The Renault-owned Alpine&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team announced on Tuesday the departure of former racing director Davide Brivio at the end of the year amid speculation the Italian was heading back to MotoGP. Brivio joined Alpine in 2021 after leaving then-MotoGP champions Suzuki where he had been team boss. The 59-year-old had also previously been the team manager for the factory Yamaha outfit when MotoGP great Valentino Rossi was the star rider.

Media speculation has linked him to former champions Repsol Honda in MotoGP, with that team recently signing Rossi's half-brother Luca Marini. Brivio was most recently director of racing expansion projects at Alpine, including the young driver programme.

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The team went through a major management change this year with the departures of team principal Otmar Szafnauer, CEO Laurent Rossi, sporting director Alan Permane and chief technical officer Pat Fry. The Enstone-based team finished the season sixth after ending up fourth in 2022.

"It has been a proud chapter in my motorsport career to be involved in&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;with Alpine," Brivio said in a team statement. "I am grateful to Alpine for accommodating my wish to pursue other opportunities which may (and I hope that they will) arise in the future."

The Renault-owned Alpine Formula One team announced on Tuesday the departure of former racing director Davide Brivio at the end of the year amid speculation the Italian was heading back to MotoGP.

The Renault-owned Alpine Formula One team announced on Tuesday the departure of former racing director Davide Brivio at the end of the year amid speculation the Italian was heading back to MotoGP. Brivio joined Alpine in 2021 after leaving then-MotoGP champions Suzuki where he had been team boss. The 59-year-old had also previously been the team manager for the factory Yamaha outfit when MotoGP great Valentino Rossi was the star rider. Media speculation has linked him to former champions Repsol Honda in MotoGP, with that team recently signing Rossi's half-brother Luca Marini. Brivio was most recently director of racing expansion projects at Alpine, including the young driver programme. Also read: Golf: 'Kept entirely in the dark' - PGA members demand information about Tour's future The team went through a major management change this year with the departures of team principal Otmar Szafnauer, CEO Laurent Rossi, sporting director Alan Permane and chief technical officer Pat Fry. The Enstone-based team finished the season sixth after ending up fourth in 2022. "It has been a proud chapter in my motorsport career to be involved in Formula One with Alpine," Brivio said in a team statement. "I am grateful to Alpine for accommodating my wish to pursue other opportunities which may (and I hope that they will) arise in the future."

F1: Davide Brivio to leave Alpine F1 amid speculation of MotoGP return

Formula One's governing body announced a compliance probe on Tuesday that drew a furious response from the sport's owners, top team Mercedes and one of the most senior women in motorsport. The storm broke after the FIA issued a surprise statement saying it was looking into reports a team boss had received confidential information from an employee of the commercial rights holder.

Although the principal was not named, media identified him as Mercedes' Toto Wolff whose wife Susie leads the all-female&nbsp;F1&nbsp;Academy and reports to Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali. "The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an&nbsp;F1&nbsp;team principal from a member of FOM personnel," the governing body said in a statement. "The FIA compliance department is looking into the matter."

Susie Wolff, a former racer who was also previously a team boss in the all-electric Formula E series, said on Instagram that she felt "deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised" by the allegations. "It is disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities," she added.

"Throughout my career in motorsport I have encountered and overcome numerous obstacles and I refuse to let these baseless allegations overshadow my dedication and passion for&nbsp;F1&nbsp;Academy. "In the strongest possible terms, I reject these allegations."

Liberty Media-owned Formula One said the FIA statement had not been shared with them in advance. They expressed "complete confidence that the allegations are wrong", said "no member of our team has made any unauthorised disclosure to a team principal" and referred to "robust processes and procedures" to ensure the segregation of information.

Mercedes said the team had received no communication from the FIA Compliance Department "and it was highly surprising to learn of the investigation through a media statement. "We wholly reject the allegation in the statement and associated media coverage, which wrongly impinges on the integrity and compliance of our team principal."

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The website reported that some principals had expressed concern to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of a potential conflict of interest, although nothing had been said in public.

It said Ben Sulayem had asked the compliance department to investigate. An FIA spokesman could not comment on the matter.

Formula One and the FIA have been at loggerheads on a number of issues since Ben Sulayem took office at the end of 2021. Some team bosses also raised conflict of interest concerns last year when Shaila Ann-Rao, who had worked as a special adviser to Wolff, was appointed the FIA's interim head of Formula One.

She left the governing body less than six months later.

Formula One's governing body announced a compliance probe on Tuesday that drew a furious response from the sport's owners, top team Mercedes and one of the most senior women in motorsport.

Formula One's governing body announced a compliance probe on Tuesday that drew a furious response from the sport's owners, top team Mercedes and one of the most senior women in motorsport. The storm broke after the FIA issued a surprise statement saying it was looking into reports a team boss had received confidential information from an employee of the commercial rights holder. Although the principal was not named, media identified him as Mercedes' Toto Wolff whose wife Susie leads the all-female F1 Academy and reports to Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali. "The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an F1 team principal from a member of FOM personnel," the governing body said in a statement. "The FIA compliance department is looking into the matter." Susie Wolff, a former racer who was also previously a team boss in the all-electric Formula E series, said on Instagram that she felt "deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised" by the allegations. "It is disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities," she added. "Throughout my career in motorsport I have encountered and overcome numerous obstacles and I refuse to let these baseless allegations overshadow my dedication and passion for F1 Academy. "In the strongest possible terms, I reject these allegations." Liberty Media-owned Formula One said the FIA statement had not been shared with them in advance. They expressed "complete confidence that the allegations are wrong", said "no member of our team has made any unauthorised disclosure to a team principal" and referred to "robust processes and procedures" to ensure the segregation of information. Mercedes said the team had received no communication from the FIA Compliance Department "and it was highly surprising to learn of the investigation through a media statement. "We wholly reject the allegation in the statement and associated media coverage, which wrongly impinges on the integrity and compliance of our team principal." Also read: F1: Carlos Sainz's penalty was wrong but unavoidable in LA Grand Prix, feels Steward Derek Warwick The website reported that some principals had expressed concern to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of a potential conflict of interest, although nothing had been said in public. It said Ben Sulayem had asked the compliance department to investigate. An FIA spokesman could not comment on the matter. Formula One and the FIA have been at loggerheads on a number of issues since Ben Sulayem took office at the end of 2021. Some team bosses also raised conflict of interest concerns last year when Shaila Ann-Rao, who had worked as a special adviser to Wolff, was appointed the FIA's interim head of Formula One. She left the governing body less than six months later.

FIA compliance probe evokes a storm in Formula One

Carlos Sainz's Las Vegas Grand Prix grid penalty last month was wrong but unavoidable, according to Formula One race steward Derek Warwick who was on the panel that imposed it on the Ferrari driver. Spaniard Sainz was handed a 10-place grid penalty through no fault of his own after a metal drain cover came loose and wrecked his speeding car when it drove over it, forcing the cancellation of opening practice.

Former F1 racer Warwick was one of the four stewards at the Nov 18 night race. "It's a difficult job for a steward, the same as a referee, and we've got to be impartial, we've got to be strict and we've got to be hard sometimes even when it hurts us," the Briton said at the Autosport Awards in London on Sunday night.

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"The penalty we had to give Sainz in Vegas, it felt wrong, it was wrong, we worked very hard for it not to happen but they're the rules." The stewards noted at the time that they would have granted a derogation due to 'mitigating, unusual and unfortunate circumstances' if they could have done but there was no provision in the rules. Sainz triggered an automatic penalty when Ferrari were forced to replace his car's energy store, exceeding his quota of two for the season.

Carlos Sainz's Las Vegas Grand Prix grid penalty last month was wrong but unavoidable, according to Formula One race steward Derek Warwick who was on the panel that imposed it on the Ferrari driver.

Carlos Sainz's Las Vegas Grand Prix grid penalty last month was wrong but unavoidable, according to Formula One race steward Derek Warwick who was on the panel that imposed it on the Ferrari driver. Spaniard Sainz was handed a 10-place grid penalty through no fault of his own after a metal drain cover came loose and wrecked his speeding car when it drove over it, forcing the cancellation of opening practice. Former F1 racer Warwick was one of the four stewards at the Nov 18 night race. "It's a difficult job for a steward, the same as a referee, and we've got to be impartial, we've got to be strict and we've got to be hard sometimes even when it hurts us," the Briton said at the Autosport Awards in London on Sunday night. Also Read: Jake Browning's touchdown helps Cincinnati Bengals beat Jacksonville Jaguars post Trevor Lawrence injury "The penalty we had to give Sainz in Vegas, it felt wrong, it was wrong, we worked very hard for it not to happen but they're the rules." The stewards noted at the time that they would have granted a derogation due to 'mitigating, unusual and unfortunate circumstances' if they could have done but there was no provision in the rules. Sainz triggered an automatic penalty when Ferrari were forced to replace his car's energy store, exceeding his quota of two for the season.

F1: Carlos Sainz's penalty was wrong but unavoidable in LA Grand Prix, feels Steward Derek Warwick

Lewis Hamilton has admitted to moments of self-doubt after the 38-year-old Mercedes driver's second successive&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;season without a win. Speaking to the BBC and others in an interview published on Wednesday, the seven-times world champion and most successful driver in the sport's history with a record 103 wins said it was normal to ask such questions. "When you have difficult seasons like this, there are always going to be moments when you're like: 'Is it me, or is it the car? Do you still have it? Has it gone?'," said the Briton, who ended the season third overall.

"Because you're missing that, you know... when the magic happens, when everything comes together, the car and you, and that spark, it's extraordinary. And that's what you're in the search for. "I'm only human," he added. "If anyone&nbsp;in the world tells you they don't have those things, they're in denial. We're all human beings."

Hamilton last won a race in Saudi Arabia in December 2021 when he was battling Red Bull's Max Verstappen for the title, with the Dutch driver ultimately prevailing in controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen and his team won both titles last year and have enjoyed the most dominant season ever this season, Red Bull winning 21 of 22 races and the now triple champion a record 19 of them.

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Hamilton said he knew it would be another tough year before it had even started when he tested the car and it felt no different. The Briton was complaining already at the opening race in Bahrain that Mercedes were on the wrong track and had not listened to him. The team, who still ended the year second overall, have since changed concept for 2024 with team boss Toto Wolff saying in Abu Dhabi last weekend that almost every component was being changed.

"I do believe we have a North Star now, which I don't think we've had for two years. But still getting there is not a straight line," said Hamilton. "I think we understand the car so much better. They have developed great tools in the background. So, naturally, I'm hopeful. But I'm not going to hold my breath."

Hamilton signed a new contract in August and running to the end of 2025, meaning he will race on into his 40s if he sees it out.

Lewis Hamilton has admitted to moments of self-doubt after the 38-year-old Mercedes driver's second successive Formula One season without a win. Speaking to the BBC and others in an interview published on Wednesday, the seven-times world champion and most successful driver in the sport's history with a record 103 wins said it was normal to ask such questions.

Lewis Hamilton has admitted to moments of self-doubt after the 38-year-old Mercedes driver's second successive Formula One season without a win. Speaking to the BBC and others in an interview published on Wednesday, the seven-times world champion and most successful driver in the sport's history with a record 103 wins said it was normal to ask such questions. "When you have difficult seasons like this, there are always going to be moments when you're like: 'Is it me, or is it the car? Do you still have it? Has it gone?'," said the Briton, who ended the season third overall. "Because you're missing that, you know... when the magic happens, when everything comes together, the car and you, and that spark, it's extraordinary. And that's what you're in the search for. "I'm only human," he added. "If anyone in the world tells you they don't have those things, they're in denial. We're all human beings." Hamilton last won a race in Saudi Arabia in December 2021 when he was battling Red Bull's Max Verstappen for the title, with the Dutch driver ultimately prevailing in controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen and his team won both titles last year and have enjoyed the most dominant season ever this season, Red Bull winning 21 of 22 races and the now triple champion a record 19 of them. Also read: Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor to undergo thumb surgery, confirms owner Hamilton said he knew it would be another tough year before it had even started when he tested the car and it felt no different. The Briton was complaining already at the opening race in Bahrain that Mercedes were on the wrong track and had not listened to him. The team, who still ended the year second overall, have since changed concept for 2024 with team boss Toto Wolff saying in Abu Dhabi last weekend that almost every component was being changed. "I do believe we have a North Star now, which I don't think we've had for two years. But still getting there is not a straight line," said Hamilton. "I think we understand the car so much better. They have developed great tools in the background. So, naturally, I'm hopeful. But I'm not going to hold my breath." Hamilton signed a new contract in August and running to the end of 2025, meaning he will race on into his 40s if he sees it out.

Lewis Hamilton admits to moments of self-doubt after second successive winless Formula One season

Legendary Mercedes Formula One driver and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up on his unlikely Red Bull switch as he aimed at defending champions Max Verstappen before the Abu Dhabi GP. In news recently for an unlikely switch, Hamilton has been linked with several teams including Verstappen’s Red Bull. However, after his latest remarks on Thursday against Verstappen, both legends likely stay divided and not united before the 2024 Formula One season takes center stage.

<h2>Hamilton aims at Verstappen</h2>

"I 100 per cent would be more than happy to race against him (Verstappen) in an equal car," Hamilton told Sky Sports.

"For me, Red Bull has done an amazing job and it is an incredible team. And any driver would love to drive for such a great group of people.

"I think moving from a car that's not so great to a winning car, from my perspective, that's not a dream. The dream is always to start where we kind of are and build up to then winning. That's why I've stayed with Mercedes."

He concluded to the written press in Abu Dhabi: "I don't think he wants me to be his team-mate."

The Verstappen-Hamilton rivalry has been the recent big thing in Formula One, but 2023 was no- nonsense for the former as he won the Championship with four races to spare. The two were closet in 2021 fighting until the last turn when Verstappen piped Hamilton to clinch the Formula One World Championship.

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<h2>Hamilton in 2023</h2>

On Sunday both Hamilton and Verstappen will race on the same circuit of Abu Dhabi where they tussled for the championship. Compared to recent seasons, Hamilton has been below-par this campaign with just six podium finishes with his best coming at the Australian GP, Spanish GP and Mexican GP where he finished second. At the Hungarian GP, he ended a spell of 33 races without a pole position, his first since the 2021 Saudi Arabia GP and his record-extending 104th of his illustrious career. Currently, he has guaranteed a third-place finish with 232 points with one final race to go on Sunday.

Legendary Mercedes Formula One driver and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up on his unlikely Red Bull switch as he aimed at defending champions Max Verstappen before the Abu Dhabi GP.

Legendary Mercedes Formula One driver and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up on his unlikely Red Bull switch as he aimed at defending champions Max Verstappen before the Abu Dhabi GP. In news recently for an unlikely switch, Hamilton has been linked with several teams including Verstappen’s Red Bull. However, after his latest remarks on Thursday against Verstappen, both legends likely stay divided and not united before the 2024 Formula One season takes center stage. Hamilton aims at Verstappen "I 100 per cent would be more than happy to race against him (Verstappen) in an equal car," Hamilton told Sky Sports. "For me, Red Bull has done an amazing job and it is an incredible team. And any driver would love to drive for such a great group of people. "I think moving from a car that's not so great to a winning car, from my perspective, that's not a dream. The dream is always to start where we kind of are and build up to then winning. That's why I've stayed with Mercedes." He concluded to the written press in Abu Dhabi: "I don't think he wants me to be his team-mate." The Verstappen-Hamilton rivalry has been the recent big thing in Formula One, but 2023 was no- nonsense for the former as he won the Championship with four races to spare. The two were closet in 2021 fighting until the last turn when Verstappen piped Hamilton to clinch the Formula One World Championship. ALSO READ | RECORD-BREAKING 300 million fans watched India vs Australia ODI World Cup final on TV, says Jay Shah Hamilton in 2023 On Sunday both Hamilton and Verstappen will race on the same circuit of Abu Dhabi where they tussled for the championship. Compared to recent seasons, Hamilton has been below-par this campaign with just six podium finishes with his best coming at the Australian GP, Spanish GP and Mexican GP where he finished second. At the Hungarian GP, he ended a spell of 33 races without a pole position, his first since the 2021 Saudi Arabia GP and his record-extending 104th of his illustrious career. Currently, he has guaranteed a third-place finish with 232 points with one final race to go on Sunday.

F1: Max Verstappen doesn't want me to be his teammate - Lewis Hamilton opens up on unlikely Red Bull switch

World champion Max Verstappen claimed the 18th win of his record-breaking season, with victory in a thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc overtook Red Bull's Sergio Perez on the last lap to grab second place ahead of the Mexican with French driver Esteban Ocon of Alpine finishing fourth.

Verstappen had been highly critical of the return of Formula One to Vegas after a 41-year absence but as he drove past the finish line he celebrated with a chorus of 'Viva Las Vegas' on the team radio.

The pre-race grid was packed with a host of celebrities from the world of music, sport and entertainment as memories of the embarrassment of the opening practice session on Thursday being stopped early due to a loose water valve on the track, faded.

When the race was under way, the low grip on the track made sure there was no shortage of incident, overtaking and lead changes, as the night race delivered the entertainment the American promotors had craved from the new event.

The Dutchman won by 2.070 over Leclerc but had to work for his victory in what was the latest starting race in F1 history

"It was a tough one. I tried to go for it at the start. We both braked quite late and I just ran out of grip, so we ended up a bit wide," said the triple world champion.

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<h2>A lot of fun</h2>

"The stewards gave me a penalty for that and it put us on the backfoot. I had to pass quite a few cars and there was the Safety Car, so at that point there was a lot going on.

"Then we went flat out. I had to pass a few cars to get into the battle with them. The DRS around here was very powerful. Even when you would take the lead, if the guy behind stays in the DRS, he would still have the opportunity to come back to you, so it created a lot of good racing today. Definitely a lot of fun," he said.

The Dutchman, starting second on the grid, grabbed the lead in the first turn of the opening lap but was penalised five seconds for pushing Leclerc wide.

But Ferrari's Monegasque driver Leclerc kept in close touch and was able to get the lead back, overtaking Verstappen on lap 16.

Verstappen had to serve his penalty in the pit, leaving him plenty of work to do to regain his lead and when Leclerc went into the pits on lap 22, Perez took over at the front.

Mercedes' George Russell made contact with Verstappen, clipping his front wing, an incident which resulted in a five second penalty for the British driver.

Leclerc and Perez jousted for the lead but Verstappen was ominously gaining ground and after he passed Perez he then made his decisive move on lap 37.

From then on, Verstappen never looked back, Leclerc slipping into third spot after he out-braked himself and allowed Perez to fly by.

But there was one more twist in the tale as Leclerc brilliantly moved past Perez to&nbsp;grab second place.

"What a race. I enjoyed it so much. I'm of course disappointed to only finish second, but that's the best we could do," said Leclerc.

"And we needed it. The weekend didn't start the way we wanted it to start but I am so happy it ended that way. It's such an incredible sport. The energy around the city is incredible and I at least really enjoyed today," he said.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who had started in 12th place after being sanctioned with a harsh ten-place grid penalty, rose to finish sixth behind Aston Martin's Lance Stroll.

The Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and Russell finished seventh and eighth with Aston Martin's veteran Spaniard Fernando Alonso ninth and McLaren's Australian Oscar Piastri tenth.

World champion Max Verstappen claimed the 18th win of his record-breaking season, with victory in a thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc overtook Red Bull's Sergio Perez on the last lap to grab second place ahead of the Mexican with French driver Esteban Ocon of Alpine finishing fourth.

World champion Max Verstappen claimed the 18th win of his record-breaking season, with victory in a thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc overtook Red Bull's Sergio Perez on the last lap to grab second place ahead of the Mexican with French driver Esteban Ocon of Alpine finishing fourth. Verstappen had been highly critical of the return of Formula One to Vegas after a 41-year absence but as he drove past the finish line he celebrated with a chorus of 'Viva Las Vegas' on the team radio. The pre-race grid was packed with a host of celebrities from the world of music, sport and entertainment as memories of the embarrassment of the opening practice session on Thursday being stopped early due to a loose water valve on the track, faded. When the race was under way, the low grip on the track made sure there was no shortage of incident, overtaking and lead changes, as the night race delivered the entertainment the American promotors had craved from the new event. The Dutchman won by 2.070 over Leclerc but had to work for his victory in what was the latest starting race in F1 history "It was a tough one. I tried to go for it at the start. We both braked quite late and I just ran out of grip, so we ended up a bit wide," said the triple world champion. ALSO READ | 140 crore Indians are cheering for you: PM Modi wishes Team India ahead of CWC 2023 final vs Australia A lot of fun "The stewards gave me a penalty for that and it put us on the backfoot. I had to pass quite a few cars and there was the Safety Car, so at that point there was a lot going on. "Then we went flat out. I had to pass a few cars to get into the battle with them. The DRS around here was very powerful. Even when you would take the lead, if the guy behind stays in the DRS, he would still have the opportunity to come back to you, so it created a lot of good racing today. Definitely a lot of fun," he said. The Dutchman, starting second on the grid, grabbed the lead in the first turn of the opening lap but was penalised five seconds for pushing Leclerc wide. But Ferrari's Monegasque driver Leclerc kept in close touch and was able to get the lead back, overtaking Verstappen on lap 16. Verstappen had to serve his penalty in the pit, leaving him plenty of work to do to regain his lead and when Leclerc went into the pits on lap 22, Perez took over at the front. Mercedes' George Russell made contact with Verstappen, clipping his front wing, an incident which resulted in a five second penalty for the British driver. Leclerc and Perez jousted for the lead but Verstappen was ominously gaining ground and after he passed Perez he then made his decisive move on lap 37. From then on, Verstappen never looked back, Leclerc slipping into third spot after he out-braked himself and allowed Perez to fly by. But there was one more twist in the tale as Leclerc brilliantly moved past Perez to grab second place. "What a race. I enjoyed it so much. I'm of course disappointed to only finish second, but that's the best we could do," said Leclerc. "And we needed it. The weekend didn't start the way we wanted it to start but I am so happy it ended that way. It's such an incredible sport. The energy around the city is incredible and I at least really enjoyed today," he said. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who had started in 12th place after being sanctioned with a harsh ten-place grid penalty, rose to finish sixth behind Aston Martin's Lance Stroll. The Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and Russell finished seventh and eighth with Aston Martin's veteran Spaniard Fernando Alonso ninth and McLaren's Australian Oscar Piastri tenth.

Formula One: Max Verstappen battles through to win Las Vegas Grand Prix thriller

The troubled Las Vegas&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;Grand Prix has been hit with a class action lawsuit on behalf of the 35,000 people who bought tickets for Thursday’s practice session which was cancelled when Carlos Sainz's Ferrari was damaged by a loose drain cover. The highly-anticipated first action on the neon-lit circuit, which includes a section along the famed Las Vegas Strip, lasted a little over eight minutes before coming to a halt.

What followed was a five-and-a-half hour break while crews removed all 30 covers along the 3.8-mile layout and filled the holes with sand and asphalt. A second 90-minute practice session began in front of empty grandstands at 2:30 a.m. on Friday morning, long after fans had been cleared out in a move officials said was a necessary safety precaution. Las Vegas Grand Prix officials attempted damage control, offering $200 merchandise vouchers to single-day ticket holders. The compensation did not extend to those who had purchased three-day passes.

Dimopoulos Law Firm and co-counsel JK Legal &amp; Consulting said they had filed a class-action lawsuit against the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;Las Vegas Grand Prix (LVGP) in Nevada state court on Friday on behalf of the people who purchased tickets for the practice run.

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The lawsuit named&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;owners and race promoters Liberty Media Corporation, DBA&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix and TAB Contractors Inc as defendants. "There are a number of issues with that (compensation)," Steve Dimopoulos told Reuters in a phone&nbsp;interview on Saturday. "Clearly that ($200 merchandise voucher) is not a refund that is sufficient. "A lot of fans probably don't even want that, they want their money back. "There are also peripheral issues of what about the people that came in from out of town and paid for substantial air fare and hotels."

The decision to send fans home was made out of concern for public safety and security officials who had been on duty for a long time, LVGP CEO Renee Wilm and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, said in a joint statement.

Qualifying took place on Friday and was completed without incident. Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The troubled Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix has been hit with a class action lawsuit on behalf of the 35,000 people who bought tickets for Thursday’s practice session which was cancelled when Carlos Sainz's Ferrari was damaged by a loose drain cover.

The troubled Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix has been hit with a class action lawsuit on behalf of the 35,000 people who bought tickets for Thursday’s practice session which was cancelled when Carlos Sainz's Ferrari was damaged by a loose drain cover. The highly-anticipated first action on the neon-lit circuit, which includes a section along the famed Las Vegas Strip, lasted a little over eight minutes before coming to a halt. What followed was a five-and-a-half hour break while crews removed all 30 covers along the 3.8-mile layout and filled the holes with sand and asphalt. A second 90-minute practice session began in front of empty grandstands at 2:30 a.m. on Friday morning, long after fans had been cleared out in a move officials said was a necessary safety precaution. Las Vegas Grand Prix officials attempted damage control, offering $200 merchandise vouchers to single-day ticket holders. The compensation did not extend to those who had purchased three-day passes. Dimopoulos Law Firm and co-counsel JK Legal & Consulting said they had filed a class-action lawsuit against the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix (LVGP) in Nevada state court on Friday on behalf of the people who purchased tickets for the practice run. Also read: Golf: Tiger Woods to return to competitive action at the Hero World Championship The lawsuit named Formula One owners and race promoters Liberty Media Corporation, DBA Formula One Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix and TAB Contractors Inc as defendants. "There are a number of issues with that (compensation)," Steve Dimopoulos told Reuters in a phone interview on Saturday. "Clearly that ($200 merchandise voucher) is not a refund that is sufficient. "A lot of fans probably don't even want that, they want their money back. "There are also peripheral issues of what about the people that came in from out of town and paid for substantial air fare and hotels." The decision to send fans home was made out of concern for public safety and security officials who had been on duty for a long time, LVGP CEO Renee Wilm and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, said in a joint statement. Qualifying took place on Friday and was completed without incident. Formula One did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Motor racing: Las Vegas Grand Prix hit with lawsuit after practice gets cancelled

Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen took the 50th win of his Formula One career, and record-equalling 15th of the season, at the U.S. Grand Prix on Sunday while Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from second after post-race checks.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth, was also excluded for excessive wear of the mandatory wooden plank under the car's floor.

"Others got it right where we got it wrong and there's no wiggle room in the rules. We need to take it on the chin, do the learning, and come back stronger next weekend," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

Hamilton's exclusion meant McLaren's Lando Norris moved up from third to second with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz completing the podium, even if the ceremonies were long over by then.

The victory was Verstappen's third in a row at Austin's Circuit of the Americas and equalled, with four races to spare, the record the Dutch 26-year-old set last year for most wins in a single season.

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Dominant Red Bull and Verstappen, who started in sixth place and whose win was the first in Austin by a driver not on the front row, have already secured the constructors' and drivers' titles.

"The whole race, I was struggling a lot with the brakes," said Verstappen, who was booed by some of the crowd as he stood on the podium. "You could see it was very close to the end."

Norris, lining up on the front row, seized the lead from pole-sitter Leclerc into the first corner but his hopes of a first win in his 100th start had faded by the half distance.

On the plus side, his points haul allowed McLaren to leapfrog Aston Martin for fourth in the constructors' standings.

Verstappen was fifth by the end of lap one and used the DRS drag reduction to take the lead from Norris on the 28th of 56 laps.

He did not just disappear into the distance, as so often this season, instead complaining over the radio about the brakes and giving Mercedes hope that they might be able to reel him in with their upgraded car.

"We changed the brakes after yesterday and it was not good," he said, referring to the Saturday 19-lap sprint that he won from pole.

"I had no good feeling under braking and I couldn't really get on top of it for the whole race, so this is something we need to understand."

<h2>MORE LAPS</h2>

Seven times world champion Hamilton provided excitement at the end as he chased Verstappen, starting the last lap only 1.8 seconds behind after being 5.3 adrift when he passed Norris with seven laps remaining.

"We were catching them towards the end and I was hopeful but we needed some more laps," said Hamilton before the summons to stewards.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez moved up to fourth with George Russell fifth for Mercedes ahead of Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, who started from the pit lane.

AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda moved up to eighth and also took a bonus point for fastest lap right at the finish.

Williams duo Alex Albon and rookie Logan Sargeant bagged unexpected points with ninth and 10th, the latter scoring for the first time and in his home race.

Verstappen increased his unassailable lead over Mexican Perez to 226 points and became only the fifth Formula One driver to reach 50 wins. Perez in turn moved 39 clear of closest rival Hamilton.

If Verstappen wins in Mexico next weekend he will match the tally of four times world champion Alain Prost and could overtake former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel's 53 wins before the end of the season.

Alpine's Esteban Ocon and McLaren's Oscar Piastri collided and retired, as did Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.

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Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen took the 50th win of his Formula One career, and record-equalling 15th of the season, at the U.S. Grand Prix on Sunday while Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from second after post-race checks.

Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen took the 50th win of his Formula One career, and record-equalling 15th of the season, at the U.S. Grand Prix on Sunday while Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from second after post-race checks. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth, was also excluded for excessive wear of the mandatory wooden plank under the car's floor. "Others got it right where we got it wrong and there's no wiggle room in the rules. We need to take it on the chin, do the learning, and come back stronger next weekend," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. Hamilton's exclusion meant McLaren's Lando Norris moved up from third to second with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz completing the podium, even if the ceremonies were long over by then. The victory was Verstappen's third in a row at Austin's Circuit of the Americas and equalled, with four races to spare, the record the Dutch 26-year-old set last year for most wins in a single season. ALSO READ: Manuel Locatelli wins it for Juventus against 10-man AC Milan in blockbuster Serie A clash Dominant Red Bull and Verstappen, who started in sixth place and whose win was the first in Austin by a driver not on the front row, have already secured the constructors' and drivers' titles. "The whole race, I was struggling a lot with the brakes," said Verstappen, who was booed by some of the crowd as he stood on the podium. "You could see it was very close to the end." Norris, lining up on the front row, seized the lead from pole-sitter Leclerc into the first corner but his hopes of a first win in his 100th start had faded by the half distance. On the plus side, his points haul allowed McLaren to leapfrog Aston Martin for fourth in the constructors' standings. Verstappen was fifth by the end of lap one and used the DRS drag reduction to take the lead from Norris on the 28th of 56 laps. He did not just disappear into the distance, as so often this season, instead complaining over the radio about the brakes and giving Mercedes hope that they might be able to reel him in with their upgraded car. "We changed the brakes after yesterday and it was not good," he said, referring to the Saturday 19-lap sprint that he won from pole. "I had no good feeling under braking and I couldn't really get on top of it for the whole race, so this is something we need to understand." MORE LAPS Seven times world champion Hamilton provided excitement at the end as he chased Verstappen, starting the last lap only 1.8 seconds behind after being 5.3 adrift when he passed Norris with seven laps remaining. "We were catching them towards the end and I was hopeful but we needed some more laps," said Hamilton before the summons to stewards. Red Bull's Sergio Perez moved up to fourth with George Russell fifth for Mercedes ahead of Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, who started from the pit lane. AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda moved up to eighth and also took a bonus point for fastest lap right at the finish. Williams duo Alex Albon and rookie Logan Sargeant bagged unexpected points with ninth and 10th, the latter scoring for the first time and in his home race. Verstappen increased his unassailable lead over Mexican Perez to 226 points and became only the fifth Formula One driver to reach 50 wins. Perez in turn moved 39 clear of closest rival Hamilton. If Verstappen wins in Mexico next weekend he will match the tally of four times world champion Alain Prost and could overtake former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel's 53 wins before the end of the season. Alpine's Esteban Ocon and McLaren's Oscar Piastri collided and retired, as did Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

F1: Max Verstappen grabs 50th career win at US Grand Prix; Lewis Hamilton disqualified after post-race checks

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his third consecutive Formula One Championship after finishing second in the Qatar GP Sprint race on Saturday (Oct 7). The seven-point win saw the Belgian-Dutch speedster officially clinch his third title having first tasted success in 2021. With 407 points Verstappen’s close compatriot and teammate at Red Bull, Sergio Perez (223) would no longer overtake him in the standings, which guaranteed him the world title before the main race in Sunday’s Qatar GP.

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MAX VERSTAPPEN. 
 
THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION! 👑👑👑 <a href="https://t.co/IvcQOA5wu4">pic.twitter.com/IvcQOA5wu4</a>
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<h2>Max takes home the title</h2>

Heading into the Qatar GP, Verstappen had an unprecedented lead of 177 points over second place Perez. With 180 points to race for before the Sprint Race, Perez needed the gap to be narrowed down to 171 points or less to take the championship fight to the main race day of Qatar GP. However, Perez’s poor finish coupled with the 25-year-old’s second place finish in the Sprint Race saw the gap widen to 184 points. With just 172 points to play for after the Sprint Race, Verstappen remains the outright leader of the Driver’s Championship, making it mathematically impossible for any other driver to leapfrog him.

The championship title sees him add to his titles from 2021 and 2022, with the former being a closer encounter with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. This season, Verstappen has won 13 races including seven races with the fastest lap while taking the pole position in 10 races including Sunday’s Qatar GP. Astonishingly, Verstappen ended with 15 podium finishes, a new F1 record with six races remaining in the season. The now triple-time World Champion also won the two Sprint Races in Belgium and Austria to add to his impressive tally.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-seeing-indias-flag-hoist-high-was-proudest-moment-of-my-life-palak-gulia-on-asian-games-success-643693">EXCLUSIVE | Seeing India's flag hoist high was proudest moment of my life - Palak Gulia on Asian Games success</a>

Along with teammate Perez, they guaranteed Red Bull the Constructors Championship after the conclusion of the Japanese GP earlier in September. Red Bull won 15 races this season with Max and Sergio on the podium multiple times. The win was also Red Bull’s sixth championship as they have dominated the moto sport once again.

With five complete races still to go, the Dutch champion will now look to put the icing on the cake with cherries on the top on Sunday when he takes pole position in Qatar GP’s main race.

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his third consecutive Formula One Championship after finishing second in the Qatar GP Sprint race on Saturday (Oct 7). The seven-point win saw the Belgian-Dutch speedster officially clinch his third title having first tasted success in 2021.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his third consecutive Formula One Championship after finishing second in the Qatar GP Sprint race on Saturday (Oct 7). The seven-point win saw the Belgian-Dutch speedster officially clinch his third title having first tasted success in 2021. With 407 points Verstappen’s close compatriot and teammate at Red Bull, Sergio Perez (223) would no longer overtake him in the standings, which guaranteed him the world title before the main race in Sunday’s Qatar GP. MAX VERSTAPPEN. THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION! 👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/IvcQOA5wu4 — Formula 1 (@F1) October 7, 2023 × Max takes home the title Heading into the Qatar GP, Verstappen had an unprecedented lead of 177 points over second place Perez. With 180 points to race for before the Sprint Race, Perez needed the gap to be narrowed down to 171 points or less to take the championship fight to the main race day of Qatar GP. However, Perez’s poor finish coupled with the 25-year-old’s second place finish in the Sprint Race saw the gap widen to 184 points. With just 172 points to play for after the Sprint Race, Verstappen remains the outright leader of the Driver’s Championship, making it mathematically impossible for any other driver to leapfrog him. The championship title sees him add to his titles from 2021 and 2022, with the former being a closer encounter with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. This season, Verstappen has won 13 races including seven races with the fastest lap while taking the pole position in 10 races including Sunday’s Qatar GP. Astonishingly, Verstappen ended with 15 podium finishes, a new F1 record with six races remaining in the season. The now triple-time World Champion also won the two Sprint Races in Belgium and Austria to add to his impressive tally. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Seeing India's flag hoist high was proudest moment of my life - Palak Gulia on Asian Games success Along with teammate Perez, they guaranteed Red Bull the Constructors Championship after the conclusion of the Japanese GP earlier in September. Red Bull won 15 races this season with Max and Sergio on the podium multiple times. The win was also Red Bull’s sixth championship as they have dominated the moto sport once again. With five complete races still to go, the Dutch champion will now look to put the icing on the cake with cherries on the top on Sunday when he takes pole position in Qatar GP’s main race. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Max Verstappen wins third consecutive world title after second place finish in Qatar Sprint race

The Formula One 2023 Championships has turned out to be a one-horse race as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the standings with 374 points before he takes centre stage at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, September 17. The Dutchman has been breaking records left, right, and centre throughout the season as he targets an 11th straight win at the Singapore GP. With an unprecedented 145-point lead over second place Sergio Perez and eight races to go, it is a matter of time before he clinches his third consecutive Formula One Championship.

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✋ 10/10 for <a href="https://twitter.com/Max33Verstappen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Max33Verstappen</a> 🤚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItalianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ItalianGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/redbullracing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@redbullracing</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mm99Txt31k">pic.twitter.com/Mm99Txt31k</a>
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<h2>Max hunts for history</h2>

The 25-year-old has been in the form of his life for Red Bull this season and could be seen scripting history and joining the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton for winning three consecutive Formula One Championships. Enjoying the form of his life, Max has so far won 12 races and has finished on the podium every time he has completed the race this season. So with eight races to go what are the permutations that could see Verstappen seal the title at the earliest?

<h2>Detailed analysis</h2>

Currently, with eight races to go Max will be pushing for an early championship win with races coming thick and fast. In detail, each Formula One race winner will earn 25 points with an additional point for the fastest lap, which could account for a total of 26 points. Additionally, a sprint race (an additional form of race on Saturday with short distances) could see a driver earn eight more points to add to his tally. For example, if Verstappen wins the sprint race on Saturday and couples it with victory in the main race with the fastest lap, he will earn 34 points (25 points for the main race win, one point for the fastest lap, and eight points for the sprint race win).

On the contrary, the second-place driver could earn a maximum of 25 points (18 for finishing second in the main race and max. seven in the sprint race). This could see Verstappen increase his advantage by nine points (34 – 25 = 9 Points) every sprint race weekend. In the eight remaining Formula One races, there will be three sprint races – Qatar, Brazil, and the USA.

Five races in Singapore, Japan, Las Vegas, Mexico, and Abu Dhabi won’t have sprint races. So a driver winning the race on a normal weekend with the fastest lap could earn a maximum of 26 points while the second-place driver will earn 18 points. This could see the winner of the main race increase the gap by eight points (26-18= 8) on a non-sprint weekend.

<h2>How many points remain to play for?</h2>

As things stand, the maximum points collected by a driver could be 34 on a sprint race weekend and 26 points for a non-sprint race weekend. With five non-sprint races and three sprint races a maximum of 232 points could be collected by a driver if he wins all the races with the fastest lap and sprint race win (5 x 26 + 3 x 34 = 232).

<h2>When could Verstappen seal the title?</h2>

Currently, Verstappen has 364 points in 14 races while his close compatriot and Red Bull colleague Sergio Perez has 219 points in the second place. For Verstappen to win the championship, the gap between him and Perez should be more than the number of points available in the rest of the races. For example, currently, the gap between Verstappen and Perez is 145 points which is smaller than 232 points (points still available this season) and will see the Championship race continue.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-weather-update-from-colombo-on-asia-cup-2023-india-vs-sri-lanka-final-match-636498">IND vs SL weather update: What will happen if Asia Cup 2023 final is washed out due to rain?</a>

If Verstappen wins the next two races in Singapore and Japan (non-sprint weekend) with the fastest point, he will increase his lead over Perez by 16 points (eight points advantage for every winner on non-sprint weekend). This could see the gap widen to 161 points (145+16 = 161) while there will be 180 points still available, this will make it practically impossible for Verstappen to win the Championship in Japan.

However, if Verstappen wins the Qatar GP on 8th October with the sprint race and fastest lap, Verstappen will have an unprecedented lead of 170 points (161 + 9 = 170). With just 146 points available after the Qatar GP and a lead of 170 points, Verstappen will win the Formula One Championship even if does not start any one of the remaining five races in the remainder of the season.

The two-time defending champion can also see the title race sealed in the Japanese GP if he wins the race and Perez fails to complete one of the next two races. For example, if Verstappen wins the next two races with the fastest lap, he will have 416 points (374 + 52). Perez on the other hand will have 234 points if he fails to finish one race and finishes third (15 points for third place finish) in another race. With only 180 points to race for after the Japanese GP, it would be practically impossible for Perez to catch Verstappen even if he wins all the races with the fastest lap and sprint wins, as he will finish with a tally of 414 points (234 + 180).

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The Formula One 2023 Championships has turned out to be a one-horse race as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the standings with 374 points before he takes centre stage at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, September 17.

The Formula One 2023 Championships has turned out to be a one-horse race as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the standings with 374 points before he takes centre stage at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, September 17. The Dutchman has been breaking records left, right, and centre throughout the season as he targets an 11th straight win at the Singapore GP. With an unprecedented 145-point lead over second place Sergio Perez and eight races to go, it is a matter of time before he clinches his third consecutive Formula One Championship. ✋ 10/10 for @Max33Verstappen 🤚#ItalianGP #F1 @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/Mm99Txt31k — Formula 1 (@F1) September 4, 2023 × Max hunts for history The 25-year-old has been in the form of his life for Red Bull this season and could be seen scripting history and joining the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton for winning three consecutive Formula One Championships. Enjoying the form of his life, Max has so far won 12 races and has finished on the podium every time he has completed the race this season. So with eight races to go what are the permutations that could see Verstappen seal the title at the earliest? Detailed analysis Currently, with eight races to go Max will be pushing for an early championship win with races coming thick and fast. In detail, each Formula One race winner will earn 25 points with an additional point for the fastest lap, which could account for a total of 26 points. Additionally, a sprint race (an additional form of race on Saturday with short distances) could see a driver earn eight more points to add to his tally. For example, if Verstappen wins the sprint race on Saturday and couples it with victory in the main race with the fastest lap, he will earn 34 points (25 points for the main race win, one point for the fastest lap, and eight points for the sprint race win). On the contrary, the second-place driver could earn a maximum of 25 points (18 for finishing second in the main race and max. seven in the sprint race). This could see Verstappen increase his advantage by nine points (34 – 25 = 9 Points) every sprint race weekend. In the eight remaining Formula One races, there will be three sprint races – Qatar, Brazil, and the USA. Five races in Singapore, Japan, Las Vegas, Mexico, and Abu Dhabi won’t have sprint races. So a driver winning the race on a normal weekend with the fastest lap could earn a maximum of 26 points while the second-place driver will earn 18 points. This could see the winner of the main race increase the gap by eight points (26-18= 8) on a non-sprint weekend. How many points remain to play for? As things stand, the maximum points collected by a driver could be 34 on a sprint race weekend and 26 points for a non-sprint race weekend. With five non-sprint races and three sprint races a maximum of 232 points could be collected by a driver if he wins all the races with the fastest lap and sprint race win (5 x 26 + 3 x 34 = 232). When could Verstappen seal the title? Currently, Verstappen has 364 points in 14 races while his close compatriot and Red Bull colleague Sergio Perez has 219 points in the second place. For Verstappen to win the championship, the gap between him and Perez should be more than the number of points available in the rest of the races. For example, currently, the gap between Verstappen and Perez is 145 points which is smaller than 232 points (points still available this season) and will see the Championship race continue. ALSO READ | IND vs SL weather update: What will happen if Asia Cup 2023 final is washed out due to rain? If Verstappen wins the next two races in Singapore and Japan (non-sprint weekend) with the fastest point, he will increase his lead over Perez by 16 points (eight points advantage for every winner on non-sprint weekend). This could see the gap widen to 161 points (145+16 = 161) while there will be 180 points still available, this will make it practically impossible for Verstappen to win the Championship in Japan. However, if Verstappen wins the Qatar GP on 8th October with the sprint race and fastest lap, Verstappen will have an unprecedented lead of 170 points (161 + 9 = 170). With just 146 points available after the Qatar GP and a lead of 170 points, Verstappen will win the Formula One Championship even if does not start any one of the remaining five races in the remainder of the season. The two-time defending champion can also see the title race sealed in the Japanese GP if he wins the race and Perez fails to complete one of the next two races. For example, if Verstappen wins the next two races with the fastest lap, he will have 416 points (374 + 52). Perez on the other hand will have 234 points if he fails to finish one race and finishes third (15 points for third place finish) in another race. With only 180 points to race for after the Japanese GP, it would be practically impossible for Perez to catch Verstappen even if he wins all the races with the fastest lap and sprint wins, as he will finish with a tally of 414 points (234 + 180). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | When could Max Verstappen clinch 2023 Formula One Championship?

Carlos Sainz led from start to finish to win a dramatic Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday after a charging George Russell crashed his Mercedes from third place on the final lap.

Lando Norris was second in a McLaren with Lewis Hamilton crossing the line in third. Championship leader Max Verstappen was fifth as Red Bull failed to win a race for the first time this season.

Sainz controlled the pace of the night race brilliantly from pole position to take only his second win, the first coming at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone last year.

It ended Red Bull's hopes of sweeping every race in 2023 as Verstappen, who has won the last 10 races in a row, could only work his way up from 11th on the grid into the top five.

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Sainz seemed set for a comfortable win until a virtual safety car period 20 laps from the end gave the two Mercedes the chance to change to fresh medium compound tyres.

Russell and Hamilton soon reeled in and passed the second Ferrari of Charles Lelerc, who finished fourth.

But when they got on the heels of the top two they could not get past as Sainz cleverly kept his former teammate Norris within DRS range so the Englishman could defend second place.

Russell was all over the back of Norris until his challenge ended in the wall at turn eight of the final lap, handing Hamilton the final podium place.

Carlos Sainz led from start to finish to win a dramatic Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday after a charging George Russell crashed his Mercedes from third place on the final lap.

Carlos Sainz led from start to finish to win a dramatic Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday after a charging George Russell crashed his Mercedes from third place on the final lap. Lando Norris was second in a McLaren with Lewis Hamilton crossing the line in third. Championship leader Max Verstappen was fifth as Red Bull failed to win a race for the first time this season. Sainz controlled the pace of the night race brilliantly from pole position to take only his second win, the first coming at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone last year. It ended Red Bull's hopes of sweeping every race in 2023 as Verstappen, who has won the last 10 races in a row, could only work his way up from 11th on the grid into the top five. ALSO READ | 'Not capable of being in team if...,' says former Pakistan batter Younis Khan on skipper Babar Azam Sainz seemed set for a comfortable win until a virtual safety car period 20 laps from the end gave the two Mercedes the chance to change to fresh medium compound tyres. Russell and Hamilton soon reeled in and passed the second Ferrari of Charles Lelerc, who finished fourth. But when they got on the heels of the top two they could not get past as Sainz cleverly kept his former teammate Norris within DRS range so the Englishman could defend second place. Russell was all over the back of Norris until his challenge ended in the wall at turn eight of the final lap, handing Hamilton the final podium place.

Formula One: Ferrari's Carlos Sainz wins Singapore GPA to end Red Bull win streak

World championship leader Max Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez both failed on Saturday to make it into final qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Verstappen, who has won the last 10 races in a row, finished 11th fastest in Q2 and was eliminated along with Perez, who was 13th.

Verstappen is chasing a third world title and has a massive 145-point lead over Perez.

But the Dutchman has never triumphed under the lights in Singapore and faces an almost impossible task to end the drought after a torrid weekend when the Red Bulls were well off the pace.

Perez won in Singapore last year from second on the grid, but will make his 250th grand prix start in Sunday's night race from the back half of the grid.

Red Bull have won all 14 races so far this season but Singapore's Marina Bay street circuit is shaping up as the biggest challenge to the team's unprecedented quest to win all 22 races.

Verstappen has won 12 of the 14 races this season with Perez the only other driver to take the chequered flag.

Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda were also eliminated in Q2.

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Earlier Q1 was brought to a premature halt by a red flag after Lance Stroll crashed his Aston Martin spectacularly entering the pit straight at the end of a hot lap.

A huge impact into the wall sent his car spinning across the track with wheels and bodywork flying.

Lando Norris was close behind and did well to avoid the wreckage in his McLaren.

The crash eliminated Stroll, who remarkably managed to walk away unaided. Valtteri Bottas, Oscar Piastri, Logan Sargeant and Zhou Guanyu also failed to make it into Q2.

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World championship leader Max Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez both failed on Saturday to make it into final qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix.

World championship leader Max Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez both failed on Saturday to make it into final qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen, who has won the last 10 races in a row, finished 11th fastest in Q2 and was eliminated along with Perez, who was 13th. Verstappen is chasing a third world title and has a massive 145-point lead over Perez. But the Dutchman has never triumphed under the lights in Singapore and faces an almost impossible task to end the drought after a torrid weekend when the Red Bulls were well off the pace. Perez won in Singapore last year from second on the grid, but will make his 250th grand prix start in Sunday's night race from the back half of the grid. Red Bull have won all 14 races so far this season but Singapore's Marina Bay street circuit is shaping up as the biggest challenge to the team's unprecedented quest to win all 22 races. Verstappen has won 12 of the 14 races this season with Perez the only other driver to take the chequered flag. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda were also eliminated in Q2. ALSO READ | Explained | When could Max Verstappen clinch 2023 Formula One Championship Earlier Q1 was brought to a premature halt by a red flag after Lance Stroll crashed his Aston Martin spectacularly entering the pit straight at the end of a hot lap. A huge impact into the wall sent his car spinning across the track with wheels and bodywork flying. Lando Norris was close behind and did well to avoid the wreckage in his McLaren. The crash eliminated Stroll, who remarkably managed to walk away unaided. Valtteri Bottas, Oscar Piastri, Logan Sargeant and Zhou Guanyu also failed to make it into Q2. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Max Verstappen out of qualifying at Singapore Grand Prix; Sergio Perez also fails

Carlos Sainz brought cheer to Ferrari's passionate army of home fans on Saturday after claiming pole position for the Italian Grand Prix.

Spaniard Sainz will start at the front of the grid for the first time this season after pipping by 0.013 seconds reigning world champion Max Verstappen who is hunting a record 10th straight GP win.

Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari took third to start from the second row alongside the Mercedes of George Russell.

Sainz trails Verstappen by a whopping 237 points in the drivers' championship and is yet to claim a podium finish this season.

But he shone in Saturday's qualifying in front of loud home support after already showing his speed by topping the times in two practice sessions, and celebrated with delighted Ferrari fans after snatching pole in the final moments.

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Dutchman Verstappen still has a great chance to break the record of nine straight GP wins&nbsp;he shares with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel after winning a dramatic race on home soil in Zandvoort last weekend.

Verstappen has won 11 of the 13 races so far this year and leads Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez by 138 points in the standings.

Perez, who is the only other driver to win this season, finished 0.394sec back in fifth.

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Carlos Sainz brought cheer to Ferrari's passionate army of home fans on Saturday after claiming pole position for the Italian Grand Prix. Spaniard Sainz will start at the front of the grid for the first time this season after pipping by 0.

Carlos Sainz brought cheer to Ferrari's passionate army of home fans on Saturday after claiming pole position for the Italian Grand Prix. Spaniard Sainz will start at the front of the grid for the first time this season after pipping by 0.013 seconds reigning world champion Max Verstappen who is hunting a record 10th straight GP win. Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari took third to start from the second row alongside the Mercedes of George Russell. Sainz trails Verstappen by a whopping 237 points in the drivers' championship and is yet to claim a podium finish this season. But he shone in Saturday's qualifying in front of loud home support after already showing his speed by topping the times in two practice sessions, and celebrated with delighted Ferrari fans after snatching pole in the final moments. ALSO READ | Neeraj Chopra eyes gold in Diamond League final and Asian Games but staying fit remains priority Dutchman Verstappen still has a great chance to break the record of nine straight GP wins he shares with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel after winning a dramatic race on home soil in Zandvoort last weekend. Verstappen has won 11 of the 13 races so far this year and leads Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez by 138 points in the standings. Perez, who is the only other driver to win this season, finished 0.394sec back in fifth. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Ferrari's Carlos Sainz pips Red Bulls Max Verstappen to Italian Grand Prix pole

Carlos Sainz gave Ferrari's army of fans hope of a good showing at the Italian Grand Prix after topping the times in Saturday's final practice session ahead of qualifying.

Spaniard Sainz clocked one minute 20.912 seconds at Monza to claim top spot in two straight practice runs, this time 0.086 ahead of Red Bull's record hunter Max Verstappen.

Reigning world champion and runaway leader Verstappen is chasing a 10th straight GP win after equalling Sebastian Vettel's record of nine at his home Dutch GP last weekend.

Red Bull have won every one of this year's 13 races so far with Verstappen claiming 11 and Sergio Perez winning the other two.

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Sainz trails Verstappen by a whopping 237 points in the drivers' championship and is yet to claim a podium finish this season.

But the 29-year-old's displays on home turf have been impressive so far this weekend, suggesting he could challenge Red Bull's supremacy in qualifying which starts at 1400 GMT.

Ferrari will also be boosted by more trouble for Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez, who crashed out of Friday's second session and missed some of the session on Saturday due to an oil leak.

Lewis Hamilton was just over half a second back in third, a whisker ahead of Sainz's Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.

Mercedes announced on Thursday that seven-time F1 champion Hamilton had signed a new deal until 2025 which will extend his career beyond his 40th birthday.

Hamilton, 38, is convinced he can win more GPs and world championships with the Silver Arrows, although he is 183 points behind Verstappen this season.

The Briton relinquished his position as the number one driver in F1 in 2021 when he was controversially beaten to the drivers' title by Verstappen on the final day of the season.

Last season Hamilton failed to win or claim pole position at any GP for the first time in his career, while this year he is yet to add to his record 103 race victories.

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Carlos Sainz gave Ferrari's army of fans hope of a good showing at the Italian Grand Prix after topping the times in Saturday's final practice session ahead of qualifying.

Carlos Sainz gave Ferrari's army of fans hope of a good showing at the Italian Grand Prix after topping the times in Saturday's final practice session ahead of qualifying. Spaniard Sainz clocked one minute 20.912 seconds at Monza to claim top spot in two straight practice runs, this time 0.086 ahead of Red Bull's record hunter Max Verstappen. Reigning world champion and runaway leader Verstappen is chasing a 10th straight GP win after equalling Sebastian Vettel's record of nine at his home Dutch GP last weekend. Red Bull have won every one of this year's 13 races so far with Verstappen claiming 11 and Sergio Perez winning the other two. Also Read: Asia Cup: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi stuns India with wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli - WATCH Sainz trails Verstappen by a whopping 237 points in the drivers' championship and is yet to claim a podium finish this season. But the 29-year-old's displays on home turf have been impressive so far this weekend, suggesting he could challenge Red Bull's supremacy in qualifying which starts at 1400 GMT. Ferrari will also be boosted by more trouble for Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez, who crashed out of Friday's second session and missed some of the session on Saturday due to an oil leak. Lewis Hamilton was just over half a second back in third, a whisker ahead of Sainz's Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. Mercedes announced on Thursday that seven-time F1 champion Hamilton had signed a new deal until 2025 which will extend his career beyond his 40th birthday. Hamilton, 38, is convinced he can win more GPs and world championships with the Silver Arrows, although he is 183 points behind Verstappen this season. The Briton relinquished his position as the number one driver in F1 in 2021 when he was controversially beaten to the drivers' title by Verstappen on the final day of the season. Last season Hamilton failed to win or claim pole position at any GP for the first time in his career, while this year he is yet to add to his record 103 race victories. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula 1: Ferrari fans hopeful after Carlos Sainz shows speed in Monza ahead of Italian Grand Prix

Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;championship leader Max Verstappen dismissed on Thursday the suggestion that his Red Bull car was designed to suit his driving style more than the team mates he has "destroyed". Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at last weekend's Dutch Grand Prix that he struggled to understand the single lap gap between Verstappen and his team mate Sergio Perez.

Verstappen is heading for his third world title and leads the Mexican, his closest rival, by a hefty 138 points after 13 races. "We’ve seen that Max has destroyed every single team mate that was with him," said Wolff after Verstappen qualified on pole position with a lap 1.313 seconds faster than Perez. "Whether or not it's his ability to create a car around himself that is just very tricky to control, but fast when you can, and that creates those gaps. But 1.3?"

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Verstappen, chasing a record 10th win in a row in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, dismissed the comments when asked about them at Monza. "I just drive the car the fastest way possible. I’m not there to tell the guys to give me more front end because that’s how I like it," he said. "I just say ‘Design me the fastest car and I’ll drive around that’ because every single year, every car drives a little bit different. "People ask ‘What is your driving style?’ My driving style is not something particular. I adapt to what I need for the car to go quick."

Red Bull have won every race this season and 14 in a row in total. Perez has won twice this year. Verstappen said he just trying to do the best he could and win as much as possible while he had the opportunity, rather than being driven by records. "It's for sure a very enjoyable time to be driving the car. But every single weekend there are always a lot of things that come up, and you have to optimise," he added. "It's never a straightforward weekend."

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Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen dismissed on Thursday the suggestion that his Red Bull car was designed to suit his driving style more than the team mates he has "destroyed".

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen dismissed on Thursday the suggestion that his Red Bull car was designed to suit his driving style more than the team mates he has "destroyed". Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at last weekend's Dutch Grand Prix that he struggled to understand the single lap gap between Verstappen and his team mate Sergio Perez. Verstappen is heading for his third world title and leads the Mexican, his closest rival, by a hefty 138 points after 13 races. "We’ve seen that Max has destroyed every single team mate that was with him," said Wolff after Verstappen qualified on pole position with a lap 1.313 seconds faster than Perez. "Whether or not it's his ability to create a car around himself that is just very tricky to control, but fast when you can, and that creates those gaps. But 1.3?" Also read: Hockey: Men’s Asian 5s WC Qualifiers - India thrash Malaysia 7-5, humiliate Japan 35-1 to enter semifinals Verstappen, chasing a record 10th win in a row in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, dismissed the comments when asked about them at Monza. "I just drive the car the fastest way possible. I’m not there to tell the guys to give me more front end because that’s how I like it," he said. "I just say ‘Design me the fastest car and I’ll drive around that’ because every single year, every car drives a little bit different. "People ask ‘What is your driving style?’ My driving style is not something particular. I adapt to what I need for the car to go quick." Red Bull have won every race this season and 14 in a row in total. Perez has won twice this year. Verstappen said he just trying to do the best he could and win as much as possible while he had the opportunity, rather than being driven by records. "It's for sure a very enjoyable time to be driving the car. But every single weekend there are always a lot of things that come up, and you have to optimise," he added. "It's never a straightforward weekend." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen denies his car is designed to suit his style

Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a new contract with Mercedes and will continue to partner compatriot George Russell in 2024 and 2025, the team said on Thursday. No financial details were given, although media reports have suggested the deal could be worth 50 million pounds a year ($63.41 million) for Hamilton.

The 38-year-old Briton last won a race in 2021, with Red Bull and double world champion Max Verstappen now dominant after ending Mercedes's record run of eight successive constructors' world titles.

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Hamilton, the sport's most successful driver, joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 and has taken six titles and 82 of his 103 career victories with the team.

The announcement came as no surprise, with both sides keen to continue, although the contract negotiations dragged on longer than expected.

"We have never been hungrier to win," said Hamilton in a team statement. "We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again.

"I'm grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn't finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won't stop until we do."

Russell joined the Mercedes lineup last season as replacement for Valtteri Bottas and took his first victory in Brazil -- the last time Red Bull were beaten.

<h2>'Strongest pairing'</h2>

"Continuing with our current driver lineup was a straightforward decision," said team boss and co-owner Toto Wolff. "We have the strongest pairing on the grid and both drivers are playing a crucial role in the team to move us forward. The strength and stability they provide will be key building blocks for our future success.

"Our partnership with Lewis is one of the most successful in the sport's history. It was always a formality that we would continue together, and it's energising for us all to be confirming that publicly."

The Austrian said Hamilton's leadership qualities would be crucial for Mercedes but his influence went well beyond the sporting arena.

"As F1's biggest global star he has also played a key role in shaping our commitments to diversity, inclusion and sustainability that will be foundations for our success in the years ahead," said Wolff.

The team boss praised Russell, 25, for his speed and tenacity

"He brings, too, an intelligence and attention to detail that will help him to continue to grow, develop and improve further. He is a natural fit to the team and we are delighted to have extended the relationship for the coming years."

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Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a new contract with Mercedes and will continue to partner compatriot George Russell in 2024 and 2025, the team said on Thursday.

Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a new contract with Mercedes and will continue to partner compatriot George Russell in 2024 and 2025, the team said on Thursday. No financial details were given, although media reports have suggested the deal could be worth 50 million pounds a year ($63.41 million) for Hamilton. The 38-year-old Briton last won a race in 2021, with Red Bull and double world champion Max Verstappen now dominant after ending Mercedes's record run of eight successive constructors' world titles. ALSO READ: UEFA to snub Premier League-adopted 'absurd' new stoppage-time rules in European competitions - Officials Hamilton, the sport's most successful driver, joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 and has taken six titles and 82 of his 103 career victories with the team. The announcement came as no surprise, with both sides keen to continue, although the contract negotiations dragged on longer than expected. "We have never been hungrier to win," said Hamilton in a team statement. "We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again. "I'm grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn't finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won't stop until we do." Russell joined the Mercedes lineup last season as replacement for Valtteri Bottas and took his first victory in Brazil -- the last time Red Bull were beaten. 'Strongest pairing' "Continuing with our current driver lineup was a straightforward decision," said team boss and co-owner Toto Wolff. "We have the strongest pairing on the grid and both drivers are playing a crucial role in the team to move us forward. The strength and stability they provide will be key building blocks for our future success. "Our partnership with Lewis is one of the most successful in the sport's history. It was always a formality that we would continue together, and it's energising for us all to be confirming that publicly." The Austrian said Hamilton's leadership qualities would be crucial for Mercedes but his influence went well beyond the sporting arena. "As F1's biggest global star he has also played a key role in shaping our commitments to diversity, inclusion and sustainability that will be foundations for our success in the years ahead," said Wolff. The team boss praised Russell, 25, for his speed and tenacity "He brings, too, an intelligence and attention to detail that will help him to continue to grow, develop and improve further. He is a natural fit to the team and we are delighted to have extended the relationship for the coming years." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton signs new two-year deal with Mercedes

New Zealander Liam Lawson will continue to race for AlphaTauri until Australian Daniel Ricciardo is fit to return, the Red Bull-owned&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team said on Monday. Ricciardo had surgery in Spain on Sunday after breaking his left hand in a crash in practice at the Dutch Grand Prix on Friday, with reserve driver Lawson drafted in for his&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;race debut.

The next race, round 14, is the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday. Singapore follows on Sept. 17 and Japan on Sept. 24. "We are delighted that Daniel’s surgery went well and that he is now on the road to recovery," AlphaTauri said in a statement. "We hope to see him at the track again very soon, but until he is fully fit, we can confirm that Liam, who did a good job in difficult circumstances in Zandvoort, will continue to drive alongside Yuki (Tsunoda), starting from our home race this weekend in Monza." Lawson, 21, finished 13th in the Dutch Grand Prix, with Tsunoda 16th.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-guarantee-kaif-concerned-over-kl-rahuls-fitness-as-india-batter-set-to-miss-kandy-leg-of-asia-cup-630486">'No guarantee...': Kaif concerned over KL Rahul's fitness as India batter set to miss Kandy leg of Asia Cup</a>

<h2>APPLAUSE CONTINUE FOR SUPERSTAR MAX VERSTAPPEN</h2>

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen as "simply untouchable" after he secured a record-equalling ninth win in a row on Sunday and even his closest rivals were inclined to agree. Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who finished second for Aston Martin at Zandvoort in a race that went from dry to wet and back again, said the 25-year-old Dutch driver was operating on a higher level.

"It is underestimated sometimes what Max is achieving," Alonso, also a double&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;world champion but whose 32nd and last win was with Ferrari in 2013, told reporters. "I think you need to enter in a mood, in a state that you are connected with a car.

"Today, I felt that I was at my best and have been giving 100% of what I felt and my abilities on a racing car, but maybe in Spa I was not at that level or in Austria or something like that. "I think Max is achieving that 100% more often than us at the moment, than any of the drivers, so that's why he's dominating."

Verstappen has won 11 of the season's 13 races, 20 of the last 24, and the only lingering doubt about his third world championship is where he will secure it and with how many rounds to spare.

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New Zealander Liam Lawson will continue to race for AlphaTauri until Australian Daniel Ricciardo is fit to return, the Red Bull-owned Formula One team said on Monday.

New Zealander Liam Lawson will continue to race for AlphaTauri until Australian Daniel Ricciardo is fit to return, the Red Bull-owned Formula One team said on Monday. Ricciardo had surgery in Spain on Sunday after breaking his left hand in a crash in practice at the Dutch Grand Prix on Friday, with reserve driver Lawson drafted in for his Formula One race debut. The next race, round 14, is the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday. Singapore follows on Sept. 17 and Japan on Sept. 24. "We are delighted that Daniel’s surgery went well and that he is now on the road to recovery," AlphaTauri said in a statement. "We hope to see him at the track again very soon, but until he is fully fit, we can confirm that Liam, who did a good job in difficult circumstances in Zandvoort, will continue to drive alongside Yuki (Tsunoda), starting from our home race this weekend in Monza." Lawson, 21, finished 13th in the Dutch Grand Prix, with Tsunoda 16th. Also read: 'No guarantee...': Kaif concerned over KL Rahul's fitness as India batter set to miss Kandy leg of Asia Cup APPLAUSE CONTINUE FOR SUPERSTAR MAX VERSTAPPEN Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen as "simply untouchable" after he secured a record-equalling ninth win in a row on Sunday and even his closest rivals were inclined to agree. Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who finished second for Aston Martin at Zandvoort in a race that went from dry to wet and back again, said the 25-year-old Dutch driver was operating on a higher level. "It is underestimated sometimes what Max is achieving," Alonso, also a double Formula One world champion but whose 32nd and last win was with Ferrari in 2013, told reporters. "I think you need to enter in a mood, in a state that you are connected with a car. "Today, I felt that I was at my best and have been giving 100% of what I felt and my abilities on a racing car, but maybe in Spa I was not at that level or in Austria or something like that. "I think Max is achieving that 100% more often than us at the moment, than any of the drivers, so that's why he's dominating." Verstappen has won 11 of the season's 13 races, 20 of the last 24, and the only lingering doubt about his third world championship is where he will secure it and with how many rounds to spare. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: New Zealander Liam Lawson to race for AlphaTauri until Daniel Ricciardo can return

Max Verstappen began his home Dutch Grand Prix weekend in familiar fashion, topping the times in Friday's first practice at Zandvoort. The Red Bull double world champion and runaway series leader is on a quest to draw level with Sebastian Vettel's record of nine straight wins and he was fastest by almost three hundredths of a second from Fernando Alonso's upgraded Aston Martin.

The Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton came next as a trio of champions dominated at the tricky, twisty circuit carved out of coastal dunes near Amsterdam. The old-school track punishes the slightest error and caught out Nico Hulkenberg, 24 hours after the German had signed a new deal to keep him at Haas in 2024.

His accident triggered the first red flag of the weekend as Formula One returned after its summer break for this 13th round of a championship utterly dominated by Red Bull and Verstappen. Kevin Magnussen, also celebrating a contract extension with Haas for next season, was first to set a time.

But the Dane was soon bettered by Verstappen, the home hero reeling off a series of quickest laps. The last one to venture out on the track was Lance Stroll, who missed Thursday's media day with an infection.

<h2>- 'Funny noise' -</h2>

But his spin didn't last long with his Aston Martin engineer telling him to "abort, box" on the team radio - his session over before it had even begun. "I heard a funny noise," came back the down-to-earth reply from the Canadian in the cockpit.

Stroll's teammate and elder, Spanish veteran Alonso, found himself in the gravel after a minor lock up. At the midway stage of the hour-long session American rookie Logan Sargeant lifted his Williams to the top of the timesheets briefly.

His more-experienced teammate, Alex Albon, then put in a smart lap to go only eight thousands of a second behind new leader Sergio Perez, both having switched to soft tyres. Perez needs a strong second half to the season after struggling to keep up with his runaway Red Bull teammate.

McLaren approach the second half of the season full of optimism after upgrades lifted Lando Norris to back-to-back runners-up spots at Silverstone and Hungary and rookie Oscar Piastri to a fine second in the sprint at Spa last time out.

Norris though spent a lot of this return from holiday in the pits. The yellow and then red flag came out with 18 minutes left on the clock when Hulkenberg crashed on the penultimate turn 13.

The German came to a stop facing the wrong way, his car craned away. Haas boss Gunther Steiner reported: "It looks like the front wing was damaged, and it was the new front wing and we don't have many of them.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ex-ferrari-driver-felipe-massa-vows-to-fight-for-lewis-hamiltons-2008-formula-one-title-629174">Formula One: Ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa vows to fight for Lewis Hamilton's 2008 Formula One title</a>

"We've got another one, but only one so we need to decide if we risk it and put it on, or save it for tomorrow." Action resumed with 10 minutes left for teams to try out different strategies ahead of second practice and Saturday's qualifying.

Verstappen took command again, Alonso nipping in to second past Hamilton after a session which left Verstappen's legion of fans expectant that he can win for the third straight time at home on Sunday. Perez ended up fourth ahead of Albon, Norris, Sargeant, Piastri, with Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri) and Esteban Ocon (Alpine) rounding out the top 10.

Ferrari reserve driver Robert Shwartzman replaced Carlos Sainz for the first practice staged in muggy overcast conditions, posting the slowest time.

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Max Verstappen began his home Dutch Grand Prix weekend in familiar fashion, topping the times in Friday's first practice at Zandvoort. The Red Bull double world champion and runaway series leader is on a quest to draw level with Sebastian Vettel's record of nine straight wins and he was fastest by almost three hundredths of a second from Fernando Alonso's upgraded Aston Martin.

Max Verstappen began his home Dutch Grand Prix weekend in familiar fashion, topping the times in Friday's first practice at Zandvoort. The Red Bull double world champion and runaway series leader is on a quest to draw level with Sebastian Vettel's record of nine straight wins and he was fastest by almost three hundredths of a second from Fernando Alonso's upgraded Aston Martin. The Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton came next as a trio of champions dominated at the tricky, twisty circuit carved out of coastal dunes near Amsterdam. The old-school track punishes the slightest error and caught out Nico Hulkenberg, 24 hours after the German had signed a new deal to keep him at Haas in 2024. His accident triggered the first red flag of the weekend as Formula One returned after its summer break for this 13th round of a championship utterly dominated by Red Bull and Verstappen. Kevin Magnussen, also celebrating a contract extension with Haas for next season, was first to set a time. But the Dane was soon bettered by Verstappen, the home hero reeling off a series of quickest laps. The last one to venture out on the track was Lance Stroll, who missed Thursday's media day with an infection. - 'Funny noise' - But his spin didn't last long with his Aston Martin engineer telling him to "abort, box" on the team radio - his session over before it had even begun. "I heard a funny noise," came back the down-to-earth reply from the Canadian in the cockpit. Stroll's teammate and elder, Spanish veteran Alonso, found himself in the gravel after a minor lock up. At the midway stage of the hour-long session American rookie Logan Sargeant lifted his Williams to the top of the timesheets briefly. His more-experienced teammate, Alex Albon, then put in a smart lap to go only eight thousands of a second behind new leader Sergio Perez, both having switched to soft tyres. Perez needs a strong second half to the season after struggling to keep up with his runaway Red Bull teammate. McLaren approach the second half of the season full of optimism after upgrades lifted Lando Norris to back-to-back runners-up spots at Silverstone and Hungary and rookie Oscar Piastri to a fine second in the sprint at Spa last time out. Norris though spent a lot of this return from holiday in the pits. The yellow and then red flag came out with 18 minutes left on the clock when Hulkenberg crashed on the penultimate turn 13. The German came to a stop facing the wrong way, his car craned away. Haas boss Gunther Steiner reported: "It looks like the front wing was damaged, and it was the new front wing and we don't have many of them. Also read: Formula One: Ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa vows to fight for Lewis Hamilton's 2008 Formula One title "We've got another one, but only one so we need to decide if we risk it and put it on, or save it for tomorrow." Action resumed with 10 minutes left for teams to try out different strategies ahead of second practice and Saturday's qualifying. Verstappen took command again, Alonso nipping in to second past Hamilton after a session which left Verstappen's legion of fans expectant that he can win for the third straight time at home on Sunday. Perez ended up fourth ahead of Albon, Norris, Sargeant, Piastri, with Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri) and Esteban Ocon (Alpine) rounding out the top 10. Ferrari reserve driver Robert Shwartzman replaced Carlos Sainz for the first practice staged in muggy overcast conditions, posting the slowest time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Max Verstappen tops opening practice at home Dutch Grand Prix

Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa said on Thursday he will "fight to the end" to be declared 2008 Formula One world champion instead of Britain's&nbsp;Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton. Reuters revealed last week that the Brazilian had started legal action against Formula One and the governing FIA seeking substantial damages resulting from an alleged "conspiracy" that denied him the title.

"We're going to fight to get the title," Massa told Brazilian website GE in an interview, making clear his case was about more than financial compensation. "I'm here to make it clear things didn't happen fairly."

Massa, who retired in 2017, was leading the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix when fellow-Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his Renault into the wall on lap 14 of the 61-lap race. The crash triggered a safety car that benefited his team mate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win while Massa failed to score after a bungled pitstop.

Hamilton, racing for McLaren at the time and now an honorary Brazilian citizen, eventually beat Massa by a point for the first of his record-equalling seven championships. Michael Schumacher, Massa's former Ferrari team mate and close friend of the Brazilian during his racing career, is the only other driver to have won seven titles.

Formula One had a rule at the time that the outcome of a championship could not be changed after the end of season awards ceremony. Massa sought legal advice this year after former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told a German website in March that he and former FIA president Max Mosley had been aware in 2008 that Piquet crashed deliberately but had not acted.

"I have nothing against&nbsp;Hamilton. This battle is about a race that was rigged," said Massa, adding he would "ideally" be declared the 2008 champion and that the Singapore race should have been cancelled. "That world title was ours, and it was taken away by manipulation," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ferrari-boss-fred-vasseur-wary-of-commenting-on-felipe-massas-legal-claim-628326">Formula One: Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur wary of commenting on Felipe Massa's legal claim</a>

Ecclestone, 92, told Reuters last week he could not remember saying the key quotes attributed to him. Mosley, who worked closely with Ecclestone, died in 2021 while FIA race director Charlie Whiting, another key figure, died in 2019.

Piquet revealed in 2009 that he had been told to crash by Renault team bosses, who were subsequently banned. "I think it's important for us to fight to get the justice of the sport," said Massa, who did not win another race after the 2008 season and suffered a near-fatal head injury in Hungary in 2009. "We fight for the title, and that's our fight where we go to the end."

Hamilton&nbsp;told reporters at the Dutch Grand Prix that he was concentrating on helping his Mercedes team in their current championship battle. "I’m not really focused on what happened 15 years ago," said the Briton.

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Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa said on Thursday he will "fight to the end" to be declared 2008 Formula One world champion instead of Britain's Lewis Hamilton.

Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa said on Thursday he will "fight to the end" to be declared 2008 Formula One world champion instead of Britain's Lewis Hamilton. Reuters revealed last week that the Brazilian had started legal action against Formula One and the governing FIA seeking substantial damages resulting from an alleged "conspiracy" that denied him the title. "We're going to fight to get the title," Massa told Brazilian website GE in an interview, making clear his case was about more than financial compensation. "I'm here to make it clear things didn't happen fairly." Massa, who retired in 2017, was leading the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix when fellow-Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his Renault into the wall on lap 14 of the 61-lap race. The crash triggered a safety car that benefited his team mate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win while Massa failed to score after a bungled pitstop. Hamilton, racing for McLaren at the time and now an honorary Brazilian citizen, eventually beat Massa by a point for the first of his record-equalling seven championships. Michael Schumacher, Massa's former Ferrari team mate and close friend of the Brazilian during his racing career, is the only other driver to have won seven titles. Formula One had a rule at the time that the outcome of a championship could not be changed after the end of season awards ceremony. Massa sought legal advice this year after former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told a German website in March that he and former FIA president Max Mosley had been aware in 2008 that Piquet crashed deliberately but had not acted. "I have nothing against Hamilton. This battle is about a race that was rigged," said Massa, adding he would "ideally" be declared the 2008 champion and that the Singapore race should have been cancelled. "That world title was ours, and it was taken away by manipulation," he said. Also read: Formula One: Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur wary of commenting on Felipe Massa's legal claim Ecclestone, 92, told Reuters last week he could not remember saying the key quotes attributed to him. Mosley, who worked closely with Ecclestone, died in 2021 while FIA race director Charlie Whiting, another key figure, died in 2019. Piquet revealed in 2009 that he had been told to crash by Renault team bosses, who were subsequently banned. "I think it's important for us to fight to get the justice of the sport," said Massa, who did not win another race after the 2008 season and suffered a near-fatal head injury in Hungary in 2009. "We fight for the title, and that's our fight where we go to the end." Hamilton told reporters at the Dutch Grand Prix that he was concentrating on helping his Mercedes team in their current championship battle. "I’m not really focused on what happened 15 years ago," said the Briton. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa vows to fight for Lewis Hamilton's 2008 Formula One title

Ferrari&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;boss Fred Vasseur trod carefully when asked to comment on the team's former driver Felipe Massa seeking compensation from the sport for missing out on the 2008 championship. Lawyers for Brazilian Massa last week notified&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;chief executive Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing FIA, of the intent to claim compensation.

They argued Massa had lost out on tens of millions of euros in likely earnings and bonuses as a result of Renault team bosses fixing the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with a deliberate crash. Massa had been "the victim of a conspiracy committed by individuals at the highest level of F1 together with the FIA and&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;Management", the lawyers said. An FIA spokesperson last week acknowledged receipt of "correspondence" from Massa's representatives and said the matter was under review. There has yet to be a response from&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One.

"As you can imagine I don’t want to make any comment on this matter. I have a good relationship with all the stakeholders of this story and it’s quite tricky," Vasseur told reporters on a video call ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix. "For sure the circumstances were completely exceptional."

Massa, who had led the race before compatriot Nelson Piquet's crash, ended up losing the championship by a single point to Britain's Lewis Hamilton who was then racing for McLaren. The scandal, widely known as 'Crashgate', did not emerge until a year later and led to Renault team bosses being banned.

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Massa sought legal advice this year after the German website www.f1-insider.com quoted former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone&nbsp;in March as saying he and former FIA president Max Mosley knew in 2008 that Piquet's crash was deliberate but had not acted.

Ecclestone, 92, told Reuters last week he cannot remember saying the key quotes attributed to him. Mosley died in 2021. Vasseur said teams wanted to know the result of races at the chequered flag and not after the podium celebrations had happened.

"I don’t want to make any comment but for sure it would be strange," he said of any potential re-investigation of what happened 15 years ago. "I’m not a big fan to change the result of the race 15 minutes after the chequered flag."

The Frenchman, who was Renault team boss in 2016, took over at Ferrari in January and was not in&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;in 2008.

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Ferrari Formula One boss Fred Vasseur trod carefully when asked to comment on the team's former driver Felipe Massa seeking compensation from the sport for missing out on the 2008 championship.

Ferrari Formula One boss Fred Vasseur trod carefully when asked to comment on the team's former driver Felipe Massa seeking compensation from the sport for missing out on the 2008 championship. Lawyers for Brazilian Massa last week notified Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing FIA, of the intent to claim compensation. They argued Massa had lost out on tens of millions of euros in likely earnings and bonuses as a result of Renault team bosses fixing the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with a deliberate crash. Massa had been "the victim of a conspiracy committed by individuals at the highest level of F1 together with the FIA and Formula One Management", the lawyers said. An FIA spokesperson last week acknowledged receipt of "correspondence" from Massa's representatives and said the matter was under review. There has yet to be a response from Formula One. "As you can imagine I don’t want to make any comment on this matter. I have a good relationship with all the stakeholders of this story and it’s quite tricky," Vasseur told reporters on a video call ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix. "For sure the circumstances were completely exceptional." Massa, who had led the race before compatriot Nelson Piquet's crash, ended up losing the championship by a single point to Britain's Lewis Hamilton who was then racing for McLaren. The scandal, widely known as 'Crashgate', did not emerge until a year later and led to Renault team bosses being banned. Also read: World Athletics Championships: Kenya's Faith Kipyegon, Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim script history Massa sought legal advice this year after the German website www.f1-insider.com quoted former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in March as saying he and former FIA president Max Mosley knew in 2008 that Piquet's crash was deliberate but had not acted. Ecclestone, 92, told Reuters last week he cannot remember saying the key quotes attributed to him. Mosley died in 2021. Vasseur said teams wanted to know the result of races at the chequered flag and not after the podium celebrations had happened. "I don’t want to make any comment but for sure it would be strange," he said of any potential re-investigation of what happened 15 years ago. "I’m not a big fan to change the result of the race 15 minutes after the chequered flag." The Frenchman, who was Renault team boss in 2016, took over at Ferrari in January and was not in Formula One in 2008. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur wary of commenting on Felipe Massa's legal claim

A fresh row over 2021 champion Alex Palou's IndyCar future flared up on Saturday after his Chip Ganassi Racing team reacted angrily to McLaren boss Zak Brown saying the Spaniard was reneging on a deal to join his outfit next year.

Palou's apparently now ex-management also chipped in, saying they were "bitterly disappointed" by the 26-year-old driver's decision. "Anyone&nbsp;that knows me knows that I don't make a habit of commenting about contract situations," team owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement. "Subsequently, I have been quiet since day&nbsp;one&nbsp;of this story but now I feel I must respond. I grew up respecting the McLaren team and their success. The new management does not get my same respect."

Ganassi said Palou, who is heading for his second IndyCar title, had been under contract with the team since the 2021 season. "It is the interference of that contract from McLaren that began this process and ironically, they are now playing the victim," he added. "Simply stated, the position of McLaren IndyCar regarding our driver is inaccurate and wrong; he remains under contract with CGR."

McLaren's Brown told employees of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team in a letter sent on Friday that he had been informed by Palou that the driver had "no intention of honouring his contract" for 2024 and beyond. Brown said the news was 'incredibly disappointing' given the significant investment in Palou and assurances of his commitment.

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"We have paid him a significant first payment toward his 2024 season in addition to the millions of dollars toward developing him in our&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;testing programme and in his reserve driver role with a potential drive in F1 in the future," he added.

The contents of the letter, seen by Reuters, were first reported by Associated Press on Friday. Ganassi and McLaren were at loggerheads last year when Palou announced he was joining McLaren for 2023, hours after Chip Ganassi Racing said he was staying with them. The argument went to lawyers and in the end Palou stayed at Ganassi but took on a&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;reserve and testing role with McLaren.

McLaren appear unlikely to have any vacancies any time soon, with Britain's Lando Norris, 23, and Australian Oscar Piastri, 22, seen as big talents and both younger than the Spaniard. Monaco Increase Management, who still listed Palou among their drivers, said separately they were "bitterly disappointed to learn about Alex Palou’s decision to break an existing agreement with McLaren for 2024 and beyond.

"Together, we had built a relationship that we thought went beyond any contractual obligation and culminated in winning the 2021 Indycar crown and tracing a path to F1 opportunities. "Life goes on and we wish Alex all the best for his future achievements."

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A fresh row over 2021 champion Alex Palou's IndyCar future flared up on Saturday after his Chip Ganassi Racing team reacted angrily to McLaren boss Zak Brown saying the Spaniard was reneging on a deal to join his outfit next year.

A fresh row over 2021 champion Alex Palou's IndyCar future flared up on Saturday after his Chip Ganassi Racing team reacted angrily to McLaren boss Zak Brown saying the Spaniard was reneging on a deal to join his outfit next year. Palou's apparently now ex-management also chipped in, saying they were "bitterly disappointed" by the 26-year-old driver's decision. "Anyone that knows me knows that I don't make a habit of commenting about contract situations," team owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement. "Subsequently, I have been quiet since day one of this story but now I feel I must respond. I grew up respecting the McLaren team and their success. The new management does not get my same respect." Ganassi said Palou, who is heading for his second IndyCar title, had been under contract with the team since the 2021 season. "It is the interference of that contract from McLaren that began this process and ironically, they are now playing the victim," he added. "Simply stated, the position of McLaren IndyCar regarding our driver is inaccurate and wrong; he remains under contract with CGR." McLaren's Brown told employees of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team in a letter sent on Friday that he had been informed by Palou that the driver had "no intention of honouring his contract" for 2024 and beyond. Brown said the news was 'incredibly disappointing' given the significant investment in Palou and assurances of his commitment. Also read: NFL: Damar Hamlin battles nerves, stars in Bills' win over Colts after return post cardiac arrest "We have paid him a significant first payment toward his 2024 season in addition to the millions of dollars toward developing him in our Formula One testing programme and in his reserve driver role with a potential drive in F1 in the future," he added. The contents of the letter, seen by Reuters, were first reported by Associated Press on Friday. Ganassi and McLaren were at loggerheads last year when Palou announced he was joining McLaren for 2023, hours after Chip Ganassi Racing said he was staying with them. The argument went to lawyers and in the end Palou stayed at Ganassi but took on a Formula One reserve and testing role with McLaren. McLaren appear unlikely to have any vacancies any time soon, with Britain's Lando Norris, 23, and Australian Oscar Piastri, 22, seen as big talents and both younger than the Spaniard. Monaco Increase Management, who still listed Palou among their drivers, said separately they were "bitterly disappointed to learn about Alex Palou’s decision to break an existing agreement with McLaren for 2024 and beyond. "Together, we had built a relationship that we thought went beyond any contractual obligation and culminated in winning the 2021 Indycar crown and tracing a path to F1 opportunities. "Life goes on and we wish Alex all the best for his future achievements." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: IndyCar leader Alex Palou in new contract row over 2024

Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen is having a dream Formula One season in 2023, cruising to his eight consecutive victory at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 31. The double-defending champion has been uber-dominant this season, not giving away even an inch to anybody including seven-time champion Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

The Mercedes driver, however, took a cheeky dig at Verstappen on Sunday after that race when asked his thoughts on Dutchman's dominance.

"What do you want me to say?! I haven't spoken to him."

Hamilton then used a famous quote from Michael Myers' iconic movie Austin Powers: Goldmember to define Verstappen's season.

"He's having a smoke and a pancake," Hamilton said.

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also agreed that Verstappen has all the reasons to be 'cheeky.' Wolff made the comments about Verstappen's radio message during the Belgian GP. The Red Bull driver had so much time during the race that he got involved in a playful banter with his team on the radio during the race.

During the conversation Verstappen was heard saying that he might come in for a pit-stop to give his team a bit of practice.

"He's just driving circles around everybody else on merit. There's nothing else to say about that.

"We've got to watch that, and as much as that is annoying, that's just above the lot," added Wolff.

Verstappen had started the race at sixth place on the grid despite qualifying for the pole during the practice. The driver was given a five-place grid penalty, yet he managed to win the race with ease.

As for the rest, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez finished second and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took the final place on the podium. Hamilton finished fourth while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso finished fifth in the race. Britishers George Russell and Lando Norris took the next two places for Mercedes and McLaren, respectively.

Alpine's Esteban Econ and Pierre Gasly finished seventh and 10th with AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda taking the eighth place in final standings.

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Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen is having a dream Formula One season in 2023, cruising to his eight consecutive victory at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 31.

Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen is having a dream Formula One season in 2023, cruising to his eight consecutive victory at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 31. The double-defending champion has been uber-dominant this season, not giving away even an inch to anybody including seven-time champion Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. The Mercedes driver, however, took a cheeky dig at Verstappen on Sunday after that race when asked his thoughts on Dutchman's dominance. "What do you want me to say?! I haven't spoken to him." Hamilton then used a famous quote from Michael Myers' iconic movie Austin Powers: Goldmember to define Verstappen's season. "He's having a smoke and a pancake," Hamilton said. Also Read: Ashes 2023: Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting question ball change after series ends at 2-2 Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also agreed that Verstappen has all the reasons to be 'cheeky.' Wolff made the comments about Verstappen's radio message during the Belgian GP. The Red Bull driver had so much time during the race that he got involved in a playful banter with his team on the radio during the race. During the conversation Verstappen was heard saying that he might come in for a pit-stop to give his team a bit of practice. "He's just driving circles around everybody else on merit. There's nothing else to say about that. "We've got to watch that, and as much as that is annoying, that's just above the lot," added Wolff. Verstappen had started the race at sixth place on the grid despite qualifying for the pole during the practice. The driver was given a five-place grid penalty, yet he managed to win the race with ease. As for the rest, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez finished second and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took the final place on the podium. Hamilton finished fourth while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso finished fifth in the race. Britishers George Russell and Lando Norris took the next two places for Mercedes and McLaren, respectively. Alpine's Esteban Econ and Pierre Gasly finished seventh and 10th with AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda taking the eighth place in final standings. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton makes CHEEKY remark about Max Verstappen's dominance after Belgian Grand Prix

Formula One leader Max Verstappen raced from sixth on the grid to a crushing eighth win in a row on Sunday with Sergio Perez a distant second to seal the Belgian Grand Prix one-two for rampant Red Bull. Red Bull's 13th consecutive victory made the team the first in the sport's 73-year history to win the opening 12 races of a season, one more than McLaren managed in 1988 with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

Verstappen extended his championship lead over Perez to 125 points -- the equivalent of five race wins -- after taking the chequered flag 22.3 seconds ahead of the Mexican who started on the front row.

"I knew we had a great car, it was just about surviving turn one," said the double world champion, who has now won in Belgium for three years in a row including from 14th on the grid last year. "From there onwards we made the right overtakes and moves."

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The Belgian-born Dutchman is heading for a third title with plenty of races to spare, the only real doubt being where he might seal it, and ripping up the record books as he goes.

The next race is his home Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August where he can equal Red Bull's now-retired quadruple champion Sebastian Vettel's 2013 record of nine successive wins in a season.

Charles Leclerc, who started on pole for Ferrari, completed the podium with Lewis Hamilton fourth and securing fastest lap for Mercedes.

The one-two was Red Bull's fifth of the season and so comfortable for Verstappen that his feisty radio chats with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase provided much more of a talking point.

They also showed his supreme confidence, even if some of it was not entirely serious.

"I could also push on and we do another stop? A little bit of pit stop training," Verstappen suggested with 14 laps remaining. "No, not this time," came the reply.

Lambiase had earlier told Verstappen sharply to "use your head a bit more" and questioned whether it had been sensible for the driver to push so hard on the tyres on his out lap after a stop.

"Max, please follow my instruction and trust it," Lambiase told his driver as early as lap 12 after his word had been questioned.

<h2>AGGRESSIVE START</h2>

Perez made an aggressive start from second on the grid, tucking in behind Leclerc through the tight, opening La Source corner and then blasting past on the Kemmel straight to seize the lead.

Verstappen was already up to fourth and chasing Hamilton.

He passed the seven-time world champion on lap six at Les Combes and pulled off a similar move on Leclerc three laps later at the same place to start the chase of Perez and a private Red Bull battle.

By lap 16, after both had pitted with Verstappen's stop half a second faster, the Dutch driver was right on Perez's tail and perfectly placed to blow past the Mexican on the Kemmel straight and pull away.

Perez never got another chance after that.

Fernando Alonso was fifth for Aston Martin, ahead of Mercedes' George Russell, McLaren's Lando Norris and Alpine's Esteban Ocon.

Lance Stroll was ninth for Aston Martin and Yuki Tsunoda took the final point for AlphaTauri.

Red Bull now lead Mercedes in the constructors' standings by a mighty 256 points.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri was the race's first casualty, the Australian rookie stopping by the side of the track after Ferrari's Carlos Sainz squeezed him against the wall at La Source on the opening lap.

"I don't know what he was doing. I was there and he just turned in like I didn't exist," said the Australian rookie who finished second in Saturday's sprint.

Sainz's sidepod was holed in the contact and the Spaniard dropped down the field before pitting to retire at the end of lap 23, with the car wheeled into the garage.

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Formula One leader Max Verstappen raced from sixth on the grid to a crushing eighth win in a row on Sunday with Sergio Perez a distant second to seal the Belgian Grand Prix one-two for rampant Red Bull.

Formula One leader Max Verstappen raced from sixth on the grid to a crushing eighth win in a row on Sunday with Sergio Perez a distant second to seal the Belgian Grand Prix one-two for rampant Red Bull. Red Bull's 13th consecutive victory made the team the first in the sport's 73-year history to win the opening 12 races of a season, one more than McLaren managed in 1988 with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Verstappen extended his championship lead over Perez to 125 points -- the equivalent of five race wins -- after taking the chequered flag 22.3 seconds ahead of the Mexican who started on the front row. "I knew we had a great car, it was just about surviving turn one," said the double world champion, who has now won in Belgium for three years in a row including from 14th on the grid last year. "From there onwards we made the right overtakes and moves." ALSO READ: Women's World Cup: Series of upsets continue as Colombia stun Germany 2-1 The Belgian-born Dutchman is heading for a third title with plenty of races to spare, the only real doubt being where he might seal it, and ripping up the record books as he goes. The next race is his home Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August where he can equal Red Bull's now-retired quadruple champion Sebastian Vettel's 2013 record of nine successive wins in a season. Charles Leclerc, who started on pole for Ferrari, completed the podium with Lewis Hamilton fourth and securing fastest lap for Mercedes. The one-two was Red Bull's fifth of the season and so comfortable for Verstappen that his feisty radio chats with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase provided much more of a talking point. They also showed his supreme confidence, even if some of it was not entirely serious. "I could also push on and we do another stop? A little bit of pit stop training," Verstappen suggested with 14 laps remaining. "No, not this time," came the reply. Lambiase had earlier told Verstappen sharply to "use your head a bit more" and questioned whether it had been sensible for the driver to push so hard on the tyres on his out lap after a stop. "Max, please follow my instruction and trust it," Lambiase told his driver as early as lap 12 after his word had been questioned. AGGRESSIVE START Perez made an aggressive start from second on the grid, tucking in behind Leclerc through the tight, opening La Source corner and then blasting past on the Kemmel straight to seize the lead. Verstappen was already up to fourth and chasing Hamilton. He passed the seven-time world champion on lap six at Les Combes and pulled off a similar move on Leclerc three laps later at the same place to start the chase of Perez and a private Red Bull battle. By lap 16, after both had pitted with Verstappen's stop half a second faster, the Dutch driver was right on Perez's tail and perfectly placed to blow past the Mexican on the Kemmel straight and pull away. Perez never got another chance after that. Fernando Alonso was fifth for Aston Martin, ahead of Mercedes' George Russell, McLaren's Lando Norris and Alpine's Esteban Ocon. Lance Stroll was ninth for Aston Martin and Yuki Tsunoda took the final point for AlphaTauri. Red Bull now lead Mercedes in the constructors' standings by a mighty 256 points. McLaren's Oscar Piastri was the race's first casualty, the Australian rookie stopping by the side of the track after Ferrari's Carlos Sainz squeezed him against the wall at La Source on the opening lap. "I don't know what he was doing. I was there and he just turned in like I didn't exist," said the Australian rookie who finished second in Saturday's sprint. Sainz's sidepod was holed in the contact and the Spaniard dropped down the field before pitting to retire at the end of lap 23, with the car wheeled into the garage. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Formula 1: Max Verstappen makes light of Spa penalty to secure eighth straight win

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start from pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix despite Max Verstappen having set the fastest time in qualifying on Friday.

Double world champion Verstappen incurred a five-grid penalty for a change of gearbox on his Red Bull demoting him to sixth for Sunday's race.

Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez will start alongside Leclerc on the front row for the 12th race of the Formula One season.

Verstappen, who leads the championship by 110 points, won at Spa-Francorchamps last year from 14th on the grid.

"Last year we had lots of penalties and I still won the race so that will be the aim again," said the Belgian-born Dutch driver.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-moeen-alis-injury-a-big-turning-point-in-oval-test-feels-former-england-captain-nasser-hussain-620233">Ashes 2023: Moeen Ali's injury a big turning point in Oval Test, feels former England captain Nasser Hussain</a>

Leclerc, eight-tenths of a second slower than Verstappen, said: "Not a bad qualifying for us, especially in those conditions. Let's see how it goes."

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz in the other Ferrari occupy the second row ahead of McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Saturday features the third sprint race of the F1 season after Azerbaijan and Austria, with qualifying for the standalone race scheduled for Saturday morning at the majestic Ardennes circuit.

Verstappen's penalty does not apply to the sprint.

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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start from pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix despite Max Verstappen having set the fastest time in qualifying on Friday. Double world champion Verstappen incurred a five-grid penalty for a change of gearbox on his Red Bull demoting him to sixth for Sunday's race.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start from pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix despite Max Verstappen having set the fastest time in qualifying on Friday. Double world champion Verstappen incurred a five-grid penalty for a change of gearbox on his Red Bull demoting him to sixth for Sunday's race. Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez will start alongside Leclerc on the front row for the 12th race of the Formula One season. Verstappen, who leads the championship by 110 points, won at Spa-Francorchamps last year from 14th on the grid. "Last year we had lots of penalties and I still won the race so that will be the aim again," said the Belgian-born Dutch driver. ALSO READ | Ashes 2023: Moeen Ali's injury a big turning point in Oval Test, feels former England captain Nasser Hussain Leclerc, eight-tenths of a second slower than Verstappen, said: "Not a bad qualifying for us, especially in those conditions. Let's see how it goes." Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz in the other Ferrari occupy the second row ahead of McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Saturday features the third sprint race of the F1 season after Azerbaijan and Austria, with qualifying for the standalone race scheduled for Saturday morning at the majestic Ardennes circuit. Verstappen's penalty does not apply to the sprint. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc starts from pole at Belgian Grand Prix after Max Verstappen penalty

Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull in the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday by a wafer thin margin from McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

The defending double world champion and runaway leader of this year's title race wound up just 0.011seconds clear of the rookie Australian after the final runs on another rain-affected day's action in the Ardennes forests.&nbsp;

Carlos Sainz was third for Ferrari ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris in the second McLaren and Alpine's Pierre Gasly with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton showing early pace taking seventh place on the grid for Mercedes.&nbsp;

Sergio Perez was eighth in the second Red Bull ahead of Esteban Ocon’s Alpine and George Russell, who inadvertently baulked Mercedes team-mate Hamilton’s final lap.&nbsp;

It was a bad morning for Aston Martin as Fernando Alonso celebrated his 42nd&nbsp;birthday by exiting the second qualifying session without recording a flying lap because team-mate Lance Stroll crashed and red-flagged the session.&nbsp;

"It was pretty difficult out there," said Verstappen.

"Similar to yesterday. We were later onto the slick tyres and stayed calm and it didn’t take risks. It was super-slippery."

Piastri admitted: "It’s obviously really disappointing to miss out on pole just 11 thousandths of a second, but I am proud to be on the front row – I’ll say it did it on purpose because of the run we get into Turn Five!”

Verstappen also topped qualifying on Friday for Sunday's main event but a grid penalty for a change of gearbox demoted him to sixth.

He leads the drivers championship by 110 points from teammate Sergio Perez.

The session was delayed by 35 minutes due to heavy rain, a move that followed widespread concern about the risks involved in running in wet conditions after the death, earlier in July, of Dutch teenager Dilano van ‘t Hoff and, in 2019, of French F2 racer Anthoine Hubert.

Hamilton, who expressed confidence in the FIA’s decisions on race and track safety, was the first driver out for the opening part of the ‘sprint shootout’, his car throwing up a high plume of spray in its wake.

The seven-time champion clocked 2:02.297 as a starter to SQ1 as conditions slowly improved, lap times tumbled and, perhaps understandably on his 42nd&nbsp;birthday, Alonso was last to join the fray.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-can-score-as-quickly-as-guys-you-call-six-hitters-curtly-ambrose-praises-india-legend-620548">Virat Kohli can score as quickly as guys you call six hitters: Curtly Ambrose praises India legend</a>

<h2>Red-flagged</h2>

Everyone ran on intermediates for the frantic 12 minutes that ended with Verstappen on top ahead of Hamilton and Alonso while Yuki Tsunoda, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, Zhou Guanyu and Nico Hulkenberg were eliminated,&nbsp;

For Haas, it was a double disappointment made worse by the self-inflicted exit of Hulkenberg, held up in a pit-stop when the front jack broke. “Very interesting execution there,” said the dry-humoured German.&nbsp;

The second segment began with Daniel Ricciardo first out in his Alpha Tauri and Norris going top, the conditions encouraging Stroll to switch to slick mediums.

It was a costly move as he admitted. "It’s too early," he reported before crashing heavily into the barriers, destroying the front of his Aston Martin.

The session was red-flagged and did not resume, leaving Ricciardo, Williams pair Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, Stroll and team-mate Alonso facing elimination, without a chance to respond. Verstappen was fastest again, ahead of Hamilton.

The final six-minute session began with all ten drivers on soft slick tyres on a drying circuit.

Gasly and the Ferraris, led by Sainz, set the pace, but it was Verstappen in 1:49.056 who took pole position to beat Piastri’s late lap by 0.011.

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Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull in the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday by a wafer thin margin from McLaren's Oscar Piastri. The defending double world champion and runaway leader of this year's title race wound up just 0.

Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull in the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday by a wafer thin margin from McLaren's Oscar Piastri. The defending double world champion and runaway leader of this year's title race wound up just 0.011seconds clear of the rookie Australian after the final runs on another rain-affected day's action in the Ardennes forests. Carlos Sainz was third for Ferrari ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris in the second McLaren and Alpine's Pierre Gasly with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton showing early pace taking seventh place on the grid for Mercedes. Sergio Perez was eighth in the second Red Bull ahead of Esteban Ocon’s Alpine and George Russell, who inadvertently baulked Mercedes team-mate Hamilton’s final lap. It was a bad morning for Aston Martin as Fernando Alonso celebrated his 42nd birthday by exiting the second qualifying session without recording a flying lap because team-mate Lance Stroll crashed and red-flagged the session. "It was pretty difficult out there," said Verstappen. "Similar to yesterday. We were later onto the slick tyres and stayed calm and it didn’t take risks. It was super-slippery." Piastri admitted: "It’s obviously really disappointing to miss out on pole just 11 thousandths of a second, but I am proud to be on the front row – I’ll say it did it on purpose because of the run we get into Turn Five!” Verstappen also topped qualifying on Friday for Sunday's main event but a grid penalty for a change of gearbox demoted him to sixth. He leads the drivers championship by 110 points from teammate Sergio Perez. The session was delayed by 35 minutes due to heavy rain, a move that followed widespread concern about the risks involved in running in wet conditions after the death, earlier in July, of Dutch teenager Dilano van ‘t Hoff and, in 2019, of French F2 racer Anthoine Hubert. Hamilton, who expressed confidence in the FIA’s decisions on race and track safety, was the first driver out for the opening part of the ‘sprint shootout’, his car throwing up a high plume of spray in its wake. The seven-time champion clocked 2:02.297 as a starter to SQ1 as conditions slowly improved, lap times tumbled and, perhaps understandably on his 42nd birthday, Alonso was last to join the fray. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli can score as quickly as guys you call six hitters: Curtly Ambrose praises India legend Red-flagged Everyone ran on intermediates for the frantic 12 minutes that ended with Verstappen on top ahead of Hamilton and Alonso while Yuki Tsunoda, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, Zhou Guanyu and Nico Hulkenberg were eliminated, For Haas, it was a double disappointment made worse by the self-inflicted exit of Hulkenberg, held up in a pit-stop when the front jack broke. “Very interesting execution there,” said the dry-humoured German. The second segment began with Daniel Ricciardo first out in his Alpha Tauri and Norris going top, the conditions encouraging Stroll to switch to slick mediums. It was a costly move as he admitted. "It’s too early," he reported before crashing heavily into the barriers, destroying the front of his Aston Martin. The session was red-flagged and did not resume, leaving Ricciardo, Williams pair Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, Stroll and team-mate Alonso facing elimination, without a chance to respond. Verstappen was fastest again, ahead of Hamilton. The final six-minute session began with all ten drivers on soft slick tyres on a drying circuit. Gasly and the Ferraris, led by Sainz, set the pace, but it was Verstappen in 1:49.056 who took pole position to beat Piastri’s late lap by 0.011. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Max Verstappen edges Oscar Piastri for Belgian sprint race pole

Hungarian Grand Prix saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen winning his seventh consecutive Formula One race, with McLaren's Lando Norris coming second. The third place on the podium was won by Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. The three winners were at the podium, celebrating, when second-placed Norris accidentally broke Verstappen's winner's trophy.

Norris, during the traditional celebrations, slammed his bottle of champagne on the first step of podium a bit too hard. The trophy, which was kept on that step, fell on the floor and broke into a couple of pieces. Have a look at the video here:

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The porcelain trophies awarded to Hungarian GP winners costs around $44,000 each and six months to make. Norris, who saw the trophy broke, continued to spray champagne over winners in celebrations.

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When asked about the incident during the post-race conference, Norris wasn't much concerned with it.

"Errr, Max just placed it too close to the edge? I don't know, it fell over I guess," Norris said.

"Not my problem, it's his!"

As for the race, Verstappen, who is in unprecedented form this season, won the race despite starting second on the grid behind Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who started at the pole, finished fourth in the race behind top three. McLaren's Oscar Piastri took the fifth position and Mercedes' George Russell finished sixth. Two Ferraris driven by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. finished seventh and eighth, respectively. Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll completed top ten.

With the latest win, Verstappen, who is a double-defending champion this season, took Red Bull to their record 12th consecutive win. With the victory in Hungary, Red Bull surpassed McLaren's 11 consecutive win record set in 1988. Red Bull, which has won every single race this season, also have a shot at winning most race in a single season if they manage to win Belgian Grand Prix on July 30.

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Hungarian Grand Prix saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen winning his seventh consecutive Formula One race, with McLaren's Lando Norris coming second. The third place on the podium was won by Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

Hungarian Grand Prix saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen winning his seventh consecutive Formula One race, with McLaren's Lando Norris coming second. The third place on the podium was won by Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. The three winners were at the podium, celebrating, when second-placed Norris accidentally broke Verstappen's winner's trophy. Norris, during the traditional celebrations, slammed his bottle of champagne on the first step of podium a bit too hard. The trophy, which was kept on that step, fell on the floor and broke into a couple of pieces. Have a look at the video here: It's bwoken! 😮😂#HungarianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/nTtgdfWX3o — Formula 1 (@F1) July 23, 2023 × The porcelain trophies awarded to Hungarian GP winners costs around $44,000 each and six months to make. Norris, who saw the trophy broke, continued to spray champagne over winners in celebrations. Also Read: WI vs IND: 'He took the initiative...' - Kishan reveals Kohli backed him to bat at No. 4 after maiden fifty When asked about the incident during the post-race conference, Norris wasn't much concerned with it. "Errr, Max just placed it too close to the edge? I don't know, it fell over I guess," Norris said. "Not my problem, it's his!" As for the race, Verstappen, who is in unprecedented form this season, won the race despite starting second on the grid behind Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who started at the pole, finished fourth in the race behind top three. McLaren's Oscar Piastri took the fifth position and Mercedes' George Russell finished sixth. Two Ferraris driven by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. finished seventh and eighth, respectively. Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll completed top ten. With the latest win, Verstappen, who is a double-defending champion this season, took Red Bull to their record 12th consecutive win. With the victory in Hungary, Red Bull surpassed McLaren's 11 consecutive win record set in 1988. Red Bull, which has won every single race this season, also have a shot at winning most race in a single season if they manage to win Belgian Grand Prix on July 30. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Second-placed Lando Norris breaks Hungarian GP winner Max Verstappen's trophy - WATCH

Lewis Hamilton claimed his first pole position since 2021 after edging Max Verstappen in qualifying on Saturday for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion ended a barren run stretching back 33 races by claiming a record-increasing 104th&nbsp;pole of his career and his record ninth at the Hungaroring circuit.&nbsp;

His success with a last-gasp lap was greeted with cheers by the crowd and ended defending double world champion Verstappen's run of five straight poles for Red Bull.

"I didn’t expect this, for us to be fighting for pole position here this weekend," said a hoarse and emotional Hamilton, who had described his car as being "at its worst" on Friday.&nbsp;

"But hats off to the team. They’ve done a fantastic job" added Hamilton, back on the front of the grid for the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021.

The Briton outpaced Verstappen by just 0.003 seconds in a thrilling conclusion to their contest.&nbsp;

Verstappen, whose Red Bull car ran with an updates package, was disappointed.&nbsp;

"We've not been on it so far this weekend,"he said, but with a 99-point lead ahead of team-mate Perez in the title race, he could afford a rare off day.

Lando Norris was third ahead of his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc with Valtteri Bottas taking seventh for Alfa Romeo.&nbsp;

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was eighth for Aston Martin ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez, back in the top-ten shootout for the first time in six outings, and Nico Hulkenberg of Haas.

The session began in warm sunshine with an air temperature of 27 degrees Celsius with the teams busy calculating their options for tyre strategy on a circuit known for high attrition rates.&nbsp;

The introduction of F1's new Alternative Tyre Allocation had reduced supplies to drivers and ensured that the first qualifying session was run using only hard compound, Q2 only mediums and softs for the top 10 shoot-out - another puzzle for them to solve.&nbsp;

Hamilton's team-mate George Russell, pole-man last year, failed to make it out of the first qualifying session, blaming heavy traffic for his elimination.&nbsp;

His comments on team radio were muted out by broadcasters.&nbsp;

Russell, disappointed by his early exit and 18th place on Sunday's grid, blamed poor preparation and timing for his lap.

He said: "We got punished… We were fast and the car felt great, but we were out of synch for the whole session.&nbsp;

"I'm really disappointed. We didn't need to take so many risks – you get what you deserve if you don't do things right."

Out with Russell went Williams' Logan Sargeant, who was 20th, Haas's Kevin Magnussen, Yuki Tsunoda of Alpha Tauri and Williams' Alex Albon.&nbsp;

<h2>Tense finale</h2>

Daniel Ricciardo, back in F1 as replacement for the luckless Nyck de Vries at Alpha Tauri, showed his potential by squeezing into Q2 in 15th&nbsp;place, out-qualifying his established team-mate at the first attempt.&nbsp;

The 'mediums' second qualifying segment began with Perez quickly on top only to be overhauled by Verstappen whose lap was promptly deleted for exceeding track limits at Turn Five.&nbsp;

This gave McLaren their chance to shine and Norris and Piastri rose to first and second while Zhou Guanyu, fastest in Q1, rose to sixth, showing just how open the competition had become.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-official-drops-huge-hint-on-rishabh-pants-return-date-suryakumar-yadav-likely-to-lead-in-ireland-t20is-618387">&nbsp;BCCI official drops HUGE hint on Rishabh Pant's return date; Suryakumar Yadav likely to lead in Ireland T20Is</a>

With Verstappen 15th, Red Bull sent him out alone for another run which resulted in a cautious lap for P2 with two minutes remaining.&nbsp;

In a furious final flurry, Sainz, who started second for Ferrari last year, was knocked out in 12th&nbsp;along with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, Ricciardo, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and Pierre Galsly in the second Alpine.&nbsp;

Perez began the final session but he was quickly topped by Norris and then Alonso, who went second, before Verstappen and Hamilton took over in P1 and P2 on their first hot runs ahead of a tense finale.

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Lewis Hamilton claimed his first pole position since 2021 after edging Max Verstappen in qualifying on Saturday for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion ended a barren run stretching back 33 races by claiming a record-increasing 104th pole of his career and his record ninth at the Hungaroring circuit.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his first pole position since 2021 after edging Max Verstappen in qualifying on Saturday for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion ended a barren run stretching back 33 races by claiming a record-increasing 104th pole of his career and his record ninth at the Hungaroring circuit. His success with a last-gasp lap was greeted with cheers by the crowd and ended defending double world champion Verstappen's run of five straight poles for Red Bull. "I didn’t expect this, for us to be fighting for pole position here this weekend," said a hoarse and emotional Hamilton, who had described his car as being "at its worst" on Friday. "But hats off to the team. They’ve done a fantastic job" added Hamilton, back on the front of the grid for the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021. The Briton outpaced Verstappen by just 0.003 seconds in a thrilling conclusion to their contest. Verstappen, whose Red Bull car ran with an updates package, was disappointed. "We've not been on it so far this weekend,"he said, but with a 99-point lead ahead of team-mate Perez in the title race, he could afford a rare off day. Lando Norris was third ahead of his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc with Valtteri Bottas taking seventh for Alfa Romeo. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was eighth for Aston Martin ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez, back in the top-ten shootout for the first time in six outings, and Nico Hulkenberg of Haas. The session began in warm sunshine with an air temperature of 27 degrees Celsius with the teams busy calculating their options for tyre strategy on a circuit known for high attrition rates. The introduction of F1's new Alternative Tyre Allocation had reduced supplies to drivers and ensured that the first qualifying session was run using only hard compound, Q2 only mediums and softs for the top 10 shoot-out - another puzzle for them to solve. Hamilton's team-mate George Russell, pole-man last year, failed to make it out of the first qualifying session, blaming heavy traffic for his elimination. His comments on team radio were muted out by broadcasters. Russell, disappointed by his early exit and 18th place on Sunday's grid, blamed poor preparation and timing for his lap. He said: "We got punished… We were fast and the car felt great, but we were out of synch for the whole session. "I'm really disappointed. We didn't need to take so many risks – you get what you deserve if you don't do things right." Out with Russell went Williams' Logan Sargeant, who was 20th, Haas's Kevin Magnussen, Yuki Tsunoda of Alpha Tauri and Williams' Alex Albon. Tense finale Daniel Ricciardo, back in F1 as replacement for the luckless Nyck de Vries at Alpha Tauri, showed his potential by squeezing into Q2 in 15th place, out-qualifying his established team-mate at the first attempt. The 'mediums' second qualifying segment began with Perez quickly on top only to be overhauled by Verstappen whose lap was promptly deleted for exceeding track limits at Turn Five. This gave McLaren their chance to shine and Norris and Piastri rose to first and second while Zhou Guanyu, fastest in Q1, rose to sixth, showing just how open the competition had become. ALSO READ | BCCI official drops HUGE hint on Rishabh Pant's return date; Suryakumar Yadav likely to lead in Ireland T20Is With Verstappen 15th, Red Bull sent him out alone for another run which resulted in a cautious lap for P2 with two minutes remaining. In a furious final flurry, Sainz, who started second for Ferrari last year, was knocked out in 12th along with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, Ricciardo, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and Pierre Galsly in the second Alpine. Perez began the final session but he was quickly topped by Norris and then Alonso, who went second, before Verstappen and Hamilton took over in P1 and P2 on their first hot runs ahead of a tense finale. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton ends two-year drought to claim record pole in Hungarian GP

Nyck de Vries spoke on Wednesday of his hurt at losing his AlphaTauri&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;seat to Australian Daniel Ricciardo after only 10 races and before he got a chance to race at his home Dutch Grand Prix. The 28-year-old was dropped by the Red Bull-owned team last week and replaced by eight times grand prix winner Ricciardo, 34, who had been filling a reserve role since leaving McLaren at the end of last year.

"Of course, it hurts that the F1 chance I dreamed of for so long ended prematurely," de Vries wrote on Instagram in his first public comment on the dismissal. "But life is not a destination, it’s a journey, and sometimes you have to take the hard road to get where you want to be. "I am grateful for our privileged lives, proud of our journey and my family. This is just another experience; we move on and look forward to the next chapter."

The comments came a day after Red Bull team boss Christian Horner provided more details of the decision to bring back former Red Bull racer Ricciardo ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. "There was a high expectation on him (de Vries) because whilst inexperienced in&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;he's obviously a very experienced driver," said Horner of the 2021&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;E champion and 2019 F2 champion. "I think there was a general feeling that Nyck wasn't quite hitting the mark. And then the question was 'What are the options if we were to switch things around?,'" he told the F1 Nation podcast.

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Horner said Ricciardo's post-British Grand Prix tyre test provided compelling evidence and Red Bull motorsport head Helmut Marko had called de Vries to tell him the bad news. "It all happened a little quicker than expected, bearing in mind we hadn't completed the test," said Horner. "He (Marko) was the&nbsp;one&nbsp;who had recruited him and he was the&nbsp;one&nbsp;who spoke with Nyck on about lap 11 of the test I think."

Horner confirmed he had not wanted to sign de Vries in the first place. "He's not a young driver... I just didn't see how it fitted within the junior programme. It was always a stopgap," he explained.

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Nyck de Vries spoke on Wednesday of his hurt at losing his AlphaTauri Formula One seat to Australian Daniel Ricciardo after only 10 races and before he got a chance to race at his home Dutch Grand Prix.

Nyck de Vries spoke on Wednesday of his hurt at losing his AlphaTauri Formula One seat to Australian Daniel Ricciardo after only 10 races and before he got a chance to race at his home Dutch Grand Prix. The 28-year-old was dropped by the Red Bull-owned team last week and replaced by eight times grand prix winner Ricciardo, 34, who had been filling a reserve role since leaving McLaren at the end of last year. "Of course, it hurts that the F1 chance I dreamed of for so long ended prematurely," de Vries wrote on Instagram in his first public comment on the dismissal. "But life is not a destination, it’s a journey, and sometimes you have to take the hard road to get where you want to be. "I am grateful for our privileged lives, proud of our journey and my family. This is just another experience; we move on and look forward to the next chapter." The comments came a day after Red Bull team boss Christian Horner provided more details of the decision to bring back former Red Bull racer Ricciardo ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. "There was a high expectation on him (de Vries) because whilst inexperienced in Formula One he's obviously a very experienced driver," said Horner of the 2021 Formula E champion and 2019 F2 champion. "I think there was a general feeling that Nyck wasn't quite hitting the mark. And then the question was 'What are the options if we were to switch things around?,'" he told the F1 Nation podcast. Also read: The Open: McIlroy, Smith gather at Royal Liverpool Golf Course as veterans look to stamp authority Horner said Ricciardo's post-British Grand Prix tyre test provided compelling evidence and Red Bull motorsport head Helmut Marko had called de Vries to tell him the bad news. "It all happened a little quicker than expected, bearing in mind we hadn't completed the test," said Horner. "He (Marko) was the one who had recruited him and he was the one who spoke with Nyck on about lap 11 of the test I think." Horner confirmed he had not wanted to sign de Vries in the first place. "He's not a young driver... I just didn't see how it fitted within the junior programme. It was always a stopgap," he explained. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: 'Hurt' Nyck de Vries reacts after losing AlphaTauri seat to Australia's Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo hopes to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull once the Mexican's contract ends, team boss Christian Horner said on Tuesday. The 34-year-old Australian will be starting his&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;comeback with Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri in Hungary this weekend after leaving McLaren last season and serving as Red Bull reserve. Ricciardo raced for Red Bull Racing from 2014-18, taking seven of his eight wins with the British-based team. Perez, who joined in 2021, has a contract to the end of 2024.

"He (Ricciardo) firmly wants to be pitching for that 2025 Red Bull seat. That's his goal and objective. By going to AlphaTauri I think he sees that as his best route for stating his case for 2025," Horner told&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One's F1 Nation podcast. Ricciardo has replaced under-performing Dutch rookie Nyck de Vries, who failed to score a point this year, at bottom-placed AlphaTauri with 12 of the season's 22 races remaining.

"At the moment, there's only something in place until the end of the season, so there are no thoughts or expectations beyond that," said Horner. "We've loaned him to AlphaTauri until the end of the year. Obviously, our drivers are going to be Max (Verstappen) and Checo (Perez) again next year, but it's always good to have talent in reserve."

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Red Bull have dominated the season, winning every race, but Verstappen is a hefty 99 points clear of Perez after winning eight of the 10. The Mexican's form has led to speculation that he too might not see out the full term of his contract.

Last week's axeing of De Vries was seen as particularly harsh since it came before the Dutch driver had a chance to race in his home race at Zandvoort in August but Horner said delaying the decision made no sense. He revealed also that the firing came about 11 laps into Ricciardo's impressive tyre test for Pirelli after the British Grand Prix.

"That would have meant obviously leaving him in the car until after the summer break," he said. "I think the situation was clear. It was a question of OK, what's the point in waiting? "If we've got to do something, we might as well get on with it and give Daniel 12 races to see what he's capable of."

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Daniel Ricciardo hopes to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull once the Mexican's contract ends, team boss Christian Horner said on Tuesday. The 34-year-old Australian will be starting his Formula One comeback with Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri in Hungary this weekend after leaving McLaren last season and serving as Red Bull reserve.

Daniel Ricciardo hopes to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull once the Mexican's contract ends, team boss Christian Horner said on Tuesday. The 34-year-old Australian will be starting his Formula One comeback with Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri in Hungary this weekend after leaving McLaren last season and serving as Red Bull reserve. Ricciardo raced for Red Bull Racing from 2014-18, taking seven of his eight wins with the British-based team. Perez, who joined in 2021, has a contract to the end of 2024. "He (Ricciardo) firmly wants to be pitching for that 2025 Red Bull seat. That's his goal and objective. By going to AlphaTauri I think he sees that as his best route for stating his case for 2025," Horner told Formula One's F1 Nation podcast. Ricciardo has replaced under-performing Dutch rookie Nyck de Vries, who failed to score a point this year, at bottom-placed AlphaTauri with 12 of the season's 22 races remaining. "At the moment, there's only something in place until the end of the season, so there are no thoughts or expectations beyond that," said Horner. "We've loaned him to AlphaTauri until the end of the year. Obviously, our drivers are going to be Max (Verstappen) and Checo (Perez) again next year, but it's always good to have talent in reserve." Also read: Tour de France: Jonas Vingegaard dominates Tadej Pogacar in close duel Red Bull have dominated the season, winning every race, but Verstappen is a hefty 99 points clear of Perez after winning eight of the 10. The Mexican's form has led to speculation that he too might not see out the full term of his contract. Last week's axeing of De Vries was seen as particularly harsh since it came before the Dutch driver had a chance to race in his home race at Zandvoort in August but Horner said delaying the decision made no sense. He revealed also that the firing came about 11 laps into Ricciardo's impressive tyre test for Pirelli after the British Grand Prix. "That would have meant obviously leaving him in the car until after the summer break," he said. "I think the situation was clear. It was a question of OK, what's the point in waiting? "If we've got to do something, we might as well get on with it and give Daniel 12 races to see what he's capable of." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Daniel Ricciardo out to replace Sergio Perez for 2025, says Red Bull boss Christian Horner

Daniel Ricciardo is back in Formula One. The driver, however, will race for AlphaTauri as a replacement for Nyck de Vries for the rest of the season. Ricciardo is associated with Red Bull Racing and and will join AlphaTauri on loan.

The news was confirmed on Tuesday and Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "It is great to see Daniel hasn't lost any form while away from racing and that the strides he has been making in his sim sessions translate on track. His times during the tyre test were extremely competitive. It was a very impressive drive, and we are excited to see what the rest of the season brings for Daniel on loan at Scuderia AlphaTauri."

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Welcoming him to the team, Team Principal Franz Tost said, "I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Daniel is back! 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/danielricciardo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@danielricciardo</a>, on loan from <a href="https://twitter.com/redbullracing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@redbullracing</a>, will be racing for us for the remainder of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> season, starting from the Hungarian GP. 
 
Read more 👇
— Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlphaTauriF1/status/1678776026879651842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"There’s no doubt about his driving skills, and he already knows many of us, so his integration will be easy and straight forward. The team will also profit a lot from his experience, as he is an eight-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner. I would like to thank Nyck for his valuable contribution during his time with Scuderia AlphaTauri and I wish him all the best for the future.”

In August last year, the eight-time racer had announced that he'll not be competing in the 2023 season for which he had joined Red Bull Racing as the third driver.

Speaking on his inclusion, Ricciardo said, "I’m stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family!"

Ricciardo, last month, had told ESPN in a chat that he would like to end his career with a return to Red Bull Racing - a team he had quit in 2018. Overall, the Australian has 32 podium finishes and eight wins in his career in 232 starts.

A stint with AlphaTauri could certainly pave the way for Ricciardo to be one of the two drivers for Red Bull, especially with Sergio Perez struggling behind runway season leader Max Verstappen.

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Daniel Ricciardo is back in Formula One. The driver, however, will race for AlphaTauri as a replacement for Nyck de Vries for the rest of the season. Ricciardo is associated with Red Bull Racing and and will join AlphaTauri on loan.

Daniel Ricciardo is back in Formula One. The driver, however, will race for AlphaTauri as a replacement for Nyck de Vries for the rest of the season. Ricciardo is associated with Red Bull Racing and and will join AlphaTauri on loan. The news was confirmed on Tuesday and Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "It is great to see Daniel hasn't lost any form while away from racing and that the strides he has been making in his sim sessions translate on track. His times during the tyre test were extremely competitive. It was a very impressive drive, and we are excited to see what the rest of the season brings for Daniel on loan at Scuderia AlphaTauri." Also Read: NBA: Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving signs five-year shoe deal with Chinese brand ANTA Welcoming him to the team, Team Principal Franz Tost said, "I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team." Daniel is back! 👊@danielricciardo, on loan from @redbullracing, will be racing for us for the remainder of the #F1 season, starting from the Hungarian GP. Read more 👇 — Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) July 11, 2023 × "There’s no doubt about his driving skills, and he already knows many of us, so his integration will be easy and straight forward. The team will also profit a lot from his experience, as he is an eight-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner. I would like to thank Nyck for his valuable contribution during his time with Scuderia AlphaTauri and I wish him all the best for the future.” In August last year, the eight-time racer had announced that he'll not be competing in the 2023 season for which he had joined Red Bull Racing as the third driver. Speaking on his inclusion, Ricciardo said, "I’m stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family!" Ricciardo, last month, had told ESPN in a chat that he would like to end his career with a return to Red Bull Racing - a team he had quit in 2018. Overall, the Australian has 32 podium finishes and eight wins in his career in 232 starts. A stint with AlphaTauri could certainly pave the way for Ricciardo to be one of the two drivers for Red Bull, especially with Sergio Perez struggling behind runway season leader Max Verstappen. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Daniel Ricciardo replaces Nyck de Vries in AlphaTauri, to compete at Hungarian Grand Prix

Seven-time Formula One champion and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton said that McLaren finishing on the podium at two and three at the British Grand Prix qualifying is a 'wake-up call' for his team.

Notably, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are behind F1 drivers' leader and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen for the Sunday, July 9 British GP start at Silverstone.

Mercedes, on the other hand, will start sixth and seventh, with Hamilton taking seventh place. Mercedes' other driver George Russell is in sixth position. Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are fourth and fifth, respectively. Williams driver Alex Albon, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Alpine's Pierre Gasly round the grid for the top 10.

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Hamilton's comments came after the qualifying on Saturday on the Silverstone track which was expected to suit his Mercedes car better. "It's not a blow, it's just a wake-up call for us," he said.

"Others are overtaking us. We need to do more.

"If you look at the car it makes sense. If you put it alongside a Red Bull it looks very, very similar down the sides," he added.

"And it's working, and that's great, to have them up in the mix, which is what we want to see in this sport. I'm really happy for them, they've had a bad run for so long. To be back up there is really, really great to see," said Hamilton further.

Notably, McLaren upgraded their car at Austrian Grand Prix during the last race and the efforts have clearly paid off. Hamilton, who is struggling this season in Mercedes, also said that his home race is going to be a tough one.

“They had the edge on us last race so I anticipate tomorrow will be the same … Of course, I’ll try and be optimistic and do our best, but realistically I’m not sure how… We’ll find out. It was difficult to get past the two Ferraris and we’ve got two McLarens now there. Gonna be a tough race," said Hamilton.

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Seven-time Formula One champion and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton said that McLaren finishing on the podium at two and three at the British Grand Prix qualifying is a 'wake-up call' for his team.

Seven-time Formula One champion and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton said that McLaren finishing on the podium at two and three at the British Grand Prix qualifying is a 'wake-up call' for his team. Notably, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are behind F1 drivers' leader and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen for the Sunday, July 9 British GP start at Silverstone. Mercedes, on the other hand, will start sixth and seventh, with Hamilton taking seventh place. Mercedes' other driver George Russell is in sixth position. Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are fourth and fifth, respectively. Williams driver Alex Albon, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Alpine's Pierre Gasly round the grid for the top 10. Also Read: NBA: Coach Gregg Popovich signs five-year extension deal with San Antonio Spurs Hamilton's comments came after the qualifying on Saturday on the Silverstone track which was expected to suit his Mercedes car better. "It's not a blow, it's just a wake-up call for us," he said. "Others are overtaking us. We need to do more. "If you look at the car it makes sense. If you put it alongside a Red Bull it looks very, very similar down the sides," he added. "And it's working, and that's great, to have them up in the mix, which is what we want to see in this sport. I'm really happy for them, they've had a bad run for so long. To be back up there is really, really great to see," said Hamilton further. Notably, McLaren upgraded their car at Austrian Grand Prix during the last race and the efforts have clearly paid off. Hamilton, who is struggling this season in Mercedes, also said that his home race is going to be a tough one. “They had the edge on us last race so I anticipate tomorrow will be the same … Of course, I’ll try and be optimistic and do our best, but realistically I’m not sure how… We’ll find out. It was difficult to get past the two Ferraris and we’ve got two McLarens now there. Gonna be a tough race," said Hamilton. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Mercedes driver Hamilton braces for 'tough' British GP after McLaren's wake-up call in qualifying

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