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

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

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

Max Verstappen hit back at Mercedes&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team boss Toto Wolff on Thursday after the Austrian said the Red Bull driver's record run of 10 wins in a row was irrelevant and just for Wikipedia. Wolff made his comments after this month's Italian Grand Prix, where Mercedes were beaten by both Ferraris as well as the two Red Bulls.

Asked at the Singapore Grand Prix for his reaction, Verstappen said he was not disappointed. "They had a pretty shit race, so probably he was still pissed off with their performance," the 25-year-old Dutch driver told a news conference ahead of a race that could bring his team a 16th successive victory. "He almost sounds like he’s an employee of our team sometimes, but luckily not."

Verstappen, who is 145 points clear of team mate Sergio Perez in the championship and set for a third title well before the end of the season, suggested Wolff should focus on his own team. "That’s what we did in the past as well, when we were behind them and when they were dominating," he said. "I think you should be able to appreciate when a team is doing really well. Which I think we’ve done&nbsp;in the past, because it worked also as a kind of inspiration. To see someone&nbsp;that dominant, it was very impressive at the time.

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"We knew that we just had to work harder, try to be better and try to get to that level. And now that we are there, we are very happy of course that we are there and we are enjoying the moment."

Mercedes won a record eight constructors' titles in a row between 2014 and 2021, with Lewis Hamilton taking six of his seven championships with the team. Hamilton is currently fourth in the standings, 200 points behind Verstappen. The Briton's team mate and compatriot George Russell, the last non-Red Bull driver to win a race, is seventh and 255 points off the lead.

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Max Verstappen hit back at Mercedes Formula One team boss Toto Wolff on Thursday after the Austrian said the Red Bull driver's record run of 10 wins in a row was irrelevant and just for Wikipedia.

Max Verstappen hit back at Mercedes Formula One team boss Toto Wolff on Thursday after the Austrian said the Red Bull driver's record run of 10 wins in a row was irrelevant and just for Wikipedia. Wolff made his comments after this month's Italian Grand Prix, where Mercedes were beaten by both Ferraris as well as the two Red Bulls. Asked at the Singapore Grand Prix for his reaction, Verstappen said he was not disappointed. "They had a pretty shit race, so probably he was still pissed off with their performance," the 25-year-old Dutch driver told a news conference ahead of a race that could bring his team a 16th successive victory. "He almost sounds like he’s an employee of our team sometimes, but luckily not." Verstappen, who is 145 points clear of team mate Sergio Perez in the championship and set for a third title well before the end of the season, suggested Wolff should focus on his own team. "That’s what we did in the past as well, when we were behind them and when they were dominating," he said. "I think you should be able to appreciate when a team is doing really well. Which I think we’ve done in the past, because it worked also as a kind of inspiration. To see someone that dominant, it was very impressive at the time. Also read: Women's World Cup winners Aitana Bonmati, Jenni Hermoso among FIFA Best nominees "We knew that we just had to work harder, try to be better and try to get to that level. And now that we are there, we are very happy of course that we are there and we are enjoying the moment." Mercedes won a record eight constructors' titles in a row between 2014 and 2021, with Lewis Hamilton taking six of his seven championships with the team. Hamilton is currently fourth in the standings, 200 points behind Verstappen. The Briton's team mate and compatriot George Russell, the last non-Red Bull driver to win a race, is seventh and 255 points off the lead. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Max Verstappen slams Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff over 'Wikipedia' remark

Max&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;wrote his name in Formula One's history books on Sunday after winning a record-breaking 10th straight race, coming out on top at the Italian Grand Prix in another show of force from Red Bull.

The reigning world champion dominated on a beautiful day in northern Italy which left Ferrari fans disappointed, with&nbsp;Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez finishing second ahead of home hope and pole-sitter Carlos Sainz.

Red Bull hailed a "stroll in the park" after a brilliant one-two which extended&nbsp;Verstappen's lead on Perez at the top of the drivers' standings to 145 points and also maintained a perfect team record of 14 wins from as many GPs this season.

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"I never thought at the beginning of the season that something like this was possible. Very proud, but also just very happy with the race in general,"&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;told reporters.&nbsp;

"At one point Carlos had a little lock up which gave me a little run at turn two, and once I got into the lead I could just focus on my own pace."

Spaniard Sainz crossed more than 11 seconds behind&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;despite a valiant performance in an exciting race.

The red sea of home fans loudly chanted "Carlos, Carlos" in appreciation of Sainz's first podium finish of the year, just ahead of fellow Ferrari man Charles Leclerc who was the last Scuderia driver to win at Monza in 2019.

"Very happy because P3 at Monza in front of the 'tifosi' is as good as it can get, at least for this weekend because Red Bull were in the end quite a bit quicker than us as we expected," said Sainz.

"It was a day to try and I did everything I could to keep them behind."

Verstappen&nbsp;has now won 12 of this season's races and is all but certain to claim his third consecutive F1 title after breaking a record he shared with Sebastian Vettel by winning in Zandvoort last weekend.

<h2>Record breaker</h2>

He needs four more wins from the season's remaining eight GPs to break his own record for victories in one year and is 90 points away from the all-time highest tally of 454 he accumulated in 2022.

The Dutch driver made it 10 in a row in a race which was delayed by 20 minutes and cut to 51 laps after Yuki Tsunoda's AlphaTauri car suffered a power-unit failure during the pre-race formation lap.

Sainz knew he had to keep&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;at bay in the opening two corners just after lights out and he drew a massive cheer from the stands once he was round the third Biassono turn and still ahead.

Verstappen&nbsp;was practically attached to Sainz's rear with Leclerc pursuing close behind in support of his teammate.

But Sainz's resistance ended at the start of lap 15 when&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;pounced on a slow exit from the first corner and surged into the lead.

Verstappen&nbsp;was back in front 10 laps later after a round of pit stops, blowing past former title rival Lewis Hamilton and showing the rest of the field a clean pair of heels.

With first place all-but sewn up Ferrari battled to keep the two other podium spots but Perez slipped past Sainz at the start of lap 45 to demonstrate Red Bull's dominance.

All that was left was for Ferrari's pair to do battle for a spot on the podium, with Sainz just holding on after another race in which no-one could handle Red Bull's power.

Red Bull's closest challenger Fernando Alonso fell 194 points behind&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;after finishing ninth, with Lewis Hamilton looming over his fellow veteran's shoulder in the overall standings following a creditable sixth spot.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton, 38, trails Alonso by six points despite a difficult weekend in his Mercedes, with whom he confirmed a two-year contract extension on Thursday.

Last season Hamilton failed to win or claim pole position at any GP for the first time in his career and he looks a long way from adding to his record 103 race victories.

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Max Verstappen wrote his name in Formula One's history books on Sunday after winning a record-breaking 10th straight race, coming out on top at the Italian Grand Prix in another show of force from Red Bull.

Max Verstappen wrote his name in Formula One's history books on Sunday after winning a record-breaking 10th straight race, coming out on top at the Italian Grand Prix in another show of force from Red Bull. The reigning world champion dominated on a beautiful day in northern Italy which left Ferrari fans disappointed, with Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez finishing second ahead of home hope and pole-sitter Carlos Sainz. Red Bull hailed a "stroll in the park" after a brilliant one-two which extended Verstappen's lead on Perez at the top of the drivers' standings to 145 points and also maintained a perfect team record of 14 wins from as many GPs this season. Also Read: Tennis: Coco Gauff ends Wozniacki's dream run, Novak Djokovic enter last eight in US Open "I never thought at the beginning of the season that something like this was possible. Very proud, but also just very happy with the race in general," Verstappen told reporters. "At one point Carlos had a little lock up which gave me a little run at turn two, and once I got into the lead I could just focus on my own pace." Spaniard Sainz crossed more than 11 seconds behind Verstappen despite a valiant performance in an exciting race. The red sea of home fans loudly chanted "Carlos, Carlos" in appreciation of Sainz's first podium finish of the year, just ahead of fellow Ferrari man Charles Leclerc who was the last Scuderia driver to win at Monza in 2019. "Very happy because P3 at Monza in front of the 'tifosi' is as good as it can get, at least for this weekend because Red Bull were in the end quite a bit quicker than us as we expected," said Sainz. "It was a day to try and I did everything I could to keep them behind." Verstappen has now won 12 of this season's races and is all but certain to claim his third consecutive F1 title after breaking a record he shared with Sebastian Vettel by winning in Zandvoort last weekend. Record breaker He needs four more wins from the season's remaining eight GPs to break his own record for victories in one year and is 90 points away from the all-time highest tally of 454 he accumulated in 2022. The Dutch driver made it 10 in a row in a race which was delayed by 20 minutes and cut to 51 laps after Yuki Tsunoda's AlphaTauri car suffered a power-unit failure during the pre-race formation lap. Sainz knew he had to keep Verstappen at bay in the opening two corners just after lights out and he drew a massive cheer from the stands once he was round the third Biassono turn and still ahead. Verstappen was practically attached to Sainz's rear with Leclerc pursuing close behind in support of his teammate. But Sainz's resistance ended at the start of lap 15 when Verstappen pounced on a slow exit from the first corner and surged into the lead. Verstappen was back in front 10 laps later after a round of pit stops, blowing past former title rival Lewis Hamilton and showing the rest of the field a clean pair of heels. With first place all-but sewn up Ferrari battled to keep the two other podium spots but Perez slipped past Sainz at the start of lap 45 to demonstrate Red Bull's dominance. All that was left was for Ferrari's pair to do battle for a spot on the podium, with Sainz just holding on after another race in which no-one could handle Red Bull's power. Red Bull's closest challenger Fernando Alonso fell 194 points behind Verstappen after finishing ninth, with Lewis Hamilton looming over his fellow veteran's shoulder in the overall standings following a creditable sixth spot. Seven-time world champion Hamilton, 38, trails Alonso by six points despite a difficult weekend in his Mercedes, with whom he confirmed a two-year contract extension on Thursday. Last season Hamilton failed to win or claim pole position at any GP for the first time in his career and he looks a long way from adding to his record 103 race victories. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins record-breaking 10th straight race with Italian Grand Prix victory

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

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

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

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

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

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

Max Verstappen shrugged off a storm to top an action-packed third practice at his home Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday.

Red Bull's double world champion coped best with a Zandvoort circuit hit by heavy rain forcing his thousands of fans to don their plastic ponchos.

Verstappen, 25, seeking to match Sebastian Vettel's record of nine consecutive wins on Sunday, was just under fourth tenths of a second quicker than George Russell for Mercedes, with Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull in third.

Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin, and Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes completed the top five.

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McLaren's Lando Norris, who had bettered Verstappen in Friday second practice, came in 10th, one place behind Charles Leclerc, the fastest of the two Ferraris.

The storm had eased off before third practice got underway but showers and squally conditions returned, rendering the unforgiving seaside track even more treacherous.

The final session before qualifying later was only a handful of minutes old before the fourth red flag of the weekend came out.

And it was the troublesome turn three that was the centre of attention again as Kevin Magnussen spun his Haas on an 'out lap' at the same spot where Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand on Friday.

The well-positioned crane, already called into action to remove the cars of Ricciardo, Oscar Piastri and Nico Hulkenberg on Friday, extricated Magnussen's stricken vehicle with the action resuming.

It didn't last long though with Zhou Guanyu the next driver to stop the session, his Alfa Romeo coming to rest in safety gravel at turn 13.

"I'm beached guys, it as really wet there," the Chinese driver told his team.

As Zhou's car was removed the timesheets told a familiar tale with the man for all seasons Verstappen leading Norris, fastest in Friday second practice, and Leclerc.

The stop-start session resumed with Leclerc's teammate Carlos Sainz's car taking exception to turn one, the Spaniard doing well after locking up to avoid the gravel.

With the rain letting up Norris went quickest, Verstappen briefly the filler in a McLaren sandwich as Piastri went third.

The third red flag of the session came when Alpha Tauri's reserve driver Liam Lawson, called up to replace the injured Ricciardo, ended up facing the wrong way after a spin but the New Zealander did well to just brush the barrier to keep his car going to return to the pits for a mechanical medical.

The green light came on with eight minutes to go,&nbsp;drivers emerging just as the rain relented as the times tumbled and Verstappen rose to the top.

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Max Verstappen shrugged off a storm to top an action-packed third practice at his home Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday. Red Bull's double world champion coped best with a Zandvoort circuit hit by heavy rain forcing his thousands of fans to don their plastic ponchos.

Max Verstappen shrugged off a storm to top an action-packed third practice at his home Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday. Red Bull's double world champion coped best with a Zandvoort circuit hit by heavy rain forcing his thousands of fans to don their plastic ponchos. Verstappen, 25, seeking to match Sebastian Vettel's record of nine consecutive wins on Sunday, was just under fourth tenths of a second quicker than George Russell for Mercedes, with Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull in third. Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin, and Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes completed the top five. Also Read: San Francisco 49ers trade QB Trey Lance to Dallas Cowboys for fourth-round pick McLaren's Lando Norris, who had bettered Verstappen in Friday second practice, came in 10th, one place behind Charles Leclerc, the fastest of the two Ferraris. The storm had eased off before third practice got underway but showers and squally conditions returned, rendering the unforgiving seaside track even more treacherous. The final session before qualifying later was only a handful of minutes old before the fourth red flag of the weekend came out. And it was the troublesome turn three that was the centre of attention again as Kevin Magnussen spun his Haas on an 'out lap' at the same spot where Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand on Friday. The well-positioned crane, already called into action to remove the cars of Ricciardo, Oscar Piastri and Nico Hulkenberg on Friday, extricated Magnussen's stricken vehicle with the action resuming. It didn't last long though with Zhou Guanyu the next driver to stop the session, his Alfa Romeo coming to rest in safety gravel at turn 13. "I'm beached guys, it as really wet there," the Chinese driver told his team. As Zhou's car was removed the timesheets told a familiar tale with the man for all seasons Verstappen leading Norris, fastest in Friday second practice, and Leclerc. The stop-start session resumed with Leclerc's teammate Carlos Sainz's car taking exception to turn one, the Spaniard doing well after locking up to avoid the gravel. With the rain letting up Norris went quickest, Verstappen briefly the filler in a McLaren sandwich as Piastri went third. The third red flag of the session came when Alpha Tauri's reserve driver Liam Lawson, called up to replace the injured Ricciardo, ended up facing the wrong way after a spin but the New Zealander did well to just brush the barrier to keep his car going to return to the pits for a mechanical medical. The green light came on with eight minutes to go, drivers emerging just as the rain relented as the times tumbled and Verstappen rose to the top. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Red Bull's Max Verstappen takes pole at Dutch Grand Prix after action-packed final practice

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

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

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

Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen is having a dream Formula One season in 2023, cruising to his eight consecutive victory at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 31. The double-defending champion has been uber-dominant this season, not giving away even an inch to anybody including seven-time champion Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

The Mercedes driver, however, took a cheeky dig at Verstappen on Sunday after that race when asked his thoughts on Dutchman's dominance.

"What do you want me to say?! I haven't spoken to him."

Hamilton then used a famous quote from Michael Myers' iconic movie Austin Powers: Goldmember to define Verstappen's season.

"He's having a smoke and a pancake," Hamilton said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-usman-khawaja-ricky-ponting-question-ball-change-after-series-ends-at-2-2-621235">Ashes 2023: Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting question ball change after series ends at 2-2</a>

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also agreed that Verstappen has all the reasons to be 'cheeky.' Wolff made the comments about Verstappen's radio message during the Belgian GP. The Red Bull driver had so much time during the race that he got involved in a playful banter with his team on the radio during the race.

During the conversation Verstappen was heard saying that he might come in for a pit-stop to give his team a bit of practice.

"He's just driving circles around everybody else on merit. There's nothing else to say about that.

"We've got to watch that, and as much as that is annoying, that's just above the lot," added Wolff.

Verstappen had started the race at sixth place on the grid despite qualifying for the pole during the practice. The driver was given a five-place grid penalty, yet he managed to win the race with ease.

As for the rest, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez finished second and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took the final place on the podium. Hamilton finished fourth while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso finished fifth in the race. Britishers George Russell and Lando Norris took the next two places for Mercedes and McLaren, respectively.

Alpine's Esteban Econ and Pierre Gasly finished seventh and 10th with AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda taking the eighth place in final standings.

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Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen is having a dream Formula One season in 2023, cruising to his eight consecutive victory at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 31.

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

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

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

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

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

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start from pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix despite Max Verstappen having set the fastest time in qualifying on Friday.

Double world champion Verstappen incurred a five-grid penalty for a change of gearbox on his Red Bull demoting him to sixth for Sunday's race.

Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez will start alongside Leclerc on the front row for the 12th race of the Formula One season.

Verstappen, who leads the championship by 110 points, won at Spa-Francorchamps last year from 14th on the grid.

"Last year we had lots of penalties and I still won the race so that will be the aim again," said the Belgian-born Dutch driver.

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Leclerc, eight-tenths of a second slower than Verstappen, said: "Not a bad qualifying for us, especially in those conditions. Let's see how it goes."

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz in the other Ferrari occupy the second row ahead of McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Saturday features the third sprint race of the F1 season after Azerbaijan and Austria, with qualifying for the standalone race scheduled for Saturday morning at the majestic Ardennes circuit.

Verstappen's penalty does not apply to the sprint.

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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start from pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix despite Max Verstappen having set the fastest time in qualifying on Friday. Double world champion Verstappen incurred a five-grid penalty for a change of gearbox on his Red Bull demoting him to sixth for Sunday's race.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Max Verstappen cruised to another majestic victory on Sunday, reeling off a record 12th&nbsp;straight win for Red Bull as he dominated the Hungarian Grand Prix with a textbook drive from lights to flag.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The defending double world champion grabbed the lead from pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton at the start and remained in control for his seventh successive victory, his ninth in 11 races this year and the 44th of his career.

More significantly, it was Red Bull's 12th&nbsp;consecutive win, breaking a 35-year-old record they had shared with McLaren, who won 11 straight races in 1988 with Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna as their driver pair.

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Verstappen came home a massive 33.7 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris with his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in third.

"For the team 12 wins in a row is incredible. Hopefully we can keep this momentum going for a long time," said Verstappen.

Verstappen's seventh straight win stretched the double world champion's lead over Perez to 110 points in the championship.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who started the race from a record 104th&nbsp;pole position, was outpaced at the start and finished fourth for Mercedes ahead of Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren and the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc, however, took a five-second penalty, and was 'passed' by George Russell in the second Mercedes with Carlos Sainz finishing eighth in the second Ferrari ahead of the Aston Martin paid two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.&nbsp;

"What an unbelievable race," said Verstappen on his cool-down lap.

"It was good to drive, so enjoyable. It was unbelievable and thank-you everyone."

He added: "I had a good start and had good 'bite'. I had the inside, so I knew the corner was mine and it all worked out well. Then, it was my race and the car was fantastic."

<h2>- Hamilton swamped -</h2>

Norris said: "It was a tough race and it wasn’t easy to hold off Checo at the end when he was catching up. But it's another podium for me and for the team. We’re making great progress."

The race began in hot conditions with an air temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and the track at 54, factors sure to affect tyre performance. Verstappen wore an ice-packed vest on the grid under a parasol.&nbsp;

Hamilton made a strong initial start, but was swamped at Turn One, Verstappen squeezing through on the inside and both McLarens taking advantage to push him down to fourth.

Gifted the lead, Verstappen took control as Hamilton, so delighted by his record 104th&nbsp;pole position, apologised. "It's a long race," Mercedes reminded him.&nbsp;

On a busy opening lap Russell, from 18th on the grid, moved up to 13th&nbsp;as the two Alpines collided and retired, Zhou Guanyu having pushed the returning Daniel Ricciardo into Esteban Ocon who hit his teammate Pierre Gasly. The Chinese driver was given a five-second penalty.&nbsp;

Red Bull pitted Verstappen for hard tyres on lap 23 without him losing his lead.

Perez, in the mood, passed Piastri forcefully at Turn Two on lap 48 as Leclerc was penalized for speeding in the pit-lane before Hamilton made a second stop for mediums.&nbsp;

He re-joined fifth, close to a minute behind Verstappen who led imperiously ahead of Norris, Perez and Piastri with 20 laps remaining,&nbsp;the Dutchman afforded a luxurious 2.6 seconds stop on lap 51 before clocking the fastest lap as he surged to the flag.

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Max Verstappen cruised to another majestic victory on Sunday, reeling off a record 12th straight win for Red Bull as he dominated the Hungarian Grand Prix with a textbook drive from lights to flag.

Max Verstappen cruised to another majestic victory on Sunday, reeling off a record 12th straight win for Red Bull as he dominated the Hungarian Grand Prix with a textbook drive from lights to flag. The defending double world champion grabbed the lead from pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton at the start and remained in control for his seventh successive victory, his ninth in 11 races this year and the 44th of his career. More significantly, it was Red Bull's 12th consecutive win, breaking a 35-year-old record they had shared with McLaren, who won 11 straight races in 1988 with Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna as their driver pair. Also Read: Tennis: Novak Djokovic withdraws from Toronto ATP Masters Verstappen came home a massive 33.7 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris with his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in third. "For the team 12 wins in a row is incredible. Hopefully we can keep this momentum going for a long time," said Verstappen. Verstappen's seventh straight win stretched the double world champion's lead over Perez to 110 points in the championship. Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who started the race from a record 104th pole position, was outpaced at the start and finished fourth for Mercedes ahead of Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren and the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc. Leclerc, however, took a five-second penalty, and was 'passed' by George Russell in the second Mercedes with Carlos Sainz finishing eighth in the second Ferrari ahead of the Aston Martin paid two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. "What an unbelievable race," said Verstappen on his cool-down lap. "It was good to drive, so enjoyable. It was unbelievable and thank-you everyone." He added: "I had a good start and had good 'bite'. I had the inside, so I knew the corner was mine and it all worked out well. Then, it was my race and the car was fantastic." - Hamilton swamped - Norris said: "It was a tough race and it wasn’t easy to hold off Checo at the end when he was catching up. But it's another podium for me and for the team. We’re making great progress." The race began in hot conditions with an air temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and the track at 54, factors sure to affect tyre performance. Verstappen wore an ice-packed vest on the grid under a parasol. Hamilton made a strong initial start, but was swamped at Turn One, Verstappen squeezing through on the inside and both McLarens taking advantage to push him down to fourth. Gifted the lead, Verstappen took control as Hamilton, so delighted by his record 104th pole position, apologised. "It's a long race," Mercedes reminded him. On a busy opening lap Russell, from 18th on the grid, moved up to 13th as the two Alpines collided and retired, Zhou Guanyu having pushed the returning Daniel Ricciardo into Esteban Ocon who hit his teammate Pierre Gasly. The Chinese driver was given a five-second penalty. Red Bull pitted Verstappen for hard tyres on lap 23 without him losing his lead. Perez, in the mood, passed Piastri forcefully at Turn Two on lap 48 as Leclerc was penalized for speeding in the pit-lane before Hamilton made a second stop for mediums. He re-joined fifth, close to a minute behind Verstappen who led imperiously ahead of Norris, Perez and Piastri with 20 laps remaining, the Dutchman afforded a luxurious 2.6 seconds stop on lap 51 before clocking the fastest lap as he surged to the flag. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Max Verstappen takes Red Bull to record 12th consecutive win at Hungarian Grand Prix

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

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

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

Max Verstappen claimed his first British Grand Prix victory on Sunday to deliver a record-equalling 11th consecutive win for his Red Bull team and his sixth in successive races. In a race of attrition, interrupted by safety cars and influenced by tyre-wear, the Dutchman came home almost four seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris who held off Mercedes’ seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling finale.

It was Verstappen’s 43rd career win and his eighth in 10 races this year as he increased his lead ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ championship to 99 points.

Norris's McLaren team-mate Australian rookie Oscar Piastri finished fourth ahead of George Russell, Perez, two-time champion Fernand Alonso of Aston Martin and Williams' Alex Albon.

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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz came home ninth and 10th, a disappointing result for the Italian team after they had started from fourth and fifth on the grid.

For Norris, who led the opening laps after beating Verstappen at the start, it was his best result since finishing second at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix while for Hamilton, a record eight-time winner at his home race, it was a 14th British podium.

"Yes, a good race," said Verstappen. "The last stint was more difficult than I would have liked on these tyres, but a great job by the team again.

"Eleven in a row! That’s pretty crazy. Well done everyone."

<h2>- Hollywood twist -</h2>

Red Bull drew level with McLaren who reeled off 11 wins in 1988.

The race began in warm and dry conditions, following light rain, as Norris, from second on the grid, took advantage of a sluggish start by Verstappen who held off Piastri to retain second.

The pre-event pomp and ceremony had been given a unique Hollywood twist with film star Brad Pitt joining the drivers for Damian Lewis’s rendition of the British anthem, standing close to Verstappen, who may have been distracted.

The Dutchman recovered his poise and when Drag Reduction System (DRS) was initiated, he swept past the Briton on lap five to lead while Hamilton, after a difficult start, climbed from ninth to seventh.

By lap 15, Verstappen’s lead was 3.1 seconds as a light drizzle began. Further back, Perez was carving through the field from 15th, following his fifth consecutive qualifying flop.

Leclerc was the first leading contender to pit after 19 laps, switching from mediums to hards and re-joining 12th. Spotting this, on a trackside big screen, Verstappen quizzed his team for reaction only to be told it was of "no concern".

It was a clear signal of spare performance capacity. He responded with a series of fastest laps to stretch his lead to 6.5 sec by half-distance on lap 26 when Sainz pitted for hards.

Ferrari's strategy handed fourth and fifth to the Mercedes duo, behind the two McLarens, with Alonso sixth, six seconds adrift before Russell, Perez and Piastri came in, shaking up the top order.

Leclerc and Russell were soon engaged in an exciting scrap for seventh before Kevin Magnussen pulled up his Haas with an engine failure on Wellington Straight.

A virtual safety car was deployed, followed by a full one offering 'cheap' pit stops for Albon and Leclerc followed by Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton and Alonso.

In the confusion, it worked perfectly for Hamilton who came out third behind the top duo and ahead of Piastri, Russell and Alonso.

Intriguingly, Verstappen and Hamilton were on used softs while Norris and Piastri took hards, as did Ferrari, for the final 14 laps’ sprint.

Norris was unimpressed with his team's cautious decision and reacted slowly when Verstappen darted clear. Hamilton attacked but his compatriot defended brilliantly before DRS was re-introduced.

With 10 laps to go, Verstappen led by 3.2 seconds while Perez climbed to seventh and, astonishingly Albon sliced past Sainz for sixth.

On the day Williams celebrated their 800th Grand Prix, it was a timely thrill and, with McLaren shining, a throwback to another era.

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Max Verstappen claimed his first British Grand Prix victory on Sunday to deliver a record-equalling 11th consecutive win for his Red Bull team and his sixth in successive races.

Max Verstappen claimed his first British Grand Prix victory on Sunday to deliver a record-equalling 11th consecutive win for his Red Bull team and his sixth in successive races. In a race of attrition, interrupted by safety cars and influenced by tyre-wear, the Dutchman came home almost four seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris who held off Mercedes’ seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling finale. It was Verstappen’s 43rd career win and his eighth in 10 races this year as he increased his lead ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ championship to 99 points. Norris's McLaren team-mate Australian rookie Oscar Piastri finished fourth ahead of George Russell, Perez, two-time champion Fernand Alonso of Aston Martin and Williams' Alex Albon. ALSO READ: Spain's only Ballon d'Or winning player Luis Suarez dies at 88 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz came home ninth and 10th, a disappointing result for the Italian team after they had started from fourth and fifth on the grid. For Norris, who led the opening laps after beating Verstappen at the start, it was his best result since finishing second at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix while for Hamilton, a record eight-time winner at his home race, it was a 14th British podium. "Yes, a good race," said Verstappen. "The last stint was more difficult than I would have liked on these tyres, but a great job by the team again. "Eleven in a row! That’s pretty crazy. Well done everyone." - Hollywood twist - Red Bull drew level with McLaren who reeled off 11 wins in 1988. The race began in warm and dry conditions, following light rain, as Norris, from second on the grid, took advantage of a sluggish start by Verstappen who held off Piastri to retain second. The pre-event pomp and ceremony had been given a unique Hollywood twist with film star Brad Pitt joining the drivers for Damian Lewis’s rendition of the British anthem, standing close to Verstappen, who may have been distracted. The Dutchman recovered his poise and when Drag Reduction System (DRS) was initiated, he swept past the Briton on lap five to lead while Hamilton, after a difficult start, climbed from ninth to seventh. By lap 15, Verstappen’s lead was 3.1 seconds as a light drizzle began. Further back, Perez was carving through the field from 15th, following his fifth consecutive qualifying flop. Leclerc was the first leading contender to pit after 19 laps, switching from mediums to hards and re-joining 12th. Spotting this, on a trackside big screen, Verstappen quizzed his team for reaction only to be told it was of "no concern". It was a clear signal of spare performance capacity. He responded with a series of fastest laps to stretch his lead to 6.5 sec by half-distance on lap 26 when Sainz pitted for hards. Ferrari's strategy handed fourth and fifth to the Mercedes duo, behind the two McLarens, with Alonso sixth, six seconds adrift before Russell, Perez and Piastri came in, shaking up the top order. Leclerc and Russell were soon engaged in an exciting scrap for seventh before Kevin Magnussen pulled up his Haas with an engine failure on Wellington Straight. A virtual safety car was deployed, followed by a full one offering 'cheap' pit stops for Albon and Leclerc followed by Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton and Alonso. In the confusion, it worked perfectly for Hamilton who came out third behind the top duo and ahead of Piastri, Russell and Alonso. Intriguingly, Verstappen and Hamilton were on used softs while Norris and Piastri took hards, as did Ferrari, for the final 14 laps’ sprint. Norris was unimpressed with his team's cautious decision and reacted slowly when Verstappen darted clear. Hamilton attacked but his compatriot defended brilliantly before DRS was re-introduced. With 10 laps to go, Verstappen led by 3.2 seconds while Perez climbed to seventh and, astonishingly Albon sliced past Sainz for sixth. On the day Williams celebrated their 800th Grand Prix, it was a timely thrill and, with McLaren shining, a throwback to another era. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

F1: Red Bull's Max Verstappen reels off sixth straight win at Silverstone

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

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

Formula One: Max Verstappen denies Lando Norris for British Grand Prix pole

Defending champion Max Verstappen continued his relentless charge towards a third world title on Sunday when he claimed a record fourth Austrian Grand Prix victory in emphatic style on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 25-year-old Dutchman finished 5.155 seconds clear of a revived Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, in second, with Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, showing revitalised form, taking a battling third after starting 15th on the grid.

In a race of attrition, punctuated by Safety Cars and influenced by a high number of drivers’ receiving penalties for exceeding track limits, Verstappen’s unbroken run of laps led ended on 249, when he pitted.

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But it was only a pause in his serene progress to a fifth consecutive victory, seventh in nine races this year and 42nd of his career, extending his lead ahead of Perez in the title race to 81 points.

It followed the Dutchman's success in Saturday's sprint and with the fastest lap gave him a maximum points haul from the weekend.

"That is the full sweep, classy Max, very very classy," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner over the team radio.

"The car was on fire!" replied Verstappen after his 42nd career win.

Despite a third title being his to lose Verstappen said he preferred to take it one race at a time.

"I don't like to think about that yet,” he said.

"I am just enjoying driving this car and racing for this team. The sprint weekend can be very stressful so I'm just glad it all went to plan."

His win total lifted him to fifth in the all-time list of winners and clear of Ayrton Senna, with whom he had shared 41 victories since winning in Canada.

Including a triumph in the 2022 Styrian Grand Prix, run during the Covid pandemic, this was Verstappen’s fifth win at the Red Bull Ring circuit overall.

Leclerc and Perez were also pleased with their performances.

"We have maximised what we have," he said. "It was just yesterday that I was off it a bit. The upgrades have worked as expected, but there is still a lot of work to do."

Perez said: "It’s been a rough patch for me so I hope we are back now and we can keep some consistency.”

Leclerc's second place earned Ferrari their 800th podium finish as team-mate Carlos Sainz finished fourth ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris, two-time champion Fernando Alonso and the Mercedes of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Pierre Gasly was ninth for Alpine and Lance Stroll 10th in the second Aston Martin.

The race was preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of Dutch racer Dilano van't Hoff, 18, who was killed racing in heavy rain at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday.

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Defending champion Max Verstappen continued his relentless charge towards a third world title on Sunday when he claimed a record fourth Austrian Grand Prix victory in emphatic style on Sunday.

Defending champion Max Verstappen continued his relentless charge towards a third world title on Sunday when he claimed a record fourth Austrian Grand Prix victory in emphatic style on Sunday. The 25-year-old Dutchman finished 5.155 seconds clear of a revived Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, in second, with Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, showing revitalised form, taking a battling third after starting 15th on the grid. In a race of attrition, punctuated by Safety Cars and influenced by a high number of drivers’ receiving penalties for exceeding track limits, Verstappen’s unbroken run of laps led ended on 249, when he pitted. Also Read: Ashes 2023: Australia win second Test at Lord's despite Ben Stokes' masterclass But it was only a pause in his serene progress to a fifth consecutive victory, seventh in nine races this year and 42nd of his career, extending his lead ahead of Perez in the title race to 81 points. It followed the Dutchman's success in Saturday's sprint and with the fastest lap gave him a maximum points haul from the weekend. "That is the full sweep, classy Max, very very classy," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner over the team radio. "The car was on fire!" replied Verstappen after his 42nd career win. Despite a third title being his to lose Verstappen said he preferred to take it one race at a time. "I don't like to think about that yet,” he said. "I am just enjoying driving this car and racing for this team. The sprint weekend can be very stressful so I'm just glad it all went to plan." His win total lifted him to fifth in the all-time list of winners and clear of Ayrton Senna, with whom he had shared 41 victories since winning in Canada. Including a triumph in the 2022 Styrian Grand Prix, run during the Covid pandemic, this was Verstappen’s fifth win at the Red Bull Ring circuit overall. Leclerc and Perez were also pleased with their performances. "We have maximised what we have," he said. "It was just yesterday that I was off it a bit. The upgrades have worked as expected, but there is still a lot of work to do." Perez said: "It’s been a rough patch for me so I hope we are back now and we can keep some consistency.” Leclerc's second place earned Ferrari their 800th podium finish as team-mate Carlos Sainz finished fourth ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris, two-time champion Fernando Alonso and the Mercedes of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Pierre Gasly was ninth for Alpine and Lance Stroll 10th in the second Aston Martin. The race was preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of Dutch racer Dilano van't Hoff, 18, who was killed racing in heavy rain at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen extends lead with victory in Austrian Grand Prix

World champion Max Verstappen drew alongside Ayrton Senna in the Formula One record books with his 41st victory on Sunday when he drove his Red Bull to a flawless triumph at the Canadian Grand Prix.&nbsp;

The 25-year-old defending double champion and series leader led from lights to flag as he came home 9.570 seconds ahead of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso with Lewis Hamilton finishing third for Mercedes for his team's 100th F1 win.&nbsp;

It was Verstappen’s second win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, his sixth in eight races this year and his 41st&nbsp;overall, leaving him behind only four-time champions Alain Prost (51) and Sebastian Vettel (53), seven-time champions Michael Schumacher (91) and Hamilton (103).&nbsp;

"It's amazing to get the team's 100th&nbsp;win here. I never expected to be on these kind of numbers for myself so we have to just keep enjoying it and working hard, but this is a great day for us," said Verstappen.&nbsp;

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For Red Bull, this comprehensive victory was their eighth this year and 10th&nbsp;in succession &nbsp;– statistics that make the prospect of an invincible season appear ever more likely.&nbsp;

Alonso's podium was his sixth of the season as he continued to deliver competitive and revived form, aged 41.

Alonso said he was managing a brake issue at the end of the race.&nbsp;

"We hoped to challenge a bit more, but we lost a place to Lewis at the start and then battled all race. It was like 70 qualifying laps," he said.

Hamilton said: "It's been a great weekend here for us and we are chipping away and making progress. It's an honour to be here on the podium with these two world champions."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Charles Leclerc came home fourth ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull with Alex Albon taking an excellent seventh in his revamped Williams.&nbsp;

Esteban Ocon was eighth for Alpine ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris, who dropped to 13th&nbsp;with a five-second time penalty, and local hero Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin.&nbsp;

Perez recorded the fastest lap of the race to take a bonus point, but is now 69 points behind his team-mate in the drivers title race.&nbsp;

After Saturday's rain-swept qualifying, the race began in warm sunshine with Verstappen and Hamilton enjoying perfect starts, the Mercedes man firing past Alonso to take second.&nbsp;

The Aston Martin pushed to recover, holding off Russell, but by lap five Verstappen was 1.8 seconds clear of Hamilton with Alonso 2.7 adrift in third, having banged the wall at Turn Four.&nbsp;

Russell was fourth ahead of Ocon and Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg, who started fifth, before a Virtual Safety Car was deployed when Logan Sargeant pulled up and retired his Williams.&nbsp;

<h2>'I'm so sorry'</h2>

Hulkenberg made an early pit-stop after 12 laps, shortly before Russell smacked the wall at the exit of the chicane at Turn Nine causing a full Safety Car deployment on lap 13.&nbsp;

Russell limped back to the Mercedes pits for a new front wing and fresh tyres, the leaders all having dived in to switch to hard rubber, Hamilton and Alonso almost colliding as they exited their pits.

Racing resumed on lap 16, the leading trio scrapping immediately without positional changes before Verstappen pulled clear.&nbsp;

The Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz had worked through to fourth and fifth, on mediums, ahead of Perez, but they struggled for outright pace.&nbsp;

On lap 23, having stalked his foe, Alonso attacked and passed Hamilton with the aid of Drag Reduction System (DRS) going into the final chicane.&nbsp;

Russell, from last, fought back to eighth before he retired on lap 55.&nbsp;

"I'm so sorry everyone," said Russell. "Nothing more to say. Sorry."

Perez pitted from sixth after 40 laps, taking mediums, but was unable to make an impression on the top five and chose a late burst on softs to take fastest lap.

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World champion Max Verstappen drew alongside Ayrton Senna in the Formula One record books with his 41st victory on Sunday when he drove his Red Bull to a flawless triumph at the Canadian Grand Prix.

World champion Max Verstappen drew alongside Ayrton Senna in the Formula One record books with his 41st victory on Sunday when he drove his Red Bull to a flawless triumph at the Canadian Grand Prix. The 25-year-old defending double champion and series leader led from lights to flag as he came home 9.570 seconds ahead of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso with Lewis Hamilton finishing third for Mercedes for his team's 100th F1 win. It was Verstappen’s second win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, his sixth in eight races this year and his 41st overall, leaving him behind only four-time champions Alain Prost (51) and Sebastian Vettel (53), seven-time champions Michael Schumacher (91) and Hamilton (103). "It's amazing to get the team's 100th win here. I never expected to be on these kind of numbers for myself so we have to just keep enjoying it and working hard, but this is a great day for us," said Verstappen. Also Read: Nations League: Spain beat Croatia on penalties to clinch title For Red Bull, this comprehensive victory was their eighth this year and 10th in succession – statistics that make the prospect of an invincible season appear ever more likely. Alonso's podium was his sixth of the season as he continued to deliver competitive and revived form, aged 41. Alonso said he was managing a brake issue at the end of the race. "We hoped to challenge a bit more, but we lost a place to Lewis at the start and then battled all race. It was like 70 qualifying laps," he said. Hamilton said: "It's been a great weekend here for us and we are chipping away and making progress. It's an honour to be here on the podium with these two world champions." Charles Leclerc came home fourth ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull with Alex Albon taking an excellent seventh in his revamped Williams. Esteban Ocon was eighth for Alpine ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris, who dropped to 13th with a five-second time penalty, and local hero Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin. Perez recorded the fastest lap of the race to take a bonus point, but is now 69 points behind his team-mate in the drivers title race. After Saturday's rain-swept qualifying, the race began in warm sunshine with Verstappen and Hamilton enjoying perfect starts, the Mercedes man firing past Alonso to take second. The Aston Martin pushed to recover, holding off Russell, but by lap five Verstappen was 1.8 seconds clear of Hamilton with Alonso 2.7 adrift in third, having banged the wall at Turn Four. Russell was fourth ahead of Ocon and Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg, who started fifth, before a Virtual Safety Car was deployed when Logan Sargeant pulled up and retired his Williams. 'I'm so sorry' Hulkenberg made an early pit-stop after 12 laps, shortly before Russell smacked the wall at the exit of the chicane at Turn Nine causing a full Safety Car deployment on lap 13. Russell limped back to the Mercedes pits for a new front wing and fresh tyres, the leaders all having dived in to switch to hard rubber, Hamilton and Alonso almost colliding as they exited their pits. Racing resumed on lap 16, the leading trio scrapping immediately without positional changes before Verstappen pulled clear. The Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz had worked through to fourth and fifth, on mediums, ahead of Perez, but they struggled for outright pace. On lap 23, having stalked his foe, Alonso attacked and passed Hamilton with the aid of Drag Reduction System (DRS) going into the final chicane. Russell, from last, fought back to eighth before he retired on lap 55. "I'm so sorry everyone," said Russell. "Nothing more to say. Sorry." Perez pitted from sixth after 40 laps, taking mediums, but was unable to make an impression on the top five and chose a late burst on softs to take fastest lap. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula 1: Red Bull's Max Verstappen equals Ayrton Senna with Canadian Grand Prix victory

Defending double world champion Max Verstappen extended his lead in this year’s title race to 53 points on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick by driving his Red Bull to a masterful victory in the Spanish Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Dutchman led from lights to flag to come home 24 seconds ahead of revitalised seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, in their much-improved Mercedes’ cars.

It was Verstappen’s third consecutive win, his third in Spain, his fifth in seven races this season and the 40th of his career, achieved despite receiving three official warnings for exceeding track limits.

"It’s such a big pleasure to drive a car like this," said Verstappen. "And it showed again today. We were on different tyre strategies out there today and mostly I was on the right one! And to win here is incredible."

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Hamilton’s second place provided him with his 11th podium finish in Spain, where he has won six times.

"Oh, man, what an awesome crowd and result," said Hamilton. “And I didn’t expect that so hats off to the team and our factory for pushing us so close to the ‘Bulls. We are chasing them down -- and George did a great job too today."

Russell said he was surprised to finish third after starting 12th. "Kudos to the team for that," he said. “I had a great car today."

Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez battled through the field, after starting 11th, to finish fourth ahead of Ferrari’s home hero Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll and his Aston Martin team-mate two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who was unable to extend his streak of podiums on home ground.

The race began in hot conditions with an air temperature of 25 degrees and the track at 42, but gathering clouds threatened. The risk of rain was 40 per cent.

Verstappen made a clean start and resisted Sainz into the first corner before, behind him, Hamilton swept round Norris, only for the McLaren to make contract under braking at Turn Two.

Norris’s front wing was damaged, requiring a pit-stop, but Hamilton escaped serious damage. The collision gifted Stroll third place, but this was not to be Aston Martin’s day.

Russell also left the track on the opening lap, at the first chicane. He was not penalised, despite gaining five places from the start.

Verstappen stamped his authority on proceedings and by lap 11 led Sainz by 5.3 seconds with Hamilton, thanks to a sweeping pass on Stroll on lap eight, in third.

By mid-distance, Verstappen led by 13.7 seconds ahead of Hamilton, who was six clear of Sainz and pulling away. Russell, fourth, passed the Spaniard under braking at Turn One on lap 35, confirming the ‘silver arrows’ outright speed in the sunshine.

Verstappen, who had complained of sliding on his worn hards, came in for his final stop on lap 53, taking softs to reach the finish. He was more than 16 seconds clear of Hamilton when he re-joined for his cruise to the flag.&nbsp;

With six laps remaining, he was shown a third black-and-white warning flag. "We can’t afford anything," his team warned him as he enquired about his fastest lap.

Verstappen responded with a lap in 1:16.330, the fastest. "OK, now can you bring it home within the white lines," came race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase’s response.

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Defending double world champion Max Verstappen extended his lead in this year’s title race to 53 points on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick by driving his Red Bull to a masterful victory in the Spanish Grand Prix.

Defending double world champion Max Verstappen extended his lead in this year’s title race to 53 points on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick by driving his Red Bull to a masterful victory in the Spanish Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Dutchman led from lights to flag to come home 24 seconds ahead of revitalised seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, in their much-improved Mercedes’ cars. It was Verstappen’s third consecutive win, his third in Spain, his fifth in seven races this season and the 40th of his career, achieved despite receiving three official warnings for exceeding track limits. "It’s such a big pleasure to drive a car like this," said Verstappen. "And it showed again today. We were on different tyre strategies out there today and mostly I was on the right one! And to win here is incredible." ALSO READ: French Open 2023: Miyu Kato, Aldila Sutjiadi disqualified after accidently hitting ballgirl during match Hamilton’s second place provided him with his 11th podium finish in Spain, where he has won six times. "Oh, man, what an awesome crowd and result," said Hamilton. “And I didn’t expect that so hats off to the team and our factory for pushing us so close to the ‘Bulls. We are chasing them down -- and George did a great job too today." Russell said he was surprised to finish third after starting 12th. "Kudos to the team for that," he said. “I had a great car today." Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez battled through the field, after starting 11th, to finish fourth ahead of Ferrari’s home hero Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll and his Aston Martin team-mate two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who was unable to extend his streak of podiums on home ground. The race began in hot conditions with an air temperature of 25 degrees and the track at 42, but gathering clouds threatened. The risk of rain was 40 per cent. Verstappen made a clean start and resisted Sainz into the first corner before, behind him, Hamilton swept round Norris, only for the McLaren to make contract under braking at Turn Two. Norris’s front wing was damaged, requiring a pit-stop, but Hamilton escaped serious damage. The collision gifted Stroll third place, but this was not to be Aston Martin’s day. Russell also left the track on the opening lap, at the first chicane. He was not penalised, despite gaining five places from the start. Verstappen stamped his authority on proceedings and by lap 11 led Sainz by 5.3 seconds with Hamilton, thanks to a sweeping pass on Stroll on lap eight, in third. By mid-distance, Verstappen led by 13.7 seconds ahead of Hamilton, who was six clear of Sainz and pulling away. Russell, fourth, passed the Spaniard under braking at Turn One on lap 35, confirming the ‘silver arrows’ outright speed in the sunshine. Verstappen, who had complained of sliding on his worn hards, came in for his final stop on lap 53, taking softs to reach the finish. He was more than 16 seconds clear of Hamilton when he re-joined for his cruise to the flag. With six laps remaining, he was shown a third black-and-white warning flag. "We can’t afford anything," his team warned him as he enquired about his fastest lap. Verstappen responded with a lap in 1:16.330, the fastest. "OK, now can you bring it home within the white lines," came race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase’s response. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Formula One: Max Verstappen extends lead in this year’s title race with masterful win in Spanish Grand Prix

Max Verstappen wrote another piece of Red Bull history on Sunday with a 39th win that sent him past Germany's now-retired Sebastian Vettel as the driver with most victories for the Formula One team.

Vettel is still ahead of the Dutchman 4-2 on championships won but Verstappen, 25, has plenty of time on his side to match or surpass that mark with a third title surely on its way this season.

Verstappen is 39 points ahead of Mexican team mate and closest rival Sergio Perez after winning four of six rounds with 16 remaining to be raced.

"If you have a good car for a while you can break these kinds of numbers," the champion said when reminded about the team record. "But yeah, it's great. I mean, I would have never thought that I would be in this position in my career. When I grew up I wanted to be a Formula One driver and winning these races is amazing.

"It's better than I could have ever imagined, for sure."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-max-verstappen-extends-lead-with-dominant-victory-in-monaco-rain-597585">Formula One: Max Verstappen extends lead with dominant victory in Monaco rain</a>

Verstappen joined Red Bull mid-season in 2016, after 23 races for sister team Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri), and took his first win on his debut in Barcelona.

Vettel won 53 races in total -- one of them with Toro Rosso and 14 with Ferrari.

Verstappen's victory on Sunday was his second in three years on the streets of Monaco and Red Bull's third in a row, but the seeds were sown with a qualifying lap on Saturday that will rank as one of the sport's greatest.

In the end, he led all the way -- a normal state of affairs in Monaco where overtaking is a rare feat -- and took the chequered flag 27.921 seconds clear of Aston Martin's second-placed Fernando Alonso.

"With that victory he becomes the most winningest Red Bull driver," said team boss Christian Horner. "He passes Sebastian's record which is an incredible achievement.

"He's obviously at the top of his game and driving incredibly well."

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Max Verstappen wrote another piece of Red Bull history on Sunday with a 39th win that sent him past Germany's now-retired Sebastian Vettel as the driver with most victories for the Formula One team.

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

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

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

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

Formula One: Max Verstappen extends lead with dominant victory in Monaco rain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World champion Max Verstappen powered from ninth on the grid to beat team-mate Sergio Perez and extend Red Bull's all-conquering start to the season with victory at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.

The win was&nbsp;Red Bull's fifth from five races this season and&nbsp;extends Verstappen's lead at the top of the standings to 14 points and follows his triumph in the inaugural Miami race last year.

The 1-2 for Red Bull is their fourth in five races so far this year as the team utterly dominate the sport leaving their rivals to battle for the third podium position.

Aston Martin's Spanish veteran Fernando Alonso took third for his fourth podium in five races this season as he continues to enjoy his late-career revival.

Verstappen had to work hard for his third victory of the campaign after his disappointing performance in Saturday's qualifying left him in the middle of the grid.

But the speed of the Red Bull car, combined with smart decisions on tyres, meant that the Dutchman was able to quickly get himself in contention and then produce a late surge to beat his team-mate Perez, who remains second in the standings.

Perez, starting on pole, made the perfect start, racing clear of his rivals but Verstappen, on hard tyres, quickly moved through the field and took just 15 laps to reach second place behind his team-mate.

'Very satisfying'

Perez pitted on lap 20 allowing Verstappen to take the lead but the Dutchman had to give that up when he went into the pits on lap 46, changing to the medium compound tyres and coming out 1.2 seconds behind.

It took just two laps for Verstappen, who won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix a year ago, to take advantage of his fresher tyres with better grip as, after a brief joust, he overtook the Mexican, on 25-lap-old tyres, to take the lead.

Verstappen's 38th win for Red Bull equals the team record set by Sebastian Vettel and is the first time a driver has won from exactly ninth on the grid since Niki Lauda at the French Grand Prix in 1984.

"I took the cars off one by one and then I could stay out really long on the hard tyres and that's where we I think made the difference," said Verstappen.

"For sure winning a race from P9 is always very satisfying," he said.

It was a disappointing day for Perez, who after his victory in Baku last week, had a great chance to win from pole but was left frustrated with the tyre choice.

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"I think the medium initially was really poor. It wasn't expected and that really compromised our pace," said Perez.

"Then, in all honesty, I think Max had tremendous pace on that hard tyre and I have got to analyse what happened today because we simply didn't have the pace," he added.

Mercedes had some consolation at the end of a difficult week with George Russell taking fourth place ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and team-mate Lewis Hamilton finishing sixth.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had described the car as a "nasty piece of work" after qualifying but Russell was delighted with his fourth.

"I am feeling pumped to be honest because it has been a while since we had a good race like that where we made overtakes stick," he said.

"I would have liked to have been three positions higher but we know the position we are as a team right now and P4 was the maximum today," he added.

Charles Leclerc, who crashed late in qualifying and started seventh on the grid, finished in seventh place on another disappointing day for Ferrari.

"There's really a lot of work to do," said Leclerc, "We have a car that has a good feeling under ideal conditions, but as soon as you get away a bit it gets complicated.&nbsp;We need a more consistent car especially in the race.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's a very difficult situation because you can fight in qualifying, but then in the race you have to accept that you are passed."

The Alpine pair of French drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocan finished eighth and ninth with Dane Kevin Magnussen finishing tenth.

It was a tough debut in his homeland for American rookie Logan Sargeant of Williams who had to pit early after losing his front wing and ended last.

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World champion Max Verstappen powered from ninth on the grid to beat team-mate Sergio Perez and extend Red Bull's all-conquering start to the season with victory at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.

World champion Max Verstappen powered from ninth on the grid to beat team-mate Sergio Perez and extend Red Bull's all-conquering start to the season with victory at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday. The win was Red Bull's fifth from five races this season and extends Verstappen's lead at the top of the standings to 14 points and follows his triumph in the inaugural Miami race last year. The 1-2 for Red Bull is their fourth in five races so far this year as the team utterly dominate the sport leaving their rivals to battle for the third podium position. Aston Martin's Spanish veteran Fernando Alonso took third for his fourth podium in five races this season as he continues to enjoy his late-career revival. Verstappen had to work hard for his third victory of the campaign after his disappointing performance in Saturday's qualifying left him in the middle of the grid. But the speed of the Red Bull car, combined with smart decisions on tyres, meant that the Dutchman was able to quickly get himself in contention and then produce a late surge to beat his team-mate Perez, who remains second in the standings. Perez, starting on pole, made the perfect start, racing clear of his rivals but Verstappen, on hard tyres, quickly moved through the field and took just 15 laps to reach second place behind his team-mate. 'Very satisfying' Perez pitted on lap 20 allowing Verstappen to take the lead but the Dutchman had to give that up when he went into the pits on lap 46, changing to the medium compound tyres and coming out 1.2 seconds behind. It took just two laps for Verstappen, who won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix a year ago, to take advantage of his fresher tyres with better grip as, after a brief joust, he overtook the Mexican, on 25-lap-old tyres, to take the lead. Verstappen's 38th win for Red Bull equals the team record set by Sebastian Vettel and is the first time a driver has won from exactly ninth on the grid since Niki Lauda at the French Grand Prix in 1984. "I took the cars off one by one and then I could stay out really long on the hard tyres and that's where we I think made the difference," said Verstappen. "For sure winning a race from P9 is always very satisfying," he said. It was a disappointing day for Perez, who after his victory in Baku last week, had a great chance to win from pole but was left frustrated with the tyre choice. ALSO READ | Luka Modric to extend Real Madrid stay, set to sign new deal until 2024 "I think the medium initially was really poor. It wasn't expected and that really compromised our pace," said Perez. "Then, in all honesty, I think Max had tremendous pace on that hard tyre and I have got to analyse what happened today because we simply didn't have the pace," he added. Mercedes had some consolation at the end of a difficult week with George Russell taking fourth place ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and team-mate Lewis Hamilton finishing sixth. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had described the car as a "nasty piece of work" after qualifying but Russell was delighted with his fourth. "I am feeling pumped to be honest because it has been a while since we had a good race like that where we made overtakes stick," he said. "I would have liked to have been three positions higher but we know the position we are as a team right now and P4 was the maximum today," he added. Charles Leclerc, who crashed late in qualifying and started seventh on the grid, finished in seventh place on another disappointing day for Ferrari. "There's really a lot of work to do," said Leclerc, "We have a car that has a good feeling under ideal conditions, but as soon as you get away a bit it gets complicated. We need a more consistent car especially in the race. "It's a very difficult situation because you can fight in qualifying, but then in the race you have to accept that you are passed." The Alpine pair of French drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocan finished eighth and ninth with Dane Kevin Magnussen finishing tenth. It was a tough debut in his homeland for American rookie Logan Sargeant of Williams who had to pit early after losing his front wing and ended last. 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: Max Verstappen comes from ninth on grid to bag Miami GP; Perez, Alonso take podium

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said victory in Sunday's Miami Grand Prix is "not impossible" despite him starting ninth on the grid.

Red Bull's Verstappen, who leads the driver's championship after picking up two wins from opening four races of the season, was unable to get his late fast lap after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc crashed and qualifying was cut short with one minute 36 left.

The Dutchman's team-mate Sergio Perez, who is second in the standings just six points behind Verstappen, grabbed pole position after Saturday's qualifying.

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Despite the setback, Verstappen, who won the maiden Miami race last year, was not giving up hope of a strong result.

"A podium, for sure, but I want to win, so this is not great. (Winning is) not impossible, but it's not going to be easy," he said.

While Leclerc's crash didn't help, Verstappen had already made life difficult for himself by not getting his full fast lap in earlier.

He said he had only himself to blame for having to pull out of his earlier lap after a mistake.

"I was a little bit offline out of (turn) six into seven, I felt a bit of understeer, and I just couldn't get it back on the line. So I aborted my lap. It was definitely a mistake of mine trying to put it on the limit.

"Then of course, you need a bit of luck, hoping that there won't be a red flag. But of course, when you try to think like that, then it happens. So, it's a bit upsetting," he said.

But Verstappen, winner of the last two Formula One seasons, was keeping a sense of perspective.

"I've been in this position before, you have sometimes a few setbacks but that doesn't mean that it carries on for the rest of the year or whatever.

"It can't always be perfect, you hope that it's going to be perfect. Last year we had a tough start, but you still need to nail a few bits yourself. Today was not great," he said.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner questioned why the race was only stopped 20 seconds after Leclerc's crash.

"Had it been stopped immediately, you could have possibly got around," he told Sky Sports.

Horner has been happy to let Perez compete with Verstappen, with no heavy use of team orders as of yet, and the Mexican says he is relishing the inner-team competition.

"I'm enjoying it. I'm just thinking race by race. I will go out … for my team because they've done a tremendous job and see what happens tomorrow (Sunday)," he said.

"It is a new opportunity, starting from pole. We are the ones that have (something) to lose, but we will just go out there and try to enjoy this amazing crowd," he said.

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Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said victory in Sunday's Miami Grand Prix is "not impossible" despite him starting ninth on the grid. Red Bull's Verstappen, who leads the driver's championship after picking up two wins from opening four races of the season, was unable to get his late fast lap after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc crashed and qualifying was cut short with one minute 36 left.

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said victory in Sunday's Miami Grand Prix is "not impossible" despite him starting ninth on the grid. Red Bull's Verstappen, who leads the driver's championship after picking up two wins from opening four races of the season, was unable to get his late fast lap after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc crashed and qualifying was cut short with one minute 36 left. The Dutchman's team-mate Sergio Perez, who is second in the standings just six points behind Verstappen, grabbed pole position after Saturday's qualifying. Also Read: Man City spoil Sam Allardyce's return to edge closer to title Despite the setback, Verstappen, who won the maiden Miami race last year, was not giving up hope of a strong result. "A podium, for sure, but I want to win, so this is not great. (Winning is) not impossible, but it's not going to be easy," he said. While Leclerc's crash didn't help, Verstappen had already made life difficult for himself by not getting his full fast lap in earlier. He said he had only himself to blame for having to pull out of his earlier lap after a mistake. "I was a little bit offline out of (turn) six into seven, I felt a bit of understeer, and I just couldn't get it back on the line. So I aborted my lap. It was definitely a mistake of mine trying to put it on the limit. "Then of course, you need a bit of luck, hoping that there won't be a red flag. But of course, when you try to think like that, then it happens. So, it's a bit upsetting," he said. But Verstappen, winner of the last two Formula One seasons, was keeping a sense of perspective. "I've been in this position before, you have sometimes a few setbacks but that doesn't mean that it carries on for the rest of the year or whatever. "It can't always be perfect, you hope that it's going to be perfect. Last year we had a tough start, but you still need to nail a few bits yourself. Today was not great," he said. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner questioned why the race was only stopped 20 seconds after Leclerc's crash. "Had it been stopped immediately, you could have possibly got around," he told Sky Sports. Horner has been happy to let Perez compete with Verstappen, with no heavy use of team orders as of yet, and the Mexican says he is relishing the inner-team competition. "I'm enjoying it. I'm just thinking race by race. I will go out … for my team because they've done a tremendous job and see what happens tomorrow (Sunday)," he said. "It is a new opportunity, starting from pole. We are the ones that have (something) to lose, but we will just go out there and try to enjoy this amazing crowd," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula 1: 'Not impossible,' says Ninth on grid Red Bull's Max Verstappen ahead of Miami Grand Prix

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

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

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

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

Charles Leclerc will start on pole for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sprint race despite crashing on his final flying lap in qualifying on Saturday.

The Ferrari driver is joined by Sergio Perez's Red Bull on the front row for the first of Formula One's six sprints this season.

The Mexican's teammate Max Verstappen finished third with George Russell of Mercedes in fourth.

Leclerc is a master of qualifying on the streets of Baku, adding this to his pole from qualifying on Friday for Sunday's main event, for which he has now headed the grid for the past three years.

The sprint, introduced in 2021, has undergone a revamp this year.

The 100 kilometre dash now stands alone from Sunday's main race with its own new shorter form of qualifying called the 'Sprint Shootout'.

Leclerc created a footnote in F1 history by claiming the honours of the inaugural edition in entertaining style.

He topped the times with three minutes of qualifying to go but then slid his Ferrari into the barriers at his last throw of the dice.

But the Red Bulls weren't able to better Leclerc's time as he claimed his second pole in Azerbaijan inside 24 hours.

"The rear overheated and I lost it in Turn 5. In the end it doesn't have any consequence (for me)," said the man from Monaco who is trying to make up for lost time after a terrible start to 2023.&nbsp;

He suggested he will have his work cut out holding off the flying Red Bulls, who have won all three races so far in 2023.

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"We will go for it but we also need to be realistic, as of now, we've already been on the back foot during the race, especially the Red Bull seems to be a step ahead."

He added: "I will do everything for it and we are here for that, Ferrari needs to be on top and I will do everything I can to win."

His teammate Carlos Sainz came fifth to fill the third row with Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes.

Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll and Lando Norris completed the top five rows of the grid for the 17-lap sprint due off later Saturday.

The sprint offers the winner eight points down to one for eighth.

Red Bull's double world champion Verstappen leads the championship on 69 points, 15 ahead of Perez.

Two retirements sandwiching a seventh place in Jeddah have left Leclerc lagging well behind with just half a dozen points.

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Charles Leclerc will start on pole for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sprint race despite crashing on his final flying lap in qualifying on Saturday. The Ferrari driver is joined by Sergio Perez's Red Bull on the front row for the first of Formula One's six sprints this season.

Charles Leclerc will start on pole for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sprint race despite crashing on his final flying lap in qualifying on Saturday. The Ferrari driver is joined by Sergio Perez's Red Bull on the front row for the first of Formula One's six sprints this season. The Mexican's teammate Max Verstappen finished third with George Russell of Mercedes in fourth. Leclerc is a master of qualifying on the streets of Baku, adding this to his pole from qualifying on Friday for Sunday's main event, for which he has now headed the grid for the past three years. The sprint, introduced in 2021, has undergone a revamp this year. The 100 kilometre dash now stands alone from Sunday's main race with its own new shorter form of qualifying called the 'Sprint Shootout'. Leclerc created a footnote in F1 history by claiming the honours of the inaugural edition in entertaining style. He topped the times with three minutes of qualifying to go but then slid his Ferrari into the barriers at his last throw of the dice. But the Red Bulls weren't able to better Leclerc's time as he claimed his second pole in Azerbaijan inside 24 hours. "The rear overheated and I lost it in Turn 5. In the end it doesn't have any consequence (for me)," said the man from Monaco who is trying to make up for lost time after a terrible start to 2023. He suggested he will have his work cut out holding off the flying Red Bulls, who have won all three races so far in 2023. ALSO READ | Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim submit final bids to buy Manchester United from Glazer family "We will go for it but we also need to be realistic, as of now, we've already been on the back foot during the race, especially the Red Bull seems to be a step ahead." He added: "I will do everything for it and we are here for that, Ferrari needs to be on top and I will do everything I can to win." His teammate Carlos Sainz came fifth to fill the third row with Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes. Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll and Lando Norris completed the top five rows of the grid for the 17-lap sprint due off later Saturday. The sprint offers the winner eight points down to one for eighth. Red Bull's double world champion Verstappen leads the championship on 69 points, 15 ahead of Perez. Two retirements sandwiching a seventh place in Jeddah have left Leclerc lagging well behind with just half a dozen points. 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.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc to start on pole despite crashing on final flying lap

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

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

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

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

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

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

Formula 1: Red Bull's Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton to win chaotic Australian GP

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

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

Formula One: Max Verstappen takes pole position in Australian GP; Red Bulls' first in Melbourne since 2013

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/defending-champions-lahore-qalandars-beat-multan-sultans-by-1-run-to-win-back-to-back-psl-titles-573481">Defending champions Lahore Qalandars beat Multan Sultans by 1 run to win back-to-back PSL titles</a>

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

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