Red Bull Racing's defending world champion Max Verstappen won the 2023 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday in his 10th attempt and in doing so, he made it clear that Red Bull has the speed it needs to defend the title.&nbsp;

Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez also got to the podium as the team finished one-two with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, a former world champion, taking the final spot.

The other big names, namely Ferrari and Mercedes have a lot to work on if they want to keep this season challenging. 
 
Meanwhile, here are three key takeaways from the 2023 Bahrain GP:

<h2>Red Bull show speed</h2>

Despite an ordinary showing in practice after a winter during which their wind tunnel time was trimmed severely, Red Bull dominated qualifying and the race to render any contest, in Sakhir at least, to a procession.

Having chosen to focus on race performance through most of all three practice sessions, and then outpacing the field in qualifying, the Red Bulls were in a class of their own.

Double world champion Verstappen led from lights to flag and was in cruise control as he sealed his first season-opening win and first in Bahrain, at the 10th attempt.

Rival George Russell of Mercedes declared afterwards that Red Bull had both championships "sewn up" already as his team, and Ferrari, failed to show any improvement on last year and were outpaced by Aston Martin.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1-red-bulls-max-verstappen-wins-2023-season-opener-bahrain-grand-prix-568990">Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins 2023 season-opener Bahrain Grand Prix</a>

Typically, the Dutchman warned against any kind of early complacency and called for continuous development of the car with special attention paid to the team's slow start to the weekend's work.

After coming home almost 12 seconds clear of Perez, Verstappen made clear he did not expect it to be easy in the upcoming races in Jeddah and Melbourne.

"We have to make sure we keep developing," he said. "And we must investigate what went a bit wrong at the beginning of the weekend. Then I’m sure we will be even stronger.

"It’s obviously a top start for us, but as you saw last year, things can turn around very quickly."

<h2>Alonso, Aston Martin confirm pace</h2>

At the age of 41, Fernando Alonso showed he remains one of the fastest and most daring drivers as he confirmed Aston Martin have a car with the pure pace and performance to challenge the leaders.

The two-time champion Spaniard slipped back to seventh at the start before charging though to beat the Mercedes and Ferraris and finish a storming third.

It was his 99th podium in a record career of 356 races.

As Alonso beamed with joy, team boss Mike Krack tried to keep him and the team grounded, warning them not to expect wins in the near future in a beautifully-balanced car revised for 2023 by technical director Dan Fallows, formerly of Red Bull, and his design team.

"The gap is still substantial to the front and we don’t know how much management Red Bull had to do or did in the race. It was comfortable for them.

"We knew after testing that we were not bad and had strong race. Pace, but so many things can go wrong and after two laps I wasn’t dreaming of a podium.

"But now we have one good result and we fought with teams that are used to being at the front and in the high intensity development contest. So, let’s be respectful and humble and see."

Alonso heaped praise on his team-mate Lance Stroll who, two weeks after a pre-season cycling accident left him with two cracked wrists and a broken toe, finished sixth.

<h2>Ferrari reliability suspect</h2>

A change of management at the top, where former Alfa Romeo chief Fred Vasseur took over from Matteo Binotti, has not brought an end to Ferrari's reliability problems.

Charles Leclerc, who had to switch his battery before the race, was running a comfortable third when he experienced a loss of power on lap 47 and retired, leaving Carlos Sainz to come home fourth after being passed by Alonso.

"It's never good to start with a DNF," said Vasseur. "But the championship is not decided in Bahrain. The most important thing now is for us to gain a clearer picture of the situation and to know where we are failing.

"On the positive side, we matched Red Bull's qualifying pace. We are there, but we have to be realistic. To win races, we have to have a 'clean sheet' weekend."

Mercedes also bemoaned problems after finishing fifth and seventh with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and Russell, team boss Toto Wolff joining the drivers’ in accepting a need to create a car that is closer to their customer team Aston Martin’s design.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Red Bull Racing's defending world champion Max Verstappen won the 2023 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday in his 10th attempt and in doing so, he made it clear that Red Bull has the speed it needs to defend the title.

Red Bull Racing's defending world champion Max Verstappen won the 2023 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday in his 10th attempt and in doing so, he made it clear that Red Bull has the speed it needs to defend the title. Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez also got to the podium as the team finished one-two with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, a former world champion, taking the final spot. The other big names, namely Ferrari and Mercedes have a lot to work on if they want to keep this season challenging. Meanwhile, here are three key takeaways from the 2023 Bahrain GP: Red Bull show speed Despite an ordinary showing in practice after a winter during which their wind tunnel time was trimmed severely, Red Bull dominated qualifying and the race to render any contest, in Sakhir at least, to a procession. Having chosen to focus on race performance through most of all three practice sessions, and then outpacing the field in qualifying, the Red Bulls were in a class of their own. Double world champion Verstappen led from lights to flag and was in cruise control as he sealed his first season-opening win and first in Bahrain, at the 10th attempt. Rival George Russell of Mercedes declared afterwards that Red Bull had both championships "sewn up" already as his team, and Ferrari, failed to show any improvement on last year and were outpaced by Aston Martin. Read More: Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins 2023 season-opener Bahrain Grand Prix Typically, the Dutchman warned against any kind of early complacency and called for continuous development of the car with special attention paid to the team's slow start to the weekend's work. After coming home almost 12 seconds clear of Perez, Verstappen made clear he did not expect it to be easy in the upcoming races in Jeddah and Melbourne. "We have to make sure we keep developing," he said. "And we must investigate what went a bit wrong at the beginning of the weekend. Then I’m sure we will be even stronger. "It’s obviously a top start for us, but as you saw last year, things can turn around very quickly." Alonso, Aston Martin confirm pace At the age of 41, Fernando Alonso showed he remains one of the fastest and most daring drivers as he confirmed Aston Martin have a car with the pure pace and performance to challenge the leaders. The two-time champion Spaniard slipped back to seventh at the start before charging though to beat the Mercedes and Ferraris and finish a storming third. It was his 99th podium in a record career of 356 races. As Alonso beamed with joy, team boss Mike Krack tried to keep him and the team grounded, warning them not to expect wins in the near future in a beautifully-balanced car revised for 2023 by technical director Dan Fallows, formerly of Red Bull, and his design team. "The gap is still substantial to the front and we don’t know how much management Red Bull had to do or did in the race. It was comfortable for them. "We knew after testing that we were not bad and had strong race. Pace, but so many things can go wrong and after two laps I wasn’t dreaming of a podium. "But now we have one good result and we fought with teams that are used to being at the front and in the high intensity development contest. So, let’s be respectful and humble and see." Alonso heaped praise on his team-mate Lance Stroll who, two weeks after a pre-season cycling accident left him with two cracked wrists and a broken toe, finished sixth. Ferrari reliability suspect A change of management at the top, where former Alfa Romeo chief Fred Vasseur took over from Matteo Binotti, has not brought an end to Ferrari's reliability problems. Charles Leclerc, who had to switch his battery before the race, was running a comfortable third when he experienced a loss of power on lap 47 and retired, leaving Carlos Sainz to come home fourth after being passed by Alonso. "It's never good to start with a DNF," said Vasseur. "But the championship is not decided in Bahrain. The most important thing now is for us to gain a clearer picture of the situation and to know where we are failing. "On the positive side, we matched Red Bull's qualifying pace. We are there, but we have to be realistic. To win races, we have to have a 'clean sheet' weekend." Mercedes also bemoaned problems after finishing fifth and seventh with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and Russell, team boss Toto Wolff joining the drivers’ in accepting a need to create a car that is closer to their customer team Aston Martin’s design. (With 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 1: Max Verstappen and Red Bull show dominance, and other key takeaways from 2023 Bahrain GP

World champion Max Verstappen claimed his maiden season-opening victory and first at the Sakhir circuit on Sunday when he led Sergio Perez home in a dominant Red Bull one-two at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The defending double world champion led from start to finish, bar the pit stops, to establish himself as a strong favourite for a third consecutive drivers' crown this year.&nbsp;

It was his first win in the Gulf state at the 10th attempt.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1-can-max-verstappen-achieve-modern-day-great-status-with-start-of-new-season-568588">Can Max Verstappen achieve modern-day great status with start of new season?</a>

Behind the two Red Bulls, two-time champion Fernando Alonso continued to make light of his 41 years by storming his way to a rousing third place for Aston Martin in his first appearance with the team since succeeding the retired four-time champion Sebastian Vettel.

It was his record-increasing 356th race in&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;in a career that started 22 years earlier, to the weekend, in Melbourne at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix.

Fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who he passed in a late scrap for a podium finish, finished fourth in the second Ferrari ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Lance Stroll, racing in the second Aston Martin just weeks after cracking both wrists and breaking a toe in a pre-season cycling accident.

George Russell took seventh for Mercedes ahead of Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo, Pierre Gasly of Alpine, who had started last, and Alex Albon who claimed a point for Williams finishing 10th.

Charles Leclerc, who won the race in 2022, failed to finish after engine failure on his Ferrari on the 41st lap.

<h2>'What we needed'</h2>

"Thank you, guys," said 25-year-old Verstappen. "It's exactly the start we needed. I had a good start and first stint and then had a gap and just looked after the tyres."

Verstappen made a clean, quick start to pull clear as Leclerc passed Perez for second while, behind them, Stroll hit his Aston Martin team-mate Alonso, under braking at Turn Four.

Both Mercedes had good starts and passed Alonso, Hamilton climbing to fifth ahead of Russell in pursuit of Sainz as Verstappen opened up a commanding lead.

By lap five, he was four seconds clear as Leclerc kept Perez at bay.&nbsp;

Gasly began the pit stops on lap 10, switching his Alpine from softs to hards, followed quickly by Lando Norris and Yuki Tsunoda with tyre degradation taking early effect.

Hamilton pitted from fifth on lap 13, prompting a classic scrap as Alonso battled past Russell to regain his original grid slot and climb to third when both Ferraris pitted. Russell followed.

Verstappen came in a lap later, switching to more softs and handing the lead to Perez, while luckless Australian rookie Oscar Piastri's McLaren debut ended early with electrical problems.

The champion re-joined in second place and regained his lead on lap 18 when Perez pitted, elevating Leclerc to second until the Mexican passed him into Turn One on lap 26.

Hamilton pitted again on lap 31, for more hards, followed by Sainz and Russell, as the leaders prepared for their final stint while, at the back, a beleaguered Esteban Ocon of Alpine, hit with three time penalties for minor infringements, stopped again.

<h2>'No power'</h2>

Perez and Verstappen then completed their second stops, the Dutchman re-joining with a 12-second lead.

Leclerc's Ferrari lost power on the straight. He parked it safely, prompting a brief virtual safety car intervention, with 15 laps remaining, handing Red Bull the prospect of a cosy one-two, 23 seconds clear of third-placed Sainz in the second Ferrari.&nbsp;

"No, no, no," wailed Leclerc. "Come on! What happened, guys? No power."

All this left the two Spaniards scrapping for third, the old master squeezing through on lap 45 after the pair appeared to touch in a frantic and dramatic tussle ahead of the watching fifth man Hamilton.

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World champion Max Verstappen claimed his maiden season-opening victory and first at the Sakhir circuit on Sunday when he led Sergio Perez home in a dominant Red Bull one-two at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

World champion Max Verstappen claimed his maiden season-opening victory and first at the Sakhir circuit on Sunday when he led Sergio Perez home in a dominant Red Bull one-two at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The defending double world champion led from start to finish, bar the pit stops, to establish himself as a strong favourite for a third consecutive drivers' crown this year. It was his first win in the Gulf state at the 10th attempt. Also Read: Can Max Verstappen achieve modern-day great status with start of new season? Behind the two Red Bulls, two-time champion Fernando Alonso continued to make light of his 41 years by storming his way to a rousing third place for Aston Martin in his first appearance with the team since succeeding the retired four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. It was his record-increasing 356th race in Formula One in a career that started 22 years earlier, to the weekend, in Melbourne at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix. Fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who he passed in a late scrap for a podium finish, finished fourth in the second Ferrari ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Lance Stroll, racing in the second Aston Martin just weeks after cracking both wrists and breaking a toe in a pre-season cycling accident. George Russell took seventh for Mercedes ahead of Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo, Pierre Gasly of Alpine, who had started last, and Alex Albon who claimed a point for Williams finishing 10th. Charles Leclerc, who won the race in 2022, failed to finish after engine failure on his Ferrari on the 41st lap. 'What we needed' "Thank you, guys," said 25-year-old Verstappen. "It's exactly the start we needed. I had a good start and first stint and then had a gap and just looked after the tyres." Verstappen made a clean, quick start to pull clear as Leclerc passed Perez for second while, behind them, Stroll hit his Aston Martin team-mate Alonso, under braking at Turn Four. Both Mercedes had good starts and passed Alonso, Hamilton climbing to fifth ahead of Russell in pursuit of Sainz as Verstappen opened up a commanding lead. By lap five, he was four seconds clear as Leclerc kept Perez at bay. Gasly began the pit stops on lap 10, switching his Alpine from softs to hards, followed quickly by Lando Norris and Yuki Tsunoda with tyre degradation taking early effect. Hamilton pitted from fifth on lap 13, prompting a classic scrap as Alonso battled past Russell to regain his original grid slot and climb to third when both Ferraris pitted. Russell followed. Verstappen came in a lap later, switching to more softs and handing the lead to Perez, while luckless Australian rookie Oscar Piastri's McLaren debut ended early with electrical problems. The champion re-joined in second place and regained his lead on lap 18 when Perez pitted, elevating Leclerc to second until the Mexican passed him into Turn One on lap 26. Hamilton pitted again on lap 31, for more hards, followed by Sainz and Russell, as the leaders prepared for their final stint while, at the back, a beleaguered Esteban Ocon of Alpine, hit with three time penalties for minor infringements, stopped again. 'No power' Perez and Verstappen then completed their second stops, the Dutchman re-joining with a 12-second lead. Leclerc's Ferrari lost power on the straight. He parked it safely, prompting a brief virtual safety car intervention, with 15 laps remaining, handing Red Bull the prospect of a cosy one-two, 23 seconds clear of third-placed Sainz in the second Ferrari. "No, no, no," wailed Leclerc. "Come on! What happened, guys? No power." All this left the two Spaniards scrapping for third, the old master squeezing through on lap 45 after the pair appeared to touch in a frantic and dramatic tussle ahead of the watching fifth man Hamilton. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula 1: Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins 2023 season-opener Bahrain Grand Prix

Max Verstappen said it was a "pleasant surprise" to claim pole position as Red Bull locked out the front row of the grid for Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Dutchman, who has never won in Bahrain or at a championship-opening race, secured the 21st pole position of his career with a dazzling pair of laps in the third and final qualifying session (Q3) after struggling with balance and form in practice.

"It's positive and very surprising," said Verstappen. "A pleasant and positive surprise to be on pole after all the struggles in practice. Our race car feels better.

"It's been a bit of a tough start to the weekend, not finding my rhythm, but in qualifying we managed to put the best pieces together and I'm very happy to be on pole.

"It's amazing. Now, I'm looking forward for tomorrow. Compared to last year everyone knows a bit more about what they are doing with the car and increasing their performances a lot."

It was Red Bull's first front row lockout in Bahrain, a track where they have not won since 2013, when the recently-retired Sebastian Vettel was triumphant on his way to his fourth title.&nbsp;

Last year's pole-sitter and race winner Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz, the Monegasque driver choosing to save a set of tyres rather than make a second final flying run.

Two-time champion world Fernando Alonso, who was fastest in second and third practice, was unable to repeat that form, but took fifth on the grid for Aston Martin in his first outing for the team since moving from Alpine to replace Vettel.

The 41-year-old Spaniard, who had beaten Verstappen to top the times in final practice earlier on Saturday, said he had always felt pole position was an unrealistic ambition for Aston Martin.

"We aimed to finish in the top five or six and we did that so it's good," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leclerc said: "I think we were in the fight for pole, which was a good surprise to be honest. I did not expect that after testing and after the three practices which were a little bit difficult.

"We managed to find the pace, but not to Red Bull and I think we are better starting third with new tyres than further up with old.

"It was very close. Aston Martin are very quick, Mercedes are very quick. It is looking good for the future and makes&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;1 much more exciting."

The Mercedes of George Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton were sixth and seventh ahead of Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin, Esteban Ocon of Alpine and Haas's Nico Hulkenberg.

"I thought we'd be a lot further behind so reaching Q3 is great and we did a lot of work overnight," said Hamilton.

"The engineers did a great job and made a step forward. We're in a different place, but in qualifying the car just didn't feel alive. It felt really average.

"It is not an impossible mountain to climb and I think we can definitely close the gap. We've just got to focus."&nbsp;

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Max Verstappen said it was a "pleasant surprise" to claim pole position as Red Bull locked out the front row of the grid for Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen said it was a "pleasant surprise" to claim pole position as Red Bull locked out the front row of the grid for Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Dutchman, who has never won in Bahrain or at a championship-opening race, secured the 21st pole position of his career with a dazzling pair of laps in the third and final qualifying session (Q3) after struggling with balance and form in practice. "It's positive and very surprising," said Verstappen. "A pleasant and positive surprise to be on pole after all the struggles in practice. Our race car feels better. "It's been a bit of a tough start to the weekend, not finding my rhythm, but in qualifying we managed to put the best pieces together and I'm very happy to be on pole. "It's amazing. Now, I'm looking forward for tomorrow. Compared to last year everyone knows a bit more about what they are doing with the car and increasing their performances a lot." It was Red Bull's first front row lockout in Bahrain, a track where they have not won since 2013, when the recently-retired Sebastian Vettel was triumphant on his way to his fourth title. Last year's pole-sitter and race winner Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz, the Monegasque driver choosing to save a set of tyres rather than make a second final flying run. Two-time champion world Fernando Alonso, who was fastest in second and third practice, was unable to repeat that form, but took fifth on the grid for Aston Martin in his first outing for the team since moving from Alpine to replace Vettel. The 41-year-old Spaniard, who had beaten Verstappen to top the times in final practice earlier on Saturday, said he had always felt pole position was an unrealistic ambition for Aston Martin. "We aimed to finish in the top five or six and we did that so it's good," he said. Leclerc said: "I think we were in the fight for pole, which was a good surprise to be honest. I did not expect that after testing and after the three practices which were a little bit difficult. "We managed to find the pace, but not to Red Bull and I think we are better starting third with new tyres than further up with old. "It was very close. Aston Martin are very quick, Mercedes are very quick. It is looking good for the future and makes Formula 1 much more exciting." The Mercedes of George Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton were sixth and seventh ahead of Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin, Esteban Ocon of Alpine and Haas's Nico Hulkenberg. "I thought we'd be a lot further behind so reaching Q3 is great and we did a lot of work overnight," said Hamilton. "The engineers did a great job and made a step forward. We're in a different place, but in qualifying the car just didn't feel alive. It felt really average. "It is not an impossible mountain to climb and I think we can definitely close the gap. We've just got to focus." 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 gets pole position ahead of season-opener Bahrain Grand Prix

Curtains will be raised on the 2023 season of Formula One as big names once again get ready to throttle their engine rooms. Bahrain Grand Prix which will kick start the new season could lay the foundation for defending world champion Max Verstappen to start his journey to the promise land. The Dutchman could sit in the line of greatness alongside Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton as the modern-day greats.

<h3>Can Verstappen go all the way?</h3>

In the first place, the 25-year-old Red Bull driver will look to get the missing piece in the puzzle right on Sunday, having been forced to retire in his last Bahrain Grand Prix. A winning start could be the perfect beginning for him in a season where he could end up with his third successive world title. If he succeeds in doing so Verstappen will have achieved the status of the modern-day great having won three successive seasons of Formula One since the turn of the millennium.

Only Schumacher, Vettel and Hamilton have won three successive world titles in the last two decades as he urges for greatness. A win for him could also see Red Bull once again return to the summit of the standings in three seasons in a row, having last done so during the glorious rein of Vettel at the start of last decade.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-27-days-to-go-csk-begins-preparations-as-ms-dhoni-joins-the-camp-schedule-live-streaming-details-568417">IPL 2023, 27 days to go: CSK begins preparations as MS Dhoni joins the camp; Schedule &amp; live-streaming details</a>

<h3>Verstappen’s impressive 2022</h3>

While 2021 was a close affair for the two-time champion, 2022 proved to be a cakewalk having conquered his second title in Japan last October. Verstappen currently has won his last nine of the 11 races and is enjoying a dream run of form from last season. In 22 races last season, the Dutchman had 17 podium finishes while starting seven races in pole position. Not less than five times did Verstappen end with the fastest lap in a season, most by any racer in the campaign.

So with the 2023 season all set for the curtain-raiser in Bahrain on Sunday, both Red Bull and Verstappen would be hoping for a perfect start.

Curtains will be raised on the 2023 season of Formula One as big names once again get ready to throttle their engine rooms. Bahrain Grand Prix which will kick start the new season could lay the foundation for defending world champion Max Verstappen to start his journey to the promise land.

Curtains will be raised on the 2023 season of Formula One as big names once again get ready to throttle their engine rooms. Bahrain Grand Prix which will kick start the new season could lay the foundation for defending world champion Max Verstappen to start his journey to the promise land. The Dutchman could sit in the line of greatness alongside Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton as the modern-day greats. Can Verstappen go all the way? In the first place, the 25-year-old Red Bull driver will look to get the missing piece in the puzzle right on Sunday, having been forced to retire in his last Bahrain Grand Prix. A winning start could be the perfect beginning for him in a season where he could end up with his third successive world title. If he succeeds in doing so Verstappen will have achieved the status of the modern-day great having won three successive seasons of Formula One since the turn of the millennium. Only Schumacher, Vettel and Hamilton have won three successive world titles in the last two decades as he urges for greatness. A win for him could also see Red Bull once again return to the summit of the standings in three seasons in a row, having last done so during the glorious rein of Vettel at the start of last decade. ALSO READ | IPL 2023, 27 days to go: CSK begins preparations as MS Dhoni joins the camp; Schedule & live-streaming details Verstappen’s impressive 2022 While 2021 was a close affair for the two-time champion, 2022 proved to be a cakewalk having conquered his second title in Japan last October. Verstappen currently has won his last nine of the 11 races and is enjoying a dream run of form from last season. In 22 races last season, the Dutchman had 17 podium finishes while starting seven races in pole position. Not less than five times did Verstappen end with the fastest lap in a season, most by any racer in the campaign. So with the 2023 season all set for the curtain-raiser in Bahrain on Sunday, both Red Bull and Verstappen would be hoping for a perfect start.

Formula 1: Can Max Verstappen achieve modern-day great status with start of new season?

The nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2023 have been announced and this year, the world`s pre-eminent sporting awards ceremony will celebrate not only athletes who thrilled sports fans over the previous 12 months but several who will end their careers with a claim to be the greatest in the history of their sport. Six nominees have been selected across seven nominated Laureus categories, with six inspirational programmes also shortlisted for the Laureus Sport for Good Award. The more than 1,400 members of the Laureus Global Media Nominations Panel decided on all but one category - the shortlist for the Laureus World Sportsperson with a Disability Award was chosen by a specialist panel from the International Paralympic Committee.

But what makes these Awards unique is the final stage of the judging process: a vote by the 71 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy - Olympic champions, world-record breakers, athletes who redefined their sports and who now make up the ultimate jury on sporting greatness.The Award winners in these categories and recipients of the Awards presented at the discretion of the Laureus World Sports Academy will be announced at the Laureus World Sports Awards in the Spring.The nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award spent 2022 climbing to the very pinnacle of their sport. Lionel Messi collected the one prize that had eluded him by leading Argentina to the World Cup. Kylian Mbappe`s hat trick in the final earned him the Golden Boot as the World Cup`s leading goalscorer. Rafael Nadal ended 2022 alone at the top of the all-time list of men`s Grand Slam champions with 22 titles after victory in Australia and France.

Max Verstappen joins Messi and Nadal as past winners of this Award on the 2023 shortlist after defending his Formula One world title. Mondo Duplantis broke the pole vault world record on three occasions and won world titles indoors and out. Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a fourth NBA championship in eight years.Formula One world champion and current Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Max Verstappen said: "It`s an honour to be nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. Winning last year was an incredible moment for me: it is such a prestigious accolade, and it means even more when you`re up against the world`s best athletes. To be shortlisted again is an achievement in itself, so thank you to my team Oracle Red Bull Racing for the support throughout our Championship winning year, and thank you to the world`s media for nominating me."

The race for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award is led by two athletes who lit up the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became a five-time champion over 100m, while Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone added the world title to her Olympic crown with a world record in the 400m hurdles. At the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Katie Ledecky won four golds, taking her total to 22, a record for a female swimmer. Alexia Putellas led FC Barcelona to a perfect season in the Spanish league and claimed a second Ballon d`Or. Mikaela Shiffrin regained her overall title at the Alpine Ski World Cup, while Iga Swiatek emerged from 2022 as the undisputed No.1 in women`s tennis, winning in Paris and New York. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said: "I would like to thank the world`s sports media for this special nomination. This is my sixth nomination for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and it is a great honour. I continue to be inspired by the wider Laureus movement and initiatives in celebrating the power of sports to change the world, which further makes the nomination special. Thank you Laureus and the world`s sports media for nominating me once again."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-and-his-father-wanted-these-six-players-to-be-expelled-from-barcelona-reports-563985">Lionel Messi and his father wanted THESE six players to be expelled from Barcelona: Reports</a>

Two meteoric tennis talents have been nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. Carlos Alcaraz gave a preview of the next era in the men`s game, winning the US Open to end the year as the sport`s youngest-ever No.1-ranked player. In the women`s game, Elena Rybakina won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. Scottie Scheffler won The Masters and tied for second at the US Open on his way to becoming golf`s No.1. Also nominated are the Morocco Men`s Football Team who captivated the world on their adventure to the semi-finals of the World Cup; Nathan Chen, the figure skater who added Olympic gold to a world title; and Tobi Amusan, who broke the 100m hurdles world record on the way to claiming Nigeria`s first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships. The nominees for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award include both serial winners and ground-breakers. The Argentina Men`s Football Team won a third World Cup, but the first in a generation led by Lionel Messi. No team has won the Champions League more than Real Madrid, who claimed their 14th title to go with another La Liga championship. The Golden State Warriors` fourth NBA championship in eight years ensured their legacy will last forever.

The Oracle Red Bull Racing ended the eight-year reign of Mercedes with a Max Verstappen-led victory in the Constructors` Championship. The France Men`s Rugby Team had not won the Six Nations Championship since the Grand Slam of 2010 - and they repeated that feat to reclaim the crown in style. And there were no more dramatic champions than the England Women`s Football Team, who on home soil fulfilled their promise to become champions of Europe. The Laureus Sport for Good Award recognises an individual or organisation who, in the opinion of the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, has made a significant contribution to transforming the lives of children and young people through sport. This year, the inspirational shortlist includes a movement-based psychosocial support intervention developed by War Child, Save the Children and UNICEF the Netherlands that uses physical activity to relieve stress in children affected by war or conflict (TeamUp); one that uses boxing to challenge stereotypes and empowers young women in Kenya (Boxgirls); a football project aimed at educating and elevating the homeless population in Delhi (Slum Soccer); a programme whose mission is to make sport inclusive for people with disabilities in South Africa (Made For More) and a project in Germany that uses action sports to help orphaned and migrant children integrate into new communities (High Five).

Diede de Groot, who completed back-to-back calendar Grand Slams to set a new standard in wheelchair tennis, is nominated for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award. She is joined in an inspirational category by Catherine Debrunner, who broke world records in T53 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m on her home track in Switzerland, then moved up to marathon, winning on her debut in Berlin, and in London. After a break of over two years from competitive swimming, New Zealand`s Cameron Leslie - who also competes in wheelchair rugby as a Wheel Black - won S4 100m freestyle gold at the World Para Swimming Championships. At the Winter Paralympics in China, Declan Farmer led the USA to a third consecutive gold medal in Ice Hockey and was the tournament`s top scorer; Jesper Saltvik Pedersen won four golds on the slopes; and the multi-sport phenomenon Oksana Masters added another chapter to her legend with double gold in the para biathlon.

Three surfers are nominated for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award. Filipe Toledo of Brazil was the world champion for the first time. For Stephanie Gilmore, a previous winner of this Award, it was world championship No.8, while big-wave specialist Justine Dupont continued to thrill in that most daring of disciplines. At the Beijing Winter Olympics, freestyle skier Eileen Gu won two gold medals - in big air and halfpipe, while snowboarder Chloe Kim defended the halfpipe gold she had won as a teenager in 2018. Skateboarder Rayassa Leal was still only 14 as she won Street gold at both the Summer X Games and the World Championships. What we love about sport is not always measured in medals and there are some inspirational stories within the nominations for Laureus World Comeback of the Year. Tiger Woods` return at Augusta, 14 months after a car crash that crushed one of his feet, was as moving as any of his Major wins. Klay Thompson missed two entire seasons through injuries before returning to win his fourth NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. At the World Athletics Championships, there was no upset greater than Jake Wightman`s defeat of Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the 1500m final.

Norway`s 21-year-old track superstar responded with gold in the 5,000m a few days later. Francesco Bagnaia won his first MotoGP title from a seemingly impossible position - he trailed by 91 points in mid-season. Annemiek van Vleuten started the Tour de France Femmes fighting illness and slumping to the back of the field, before fighting through the ranks to win it all. Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field after suffering cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match for Denmark. In February 2022, he returned to the field in the Premier League.&nbsp;

The nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2023 have been announced and this year, the world`s pre-eminent sporting awards ceremony will celebrate not only athletes who thrilled sports fans over the previous 12 months but several who will end their careers with a claim to be the greatest in the history of their sport.

The nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2023 have been announced and this year, the world`s pre-eminent sporting awards ceremony will celebrate not only athletes who thrilled sports fans over the previous 12 months but several who will end their careers with a claim to be the greatest in the history of their sport. Six nominees have been selected across seven nominated Laureus categories, with six inspirational programmes also shortlisted for the Laureus Sport for Good Award. The more than 1,400 members of the Laureus Global Media Nominations Panel decided on all but one category - the shortlist for the Laureus World Sportsperson with a Disability Award was chosen by a specialist panel from the International Paralympic Committee. But what makes these Awards unique is the final stage of the judging process: a vote by the 71 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy - Olympic champions, world-record breakers, athletes who redefined their sports and who now make up the ultimate jury on sporting greatness.The Award winners in these categories and recipients of the Awards presented at the discretion of the Laureus World Sports Academy will be announced at the Laureus World Sports Awards in the Spring.The nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award spent 2022 climbing to the very pinnacle of their sport. Lionel Messi collected the one prize that had eluded him by leading Argentina to the World Cup. Kylian Mbappe`s hat trick in the final earned him the Golden Boot as the World Cup`s leading goalscorer. Rafael Nadal ended 2022 alone at the top of the all-time list of men`s Grand Slam champions with 22 titles after victory in Australia and France. Max Verstappen joins Messi and Nadal as past winners of this Award on the 2023 shortlist after defending his Formula One world title. Mondo Duplantis broke the pole vault world record on three occasions and won world titles indoors and out. Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a fourth NBA championship in eight years.Formula One world champion and current Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Max Verstappen said: "It`s an honour to be nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. Winning last year was an incredible moment for me: it is such a prestigious accolade, and it means even more when you`re up against the world`s best athletes. To be shortlisted again is an achievement in itself, so thank you to my team Oracle Red Bull Racing for the support throughout our Championship winning year, and thank you to the world`s media for nominating me." The race for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award is led by two athletes who lit up the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became a five-time champion over 100m, while Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone added the world title to her Olympic crown with a world record in the 400m hurdles. At the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Katie Ledecky won four golds, taking her total to 22, a record for a female swimmer. Alexia Putellas led FC Barcelona to a perfect season in the Spanish league and claimed a second Ballon d`Or. Mikaela Shiffrin regained her overall title at the Alpine Ski World Cup, while Iga Swiatek emerged from 2022 as the undisputed No.1 in women`s tennis, winning in Paris and New York. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said: "I would like to thank the world`s sports media for this special nomination. This is my sixth nomination for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and it is a great honour. I continue to be inspired by the wider Laureus movement and initiatives in celebrating the power of sports to change the world, which further makes the nomination special. Thank you Laureus and the world`s sports media for nominating me once again." Also Read: Lionel Messi and his father wanted THESE six players to be expelled from Barcelona: Reports Two meteoric tennis talents have been nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. Carlos Alcaraz gave a preview of the next era in the men`s game, winning the US Open to end the year as the sport`s youngest-ever No.1-ranked player. In the women`s game, Elena Rybakina won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. Scottie Scheffler won The Masters and tied for second at the US Open on his way to becoming golf`s No.1. Also nominated are the Morocco Men`s Football Team who captivated the world on their adventure to the semi-finals of the World Cup; Nathan Chen, the figure skater who added Olympic gold to a world title; and Tobi Amusan, who broke the 100m hurdles world record on the way to claiming Nigeria`s first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships. The nominees for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award include both serial winners and ground-breakers. The Argentina Men`s Football Team won a third World Cup, but the first in a generation led by Lionel Messi. No team has won the Champions League more than Real Madrid, who claimed their 14th title to go with another La Liga championship. The Golden State Warriors` fourth NBA championship in eight years ensured their legacy will last forever. The Oracle Red Bull Racing ended the eight-year reign of Mercedes with a Max Verstappen-led victory in the Constructors` Championship. The France Men`s Rugby Team had not won the Six Nations Championship since the Grand Slam of 2010 - and they repeated that feat to reclaim the crown in style. And there were no more dramatic champions than the England Women`s Football Team, who on home soil fulfilled their promise to become champions of Europe. The Laureus Sport for Good Award recognises an individual or organisation who, in the opinion of the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, has made a significant contribution to transforming the lives of children and young people through sport. This year, the inspirational shortlist includes a movement-based psychosocial support intervention developed by War Child, Save the Children and UNICEF the Netherlands that uses physical activity to relieve stress in children affected by war or conflict (TeamUp); one that uses boxing to challenge stereotypes and empowers young women in Kenya (Boxgirls); a football project aimed at educating and elevating the homeless population in Delhi (Slum Soccer); a programme whose mission is to make sport inclusive for people with disabilities in South Africa (Made For More) and a project in Germany that uses action sports to help orphaned and migrant children integrate into new communities (High Five). Diede de Groot, who completed back-to-back calendar Grand Slams to set a new standard in wheelchair tennis, is nominated for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award. She is joined in an inspirational category by Catherine Debrunner, who broke world records in T53 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m on her home track in Switzerland, then moved up to marathon, winning on her debut in Berlin, and in London. After a break of over two years from competitive swimming, New Zealand`s Cameron Leslie - who also competes in wheelchair rugby as a Wheel Black - won S4 100m freestyle gold at the World Para Swimming Championships. At the Winter Paralympics in China, Declan Farmer led the USA to a third consecutive gold medal in Ice Hockey and was the tournament`s top scorer; Jesper Saltvik Pedersen won four golds on the slopes; and the multi-sport phenomenon Oksana Masters added another chapter to her legend with double gold in the para biathlon. Three surfers are nominated for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award. Filipe Toledo of Brazil was the world champion for the first time. For Stephanie Gilmore, a previous winner of this Award, it was world championship No.8, while big-wave specialist Justine Dupont continued to thrill in that most daring of disciplines. At the Beijing Winter Olympics, freestyle skier Eileen Gu won two gold medals - in big air and halfpipe, while snowboarder Chloe Kim defended the halfpipe gold she had won as a teenager in 2018. Skateboarder Rayassa Leal was still only 14 as she won Street gold at both the Summer X Games and the World Championships. What we love about sport is not always measured in medals and there are some inspirational stories within the nominations for Laureus World Comeback of the Year. Tiger Woods` return at Augusta, 14 months after a car crash that crushed one of his feet, was as moving as any of his Major wins. Klay Thompson missed two entire seasons through injuries before returning to win his fourth NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. At the World Athletics Championships, there was no upset greater than Jake Wightman`s defeat of Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the 1500m final. Norway`s 21-year-old track superstar responded with gold in the 5,000m a few days later. Francesco Bagnaia won his first MotoGP title from a seemingly impossible position - he trailed by 91 points in mid-season. Annemiek van Vleuten started the Tour de France Femmes fighting illness and slumping to the back of the field, before fighting through the ranks to win it all. Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field after suffering cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match for Denmark. In February 2022, he returned to the field in the Premier League.

Laureus World Sports Awards 2023: Messi, Nadal, Curry, Swiatek spearhead All-Star nominations

Formula One will have 23 races this season, still a record and one more than last year, with the sport facing a four-week gap in April after deciding not to replace the cancelled Chinese Grand Prix.

The race in Shanghai, originally scheduled for April 16 as the fourth of 24 rounds, was axed last month for the fourth year in a row due to strict local measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Formula One had said then that it was assessing alternative options, with various venues touted in the media including Portugal's Portimao circuit that was used as a replacement in 2020 and 2021 for races cancelled during the pandemic.

"Formula One can confirm the 2023 season will consist of 23 races. All existing race dates on the calendar remain unchanged," the sport said on Tuesday.

That will leave a gap between round three, Australia's race in Melbourne on April 2, and Azerbaijan's Grand Prix in Baku on April 30.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-drivers-barred-from-making-political-statements-after-president-finds-motorsport-too-woke-544920">Read more:&nbsp;F1 drivers barred from making political statements after president finds motorsport ‘too woke</a>

Sources told Reuters the Chinese GP organisers had sought a reinstatement after Beijing relaxed COVID-19 controls but that was ruled out for logistical reasons.

Bringing the race in Baku forward by a week was also considered.

The 2023 calendar features the return of Qatar in October, a debut night race in Las Vegas in November and six sprint weekends.

Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen will be chasing his third championship in a row when the season starts in Bahrain on March 5 after pre-season testing at the Sakhir circuit in late February.

The season ends in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 26.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Formula One will have 23 races this season, still a record and one more than last year, with the sport facing a four-week gap in April after deciding not to replace the cancelled Chinese Grand Prix.

Formula One will have 23 races this season, still a record and one more than last year, with the sport facing a four-week gap in April after deciding not to replace the cancelled Chinese Grand Prix. The race in Shanghai, originally scheduled for April 16 as the fourth of 24 rounds, was axed last month for the fourth year in a row due to strict local measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Formula One had said then that it was assessing alternative options, with various venues touted in the media including Portugal's Portimao circuit that was used as a replacement in 2020 and 2021 for races cancelled during the pandemic. "Formula One can confirm the 2023 season will consist of 23 races. All existing race dates on the calendar remain unchanged," the sport said on Tuesday. That will leave a gap between round three, Australia's race in Melbourne on April 2, and Azerbaijan's Grand Prix in Baku on April 30. Read more: F1 drivers barred from making political statements after president finds motorsport ‘too woke Sources told Reuters the Chinese GP organisers had sought a reinstatement after Beijing relaxed COVID-19 controls but that was ruled out for logistical reasons. Bringing the race in Baku forward by a week was also considered. The 2023 calendar features the return of Qatar in October, a debut night race in Las Vegas in November and six sprint weekends. Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen will be chasing his third championship in a row when the season starts in Bahrain on March 5 after pre-season testing at the Sakhir circuit in late February. The season ends in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 26. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New F1 season to have 23 races, no replacement for Chinese Grand Prix named yet

Double world champion Max Verstappen signed off on a dominant 2022&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;campaign with a record-extending 15th win of the year in Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc secured second in the overall standings. The Dutchman, who wrapped up the title last month in Japan with four races to spare, was unchallenged as he led from pole position to chequered flag. He crossed the line 8.7 seconds ahead of Leclerc, who having made just&nbsp;one&nbsp;stop, held on to second ahead of Verstappen’s two-stopping teammate Sergio Perez to edge him in their battle for second.&nbsp;

The pair had gone&nbsp;into the race level on points with Leclerc ahead on a countback of wins. Sunday’s victory was the 35th of Verstappen’s career and the second in a row at the Yas Marina track. However, unlike last season, it was a straightforward race that required no safety car interruptions. "Incredible to win again here and 15th win of the season - unbelievable," said Verstappen. "It's been really enjoyable to achieve something like this year, I know it will be hard to replicate but it is good motivation to try and do the same next year."

Perez, who completed a front-row lockout for Red Bull in qualifying, was unable to hand the team a&nbsp;one-two finish on Sunday. He chased down Leclerc at the end on fresher tyres but, delayed by slow-moving backmarkers, ran out of laps. "It's how it is sometimes," said Perez. "At the end of the day, I have to be happy as I gave it my all and I'm sure we'll be back stronger next year." Leclerc hailed a perfect race. "I was 110% from the first lap to the last lap," he said. "I knew the only way to beat Checo was with a different strategy."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-we-feel-this-is-england-to-take-a-knee-in-their-tournament-opener-vs-iran-535962">FIFA World Cup: 'We feel this is...' - England to take a knee in their tournament opener vs Iran</a>

Carlos Sainz, who went wheel-to-wheel with Lewis Hamilton early in the race, was fourth for Ferrari ahead of Mercedes racer George Russell, who served a five-second time penalty for an unsafe release from his pitstop. Seven-time world champion Hamilton had his hopes of keeping intact his record of winning a race every season dashed by a hydraulics failure.

The Briton pulled into the pits to retire his Mercedes on the 55th of the race’s 58 laps. Mercedes's misfortunes, a week on from taking a resurgent&nbsp;one-two in Brazil, meant the formerly dominant champions were unable to overhaul Ferrari and had to settle for third behind the Italian team in the overall standings. Sebastian Vettel scored the final point in 10th on what has been an emotional swansong weekend for the Aston Martin driver.

The German raced hard from his ninth-place grid spot but a long first stint compromised him and dropped him down the field. He signed off with some tyre-smoking donuts on the start-finish straight. Daniel Ricciardo took points in his last race for McLaren with a ninth-place finish.

Fernando Alonso, replacing Vettel at Aston Martin next year, failed to finish his last race for Alpine but the French manufacturer still secured fourth in the overall team standings ahead of McLaren. Mick Schumacher, out of a drive next season after being replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at Haas, finished 16th ahead of teammate Kevin Magnussen.

He survived contact with Williams driver Nicholas Latifi, also out of a drive next year, that tipped both cars into a synchronised spin.

Double world champion Max Verstappen signed off on a dominant 2022 Formula One campaign with a record-extending 15th win of the year in Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc secured second in the overall standings.

Double world champion Max Verstappen signed off on a dominant 2022 Formula One campaign with a record-extending 15th win of the year in Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc secured second in the overall standings. The Dutchman, who wrapped up the title last month in Japan with four races to spare, was unchallenged as he led from pole position to chequered flag. He crossed the line 8.7 seconds ahead of Leclerc, who having made just one stop, held on to second ahead of Verstappen’s two-stopping teammate Sergio Perez to edge him in their battle for second. The pair had gone into the race level on points with Leclerc ahead on a countback of wins. Sunday’s victory was the 35th of Verstappen’s career and the second in a row at the Yas Marina track. However, unlike last season, it was a straightforward race that required no safety car interruptions. "Incredible to win again here and 15th win of the season - unbelievable," said Verstappen. "It's been really enjoyable to achieve something like this year, I know it will be hard to replicate but it is good motivation to try and do the same next year." Perez, who completed a front-row lockout for Red Bull in qualifying, was unable to hand the team a one-two finish on Sunday. He chased down Leclerc at the end on fresher tyres but, delayed by slow-moving backmarkers, ran out of laps. "It's how it is sometimes," said Perez. "At the end of the day, I have to be happy as I gave it my all and I'm sure we'll be back stronger next year." Leclerc hailed a perfect race. "I was 110% from the first lap to the last lap," he said. "I knew the only way to beat Checo was with a different strategy." Also read: FIFA World Cup: 'We feel this is...' - England to take a knee in their tournament opener vs Iran Carlos Sainz, who went wheel-to-wheel with Lewis Hamilton early in the race, was fourth for Ferrari ahead of Mercedes racer George Russell, who served a five-second time penalty for an unsafe release from his pitstop. Seven-time world champion Hamilton had his hopes of keeping intact his record of winning a race every season dashed by a hydraulics failure. The Briton pulled into the pits to retire his Mercedes on the 55th of the race’s 58 laps. Mercedes's misfortunes, a week on from taking a resurgent one-two in Brazil, meant the formerly dominant champions were unable to overhaul Ferrari and had to settle for third behind the Italian team in the overall standings. Sebastian Vettel scored the final point in 10th on what has been an emotional swansong weekend for the Aston Martin driver. The German raced hard from his ninth-place grid spot but a long first stint compromised him and dropped him down the field. He signed off with some tyre-smoking donuts on the start-finish straight. Daniel Ricciardo took points in his last race for McLaren with a ninth-place finish. Fernando Alonso, replacing Vettel at Aston Martin next year, failed to finish his last race for Alpine but the French manufacturer still secured fourth in the overall team standings ahead of McLaren. Mick Schumacher, out of a drive next season after being replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at Haas, finished 16th ahead of teammate Kevin Magnussen. He survived contact with Williams driver Nicholas Latifi, also out of a drive next year, that tipped both cars into a synchronised spin.

In-form Max Verstappen signs off with record-extending win in Abu Dhabi finale

Double&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;world champion Max Verstappen said he and his family had suffered online threats and abuse after he ignored team orders in Brazil last weekend, and blamed the media for making him look bad. The Red Bull driver assured reporters on Thursday he was a team player, and said he had a great relationship with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, but the critics did not know the full story.

Despite saying he hoped they would&nbsp;one&nbsp;day know the details, he still refused to provide them ahead of the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen refused to help Mexican Perez at Interlagos by giving back a place late in the race when they were running sixth and seventh. The Dutch 25-year-old had nothing to gain or lose, having wrapped up his second title in Japan last month, while Perez is fighting Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for second place overall.

Red Bull, who have clinched the constructors' championship, have never finished a season with their drivers first and second and had asked Verstappen to let Perez pass after the Mexican earlier let him through in a failed chase for fifth. "It wasn't about the position...it was about something that happened earlier in the season," Verstappen said on Thursday, amid speculation -- which he would not confirm -- that he was referring to the Monaco Grand Prix won by Perez. "I already explained that in Mexico and the team understood and agreed. "We went to Brazil and I just thought we were just going to race and try to get the best possible result. We had a bit of a miscommunication on Saturday and Sunday, nothing had been said to me about a potential swap."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mercedes-to-return-in-style-next-year-feels-lewis-hamilton-ahead-of-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-535047">Mercedes to return in style next year, feels Lewis Hamilton ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</a>

Verstappen said the team should have known what his response would be when the matter was raised on the last lap, but everything had now been talked through and resolved. "After that race of course I looked very bad in the media," he said. "But also they didn't have the clear picture. To immediately put me down like that is pretty ridiculous. They don't know how I work within the team and what the team appreciates about me. All the things that I've read are pretty disgusting. "Even more than that, they (social media) started attacking my family. "They were threatening my sister, my mum, my girlfriend, my dad. And for me that goes way too far. If you have a problem with me, that's fine. But don't go after my family because that is just unacceptable. "When your own sister writes to you that it's getting way too much and you have to do something about it, I think that says enough," he added. "And then it does get to me because you cannot attack my family."

Red Bull spoke in a statement of death threats, hate mail and vitriol and said the abuse had to stop. Perez, who said on Sunday Verstappen had shown "who he really is", denied crashing deliberately in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix in May and said that race had not been discussed in the talks after Brazil.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Max Verstappen fought back from a slow pitstop to win the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday as his Red Bull team clinched the Formula One constructors' title a day after the death of billionaire owner Dietrich Mateschitz.

The title, clinched with three races to spare, ended an eight-year streak by Mercedes who have yet to win a race this season.

Their seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton looked like he might do it, leading with 15 laps to go but ending up second at the Circuit of the Americas after being reeled in by Verstappen.

"That one was for Dietrich," said Verstappen after taking the chequered flag.

The title was Red Bull's first since 2013, when they completed a fourth successive title double with Germany's Sebastian Vettel at the end of the sport's V8 era.

Ferrari had needed to score 19 points more than Red Bull at the Texas track but Charles Leclerc was the Italian team's sole finisher, fighting his way to third from 12th on the grid.

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Teammate Carlos Sainz, who started on pole position, retired with a damaged car after a first-lap collision with Mercedes's George Russell.

Red Bull now have an unbeatable 656 points to Ferrari's 469.

Verstappen's win was his 13th of the season, equalling the Formula One record held jointly with Ferrari great Michael Schumacher and Vettel, and the 33rd of his career and second in a row in Texas.

The Dutch 25-year-old secured his second title in Japan two weeks ago.

"Max Verstappen you are world champion, we are world champions, thank you so much," team boss Christian Horner told him over the team radio after Red Bull's eighth win in a row and 15th in 19 races.

"And thank you Dietrich Mateschitz for everything that you have done for us, for this team. These championships are for you," he added.

AGONISINGLY LONG PIT STOP

Verstappen seized the lead into the first corner and was in control when he made his second stop to switch from hard to medium tyres on the 36th of 56 scheduled laps.

The stop lasted an agonising 11.1 seconds with the front left wheel not tightening and mechanics scrambling for another wheel gun.

He returned to the track in sixth place, jumped by Leclerc who had also pitted and with Hamilton effectively leading in fourth since the three ahead of the Briton had yet to pit.

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"Beautiful," said Verstappen sarcastically over the radio.

He then set about reducing the gap with determination, passing Leclerc after a brief joust and hitting the front again six laps from the finish to cross the line 5.023 seconds clear of Hamilton.

"It was a tough one...I had to fight my way forward again. We gave it everything out there today," said the champion.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez was fourth with Russell, who took fastest lap, fifth and Lando Norris sixth for McLaren.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso finished seventh for Renault-owned Alpine but, following an appeal by Haas, was handed a 30 second post-race penalty and dropped to 15th.

Haas objected to the Spaniard being allowed to race with an unsafe car after his side mirror flapped around and finally flew off.

Alonso had damaged his car in a collision with future Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll, an incident that brought out the safety car for the second time. Stroll was handed a three-place grid drop for the next race in Mexico.

The first safety car was triggered by Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas crashing on lap 18.

Alonso's demotion lifted Vettel, who had led briefly and also suffered a long pitstop, to seventh for Aston Martin. Haas's Kevin Magnussen moved up to eighth, Yuki Tsunoda ninth for Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri and Esteban Ocon 10th for Alpine.

Max Verstappen fought back from a slow pitstop to win the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday as his Red Bull team clinched the Formula One constructors' title a day after the death of billionaire owner Dietrich Mateschitz.

Max Verstappen fought back from a slow pitstop to win the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday as his Red Bull team clinched the Formula One constructors' title a day after the death of billionaire owner Dietrich Mateschitz. The title, clinched with three races to spare, ended an eight-year streak by Mercedes who have yet to win a race this season. Their seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton looked like he might do it, leading with 15 laps to go but ending up second at the Circuit of the Americas after being reeled in by Verstappen. "That one was for Dietrich," said Verstappen after taking the chequered flag. The title was Red Bull's first since 2013, when they completed a fourth successive title double with Germany's Sebastian Vettel at the end of the sport's V8 era. Ferrari had needed to score 19 points more than Red Bull at the Texas track but Charles Leclerc was the Italian team's sole finisher, fighting his way to third from 12th on the grid. Also read | Rishi Sunak on course to become next UK PM as Boris Johnson pulls out of race Teammate Carlos Sainz, who started on pole position, retired with a damaged car after a first-lap collision with Mercedes's George Russell. Red Bull now have an unbeatable 656 points to Ferrari's 469. Verstappen's win was his 13th of the season, equalling the Formula One record held jointly with Ferrari great Michael Schumacher and Vettel, and the 33rd of his career and second in a row in Texas. The Dutch 25-year-old secured his second title in Japan two weeks ago. "Max Verstappen you are world champion, we are world champions, thank you so much," team boss Christian Horner told him over the team radio after Red Bull's eighth win in a row and 15th in 19 races. "And thank you Dietrich Mateschitz for everything that you have done for us, for this team. These championships are for you," he added. AGONISINGLY LONG PIT STOP Verstappen seized the lead into the first corner and was in control when he made his second stop to switch from hard to medium tyres on the 36th of 56 scheduled laps. The stop lasted an agonising 11.1 seconds with the front left wheel not tightening and mechanics scrambling for another wheel gun. He returned to the track in sixth place, jumped by Leclerc who had also pitted and with Hamilton effectively leading in fourth since the three ahead of the Briton had yet to pit. Also read | North and South Korea exchange warning fire at maritime border amid tensions "Beautiful," said Verstappen sarcastically over the radio. He then set about reducing the gap with determination, passing Leclerc after a brief joust and hitting the front again six laps from the finish to cross the line 5.023 seconds clear of Hamilton. "It was a tough one...I had to fight my way forward again. We gave it everything out there today," said the champion. Red Bull's Sergio Perez was fourth with Russell, who took fastest lap, fifth and Lando Norris sixth for McLaren. Double world champion Fernando Alonso finished seventh for Renault-owned Alpine but, following an appeal by Haas, was handed a 30 second post-race penalty and dropped to 15th. Haas objected to the Spaniard being allowed to race with an unsafe car after his side mirror flapped around and finally flew off. Alonso had damaged his car in a collision with future Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll, an incident that brought out the safety car for the second time. Stroll was handed a three-place grid drop for the next race in Mexico. The first safety car was triggered by Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas crashing on lap 18. Alonso's demotion lifted Vettel, who had led briefly and also suffered a long pitstop, to seventh for Aston Martin. Haas's Kevin Magnussen moved up to eighth, Yuki Tsunoda ninth for Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri and Esteban Ocon 10th for Alpine.

Max Verstappen wins US Grand Prix, Red Bull take constructors' crown

Max Verstappen was declared Formula One world champion Sunday after winning a dramatic rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Verstappen crossed the line first and he was then awarded the title when second-place finisher Charles Leclerc was given a five-second penalty, dropping him to third.

The result gave Verstappen an unassailable 113-point lead in the championship, making him only the third driver after Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel to clinch the title with four races to spare.

Ferrari's Leclerc finished the race second in front of Red Bull's Sergio Perez, but he was hit with a penalty after squeezing Perez wide and leaving the track in a late surge for the line.

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Verstappen was informed he had retained his title midway through the post-race TV interview, and even the driver himself was not sure if he had sealed the deal.

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MAX VERSTAPPEN 
 
TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2TheMax?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2TheMax</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/eOlI6B6un1">pic.twitter.com/eOlI6B6un1</a>
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"It's a crazy feeling of course as I didn't expect it when I crossed the line," said a shell-shocked Verstappen.

"Was it going to be half points? I didn't know how many points I was going to get. I was happy with the race we had."

The race got off to a chaotic start in heavy rain, with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Williams' Alex Albon exiting on the first lap prompting a safety care. A red flag soon followed and forced the drivers to wait for more than an hour before the action restarted, again under a safety car.

Verstappen resumed with a lead over Leclerc and Perez, and extended it as conditions gradually improved. Verstappen has won 12 of 18 races in 2022 and thanked his team for an "incredible" year.

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"The first (championship) is a little more emotional, the second one is beautiful," he said.

"It's been a special year, and you need to remind yourself as these kind of years you don't have very often."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Verstappen had "grown" as a driver.

"Carrying that number one this year, he's done it with a lot of pride," he said. 
&nbsp;

Max Verstappen was declared Formula One world champion Sunday after winning a dramatic rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix. Red Bull's Verstappen crossed the line first and he was then awarded the title when second-place finisher Charles Leclerc was given a five-second penalty, dropping him to third.

Max Verstappen was declared Formula One world champion Sunday after winning a dramatic rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix. Red Bull's Verstappen crossed the line first and he was then awarded the title when second-place finisher Charles Leclerc was given a five-second penalty, dropping him to third. The result gave Verstappen an unassailable 113-point lead in the championship, making him only the third driver after Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel to clinch the title with four races to spare. Ferrari's Leclerc finished the race second in front of Red Bull's Sergio Perez, but he was hit with a penalty after squeezing Perez wide and leaving the track in a late surge for the line. Also Read: American grandmaster Hans Niemann thoroughly scanned before match amid sex toy cheating allegations Verstappen was informed he had retained his title midway through the post-race TV interview, and even the driver himself was not sure if he had sealed the deal. MAX VERSTAPPEN TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION!!!#2TheMax #F1 pic.twitter.com/eOlI6B6un1 — Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2022 × "It's a crazy feeling of course as I didn't expect it when I crossed the line," said a shell-shocked Verstappen. "Was it going to be half points? I didn't know how many points I was going to get. I was happy with the race we had." The race got off to a chaotic start in heavy rain, with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Williams' Alex Albon exiting on the first lap prompting a safety care. A red flag soon followed and forced the drivers to wait for more than an hour before the action restarted, again under a safety car. Verstappen resumed with a lead over Leclerc and Perez, and extended it as conditions gradually improved. Verstappen has won 12 of 18 races in 2022 and thanked his team for an "incredible" year. Also Read: Kylian Mbappe to Lionel Messi: A look at highest-earning footballers in the world "The first (championship) is a little more emotional, the second one is beautiful," he said. "It's been a special year, and you need to remind yourself as these kind of years you don't have very often." Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Verstappen had "grown" as a driver. "Carrying that number one this year, he's done it with a lot of pride," he said.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen retains Formula One world title after dramatic win at Japan Grand Prix

A frustrated Max Verstappen failed to clinch his second successive&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;title in Singapore last weekend but the Red Bull driver has a much stronger chance of getting the job done&nbsp;at Suzuka on Sunday (October 9). Japan is home territory for power unit partner Honda and Verstappen, who made his F1 weekend debut at the circuit in 2014 when he drove in Friday practice, will be champion again if he wins with fastest lap.

The Dutch 25-year-old has a 104-point advantage on Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second in Singapore behind Red Bull's race winner Sergio Perez. The Mexican is two points behind Leclerc. "It would make it extra special to win the championship here because of our relationship with Honda," said Verstappen. "We need a perfect weekend that's for sure."

Leclerc and Perez are now his only mathematical title rivals with five races remaining. Verstappen needs only a 112 point advantage over his closest challenger to be champion at Suzuka, which hasn't crowned a drivers' champion since 2011 when Sebastian Vettel won his second of four titles with Red Bull. Honda, who officially pulled out of the sport last season but continue to assemble Red Bull's power units in Japan, will have an enhanced presence from Suzuka with their branding on Verstappen and Perez's cars as well as sister team AlphaTauri.

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Verstappen's 2021 title was the Japanese manufacturer's first since 1991, when late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna clinched his third and final&nbsp;one&nbsp;with their engines in his McLaren. Honda has not had a home race since 2019, however, with the Japanese Grand Prix left off the calendar for the last two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company owns the Suzuka circuit and is the title sponsor for this year's event. Red Bull last won there in 2013, the final year of Vettel's era of dominance while Ferrari's last success in Suzuka was with Michael Schumacher in 2004. Mercedes, still chasing a first win of the year, have enjoyed an unbeaten run of success at Suzuka going back to 2014, with the reigning champions even wrapping up their sixth constructors' title at the track in 2019.

With Red Bull winning 13 of this year's 17 races, and Ferrari the others, that could all change this weekend.

A frustrated Max Verstappen failed to clinch his second successive Formula One title in Singapore last weekend but the Red Bull driver has a much stronger chance of getting the job done at Suzuka on Sunday (October 9).

A frustrated Max Verstappen failed to clinch his second successive Formula One title in Singapore last weekend but the Red Bull driver has a much stronger chance of getting the job done at Suzuka on Sunday (October 9). Japan is home territory for power unit partner Honda and Verstappen, who made his F1 weekend debut at the circuit in 2014 when he drove in Friday practice, will be champion again if he wins with fastest lap. The Dutch 25-year-old has a 104-point advantage on Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second in Singapore behind Red Bull's race winner Sergio Perez. The Mexican is two points behind Leclerc. "It would make it extra special to win the championship here because of our relationship with Honda," said Verstappen. "We need a perfect weekend that's for sure." Leclerc and Perez are now his only mathematical title rivals with five races remaining. Verstappen needs only a 112 point advantage over his closest challenger to be champion at Suzuka, which hasn't crowned a drivers' champion since 2011 when Sebastian Vettel won his second of four titles with Red Bull. Honda, who officially pulled out of the sport last season but continue to assemble Red Bull's power units in Japan, will have an enhanced presence from Suzuka with their branding on Verstappen and Perez's cars as well as sister team AlphaTauri. ALSO READ | Former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone faces fraud trial in October 2023 Verstappen's 2021 title was the Japanese manufacturer's first since 1991, when late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna clinched his third and final one with their engines in his McLaren. Honda has not had a home race since 2019, however, with the Japanese Grand Prix left off the calendar for the last two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company owns the Suzuka circuit and is the title sponsor for this year's event. Red Bull last won there in 2013, the final year of Vettel's era of dominance while Ferrari's last success in Suzuka was with Michael Schumacher in 2004. Mercedes, still chasing a first win of the year, have enjoyed an unbeaten run of success at Suzuka going back to 2014, with the reigning champions even wrapping up their sixth constructors' title at the track in 2019. With Red Bull winning 13 of this year's 17 races, and Ferrari the others, that could all change this weekend.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen feels winning F1 title at Honda's home track would be 'extra special'

Sergio Perez won a rain-affected Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday meaning his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, who finished seventh, must wait at least another week to retain his Formula One world championship.

The Mexican took the chequered flag 7.5sec ahead of the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, whose teammate Carlos Sainz was third in the night race that started more than an hour late because of a storm.

Verstappen had a mathematical chance to clinch a second world title in Singapore, but needed to win and have other results go his way.

The Dutchman was always going to struggle after starting eighth on the grid at the Marina Bay Street Circuit but he battled back from a slow start where he dropped to 13th to finish seventh.

It means his world championship lead over Leclerc has been cut to 104 points ahead of next week's Japanese Grand Prix. Perez is two points behind Leclerc. Verstappen will need to be 112 points ahead at the end of next Sunday's race in Suzuka to retain his title.

It means a win will be enough for Verstappen if Leclerc fails to finish second.

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"It was certainly my best performance,"&nbsp;Perez said.&nbsp;"I controlled the race. The last three laps were so intense. When I got out of the car, I felt it. I gave everything today."

Perez was under investigation for an infringement under one of numerous safety car periods during the race, and potentially faces a time penalty that could hand the victory to Ferrari.

"I have no idea what's going on, they just told me I was under investigation and to increase the gap,"&nbsp;Perez said.

Leclerc started on pole but had a sluggish getaway on intermediate tyres in the slippery conditions allowing Perez to reach the first corner in the lead.&nbsp;

"I pushed all the way," said Leclerc. "The bad start put us on the back foot and it was a really difficult race after that.

"I need a good night's sleep and to get ready for Japan."

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Sainz said he felt he could never threaten the front two after he crossed the line 7.7sec behind his teammate.

"It was very tough out there,"&nbsp;Sainz said.&nbsp;"I never really got into a rhythm in the wet and then couldn't challenge the top two guys.

"I had to settle for P3, but the good thing is I didn't do any mistakes and could bring the car home and be quick towards the end of the race."

Lewis Hamilton started third in his Mercedes and lost a place at the start before later slithering into a barrier and finishing ninth.

Sergio Perez won a rain-affected Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday meaning his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, who finished seventh, must wait at least another week to retain his Formula One world championship.

Sergio Perez won a rain-affected Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday meaning his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, who finished seventh, must wait at least another week to retain his Formula One world championship. The Mexican took the chequered flag 7.5sec ahead of the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, whose teammate Carlos Sainz was third in the night race that started more than an hour late because of a storm. Verstappen had a mathematical chance to clinch a second world title in Singapore, but needed to win and have other results go his way. The Dutchman was always going to struggle after starting eighth on the grid at the Marina Bay Street Circuit but he battled back from a slow start where he dropped to 13th to finish seventh. It means his world championship lead over Leclerc has been cut to 104 points ahead of next week's Japanese Grand Prix. Perez is two points behind Leclerc. Verstappen will need to be 112 points ahead at the end of next Sunday's race in Suzuka to retain his title. It means a win will be enough for Verstappen if Leclerc fails to finish second. Also Read: Lewis Hamilton allowed to wear piercing, but Mercedes slapped with $24,500 fine "It was certainly my best performance," Perez said. "I controlled the race. The last three laps were so intense. When I got out of the car, I felt it. I gave everything today." Perez was under investigation for an infringement under one of numerous safety car periods during the race, and potentially faces a time penalty that could hand the victory to Ferrari. "I have no idea what's going on, they just told me I was under investigation and to increase the gap," Perez said. Leclerc started on pole but had a sluggish getaway on intermediate tyres in the slippery conditions allowing Perez to reach the first corner in the lead. "I pushed all the way," said Leclerc. "The bad start put us on the back foot and it was a really difficult race after that. "I need a good night's sleep and to get ready for Japan." Also Read: Indonesia stadium stampede: What led to one of world's worst football tragedies? Sainz said he felt he could never threaten the front two after he crossed the line 7.7sec behind his teammate. "It was very tough out there," Sainz said. "I never really got into a rhythm in the wet and then couldn't challenge the top two guys. "I had to settle for P3, but the good thing is I didn't do any mistakes and could bring the car home and be quick towards the end of the race." Lewis Hamilton started third in his Mercedes and lost a place at the start before later slithering into a barrier and finishing ninth.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez wins Singapore Grand Prix as Max Verstappen finishes seventh

Red Bull's Sergio Perez said on Thursday (September 29) the team will try for a one-two finish at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, while teammate Max Verstappen deserves to win the championship this year.

The Mexican driver is currently third on the leader board, behind Verstappen and Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc. "I expect Ferrari to be relatively strong so it won't be so easy, but we will try our best," Perez told Reuters on the sidelinea of an ExxonMobil event, where he also took part in a radio-controlled car race against school children.

Verstappen has a shot at securing his second Formula One title. He has won 11 of 16 races, finished off the podium just once and heads into Singapore, a race he is yet to win and where Red Bull have not triumphed since 2013, on a streak of five successive victories.

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“In the beginning of the year we were fighting for the championship. Then Max (Verstappen) has had a pretty good run of races and he disappeared a bit and now it looks like it's just a matter of time before he becomes champion, which he fully deserves to be,” said Perez. He added that he has grown more comfortable with the car and Red Bull could finish the season “on a high”.

The Singapore night race circuit is coming back on the F1 calendar this year after being absent for two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The race, staged in the heart of the city against a backdrop of glittering skyscrapers, has established itself as one of the sport's most glamorous and popular. A crowd of about 268,000 attended over the whole weekend in 2019 and organizers are expecting a sell-out this year.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez said on Thursday (September 29) the team will try for a one-two finish at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, while teammate Max Verstappen deserves to win the championship this year.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez said on Thursday (September 29) the team will try for a one-two finish at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, while teammate Max Verstappen deserves to win the championship this year. The Mexican driver is currently third on the leader board, behind Verstappen and Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc. "I expect Ferrari to be relatively strong so it won't be so easy, but we will try our best," Perez told Reuters on the sidelinea of an ExxonMobil event, where he also took part in a radio-controlled car race against school children. Verstappen has a shot at securing his second Formula One title. He has won 11 of 16 races, finished off the podium just once and heads into Singapore, a race he is yet to win and where Red Bull have not triumphed since 2013, on a streak of five successive victories. ALSO READ | FIA gives nod to three more sprint sessions in Formula One from 2023 “In the beginning of the year we were fighting for the championship. Then Max (Verstappen) has had a pretty good run of races and he disappeared a bit and now it looks like it's just a matter of time before he becomes champion, which he fully deserves to be,” said Perez. He added that he has grown more comfortable with the car and Red Bull could finish the season “on a high”. The Singapore night race circuit is coming back on the F1 calendar this year after being absent for two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race, staged in the heart of the city against a backdrop of glittering skyscrapers, has established itself as one of the sport's most glamorous and popular. A crowd of about 268,000 attended over the whole weekend in 2019 and organizers are expecting a sell-out this year.

Sergio Perez feels Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen deserves to win F1 championship

Red Bull's&nbsp;Max&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;dashed Ferrari's home hopes and won the Italian Grand Prix behind the safety car on Sunday to move potentially a race away from his second Formula One world championship.

The Dutch 24-year-old's victory at the "Temple of Speed", in a race that ended disappointingly and to jeers from the crowd, was&nbsp;Verstappen's fifth in a row and 11th from 16 races this season.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc,&nbsp;Verstappen's closest rival and now 116 points adrift with six races remaining, took second after starting on pole position.

George Russell finished third for Mercedes.

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If&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;scores 22 points more than Leclerc in the next race under floodlights in Singapore on Oct. 2, the title battle will be over. Otherwise, it goes on to Japan a week later.

"You deserve that victory. It's a shame it didn't get going at the end there but you were the fastest car all weekend," Red Bull boss Christian Horner told&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;over the radio after the chequered flag.

"Great job guys, we had a great race car," he replied.

The win was the 31st of&nbsp;Verstappen's career, lifting him level with Britain's 1992 champion Nigel Mansell in the all-time lists.

Verstappen&nbsp;started seventh on the grid but was third by the end of the opening lap and 19.5 seconds clear of Leclerc with 20 laps remaining after the Monegasque had pitted for a second time to switch from medium tyres to softs.

The safety car, deployed six laps from the end when last year's winner Daniel Ricciardo stopped his McLaren on track with an engine failure, raised the home fans' hopes but time ran out.

The race, at a super-fast circuit celebrating its 100th anniversary, finished with the safety car peeling off into the pits at the finish and no opportunity for the order to change in the short run to the flag.

"The end was frustrating, I wish we could have had a bit of a race," said Leclerc.

"It's a shame, but I gave it all today. I wish I could have won in front of the amazing Tifosi (fans) but I just couldn't today."

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was fourth, after starting 18th and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton went from the back row of the grid to fifth for Mercedes.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez was sixth, and took a bonus point for fastest lap, ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly.

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Dutch debutant Nyck de Vries took ninth place for Williams, a stellar achievement that earned him the Driver of the Day accolade, and China's Guanyu Zhou was 10th for Alfa Romeo in their home race.

"My shoulders are dead," said De Vries, who was standing in for regular driver Alex Albon after the Thai suffered appendicitis on Saturday morning.

A minute's silence was observed before the start for Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest reigning monarch who died aged 96 on Thursday.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen dashed Ferrari's home hopes and won the Italian Grand Prix behind the safety car on Sunday to move potentially a race away from his second Formula One world championship.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen dashed Ferrari's home hopes and won the Italian Grand Prix behind the safety car on Sunday to move potentially a race away from his second Formula One world championship. The Dutch 24-year-old's victory at the "Temple of Speed", in a race that ended disappointingly and to jeers from the crowd, was Verstappen's fifth in a row and 11th from 16 races this season. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Verstappen's closest rival and now 116 points adrift with six races remaining, took second after starting on pole position. George Russell finished third for Mercedes. ALSO READ: Graham Potter pens open letter to Brighton & Hove Albion fans after leaving for Chelsea If Verstappen scores 22 points more than Leclerc in the next race under floodlights in Singapore on Oct. 2, the title battle will be over. Otherwise, it goes on to Japan a week later. "You deserve that victory. It's a shame it didn't get going at the end there but you were the fastest car all weekend," Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Verstappen over the radio after the chequered flag. "Great job guys, we had a great race car," he replied. The win was the 31st of Verstappen's career, lifting him level with Britain's 1992 champion Nigel Mansell in the all-time lists. Verstappen started seventh on the grid but was third by the end of the opening lap and 19.5 seconds clear of Leclerc with 20 laps remaining after the Monegasque had pitted for a second time to switch from medium tyres to softs. The safety car, deployed six laps from the end when last year's winner Daniel Ricciardo stopped his McLaren on track with an engine failure, raised the home fans' hopes but time ran out. The race, at a super-fast circuit celebrating its 100th anniversary, finished with the safety car peeling off into the pits at the finish and no opportunity for the order to change in the short run to the flag. "The end was frustrating, I wish we could have had a bit of a race," said Leclerc. "It's a shame, but I gave it all today. I wish I could have won in front of the amazing Tifosi (fans) but I just couldn't today." Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was fourth, after starting 18th and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton went from the back row of the grid to fifth for Mercedes. Red Bull's Sergio Perez was sixth, and took a bonus point for fastest lap, ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly. ALSO READ: UFC 279: Who won the fight between Nate Diaz and Tony Ferguson? Dutch debutant Nyck de Vries took ninth place for Williams, a stellar achievement that earned him the Driver of the Day accolade, and China's Guanyu Zhou was 10th for Alfa Romeo in their home race. "My shoulders are dead," said De Vries, who was standing in for regular driver Alex Albon after the Thai suffered appendicitis on Saturday morning. A minute's silence was observed before the start for Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest reigning monarch who died aged 96 on Thursday.

Italian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen inches closer to F1 title following a dominant race-win at Monza

Red Bull's Max Verstappen put on an extremely impressive performance in his home Grand Prix, managing to overcome the challenge presented by his fellow drivers to clinch pole position for the 2022 edition of the Dutch Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was merely 0.021s behind the home favourite as he himself attempted to wrest pole position out of Verstappen's hands.

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However, Verstappen, who produced an extremely impressive final lap at the Zandvoort circuit, was just too fast for the Italian to catch as he edged past him with the finest of margins.

The celebrations of the home fans were seemingly just loud enough to drown out the debilitating noise of techno music and the F1 cars themselves when their compatriot and&nbsp;championship leader raced past the finish line to solidify his position on the first row.

It is interesting to note that Leclerc had the leading time and was looking to outdo himself in the final lap. However, a slick middle sector helped Verstappen lay claim to the fourth pole of the season.&nbsp;

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were followed by the Prancing Horse's second driver Carlos Sainz in P3. Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, could only muster up P4.

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Max Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, divided Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russel by picking up the fifth spot with the fledgling Silver Arrows driver picking up P6.

Verstappen had managed to make his way to the top step&nbsp;in last year's edition of the Dutch Grand Prix while&nbsp;King Willem-Alexander was in attendance.&nbsp;The Dutchman will aim to replicate the same result this time around.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen put on an extremely impressive performance in his home Grand Prix, managing to overcome the challenge presented by his fellow drivers to clinch pole position for the 2022 edition of the Dutch Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen put on an extremely impressive performance in his home Grand Prix, managing to overcome the challenge presented by his fellow drivers to clinch pole position for the 2022 edition of the Dutch Grand Prix. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was merely 0.021s behind the home favourite as he himself attempted to wrest pole position out of Verstappen's hands. ALSO READ: 'Sad for Indian football'- Bhaichung Bhutia shocked by the level of political interference in AIFF elections However, Verstappen, who produced an extremely impressive final lap at the Zandvoort circuit, was just too fast for the Italian to catch as he edged past him with the finest of margins. The celebrations of the home fans were seemingly just loud enough to drown out the debilitating noise of techno music and the F1 cars themselves when their compatriot and championship leader raced past the finish line to solidify his position on the first row. It is interesting to note that Leclerc had the leading time and was looking to outdo himself in the final lap. However, a slick middle sector helped Verstappen lay claim to the fourth pole of the season. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were followed by the Prancing Horse's second driver Carlos Sainz in P3. Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, could only muster up P4. ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja likely to undergo surgery, set to be ruled out of T20 World Cup Max Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, divided Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russel by picking up the fifth spot with the fledgling Silver Arrows driver picking up P6. Verstappen had managed to make his way to the top step in last year's edition of the Dutch Grand Prix while King Willem-Alexander was in attendance. The Dutchman will aim to replicate the same result this time around.

Max Verstappen outpaces Charles Leclerc to pick up pole position at his home Grand Prix

Max Verstappen won the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix from P15 on the grid in a Red Bull one-two backed up by Sergio Perez, while pole-sitter Carlos Sainz finished P3 for Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso knotted at Les Combes on Lap 1, leaving the Mercedes driver out of the race. The restart saw Verstappen line up eighth while Sainz led Perez-Leclerc having had to pit for mediums with a tear-off in his brake duct.

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Verstappen made quick work of the cars ahead, sweeping into P3 by Lap 8 with only Perez and Sainz to beat. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had to retire from the opening lap after his Mercedes crashed with Fernando Alonso`s Alpine.

Pole-sitter Carlos Sainz held off Mercedes` George Russell to clinch third, while his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc finished sixth after a calamitous decision.

"It was quite a hectic first lap to try and stay out of trouble," said Verstappen in an official statement. "So many things were happening in front of me.

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"But once we settled in after the Safety Car, the car was really on rails, we picked the right places to pass people and we could look after our tyres and that is how we made our way forward," he added.

"After that, once we were in the lead it was all about managing everything - but this whole weekend has been incredible. It`s been a weekend I couldn`t imagine before, but I think we want more of them, so keep working hard," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull.

Max Verstappen won the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix from P15 on the grid in a Red Bull one-two backed up by Sergio Perez, while pole-sitter Carlos Sainz finished P3 for Ferrari.

Max Verstappen won the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix from P15 on the grid in a Red Bull one-two backed up by Sergio Perez, while pole-sitter Carlos Sainz finished P3 for Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso knotted at Les Combes on Lap 1, leaving the Mercedes driver out of the race. The restart saw Verstappen line up eighth while Sainz led Perez-Leclerc having had to pit for mediums with a tear-off in his brake duct. ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2022: Hardik Pandya stars as India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in last-over thriller Verstappen made quick work of the cars ahead, sweeping into P3 by Lap 8 with only Perez and Sainz to beat. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had to retire from the opening lap after his Mercedes crashed with Fernando Alonso`s Alpine. Pole-sitter Carlos Sainz held off Mercedes` George Russell to clinch third, while his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc finished sixth after a calamitous decision. "It was quite a hectic first lap to try and stay out of trouble," said Verstappen in an official statement. "So many things were happening in front of me. ALSO READ: LIV Golf acquires British Open winner Cam Smith in addition to five PGA Tour players in latest haul "But once we settled in after the Safety Car, the car was really on rails, we picked the right places to pass people and we could look after our tyres and that is how we made our way forward," he added. "After that, once we were in the lead it was all about managing everything - but this whole weekend has been incredible. It`s been a weekend I couldn`t imagine before, but I think we want more of them, so keep working hard," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull.

Max Verstappen cruises to victory after starting at P14 at the Belgian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton suffers

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen on Sunday slammed fans who burned Lewis Hamilton-branded merchandise, calling their actions disgusting. "That’s of course not acceptable,” the Red Bull driver, who beat Mercedes rival Hamilton to last year’s title in a controversial season-finale, told reporters after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix. "These individuals, I definitely don’t agree with that because that’s just disgusting.”

Verstappen, Formula One’s youngest race winner and the first Dutch world champion, has a legion of fans dubbed the ‘Orange Army’ that follow him around the world. Footage circulating on social media over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend appeared to show fans burning Hamilton merchandise.

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It followed reports of drunken males harassing female fans, homophobic chants and racist abuse at the Austrian Grand Prix earlier this month, Red Bull’s home race which was packed with Verstappen supporters. 
The next race in Belgium, where Verstappen was born, is another Orange Army stronghold with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the 24-year-old’s home race, following the week after.

The incidents in Austria prompted Formula One to launch its ‘Drive it Out’ anti-abuse initiative on Saturday. 
Verstappen, sitting alongside second-placed Hamilton in the post-race press conference, said the majority of his fans were generally respectful. “Overall I think the majority of the fans… which also were cheering a lot throughout the race and also on the podium for every driver, I think that’s how it should be," he said. 
"The video of burning merch, I think that’s disgusting," he said.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen on Sunday slammed fans who burned Lewis Hamilton-branded merchandise, calling their actions disgusting. "That’s of course not acceptable,” the Red Bull driver, who beat Mercedes rival Hamilton to last year’s title in a controversial season-finale, told reporters after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen on Sunday slammed fans who burned Lewis Hamilton-branded merchandise, calling their actions disgusting. "That’s of course not acceptable,” the Red Bull driver, who beat Mercedes rival Hamilton to last year’s title in a controversial season-finale, told reporters after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix. "These individuals, I definitely don’t agree with that because that’s just disgusting.” Verstappen, Formula One’s youngest race winner and the first Dutch world champion, has a legion of fans dubbed the ‘Orange Army’ that follow him around the world. Footage circulating on social media over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend appeared to show fans burning Hamilton merchandise. ALSO READ | Formula One launches 'Drive It Out' campaign to stop abusive behaviour It followed reports of drunken males harassing female fans, homophobic chants and racist abuse at the Austrian Grand Prix earlier this month, Red Bull’s home race which was packed with Verstappen supporters. The next race in Belgium, where Verstappen was born, is another Orange Army stronghold with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the 24-year-old’s home race, following the week after. The incidents in Austria prompted Formula One to launch its ‘Drive it Out’ anti-abuse initiative on Saturday. Verstappen, sitting alongside second-placed Hamilton in the post-race press conference, said the majority of his fans were generally respectful. “Overall I think the majority of the fans… which also were cheering a lot throughout the race and also on the podium for every driver, I think that’s how it should be," he said. "The video of burning merch, I think that’s disgusting," he said.

Max Verstappen lashes out at fans for burning Lewis Hamilton merchandise after winning Hungarian GP

Red Bull`s Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix on Sunday and took a huge stride towards his second Formula One title after Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc made a costly mistake and crashed out while leading.

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton finished second for Mercedes in his 300th grand prix, with teammate George Russell third to secure their first podium double of the campaign.

The victory on a hot afternoon at Le Castellet was Verstappen`s seventh of the season and 27th of his career. 
It also left him a hefty 63 points -- more than two race wins -- clear of closest rival Leclerc at the top with 10 rounds remaining.

"I think we had really good pace from the start, I was putting pressure on Charles," said the Dutch 24-year-old, who also won at the southern Circuit Paul Ricard last year.

"Following around here, with this heat, the tyres are overheating a lot so I could never really go for a move - only once."

Leclerc had led away cleanly from pole position, with Verstappen close behind but needing six laps before he could get close enough to attempt a move.

While he pulled closer on the straights, Leclerc had an advantage through the corners and managed to remain just out of reach.

The Ferrari then appeared to be pulling away, but with some concern about tyre wear, as Verstappen made his first pitstop. And then it all changed on lap 18.

The Ferrari driver screamed in rage and frustration over the radio after his car spun mid-corner and plunged into the tyre barrier at the 11th corner, Le Beausset.

The Monegasque, hurting inside but otherwise intact, blamed only himself.

"I`ve been saying I think I`m performing at my highest level in my career but if I keep doing those mistakes then it`s pointless to perform at a very high level," he told Sky Sports television. "I`m losing too many points."

The safety car was deployed briefly but from then on Verstappen was able to do his race and look after the tyres without much trouble.

Red Bull`s Sergio Perez finished fourth, losing out to Russell three laps from the end and complaining over the radio that the Briton had repeatedly gone off.

Carlos Sainz was fifth for Ferrari after starting on the back row due to engine penalties and storming back through the field with a bonus point for fastest lap.

Sainz could have finished higher, having got himself up into the podium places, but the Spaniard had to serve a five-second penalty for an unsafe release in the pits.

Fernando Alonso was sixth for Renault-owned Alpine, ahead of McLaren`s Lando Norris.

Alpine`s Esteban Ocon was eighth, McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo ninth and Lance Stroll took the final point in 10th for Aston Martin.

Red Bull`s Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix on Sunday and took a huge stride towards his second Formula One title after Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc made a costly mistake and crashed out while leading.

Red Bull`s Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix on Sunday and took a huge stride towards his second Formula One title after Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc made a costly mistake and crashed out while leading. Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton finished second for Mercedes in his 300th grand prix, with teammate George Russell third to secure their first podium double of the campaign. The victory on a hot afternoon at Le Castellet was Verstappen`s seventh of the season and 27th of his career. It also left him a hefty 63 points -- more than two race wins -- clear of closest rival Leclerc at the top with 10 rounds remaining. "I think we had really good pace from the start, I was putting pressure on Charles," said the Dutch 24-year-old, who also won at the southern Circuit Paul Ricard last year. "Following around here, with this heat, the tyres are overheating a lot so I could never really go for a move - only once." Leclerc had led away cleanly from pole position, with Verstappen close behind but needing six laps before he could get close enough to attempt a move. While he pulled closer on the straights, Leclerc had an advantage through the corners and managed to remain just out of reach. The Ferrari then appeared to be pulling away, but with some concern about tyre wear, as Verstappen made his first pitstop. And then it all changed on lap 18. The Ferrari driver screamed in rage and frustration over the radio after his car spun mid-corner and plunged into the tyre barrier at the 11th corner, Le Beausset. The Monegasque, hurting inside but otherwise intact, blamed only himself. "I`ve been saying I think I`m performing at my highest level in my career but if I keep doing those mistakes then it`s pointless to perform at a very high level," he told Sky Sports television. "I`m losing too many points." The safety car was deployed briefly but from then on Verstappen was able to do his race and look after the tyres without much trouble. Red Bull`s Sergio Perez finished fourth, losing out to Russell three laps from the end and complaining over the radio that the Briton had repeatedly gone off. Carlos Sainz was fifth for Ferrari after starting on the back row due to engine penalties and storming back through the field with a bonus point for fastest lap. Sainz could have finished higher, having got himself up into the podium places, but the Spaniard had to serve a five-second penalty for an unsafe release in the pits. Fernando Alonso was sixth for Renault-owned Alpine, ahead of McLaren`s Lando Norris. Alpine`s Esteban Ocon was eighth, McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo ninth and Lance Stroll took the final point in 10th for Aston Martin.

Max Verstappen wins in French Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc crashes out

Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc received a boost from teammate Carlos Sainz that helped him beat Red Bull`s championship leader Max Verstappen to pole position at the French Grand Prix on Saturday.

Spaniard Sainz, who already knew he would be starting at the back on Sunday due to engine penalties, `towed` Leclerc in his slipstream at Le Castellet`s smooth-surfaced Circuit Paul Ricard.

The extra speed made a difference.

"It was a great lap. I’ve struggled all weekend to put a lap together and I managed to put it," said Leclerc, who is second overall but 38 points adrift of Verstappen in the standings after 11 of 22 races.

"I also had the help of Carlos and that was amazing teamwork, because without Carlos it would have been much closer," added the Monegasque.

"So huge thanks to Carlos and I hope that he can join us back in the fight for the win tomorrow."

Red Bull`s Sergio Perez qualified third while Mercedes` seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton will start his 300th grand prix from fourth.

The pole was Leclerc`s seventh of the season and 16th of his career.

Every race at Le Castellet since the southern French circuit returned to the calendar in 2018 has been won from pole.

Leclerc`s time of one minute 30.872 seconds was 0.304 quicker than Verstappen but Ferrari will have both Red Bulls chasing one car and Sainz will be unable to provide further assistance on what could be a hot and windy Sunday afternoon.

DIFFERENT CONCEPTS

Ferrari are seeking their third win in a row, and fifth of the season, after Leclerc triumphed in Austria two weeks ago and Sainz the weekend before that.

"I think we were lacking a bit in qualifying, just general grip," said Verstappen.

"It was a bit trickier than I think I would have hoped but overall, I think we still have a decent race car and hopefully tomorrow will come into our favour. We`re quick on the straights so we can use that tomorrow."

Team boss Christian Horner said Verstappen might have been a 10th, or a 10th and a half, closer without Leclerc getting the tow over the single lap.

"We`ve got two very different concepts of attacking this racetrack this weekend," he added. "Ferrari are running a little bit more downforce, we`re a bit more trimmed out. It`s all about tomorrow.

"We`ve got two versus one which is always an interesting strategic dynamic."

Mercedes had hoped to take the fight more to the top two teams but in the end the second row was the closest they could manage.

McLaren`s Lando Norris split the Mercedes drivers by taking fifth place on the grid, ahead of Hamilton`s teammate George Russell.

"At the end the overall package is just not quick enough, we can see that," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who felt Hamilton had extracted more from the car than could have been expected.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso qualified a strong seventh for Renault-owned Alpine with Yuki Tsunoda eighth for AlphaTauri.

Sainz and Ferrari-powered Haas driver Kevin Magnussen qualified ninth and 10th but both will drop to the back, promoting McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo and Alpine`s Esteban Ocon into the top 10.

"Obviously because of the penalty, the target was to get to Q3 (the final phase) and give the tow to Charles, which I think I did pretty well -- I think it was pretty nailed -- and I’m happy for the team," said Sainz.

McLaren boss Andreas Seidl said the session showed his team had made a clear step up with their car upgrades.

Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc received a boost from teammate Carlos Sainz that helped him beat Red Bull`s championship leader Max Verstappen to pole position at the French Grand Prix on Saturday.

Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc received a boost from teammate Carlos Sainz that helped him beat Red Bull`s championship leader Max Verstappen to pole position at the French Grand Prix on Saturday. Spaniard Sainz, who already knew he would be starting at the back on Sunday due to engine penalties, `towed` Leclerc in his slipstream at Le Castellet`s smooth-surfaced Circuit Paul Ricard. The extra speed made a difference. "It was a great lap. I’ve struggled all weekend to put a lap together and I managed to put it," said Leclerc, who is second overall but 38 points adrift of Verstappen in the standings after 11 of 22 races. "I also had the help of Carlos and that was amazing teamwork, because without Carlos it would have been much closer," added the Monegasque. "So huge thanks to Carlos and I hope that he can join us back in the fight for the win tomorrow." Red Bull`s Sergio Perez qualified third while Mercedes` seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton will start his 300th grand prix from fourth. The pole was Leclerc`s seventh of the season and 16th of his career. Every race at Le Castellet since the southern French circuit returned to the calendar in 2018 has been won from pole. Leclerc`s time of one minute 30.872 seconds was 0.304 quicker than Verstappen but Ferrari will have both Red Bulls chasing one car and Sainz will be unable to provide further assistance on what could be a hot and windy Sunday afternoon. DIFFERENT CONCEPTS Ferrari are seeking their third win in a row, and fifth of the season, after Leclerc triumphed in Austria two weeks ago and Sainz the weekend before that. "I think we were lacking a bit in qualifying, just general grip," said Verstappen. "It was a bit trickier than I think I would have hoped but overall, I think we still have a decent race car and hopefully tomorrow will come into our favour. We`re quick on the straights so we can use that tomorrow." Team boss Christian Horner said Verstappen might have been a 10th, or a 10th and a half, closer without Leclerc getting the tow over the single lap. "We`ve got two very different concepts of attacking this racetrack this weekend," he added. "Ferrari are running a little bit more downforce, we`re a bit more trimmed out. It`s all about tomorrow. "We`ve got two versus one which is always an interesting strategic dynamic." Mercedes had hoped to take the fight more to the top two teams but in the end the second row was the closest they could manage. McLaren`s Lando Norris split the Mercedes drivers by taking fifth place on the grid, ahead of Hamilton`s teammate George Russell. "At the end the overall package is just not quick enough, we can see that," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who felt Hamilton had extracted more from the car than could have been expected. Double world champion Fernando Alonso qualified a strong seventh for Renault-owned Alpine with Yuki Tsunoda eighth for AlphaTauri. Sainz and Ferrari-powered Haas driver Kevin Magnussen qualified ninth and 10th but both will drop to the back, promoting McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo and Alpine`s Esteban Ocon into the top 10. "Obviously because of the penalty, the target was to get to Q3 (the final phase) and give the tow to Charles, which I think I did pretty well -- I think it was pretty nailed -- and I’m happy for the team," said Sainz. McLaren boss Andreas Seidl said the session showed his team had made a clear step up with their car upgrades.

Charles Leclerc on pole in French Grand Prix, Max Verstappen second

Charles Leclerc survived a late throttle scare to win the Austrian Grand Prix for Ferrari on Sunday and move back up as Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen`s closest rival. Red Bull`s Verstappen had to settle for second, with a comfortable 38-point lead over the Monegasque after 11 of 22 races.

Mercedes` seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton completed the podium for the third race in a row. "I was scared. I was really scared," said a relieved Leclerc over the team radio after taking the chequered flag at the Red Bull Ring with Verstappen in his mirrors and one and half seconds behind.

He overtook the Dutch driver three times in the race but feared the win might still slip away as he battled a throttle problem over the last few laps.

"It would get stuck at 20 or 30% throttle in the low speeds, so it was very tricky. We managed to make it stick until the end and I am so happy," said Leclerc.

"I definitely needed that one. The last five races have been incredibly difficult for myself and for the team. To finally show that we have the pace in the car and we can do it is incredible."

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Leclerc`s Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz had already retired with an engine failure, his car rolling to a halt and flames erupting from the rear, with 14 laps to go while chasing a likely Ferrari one-two. Verstappen`s teammate Sergio Perez, who had been second overall, also failed to finish with his car damaged in a first-lap collision with Mercedes` George Russell, who ended up fourth despite a five-second penalty.

The win was Leclerc`s third of the season, his first since Australia in April and the first time he was won from anywhere other than pole position. Verstappen had been chasing his fourth Austrian GP win in five years, with his Orange Army out in their tens of thousands to cheer him on. Organisers put the weekend attendance at 303,000.

"Unfortunately I couldn`t give them a win today but second place is still a good result," he said.

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Alpine`s Esteban Ocon was fifth, ahead of Mick Schumacher -- who scored the first Formula One points of his career at Silverstone last weekend -- in sixth for Haas. The German was voted driver of the day.

Lando Norris finished seventh for McLaren ahead of Haas`s Kevin Magnussen and McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo with Alpine`s Fernando Alonso taking the final point in 10th. The starting grid was set by a Saturday sprint, the second of the season, won by Verstappen from pole position with Leclerc second. The top eight in that race also took points.

Charles Leclerc survived a late throttle scare to win the Austrian Grand Prix for Ferrari on Sunday and move back up as Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen`s closest rival.

Charles Leclerc survived a late throttle scare to win the Austrian Grand Prix for Ferrari on Sunday and move back up as Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen`s closest rival. Red Bull`s Verstappen had to settle for second, with a comfortable 38-point lead over the Monegasque after 11 of 22 races. Mercedes` seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton completed the podium for the third race in a row. "I was scared. I was really scared," said a relieved Leclerc over the team radio after taking the chequered flag at the Red Bull Ring with Verstappen in his mirrors and one and half seconds behind. He overtook the Dutch driver three times in the race but feared the win might still slip away as he battled a throttle problem over the last few laps. "It would get stuck at 20 or 30% throttle in the low speeds, so it was very tricky. We managed to make it stick until the end and I am so happy," said Leclerc. "I definitely needed that one. The last five races have been incredibly difficult for myself and for the team. To finally show that we have the pace in the car and we can do it is incredible." Also Read: Battle for best Rafael in sport? Fiziev calls out tennis legend Nadal after win at UFC Vegas 58 Leclerc`s Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz had already retired with an engine failure, his car rolling to a halt and flames erupting from the rear, with 14 laps to go while chasing a likely Ferrari one-two. Verstappen`s teammate Sergio Perez, who had been second overall, also failed to finish with his car damaged in a first-lap collision with Mercedes` George Russell, who ended up fourth despite a five-second penalty. The win was Leclerc`s third of the season, his first since Australia in April and the first time he was won from anywhere other than pole position. Verstappen had been chasing his fourth Austrian GP win in five years, with his Orange Army out in their tens of thousands to cheer him on. Organisers put the weekend attendance at 303,000. "Unfortunately I couldn`t give them a win today but second place is still a good result," he said. Also Read: 'Let's go to a nightclub..': Instagram chat between Djokovic and Kyrgios ahead of Wimbledon final goes viral Alpine`s Esteban Ocon was fifth, ahead of Mick Schumacher -- who scored the first Formula One points of his career at Silverstone last weekend -- in sixth for Haas. The German was voted driver of the day. Lando Norris finished seventh for McLaren ahead of Haas`s Kevin Magnussen and McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo with Alpine`s Fernando Alonso taking the final point in 10th. The starting grid was set by a Saturday sprint, the second of the season, won by Verstappen from pole position with Leclerc second. The top eight in that race also took points.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc beats Max Verstappen to win Austrian Grand Prix, revives title hopes

Formula One leader Max Verstappen handed his Red Bull team a home pole position for Saturday’s sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix after Mercedes rivals Lewis Hamilton and George Russell crashed in qualifying.

The 24-year-old Dutch driver produced a best lap of one minute 04.984 seconds at the end of a nail-biting, two-minute shootout as the red-flagged session resumed at Spielberg`s scenic Red Bull Ring.

Hamilton and then Russell had both spun off into the tyre barriers, halting the decisive final phase of qualifying while pushing hard.

Already on provisional pole, Verstappen then fended off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by just 0.029 seconds. 
Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who took his first Formula One win less than a week ago at Silverstone, put his

Ferrari third with the top three separated by just 0.082.

"It was a very long wait between the two runs," said Verstappen after taking the 16th pole of his career and third this season.

"That`s never great once you are in a rhythm, it’s nice to just keep on going. In the end it was a very tight qualifying."

Verstappen leads the overall standings by 34 points from team mate Sergio Perez, who qualified fourth but was demoted to 13th after his final lap times were deleted for exceeding track limits in the second phase.

Had the violation been punished at the time, Perez would not have made it through to the final phase at the expense of AlphaTauri`s Pierre Gasly, who now moves up to 10th.

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"It is disappointing to lose fourth place, the track limits are very tight here this season," said the Mexican.

Leclerc is third, 43 points off the lead. The Monegasque, an early championship leader, has taken six poles this year but has not won since the Australian Grand Prix in April.

"In the last lap I struggled a little bit bringing the tyres back after such a long time in the pits but Max was just a little bit quicker," said Leclerc.

Mercedes, who showed a strong turn of speed with an upgraded car in Silverstone, were again looking good but their hopes of pole were dashed as Hamilton’s car snapped out of control and into the barriers at turn seven.

Russell spun out at the turn nine-10 sequence shortly after, halting proceedings. Stewards later handed the Briton a warning for crossing the track on foot and without permission from marshals.

"So sorry guys," said Hamilton, who will start ninth with Russell fourth.

Esteban Ocon moved up to fifth for Alpine ahead of Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher who made sure both Haas cars were in the top-10. Fernando Alonso in the other Alpine will start eighth.

McLaren had a session to forget with Australian Daniel Ricciardo knocked out in the opening phase. His teammate Lando Norris, lacking confidence on the brakes, was knocked out in the second part of the hour-long session.

The Briton will start 15th with Ricciardo 16th.

Aston Martin endured another nightmare qualifying with neither Sebastian Vettel nor Lance Stroll making it past the first phase for the third weekend in a row.

Four times champion Vettel had a lap time deleted for exceeding track limits and will line up last. 
The Austrian weekend is being run to the sprint format which means Verstappen`s pole will go down in the record books regardless of where he starts on Sunday.

The results of Saturday’s 24-lap race decide the grid for Sunday.

There will also be a maximum 34 drivers` points on offer from the weekend, compared to the usual 26, with the winner of the sprint scoring eight.

Formula One leader Max Verstappen handed his Red Bull team a home pole position for Saturday’s sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix after Mercedes rivals Lewis Hamilton and George Russell crashed in qualifying.

Formula One leader Max Verstappen handed his Red Bull team a home pole position for Saturday’s sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix after Mercedes rivals Lewis Hamilton and George Russell crashed in qualifying. The 24-year-old Dutch driver produced a best lap of one minute 04.984 seconds at the end of a nail-biting, two-minute shootout as the red-flagged session resumed at Spielberg`s scenic Red Bull Ring. Hamilton and then Russell had both spun off into the tyre barriers, halting the decisive final phase of qualifying while pushing hard. Already on provisional pole, Verstappen then fended off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by just 0.029 seconds. Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who took his first Formula One win less than a week ago at Silverstone, put his Ferrari third with the top three separated by just 0.082. "It was a very long wait between the two runs," said Verstappen after taking the 16th pole of his career and third this season. "That`s never great once you are in a rhythm, it’s nice to just keep on going. In the end it was a very tight qualifying." Verstappen leads the overall standings by 34 points from team mate Sergio Perez, who qualified fourth but was demoted to 13th after his final lap times were deleted for exceeding track limits in the second phase. Had the violation been punished at the time, Perez would not have made it through to the final phase at the expense of AlphaTauri`s Pierre Gasly, who now moves up to 10th. Also read | 'It's something we....' - Rohit Sharma breaks silence over frequent captaincy changes in India - WATCH "It is disappointing to lose fourth place, the track limits are very tight here this season," said the Mexican. Leclerc is third, 43 points off the lead. The Monegasque, an early championship leader, has taken six poles this year but has not won since the Australian Grand Prix in April. "In the last lap I struggled a little bit bringing the tyres back after such a long time in the pits but Max was just a little bit quicker," said Leclerc. Mercedes, who showed a strong turn of speed with an upgraded car in Silverstone, were again looking good but their hopes of pole were dashed as Hamilton’s car snapped out of control and into the barriers at turn seven. Russell spun out at the turn nine-10 sequence shortly after, halting proceedings. Stewards later handed the Briton a warning for crossing the track on foot and without permission from marshals. "So sorry guys," said Hamilton, who will start ninth with Russell fourth. Esteban Ocon moved up to fifth for Alpine ahead of Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher who made sure both Haas cars were in the top-10. Fernando Alonso in the other Alpine will start eighth. McLaren had a session to forget with Australian Daniel Ricciardo knocked out in the opening phase. His teammate Lando Norris, lacking confidence on the brakes, was knocked out in the second part of the hour-long session. The Briton will start 15th with Ricciardo 16th. Aston Martin endured another nightmare qualifying with neither Sebastian Vettel nor Lance Stroll making it past the first phase for the third weekend in a row. Four times champion Vettel had a lap time deleted for exceeding track limits and will line up last. The Austrian weekend is being run to the sprint format which means Verstappen`s pole will go down in the record books regardless of where he starts on Sunday. The results of Saturday’s 24-lap race decide the grid for Sunday. There will also be a maximum 34 drivers` points on offer from the weekend, compared to the usual 26, with the winner of the sprint scoring eight.

Mas Verstappen on pole in Austrian Grand Prix as Mercedes crash

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace for Red Bull in Friday`s opening practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix. The Dutchman swept around his team`s home track in one minute 06.302 seconds, 0.255 seconds quicker than Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc over the 4.3km long lap. "It`s very tight with Ferrari again," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "It`s going to be very tight between the two of us."

George Russell was third for Mercedes ahead of Verstappen`s Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez, who put in a late flyer to drop Lewis Hamilton down to fifth. "I think we`ve been OK, we`re still experimenting with some set-ups," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "There`s things we had on George`s car that we`ll probably adopt on Lewis`s now."

Kevin Magnussen was sixth for Haas. Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz, Formula One`s newest winner after racing to his first victory less than a week ago in Silverstone, was seventh. Verstappen leads the standings by 34 points from Mexican Perez and is 43 clear of Leclerc.

Austria marks the halfway point of the 22-race season and the Dutchman is bidding to return to the top of the podium after Sainz`s British win ended a six-race victory streak for Red Bull.&nbsp; Verstappen has won four times at the scenic circuit.

The Austrian Grand Prix weekend is being run to the sprint format with qualifying later on Friday setting the grid for a shorter `sprint` race on Saturday. The result of the Saturday sprint will set the starting lineup for Sunday`s grand prix. The opening hour of practice was therefore the only preparation teams had heading into qualifying.

McLaren lost valuable track time after Lando Norris parked up on the escape road at turn six after reporting smoke coming from underneath his seat. The Briton propped up the timesheets in last place and Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo struggled with a wildly oscillating drag reduction system flap. 
Norris` stoppage brought out the first of two red flags.

The second halt was called to allow circuit crew to clear up debris from the racing line. The session otherwise ran without incident.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace for Red Bull in Friday`s opening practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix. The Dutchman swept around his team`s home track in one minute 06.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace for Red Bull in Friday`s opening practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix. The Dutchman swept around his team`s home track in one minute 06.302 seconds, 0.255 seconds quicker than Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc over the 4.3km long lap. "It`s very tight with Ferrari again," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "It`s going to be very tight between the two of us." George Russell was third for Mercedes ahead of Verstappen`s Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez, who put in a late flyer to drop Lewis Hamilton down to fifth. "I think we`ve been OK, we`re still experimenting with some set-ups," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "There`s things we had on George`s car that we`ll probably adopt on Lewis`s now." Kevin Magnussen was sixth for Haas. Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz, Formula One`s newest winner after racing to his first victory less than a week ago in Silverstone, was seventh. Verstappen leads the standings by 34 points from Mexican Perez and is 43 clear of Leclerc. Austria marks the halfway point of the 22-race season and the Dutchman is bidding to return to the top of the podium after Sainz`s British win ended a six-race victory streak for Red Bull. Verstappen has won four times at the scenic circuit. The Austrian Grand Prix weekend is being run to the sprint format with qualifying later on Friday setting the grid for a shorter `sprint` race on Saturday. The result of the Saturday sprint will set the starting lineup for Sunday`s grand prix. The opening hour of practice was therefore the only preparation teams had heading into qualifying. McLaren lost valuable track time after Lando Norris parked up on the escape road at turn six after reporting smoke coming from underneath his seat. The Briton propped up the timesheets in last place and Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo struggled with a wildly oscillating drag reduction system flap. Norris` stoppage brought out the first of two red flags. The second halt was called to allow circuit crew to clear up debris from the racing line. The session otherwise ran without incident.

F1 championship leader Max Verstappen sets early practice pace for Red Bull in Austria

Red Bull`s Formula One leader Max Verstappen shone in the wet to take pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday as Alpine`s evergreen Fernando Alonso celebrated his first front-row slot in a decade. Verstappen`s main title rivals sunk out of sight, Mexican teammate Sergio Perez crashing and qualifying 13th while Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc ended a run of four poles in a row by dropping to 19th due to engine penalties.

"I still expect it not to be a straightforward race," said Verstappen after his second pole in nine races. "But today with the tricky conditions we stayed calm and didn`t make mistakes."

His qualifying time of one minute 21.299 seconds was 0.645 faster than 40-year-old Alonso`s surprising best. 
Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz was third fastest on a drying track and seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton fourth for Mercedes on a weekend dominated by talk of bouncing cars and driver safety.

"I can`t tell you how happy I am," said Hamilton of his best Saturday showing so far this season. "On pure pace in the dry we`re still a long way off but to get top four in qualifying in those conditions is awesome."

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Sunday`s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be the first in Canada since 2019 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is forecast to take place in sunny and dry conditions. Verstappen has won four of the last five races, with Red Bull chasing a sixth in a row. He leads teammate Sergio Perez by 21 points, with Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc a further 13 behind.

Double world champion Alonso, the oldest man on the grid, had been fastest in final practice and Sunday will be his first appearance on the front row since 2012 when he was on pole for Ferrari in Germany. The wily Spaniard said with a grin that he planned to attack Verstappen into the first corner and hoped to lead at least momentarily.

Haas`s Kevin Magnussen qualified fifth with teammate Mick Schumacher a career-highest sixth. Alpine`s Esteban Ocon lines up seventh and Mercedes` George Russell eighth.

"It`s something I can build on and grow from. I always loved racing in the wet conditions. On a track like this, there`s big potential for drivers showing what they can do," said Schumacher, who has yet to score a point.

McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo qualified ninth and Chinese rookie Zhou Guanyu lines up 10th for Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo. Qualifying was halted in the second phase when Perez went straight into the Tecpro barrier between turns three and four and could not reverse out.

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The car had to be craned off and the barriers repaired before the session resumed. Perez qualified one place ahead of McLaren`s Lando Norris who failed to set a time in the second stage after reporting an issue with the power unit that the team could not fix.

Williams` Alex Albon had also gone into the barriers at turn six earlier but was able to continue, returning to the pits for a new front wing and eventually qualifying 12th.

Aston Martin`s four times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Canadian Lance Stroll failed to progress through the rain and spray of the opening phase after they had raised hopes in final practice. Nicholas Latifi completed a miserable afternoon for Canadian drivers in 19th place, although the Williams driver will move up a slot after Leclerc`s demotion.

Red Bull`s Formula One leader Max Verstappen shone in the wet to take pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday as Alpine`s evergreen Fernando Alonso celebrated his first front-row slot in a decade.

Red Bull`s Formula One leader Max Verstappen shone in the wet to take pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday as Alpine`s evergreen Fernando Alonso celebrated his first front-row slot in a decade. Verstappen`s main title rivals sunk out of sight, Mexican teammate Sergio Perez crashing and qualifying 13th while Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc ended a run of four poles in a row by dropping to 19th due to engine penalties. "I still expect it not to be a straightforward race," said Verstappen after his second pole in nine races. "But today with the tricky conditions we stayed calm and didn`t make mistakes." His qualifying time of one minute 21.299 seconds was 0.645 faster than 40-year-old Alonso`s surprising best. Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz was third fastest on a drying track and seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton fourth for Mercedes on a weekend dominated by talk of bouncing cars and driver safety. "I can`t tell you how happy I am," said Hamilton of his best Saturday showing so far this season. "On pure pace in the dry we`re still a long way off but to get top four in qualifying in those conditions is awesome." Also Read: British athletes subjected to 'child abuse', reveals ex-gymnast Nicole Pavier Sunday`s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be the first in Canada since 2019 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is forecast to take place in sunny and dry conditions. Verstappen has won four of the last five races, with Red Bull chasing a sixth in a row. He leads teammate Sergio Perez by 21 points, with Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc a further 13 behind. Double world champion Alonso, the oldest man on the grid, had been fastest in final practice and Sunday will be his first appearance on the front row since 2012 when he was on pole for Ferrari in Germany. The wily Spaniard said with a grin that he planned to attack Verstappen into the first corner and hoped to lead at least momentarily. Haas`s Kevin Magnussen qualified fifth with teammate Mick Schumacher a career-highest sixth. Alpine`s Esteban Ocon lines up seventh and Mercedes` George Russell eighth. "It`s something I can build on and grow from. I always loved racing in the wet conditions. On a track like this, there`s big potential for drivers showing what they can do," said Schumacher, who has yet to score a point. McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo qualified ninth and Chinese rookie Zhou Guanyu lines up 10th for Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo. Qualifying was halted in the second phase when Perez went straight into the Tecpro barrier between turns three and four and could not reverse out. Also Read: 'I don't support it': Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on US Open’s decision to allow Russian players to participate The car had to be craned off and the barriers repaired before the session resumed. Perez qualified one place ahead of McLaren`s Lando Norris who failed to set a time in the second stage after reporting an issue with the power unit that the team could not fix. Williams` Alex Albon had also gone into the barriers at turn six earlier but was able to continue, returning to the pits for a new front wing and eventually qualifying 12th. Aston Martin`s four times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Canadian Lance Stroll failed to progress through the rain and spray of the opening phase after they had raised hopes in final practice. Nicholas Latifi completed a miserable afternoon for Canadian drivers in 19th place, although the Williams driver will move up a slot after Leclerc`s demotion.

Max Verstappen aces wet conditions to win pole for Canadian Grand Prix edging Fernando Alonso

Max Verstappen took full advantage of an engine failure for Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc to win the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday and open up a commanding lead in the world championship. The Dutchman crossed the line 20.8 seconds clear of Sergio Perez who, ordered not to battle Verstappen, completed a one-two for Red Bull after race leader Leclerc pulled into the pits with a smoking engine on the 20th lap.

George Russell took third for Mercedes and his teammate Lewis Hamilton, voted "driver of the day", fought through back pain to finish fourth.&nbsp;

Pole-sitter Leclerc`s retirement was his second in three races and was part of a double-DNF (did not finish) for Ferrari, with teammate Carlos Sainz having already stopped with a hydraulic failure.

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It dropped Leclerc to third in the overall standings, 34 points behind Verstappen. Perez, winner in Baku last year after Verstappen crashed out of the lead, is second, 21 points behind his teammate after also scoring the point for fastest lap.

Max Verstappen took full advantage of an engine failure for Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc to win the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday and open up a commanding lead in the world championship.

Max Verstappen took full advantage of an engine failure for Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc to win the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday and open up a commanding lead in the world championship. The Dutchman crossed the line 20.8 seconds clear of Sergio Perez who, ordered not to battle Verstappen, completed a one-two for Red Bull after race leader Leclerc pulled into the pits with a smoking engine on the 20th lap. George Russell took third for Mercedes and his teammate Lewis Hamilton, voted "driver of the day", fought through back pain to finish fourth. Pole-sitter Leclerc`s retirement was his second in three races and was part of a double-DNF (did not finish) for Ferrari, with teammate Carlos Sainz having already stopped with a hydraulic failure. Also Read: Billionaires club sees new addition with Tiger Woods joining Michael Jordan, LeBron James It dropped Leclerc to third in the overall standings, 34 points behind Verstappen. Perez, winner in Baku last year after Verstappen crashed out of the lead, is second, 21 points behind his teammate after also scoring the point for fastest lap.

Azerbaijan GP: Max Verstappen leads Red Bull one-two as Ferrari suffer in Baku

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix in a Red Bull one-two on Sunday to take over at the top from Ferrari`s luckless Charles Leclerc, who retired with an engine failure while leading.

Mexican Sergio Perez finished a dutiful second, 13 seconds behind but with the consolation of a bonus point for fastest lap, after being told to let his teammate pass for a third victory in a row after Imola and Miami.

The 24-year-old Dutch driver is now six points clear of Leclerc after winning four of six races -- all those he has finished.

Britain`s George Russell came third for a revived Mercedes and after going wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen early on in a thrilling display of defensive driving as they battled for second place behind Leclerc.

Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz was fourth, after fighting back from a slow start and a spin into the gravel, but it was scant reward for a team who had brought upgrades to try and turn the tables on Red Bull.

Leclerc was leading comfortably from pole position but a sudden loss of power before the halfway mark led to his retirement in the pits.

"No, no, no! Lost power," the Ferrari driver shouted over the radio as a seemingly sure victory was plucked from his hands by the engine failure.

The Monegasque waved to the capacity Circuit de Catalunya crowd but from then on could only watch his 19-point advantage evaporate in the searing heat.

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"I had no indications before then. It just broke and lost the power completely," he told Sky Sports television.

Verstappen also suffered intermittent problems with his car`s drag reduction system (DRS), leading to plenty of cursing over the radio, and he went off into the gravel at turn four on lap eight.

"I went off when I had a lot of tailwind and lost the rear. My DRS was not always working. That made it very tough but we managed use strategy to get ahead. It was a difficult beginning but a good end," he said.

"I tried to stay focused. It is not nice when stuff like that happens. I am very happy to win and happy for Checo (Perez). It is a great result for the team."

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was fifth for Mercedes with a fine recovery drive after an opening lap collision with Kevin Magnussen`s Haas dropped him to 19th.

He was passed by Sainz on the closing laps after Mercedes warned of a potentially terminal cooling issue.

Alfa Romeo`s Valtteri Bottas was sixth, ahead of Alpine`s Esteban Ocon and McLaren`s Lando Norris in eighth.

Spain`s twice world champion Fernando Alonso finished ninth in front of his home fans, after starting at the back of the grid, and AlphaTauri`s Yuki Tsunoda collected the final point.

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix in a Red Bull one-two on Sunday to take over at the top from Ferrari`s luckless Charles Leclerc, who retired with an engine failure while leading.

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix in a Red Bull one-two on Sunday to take over at the top from Ferrari`s luckless Charles Leclerc, who retired with an engine failure while leading. Mexican Sergio Perez finished a dutiful second, 13 seconds behind but with the consolation of a bonus point for fastest lap, after being told to let his teammate pass for a third victory in a row after Imola and Miami. The 24-year-old Dutch driver is now six points clear of Leclerc after winning four of six races -- all those he has finished. Britain`s George Russell came third for a revived Mercedes and after going wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen early on in a thrilling display of defensive driving as they battled for second place behind Leclerc. Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz was fourth, after fighting back from a slow start and a spin into the gravel, but it was scant reward for a team who had brought upgrades to try and turn the tables on Red Bull. Leclerc was leading comfortably from pole position but a sudden loss of power before the halfway mark led to his retirement in the pits. "No, no, no! Lost power," the Ferrari driver shouted over the radio as a seemingly sure victory was plucked from his hands by the engine failure. The Monegasque waved to the capacity Circuit de Catalunya crowd but from then on could only watch his 19-point advantage evaporate in the searing heat. Also read | Twice runner-up Dominic Thiem crashes out at first hurdle in French Open "I had no indications before then. It just broke and lost the power completely," he told Sky Sports television. Verstappen also suffered intermittent problems with his car`s drag reduction system (DRS), leading to plenty of cursing over the radio, and he went off into the gravel at turn four on lap eight. "I went off when I had a lot of tailwind and lost the rear. My DRS was not always working. That made it very tough but we managed use strategy to get ahead. It was a difficult beginning but a good end," he said. "I tried to stay focused. It is not nice when stuff like that happens. I am very happy to win and happy for Checo (Perez). It is a great result for the team." Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was fifth for Mercedes with a fine recovery drive after an opening lap collision with Kevin Magnussen`s Haas dropped him to 19th. He was passed by Sainz on the closing laps after Mercedes warned of a potentially terminal cooling issue. Alfa Romeo`s Valtteri Bottas was sixth, ahead of Alpine`s Esteban Ocon and McLaren`s Lando Norris in eighth. Spain`s twice world champion Fernando Alonso finished ninth in front of his home fans, after starting at the back of the grid, and AlphaTauri`s Yuki Tsunoda collected the final point.

Max Verstappen takes F1 lead with win in Spain, agony for Charles Leclerc

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