Formula 1 teams are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. They are trying to leverage the new technology to boost car performance, optimise strategies, and streamline business processes.
At the forefront of this transformation is the McLaren Formula 1 Team, which recently revealed its AI initiatives at the McLaren Technology Center (MTC) in Woking, England.
Dan Keyworth, McLaren&rsquo;s Director of Business Technology highlighted the team&rsquo;s longstanding use of machine learning. During a press conference at the MTC, he said that generative AI tools have enabled McLaren to conduct in-depth simulations of race scenarios, such as identifying the optimal timing for pit stops or determining the best tyre selections during critical moments.&nbsp;
Keyworth added that these AI-driven predictions are yielding precise results. This in return, is helping the team&rsquo;s on-track performance.
<h2>McLaren's championship triumph&nbsp;</h2>
The enhanced performance of McLaren's car after the integration of AI was visible in the 2024 Formula 1 season. McLaren secured the F1's World Constructors' Championship, while its drivers claimed second and third place in the Drivers' Championship, finishing behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/news-sergio-perez-parts-ways-with-red-bull-after-season-of-struggles-785181">Sergio Perez parts ways with Red Bull after season of struggles</a>
<h2>Digital Twins</h2>
One of McLaren&rsquo;s standout technological advancements is the use of &ldquo;digital twins&rdquo;&mdash;virtual 3D replicas of physical cars. These digital models allow the team to simulate and analyse conditions cars may face on the track. This capability, coupled with real-time data monitoring from McLaren&rsquo;s mission control room, supports strategy adjustments during races.
Connectivity is crucial to these efforts, with mobile data centres acting as the backbone of McLaren&rsquo;s operations. These compact server units are transported to race locations worldwide, ensuring seamless real-time data processing and communication between the track and the MTC.
<h2>Other teams with AI support</h2>
McLaren isn&rsquo;t alone in its embrace of AI. Aston Martin Aramco uses machine learning algorithms and &ldquo;data lakes&rdquo; to analyse vast volumes of data, such as tyre performance, weather, and track conditions, enabling predictive analytics to inform race strategies. Red Bull-owned Visa Cash App RB has also adopted AI to streamline simulations, reducing the need for extensive manual modelling and allowing engineers to focus on precision adjustments measured in milliseconds.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/news-chinese-gp-to-remain-in-formula-1-calendar-until-at-least-2030-782060">Chinese GP to remain in Formula 1 calendar until at least 2030</a>
<h2>Business operations</h2>
AI is also improving business operations within Formula 1 teams. Keyworth noted that AI tools are being used to automate repetitive tasks. This enables employees to focus on higher-value work. He described this approach as replacing &ldquo;laborious&rdquo; tasks rather than replacing human labour, ultimately improving efficiency across the organisation.

Science & Technology/Sports: Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the motorsport world by enhancing team strategies, optimising car performance, and providing detailed insights into race data.

Formula 1 teams are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. They are trying to leverage the new technology to boost car performance, optimise strategies, and streamline business processes. At the forefront of this transformation is the McLaren Formula 1 Team, which recently revealed its AI initiatives at the McLaren Technology Center (MTC) in Woking, England. Dan Keyworth, McLaren’s Director of Business Technology highlighted the team’s longstanding use of machine learning. During a press conference at the MTC, he said that generative AI tools have enabled McLaren to conduct in-depth simulations of race scenarios, such as identifying the optimal timing for pit stops or determining the best tyre selections during critical moments. Keyworth added that these AI-driven predictions are yielding precise results. This in return, is helping the team’s on-track performance. McLaren's championship triumph The enhanced performance of McLaren's car after the integration of AI was visible in the 2024 Formula 1 season. McLaren secured the F1's World Constructors' Championship, while its drivers claimed second and third place in the Drivers' Championship, finishing behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Also read: Sergio Perez parts ways with Red Bull after season of struggles Digital Twins One of McLaren’s standout technological advancements is the use of “digital twins”—virtual 3D replicas of physical cars. These digital models allow the team to simulate and analyse conditions cars may face on the track. This capability, coupled with real-time data monitoring from McLaren’s mission control room, supports strategy adjustments during races. Connectivity is crucial to these efforts, with mobile data centres acting as the backbone of McLaren’s operations. These compact server units are transported to race locations worldwide, ensuring seamless real-time data processing and communication between the track and the MTC. Other teams with AI support McLaren isn’t alone in its embrace of AI. Aston Martin Aramco uses machine learning algorithms and “data lakes” to analyse vast volumes of data, such as tyre performance, weather, and track conditions, enabling predictive analytics to inform race strategies. Red Bull-owned Visa Cash App RB has also adopted AI to streamline simulations, reducing the need for extensive manual modelling and allowing engineers to focus on precision adjustments measured in milliseconds. Also read: Chinese GP to remain in Formula 1 calendar until at least 2030 Business operations AI is also improving business operations within Formula 1 teams. Keyworth noted that AI tools are being used to automate repetitive tasks. This enables employees to focus on higher-value work. He described this approach as replacing “laborious” tasks rather than replacing human labour, ultimately improving efficiency across the organisation.

How AI is steering Formula 1 championship towards precision and performance?

Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen&nbsp;after a Mercedes pit-stop masterstroke.

Hamilton moved on to 98 career wins after a surprise second change of tyres hoodwinked Red Bull to lift him 14 points clear of Verstappen in the drivers' standings.

"It was a really great strategy by the team. What a day!" beamed Hamilton, who was quick to acknowledge the smattering of fans allowed in to watch, a rare occurence in the time of coronavirus.

"It is great to see. I saw a British flag out there which I haven't seen for a long, long time. I feel great after this. I feel like I could go again."

Hamilton had set off from pole for the 100th time but was beaten to the first corner by Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc for Ferrari dishing out the same treatment on Valtteri Bottas on turn two.

On lap eight Yuki Tsunoda's Sunday drive in Catalonia suffered a premature end when his AlphaTauri came to a grinding halt.

"Engine stop" the Japanese rookie lamented as the safety car emerged briefly to remove the immobile obstacle.

Verstappen held off Hamilton comfortably on the restart on lap 11, with Leclerc continuing to split the two Mercedes.

With a third of the race completed the first round of pit stops began, with all eyes on which of the front two with less than a second between them would blink first.

Verstappen it was who came in on lap 25, but the pit stop was slow by a couple of seconds in another minor but potentially critical error by the Red Bull title pretenders.

<h2>- 'Sitting duck' -</h2>

The Mercedes pit wall pulled Hamilton in for a lightning stop a few laps later as they pinned their hopes on fresher medium tyres making the difference towards the finish.

At the midway point Hamilton set the fastest lap to go less than two and a half seconds behind his Dutch rival. The gap was less than a second shortly after.

On lap 43 Mercedes played their ace card.

Hamilton, half a second off the lead, came into the pits for a second new set of mediums.

He reemerged with under 23sec to make up on Verstappen, who with tyre wear was in danger of becoming what he would describe afterwards as "a sitting duck" for the man in pursuit of a record eighth drivers' title.

Hamilton asked his pit wall: "How far have I got to catch up?"

"Currently 22 seconds... we've done it before..." came back the reply.

There was a note of desperation on Red Bull's radio with Verstappen suggesting "I don't know how we are going to make it to the end".

Hamilton moved into second but there was no hint of team orders with Bottas forcing his teammate into full overtaking mode.

Ten laps to go and Hamilton had only three seconds to make up on Verstappen and on lap 60 he did it, surging past the Dutchman on turn one - Toto Wolff, his team boss, punching the air with delight as their masterstroke paid off.

Hamilton said he was in two minds as to whether to obey the order to come in.

"I was about to get a shot to get past him as I pitted. I was really conflicted - 'do I come in or ignore the call?'.&nbsp;

"I did what the team asked because there is a great trust between us. Remarkable job by everyone in this team. What a day."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "In fairness, hats off to Mercedes and Lewis."

Verstappen said: "We're not where we want to be and we still need to push hard and catch up because at the moment we are a little bit slower. But compared to last year, it has been a jump for us."

Bottas took third in the second Mercedes with Leclerc's Ferrari in fourth and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull completing the top five.

Formula One takes a breather next weekend before returning for the Monaco Grand Prix with Hamilton possibly having a tilt at his century of wins in Azerbaijan at the start of June.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen after a Mercedes pit-stop masterstroke. Hamilton moved on to 98 career wins after a surprise second change of tyres hoodwinked Red Bull to lift him 14 points clear of Verstappen in the drivers' standings.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen after a Mercedes pit-stop masterstroke. Hamilton moved on to 98 career wins after a surprise second change of tyres hoodwinked Red Bull to lift him 14 points clear of Verstappen in the drivers' standings. "It was a really great strategy by the team. What a day!" beamed Hamilton, who was quick to acknowledge the smattering of fans allowed in to watch, a rare occurence in the time of coronavirus. "It is great to see. I saw a British flag out there which I haven't seen for a long, long time. I feel great after this. I feel like I could go again." Hamilton had set off from pole for the 100th time but was beaten to the first corner by Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc for Ferrari dishing out the same treatment on Valtteri Bottas on turn two. On lap eight Yuki Tsunoda's Sunday drive in Catalonia suffered a premature end when his AlphaTauri came to a grinding halt. "Engine stop" the Japanese rookie lamented as the safety car emerged briefly to remove the immobile obstacle. Verstappen held off Hamilton comfortably on the restart on lap 11, with Leclerc continuing to split the two Mercedes. With a third of the race completed the first round of pit stops began, with all eyes on which of the front two with less than a second between them would blink first. Verstappen it was who came in on lap 25, but the pit stop was slow by a couple of seconds in another minor but potentially critical error by the Red Bull title pretenders. - 'Sitting duck' - The Mercedes pit wall pulled Hamilton in for a lightning stop a few laps later as they pinned their hopes on fresher medium tyres making the difference towards the finish. At the midway point Hamilton set the fastest lap to go less than two and a half seconds behind his Dutch rival. The gap was less than a second shortly after. On lap 43 Mercedes played their ace card. Hamilton, half a second off the lead, came into the pits for a second new set of mediums. He reemerged with under 23sec to make up on Verstappen, who with tyre wear was in danger of becoming what he would describe afterwards as "a sitting duck" for the man in pursuit of a record eighth drivers' title. Hamilton asked his pit wall: "How far have I got to catch up?" "Currently 22 seconds... we've done it before..." came back the reply. There was a note of desperation on Red Bull's radio with Verstappen suggesting "I don't know how we are going to make it to the end". Hamilton moved into second but there was no hint of team orders with Bottas forcing his teammate into full overtaking mode. Ten laps to go and Hamilton had only three seconds to make up on Verstappen and on lap 60 he did it, surging past the Dutchman on turn one - Toto Wolff, his team boss, punching the air with delight as their masterstroke paid off. Hamilton said he was in two minds as to whether to obey the order to come in. "I was about to get a shot to get past him as I pitted. I was really conflicted - 'do I come in or ignore the call?'. "I did what the team asked because there is a great trust between us. Remarkable job by everyone in this team. What a day." Red Bull boss Christian Horner was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "In fairness, hats off to Mercedes and Lewis." Verstappen said: "We're not where we want to be and we still need to push hard and catch up because at the moment we are a little bit slower. But compared to last year, it has been a jump for us." Bottas took third in the second Mercedes with Leclerc's Ferrari in fourth and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull completing the top five. Formula One takes a breather next weekend before returning for the Monaco Grand Prix with Hamilton possibly having a tilt at his century of wins in Azerbaijan at the start of June.

Mercedes masterstroke in Spain helps Hamilton deny Verstappen

The Formula One circus pitches up in Barcelona this weekend for the Spanish Grand Prix with Red Bull's tantalising tilt at prising the spotlight away from showstoppers Mercedes topping the bill.

Three races in and against pre-season predictions it is Lewis Hamilton who leads Max Verstappen by eight points arriving at the fourth leg of the championship.

Wins last Sunday in Portugal and in the opener in Bahrain leave the seven-time champion in his customary habitat at the top of the F1 drivers' tree.

Barcelona is a track the teams know intimately as the usual venue for pre-season testing, and with its reputation as a circuit where overtaking opportunities are few and far between the onus will be on Saturday's qualifying to command a prime front row seat on Sunday's grid.

Hamilton is seeking his fifth consecutive win in Catalonia, with three of his last four victories delivered from pole.

Should he top the time sheets on Saturday he will celebrate his 100th pole position, after being denied that honour by his teammate Valtteri Bottas last weekend in Portimao.

Verstappen and Red Bull's emergence as serious title contenders not only has F1 fans gripping their sofas' arm rests or smart phones -- Mercedes chief Toto Wolff says he's enjoying the same sensation he felt at the first signs Mercedes could muscle in on the then Red Bull roadshow seven years ago.

"When we were behind in testing and in Bahrain, it's a buzz that I have not felt in the team since 2013 when we had that first sniff that we could be there," said Wolff. "The whole place is excited and continues to be excited. I'd like to be happy after Abu Dhabi at the end of the season but for the time being, we'll take it one step at a time."

While the 2021 Hamilton continues to display all the hallmarks that have turned him into a serial champion - often flawless race craft, consummate professionalism and steely focus, Verstappen this season has changed.

The Dutch driver seems to have his eye on the bigger picture, as F1's managing director Ross Brawn pointed out.

"It's clear that Max Verstappen is approaching this championship in a different way because he finally has a title-winning car," said Brawn.

"And it had to change because when you're a title contender, the focus has to be on consolidating when you're not the fastest and when opportunities such as a mechanical issue for a rival or a Safety Car present themselves, you must be in a position to strike."

Verstappen's boss at Red Bull Christian Horner is like his Mercedes counterpart Wolff lapping up the first proper inter-team title battle for some time.

"The picture is starting to clarify. Red Bull and Mercedes are the two standout teams, and Lewis and Max are the two standout drivers.

"It's incredibly tight. The biggest winner for that is Formula 1 – and if it goes like this for 23 races, it's going to be nip and tuck."

One driver who has special reason to approach this weekend's race with a spring in his step is Fernando Alonso.

The two-time champion is finally finding his feet with Alpine, formerly Renault, after his return to F1, scoring points for the second straight race in the Algarve sunshine.

"It was good, it was fun," said the veteran Spaniard ahead of his home grand prix.

"We were fighting with one McLaren, one Ferrari - things that were unthinkable in Imola or Bahrain. So I think we made a big step forward in terms of the car performance."

Alonso is in 12th in the drivers standings, nine places and 32 points behind Lando Norris, who has enjoyed a sensational start to 2021 for back-in-business McLaren with three top-five finishes.

Sensational is not how even Nikita Mazepin's most loyal followers would describe the Russian rookie's three first appearances in the fast lane.

A lap one crash in Bahrain, spins at Imola, and a dangerous block on Sergio Perez last Sunday suggest the young Haas driver will be just happy to reach Sunday night having crossed the line without any further mishaps.

The Formula One circus pitches up in Barcelona this weekend for the Spanish Grand Prix with Red Bull's tantalising tilt at prising the spotlight away from showstoppers Mercedes topping the bill.

The Formula One circus pitches up in Barcelona this weekend for the Spanish Grand Prix with Red Bull's tantalising tilt at prising the spotlight away from showstoppers Mercedes topping the bill. Three races in and against pre-season predictions it is Lewis Hamilton who leads Max Verstappen by eight points arriving at the fourth leg of the championship. Wins last Sunday in Portugal and in the opener in Bahrain leave the seven-time champion in his customary habitat at the top of the F1 drivers' tree. Barcelona is a track the teams know intimately as the usual venue for pre-season testing, and with its reputation as a circuit where overtaking opportunities are few and far between the onus will be on Saturday's qualifying to command a prime front row seat on Sunday's grid. Hamilton is seeking his fifth consecutive win in Catalonia, with three of his last four victories delivered from pole. Should he top the time sheets on Saturday he will celebrate his 100th pole position, after being denied that honour by his teammate Valtteri Bottas last weekend in Portimao. Verstappen and Red Bull's emergence as serious title contenders not only has F1 fans gripping their sofas' arm rests or smart phones -- Mercedes chief Toto Wolff says he's enjoying the same sensation he felt at the first signs Mercedes could muscle in on the then Red Bull roadshow seven years ago. "When we were behind in testing and in Bahrain, it's a buzz that I have not felt in the team since 2013 when we had that first sniff that we could be there," said Wolff. "The whole place is excited and continues to be excited. I'd like to be happy after Abu Dhabi at the end of the season but for the time being, we'll take it one step at a time." While the 2021 Hamilton continues to display all the hallmarks that have turned him into a serial champion - often flawless race craft, consummate professionalism and steely focus, Verstappen this season has changed. The Dutch driver seems to have his eye on the bigger picture, as F1's managing director Ross Brawn pointed out. "It's clear that Max Verstappen is approaching this championship in a different way because he finally has a title-winning car," said Brawn. "And it had to change because when you're a title contender, the focus has to be on consolidating when you're not the fastest and when opportunities such as a mechanical issue for a rival or a Safety Car present themselves, you must be in a position to strike." Verstappen's boss at Red Bull Christian Horner is like his Mercedes counterpart Wolff lapping up the first proper inter-team title battle for some time. "The picture is starting to clarify. Red Bull and Mercedes are the two standout teams, and Lewis and Max are the two standout drivers. "It's incredibly tight. The biggest winner for that is Formula 1 – and if it goes like this for 23 races, it's going to be nip and tuck." One driver who has special reason to approach this weekend's race with a spring in his step is Fernando Alonso. The two-time champion is finally finding his feet with Alpine, formerly Renault, after his return to F1, scoring points for the second straight race in the Algarve sunshine. "It was good, it was fun," said the veteran Spaniard ahead of his home grand prix. "We were fighting with one McLaren, one Ferrari - things that were unthinkable in Imola or Bahrain. So I think we made a big step forward in terms of the car performance." Alonso is in 12th in the drivers standings, nine places and 32 points behind Lando Norris, who has enjoyed a sensational start to 2021 for back-in-business McLaren with three top-five finishes. Sensational is not how even Nikita Mazepin's most loyal followers would describe the Russian rookie's three first appearances in the fast lane. A lap one crash in Bahrain, spins at Imola, and a dangerous block on Sergio Perez last Sunday suggest the young Haas driver will be just happy to reach Sunday night having crossed the line without any further mishaps.

Hamilton pursues 100th pole as 'nip and tuck' title battle arrives in Spain

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin.

In a statement F1 said that the race will take place at a new track round the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens north of the Florida city.

"We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"The US is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race."

He added it would be staged "in the second quarter of next year".

F1 said the track will be 5.41km long with high-speed straights which should allow top speeds of 320 km/h and "multiple overtaking opportunities".

The Hard Rock Stadium is the home of the team Miami Dolphins and also hosted the recent Miami Open tennis tournament.

Miami Dolphins chairman Tom Garfinkel, the managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix, said they had worked with specialist designers "to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing".

Controlled since 2017 by the American group Liberty Media, F1 was planning on having a Miami GP in 2019 but hit a roadblock with local authorities.

Initial plans to include a circuit that crossed a bridge over the city's bay were shelved after objections.

Garfinkel commented: "The first priority was to create a great race track, and with the Hard Rock site we have a blank sheet of paper to put together a race track that is demanding in a lot of ways and to put on great experiences that are uniquely reflective of the diversity of Miami.

<h2>- 'Latino community' -</h2>

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton backed the move.

"America is such a big place that it always felt like we needed at least two races there to integrate with the audience," the Mercedes driver said.

"The race can bring 4,000 jobs to communities in Miami. Montreal has always been my favourite to go to but Miami I think that's going to be the favourite spot to go to," added Hamilton, ahead of starting on pole for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola later Sunday.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who finished second to Hamilton in the 2021 season's opening race in Bahrain, said he was "excited" about the new GP.

"I'm sure if they build a good track, we can have a lot of fun out there and hopefully we'll bring a lot of excitement so the fans can of course enjoy the race," he said in a Red Bull statement.&nbsp;

His Mexican teammate Sergio Perez commented: "I think Miami is a great location for Formula One, it's a very fun city and there's lots of energy in that place.

"The Latino community is pretty big there so I'm definitely looking forward going there soon. I think Miami and F1 is the perfect combination."

Miami joins Austin, which has hosted Formula One Grand Prix since 2012, with this year's race in Texas scheduled for October 24.

Miami's arrival will give F1 a potent boost in its bid to compete with the more popular Indycar and NASCAR circuits in the United States.&nbsp;

F1's director of media rights Ian Holmes in February lauded the sport's growth in popularity in the United States, in part on the back of the Netflix F1 documentary series "Drive To Survive".

Miami is the 11th venue in the US to host a leg of the F1 championship after Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and Austin.

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin.

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin. In a statement F1 said that the race will take place at a new track round the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens north of the Florida city. "We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. "The US is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race." He added it would be staged "in the second quarter of next year". F1 said the track will be 5.41km long with high-speed straights which should allow top speeds of 320 km/h and "multiple overtaking opportunities". The Hard Rock Stadium is the home of the team Miami Dolphins and also hosted the recent Miami Open tennis tournament. Miami Dolphins chairman Tom Garfinkel, the managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix, said they had worked with specialist designers "to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing". Controlled since 2017 by the American group Liberty Media, F1 was planning on having a Miami GP in 2019 but hit a roadblock with local authorities. Initial plans to include a circuit that crossed a bridge over the city's bay were shelved after objections. Garfinkel commented: "The first priority was to create a great race track, and with the Hard Rock site we have a blank sheet of paper to put together a race track that is demanding in a lot of ways and to put on great experiences that are uniquely reflective of the diversity of Miami. - 'Latino community' - Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton backed the move. "America is such a big place that it always felt like we needed at least two races there to integrate with the audience," the Mercedes driver said. "The race can bring 4,000 jobs to communities in Miami. Montreal has always been my favourite to go to but Miami I think that's going to be the favourite spot to go to," added Hamilton, ahead of starting on pole for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola later Sunday. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who finished second to Hamilton in the 2021 season's opening race in Bahrain, said he was "excited" about the new GP. "I'm sure if they build a good track, we can have a lot of fun out there and hopefully we'll bring a lot of excitement so the fans can of course enjoy the race," he said in a Red Bull statement. His Mexican teammate Sergio Perez commented: "I think Miami is a great location for Formula One, it's a very fun city and there's lots of energy in that place. "The Latino community is pretty big there so I'm definitely looking forward going there soon. I think Miami and F1 is the perfect combination." Miami joins Austin, which has hosted Formula One Grand Prix since 2012, with this year's race in Texas scheduled for October 24. Miami's arrival will give F1 a potent boost in its bid to compete with the more popular Indycar and NASCAR circuits in the United States. F1's director of media rights Ian Holmes in February lauded the sport's growth in popularity in the United States, in part on the back of the Netflix F1 documentary series "Drive To Survive". Miami is the 11th venue in the US to host a leg of the F1 championship after Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and Austin.

Miami joins F1 calendar in 2022 in push for US fan share

Mick Schumacher's famous name may have helped him to accelerate through motor racing's lower levels, but it will also add pressure when he makes his Formula One debut on Sunday.&nbsp;

Mick, son of seven-time world champion Michael, will drive for US team Haas in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Schumacher, 22, earned his chance by winning the Formula Three European championship in 2018 and the Formula Two title in 2020.

His famous name has helped make it easier for Haas to find funding, but the young German's longer-term career plan seems clear.

Mick is part of the academy at Ferrari, where his father won five of his seven world titles.

Haas and Ferrari each pay half of Mick Schumacher's salary and, if he proves himself, he seems destined to eventually race in the famous red of the Maranello-based company.

"The name Schumacher is a brand, but it is a brand linked to the first name Michael," Herve Bodinier, a sports marketing professional and Formula 1 expert, told AFP.

"Ferrari and the others are not patrons, Mick will have to write his own story."

A thick veil of mystery surrounds the current health of Michael Schumacher.

The 52-year-old has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013, witnessed by Mick, left the Formula One legend with severe brain injuries.

Now, 15 years after his father last raced for Ferrari, Mick will bring one of the most famous names in motorsport back to Formula One.

The hype has been building for weeks.

According to a survey, 35 percent of Sky Germany's subscribers say they will watch more Formula One if Mick Schumacher is at the wheel.

The German broadcaster has based its entire pre-season advertising around the German, who turned 22 last Monday.

<h2>- Family footsteps -</h2>

"His arrival is already a boost for Formula One, his name is attracting a lot of attention, and the whole series is benefiting from it," admitted Stefano Domenicali, the Formula One boss who is close to the Schumacher family.

However, Schumacher has been warned that his surname carries extra pressure.

"It's not easy to be a 'son of'," 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, who won the Formula One title 34 years after his father Keke Rosberg, told Sport1.

"At the beginning the media attention on him will be even bigger than on (defending champion) Lewis Hamilton."

Since his first laps in karting, the media have always taken an interest in Schumacher.

He came through the ranks of Formula Three and Two shielded by a management team who made it taboo for reporters to ask about his father's health.

"He has forged a shell, he has a good family and has turned his dramatic story into a strength," said Bodinier.

<h2>- "Give him time" -</h2>

Being a Schumacher has helped.

"His name certainly opens doors for him," said Ross Brawn, Formula One's managing director and close friend of the Schumacher family, "but it also puts a lot of pressure on him, without a doubt."

On the down side, the extra attention has the potential to rob Schumacher of the space and time needed to develop at the top level.

"He deserved this promotion. He has reached the level of a Formula One driver by his own strength, not because of his name," said Domenicali.

"Now we have to give him time to grow, to learn... and to follow a normal progression curve."

Mick Schumacher's famous name may have helped him to accelerate through motor racing's lower levels, but it will also add pressure when he makes his Formula One debut on Sunday.

Mick Schumacher's famous name may have helped him to accelerate through motor racing's lower levels, but it will also add pressure when he makes his Formula One debut on Sunday. Mick, son of seven-time world champion Michael, will drive for US team Haas in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Schumacher, 22, earned his chance by winning the Formula Three European championship in 2018 and the Formula Two title in 2020. His famous name has helped make it easier for Haas to find funding, but the young German's longer-term career plan seems clear. Mick is part of the academy at Ferrari, where his father won five of his seven world titles. Haas and Ferrari each pay half of Mick Schumacher's salary and, if he proves himself, he seems destined to eventually race in the famous red of the Maranello-based company. "The name Schumacher is a brand, but it is a brand linked to the first name Michael," Herve Bodinier, a sports marketing professional and Formula 1 expert, told AFP. "Ferrari and the others are not patrons, Mick will have to write his own story." A thick veil of mystery surrounds the current health of Michael Schumacher. The 52-year-old has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013, witnessed by Mick, left the Formula One legend with severe brain injuries. Now, 15 years after his father last raced for Ferrari, Mick will bring one of the most famous names in motorsport back to Formula One. The hype has been building for weeks. According to a survey, 35 percent of Sky Germany's subscribers say they will watch more Formula One if Mick Schumacher is at the wheel. The German broadcaster has based its entire pre-season advertising around the German, who turned 22 last Monday. - Family footsteps - "His arrival is already a boost for Formula One, his name is attracting a lot of attention, and the whole series is benefiting from it," admitted Stefano Domenicali, the Formula One boss who is close to the Schumacher family. However, Schumacher has been warned that his surname carries extra pressure. "It's not easy to be a 'son of'," 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, who won the Formula One title 34 years after his father Keke Rosberg, told Sport1. "At the beginning the media attention on him will be even bigger than on (defending champion) Lewis Hamilton." Since his first laps in karting, the media have always taken an interest in Schumacher. He came through the ranks of Formula Three and Two shielded by a management team who made it taboo for reporters to ask about his father's health. "He has forged a shell, he has a good family and has turned his dramatic story into a strength," said Bodinier. - "Give him time" - Being a Schumacher has helped. "His name certainly opens doors for him," said Ross Brawn, Formula One's managing director and close friend of the Schumacher family, "but it also puts a lot of pressure on him, without a doubt." On the down side, the extra attention has the potential to rob Schumacher of the space and time needed to develop at the top level. "He deserved this promotion. He has reached the level of a Formula One driver by his own strength, not because of his name," said Domenicali. "Now we have to give him time to grow, to learn... and to follow a normal progression curve."

Spotlight on Schumacher as famous name returns to Formula One

The 2021 MotoGP season sparks into life in Qatar on Sunday. AFP Sport looks at five talking points ahead of the curtain-raiser at the Losail International circuit:

<h2>Lights on</h2>

One year on after the &nbsp;Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the first round of the MotoGP championship in Qatar the gulf state's Losail International Circuit takes centre stage with back-to-back night races on Sunday and again on April 4 to get the 2021 campaign off to an atmospheric and theatrical floodlit start. Qatar, which hosted pre-season testing, has offered coronavirus vaccines to the entire paddock. The MotoGP circus then moves on to the Algarve in Portugal for the third leg of a 19-race calendar, with two further races in the United States and Argentina expected to be slotted in towards the end of the year. Practice for Sunday's opener gets underway on Thursday.

<h2>Marquez missing</h2>

The six-time MotoGP world champion is the notable absentee from Qatar's double header. His season-ending crash in the first race last year led to three bouts of surgery on his fractured right arm, the last in December, and left the way clear for his fellow Spaniard Joan Mir to claim his crown. The 28-year-old pulled out of this weekend's curtain-raiser on Monday, saying that although his recovery was going well he required more time before returning to the day job. With his next medical check-up on April 12 that suggests Portugal's third leg on April 18 as a target for his overdue return. The Honda star has downplayed his chances of reclaiming his throne this term: "The objective is to get on a motorbike, have fun again and from there find a good level and fight for podiums and victories. How long will that take? I don't know."&nbsp;

<h2>A change but no rest for the doctor&nbsp;</h2>

Valentino Rossi is entering his 26th year of competition at the ripe old age of 42 but 'the doctor''s drive and determination remain undimmed as he leaves a factory team for the first time since 2002 for Yamaha's satellite SRT stable. The seven-time MotoGP world champion is optimistic the switch will trigger an upturn in results after his worst season in 2020 left him in 15th in the riders' standings with two races missed due to coronavirus. Whether this is his swansong season depends in large part on his track performance. "It is not an easy decision. I will decide during the summer break, in the middle of the season," he told motogp.com. "My decision will be based on results. If I am strong, can fight for podiums and victories, I will continue another year." Rossi's teammate is Franco Morbidelli, a graduate from Rossi's VR46 academy. The 2020 runner-up describes his mentor as "like a big brother". Rossi is counting on their close friendship to withstand the natural rivalry that develops between riders on the same team. "To fight and still be friends we will need to have a real friendship. It won’t be easy, but I think we can do it."

<h2>Mir - the consistent champion</h2>

Marquez's premature exit opened the way for a thrilling topsy-turvy title tussle last year with Joan Mir landing the spoils in the penultimate race a week after finally claiming his first MotoGP victory and ending a winless run stretching back to 2017 when he was crowned Moto3 world champion. Credited for his consistency the Suzuki rider from Mallorca can be expected to put up a resilient title defence against a slew of serious challengers. Among them France's Fabio Quartararo who takes Rossi's place in the Yamaha factory team. He marked himself down as a future champion with wins in the first two races before bike issues put a spanner in his bid to become France's first MotoGP champion. He told AFP from his home in Andorra in February: "I'm ready to win the championship. In 2019, I made the podium, last year some wins, all that's missing is the final step, to be champion of the world."

<h2>Testing times</h2>

Australian Jack Miller will have plenty to say in the title race based on the evidence of pre-season testing at Losail this month. Miller's Ducati led the times with the fastest lap - 1min 53.183 - ever recorded at the track. &nbsp;A trio of Yamahas belonging to Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli were hot on his heels with Miller's Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia completing the top five.

The 2021 MotoGP season sparks into life in Qatar on Sunday. AFP Sport looks at five talking points ahead of the curtain-raiser at the Losail International circuit: Lights on One year on after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the first round of the MotoGP championship in Qatar the gulf state's Losail International Circuit takes centre stage with back-to-back night races on Sunday and again on April 4 to get the 2021 campaign off to an atmospheric and theatrical floodlit start.

The 2021 MotoGP season sparks into life in Qatar on Sunday. AFP Sport looks at five talking points ahead of the curtain-raiser at the Losail International circuit: Lights on One year on after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the first round of the MotoGP championship in Qatar the gulf state's Losail International Circuit takes centre stage with back-to-back night races on Sunday and again on April 4 to get the 2021 campaign off to an atmospheric and theatrical floodlit start. Qatar, which hosted pre-season testing, has offered coronavirus vaccines to the entire paddock. The MotoGP circus then moves on to the Algarve in Portugal for the third leg of a 19-race calendar, with two further races in the United States and Argentina expected to be slotted in towards the end of the year. Practice for Sunday's opener gets underway on Thursday. Marquez missing The six-time MotoGP world champion is the notable absentee from Qatar's double header. His season-ending crash in the first race last year led to three bouts of surgery on his fractured right arm, the last in December, and left the way clear for his fellow Spaniard Joan Mir to claim his crown. The 28-year-old pulled out of this weekend's curtain-raiser on Monday, saying that although his recovery was going well he required more time before returning to the day job. With his next medical check-up on April 12 that suggests Portugal's third leg on April 18 as a target for his overdue return. The Honda star has downplayed his chances of reclaiming his throne this term: "The objective is to get on a motorbike, have fun again and from there find a good level and fight for podiums and victories. How long will that take? I don't know." A change but no rest for the doctor Valentino Rossi is entering his 26th year of competition at the ripe old age of 42 but 'the doctor''s drive and determination remain undimmed as he leaves a factory team for the first time since 2002 for Yamaha's satellite SRT stable. The seven-time MotoGP world champion is optimistic the switch will trigger an upturn in results after his worst season in 2020 left him in 15th in the riders' standings with two races missed due to coronavirus. Whether this is his swansong season depends in large part on his track performance. "It is not an easy decision. I will decide during the summer break, in the middle of the season," he told motogp.com. "My decision will be based on results. If I am strong, can fight for podiums and victories, I will continue another year." Rossi's teammate is Franco Morbidelli, a graduate from Rossi's VR46 academy. The 2020 runner-up describes his mentor as "like a big brother". Rossi is counting on their close friendship to withstand the natural rivalry that develops between riders on the same team. "To fight and still be friends we will need to have a real friendship. It won’t be easy, but I think we can do it." Mir - the consistent champion Marquez's premature exit opened the way for a thrilling topsy-turvy title tussle last year with Joan Mir landing the spoils in the penultimate race a week after finally claiming his first MotoGP victory and ending a winless run stretching back to 2017 when he was crowned Moto3 world champion. Credited for his consistency the Suzuki rider from Mallorca can be expected to put up a resilient title defence against a slew of serious challengers. Among them France's Fabio Quartararo who takes Rossi's place in the Yamaha factory team. He marked himself down as a future champion with wins in the first two races before bike issues put a spanner in his bid to become France's first MotoGP champion. He told AFP from his home in Andorra in February: "I'm ready to win the championship. In 2019, I made the podium, last year some wins, all that's missing is the final step, to be champion of the world." Testing times Australian Jack Miller will have plenty to say in the title race based on the evidence of pre-season testing at Losail this month. Miller's Ducati led the times with the fastest lap - 1min 53.183 - ever recorded at the track. A trio of Yamahas belonging to Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli were hot on his heels with Miller's Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia completing the top five.

Five talking points ahead of 2021 MotoGP season

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

The Mercedes Formula One team despite seven successive constructors titles possesses the "same fire, hunger and passion" says team principal Toto Wolff as when he arrived in 2013.

The 49-year-old Austrian's remarks came as the team launched its car for the 2021 season, one which they hope will culminate in Lewis Hamilton winning a record eighth drivers' title.

The Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance builds on the solid base of its predecessor but includes considerable aerodynamic changes alongside improvements to areas as such as the suspension, cooling system and Power Unit.

It will be seen on the track for the first time in pre-season testing in Bahrain on March 12.

Bahrain kicks off the season with their Grand Prix on March 28.

Wolff says the dominance of Mercedes is not damaging to the sport as there are plenty of 'sub plots' surrounding other drivers such as Jos Verstappen.

However, he says Mercedes are not going to be caught napping by lowering their standards for their drive remains as strong as ever.

"Every year we reset our focus and define the right objectives," said&nbsp;Wolff in a Mercedes statement to mark the launch of the new car.

"That may sound simple but it's damn hard and is probably why there are no sports teams out there with seven consecutive titles.

"So many things can happen and it's very natural to get used to success, and therefore not fight as hard for it.

"But this team has not shown any of that."

<h2>- 'Very long journey' -</h2>

Wolff said Hamilton and Finnish team-mate Valtteri Bottas as well as the rest of the staff always have new challenges which keeps them motivated.

"I see the same fire, hunger and passion now as I did the first time I walked through the doors in 2013," he said.

"Every season presents a new challenge and therefore, a new goal for us to achieve.

"2021 brings changes to the regulations, which could impact our competitiveness, plus the cost cap and working on the major rule changes of 2022.

"These challenges excite us."

One of Hamilton's crusades has been to promote and develop more diversity in the sport.

As a result the black base livery remains for a second season "to underline the team's commitment to improving diversity and inclusion within the team and our sport".

Wolff said the team had set itself targets to back up its words with actions.

"We've set ourselves the goal of at least 25 percent of all new starters coming from under-represented groups for the next five years," he said.

"The latest step is a joint foundation that we will create together with Lewis to improve all aspects of diversity in motorsport.

"All of these measures are encouraging, but we know that real change takes time and we're at the start of a very long journey.

"So, this topic will very much remain in our focus for years to come as we build on the foundations we've laid over the past few months."

The Mercedes Formula One team despite seven successive constructors titles possesses the "same fire, hunger and passion" says team principal Toto Wolff as when he arrived in 2013.

The Mercedes Formula One team despite seven successive constructors titles possesses the "same fire, hunger and passion" says team principal Toto Wolff as when he arrived in 2013. The 49-year-old Austrian's remarks came as the team launched its car for the 2021 season, one which they hope will culminate in Lewis Hamilton winning a record eighth drivers' title. The Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance builds on the solid base of its predecessor but includes considerable aerodynamic changes alongside improvements to areas as such as the suspension, cooling system and Power Unit. It will be seen on the track for the first time in pre-season testing in Bahrain on March 12. Bahrain kicks off the season with their Grand Prix on March 28. Wolff says the dominance of Mercedes is not damaging to the sport as there are plenty of 'sub plots' surrounding other drivers such as Jos Verstappen. However, he says Mercedes are not going to be caught napping by lowering their standards for their drive remains as strong as ever. "Every year we reset our focus and define the right objectives," said Wolff in a Mercedes statement to mark the launch of the new car. "That may sound simple but it's damn hard and is probably why there are no sports teams out there with seven consecutive titles. "So many things can happen and it's very natural to get used to success, and therefore not fight as hard for it. "But this team has not shown any of that." - 'Very long journey' - Wolff said Hamilton and Finnish team-mate Valtteri Bottas as well as the rest of the staff always have new challenges which keeps them motivated. "I see the same fire, hunger and passion now as I did the first time I walked through the doors in 2013," he said. "Every season presents a new challenge and therefore, a new goal for us to achieve. "2021 brings changes to the regulations, which could impact our competitiveness, plus the cost cap and working on the major rule changes of 2022. "These challenges excite us." One of Hamilton's crusades has been to promote and develop more diversity in the sport. As a result the black base livery remains for a second season "to underline the team's commitment to improving diversity and inclusion within the team and our sport". Wolff said the team had set itself targets to back up its words with actions. "We've set ourselves the goal of at least 25 percent of all new starters coming from under-represented groups for the next five years," he said. "The latest step is a joint foundation that we will create together with Lewis to improve all aspects of diversity in motorsport. "All of these measures are encouraging, but we know that real change takes time and we're at the start of a very long journey. "So, this topic will very much remain in our focus for years to come as we build on the foundations we've laid over the past few months."

Wolff says Mercedes still fired up for success

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have agreed to a new deal that will see the seven-time world champion continue with the reigning Formula&nbsp;One World Constructors’ Champion continue together in the year&nbsp;2021. The ground-breaking deal will also witness the Hamilton-Mercedes due continue for a ninth consecutive&nbsp;season.&nbsp;

Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 before joining Mercedes in 2013. He has since won a staggering 74 F1 races as well as six Drivers’ Championships with the team. In 2020, Hamilton broke Michael&nbsp;Schumacher's&nbsp;all-time win record and is now the record holder in F1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After signing the new deal,&nbsp;Lewis Hamilton&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates. Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue. I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport. I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”&nbsp;

Commenting on the new deal, Mercedes CEO and Team Principal, Toto Wolff said that the longer-term project will focus on their shared commitment to greater diversity within the motorsport.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“We have always been aligned with Lewis that we would continue, but the very unusual year we had in 2020 meant it took some time to finish the process. Together, we have decided to extend the sporting relationship for another season and to begin a longer-term project to take the next step in our shared commitment to greater diversity within our sport," Wolff said.&nbsp;

Lewis’s competitive record stands alongside the best the sports world has ever seen, and he is a valued ambassador for our brand and our partners. The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the history books of our sport over the past eight seasons, and we are hungry to compete and to add more chapters to it," he added.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have agreed to a new deal that will see the seven-time world champion continue with the reigning Formula One World Constructors’ Champion continue together in the year 2021.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have agreed to a new deal that will see the seven-time world champion continue with the reigning Formula One World Constructors’ Champion continue together in the year 2021. The ground-breaking deal will also witness the Hamilton-Mercedes due continue for a ninth consecutive season. Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 before joining Mercedes in 2013. He has since won a staggering 74 F1 races as well as six Drivers’ Championships with the team. In 2020, Hamilton broke Michael Schumacher's all-time win record and is now the record holder in F1. After signing the new deal, Lewis Hamilton said, "I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates. Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track. ALSO READ: Economy to values: Tokyo Olympics highlight stark difference from 1964 to 2021 “I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue. I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport. I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.” Commenting on the new deal, Mercedes CEO and Team Principal, Toto Wolff said that the longer-term project will focus on their shared commitment to greater diversity within the motorsport. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket “We have always been aligned with Lewis that we would continue, but the very unusual year we had in 2020 meant it took some time to finish the process. Together, we have decided to extend the sporting relationship for another season and to begin a longer-term project to take the next step in our shared commitment to greater diversity within our sport," Wolff said. Lewis’s competitive record stands alongside the best the sports world has ever seen, and he is a valued ambassador for our brand and our partners. The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the history books of our sport over the past eight seasons, and we are hungry to compete and to add more chapters to it," he added.

Lewis Hamilton-Mercedes agree new contract for 2021

Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday. While the Australian GP, usually the season-opener, was delayed from March to November, no new date has been given for the Chinese GP, which is normally held in April.&nbsp;

The latest development means a second consecutive season of F1 has been disrupted by the dreaded virus, which was delayed and cut short into 17 races last year.&nbsp;

Formula One 2021 will now commence in Bahrain on March 28, a week later than the originally scheduled start in&nbsp;Melbourne.&nbsp;

"The&nbsp;global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return," F1 president Stefano&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;said in a statement.&nbsp;

Many of the F1 teams are based in England where COVID-19 cases are surging due to a more infectious new variant, further complicating the matter.&nbsp;

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Domenicali&nbsp;said that talks were still underway about the Chinese Grand Prix. However, an F1 statement stated that the Shanghai race would be conducted&nbsp;"later in the season if possible", citing travel restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021,"&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Formula One&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;said that they expect crowds to return for the 2021 F1 season after the previous season was held behind closed doors in 2020.&nbsp;

Italy’s Imola race is now back on the calendar as it takes the Chinese slot on April 18 with the location of a race scheduled for May 2 is yet to be announced.&nbsp;

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The Australian Grand Prix will be held on November 21, soon after the races in the United States, Mexico and Brazil and will be followed by Saudi Arabia and season showdown in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;

The Australian GP was called off in 2020, hours before the first practice session of the year as one McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus. The pandemic resulted in&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;reducing the 2020 season to just 17 events from the usual 22 races.&nbsp;

"As the third-last race of the season, this provides the opportunity to safely host what could be the championship-decider in Melbourne in the lead-in to summer," said Australian Grand Prix chairman Paul Little.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We'd like to thank our loyal motorsport fans and employees for their understanding in these challenging times."&nbsp;

Australia have been successful in&nbsp;suppressing&nbsp;the virus and has held major sporting events including India’s ongoing cricket tour and next month’s Australian Open. However, the travel restrictions remain a major hurdle for the athletes.&nbsp;

Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday.

Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday. While the Australian GP, usually the season-opener, was delayed from March to November, no new date has been given for the Chinese GP, which is normally held in April. The latest development means a second consecutive season of F1 has been disrupted by the dreaded virus, which was delayed and cut short into 17 races last year. Formula One 2021 will now commence in Bahrain on March 28, a week later than the originally scheduled start in Melbourne. "The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return," F1 president Stefano Domenicali said in a statement. Many of the F1 teams are based in England where COVID-19 cases are surging due to a more infectious new variant, further complicating the matter. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 Domenicali said that talks were still underway about the Chinese Grand Prix. However, an F1 statement stated that the Shanghai race would be conducted "later in the season if possible", citing travel restrictions. "Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021," Domenicali said. Formula One organisers said that they expect crowds to return for the 2021 F1 season after the previous season was held behind closed doors in 2020. Italy’s Imola race is now back on the calendar as it takes the Chinese slot on April 18 with the location of a race scheduled for May 2 is yet to be announced. ALSO READ: Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration The Australian Grand Prix will be held on November 21, soon after the races in the United States, Mexico and Brazil and will be followed by Saudi Arabia and season showdown in Abu Dhabi. The Australian GP was called off in 2020, hours before the first practice session of the year as one McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus. The pandemic resulted in organisers reducing the 2020 season to just 17 events from the usual 22 races. "As the third-last race of the season, this provides the opportunity to safely host what could be the championship-decider in Melbourne in the lead-in to summer," said Australian Grand Prix chairman Paul Little. "We'd like to thank our loyal motorsport fans and employees for their understanding in these challenging times." Australia have been successful in suppressing the virus and has held major sporting events including India’s ongoing cricket tour and next month’s Australian Open. However, the travel restrictions remain a major hurdle for the athletes.

Formula One: Australian GP shifted to November, Chinese GP put on hold indefinitely

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus.&nbsp;

Norris, aged 21, is currently in Dubai on holiday ahead of their planned training camp. He took a test for the virus on Monday after recognising loss of taste and smell, which is one of the symptoms for COVID-19.

Norris has informed his team and everyone he had been in touch with recently about the result of his coronavirus test.

McLaren confirmed the development as they released a statement: "McLaren can confirm that Lando Norris tested positive for covid-199 yesterday in Dubai, where he is currently on holiday ahead of a planned training camp. After recognising a loss of taste and smell, he was tested immediately and informed the team.&nbsp;

"In line with local regulation, he is now self-isolating at his hotel for 14 days. He is currently feeling well and reports no other symptoms."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-contract-top-of-the-agenda-now-f1-season-is-done-349887" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-contract-top-of-the-agenda-now-f1-season-is-done-349887&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitzI_1iIXuAhWkxDgGHcjSBm0QFjAGegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw09HRAhef8eynHcUy0r5gtR" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-contract-top-of-the-agenda-now-f1-season-is-done-349887" target="_blank">Hamilton&nbsp;contract top of the agenda now F1 season is done</a>

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<a href="https://t.co/s5fypbYNjx">pic.twitter.com/s5fypbYNjx</a>
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1346458645614243840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even Norris took to social media platforms to confirm the development as he said that he has no other symptoms other than loss of taste and smell.

"Hi everyone, hope you are keeping well. Yesterday I lost my sense of taste and smell so immediately self isolated and took a test. It's come back as positive, so I've told everyone that I've been in contact with and will be self isolating for the next 14 days. I feel alright and have no other symptoms but I just wanted to let you all know. Take Care," Norris tweeted.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a>

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— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) <a href="https://twitter.com/LandoNorris/status/1346458552769146880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Norris is set to be partnered by ex-Renault and Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo for the upcoming 2021 season. 
&nbsp;

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus.

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Norris, aged 21, is currently in Dubai on holiday ahead of their planned training camp. He took a test for the virus on Monday after recognising loss of taste and smell, which is one of the symptoms for COVID-19. Norris has informed his team and everyone he had been in touch with recently about the result of his coronavirus test. McLaren confirmed the development as they released a statement: "McLaren can confirm that Lando Norris tested positive for covid-199 yesterday in Dubai, where he is currently on holiday ahead of a planned training camp. After recognising a loss of taste and smell, he was tested immediately and informed the team. "In line with local regulation, he is now self-isolating at his hotel for 14 days. He is currently feeling well and reports no other symptoms." ALSO READ: Hamilton contract top of the agenda now F1 season is done pic.twitter.com/s5fypbYNjx — McLaren (@McLarenF1) January 5, 2021 × Even Norris took to social media platforms to confirm the development as he said that he has no other symptoms other than loss of taste and smell. "Hi everyone, hope you are keeping well. Yesterday I lost my sense of taste and smell so immediately self isolated and took a test. It's come back as positive, so I've told everyone that I've been in contact with and will be self isolating for the next 14 days. I feel alright and have no other symptoms but I just wanted to let you all know. Take Care," Norris tweeted. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 pic.twitter.com/PG46RCvz3j — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) January 5, 2021 × Meanwhile, Norris is set to be partnered by ex-Renault and Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo for the upcoming 2021 season.

Formula One: McLaren's Lando Norris tests positive for COVID-19

Lewis Hamilton was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, rounding off a remarkable year in which he became Formula One world champion for a seventh time.

Hamilton, 35, beat off competition from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and jockey Hollie Doyle, who finished second and third respectively, to collect British sport’s premier annual award for a second time after winning it in 2014.

Hamilton won his fourth consecutive world title this year to match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven crowns.

Premier League champions Liverpool were named Team of the Year and their manager Juergen Klopp won Coach of the Year. Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford won the Expert Special Panel Award for his school meal campaign.

Lewis Hamilton was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, rounding off a remarkable year in which he became Formula One world champion for a seventh time.

Lewis Hamilton was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, rounding off a remarkable year in which he became Formula One world champion for a seventh time. Hamilton, 35, beat off competition from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and jockey Hollie Doyle, who finished second and third respectively, to collect British sport’s premier annual award for a second time after winning it in 2014. Hamilton won his fourth consecutive world title this year to match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven crowns. Premier League champions Liverpool were named Team of the Year and their manager Juergen Klopp won Coach of the Year. Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford won the Expert Special Panel Award for his school meal campaign.

Hamilton voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who was out of contract with Racing Point, will replace Alexander Albon at Red Bull in the 2021 season, the Formula One outfit announced on Friday. Perez will pair up with Max Verstappen for Red Bull team in 2021.<o:p></o:p>

The move for Perez means Malaysian driver Albon will be without a team for the 2021 season. However, he will remain with the Red Bull team as Test and Reserve Driver with focus on 2022 development.

<o:p></o:p>

"Red Bull Racing can today confirm that Sergio Perez will join the Team and race alongside Max Verstappen in the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship," the F1 team said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-mahomes-to-giannis-athletes-with-biggest-contracts-in-sporting-history-350214" hreflang="en">From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history</a><o:p></o:p>

"Current driver Alex Albon remains an important member of the Team and takes on the role of Red Bull Racing Test and Reserve Driver with a key focus on 2022 development, simulator work and tyre testing," it added.<o:p></o:p>

“Charging into 2021 with @SChecoPerez! #HolaCheco,” tweeted Aston Martin Red Bull Racing on Twitter as they teased the announcement of Sergio Perez.

<o:p></o:p>

Reacting to the tweet, Racing Point replied: “You're getting one hell of a driver there guys. Huge congrats to you both.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-nba-to-super-bowl-heres-complete-list-of-winners-in-2020-350549" hreflang="en">From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020</a>

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You're getting one hell of a driver there guys. Huge congrats to you both 🙌
— BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RacingPointF1/status/1339936189353250818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Perez has been hailed as one of the F1’s fastest and most consistent drivers despite never enjoying equipment capable of producing podiums week in and week out. Perez has, thus far, scored 10 podiums and one win, during his 10-year stay in Grand Prix racing.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Perez made his debut in 2011 with Sauber and bagged his first podium in 2012 at the Malaysian GP before joining McLaren for the 2013 season. He later switched base to Force India, which was later renamed as Racing Point in 2019.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who was out of contract with Racing Point, will replace Alexander Albon at Red Bull in the 2021 season, the Formula One outfit announced on Friday.

Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who was out of contract with Racing Point, will replace Alexander Albon at Red Bull in the 2021 season, the Formula One outfit announced on Friday. Perez will pair up with Max Verstappen for Red Bull team in 2021. The move for Perez means Malaysian driver Albon will be without a team for the 2021 season. However, he will remain with the Red Bull team as Test and Reserve Driver with focus on 2022 development. "Red Bull Racing can today confirm that Sergio Perez will join the Team and race alongside Max Verstappen in the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship," the F1 team said in a statement. ALSO READ: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history "Current driver Alex Albon remains an important member of the Team and takes on the role of Red Bull Racing Test and Reserve Driver with a key focus on 2022 development, simulator work and tyre testing," it added. “Charging into 2021 with @SChecoPerez! #HolaCheco,” tweeted Aston Martin Red Bull Racing on Twitter as they teased the announcement of Sergio Perez. Reacting to the tweet, Racing Point replied: “You're getting one hell of a driver there guys. Huge congrats to you both.” ALSO READ: From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020 You're getting one hell of a driver there guys. Huge congrats to you both 🙌 — BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) December 18, 2020 × Perez has been hailed as one of the F1’s fastest and most consistent drivers despite never enjoying equipment capable of producing podiums week in and week out. Perez has, thus far, scored 10 podiums and one win, during his 10-year stay in Grand Prix racing. Perez made his debut in 2011 with Sauber and bagged his first podium in 2012 at the Malaysian GP before joining McLaren for the 2013 season. He later switched base to Force India, which was later renamed as Racing Point in 2019.

Sergio Perez to race for Red Bull in F1 2021 season

Indian race driver Jehan Daruvala recently made headlines after winning the Formula 2 Grand Prix in Bahrain. India’s next motorsport star defeated Michael Schumacher’s son Mick Schumacher to get the top podium and his win was widely celebrated across social media platforms. Jehan took to social media platform Twitter to conduct a Question and Answer session with his fans and followers as he answered some questions.

During the Q&amp;A session on Twitter, Jehan was asked by a fan about his sporting idol. While everyone expected him to name an athlete from his field, i.e motorsport racing, Jehan went on to surprise everyone by naming the captain of Indian cricket team – Virat Kohli.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> is a good role model as he leads by example and conducts his life and plays the sport in a disciplined manner. 
It would be great to see more tracks coming up in places so that people could have access to racing at a grassroot level and get more interested in the sport.
— Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaruvalaJehan/status/1338803630317522946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Hi guys , Always grateful for the support I’ve received and its time I answer the questions you’ll have for me. Send in your questions using <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskJehan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AskJehan</a> and I will answer as many as possible. <a href="https://t.co/Cq0RUP3BAK">pic.twitter.com/Cq0RUP3BAK</a>
— Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaruvalaJehan/status/1338753805744267264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-mahomes-to-giannis-athletes-with-biggest-contracts-in-sporting-history-350214" hreflang="en">From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history</a>

Kohli’s popularity has been rising with each passing day and the Indian skipper is regarded as one of the finest cricketers of all-time.&nbsp;

In the same Q&amp;A session on Twitter, he was asked about what influenced him to take up motorsport as a profession. The youngster named his mentor Rayomand Banajee, who motivated him to achieve his dreams. He also named Fernando Alonso as one of his F1 role model.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/alo_oficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alo_oficial</a> - I enjoyed watching him race from the time I got interested in the sport.
— Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaruvalaJehan/status/1338811350861025287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskJehan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AskJehan</a> 
I always enjoyed karting when I was young and did it in India with <a href="https://twitter.com/rayomandb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rayomandb</a>. He spotted the potential in me and encouraged me to take it up professionally as he believed that I could be competitive on a global platform.
— Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaruvalaJehan/status/1338803291254231041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It was a special moment for sure. I’m hoping for more of those in 2021.
— Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaruvalaJehan/status/1339121791831142400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I learned a lot through the 2020 season so I’m confident of implementing all that I’ve learned to challenge for the title in 2021.
— Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaruvalaJehan/status/1339119002837155840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The 22-year-old is constantly evolving as a racing driver and is looking forward to the next season after leaving a mark in the 2020 season of F2 championship. Jehan is set to continue his stint with Carlin Motorsport and will hope for more podium finishes in the next season.

Notably, in the 2020 season, Jehan’s numbers kept on improving halfway through the season and the Indian driver finished the season on a high by winning the Bahrain race.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian race driver Jehan Daruvala recently made headlines after winning the Formula 2 Grand Prix in Bahrain. India’s next motorsport star defeated Michael Schumacher’s son Mick Schumacher to get the top podium and his win was widely celebrated across social media platforms.

Indian race driver Jehan Daruvala recently made headlines after winning the Formula 2 Grand Prix in Bahrain. India’s next motorsport star defeated Michael Schumacher’s son Mick Schumacher to get the top podium and his win was widely celebrated across social media platforms. Jehan took to social media platform Twitter to conduct a Question and Answer session with his fans and followers as he answered some questions. During the Q&A session on Twitter, Jehan was asked by a fan about his sporting idol. While everyone expected him to name an athlete from his field, i.e motorsport racing, Jehan went on to surprise everyone by naming the captain of Indian cricket team – Virat Kohli. @imVkohli is a good role model as he leads by example and conducts his life and plays the sport in a disciplined manner. It would be great to see more tracks coming up in places so that people could have access to racing at a grassroot level and get more interested in the sport. — Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) December 15, 2020 × Hi guys , Always grateful for the support I’ve received and its time I answer the questions you’ll have for me. Send in your questions using #AskJehan and I will answer as many as possible. pic.twitter.com/Cq0RUP3BAK — Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) December 15, 2020 × ALSO READ: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history Kohli’s popularity has been rising with each passing day and the Indian skipper is regarded as one of the finest cricketers of all-time. In the same Q&A session on Twitter, he was asked about what influenced him to take up motorsport as a profession. The youngster named his mentor Rayomand Banajee, who motivated him to achieve his dreams. He also named Fernando Alonso as one of his F1 role model. @alo_oficial - I enjoyed watching him race from the time I got interested in the sport. — Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) December 15, 2020 × #AskJehan I always enjoyed karting when I was young and did it in India with @rayomandb. He spotted the potential in me and encouraged me to take it up professionally as he believed that I could be competitive on a global platform. — Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) December 15, 2020 × ALSO READ: 'I went into a trance mode': Virat Kohli reveals his favourite knock to Steve Smith It was a special moment for sure. I’m hoping for more of those in 2021. — Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) December 16, 2020 × I learned a lot through the 2020 season so I’m confident of implementing all that I’ve learned to challenge for the title in 2021. — Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) December 16, 2020 × The 22-year-old is constantly evolving as a racing driver and is looking forward to the next season after leaving a mark in the 2020 season of F2 championship. Jehan is set to continue his stint with Carlin Motorsport and will hope for more podium finishes in the next season. Notably, in the 2020 season, Jehan’s numbers kept on improving halfway through the season and the Indian driver finished the season on a high by winning the Bahrain race.

'He leads by example' - Jehan Daruvala names Virat Kohli as his role model in Twitter Q&A session

Jehan Daruvala created history when he became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race during the Sakhir Grand Prix on Sunday.

A thrilling battle against F2 champion Mick Schumacher and later Daniel Ticktum saw the 22-year-old Indian emerge on top in the support race of the season-ending Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Ticktum squeezed Daruvala on the inside, which allowed Schumacher to go around the outside of both of them. Eventually, Ticktum emerged in the lead, followed by Schumacher and Daruvala in third. A few corners later, Daruvala made a good move to pass Schumacher and get into second.

A few laps later, Schumacher passed Daruvala, to relegate him to third. A thrilling battle ensued and eventually the Indian got past Schumacher once again, to reclaim his second spot.

Daruvala then reeled off a series of quick laps to catch the race leader. However, he was unable to overtake him. Daruvala's persistence forced the race leader to start making mistakes, but he found it tough to get past Ticktum. Eventually, with less than 10 laps to go, Daruvala made another fantastic move to get past Ticktum and grab the lead.

Thereafter, he drove well to slowly start opening up a gap and finally took the chequered flag to win his maiden FIA Formula 2 race.

His Japanese teammate Yuki Tsunoda - who had won the feature race on Saturday -- was second, over 3.5 seconds behind Daruvala, while Ticktum was third.

"Motorsport is pretty big in India. We obviously have a lot of people, so I have a big fan base back home, and my goal at the end of the day is to do myself and my country proud. (I have) to prove to people from back home that even though we don't have the same facilities and stuff that guys have in Europe, as long as you can work hard you can fight right at the sharp end of the grid," Daruvala said after the race.

Jehan Daruvala created history when he became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race during the Sakhir Grand Prix on Sunday. A thrilling battle against F2 champion Mick Schumacher and later Daniel Ticktum saw the 22-year-old Indian emerge on top in the support race of the season-ending Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Jehan Daruvala created history when he became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race during the Sakhir Grand Prix on Sunday. A thrilling battle against F2 champion Mick Schumacher and later Daniel Ticktum saw the 22-year-old Indian emerge on top in the support race of the season-ending Formula 1 Grand Prix. Ticktum squeezed Daruvala on the inside, which allowed Schumacher to go around the outside of both of them. Eventually, Ticktum emerged in the lead, followed by Schumacher and Daruvala in third. A few corners later, Daruvala made a good move to pass Schumacher and get into second. A few laps later, Schumacher passed Daruvala, to relegate him to third. A thrilling battle ensued and eventually the Indian got past Schumacher once again, to reclaim his second spot. Daruvala then reeled off a series of quick laps to catch the race leader. However, he was unable to overtake him. Daruvala's persistence forced the race leader to start making mistakes, but he found it tough to get past Ticktum. Eventually, with less than 10 laps to go, Daruvala made another fantastic move to get past Ticktum and grab the lead. Thereafter, he drove well to slowly start opening up a gap and finally took the chequered flag to win his maiden FIA Formula 2 race. His Japanese teammate Yuki Tsunoda - who had won the feature race on Saturday -- was second, over 3.5 seconds behind Daruvala, while Ticktum was third. "Motorsport is pretty big in India. We obviously have a lot of people, so I have a big fan base back home, and my goal at the end of the day is to do myself and my country proud. (I have) to prove to people from back home that even though we don't have the same facilities and stuff that guys have in Europe, as long as you can work hard you can fight right at the sharp end of the grid," Daruvala said after the race.

Jehan Daruvala becomes first Indian to win an F2 race

Romain Grosjean's fireball crash: Haas' fiery F1 accident in pictures

Lewis Hamilton has joined Michael Schumacher as the most successful driver in Formula One's history - yet despite all the acclaim, the seven-time world champion divides opinion.

With 20.6 million Instagram followers Hamilton is by a country mile the most popular member of the Formula One grid, supported by an army of loyal fans known as 'Team LH'.

"The greatest sportsman this country has ever produced - no doubts," tweeted former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand after Hamilton crossed the finish line in Istanbul on Sunday.

Yet Hamilton's rise to F1 legend status has been accompanied by articles in his homeland exploring the same question - 'why is he disliked?'&nbsp;

Just as in Schmacher's all-conquering era with Ferrari, Hamilton and Mercedes have become victims of their own success.

Mercedes are accused in the court of public opinion of being too good and turning the sport into a tedious procession -- they have won the last seven constructors titles and Hamilton has won the last four world drivers titles.

Hamilton tackled the issue last season.

"It's not how F1 should be, but it is what it is right now and it has been like that in the past," he said.

"But it is not our fault these guys are good at their jobs."

For The Times' Rebecca Clancy, Hamilton's decision to move to first Switzerland and then Monaco -- in part to pay less tax -- was at the heart of any anti-Hamilton sentiment.

Another obstacle for some British F1 fans was the support of the once mighty McLaren team which powered him to his first title in 2008.

"Britons like underdogs," explained The Sun.

<h2>- 'Hypocrisy' -</h2>

For The Daily Telegraph, the 'Marmite' factor (love him or loathe him) stems from the fact that "Hamilton's tastes may not always sit perfectly with the traditional motor racing community".

Celebrity friends, extravagant fashion sense, 'bling' jewellery, plentiful tattoos, his spiritualism, reactions which sometimes appear over the top, the negative picture he paints of his hometown Stevenage, his Anglo-American accent -- all have been used as ammunition by his detractors.

His 'detached' manner also fires up his critics.

"It's not in the tradition of British sporting heroes to be so removed," wrote the Daily Mail's F1 reporter, John McEvoy.

For some, it was Hamilton's conversion to all things green and veganism in 2017 that jarred, coming from someone who criss-crosses the globe in a private jet -- since sold -- and spends much of his time behind the wheel of gas-guzzling F1 machines.

McEvoy wrote in the Mail in July: "The chief accusation against Hamilton is one of hypocrisy on several fronts.

"Many F1 insiders have heard enough of Hamilton's self-righteous preaching."

F1's first black driver has this season pressed for greater diversity in the paddock, a stance sparked by his vocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement. He spoke out about the killing of George Floyd when no one else in his sport would and won widespread support for his stance.

But some observers have noted that his tone can sometimes be perceived as preaching and "can rub people the wrong way".

His critics might not agree, but for many, like fellow British driver Lando Norris, Hamilton should be honoured, not criticised.

"There is only one other person in the whole world who has achieved what he has – and that's Michael Schumacher," the McLaren rookie said.

"He has led the way in many aspects – on the track, but also off it.

"A lot of athletes who have done such things in other sports have got knighthoods so I see no reason why he shouldn't.

"It's a good thing for kids who want to get into racing or who don't know much about racing to be inspired by him and, obviously, try to achieve similar things."

Lewis Hamilton has joined Michael Schumacher as the most successful driver in Formula One's history - yet despite all the acclaim, the seven-time world champion divides opinion.

Lewis Hamilton has joined Michael Schumacher as the most successful driver in Formula One's history - yet despite all the acclaim, the seven-time world champion divides opinion. With 20.6 million Instagram followers Hamilton is by a country mile the most popular member of the Formula One grid, supported by an army of loyal fans known as 'Team LH'. "The greatest sportsman this country has ever produced - no doubts," tweeted former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand after Hamilton crossed the finish line in Istanbul on Sunday. Yet Hamilton's rise to F1 legend status has been accompanied by articles in his homeland exploring the same question - 'why is he disliked?' Just as in Schmacher's all-conquering era with Ferrari, Hamilton and Mercedes have become victims of their own success. Mercedes are accused in the court of public opinion of being too good and turning the sport into a tedious procession -- they have won the last seven constructors titles and Hamilton has won the last four world drivers titles. Hamilton tackled the issue last season. "It's not how F1 should be, but it is what it is right now and it has been like that in the past," he said. "But it is not our fault these guys are good at their jobs." For The Times' Rebecca Clancy, Hamilton's decision to move to first Switzerland and then Monaco -- in part to pay less tax -- was at the heart of any anti-Hamilton sentiment. Another obstacle for some British F1 fans was the support of the once mighty McLaren team which powered him to his first title in 2008. "Britons like underdogs," explained The Sun. - 'Hypocrisy' - For The Daily Telegraph, the 'Marmite' factor (love him or loathe him) stems from the fact that "Hamilton's tastes may not always sit perfectly with the traditional motor racing community". Celebrity friends, extravagant fashion sense, 'bling' jewellery, plentiful tattoos, his spiritualism, reactions which sometimes appear over the top, the negative picture he paints of his hometown Stevenage, his Anglo-American accent -- all have been used as ammunition by his detractors. His 'detached' manner also fires up his critics. "It's not in the tradition of British sporting heroes to be so removed," wrote the Daily Mail's F1 reporter, John McEvoy. For some, it was Hamilton's conversion to all things green and veganism in 2017 that jarred, coming from someone who criss-crosses the globe in a private jet -- since sold -- and spends much of his time behind the wheel of gas-guzzling F1 machines. McEvoy wrote in the Mail in July: "The chief accusation against Hamilton is one of hypocrisy on several fronts. "Many F1 insiders have heard enough of Hamilton's self-righteous preaching." F1's first black driver has this season pressed for greater diversity in the paddock, a stance sparked by his vocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement. He spoke out about the killing of George Floyd when no one else in his sport would and won widespread support for his stance. But some observers have noted that his tone can sometimes be perceived as preaching and "can rub people the wrong way". His critics might not agree, but for many, like fellow British driver Lando Norris, Hamilton should be honoured, not criticised. "There is only one other person in the whole world who has achieved what he has – and that's Michael Schumacher," the McLaren rookie said. "He has led the way in many aspects – on the track, but also off it. "A lot of athletes who have done such things in other sports have got knighthoods so I see no reason why he shouldn't. "It's a good thing for kids who want to get into racing or who don't know much about racing to be inspired by him and, obviously, try to achieve similar things."

Lewis Hamilton: The world champion some find hard to like

Formula One unveiled a 23-race calendar for 2021 on Tuesday, its biggest ever, but the Vietnamese Grand Prix has been dropped.

The season will start in Australia on March 21 and will include the first ever race in Saudi Arabia on November 28 before the season ends a week later in Abu Dhabi.

Vietnam was to hold a street race on April 25 but doubts about the event arose after Nguyen Duc Chung, who was Hanoi's mayor and a major supporter of the event, was arrested on corruption charges in August. In the calendar unveiled on Tuesday, the race slot was left vacant.

F1's 2020 season was heavily disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic but is eventually being run over 17 races, with reigning champion Lewis Hamilton on course to win the title for the seventh time.

Spectators have been barred from most races this year but organisers said they expect fans to return next year.

"The plans for 2021 have involved extensive dialogue with all promoters and their local and national authorities at a time of ongoing fluidity related to the global pandemic," F1 said in a statement.&nbsp;

"As we have said before, we expect fans to return for the 2021 season and for the calendar to look similar to the originally planned 2020 season."

Saudi Arabia said last week it was holding a race for the first time, an announcement that is likely to spark fresh accusations from human rights groups that the kingdom is using high-profile sports events to "wash" its human rights record.

The Netherlands, home to the popular Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, gets a race a year earlier than originally planned with a September 5 slot in the coastal town of Zandvoort. It will be the first Dutch grand prix since 1985.

Vietnam signed up for Formula One hoping the glamour of the sport could reflect the country's economic lift-off and reshape Hanoi's staid image, much as it has done for Singapore which will again host a race next year.

The communist nation inked a 10-year deal with Formula One in 2018 with state media saying hosting the race would cost the country $60 million per year.

The fee has been picked up in full by the country's largest private conglomerate, VinGroup, which had been hoping to dazzle with a night race.

But its 2020 race was cancelled due to concerns that teams and fans coming from overseas could spark a new outbreak of Covid-19 and the corruption scandal surrounding Nguyen Duc Chung now threatens the future of the event.

"Without Chung, the future of the race is gloomy. It might not happen," a source close to the race told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Formula One unveiled a 23-race calendar for 2021 on Tuesday, its biggest ever, but the Vietnamese Grand Prix has been dropped. The season will start in Australia on March 21 and will include the first ever race in Saudi Arabia on November 28 before the season ends a week later in Abu Dhabi.

Formula One unveiled a 23-race calendar for 2021 on Tuesday, its biggest ever, but the Vietnamese Grand Prix has been dropped. The season will start in Australia on March 21 and will include the first ever race in Saudi Arabia on November 28 before the season ends a week later in Abu Dhabi. Vietnam was to hold a street race on April 25 but doubts about the event arose after Nguyen Duc Chung, who was Hanoi's mayor and a major supporter of the event, was arrested on corruption charges in August. In the calendar unveiled on Tuesday, the race slot was left vacant. F1's 2020 season was heavily disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic but is eventually being run over 17 races, with reigning champion Lewis Hamilton on course to win the title for the seventh time. Spectators have been barred from most races this year but organisers said they expect fans to return next year. "The plans for 2021 have involved extensive dialogue with all promoters and their local and national authorities at a time of ongoing fluidity related to the global pandemic," F1 said in a statement. "As we have said before, we expect fans to return for the 2021 season and for the calendar to look similar to the originally planned 2020 season." Saudi Arabia said last week it was holding a race for the first time, an announcement that is likely to spark fresh accusations from human rights groups that the kingdom is using high-profile sports events to "wash" its human rights record. The Netherlands, home to the popular Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, gets a race a year earlier than originally planned with a September 5 slot in the coastal town of Zandvoort. It will be the first Dutch grand prix since 1985. Vietnam signed up for Formula One hoping the glamour of the sport could reflect the country's economic lift-off and reshape Hanoi's staid image, much as it has done for Singapore which will again host a race next year. The communist nation inked a 10-year deal with Formula One in 2018 with state media saying hosting the race would cost the country $60 million per year. The fee has been picked up in full by the country's largest private conglomerate, VinGroup, which had been hoping to dazzle with a night race. But its 2020 race was cancelled due to concerns that teams and fans coming from overseas could spark a new outbreak of Covid-19 and the corruption scandal surrounding Nguyen Duc Chung now threatens the future of the event. "Without Chung, the future of the race is gloomy. It might not happen," a source close to the race told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Formula One unveils biggest-ever 23-race calendar for 2021

Tobacco giants have spent billions on advertising with Formula One teams over the years, and are again swelling their spending despite a supposed ban, industry monitors said Wednesday.

In a fresh report entitled "Driving Addiction: F1 and Tobacco Advertising", F1 industry monitor&nbsp;Formula Money&nbsp;and tobacco industry watchdog&nbsp;STOP pointed to data indicating cigarette-makers were aggressively stepping up spending.

Since F1 was established 70 years ago, its teams and events have sold $4.4 billion in advertising and sponsorship to tobacco companies, the report said.

And after years of declining sponsorship spending, brought on by growing awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco products, national bans and a supposed ban within F1, the report said that spending last year reached "a staggering $100 million", putting it back at levels not seen since 2011.

The spending, by tobacco giants Philip Morris&nbsp;and British American Tobacco on the F1 Ferrari and McLaren teams, is this year expected to rise to $115 million, it said.

The findings prompted concern from the World Health Organization, with health promotion chief Ruediger Krech insisting in a statement that "we must not go backwards in the fight against tobacco."

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Harm for generations' -</h2>

&nbsp;

"Promoting these products attracts new tobacco users, especially among young people, causing harm for generations to come."&nbsp;

The WHO estimates that tobacco use kills more than seven million people each year.

PMI and BAT last year formed partnerships with their scientific research subsidiaries and Formula 1 teams Ferrari and McLaren, more than a decade after cigarette advertising was all but banned from the sport.

The tobacco companies are no longer advertising for their traditional cigarette brands, but do appear to be pushing new, so-called "smoke-free" heated tobacco products, although they do not mention them by name.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA), Formula 1's ruling body, has since 2006 been opposed to any advertising or sponsoring of cigarettes or tobacco.

But Wednesday's report lamented that FIA's previous public commitment to fully ban tobacco sponsorship had been watered down to a mere recommendation in 2003. &nbsp;

"The FIA&nbsp;claims that it wants to promote a net positive contribution to&nbsp;society. That's not possible while it is still linked to an industry that causes such harm," Mary Assunta of STOP said in the statement.&nbsp;

Contacted by AFP, FIA insisted in an email that it "remains firmly opposed to tobacco advertising and continues to stand by its 2003 recommendations."

However, it said, "we are not in a position to interfere with the private commercial arrangements between the teams and their sponsors."

"We will continue to monitor the compliance with the applicable laws."

PMI meanwhile slammed STOP's "ideological attacks" and "misguided campaigns" against the company, insisting its partnership with Ferrari "does not and will not be used to advertise or promote any PMI-branded tobacco or nicotine-containing products." &nbsp;

"Our partnership activities respect all applicable laws," spokesman Ryan Sparrow said in an email.

Phil Chamberlain of STOP described such arguments as "a typically slippery move."

"PMI and BAT claim that they aren't directly advertising cigarette brands. But according to trademarks registered by the companies, these brands are associated with tobacco products."

Wednesday's report certainly indicated that the tobacco companies benefit from their involvement in the sport.

It found that media coverage of the 2019 races alone generated exposure worth "at least $150.3 million" for PMI's 'Mission Winnow' brand, and $27.6 million for BAT brands.

"For tobacco companies, the benefits are clear," co-author Caroline Reid of Formula Money said in the statement.

"This is a global sport that draws more than 500 million fans worldwide, mostly young and male — a prized demographic. And tobacco companies receive a real return on investment."

Tobacco giants have spent billions on advertising with Formula One teams over the years, and are again swelling their spending despite a supposed ban, industry monitors said Wednesday.

Tobacco giants have spent billions on advertising with Formula One teams over the years, and are again swelling their spending despite a supposed ban, industry monitors said Wednesday. In a fresh report entitled "Driving Addiction: F1 and Tobacco Advertising", F1 industry monitor Formula Money and tobacco industry watchdog STOP pointed to data indicating cigarette-makers were aggressively stepping up spending. Since F1 was established 70 years ago, its teams and events have sold $4.4 billion in advertising and sponsorship to tobacco companies, the report said. And after years of declining sponsorship spending, brought on by growing awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco products, national bans and a supposed ban within F1, the report said that spending last year reached "a staggering $100 million", putting it back at levels not seen since 2011. The spending, by tobacco giants Philip Morris and British American Tobacco on the F1 Ferrari and McLaren teams, is this year expected to rise to $115 million, it said. The findings prompted concern from the World Health Organization, with health promotion chief Ruediger Krech insisting in a statement that "we must not go backwards in the fight against tobacco." - 'Harm for generations' - "Promoting these products attracts new tobacco users, especially among young people, causing harm for generations to come." The WHO estimates that tobacco use kills more than seven million people each year. PMI and BAT last year formed partnerships with their scientific research subsidiaries and Formula 1 teams Ferrari and McLaren, more than a decade after cigarette advertising was all but banned from the sport. The tobacco companies are no longer advertising for their traditional cigarette brands, but do appear to be pushing new, so-called "smoke-free" heated tobacco products, although they do not mention them by name. The International Automobile Federation (FIA), Formula 1's ruling body, has since 2006 been opposed to any advertising or sponsoring of cigarettes or tobacco. But Wednesday's report lamented that FIA's previous public commitment to fully ban tobacco sponsorship had been watered down to a mere recommendation in 2003. "The FIA claims that it wants to promote a net positive contribution to society. That's not possible while it is still linked to an industry that causes such harm," Mary Assunta of STOP said in the statement. Contacted by AFP, FIA insisted in an email that it "remains firmly opposed to tobacco advertising and continues to stand by its 2003 recommendations." However, it said, "we are not in a position to interfere with the private commercial arrangements between the teams and their sponsors." "We will continue to monitor the compliance with the applicable laws." PMI meanwhile slammed STOP's "ideological attacks" and "misguided campaigns" against the company, insisting its partnership with Ferrari "does not and will not be used to advertise or promote any PMI-branded tobacco or nicotine-containing products." "Our partnership activities respect all applicable laws," spokesman Ryan Sparrow said in an email. Phil Chamberlain of STOP described such arguments as "a typically slippery move." "PMI and BAT claim that they aren't directly advertising cigarette brands. But according to trademarks registered by the companies, these brands are associated with tobacco products." Wednesday's report certainly indicated that the tobacco companies benefit from their involvement in the sport. It found that media coverage of the 2019 races alone generated exposure worth "at least $150.3 million" for PMI's 'Mission Winnow' brand, and $27.6 million for BAT brands. "For tobacco companies, the benefits are clear," co-author Caroline Reid of Formula Money said in the statement. "This is a global sport that draws more than 500 million fans worldwide, mostly young and male — a prized demographic. And tobacco companies receive a real return on investment."

Formula One slammed over swelling tobacco advertising

Four days after one of his most consummate and memorable triumphs, Lewis Hamilton returns to one of his favourite circuits this weekend with more than another Formula One record in his sights.

As he prepares for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the tight and twisty Hungaroring circuit, 25 kilometres north of Budapest, the six-time world champion will draw on his experience and his momentum as he pursues twin goals of a seventh drivers' title and making lasting progress in the global anti-racism campaign for equality, diversity and justice.

Hamilton has enjoyed seven previous victories in Hungary and on Sunday can draw level with Michael Schumacher's landmark of claiming eight at the same Grand Prix.

Schumacher reeled off eight triumphs at the French Grand Prix, at Magny Cours, between 1994 and 2006, a feat that Hamilton hopes to emulate.

"Whenever I am reminded of the records that Michael had, it's just still mind-blowing to me," said Hamilton when he looked ahead to the Budapest weekend following his victory at the Styrian Grand Prix last Sunday.&nbsp;

"I've always loved it, Hungary.

"Budapest and Montreal you'd probably say have been my strongest so I'm excited to go back -- it is a track where the Red Bulls usually do well so it's not going to be easy."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen seeks to end Mercedes' winning start to the COVID-19 delayed season and prevent the champion team completing a season-opening hat-trick.

The Dutchman came home third behind Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who won the season-opener at the Red Bull Ring, on Sunday and admitted he did not have the outright speed to match them.

His team boss Christian Horner, however, believes Red Bull can close that gap at the slower Hungaroring, but Verstappen is less certain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I don't know," he said. "But, for sure, I hope it's going to be better."

<h2>- Ferrari under fire -</h2>

Behind Red Bull's expected bid to catch Mercedes, there could be a closely-fought scrap as under-performing and under-pressure Ferrari seeking some solace after a bruising weekend last time out.

The Italian team's involvement lasted only three corners at the Red Bull Ring before their drivers collided, leaving them as red-faced as their cars.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, linked with a switch to Aston Martin-Racing Point next season after being told this is his last year at Ferrari, retained his dignity as Charles Leclerc accepted the blame and apologised immediately.

"At least I don't have to wait long to be back in the car so let's hope Hungary is better for us," said Vettel, humbled by events that have left team chief Mattia Binotto under fierce criticism in Italy.

Binotto said Ferrari were losing a second a lap to Mercedes in Austria, an admission that exasperated the team's fans and the Italian media.

Former Ferrari boss Ross Brawn, who oversaw Schumacher's five titles with Ferrari, observed: "They aren't going to turn it around overnight and there's a long road ahead. They need to find out if there is a fundamental problem with the car –- and they need to find out fast –- because clearly they are some way off the pace."

As at the previous two weekends, the race will be run behind closed doors and under very strict protocols with the Hungarian government insisting all involved, but notably those from outside the European Union, must stay in their hotels except when going to the circuit or the airport.

"These restrictions apply from the moment you enter Hungary," said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

"We are going to enter late as nobody wants to be stuck in a hotel room from Monday to Thursday before we go to the track –- and so we will maintain our bubble in Austria.

"And we are making no differences for nationalities. We are trying to be at the forefront in Formula One's fight for equality and no discrimination, so the last thing we would do is give anyone privileges."

Four days after one of his most consummate and memorable triumphs, Lewis Hamilton returns to one of his favourite circuits this weekend with more than another Formula One record in his sights.

Four days after one of his most consummate and memorable triumphs, Lewis Hamilton returns to one of his favourite circuits this weekend with more than another Formula One record in his sights. As he prepares for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the tight and twisty Hungaroring circuit, 25 kilometres north of Budapest, the six-time world champion will draw on his experience and his momentum as he pursues twin goals of a seventh drivers' title and making lasting progress in the global anti-racism campaign for equality, diversity and justice. Hamilton has enjoyed seven previous victories in Hungary and on Sunday can draw level with Michael Schumacher's landmark of claiming eight at the same Grand Prix. Schumacher reeled off eight triumphs at the French Grand Prix, at Magny Cours, between 1994 and 2006, a feat that Hamilton hopes to emulate. "Whenever I am reminded of the records that Michael had, it's just still mind-blowing to me," said Hamilton when he looked ahead to the Budapest weekend following his victory at the Styrian Grand Prix last Sunday. "I've always loved it, Hungary. "Budapest and Montreal you'd probably say have been my strongest so I'm excited to go back -- it is a track where the Red Bulls usually do well so it's not going to be easy." Red Bull's Max Verstappen seeks to end Mercedes' winning start to the COVID-19 delayed season and prevent the champion team completing a season-opening hat-trick. The Dutchman came home third behind Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who won the season-opener at the Red Bull Ring, on Sunday and admitted he did not have the outright speed to match them. His team boss Christian Horner, however, believes Red Bull can close that gap at the slower Hungaroring, but Verstappen is less certain. "I don't know," he said. "But, for sure, I hope it's going to be better." - Ferrari under fire - Behind Red Bull's expected bid to catch Mercedes, there could be a closely-fought scrap as under-performing and under-pressure Ferrari seeking some solace after a bruising weekend last time out. The Italian team's involvement lasted only three corners at the Red Bull Ring before their drivers collided, leaving them as red-faced as their cars. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, linked with a switch to Aston Martin-Racing Point next season after being told this is his last year at Ferrari, retained his dignity as Charles Leclerc accepted the blame and apologised immediately. "At least I don't have to wait long to be back in the car so let's hope Hungary is better for us," said Vettel, humbled by events that have left team chief Mattia Binotto under fierce criticism in Italy. Binotto said Ferrari were losing a second a lap to Mercedes in Austria, an admission that exasperated the team's fans and the Italian media. Former Ferrari boss Ross Brawn, who oversaw Schumacher's five titles with Ferrari, observed: "They aren't going to turn it around overnight and there's a long road ahead. They need to find out if there is a fundamental problem with the car –- and they need to find out fast –- because clearly they are some way off the pace." As at the previous two weekends, the race will be run behind closed doors and under very strict protocols with the Hungarian government insisting all involved, but notably those from outside the European Union, must stay in their hotels except when going to the circuit or the airport. "These restrictions apply from the moment you enter Hungary," said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. "We are going to enter late as nobody wants to be stuck in a hotel room from Monday to Thursday before we go to the track –- and so we will maintain our bubble in Austria. "And we are making no differences for nationalities. We are trying to be at the forefront in Formula One's fight for equality and no discrimination, so the last thing we would do is give anyone privileges."

Hamilton wants racing records, racial justice ahead of Hungarian GP

The world has been stuck in the pit garage over the last few months to borrow a racing term but now the covers are coming off. Sport has resumed in some parts of the world and the truly global sport of Formula One is gearing up for a much delayed season opener.&nbsp;

Alpha Touri driver Piere Gasly in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, opened up about the Austria Grand Prix, risks surrounding COVID-19, Lewis Hamilton and F1's stance against racism, expectations from the season and much more.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/five-talking-points-ahead-of-f1-start-in-austria-309306" hreflang="en">Five talking points ahead of F1 start in Austria</a>

Digvijay Singh Deo: Pierre,&nbsp;we are in July and must be strange preparing for a season opener so late.

Pierre Gasly:&nbsp;Yes, I must say it does feel very strange. The past few months have been very unusual, not just for us Formula One drivers, but for everyone in the world. Initially, we were ready to start the season in Australia in March, but since then there have been a string of postponements because of the coronavirus pandemic. However now, much to the pleasure of everyone involved, we are starting the campaign in Austria. I think the formula one management has done a fantastic job in organising the season and I cannot wait to get back on the track.

DSD: Is the competitor in you relieved that you are having an F1 season, rewind a few months and even a truncated season looked rather difficult.

Pierre Gasly: I always believed that we would start the season at some point, although I didn't know when. I was unsure whether that time would come in June, July or even later. I'm glad that the season is finally getting underway. There are strict regulations in place with no spectators for the first few races and a 'bio-bubble' has been created to ensure that the risk of the infection spreading is minimal. We are very fortunate because many other sports are struggling to restart their competitions. Hopefully, we will be able to hold a complete formula one season with 15 to 18 races.

DSD: It's not been easy has it since those farcical scenes in Melbourne where confusion prevailed till the early hours before the race was called off. No one has been immune be it drivers mechanics, stewards. Everyone has been equally at risk. But the risk exists even today, doesn’t it? We are seeing it in golf on the PGA Tour.

Pierre Gasly:&nbsp;I believe that there is no point in the near future when the risk level will be at 'zero'. We just need to do everything we can to create the safest possible environment for all of us. I think every individual associated with formula one has to act in a disciplined manner and ensure that the bio-bubble is maintained. I just had a COVID test two days ago which returned negative, I will have another one before I can enter the paddock and then once more before the race on Sunday. So our health is being monitored on a regular basis. Even within my team, I will not come in contact with all of the members, I will only be in close contact with two or three of them.

<img alt="Pierre-Gasly" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bae28c3-090d-4b1f-9575-116fc500ff11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1P54YY.jpg" />

DSD: This is also a lot about self-discipline and trust between team members. As a driver, you will have to be in extremely close contact with a lot of people in the Alpha Tauri team. And everyone has to ensure that they don’t step out of the bubble.

Pierre Gasly: We have to trust each other. The formula one management has been very clear in their instructions, so we know exactly what we are allowed to do and what we can't do. The only way we can start the season now in this situation is if all of us collectively follow the safety regulations. I hope everything functions in a smooth manner, but all we can really do at an individual level is be responsible and cautious and hope that everyone else does the same.

DSD: If I could probe just a bit more then the paddock will look very different, also no podium celebrations at the end of the race.

Pierre Gasly: it's certainly going to feel different. On average, around 250,000 to 300,000 thousand people come to watch an F1 race, it creates such a brilliant atmosphere that cannot be replicated. The whole energy around the track changes because of the fans, it really gives you goosebumps. I'm definitely going to miss the fans, but at the moment I don't think anyone knows when we will be able to hold races with spectators. We just have to make the best out of the current situation we find ourselves in.

DSD: I was scrolling through your twitter feed and came across a video of you getting the car out of the garage for a test last month. Just explain the thrill of revving those engines up again.

Pierre Gasly: That's the best I have felt in a while. The last time I was in the car was during testing in Barcelona at the end of February. So I was sitting in the car after four months. I did practice on the simulator during the lockdown period, but it is nothing like the real thing. It felt really amazing to be out on the track and we also got to complete a couple of laps at the Imola track, which was really special. I just can't wait for the weekend and the upcoming season.

DSD: You also have used this shutdown to good effect on a personal level haven't you. You actually locked yourself down in Dubai for a couple of months and really worked on your fitness levels.

Pierre Gasly: I really wanted to make good use of the time during the lockdown and I decided on to work on my physical fitness. The lockdown period was the perfect opportunity to do so and even though I was in good shape ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in March, now I feel I am in the best shape of my life. I feel I am ready for what will be a very intense season because we've never had so many races in such a short span of time. So I'm glad that I am well equipped to deal with that challenge.

<img alt="Pierre-Gasly" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f60451a-5ac2-4605-9544-0d6ffff8c111" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1MN5JU.jpg" />

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of time has elapsed but in pure racing terms just the second race since your career-best performance at the Brazilian GP in November last year. Your first podium and now the quest is to make it a habit.

Pierre Gasly: The ultimate goal for me is to fight for the formula one world championship. I'm at Alpha Tauri, which is a 'mid-field' team, we are fighting for points regularly but the performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix was exceptional. Unfortunately, we cannot do that every weekend because of the difference in the quality of the cars. We obviously want to do our best and the key is to keep the momentum going from last year. Hopefully the car this year is also going to be as competitive and we will fight for points again. It's still a bit early to have any expectations from the season because we have only had one test in Barcelona, but I hope that we can reproduce some of the form&nbsp;we showed last season.

DSD: First we had the pandemic and now we are seeing the world swept by the black lives matter protests. Formula one too has announced a slew of measures. How do you react to that?

Pierre Gasly: I think that the sport has taken a stand and this is a step in the right direction. It is good that the sport has taken these actions to increase diversity and it will lead to a more diverse formula one in the future.

DSD: Lewis Hamilton, in fact, has been spearheading the move for diversity in motorsport. How important is it for leaders in various sports to raise their voices to make an impact?

Pierre Gasly: I think that Lewis Hamilton is a real leader and he speaks for a lot of people. I don't want to speak on his behalf, but I think he faced some discrimination while growing up and it is great to see him standing up for the values he believes in. We need elite sportspersons like him to come forward because their voice is powerful and carries weight.

<img alt="Lewis-Hamilton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4985ff0b-f2da-4e57-b78c-9955b547a404" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hamilton-6.jpg" />

DSD: McLaren driver Lando Norris has said that the drivers have discussed taking a knee as well together. This would be massive as F1&nbsp;is a multicultural sport in terms of its reach.

Pierre Gasly: at the moment we are discussing a gesture that all drivers could make to express our support to the movement. It is important that we as a sport stand for a more equal and just society.

DSD: Talking about Mercedes they remain the team to beat but then this is home turf for the Red Bull as well. With the season now shortened can teams expect to end their dominance?

Pierre Gasly: I don't really like to comment on the state of things before the season begins. But there is no doubt that Mercedes have been the dominant force in formula one in recent years. The coronavirus break might make the season a little bit unpredictable, but I still feel Mercedes will be the team to beat. I believe lewis hamilton has a very good chance of winning his 7th world championship. I think it's going to be a very intriguing season and it is only after a couple of races that we will have a better understanding of how things will pan out.

DSD: Also with so much still unknown as the season begins, will this unpredictability be a huge factor and add drama to the spectacle in your opinion...

Pierre Gasly: People need some entertainment at the moment in their lives. As a big fan of football and basketball, I myself have missed watching these sports live on television and the adrenaline rush that comes with it. There will certainly be a lot of attention on this formula one season and hopefully, we will be able to put up a good show for all the fans. There is still some uncertainty regarding the second half of the season, so we have to monitor things closely and then assess the situation.

<img alt="Pierre-Gasly" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7de9ff18-795d-4d7f-ac0e-3361af05da4a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1PT5QD.jpg" />

DSD: the other thing that has happened in this shutdown period is a merry-go-round kicked off by Sebastian Vettel's decision to leave Ferrari and a lot more could still happen. There is talk of Fernando Alonso returning as well so many drivers are also racing for their futures.

Pierre Gasly: It's definitely going to be exciting to see what happens ahead of the next season in 2021. There a couple of empty seats and there has been a lot of speculation on who will take those places. Fernando Alonso is an absolute legend of the sport. With Sebastian Vettel, no one is really sure where he'll end up, so it's definitely going to be interesting to see what happens.

DSD: Hamilton and Vettel have been the senior statesmen in the sport but do you get a feeling that a change of guard is round the corner. Young drivers like yourself are now knocking on the doorsteps of a generational shift.

Pierre Gasly: Yes, there has been an increase in the number of young drivers coming up and taking the big seats, so there might be a change of guard soon. But Lewis is a 6-time world champion, Sebastian is a 4-time world champion, so they should be able to continue for as long as they want. I have raced with most of the young F1 drivers in lower level kart racing as well, so it is nice to see that we have developed together.

DSD: You have driven alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull and he is someone who has spent a few seasons in the sport and has been tipped as a future world champion. What does he bring to a team?

Pierre Gasly: I believe Formula One is a sport where experience makes a really big difference. Now with a bit of experience under his belt, he will have a good chance to fight for the world championship. He definitely has the ability as a driver and he's also backed by a fast car and a top team, so he should go all out for that title.

The world has been stuck in the pit garage over the last few months to borrow a racing term but now the covers are coming off. Sport has resumed in some parts of the world and the truly global sport of Formula One is gearing up for a much delayed season opener.

The world has been stuck in the pit garage over the last few months to borrow a racing term but now the covers are coming off. Sport has resumed in some parts of the world and the truly global sport of Formula One is gearing up for a much delayed season opener. Alpha Touri driver Piere Gasly in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, opened up about the Austria Grand Prix, risks surrounding COVID-19, Lewis Hamilton and F1's stance against racism, expectations from the season and much more. ALSO READ: Five talking points ahead of F1 start in Austria Digvijay Singh Deo: Pierre, we are in July and must be strange preparing for a season opener so late. Pierre Gasly: Yes, I must say it does feel very strange. The past few months have been very unusual, not just for us Formula One drivers, but for everyone in the world. Initially, we were ready to start the season in Australia in March, but since then there have been a string of postponements because of the coronavirus pandemic. However now, much to the pleasure of everyone involved, we are starting the campaign in Austria. I think the formula one management has done a fantastic job in organising the season and I cannot wait to get back on the track. DSD: Is the competitor in you relieved that you are having an F1 season, rewind a few months and even a truncated season looked rather difficult. Pierre Gasly: I always believed that we would start the season at some point, although I didn't know when. I was unsure whether that time would come in June, July or even later. I'm glad that the season is finally getting underway. There are strict regulations in place with no spectators for the first few races and a 'bio-bubble' has been created to ensure that the risk of the infection spreading is minimal. We are very fortunate because many other sports are struggling to restart their competitions. Hopefully, we will be able to hold a complete formula one season with 15 to 18 races. DSD: It's not been easy has it since those farcical scenes in Melbourne where confusion prevailed till the early hours before the race was called off. No one has been immune be it drivers mechanics, stewards. Everyone has been equally at risk. But the risk exists even today, doesn’t it? We are seeing it in golf on the PGA Tour. Pierre Gasly: I believe that there is no point in the near future when the risk level will be at 'zero'. We just need to do everything we can to create the safest possible environment for all of us. I think every individual associated with formula one has to act in a disciplined manner and ensure that the bio-bubble is maintained. I just had a COVID test two days ago which returned negative, I will have another one before I can enter the paddock and then once more before the race on Sunday. So our health is being monitored on a regular basis. Even within my team, I will not come in contact with all of the members, I will only be in close contact with two or three of them. DSD: This is also a lot about self-discipline and trust between team members. As a driver, you will have to be in extremely close contact with a lot of people in the Alpha Tauri team. And everyone has to ensure that they don’t step out of the bubble. Pierre Gasly: We have to trust each other. The formula one management has been very clear in their instructions, so we know exactly what we are allowed to do and what we can't do. The only way we can start the season now in this situation is if all of us collectively follow the safety regulations. I hope everything functions in a smooth manner, but all we can really do at an individual level is be responsible and cautious and hope that everyone else does the same. DSD: If I could probe just a bit more then the paddock will look very different, also no podium celebrations at the end of the race. Pierre Gasly: it's certainly going to feel different. On average, around 250,000 to 300,000 thousand people come to watch an F1 race, it creates such a brilliant atmosphere that cannot be replicated. The whole energy around the track changes because of the fans, it really gives you goosebumps. I'm definitely going to miss the fans, but at the moment I don't think anyone knows when we will be able to hold races with spectators. We just have to make the best out of the current situation we find ourselves in. DSD: I was scrolling through your twitter feed and came across a video of you getting the car out of the garage for a test last month. Just explain the thrill of revving those engines up again. Pierre Gasly: That's the best I have felt in a while. The last time I was in the car was during testing in Barcelona at the end of February. So I was sitting in the car after four months. I did practice on the simulator during the lockdown period, but it is nothing like the real thing. It felt really amazing to be out on the track and we also got to complete a couple of laps at the Imola track, which was really special. I just can't wait for the weekend and the upcoming season. DSD: You also have used this shutdown to good effect on a personal level haven't you. You actually locked yourself down in Dubai for a couple of months and really worked on your fitness levels. Pierre Gasly: I really wanted to make good use of the time during the lockdown and I decided on to work on my physical fitness. The lockdown period was the perfect opportunity to do so and even though I was in good shape ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in March, now I feel I am in the best shape of my life. I feel I am ready for what will be a very intense season because we've never had so many races in such a short span of time. So I'm glad that I am well equipped to deal with that challenge. DSD: A lot of time has elapsed but in pure racing terms just the second race since your career-best performance at the Brazilian GP in November last year. Your first podium and now the quest is to make it a habit. Pierre Gasly: The ultimate goal for me is to fight for the formula one world championship. I'm at Alpha Tauri, which is a 'mid-field' team, we are fighting for points regularly but the performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix was exceptional. Unfortunately, we cannot do that every weekend because of the difference in the quality of the cars. We obviously want to do our best and the key is to keep the momentum going from last year. Hopefully the car this year is also going to be as competitive and we will fight for points again. It's still a bit early to have any expectations from the season because we have only had one test in Barcelona, but I hope that we can reproduce some of the form we showed last season. DSD: First we had the pandemic and now we are seeing the world swept by the black lives matter protests. Formula one too has announced a slew of measures. How do you react to that? Pierre Gasly: I think that the sport has taken a stand and this is a step in the right direction. It is good that the sport has taken these actions to increase diversity and it will lead to a more diverse formula one in the future. DSD: Lewis Hamilton, in fact, has been spearheading the move for diversity in motorsport. How important is it for leaders in various sports to raise their voices to make an impact? Pierre Gasly: I think that Lewis Hamilton is a real leader and he speaks for a lot of people. I don't want to speak on his behalf, but I think he faced some discrimination while growing up and it is great to see him standing up for the values he believes in. We need elite sportspersons like him to come forward because their voice is powerful and carries weight. DSD: McLaren driver Lando Norris has said that the drivers have discussed taking a knee as well together. This would be massive as F1 is a multicultural sport in terms of its reach. Pierre Gasly: at the moment we are discussing a gesture that all drivers could make to express our support to the movement. It is important that we as a sport stand for a more equal and just society. DSD: Talking about Mercedes they remain the team to beat but then this is home turf for the Red Bull as well. With the season now shortened can teams expect to end their dominance? Pierre Gasly: I don't really like to comment on the state of things before the season begins. But there is no doubt that Mercedes have been the dominant force in formula one in recent years. The coronavirus break might make the season a little bit unpredictable, but I still feel Mercedes will be the team to beat. I believe lewis hamilton has a very good chance of winning his 7th world championship. I think it's going to be a very intriguing season and it is only after a couple of races that we will have a better understanding of how things will pan out. DSD: Also with so much still unknown as the season begins, will this unpredictability be a huge factor and add drama to the spectacle in your opinion... Pierre Gasly: People need some entertainment at the moment in their lives. As a big fan of football and basketball, I myself have missed watching these sports live on television and the adrenaline rush that comes with it. There will certainly be a lot of attention on this formula one season and hopefully, we will be able to put up a good show for all the fans. There is still some uncertainty regarding the second half of the season, so we have to monitor things closely and then assess the situation. DSD: the other thing that has happened in this shutdown period is a merry-go-round kicked off by Sebastian Vettel's decision to leave Ferrari and a lot more could still happen. There is talk of Fernando Alonso returning as well so many drivers are also racing for their futures. Pierre Gasly: It's definitely going to be exciting to see what happens ahead of the next season in 2021. There a couple of empty seats and there has been a lot of speculation on who will take those places. Fernando Alonso is an absolute legend of the sport. With Sebastian Vettel, no one is really sure where he'll end up, so it's definitely going to be interesting to see what happens. DSD: Hamilton and Vettel have been the senior statesmen in the sport but do you get a feeling that a change of guard is round the corner. Young drivers like yourself are now knocking on the doorsteps of a generational shift. Pierre Gasly: Yes, there has been an increase in the number of young drivers coming up and taking the big seats, so there might be a change of guard soon. But Lewis is a 6-time world champion, Sebastian is a 4-time world champion, so they should be able to continue for as long as they want. I have raced with most of the young F1 drivers in lower level kart racing as well, so it is nice to see that we have developed together. DSD: You have driven alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull and he is someone who has spent a few seasons in the sport and has been tipped as a future world champion. What does he bring to a team? Pierre Gasly: I believe Formula One is a sport where experience makes a really big difference. Now with a bit of experience under his belt, he will have a good chance to fight for the world championship. He definitely has the ability as a driver and he's also backed by a fast car and a top team, so he should go all out for that title.

Gasly: F1 will stand for an equal and more just society

The curtailed Formula One season will start with two races behind closed doors in Austria on July 5 and July 12 followed by six other grand prix in Europe, the organisers said on Tuesday.

Formula One said it hoped to have between 15 and 18 races in total, with the season being completed in December.

"While we currently expect the season to commence without fans at our races we hope that over the coming months the situation will allow us to welcome them back once it is safe to do," said F1 chief executive Chase Carey.

"But we know the return of Formula 1 will be a welcome boost to sports fans around the world."

The F1 season was thrown into chaos with the cancellation of the traditional curtain-raising Australian Grand Prix in March only hours before practice was due to begin as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the world.

The curtailed Formula One season will start with two races behind closed doors in Austria on July 5 and July 12 followed by six other grand prix in Europe, the organisers said on Tuesday.

The curtailed Formula One season will start with two races behind closed doors in Austria on July 5 and July 12 followed by six other grand prix in Europe, the organisers said on Tuesday. Formula One said it hoped to have between 15 and 18 races in total, with the season being completed in December. "While we currently expect the season to commence without fans at our races we hope that over the coming months the situation will allow us to welcome them back once it is safe to do," said F1 chief executive Chase Carey. "But we know the return of Formula 1 will be a welcome boost to sports fans around the world." The F1 season was thrown into chaos with the cancellation of the traditional curtain-raising Australian Grand Prix in March only hours before practice was due to begin as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the world.

Formula One unveils 8-race schedule in Europe from July 5

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