Lewis Hamilton will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix in another blow to the Briton's hopes of winning a record eighth Formula One world championship this season.

The Mercedes driver is 19 points adrift of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who is building momentum with four races remaining.

Formula One's governing body confirmed on Friday that Hamilton had taken a new engine, his fifth of the 22-race campaign.

Drivers have three engines to last the season, with any more triggering a penalty of 10 places for the first time the limit is exceeded and then five places for subsequent engines.

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Hamilton collected a 10 place grid penalty after taking his fourth engine in Turkey in October and started Friday practice at Interlagos with his fifth.

Red Bull are favourites to win at Interlagos, with Dutch 24-year-old Verstappen chasing his third win in a row and 10th of the season. He won the last pre-pandemic race at the Sao Paulo circuit in 2019.

Verstappen started the Russian Grand Prix in September from the back of the grid, finishing second, due to power unit penalties.

Team boss Christian Horner saw no need for Red Bull, who are only a point behind Mercedes in the constructors'&nbsp;championship, to take any further engine penalties.

"It's entirely understandable that Mercedes would strategically decide to take that penalty here, which they will incur on Sunday," he told Sky Sports television. "We're just focused on ourselves and do the best job we can.

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"All things being normal, we expect to get to the end of the year with the combustion engines that we have.

"Obviously we lost one following the crash at Silverstone (in July between Hamilton and Verstappen) but with the penalty we took in Sochi that got us back into good shape."

Lewis Hamilton will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix in another blow to the Briton's hopes of winning a record eighth Formula One world championship this season.

Lewis Hamilton will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix in another blow to the Briton's hopes of winning a record eighth Formula One world championship this season. The Mercedes driver is 19 points adrift of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who is building momentum with four races remaining. Formula One's governing body confirmed on Friday that Hamilton had taken a new engine, his fifth of the 22-race campaign. Drivers have three engines to last the season, with any more triggering a penalty of 10 places for the first time the limit is exceeded and then five places for subsequent engines. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton has Neymar onside ahead of big F1 battle in Brazil Hamilton collected a 10 place grid penalty after taking his fourth engine in Turkey in October and started Friday practice at Interlagos with his fifth. Red Bull are favourites to win at Interlagos, with Dutch 24-year-old Verstappen chasing his third win in a row and 10th of the season. He won the last pre-pandemic race at the Sao Paulo circuit in 2019. Verstappen started the Russian Grand Prix in September from the back of the grid, finishing second, due to power unit penalties. Team boss Christian Horner saw no need for Red Bull, who are only a point behind Mercedes in the constructors' championship, to take any further engine penalties. "It's entirely understandable that Mercedes would strategically decide to take that penalty here, which they will incur on Sunday," he told Sky Sports television. "We're just focused on ourselves and do the best job we can. ALSO READ: Mexican Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins to stretch F1 lead by 19 points against Lewis Hamilton "All things being normal, we expect to get to the end of the year with the combustion engines that we have. "Obviously we lost one following the crash at Silverstone (in July between Hamilton and Verstappen) but with the penalty we took in Sochi that got us back into good shape."

Sau Paulo Grand Prix: Grid penalty another blow to Lewis Hamilton's title hopes

Red Bull`s Max Verstappen celebrated a dominant win in the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday to surge 19 points clear of Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One championship with four races remaining.

Seven-times world champion Hamilton was second for Mercedes, holding off Red Bull`s Sergio Perez who became the first Mexican to stand on his home podium at a jubilant Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Red Bull closed the gap to champions Mercedes in the constructors'&nbsp;standings to one point.

"It`s still a long way to go but it`s of course looking good, but also it can turn around very quickly," said Verstappen, 24, of his big step forward in the championship battle.

Verstappen took the chequered flag 16.555 seconds clear of Hamilton to seal his ninth victory of the season, third in Mexico and 19th of his career.

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The Dutchman seized the lead into the first corner from third on the grid, going three abreast with the two Mercedes and timing his braking to perfection, in what turned out to be the decisive moment of the race.

"I kept it on the track, came from third to first and that was basically what made my race because I could just focus on myself, and we had incredible pace in the car," he said.

Verstappen then gave Hamilton no chance to hit back once the safety car, deployed after collisions further back, was out of the way.

Hamilton, the most successful driver of all time with 100 career wins, said he gave it everything after being chased closely by Perez over the last 10 laps.

"I feel like I maximised it with what I have," said the Briton.

"We've got four races to go and we just have to keep pushing."

MEXICAN FIESTA

Perez was hoisted high on the shoulders of his mechanics as he waved the Mexican flag to salute the crowd before the podium ceremony.

"Of course I wanted more, I wanted to get a one-two for the team but I didn`t have a single chance to get through," he said after his third podium in a row after third places in Texas and Turkey.

"If I had a small chance I would have gone for it," added the 31-year-old, who also became the first Mexican to lead his home race after Verstappen and Hamilton had pitted.

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The safety car was deployed until lap four after a collision at the start between Haas` Mick Schumacher and AlphaTauri`s Yuki Tsunoda, while McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo tagged the back of Valtteri Bottas`s Mercedes and lost his front wing.

Bottas, who had taken a surprise pole position on Saturday, was spun around and dropped to 18th place after an immediate pitstop.

The Finn ended up 15th but pitted for fresh tyres to snatch the fastest lap from Verstappen at the end, denying the Dutchman a precious bonus point without it coming to Mercedes since he was outside the top 10.

"You have to congratulate Red Bull because the pace was just on another level," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "I don`t think we could have won the race even if we had stayed ahead in the first corner."

AlphaTauri`s Pierre Gasly was fourth with Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz fifth and sixth to lift the Italian team ahead of McLaren and into third place in the constructors` standings.

Sebastian Vettel was seventh for Aston Martin, with fellow champions Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso eighth and ninth for Alfa Romeo and Alpine respectively. Lando Norris took the final point for McLaren. 
&nbsp;

Red Bull`s Max Verstappen celebrated a dominant win in the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday to surge 19 points clear of Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One championship with four races remaining.

Red Bull`s Max Verstappen celebrated a dominant win in the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday to surge 19 points clear of Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One championship with four races remaining. Seven-times world champion Hamilton was second for Mercedes, holding off Red Bull`s Sergio Perez who became the first Mexican to stand on his home podium at a jubilant Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Red Bull closed the gap to champions Mercedes in the constructors' standings to one point. "It`s still a long way to go but it`s of course looking good, but also it can turn around very quickly," said Verstappen, 24, of his big step forward in the championship battle. Verstappen took the chequered flag 16.555 seconds clear of Hamilton to seal his ninth victory of the season, third in Mexico and 19th of his career. ALSO READ: Russian GP: Lewis Hamilton goes back on top with his 100th F1 win The Dutchman seized the lead into the first corner from third on the grid, going three abreast with the two Mercedes and timing his braking to perfection, in what turned out to be the decisive moment of the race. "I kept it on the track, came from third to first and that was basically what made my race because I could just focus on myself, and we had incredible pace in the car," he said. Verstappen then gave Hamilton no chance to hit back once the safety car, deployed after collisions further back, was out of the way. Hamilton, the most successful driver of all time with 100 career wins, said he gave it everything after being chased closely by Perez over the last 10 laps. "I feel like I maximised it with what I have," said the Briton. "We've got four races to go and we just have to keep pushing." MEXICAN FIESTA Perez was hoisted high on the shoulders of his mechanics as he waved the Mexican flag to salute the crowd before the podium ceremony. "Of course I wanted more, I wanted to get a one-two for the team but I didn`t have a single chance to get through," he said after his third podium in a row after third places in Texas and Turkey. "If I had a small chance I would have gone for it," added the 31-year-old, who also became the first Mexican to lead his home race after Verstappen and Hamilton had pitted. ALSO READ: No excessive make-up, restricted dressing: Saudi Arabia's dress code for Formula 1 sparks controversy The safety car was deployed until lap four after a collision at the start between Haas` Mick Schumacher and AlphaTauri`s Yuki Tsunoda, while McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo tagged the back of Valtteri Bottas`s Mercedes and lost his front wing. Bottas, who had taken a surprise pole position on Saturday, was spun around and dropped to 18th place after an immediate pitstop. The Finn ended up 15th but pitted for fresh tyres to snatch the fastest lap from Verstappen at the end, denying the Dutchman a precious bonus point without it coming to Mercedes since he was outside the top 10. "You have to congratulate Red Bull because the pace was just on another level," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "I don`t think we could have won the race even if we had stayed ahead in the first corner." AlphaTauri`s Pierre Gasly was fourth with Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz fifth and sixth to lift the Italian team ahead of McLaren and into third place in the constructors` standings. Sebastian Vettel was seventh for Aston Martin, with fellow champions Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso eighth and ninth for Alfa Romeo and Alpine respectively. Lando Norris took the final point for McLaren.

Mexican Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins to stretch F1 lead by 19 points against Lewis Hamilton

Formula One's title rivalry flared up on Friday with championship leader Max Verstappen calling Lewis Hamilton a "stupid idiot" as they went wheel-to-wheel in second U.S. Grand Prix practice.

The 24-year-old Red Bull racer also gave the seven-times world champion, the most successful driver of all time, a single digit salute as the Mercedes accelerated away on a hot and humid Texas afternoon at Austin`s Circuit of the Americas.

"Ignore it, don`t worry about it," his race engineer told him over the radio. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner joked Verstappen was simply pointing out who was number one in the standings.

Verstappen is six points clear of Hamilton with six rounds remaining and the battle is getting more intense with every race as the pendulum swings one way and then the other.

The Dutch youngster's Mexican team mate Sergio Perez was quickest in the second session, with a best lap of one minute 34.946 seconds.

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"It was a good day, obviously it`s going to be very tight," said Perez, whose role will be to support Verstappen unless circumstances fall his way.

"There`s a lot to be done to try to improve the car," he added.

Verstappen, meanwhile, was frustrated by traffic and failed to set a proper flying lap. He ended up eighth in the session after third in the morning.

"The track's quite bumpy and to find the right compromise with the car hasn’t been the easiest so far," said Verstappen. 
Jenson Button, Britain`s 2009 world champion who is now a television pundit for Sky, wondered whether Hamilton was playing mind games.

"Obviously it did rattle Max a little bit, he was very upset on the radio," he said.

"It's been quite a fiery day for Max, to be fair. Not getting his lap. I think there's a bit of frustration building, with that incident he couldn't get his lap and then he had traffic in FP2 on his new tyres for two laps in a row."

McLaren`s Lando Norris was second fastest and Hamilton, who had his best lap deleted for exceeding track limits, third.

"Generally it`s been a good day but still work to do," said the champion, who will be chasing a record-extending 101st career win on Sunday and sixth in nine races in Austin.

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Mercedes had dominated the first session with Hamilton`s Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas 0.045 quicker than the champion with Verstappen third but nearly a second off the Finn's pace.

Bottas, fourth in the afternoon session, will have a five-place grid penalty for Sunday`s race after using his sixth engine of the campaign -- three more than the rules allow.

Mercedes are favourites to win on Sunday after taking pole for the last six races there. Last year`s round was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were fourth and fifth in the morning, a boost for a team fighting McLaren for third.

The opening session was stopped after three minutes when Fernando Alonso stopped on track. The team said the Spaniard, who returned later, had done so as a precaution.

Haas`s Mick Schumacher and Perez clashed on the bumpy track late in that session, with the Mexican unimpressed by the German rookie but later clearing things up. Stewards decided to take no further action.

Formula One's title rivalry flared up on Friday with championship leader Max Verstappen calling Lewis Hamilton a "stupid idiot" as they went wheel-to-wheel in second U.

Formula One's title rivalry flared up on Friday with championship leader Max Verstappen calling Lewis Hamilton a "stupid idiot" as they went wheel-to-wheel in second U.S. Grand Prix practice. The 24-year-old Red Bull racer also gave the seven-times world champion, the most successful driver of all time, a single digit salute as the Mercedes accelerated away on a hot and humid Texas afternoon at Austin`s Circuit of the Americas. "Ignore it, don`t worry about it," his race engineer told him over the radio. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner joked Verstappen was simply pointing out who was number one in the standings. Verstappen is six points clear of Hamilton with six rounds remaining and the battle is getting more intense with every race as the pendulum swings one way and then the other. The Dutch youngster's Mexican team mate Sergio Perez was quickest in the second session, with a best lap of one minute 34.946 seconds. ALSO READ: No excessive make-up, restricted dressing: Saudi Arabia's dress code for Formula 1 sparks controversy "It was a good day, obviously it`s going to be very tight," said Perez, whose role will be to support Verstappen unless circumstances fall his way. "There`s a lot to be done to try to improve the car," he added. Verstappen, meanwhile, was frustrated by traffic and failed to set a proper flying lap. He ended up eighth in the session after third in the morning. "The track's quite bumpy and to find the right compromise with the car hasn’t been the easiest so far," said Verstappen. Jenson Button, Britain`s 2009 world champion who is now a television pundit for Sky, wondered whether Hamilton was playing mind games. "Obviously it did rattle Max a little bit, he was very upset on the radio," he said. "It's been quite a fiery day for Max, to be fair. Not getting his lap. I think there's a bit of frustration building, with that incident he couldn't get his lap and then he had traffic in FP2 on his new tyres for two laps in a row." McLaren`s Lando Norris was second fastest and Hamilton, who had his best lap deleted for exceeding track limits, third. "Generally it`s been a good day but still work to do," said the champion, who will be chasing a record-extending 101st career win on Sunday and sixth in nine races in Austin. ALSO READ | India vs Pakistan in World Cups: With 12-0 record, Pakistan has yet to win a match in 50 and 20 overs formats Mercedes had dominated the first session with Hamilton`s Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas 0.045 quicker than the champion with Verstappen third but nearly a second off the Finn's pace. Bottas, fourth in the afternoon session, will have a five-place grid penalty for Sunday`s race after using his sixth engine of the campaign -- three more than the rules allow. Mercedes are favourites to win on Sunday after taking pole for the last six races there. Last year`s round was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were fourth and fifth in the morning, a boost for a team fighting McLaren for third. The opening session was stopped after three minutes when Fernando Alonso stopped on track. The team said the Spaniard, who returned later, had done so as a precaution. Haas`s Mick Schumacher and Perez clashed on the bumpy track late in that session, with the Mexican unimpressed by the German rookie but later clearing things up. Stewards decided to take no further action.

Formula 1: Max Verstappen calls Lewis Hamilton a 'stupid idiot' as F1 rivals clash

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas claimed his first chequered flag of the season to win the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday as Max Verstappen reclaimed the lead in the title race.&nbsp;

The Red Bull driver finished second to take a six-point lead in the championship ahead of Bottas' teammate Lewis Hamilton who finished fifth voicing frustration with team strategy.&nbsp;

Sergio Perez, in the other Red Bull, took third with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in fourth.&nbsp;

Although the rain eased by the start of the race, the wet conditions prevailed throughout, making the tactics around tyres and the timing of pit stops all the more important.&nbsp;

Bottas began from pole, avoiding a tangle between Pierre Gasly and Fernando Alonso on the opening lap, and led until pitting on the 38th lap of the 58-lap race.

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That gave Leclerc the lead but as his tyres faded so did his pace and the Finn soon reclaimed the lead, going on to take his first win in over a year.&nbsp;

Verstappen made no attempt to challenge Bottas and was content to ease home second knowing that Hamilton was three places further back.&nbsp;

Hamilton was quickest in qualifying but had to start the race in 11th because of a grid penalty incurred for changing his engine.&nbsp;

The seven-time champion gained two places on the opening lap before picking his way up to fifth where he was held up by Perez.

As the other cars came in to change their tyres Hamilton stayed out, moving up to third and looking good for the podium.

Mercedes, however, called him in seven laps from the end, resulting in two lost places and an angry Hamilton.&nbsp;

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas claimed his first chequered flag of the season to win the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday as Max Verstappen reclaimed the lead in the title race.

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas claimed his first chequered flag of the season to win the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday as Max Verstappen reclaimed the lead in the title race. The Red Bull driver finished second to take a six-point lead in the championship ahead of Bottas' teammate Lewis Hamilton who finished fifth voicing frustration with team strategy. Sergio Perez, in the other Red Bull, took third with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in fourth. Although the rain eased by the start of the race, the wet conditions prevailed throughout, making the tactics around tyres and the timing of pit stops all the more important. Bottas began from pole, avoiding a tangle between Pierre Gasly and Fernando Alonso on the opening lap, and led until pitting on the 38th lap of the 58-lap race. ALSO READ: Turkish GP: Valtteri Bottas gets pole as fastest driver Lewis Hamilton takes grid penalty That gave Leclerc the lead but as his tyres faded so did his pace and the Finn soon reclaimed the lead, going on to take his first win in over a year. Verstappen made no attempt to challenge Bottas and was content to ease home second knowing that Hamilton was three places further back. Hamilton was quickest in qualifying but had to start the race in 11th because of a grid penalty incurred for changing his engine. The seven-time champion gained two places on the opening lap before picking his way up to fifth where he was held up by Perez. As the other cars came in to change their tyres Hamilton stayed out, moving up to third and looking good for the podium. Mercedes, however, called him in seven laps from the end, resulting in two lost places and an angry Hamilton.

Valtteri Bottas wins Turkish Grand Prix as Max Verstappen reclaims F1 championship lead

In pics- Lewis Hamilton survives massive scare in jaw-dropping car accident at Italian Grand Prix

Mercedes racer Lewis Hamilton escaped a tragedy, a serious injury that is quite disturbing to even imagine after a terrifying crash with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday (September 12).

Mercedes racer Lewis Hamilton escaped a tragedy, a serious injury that is quite disturbing to even imagine after a terrifying crash with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday (September 12). During the race, when Hamilton exited the pit lane on lap 26 of 53, Verstappen approached him at 225mph and tried to go ahead of him. However, he ran off the track after the cars ran wheel-to-wheel and made contact at the first chicane, the Red Bull lifting off the kerb and into the air with both ending up in the gravel. Verstappen's car flew over Hamilton's head as he was sent out of control, with the rear-right wheel crushing the top of Hamilton's Mercedes, who was saved by inches thanks to the halo protection device, that absorbed the crushing impact of Verstappen's 750kg machine. ALSO READ | Italian GP: Lewis Hamilton escapes serious injury after a nasty crash with Max Verstappen - Watch Verstappen was penalised as he will serve a three-place grid penalty at the Russian Grand Prix in a fortnight's time for his role in the frightening crash. Hamilton thanked the halo device as he said, "I feel very, very fortunate today thank God for the halo. That did ultimately save me, you know, and saved my neck." The title rivals also collided at Hamilton's own British Grand Prix when Verstappen ended up in hospital for checks and Hamilton took the win. The halo saved Lewis Hamilton’s life pic.twitter.com/9NlHpANluf — 📢 𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙 💬 (@JoshHubama) September 12, 2021 × Max Verstappen has to sometimes use his head man. He wasn't gonna make that corner ahead of Lewis Hamilton. I'll be surprised if there are people out here who will defend this. Costly and stupid mistake.#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/tEkfNw8l7k — The GLikeCoop 💙 (@ItsKingWanga) September 12, 2021 × Anatomy of a collision 💥👀#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/uAgBgzEY4k — Formula 1 (@F1) September 12, 2021 × ALSO READ | Max Verstappen handed three-place grid drop for Russian GP (Above images source: AFP) But what exactly is a halo device? The halo protection device is a curved bar made of titanium and weighed around 7kgs, which is placed around the cockpit that surrounds the driver's head to protect her/him from any serious life-threatening injury. The device is connected by three points to the vehicle frame. It was introduced in 2018 and was made mandatory on every vehicle in Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula Regional, Formula E and also Formula 4 as a new safety measure. It is important to note here that the system is not developed by the teams, it is manufactured by three approved external manufacturers chosen by the FIA. Halo device faced criticism Initially, the device was criticised as it was claimed that the halo device will take away the essence of racing cars and will obstruct the driver's vision. Legendary racer like Niki Lauda was also not in favour of the device and even Hamilton was sceptical as he had called it "worst-looking modification" in the sport's history. However, Hamilton later accepted it. (Image: Lewis Hamilton takes part in the drivers ceremony on the grid before the Italian Formula One Grand Prix. Source: AFP) Who said what? Hamilton also said, "I don't think I've ever been hit on the head by a car before, and it's quite a shock for me." "I'm so, so grateful that I'm still here. I feel incredibly blessed. I feel like someone was watching over me today, he added. "We are taking risks and it's only when you experience something like that that you get the real shock of how you look at life and how fragile we all are." (Image: Lewis Hamilton gets out of his car. Source: AFP) "I made sure I left a car's width on the outside for him, I went into turn one and I was ahead and going into turn two and then all of a sudden he was on top of me," said Hamilton. Hamilton said that he had been surprised to see the title rival Verstappen get out of his car and "just walk by". It's days like today, I am reminded of how lucky I am. It takes a millisecond to go from racing to a very scary situation. Today someone must have been looking down, watching over me! #TeamLH: I'm so thankful for each and everyone of you, you are truly the best. Still we rise! pic.twitter.com/H2sGtXPKrr — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 12, 2021 × Lewis and Max on *that* collision 🗣🗣 #ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/Pc6Gh0H5BH — Formula 1 (@F1) September 12, 2021 × "He just didn't want to give way today and he knew when he was going into two what was going to happen... but he still did it," he told Sky Sports television. (Image: Max Verstappen walks out of the tracks after a collision. Source: AFP) Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff commented: "The championship was good fun up until now but we saw the halo save Lewis' life today. We don't want to see someone seriously hurt." On Verstappen's penalty, Hamilton added: "I am proud of the stewards. "It sets a precedent and it is important for us moving forwards, for the safety of the drivers, that there are rules in place." Verstappen said Hamilton "just kept on squeezing me. "If he would have left me just a car width we would have raced out of turn two anyway and I think he would have probably still been in front. But he just kept on pushing me wider and at one point there was nowhere to go." After the incident, Verstappen took to his official Twitter as he wrote, "Today was very unfortunate. The incident could have been avoided if I had been left enough space to make the corner. You need 2 people to make that work and I feel I was squeezed out of it. When racing each other, these things can happen, unfortunately" Today was very unfortunate. The incident could have been avoided if I had been left enough space to make the corner. You need 2 people to make that work and I feel I was squeezed out of it. When racing each other, these things can happen, unfortunately #ItalianGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/9xOmnqAtd8 — Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) September 12, 2021 × Rival Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who described the crash as a 50-50 accident, said: "It was a very awkward accident and you could see Max's car right up the Mercedes. Above everything, today we are so grateful for the advances in safety of our sport pic.twitter.com/oBgq5DxM91 — Formula 1 (@F1) September 12, 2021 × What happened in the race? As far as the race is concerned, Daniel Ricciardo won it and he was followed by his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the British team's first win since the 2012 Brazilian GP, while Valtteri Bottas will take third despite starting in last place due to a five-second time penalty for Sergio Perez. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: What is the 'halo device' that saved Lewis Hamilton's neck at the Italian GP

Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen will have a three-place grid drop at the Russian Grand Prix after stewards ruled he was mainly to blame for a collision with title rival Lewis Hamilton at Monza on Sunday.

The collision put both men out of the Italian Grand Prix, with Dutch driver Verstappen's Red Bull landing on top of Hamilton's Mercedes.

The Russian Grand Prix is next up on Sept. 26.

Verstappen leads Hamilton by five points in the championship after 14 of the scheduled 22 races.

The stewards also gave Verstappen two penalty points, his first in the current 12 month period.

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Both drivers were summoned to the stewards after the race to review video evidence.

The stewards said in a statement that they had found "the driver of Car 33 (Verstappen) was predominantly to blame for the collision with Car 44 (Hamilton) at Turn Two."

"At the 50m board before Turn One, Car 44 was significantly ahead of Car 33. Car 33 braked late and started to move alongside Car 44, although at no point in the sequence does Car 33 get any further forward than just behind the front wheel of Car 44," it added.

"The stewards observed on CCTV footage that the driver of Car 44 was driving an avoiding line, although his position caused Car 33 to go onto the kerb.

"While Car 44 could have steered further from the kerb to avoid the incident, the stewards determined that his position was reasonable."

Sunday's incident was the second big collision between the two this season, with Verstappen crashing out after contact at the British Grand Prix in July, a race Hamilton went on to win.

Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen will have a three-place grid drop at the Russian Grand Prix after stewards ruled he was mainly to blame for a collision with title rival Lewis Hamilton at Monza on Sunday.

Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen will have a three-place grid drop at the Russian Grand Prix after stewards ruled he was mainly to blame for a collision with title rival Lewis Hamilton at Monza on Sunday. The collision put both men out of the Italian Grand Prix, with Dutch driver Verstappen's Red Bull landing on top of Hamilton's Mercedes. The Russian Grand Prix is next up on Sept. 26. Verstappen leads Hamilton by five points in the championship after 14 of the scheduled 22 races. The stewards also gave Verstappen two penalty points, his first in the current 12 month period. ALSO READ | Italian GP: Lewis Hamilton escapes serious injury after a nasty crash with Max Verstappen - Watch Both drivers were summoned to the stewards after the race to review video evidence. The stewards said in a statement that they had found "the driver of Car 33 (Verstappen) was predominantly to blame for the collision with Car 44 (Hamilton) at Turn Two." "At the 50m board before Turn One, Car 44 was significantly ahead of Car 33. Car 33 braked late and started to move alongside Car 44, although at no point in the sequence does Car 33 get any further forward than just behind the front wheel of Car 44," it added. "The stewards observed on CCTV footage that the driver of Car 44 was driving an avoiding line, although his position caused Car 33 to go onto the kerb. "While Car 44 could have steered further from the kerb to avoid the incident, the stewards determined that his position was reasonable." Sunday's incident was the second big collision between the two this season, with Verstappen crashing out after contact at the British Grand Prix in July, a race Hamilton went on to win.

Max Verstappen handed three-place grid drop for Russian GP

Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton escaped a massive tragedy at the Formula One Italian Grand Prix as title rival Max Verstappen's car flew over his head after they took each other out of the race on Sunday (September 12).

Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton escaped a massive tragedy at the Formula One Italian Grand Prix as title rival Max Verstappen's car flew over his head after they took each other out of the race on Sunday (September 12). Both the racers crashed out of the Italian GP after hitting each other halfway through the race as the protective Halo device prevented a serious injury that might have happened to Hamilton. ALSO READ | Daniel Ricciardo wins F1 Italian GP as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen crash out Red Bull driver Verstappen tried to dart past Hamilton just after the Briton's pit stop but ended up with his back wheel rolling over the top of his rival's Mercedes, narrowly missing Hamilton's head. The drivers then slid into the gravel and were forced to retire from the race, which Hamilton was hoping to make his 100th Grand Prix victory. Watch the video here: Max Verstappen has to sometimes use his head man. He wasn't gonna make that corner ahead of Lewis Hamilton. I'll be surprised if there are people out here who will defend this. Costly and stupid mistake.#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/tEkfNw8l7k — The GLikeCoop 💙 (@ItsKingWanga) September 12, 2021 × Incredible image from the Grand Prix… without the safety ‘Halo’, that could have killed Lewis Hamilton. pic.twitter.com/lBU8PppSEs — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 12, 2021 × Horner: "make sure you finish on top of Hamilton max" #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/1kPOL2pIEI — Årkady (@Arkady360) September 12, 2021 × Max Verstappen crash: "Race incident" Lewis Hamilton crash: "Lewis fault" - Hamilton haters #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/AmdBsiUpZe — Leo 🔅 (@prayforleonard) September 12, 2021 × After the incident, Verstappen took to his official Twitter as he wrote, "Today was very unfortunate. The incident could have been avoided if I had been left enough space to make the corner. You need 2 people to make that work and I feel I was squeezed out of it. When racing each other, these things can happen, unfortunately" As far as the race is concerned, Daniel Ricciardo won it and he was followed by his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the British team's first win since the 2012 Brazilian GP, while Valtteri Bottas will take third despite starting in last place due to a five-second time penalty for Sergio Perez. The Honey Badger is back, baby! 😃#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 @danielricciardo pic.twitter.com/rzu3iHif8u — Formula 1 (@F1) September 12, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Italian GP: Lewis Hamilton escapes serious injury after a nasty crash with Max Verstappen - Watch

Daniel Ricciardo won the Formula One Italian Grand Prix on Sunday as the Australian took advantage of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's dramatic crash which eliminated both championship rivals.

Ricciardo was followed by his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the British team's first win since the 2012 Brazilian GP, while Valtteri Bottas will take third despite starting in last place due to a five-second time penalty for Sergio Perez.

Red Bull's Verstappen leads seven-time world champion Hamilton by five points at the top of the drivers' standings as they both finished in the gravel following their crash halfway through the race.

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Ricciardo, 32, promised "total attack" after starting second on the grid and made the most of the most dramatic moment of an eventful race when Hamilton re-entered the Monza track from the pit lane.

Vertsappen tried to dart past Hamilton just after the Briton's pit stop but ended up with his back wheel rolling over the top of his rival's Mercedes, narrowly missing Hamilton's head.

Both drivers then slid into the gravel and were forced to retire from the race, which Hamilton was hoping to make his 100th Grand Prix victory.

Vertsappen was reportedly furious at Hamilton, saying his rival gave him "no space" in a crash which will be investigated by officials after the race.

Ricciardo then powered to victory backed up by his teammate Norris and was ecstatic as the pair earned McLaren's first one-two finish in 11 years.

Daniel Ricciardo won the Formula One Italian Grand Prix on Sunday as the Australian took advantage of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's dramatic crash which eliminated both championship rivals.

Daniel Ricciardo won the Formula One Italian Grand Prix on Sunday as the Australian took advantage of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's dramatic crash which eliminated both championship rivals. Ricciardo was followed by his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the British team's first win since the 2012 Brazilian GP, while Valtteri Bottas will take third despite starting in last place due to a five-second time penalty for Sergio Perez. Red Bull's Verstappen leads seven-time world champion Hamilton by five points at the top of the drivers' standings as they both finished in the gravel following their crash halfway through the race. The Honey Badger is back, baby! 😃#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 @danielricciardo pic.twitter.com/rzu3iHif8u — Formula 1 (@F1) September 12, 2021 × Ricciardo, 32, promised "total attack" after starting second on the grid and made the most of the most dramatic moment of an eventful race when Hamilton re-entered the Monza track from the pit lane. Vertsappen tried to dart past Hamilton just after the Briton's pit stop but ended up with his back wheel rolling over the top of his rival's Mercedes, narrowly missing Hamilton's head. Both drivers then slid into the gravel and were forced to retire from the race, which Hamilton was hoping to make his 100th Grand Prix victory. Vertsappen was reportedly furious at Hamilton, saying his rival gave him "no space" in a crash which will be investigated by officials after the race. Ricciardo then powered to victory backed up by his teammate Norris and was ecstatic as the pair earned McLaren's first one-two finish in 11 years.

Daniel Ricciardo wins F1 Italian GP as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen crash out

Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole position for the Italian Grand Prix and surged five points clear of Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One championship after a sprint qualifying race on Saturday.

Hamilton's Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas won the 18 lap race around the fastest track on the calendar but engine penalties sent the Finn to the back of the grid for Sunday's main event at Monza.

While Verstappen is perfectly placed for an eighth win in 14 races, seven-times world champion Hamilton will start fourth and with the championship gap in danger of dropping into double figures.

"The race was better than expected, we scored some nice little points. It is going to be an interesting race tomorrow," said Verstappen, second at the chequered flag.

"I don't expect it to be a very straightforward and easy race because of Valtteri coming from the back and Lewis starting in P4 with a lot of pace. We'll see what we can do against them."

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McLaren's Australian Daniel Ricciardo will join the Dutch 23-year-old on the front row for the first time since Mexico 2018 when the pair were team mates at Red Bull.

Bottas took three championship points, Verstappen two and Ricciardo one in an experimental race format being trialled for only the second time after a debut at Silverstone in July.

"It was a good sprint. Everything went smoothly, I had a really good start and the car was really consistent," said Bottas.

"It's been a perfect weekend and then I have the grid penalty. That happens. Anything is possible (on Sunday). You never know. I'll keep pushing."

TEAM ORDERS

Champions Mercedes had planned to impose team orders for their drivers to swap places during the race and maximise Hamilton's points haul but that opportunity never materialised.

Hamilton dropped four places at the start and only reclaimed one when AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly, last year's surprise winner at the Italian team's home race, hit the back of Ricciardo's McLaren at the first chicane and crashed out.

That brought out the safety car until the end of lap three and Hamilton was unable to get close enough to Norris after that to attempt an overtake.

"It wasn't great," the Briton said of his afternoon.

"I've got to try and figure out how I can get by and try to limit the damage.

"You saw the pace of the Red Bull, they are so fast. It should be an easy win (for Verstappen) and I have to try and get past the two guys (Ricciardo and Norris) ahead."

The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who crashed heavily in final practice, will share the third row at their home track.

Italian Antonio Giovinazzi lines up seventh for Alfa Romeo, with Red Bull's Mexican Sergio Perez alongside and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll ninth. Alpine's Fernando Alonso secured the 10th slot.

Japanese rookie Yuki Tsunoda and Alfa Romeo's Robert Kubica also tangled at the start.

Ricciardo, who has had a tough time since his move to McLaren from Renault at the end of last year, was delighted to be back at the front of the grid with McLaren using the soft tyres when most others opted for mediums.

"It's been a while since a front row," he said. "I guess thanks to Valtteri for that.

"It's cool. First time up here in the sprint as well. We've got the big one tomorrow but I think I've done the job today, ticked the box to get me in a better starting spot... I think it was a smooth Saturday."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole position for the Italian Grand Prix and surged five points clear of Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One championship after a sprint qualifying race on Saturday.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole position for the Italian Grand Prix and surged five points clear of Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One championship after a sprint qualifying race on Saturday. Hamilton's Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas won the 18 lap race around the fastest track on the calendar but engine penalties sent the Finn to the back of the grid for Sunday's main event at Monza. While Verstappen is perfectly placed for an eighth win in 14 races, seven-times world champion Hamilton will start fourth and with the championship gap in danger of dropping into double figures. "The race was better than expected, we scored some nice little points. It is going to be an interesting race tomorrow," said Verstappen, second at the chequered flag. "I don't expect it to be a very straightforward and easy race because of Valtteri coming from the back and Lewis starting in P4 with a lot of pace. We'll see what we can do against them." No one could stop Valtteri today! 👏#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F1Sprint pic.twitter.com/TvCmG4VNnd — Formula 1 (@F1) September 11, 2021 × McLaren's Australian Daniel Ricciardo will join the Dutch 23-year-old on the front row for the first time since Mexico 2018 when the pair were team mates at Red Bull. Bottas took three championship points, Verstappen two and Ricciardo one in an experimental race format being trialled for only the second time after a debut at Silverstone in July. "It was a good sprint. Everything went smoothly, I had a really good start and the car was really consistent," said Bottas. "It's been a perfect weekend and then I have the grid penalty. That happens. Anything is possible (on Sunday). You never know. I'll keep pushing." TEAM ORDERS Champions Mercedes had planned to impose team orders for their drivers to swap places during the race and maximise Hamilton's points haul but that opportunity never materialised. Hamilton dropped four places at the start and only reclaimed one when AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly, last year's surprise winner at the Italian team's home race, hit the back of Ricciardo's McLaren at the first chicane and crashed out. That brought out the safety car until the end of lap three and Hamilton was unable to get close enough to Norris after that to attempt an overtake. "It wasn't great," the Briton said of his afternoon. "I've got to try and figure out how I can get by and try to limit the damage. "You saw the pace of the Red Bull, they are so fast. It should be an easy win (for Verstappen) and I have to try and get past the two guys (Ricciardo and Norris) ahead." The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who crashed heavily in final practice, will share the third row at their home track. Italian Antonio Giovinazzi lines up seventh for Alfa Romeo, with Red Bull's Mexican Sergio Perez alongside and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll ninth. Alpine's Fernando Alonso secured the 10th slot. Japanese rookie Yuki Tsunoda and Alfa Romeo's Robert Kubica also tangled at the start. Ricciardo, who has had a tough time since his move to McLaren from Renault at the end of last year, was delighted to be back at the front of the grid with McLaren using the soft tyres when most others opted for mediums. "It's been a while since a front row," he said. "I guess thanks to Valtteri for that. "It's cool. First time up here in the sprint as well. We've got the big one tomorrow but I think I've done the job today, ticked the box to get me in a better starting spot... I think it was a smooth Saturday."

Valtteri Bottas wins sprint but Max Verstappen on pole at Monza

Home favourite Max Verstappen snatched the world championship lead from Lewis Hamilton on Sunday as the Red Bull driver claimed a dominant victory at the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985.

A week after the farcical washout in Belgium, pole-sitter Verstappen controlled the race from the start in bright sunshine at the beach resort of Zandvoort.

His seventh win in 13 races this season turned a three-point deficit into a three-point lead over seven-time world champion Hamilton ahead of Monza next weekend.

Hamilton settled for second, setting the fastest lap on the final lap to earn a consolation bonus point, with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas a distant third.

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A good day to be Dutch 🟠🙌🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DutchGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DutchGP</a> 🇳🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Max33Verstappen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Max33Verstappen</a> <a href="https://t.co/VxL5R4tGaS">pic.twitter.com/VxL5R4tGaS</a>
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CLASSIFICATION: Confirmation of a memorable victory on home soil for <a href="https://twitter.com/Max33Verstappen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Max33Verstappen</a> 🏁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DutchGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DutchGP</a> 🇳🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/cKpXYThgob">pic.twitter.com/cKpXYThgob</a>
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"As you can hear already, it's just incredible," said Verstappen, roared on by some 70,000 orange-clad fans at a circuit where the last winner was Niki Lauda for McLaren 36 years ago.

"Expectations were high going into the weekend, I'm so happy to win here. It's such an amazing day, the whole crowd, incredible."

Verstappen, who earned half points for his win over two laps behind the safety car at Spa last Sunday, pulled away on the opening lap here, keeping Hamilton in his rear-view mirror and surging clear.

A narrow track with punishing deep gravel traps made overtaking difficult, prompting Mercedes to use varying strategies for Hamilton and Bottas to ramp up the pressure on Verstappen.

But on a day that began with Verstappen showing Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima around the Red Bull garage, the 23-year-old produced a regal display to dislodge Hamilton at the top.

Home favourite Max Verstappen snatched the world championship lead from Lewis Hamilton on Sunday as the Red Bull driver claimed a dominant victory at the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985.

Home favourite Max Verstappen snatched the world championship lead from Lewis Hamilton on Sunday as the Red Bull driver claimed a dominant victory at the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985. A week after the farcical washout in Belgium, pole-sitter Verstappen controlled the race from the start in bright sunshine at the beach resort of Zandvoort. His seventh win in 13 races this season turned a three-point deficit into a three-point lead over seven-time world champion Hamilton ahead of Monza next weekend. Hamilton settled for second, setting the fastest lap on the final lap to earn a consolation bonus point, with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas a distant third. A good day to be Dutch 🟠🙌🏆#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/VxL5R4tGaS — Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021 × CLASSIFICATION: Confirmation of a memorable victory on home soil for @Max33Verstappen 🏁#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/cKpXYThgob — Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021 × "As you can hear already, it's just incredible," said Verstappen, roared on by some 70,000 orange-clad fans at a circuit where the last winner was Niki Lauda for McLaren 36 years ago. "Expectations were high going into the weekend, I'm so happy to win here. It's such an amazing day, the whole crowd, incredible." Verstappen, who earned half points for his win over two laps behind the safety car at Spa last Sunday, pulled away on the opening lap here, keeping Hamilton in his rear-view mirror and surging clear. A narrow track with punishing deep gravel traps made overtaking difficult, prompting Mercedes to use varying strategies for Hamilton and Bottas to ramp up the pressure on Verstappen. But on a day that began with Verstappen showing Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima around the Red Bull garage, the 23-year-old produced a regal display to dislodge Hamilton at the top.

Max Verstappen wins Dutch Grand Prix to take championship lead

Max Verstappen put Red Bull on pole position for his home Dutch Grand Prix in front of 70,000 ecstatic fans on Saturday, with Formula One rival and championship leader Lewis Hamilton alongside.

Hamilton, three points clear in the standings after 12 races, was 0.038 seconds slower for Mercedes than Verstappen's best effort of one minute 08.885 seconds around the seaside circuit.

The Briton's team mate Valtteri Bottas qualified third with Frenchman Pierre Gasly fourth for Red Bull's sister team AlphaTauri.

The pole was the sixth in the last seven races for Verstappen, and the 10th of his career.

"It's an amazing feeling of course to get pole position here," said Verstappen as his Orange Army let off flares and celebrated.

"The crowd is incredible and today was also very enjoyable. The car was really nice to drive and this track in qualifying, once the fuel comes out, is really cool."

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Watch Max's rapid lap of Zandvoort in full 🚀 
 
And listen out for the cheers from the Dutch fans! 🔉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DutchGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DutchGP</a> 🇳🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/pirellisport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pirellisport</a> <a href="https://t.co/jdD6bqd2q2">pic.twitter.com/jdD6bqd2q2</a>
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In the end, just 0.038s separated Max and Lewis! 😮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DutchGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DutchGP</a> 🇳🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/kq5MNRt06o">pic.twitter.com/kq5MNRt06o</a>
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Sunday's race will be the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years, the return driven by Verstappen's success and huge following.

"He did a fantastic lap and deserves the pole," said seven times world champion Hamilton, as some boos could be heard from the crowd.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz qualified fifth and sixth with Antonio Giovinazzi standing out in seventh for Alfa Romeo.

Alpine's Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso will line up eighth and ninth and Daniel Ricciardo qualified 10th for McLaren.

Williams drivers George Russell and Nicholas Latifi both crashed in the second phase of qualifying and brought out red flags.

Russell, who started on the front row at the previous race in Belgium last weekend after an astonishing qualifying lap, hit the barriers backwards but managed to keep the car running and returned to the pitlane with nearly four minutes remaining.

The Briton took no further part in qualifying and will start 11th, and when the track action re-started Latifi then lost control and smashed into the barriers in a much heavier impact.

"My tyres were going and I was pushing too hard," said Russell. "I just attacked that corner too much and lost the rear. I'm sorry to the team."

The second stoppage, with a minute and 38 seconds to go, meant McLaren's Lando Norris failed to get in a quick enough lap to go through to the top 10 shootout.

Verstappen's Mexican team mate Sergio Perez and Aston Martin's four times world champion Sebastian Vettel were the big casualties of the first phase.

Vettel, who will start in 17th place, was blocked by dawdling Haas drivers Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher, and the three were summoned to see stewards after the session.

Mazepin blamed Schumacher in comments to Sky Sports television.

"He overtook, backed me up, and put me into Seb. I'll have a word with the team to see why that happened," said the Russian rookie.

Poland's Robert Kubica, standing in at short notice for 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo after the Finn tested positive for COVID-19, qualified 18th and ahead of the Haas pair.

Max Verstappen put Red Bull on pole position for his home Dutch Grand Prix in front of 70,000 ecstatic fans on Saturday, with Formula One rival and championship leader Lewis Hamilton alongside.

Max Verstappen put Red Bull on pole position for his home Dutch Grand Prix in front of 70,000 ecstatic fans on Saturday, with Formula One rival and championship leader Lewis Hamilton alongside. Hamilton, three points clear in the standings after 12 races, was 0.038 seconds slower for Mercedes than Verstappen's best effort of one minute 08.885 seconds around the seaside circuit. The Briton's team mate Valtteri Bottas qualified third with Frenchman Pierre Gasly fourth for Red Bull's sister team AlphaTauri. The pole was the sixth in the last seven races for Verstappen, and the 10th of his career. "It's an amazing feeling of course to get pole position here," said Verstappen as his Orange Army let off flares and celebrated. "The crowd is incredible and today was also very enjoyable. The car was really nice to drive and this track in qualifying, once the fuel comes out, is really cool." Watch Max's rapid lap of Zandvoort in full 🚀 And listen out for the cheers from the Dutch fans! 🔉#DutchGP 🇳🇱 @pirellisport pic.twitter.com/jdD6bqd2q2 — Formula 1 (@F1) September 4, 2021 × In the end, just 0.038s separated Max and Lewis! 😮#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/kq5MNRt06o — Formula 1 (@F1) September 4, 2021 × Sunday's race will be the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years, the return driven by Verstappen's success and huge following. "He did a fantastic lap and deserves the pole," said seven times world champion Hamilton, as some boos could be heard from the crowd. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz qualified fifth and sixth with Antonio Giovinazzi standing out in seventh for Alfa Romeo. Alpine's Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso will line up eighth and ninth and Daniel Ricciardo qualified 10th for McLaren. Williams drivers George Russell and Nicholas Latifi both crashed in the second phase of qualifying and brought out red flags. Russell, who started on the front row at the previous race in Belgium last weekend after an astonishing qualifying lap, hit the barriers backwards but managed to keep the car running and returned to the pitlane with nearly four minutes remaining. The Briton took no further part in qualifying and will start 11th, and when the track action re-started Latifi then lost control and smashed into the barriers in a much heavier impact. "My tyres were going and I was pushing too hard," said Russell. "I just attacked that corner too much and lost the rear. I'm sorry to the team." The second stoppage, with a minute and 38 seconds to go, meant McLaren's Lando Norris failed to get in a quick enough lap to go through to the top 10 shootout. Verstappen's Mexican team mate Sergio Perez and Aston Martin's four times world champion Sebastian Vettel were the big casualties of the first phase. Vettel, who will start in 17th place, was blocked by dawdling Haas drivers Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher, and the three were summoned to see stewards after the session. Mazepin blamed Schumacher in comments to Sky Sports television. "He overtook, backed me up, and put me into Seb. I'll have a word with the team to see why that happened," said the Russian rookie. Poland's Robert Kubica, standing in at short notice for 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo after the Finn tested positive for COVID-19, qualified 18th and ahead of the Haas pair.

Max Verstappen takes Dutch Grand Prix pole with Lewis Hamilton alongside

Red Bull's Max Verstappen mastered the treacherous conditions at a rain-soaked Spa-Francorchamps to seize pole position in a crash-interrupted qualifying session for the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday.

The Dutchman scythed through the spray in one minute, 59.765 seconds with George Russell, having fended off the third-placed Mercedes of championship leader Lewis Hamilton, falling just 0.321 seconds short of a shock maiden pole in his Williams.

Widely tipped to join Hamilton at Mercedes next year, Russell's efforts put the Grove-based team back on the front row and kept the seven-time champion from starting alongside his Red Bull title rival.

"We needed that," Verstappen, who trails Hamilton by eight points in the overall standings after his 33-point lead was wiped out in just two races, said over the team radio.

"It’s been a really tricky qualifying, hard to keep the car on track," added the 23-year-old in a television interview later.

"But at the end we were first, that’s of course the most important."

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STARTING GRID: BELGIUM 
 
After a qualifying thriller on Saturday, here's how the drivers will line up when the lights go out on Sunday at Spa 👀🚦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BelgianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BelgianGP</a> 🇧🇪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/BdAzqc41sE">pic.twitter.com/BdAzqc41sE</a>
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The pole was the ninth of Verstappen's career and sixth this season. He will be happy to have Russell as a buffer between him and his Mercedes rival.

The 23-year-old Briton, keen to make his case for a Mercedes promotion, will not be holding back even if his Williams cannot match Verstappen and Hamilton's cars in race conditions.

"That’s the plan," said Russell, who handed Williams their first front row start since 2017, when asked if he would make a bid for the lead at the start.

"If it’s there for the taking we’ll go for it."

Hamilton, who is gunning for a landmark 100th win, appeared to be on the back foot with his car set up with less downforce. That could work in his favour on Sunday, especially if track conditions are dry.

"I think we tried to strike the best balance possible," said Hamilton.

"Maybe it’s not the best for today but we will see tomorrow exactly how good it is."

The start of qualifying was delayed by rain. The session was then halted for about 40 minutes with just nine minutes of the final pole-position shootout to go after a heavy crash for McLaren's Lando Norris.

The Briton, who had led the session's opening two phases of qualifying, was the first driver to attempt a flying lap in the final part of qualifying.

With the rain having intensified, his McLaren snapped out of control while going through the fast, uphill sweep at Eau Rouge and slammed into the barriers.

Norris, who jumped out of the car, was taken to the medical center for precautionary checks and has been cleared to race.

His team mate Daniel Ricciardo offered McLaren some consolation by going fourth.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen mastered the treacherous conditions at a rain-soaked Spa-Francorchamps to seize pole position in a crash-interrupted qualifying session for the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen mastered the treacherous conditions at a rain-soaked Spa-Francorchamps to seize pole position in a crash-interrupted qualifying session for the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday. The Dutchman scythed through the spray in one minute, 59.765 seconds with George Russell, having fended off the third-placed Mercedes of championship leader Lewis Hamilton, falling just 0.321 seconds short of a shock maiden pole in his Williams. Widely tipped to join Hamilton at Mercedes next year, Russell's efforts put the Grove-based team back on the front row and kept the seven-time champion from starting alongside his Red Bull title rival. "We needed that," Verstappen, who trails Hamilton by eight points in the overall standings after his 33-point lead was wiped out in just two races, said over the team radio. "It’s been a really tricky qualifying, hard to keep the car on track," added the 23-year-old in a television interview later. "But at the end we were first, that’s of course the most important." STARTING GRID: BELGIUM After a qualifying thriller on Saturday, here's how the drivers will line up when the lights go out on Sunday at Spa 👀🚦#BelgianGP 🇧🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/BdAzqc41sE — Formula 1 (@F1) August 28, 2021 × The pole was the ninth of Verstappen's career and sixth this season. He will be happy to have Russell as a buffer between him and his Mercedes rival. The 23-year-old Briton, keen to make his case for a Mercedes promotion, will not be holding back even if his Williams cannot match Verstappen and Hamilton's cars in race conditions. "That’s the plan," said Russell, who handed Williams their first front row start since 2017, when asked if he would make a bid for the lead at the start. "If it’s there for the taking we’ll go for it." Hamilton, who is gunning for a landmark 100th win, appeared to be on the back foot with his car set up with less downforce. That could work in his favour on Sunday, especially if track conditions are dry. "I think we tried to strike the best balance possible," said Hamilton. "Maybe it’s not the best for today but we will see tomorrow exactly how good it is." The start of qualifying was delayed by rain. The session was then halted for about 40 minutes with just nine minutes of the final pole-position shootout to go after a heavy crash for McLaren's Lando Norris. The Briton, who had led the session's opening two phases of qualifying, was the first driver to attempt a flying lap in the final part of qualifying. With the rain having intensified, his McLaren snapped out of control while going through the fast, uphill sweep at Eau Rouge and slammed into the barriers. Norris, who jumped out of the car, was taken to the medical center for precautionary checks and has been cleared to race. His team mate Daniel Ricciardo offered McLaren some consolation by going fourth.

Max Verstappen secures pole in dramatic Belgian Grand Prix qualifying

Lewis Hamilton tried to tone down the ongoing feud with Max Verstappen as he was booed by the Dutchman's supporters after taking his first pole in almost three months ahead of the Grand Prix of Hungary.

The Mercedes driver was subjected to a chorus of jeers as he attempted to conduct his post-qualifying interview on Saturday.

"We do have to be so careful with our words particularly as there are young kids watching" he said.

A fortnight on from Hamilton's 180mph collision with Verstappen on the first lap of the British Grand Prix, around 10,000 Dutch fans have made the journey across Europe to the Hungaroring, a dozen miles outside of Budapest.

They are creating a hostile reception for Hamilton. One banner here read: "Sir Cheat: Karma is on its way", in reference to Hamilton's 10-second penalty for his collision with Verstappen at Silverstone.

There was also another poster of Hamilton mocked up as a crying baby in his Mercedes overalls.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton tried to tone down the ongoing feud with Max Verstappen as he was booed by the Dutchman's supporters after taking his first pole in almost three months ahead of the Grand Prix of Hungary.

Lewis Hamilton tried to tone down the ongoing feud with Max Verstappen as he was booed by the Dutchman's supporters after taking his first pole in almost three months ahead of the Grand Prix of Hungary. The Mercedes driver was subjected to a chorus of jeers as he attempted to conduct his post-qualifying interview on Saturday. "We do have to be so careful with our words particularly as there are young kids watching" he said. A fortnight on from Hamilton's 180mph collision with Verstappen on the first lap of the British Grand Prix, around 10,000 Dutch fans have made the journey across Europe to the Hungaroring, a dozen miles outside of Budapest. They are creating a hostile reception for Hamilton. One banner here read: "Sir Cheat: Karma is on its way", in reference to Hamilton's 10-second penalty for his collision with Verstappen at Silverstone. There was also another poster of Hamilton mocked up as a crying baby in his Mercedes overalls.

'We have to be careful with our words': Lewis Hamilton on being booed by Verstappen fans

Formula One driver Max Verstappen was taken to hospital after his car was careened off the track and crashed into the barrier as Lewis Hamilton tried to overtake him.&nbsp;

Verstappen took to Twitter to provide an update on himself and said that he was okay, however, he also lashed out at seven-time Formula One champion for his "disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour" on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-organisers-assure-that-cardboard-beds-are-sturdy-after-anti-sex-reports-399022" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics organisers assure that cardboard beds are 'sturdy' after 'anti-sex' reports</a>

"Glad I'm ok. Very disappointed with being taken out like this. The penalty given does not help us and doesn't do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track," tweeted Verstappen.

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Verstappen and Hamilton collide! 
 
The title rivals come together at Copse, pitching Verstappen into a high-speed crash. 
 
The Dutchman was able to walk away but he has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BritishGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BritishGP</a> 🇬🇧 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/ol1s9dRJoa">pic.twitter.com/ol1s9dRJoa</a>
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"Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour but we move on."

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Glad I’m ok. Very disappointed with being taken out like this. The penalty given does not help us and doesn’t do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track. Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behavior but we move on <a href="https://t.co/iCrgyYWYkm">pic.twitter.com/iCrgyYWYkm</a>
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Max33Verstappen/status/1416816722200469508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Lewis Hamilton was handed a 10-second penalty for a brash overtake against Verstappen, however, he still went on to win the British Grand Slam for record eighth time.&nbsp;

The 36-year-old is now only eight points behind Verstappen after 10 races, passed Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc for the lead with two laps to go as a capacity 140,000 crowd rose to cheer him. Hamilton`s team mate Valtteri Bottas was third.

The win was the 99th of seven times world champion Hamilton`s career.

Formula One driver Max Verstappen was taken to hospital after his car was careened off the track and crashed into the barrier as Lewis Hamilton tried to overtake him.

Formula One driver Max Verstappen was taken to hospital after his car was careened off the track and crashed into the barrier as Lewis Hamilton tried to overtake him. Verstappen took to Twitter to provide an update on himself and said that he was okay, however, he also lashed out at seven-time Formula One champion for his "disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour" on Sunday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics organisers assure that cardboard beds are 'sturdy' after 'anti-sex' reports "Glad I'm ok. Very disappointed with being taken out like this. The penalty given does not help us and doesn't do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track," tweeted Verstappen. Verstappen and Hamilton collide! The title rivals come together at Copse, pitching Verstappen into a high-speed crash. The Dutchman was able to walk away but he has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/ol1s9dRJoa — Formula 1 (@F1) July 18, 2021 × "Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour but we move on." Glad I’m ok. Very disappointed with being taken out like this. The penalty given does not help us and doesn’t do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track. Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behavior but we move on pic.twitter.com/iCrgyYWYkm — Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 18, 2021 × Lewis Hamilton was handed a 10-second penalty for a brash overtake against Verstappen, however, he still went on to win the British Grand Slam for record eighth time. The 36-year-old is now only eight points behind Verstappen after 10 races, passed Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc for the lead with two laps to go as a capacity 140,000 crowd rose to cheer him. Hamilton`s team mate Valtteri Bottas was third. The win was the 99th of seven times world champion Hamilton`s career.

'Disrespectful': Max Verstappen lashes out at Lewis Hamilton over British GP crash

Lewis Hamilton won his home British Grand Prix for a record-extending eighth time on Sunday despite a 10-second penalty for a first lap collision that sent Red Bull rival Max Verstappen crashing out of the race. 
 
The Mercedes driver, now only eight points behind Verstappen after 10 races, passed Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc for the lead with two laps to go as a capacity 140,000 crowd rose to cheer him. Hamilton`s team mate Valtteri Bottas was third. 
 
The win was the 99th of seven times world champion Hamilton`s career.

Lewis Hamilton won his home British Grand Prix for a record-extending eighth time on Sunday despite a 10-second penalty for a first lap collision that sent Red Bull rival Max Verstappen crashing out of the race.

Lewis Hamilton won his home British Grand Prix for a record-extending eighth time on Sunday despite a 10-second penalty for a first lap collision that sent Red Bull rival Max Verstappen crashing out of the race. The Mercedes driver, now only eight points behind Verstappen after 10 races, passed Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc for the lead with two laps to go as a capacity 140,000 crowd rose to cheer him. Hamilton`s team mate Valtteri Bottas was third. The win was the 99th of seven times world champion Hamilton`s career.

Formula One: Hamilton wins home British GP for eighth time

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen crashed out of the British Grand Prix on Sunday after a first-lap collision with reigning champion Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen's Red Bull careened off the track and into the barriers as he was knocked out of the race.&nbsp;

His Red Bull team tweeted that he has been taken to hospital for further precautionary tests.

"Thank god he's walked away unscathed," Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told the race director.&nbsp;

"Full blame lays on Hamilton who should never have been in that position."

"That was a really nasty accident. It's like a professional foul," Horner later told British TV.

Hamilton was handed a 10-second penalty, which he could take during a pit stop.

Roared on by a capacity crowd, home driver Hamilton, who started second on the grid, attacked Verstappen from the start.

He made several attempts to overtake and tried to cut inside on Copse corner. As Dutchman Verstappen turned he hit the front tyre of the Mercedes, and his Red Bull flew across the gravel and into the barriers.&nbsp;

The race was suspended with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in the lead as crews worked to remove Verstappen's car and the stewards reviewed the incident.&nbsp;

Verstappen waved to the crowd before climbing into an ambulance.

"Following an assessment by the trackside doctors at Silverstone Circuit Medical Centre, Max Verstappen has been taken to a local hospital," said Red Bull's tweet.

During the pause in the action the teams and drivers involved lobbied race organisers and the stewards both in person and on the radio.

Team principals Toto Wolff of Mercedes and Horner both visited the officials' room in the pit lane.&nbsp;

Hamilton pleaded his case in a radio chat with his team.

"I was ahead coming in there," he said. "It was my line. I was giving the guy space."

He was backed up by call from the Mercedes pit lane to race director Michael Massey.

"I've had a chance to look at that footage. Lewis was significantly alongside on the inside of turn nine."

Horner argued the opposite in a radio call with Massey

"That corner, he was never anywhere near alongside," Horner said.&nbsp;

"Every driver that's driven this circuit knows you do not stick a wheel up the inside at Copse. That's an enormous accident and it was 100 per cent Max's corner. Full blame lays on Hamilton who should never have been in that position."

"Thank god he's walked away unscathed. I hope you're going to deal with it appropriately," Horner concluded, before repeating the sentiment to the TV cameras in the pit lane.

The stewards eventually settled on a 10-second penalty, almost the smallest penalty they could impose, though they could review the incident afer the race.

Horner told British TV that the penalty was "pretty light, he's still going to finish on the podium with that penalty".

The Mercedes pits responded by radioing Hamilton that their strategy had changed.

"So, you probably need to push on now. Situation has now changed compared to this morning due to the 10-second penalty," they said.

Verstappen had won the last three races to build a 33-point lead over seven-time champion Hamilton.

After finishing second in Saturday's qualifying sprint, Hamilton had repeated his&nbsp;complaint that the Red Bulls were faster.

"It was pretty much the same as the last races -- you had to follow Max," he said, a sentiment which explained his desperate attempt to grab the lead at the start.

Hamilton was involved in another infamous first-lap crash when he collided with team-mate Nico Rosberg in Barcelona in 2016, wiping out both cars. Rosberg went on to win the title.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen crashed out of the British Grand Prix on Sunday after a first-lap collision with reigning champion Lewis Hamilton.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen crashed out of the British Grand Prix on Sunday after a first-lap collision with reigning champion Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen's Red Bull careened off the track and into the barriers as he was knocked out of the race. His Red Bull team tweeted that he has been taken to hospital for further precautionary tests. "Thank god he's walked away unscathed," Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told the race director. "Full blame lays on Hamilton who should never have been in that position." "That was a really nasty accident. It's like a professional foul," Horner later told British TV. Hamilton was handed a 10-second penalty, which he could take during a pit stop. Roared on by a capacity crowd, home driver Hamilton, who started second on the grid, attacked Verstappen from the start. He made several attempts to overtake and tried to cut inside on Copse corner. As Dutchman Verstappen turned he hit the front tyre of the Mercedes, and his Red Bull flew across the gravel and into the barriers. The race was suspended with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in the lead as crews worked to remove Verstappen's car and the stewards reviewed the incident. Verstappen waved to the crowd before climbing into an ambulance. "Following an assessment by the trackside doctors at Silverstone Circuit Medical Centre, Max Verstappen has been taken to a local hospital," said Red Bull's tweet. During the pause in the action the teams and drivers involved lobbied race organisers and the stewards both in person and on the radio. Team principals Toto Wolff of Mercedes and Horner both visited the officials' room in the pit lane. Hamilton pleaded his case in a radio chat with his team. "I was ahead coming in there," he said. "It was my line. I was giving the guy space." He was backed up by call from the Mercedes pit lane to race director Michael Massey. "I've had a chance to look at that footage. Lewis was significantly alongside on the inside of turn nine." Horner argued the opposite in a radio call with Massey "That corner, he was never anywhere near alongside," Horner said. "Every driver that's driven this circuit knows you do not stick a wheel up the inside at Copse. That's an enormous accident and it was 100 per cent Max's corner. Full blame lays on Hamilton who should never have been in that position." "Thank god he's walked away unscathed. I hope you're going to deal with it appropriately," Horner concluded, before repeating the sentiment to the TV cameras in the pit lane. The stewards eventually settled on a 10-second penalty, almost the smallest penalty they could impose, though they could review the incident afer the race. Horner told British TV that the penalty was "pretty light, he's still going to finish on the podium with that penalty". The Mercedes pits responded by radioing Hamilton that their strategy had changed. "So, you probably need to push on now. Situation has now changed compared to this morning due to the 10-second penalty," they said. Verstappen had won the last three races to build a 33-point lead over seven-time champion Hamilton. After finishing second in Saturday's qualifying sprint, Hamilton had repeated his complaint that the Red Bulls were faster. "It was pretty much the same as the last races -- you had to follow Max," he said, a sentiment which explained his desperate attempt to grab the lead at the start. Hamilton was involved in another infamous first-lap crash when he collided with team-mate Nico Rosberg in Barcelona in 2016, wiping out both cars. Rosberg went on to win the title.

'Blame Hamilton': Verstappen in hospital after British Grand Prix collision

As they gear up for Formula One's doubleheader at the Red Bull Ring, starting with this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri drivers went head-to-head in the ultimate scavenger hunt, codenamed 'Formula Schnitzeljagd'.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-driver-sebastian-vettel-lashes-out-at-uefa-over-rainbow-protest-refusal-393724" hreflang="en">Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel lashes out at UEFA over 'rainbow' protest refusal</a>

Formula Schnitzeljagd is an off-road Austrian adventure like no other. Red Bull Racing duo Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez joined Scuderia AlphaTauri racers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda on a tour that mixed culture with driving challenges.

First up, they travelled to Hangar-7 in Salzburg and jumped on board a Cessna 208 Caravan seaplane for the short 80km flight to Styria's largest lake, Grundlsee.

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After arriving at Grundlsee and kitting themselves out in traditional Austrian clothing, the Bulls faced their first challenge of racing two of the lake's traditional long wooden Plätten boats.

Next up, was stepping into a pair of enormous six-wheel Pinzgauer trucks. Originally manufactured in nearby Graz, Pinzgauers are high-mobility, all-terrain vehicles capable of taking on daunting landscapes, and the most treacherous of inclines and declines.

<img alt="ss" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32c12120-5f22-4b00-86db-fe794533c39f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20image%20%2820%29.jpg" />

The drivers were tested to make full use of the Pinzgauer's capabilities as they went head-to-head through the forests deep in the Styrian countryside on their way to the Red Bull Ring.

And once at the home of F1 in Austria and with a suitably damp track awaiting them, there was only one final challenge to face – an all-or-nothing sprint to the flag.

<img alt="sss" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb55d22b-7e2b-42a7-b465-948d7d636d5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20image%20%2822%29.jpg" />

Verstappen, 23, said: "Honestly I'd never seen anything like the Pinzgauer before – a six-wheel car. It pretty was cool to drive! It's always nice to race in Austria and now we get the opportunity to do it twice. It's our home Grand Prix and we've won it before, so hopefully we can have two good weekends here."

Pérez, 31, added: "It was very competitive, very serious (laughs) and the best type of preparation you can have for the race weekend."

Tsunoda, 21, said: "It was a really interesting and exciting event and there was plenty of teamwork. It was fun. The driving in the off-road with the Pinzgauer, we got stuck a lot on the hills and we had a tough time to get out from there, but it was fun."

Gasly, 25, concluded: "We went around the Austrian countryside and discovered a lot of different parts of the country before we ended up at The Red Bull Ring. It was good to be with all four drivers together."

As they gear up for Formula One's doubleheader at the Red Bull Ring, starting with this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri drivers went head-to-head in the ultimate scavenger hunt, codenamed 'Formula Schnitzeljagd'.

As they gear up for Formula One's doubleheader at the Red Bull Ring, starting with this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri drivers went head-to-head in the ultimate scavenger hunt, codenamed 'Formula Schnitzeljagd'. ALSO READ: Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel lashes out at UEFA over 'rainbow' protest refusal Formula Schnitzeljagd is an off-road Austrian adventure like no other. Red Bull Racing duo Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez joined Scuderia AlphaTauri racers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda on a tour that mixed culture with driving challenges. First up, they travelled to Hangar-7 in Salzburg and jumped on board a Cessna 208 Caravan seaplane for the short 80km flight to Styria's largest lake, Grundlsee. × After arriving at Grundlsee and kitting themselves out in traditional Austrian clothing, the Bulls faced their first challenge of racing two of the lake's traditional long wooden Plätten boats. Next up, was stepping into a pair of enormous six-wheel Pinzgauer trucks. Originally manufactured in nearby Graz, Pinzgauers are high-mobility, all-terrain vehicles capable of taking on daunting landscapes, and the most treacherous of inclines and declines. The drivers were tested to make full use of the Pinzgauer's capabilities as they went head-to-head through the forests deep in the Styrian countryside on their way to the Red Bull Ring. And once at the home of F1 in Austria and with a suitably damp track awaiting them, there was only one final challenge to face – an all-or-nothing sprint to the flag. Verstappen, 23, said: "Honestly I'd never seen anything like the Pinzgauer before – a six-wheel car. It pretty was cool to drive! It's always nice to race in Austria and now we get the opportunity to do it twice. It's our home Grand Prix and we've won it before, so hopefully we can have two good weekends here." Pérez, 31, added: "It was very competitive, very serious (laughs) and the best type of preparation you can have for the race weekend." Tsunoda, 21, said: "It was a really interesting and exciting event and there was plenty of teamwork. It was fun. The driving in the off-road with the Pinzgauer, we got stuck a lot on the hills and we had a tough time to get out from there, but it was fun." Gasly, 25, concluded: "We went around the Austrian countryside and discovered a lot of different parts of the country before we ended up at The Red Bull Ring. It was good to be with all four drivers together."

WATCH - Formula One drivers face off in fun Austrian off-road adventure

Max Verstappen will seek to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the world championship at this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix as the cracks in Mercedes' armoury widen.

The 23-year-old Dutchman heads the defending seven time champion by 12 points after beating him at last Sunday's French Grand Prix as the Formula One circus prepares for the second part of a triple-header of three consecutive races, two in Austria following the closely-fought encounter at Le Castellet.

Hamilton, 36, and his Mercedes team were unable to find an answer to Red Bull's competitiveness, speed and superior tactical acumen in France and their hopes of retaining their titles could be badly damaged if they cannot recapture form and fortunes.

But after licking their wounds, they are determined to bounce back with an attacking response to prevent their rivals claiming a fourth straight win for the first time since 2014.&nbsp;

Last year, when the sweeping circuit in the Styrian Alps also hosted two successive season-opening events, Mercedes won both with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas claiming one apiece.

However, Verstappen won in 2018 and 2019 and he has been the dominant force since Hamilton's last win in early May.

If he can triumph again in the Styrian race, he will be well-placed for a repeat seven days later in the Austrian Grand Prix and might then have a comfortable cushion in points advantage before Hamilton's home British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July.

Both men and both teams will know, however, that the Red Bull Ring, a down-sized version of its old Osterreichring predecessor, remains a majestic track with a habit of creating drama and, occasionally, controversy.

Red Bull go into the weekend with a 36-point lead in the constructors championship and, importantly, a straight-line speed advantage that they demonstrated at the Paul Ricard circuit, leaving Hamilton and his team baffled and frustrated.

The Briton, 36, could not explain if this was due to 'drag' – the use of less wing – or power from the upgraded Honda engines introduced in France and faces the prospect of extending his winless streak to four races for the first time since 2016, the only year since 2014 when he was not champion.

His erstwhile Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg won the 2016 title, when Hamilton went five without a win.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Have to improve' -</h2>

He also went six without winning from 2017 to 2018, three at the end of one season and the start of the next.

Cracks are appearing in Mercedes' once-impenetrable performance armoury as last Sunday's loss, after leading when Verstappen ran wide at the first corner, showed.

Strategic errors by the team undid both Hamilton and Bottas, as conceded by Mercedes team strategist James Vowles and boss Toto Wolff.

"In a season like this, every point will matter and make a difference," said Wolff.

"And we've left points on the table at the last few races. We've debriefed France and we understand where we have to improve.

"Now it's all about focusing on bringing those improvements to the next two rounds in Austria where, hopefully, we can swing the positive momentum back in our favour."

Verstappen, showing composure beyond his years, has ignored the title speculation.&nbsp;

"I just want to go to the next race and try to win again," he said.&nbsp;

"I know it's not always possible, but we try as a team every weekend to get the best out of it."

He shrugged aside a recent exchange of comments suggesting he was faster than Hamilton.&nbsp;

"It's just a bit of talk from both sides, which is fine. You have to believe in your own capabilities. I believe I'm the fastest, but he also believes he's the fastest.

"In Austria, we have to set up the car well again and read the conditions. I don't know what the weather forecast is, but I'm looking forward to it. For sure, it will be close again."

Max Verstappen will seek to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the world championship at this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix as the cracks in Mercedes' armoury widen.

Max Verstappen will seek to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the world championship at this weekend's Styrian Grand Prix as the cracks in Mercedes' armoury widen. The 23-year-old Dutchman heads the defending seven time champion by 12 points after beating him at last Sunday's French Grand Prix as the Formula One circus prepares for the second part of a triple-header of three consecutive races, two in Austria following the closely-fought encounter at Le Castellet. Hamilton, 36, and his Mercedes team were unable to find an answer to Red Bull's competitiveness, speed and superior tactical acumen in France and their hopes of retaining their titles could be badly damaged if they cannot recapture form and fortunes. But after licking their wounds, they are determined to bounce back with an attacking response to prevent their rivals claiming a fourth straight win for the first time since 2014. Last year, when the sweeping circuit in the Styrian Alps also hosted two successive season-opening events, Mercedes won both with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas claiming one apiece. However, Verstappen won in 2018 and 2019 and he has been the dominant force since Hamilton's last win in early May. If he can triumph again in the Styrian race, he will be well-placed for a repeat seven days later in the Austrian Grand Prix and might then have a comfortable cushion in points advantage before Hamilton's home British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. Both men and both teams will know, however, that the Red Bull Ring, a down-sized version of its old Osterreichring predecessor, remains a majestic track with a habit of creating drama and, occasionally, controversy. Red Bull go into the weekend with a 36-point lead in the constructors championship and, importantly, a straight-line speed advantage that they demonstrated at the Paul Ricard circuit, leaving Hamilton and his team baffled and frustrated. The Briton, 36, could not explain if this was due to 'drag' – the use of less wing – or power from the upgraded Honda engines introduced in France and faces the prospect of extending his winless streak to four races for the first time since 2016, the only year since 2014 when he was not champion. His erstwhile Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg won the 2016 title, when Hamilton went five without a win. - 'Have to improve' - He also went six without winning from 2017 to 2018, three at the end of one season and the start of the next. Cracks are appearing in Mercedes' once-impenetrable performance armoury as last Sunday's loss, after leading when Verstappen ran wide at the first corner, showed. Strategic errors by the team undid both Hamilton and Bottas, as conceded by Mercedes team strategist James Vowles and boss Toto Wolff. "In a season like this, every point will matter and make a difference," said Wolff. "And we've left points on the table at the last few races. We've debriefed France and we understand where we have to improve. "Now it's all about focusing on bringing those improvements to the next two rounds in Austria where, hopefully, we can swing the positive momentum back in our favour." Verstappen, showing composure beyond his years, has ignored the title speculation. "I just want to go to the next race and try to win again," he said. "I know it's not always possible, but we try as a team every weekend to get the best out of it." He shrugged aside a recent exchange of comments suggesting he was faster than Hamilton. "It's just a bit of talk from both sides, which is fine. You have to believe in your own capabilities. I believe I'm the fastest, but he also believes he's the fastest. "In Austria, we have to set up the car well again and read the conditions. I don't know what the weather forecast is, but I'm looking forward to it. For sure, it will be close again."

Formula One: Verstappen ready to pounce as cracks widen in Mercedes armour

Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix on Sunday to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One drivers' title race.

The Red Bull driver hunted down and overtook the Mercedes world champion with over a lap to go at a gusty Le Castellet to claim his third win out of seven races this season.

"Towards the end I enjoyed it! At the beginning it was super difficult out there with the wind," said Verstappen.

This was a massive statement by the Dutch driver and his resurgent Red Bull team who won their third successive race after Monaco and Baku.

It pushed Verstappen 12 points clear of Hamilton ahead of back-to-back races on Red Bull turf in Austria.

Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull came in third with Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes finishing fourth.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner had said before the race "if we can beat them here we can beat them anywhere" of Mercedes, who were itching to get back onto a regular track like the circuit Paul Ricard after getting lost on the streets of Monaco and Baku.

But things got off to a bumpy beginning for pole sitter Verstappen, who went off the track in a horror start coming out of turn one, Hamilton accepting the unexpected gift to take the lead.

"I couldn't keep the car under control," complained Verstappen.

Hamilton had led 105 of the 106 laps for his wins here in 2018 and 2019, and he set about extending his near total stranglehold at the Provencal track.

Approaching a third of the 53-lap race Hamilton had established a near three second gap back to Verstappen, with Bottas and Perez in pursuit.

With drivers starting to complain of tyre wear Charles Leclerc was the first to come into the pits for a change of footwear for his Ferrari.

Verstappen wasn't far behind, with Hamilton coming in for a slick stop on lap 20, coming out as Verstappen flashed past with Perez, still to pit, the new leader.

The Mexican, winner in Baku last time out, was hauled in on lap 25, leaving Verstappen in the lead and Hamilton half a second behind.

"We can't keep this up until the end of the race that's for sure" Verstappen told his pits over the team radio referring to tyres on lap 29.

And on lap 32 in he came in again, resuming in fourth, 25sec behind Hamilton, but with better grip he was only seven seconds behind in third by lap 40.

With nine laps to go Verstappen muscled past Bottas, the gap ahead to Hamilton just five seconds.

Hunting his prey down it made for an epic end and he duly picked off the Silver Arrows on the penultimate lap to trigger wild celebrations in the Red Bull garage.

"The whole race me and Lewis were fighting each other, so it will be like this the rest of the season," Verstappen said.

Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix on Sunday to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One drivers' title race. The Red Bull driver hunted down and overtook the Mercedes world champion with over a lap to go at a gusty Le Castellet to claim his third win out of seven races this season.

Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix on Sunday to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One drivers' title race. The Red Bull driver hunted down and overtook the Mercedes world champion with over a lap to go at a gusty Le Castellet to claim his third win out of seven races this season. "Towards the end I enjoyed it! At the beginning it was super difficult out there with the wind," said Verstappen. This was a massive statement by the Dutch driver and his resurgent Red Bull team who won their third successive race after Monaco and Baku. It pushed Verstappen 12 points clear of Hamilton ahead of back-to-back races on Red Bull turf in Austria. Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull came in third with Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes finishing fourth. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner had said before the race "if we can beat them here we can beat them anywhere" of Mercedes, who were itching to get back onto a regular track like the circuit Paul Ricard after getting lost on the streets of Monaco and Baku. But things got off to a bumpy beginning for pole sitter Verstappen, who went off the track in a horror start coming out of turn one, Hamilton accepting the unexpected gift to take the lead. "I couldn't keep the car under control," complained Verstappen. Hamilton had led 105 of the 106 laps for his wins here in 2018 and 2019, and he set about extending his near total stranglehold at the Provencal track. Approaching a third of the 53-lap race Hamilton had established a near three second gap back to Verstappen, with Bottas and Perez in pursuit. With drivers starting to complain of tyre wear Charles Leclerc was the first to come into the pits for a change of footwear for his Ferrari. Verstappen wasn't far behind, with Hamilton coming in for a slick stop on lap 20, coming out as Verstappen flashed past with Perez, still to pit, the new leader. The Mexican, winner in Baku last time out, was hauled in on lap 25, leaving Verstappen in the lead and Hamilton half a second behind. "We can't keep this up until the end of the race that's for sure" Verstappen told his pits over the team radio referring to tyres on lap 29. And on lap 32 in he came in again, resuming in fourth, 25sec behind Hamilton, but with better grip he was only seven seconds behind in third by lap 40. With nine laps to go Verstappen muscled past Bottas, the gap ahead to Hamilton just five seconds. Hunting his prey down it made for an epic end and he duly picked off the Silver Arrows on the penultimate lap to trigger wild celebrations in the Red Bull garage. "The whole race me and Lewis were fighting each other, so it will be like this the rest of the season," Verstappen said.

Formula One: Verstappen denies Hamilton in French thriller

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen pulled off the unexpected on Saturday when he snatched a comfortable French Grand Prix pole for Red Bull at a track that had until now been a happy hunting ground for rivals Mercedes.

The Dutchman, who leads Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton by four points in the overall standings, was in a league of his own around the 5.8-kilometer Paul Ricard circuit.

His lap of one minute 29.990 seconds made him the only driver to breach the 1:30 barrier and was good enough to beat the seven-time world champion, Hamilton, by 0.258 seconds.

Verstappen's qualifying display followed an even more dominant showing in final practice earlier on Saturday when he lapped 0.747 seconds quicker than Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas, who qualified third for Sunday's race.

“I knew it was going to be better than the last time we were here but this good I didn't expect,” said Verstappen after taking his second pole position of the season and the fifth of his career.

“This has traditionally not been an amazing track for us but to be able to put it on pole here, of course, we're super happy about that.”

Mercedes have been dominant at the track at Le Castellet in southern France since it joined the calendar as host of the returning French Grand Prix in 2018.

The team topped every practice and qualifying session for the 2018 and 2019 races, with Hamilton going on to win both from the pole. The race did not take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reigning champions had hoped the venue would set the stage for a return to form after disappointing outings at the last two races in Monaco and Baku.

“It's been a difficult weekend because we are just lacking pace,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sky&nbsp;F1.

“It looked much worse than at the end where we ended up but we just need to gain everywhere.”

For Red Bull, it proved that their speed around the street layouts in Monaco and Baku had carried over to the more conventional layout of Paul Ricard, after having been beaten by Mercedes at similar venues in Portugal and Spain.

Verstappen is hopeful he can get the job done and deal Mercedes with their first defeat at the circuit on Sunday.

“I’m so confident that we can have a good race car anyway, so it’s going to be a long race. It will be a tight battle but I’m looking forward to it.”

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen pulled off the unexpected on Saturday when he snatched a comfortable French Grand Prix pole for Red Bull at a track that had until now been a happy hunting ground for rivals Mercedes.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen pulled off the unexpected on Saturday when he snatched a comfortable French Grand Prix pole for Red Bull at a track that had until now been a happy hunting ground for rivals Mercedes. The Dutchman, who leads Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton by four points in the overall standings, was in a league of his own around the 5.8-kilometer Paul Ricard circuit. His lap of one minute 29.990 seconds made him the only driver to breach the 1:30 barrier and was good enough to beat the seven-time world champion, Hamilton, by 0.258 seconds. Verstappen's qualifying display followed an even more dominant showing in final practice earlier on Saturday when he lapped 0.747 seconds quicker than Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas, who qualified third for Sunday's race. “I knew it was going to be better than the last time we were here but this good I didn't expect,” said Verstappen after taking his second pole position of the season and the fifth of his career. “This has traditionally not been an amazing track for us but to be able to put it on pole here, of course, we're super happy about that.” Mercedes have been dominant at the track at Le Castellet in southern France since it joined the calendar as host of the returning French Grand Prix in 2018. The team topped every practice and qualifying session for the 2018 and 2019 races, with Hamilton going on to win both from the pole. The race did not take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reigning champions had hoped the venue would set the stage for a return to form after disappointing outings at the last two races in Monaco and Baku. “It's been a difficult weekend because we are just lacking pace,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sky F1. “It looked much worse than at the end where we ended up but we just need to gain everywhere.” For Red Bull, it proved that their speed around the street layouts in Monaco and Baku had carried over to the more conventional layout of Paul Ricard, after having been beaten by Mercedes at similar venues in Portugal and Spain. Verstappen is hopeful he can get the job done and deal Mercedes with their first defeat at the circuit on Sunday. “I’m so confident that we can have a good race car anyway, so it’s going to be a long race. It will be a tight battle but I’m looking forward to it.”

F1: Max Verstappen delivers the unexpected with French GP pole

Red Bull`s Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen pushed Mercedes off the top of the timesheets in French Grand Prix practice on Friday as the battle between the two teams heated up. 
 
The 23-year-old Dutch driver lapped Le Castellet`s Paul Ricard circuit in one minute 32.872 seconds in the afternoon, 0.008 quicker than Mercedes` Valtteri Bottas who had led the morning session with a lap of 1:33.448. 
 
Bottas set his best lap on the slower medium tyres, however, rather than the softs used by Verstappen. 
 
Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton, four points behind Verstappen after six races, was third in the hour-long session and also on the softs. 
 
The two Mercedes drivers have swapped chassis since the last race in Azerbaijan. 
 
"There`s something not right with this car, man," Hamilton said over the radio. 
 
After two tough street races, with no points in Baku two weeks ago, Mercedes are hoping for a return to winning ways at a southern circuit they have dominated since its return to the calendar in 2018. 
 
Hamilton won from pole position in 2018 and 2019, and Mercedes had led every practice session since the return until Verstappen`s effort. 
 
The pace of the Red Bull indicated that this year could be a lot closer, although Verstappen`s team mate Sergio Perez, winner in Baku after the Dutch driver crashed out with a tyre blowout, was 12th quickest. 
 
Verstappen is four points clear of Hamilton after six rounds. 
 
Alpine`s Fernando Alonso was fourth in the second session, ahead of Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon in the other Alpine. 
 
Several drivers, including Bottas, damaged their cars and tyres on the kerbs at turn two and brightly painted abrasive run-off areas in the first session. Verstappen lost part of his front wing in the second. 
 
Teams openly expressed concern about the cost at a time of budget caps. 
 
Aston Martin`s Sebastian Vettel hit the barriers backwards and nursed his damaged car back to the pits, a set of tyres wrecked. 
 
"Those yellow rumble strips on the exit of turn two have done an awful lot of damage to our car. They are just too aggressive," complained Mercedes sporting director Ron Meadows over the radio to race director Michael Masi. 
&nbsp;

Red Bull`s Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen pushed Mercedes off the top of the timesheets in French Grand Prix practice on Friday as the battle between the two teams heated up.

Red Bull`s Formula One world championship leader Max Verstappen pushed Mercedes off the top of the timesheets in French Grand Prix practice on Friday as the battle between the two teams heated up. The 23-year-old Dutch driver lapped Le Castellet`s Paul Ricard circuit in one minute 32.872 seconds in the afternoon, 0.008 quicker than Mercedes` Valtteri Bottas who had led the morning session with a lap of 1:33.448. Bottas set his best lap on the slower medium tyres, however, rather than the softs used by Verstappen. Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton, four points behind Verstappen after six races, was third in the hour-long session and also on the softs. The two Mercedes drivers have swapped chassis since the last race in Azerbaijan. "There`s something not right with this car, man," Hamilton said over the radio. After two tough street races, with no points in Baku two weeks ago, Mercedes are hoping for a return to winning ways at a southern circuit they have dominated since its return to the calendar in 2018. Hamilton won from pole position in 2018 and 2019, and Mercedes had led every practice session since the return until Verstappen`s effort. The pace of the Red Bull indicated that this year could be a lot closer, although Verstappen`s team mate Sergio Perez, winner in Baku after the Dutch driver crashed out with a tyre blowout, was 12th quickest. Verstappen is four points clear of Hamilton after six rounds. Alpine`s Fernando Alonso was fourth in the second session, ahead of Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon in the other Alpine. Several drivers, including Bottas, damaged their cars and tyres on the kerbs at turn two and brightly painted abrasive run-off areas in the first session. Verstappen lost part of his front wing in the second. Teams openly expressed concern about the cost at a time of budget caps. Aston Martin`s Sebastian Vettel hit the barriers backwards and nursed his damaged car back to the pits, a set of tyres wrecked. "Those yellow rumble strips on the exit of turn two have done an awful lot of damage to our car. They are just too aggressive," complained Mercedes sporting director Ron Meadows over the radio to race director Michael Masi.

Formula One: Verstappen fastest in French GP practice

Max Verstappen capitalised on Ferrari pole-sitter Charles Leclerc's cruel last-minute withdrawal to win Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix and go top of the drivers' world championship for the first time.

Carlos Sainz for Ferrari took second with Lando Norris of McLaren completing the podium.

Red Bull's Verstappen displaced Lewis Hamilton at the top of the 2021 standings after the Mercedes world champion finished in seventh.

The Dutch driver pitched up in the Principality trailing Hamilton by 14 points, and leaves it four points ahead.

"It's so special to win. The first time for me on the podium here. It was all about looking after the tyres. I was pretty much in control," said Verstappen after taking the chequered flag waved by tennis superstar Serena Williams.

Hamilton had a low key weekend, qualifying in seventh and finishing in seventh.

His teammate Valtteri Bottas was in contention to pounce on any mistake by Verstappen.

But then his race came to an embarrassing end when a routine pitstop took a disastrous turn as a wheel refused to come off.

The Finn's frustration will have been nothing to the heartache Leclerc suffered just before the start when he reported a gearbox problem on his Ferrari.

For the locally-born Leclerc it was a cruel end to his dream of winning his home grand prix.

<h2>- 'Difficult to take' -</h2>

"In the garage it was very difficult to feel ok, but I guess now I'm getting used to this feeling here unfortunately," said Leclerc.&nbsp;

"I've never finished a race here - this year, I don't start it. It's a difficult one to take and I also feel for the team."

His last minute absence was all the more unexpected as a couple of hours earlier Ferrari had announced repairs had been carried out without a grid penalty after Leclerc's accident in qualifying 24 hours earlier.

For the 23-year-old it was just the latest misfortune at Monaco.

Despite his familiarity with the narrow, unforgiving street circuit his record at his home race remains bleak.

His ill luck at the Mediterranean jewel in F1's crown had already resurfaced on Thursday after gearbox problems ruined his opening practice session.

From then on his fortunes flipped. He topped FP2, then qualified in pole for the first time since Mexico in 2019.

But his crash, which ended qualifying prematurely left him anxiously waiting for the all-clear from the mechanics working on his damaged car.

That came on Sunday morning, only for heartache to follow as he made his way around the circuit to the start when he came on the team radio reporting he had a problem, saying "No, no, no - the gearbox guys".

Back in the pits Ferrari mechanics pounced on the car to see if anything could be done to even allow him to start from the pitlane.

When it became obvious that wasn't possible, a dejected Leclerc emerged from his stricken car's cockpit to head for the grid and the pre-race ceremonies, receiving a consoling hug from Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Leclerc's absence will have come as a bitter disappointment to his supporters in the 7,500 crowd allowed to watch the race from the grandstands as coronavirus restrictions are gradually lifted.

Verstappen inherited pole position which takes on greater significance in Monaco where overtaking opportunities are as rare as a royal flush at Monaco's mythic Casino.

And so it proved with the Red Bull driver becoming the 12th winner from pole in the last 16 editions to enhance his claims as the main obstacle between Hamilton and a record eighth world title.

The F1 circus next heads to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku in two weeks' time.

Max Verstappen capitalised on Ferrari pole-sitter Charles Leclerc's cruel last-minute withdrawal to win Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix and go top of the drivers' world championship for the first time.

Max Verstappen capitalised on Ferrari pole-sitter Charles Leclerc's cruel last-minute withdrawal to win Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix and go top of the drivers' world championship for the first time. Carlos Sainz for Ferrari took second with Lando Norris of McLaren completing the podium. Red Bull's Verstappen displaced Lewis Hamilton at the top of the 2021 standings after the Mercedes world champion finished in seventh. The Dutch driver pitched up in the Principality trailing Hamilton by 14 points, and leaves it four points ahead. "It's so special to win. The first time for me on the podium here. It was all about looking after the tyres. I was pretty much in control," said Verstappen after taking the chequered flag waved by tennis superstar Serena Williams. Hamilton had a low key weekend, qualifying in seventh and finishing in seventh. His teammate Valtteri Bottas was in contention to pounce on any mistake by Verstappen. But then his race came to an embarrassing end when a routine pitstop took a disastrous turn as a wheel refused to come off. The Finn's frustration will have been nothing to the heartache Leclerc suffered just before the start when he reported a gearbox problem on his Ferrari. For the locally-born Leclerc it was a cruel end to his dream of winning his home grand prix. - 'Difficult to take' - "In the garage it was very difficult to feel ok, but I guess now I'm getting used to this feeling here unfortunately," said Leclerc. "I've never finished a race here - this year, I don't start it. It's a difficult one to take and I also feel for the team." His last minute absence was all the more unexpected as a couple of hours earlier Ferrari had announced repairs had been carried out without a grid penalty after Leclerc's accident in qualifying 24 hours earlier. For the 23-year-old it was just the latest misfortune at Monaco. Despite his familiarity with the narrow, unforgiving street circuit his record at his home race remains bleak. His ill luck at the Mediterranean jewel in F1's crown had already resurfaced on Thursday after gearbox problems ruined his opening practice session. From then on his fortunes flipped. He topped FP2, then qualified in pole for the first time since Mexico in 2019. But his crash, which ended qualifying prematurely left him anxiously waiting for the all-clear from the mechanics working on his damaged car. That came on Sunday morning, only for heartache to follow as he made his way around the circuit to the start when he came on the team radio reporting he had a problem, saying "No, no, no - the gearbox guys". Back in the pits Ferrari mechanics pounced on the car to see if anything could be done to even allow him to start from the pitlane. When it became obvious that wasn't possible, a dejected Leclerc emerged from his stricken car's cockpit to head for the grid and the pre-race ceremonies, receiving a consoling hug from Prince Albert II of Monaco. Leclerc's absence will have come as a bitter disappointment to his supporters in the 7,500 crowd allowed to watch the race from the grandstands as coronavirus restrictions are gradually lifted. Verstappen inherited pole position which takes on greater significance in Monaco where overtaking opportunities are as rare as a royal flush at Monaco's mythic Casino. And so it proved with the Red Bull driver becoming the 12th winner from pole in the last 16 editions to enhance his claims as the main obstacle between Hamilton and a record eighth world title. The F1 circus next heads to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku in two weeks' time.

F1: Verstappen makes most of Leclerc's Monaco misery to take championship lead

World champion Lewis Hamilton saw Max Verstappen top the times in Formula One testing on Sunday and predicted the Dutch star's Red Bull team will be "a different animal" when the season starts in two weeks' time.

Verstappen, who was third behind Hamilton and the Briton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in the 2020 championship, timed a best lap of 1:28.960 on Sunday.

That proved to be the fastest time of the three-day session.

However, rookie Yuki Tsunoda, the first Japanese driver to compete in Formula One since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014, also laid down a marker.

His time on Sunday of 1:29.053 in his AlphaTauri was the second best overall of the week.

Verstappen had also topped the charts on Friday on the opening day at the dusty Sakhir circuit which will also stage the season opener on March 28.

"They are looking strong," said seven-time champion Hamilton.

"They're going to be a different machine or animal this year with, I think, a really good, strong line-up for two drivers and a really good car."

However, Hamilton insisted he was unconcerned as Verstappen had won the last race of 2020 in Abu Dhabi and had momentum on his side.

"Having seen them winning the last race you can only assume they're going to be right there if not at the front, at the first race.

"It's going to be a great, long battle with them through the year," he added.

Verstappen, too, was keen to douse expectations that this could be the year that Red Bull break Mercedes' stranglehold.

"I don't think we are the favourites," Verstappen said.

Carlos Sainz, in a Ferrari, Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen and Hamilton rounded out the top five on Sunday in what also proved to be their top times of the week.

<h2>Third and final day times:</h2>

1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 1:28.960 (64 laps), 2. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/Alpha Tauri-Honda) 1:29.053 (91), 3. Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) 1:29.611 (79), 4. Kimi Raikkonen (ITA/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari) 1:29.766 (166), 5. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:30.025 (54), 6. George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) 1:30.117 (158), 7. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:30.144 (76), 8. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull-Honda) 1:30.187 (49), 9. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) 1:30.318 (128), 10. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:30.486 (80), 11. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:30.661 (56), 12. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpha Tauri-Honda) 1:30.828 (76), 13. Esteban Ocon (FRA-Alpine/Renault) 1:31.310 (61), 14. Nikita Mazepin (RUS/Haas-Ferrari) 1:31.531 (67), 15. Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas-Ferrari) 1:32.053 (78), 16. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:32.406 (86), 17. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:35.041 (56), 18. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:36.100 (80)

World champion Lewis Hamilton saw Max Verstappen top the times in Formula One testing on Sunday and predicted the Dutch star's Red Bull team will be "a different animal" when the season starts in two weeks' time.

World champion Lewis Hamilton saw Max Verstappen top the times in Formula One testing on Sunday and predicted the Dutch star's Red Bull team will be "a different animal" when the season starts in two weeks' time. Verstappen, who was third behind Hamilton and the Briton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in the 2020 championship, timed a best lap of 1:28.960 on Sunday. That proved to be the fastest time of the three-day session. However, rookie Yuki Tsunoda, the first Japanese driver to compete in Formula One since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014, also laid down a marker. His time on Sunday of 1:29.053 in his AlphaTauri was the second best overall of the week. Verstappen had also topped the charts on Friday on the opening day at the dusty Sakhir circuit which will also stage the season opener on March 28. "They are looking strong," said seven-time champion Hamilton. "They're going to be a different machine or animal this year with, I think, a really good, strong line-up for two drivers and a really good car." However, Hamilton insisted he was unconcerned as Verstappen had won the last race of 2020 in Abu Dhabi and had momentum on his side. "Having seen them winning the last race you can only assume they're going to be right there if not at the front, at the first race. "It's going to be a great, long battle with them through the year," he added. Verstappen, too, was keen to douse expectations that this could be the year that Red Bull break Mercedes' stranglehold. "I don't think we are the favourites," Verstappen said. Carlos Sainz, in a Ferrari, Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen and Hamilton rounded out the top five on Sunday in what also proved to be their top times of the week. Third and final day times: 1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 1:28.960 (64 laps), 2. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/Alpha Tauri-Honda) 1:29.053 (91), 3. Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) 1:29.611 (79), 4. Kimi Raikkonen (ITA/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari) 1:29.766 (166), 5. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:30.025 (54), 6. George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) 1:30.117 (158), 7. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:30.144 (76), 8. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull-Honda) 1:30.187 (49), 9. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) 1:30.318 (128), 10. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:30.486 (80), 11. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:30.661 (56), 12. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpha Tauri-Honda) 1:30.828 (76), 13. Esteban Ocon (FRA-Alpine/Renault) 1:31.310 (61), 14. Nikita Mazepin (RUS/Haas-Ferrari) 1:31.531 (67), 15. Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas-Ferrari) 1:32.053 (78), 16. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:32.406 (86), 17. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:35.041 (56), 18. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:36.100 (80)

'Different animal' Verstappen tops F1 testing as Tsunoda makes mark

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won Formula One’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday to end Mercedes’ dominant start to the season and become Lewis Hamilton’s closest challenger.

In a race dictated by tyre wear and strategy, six-times world champion Hamilton swept past Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas two laps from the end to take second place and stay 30 points clear in the standings.

Hamilton, who gained an extra point for fastest lap, also equalled Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s record of 155 career podium finishes and extended his own unmatched scoring run to 38 races in a row.

“I didn’t see it coming, but after the first stint it seemed like we were really good on tyres,” said Verstappen as he celebrated a ninth career win that lifted him to 77 points with Hamilton on 107.

“I didn’t really have a lot of tyre issues at all. We just kept pushing.”

An unhappy Bottas dropped to third overall on 73 points after starting on pole position in a race run, like all the others, without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a team, we were sleeping at some point when Max managed to get ahead of us and my strategy was far, far from ideal. Lots to learn from today, I think,” said the Finn.

Mercedes had won the delayed season’s four previous races, and taken every pole, but Verstappen was alone among the top 10 on the grid to start on the hard tyres and it paid off in a race celebrating the championship’s birth at Silverstone in 1950.

<h3>“LIKE A GRANDMA”</h3>

Mercedes were mindful that Hamilton and Bottas had both suffered late blowouts at the previous weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, when Hamilton won on three wheels, in trying to eke out a one-stopper.

Pirelli had brought softer tyres this time and Mercedes were suffering in a fast-changing two-stop race with Verstappen able to run a longer first stint to seize the initiative.

“The tyre’s not going to blow, right?,” Hamilton asked about his rear left with 17 laps to go. “We think it’s OK. It’s just the blistering,” came the reply.

Verstappen’s confidence throughout was evident, the youngster replying to a team warning about his tyres by saying he was not about to sit behind “like a grandma”.

“We haven’t really had an opportunity in all the races so far to push them and I could see we were pushing them. I tried to put the pressure on, they had to pit, I did my own pace,” he said.

Hamilton ultimately made his second pitstop with 11 laps to go, using his fresh tyres to quickly pass Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc before targeting Bottas.

Leclerc ended up fourth after doing just one stop.

His team mate Sebastian Vettel, a four-times world champion who is leaving at the end of the year, had another dismal afternoon — spinning on the opening lap and fortunate not to take out other cars before dropping to last and finishing 12th.

Red Bull’s Alexander Albon took fifth and the Racing Points of Lance Stroll and stand-in Nico Hulkenberg were sixth and seventh.

Hulkenberg had started third as a replacement for COVID-positive Mexican Sergio Perez but his hopes of a first podium at the 178th attempt faded at the start and he ended up making three stops.

Renault’s Esteban Ocon was eighth with McLaren’s Lando Norris ninth and Russian Daniil Kvyat taking the final point for AlphaTauri.

The sixth round of the championship is at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya next weekend.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won Formula One’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday to end Mercedes’ dominant start to the season and become Lewis Hamilton’s closest challenger.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won Formula One’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday to end Mercedes’ dominant start to the season and become Lewis Hamilton’s closest challenger. In a race dictated by tyre wear and strategy, six-times world champion Hamilton swept past Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas two laps from the end to take second place and stay 30 points clear in the standings. Hamilton, who gained an extra point for fastest lap, also equalled Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s record of 155 career podium finishes and extended his own unmatched scoring run to 38 races in a row. “I didn’t see it coming, but after the first stint it seemed like we were really good on tyres,” said Verstappen as he celebrated a ninth career win that lifted him to 77 points with Hamilton on 107. “I didn’t really have a lot of tyre issues at all. We just kept pushing.” An unhappy Bottas dropped to third overall on 73 points after starting on pole position in a race run, like all the others, without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a team, we were sleeping at some point when Max managed to get ahead of us and my strategy was far, far from ideal. Lots to learn from today, I think,” said the Finn. Mercedes had won the delayed season’s four previous races, and taken every pole, but Verstappen was alone among the top 10 on the grid to start on the hard tyres and it paid off in a race celebrating the championship’s birth at Silverstone in 1950. “LIKE A GRANDMA” Mercedes were mindful that Hamilton and Bottas had both suffered late blowouts at the previous weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, when Hamilton won on three wheels, in trying to eke out a one-stopper. Pirelli had brought softer tyres this time and Mercedes were suffering in a fast-changing two-stop race with Verstappen able to run a longer first stint to seize the initiative. “The tyre’s not going to blow, right?,” Hamilton asked about his rear left with 17 laps to go. “We think it’s OK. It’s just the blistering,” came the reply. Verstappen’s confidence throughout was evident, the youngster replying to a team warning about his tyres by saying he was not about to sit behind “like a grandma”. “We haven’t really had an opportunity in all the races so far to push them and I could see we were pushing them. I tried to put the pressure on, they had to pit, I did my own pace,” he said. Hamilton ultimately made his second pitstop with 11 laps to go, using his fresh tyres to quickly pass Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc before targeting Bottas. Leclerc ended up fourth after doing just one stop. His team mate Sebastian Vettel, a four-times world champion who is leaving at the end of the year, had another dismal afternoon — spinning on the opening lap and fortunate not to take out other cars before dropping to last and finishing 12th. Red Bull’s Alexander Albon took fifth and the Racing Points of Lance Stroll and stand-in Nico Hulkenberg were sixth and seventh. Hulkenberg had started third as a replacement for COVID-positive Mexican Sergio Perez but his hopes of a first podium at the 178th attempt faded at the start and he ended up making three stops. Renault’s Esteban Ocon was eighth with McLaren’s Lando Norris ninth and Russian Daniil Kvyat taking the final point for AlphaTauri. The sixth round of the championship is at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya next weekend.

Verstappen steps up to end Mercedes' winning start

Max Verstappen will seek a hat-trick of home wins for Red Bull and an early lead in the drivers championship at this weekend's delayed and somewhat surreal season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.&nbsp;

For everyone involved, the race will be an unprecedented experience – the calendar is unknown beyond the first eight races in Europe in 10 weeks, all to be run behind closed doors and severe limitations introduced with a new paddock protocol forbidding meetings.

As racing returns, the COVID-19 virus remains in circulation, which requires all participants to be tested before travel to Austria on private chartered jets, ongoing tests, the separation of teams and car crews into "bubbles" and controlled hotels.

Teams are cut to a maximum of 80 staff, all in protective equipment, there will be no sponsors, no guests and only a limited number of accredited broadcast and written news media.

Journalists, limited to a dozen instead of 300 or more, have to pass a test within 72 hours in advance of arrival and will not be allowed to leave the media centre.&nbsp;

All interviews and news conferences will take place by video.

The teams will be kept isolated, based in tents with awnings instead of their usual grand motorhomes – and there is expected to be a synchronised taking the knee by the drivers on the grid, to support Black Lives Matter, ahead of Sunday's race.&nbsp;

Afterwards, there will be no podium ceremony.

When the race begins, it will end the longest gap between races in the sport since 1962, but with two successive races in Austria and then one in Hungary, the pressure will be immediate and intense.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "There's been a long drought. We all do this because we love it. We've missed it, so we can't wait to start."

"It's going to be exciting and intense. The races come thick and fast."

Dutch driver Verstappen, who bullied his way past Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc to triumph in front of a mass of his "orange army" of fans last year, says he is unfazed by high expectations or the absence of spectators at the Red Bull Ring, a remote and compact circuit in the Styrian Alps.

"I am not thinking about a hat-trick," he said.

"The most important thing for me is to have a competitive car and to perform at my best.

"I never consider myself as a favourite because, actually, when you look at the track, it's not even our best one, but last year it was very warm and we were good at keeping the engine cool.

"So I don't expect an easy win – I think Mercedes will be very strong again and they are the ones to beat."

Verstappen, who has kept a low profile during the lockdown, delivered three wins and eight podiums last year as Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth title with Mercedes, who this year seek an unprecedented seventh constructors' and drivers' double in succession.

Verstappen and team-mate Alex Albon will have an upgraded Honda engine package, developed since the coronavirus lockdown ended, to boost them at the contest in the Styrian Alps where the 800-metre altitude can affect engine performance.

Mercedes will also have an updated package while Ferrari, struggling to match them in pre-season testing, announced Tuesday that they are updating their cars for the third race in Hungary.

Hamilton this year bids for a record-equalling seventh drivers title as he campaigns passionately for greater diversity, and against racism, in the sport.

"We are preparing the best way we can for what is going to be the most difficult season that F1 and all of us have experienced," he said in a video from the team, which – at his prompting -- is running black livery this year to support equality and diversity.

Max Verstappen will seek a hat-trick of home wins for Red Bull and an early lead in the drivers championship at this weekend's delayed and somewhat surreal season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen will seek a hat-trick of home wins for Red Bull and an early lead in the drivers championship at this weekend's delayed and somewhat surreal season-opening Austrian Grand Prix. For everyone involved, the race will be an unprecedented experience – the calendar is unknown beyond the first eight races in Europe in 10 weeks, all to be run behind closed doors and severe limitations introduced with a new paddock protocol forbidding meetings. As racing returns, the COVID-19 virus remains in circulation, which requires all participants to be tested before travel to Austria on private chartered jets, ongoing tests, the separation of teams and car crews into "bubbles" and controlled hotels. Teams are cut to a maximum of 80 staff, all in protective equipment, there will be no sponsors, no guests and only a limited number of accredited broadcast and written news media. Journalists, limited to a dozen instead of 300 or more, have to pass a test within 72 hours in advance of arrival and will not be allowed to leave the media centre. All interviews and news conferences will take place by video. The teams will be kept isolated, based in tents with awnings instead of their usual grand motorhomes – and there is expected to be a synchronised taking the knee by the drivers on the grid, to support Black Lives Matter, ahead of Sunday's race. Afterwards, there will be no podium ceremony. When the race begins, it will end the longest gap between races in the sport since 1962, but with two successive races in Austria and then one in Hungary, the pressure will be immediate and intense. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "There's been a long drought. We all do this because we love it. We've missed it, so we can't wait to start." "It's going to be exciting and intense. The races come thick and fast." Dutch driver Verstappen, who bullied his way past Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc to triumph in front of a mass of his "orange army" of fans last year, says he is unfazed by high expectations or the absence of spectators at the Red Bull Ring, a remote and compact circuit in the Styrian Alps. "I am not thinking about a hat-trick," he said. "The most important thing for me is to have a competitive car and to perform at my best. "I never consider myself as a favourite because, actually, when you look at the track, it's not even our best one, but last year it was very warm and we were good at keeping the engine cool. "So I don't expect an easy win – I think Mercedes will be very strong again and they are the ones to beat." Verstappen, who has kept a low profile during the lockdown, delivered three wins and eight podiums last year as Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth title with Mercedes, who this year seek an unprecedented seventh constructors' and drivers' double in succession. Verstappen and team-mate Alex Albon will have an upgraded Honda engine package, developed since the coronavirus lockdown ended, to boost them at the contest in the Styrian Alps where the 800-metre altitude can affect engine performance. Mercedes will also have an updated package while Ferrari, struggling to match them in pre-season testing, announced Tuesday that they are updating their cars for the third race in Hungary. Hamilton this year bids for a record-equalling seventh drivers title as he campaigns passionately for greater diversity, and against racism, in the sport. "We are preparing the best way we can for what is going to be the most difficult season that F1 and all of us have experienced," he said in a video from the team, which – at his prompting -- is running black livery this year to support equality and diversity.

Formula One in brave new world as Verstappen seeks repeat Austria triumph

Max Verstappen believes he can thwart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../lewis-hamilton-not-ruling-out-a-ferrari-switch- 265758">Lewis Hamilton</a>'s bid for a seventh Formula One title this season if Red Bull gives him the tools to do the job.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-kubica-opens-new-chapter-as-alfa-romeo-reserve-271570">Formula 1: Kubica opens new chapter as Alfa Romeo reserve</a>

The 22-year-old Dutch driver won three races last year, finishing third overall in the championship, and is not about to be awed by anyone's reputation -- even if that person is possibly the greatest driver of all time.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lareus-awards-2020-nominees-for-best-sportsperson-announced-274642">Laureus Awards 2020: Nominees for best Sportsperson announced</a>

"It's very car-dependent of course in Formula One," Verstappen told reporters at a Red Bull team media event on Monday.

"Lewis is very good. He is definitely one of the best out there, but he's not God. Maybe God is with him, but he is not God."

Hamilton, 35, is chasing several records this season including Michael Schumacher's 91 race wins and seven titles and has won five of the last six championships with dominant Mercedes.

"We really want to mount a challenge to especially Mercedes and I think we can do that," said Verstappen, who last month signed a contract extension to the end of 2023 and has a new English trainer and physio for 2020.

He said the new contract had taken away the hassle of being asked all the time about his future, removing another potential distraction.

Verstappen suggested Hamilton could be vulnerable if put under sustained pressure, with the Briton having singled out Verstappen already last year as someone he gave more space to because of his aggressive reputation.

"I'm very much looking forward to it, everybody's fired up and everybody's very motivated. Coming off last year, at the end, we were very competitive," said the Dutch driver.

Team boss Christian Horner said Red Bull, who use Honda engines, would be helped by stable regulations and were looking to apply the lessons learned from 2019 to take the fight to Mercedes and Ferrari.

The new car will have its first track shakedown behind closed doors at Silverstone on Feb 12, with Verstappen and Thai team mate Alexander Albon starting pre-season testing in Barcelona on Feb. 19.

"Honda did such a great job, each introduction of an engine last year brought more performance and more power and it feels we're getting very, very close now to Mercedes," said Horner, whose team were third overall in 2019.

"That therefore puts the emphasis on the chassis side of the team... going into this year we feel better prepared, earlier, than we have certainly in the last five years."

Max Verstappen believes he can thwart Lewis Hamilton's bid for a seventh Formula One title this season if Red Bull gives him the tools to do the job. Also read- Formula 1: Kubica opens new chapter as Alfa Romeo reserve The 22-year-old Dutch driver won three races last year, finishing third overall in the championship, and is not about to be awed by anyone's reputation -- even if that person is possibly the greatest driver of all time.

Max Verstappen believes he can thwart Lewis Hamilton's bid for a seventh Formula One title this season if Red Bull gives him the tools to do the job. Also read- Formula 1: Kubica opens new chapter as Alfa Romeo reserve The 22-year-old Dutch driver won three races last year, finishing third overall in the championship, and is not about to be awed by anyone's reputation -- even if that person is possibly the greatest driver of all time. Also read- Laureus Awards 2020: Nominees for best Sportsperson announced "It's very car-dependent of course in Formula One," Verstappen told reporters at a Red Bull team media event on Monday. "Lewis is very good. He is definitely one of the best out there, but he's not God. Maybe God is with him, but he is not God." Hamilton, 35, is chasing several records this season including Michael Schumacher's 91 race wins and seven titles and has won five of the last six championships with dominant Mercedes. "We really want to mount a challenge to especially Mercedes and I think we can do that," said Verstappen, who last month signed a contract extension to the end of 2023 and has a new English trainer and physio for 2020. He said the new contract had taken away the hassle of being asked all the time about his future, removing another potential distraction. Verstappen suggested Hamilton could be vulnerable if put under sustained pressure, with the Briton having singled out Verstappen already last year as someone he gave more space to because of his aggressive reputation. "I'm very much looking forward to it, everybody's fired up and everybody's very motivated. Coming off last year, at the end, we were very competitive," said the Dutch driver. Team boss Christian Horner said Red Bull, who use Honda engines, would be helped by stable regulations and were looking to apply the lessons learned from 2019 to take the fight to Mercedes and Ferrari. The new car will have its first track shakedown behind closed doors at Silverstone on Feb 12, with Verstappen and Thai team mate Alexander Albon starting pre-season testing in Barcelona on Feb. 19. "Honda did such a great job, each introduction of an engine last year brought more performance and more power and it feels we're getting very, very close now to Mercedes," said Horner, whose team were third overall in 2019. "That therefore puts the emphasis on the chassis side of the team... going into this year we feel better prepared, earlier, than we have certainly in the last five years."

Formula 1: Hamilton is good but he's not God, says Verstappen

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-hamilton-waiting-on-wolff-ahead-of-2021-contract-talks-262244">Lewis Hamilton</a> was demoted from third to seventh.

In a race of safety cars and surprises, Verstappen's former team mate Pierre Gasly made a first podium appearance in second place for Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, a rare Honda-powered one-two.

Hamilton chased the Frenchman across the line for third but was handed a five-second penalty for tangling with Red Bull's Alex Albon in a frantic finale to the season's penultimate round.

"I fully accept responsibility," said Hamilton, who also collected two penalty points and apologised to Albon for costing the rookie a likely first podium and Red Bull a one-two.

The Thai, who replaced Gasly at Red Bull in a seat switch last August, finished 14th after being sent spinning in the penultimate lap collision.

Hamilton's demotion lifted Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who started last after an engine problem in qualifying, to third and McLaren's first podium since the 2014 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Both titles had already been won by Mercedes for an unprecedented sixth year in a row, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-painting-masterpiece-with-sixth-drivers-title-259841">Hamilton securing his sixth</a> in Texas two weeks ago.

Verstappen started from pole position, only the second of his career, but had to twice overtake Hamilton and avoid a near pitlane collision with Williams' Robert Kubica in a race he otherwise controlled.

The win was the eighth of his career, third of the season but first from pole.

It also made amends for last year's race at Interlagos where he was heading for victory before a coming together with French backmarker Esteban Ocon dropped him to second.

"Redemption Max, absolute redemption from last year," Red Bull principal Christian Horner told the 22-year-old over the team radio.

"The way we fought for it was even better," replied Verstappen, who led from the start while Hamilton passed Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel around the outside for second.

Victory lifted the Dutchman to third in the drivers' championship and best of the rest behind Hamilton and Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas,&nbsp;who suffered an engine-related retirement that brought out a first safety car.

Leclerc had started the day third overall, 14 points ahead of Verstappen, but a late duel with Vettel ended in recrimination.

The Monegasque passed the four times world champion, who was starting his 100th race for Ferrari, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/verstappens-comments-not-professional-or-mature-says-vettel-262261">Vettel</a> came back and the two banged wheels.

Vettel's rear tyre became a flailing carcass while Leclerc, who had climbed from 14th on the grid after an engine change, was hobbled by a smashed front suspension.

"What the hell?," shouted Leclerc while Vettel wondered what his team mate was doing. Both were summoned to see the stewards, who took no further action.

The first pitstop almost cost Verstappen dearly, with the Dutchman held up by Kubica exiting almost into him,&nbsp;an unsafe release that saw the Pole handed a five-second penalty.

Hamilton, who had pitted moments before on lap 20, was ahead but Verstappen swept past him after a brief duel.

The Mercedes driver pitted again on lap 44 for fresh tyres, but Verstappen countered with a faster stop of his own.

The Dutchman then pitted when Bottas pulled over and triggered the safety car on lap 53, with Hamilton, instructed to do the opposite to Verstappen, staying out to become a sitting target at the re-start.

The second safety car triggered by Ferrari offered Hamilton a chance to take on new tyres and he came back out for a final rush for the podium, with two laps of racing remaining.

Passing Gasly for third, he tried to pass Albon and collided.

Finland's 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen was fourth for Alfa Romeo with Italian team mate Antonio Giovinazzi fifth and Australian Daniel Ricciardo sixth for Renault.

McLaren's Lando Norris took eighth place ahead of Racing Point's Sergio Perez with Gasly's Russian team mate Daniil Kvyat completing the top 10.

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was demoted from third to seventh.

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was demoted from third to seventh. In a race of safety cars and surprises, Verstappen's former team mate Pierre Gasly made a first podium appearance in second place for Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, a rare Honda-powered one-two. Hamilton chased the Frenchman across the line for third but was handed a five-second penalty for tangling with Red Bull's Alex Albon in a frantic finale to the season's penultimate round. "I fully accept responsibility," said Hamilton, who also collected two penalty points and apologised to Albon for costing the rookie a likely first podium and Red Bull a one-two. The Thai, who replaced Gasly at Red Bull in a seat switch last August, finished 14th after being sent spinning in the penultimate lap collision. Hamilton's demotion lifted Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who started last after an engine problem in qualifying, to third and McLaren's first podium since the 2014 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Both titles had already been won by Mercedes for an unprecedented sixth year in a row, with Hamilton securing his sixth in Texas two weeks ago. Verstappen started from pole position, only the second of his career, but had to twice overtake Hamilton and avoid a near pitlane collision with Williams' Robert Kubica in a race he otherwise controlled. The win was the eighth of his career, third of the season but first from pole. It also made amends for last year's race at Interlagos where he was heading for victory before a coming together with French backmarker Esteban Ocon dropped him to second. "Redemption Max, absolute redemption from last year," Red Bull principal Christian Horner told the 22-year-old over the team radio. "The way we fought for it was even better," replied Verstappen, who led from the start while Hamilton passed Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel around the outside for second. Victory lifted the Dutchman to third in the drivers' championship and best of the rest behind Hamilton and Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who suffered an engine-related retirement that brought out a first safety car. Leclerc had started the day third overall, 14 points ahead of Verstappen, but a late duel with Vettel ended in recrimination. The Monegasque passed the four times world champion, who was starting his 100th race for Ferrari, but Vettel came back and the two banged wheels. Vettel's rear tyre became a flailing carcass while Leclerc, who had climbed from 14th on the grid after an engine change, was hobbled by a smashed front suspension. "What the hell?," shouted Leclerc while Vettel wondered what his team mate was doing. Both were summoned to see the stewards, who took no further action. The first pitstop almost cost Verstappen dearly, with the Dutchman held up by Kubica exiting almost into him, an unsafe release that saw the Pole handed a five-second penalty. Hamilton, who had pitted moments before on lap 20, was ahead but Verstappen swept past him after a brief duel. The Mercedes driver pitted again on lap 44 for fresh tyres, but Verstappen countered with a faster stop of his own. The Dutchman then pitted when Bottas pulled over and triggered the safety car on lap 53, with Hamilton, instructed to do the opposite to Verstappen, staying out to become a sitting target at the re-start. The second safety car triggered by Ferrari offered Hamilton a chance to take on new tyres and he came back out for a final rush for the podium, with two laps of racing remaining. Passing Gasly for third, he tried to pass Albon and collided. Finland's 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen was fourth for Alfa Romeo with Italian team mate Antonio Giovinazzi fifth and Australian Daniel Ricciardo sixth for Renault. McLaren's Lando Norris took eighth place ahead of Racing Point's Sergio Perez with Gasly's Russian team mate Daniil Kvyat completing the top 10.

Motor racing: Verstappen wins Brazil GP thriller as Ferraris collide

Sebastian&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;dismissed&nbsp;comments&nbsp;by Max Verstappen as immature&nbsp;and unprofessional&nbsp;on Thursday after the Red Bull driver suggested Ferrari had gained an unfair advantage with their engine.

The Dutch youngster suggested at this month's US&nbsp;Grand Prix that Ferrari's poor performance in Austin was linked to Formula One's governing body closing a potential engine loophole.

The 22-year-old used the word "cheating" in an interview with Dutch television.

"I think everybody is free to say what they want. I don’t think anybody in the team took it personally,"&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;told reporters at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the season when asked for a reaction.

"I think it’s not&nbsp;professional&nbsp;and not&nbsp;mature, but I can also see that you are probably interested in me answering back," added the Ferrari driver.

"I don’t have much interest in that, other than saying that for us, the best way to answer in a way is to probably just go back to normal.

"Calling it that far I think is not right. But again, live and let live. If that’s what he thinks, that’s what he thinks. If next week he thinks something different, then, in the end, we don’t care so much."

Verstappen drew a line under the episode when he met reporters at the Red Bull factory before flying to Sao Paulo, saying it was a "very sensitive subject".

"I try not to go there anymore," he added. "I prefer just to go ahead, leave everything behind...just focus on Brazil."

Vettel&nbsp;blamed setup problems for the drop in performance and expected the Italian team to be challenging for victory again at Interlagos on Sunday.

"Should we have the strongest engine... that’s a great achievement by us, by our engine department," said the German.

"For the last five years, we had Mercedes having the strongest engine so if ... for a couple of months we are ahead then hopefully it stays like that for the next five years and I don’t care what people think or say."

Vettel&nbsp;will be making his 100th start for Ferrari after winning his four titles with Red Bull and he said he hoped it was a good one.

"I'm looking forward to more...I guess the 102nd race will be more important," he added, referring to the first Grand Prix of 2020.

Mercedes have already won both 2019 titles for an unprecedented sixth successive season.

Sebastian Vettel dismissed comments by Max Verstappen as immature and unprofessional on Thursday after the Red Bull driver suggested Ferrari had gained an unfair advantage with their engine.

Sebastian Vettel dismissed comments by Max Verstappen as immature and unprofessional on Thursday after the Red Bull driver suggested Ferrari had gained an unfair advantage with their engine. The Dutch youngster suggested at this month's US Grand Prix that Ferrari's poor performance in Austin was linked to Formula One's governing body closing a potential engine loophole. The 22-year-old used the word "cheating" in an interview with Dutch television. "I think everybody is free to say what they want. I don’t think anybody in the team took it personally," Vettel told reporters at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the season when asked for a reaction. "I think it’s not professional and not mature, but I can also see that you are probably interested in me answering back," added the Ferrari driver. "I don’t have much interest in that, other than saying that for us, the best way to answer in a way is to probably just go back to normal. "Calling it that far I think is not right. But again, live and let live. If that’s what he thinks, that’s what he thinks. If next week he thinks something different, then, in the end, we don’t care so much." Verstappen drew a line under the episode when he met reporters at the Red Bull factory before flying to Sao Paulo, saying it was a "very sensitive subject". "I try not to go there anymore," he added. "I prefer just to go ahead, leave everything behind...just focus on Brazil." Vettel blamed setup problems for the drop in performance and expected the Italian team to be challenging for victory again at Interlagos on Sunday. "Should we have the strongest engine... that’s a great achievement by us, by our engine department," said the German. "For the last five years, we had Mercedes having the strongest engine so if ... for a couple of months we are ahead then hopefully it stays like that for the next five years and I don’t care what people think or say." Vettel will be making his 100th start for Ferrari after winning his four titles with Red Bull and he said he hoped it was a good one. "I'm looking forward to more...I guess the 102nd race will be more important," he added, referring to the first Grand Prix of 2020. Mercedes have already won both 2019 titles for an unprecedented sixth successive season.

Verstappen's comments not professional or mature, says Vettel

Lewis Hamilton denied pole-sitter Max Verstappen to win a gripping Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Verstappen led until lap 66 of 70 when Hamilton took the lead helped by a brilliant pit strategy by his Mercedes team.

This was Hamilton's 81st Grand Prix triumph and it extended his lead in the Formula One drivers' championship.

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BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton wins the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HungarianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HungarianGP</a> 🇭🇺 
 
Max Verstappen started on pole but finishes in P2 
 
Sebastian Vettel takes P3 after overtaking his team mate, Charles Leclerc<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/OK7JP6PRJi">pic.twitter.com/OK7JP6PRJi</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1158027287247433728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Lewis Hamilton denied pole-sitter Max Verstappen to win a gripping Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen led until lap 66 of 70 when Hamilton took the lead helped by a brilliant pit strategy by his Mercedes team.

Lewis Hamilton denied pole-sitter Max Verstappen to win a gripping Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen led until lap 66 of 70 when Hamilton took the lead helped by a brilliant pit strategy by his Mercedes team. This was Hamilton's 81st Grand Prix triumph and it extended his lead in the Formula One drivers' championship. BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton wins the #HungarianGP 🇭🇺 Max Verstappen started on pole but finishes in P2 Sebastian Vettel takes P3 after overtaking his team mate, Charles Leclerc#F1 pic.twitter.com/OK7JP6PRJi — Formula 1 (@F1) August 4, 2019 ×

Lewis Hamilton beats pole-sitter Max Verstappen to win Hungarian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen celebrated his long-awaited maiden pole position with record-breaking speed on Saturday when he topped the times for Red Bull in a tense and closely-fought qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

In doing so, he became the 100th different pole-sitter in Formula One, doing so at the same Hungaroring track where his father Jos had claimed his first podium for Benetton 25 years earlier in 1994.

The 21-year-old Dutchman’s first pole came at his 94th Grand Prix and after he has won seven.

Verstappen’s success sparked rowdy celebrations among his large following of Dutch fans in the open grandstands after he had out-paced the two Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in a breathless finish.

Verstappen’s best lap in one minute and 14.572 seconds was just 0.018 beyond the reach of Bottas with Hamilton a close third – ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel.

Pierre Gasly was sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of British rookie Lando Norris and his resurgent McLaren team-mate Carlos Sainz with Kimi Raikkonen ninth for Alfa Romeo ahead of Romain Grosjean.

"It’s incredible," said Verstappen.

"I am very happy! There’s still a race to do and at the end of the day, it is the most important, but it’s very nice and it is great for all the team."

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/secrets-of-mind-boggling-pit-stop-timings-in-formula-1-240455">Secrets of mind-boggling pit stop timings in Formula 1</a>

A disappointed Bottas said: "It’s obviously very close with Max. They’ve (Red Bull) been very quick, but as always, there is still the race to come."

Hamilton, who lost time in the first section of his final lap, said: "Max did a great job and so did Valtteri, but we’re in a great position to win – and I am always up for a fight."

The session began in warm conditions with an air temperature of 24 degrees and the track at 45 degrees Celsius, near perfect for a big crowd boosted by visitors from Finland, the Netherlands and Poland.

Orange army

These fans, backing Bottas, Raikkonen, Verstappen and Robert Kubica, who made his F1 debut in 2006 at the sprawling and sun-drenched basin 25-kilometres north-east of Budapest that houses the Hungaroring track, added colour and noise.

More than 30,000 Poles were reported to have travelled while another ‘orange army’ rooted for Verstappen whose consistency had made him this season’s form driver.

The 21-year-old Red Bull tyro, linked with a possible move to Mercedes or Ferrari in the escalation of ‘silly season’ speculation, demonstrated his current elan when he went top in Q1 by smashing the track record, set by Hamilton in the morning, with a lap in 1:15.817.

That put him top with Bottas and then Hamilton soon up to second ahead of Leclerc who spun heavily and backwards into the barriers at the final corner, damaging his Ferrari.

This left the Monegasque’s pit crew with work to do before Q2 as out went George Russell of Williams, despite a thrilling lap that lifted him to 16th, Sergio Perez and his Racing Point team-mate Lance Stroll, who sandwiched Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, and Kubica in the second Williams.

In Q2 Hamilton was faster again, setting another record in 1:15.548. Bottas was one-tenth down in second until Verstappen went second, 0.025 adrift, setting up the prospect of the young pretender starting on the front row again, alongside the old master.

Hamilton was out first for Q3 ahead of Raikkonen and Bottas, to the delight of the white-shirted fans from Finland.

Hamilton clocked another record only for the Finns to erupt as Bottas took command before Verstappen went inside 1:15 with his lap in 1:14.958 – an unprecedented benchmark.

This double whammy left Hamilton third before the final runs with Vettel fourth ahead of Leclerc. The momentum was moving and ‘people power’ appeared to play its part, not to mention a 13 year age gap, as an inspired Verstappen seized his moment

Max Verstappen celebrated his long-awaited maiden pole position with record-breaking speed on Saturday when he topped the times for Red Bull in a tense and closely-fought qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen celebrated his long-awaited maiden pole position with record-breaking speed on Saturday when he topped the times for Red Bull in a tense and closely-fought qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix. In doing so, he became the 100th different pole-sitter in Formula One, doing so at the same Hungaroring track where his father Jos had claimed his first podium for Benetton 25 years earlier in 1994. The 21-year-old Dutchman’s first pole came at his 94th Grand Prix and after he has won seven. Verstappen’s success sparked rowdy celebrations among his large following of Dutch fans in the open grandstands after he had out-paced the two Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in a breathless finish. Verstappen’s best lap in one minute and 14.572 seconds was just 0.018 beyond the reach of Bottas with Hamilton a close third – ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel. Pierre Gasly was sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of British rookie Lando Norris and his resurgent McLaren team-mate Carlos Sainz with Kimi Raikkonen ninth for Alfa Romeo ahead of Romain Grosjean. "It’s incredible," said Verstappen. "I am very happy! There’s still a race to do and at the end of the day, it is the most important, but it’s very nice and it is great for all the team." In pics: Secrets of mind-boggling pit stop timings in Formula 1 A disappointed Bottas said: "It’s obviously very close with Max. They’ve (Red Bull) been very quick, but as always, there is still the race to come." Hamilton, who lost time in the first section of his final lap, said: "Max did a great job and so did Valtteri, but we’re in a great position to win – and I am always up for a fight." The session began in warm conditions with an air temperature of 24 degrees and the track at 45 degrees Celsius, near perfect for a big crowd boosted by visitors from Finland, the Netherlands and Poland. Orange army These fans, backing Bottas, Raikkonen, Verstappen and Robert Kubica, who made his F1 debut in 2006 at the sprawling and sun-drenched basin 25-kilometres north-east of Budapest that houses the Hungaroring track, added colour and noise. More than 30,000 Poles were reported to have travelled while another ‘orange army’ rooted for Verstappen whose consistency had made him this season’s form driver. The 21-year-old Red Bull tyro, linked with a possible move to Mercedes or Ferrari in the escalation of ‘silly season’ speculation, demonstrated his current elan when he went top in Q1 by smashing the track record, set by Hamilton in the morning, with a lap in 1:15.817. That put him top with Bottas and then Hamilton soon up to second ahead of Leclerc who spun heavily and backwards into the barriers at the final corner, damaging his Ferrari. This left the Monegasque’s pit crew with work to do before Q2 as out went George Russell of Williams, despite a thrilling lap that lifted him to 16th, Sergio Perez and his Racing Point team-mate Lance Stroll, who sandwiched Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, and Kubica in the second Williams. In Q2 Hamilton was faster again, setting another record in 1:15.548. Bottas was one-tenth down in second until Verstappen went second, 0.025 adrift, setting up the prospect of the young pretender starting on the front row again, alongside the old master. Hamilton was out first for Q3 ahead of Raikkonen and Bottas, to the delight of the white-shirted fans from Finland. Hamilton clocked another record only for the Finns to erupt as Bottas took command before Verstappen went inside 1:15 with his lap in 1:14.958 – an unprecedented benchmark. This double whammy left Hamilton third before the final runs with Vettel fourth ahead of Leclerc. The momentum was moving and ‘people power’ appeared to play its part, not to mention a 13 year age gap, as an inspired Verstappen seized his moment

Hungarian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen celebrates 'incredible' record-breaking maiden pole

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