Max Verstappen demonstrated his and Red Bull's supremacy with dramatic effect on Saturday when he claimed a fifth consecutive pole position by topping qualifying for the British Grand Prix.

The double world champion and runaway series leader clocked a late best lap time to outpace McLaren's British driver Lando Norris by two-tenths of a second.

Australian rookie Oscar Piastri was third fastest in the second McLaren ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz and the Mercedes of George Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

"It has been a bit of a crazy qualifying and pretty hectic," said Verstappen of the wet and dry session run in changeable conditions. "But we stuck to our plans and I am very happy to have pole position."

As he celebrated, his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who trails him by 81 points in the drivers’ title race, suffered a fifth early exit this season in Q1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Norris who briefly held provisional pole position claimed his third front row career start.

"This makes up for everything," he said. "But it’s always Max – he ruins everything for everyone too!"

Williams' Alex Albon was eighth ahead of two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly of Alpine.

After heavy rain, the track was damp as the first qualifying session began with Russell and Hamilton, on slicks, leading the way.

The Ferraris were both on intermediates along with the Haas drivers and Logan Sargeant as Russell set the first time before Hamilton spun into gravel at Stowe and recovered.

As he did, Verstappen went top only to have his lap deleted for exceeding track limits, Alonso taking over as fastest while those on 'inters' switched to slicks.

With 10 minutes to go, rain fell again, but not sufficiently to persuade a switch from slicks as Verstappen regained the ascendancy in 1:30.719 ahead of Alonso and Leclerc.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ddca-director-shyam-sharma-provides-latest-update-on-rishabh-pants-recovery-613381">DDCA director Shyam Sharma provides latest update on Rishabh Pant's recovery</a>

<h2>Wild finish</h2>

"Rain everywhere," reported Russell, while Albon had a fast lap deleted for track limits, leaving him 20th and last in his Williams, after dazzling in dry conditions in practice.

Team-mate American rookie Sargeant was 18th in a car that had the potential to qualify in the top ten.&nbsp;

With three minutes remaining, the action was red-flagged when Kevin Magnussen parked his Haas on track, close to the pits entry.

This led to a delay before, with Perez and Albon at the head of a queue, a re-start was scheduled – during which Verstappen pulled out, but hit the pit wall and damaged his car’s front wing.

After repairs, he was back out in a congested exit queue before a wild finish on a rapidly drying track saw Norris go top ahead of Leclerc and Russell.

Valtteri Bottas lost power, but survived – leaving Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou Guanyou, the under-pressure Nyck de Vries and Magnussen all missing out.

Q2 began with Alonso leading out in sunshine before Norris, Sainz, Ocon, Russell and Leclerc outpaced him, only for the Spaniard to respond as the track dried again.

In a flurry of improved laps, Hamilton went top to be dislodged by Norris, both on fresh tyres, but when the flag waved, it was Verstappen ahead of Piastri and Norris.

Nico Hulkenberg, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Sargeant and Bottas were eliminated and Drag Reduction System (DRS) was enabled for the top-ten shootout as the track was declared dry.

Hamilton topped in 1:27.717, but the Dutchman beat that by more than six-tenths in 1:27.084 to retain his supremacy, with Piastri third ahead of Leclerc and Sainz after the initial laps.

All pitted for fresh rubber and a final charge with four minutes remaining – Leclerc and Sainz this time at the head of the pit-lane queue – but it was Verstappen who held the upper hand again to beat Norris.

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Max Verstappen demonstrated his and Red Bull's supremacy with dramatic effect on Saturday when he claimed a fifth consecutive pole position by topping qualifying for the British Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen demonstrated his and Red Bull's supremacy with dramatic effect on Saturday when he claimed a fifth consecutive pole position by topping qualifying for the British Grand Prix. The double world champion and runaway series leader clocked a late best lap time to outpace McLaren's British driver Lando Norris by two-tenths of a second. Australian rookie Oscar Piastri was third fastest in the second McLaren ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz and the Mercedes of George Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. "It has been a bit of a crazy qualifying and pretty hectic," said Verstappen of the wet and dry session run in changeable conditions. "But we stuck to our plans and I am very happy to have pole position." As he celebrated, his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who trails him by 81 points in the drivers’ title race, suffered a fifth early exit this season in Q1. Norris who briefly held provisional pole position claimed his third front row career start. "This makes up for everything," he said. "But it’s always Max – he ruins everything for everyone too!" Williams' Alex Albon was eighth ahead of two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly of Alpine. After heavy rain, the track was damp as the first qualifying session began with Russell and Hamilton, on slicks, leading the way. The Ferraris were both on intermediates along with the Haas drivers and Logan Sargeant as Russell set the first time before Hamilton spun into gravel at Stowe and recovered. As he did, Verstappen went top only to have his lap deleted for exceeding track limits, Alonso taking over as fastest while those on 'inters' switched to slicks. With 10 minutes to go, rain fell again, but not sufficiently to persuade a switch from slicks as Verstappen regained the ascendancy in 1:30.719 ahead of Alonso and Leclerc. ALSO READ | DDCA director Shyam Sharma provides latest update on Rishabh Pant's recovery Wild finish "Rain everywhere," reported Russell, while Albon had a fast lap deleted for track limits, leaving him 20th and last in his Williams, after dazzling in dry conditions in practice. Team-mate American rookie Sargeant was 18th in a car that had the potential to qualify in the top ten. With three minutes remaining, the action was red-flagged when Kevin Magnussen parked his Haas on track, close to the pits entry. This led to a delay before, with Perez and Albon at the head of a queue, a re-start was scheduled – during which Verstappen pulled out, but hit the pit wall and damaged his car’s front wing. After repairs, he was back out in a congested exit queue before a wild finish on a rapidly drying track saw Norris go top ahead of Leclerc and Russell. Valtteri Bottas lost power, but survived – leaving Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou Guanyou, the under-pressure Nyck de Vries and Magnussen all missing out. Q2 began with Alonso leading out in sunshine before Norris, Sainz, Ocon, Russell and Leclerc outpaced him, only for the Spaniard to respond as the track dried again. In a flurry of improved laps, Hamilton went top to be dislodged by Norris, both on fresh tyres, but when the flag waved, it was Verstappen ahead of Piastri and Norris. Nico Hulkenberg, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Sargeant and Bottas were eliminated and Drag Reduction System (DRS) was enabled for the top-ten shootout as the track was declared dry. Hamilton topped in 1:27.717, but the Dutchman beat that by more than six-tenths in 1:27.084 to retain his supremacy, with Piastri third ahead of Leclerc and Sainz after the initial laps. All pitted for fresh rubber and a final charge with four minutes remaining – Leclerc and Sainz this time at the head of the pit-lane queue – but it was Verstappen who held the upper hand again to beat Norris. 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 denies Lando Norris for British Grand Prix pole

Shooting has finally commenced for the highly anticipated Formula 1 feature film starring Academy Award winner Brad Pitt. Apple Original Films has unveiled a first look of&nbsp;the project.&nbsp;

Produced in collaboration with Formula 1, the movie features Pitt as a former driver making a comeback to the sport with a fictional team called APXGP, alongside actor Damson Idris playing his teammate.

Silverstone, the iconic circuit that hosted the first-ever Formula 1 race in 1950, serves as the ideal filming location for this thrilling production. The fictional team will even have its own pit-stop set up at the track. Filming is scheduled to take place during the British Grand Prix, adding an authentic atmosphere to the scenes.

Pitt recently visited the race track in Towcester, Northamptonshire, and is expected to "race" an adapted Formula Two car prepared by Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team. Pitt will be the sole driver on the track during filming. And it is believed that computer-generated imagery will be used to create the illusion of him competing against the current season's grid.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Brad Pitt is going to drive 'his own' F1 car at Silverstone this weekend <a href="https://t.co/975ERttS0U">pic.twitter.com/975ERttS0U</a>
— Supercar Blondie (@supercarblondie) <a href="https://twitter.com/supercarblondie/status/1677305588445765636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I spy with my little eye… the modified F2 car being driven by Brad Pitt at Silverstone 👀 
 
📸 ig/f1_gresty <a href="https://t.co/wZGy5GIcm6">pic.twitter.com/wZGy5GIcm6</a>
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino) <a href="https://twitter.com/vincenzolandino/status/1676968637901733890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
SONNY'S HERE ❤️‍🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/F1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APEX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRADPITT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRADPITT</a> <a href="https://t.co/oDWhjrl5m1">pic.twitter.com/oDWhjrl5m1</a>
— brad pitt's Chapstick (@bpf_aaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/bpf_aaa/status/1676894682713047041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The film is being directed by Joseph Kosinski and boasts an impressive lineup. The project promises a high-octane cinematic experience. Dawn Apollo Films, launched by seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton last year, is also involved in the production.

During a press conference on Thursday, Hamilton expressed his excitement about the film, stating, "It's massively exciting to see it all coming together. To know that we're filming this weekend... There are nerves, naturally, because it's something we've been working on for so long."

He further revealed that viewers can anticipate an immersive portrayal of the fast-paced sport, akin to the thrilling experience offered by the recent release of "Top Gun."

Hamilton also praised director Joseph Kosinski and his style of work. He said, "Joe is an incredible director… You already saw what he’s done with fighter jets, what he did with Maverick, so if you just think about what he’s done with that in terms of the dogfights we saw on those jets, which was pretty epic. There’s so many people around the world that are so excited about this sport, wanting to learn more. The fact that we’ll have all the original characters that are actually on the grid, and then Brad, is pretty cool!"

Ahead of filming, F1 released pictures of the fictional team's black and gold car and livery, generating further anticipation among fans. Hamilton also confirmed that he had already taken a spin on a race track with Pitt.

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Shooting has finally commenced for the highly anticipated Formula 1 feature film starring Academy Award winner Brad Pitt. Apple Original Films has unveiled a first look of the project.

Shooting has finally commenced for the highly anticipated Formula 1 feature film starring Academy Award winner Brad Pitt. Apple Original Films has unveiled a first look of the project. Produced in collaboration with Formula 1, the movie features Pitt as a former driver making a comeback to the sport with a fictional team called APXGP, alongside actor Damson Idris playing his teammate. Silverstone, the iconic circuit that hosted the first-ever Formula 1 race in 1950, serves as the ideal filming location for this thrilling production. The fictional team will even have its own pit-stop set up at the track. Filming is scheduled to take place during the British Grand Prix, adding an authentic atmosphere to the scenes. Pitt recently visited the race track in Towcester, Northamptonshire, and is expected to "race" an adapted Formula Two car prepared by Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team. Pitt will be the sole driver on the track during filming. And it is believed that computer-generated imagery will be used to create the illusion of him competing against the current season's grid. Brad Pitt is going to drive 'his own' F1 car at Silverstone this weekend pic.twitter.com/975ERttS0U — Supercar Blondie (@supercarblondie) July 7, 2023 I spy with my little eye… the modified F2 car being driven by Brad Pitt at Silverstone 👀 📸 ig/f1_gresty pic.twitter.com/wZGy5GIcm6 — Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino) July 6, 2023 SONNY'S HERE ❤️‍🔥 @F1 #APEX #BRADPITT pic.twitter.com/oDWhjrl5m1 — brad pitt's Chapstick (@bpf_aaa) July 6, 2023 Also read: French actor Alain Delon’s children accuse his companion of bullying, dog cruelty The film is being directed by Joseph Kosinski and boasts an impressive lineup. The project promises a high-octane cinematic experience. Dawn Apollo Films, launched by seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton last year, is also involved in the production. During a press conference on Thursday, Hamilton expressed his excitement about the film, stating, "It's massively exciting to see it all coming together. To know that we're filming this weekend... There are nerves, naturally, because it's something we've been working on for so long." He further revealed that viewers can anticipate an immersive portrayal of the fast-paced sport, akin to the thrilling experience offered by the recent release of "Top Gun." Hamilton also praised director Joseph Kosinski and his style of work. He said, "Joe is an incredible director… You already saw what he’s done with fighter jets, what he did with Maverick, so if you just think about what he’s done with that in terms of the dogfights we saw on those jets, which was pretty epic. There’s so many people around the world that are so excited about this sport, wanting to learn more. The fact that we’ll have all the original characters that are actually on the grid, and then Brad, is pretty cool!" Ahead of filming, F1 released pictures of the fictional team's black and gold car and livery, generating further anticipation among fans. Hamilton also confirmed that he had already taken a spin on a race track with Pitt. 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 meets Hollywood! First look of Brad Pitt's F1-inspired film and car at Silverstone

Racing in rain and spray is now&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One's biggest safety concern and a trial of a mudguard-style device next week should be fast-tracked onto the cars if it works, drivers said on Thursday. The trial, at Silverstone, has been in the planning since last year but has acquired greater significance since the death last weekend of Dutch 18-year-old Dilano van't Hoff in a wet junior series race at Spa-Francorchamps.

McLaren and Mercedes will be providing the test cars,&nbsp;one&nbsp;with and&nbsp;one&nbsp;without the modification. "It's a huge safety issue at the moment and it needs to be addressed. We can't see anything in heavy wet weather," Aston Martin's Canadian Lance Stroll told reporters at the British Grand Prix. “I can recall many races over the past few&nbsp;years&nbsp;in&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One where you just cannot see anything when you are behind a car and it's extremely dangerous ... we shouldn't be racing in those conditions.”

"If it works, it (the mudguard) has to be put on the cars as quickly as possible. And if it doesn't work, we shouldn't be putting ourselves in situations where we're racing in conditions where we can't see."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-stan-wawrinka-sets-up-third-round-clash-with-novak-djokovic-following-win-over-tomas-etcheverry-612788">Wimbledon: Stan Wawrinka sets up third round clash with Novak Djokovic following win over Tomas Etcheverry</a>

McLaren's Lando Norris said the issue was "the biggest safety concern at the minute within&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One" and it was about time to do something. "It's a shame we had to see such a consequence for people to understand what can happen. I think it's something that needs to be done. "Actually seeing where we're going, that helps sometimes," he said sarcastically.

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen agreed and said drivers might as well close their eyes in some conditions. "There is zero visibility and it would be great if that could be improved significantly," said the Dane.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez said the device could be a big step forward. "Especially what happened last weekend, I think it's something that we've got to improve," he said. "For now, I think it's important that race directors let us race only when it's safe and the whole grid is able to see something."

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Racing in rain and spray is now Formula One's biggest safety concern and a trial of a mudguard-style device next week should be fast-tracked onto the cars if it works, drivers said on Thursday.

Racing in rain and spray is now Formula One's biggest safety concern and a trial of a mudguard-style device next week should be fast-tracked onto the cars if it works, drivers said on Thursday. The trial, at Silverstone, has been in the planning since last year but has acquired greater significance since the death last weekend of Dutch 18-year-old Dilano van't Hoff in a wet junior series race at Spa-Francorchamps. McLaren and Mercedes will be providing the test cars, one with and one without the modification. "It's a huge safety issue at the moment and it needs to be addressed. We can't see anything in heavy wet weather," Aston Martin's Canadian Lance Stroll told reporters at the British Grand Prix. “I can recall many races over the past few years in Formula One where you just cannot see anything when you are behind a car and it's extremely dangerous ... we shouldn't be racing in those conditions.” "If it works, it (the mudguard) has to be put on the cars as quickly as possible. And if it doesn't work, we shouldn't be putting ourselves in situations where we're racing in conditions where we can't see." Also Read: Wimbledon: Stan Wawrinka sets up third round clash with Novak Djokovic following win over Tomas Etcheverry McLaren's Lando Norris said the issue was "the biggest safety concern at the minute within Formula One" and it was about time to do something. "It's a shame we had to see such a consequence for people to understand what can happen. I think it's something that needs to be done. "Actually seeing where we're going, that helps sometimes," he said sarcastically. Haas driver Kevin Magnussen agreed and said drivers might as well close their eyes in some conditions. "There is zero visibility and it would be great if that could be improved significantly," said the Dane. Red Bull's Sergio Perez said the device could be a big step forward. "Especially what happened last weekend, I think it's something that we've got to improve," he said. "For now, I think it's important that race directors let us race only when it's safe and the whole grid is able to see something." 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.

Visibility in wet is F1's biggest safety issue, say drivers ahead of British GP

McLaren&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;driver Lando Norris urged environmental activists on Monday not to put lives in danger with 'stupid and selfish' protests during this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Six "Just Stop Oil" campaigners ran on to the track after an opening lap crash at last year's race and the same group has disrupted cricket, horse racing, rugby and snooker in recent months.

Protesters scattered orange powder on the outfield at Lord's during the second Ashes cricket test in June. "There is a concern. It is a stupid thing to do to put your life in danger with cars driving around," Norris told reporters at McLaren's Woking factory at the reveal of a new&nbsp;one-off Google Chrome car livery for Silverstone. "It is a very selfish thing to do at the same time because of the consequences it has on the person that drives the car if something happened. "Everyone&nbsp;has a right (to protest) and I guess there are good ways of doing it and worse ways," added the 23-year-old Briton. "I hope people are smart enough not to do it. There are much safer ways to get just as much attention and do what they want to do."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-anthony-edwards-signs-rookie-max-contract-with-minnesota-timberwolves-611842">NBA: Anthony Edwards signs rookie max contract with Minnesota Timberwolves</a>

More than 140,000 spectators are expected on race Sunday at Silverstone. Those demonstrators involved in last year's protest at Silverstone&nbsp;were convicted in February of causing a public nuisance. Five of them ran on to the high-speed Wellington Straight after Alfa Romeo's Chinese driver, Zhou Guanyu, crashed and halted the July 3 race.

Cars were still driving back to the pit lane as marshals and police dragged the protesters away. "Going to a racetrack with cars coming at 200 mph is not the way to go about it," said Norris's Australian team mate Oscar Piastri. "They've had the consequences of their actions from last year, of course I hope it doesn't happen again. I'm sure Silverstone&nbsp;will have measures in place to stop it. "It's obviously a bit easier and less dangerous to jump onto a cricket field than a racetrack."

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McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris urged environmental activists on Monday not to put lives in danger with 'stupid and selfish' protests during this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris urged environmental activists on Monday not to put lives in danger with 'stupid and selfish' protests during this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Six "Just Stop Oil" campaigners ran on to the track after an opening lap crash at last year's race and the same group has disrupted cricket, horse racing, rugby and snooker in recent months. Protesters scattered orange powder on the outfield at Lord's during the second Ashes cricket test in June. "There is a concern. It is a stupid thing to do to put your life in danger with cars driving around," Norris told reporters at McLaren's Woking factory at the reveal of a new one-off Google Chrome car livery for Silverstone. "It is a very selfish thing to do at the same time because of the consequences it has on the person that drives the car if something happened. "Everyone has a right (to protest) and I guess there are good ways of doing it and worse ways," added the 23-year-old Briton. "I hope people are smart enough not to do it. There are much safer ways to get just as much attention and do what they want to do." Also Read: NBA: Anthony Edwards signs rookie max contract with Minnesota Timberwolves More than 140,000 spectators are expected on race Sunday at Silverstone. Those demonstrators involved in last year's protest at Silverstone were convicted in February of causing a public nuisance. Five of them ran on to the high-speed Wellington Straight after Alfa Romeo's Chinese driver, Zhou Guanyu, crashed and halted the July 3 race. Cars were still driving back to the pit lane as marshals and police dragged the protesters away. "Going to a racetrack with cars coming at 200 mph is not the way to go about it," said Norris's Australian team mate Oscar Piastri. "They've had the consequences of their actions from last year, of course I hope it doesn't happen again. I'm sure Silverstone will have measures in place to stop it. "It's obviously a bit easier and less dangerous to jump onto a cricket field than a racetrack." 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: McLaren driver Lando Norris warns protestors not to risk lives at British Grand Prix

Formula One's governing body, FIA, has released reviewed results for the Austrian Grand Prix after handing out penalties to eight drivers. The new classification affected seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz's standings.&nbsp;

The podium finishers -&nbsp;Red Bull's Max Verstappen in first, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in second and Red Bull's Sergio Perez in third -&nbsp;had no effect on their standings though.

The FIA reviewed the results after Aston Martin submitted an official protest post the end of the 71-lap race on Sunday, July 2. Many of the drivers had already been handed penalties for the track limits violations before Aston Martin's protest.

After reviewing the protest from Aston Martin, race stewards upheld it and posed additional penalties for exceeding the track limits. A driver breaches the track limits when all four tyres of the automobile cross the white lines on the edge of the track.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-injured-ollie-pope-retains-his-place-as-england-announce-squad-for-3rd-test-611283">Ashes 2023: Injured Ollie Pope retains his place as England announce squad for 3rd Test</a>

The drivers affected with additional penalties, apart from Sainz and Hamilton were: Alpine's Pierre Gasly, Williams Alex Albon, Alpine's Estabon Ocon, Williams' Logan Sargeant, and AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries and Yuki Tsuonda.&nbsp;

The stewards used the following calculations for the additional penalties:

For four infringements, a five-second time penalty; for five infringements, a 10-second time penalty.

A reset was allowed due to the excessive number of infringements after initial penalties. The counting of infringements then restarted. After another four infringements, a five-second time penalty; after five, a 10-second time penalty applied again.

After the calculation post additional penalties, Sainz dropped from P4 to P6 while Hamilton dropped to P8 from P7. Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes George Russell, however, kept P7 in-house as he got elevated.

McLaren's Lando Norris was elevated to P4 and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso got P5 post-Sainz drop. Gasly also dropped to a place to P10 while Ocon from P12 to P14. For AlphaTauri, De Vries dropped from P15 to P17 while Tsunoda fell to P19 from P18.

Williams teammates Albon and Sargeant kept their places at P11 and P13, respectively, and Lance Stroll finished on P9.

Formula One's governing body, FIA, has released reviewed results for the Austrian Grand Prix after handing out penalties to eight drivers. The new classification affected seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz's standings.

Formula One's governing body, FIA, has released reviewed results for the Austrian Grand Prix after handing out penalties to eight drivers. The new classification affected seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz's standings. The podium finishers - Red Bull's Max Verstappen in first, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in second and Red Bull's Sergio Perez in third - had no effect on their standings though. The FIA reviewed the results after Aston Martin submitted an official protest post the end of the 71-lap race on Sunday, July 2. Many of the drivers had already been handed penalties for the track limits violations before Aston Martin's protest. After reviewing the protest from Aston Martin, race stewards upheld it and posed additional penalties for exceeding the track limits. A driver breaches the track limits when all four tyres of the automobile cross the white lines on the edge of the track. Also Read: Ashes 2023: Injured Ollie Pope retains his place as England announce squad for 3rd Test The drivers affected with additional penalties, apart from Sainz and Hamilton were: Alpine's Pierre Gasly, Williams Alex Albon, Alpine's Estabon Ocon, Williams' Logan Sargeant, and AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries and Yuki Tsuonda. The stewards used the following calculations for the additional penalties: For four infringements, a five-second time penalty; for five infringements, a 10-second time penalty. A reset was allowed due to the excessive number of infringements after initial penalties. The counting of infringements then restarted. After another four infringements, a five-second time penalty; after five, a 10-second time penalty applied again. After the calculation post additional penalties, Sainz dropped from P4 to P6 while Hamilton dropped to P8 from P7. Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes George Russell, however, kept P7 in-house as he got elevated. McLaren's Lando Norris was elevated to P4 and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso got P5 post-Sainz drop. Gasly also dropped to a place to P10 while Ocon from P12 to P14. For AlphaTauri, De Vries dropped from P15 to P17 while Tsunoda fell to P19 from P18. Williams teammates Albon and Sargeant kept their places at P11 and P13, respectively, and Lance Stroll finished on P9.

Formula One: Hamilton, Sainz demoted in final result after Aston Martin protest upheld at Austrian GP

Aston Martin's stunning leap up the grid to regular podium contenders this season has been a reality check for rival teams and&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;as a whole, says Alpine boss Laurent Rossi. The Silverstone-based team owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll ended last year seventh overall but are now third, after being second for a while, behind runaway leaders Red Bull and former champions Mercedes. Fernando Alonso, the 41-year-old double world champion who jumped from Renault-owned Alpine to Aston Martin at the end of last year, has stood on the podium six times in eight races with two-second places.

The Spaniard is best of the rest, behind Red Bull's dominant leader Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the drivers' standings. Alpine, who finished fourth overall last year and had hoped to close the gap on the top three, are fifth with French pair Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly ninth and 10th. "I think it was a reality check for Mercedes, Ferrari, us," Rossi told reporters at Alpine's Enstone&nbsp;factory after a strategy presentation. "For everyone. For the whole sport. "We were comfortable thinking we were on the rise, and everyone&nbsp;else was, and suddenly there’s a guy leapfrogging all of us."

SHAKE UP

Aston Martin have recruited key technical personnel from Red Bull -- notably technical director Dan Fallows -- and engine providers Mercedes, but Rossi suggested they had also shaken up accepted ways of thinking. "It’s an industry that has been doing more or less the same thing for so long that its become a norm that it takes that much time to get there," said the Frenchman. "It’s true for everything, for road cars. "They (Aston) have changed a couple of things, faster, differently, they took a bit more risk and it paid off."

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Rossi said Alpine needed to try and emulate that by speeding up processes to get upgraded parts on the car, taking more risks and using their strength as a works team. Alpine last year embarked on a 100-race plan, the equivalent of four or five years, to get to the point of fighting for titles.

"People start scratching their heads a bit more thinking that maybe we’re being a bit too conservative here, maybe we’re doing too many validations, maybe we can shorten the process here and there," said Rossi. "You realise that over time you’ve built so many of those extra cautious steps because you address the problem&nbsp;one&nbsp;day and say to yourself 'OK, next time we do this all the time'.

"Now you look at it and with hindsight perhaps this is not necessary any more. So we are revisiting a lot of things."

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Aston Martin's stunning leap up the grid to regular podium contenders this season has been a reality check for rival teams and Formula One as a whole, says Alpine boss Laurent Rossi.

Aston Martin's stunning leap up the grid to regular podium contenders this season has been a reality check for rival teams and Formula One as a whole, says Alpine boss Laurent Rossi. The Silverstone-based team owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll ended last year seventh overall but are now third, after being second for a while, behind runaway leaders Red Bull and former champions Mercedes. Fernando Alonso, the 41-year-old double world champion who jumped from Renault-owned Alpine to Aston Martin at the end of last year, has stood on the podium six times in eight races with two-second places. The Spaniard is best of the rest, behind Red Bull's dominant leader Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the drivers' standings. Alpine, who finished fourth overall last year and had hoped to close the gap on the top three, are fifth with French pair Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly ninth and 10th. "I think it was a reality check for Mercedes, Ferrari, us," Rossi told reporters at Alpine's Enstone factory after a strategy presentation. "For everyone. For the whole sport. "We were comfortable thinking we were on the rise, and everyone else was, and suddenly there’s a guy leapfrogging all of us." SHAKE UP Aston Martin have recruited key technical personnel from Red Bull -- notably technical director Dan Fallows -- and engine providers Mercedes, but Rossi suggested they had also shaken up accepted ways of thinking. "It’s an industry that has been doing more or less the same thing for so long that its become a norm that it takes that much time to get there," said the Frenchman. "It’s true for everything, for road cars. "They (Aston) have changed a couple of things, faster, differently, they took a bit more risk and it paid off." Also Read: Golf: PGA Tour board assures players of say in LIV alliance Rossi said Alpine needed to try and emulate that by speeding up processes to get upgraded parts on the car, taking more risks and using their strength as a works team. Alpine last year embarked on a 100-race plan, the equivalent of four or five years, to get to the point of fighting for titles. "People start scratching their heads a bit more thinking that maybe we’re being a bit too conservative here, maybe we’re doing too many validations, maybe we can shorten the process here and there," said Rossi. "You realise that over time you’ve built so many of those extra cautious steps because you address the problem one day and say to yourself 'OK, next time we do this all the time'. "Now you look at it and with hindsight perhaps this is not necessary any more. So we are revisiting a lot of things." 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: Aston Martin a reality check for F1, says Alpine boss Laurent Rossi

Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are joining Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners in an investor group taking a 24% equity stake in Alpine Racing, the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team's parent company Renault announced on Monday.

The 200 million euro ($218.10 million) deal values British-based Alpine Racing at around $900 million following the investment. Alec Scheiner, the co-founder and partner of Otro Capital, will join Alpine Racing's board of directors. 'Deadpool' star Reynolds leads Maximum Effort Investments with McElhenney, of American comedy series 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', and fellow-actor Michael B. Jordan as co-investors.

Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham in November 2020, funding the Welsh soccer club's return to the English Football League as fifth-tier champions in April this year. Their popular docu-series 'Welcome to Wrexham' has proved a big hit in North America, propelling the little-known club into the global spotlight.

Renault said Otro and RedBird's investment included the participation of the Huntsman Family and Main Street Advisors. U.S. investment firm RedBird, run by former Goldman Sachs banker Gerry Cardinale, is an investor in Fenway Sports Group, the owner of Premier League side Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox baseball team.

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RedBird also has a controlling stake in French soccer club Toulouse and bought Italy's AC Milan last August in a 1.2 billion euro deal that also involved the owners of the New York Yankees baseball team. Alpine Racing, with a factory at Enstone&nbsp;in central England, won&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;constructors' world championships in 2005 and 2006 when they competed as Renault's works team and also as Benetton in 1995.

They finished fourth in the championship last year and are currently fifth after eight of 22 races. Renault said Alpine Racing SAS, the French entity that makes the team's power units in Viry-Châtillon, will remain entirely owned by the carmaker. "This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels," said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.

"Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners and Maximum Effort Investments, as international players with strong track record in the sports industry, will bring their recognised expertise to boost our media and marketing strategy, essential to support our sporting performance over the long term.

"The incremental revenue generated will in turn be reinvested in the team, in order to further accelerate our Mountain Climber plan, aimed at catching up with top teams in terms of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment." 'Mountain Climber' is a plan to be fighting for championships within the space of 100 races, starting in 2022.

Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are joining Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners in an investor group taking a 24% equity stake in Alpine Racing, the Formula One team's parent company Renault announced on Monday.

Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are joining Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners in an investor group taking a 24% equity stake in Alpine Racing, the Formula One team's parent company Renault announced on Monday. The 200 million euro ($218.10 million) deal values British-based Alpine Racing at around $900 million following the investment. Alec Scheiner, the co-founder and partner of Otro Capital, will join Alpine Racing's board of directors. 'Deadpool' star Reynolds leads Maximum Effort Investments with McElhenney, of American comedy series 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', and fellow-actor Michael B. Jordan as co-investors. Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham in November 2020, funding the Welsh soccer club's return to the English Football League as fifth-tier champions in April this year. Their popular docu-series 'Welcome to Wrexham' has proved a big hit in North America, propelling the little-known club into the global spotlight. Renault said Otro and RedBird's investment included the participation of the Huntsman Family and Main Street Advisors. U.S. investment firm RedBird, run by former Goldman Sachs banker Gerry Cardinale, is an investor in Fenway Sports Group, the owner of Premier League side Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox baseball team. Also Read: NBA: Naz Reid, Timberwolves agree on three-year $42 million deal RedBird also has a controlling stake in French soccer club Toulouse and bought Italy's AC Milan last August in a 1.2 billion euro deal that also involved the owners of the New York Yankees baseball team. Alpine Racing, with a factory at Enstone in central England, won Formula One constructors' world championships in 2005 and 2006 when they competed as Renault's works team and also as Benetton in 1995. They finished fourth in the championship last year and are currently fifth after eight of 22 races. Renault said Alpine Racing SAS, the French entity that makes the team's power units in Viry-Châtillon, will remain entirely owned by the carmaker. "This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels," said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi. "Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners and Maximum Effort Investments, as international players with strong track record in the sports industry, will bring their recognised expertise to boost our media and marketing strategy, essential to support our sporting performance over the long term. "The incremental revenue generated will in turn be reinvested in the team, in order to further accelerate our Mountain Climber plan, aimed at catching up with top teams in terms of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment." 'Mountain Climber' is a plan to be fighting for championships within the space of 100 races, starting in 2022.

Formula One: Wrexham's Hollywood owners join group buying into Alpine F1

Former world champion Fernando Alonso's resurgence has been a revelation in the ongoing Formula One season for both, the fans and his team Aston Martin. The same, however, can not be said about Alonso's teammate Lance Stroll. Alonso although, is very appreciative of the young Canadian and said that 'consistency' is going be the key for him.

Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix (June 18) in Montreal, Alonso spoke about Stroll and the was confident that Stroll's time will come.

“I know Lance from 2012 – actually, I met him here [in Montreal] in one of the Ferrari events, when he was in the [Ferrari Driver] Academy,” said Alonso in Montreal as quoted by Formula One's official website formulaone.com.

“I think Lance is showing the speed in the car, the commitment. We saw at the beginning of the year as well, racing with a broken hand and things like that; you only see [this] when you really have passion for something that you're doing,” he said.

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Notably, Alonso took P2 in Montreal, his sixth this season while Stroll finished on P9 after starting from P16. The Spaniard, however, praised Stroll for showing sparks in the past and said that the 'important thing for Stroll to get is consistency.'

“I think we saw many times in the past sparks of Lance, in wet qualifying, in races, at the starts, Lap 1 performance, these kinds of things that are outstanding," said Alonso.

“And then, some other weekends that the result was not coming, or you get in a bad loop in qualifying, so something like that, and then the weekend is a little bit compromised.

“I think, for him, the most important thing now is to get the consistency, weekend after weekend... That consistency is going to be the next step in his career, to be constantly fighting for the top five and then at the end of the year, you see the amount of points that you gain when you get all the weekends right.

“But as I said, with the motivation, the commitment that he has, and the team that Aston Martin is building now, I think it's a matter of time that this will come,” Alonso concluded.

Stroll is the second-youngest ever to finish on a podium when he finished third behind behind Red Bull's Daniel Riccardo (P1) and Mercedes' Valtterri Bottas (P2) in 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His maiden pole position came in 2020 Turkish Grand Prix.

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Former world champion Fernando Alonso's resurgence has been a revelation in the ongoing Formula One season for both, the fans and his team Aston Martin. The same, however, can not be said about Alonso's teammate Lance Stroll.

Former world champion Fernando Alonso's resurgence has been a revelation in the ongoing Formula One season for both, the fans and his team Aston Martin. The same, however, can not be said about Alonso's teammate Lance Stroll. Alonso although, is very appreciative of the young Canadian and said that 'consistency' is going be the key for him. Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix (June 18) in Montreal, Alonso spoke about Stroll and the was confident that Stroll's time will come. “I know Lance from 2012 – actually, I met him here [in Montreal] in one of the Ferrari events, when he was in the [Ferrari Driver] Academy,” said Alonso in Montreal as quoted by Formula One's official website formulaone.com. “I think Lance is showing the speed in the car, the commitment. We saw at the beginning of the year as well, racing with a broken hand and things like that; you only see [this] when you really have passion for something that you're doing,” he said. Also Read: CONCACAF bans four players following brawl in USMNT-Mexico Nations League semifinal Notably, Alonso took P2 in Montreal, his sixth this season while Stroll finished on P9 after starting from P16. The Spaniard, however, praised Stroll for showing sparks in the past and said that the 'important thing for Stroll to get is consistency.' “I think we saw many times in the past sparks of Lance, in wet qualifying, in races, at the starts, Lap 1 performance, these kinds of things that are outstanding," said Alonso. “And then, some other weekends that the result was not coming, or you get in a bad loop in qualifying, so something like that, and then the weekend is a little bit compromised. “I think, for him, the most important thing now is to get the consistency, weekend after weekend... That consistency is going to be the next step in his career, to be constantly fighting for the top five and then at the end of the year, you see the amount of points that you gain when you get all the weekends right. “But as I said, with the motivation, the commitment that he has, and the team that Aston Martin is building now, I think it's a matter of time that this will come,” Alonso concluded. Stroll is the second-youngest ever to finish on a podium when he finished third behind behind Red Bull's Daniel Riccardo (P1) and Mercedes' Valtterri Bottas (P2) in 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His maiden pole position came in 2020 Turkish Grand Prix. 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: Fernando Alonso's advice for Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll to get in 'top five'

Max Verstappen wrote another piece of Red Bull history on Sunday with a 39th win that sent him past Germany's now-retired Sebastian Vettel as the driver with most victories for the Formula One team.

Vettel is still ahead of the Dutchman 4-2 on championships won but Verstappen, 25, has plenty of time on his side to match or surpass that mark with a third title surely on its way this season.

Verstappen is 39 points ahead of Mexican team mate and closest rival Sergio Perez after winning four of six rounds with 16 remaining to be raced.

"If you have a good car for a while you can break these kinds of numbers," the champion said when reminded about the team record. "But yeah, it's great. I mean, I would have never thought that I would be in this position in my career. When I grew up I wanted to be a Formula One driver and winning these races is amazing.

"It's better than I could have ever imagined, for sure."

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Verstappen joined Red Bull mid-season in 2016, after 23 races for sister team Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri), and took his first win on his debut in Barcelona.

Vettel won 53 races in total -- one of them with Toro Rosso and 14 with Ferrari.

Verstappen's victory on Sunday was his second in three years on the streets of Monaco and Red Bull's third in a row, but the seeds were sown with a qualifying lap on Saturday that will rank as one of the sport's greatest.

In the end, he led all the way -- a normal state of affairs in Monaco where overtaking is a rare feat -- and took the chequered flag 27.921 seconds clear of Aston Martin's second-placed Fernando Alonso.

"With that victory he becomes the most winningest Red Bull driver," said team boss Christian Horner. "He passes Sebastian's record which is an incredible achievement.

"He's obviously at the top of his game and driving incredibly well."

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Max Verstappen wrote another piece of Red Bull history on Sunday with a 39th win that sent him past Germany's now-retired Sebastian Vettel as the driver with most victories for the Formula One team.

Max Verstappen wrote another piece of Red Bull history on Sunday with a 39th win that sent him past Germany's now-retired Sebastian Vettel as the driver with most victories for the Formula One team. Vettel is still ahead of the Dutchman 4-2 on championships won but Verstappen, 25, has plenty of time on his side to match or surpass that mark with a third title surely on its way this season. Verstappen is 39 points ahead of Mexican team mate and closest rival Sergio Perez after winning four of six rounds with 16 remaining to be raced. "If you have a good car for a while you can break these kinds of numbers," the champion said when reminded about the team record. "But yeah, it's great. I mean, I would have never thought that I would be in this position in my career. When I grew up I wanted to be a Formula One driver and winning these races is amazing. "It's better than I could have ever imagined, for sure." ALSO READ: Formula One: Max Verstappen extends lead with dominant victory in Monaco rain Verstappen joined Red Bull mid-season in 2016, after 23 races for sister team Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri), and took his first win on his debut in Barcelona. Vettel won 53 races in total -- one of them with Toro Rosso and 14 with Ferrari. Verstappen's victory on Sunday was his second in three years on the streets of Monaco and Red Bull's third in a row, but the seeds were sown with a qualifying lap on Saturday that will rank as one of the sport's greatest. In the end, he led all the way -- a normal state of affairs in Monaco where overtaking is a rare feat -- and took the chequered flag 27.921 seconds clear of Aston Martin's second-placed Fernando Alonso. "With that victory he becomes the most winningest Red Bull driver," said team boss Christian Horner. "He passes Sebastian's record which is an incredible achievement. "He's obviously at the top of his game and driving incredibly well." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Formula One: Max Verstappen goes past Sebastian Vettel with most wins for Red Bull

Defending double world champion Max Verstappen extended his lead in this year's title race when he drove his Red Bull to a comprehensive victory in challenging conditions in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Dutchman, driving with controlled aplomb in conditions that changed from warm sunshine to a downpour, came home 27 seconds clear of Aston Martin's two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.&nbsp;

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It was his second victory on the barrier-lined streets of the Mediterranean principality in three years, his fourth win this year and the 39th&nbsp;of his clear, stretching his lead ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez to 39 points in the championship.&nbsp;

Esteban Ocon finished a popular third for Alpine to become the first Frenchman to claim a Monaco podium since Olivier Panis won in 1996.

"That wasn't easy," said Verstappen. "It was quite a difficult one! I didn't want to go long on my first stint, but I had to stay out when the rain came down and then it was very tricky to drive.&nbsp;

"It was incredibly slippery and quite difficult," he said. "I clipped the walls a few times, but that's Monaco. It's nice to win and super-nice to win in this weather!"

Alonso secured his fifth podium finish in six races this year.&nbsp;

"It was difficult," the Spaniard said. "Max drove super-well on the medium tyres in his first stint and it was complicated out there in the rain. I think everyone did an amazing job to stay on the track."

Ocon's success came in Alpine's 50th&nbsp;Grand Prix and after some recent strife in the team.&nbsp;

"A super weekend," he said. "We didn't make any mistakes and I am enjoying this and hope it is the first of many."&nbsp;

Ocon held off a late attack from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton who finished fourth ahead of his Mercedes team-mate George Russell, local hero Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Pierre Gasly in the second Alpine.&nbsp;

Carlos Sainz finished a frustrated eighth in the second Ferrari ahead of the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.&nbsp;

The race began in beautiful conditions with an air temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and the track at 47 degrees, but with rain forecast.&nbsp;

Alonso made a vibrant start, but it was not enough to unsettle Verstappen who pulled clear in the dash to Saint Devote where the grid order remained unchanged.

Hamilton was sandwiched between the Ferraris of Sainz and Leclerc, who had taken a three-place grid penalty for blocking Lando Norris in qualifying.&nbsp;

Perez, who started from the back after crashing out in qualifying, made an immediate stop for hard tyres while Verstappen, on mediums, pulled away to lead Alonso, on hards, by five seconds by lap 15.&nbsp;

<h2>Pretty dangerous out here</h2>

Sainz made early attempts to pass Ocon's Alpine and in one move he clipped the Frenchman's car, damaging his front wing.&nbsp;

He stayed out despite instructions to pit.

Verstappen extended his advantage to 8.4 seconds by lap 20 and 10.6 by lap 22 when dark clouds loomed.&nbsp;

Alarmed by tyre-wear, Verstappen warned his crew.&nbsp;

"Front left really isn't pretty," he said, as he approached a thicket of traffic that included Perez, in 16th.&nbsp;

Hamilton pitted on lap 32 for 'hards', re-joining eighth behind Russell while a frustrated Verstappen saw his lead trimmed to 7.9 seconds.&nbsp;

Ocon and Sainz soon followed into the pits while the Dutchman stayed out.&nbsp;

"It's almost undriveable," he grumbled, but was told to stay out as a stop would cost him the lead.&nbsp;

Perez continued his incident-plagued weekend when he hit the back of Kevin Magnussen's Haas and damaged a front wing. Perez pitted for a new one and fresh mediums returning in last place.&nbsp;

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By lap 45, as other drivers pitted the front two were more than 30 seconds clear of the rest.

By lap 52, it was raining.&nbsp;

In the sudden treacherous localised conditions, the drivers tip-toed to survive, or gambled.&nbsp;

Alonso pitted for mediums but had to come in to change again as the rain intensified. Verstappen came in for intermediates and Alonso returned to do the same.&nbsp;

Ten minutes of chaos ensued. Magnussen and Logan Sargeant of Williams both crashed.

"It's getting to a point where it's pretty dangerous out here," reported Hamilton, who was in close pursuit of Ocon for third and equalling Ayrton Senna's record of eight Monaco podium finish.&nbsp;

As the rain relented, with ten laps to go, the order was unchanged. Verstappen led by 24 seconds with Alonso second 15 clear of Ocon and resisting Hamilton over the final dash to the flag.

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Defending double world champion Max Verstappen extended his lead in this year's title race when he drove his Red Bull to a comprehensive victory in challenging conditions in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.

Defending double world champion Max Verstappen extended his lead in this year's title race when he drove his Red Bull to a comprehensive victory in challenging conditions in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Dutchman, driving with controlled aplomb in conditions that changed from warm sunshine to a downpour, came home 27 seconds clear of Aston Martin's two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. Today officially marks Max's 39th win. 🤩#MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/ZWqQnlxAWC — Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) May 28, 2023 × It was his second victory on the barrier-lined streets of the Mediterranean principality in three years, his fourth win this year and the 39th of his clear, stretching his lead ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez to 39 points in the championship. Esteban Ocon finished a popular third for Alpine to become the first Frenchman to claim a Monaco podium since Olivier Panis won in 1996. "That wasn't easy," said Verstappen. "It was quite a difficult one! I didn't want to go long on my first stint, but I had to stay out when the rain came down and then it was very tricky to drive. "It was incredibly slippery and quite difficult," he said. "I clipped the walls a few times, but that's Monaco. It's nice to win and super-nice to win in this weather!" Alonso secured his fifth podium finish in six races this year. "It was difficult," the Spaniard said. "Max drove super-well on the medium tyres in his first stint and it was complicated out there in the rain. I think everyone did an amazing job to stay on the track." Ocon's success came in Alpine's 50th Grand Prix and after some recent strife in the team. "A super weekend," he said. "We didn't make any mistakes and I am enjoying this and hope it is the first of many." Ocon held off a late attack from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton who finished fourth ahead of his Mercedes team-mate George Russell, local hero Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Pierre Gasly in the second Alpine. Carlos Sainz finished a frustrated eighth in the second Ferrari ahead of the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The race began in beautiful conditions with an air temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and the track at 47 degrees, but with rain forecast. Alonso made a vibrant start, but it was not enough to unsettle Verstappen who pulled clear in the dash to Saint Devote where the grid order remained unchanged. Hamilton was sandwiched between the Ferraris of Sainz and Leclerc, who had taken a three-place grid penalty for blocking Lando Norris in qualifying. Perez, who started from the back after crashing out in qualifying, made an immediate stop for hard tyres while Verstappen, on mediums, pulled away to lead Alonso, on hards, by five seconds by lap 15. Pretty dangerous out here Sainz made early attempts to pass Ocon's Alpine and in one move he clipped the Frenchman's car, damaging his front wing. He stayed out despite instructions to pit. Verstappen extended his advantage to 8.4 seconds by lap 20 and 10.6 by lap 22 when dark clouds loomed. Alarmed by tyre-wear, Verstappen warned his crew. "Front left really isn't pretty," he said, as he approached a thicket of traffic that included Perez, in 16th. Hamilton pitted on lap 32 for 'hards', re-joining eighth behind Russell while a frustrated Verstappen saw his lead trimmed to 7.9 seconds. Ocon and Sainz soon followed into the pits while the Dutchman stayed out. "It's almost undriveable," he grumbled, but was told to stay out as a stop would cost him the lead. Perez continued his incident-plagued weekend when he hit the back of Kevin Magnussen's Haas and damaged a front wing. Perez pitted for a new one and fresh mediums returning in last place. ALSO READ | 2023 IPL Final: Gujarat Titans gear up for title defence against MS Dhoni's CSK By lap 45, as other drivers pitted the front two were more than 30 seconds clear of the rest. By lap 52, it was raining. In the sudden treacherous localised conditions, the drivers tip-toed to survive, or gambled. Alonso pitted for mediums but had to come in to change again as the rain intensified. Verstappen came in for intermediates and Alonso returned to do the same. Ten minutes of chaos ensued. Magnussen and Logan Sargeant of Williams both crashed. "It's getting to a point where it's pretty dangerous out here," reported Hamilton, who was in close pursuit of Ocon for third and equalling Ayrton Senna's record of eight Monaco podium finish. As the rain relented, with ten laps to go, the order was unchanged. Verstappen led by 24 seconds with Alonso second 15 clear of Ocon and resisting Hamilton over the final dash to the flag. 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 extends lead with dominant victory in Monaco rain

Max Verstappen claimed pole for the Monaco Grand Prix with Fernando Alonso keeping the Red Bull world champion company on the front row after qualifying on Saturday. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start Sunday's race on the second row alongside the Alpine of Esteban Ocon although the stewards were investigating an incident involving Leclerc.

"You have to go all out and risk&nbsp;it all," said Verstappen.

"I knew I was behind, I'm very happy to be on pole for the first time here."

Alonso in his flying Aston Martin was denied a first pole since 2012 by just 0.084s.

"Pole position means a lot here in Monaco, but today Max was a little bit faster," said Alonso.

The Spaniard added: "First row on the grid is still a big thing for us. We will try to win. It's very short into Turn 1, but this year normally we make good starts."

Leclerc, on pole for the past two races at his home track, said before being summoned to the stewards: "All in all happy, but I would have preferred to be first of course."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-one-of-the-finest-t20-innings-i-have-seen-gt-captain-hardik-pandya-lauds-superman-shubman-gill-597032">IPL 2023: 'One of the finest T20 innings I have seen,' GT captain Hardik Pandya lauds superman Shubman Gill</a>

The session was red-flagged when Sergio Perez smashed his Red Bull into a wall leaving last year's winner at the rear of the grid.

With overtaking at a premium on the narrow twisting streets of the Principality, Perez's misfortune could prove costly for his title challenge with the Mexican 14 points adrift of Verstappen going into this sixth race of the season.

Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari posted the fifth-fastest time to occupy the third row with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

Ocon's Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly, George Russell of Mercedes, Alpha Tauri's Yuki Tsunoda and McLaren's Lando Norris completed the top 10.

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Max Verstappen claimed pole for the Monaco Grand Prix with Fernando Alonso keeping the Red Bull world champion company on the front row after qualifying on Saturday.

Max Verstappen claimed pole for the Monaco Grand Prix with Fernando Alonso keeping the Red Bull world champion company on the front row after qualifying on Saturday. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start Sunday's race on the second row alongside the Alpine of Esteban Ocon although the stewards were investigating an incident involving Leclerc. "You have to go all out and risk it all," said Verstappen. "I knew I was behind, I'm very happy to be on pole for the first time here." Alonso in his flying Aston Martin was denied a first pole since 2012 by just 0.084s. "Pole position means a lot here in Monaco, but today Max was a little bit faster," said Alonso. The Spaniard added: "First row on the grid is still a big thing for us. We will try to win. It's very short into Turn 1, but this year normally we make good starts." Leclerc, on pole for the past two races at his home track, said before being summoned to the stewards: "All in all happy, but I would have preferred to be first of course." ALSO READ | IPL 2023: 'One of the finest T20 innings I have seen,' GT captain Hardik Pandya lauds superman Shubman Gill The session was red-flagged when Sergio Perez smashed his Red Bull into a wall leaving last year's winner at the rear of the grid. With overtaking at a premium on the narrow twisting streets of the Principality, Perez's misfortune could prove costly for his title challenge with the Mexican 14 points adrift of Verstappen going into this sixth race of the season. Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari posted the fifth-fastest time to occupy the third row with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. Ocon's Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly, George Russell of Mercedes, Alpha Tauri's Yuki Tsunoda and McLaren's Lando Norris completed the top 10. 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.

Monaco GP: Max Verstappen claims first pole in Sunday's race, Charles Leclerc to start in second row

Max Verstappen topped the times ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in Saturday's eventful third and final practice at the Monaco Grand Prix which ended with a Lewis Hamilton crash.

Defending double world champion and series leader Verstappen clocked a fastest lap in one minute 12.776 seconds to outpace Perez by 0.073s before the session was halted four minutes prematurely when seven-time champion Hamilton crashed his revamped Mercedes.&nbsp;

He was unhurt and climbed from his car, apologising&nbsp;to the team having been on a fast lap.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-champ-lewis-hamilton-comes-out-in-support-of-vinicius-jr-for-speaking-against-racism-597136">Formula One champ Lewis Hamilton comes out in support of Vinicius Jr. for speaking against racism</a>

Lance Stroll was third for Aston Martin ahead of Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Lando Norris of McLaren in a closely-contested hour during which many of the drivers brushed, or hit, the barriers of the Mediterranean street circuit.&nbsp;

Pierre Gasly was sixth for Alpine ahead of Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari, Hamilton, who was also fined for speeding in the pitlane in an eventful hour, Esteban Ocon in the second Alpine and Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas.

The session was run in perfect conditions, blue skies and warm sunshine producing an air temperature of 27 degrees, with the track at 44. The streets and stands were packed with fans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a lifeless minute, Alonso was first out with Stroll and the two Alpha Tauris, the rest following in a leisurely manner. Ocon briefly lost power in the tunnel, where he almost stopped, but was saved by a system re-set.&nbsp;

Perez was first to set a fast time for Red Bull in 1:15.641 as the drivers tested the conditions before Norris went top for McLaren, followed by Verstappen in 1:13.794 and then to the delight of many Spaniards in attendance, Alonso who went clear by 0.097 seconds.&nbsp;

<h2>'No control'</h2>

Mercedes delayed their entry by more than 20 minutes before Russell and Hamilton joined the fray, the Briton logging his first lap after 25 minutes.&nbsp;

By the half hour mark, Red Bull were back in control, trading fastest laps, with Verstappen edging clear of Perez and Leclerc who was struggling with his Ferrari.&nbsp;

"We need to change the car," said the Monegasque. "I have no control."

He reported it was "bottoming like crazy" through the Swimming Pool complex where team-mate Sainz had crashed on Friday.&nbsp;

With 25 minutes to go, it was Verstappen in 1:12.776, Perez and Sainz ahead of Leclerc, Hamilton and Alonso.&nbsp;

Proof that they were all pushing hard came with Verstappen brushing a wall and Russell, in seventh, doing the same in the final sector.&nbsp;

"A hefty hit of the wall," the Briton told the team as he pitted for repairs.

The order was revised when Stroll claimed third ahead of Sainz as the teams switched to fresh soft tyres for a final flurry, anticipating the decisive qualifying session to run later Saturday.&nbsp;

After a lull, the circuit was as crowded as the narrow shopping streets around the harbour as Alonso and Verstappen were slowed by rivals before Kevin Magnussen instigated yellow flags as he went off into the escape road at Sainte Devote.&nbsp;

After recovering, he stopped again at Portier and a Virtual Safety Car was deployed.

As soon as his Haas was cleared away, Hamilton hit the barriers at Mirabeau, ramming his left front wheel into railings. The session was red-flagged to a halt, with four minutes remaining.&nbsp;

He climbed from his car unhurt to make his long trek back to the pits as it was confirmed that the session would not resume.

Max Verstappen topped the times ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in Saturday's eventful third and final practice at the Monaco Grand Prix which ended with a Lewis Hamilton crash.

Max Verstappen topped the times ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in Saturday's eventful third and final practice at the Monaco Grand Prix which ended with a Lewis Hamilton crash. Defending double world champion and series leader Verstappen clocked a fastest lap in one minute 12.776 seconds to outpace Perez by 0.073s before the session was halted four minutes prematurely when seven-time champion Hamilton crashed his revamped Mercedes. He was unhurt and climbed from his car, apologising to the team having been on a fast lap. Also Read: Formula One champ Lewis Hamilton comes out in support of Vinicius Jr. for speaking against racism Lance Stroll was third for Aston Martin ahead of Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Lando Norris of McLaren in a closely-contested hour during which many of the drivers brushed, or hit, the barriers of the Mediterranean street circuit. Pierre Gasly was sixth for Alpine ahead of Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari, Hamilton, who was also fined for speeding in the pitlane in an eventful hour, Esteban Ocon in the second Alpine and Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas. The session was run in perfect conditions, blue skies and warm sunshine producing an air temperature of 27 degrees, with the track at 44. The streets and stands were packed with fans. After a lifeless minute, Alonso was first out with Stroll and the two Alpha Tauris, the rest following in a leisurely manner. Ocon briefly lost power in the tunnel, where he almost stopped, but was saved by a system re-set. Perez was first to set a fast time for Red Bull in 1:15.641 as the drivers tested the conditions before Norris went top for McLaren, followed by Verstappen in 1:13.794 and then to the delight of many Spaniards in attendance, Alonso who went clear by 0.097 seconds. 'No control' Mercedes delayed their entry by more than 20 minutes before Russell and Hamilton joined the fray, the Briton logging his first lap after 25 minutes. By the half hour mark, Red Bull were back in control, trading fastest laps, with Verstappen edging clear of Perez and Leclerc who was struggling with his Ferrari. "We need to change the car," said the Monegasque. "I have no control." He reported it was "bottoming like crazy" through the Swimming Pool complex where team-mate Sainz had crashed on Friday. With 25 minutes to go, it was Verstappen in 1:12.776, Perez and Sainz ahead of Leclerc, Hamilton and Alonso. Proof that they were all pushing hard came with Verstappen brushing a wall and Russell, in seventh, doing the same in the final sector. "A hefty hit of the wall," the Briton told the team as he pitted for repairs. The order was revised when Stroll claimed third ahead of Sainz as the teams switched to fresh soft tyres for a final flurry, anticipating the decisive qualifying session to run later Saturday. After a lull, the circuit was as crowded as the narrow shopping streets around the harbour as Alonso and Verstappen were slowed by rivals before Kevin Magnussen instigated yellow flags as he went off into the escape road at Sainte Devote. After recovering, he stopped again at Portier and a Virtual Safety Car was deployed. As soon as his Haas was cleared away, Hamilton hit the barriers at Mirabeau, ramming his left front wheel into railings. The session was red-flagged to a halt, with four minutes remaining. He climbed from his car unhurt to make his long trek back to the pits as it was confirmed that the session would not resume.

Formula One: Verstappen tops final practice in Monaco, Hamilton crashes

A 12-member team from the global MotoG&nbsp;commercial rights holder, Dorna Sports, recently concluded an advance reconnaissance visit to India to assess race preparations at the Buddha International Circuit. Led by Dorna’s Events Director, Norma Luna, the team also comprised of officials of MotoGP&nbsp;marketing and sponsorship teams.

The purpose of the visit was to recce the highly anticipated MotoGP&nbsp;Bharat preparations ahead of the scheduled race to be held on September 22-24. Luna was accompanied by Daniel Trujillo (Technical Director), Enrique Aguilar (Live Coverage Director) among others. The team meticulously surveyed the circuit to evaluate various technical aspects as well as inspect the broadcast setup facilities and assess various other essential requirements for delivering a world-class event.

Pushkar Nath Srivastava, COO of FairStreet Sports, the event’s Indian promoters, was confident of the venue's ability to put up country’s biggest annual sporting spectacle show, and said, “With less than 124 days for the mega event, we had some important operational discussions as well as detailed marketing, branding, sponsorship and conversations related to the broadcast of the race. It is heartening to see how important MotoGP™ Bharat is from the global perspective as well as for us, the Indian stakeholders alongside the government"

A big part of hosting MotoGP&nbsp;is also to showcase their tourism potential and during their visit, the Dorna team also had the opportunity to explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks and the pride of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal. Located at just a two-hour drive from the racetrack, the team was captivated by the Taj's grandeur and left in awe.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-sergio-perez-sees-fernando-alonso-ferrari-as-main-threats-in-monaco-gp-596777">Formula One: Sergio Perez sees Fernando Alonso, Ferrari as main threats in Monaco GP</a>

MotoGP&nbsp;Bharat will not only encourage a diverse range of fans to come and witness the onsite marvels but also explore the unique milieu of rich culture, heritage and history.&nbsp;

Srivastava further added, "We anticipate a significant boost to the tourism industry, and this event is poised to unlock tremendous investment opportunities for the state of Uttar Pradesh."

Scheduled as the 13th race on the calendar, India will see 42 teams and 84 riders in action across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 categories. It will include names like Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati, Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda Team, Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney, Brad Binder and Jack Miller of Redbull, Jorge Martin of Prima, all set to hit the Indian soil soon. 
 
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A 12-member team from the global MotoG commercial rights holder, Dorna Sports, recently concluded an advance reconnaissance visit to India to assess race preparations at the Buddha International Circuit.

A 12-member team from the global MotoG commercial rights holder, Dorna Sports, recently concluded an advance reconnaissance visit to India to assess race preparations at the Buddha International Circuit. Led by Dorna’s Events Director, Norma Luna, the team also comprised of officials of MotoGP marketing and sponsorship teams. The purpose of the visit was to recce the highly anticipated MotoGP Bharat preparations ahead of the scheduled race to be held on September 22-24. Luna was accompanied by Daniel Trujillo (Technical Director), Enrique Aguilar (Live Coverage Director) among others. The team meticulously surveyed the circuit to evaluate various technical aspects as well as inspect the broadcast setup facilities and assess various other essential requirements for delivering a world-class event. Pushkar Nath Srivastava, COO of FairStreet Sports, the event’s Indian promoters, was confident of the venue's ability to put up country’s biggest annual sporting spectacle show, and said, “With less than 124 days for the mega event, we had some important operational discussions as well as detailed marketing, branding, sponsorship and conversations related to the broadcast of the race. It is heartening to see how important MotoGP™ Bharat is from the global perspective as well as for us, the Indian stakeholders alongside the government" A big part of hosting MotoGP is also to showcase their tourism potential and during their visit, the Dorna team also had the opportunity to explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks and the pride of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal. Located at just a two-hour drive from the racetrack, the team was captivated by the Taj's grandeur and left in awe. Also Read: Formula One: Sergio Perez sees Fernando Alonso, Ferrari as main threats in Monaco GP MotoGP Bharat will not only encourage a diverse range of fans to come and witness the onsite marvels but also explore the unique milieu of rich culture, heritage and history. Srivastava further added, "We anticipate a significant boost to the tourism industry, and this event is poised to unlock tremendous investment opportunities for the state of Uttar Pradesh." Scheduled as the 13th race on the calendar, India will see 42 teams and 84 riders in action across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 categories. It will include names like Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati, Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda Team, Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney, Brad Binder and Jack Miller of Redbull, Jorge Martin of Prima, all set to hit the Indian soil soon. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

MotoGP ends recce of Buddha International Circuit ahead of race in September

There has been a lot of speculations regarding Lewis Hamilton's next move as his contract with Mercedes is set to expire at the end of this season. There were strong rumours that the&nbsp;seven-time&nbsp;world champion is likely to move to Ferrari in a whopping deal.&nbsp;Since then, a&nbsp;lot has been said and written about it. Nonetheless, Ferrari team boss has denied all such claims.

It was reported earlier this week that Ferrari made a whopping £40 million offer to acquire the services of Hamilton. However, Ferrari team boss Fred&nbsp;Vasseur cleared the air ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

<h2>'We are not sending an offer to Lewis Hamilton'</h2>

"As a joke I could say that two weeks ago you were sending Sainz to Audi, one week ago you sent Leclerc to Mercedes - now I am alone," said Vasseur as per a report in Sky Sport.&nbsp;

He further asserted, "You know perfectly that at this stage of the season each week you will have a different story and we are not sending an offer to Lewis Hamilton, we didn't do it."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-with-lewis-hamiltons-mercedes-contract-over-is-he-moving-to-ferrari-596070">Formula One: With Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes contract over, is he moving to Ferrari?</a>

On being asked if he had talked with Hamilton, or if he is planning to, Vasseur replied,&nbsp;"We didn't have discussions. I think every single team on the grid would like to have Hamilton at one stage, it would be bull**** to not say something like this.

"If I discuss with Hamilton, the last 20 years I discussed almost every single weekend with Hamilton, I don't want to have to stop to discuss with him because you are chasing me."

It is to be noted that Britain's Hamilton has not won a race since 2021, with Max Versteppen ruling every circuit since then. He desperately needs a winning car to challenge for a record eighth title. Thus, the upcoming races are very crucial for him and the veteran will surely analyse if Mercedes can provide him his next title or whether it is wise for him to have a last shot at somewhere else.&nbsp;

Interesting times ahead for Hamilton as he remains adamant to bounce back to winning ways and add more titles to his illustrious career.

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There has been a lot of speculations regarding Lewis Hamilton's next move as his contract with Mercedes is set to expire at the end of this season. There were strong rumours that the seven-time world champion is likely to move to Ferrari in a whopping deal.

There has been a lot of speculations regarding Lewis Hamilton's next move as his contract with Mercedes is set to expire at the end of this season. There were strong rumours that the seven-time world champion is likely to move to Ferrari in a whopping deal. Since then, a lot has been said and written about it. Nonetheless, Ferrari team boss has denied all such claims. It was reported earlier this week that Ferrari made a whopping £40 million offer to acquire the services of Hamilton. However, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur cleared the air ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. 'We are not sending an offer to Lewis Hamilton' "As a joke I could say that two weeks ago you were sending Sainz to Audi, one week ago you sent Leclerc to Mercedes - now I am alone," said Vasseur as per a report in Sky Sport. He further asserted, "You know perfectly that at this stage of the season each week you will have a different story and we are not sending an offer to Lewis Hamilton, we didn't do it." Also Read: Formula One: With Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes contract over, is he moving to Ferrari? On being asked if he had talked with Hamilton, or if he is planning to, Vasseur replied, "We didn't have discussions. I think every single team on the grid would like to have Hamilton at one stage, it would be bull**** to not say something like this. "If I discuss with Hamilton, the last 20 years I discussed almost every single weekend with Hamilton, I don't want to have to stop to discuss with him because you are chasing me." It is to be noted that Britain's Hamilton has not won a race since 2021, with Max Versteppen ruling every circuit since then. He desperately needs a winning car to challenge for a record eighth title. Thus, the upcoming races are very crucial for him and the veteran will surely analyse if Mercedes can provide him his next title or whether it is wise for him to have a last shot at somewhere else. Interesting times ahead for Hamilton as he remains adamant to bounce back to winning ways and add more titles to his illustrious career. 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. ×

Ferrari have not made any contract offer to Lewis Hamilton, reveals team boss Fred Vasseur

Lewis Hamilton denied talking to Ferrari about a move to the Italian Formula One team and said on Thursday he was close to agreeing a new contract with Mercedes. The seven times world champion, the sport's most successful driver of all time, is out of contract at the end of the season and there has been speculation the 38-year-old could join Ferrari.

"My team is working closely behind the scenes with (team boss) Toto (Wolff), we are almost at the end of having a contract ready," the Briton told reporters ahead of the weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. "Having a team focus on that so I can just do my job, it's a much better position than I was in before because I remember I used to do all my negotiations on my own and it was very stressful. I don't have to do that any more."

Asked directly whether Ferrari had been in touch, Hamilton replied "no". Separately, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur said the team had not made any offer. "We didn't have discussions. I think every single team on the grid would like to have Hamilton at one stage. It would be rubbish to not say something like this," added the Frenchman.

Hamilton hoped the talks with Mercedes would be wrapped up "in the coming weeks". The Daily Mail reported on Monday that Ferrari were set to offer Hamilton a 40 million pound ($50.48 million) deal to partner Charles Leclerc.

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport said there appeared to be a "foundation of truth" to the story. "When you are in contract negotiations there's always going to be speculation and I think ultimately unless you hear it from me, then that's all it is," said Hamilton. He suggested maybe the media had "just got bored" after last weekend's scheduled Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was cancelled due to flooding.

Hamilton said Mercedes' current lack of form had not affected his decision. "It doesn't have a bearing because we're still a championship-winning team," he said. "It's just we've had the wrong car, there have been some decisions that have been made over the last two years that have not been ideal. "We are working our way through that... we have a new upgrade this weekend, the team have worked incredibly hard to bring this upgrade."

Leclerc appeared in the same session with Hamilton and winced when asked if he would welcome Hamilton as a team mate. "If I say yes, I imagine it being the title of every newspaper," he said. "I think anybody on the grid would love to have Lewis as a team mate as everybody will learn a lot from him," he added. "But I'm happy where I am and with Carlos it's a great relationship too."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferrari-have-not-made-any-contract-offer-to-lewis-hamilton-reveals-team-boss-fred-vasseur-596455">Ferrari have not made any contract offer to Lewis Hamilton, reveals team boss Fred Vasseur</a>

<h2>HAMILTON HAILS VINICIUS JR ON RACISM CASE</h2>

Hamilton hailed Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr as 'incredibly brave' for his response to racist insults in Spain and said the incidents brought back painful memories from his own career in motor racing. Brazilian forward Vinicius called LaLiga and Spain racist when he took to social media to complain about the abuse he suffered from the crowd during a match in Valencia on Sunday.

"It's devastating to think that in 2023 we're still seeing these things and hearing these things," seven-times world champion Hamilton, the sport's only Black driver, said at the Monaco Grand Prix. "It really hits home for me, it really brings up emotions about things that I experienced, whether it's back in the UK or when I was racing in Italy or in France or in Spain. It can be so hurtful the things that people say. I think he's been incredibly brave.

"I think it's amazing what so many of these that are experiencing that on the pitch are doing in terms of standing tall, standing strong, continuing to be humble in their approach, not being reactive but being responsible when they are moving forwards because they know there's lots of young kids that are watching."

Mercedes driver Hamilton was granted honorary Brazilian citizenship last year, with the country's parliament highlighting his deep connection with the country where he won his first title in 2008. The Briton, who was team mate to Spaniard Fernando Alonso at McLaren in a tumultuous 2007 debut season, also experienced racist abuse in Spain when testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya in 2008.

Hamilton said sports needed to do more to tackle the problem. "We all need to continue to do more and if we see it, hear it, we need to do something about it," he said.

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Lewis Hamilton denied talking to Ferrari about a move to the Italian Formula One team and said on Thursday he was close to agreeing a new contract with Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton denied talking to Ferrari about a move to the Italian Formula One team and said on Thursday he was close to agreeing a new contract with Mercedes. The seven times world champion, the sport's most successful driver of all time, is out of contract at the end of the season and there has been speculation the 38-year-old could join Ferrari. "My team is working closely behind the scenes with (team boss) Toto (Wolff), we are almost at the end of having a contract ready," the Briton told reporters ahead of the weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. "Having a team focus on that so I can just do my job, it's a much better position than I was in before because I remember I used to do all my negotiations on my own and it was very stressful. I don't have to do that any more." Asked directly whether Ferrari had been in touch, Hamilton replied "no". Separately, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur said the team had not made any offer. "We didn't have discussions. I think every single team on the grid would like to have Hamilton at one stage. It would be rubbish to not say something like this," added the Frenchman. Hamilton hoped the talks with Mercedes would be wrapped up "in the coming weeks". The Daily Mail reported on Monday that Ferrari were set to offer Hamilton a 40 million pound ($50.48 million) deal to partner Charles Leclerc. Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport said there appeared to be a "foundation of truth" to the story. "When you are in contract negotiations there's always going to be speculation and I think ultimately unless you hear it from me, then that's all it is," said Hamilton. He suggested maybe the media had "just got bored" after last weekend's scheduled Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was cancelled due to flooding. Hamilton said Mercedes' current lack of form had not affected his decision. "It doesn't have a bearing because we're still a championship-winning team," he said. "It's just we've had the wrong car, there have been some decisions that have been made over the last two years that have not been ideal. "We are working our way through that... we have a new upgrade this weekend, the team have worked incredibly hard to bring this upgrade." Leclerc appeared in the same session with Hamilton and winced when asked if he would welcome Hamilton as a team mate. "If I say yes, I imagine it being the title of every newspaper," he said. "I think anybody on the grid would love to have Lewis as a team mate as everybody will learn a lot from him," he added. "But I'm happy where I am and with Carlos it's a great relationship too." Also Read: Ferrari have not made any contract offer to Lewis Hamilton, reveals team boss Fred Vasseur HAMILTON HAILS VINICIUS JR ON RACISM CASE Hamilton hailed Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr as 'incredibly brave' for his response to racist insults in Spain and said the incidents brought back painful memories from his own career in motor racing. Brazilian forward Vinicius called LaLiga and Spain racist when he took to social media to complain about the abuse he suffered from the crowd during a match in Valencia on Sunday. "It's devastating to think that in 2023 we're still seeing these things and hearing these things," seven-times world champion Hamilton, the sport's only Black driver, said at the Monaco Grand Prix. "It really hits home for me, it really brings up emotions about things that I experienced, whether it's back in the UK or when I was racing in Italy or in France or in Spain. It can be so hurtful the things that people say. I think he's been incredibly brave. "I think it's amazing what so many of these that are experiencing that on the pitch are doing in terms of standing tall, standing strong, continuing to be humble in their approach, not being reactive but being responsible when they are moving forwards because they know there's lots of young kids that are watching." Mercedes driver Hamilton was granted honorary Brazilian citizenship last year, with the country's parliament highlighting his deep connection with the country where he won his first title in 2008. The Briton, who was team mate to Spaniard Fernando Alonso at McLaren in a tumultuous 2007 debut season, also experienced racist abuse in Spain when testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya in 2008. Hamilton said sports needed to do more to tackle the problem. "We all need to continue to do more and if we see it, hear it, we need to do something about it," he said. 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. ×

Monaco GP: Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes deal is close, no Ferrari talks; opines on Vinicius Jr's racism case

Lewis Hamilton is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of the Formula One season and, inevitably, speculation that the seven-times world champion could move to&nbsp;Ferrari&nbsp;is again picking up speed. The Daily Mail reported on Monday that&nbsp;Ferrari&nbsp;were set to offer the 38-year-old Briton a 40 million pound ($50.48 million)deal to race in red as team mate to Charles Leclerc, with company president John Elkann making the approach.

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport said the speculation "would apparently have a foundation of truth" but could not confirm the figures. There was no comment from Mercedes or&nbsp;Ferrari&nbsp;but social media was buzzing. Hamilton has been linked to the Italian team before -- he has at least one of their luxury sportscars in his private car collection -- and in 2019 twice met Elkann socially.

Speculation that he might replace now-retired four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel alongside Leclerc came to nothing then, although the German was replaced by Spaniard Carlos Sainz at the end of 2020. The situation is different now, and there are also a number of reasons why certain parties might want to give the rumour mill an extra shove with this weekend's showcase Monaco Grand Prix looming.

Hamilton has not won a race since 2021, with George Russell a rising talent within the team, but such speculation emphasises his continuing superstar status and boosts his bargaining position -- even if Mercedes need no reminding. On&nbsp;Ferrari's side, Leclerc is a firm favourite but the Monegasque is out of contract at the end of 2024 and, with his patience at times wearing thin, has also been linked to Mercedes.

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Asked in April whether he had any conversations with the former champions, Leclerc replied: "Not yet, not for the moment." A move for Hamilton would be a timely reminder from&nbsp;Ferrari&nbsp;that they are not sitting still, although Sainz would not be impressed.

Hamilton needs a winning car to challenge for a record eighth title and the coming races will be crucial in helping him assess whether Mercedes can provide it, or whether to have a last shot at somewhere else. Red Bull have won everything so far in 2023 with double champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, but they are not an option.

The champions do, however, stand to gain from anything that distracts their rivals. Just how seriously Hamilton might consider a move to Maranello remains to be seen, and the championship's second oldest driver has in recent months pointed firmly to racing on with Mercedes.

The manufacturer has supported him throughout his career and allows considerable personal and commercial freedom that might not be available at&nbsp;Ferrari. "I continue to feel very much at home in this family," Hamilton said at the Australian Grand Prix in April. "I see myself with Mercedes until my last days, to be honest. I have amazing allies within the team, great relationships here." While Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said in March he would have 'no grouch' if Hamilton felt a need to look elsewhere, he also doubted the driver would leave.

Lewis Hamilton is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of the Formula One season and, inevitably, speculation that the seven-times world champion could move to Ferrari is again picking up speed.

Lewis Hamilton is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of the Formula One season and, inevitably, speculation that the seven-times world champion could move to Ferrari is again picking up speed. The Daily Mail reported on Monday that Ferrari were set to offer the 38-year-old Briton a 40 million pound ($50.48 million)deal to race in red as team mate to Charles Leclerc, with company president John Elkann making the approach. Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport said the speculation "would apparently have a foundation of truth" but could not confirm the figures. There was no comment from Mercedes or Ferrari but social media was buzzing. Hamilton has been linked to the Italian team before -- he has at least one of their luxury sportscars in his private car collection -- and in 2019 twice met Elkann socially. Speculation that he might replace now-retired four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel alongside Leclerc came to nothing then, although the German was replaced by Spaniard Carlos Sainz at the end of 2020. The situation is different now, and there are also a number of reasons why certain parties might want to give the rumour mill an extra shove with this weekend's showcase Monaco Grand Prix looming. Hamilton has not won a race since 2021, with George Russell a rising talent within the team, but such speculation emphasises his continuing superstar status and boosts his bargaining position -- even if Mercedes need no reminding. On Ferrari's side, Leclerc is a firm favourite but the Monegasque is out of contract at the end of 2024 and, with his patience at times wearing thin, has also been linked to Mercedes. Also Read: Formula One: Honda engines to power Aston Martin from 2026 Asked in April whether he had any conversations with the former champions, Leclerc replied: "Not yet, not for the moment." A move for Hamilton would be a timely reminder from Ferrari that they are not sitting still, although Sainz would not be impressed. Hamilton needs a winning car to challenge for a record eighth title and the coming races will be crucial in helping him assess whether Mercedes can provide it, or whether to have a last shot at somewhere else. Red Bull have won everything so far in 2023 with double champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, but they are not an option. The champions do, however, stand to gain from anything that distracts their rivals. Just how seriously Hamilton might consider a move to Maranello remains to be seen, and the championship's second oldest driver has in recent months pointed firmly to racing on with Mercedes. The manufacturer has supported him throughout his career and allows considerable personal and commercial freedom that might not be available at Ferrari. "I continue to feel very much at home in this family," Hamilton said at the Australian Grand Prix in April. "I see myself with Mercedes until my last days, to be honest. I have amazing allies within the team, great relationships here." While Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said in March he would have 'no grouch' if Hamilton felt a need to look elsewhere, he also doubted the driver would leave.

Formula One: With Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes contract over, is he moving to Ferrari?

Alpine's Pierre Gasly moved away from the risk of a&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;race ban on Monday after dropping two of the 10 penalty points accrued for a series of minor offences over the past year. Twelve points in a 12-month period triggers an automatic suspension. The first two of Gasly's points were collected when he was driving for AlphaTauri at the Spanish Grand Prix on May 22 last year and collided with Aston Martin's Lance Stroll.

The cancellation of last Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola removed the risk of Gasly incurring any more points before the&nbsp;ones from Spain expired. The Frenchman, who reached his tally of 10 in Mexico last October, still has more penalty points than any other driver on the starting grid.

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Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;stewards have adopted a new approach to penalty points this season, restricting them to examples of unsafe driving rather than breaches of the sporting rules such as exceeding track limits. Four of Gasly's 10 to Monday were for collisions, two for speeding after red flags were waved, two for being too far behind the safety car and the others for repeatedly exceeding track limits and gaining an advantage by going off.

The showcase Monaco Grand Prix is next up this weekend.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly moved away from the risk of a Formula One race ban on Monday after dropping two of the 10 penalty points accrued for a series of minor offences over the past year.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly moved away from the risk of a Formula One race ban on Monday after dropping two of the 10 penalty points accrued for a series of minor offences over the past year. Twelve points in a 12-month period triggers an automatic suspension. The first two of Gasly's points were collected when he was driving for AlphaTauri at the Spanish Grand Prix on May 22 last year and collided with Aston Martin's Lance Stroll. The cancellation of last Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola removed the risk of Gasly incurring any more points before the ones from Spain expired. The Frenchman, who reached his tally of 10 in Mexico last October, still has more penalty points than any other driver on the starting grid. Also Read: Tennis: French Open comes up with unique ploy, offers players tool to filter out online abuse Formula One stewards have adopted a new approach to penalty points this season, restricting them to examples of unsafe driving rather than breaches of the sporting rules such as exceeding track limits. Four of Gasly's 10 to Monday were for collisions, two for speeding after red flags were waved, two for being too far behind the safety car and the others for repeatedly exceeding track limits and gaining an advantage by going off. The showcase Monaco Grand Prix is next up this weekend.

Motor racing: Risk of Formula One race ban recedes as Alpine's Pierre Gasly sheds penalty points

McLaren have urged&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;to change the cost cap rules to help teams promote sustainability without compromising performance. McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said on Thursday that teams should not have to choose between spending on car performance and sustainability initiatives that were currently included in the cost cap.

"We strongly believe in the cost cap and wouldn't want to see anything that undermines its integrity," said the American in a statement as the team published their annual sustainability report. "But current regulations have created some unintended barriers when it comes to investing in sustainability.

"To unlock our sport's potential to drive the development of more sustainable technologies that can spark positive changes on a global scale, we need a genuine step change," he added.

Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;introduced a cost cap in 2021 to rein in spending and level the playing field between the big teams and smaller outfits. This year's cap is set at $135 million, but teams are allowed some exceptions and an additional allowance for there being more than 21 races.

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Brown said&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;needed financial, technical and sporting regulations that enabled teams to innovate and invest in sustainability. The current 'Concorde' agreement, which sets out the terms and commercial arrangements under which the teams race, runs through 2025 but rights holders Liberty Media are keen to draw up a new&nbsp;one&nbsp;before then.

"What we’d like to see is some adaptation of the financial regulations that allow you to clearly invest in sustainability," Brown told reporters. McLaren sustainability director Kim Wilson said new regulations for 2026 offered a big opportunity. That could be requiring a proportion of the car to be made from sustainable materials and how events are organised.

"Although they say 2026 we’ve got quite a small window to be able to come together collaboratively to find these pathways to building sustainability into the regulations," said Wilson. "So we’ve really only effectively got until next summer I think. That’s why its urgent we need to act now."

McLaren's sustainability report recorded a 9% reduction in air freight emissions over two years as a result of transporting more race equipment by sea. The team also reported a 22% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions against a 2019 baseline.

McLaren have urged Formula One to change the cost cap rules to help teams promote sustainability without compromising performance. McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said on Thursday that teams should not have to choose between spending on car performance and sustainability initiatives that were currently included in the cost cap.

McLaren have urged Formula One to change the cost cap rules to help teams promote sustainability without compromising performance. McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said on Thursday that teams should not have to choose between spending on car performance and sustainability initiatives that were currently included in the cost cap. "We strongly believe in the cost cap and wouldn't want to see anything that undermines its integrity," said the American in a statement as the team published their annual sustainability report. "But current regulations have created some unintended barriers when it comes to investing in sustainability. "To unlock our sport's potential to drive the development of more sustainable technologies that can spark positive changes on a global scale, we need a genuine step change," he added. Formula One introduced a cost cap in 2021 to rein in spending and level the playing field between the big teams and smaller outfits. This year's cap is set at $135 million, but teams are allowed some exceptions and an additional allowance for there being more than 21 races. Also Read: Florida judge rules in favour of Tiger Woods over NDA dispute against ex-girlfriend - Report Brown said Formula One needed financial, technical and sporting regulations that enabled teams to innovate and invest in sustainability. The current 'Concorde' agreement, which sets out the terms and commercial arrangements under which the teams race, runs through 2025 but rights holders Liberty Media are keen to draw up a new one before then. "What we’d like to see is some adaptation of the financial regulations that allow you to clearly invest in sustainability," Brown told reporters. McLaren sustainability director Kim Wilson said new regulations for 2026 offered a big opportunity. That could be requiring a proportion of the car to be made from sustainable materials and how events are organised. "Although they say 2026 we’ve got quite a small window to be able to come together collaboratively to find these pathways to building sustainability into the regulations," said Wilson. "So we’ve really only effectively got until next summer I think. That’s why its urgent we need to act now." McLaren's sustainability report recorded a 9% reduction in air freight emissions over two years as a result of transporting more race equipment by sea. The team also reported a 22% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions against a 2019 baseline.

Formula One: McLaren urge for cost cap changes to promote sustainability

The Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at Imola will not be held this weekend due to extreme weather in the northern Italian region, organisers said on Wednesday. At least three people died and thousands were evacuated from their homes as devastating floods hit the Emilia Romagna region, authorities said on Wednesday.

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini had earlier called for the race to be postponed "to concentrate all efforts on coping with the emergency". The race was scheduled to be the sixth round of the season and the first in Europe. "The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region," organisers said. "It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time... We also want to pay tribute to the work of emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need."

Formula One personnel were asked to leave the circuit on Tuesday amid fears of flooding as water levels rose in the Santerno river that runs alongside the track. The paddock remained closed on Wednesday. Cars were not due to be on track until Friday but advance team and technical personnel had arrived to set up the garages and hospitality.

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The Grand Prix, a home race for Ferrari, was scheduled to be the first triple header of the season, with Monaco and Spain following on successive weekends. Red Bull have won every race so far and double world champion Max Verstappen is 14 points clear of team mate Sergio Perez.

Italy's civil protection agency had issued a red alert weather warning for the region on Monday. Torrential rain caused extensive flooding and killed at least two people in Emilia Romagna earlier this month.

The Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at Imola will not be held this weekend due to extreme weather in the northern Italian region, organisers said on Wednesday.

The Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at Imola will not be held this weekend due to extreme weather in the northern Italian region, organisers said on Wednesday. At least three people died and thousands were evacuated from their homes as devastating floods hit the Emilia Romagna region, authorities said on Wednesday. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini had earlier called for the race to be postponed "to concentrate all efforts on coping with the emergency". The race was scheduled to be the sixth round of the season and the first in Europe. "The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region," organisers said. "It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time... We also want to pay tribute to the work of emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need." Formula One personnel were asked to leave the circuit on Tuesday amid fears of flooding as water levels rose in the Santerno river that runs alongside the track. The paddock remained closed on Wednesday. Cars were not due to be on track until Friday but advance team and technical personnel had arrived to set up the garages and hospitality. Also Read: Tennis: Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek to renew rivalry in Italian Open quarter-finals The Grand Prix, a home race for Ferrari, was scheduled to be the first triple header of the season, with Monaco and Spain following on successive weekends. Red Bull have won every race so far and double world champion Max Verstappen is 14 points clear of team mate Sergio Perez. Italy's civil protection agency had issued a red alert weather warning for the region on Monday. Torrential rain caused extensive flooding and killed at least two people in Emilia Romagna earlier this month.

Formula One: Italian GP called off due to bad weather

This weekend's Emilia Romagna&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;Grand Prix in Imola should be postponed because of deadly storms in northern Italy, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said on Wednesday. Salvini said in a statement it was "imperative to concentrate all efforts on coping with the emergency", including avoiding a traffic overload in the area, which has been battered by bad weather in recent days.

The Grand Prix, a home race for Ferrari, is scheduled to be the sixth round of the season and first of a triple header with Monaco and Spain following on successive weekends. Red Bull have won every race so far and double world champion Max Verstappen is 14 points clear of team mate Sergio Perez.

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The paddock remained closed on Wednesday, with&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;personnel asked to leave the circuit on Tuesday amid fears of flooding as water levels rose in the Santerno river that runs alongside the track. An update on the situation was expected later on Wednesday. Cars are not due to be on track until Friday but advance team and technical personnel had arrived to set up the garages and hospitality.

Italy's civil protection agency on Monday issued a red alert weather warning for the northern region.

This weekend's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix in Imola should be postponed because of deadly storms in northern Italy, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said on Wednesday.

This weekend's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix in Imola should be postponed because of deadly storms in northern Italy, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said on Wednesday. Salvini said in a statement it was "imperative to concentrate all efforts on coping with the emergency", including avoiding a traffic overload in the area, which has been battered by bad weather in recent days. The Grand Prix, a home race for Ferrari, is scheduled to be the sixth round of the season and first of a triple header with Monaco and Spain following on successive weekends. Red Bull have won every race so far and double world champion Max Verstappen is 14 points clear of team mate Sergio Perez. Also Read: Tennis: Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek to renew rivalry in Italian Open quarter-finals The paddock remained closed on Wednesday, with Formula One personnel asked to leave the circuit on Tuesday amid fears of flooding as water levels rose in the Santerno river that runs alongside the track. An update on the situation was expected later on Wednesday. Cars are not due to be on track until Friday but advance team and technical personnel had arrived to set up the garages and hospitality. Italy's civil protection agency on Monday issued a red alert weather warning for the northern region.

Formula One: Italian GP should be postponed due to deadly storms, says union transport minister

Alpine boss Laurent Rossi has warned the Renault-owned&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team he will make changes before the end of the season if performance does not improve. Alpine ended last year fourth but are now sixth with French drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly scoring just 14 points from five races. To rub salt in the wounds, Aston Martin have gone&nbsp;from seventh in 2022 to second with 102 points, and former Alpine driver Fernando Alonso is revitalised with four third-place finishes.

"The team managed to get fourth (in 2022). They have the means to get fourth, more so than others. I want them to be fourth. If they don’t, it’s going to be a failure," Rossi told the official website. "If they fail by giving 500% best and turning this ship around, there will be extenuating circumstances and it bodes well for the future. "If not, it’s the rule of business, there’s going to be consequences. And I won’t wait until the end of the year. The trajectory is not good. We need to fix the mindset of the team ASAP," added the Frenchman.

Rossi made clear Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer, who joined in February 2022 from Aston Martin, was in the hot seat. "He is responsible for the performance of the team. That's his job," said Rossi. "There is no hiding here... the buck stops with Otmar."

Rossi said Ocon and Gasly were "doing their share of the job" and there was 'zero risk' of Renault walking away. Alpine started the season with a target of defending fourth place and closing the huge gap to Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

Champions Red Bull have already scored more points than Alpine managed in all of last season while third-placed Mercedes and fourth-placed Ferrari are also a long way down the road.

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McLaren, who have former Alpine reserve Oscar Piastri in their line-up after the Australian rejected the French team, are fifth. "We started the season behind development targets," said Rossi. "We were lacking performance compared to where we wanted to be to cement P4. We have made a lot of mistakes, too many mistakes, over the weekend.

"When you compound that relatively lower performance and lack of operational excellence you end up in a difficult position."

Ocon had three-time penalties in the Bahrain season-opener, the pair collided in Australia and in Azerbaijan suffered a catalogue of problems including Gasly's car catching fire in practice and then crashing in qualifying.

Alpine boss Laurent Rossi has warned the Renault-owned Formula One team he will make changes before the end of the season if performance does not improve. Alpine ended last year fourth but are now sixth with French drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly scoring just 14 points from five races.

Alpine boss Laurent Rossi has warned the Renault-owned Formula One team he will make changes before the end of the season if performance does not improve. Alpine ended last year fourth but are now sixth with French drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly scoring just 14 points from five races. To rub salt in the wounds, Aston Martin have gone from seventh in 2022 to second with 102 points, and former Alpine driver Fernando Alonso is revitalised with four third-place finishes. "The team managed to get fourth (in 2022). They have the means to get fourth, more so than others. I want them to be fourth. If they don’t, it’s going to be a failure," Rossi told the official website. "If they fail by giving 500% best and turning this ship around, there will be extenuating circumstances and it bodes well for the future. "If not, it’s the rule of business, there’s going to be consequences. And I won’t wait until the end of the year. The trajectory is not good. We need to fix the mindset of the team ASAP," added the Frenchman. Rossi made clear Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer, who joined in February 2022 from Aston Martin, was in the hot seat. "He is responsible for the performance of the team. That's his job," said Rossi. "There is no hiding here... the buck stops with Otmar." Rossi said Ocon and Gasly were "doing their share of the job" and there was 'zero risk' of Renault walking away. Alpine started the season with a target of defending fourth place and closing the huge gap to Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Champions Red Bull have already scored more points than Alpine managed in all of last season while third-placed Mercedes and fourth-placed Ferrari are also a long way down the road. Also Read: Messi to play in Saudi, say sources close to deal McLaren, who have former Alpine reserve Oscar Piastri in their line-up after the Australian rejected the French team, are fifth. "We started the season behind development targets," said Rossi. "We were lacking performance compared to where we wanted to be to cement P4. We have made a lot of mistakes, too many mistakes, over the weekend. "When you compound that relatively lower performance and lack of operational excellence you end up in a difficult position." Ocon had three-time penalties in the Bahrain season-opener, the pair collided in Australia and in Azerbaijan suffered a catalogue of problems including Gasly's car catching fire in practice and then crashing in qualifying.

Formula One: Alpine F1 boss Laurent Rossi warns team of 'consequences' of failure

Sergio Perez won Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix with teammate Max Verstappen in second to ram home Red Bull's supremacy over the rest of the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;grid.

Ferrari's pole-sitter Charles Leclerc completed the podium, a respectable third.

"Vamos!" exclaimed the Mexican on the team radio after making it a hugely profitable weekend in Baku where he also claimed Saturday's sprint race.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner acknowledged Perez's "sensational weekend".

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He added: "He’s always been outstanding on this track, I don’t know what it is about Azerbaijan, but he absolutely excels here."&nbsp;

Red Bull's roll through 2023 after four races now reads four wins plus Saturday's sprint, three poles,&nbsp;and three 1-2s.

Verstappen leads the drivers' championship by just six points ahead of the fifth round of the record 23-race season in Miami.

Perez' engineer told him on the team radio he was the "king of the streets" and with justification as five of his six&nbsp;F1&nbsp;wins - not counting Saturday's sprint - have come on street circuits, twice in Baku alongside victories in Saudi Arabia, Monaco and Singapore.

The popular Perez, who believes he can really challenge Verstappen for the title, said: "It really worked out today for us (me), we managed to keep the pressure on Max. I think it was very close between us, we pushed to the maximum, we both hit the wall a few times but we (I) managed to keep him under control."

Leclerc conceded that for the time being at any rate Red Bull were in "another league once it comes to the race".

"Over 51 laps it was not possible, they have so much more pace than we do. Everyone is working flat out to understand what we can do in the races to close the gap."

<h2>Safety car</h2>

The warmest day of a frenetic sprint weekend had the drivers arriving onto the grid, umbrellas&nbsp;perched on their cars.

After a resounding rendition of the national anthem the covers came off the tyres and the lights went out with pole-sitter Leclerc holding off Verstappen to the 90 degree turn one.

The Dutch ace had the Ferrari in his cross hairs though, waiting to pounce.

The inevitable happened on lap four as the Red Bull star nipped past, leaving Leclerc sandwiching the Red Bulls.

Perez inched closer to the slower red rival and duly coasted past on lap six.

Verstappen pitted on lap 10 leaving Perez in control but then the safety car intervened to clear Nyck De Vries's stricken Alpha Tauri after hitting a wall.

All the leaders used the safety interlude to take a free pit stop with racing resuming under a safety car restart on lap 13.

Perez managed that slickly as Verstappen got the better of Leclerc to leave the Red Bulls in front.

At the midway point Perez led from Verstappen with Leclerc a forlorn 13sec behind, and that's as it ended up in a race that will not figure on most fans top five of the season.

Fernando Alonso only narrowly missed out on a fourth consecutive podium, the 41-year-old Spaniard finishing fourth in the Aston Martin ahead of Carlos Sainz in the other Ferrari.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was in sixth ahead of Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin.

George Russell, who secured the point for the fastest lap, was ninth for Mercedes with Yuki Tsunoda's Alpha Tauri rounding out the top 10.

Verstappen was relaxed at his teammate taking the limelight.

"We know it's a very long season, you keep learning - it can never be perfect all the time."

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Sergio Perez won Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix with teammate Max Verstappen in second to ram home Red Bull's supremacy over the rest of the Formula One grid. Ferrari's pole-sitter Charles Leclerc completed the podium, a respectable third.

Sergio Perez won Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix with teammate Max Verstappen in second to ram home Red Bull's supremacy over the rest of the Formula One grid. Ferrari's pole-sitter Charles Leclerc completed the podium, a respectable third. "Vamos!" exclaimed the Mexican on the team radio after making it a hugely profitable weekend in Baku where he also claimed Saturday's sprint race. Red Bull boss Christian Horner acknowledged Perez's "sensational weekend". Also Read: NBA Playoffs 2023: Curry drops 50 as Warriors beat Kings 4-3, Heat take first game in Round 2 He added: "He’s always been outstanding on this track, I don’t know what it is about Azerbaijan, but he absolutely excels here." Red Bull's roll through 2023 after four races now reads four wins plus Saturday's sprint, three poles, and three 1-2s. Verstappen leads the drivers' championship by just six points ahead of the fifth round of the record 23-race season in Miami. Perez' engineer told him on the team radio he was the "king of the streets" and with justification as five of his six F1 wins - not counting Saturday's sprint - have come on street circuits, twice in Baku alongside victories in Saudi Arabia, Monaco and Singapore. The popular Perez, who believes he can really challenge Verstappen for the title, said: "It really worked out today for us (me), we managed to keep the pressure on Max. I think it was very close between us, we pushed to the maximum, we both hit the wall a few times but we (I) managed to keep him under control." Leclerc conceded that for the time being at any rate Red Bull were in "another league once it comes to the race". "Over 51 laps it was not possible, they have so much more pace than we do. Everyone is working flat out to understand what we can do in the races to close the gap." Safety car The warmest day of a frenetic sprint weekend had the drivers arriving onto the grid, umbrellas perched on their cars. After a resounding rendition of the national anthem the covers came off the tyres and the lights went out with pole-sitter Leclerc holding off Verstappen to the 90 degree turn one. The Dutch ace had the Ferrari in his cross hairs though, waiting to pounce. The inevitable happened on lap four as the Red Bull star nipped past, leaving Leclerc sandwiching the Red Bulls. Perez inched closer to the slower red rival and duly coasted past on lap six. Verstappen pitted on lap 10 leaving Perez in control but then the safety car intervened to clear Nyck De Vries's stricken Alpha Tauri after hitting a wall. All the leaders used the safety interlude to take a free pit stop with racing resuming under a safety car restart on lap 13. Perez managed that slickly as Verstappen got the better of Leclerc to leave the Red Bulls in front. At the midway point Perez led from Verstappen with Leclerc a forlorn 13sec behind, and that's as it ended up in a race that will not figure on most fans top five of the season. Fernando Alonso only narrowly missed out on a fourth consecutive podium, the 41-year-old Spaniard finishing fourth in the Aston Martin ahead of Carlos Sainz in the other Ferrari. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was in sixth ahead of Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin. George Russell, who secured the point for the fastest lap, was ninth for Mercedes with Yuki Tsunoda's Alpha Tauri rounding out the top 10. Verstappen was relaxed at his teammate taking the limelight. "We know it's a very long season, you keep learning - it can never be perfect all the 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: Red Bull finish 1-2 with Sergio Perez taking top spot at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Formula&nbsp;One's new standalone&nbsp;sprint format had its fans on Saturday but Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen was not among them. "Just scrap the whole thing," he said after finishing third in the 100km race, the first of six scheduled for 2023's record 23-round season. "I think it's just important to go back to what we have, and make sure that every team can fight for a win, that's what we have to try and aim for and (not) try to implement all this kind of artificial excitement.

"It's not proper racing,&nbsp;it’s more like gambling. I think I will have more success in Vegas if I go to the casino. So yeah, I like racing, I'm a pure racer and I think this is more for the show." Saturday was the first time&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;had run sprint qualifying and race on the same day with no connection to Sunday's main grand prix.

Previously the Saturday sprint had been used to set the Sunday grid while also awarding points to the top eight finishers. This time there was only&nbsp;one&nbsp;practice session on Friday, followed by a qualifying for Sunday and then a day of sprint activity on Saturday. At old-style grands prix, there are three practice sessions and qualifying on Saturday.

"I would say I got bored through today's qualifying to be honest," said Verstappen. "I like to have&nbsp;one&nbsp;particular qualifying, where you just put everything in it, and that was yesterday, which I of course enjoy, and then they have to do it again today. I'm like, ‘my God, another qualifying?’ I just don't really enjoy that."

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He compared having two races&nbsp;one&nbsp;after the other to a soccer game where "it's 3-0 up for&nbsp;one&nbsp;team and then suddenly you just say ‘oh let's reset it to 0-0 and go again’." Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, who won the sprint and has the best record of any driver in Baku, said he was happy to have three or four races in the revised format but would not want it to become the norm.

He suggested improvements to the format, with a shorter gap between qualifying and race as well as ensuring drivers were not left without tyres for the final phase of qualifying -- as happened to McLaren's Lando Norris.

Drivers must use a new set of soft tyres for the final shootout and Norris had run all of his on Friday, with only used softs available. "I think it's a better format than last year's sprint format. I prefer this&nbsp;one, I wouldn't want this to be the standard format in the future," said Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who started on pole and finished second.

"I think it puts a lot more pressure on the drivers because basically there's only&nbsp;one&nbsp;session where you can do a mistake which is FP1 (Friday practice). After that, all the laps you do are really important."

Formula One's new standalone sprint format had its fans on Saturday but Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen was not among them. "Just scrap the whole thing," he said after finishing third in the 100km race, the first of six scheduled for 2023's record 23-round season.

Formula One's new standalone sprint format had its fans on Saturday but Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen was not among them. "Just scrap the whole thing," he said after finishing third in the 100km race, the first of six scheduled for 2023's record 23-round season. "I think it's just important to go back to what we have, and make sure that every team can fight for a win, that's what we have to try and aim for and (not) try to implement all this kind of artificial excitement. "It's not proper racing, it’s more like gambling. I think I will have more success in Vegas if I go to the casino. So yeah, I like racing, I'm a pure racer and I think this is more for the show." Saturday was the first time Formula One had run sprint qualifying and race on the same day with no connection to Sunday's main grand prix. Previously the Saturday sprint had been used to set the Sunday grid while also awarding points to the top eight finishers. This time there was only one practice session on Friday, followed by a qualifying for Sunday and then a day of sprint activity on Saturday. At old-style grands prix, there are three practice sessions and qualifying on Saturday. "I would say I got bored through today's qualifying to be honest," said Verstappen. "I like to have one particular qualifying, where you just put everything in it, and that was yesterday, which I of course enjoy, and then they have to do it again today. I'm like, ‘my God, another qualifying?’ I just don't really enjoy that." Also Read: Madrid Open: No. 5 ranked Tsitsipas says 'focus and relaxation' key to improved serve after win over Thiem He compared having two races one after the other to a soccer game where "it's 3-0 up for one team and then suddenly you just say ‘oh let's reset it to 0-0 and go again’." Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, who won the sprint and has the best record of any driver in Baku, said he was happy to have three or four races in the revised format but would not want it to become the norm. He suggested improvements to the format, with a shorter gap between qualifying and race as well as ensuring drivers were not left without tyres for the final phase of qualifying -- as happened to McLaren's Lando Norris. Drivers must use a new set of soft tyres for the final shootout and Norris had run all of his on Friday, with only used softs available. "I think it's a better format than last year's sprint format. I prefer this one, I wouldn't want this to be the standard format in the future," said Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who started on pole and finished second. "I think it puts a lot more pressure on the drivers because basically there's only one session where you can do a mistake which is FP1 (Friday practice). After that, all the laps you do are really important."

Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen slams sprint format: 'Just scrap the whole thing'

Red Bull's&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;leader Max Verstappen put in the fastest time right at the chequered flag on Friday in a chaotic sole practice for the new format Azerbaijan Grand Prix sprint weekend. The double world champion, last year's winner in Baku, lapped the fast street circuit with a best time of&nbsp;one&nbsp;minute 42.315 seconds with his final effort on the soft tyres. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who has never won in Baku but will be chasing his third successive pole in Azerbaijan in later qualifying for Sunday's grand prix, was second on the timesheets.

The Monegasque ended up 0.037 seconds slower, after going top in the dying seconds, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez third and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz fourth. Perez has the best record of any driver on the starting grid in Baku with a victory in 2021, second last year and two third places. The hour-long session was halted after 15 minutes when Pierre Gasly's Alpine caught fire with the Frenchman pulling over as smoke billowed from the airbox and marshals extinguished the flames.

Alpine blamed a loss of hydraulic pressure and ended the session for Gasly's team mate Esteban Ocon as they carried out checks on the rear of his car. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz had already hit the wall at turn five, without serious damage, while AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda limped back to the pits on three wheels and a rim after an early puncture when he also hit the wall and spun.

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The car's rear wing and diffuser looked badly damaged. Haas's Kevin Magnussen had also stopped on track when the red flags came out. "It looks like we lost fuel pressure on the straight," team boss Guenther Steiner told Sky Sports television. "It stopped the engine and everything." The session resumed after a 13 minute break.

McLaren's Lando Norris was fifth fastest in an upgraded car, ahead of AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries and the Aston Martins of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso -- the latter chasing his fourth successive podium finish this weekend. Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton was 11th fastest for Mercedes, with the Briton complaining about his car's brakes and the lack of grip, while team mate George Russell was only 17th but neither did low fuel runs.

Friday's practice was the sole such session of the weekend with Saturday now featuring a qualifying 'shootout' for the following sprint race, which is now a standalone&nbsp;event rather than determining Sunday's grid.

Red Bull's Formula One leader Max Verstappen put in the fastest time right at the chequered flag on Friday in a chaotic sole practice for the new format Azerbaijan Grand Prix sprint weekend.

Red Bull's Formula One leader Max Verstappen put in the fastest time right at the chequered flag on Friday in a chaotic sole practice for the new format Azerbaijan Grand Prix sprint weekend. The double world champion, last year's winner in Baku, lapped the fast street circuit with a best time of one minute 42.315 seconds with his final effort on the soft tyres. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who has never won in Baku but will be chasing his third successive pole in Azerbaijan in later qualifying for Sunday's grand prix, was second on the timesheets. The Monegasque ended up 0.037 seconds slower, after going top in the dying seconds, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez third and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz fourth. Perez has the best record of any driver on the starting grid in Baku with a victory in 2021, second last year and two third places. The hour-long session was halted after 15 minutes when Pierre Gasly's Alpine caught fire with the Frenchman pulling over as smoke billowed from the airbox and marshals extinguished the flames. Alpine blamed a loss of hydraulic pressure and ended the session for Gasly's team mate Esteban Ocon as they carried out checks on the rear of his car. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz had already hit the wall at turn five, without serious damage, while AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda limped back to the pits on three wheels and a rim after an early puncture when he also hit the wall and spun. Also Read: Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray hopes to play French Open despite early Madrid exit The car's rear wing and diffuser looked badly damaged. Haas's Kevin Magnussen had also stopped on track when the red flags came out. "It looks like we lost fuel pressure on the straight," team boss Guenther Steiner told Sky Sports television. "It stopped the engine and everything." The session resumed after a 13 minute break. McLaren's Lando Norris was fifth fastest in an upgraded car, ahead of AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries and the Aston Martins of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso -- the latter chasing his fourth successive podium finish this weekend. Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton was 11th fastest for Mercedes, with the Briton complaining about his car's brakes and the lack of grip, while team mate George Russell was only 17th but neither did low fuel runs. Friday's practice was the sole such session of the weekend with Saturday now featuring a qualifying 'shootout' for the following sprint race, which is now a standalone event rather than determining Sunday's grid.

Azerbaijan GP: Red Bull's Max Verstappen fastest in chaotic Baku practice

Formula One's Saturday&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;races will become standalone events with a new 'Shootout' qualifying session replacing final practice at six grands prix in 2023, starting with Azerbaijan this weekend. The FIA Formula One commission, which includes the 10 teams, voted unanimously for the change at a meeting in Geneva on Tuesday. The decision was approved by an e-vote of the World Motor Sport Council.

The changes mean Friday's qualifying, which follows an hour-long opening practice session, will set the grid for Sunday's main grand prix instead of the Saturday&nbsp;sprint. There will be a half-hour 'Sprint&nbsp;Shootout' qualifying on Saturday morning to determine the starting order for the same day's 100km&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;race, which offers points for the top eight finishers but no longer sets the grid for Sunday.

This qualifying will be divided into three parts with the first phase lasting 12 minutes, the second 10 minutes and final top 10 shootout eight minutes.

Drivers will have to use new medium compound tyres in the first two phases and softs for phase three. The change is aimed at adding excitement and "delivering more jeopardy". It could mean drivers having only one lap to secure pole position in the final phase of qualifying, depending on the length of track and traffic.

The number of&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;races has doubled since being introduced last season. Formula One argues that separating the&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;from Sunday's action will improve the show by allowing drivers to race freely without risk to their start position for the main grand prix.

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The sport says television viewing figures have gone up on Fridays when there has been competitive action to watch rather than just practice. "The FP3 (third practice) session on Saturday morning became almost worthless because nobody was watching it, the teams couldn't do any changes on the car except trying the tyre out for the race so there was no real interest," Haas team boss Guenther Steiner told Reuters last week.

"So I think that is a good addition to the weekend to put a&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;qualifying in." Apart from Baku, the other&nbsp;sprint&nbsp;races this season will be in Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin and Brazil.

Formula One's Saturday sprint races will become standalone events with a new 'Shootout' qualifying session replacing final practice at six grands prix in 2023, starting with Azerbaijan this weekend.

Formula One's Saturday sprint races will become standalone events with a new 'Shootout' qualifying session replacing final practice at six grands prix in 2023, starting with Azerbaijan this weekend. The FIA Formula One commission, which includes the 10 teams, voted unanimously for the change at a meeting in Geneva on Tuesday. The decision was approved by an e-vote of the World Motor Sport Council. The changes mean Friday's qualifying, which follows an hour-long opening practice session, will set the grid for Sunday's main grand prix instead of the Saturday sprint. There will be a half-hour 'Sprint Shootout' qualifying on Saturday morning to determine the starting order for the same day's 100km sprint race, which offers points for the top eight finishers but no longer sets the grid for Sunday. This qualifying will be divided into three parts with the first phase lasting 12 minutes, the second 10 minutes and final top 10 shootout eight minutes. Drivers will have to use new medium compound tyres in the first two phases and softs for phase three. The change is aimed at adding excitement and "delivering more jeopardy". It could mean drivers having only one lap to secure pole position in the final phase of qualifying, depending on the length of track and traffic. The number of sprint races has doubled since being introduced last season. Formula One argues that separating the sprint from Sunday's action will improve the show by allowing drivers to race freely without risk to their start position for the main grand prix. Also read: Achraf Hakimi's wife Hiba Abouk demands WHOPPING amount in divorce lawsuit The sport says television viewing figures have gone up on Fridays when there has been competitive action to watch rather than just practice. "The FP3 (third practice) session on Saturday morning became almost worthless because nobody was watching it, the teams couldn't do any changes on the car except trying the tyre out for the race so there was no real interest," Haas team boss Guenther Steiner told Reuters last week. "So I think that is a good addition to the weekend to put a sprint qualifying in." Apart from Baku, the other sprint races this season will be in Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin and Brazil.

Formula One gives green signal to new standalone sprint format

Media group Funk has announced that the editor of the German magazine 'Die Aktuelle' after using an AI program to generate fake quotes from seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.

'Die Aktuelle' magazine editor sacked over 'tasteless' interview of Michael Schumacher | WION

Formula One's first sprint weekend of the season in Azerbaijan at the end of April will have a second qualifying session instead of final practice, with Saturday's 100km race a standalone event, Ferrari team principal, Fred Vasseur said. Teams had agreed the change, which has yet to be confirmed by the governing FIA, Vasseur told reporters.

"(In) Baku, you have the two qualis and the two races and we have to be able as a team to do a better job," the Frenchman, talking about his team's poor start to the 2023 campaign, said on a video call.

Previous sprint weekends had a practice session on Friday followed by a qualifying for Saturday's race. The top eight in that sprint, which set the grid for Sunday's main grand prix, scored points. The second practice session sat awkwardly before the sprint race.

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Now there will be just one practice followed by a Friday qualifying for Sunday's race and then another qualifying on Saturday for the sprint, which still awards points but no longer has a direct link to the grand prix.

"For once I think all the teams were aligned. It's not very often that it's the case so we have to jump on it," said Vasseur. "I like the format. I'm not a big fan of the usual FP2 (second practice), sometimes it's a bit boring... To try to have something more dynamic during the weekend is a good decision.

"If you watch football you are not watching the session on Wednesday when they are training in the stadium, and we are probably the only sport where we are putting on TV the training session."

The other sprint races this season will be in Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin and Brazil.

Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali has backed the idea of reducing practice and giving fans more entertainment.

Formula One's first sprint weekend of the season in Azerbaijan at the end of April will have a second qualifying session instead of final practice, with Saturday's 100km race a standalone event, Ferrari team principal, Fred Vasseur said.

Formula One's first sprint weekend of the season in Azerbaijan at the end of April will have a second qualifying session instead of final practice, with Saturday's 100km race a standalone event, Ferrari team principal, Fred Vasseur said. Teams had agreed the change, which has yet to be confirmed by the governing FIA, Vasseur told reporters. "(In) Baku, you have the two qualis and the two races and we have to be able as a team to do a better job," the Frenchman, talking about his team's poor start to the 2023 campaign, said on a video call. Previous sprint weekends had a practice session on Friday followed by a qualifying for Saturday's race. The top eight in that sprint, which set the grid for Sunday's main grand prix, scored points. The second practice session sat awkwardly before the sprint race. ALSO READ: Formula 1: Red Bull's Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton to win chaotic Australian GP Now there will be just one practice followed by a Friday qualifying for Sunday's race and then another qualifying on Saturday for the sprint, which still awards points but no longer has a direct link to the grand prix. "For once I think all the teams were aligned. It's not very often that it's the case so we have to jump on it," said Vasseur. "I like the format. I'm not a big fan of the usual FP2 (second practice), sometimes it's a bit boring... To try to have something more dynamic during the weekend is a good decision. "If you watch football you are not watching the session on Wednesday when they are training in the stadium, and we are probably the only sport where we are putting on TV the training session." The other sprint races this season will be in Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin and Brazil. Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali has backed the idea of reducing practice and giving fans more entertainment.

Formula One teams agreed on sprint weekend changes, confirms Vasseur

A spectator at the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;Australian Grand Prix suffered a cut to his arm when struck by a piece of debris from Kevin Magnussen's car, putting the spotlight on organisers' safety protocols. Will Sweet told Australian radio station 3AW he was standing with his fiancée on a packed hill just off turn two at Albert Park during Sunday's race when the Danish Haas driver's car hit the track-side barrier sending his tyre and debris flying into the air.

"It slapped me in the arm and I was just standing there bleeding," he said. "My arm was covering where my neck would’ve been, but if that had hit my fiancée, it would’ve got her right in the head. "I realised how big it was and how heavy it was. Part of it was shredded and really sharp, if it hit me in a different angle, it could’ve been horrendous," he added.

Australian media published a picture of Sweet holding a large piece of debris with blood trickling down his forearm and another showing him having treatment from a medical official at the track. Sweet said the area he was standing was packed, with young children around, and that no race officials came to assist him.

"No&nbsp;one&nbsp;even came and looked," he said. "My fiancée was pretty spooked by it and borderline shell-shocked."

Video of the incident involving&nbsp;Kevin Magnussen:

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The incident involving Kevin Magnussen that led to our third restart of the day! 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/PLxHFsZMhK">pic.twitter.com/PLxHFsZMhK</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1642493831911288833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Sweet added that the debris from Magnussen's car had flown "straight up, way over the fence" and into the crowd. Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) boss Andrew Westacott said it looked like a "freak&nbsp;one-off" incident but that organisers would investigate.

"The debris fences are consistent around the world. We’re compliant with our FIA regulations," he told Australian media on Monday. At the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, a track marshal was killed when hit by the wheel of Jacques Villeneuve's car following a crash with Williams' Ralf Schumacher.

The AGPC is already under scrutiny after some fans invaded the track near the end of the race. Late on Sunday,&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;stewards ordered the AGPC to urgently produce a "remediation plan" in response to security and safety failures.

The AGPC allow fans to enter the track once the race is over for the podium celebrations. Westacott said the AGPC had already started an investigation. "This was clearly a breach of what is a very robust protocol, a protocol that’s been developed and improved every year," he added.

Organisers said a crowd of 131,124 attended Albert Park on Sunday and a record total of 444,631 spectators across the race week&nbsp;

A spectator at the Formula One Australian Grand Prix suffered a cut to his arm when struck by a piece of debris from Kevin Magnussen's car, putting the spotlight on organisers' safety protocols.

A spectator at the Formula One Australian Grand Prix suffered a cut to his arm when struck by a piece of debris from Kevin Magnussen's car, putting the spotlight on organisers' safety protocols. Will Sweet told Australian radio station 3AW he was standing with his fiancée on a packed hill just off turn two at Albert Park during Sunday's race when the Danish Haas driver's car hit the track-side barrier sending his tyre and debris flying into the air. "It slapped me in the arm and I was just standing there bleeding," he said. "My arm was covering where my neck would’ve been, but if that had hit my fiancée, it would’ve got her right in the head. "I realised how big it was and how heavy it was. Part of it was shredded and really sharp, if it hit me in a different angle, it could’ve been horrendous," he added. Australian media published a picture of Sweet holding a large piece of debris with blood trickling down his forearm and another showing him having treatment from a medical official at the track. Sweet said the area he was standing was packed, with young children around, and that no race officials came to assist him. "No one even came and looked," he said. "My fiancée was pretty spooked by it and borderline shell-shocked." Video of the incident involving Kevin Magnussen: The incident involving Kevin Magnussen that led to our third restart of the day! 💥#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/PLxHFsZMhK — Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2023 × Also Read: NCAA BK Women: LSU's Reese throws savage SHADE at Iowa's Caitlin Clark in John Cena style - WATCH Sweet added that the debris from Magnussen's car had flown "straight up, way over the fence" and into the crowd. Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) boss Andrew Westacott said it looked like a "freak one-off" incident but that organisers would investigate. "The debris fences are consistent around the world. We’re compliant with our FIA regulations," he told Australian media on Monday. At the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, a track marshal was killed when hit by the wheel of Jacques Villeneuve's car following a crash with Williams' Ralf Schumacher. The AGPC is already under scrutiny after some fans invaded the track near the end of the race. Late on Sunday, Formula One stewards ordered the AGPC to urgently produce a "remediation plan" in response to security and safety failures. The AGPC allow fans to enter the track once the race is over for the podium celebrations. Westacott said the AGPC had already started an investigation. "This was clearly a breach of what is a very robust protocol, a protocol that’s been developed and improved every year," he added. Organisers said a crowd of 131,124 attended Albert Park on Sunday and a record total of 444,631 spectators across the race week

Australian Grand Prix: Fan left bleeding after hit by car debris

Max Verstappen held off a revived Lewis Hamilton to steer his Red Bull to a chaotic win at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday and tighten his grip on the world championship.

The world champion began from pole and despite being passed by Mercedes pair George Russell and Hamilton at the start, he kept his cool to win a race red flagged three times, with multiple crashes.

Hamilton came home second ahead of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who made it three podiums from three this year.

"We had a very poor start, lap one I was careful as I had a lot to lose," said Dutchman Verstappen, who won the season-opening race in Bahrain and came second in Jeddah a fortnight ago.

"After that, the pace of the car was quick. With these red flags, I don't know, I don't really understand. It was a bit of a mess but we had good pace and we won, so that's important.

It was a disastrous day for Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, last year's winner, who spun out on the first lap, while Russell's car caught fire on lap 19 and his race too was over.

Victory was Verstappen's maiden win in Melbourne and Red Bull's first in Australia since Sebastian Vettel's 2011 triumph.

His teammate and winner in Saudi Arabia Sergio Perez&nbsp;sliced through the field to come fifth after qualifying last due to brake issues, behind Lance Stroll in the other Aston Martin.&nbsp;

<h2>Late drama</h2>

The Red Bull triumph came despite unbelievable late drama that saw a red flag come out when Verstappen had a comfortable lead from Hamilton and Alonso with two laps left, meaning they had a bunched restart for an all-out attack to the finish.

But it descended into chaos when Alonso was clipped by Ferrari's Carlos Sainz as they jostled for position and sent into a spin, which caused a flow on effect with multiple other cars coming to grief.

Sainz was given a five-second penalty, eventually finishing 12th, and the race stopped again.

It resumed after a lengthy delay for single lap behind a safety car -- with no overtaking allowed &nbsp;-- in the order of the previous start with only 12 cars left.

"I didn't expect to be second so I'm super grateful for it," said seven-time world champion Hamilton.

"I'm driving as best I can and working as hard as I can but still, considering we've been down on performance and in straight pace, for us to be up there fighting with Aston is amazing."

On a fine day, Lando Norris in a McLaren was sixth, Niko Hulkenberg in the Haas seventh and rookie Oscar Piastri, in the other McLaren, an encouraging eighth on his home circuit.

<h2>'Rollercoaster of emotions'</h2>

Alpha Romeo's Zhou Guanyu came ninth and AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda 10th.

"We had a rollercoaster of emotions today, many things going on at the beginning, and the last half an hour," said Spanish veteran Alonso.

"Mercedes were very fast and Lewis did an incredible job -- I could not match the pace, but we'll take P3."

With Red Bull's undeniable speed advantage, it was crucial for Russell and Hamilton to get a strong start.

And they did just that with both scorching past a tentative Verstappen on the first corner before Leclerc spun at Turn 3 and the safety car came out.

They resumed with Hamilton pressing Russell before the safety car was deployed again on lap seven when Williams' Alexander Albon lost control, leaving gravel on the track, with a red flag eventually needed.

They got underway again from a standing start with Hamilton initially keeping Verstappen at bay.

But it only a matter of time before the Dutchman made his move and he surged into the lead on lap 12.

Once more a safety car was needed when Russell's car broke down, but Verstappen was in charge now and pulling clear.

By the halfway mark, he was seven seconds ahead with the battle seemingly all about who came second between Hamilton and Alonso.

But there was more drama when Kevin Magnussen lost the rear tyre of his Haas and the red flag came out again at the death.

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Max Verstappen held off a revived Lewis Hamilton to steer his Red Bull to a chaotic win at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday and tighten his grip on the world championship.

Max Verstappen held off a revived Lewis Hamilton to steer his Red Bull to a chaotic win at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday and tighten his grip on the world championship. The world champion began from pole and despite being passed by Mercedes pair George Russell and Hamilton at the start, he kept his cool to win a race red flagged three times, with multiple crashes. Hamilton came home second ahead of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who made it three podiums from three this year. "We had a very poor start, lap one I was careful as I had a lot to lose," said Dutchman Verstappen, who won the season-opening race in Bahrain and came second in Jeddah a fortnight ago. "After that, the pace of the car was quick. With these red flags, I don't know, I don't really understand. It was a bit of a mess but we had good pace and we won, so that's important. It was a disastrous day for Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, last year's winner, who spun out on the first lap, while Russell's car caught fire on lap 19 and his race too was over. Victory was Verstappen's maiden win in Melbourne and Red Bull's first in Australia since Sebastian Vettel's 2011 triumph. His teammate and winner in Saudi Arabia Sergio Perez sliced through the field to come fifth after qualifying last due to brake issues, behind Lance Stroll in the other Aston Martin. Late drama The Red Bull triumph came despite unbelievable late drama that saw a red flag come out when Verstappen had a comfortable lead from Hamilton and Alonso with two laps left, meaning they had a bunched restart for an all-out attack to the finish. But it descended into chaos when Alonso was clipped by Ferrari's Carlos Sainz as they jostled for position and sent into a spin, which caused a flow on effect with multiple other cars coming to grief. Sainz was given a five-second penalty, eventually finishing 12th, and the race stopped again. It resumed after a lengthy delay for single lap behind a safety car -- with no overtaking allowed -- in the order of the previous start with only 12 cars left. "I didn't expect to be second so I'm super grateful for it," said seven-time world champion Hamilton. "I'm driving as best I can and working as hard as I can but still, considering we've been down on performance and in straight pace, for us to be up there fighting with Aston is amazing." On a fine day, Lando Norris in a McLaren was sixth, Niko Hulkenberg in the Haas seventh and rookie Oscar Piastri, in the other McLaren, an encouraging eighth on his home circuit. 'Rollercoaster of emotions' Alpha Romeo's Zhou Guanyu came ninth and AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda 10th. "We had a rollercoaster of emotions today, many things going on at the beginning, and the last half an hour," said Spanish veteran Alonso. "Mercedes were very fast and Lewis did an incredible job -- I could not match the pace, but we'll take P3." With Red Bull's undeniable speed advantage, it was crucial for Russell and Hamilton to get a strong start. And they did just that with both scorching past a tentative Verstappen on the first corner before Leclerc spun at Turn 3 and the safety car came out. They resumed with Hamilton pressing Russell before the safety car was deployed again on lap seven when Williams' Alexander Albon lost control, leaving gravel on the track, with a red flag eventually needed. They got underway again from a standing start with Hamilton initially keeping Verstappen at bay. But it only a matter of time before the Dutchman made his move and he surged into the lead on lap 12. Once more a safety car was needed when Russell's car broke down, but Verstappen was in charge now and pulling clear. By the halfway mark, he was seven seconds ahead with the battle seemingly all about who came second between Hamilton and Alonso. But there was more drama when Kevin Magnussen lost the rear tyre of his Haas and the red flag came out again at the death. 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: Red Bull's Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton to win chaotic Australian GP

Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull on Saturday (April 1) at the Australian Grand Prix after team mate Sergio Perez came crashing back to earth with a brake failure that left him last on the grid. Mercedes driver George Russell joins Verstappen on the front row for Sunday's race at Albert Park after qualifying second ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen saved his best for late, roaring around the lakeside circuit in one minute and 16.732 seconds, over two-tenths of a second quicker than Russell.

"I think the last run was very good," Verstappen said, celebrating his first pole at Albert Park.

"It all worked out in Q3."

Hamilton was thrilled Mercedes had bridged the pace to Red Bull, who won both the opening races in the Middle East.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-blow-to-gujarat-titans-as-kane-williamson-ruled-out-for-whole-season-due-to-knee-injury-reports-577938">IPL 2023: Blow to Gujarat Titans as Kane Williamson ruled out for whole season due to knee injury - Reports</a>

"I'm so happy with this," he said. "I'm really proud of the team - to be up on the two front rows is a dream for us.

"To be this close to Red Bull is incredible."

Perez, who endured a nightmare final practice earlier on Saturday, locked up braking into turn three during his first out lap in the opening session and beached himself in gravel, bringing his qualifying to a quick end. Twice world champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin will start fourth on the grid ahead of fifth-placed Carlos Sainz.

Sainz's Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc will line up seventh behind sixth-placed Lance Stroll of Aston Martin. Alex Albon will be eighth on the grid after a positive day for Williams, ahead of Alpine's Pierre Gasly (ninth) and Haas's Nico Hulkenberg. Home fan hopes of a big race for McLaren's local boy Oscar Piastri were dashed as he narrowly missed the cut into Q2. He will start 16th on the grid.

(Inputs from Agencies)

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Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull on Saturday (April 1) at the Australian Grand Prix after team mate Sergio Perez came crashing back to earth with a brake failure that left him last on the grid.

Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull on Saturday (April 1) at the Australian Grand Prix after team mate Sergio Perez came crashing back to earth with a brake failure that left him last on the grid. Mercedes driver George Russell joins Verstappen on the front row for Sunday's race at Albert Park after qualifying second ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen saved his best for late, roaring around the lakeside circuit in one minute and 16.732 seconds, over two-tenths of a second quicker than Russell. "I think the last run was very good," Verstappen said, celebrating his first pole at Albert Park. "It all worked out in Q3." Hamilton was thrilled Mercedes had bridged the pace to Red Bull, who won both the opening races in the Middle East. ALSO READ | IPL 2023: Blow to Gujarat Titans as Kane Williamson ruled out for whole season due to knee injury - Reports "I'm so happy with this," he said. "I'm really proud of the team - to be up on the two front rows is a dream for us. "To be this close to Red Bull is incredible." Perez, who endured a nightmare final practice earlier on Saturday, locked up braking into turn three during his first out lap in the opening session and beached himself in gravel, bringing his qualifying to a quick end. Twice world champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin will start fourth on the grid ahead of fifth-placed Carlos Sainz. Sainz's Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc will line up seventh behind sixth-placed Lance Stroll of Aston Martin. Alex Albon will be eighth on the grid after a positive day for Williams, ahead of Alpine's Pierre Gasly (ninth) and Haas's Nico Hulkenberg. Home fan hopes of a big race for McLaren's local boy Oscar Piastri were dashed as he narrowly missed the cut into Q2. He will start 16th on the grid. (Inputs from Agencies) 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 takes pole position in Australian GP; Red Bulls' first in Melbourne since 2013

Lewis Hamilton Thursday applauded the hefty fine imposed on three-time Formula One champion Nelson Piquet for racist remarks about the British driver, saying people "full of hate" should not be tolerated.&nbsp;

Piquet was fined US$945,000 last weekend for calling Hamilton "neguinho" ("little black") in a 2021 interview. &nbsp;

In handing down its judgement, a court in Brasilia ruled that the "intolerable" remarks constituted a "serious offence to the fundamental values of society".&nbsp;

World champion in 1981, 1983 and 1987, Piquet used the term while criticising Hamilton's role in a clash with Max Verstappen, his daughter Kelly's boyfriend, at the British Grand Prix the same year. &nbsp;

Seven-time world champion Hamilton praised Brazil for its action.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-dream-of-winning-the-trophy-will-come-true-manjrekars-massive-claim-ahead-of-ipl-2023-577258">Virat Kohli's dream of winning the trophy will come true: Manjrekar's MASSIVE claim ahead of IPL 2023</a>

"I still believe that we generally shouldn't be giving people that are just full of hate a platform," he said in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.&nbsp;

"I'd like to acknowledge the Brazil government, I think it's pretty amazing what they've done in holding someone accountable, showing people that that is not tolerated.&nbsp;

"Racism and homophobia is not acceptable, and there is no place for it within our society. So I love that they've shown that they stand for something."&nbsp;

Piquet, 70, was fined for "collective moral damages" with the money being donated to groups fighting against discrimination.&nbsp;

He had issued an apology, saying his words were wrong but that he did not intend to offend.&nbsp;

However, the court was not convinced, ruling that "the absence of intention could not justify discriminatory behaviour towards minorities".&nbsp;

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Lewis Hamilton Thursday applauded the hefty fine imposed on three-time Formula One champion Nelson Piquet for racist remarks about the British driver, saying people "full of hate" should not be tolerated.

Lewis Hamilton Thursday applauded the hefty fine imposed on three-time Formula One champion Nelson Piquet for racist remarks about the British driver, saying people "full of hate" should not be tolerated. Piquet was fined US$945,000 last weekend for calling Hamilton "neguinho" ("little black") in a 2021 interview. In handing down its judgement, a court in Brasilia ruled that the "intolerable" remarks constituted a "serious offence to the fundamental values of society". World champion in 1981, 1983 and 1987, Piquet used the term while criticising Hamilton's role in a clash with Max Verstappen, his daughter Kelly's boyfriend, at the British Grand Prix the same year. Seven-time world champion Hamilton praised Brazil for its action. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's dream of winning the trophy will come true: Manjrekar's MASSIVE claim ahead of IPL 2023 "I still believe that we generally shouldn't be giving people that are just full of hate a platform," he said in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday. "I'd like to acknowledge the Brazil government, I think it's pretty amazing what they've done in holding someone accountable, showing people that that is not tolerated. "Racism and homophobia is not acceptable, and there is no place for it within our society. So I love that they've shown that they stand for something." Piquet, 70, was fined for "collective moral damages" with the money being donated to groups fighting against discrimination. He had issued an apology, saying his words were wrong but that he did not intend to offend. However, the court was not convinced, ruling that "the absence of intention could not justify discriminatory behaviour towards minorities". 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 praises Brazil for fining Nelson Piquet over racist comments on British drivers

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