later in the Austrian Grand Prix and might then have a comfortable cushion in points advantage before Hamilton's home British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July.

Both men and both teams will know, however, that the Red Bull Ring, a down-sized version of its old Osterreichring predecessor, remains a majestic track with a habit of creating drama and, occasionally, controversy.

Red Bull go into the weekend with a 36-point lead in the constructors championship and, importantly, a straight-line speed advantage that they demonstrated at the Paul Ricard circuit, leaving Hamilton and his team baffled and frustrated.

The Briton, 36, could not explain if this was due to 'drag' – the use of less wing – or power from the upgraded Honda engines introduced in France and faces the prospect of extending his winless streak to four races for the first time since 2016, the only year since 2014 when he was not champion.

His erstwhile Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg won the 2016 title, when Hamilton went five without a win.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Have to improve' -</h2>

He also went six without winning from 2017 to 2018, three at the end of one season and the start of the next.

Cracks are appearing in Mercedes' once-impenetrable performance armoury as last Sunday's loss, after leading when Verstappen ran wide at the first corner, showed.

Strategic errors by the team undid both Hamilton and Bottas, as conceded by Mercedes team strategist James Vowles and boss Toto Wolff.

"In a season like this, every point will matter and make a difference," said Wolff.

"And we've left points on the table at the last few races. We've debriefed France and we understand where we have to improve.

"Now it's all about focusing on bringing those improvements to the next two rounds in Austria where, hopefully, we can swing the positive momentum back in our favour."

Verstappen, showing composure beyond his years, has ignored the title speculation.&nbsp;

"I just want to go to the next race and try to win again," he said.&nbsp;

"I know it's not always possible, but we try as a team every weekend to get the best out of it."

He shrugged aside a recent exchange of comments suggesting he was faster than Hamilton.&nbsp;

"It's just a bit of talk from both sides, which is fine. You have to believe in your own capabilities. I believe I'm the fastest, but he also believes he's the fastest.

"In Austria, we have to set up the car well again and read the conditions. I don't know what the weather forecast is, but I'm looking forward to it. For sure, it will be close again."

Max Verstappen will seek to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the world championship at this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix as the cracks in Mercedes' armoury widen.

Max Verstappen will seek to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the world championship at this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix as the cracks in Mercedes' armoury widen. The 23-year-old Dutchman heads the defending seven time champion by 12 points after beating him at last Sunday's French Grand Prix as the Formula One circus prepares for the second part of a triple-header of three consecutive races, two in Austria following the closely-fought encounter at Le Castellet. Hamilton, 36, and his Mercedes team were unable to find an answer to Red Bull's competitiveness, speed and superior tactical acumen in France and their hopes of retaining their titles could be badly damaged if they cannot recapture form and fortunes. But after licking their wounds, they are determined to bounce back with an attacking response to prevent their rivals claiming a fourth straight win for the first time since 2014. Last year, when the sweeping circuit in the Styrian Alps also hosted two successive season-opening events, Mercedes won both with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas claiming one apiece. However, Verstappen won in 2018 and 2019 and he has been the dominant force since Hamilton's last win in early May. If he can triumph again in the Styrian race, he will be well-placed for a repeat seven days later in the Austrian Grand Prix and might then have a comfortable cushion in points advantage before Hamilton's home British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. Both men and both teams will know, however, that the Red Bull Ring, a down-sized version of its old Osterreichring predecessor, remains a majestic track with a habit of creating drama and, occasionally, controversy. Red Bull go into the weekend with a 36-point lead in the constructors championship and, importantly, a straight-line speed advantage that they demonstrated at the Paul Ricard circuit, leaving Hamilton and his team baffled and frustrated. The Briton, 36, could not explain if this was due to 'drag' – the use of less wing – or power from the upgraded Honda engines introduced in France and faces the prospect of extending his winless streak to four races for the first time since 2016, the only year since 2014 when he was not champion. His erstwhile Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg won the 2016 title, when Hamilton went five without a win. - 'Have to improve' - He also went six without winning from 2017 to 2018, three at the end of one season and the start of the next. Cracks are appearing in Mercedes' once-impenetrable performance armoury as last Sunday's loss, after leading when Verstappen ran wide at the first corner, showed. Strategic errors by the team undid both Hamilton and Bottas, as conceded by Mercedes team strategist James Vowles and boss Toto Wolff. "In a season like this, every point will matter and make a difference," said Wolff. "And we've left points on the table at the last few races. We've debriefed France and we understand where we have to improve. "Now it's all about focusing on bringing those improvements to the next two rounds in Austria where, hopefully, we can swing the positive momentum back in our favour." Verstappen, showing composure beyond his years, has ignored the title speculation. "I just want to go to the next race and try to win again," he said. "I know it's not always possible, but we try as a team every weekend to get the best out of it." He shrugged aside a recent exchange of comments suggesting he was faster than Hamilton. "It's just a bit of talk from both sides, which is fine. You have to believe in your own capabilities. I believe I'm the fastest, but he also believes he's the fastest. "In Austria, we have to set up the car well again and read the conditions. I don't know what the weather forecast is, but I'm looking forward to it. For sure, it will be close again."

Formula One: Verstappen ready to pounce as cracks widen in Mercedes armour

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen pulled off the unexpected on Saturday when he snatched a comfortable French Grand Prix pole for Red Bull at a track that had until now been a happy hunting ground for rivals Mercedes.

The Dutchman, who leads Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton by four points in the overall standings, was in a league of his own around the 5.8-kilometer Paul Ricard circuit.

His lap of one minute 29.990 seconds made him the only driver to breach the 1:30 barrier and was good enough to beat the seven-time world champion, Hamilton, by 0.258 seconds.

Verstappen's qualifying display followed an even more dominant showing in final practice earlier on Saturday when he lapped 0.747 seconds quicker than Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas, who qualified third for Sunday's race.

“I knew it was going to be better than the last time we were here but this good I didn't expect,” said Verstappen after taking his second pole position of the season and the fifth of his career.

“This has traditionally not been an amazing track for us but to be able to put it on pole here, of course, we're super happy about that.”

Mercedes have been dominant at the track at Le Castellet in southern France since it joined the calendar as host of the returning French Grand Prix in 2018.

The team topped every practice and qualifying session for the 2018 and 2019 races, with Hamilton going on to win both from the pole. The race did not take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reigning champions had hoped the venue would set the stage for a return to form after disappointing outings at the last two races in Monaco and Baku.

“It's been a difficult weekend because we are just lacking pace,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sky&nbsp;F1.

“It looked much worse than at the end where we ended up but we just need to gain everywhere.”

For Red Bull, it proved that their speed around the street layouts in Monaco and Baku had carried over to the more conventional layout of Paul Ricard, after having been beaten by Mercedes at similar venues in Portugal and Spain.

Verstappen is hopeful he can get the job done and deal Mercedes with their first defeat at the circuit on Sunday.

“I’m so confident that we can have a good race car anyway, so it’s going to be a long race. It will be a tight battle but I’m looking forward to it.”

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen pulled off the unexpected on Saturday when he snatched a comfortable French Grand Prix pole for Red Bull at a track that had until now been a happy hunting ground for rivals Mercedes.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen pulled off the unexpected on Saturday when he snatched a comfortable French Grand Prix pole for Red Bull at a track that had until now been a happy hunting ground for rivals Mercedes. The Dutchman, who leads Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton by four points in the overall standings, was in a league of his own around the 5.8-kilometer Paul Ricard circuit. His lap of one minute 29.990 seconds made him the only driver to breach the 1:30 barrier and was good enough to beat the seven-time world champion, Hamilton, by 0.258 seconds. Verstappen's qualifying display followed an even more dominant showing in final practice earlier on Saturday when he lapped 0.747 seconds quicker than Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas, who qualified third for Sunday's race. “I knew it was going to be better than the last time we were here but this good I didn't expect,” said Verstappen after taking his second pole position of the season and the fifth of his career. “This has traditionally not been an amazing track for us but to be able to put it on pole here, of course, we're super happy about that.” Mercedes have been dominant at the track at Le Castellet in southern France since it joined the calendar as host of the returning French Grand Prix in 2018. The team topped every practice and qualifying session for the 2018 and 2019 races, with Hamilton going on to win both from the pole. The race did not take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reigning champions had hoped the venue would set the stage for a return to form after disappointing outings at the last two races in Monaco and Baku. “It's been a difficult weekend because we are just lacking pace,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sky F1. “It looked much worse than at the end where we ended up but we just need to gain everywhere.” For Red Bull, it proved that their speed around the street layouts in Monaco and Baku had carried over to the more conventional layout of Paul Ricard, after having been beaten by Mercedes at similar venues in Portugal and Spain. Verstappen is hopeful he can get the job done and deal Mercedes with their first defeat at the circuit on Sunday. “I’m so confident that we can have a good race car anyway, so it’s going to be a long race. It will be a tight battle but I’m looking forward to it.”

F1: Max Verstappen delivers the unexpected with French GP pole

Red Bull's Sergio Perez won a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday with both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton failing to finish.

Sebastian Vettel for Aston Martin and Pierre Gasly for Alpha Tauri completed the unexpected podium.

Verstappen crashed with five laps to go and the race at his mercy. Hamilton then locked up at the restart when on target for second.

The drama on the streets of Baku left Verstappen retaining the lead in the drivers standings.

This was the first win for Perez since joining Red Bull.

Perez said: "I'm so happy for today. Normally Baku is pretty crazy but I have to say sorry to Max.&nbsp;

"He deserved the win today and it would have been good for the team to get a 1-2 but the win is a fantastic result.

He inherited the lead when his teammate Verstappen's left rear tyre shredded triggering a high-speed crash in the straight as he was set to cash in on his second straight win and third of the season.

"Tyre," shouted a distraught Verstappen on the team radio.

After a red-flag stoppage lasting over half an hour to clear debris from Verstappen's stricken car the grand prix resumed with a two lap sprint to the chequered flag.

Hamilton looked to have the measure of Perez but spun off at turn one leaving Perez to collect an unlikely win.

Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc came in fifth and Hamilton out of the points like Verstappen in 15th.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez won a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday with both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton failing to finish. Sebastian Vettel for Aston Martin and Pierre Gasly for Alpha Tauri completed the unexpected podium.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez won a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday with both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton failing to finish. Sebastian Vettel for Aston Martin and Pierre Gasly for Alpha Tauri completed the unexpected podium. Verstappen crashed with five laps to go and the race at his mercy. Hamilton then locked up at the restart when on target for second. The drama on the streets of Baku left Verstappen retaining the lead in the drivers standings. This was the first win for Perez since joining Red Bull. Perez said: "I'm so happy for today. Normally Baku is pretty crazy but I have to say sorry to Max. "He deserved the win today and it would have been good for the team to get a 1-2 but the win is a fantastic result. He inherited the lead when his teammate Verstappen's left rear tyre shredded triggering a high-speed crash in the straight as he was set to cash in on his second straight win and third of the season. "Tyre," shouted a distraught Verstappen on the team radio. After a red-flag stoppage lasting over half an hour to clear debris from Verstappen's stricken car the grand prix resumed with a two lap sprint to the chequered flag. Hamilton looked to have the measure of Perez but spun off at turn one leaving Perez to collect an unlikely win. Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc came in fifth and Hamilton out of the points like Verstappen in 15th.

Formula One: Sergio Perez wins chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Max Verstappen capitalised on Ferrari pole-sitter Charles Leclerc's cruel last-minute withdrawal to win Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix and go top of the drivers' world championship for the first time.

Carlos Sainz for Ferrari took second with Lando Norris of McLaren completing the podium.

Red Bull's Verstappen displaced Lewis Hamilton at the top of the 2021 standings after the Mercedes world champion finished in seventh.

The Dutch driver pitched up in the Principality trailing Hamilton by 14 points, and leaves it four points ahead.

"It's so special to win. The first time for me on the podium here. It was all about looking after the tyres. I was pretty much in control," said Verstappen after taking the chequered flag waved by tennis superstar Serena Williams.

Hamilton had a low key weekend, qualifying in seventh and finishing in seventh.

His teammate Valtteri Bottas was in contention to pounce on any mistake by Verstappen.

But then his race came to an embarrassing end when a routine pitstop took a disastrous turn as a wheel refused to come off.

The Finn's frustration will have been nothing to the heartache Leclerc suffered just before the start when he reported a gearbox problem on his Ferrari.

For the locally-born Leclerc it was a cruel end to his dream of winning his home grand prix.

<h2>- 'Difficult to take' -</h2>

"In the garage it was very difficult to feel ok, but I guess now I'm getting used to this feeling here unfortunately," said Leclerc.&nbsp;

"I've never finished a race here - this year, I don't start it. It's a difficult one to take and I also feel for the team."

His last minute absence was all the more unexpected as a couple of hours earlier Ferrari had announced repairs had been carried out without a grid penalty after Leclerc's accident in qualifying 24 hours earlier.

For the 23-year-old it was just the latest misfortune at Monaco.

Despite his familiarity with the narrow, unforgiving street circuit his record at his home race remains bleak.

His ill luck at the Mediterranean jewel in F1's crown had already resurfaced on Thursday after gearbox problems ruined his opening practice session.

From then on his fortunes flipped. He topped FP2, then qualified in pole for the first time since Mexico in 2019.

But his crash, which ended qualifying prematurely left him anxiously waiting for the all-clear from the mechanics working on his damaged car.

That came on Sunday morning, only for heartache to follow as he made his way around the circuit to the start when he came on the team radio reporting he had a problem, saying "No, no, no - the gearbox guys".

Back in the pits Ferrari mechanics pounced on the car to see if anything could be done to even allow him to start from the pitlane.

When it became obvious that wasn't possible, a dejected Leclerc emerged from his stricken car's cockpit to head for the grid and the pre-race ceremonies, receiving a consoling hug from Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Leclerc's absence will have come as a bitter disappointment to his supporters in the 7,500 crowd allowed to watch the race from the grandstands as coronavirus restrictions are gradually lifted.

Verstappen inherited pole position which takes on greater significance in Monaco where overtaking opportunities are as rare as a royal flush at Monaco's mythic Casino.

And so it proved with the Red Bull driver becoming the 12th winner from pole in the last 16 editions to enhance his claims as the main obstacle between Hamilton and a record eighth world title.

The F1 circus next heads to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku in two weeks' time.

Max Verstappen capitalised on Ferrari pole-sitter Charles Leclerc's cruel last-minute withdrawal to win Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix and go top of the drivers' world championship for the first time.

Max Verstappen capitalised on Ferrari pole-sitter Charles Leclerc's cruel last-minute withdrawal to win Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix and go top of the drivers' world championship for the first time. Carlos Sainz for Ferrari took second with Lando Norris of McLaren completing the podium. Red Bull's Verstappen displaced Lewis Hamilton at the top of the 2021 standings after the Mercedes world champion finished in seventh. The Dutch driver pitched up in the Principality trailing Hamilton by 14 points, and leaves it four points ahead. "It's so special to win. The first time for me on the podium here. It was all about looking after the tyres. I was pretty much in control," said Verstappen after taking the chequered flag waved by tennis superstar Serena Williams. Hamilton had a low key weekend, qualifying in seventh and finishing in seventh. His teammate Valtteri Bottas was in contention to pounce on any mistake by Verstappen. But then his race came to an embarrassing end when a routine pitstop took a disastrous turn as a wheel refused to come off. The Finn's frustration will have been nothing to the heartache Leclerc suffered just before the start when he reported a gearbox problem on his Ferrari. For the locally-born Leclerc it was a cruel end to his dream of winning his home grand prix. - 'Difficult to take' - "In the garage it was very difficult to feel ok, but I guess now I'm getting used to this feeling here unfortunately," said Leclerc. "I've never finished a race here - this year, I don't start it. It's a difficult one to take and I also feel for the team." His last minute absence was all the more unexpected as a couple of hours earlier Ferrari had announced repairs had been carried out without a grid penalty after Leclerc's accident in qualifying 24 hours earlier. For the 23-year-old it was just the latest misfortune at Monaco. Despite his familiarity with the narrow, unforgiving street circuit his record at his home race remains bleak. His ill luck at the Mediterranean jewel in F1's crown had already resurfaced on Thursday after gearbox problems ruined his opening practice session. From then on his fortunes flipped. He topped FP2, then qualified in pole for the first time since Mexico in 2019. But his crash, which ended qualifying prematurely left him anxiously waiting for the all-clear from the mechanics working on his damaged car. That came on Sunday morning, only for heartache to follow as he made his way around the circuit to the start when he came on the team radio reporting he had a problem, saying "No, no, no - the gearbox guys". Back in the pits Ferrari mechanics pounced on the car to see if anything could be done to even allow him to start from the pitlane. When it became obvious that wasn't possible, a dejected Leclerc emerged from his stricken car's cockpit to head for the grid and the pre-race ceremonies, receiving a consoling hug from Prince Albert II of Monaco. Leclerc's absence will have come as a bitter disappointment to his supporters in the 7,500 crowd allowed to watch the race from the grandstands as coronavirus restrictions are gradually lifted. Verstappen inherited pole position which takes on greater significance in Monaco where overtaking opportunities are as rare as a royal flush at Monaco's mythic Casino. And so it proved with the Red Bull driver becoming the 12th winner from pole in the last 16 editions to enhance his claims as the main obstacle between Hamilton and a record eighth world title. The F1 circus next heads to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku in two weeks' time.

F1: Verstappen makes most of Leclerc's Monaco misery to take championship lead

Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen&nbsp;after a Mercedes pit-stop masterstroke.

Hamilton moved on to 98 career wins after a surprise second change of tyres hoodwinked Red Bull to lift him 14 points clear of Verstappen in the drivers' standings.

"It was a really great strategy by the team. What a day!" beamed Hamilton, who was quick to acknowledge the smattering of fans allowed in to watch, a rare occurence in the time of coronavirus.

"It is great to see. I saw a British flag out there which I haven't seen for a long, long time. I feel great after this. I feel like I could go again."

Hamilton had set off from pole for the 100th time but was beaten to the first corner by Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc for Ferrari dishing out the same treatment on Valtteri Bottas on turn two.

On lap eight Yuki Tsunoda's Sunday drive in Catalonia suffered a premature end when his AlphaTauri came to a grinding halt.

"Engine stop" the Japanese rookie lamented as the safety car emerged briefly to remove the immobile obstacle.

Verstappen held off Hamilton comfortably on the restart on lap 11, with Leclerc continuing to split the two Mercedes.

With a third of the race completed the first round of pit stops began, with all eyes on which of the front two with less than a second between them would blink first.

Verstappen it was who came in on lap 25, but the pit stop was slow by a couple of seconds in another minor but potentially critical error by the Red Bull title pretenders.

<h2>- 'Sitting duck' -</h2>

The Mercedes pit wall pulled Hamilton in for a lightning stop a few laps later as they pinned their hopes on fresher medium tyres making the difference towards the finish.

At the midway point Hamilton set the fastest lap to go less than two and a half seconds behind his Dutch rival. The gap was less than a second shortly after.

On lap 43 Mercedes played their ace card.

Hamilton, half a second off the lead, came into the pits for a second new set of mediums.

He reemerged with under 23sec to make up on Verstappen, who with tyre wear was in danger of becoming what he would describe afterwards as "a sitting duck" for the man in pursuit of a record eighth drivers' title.

Hamilton asked his pit wall: "How far have I got to catch up?"

"Currently 22 seconds... we've done it before..." came back the reply.

There was a note of desperation on Red Bull's radio with Verstappen suggesting "I don't know how we are going to make it to the end".

Hamilton moved into second but there was no hint of team orders with Bottas forcing his teammate into full overtaking mode.

Ten laps to go and Hamilton had only three seconds to make up on Verstappen and on lap 60 he did it, surging past the Dutchman on turn one - Toto Wolff, his team boss, punching the air with delight as their masterstroke paid off.

Hamilton said he was in two minds as to whether to obey the order to come in.

"I was about to get a shot to get past him as I pitted. I was really conflicted - 'do I come in or ignore the call?'.&nbsp;

"I did what the team asked because there is a great trust between us. Remarkable job by everyone in this team. What a day."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "In fairness, hats off to Mercedes and Lewis."

Verstappen said: "We're not where we want to be and we still need to push hard and catch up because at the moment we are a little bit slower. But compared to last year, it has been a jump for us."

Bottas took third in the second Mercedes with Leclerc's Ferrari in fourth and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull completing the top five.

Formula One takes a breather next weekend before returning for the Monaco Grand Prix with Hamilton possibly having a tilt at his century of wins in Azerbaijan at the start of June.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen after a Mercedes pit-stop masterstroke. Hamilton moved on to 98 career wins after a surprise second change of tyres hoodwinked Red Bull to lift him 14 points clear of Verstappen in the drivers' standings.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen after a Mercedes pit-stop masterstroke. Hamilton moved on to 98 career wins after a surprise second change of tyres hoodwinked Red Bull to lift him 14 points clear of Verstappen in the drivers' standings. "It was a really great strategy by the team. What a day!" beamed Hamilton, who was quick to acknowledge the smattering of fans allowed in to watch, a rare occurence in the time of coronavirus. "It is great to see. I saw a British flag out there which I haven't seen for a long, long time. I feel great after this. I feel like I could go again." Hamilton had set off from pole for the 100th time but was beaten to the first corner by Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc for Ferrari dishing out the same treatment on Valtteri Bottas on turn two. On lap eight Yuki Tsunoda's Sunday drive in Catalonia suffered a premature end when his AlphaTauri came to a grinding halt. "Engine stop" the Japanese rookie lamented as the safety car emerged briefly to remove the immobile obstacle. Verstappen held off Hamilton comfortably on the restart on lap 11, with Leclerc continuing to split the two Mercedes. With a third of the race completed the first round of pit stops began, with all eyes on which of the front two with less than a second between them would blink first. Verstappen it was who came in on lap 25, but the pit stop was slow by a couple of seconds in another minor but potentially critical error by the Red Bull title pretenders. - 'Sitting duck' - The Mercedes pit wall pulled Hamilton in for a lightning stop a few laps later as they pinned their hopes on fresher medium tyres making the difference towards the finish. At the midway point Hamilton set the fastest lap to go less than two and a half seconds behind his Dutch rival. The gap was less than a second shortly after. On lap 43 Mercedes played their ace card. Hamilton, half a second off the lead, came into the pits for a second new set of mediums. He reemerged with under 23sec to make up on Verstappen, who with tyre wear was in danger of becoming what he would describe afterwards as "a sitting duck" for the man in pursuit of a record eighth drivers' title. Hamilton asked his pit wall: "How far have I got to catch up?" "Currently 22 seconds... we've done it before..." came back the reply. There was a note of desperation on Red Bull's radio with Verstappen suggesting "I don't know how we are going to make it to the end". Hamilton moved into second but there was no hint of team orders with Bottas forcing his teammate into full overtaking mode. Ten laps to go and Hamilton had only three seconds to make up on Verstappen and on lap 60 he did it, surging past the Dutchman on turn one - Toto Wolff, his team boss, punching the air with delight as their masterstroke paid off. Hamilton said he was in two minds as to whether to obey the order to come in. "I was about to get a shot to get past him as I pitted. I was really conflicted - 'do I come in or ignore the call?'. "I did what the team asked because there is a great trust between us. Remarkable job by everyone in this team. What a day." Red Bull boss Christian Horner was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "In fairness, hats off to Mercedes and Lewis." Verstappen said: "We're not where we want to be and we still need to push hard and catch up because at the moment we are a little bit slower. But compared to last year, it has been a jump for us." Bottas took third in the second Mercedes with Leclerc's Ferrari in fourth and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull completing the top five. Formula One takes a breather next weekend before returning for the Monaco Grand Prix with Hamilton possibly having a tilt at his century of wins in Azerbaijan at the start of June.

Mercedes masterstroke in Spain helps Hamilton deny Verstappen

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