Red Bull's Sergio&nbsp;Perez&nbsp;flexed his street circuit muscles with dramatic effect on Sunday by storming to victory ahead of team-mate Max Verstappen at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

While the top two were clear cut, the next two places remained in confusion long after the race had finished with Fernando Alonso first stripped of third place and then reinstated in the early hours of Monday morning. &nbsp;

Perez, a 33-year-old Mexican, came home 5.355 seconds clear of the defending double world champion as Red Bull reeled off a masterful one-two triumph, the Dutchman having stormed through the field from 15th on the grid.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-barcelona-take-el-clasico-2-1-dent-real-madrids-chances-of-defending-title-573716">La Liga: Barcelona take El Clasico 2-1, dent Real Madrid's chances of defending title</a>

Verstappen also clocked the fastest lap of the race on the final lap to retain his lead of the embryonic drivers' championship, snatching it back from&nbsp;Perez&nbsp;as they duelled at high speed.

It was&nbsp;Perez's fifth career win having previously triumphed in Monte Carlo and Singapore to earn his reputation as a 'street fighter'.

"It turned out to be tougher than expected," he said. "The safety car tried to take the victory from us again here, but not this year! The team did a great job. Now we must keep pushing."

Verstappen was eliminated from qualifying after a drive-shaft failure.

"It wasn't easy to get through the field," he said. "We settled for second so it's a good recovery in the end."

Two-time world champion Alonso finished a stirring third on track for Aston Martin to claim a 100th podium finish on his record-extending 357th start.

That place was initially taken from him. He had received a five-second penalty for starting outside his grid position. When he tried to serve it during a pit stop, stewards ruled a jack had touched the car too soon and they hit Alonso with a 10-second penalty.

George Russell rose to third for Mercedes.&nbsp;

But Aston Martin requested a review and showed stewards videos of similar incidents that went unpunished. Stewards accepted that it was not clear the offence had broken Formula One rules and lifted the punishment.&nbsp;

Alonso was back to third followed by the two Mercedes cars of Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Next were the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who started 12th. Esteban Ocon and his Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly occupied the next two places.&nbsp;

The race began under dazzling floodlights at the Jeddah Street Circuit in balmy conditions, ideal for spectators, drivers and cars.

<h2>Alonso dream start</h2>

Alonso made the best start, from his incorrect position too far to the left of his grid slot, as he surged past&nbsp;Perez&nbsp;to lead into turn one.

He was unable to retain it for long and was passed by&nbsp;Perez&nbsp;at turn one at the start of lap four. By then, he had been given a five-second penalty for his starting spot error.

Behind them, Leclerc, on soft tyres, began his climb from 12th and reached seventh by lap eight as Verstappen climbed from 15th to 10th while Russell and Stroll settled into third and fourth.

After an unexceptional start, Hamilton, one of only two drivers on hard tyres while the majority took mediums, was warned for weaving on the straight.

By lap 11, Hamilton was eighth, trapped between Leclerc and Verstappen.

The Dutchman passed Hamilton on lap 12 while&nbsp;Perez&nbsp;reeled off another fastest lap to pull three seconds clear of Alonso.

On lap 18, yellow flags waved as Stroll obeyed a team order to stop his Aston Martin on the track – resulting in a full safety car deployment and a rush to pit for&nbsp;Perez, Alonso, Russell, Verstappen and Hamilton.

Despite attempting to serve his penalty during the pit stop, Alonso stayed second behind&nbsp;Perez. Hamilton, sixth, was the only front-runner on mediums while the rest took hards.&nbsp;

Verstappen showed great pace as he pressed Russell, breezing past him for third on lap 24. When he&nbsp;passed Alonso, he had gone from 15th to second before half-distance.&nbsp;

With 10 laps remaining, Verstappen said his drive-shaft, which had caused his exit from qualifying on Saturday, was "running a bit rough".&nbsp;

He was pacified by the team as was&nbsp;Perez&nbsp;who complained of a "long brake pedal" before the final fast laps were completed.

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Red Bull's Sergio Perez flexed his street circuit muscles with dramatic effect on Sunday by storming to victory ahead of team-mate Max Verstappen at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez flexed his street circuit muscles with dramatic effect on Sunday by storming to victory ahead of team-mate Max Verstappen at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. While the top two were clear cut, the next two places remained in confusion long after the race had finished with Fernando Alonso first stripped of third place and then reinstated in the early hours of Monday morning. Perez, a 33-year-old Mexican, came home 5.355 seconds clear of the defending double world champion as Red Bull reeled off a masterful one-two triumph, the Dutchman having stormed through the field from 15th on the grid. Also Read: La Liga: Barcelona take El Clasico 2-1, dent Real Madrid's chances of defending title Verstappen also clocked the fastest lap of the race on the final lap to retain his lead of the embryonic drivers' championship, snatching it back from Perez as they duelled at high speed. It was Perez's fifth career win having previously triumphed in Monte Carlo and Singapore to earn his reputation as a 'street fighter'. "It turned out to be tougher than expected," he said. "The safety car tried to take the victory from us again here, but not this year! The team did a great job. Now we must keep pushing." Verstappen was eliminated from qualifying after a drive-shaft failure. "It wasn't easy to get through the field," he said. "We settled for second so it's a good recovery in the end." Two-time world champion Alonso finished a stirring third on track for Aston Martin to claim a 100th podium finish on his record-extending 357th start. That place was initially taken from him. He had received a five-second penalty for starting outside his grid position. When he tried to serve it during a pit stop, stewards ruled a jack had touched the car too soon and they hit Alonso with a 10-second penalty. George Russell rose to third for Mercedes. But Aston Martin requested a review and showed stewards videos of similar incidents that went unpunished. Stewards accepted that it was not clear the offence had broken Formula One rules and lifted the punishment. Alonso was back to third followed by the two Mercedes cars of Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Next were the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who started 12th. Esteban Ocon and his Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly occupied the next two places. The race began under dazzling floodlights at the Jeddah Street Circuit in balmy conditions, ideal for spectators, drivers and cars. Alonso dream start Alonso made the best start, from his incorrect position too far to the left of his grid slot, as he surged past Perez to lead into turn one. He was unable to retain it for long and was passed by Perez at turn one at the start of lap four. By then, he had been given a five-second penalty for his starting spot error. Behind them, Leclerc, on soft tyres, began his climb from 12th and reached seventh by lap eight as Verstappen climbed from 15th to 10th while Russell and Stroll settled into third and fourth. After an unexceptional start, Hamilton, one of only two drivers on hard tyres while the majority took mediums, was warned for weaving on the straight. By lap 11, Hamilton was eighth, trapped between Leclerc and Verstappen. The Dutchman passed Hamilton on lap 12 while Perez reeled off another fastest lap to pull three seconds clear of Alonso. On lap 18, yellow flags waved as Stroll obeyed a team order to stop his Aston Martin on the track – resulting in a full safety car deployment and a rush to pit for Perez, Alonso, Russell, Verstappen and Hamilton. Despite attempting to serve his penalty during the pit stop, Alonso stayed second behind Perez. Hamilton, sixth, was the only front-runner on mediums while the rest took hards. Verstappen showed great pace as he pressed Russell, breezing past him for third on lap 24. When he passed Alonso, he had gone from 15th to second before half-distance. With 10 laps remaining, Verstappen said his drive-shaft, which had caused his exit from qualifying on Saturday, was "running a bit rough". He was pacified by the team as was Perez who complained of a "long brake pedal" before the final fast laps were completed. 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: Sergio Perez wins Saudi Arabia GP in 1-2 win for Red Bull

Sergio Perez claimed pole position for Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to salvage pride for Red Bull after Max Verstappen was forced out of qualifying with a driveshaft failure in Q2.

The 33-year-old Mexican clocked a best lap in one minute 28.265 seconds to beat Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who faces a 10-place grid penalty, by 0.155sec in a closely fought qualifying session.

It is Perez's second career pole and second in Saudi Arabia, while Verstappen will start from 15th.

"Good job guys," said Perez. "Hopefully, Max will be able to fight through in the race and we can enjoy a good result. We've got a good car and it's a good circuit for me."

As a result of Leclerc's penalty, two-time champion Fernando Alonso will start from the front row of the grid for Aston Martin alongside Perez after winding up third fastest ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and Carlos Sainz, who was fifth in the second Ferrari.

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Lance Stroll was sixth in the second Aston Martin ahead of Alpine's Esteban Ocon, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes and rookie Oscar Piastri of McLaren.

Pierre Gasly was 10th for Alpine.

"Red Bull are on a different planet," said Leclerc, who will set off from 12th on the grid.

The floodlit session began in cooler conditions than FP3 and Williams led the way.

Nyck de Vries, who had missed the earlier session due an engine change on his Alpha Tauri car, spun almost immediately at the first corner, but recovered. His tyres, however, were gone for a flying lap.

The Red Bulls were soon setting the pace again, Verstappen heading Perez by six-tenths on his first run, before Lando Norris brushed the wall at the final corner.

As the Ferraris showed sign of improvement, Aston Martin pushed in response and after 12 minutes, Alonso spun at Turn Two, retaining control without hitting any barriers and snatched fourth place.

Logan Sargeant was another spinner, the American rookie revolving his Williams at Turn 22 as McLaren's pit crew worked frantically to salvage Norris's car and hopes in vain.

The blur of busy and error-strewn Q1 action ended with Norris eliminated in 19th along with Sargeant, 20th, Yuki Tsunoda and his Alpha Tauri team-mate De Vries, and Alex Albon in the second Williams.

<h2>'Almost not accelerating'</h2>

The Q2 segment began with Alfa Romeo and Haas leading the queue ahead of the Aston Martins. Alonso immediately lit up the time screens in purple and set the pace in 1:28.757.

Verstappen, who had a sharp snap through Turns One and Two, soon reported a power problem. "It's an engine problem," he said, as he made slow progress. "It's almost not accelerating."

The Dutchman limped back to the pits and with five minutes remaining climbed out as his crew set to work. He left the garage, walked away to the weigh-room and out of qualifying as the team diagnosed a driveshaft problem.

This left Alonso on top ahead of Perez, who returned to try and restore some pride for Red Bull on a second run, clocking 1:26.635 to beat him by a tenth ahead of the two Ferraris.

The two Haas cars and both Alfa Romeos were eliminated along with Verstappen, creating the prospect of an unexpectedly open battle for pole with Alonso seeking his first pole in 11 years since the 2012 German Grand Prix.

"It happened at Turn 10," said Verstappen. "Very annoying because we were having such a good weekend. It will be tricky now to get to the front so have to concentrate on points, but anything is possible at this track."

With Leclerc facing a 10-place grid penalty, his rivals sensed a rare chance for pole, Alonso attacking his lap, Leclerc outpacing him and then Perez going top in 1:28.265 – half a second clear of the Ferrari.

Russell also dipped into the 1:28s to go third ahead of Alonso before the Aston Martins and Ferraris returned for their final flings.

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Sergio Perez claimed pole position for Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to salvage pride for Red Bull after Max Verstappen was forced out of qualifying with a driveshaft failure in Q2.

Sergio Perez claimed pole position for Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to salvage pride for Red Bull after Max Verstappen was forced out of qualifying with a driveshaft failure in Q2. The 33-year-old Mexican clocked a best lap in one minute 28.265 seconds to beat Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who faces a 10-place grid penalty, by 0.155sec in a closely fought qualifying session. It is Perez's second career pole and second in Saudi Arabia, while Verstappen will start from 15th. "Good job guys," said Perez. "Hopefully, Max will be able to fight through in the race and we can enjoy a good result. We've got a good car and it's a good circuit for me." As a result of Leclerc's penalty, two-time champion Fernando Alonso will start from the front row of the grid for Aston Martin alongside Perez after winding up third fastest ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and Carlos Sainz, who was fifth in the second Ferrari. Also Read: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars beat Multan Sultans by 1 run to win back-to-back PSL titles Lance Stroll was sixth in the second Aston Martin ahead of Alpine's Esteban Ocon, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes and rookie Oscar Piastri of McLaren. Pierre Gasly was 10th for Alpine. "Red Bull are on a different planet," said Leclerc, who will set off from 12th on the grid. The floodlit session began in cooler conditions than FP3 and Williams led the way. Nyck de Vries, who had missed the earlier session due an engine change on his Alpha Tauri car, spun almost immediately at the first corner, but recovered. His tyres, however, were gone for a flying lap. The Red Bulls were soon setting the pace again, Verstappen heading Perez by six-tenths on his first run, before Lando Norris brushed the wall at the final corner. As the Ferraris showed sign of improvement, Aston Martin pushed in response and after 12 minutes, Alonso spun at Turn Two, retaining control without hitting any barriers and snatched fourth place. Logan Sargeant was another spinner, the American rookie revolving his Williams at Turn 22 as McLaren's pit crew worked frantically to salvage Norris's car and hopes in vain. The blur of busy and error-strewn Q1 action ended with Norris eliminated in 19th along with Sargeant, 20th, Yuki Tsunoda and his Alpha Tauri team-mate De Vries, and Alex Albon in the second Williams. 'Almost not accelerating' The Q2 segment began with Alfa Romeo and Haas leading the queue ahead of the Aston Martins. Alonso immediately lit up the time screens in purple and set the pace in 1:28.757. Verstappen, who had a sharp snap through Turns One and Two, soon reported a power problem. "It's an engine problem," he said, as he made slow progress. "It's almost not accelerating." The Dutchman limped back to the pits and with five minutes remaining climbed out as his crew set to work. He left the garage, walked away to the weigh-room and out of qualifying as the team diagnosed a driveshaft problem. This left Alonso on top ahead of Perez, who returned to try and restore some pride for Red Bull on a second run, clocking 1:26.635 to beat him by a tenth ahead of the two Ferraris. The two Haas cars and both Alfa Romeos were eliminated along with Verstappen, creating the prospect of an unexpectedly open battle for pole with Alonso seeking his first pole in 11 years since the 2012 German Grand Prix. "It happened at Turn 10," said Verstappen. "Very annoying because we were having such a good weekend. It will be tricky now to get to the front so have to concentrate on points, but anything is possible at this track." With Leclerc facing a 10-place grid penalty, his rivals sensed a rare chance for pole, Alonso attacking his lap, Leclerc outpacing him and then Perez going top in 1:28.265 – half a second clear of the Ferrari. Russell also dipped into the 1:28s to go third ahead of Alonso before the Aston Martins and Ferraris returned for their final flings. 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 Sergio Perez takes pole at Saudi Arabia GP, Verstappen to start at 15th place

Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton has said his Mercedes team did not listen to him in developing their 2023&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;car. The Briton told reporters last week that Mercedes were on the wrong track before he finished fifth in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix opener. "Last year, there were things I told them. I said the issues that are with the car," Hamilton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Chequered Flag podcast.

"I've driven so many cars in my life so I know what a car needs. I know what a car doesn't need. I think it's really about accountability. "It's about owning up and saying, 'Yeah, you know what? We didn't listen to you. It's not where it needs to be and we've got to work'," he said. "We've got to look into the balance through the corners, look at all the weak points, and just huddle up as a team. That's what we do."

Hamilton is&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One's most successful driver of all time, with a record 103 wins, but is out of contract at the end of the season. The 38-year-old failed to win a race last year, a career first for a season, but has dismissed suggestions he might be holding off on a new deal until he knew how competitive his car was.

He told the BBC that there was still time for Mercedes, whose run of eight successive constructors' titles ended last year, to turn the situation around. "We're still multi world champions, you know? It's just we haven't got it right this time. We didn't get it right last year. But that doesn't mean we can't get it right moving forwards," he said.

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Team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged in Bahrain that Mercedes needed to rethink the car. "I don't think this package is going to be competitive eventually," said the Austrian of a car that stands out for its slimmed-down sidepods in marked contrast to Red Bull's solution. "We got it wrong last year, we thought we could fix it by sticking to this concept of car and it didn't work out," he added.

Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen won in Bahrain with Mexican Sergio Perez securing the&nbsp;one-two finish. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was third in a car powered by a Mercedes engine.

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Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton has said his Mercedes team did not listen to him in developing their 2023 Formula One car. The Briton told reporters last week that Mercedes were on the wrong track before he finished fifth in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix opener.

Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton has said his Mercedes team did not listen to him in developing their 2023 Formula One car. The Briton told reporters last week that Mercedes were on the wrong track before he finished fifth in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix opener. "Last year, there were things I told them. I said the issues that are with the car," Hamilton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Chequered Flag podcast. "I've driven so many cars in my life so I know what a car needs. I know what a car doesn't need. I think it's really about accountability. "It's about owning up and saying, 'Yeah, you know what? We didn't listen to you. It's not where it needs to be and we've got to work'," he said. "We've got to look into the balance through the corners, look at all the weak points, and just huddle up as a team. That's what we do." Hamilton is Formula One's most successful driver of all time, with a record 103 wins, but is out of contract at the end of the season. The 38-year-old failed to win a race last year, a career first for a season, but has dismissed suggestions he might be holding off on a new deal until he knew how competitive his car was. He told the BBC that there was still time for Mercedes, whose run of eight successive constructors' titles ended last year, to turn the situation around. "We're still multi world champions, you know? It's just we haven't got it right this time. We didn't get it right last year. But that doesn't mean we can't get it right moving forwards," he said. Also Read: Indonesian court sentence two officials for negligence during a stampede that killed 135 people Team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged in Bahrain that Mercedes needed to rethink the car. "I don't think this package is going to be competitive eventually," said the Austrian of a car that stands out for its slimmed-down sidepods in marked contrast to Red Bull's solution. "We got it wrong last year, we thought we could fix it by sticking to this concept of car and it didn't work out," he added. Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen won in Bahrain with Mexican Sergio Perez securing the one-two finish. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was third in a car powered by a Mercedes engine. ×

Lewis Hamilton claims Mercedes did not listen to him in developing their 2023 Formula One car

Ferrari have moved their Formula One head of strategy Inaki Rueda out of the line of fire with&nbsp;Ravin&nbsp;Jain&nbsp;taking the high-pressure role on the pit wall for the season starting in Bahrain next week. A team spokeswoman said&nbsp;Jain, an Oxford physics graduate who joined the team in 2016, would be in charge of strategy at the track.&nbsp;Rueda remains part of the team with a factory-based sporting role at Maranello.

Strategy is one of the areas new team principal Fred Vasseur has been looking at since taking over in January to address some glaring and costly errors last season.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1-pre-testing-2023-live-streaming-how-to-watch-f1-pre-testing-season-2023-live-check-full-schedule-564324">Formula 1 Pre-Testing 2023 Live Streaming: How to watch F1 pre-testing season 2023 Live, Check full schedule</a>

Ferrari started that season strongly, winning two of the first three races, but ended up distant runners-up to champions Red Bull.

They were let down also by reliability and driver mistakes but strategic blunders included a pit call in Monaco that cost Charles Leclerc a home victory after starting on pole position and a tyre gamble that backfired for qualifying in Brazil.

Vasseur, who has joined as a replacement for Mattia Binotto, said this month that Ferrari would be making some marginal changes to the race team.

"Very often, when you are speaking about strategy, it's much more a matter of organization than just the guy who is on the pit wall," he said.

"I'm trying to understand exactly what's happened on every single mistake and what's happened last year. And to try to know if it's a matter of decision if it's a matter of organization, or of communication."

Ferrari have not won a championship since the 2008 constructors' title and the pressure is on Vasseur to fix the errors and end the long drought for the sport's oldest and most successful team.

The team started pre-season testing in Bahrain on Thursday with Carlos Sainz behind the wheel for the first session at the Sakhir circuit.

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Ferrari have moved their Formula One head of strategy Inaki Rueda out of the line of fire with Ravin Jain taking the high-pressure role on the pit wall for the season starting in Bahrain next week.

Ferrari have moved their Formula One head of strategy Inaki Rueda out of the line of fire with Ravin Jain taking the high-pressure role on the pit wall for the season starting in Bahrain next week. A team spokeswoman said Jain, an Oxford physics graduate who joined the team in 2016, would be in charge of strategy at the track. Rueda remains part of the team with a factory-based sporting role at Maranello. Strategy is one of the areas new team principal Fred Vasseur has been looking at since taking over in January to address some glaring and costly errors last season. Also Read: Formula 1 Pre-Testing 2023 Live Streaming: How to watch F1 pre-testing season 2023 Live, Check full schedule Ferrari started that season strongly, winning two of the first three races, but ended up distant runners-up to champions Red Bull. They were let down also by reliability and driver mistakes but strategic blunders included a pit call in Monaco that cost Charles Leclerc a home victory after starting on pole position and a tyre gamble that backfired for qualifying in Brazil. Vasseur, who has joined as a replacement for Mattia Binotto, said this month that Ferrari would be making some marginal changes to the race team. "Very often, when you are speaking about strategy, it's much more a matter of organization than just the guy who is on the pit wall," he said. "I'm trying to understand exactly what's happened on every single mistake and what's happened last year. And to try to know if it's a matter of decision if it's a matter of organization, or of communication." Ferrari have not won a championship since the 2008 constructors' title and the pressure is on Vasseur to fix the errors and end the long drought for the sport's oldest and most successful team. The team started pre-season testing in Bahrain on Thursday with Carlos Sainz behind the wheel for the first session at the Sakhir circuit. 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: Indian-origin Ravin Jain replaces Inaki Rueda as Ferrari's head of strategy

Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;drivers are unhappy with a rule change barring them from making unauthorised 'political statements' at races and will discuss it as a group, Red Bull's Sergio Perez said on Friday. The governing FIA updated the International Sporting Code last December with a clause requiring prior written permission for drivers to make or display "political, religious and personal statements or comments".

Mexican Perez told reporters at his world champion team's livery launch in New York that drivers needed to be able to speak freely. "We haven't discussed (it) with the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) but it's something that we don't feel comfortable with because we want to be ourselves and we want to be able to express ourselves in any way that we want," he said. "We all have different views, different beliefs in religion ... I get the political side but we all should be free to express ourselves the way we want. "I just struggle to think that they will be able to control what you are able to say or not to say. That to me is not correct. But we will discuss that."

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Several drivers, notably Mercedes' seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton, have used their profile and platform to address issues. In Hamilton's case, the Briton has spoken out about racial injustice and reported human rights abuses in some of the countries&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;visits. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told reporters separately that he felt "sport should never be used as a political tool.

"Sport in many ways is there to entertain but also to have an element of escapism within it," he added. Horner said Red Bull had always allowed their drivers freedom to speak out but it was a question of finding a balance.

"In the world that we live in today, everybody has a voice and that shouldn't be suppressed, but of course it does have to be done&nbsp;responsibly," he said. "We don't want a load of robots without opinions going racing."

Formula One drivers are unhappy with a rule change barring them from making unauthorised 'political statements' at races and will discuss it as a group, Red Bull's Sergio Perez said on Friday.

Formula One drivers are unhappy with a rule change barring them from making unauthorised 'political statements' at races and will discuss it as a group, Red Bull's Sergio Perez said on Friday. The governing FIA updated the International Sporting Code last December with a clause requiring prior written permission for drivers to make or display "political, religious and personal statements or comments". Mexican Perez told reporters at his world champion team's livery launch in New York that drivers needed to be able to speak freely. "We haven't discussed (it) with the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) but it's something that we don't feel comfortable with because we want to be ourselves and we want to be able to express ourselves in any way that we want," he said. "We all have different views, different beliefs in religion ... I get the political side but we all should be free to express ourselves the way we want. "I just struggle to think that they will be able to control what you are able to say or not to say. That to me is not correct. But we will discuss that." Also read: Ford officially returns to F1 in a new partnership with Red Bull Several drivers, notably Mercedes' seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton, have used their profile and platform to address issues. In Hamilton's case, the Briton has spoken out about racial injustice and reported human rights abuses in some of the countries Formula One visits. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told reporters separately that he felt "sport should never be used as a political tool. "Sport in many ways is there to entertain but also to have an element of escapism within it," he added. Horner said Red Bull had always allowed their drivers freedom to speak out but it was a question of finding a balance. "In the world that we live in today, everybody has a voice and that shouldn't be suppressed, but of course it does have to be done responsibly," he said. "We don't want a load of robots without opinions going racing."

F1 drivers must be allowed to speak out freely, feels Red Bull's Sergio Perez

Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;drivers must not use the platform provided by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to make statements for their own "personal agenda", the sport's governing body president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Tuesday. Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;drivers will need prior written permission from the sport's governing body to make "political, religious and personal statements" from next season following an update of the International Sporting Code. Unless the FIA grants approval in writing, drivers who make such statements will now be in breach of the rules. "We are concerned with building bridges. You can use sport for peace reasons... But&nbsp;one&nbsp;thing we don't want is to have the FIA as a platform for private personal agenda," Ben Sulayem told reporters. "We will divert from the sport. What does the driver do best? Driving. They are so good at it, and they make the business, they make the show, they are the stars. Nobody is stopping them.

"There are other platforms to express what they want. Everybody has this and they are most welcome to go through the process of the FIA, to go through that." Former champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were among the high-profile drivers who made such statements in recent seasons. Hamilton has stood up for human rights and racial equality while also addressing LGBTQ+ rights in conservative countries like Saudi Arabia which has held two races since 2021.

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Vettel, who retired last year, has highlighted issues from LGBTQ rights to climate change. Ben Sulayem rejected the notion that the FIA was shutting down drivers, saying he wanted to "improve and clean up" the sport. "I have my own personal things, OK, but it doesn't mean I will use the FIA to do it," said Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver from the United Arab Emirates. "The FIA should be neutral, I believe. We need the superstars in to make the sport. "If there is anything, you take the permission. If not, if they make any other mistake, it's like speeding in the pit lane. If you do it, it's very clear what you get."

Formula One drivers must not use the platform provided by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to make statements for their own "personal agenda", the sport's governing body president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Tuesday.

Formula One drivers must not use the platform provided by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to make statements for their own "personal agenda", the sport's governing body president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Tuesday. Formula One drivers will need prior written permission from the sport's governing body to make "political, religious and personal statements" from next season following an update of the International Sporting Code. Unless the FIA grants approval in writing, drivers who make such statements will now be in breach of the rules. "We are concerned with building bridges. You can use sport for peace reasons... But one thing we don't want is to have the FIA as a platform for private personal agenda," Ben Sulayem told reporters. "We will divert from the sport. What does the driver do best? Driving. They are so good at it, and they make the business, they make the show, they are the stars. Nobody is stopping them. "There are other platforms to express what they want. Everybody has this and they are most welcome to go through the process of the FIA, to go through that." Former champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were among the high-profile drivers who made such statements in recent seasons. Hamilton has stood up for human rights and racial equality while also addressing LGBTQ+ rights in conservative countries like Saudi Arabia which has held two races since 2021. Also read: Malaysia Open: HS Prannoy defeats compatriot Lakshya Sen in thrilling tie, PV Sindhu knocked out Vettel, who retired last year, has highlighted issues from LGBTQ rights to climate change. Ben Sulayem rejected the notion that the FIA was shutting down drivers, saying he wanted to "improve and clean up" the sport. "I have my own personal things, OK, but it doesn't mean I will use the FIA to do it," said Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver from the United Arab Emirates. "The FIA should be neutral, I believe. We need the superstars in to make the sport. "If there is anything, you take the permission. If not, if they make any other mistake, it's like speeding in the pit lane. If you do it, it's very clear what you get."

Drivers must not use the sport for 'personal agenda': FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Formula&nbsp;One's governing body is ready to start a process for new teams to enter the championship, president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Monday. The move could open the door to American Michael Andretti's Andretti Global F1 project, which has so far met little encouragement from most existing teams and&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;management. Hong Kong-based billionaire Calvin Lo has also talked of entering a team.

"I have asked my @FIA team to look at launching an Expressions of Interest process for prospective new teams for the FIA @F1 World Championship," International Automobile Federation (FIA) head Ben Sulayem posted on Twitter. U.S.-owned Haas are the most recent completely new&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team to enter, debuting in 2016 when the sport had 11 teams until the demise of Manor Racing before the start of the 2017 season.

Manor were&nbsp;one&nbsp;of three new outfits, all now defunct, who entered in 2010. Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;chief executive Stefano Domenicali said last September that the sport, which could have a record 24 races this year and is growing in global popularity, did not need more than 10 teams. McLaren and Renault-owned Alpine have been supportive of Andretti's plans but other teams have questioned the commercial benefit of a new entrant. The current version of the 'Concorde Agreement' between teams, FIA and&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;stipulates that the 10 teams split their share of the sport's revenues and any new entrant would dilute the pot.

For that reason any new entrant must pay a $200 million fee to enter, with the money shared by the existing teams as compensation. Having a new U.S.-owned team in a sport that will have three rounds in the United States this year, including a night race in Las Vegas, might appeal to the sport's U.S.-based owners Liberty Media. Andretti, son of 1978 world champion Mario, is already involved in IndyCars,&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;E and Extreme E and has strong brand recognition. Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;will have a new power unit from 2026, when Audi will turn Swiss-based Sauber into their factory team.

Formula One's governing body is ready to start a process for new teams to enter the championship, president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Monday. The move could open the door to American Michael Andretti's Andretti Global F1 project, which has so far met little encouragement from most existing teams and Formula One management.

Formula One's governing body is ready to start a process for new teams to enter the championship, president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Monday. The move could open the door to American Michael Andretti's Andretti Global F1 project, which has so far met little encouragement from most existing teams and Formula One management. Hong Kong-based billionaire Calvin Lo has also talked of entering a team. "I have asked my @FIA team to look at launching an Expressions of Interest process for prospective new teams for the FIA @F1 World Championship," International Automobile Federation (FIA) head Ben Sulayem posted on Twitter. U.S.-owned Haas are the most recent completely new Formula One team to enter, debuting in 2016 when the sport had 11 teams until the demise of Manor Racing before the start of the 2017 season. Manor were one of three new outfits, all now defunct, who entered in 2010. Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said last September that the sport, which could have a record 24 races this year and is growing in global popularity, did not need more than 10 teams. McLaren and Renault-owned Alpine have been supportive of Andretti's plans but other teams have questioned the commercial benefit of a new entrant. The current version of the 'Concorde Agreement' between teams, FIA and Formula One stipulates that the 10 teams split their share of the sport's revenues and any new entrant would dilute the pot. For that reason any new entrant must pay a $200 million fee to enter, with the money shared by the existing teams as compensation. Having a new U.S.-owned team in a sport that will have three rounds in the United States this year, including a night race in Las Vegas, might appeal to the sport's U.S.-based owners Liberty Media. Andretti, son of 1978 world champion Mario, is already involved in IndyCars, Formula E and Extreme E and has strong brand recognition. Formula One will have a new power unit from 2026, when Audi will turn Swiss-based Sauber into their factory team.

FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to start process for more teams to enter F1

Formula One drivers have been barred from making any “political statements” during the event without securing written permission from the sport’s governing body from the next season.&nbsp;

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) on Tuesday released the updated version of the International Sporting Code which stated that "the general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments" will be considered a violation under "the general principle of neutrality promoted by the&nbsp;FIA&nbsp;under its statutes."

Henceforth, drivers will now be penalised if found to be in breach of the rules unless the FIA has granted previous approval in writing.

The decision comes in the wake of what is perceived as a rise in activism in the sport in recent years, with Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton leading the charge.

The Mercedes superstar has worn "Black Lives Matter" and "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" on his shirts in the past.

In 2021, several drivers joined Hamilton to take a knee before each race in a symbolic gesture against racism.

Recently, retired star Sebastian Vettel had also expressed solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community with his wardrobe.

In a recent interview to racing news outlet GrandPrix247 during this year's Monaco GP, FIA president Ben Sulayem had described motorsport as "too political".

An FIA spokesman said the update was "in alignment with the political neutrality of sport" as enshrined in the International Olympic Committee code of ethics, reports the Guardian.

According to the FIA's new rule, players have been forbidden from displaying “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA."

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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Formula One drivers have been barred from making any “political statements” during the event without securing written permission from the sport’s governing body from the next season.

Formula One drivers have been barred from making any “political statements” during the event without securing written permission from the sport’s governing body from the next season. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) on Tuesday released the updated version of the International Sporting Code which stated that "the general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments" will be considered a violation under "the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its statutes." Henceforth, drivers will now be penalised if found to be in breach of the rules unless the FIA has granted previous approval in writing. The decision comes in the wake of what is perceived as a rise in activism in the sport in recent years, with Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton leading the charge. The Mercedes superstar has worn "Black Lives Matter" and "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" on his shirts in the past. In 2021, several drivers joined Hamilton to take a knee before each race in a symbolic gesture against racism. Recently, retired star Sebastian Vettel had also expressed solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community with his wardrobe. In a recent interview to racing news outlet GrandPrix247 during this year's Monaco GP, FIA president Ben Sulayem had described motorsport as "too political". An FIA spokesman said the update was "in alignment with the political neutrality of sport" as enshrined in the International Olympic Committee code of ethics, reports the Guardian. According to the FIA's new rule, players have been forbidden from displaying “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

F1 drivers barred from making political statements after president finds motorsport ‘too woke’

Mercedes announced former Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, on Thursday as their&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;reserve for next season. Schumacher, whose Ferrari great-father also raced for Mercedes from 2010-12, will attend every Grand Prix as back up for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. "Mick is a talented young driver and we're delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver," said team boss Toto Wolff in a statement. "We also know that with two years of experience racing in&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise."

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Ferrari earlier announced they had mutually decided not to extend their relationship after four years together. Schumacher won the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;Two title in 2020 after joining the Ferrari young driver programme in 2019. He debuted with Ferrari-powered Haas in 2021 and was also a Ferrari reserve last season. He left&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;with 12 points and the highest finish of sixth after 43 starts. "I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me," said Schumacher. "F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team."

Mercedes announced former Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, on Thursday as their Formula One reserve for next season. Schumacher, whose Ferrari great-father also raced for Mercedes from 2010-12, will attend every Grand Prix as back up for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Mercedes announced former Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, on Thursday as their Formula One reserve for next season. Schumacher, whose Ferrari great-father also raced for Mercedes from 2010-12, will attend every Grand Prix as back up for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. "Mick is a talented young driver and we're delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver," said team boss Toto Wolff in a statement. "We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula One under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise." Also read: Australia extends Formula 1 deal, Saudi Arabia to kickoff 2024 season Ferrari earlier announced they had mutually decided not to extend their relationship after four years together. Schumacher won the Formula Two title in 2020 after joining the Ferrari young driver programme in 2019. He debuted with Ferrari-powered Haas in 2021 and was also a Ferrari reserve last season. He left Formula One with 12 points and the highest finish of sixth after 43 starts. "I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me," said Schumacher. "F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team."

Mick Schumacher becomes part of Mercedes as Formula One reserve driver

The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until at least 2037 with a new deal to be the season-opening race on at least four occasions and Saudi Arabia to kick off the 2024 campaign, the Victoria state government said on Thursday. The deal for a further two years at Albert Park follows a 10-year extension announced in June.

"Part of the deal will see Melbourne host the first race of the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;season for at least four years between 2023 and 2037," the government said in a statement. It added that Saudi Arabia would host the 2024 opener "out of respect for Ramadan". This year’s Australian Grand Prix drew a record crowd of around 419,000 over the course of the weekend and the government said next year, with&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;Two and Three included on the programme, was set to be even bigger. "The demand for next year’s (race) has already reached fever pitch, with event organisers eyeing record attendance numbers after tickets for the main race day sold out in only three-and-a-half hours after they went on sale," it said.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott said he will stand down after next year's race, which is scheduled from March 30-April 2.

The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until at least 2037 with a new deal to be the season-opening race on at least four occasions and Saudi Arabia to kick off the 2024 campaign, the Victoria state government said on Thursday.

The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until at least 2037 with a new deal to be the season-opening race on at least four occasions and Saudi Arabia to kick off the 2024 campaign, the Victoria state government said on Thursday. The deal for a further two years at Albert Park follows a 10-year extension announced in June. "Part of the deal will see Melbourne host the first race of the Formula One season for at least four years between 2023 and 2037," the government said in a statement. It added that Saudi Arabia would host the 2024 opener "out of respect for Ramadan". This year’s Australian Grand Prix drew a record crowd of around 419,000 over the course of the weekend and the government said next year, with Formula Two and Three included on the programme, was set to be even bigger. "The demand for next year’s (race) has already reached fever pitch, with event organisers eyeing record attendance numbers after tickets for the main race day sold out in only three-and-a-half hours after they went on sale," it said. Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott said he will stand down after next year's race, which is scheduled from March 30-April 2.

Australia extends Formula 1 deal, Saudi Arabia to kickoff 2024 season

McLaren appointed Andrea Stella as&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team principal on Tuesday in a move hastened by his predecessor Andreas Seidl joining Sauber as replacement for Ferrari-bound Frederic Vasseur. Sauber run the Alfa Romeo team, which will become the factory Audi outfit in 2026. The post-season management merry-go-round came after Mattia Binotto handed in his resignation as Ferrari team principal in November. Stella worked with world champions Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso in 15 years at Ferrari under bosses Jean Todt and Stefano Domenicali before joining McLaren in 2019 at the same time as Seidl.

The Italian was promoted from an executive director role at McLaren and chief executive Zak Brown said Stella was first choice after Seidl told the team earlier in the year that he would not be extending his contract. "Andreas in a very transparent manner informed me during the season that he was going to go elsewhere when his contract was up at the end of 2025," the American told reporters on a video call with Stella. "Probably pretty clear where that destination would be, which was quite understandable given his background."

Seidl was previously head of track operations at Sauber and was also principal of Porsche's world endurance team that won the Le Mans 24 Hours three times between 2015-17. Porsche and Audi are both Volkswagen-owned brands. Brown said McLaren would have continued with Seidl to the end of his contract but events took a twist when it became clear Vasseur was going to Ferrari. "(Sauber chairman) Finn Rausing, someone&nbsp;that I've known for a decade and get along with very well, gave me a call to see if there was a discussion to be had to potentially release Andreas early," he explained. "My reaction was if Andrea would be happy to join as team principal, then I'd be very happy to make that change now which I think puts everyone&nbsp;in their permanent homes for the foreseeable future."

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Brown said the relationship between Seidl and the team meant 'gardening leave', a break between jobs to limit the flow of sensitive information, was not necessary. Stella said his style would be hands-on, with Brown leaning in more when support was needed but otherwise focusing on the commercial side and sponsors. "What I'm looking for from Andrea is total responsibility for the performance of the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team," said Brown, whose team finished fourth in 2021 but fifth behind Renault-owned Alpine last season.

He doubted there would be much change, describing the team as going from 850 people to 849 rather than the senior leadership shrinking from three to two. "In terms of the race team, we are happy with the progress we have made recently," said Stella. "So I think it's important to retain continuity there in terms of the way we go racing trackside. "I would certainly see my presence and my impact as being quite direct in relation to that. "Factory-side we have senior leaders I will be able to rely on and I think some of them will step up a little bit such that we can cover all the tasks required to run the business."

McLaren appointed Andrea Stella as Formula One team principal on Tuesday in a move hastened by his predecessor Andreas Seidl joining Sauber as replacement for Ferrari-bound Frederic Vasseur.

McLaren appointed Andrea Stella as Formula One team principal on Tuesday in a move hastened by his predecessor Andreas Seidl joining Sauber as replacement for Ferrari-bound Frederic Vasseur. Sauber run the Alfa Romeo team, which will become the factory Audi outfit in 2026. The post-season management merry-go-round came after Mattia Binotto handed in his resignation as Ferrari team principal in November. Stella worked with world champions Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso in 15 years at Ferrari under bosses Jean Todt and Stefano Domenicali before joining McLaren in 2019 at the same time as Seidl. The Italian was promoted from an executive director role at McLaren and chief executive Zak Brown said Stella was first choice after Seidl told the team earlier in the year that he would not be extending his contract. "Andreas in a very transparent manner informed me during the season that he was going to go elsewhere when his contract was up at the end of 2025," the American told reporters on a video call with Stella. "Probably pretty clear where that destination would be, which was quite understandable given his background." Seidl was previously head of track operations at Sauber and was also principal of Porsche's world endurance team that won the Le Mans 24 Hours three times between 2015-17. Porsche and Audi are both Volkswagen-owned brands. Brown said McLaren would have continued with Seidl to the end of his contract but events took a twist when it became clear Vasseur was going to Ferrari. "(Sauber chairman) Finn Rausing, someone that I've known for a decade and get along with very well, gave me a call to see if there was a discussion to be had to potentially release Andreas early," he explained. "My reaction was if Andrea would be happy to join as team principal, then I'd be very happy to make that change now which I think puts everyone in their permanent homes for the foreseeable future." Also read: Ferrari appoint Frechman Frederic Vasseur as Formula One team boss Brown said the relationship between Seidl and the team meant 'gardening leave', a break between jobs to limit the flow of sensitive information, was not necessary. Stella said his style would be hands-on, with Brown leaning in more when support was needed but otherwise focusing on the commercial side and sponsors. "What I'm looking for from Andrea is total responsibility for the performance of the Formula One team," said Brown, whose team finished fourth in 2021 but fifth behind Renault-owned Alpine last season. He doubted there would be much change, describing the team as going from 850 people to 849 rather than the senior leadership shrinking from three to two. "In terms of the race team, we are happy with the progress we have made recently," said Stella. "So I think it's important to retain continuity there in terms of the way we go racing trackside. "I would certainly see my presence and my impact as being quite direct in relation to that. "Factory-side we have senior leaders I will be able to rely on and I think some of them will step up a little bit such that we can cover all the tasks required to run the business."

Change at Ferrari hastened Andreas Seidl's McLaren ouster

Ferrari appointed Frenchman Frederic&nbsp;Vasseur&nbsp;as Formula One team principal and general manager on Tuesday, replacing Mattia Binotto whose resignation was announced last month. Vasseur's departure from Swiss-based Sauber, which runs the Alfa Romeo team, had been announced earlier. Ferrari said he would join them on Jan. 9.

"We are delighted to welcome Fred&nbsp;Vasseur&nbsp;to Ferrari as our team principal," said the Italian sportscar maker's chief executive Benedetto Vigna in a statement. "Throughout his career he has successfully combined his technical strengths as a trained engineer with a consistent ability to bring out the best in his drivers and teams.

"This approach and his leadership are what we need to push Ferrari forward with renewed energy." Vasseur, 54, will be Ferrari's fifth principal in less than a decade. His arrival also means three of the 10 teams will have new bosses next season, with Jost Capito's exit from Williams announced on Monday.

Ferrari enjoyed a golden era with seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher during a period of stability under the leadership of Frenchman Jean Todt from 1993-2007 but have not won a title since 2008. They finished distant runners-up to Red Bull this season. Vasseur&nbsp;and his compatriot Nicolas Todt, son of Jean and manager of Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc, are close and founded the junior series ART racing team together.

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Stellantis-owned Alfa Romeo are due to end their sponsorship of Sauber at the end of 2023, with the team then becoming the Audi factory outfit from 2026. Vasseur&nbsp;said he was "truly delighted and honoured" to take over at Maranello.

"As someone who has always held a lifelong passion for motorsport, Ferrari has always represented the very pinnacle of the racing world to me," he said in the team statement. "I look forward to working with the talented and truly passionate team in Maranello to honour the history and heritage of the Scuderia and deliver for our tifosi (fans) around the world." Ferrari's other driver is Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

Ferrari appointed Frenchman Frederic Vasseur as Formula One team principal and general manager on Tuesday, replacing Mattia Binotto whose resignation was announced last month.

Ferrari appointed Frenchman Frederic Vasseur as Formula One team principal and general manager on Tuesday, replacing Mattia Binotto whose resignation was announced last month. Vasseur's departure from Swiss-based Sauber, which runs the Alfa Romeo team, had been announced earlier. Ferrari said he would join them on Jan. 9. "We are delighted to welcome Fred Vasseur to Ferrari as our team principal," said the Italian sportscar maker's chief executive Benedetto Vigna in a statement. "Throughout his career he has successfully combined his technical strengths as a trained engineer with a consistent ability to bring out the best in his drivers and teams. "This approach and his leadership are what we need to push Ferrari forward with renewed energy." Vasseur, 54, will be Ferrari's fifth principal in less than a decade. His arrival also means three of the 10 teams will have new bosses next season, with Jost Capito's exit from Williams announced on Monday. Ferrari enjoyed a golden era with seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher during a period of stability under the leadership of Frenchman Jean Todt from 1993-2007 but have not won a title since 2008. They finished distant runners-up to Red Bull this season. Vasseur and his compatriot Nicolas Todt, son of Jean and manager of Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc, are close and founded the junior series ART racing team together. Also read: World No. 1 Iga Swiatek named WTA Player of the Year Stellantis-owned Alfa Romeo are due to end their sponsorship of Sauber at the end of 2023, with the team then becoming the Audi factory outfit from 2026. Vasseur said he was "truly delighted and honoured" to take over at Maranello. "As someone who has always held a lifelong passion for motorsport, Ferrari has always represented the very pinnacle of the racing world to me," he said in the team statement. "I look forward to working with the talented and truly passionate team in Maranello to honour the history and heritage of the Scuderia and deliver for our tifosi (fans) around the world." Ferrari's other driver is Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

Ferrari appoint Frechman Frederic Vasseur as Formula One team boss

Azerbaijan's Baku City circuit will host the first of&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One's six sprint races next season, the sport said on Wednesday. The others will be held in Austria, at Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps, Qatar, Austin's Circuit of the Americas and Brazil's Interlagos. Azerbaijan's race weekend is April 28-30, with the Austrian race at Spielberg from June 30 to July 2. Spa is July 28-30, Qatar Oct. 6-8, Austin Oct. 20-22 and Brazil Nov. 3-5. Baku, Spa, Qatar and Austin will be hosting sprints for the first time.

Qatar was absent from this year's calendar due to the country hosting the soccer World Cup. Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;is doubling the number of sprint race weekends, with three held this year at Italy's Imola, in Austria and Brazil. The sprint format involves qualifying on Friday for a 100km race on Saturday, with points awarded to the top eight, that sets the grid for the main grand prix on Sunday. Pole position is awarded to the fastest driver in Friday qualifying rather than who starts Sunday's race at the front of the grid.

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The same format will continue next year, although&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;is considering changes for the future including turning Saturday into a stand-alone&nbsp;race. Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;said the choice of locations was based on research into which tracks offered the best overtaking opportunities, close racing and high-speed sections. "We have seen a hugely positive reaction to the F1 Sprint events during the first two years of its running," said F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali. "The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues."

Baku promoter Arif Rahimov said in May that he wanted to host a sprint weekend to create more excitement. "We're a market where most of the fans are not as educated in the sport itself so when you say that we have two races...that will definitely increase the attendance on a Saturday and give them more value for money," he said then. "I'm a big proponent of it. I really like the idea. I think it's good just to mix things around a little bit throughout the years. Things get boring and people just get too used to the same format and then they lose their interest."

Azerbaijan's Baku City circuit will host the first of Formula One's six sprint races next season, the sport said on Wednesday. The others will be held in Austria, at Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps, Qatar, Austin's Circuit of the Americas and Brazil's Interlagos.

Azerbaijan's Baku City circuit will host the first of Formula One's six sprint races next season, the sport said on Wednesday. The others will be held in Austria, at Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps, Qatar, Austin's Circuit of the Americas and Brazil's Interlagos. Azerbaijan's race weekend is April 28-30, with the Austrian race at Spielberg from June 30 to July 2. Spa is July 28-30, Qatar Oct. 6-8, Austin Oct. 20-22 and Brazil Nov. 3-5. Baku, Spa, Qatar and Austin will be hosting sprints for the first time. Qatar was absent from this year's calendar due to the country hosting the soccer World Cup. Formula One is doubling the number of sprint race weekends, with three held this year at Italy's Imola, in Austria and Brazil. The sprint format involves qualifying on Friday for a 100km race on Saturday, with points awarded to the top eight, that sets the grid for the main grand prix on Sunday. Pole position is awarded to the fastest driver in Friday qualifying rather than who starts Sunday's race at the front of the grid. Also read: Former Formula One driver Patrick Tambay passes away at 73 The same format will continue next year, although Formula One is considering changes for the future including turning Saturday into a stand-alone race. Formula One said the choice of locations was based on research into which tracks offered the best overtaking opportunities, close racing and high-speed sections. "We have seen a hugely positive reaction to the F1 Sprint events during the first two years of its running," said F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali. "The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues." Baku promoter Arif Rahimov said in May that he wanted to host a sprint weekend to create more excitement. "We're a market where most of the fans are not as educated in the sport itself so when you say that we have two races...that will definitely increase the attendance on a Saturday and give them more value for money," he said then. "I'm a big proponent of it. I really like the idea. I think it's good just to mix things around a little bit throughout the years. Things get boring and people just get too used to the same format and then they lose their interest."

Azerbaijan's Baku City circuit to host first of Formula One's six sprint races next season

Former&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;driver Patrick Tambay, the Frenchman who replaced Gilles Villeneuve at Ferrari after the Canadian great's fatal accident in 1982, died on Sunday at the age of 73, his family said. Tambay had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for some years. Winner of two races with Ferrari, the 1982 German Grand Prix and 1983 San Marino Grand Prix, Tambay had five career pole positions and finished fourth in the 1983 world championship.

He started 114 championship Grand Prix in a career full of race retirements, competing also for McLaren in 1978 and 1979 after a debut in 1977 with Teddy Yip's Hong Kong-owned Theodore Racing team.

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Tambay retired in 1986 after two years at Renault and a final season with Haas Lola. "We are all truly saddened by the news of the passing of Patrick Tambay. He was&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the true stars of the 80s winning two races with the Scuderia and contributing to winning the manufacturers’ titles in 1982 and 1983," Ferrari said.

&nbsp;

Former Formula One driver Patrick Tambay, the Frenchman who replaced Gilles Villeneuve at Ferrari after the Canadian great's fatal accident in 1982, died on Sunday at the age of 73, his family said.

Former Formula One driver Patrick Tambay, the Frenchman who replaced Gilles Villeneuve at Ferrari after the Canadian great's fatal accident in 1982, died on Sunday at the age of 73, his family said. Tambay had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for some years. Winner of two races with Ferrari, the 1982 German Grand Prix and 1983 San Marino Grand Prix, Tambay had five career pole positions and finished fourth in the 1983 world championship. He started 114 championship Grand Prix in a career full of race retirements, competing also for McLaren in 1978 and 1979 after a debut in 1977 with Teddy Yip's Hong Kong-owned Theodore Racing team. Also read: In pics | Fans pray for Pele's health as daughter says he was never on end-of-life care Tambay retired in 1986 after two years at Renault and a final season with Haas Lola. "We are all truly saddened by the news of the passing of Patrick Tambay. He was one of the true stars of the 80s winning two races with the Scuderia and contributing to winning the manufacturers’ titles in 1982 and 1983," Ferrari said.

Former Formula One driver Patrick Tambay passes away at 73

Formula&nbsp;One's Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled for the fourth year in a row on Friday due to strict local measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. The 2023 race in Shanghai had been scheduled for April 16 as the fourth stop on a record 24-round calendar, but the cancellation came as no surprise.

"Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation,"&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;said in a statement.

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"Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course."

Formula One's Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled for the fourth year in a row on Friday due to strict local measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. The 2023 race in Shanghai had been scheduled for April 16 as the fourth stop on a record 24-round calendar, but the cancellation came as no surprise.

Formula One's Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled for the fourth year in a row on Friday due to strict local measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. The 2023 race in Shanghai had been scheduled for April 16 as the fourth stop on a record 24-round calendar, but the cancellation came as no surprise. "Formula One can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation," Formula One said in a statement. Also read: EXCLUSIVE - I love playing on PGA Tours, it has given us so much: Scottie Scheffler "Formula One is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course."

Big blow! Chinese F1 Grand Prix cancelled for fourth successive year

Ferrari&nbsp;Formula One boss Mattia Binotto has handed in his resignation and will leave at the end of the year, the championship runners-up said on Tuesday. The news came after considerable media speculation that the 53-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of 2023, had lost top-level support after another failed title challenge.

"With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with&nbsp;Ferrari," the Italian sportscar manufacturer quoted Binotto as saying in a statement announcing his departure. "I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set. "I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, which I wish all the best for the future. I think it is right to take this step at this time, as hard as this decision has been for me."

Ferrari&nbsp;said they had started the search for a replacement, likely to be finalised in the New Year. Italian media have suggested&nbsp;Ferrari&nbsp;Chief Executive Benedetto Vigna could take on the role on an interim basis. Frederic Vasseur, a Frenchman who runs Swiss-based Sauber and is the principal of the Alfa Romeo team, has also been touted as a likely successor.

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Ferrari&nbsp;made a strong start to this season after two years without a victory, but their hopes were dashed by mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes. Although the Maranello-based team won four races, with Charles Leclerc taking three victories and nine pole positions to Carlos Sainz's sole triumph, they were distant runners-up to dominant Red Bull and Max Verstappen.

Leclerc finished second overall, 146 points behind now double-world champion Verstappen. Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene. The sport's oldest and most successful team, present in every championship season since the first in 1950, slumped to sixth overall in the 2020 constructors' standings but recovered to third in 2021.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto has handed in his resignation and will leave at the end of the year, the championship runners-up said on Tuesday. The news came after considerable media speculation that the 53-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of 2023, had lost top-level support after another failed title challenge.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto has handed in his resignation and will leave at the end of the year, the championship runners-up said on Tuesday. The news came after considerable media speculation that the 53-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of 2023, had lost top-level support after another failed title challenge. "With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari," the Italian sportscar manufacturer quoted Binotto as saying in a statement announcing his departure. "I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set. "I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, which I wish all the best for the future. I think it is right to take this step at this time, as hard as this decision has been for me." Ferrari said they had started the search for a replacement, likely to be finalised in the New Year. Italian media have suggested Ferrari Chief Executive Benedetto Vigna could take on the role on an interim basis. Frederic Vasseur, a Frenchman who runs Swiss-based Sauber and is the principal of the Alfa Romeo team, has also been touted as a likely successor. Also read: 'Best interest of the company': Juventus Chairman Andrea Agnelli resigns with entire board Ferrari made a strong start to this season after two years without a victory, but their hopes were dashed by mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes. Although the Maranello-based team won four races, with Charles Leclerc taking three victories and nine pole positions to Carlos Sainz's sole triumph, they were distant runners-up to dominant Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Leclerc finished second overall, 146 points behind now double-world champion Verstappen. Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene. The sport's oldest and most successful team, present in every championship season since the first in 1950, slumped to sixth overall in the 2020 constructors' standings but recovered to third in 2021.

Mattia Binotto resigns as Ferrari F1 team boss, will leave at end of 2022

Formula One on Friday launched an all-female racing series that is set to hit the track next year and prepare young girls to race in the sport. The new category, which will be called F1 Academy, will feature five teams run by outfits currently competing in the F1-feeder series Formula Two and Formula Three. They will each run three cars, creating a 15-strong grid, Formula One said in a statement.

Teams would select their own drivers, who would have to be at least 16 years of age, said F2 and F3 organiser Bruno Michel who will also run the new series. Michel said they could come from senior karting, Formula 4, Formula Regional and even the existing W Series.

They will be required to bring $155,520&nbsp;in funding, with F1 matching that amount and teams raising the rest of the $2.3 million total budget.

Next year's inaugural season will comprise seven events with three races each at circuits that host Formula One and 15 days of official testing. But only one round is likely to race on the same weekend as Formula One.

The series will feature the Tatuus T421 chassis fitted with a 165 horsepower engine and tyres from F1 supplier Pirelli, with the cars sharing the visual identity of their F3 and F2 counterparts.

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"Everyone should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and achieve their potential and Formula One wants to ensure we are doing everything we can to create greater diversity and routes into this incredible sport," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in the statement.

"That is why I am delighted to announce the F1 Academy that will give young female drivers the best chance to fulfil their ambitions through a comprehensive programme that supports their racing careers and gives them everything they need to move into F3 and hopefully to F2 and then the pinnacle of Formula One."

F1's launch of the new all-female series comes after a cash crunch forced the existing W Series, which is free to enter and pays the championship winner $500,000 out of a total $1.5 million prize money pot, to cancel the last three races of its season last month.

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Organisers at the time said they were confident the series, which debuted in 2019 and ran on F1's support bill this season, would return in 2023.

There was no mention of prize money in the F1 Academy statement but Formula One said it would prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition including the W Series.

The F1 Academy would complement the W Series providing an "extra route for the next generation of young female drivers," the statement added.

W Series welcomed F1's announcement, adding it was looking forward to finalising its plans for next year.

"Our objective from the start has always been to increase the talent pool of women racing drivers, and the addition of the F1 Academy as a feeder to W Series and other series is a further step in inspiring the next generation to progress up the motorsport ladder," series founder Catherine Bond Muir in a statement.&nbsp;

No female driver has started a Grand Prix since the late Italian Lella Lombardi, also the only woman to score a top-six finish, in 1976.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Formula One on Friday launched an all-female racing series that is set to hit the track next year and prepare young girls to race in the sport. The new category, which will be called F1 Academy, will feature five teams run by outfits currently competing in the F1-feeder series Formula Two and Formula Three.

Formula One on Friday launched an all-female racing series that is set to hit the track next year and prepare young girls to race in the sport. The new category, which will be called F1 Academy, will feature five teams run by outfits currently competing in the F1-feeder series Formula Two and Formula Three. They will each run three cars, creating a 15-strong grid, Formula One said in a statement. Teams would select their own drivers, who would have to be at least 16 years of age, said F2 and F3 organiser Bruno Michel who will also run the new series. Michel said they could come from senior karting, Formula 4, Formula Regional and even the existing W Series. They will be required to bring $155,520 in funding, with F1 matching that amount and teams raising the rest of the $2.3 million total budget. Next year's inaugural season will comprise seven events with three races each at circuits that host Formula One and 15 days of official testing. But only one round is likely to race on the same weekend as Formula One. The series will feature the Tatuus T421 chassis fitted with a 165 horsepower engine and tyres from F1 supplier Pirelli, with the cars sharing the visual identity of their F3 and F2 counterparts. ALSO READ: Upbeat Mercedes camp eyeing top prize in Abu Dhabi, says George Russell "Everyone should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and achieve their potential and Formula One wants to ensure we are doing everything we can to create greater diversity and routes into this incredible sport," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in the statement. "That is why I am delighted to announce the F1 Academy that will give young female drivers the best chance to fulfil their ambitions through a comprehensive programme that supports their racing careers and gives them everything they need to move into F3 and hopefully to F2 and then the pinnacle of Formula One." F1's launch of the new all-female series comes after a cash crunch forced the existing W Series, which is free to enter and pays the championship winner $500,000 out of a total $1.5 million prize money pot, to cancel the last three races of its season last month. WATCH | WION Exclusive: Red Bull's Horner reflects on Verstappen's F1 triumph × Organisers at the time said they were confident the series, which debuted in 2019 and ran on F1's support bill this season, would return in 2023. There was no mention of prize money in the F1 Academy statement but Formula One said it would prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition including the W Series. The F1 Academy would complement the W Series providing an "extra route for the next generation of young female drivers," the statement added. W Series welcomed F1's announcement, adding it was looking forward to finalising its plans for next year. "Our objective from the start has always been to increase the talent pool of women racing drivers, and the addition of the F1 Academy as a feeder to W Series and other series is a further step in inspiring the next generation to progress up the motorsport ladder," series founder Catherine Bond Muir in a statement. No female driver has started a Grand Prix since the late Italian Lella Lombardi, also the only woman to score a top-six finish, in 1976. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

F1 launches all-women racing series, set to hit tracks in 2023

Double&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;world champion Max Verstappen said he and his family had suffered online threats and abuse after he ignored team orders in Brazil last weekend, and blamed the media for making him look bad. The Red Bull driver assured reporters on Thursday he was a team player, and said he had a great relationship with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, but the critics did not know the full story.

Despite saying he hoped they would&nbsp;one&nbsp;day know the details, he still refused to provide them ahead of the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen refused to help Mexican Perez at Interlagos by giving back a place late in the race when they were running sixth and seventh. The Dutch 25-year-old had nothing to gain or lose, having wrapped up his second title in Japan last month, while Perez is fighting Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for second place overall.

Red Bull, who have clinched the constructors' championship, have never finished a season with their drivers first and second and had asked Verstappen to let Perez pass after the Mexican earlier let him through in a failed chase for fifth. "It wasn't about the position...it was about something that happened earlier in the season," Verstappen said on Thursday, amid speculation -- which he would not confirm -- that he was referring to the Monaco Grand Prix won by Perez. "I already explained that in Mexico and the team understood and agreed. "We went to Brazil and I just thought we were just going to race and try to get the best possible result. We had a bit of a miscommunication on Saturday and Sunday, nothing had been said to me about a potential swap."

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Verstappen said the team should have known what his response would be when the matter was raised on the last lap, but everything had now been talked through and resolved. "After that race of course I looked very bad in the media," he said. "But also they didn't have the clear picture. To immediately put me down like that is pretty ridiculous. They don't know how I work within the team and what the team appreciates about me. All the things that I've read are pretty disgusting. "Even more than that, they (social media) started attacking my family. "They were threatening my sister, my mum, my girlfriend, my dad. And for me that goes way too far. If you have a problem with me, that's fine. But don't go after my family because that is just unacceptable. "When your own sister writes to you that it's getting way too much and you have to do something about it, I think that says enough," he added. "And then it does get to me because you cannot attack my family."

Red Bull spoke in a statement of death threats, hate mail and vitriol and said the abuse had to stop. Perez, who said on Sunday Verstappen had shown "who he really is", denied crashing deliberately in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix in May and said that race had not been discussed in the talks after Brazil.

Double Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said he and his family had suffered online threats and abuse after he ignored team orders in Brazil last weekend, and blamed the media for making him look bad.

Double Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said he and his family had suffered online threats and abuse after he ignored team orders in Brazil last weekend, and blamed the media for making him look bad. The Red Bull driver assured reporters on Thursday he was a team player, and said he had a great relationship with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, but the critics did not know the full story. Despite saying he hoped they would one day know the details, he still refused to provide them ahead of the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen refused to help Mexican Perez at Interlagos by giving back a place late in the race when they were running sixth and seventh. The Dutch 25-year-old had nothing to gain or lose, having wrapped up his second title in Japan last month, while Perez is fighting Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for second place overall. Red Bull, who have clinched the constructors' championship, have never finished a season with their drivers first and second and had asked Verstappen to let Perez pass after the Mexican earlier let him through in a failed chase for fifth. "It wasn't about the position...it was about something that happened earlier in the season," Verstappen said on Thursday, amid speculation -- which he would not confirm -- that he was referring to the Monaco Grand Prix won by Perez. "I already explained that in Mexico and the team understood and agreed. "We went to Brazil and I just thought we were just going to race and try to get the best possible result. We had a bit of a miscommunication on Saturday and Sunday, nothing had been said to me about a potential swap." Also read: Mercedes to return in style next year, feels Lewis Hamilton ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Verstappen said the team should have known what his response would be when the matter was raised on the last lap, but everything had now been talked through and resolved. "After that race of course I looked very bad in the media," he said. "But also they didn't have the clear picture. To immediately put me down like that is pretty ridiculous. They don't know how I work within the team and what the team appreciates about me. All the things that I've read are pretty disgusting. "Even more than that, they (social media) started attacking my family. "They were threatening my sister, my mum, my girlfriend, my dad. And for me that goes way too far. If you have a problem with me, that's fine. But don't go after my family because that is just unacceptable. "When your own sister writes to you that it's getting way too much and you have to do something about it, I think that says enough," he added. "And then it does get to me because you cannot attack my family." Red Bull spoke in a statement of death threats, hate mail and vitriol and said the abuse had to stop. Perez, who said on Sunday Verstappen had shown "who he really is", denied crashing deliberately in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix in May and said that race had not been discussed in the talks after Brazil.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen blames media for making him look bad, lashes out at abuse

Lewis Hamilton has&nbsp;one&nbsp;more chance to avoid his first&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;season without a win and it comes on Sunday in the place where last year he suffered&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the biggest blows of his career. The return to Abu Dhabi, where in 2021 Hamilton missed a record eighth title after a controversial late change to the safety car procedure while he was leading, offers the opportunity to end 2022 on a high.

The prospects look a lot brighter with Mercedes ending their season-long blank in Brazil last weekend with George Russell's breakthrough win. A five times winner at Yas Marina, where Red Bull's Max Verstappen has won for the last two years, Hamilton still faces a big challenge and will not want or be expecting any special treatment from his team.

"Lewis doesn't need any prioritisation and it's not what he ever would want," team boss Toto Wolff told reporters after Sunday's race at Interlagos when asked about the record and any help that might be given. "I think he mentioned before that this race record of winning a race in every single season is less of a priority for him. "It's more that we are getting the car back to where it can be and we are racing for more race victories next year and hopefully for championships."

Hamilton took only six races in his debut 2007 season to become a winner and has won at least once in every campaign since then. No other driver can claim such an achievement although seven times world champion Michael Schumacher, who debuted in 1991 and finally retired in 2012, also won a race for 15 years in a row from 1992 to 2006.

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"I'm not focused on the record but of course, I'm trying to get that win this year," Hamilton said in September. "The record is not important to me, just because I don't really care about records in general." The 37-year-old has finished second in his last three races and Mercedes have come a long way since the start of the season when their drivers were wrestling with a bouncing and uncompetitive car.

"It's still work in progress but we've had a good upgrade that we brought to Austin, we were solid in Mexico and now in Brazil which wasn’t the track we expected to be super-competitive we actually out-performed everyone," said Wolff. "That shows that we are getting there in understanding how to unlock the performance in the car and that is a good indication for next year. "We have seen the positive trend over the last three races. Are we back at the domination (level)? No, we are not. I think Abu Dhabi on paper is much more difficult for us."

Lewis Hamilton has one more chance to avoid his first Formula One season without a win and it comes on Sunday in the place where last year he suffered one of the biggest blows of his career.

Lewis Hamilton has one more chance to avoid his first Formula One season without a win and it comes on Sunday in the place where last year he suffered one of the biggest blows of his career. The return to Abu Dhabi, where in 2021 Hamilton missed a record eighth title after a controversial late change to the safety car procedure while he was leading, offers the opportunity to end 2022 on a high. The prospects look a lot brighter with Mercedes ending their season-long blank in Brazil last weekend with George Russell's breakthrough win. A five times winner at Yas Marina, where Red Bull's Max Verstappen has won for the last two years, Hamilton still faces a big challenge and will not want or be expecting any special treatment from his team. "Lewis doesn't need any prioritisation and it's not what he ever would want," team boss Toto Wolff told reporters after Sunday's race at Interlagos when asked about the record and any help that might be given. "I think he mentioned before that this race record of winning a race in every single season is less of a priority for him. "It's more that we are getting the car back to where it can be and we are racing for more race victories next year and hopefully for championships." Hamilton took only six races in his debut 2007 season to become a winner and has won at least once in every campaign since then. No other driver can claim such an achievement although seven times world champion Michael Schumacher, who debuted in 1991 and finally retired in 2012, also won a race for 15 years in a row from 1992 to 2006. Also read: Serbian star Novak Djokovic confirms he has visa to take part in 2023 Australian Open "I'm not focused on the record but of course, I'm trying to get that win this year," Hamilton said in September. "The record is not important to me, just because I don't really care about records in general." The 37-year-old has finished second in his last three races and Mercedes have come a long way since the start of the season when their drivers were wrestling with a bouncing and uncompetitive car. "It's still work in progress but we've had a good upgrade that we brought to Austin, we were solid in Mexico and now in Brazil which wasn’t the track we expected to be super-competitive we actually out-performed everyone," said Wolff. "That shows that we are getting there in understanding how to unlock the performance in the car and that is a good indication for next year. "We have seen the positive trend over the last three races. Are we back at the domination (level)? No, we are not. I think Abu Dhabi on paper is much more difficult for us."

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton has one last shot to avoid first winless season

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season.

The Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport newspapers had suggested Frenchman Vasseur was being lined up to take over in January.

"In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto's position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation," the team said.

Ferrari have won four races in 2022 but their early season promise fell away due to mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes.

Red Bull have won both titles, with now double world champion Max Verstappen taking a record 14 wins in a single season.

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Ferrari are now in danger of dropping to third overall in the constructors' standings after this weekend's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, with resurgent Mercedes 19 points behind.

Vasseur is principal of the Alfa Romeo team, operated by Swiss-based Sauber and which will become the Audi factory team in 2026.

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Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene.

That change was flagged up by the Gazzetta in advance of the official announcement.

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season.

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season. The Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport newspapers had suggested Frenchman Vasseur was being lined up to take over in January. "In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto's position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation," the team said. Ferrari have won four races in 2022 but their early season promise fell away due to mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes. Red Bull have won both titles, with now double world champion Max Verstappen taking a record 14 wins in a single season. Also Read: IN PICS | Preparations in Qatar for FIFA World Cup as final countdown begins Ferrari are now in danger of dropping to third overall in the constructors' standings after this weekend's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, with resurgent Mercedes 19 points behind. Vasseur is principal of the Alfa Romeo team, operated by Swiss-based Sauber and which will become the Audi factory team in 2026. Also Read: Greg Norman must quit LIV role to end stalemate, says No. 1 ranked Rory McIlroy Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene. That change was flagged up by the Gazzetta in advance of the official announcement.

Ferrari denies reports of F1 team boss Mattia Binotto facing the sack

Double Formula One world champion&nbsp;Max&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;said he was not a big fan of sprint races, despite winning both of the ones held this season, as the sport discusses future format changes. Sprint qualifying is held on Friday to determine the starting grid for a race on Saturday in which the top eight score points and that decides where drivers line up for Sunday's main event.

This weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil will be the third sprint event of the year with six scheduled for next season. "Honestly, I'm just not a big fan of it,"&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;told reporters at Interlagos. "I feel like we don't really race (on Saturday). There are a few points that you get, right, but you also know that you can't really risk it because the main race is where you really get the points. "You don't do a pitstop so you just put on the tyre which will last the distance....You don't really see a lot of overtaking unless there is a car out of position. "So then it's not really that fun for me," added the Red Bull driver, who is going for his 15th win of the season on Sunday after clinching the title with four races to spare.

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Verstappen&nbsp;said he liked going straight into qualifying after one practice session on Friday rather than three at a regular grand prix. Formula One is considering making the sprint, which was introduced last year, a stand-alone event not linked to Sunday's starting grid in future to make it more exciting for fans.

The subject has been discussed by teams but no decision has been taken. Although Formula One has published a 2023 calendar with a record 24 races, it has yet to say where the sprints will be held.

Double Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said he was not a big fan of sprint races, despite winning both of the ones held this season, as the sport discusses future format changes.

Double Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said he was not a big fan of sprint races, despite winning both of the ones held this season, as the sport discusses future format changes. Sprint qualifying is held on Friday to determine the starting grid for a race on Saturday in which the top eight score points and that decides where drivers line up for Sunday's main event. This weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil will be the third sprint event of the year with six scheduled for next season. "Honestly, I'm just not a big fan of it," Verstappen told reporters at Interlagos. "I feel like we don't really race (on Saturday). There are a few points that you get, right, but you also know that you can't really risk it because the main race is where you really get the points. "You don't do a pitstop so you just put on the tyre which will last the distance....You don't really see a lot of overtaking unless there is a car out of position. "So then it's not really that fun for me," added the Red Bull driver, who is going for his 15th win of the season on Sunday after clinching the title with four races to spare. ALSO READ | Honorary Brazilian Lewis Hamilton would love a 'home' win Verstappen said he liked going straight into qualifying after one practice session on Friday rather than three at a regular grand prix. Formula One is considering making the sprint, which was introduced last year, a stand-alone event not linked to Sunday's starting grid in future to make it more exciting for fans. The subject has been discussed by teams but no decision has been taken. Although Formula One has published a 2023 calendar with a record 24 races, it has yet to say where the sprints will be held.

Double F1 world champion Max Verstappen no fan of F1 sprint races as format change mooted

Seven-times&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;world champion Lewis Hamilton said dominant Red Bull rival Max Verstappen had done&nbsp;an "amazing job" in winning a second title this season and could be proud of his achievement. Verstappen, 25, last month clinched his second successive crown with four races to spare. The Dutch driver and Hamilton battled until the last lap of the final race in 2021, with Verstappen prevailing after former race director Michael Masi made a controversial change to the safety car re-start procedure.

This year, Red Bull have far outperformed Hamilton's Mercedes team and Verstappen has won a record 14 races out of 20 with two remaining. "I think he's done&nbsp;an amazing job, he's done&nbsp;everything he had to do. The team provided him with an amazing car and he's delivered pretty much every weekend," Hamilton told reporters at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Thursday. "He can be proud of the job he's done, I know what it feels to be in a position like that," added the 37-year-old Briton, who has yet to win this year.

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Red Bull have also clinched the constructors' world title for the first time since 2013 after eight championships in a row for Mercedes, who are 40 points behind second-placed Ferrari. Hamilton said securing the runner-up slot was important for team staff as it meant higher bonuses at a time when Britain was going through a cost of living crisis with energy costs rocketing.

"I'm told and I can see how impactful and important that is for them," he said. Hamilton was this week made an honorary citizen of Brazil by the country's lower house of Congress and has visited a slum in Rio de Janeiro where he met with children from a social project. The Briton, who last week attended an event to promote next year's inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, said he was more excited to be in Brazil than Nevada. Hamilton has won three times at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where he was also crowned world champion for the first time in 2008.

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said dominant Red Bull rival Max Verstappen had done an "amazing job" in winning a second title this season and could be proud of his achievement.

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said dominant Red Bull rival Max Verstappen had done an "amazing job" in winning a second title this season and could be proud of his achievement. Verstappen, 25, last month clinched his second successive crown with four races to spare. The Dutch driver and Hamilton battled until the last lap of the final race in 2021, with Verstappen prevailing after former race director Michael Masi made a controversial change to the safety car re-start procedure. This year, Red Bull have far outperformed Hamilton's Mercedes team and Verstappen has won a record 14 races out of 20 with two remaining. "I think he's done an amazing job, he's done everything he had to do. The team provided him with an amazing car and he's delivered pretty much every weekend," Hamilton told reporters at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Thursday. "He can be proud of the job he's done, I know what it feels to be in a position like that," added the 37-year-old Briton, who has yet to win this year. ALSO READ | Double F1 world champion Max Verstappen no fan of F1 sprint races as format change mooted Red Bull have also clinched the constructors' world title for the first time since 2013 after eight championships in a row for Mercedes, who are 40 points behind second-placed Ferrari. Hamilton said securing the runner-up slot was important for team staff as it meant higher bonuses at a time when Britain was going through a cost of living crisis with energy costs rocketing. "I'm told and I can see how impactful and important that is for them," he said. Hamilton was this week made an honorary citizen of Brazil by the country's lower house of Congress and has visited a slum in Rio de Janeiro where he met with children from a social project. The Briton, who last week attended an event to promote next year's inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, said he was more excited to be in Brazil than Nevada. Hamilton has won three times at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where he was also crowned world champion for the first time in 2008.

Max Verstappen can be proud of an 'amazing job', says arch-rival Lewis Hamilton

The Ferrari in which Formula One legend Michael&nbsp;Schumacher&nbsp;won the 2003 World Championship title sold for nearly $15 million at auction in Geneva on Wednesday. "This remarkable car has achieved a world record price for a modern-era Formula One," the Sotheby's auctioneer said after the F2003-GA, Chassis 229 car went under the hammer for 13 million Swiss francs ($13.2 million).

When taxes and fees were added on, the final price stood at 14.6 million francs ($14.9 million), the auction house said later. The previous record was held by another&nbsp;Schumacher-driven Ferrari, an F2001 model sold by Sotheby's in New York in 2017 for $7.5 million.

The final price, offered by an unidentified telephone bidder from Europe after a bidding war of more than 40 minutes, far outstripped expectations, with the auction house estimating before the sale that the car would fetch up to 9.5 million Swiss francs.

It is "one of the most significant Formula One cars of all time", the auctioneers said.&nbsp;Schumacher, who has not been seen in public since suffering serious injuries in a skiing accident in 2013, raced nine times in the car.

- 'Very important car' -

He won five Grands Prix with it in the 2003 season and drove it when he clinched the title in Japan. "It's one of the Ferraris with the most victories in the constructor's history, so it's a very important car in the history of motor racing," Vincent Luzuy, from the Sotheby's branch dealing with luxury car sales, told AFP. Designed by Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn, the F2003-GA featured a longer wheelbase to improve aerodynamics, he explained.

The model was brought in at the Spanish Grand Prix, the fifth race of the 2003 season. Chassis 229 is by far the most successful of the six F2003-GAs that were built.&nbsp;Schumacher&nbsp;drove it to victory in Spain and also won the Austrian, Canadian, Italian and US Grands Prix in the car. He also claimed pole position in Spain, Austria and Italy in the vehicle, and the fastest laps in Austria, Italy and the United States.

The car powered&nbsp;Schumacher&nbsp;to his sixth F1 title -- a total that saw the German overtake the five won by Argentina's Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s. It also helped Ferrari win a 13th constructor's championship -- the Italian team's fifth in a row.

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<h2>- Luxury week -</h2>

Schumacher's Ferrari was sold during Sotheby's Luxury Week, which began last Friday and where a range of sparkling jewels, pricy watches and designer handbags are going under the hammer. But a&nbsp;spectacular blue diamond, expected to provide the grand finale to the jewellery sale and estimated to fetch up to 15 million Swiss francs, went unsold later on Wednesday.

That 5.53-carat "fancy vivid blue" cushion-shaped diamond is part of the De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection -- a group of eight rare fancy blue diamonds with a total value of more than $70 million being sold in Geneva, New York and Hong Kong.

Sotheby's told AFP the gem was "an exceptional stone in every sense" and "attracted significant interest" before the sale. "While we didn't get to see it sell in the room tonight, we are confident it will find a new home very soon," it added.

Another piece expected to draw attention, and bids, was an emerald and diamond bracelet made in the 1850s, which once belonged to French empress Eugenie, the wife of emperor Napoleon III. It has been estimated at between 60,000 and 80,000 francs.

Sotheby's is already on a roll, having sold the 11.15-carat Williamson Pink Star pink diamond in Hong Kong last Friday for HK$453.2 million ($57.7 million), setting a record for price per carat paid at auction for any diamond or gemstone, the auction house said. Pink diamonds are only found in a few places and fewer than 10 percent weigh more than one fifth of a carat, and the big ones are some of the most in-demand on the global market.

The 18.18-carat Fortune Pink -- the largest pear-shaped "fancy vivid pink" diamond ever to go under the hammer -- was meanwhile snapped up at a Christie's auction in Geneva on Tuesday for $28.5 million.

The Ferrari in which Formula One legend Michael Schumacher won the 2003 World Championship title sold for nearly $15 million at auction in Geneva on Wednesday. "This remarkable car has achieved a world record price for a modern-era Formula One," the Sotheby's auctioneer said after the F2003-GA, Chassis 229 car went under the hammer for 13 million Swiss francs ($13.

The Ferrari in which Formula One legend Michael Schumacher won the 2003 World Championship title sold for nearly $15 million at auction in Geneva on Wednesday. "This remarkable car has achieved a world record price for a modern-era Formula One," the Sotheby's auctioneer said after the F2003-GA, Chassis 229 car went under the hammer for 13 million Swiss francs ($13.2 million). When taxes and fees were added on, the final price stood at 14.6 million francs ($14.9 million), the auction house said later. The previous record was held by another Schumacher-driven Ferrari, an F2001 model sold by Sotheby's in New York in 2017 for $7.5 million. The final price, offered by an unidentified telephone bidder from Europe after a bidding war of more than 40 minutes, far outstripped expectations, with the auction house estimating before the sale that the car would fetch up to 9.5 million Swiss francs. It is "one of the most significant Formula One cars of all time", the auctioneers said. Schumacher, who has not been seen in public since suffering serious injuries in a skiing accident in 2013, raced nine times in the car. - 'Very important car' - He won five Grands Prix with it in the 2003 season and drove it when he clinched the title in Japan. "It's one of the Ferraris with the most victories in the constructor's history, so it's a very important car in the history of motor racing," Vincent Luzuy, from the Sotheby's branch dealing with luxury car sales, told AFP. Designed by Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn, the F2003-GA featured a longer wheelbase to improve aerodynamics, he explained. The model was brought in at the Spanish Grand Prix, the fifth race of the 2003 season. Chassis 229 is by far the most successful of the six F2003-GAs that were built. Schumacher drove it to victory in Spain and also won the Austrian, Canadian, Italian and US Grands Prix in the car. He also claimed pole position in Spain, Austria and Italy in the vehicle, and the fastest laps in Austria, Italy and the United States. The car powered Schumacher to his sixth F1 title -- a total that saw the German overtake the five won by Argentina's Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s. It also helped Ferrari win a 13th constructor's championship -- the Italian team's fifth in a row. ALSO READ | Tiger Woods announces return to golf at Hero World Challenge - Luxury week - Schumacher's Ferrari was sold during Sotheby's Luxury Week, which began last Friday and where a range of sparkling jewels, pricy watches and designer handbags are going under the hammer. But a spectacular blue diamond, expected to provide the grand finale to the jewellery sale and estimated to fetch up to 15 million Swiss francs, went unsold later on Wednesday. That 5.53-carat "fancy vivid blue" cushion-shaped diamond is part of the De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection -- a group of eight rare fancy blue diamonds with a total value of more than $70 million being sold in Geneva, New York and Hong Kong. Sotheby's told AFP the gem was "an exceptional stone in every sense" and "attracted significant interest" before the sale. "While we didn't get to see it sell in the room tonight, we are confident it will find a new home very soon," it added. Another piece expected to draw attention, and bids, was an emerald and diamond bracelet made in the 1850s, which once belonged to French empress Eugenie, the wife of emperor Napoleon III. It has been estimated at between 60,000 and 80,000 francs. Sotheby's is already on a roll, having sold the 11.15-carat Williamson Pink Star pink diamond in Hong Kong last Friday for HK$453.2 million ($57.7 million), setting a record for price per carat paid at auction for any diamond or gemstone, the auction house said. Pink diamonds are only found in a few places and fewer than 10 percent weigh more than one fifth of a carat, and the big ones are some of the most in-demand on the global market. The 18.18-carat Fortune Pink -- the largest pear-shaped "fancy vivid pink" diamond ever to go under the hammer -- was meanwhile snapped up at a Christie's auction in Geneva on Tuesday for $28.5 million.

F1 legend Michael Schumacher's Ferrari fetches record $15 million at auction

Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;would love to celebrate his honorary Brazilian citizenship with a winning return this weekend to Sao Paulo's Interlagos, the circuit where last year he enjoyed one of his greatest victories. Formula One's seven-times world champion is still chasing his first success of the season and to do it in the penultimate race, at the home of his late boyhood idol Ayrton Senna, would be quite something.

"I need all the energy we can get, OK? We've got to get that Brazilian flag up on top (of the podium),"&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;told local reporters at an event with team sponsor Petronas on Wednesday. The 37-year-old Briton is battling against the odds, however. "On paper, it shouldn't be quite as strong a circuit for us as Mexico, but regardless, we want to keep up our momentum from recent races. So, we will keep working hard to hopefully be in the mix once again," said his Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

Hamilton, who has won in every season since his debut in 2007, finished second in the previous race in Mexico. He has triumphed three times in Brazil, including two of the last three races at Interlagos, and accepted honorary citizenship this week. Formula One currently has no Brazilian driver and the last home winner was Felipe Massa in 2008, when&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;won his first title with McLaren.

SPRINT FORMAT

Last year's race, like this weekend's, was run to the sprint format and&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;went from last on the grid on Saturday to fifth at the finish, then taking a five-place drop for Sunday's main event and roaring back from 10th to win. "It's a track that both of our drivers have typically gone well at and it's a sprint race where we can pick up more points," said Mercedes' strategy chief James Vowles. "And when you have a car within a few tenths of your competition, you can make things happen."

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With both titles won by Max Verstappen and Red Bull, Mercedes are fighting Ferrari for second place. The Italians are 40 points ahead with 96 available from Brazil and the final round in Abu Dhabi. Plenty is at stake from the last two races, with the division of revenues decided by the positions in the constructors' standings.

Renault-owned Alpine and McLaren are separated by only seven points in the battle for fourth while Aston Martin are four behind sixth-placed Alfa Romeo. Haas, in eighth, are a point clear of Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri.

"Thanks to the Sprint format we have two attempts in which to score points and extend our lead to McLaren heading into the final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi," said Alpine's double world champion Fernando Alonso. At the top, Verstappen will be seeking to extend his record tally of wins in a season to 15 while Red Bull are eyeing a 10th win in a row. If they succeed, the final Sunday at Yas Marina could see Red Bull equal McLaren's 1988 record of 11 successive wins in a single season and send them into 2023 chasing Ferrari's all-time best of 14 in 1952-53.

"While the focus has, for sure, already shifted to next year with the car, we also focus on the car we have at the moment," said Verstappen, who won the season's two previous sprints, after Mexico. "We try to win the next two races, that's for sure."

Lewis Hamilton would love to celebrate his honorary Brazilian citizenship with a winning return this weekend to Sao Paulo's Interlagos, the circuit where last year he enjoyed one of his greatest victories.

Lewis Hamilton would love to celebrate his honorary Brazilian citizenship with a winning return this weekend to Sao Paulo's Interlagos, the circuit where last year he enjoyed one of his greatest victories. Formula One's seven-times world champion is still chasing his first success of the season and to do it in the penultimate race, at the home of his late boyhood idol Ayrton Senna, would be quite something. "I need all the energy we can get, OK? We've got to get that Brazilian flag up on top (of the podium)," Hamilton told local reporters at an event with team sponsor Petronas on Wednesday. The 37-year-old Briton is battling against the odds, however. "On paper, it shouldn't be quite as strong a circuit for us as Mexico, but regardless, we want to keep up our momentum from recent races. So, we will keep working hard to hopefully be in the mix once again," said his Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. Hamilton, who has won in every season since his debut in 2007, finished second in the previous race in Mexico. He has triumphed three times in Brazil, including two of the last three races at Interlagos, and accepted honorary citizenship this week. Formula One currently has no Brazilian driver and the last home winner was Felipe Massa in 2008, when Hamilton won his first title with McLaren. SPRINT FORMAT Last year's race, like this weekend's, was run to the sprint format and Hamilton went from last on the grid on Saturday to fifth at the finish, then taking a five-place drop for Sunday's main event and roaring back from 10th to win. "It's a track that both of our drivers have typically gone well at and it's a sprint race where we can pick up more points," said Mercedes' strategy chief James Vowles. "And when you have a car within a few tenths of your competition, you can make things happen." ALSO READ | F1 legend Michael Schumacher's Ferrari fetches record $15 million at auction With both titles won by Max Verstappen and Red Bull, Mercedes are fighting Ferrari for second place. The Italians are 40 points ahead with 96 available from Brazil and the final round in Abu Dhabi. Plenty is at stake from the last two races, with the division of revenues decided by the positions in the constructors' standings. Renault-owned Alpine and McLaren are separated by only seven points in the battle for fourth while Aston Martin are four behind sixth-placed Alfa Romeo. Haas, in eighth, are a point clear of Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri. "Thanks to the Sprint format we have two attempts in which to score points and extend our lead to McLaren heading into the final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi," said Alpine's double world champion Fernando Alonso. At the top, Verstappen will be seeking to extend his record tally of wins in a season to 15 while Red Bull are eyeing a 10th win in a row. If they succeed, the final Sunday at Yas Marina could see Red Bull equal McLaren's 1988 record of 11 successive wins in a single season and send them into 2023 chasing Ferrari's all-time best of 14 in 1952-53. "While the focus has, for sure, already shifted to next year with the car, we also focus on the car we have at the moment," said Verstappen, who won the season's two previous sprints, after Mexico. "We try to win the next two races, that's for sure."

Honorary Brazilian Lewis Hamilton would love a 'home' win

Seven-times Formula One world champion&nbsp;Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil on Monday by the country's lower house of Congress and dedicated the honour to his boyhood idol, the late Brazilian triple world champion Ayrton Senna. "I feel like now I'm one of you," the Mercedes driver said in a crowded session of Congress packed with admirers in Brasilia days ahead of this year's Brazilian Grand Prix on Nov. 11 in Sao Paulo.

Hamilton delighted Brazilians by unfurling the Brazilian flag from his Mercedes during the slowing down lap after winning the last year at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit and later carrying the flag onto the podium. The lower house passed in June a bill to make the 37-year-old an honorary citizen that was proposed by congressman Andre Figueiredo after the British driver won the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix for the third time.

Hamilton clinched his first world championship at Interlagos in 2008, beating Ferrari's then local favourite Felipe Massa with a devastating overtake on the last corner of the last lap of the final round of the season. A smiling Hamilton, wearing a royal blue suit, received Brazil's legislative medal of merit, a diploma and made a speech thanking his fans and dedicating the honour to Senna.

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"I have so many amazing memories of Brazil," Hamilton said. "And particularly 2021. Knowing you guys would cheer me on the way was one of the most special moments of my entire life. I can't wait for us to continue to strive ahead," he added.

At the ceremony, congressmen also highlighted Hamilton's social activism, including his defence of minority groups and environmental causes. Hamilton pledged to continue pushing for diversity and said that visiting the Amazon rainforest was one of his dreams.

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil on Monday by the country's lower house of Congress and dedicated the honour to his boyhood idol, the late Brazilian triple world champion Ayrton Senna.

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil on Monday by the country's lower house of Congress and dedicated the honour to his boyhood idol, the late Brazilian triple world champion Ayrton Senna. "I feel like now I'm one of you," the Mercedes driver said in a crowded session of Congress packed with admirers in Brasilia days ahead of this year's Brazilian Grand Prix on Nov. 11 in Sao Paulo. Hamilton delighted Brazilians by unfurling the Brazilian flag from his Mercedes during the slowing down lap after winning the last year at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit and later carrying the flag onto the podium. The lower house passed in June a bill to make the 37-year-old an honorary citizen that was proposed by congressman Andre Figueiredo after the British driver won the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix for the third time. Hamilton clinched his first world championship at Interlagos in 2008, beating Ferrari's then local favourite Felipe Massa with a devastating overtake on the last corner of the last lap of the final round of the season. A smiling Hamilton, wearing a royal blue suit, received Brazil's legislative medal of merit, a diploma and made a speech thanking his fans and dedicating the honour to Senna. ALSO READ | Premier League club Liverpool put up for sale by Fenway Sports Group "I have so many amazing memories of Brazil," Hamilton said. "And particularly 2021. Knowing you guys would cheer me on the way was one of the most special moments of my entire life. I can't wait for us to continue to strive ahead," he added. At the ceremony, congressmen also highlighted Hamilton's social activism, including his defence of minority groups and environmental causes. Hamilton pledged to continue pushing for diversity and said that visiting the Amazon rainforest was one of his dreams.

Now I'm one of you: Seven-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton tells Brazil as he becomes honorary citizen

Max Verstappen is enjoying the most dominant of&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;seasons but Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reckons the double world champion still deserves more recognition. The 25-year-old took a record 14th win of the season in Mexico City on Sunday and has now scored more points in a single campaign (416) than anyone&nbsp;ever, breaking Lewis Hamilton's 2019 record of 413.

Even if seasons now have more races, with changed scoring systems, fastest laps and sprints adding to the points available, Verstappen and Red Bull have undeniably raised the bar this year. The team have won the last nine races and 16 of 20, their greatest haul yet in&nbsp;one&nbsp;championship, and secured both titles for the first time since 2013.

There are still two more races remaining to push the boundaries even further. "We are actually witnessing something very special. And I sometimes think that his achievements perhaps don't receive the plaudits that they should," Horner told reporters after the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. "I think actually what we've witnessed this year is an absolutely outstanding performance from a driver who is very much at the top of his game."

There is no question Verstappen gets kudos at home in the Netherlands, just as team mate Sergio Perez does in Mexico, but the sport has become increasingly polarised as it grows in popularity with new audiences. Social media, as Verstappen observed on Sunday night, has become "a very toxic place" populated by "keyboard warriors" far removed from the racetrack.

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'OUTSTANDING YEAR'

"He's won the most grands prix in a year now, within 20 races, on top of that he's won two sprint races and he's not won all of them from pole position," Horner observed. "He's had to fight and race for a lot of those victories. When we look back at the end of the year, it is an absolutely outstanding year that Max has driven. He hasn't put a wheel wrong, he's been perfect throughout the season.

"It's been incredible, the level of consistency that he has been able to achieve." Verstappen's first title in 2021 came amid controversy in the season-ending race, with a late change in the safety car procedure allowing him to overhaul Hamilton on the last lap for victory.

There has been no such suspense this year, with Verstappen wrapping up the title with four races to spare, but the team's breach of the budget cap last year has still allowed some to question their achievement. That clearly rankles, with Verstappen and Horner showing their sensitivity by refusing to talk to Sky television over the Mexico weekend after a pit lane reporter referred to Hamilton being 'robbed' last year. "Accusations of championships being robbed is something we don't feel is an impartial commentary ... Max is very upset about it and as a team we support him fully," said Horner.

Max Verstappen is enjoying the most dominant of Formula One seasons but Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reckons the double world champion still deserves more recognition.

Max Verstappen is enjoying the most dominant of Formula One seasons but Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reckons the double world champion still deserves more recognition. The 25-year-old took a record 14th win of the season in Mexico City on Sunday and has now scored more points in a single campaign (416) than anyone ever, breaking Lewis Hamilton's 2019 record of 413. Even if seasons now have more races, with changed scoring systems, fastest laps and sprints adding to the points available, Verstappen and Red Bull have undeniably raised the bar this year. The team have won the last nine races and 16 of 20, their greatest haul yet in one championship, and secured both titles for the first time since 2013. There are still two more races remaining to push the boundaries even further. "We are actually witnessing something very special. And I sometimes think that his achievements perhaps don't receive the plaudits that they should," Horner told reporters after the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. "I think actually what we've witnessed this year is an absolutely outstanding performance from a driver who is very much at the top of his game." There is no question Verstappen gets kudos at home in the Netherlands, just as team mate Sergio Perez does in Mexico, but the sport has become increasingly polarised as it grows in popularity with new audiences. Social media, as Verstappen observed on Sunday night, has become "a very toxic place" populated by "keyboard warriors" far removed from the racetrack. ALSO READ | Max Verstappen sets Formula One record for most wins in a season after clinching Mexico City GP 'OUTSTANDING YEAR' "He's won the most grands prix in a year now, within 20 races, on top of that he's won two sprint races and he's not won all of them from pole position," Horner observed. "He's had to fight and race for a lot of those victories. When we look back at the end of the year, it is an absolutely outstanding year that Max has driven. He hasn't put a wheel wrong, he's been perfect throughout the season. "It's been incredible, the level of consistency that he has been able to achieve." Verstappen's first title in 2021 came amid controversy in the season-ending race, with a late change in the safety car procedure allowing him to overhaul Hamilton on the last lap for victory. There has been no such suspense this year, with Verstappen wrapping up the title with four races to spare, but the team's breach of the budget cap last year has still allowed some to question their achievement. That clearly rankles, with Verstappen and Horner showing their sensitivity by refusing to talk to Sky television over the Mexico weekend after a pit lane reporter referred to Hamilton being 'robbed' last year. "Accusations of championships being robbed is something we don't feel is an impartial commentary ... Max is very upset about it and as a team we support him fully," said Horner.

Max Verstappen deserves more plaudits, says Red Bull team boss Christian Horner

Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen won the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday to set a Formula One record of 14 victories from a single season, as well as the most points scored.

The Dutch driver led from pole position at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, stopping on lap 26 of 71 to switch from soft to medium tyres and taking the chequered flag 15.186 seconds clear of Mercedes's Lewis Hamilton.

"It's been an incredible year so far, we are definitely enjoying it and we'll try to go for more," said Verstappen, who clinched his second title in Japan on Oct. 9 and had an untroubled afternoon.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez finished third in front of his cheering home crowd after a race that was low on thrills and all about tyre strategy.

Verstappen's win was the 25-year-old's fourth in Mexico and the podium was the same as last year.

In Austin, Texas, last weekend he had pulled level with German champions Michael Schumacher (2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2013) on 13 wins in a season.

There are more races now than then, however, with the 2022 season featuring 22 compared to 19 in 2013 and 18 in 2004.

Verstappen also took his points tally to 416 -- 136 more than Perez who moved up to second overall and three more than the previous record set by Hamilton in 2019.

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It was also a ninth win in a row and 16th from 20 races for Red Bull, who wrapped up the constructors' title in Texas with three rounds to spare, but Mercedes showed they were getting closer.

"I was so close in that first stint but I think the Red Bull was clearly too fast today and ultimately, maybe they had the better tyre strategy," said Hamilton, who felt he should have started on softs instead of mediums before switching to hards.

"I'm not sure (hard) was the right tyre at the end."

George Russell lost out at the start, lining up on the front row for Mercedes but dropping two places to fourth as Hamilton muscled past his team mate with Perez also seizing the opportunity to go third.

Russell finished fourth, pitting on the penultimate lap to deny Perez the bonus point for fastest lap.

Both Mercedes drivers complained about the strategy but were assured from the pit wall that Red Bull's medium tyres would lose performance -- a hope that proved to be optimistic.

"That medium looks quick mate, they're going to go to the end," said Hamilton over the radio 10 laps from the end, accepting it was game over.

The race was already a four-driver battle after 20 of the 71 laps, with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finishing fifth and sixth but far off the pace and the latter close to being lapped.

"This weekend we were just slow," said Sainz, who finished 58 seconds behind Verstappen.

Daniel Ricciardo put on the show of the day, reeling off overtakes on the soft tyres and finishing seventh for McLaren despite a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda.

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His performance won the Australian, who is leaving McLaren at the end of the season with no other drive lined up, the vote for driver of the day by fans and that familiar smile was broader than ever.

Esteban Ocon was eighth for Renault-owned Alpine, after team mate Fernando Alonso retired with an engine failure, with McLaren's Lando Norris ninth and Valtteri Bottas back in the points for Alfa Romeo in 10th.

"Unbelievable. What a season, what a season," complained Alonso before he pulled off and parked up on lap 65, triggering a brief virtual safety car while the Alpine was pushed away by marshals.

Formula One said 395,902 spectators attended over the three days, compared to 371,779 last year.

Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen won the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday to set a Formula One record of 14 victories from a single season, as well as the most points scored.

Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen won the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday to set a Formula One record of 14 victories from a single season, as well as the most points scored. The Dutch driver led from pole position at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, stopping on lap 26 of 71 to switch from soft to medium tyres and taking the chequered flag 15.186 seconds clear of Mercedes's Lewis Hamilton. "It's been an incredible year so far, we are definitely enjoying it and we'll try to go for more," said Verstappen, who clinched his second title in Japan on Oct. 9 and had an untroubled afternoon. Red Bull's Sergio Perez finished third in front of his cheering home crowd after a race that was low on thrills and all about tyre strategy. Verstappen's win was the 25-year-old's fourth in Mexico and the podium was the same as last year. In Austin, Texas, last weekend he had pulled level with German champions Michael Schumacher (2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2013) on 13 wins in a season. There are more races now than then, however, with the 2022 season featuring 22 compared to 19 in 2013 and 18 in 2004. Verstappen also took his points tally to 416 -- 136 more than Perez who moved up to second overall and three more than the previous record set by Hamilton in 2019. Also Read: Arsenal's Pablo Mari discharged from hospital after stabbing incident in Italian supermarket It was also a ninth win in a row and 16th from 20 races for Red Bull, who wrapped up the constructors' title in Texas with three rounds to spare, but Mercedes showed they were getting closer. "I was so close in that first stint but I think the Red Bull was clearly too fast today and ultimately, maybe they had the better tyre strategy," said Hamilton, who felt he should have started on softs instead of mediums before switching to hards. "I'm not sure (hard) was the right tyre at the end." George Russell lost out at the start, lining up on the front row for Mercedes but dropping two places to fourth as Hamilton muscled past his team mate with Perez also seizing the opportunity to go third. Russell finished fourth, pitting on the penultimate lap to deny Perez the bonus point for fastest lap. Both Mercedes drivers complained about the strategy but were assured from the pit wall that Red Bull's medium tyres would lose performance -- a hope that proved to be optimistic. "That medium looks quick mate, they're going to go to the end," said Hamilton over the radio 10 laps from the end, accepting it was game over. The race was already a four-driver battle after 20 of the 71 laps, with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finishing fifth and sixth but far off the pace and the latter close to being lapped. "This weekend we were just slow," said Sainz, who finished 58 seconds behind Verstappen. Daniel Ricciardo put on the show of the day, reeling off overtakes on the soft tyres and finishing seventh for McLaren despite a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda. Also Read: T20 World Cup: Miller, Ngidi help South Africa beat India by 5 wickets to claim top spot in Group 2 His performance won the Australian, who is leaving McLaren at the end of the season with no other drive lined up, the vote for driver of the day by fans and that familiar smile was broader than ever. Esteban Ocon was eighth for Renault-owned Alpine, after team mate Fernando Alonso retired with an engine failure, with McLaren's Lando Norris ninth and Valtteri Bottas back in the points for Alfa Romeo in 10th. "Unbelievable. What a season, what a season," complained Alonso before he pulled off and parked up on lap 65, triggering a brief virtual safety car while the Alpine was pushed away by marshals. Formula One said 395,902 spectators attended over the three days, compared to 371,779 last year.

Max Verstappen sets Formula One record for most wins in a season after clinching Mexico City GP

Lewis Hamilton admitted the constant boos from the crowd at the Mexican City Grand Prix on Sunday did affect him. The seven-time Formula One champion lost against Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who went on to win the race and clinch his 14th victory of the season to set a record for most wins in a single season in F1 history.

Still searching for his maiden win this season, Hamilton had another disappointing outing as he secured P2 for the second week running and missed out on the Mexican GP title by a whisker. However, it was not his loss that disappointed the legendary British driver the most.

Hamilton was booed continuously by a group of fans during the race and the booing continued when he came to speak before the podium celebration. The British superstar said it felt 'awkward' to him due to the boos throughout the day.

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"This has been an amazing crowd, definitely a bit awkward this time around with boos all day,"&nbsp;said Hamilton.

"But, nevertheless I have so much love for Mexico and for the people here. What a great race and an event they've put on this weekend. I was so close in that first stint but I think the Red Bull was clearly too fast today and ultimately, maybe they had the better tyre strategy," he added.

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Hamilton presented an intense challenge to Verstappen in the opening stage of the race but eventually lost control as the Red Bull star continued his rampant run this season. It was yet another magnificent effort from Verstappen, who has simply been unstoppable this season and managed to beat Hamilton by ten seconds on Saturday.

"It's been an incredible year so far, we are definitely enjoying it and we'll try to go for more," said Verstappen, who has not only set the record for most titles won in a single season but also most points scored in a season.

Lewis Hamilton admitted the constant boos from the crowd at the Mexican City Grand Prix on Sunday did affect him. The seven-time Formula One champion lost against Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who went on to win the race and clinch his 14th victory of the season to set a record for most wins in a single season in F1 history.

Lewis Hamilton admitted the constant boos from the crowd at the Mexican City Grand Prix on Sunday did affect him. The seven-time Formula One champion lost against Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who went on to win the race and clinch his 14th victory of the season to set a record for most wins in a single season in F1 history. Still searching for his maiden win this season, Hamilton had another disappointing outing as he secured P2 for the second week running and missed out on the Mexican GP title by a whisker. However, it was not his loss that disappointed the legendary British driver the most. Hamilton was booed continuously by a group of fans during the race and the booing continued when he came to speak before the podium celebration. The British superstar said it felt 'awkward' to him due to the boos throughout the day. Also Read: Max Verstappen sets Formula One record for most wins in a season after clinching Mexico City GP "This has been an amazing crowd, definitely a bit awkward this time around with boos all day," said Hamilton. "But, nevertheless I have so much love for Mexico and for the people here. What a great race and an event they've put on this weekend. I was so close in that first stint but I think the Red Bull was clearly too fast today and ultimately, maybe they had the better tyre strategy," he added. Also Read: Virat Kohli furious after invasion of privacy in hotel room, says 'I am not okay with this kind of fanaticism' Hamilton presented an intense challenge to Verstappen in the opening stage of the race but eventually lost control as the Red Bull star continued his rampant run this season. It was yet another magnificent effort from Verstappen, who has simply been unstoppable this season and managed to beat Hamilton by ten seconds on Saturday. "It's been an incredible year so far, we are definitely enjoying it and we'll try to go for more," said Verstappen, who has not only set the record for most titles won in a single season but also most points scored in a season.

Lewis Hamilton admits it was 'awkward' to be booed by fans at Mexican GP after loss against Max Verstappen

Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;champions Red Bull will pay a $7 million fine for spending more than allowed last season and have 10% less time testing in the wind tunnel over the next 12 months, the governing FIA said on Friday.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) added in a statement ahead of this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix that the decision, accepted by Red Bull, was final and not subject to appeal.

Formula One champions Red Bull will pay a $7 million fine for spending more than allowed last season and have 10% less time testing in the wind tunnel over the next 12 months, the governing FIA said on Friday.

Formula One champions Red Bull will pay a $7 million fine for spending more than allowed last season and have 10% less time testing in the wind tunnel over the next 12 months, the governing FIA said on Friday. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) added in a statement ahead of this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix that the decision, accepted by Red Bull, was final and not subject to appeal.

F1 champions Red Bull to pay $7 million fine for cost cap breach

Seven times world champion Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;intends to race on in Formula One for years to come and Mercedes teammate George Russell said on Thursday (October 27) he was excited by the prospect. Hamilton, who will be 38 in January, told reporters in Japan this month that he planned to race beyond 2023 and expanded on that recently by saying he and Mercedes would do another deal.

"We're going to sit down and we're going to discuss it in these next couple of months, I would say," the sport's most successful driver, with a record 103 wins, told reporters at last weekend's U.S. Grand Prix. Russell, who replaced Valtteri Bottas in the lineup this season and is ahead of&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;in the drivers' standings with three races to go, welcomed that prospect when asked at the Mexican Grand Prix.

"It's really exciting to have that potential of Lewis staying on for a number of years to come," said the Briton, who has yet to win a grand prix. "He's proven that he's definitely not lifted his foot off the throttle pedal and he's definitely in the last few races performing probably better than ever. "That's really exciting for me to have that opportunity to be his team mate and to go directly head to head with him and grow on this journey we're on together."

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Mercedes were the dominant team in Formula One, winning eight successive constructors' titles until dethroned by Red Bull this season. Hamilton&nbsp;and Russell have been wrestling with a difficult car, that suffered bouncing early on, and have yet to win a race in 2022.

Russell said he felt the two drivers had a great relationship and were working together with the team to get Mercedes back to the top. "It would be great to be team mates for a number of years to come," he added.

Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton intends to race on in Formula One for years to come and Mercedes teammate George Russell said on Thursday (October 27) he was excited by the prospect.

Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton intends to race on in Formula One for years to come and Mercedes teammate George Russell said on Thursday (October 27) he was excited by the prospect. Hamilton, who will be 38 in January, told reporters in Japan this month that he planned to race beyond 2023 and expanded on that recently by saying he and Mercedes would do another deal. "We're going to sit down and we're going to discuss it in these next couple of months, I would say," the sport's most successful driver, with a record 103 wins, told reporters at last weekend's U.S. Grand Prix. Russell, who replaced Valtteri Bottas in the lineup this season and is ahead of Hamilton in the drivers' standings with three races to go, welcomed that prospect when asked at the Mexican Grand Prix. "It's really exciting to have that potential of Lewis staying on for a number of years to come," said the Briton, who has yet to win a grand prix. "He's proven that he's definitely not lifted his foot off the throttle pedal and he's definitely in the last few races performing probably better than ever. "That's really exciting for me to have that opportunity to be his team mate and to go directly head to head with him and grow on this journey we're on together." ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo scores on Man United return as Europa League progress certain Mercedes were the dominant team in Formula One, winning eight successive constructors' titles until dethroned by Red Bull this season. Hamilton and Russell have been wrestling with a difficult car, that suffered bouncing early on, and have yet to win a race in 2022. Russell said he felt the two drivers had a great relationship and were working together with the team to get Mercedes back to the top. "It would be great to be team mates for a number of years to come," he added.

Lewis Hamilton not ready to retire from Formula One, looking to pen down multi-year deal

Formula One and the championship-leading Red Bull team mourned the death of the energy drink company's Austrian founder Dietrich Mateschitz on Saturday at the age of 78. Red Bull Racing principal Christian Horner confirmed the news ahead of qualifying for the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, where the team can clinch a fifth constructors' championship.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen has already won the drivers' title for the second year in a row. "What he (Mateschitz) achieved and what he's done for so many people around the world, across different sports, is second to none," said Horner. "So many of us have to be so grateful to him for the opportunities that he's provided, the vision that he had, the strength of character and never being afraid to follow and chase your dreams. "That's what he did here in Formula One, proving that you can make a difference ... so many drivers, so many team members, so many people in this pitlane owe him so much," he told Sky Sports television.

Mateschitz bought the Ford-owned Jaguar team at the end of 2004 and turned it into Red Bull Racing, an outfit whose maverick image masked a fierce competitive spirit. The Austrian also bought the Italy-based Minardi team and renamed it Toro Rosso, the Italian for Red Bull. They now compete as AlphaTauri, the company's fashion brand.

The arrival of Adrian Newey, one of the sport's greatest designers who had penned title-winning cars for Williams and McLaren, turbocharged Red Bull's progress and Germany's Sebastian Vettel won four titles in a row from 2010-13.

Red Bull also won the constructors' title in all four seasons. "I am deeply saddened by the news that Dietrich Mateschitz, a hugely respected and much-loved member of the Formula One family has passed away," said Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali. "He was an incredible visionary entrepreneur and a man who helped to transform our sport and created the Red Bull brand that is known all around the world."

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Mateschitz's death comes with Red Bull embroiled in a budget breach controversy that has teams up and down pitlane demanding a harsh penalty. But those same teams after learning of Mateschitz's passing quickly took to social media on Saturday expressing their condolences and praising him for his vision and contributions to the sport.

Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo and McLaren, whose team principal Zak Brown hours earlier had engaged in tense exchange with Horner over the budget issue during a press conference were among those offering their sympathies.

"Following the sad passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, our thoughts and condolences are with Dietrich’s family and friends, @RedBullRacing, @AlphaTauriF1 and the wider @RedBull family. Rest in peace," said McLaren on their official Twitter account.

Horner said he was happy that at least Mateschitz got to see Verstappen clinch the driver's title two weeks ago in Japan. Verstappen will start Sunday's race on the front row alongside Ferrari pole sitter Carlos Sainz but said he would be trying to make Mateschitz proud. "I think of what he has meant for of course Red Bull and also the sport and especially for me what he has done for me in general in my career so far and my life," said Verstappen. It's a really tough day. "We gave it everything today in qualifying but unfortunately we missed out by a little bit but there is still a race ahead of course and we're going to try and make him proud tomorrow."

Formula One and the championship-leading Red Bull team mourned the death of the energy drink company's Austrian founder Dietrich Mateschitz on Saturday at the age of 78.

Formula One and the championship-leading Red Bull team mourned the death of the energy drink company's Austrian founder Dietrich Mateschitz on Saturday at the age of 78. Red Bull Racing principal Christian Horner confirmed the news ahead of qualifying for the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, where the team can clinch a fifth constructors' championship. Red Bull's Max Verstappen has already won the drivers' title for the second year in a row. "What he (Mateschitz) achieved and what he's done for so many people around the world, across different sports, is second to none," said Horner. "So many of us have to be so grateful to him for the opportunities that he's provided, the vision that he had, the strength of character and never being afraid to follow and chase your dreams. "That's what he did here in Formula One, proving that you can make a difference ... so many drivers, so many team members, so many people in this pitlane owe him so much," he told Sky Sports television. Mateschitz bought the Ford-owned Jaguar team at the end of 2004 and turned it into Red Bull Racing, an outfit whose maverick image masked a fierce competitive spirit. The Austrian also bought the Italy-based Minardi team and renamed it Toro Rosso, the Italian for Red Bull. They now compete as AlphaTauri, the company's fashion brand. The arrival of Adrian Newey, one of the sport's greatest designers who had penned title-winning cars for Williams and McLaren, turbocharged Red Bull's progress and Germany's Sebastian Vettel won four titles in a row from 2010-13. Red Bull also won the constructors' title in all four seasons. "I am deeply saddened by the news that Dietrich Mateschitz, a hugely respected and much-loved member of the Formula One family has passed away," said Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali. "He was an incredible visionary entrepreneur and a man who helped to transform our sport and created the Red Bull brand that is known all around the world." ALSO READ | FIFA president Gianni Infantino says broadcasters offer '100 times less' for Women's World Cup Mateschitz's death comes with Red Bull embroiled in a budget breach controversy that has teams up and down pitlane demanding a harsh penalty. But those same teams after learning of Mateschitz's passing quickly took to social media on Saturday expressing their condolences and praising him for his vision and contributions to the sport. Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo and McLaren, whose team principal Zak Brown hours earlier had engaged in tense exchange with Horner over the budget issue during a press conference were among those offering their sympathies. "Following the sad passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, our thoughts and condolences are with Dietrich’s family and friends, @RedBullRacing, @AlphaTauriF1 and the wider @RedBull family. Rest in peace," said McLaren on their official Twitter account. Horner said he was happy that at least Mateschitz got to see Verstappen clinch the driver's title two weeks ago in Japan. Verstappen will start Sunday's race on the front row alongside Ferrari pole sitter Carlos Sainz but said he would be trying to make Mateschitz proud. "I think of what he has meant for of course Red Bull and also the sport and especially for me what he has done for me in general in my career so far and my life," said Verstappen. It's a really tough day. "We gave it everything today in qualifying but unfortunately we missed out by a little bit but there is still a race ahead of course and we're going to try and make him proud tomorrow."

Red Bull F1 team mourn death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz at the age of 78

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