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Excessive energy drink consumption may be linked to heart failure, doctors have warned in the journal BMJ Case Reports after treating a 21-year-old, who had regularly drunk 2 litres of it every day for around 2 years.

The student developed heart failure after “excessive” consumption of energy drinks. He sought care after suffering for four months with shortness of breath and weight loss.

Blood tests, scans, and ECG readings revealed that he had both heart and kidney failure – with the kidney failure linked to a long-standing and previously undiagnosed condition.

“We report a case of severe biventricular heart failure potentially related to excessive energy drink consumption in a 21-year-old man,” the article's authors from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London noted.

The student had no other medical history, but the cans he was drinking contained 160mg of caffeine each.

“When I was drinking up to four energy drinks per day, I suffered from tremors and heart palpitations, which interfered with my ability to concentrate on daily tasks and my studies at university,” the student said.

This is just one case report, but there have been several others as well as review articles that have highlighted mounting concerns about the potential cardiovascular system harms of energy drinks, note the authors.

Energy drinks are also known to raise blood pressure and can trigger heart rhythm abnormalities, say the authors, by way of an explanation for the published findings to date.

(With inputs from agencies)

Excessive energy drink consumption may be linked to heart failure, doctors have warned in the journal BMJ Case Reports after treating a 21-year-old, who had regularly drunk 2 litres of it every day for around 2 years.

Excessive energy drink consumption may be linked to heart failure, doctors have warned in the journal BMJ Case Reports after treating a 21-year-old, who had regularly drunk 2 litres of it every day for around 2 years. The student developed heart failure after “excessive” consumption of energy drinks. He sought care after suffering for four months with shortness of breath and weight loss. Blood tests, scans, and ECG readings revealed that he had both heart and kidney failure – with the kidney failure linked to a long-standing and previously undiagnosed condition. “We report a case of severe biventricular heart failure potentially related to excessive energy drink consumption in a 21-year-old man,” the article's authors from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London noted. The student had no other medical history, but the cans he was drinking contained 160mg of caffeine each. “When I was drinking up to four energy drinks per day, I suffered from tremors and heart palpitations, which interfered with my ability to concentrate on daily tasks and my studies at university,” the student said. This is just one case report, but there have been several others as well as review articles that have highlighted mounting concerns about the potential cardiovascular system harms of energy drinks, note the authors. Energy drinks are also known to raise blood pressure and can trigger heart rhythm abnormalities, say the authors, by way of an explanation for the published findings to date. (With inputs from agencies)

Daily consumption of energy drink led to heart failure in a 21-year-old

Formula One teams Renault and Ferrari have voiced their opposition to a freeze of F1's engine regulations from 2022 that would enable Red Bull to take on Honda's power unit once the Japanese manufacturer leave.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/valterri-bottas-snatches-pole-from-lewis-hamilton-as-f1-returns-to-imola-339300" hreflang="en">Valterri Bottas snatches pole from Lewis Hamilton as F1 returns to Imola</a>

According to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, the preferred option is to take on the Honda power unit but the regulations would need to be frozen to make that affordable.

Mercedes, the dominant force in Formula One, have been supportive but Renault's Cyril Abiteboul said on Saturday it was a non-starter.

"I am against freezing the engines. We have no intention to stop what could be a very important platform for us. We do not accept it," the Frenchman said ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Italy's Imola circuit.

"We are in favour of talking about medium to long term plans for the engines of the future, but certainly not about freezing the power units."

Ferrari chief executive Louis Camilleri told La Gazzetta Dello Sport this week that freezing the power units went against the spirit of Formula One.

"From 2022, the regulations provide for the introduction of a fuel with a 10 per cent ethanol content, but the FIA wants to reach 100 per cent as soon as possible," he added.

"This inevitably involves the development of some engine components."

(Inputs from Reuters)

Formula One teams Renault and Ferrari have voiced their opposition to a freeze of F1's engine regulations from 2022 that would enable Red Bull to take on Honda's power unit once the Japanese manufacturer leave.

Formula One teams Renault and Ferrari have voiced their opposition to a freeze of F1's engine regulations from 2022 that would enable Red Bull to take on Honda's power unit once the Japanese manufacturer leave. Also read: Valterri Bottas snatches pole from Lewis Hamilton as F1 returns to Imola According to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, the preferred option is to take on the Honda power unit but the regulations would need to be frozen to make that affordable. Mercedes, the dominant force in Formula One, have been supportive but Renault's Cyril Abiteboul said on Saturday it was a non-starter. "I am against freezing the engines. We have no intention to stop what could be a very important platform for us. We do not accept it," the Frenchman said ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Italy's Imola circuit. "We are in favour of talking about medium to long term plans for the engines of the future, but certainly not about freezing the power units." Ferrari chief executive Louis Camilleri told La Gazzetta Dello Sport this week that freezing the power units went against the spirit of Formula One. "From 2022, the regulations provide for the introduction of a fuel with a 10 per cent ethanol content, but the FIA wants to reach 100 per cent as soon as possible," he added. "This inevitably involves the development of some engine components." (Inputs from Reuters)

'We do not accept it': Renault and Ferrari oppose Red Bull's engine freeze call

The Interpol has issued a "red notice" for the Red Bull heir&nbsp;Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya who is now classified as a fugitive after being involved in a hit-and-run case.

Yoovidhya crashed his Ferrari in 2012 and ended up critically injuring a police officer — who died later. He ran from the scene of crime and all charges against him were dropped in July. This had created a lot of uproar and outrage in Thailand — a country infamous for letting the elite class go free.

National Police deputy spokesman Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen has confirmed that they have received the "red notice" from the Interpol earlier this week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-launches-another-probe-in-red-bull-heirs-hit-and-run-318109">Also read:&nbsp;Thailand launches another probe in Red Bull heir's 'hit-and-run'</a>

"After we received the confirmation, we then passed our request to 194 member countries asking for assistance from them," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"We have to do whatever it takes to... ultimately bring him back to the country because it is a serious crime."

Yoovidhya is guilty of a hit-and-run case, murder of a police officer and usage of cocaine. He had, however, fled his country through a private jet in 2017 and has been in hiding ever since.

After charges against him were dropped in July, a probe conducted by Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's office concluded the entire investigation had been "compromised".

The red notice has been issued after the public outcry and protests against the ritual of saving the Thai elites. However, the notice is not visible on Interpol's website yet, AFP claimed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Interpol has issued a "red notice" for the Red Bull heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya who is now classified as a fugitive after being involved in a hit-and-run case.

The Interpol has issued a "red notice" for the Red Bull heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya who is now classified as a fugitive after being involved in a hit-and-run case. Yoovidhya crashed his Ferrari in 2012 and ended up critically injuring a police officer — who died later. He ran from the scene of crime and all charges against him were dropped in July. This had created a lot of uproar and outrage in Thailand — a country infamous for letting the elite class go free. National Police deputy spokesman Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen has confirmed that they have received the "red notice" from the Interpol earlier this week. Also read: Thailand launches another probe in Red Bull heir's 'hit-and-run' "After we received the confirmation, we then passed our request to 194 member countries asking for assistance from them," he told AFP. "We have to do whatever it takes to... ultimately bring him back to the country because it is a serious crime." Yoovidhya is guilty of a hit-and-run case, murder of a police officer and usage of cocaine. He had, however, fled his country through a private jet in 2017 and has been in hiding ever since. After charges against him were dropped in July, a probe conducted by Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's office concluded the entire investigation had been "compromised". The red notice has been issued after the public outcry and protests against the ritual of saving the Thai elites. However, the notice is not visible on Interpol's website yet, AFP claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand: Interpol issues 'red notice' for Red Bull heir's arrest

Thailand's attorney general ordered a new investigation Tuesday into the heir to the Red Bull billions accused of a fatal hit-and-run, following public outrage after his charges were dropped last month.

Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya was accused of killing a police officer in 2012 when he crashed his Ferrari in Bangkok's most exclusive neighbourhood.

The case has dragged on for years, and Vorayuth, the grandson of Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya and one of the heirs to the family fortune, fled the kingdom in 2017.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-bull-heir-boss-free-of-hit-and-run-charges-315750">Red Bull heir 'Boss' free of hit-and-run charges</a>

Last month, police and prosecutors said all charges against the 38-year-old had been dropped, including reckless driving causing death, citing new evidence.

The move spurred widespread anger amplified by trending hashtags on Twitter such as #BoycottRedBull, as his case was perceived as an example of the impunity apparently enjoyed by the kingdom's powerful billionaire class.

It also led to a rare statement by eight members of the sprawling Yoovidhya clan, considered Thailand's second-richest family according to Forbes,&nbsp;who broke ranks to decry it.&nbsp;

Under growing pressure, the attorney general's office, police and the prime minister's office have now each opened probes into why the charges were dropped.&nbsp;

Following a review of the case, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) announced Tuesday they will order police to conduct new investigations into the accident and Vorayuth's alleged drug use.&nbsp;

Traces of cocaine were detected in Vorayuth's system after the accident, according to a police report.

Police told a parliamentary committee last week that they had not pressed drug charges because Vorayuth's dentist said the cocaine was administered for dental treatment.&nbsp;

The AGO said it "agrees to firstly inform police investigators to press charges against him on the use of... cocaine", said Prayut Bejaguna, deputy spokesman.&nbsp;

"They must also open the new investigation on the charge of reckless driving cause death, which has seven years left on the statute of limitations."

He cited new evidence showing discrepancies between the original police report of Vorayuth's speed.&nbsp;

"The case is not over yet."&nbsp;

Last week, a defence witness key to clearing Vorayut's name was killed in a motorbike accident in the northern city of Chiang Mai.&nbsp;

Charuchart Martthong had told investigators that Vorayut was not speeding, an account apparently delivered years after the 2012 accident.&nbsp;

The probes launched by multiple Thai agencies would likely have seen the truck driver questioned again.&nbsp;

His sudden death on Thursday prompted premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha to order a new autopsy.&nbsp;

The former army general on Tuesday urged for calm from the public, calling for them to be patient for the results of all probes.&nbsp;

The Red Bull case has served as a fresh conduit for anger against Prayut's administration, which enjoys close alliances with Thailand's billionaire clans, as it struggles with a flatlining economy due to the epidemic.&nbsp;

Thailand's attorney general ordered a new investigation Tuesday into the heir to the Red Bull billions accused of a fatal hit-and-run, following public outrage after his charges were dropped last month.

Thailand's attorney general ordered a new investigation Tuesday into the heir to the Red Bull billions accused of a fatal hit-and-run, following public outrage after his charges were dropped last month. Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya was accused of killing a police officer in 2012 when he crashed his Ferrari in Bangkok's most exclusive neighbourhood. The case has dragged on for years, and Vorayuth, the grandson of Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya and one of the heirs to the family fortune, fled the kingdom in 2017. Also read: Red Bull heir 'Boss' free of hit-and-run charges Last month, police and prosecutors said all charges against the 38-year-old had been dropped, including reckless driving causing death, citing new evidence. The move spurred widespread anger amplified by trending hashtags on Twitter such as #BoycottRedBull, as his case was perceived as an example of the impunity apparently enjoyed by the kingdom's powerful billionaire class. It also led to a rare statement by eight members of the sprawling Yoovidhya clan, considered Thailand's second-richest family according to Forbes, who broke ranks to decry it. Under growing pressure, the attorney general's office, police and the prime minister's office have now each opened probes into why the charges were dropped. Following a review of the case, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) announced Tuesday they will order police to conduct new investigations into the accident and Vorayuth's alleged drug use. Traces of cocaine were detected in Vorayuth's system after the accident, according to a police report. Police told a parliamentary committee last week that they had not pressed drug charges because Vorayuth's dentist said the cocaine was administered for dental treatment. The AGO said it "agrees to firstly inform police investigators to press charges against him on the use of... cocaine", said Prayut Bejaguna, deputy spokesman. "They must also open the new investigation on the charge of reckless driving cause death, which has seven years left on the statute of limitations." He cited new evidence showing discrepancies between the original police report of Vorayuth's speed. "The case is not over yet." Last week, a defence witness key to clearing Vorayut's name was killed in a motorbike accident in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Charuchart Martthong had told investigators that Vorayut was not speeding, an account apparently delivered years after the 2012 accident. The probes launched by multiple Thai agencies would likely have seen the truck driver questioned again. His sudden death on Thursday prompted premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha to order a new autopsy. The former army general on Tuesday urged for calm from the public, calling for them to be patient for the results of all probes. The Red Bull case has served as a fresh conduit for anger against Prayut's administration, which enjoys close alliances with Thailand's billionaire clans, as it struggles with a flatlining economy due to the epidemic.

Thailand launches another probe in Red Bull heir's 'hit-and-run'

Thailand has dropped all charges against Red Bull Heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya in the 2012 hit-and-run case. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the rich and famous heir escaped punishment, even after the death of a policeman.

Gravitas: Red Bull Heir Walks Free In Hit-And-Run Case

The maker of Red Bull has decided to distance the brand from its Thai heir&nbsp;Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya after a big controversy spurred in the last week.

Thailand locals are not happy about the way allegations of hit-and-run case were handled by the local police. In 2012, Yoovidhya was alleged of a hit-and-run case. It was alleged that the heir crashed his Ferrari in Bangkok's most exclusive neighbourhood and killed a policeman.

No action was taken all this time and by the time an arrest warrant was issued five years later, Yoovidhya had already flown to Singapore in a private jet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-bull-heir-boss-free-of-hit-and-run-charges-315750">Also read:&nbsp;Red Bull heir 'Boss' free of hit-and-run charges</a>

What caused havoc was that on Friday, police confirmed the remaining charges against him had been dropped, including reckless driving causing death.

The dropping of charges for the 'rich boy' caused protests and disapproval by Thai citizens. Thailand has had a reputation of letting the rich families slip through the hands of justice system.

When the announcement was made, hashtags such as&nbsp;#BossRedBull and #BoycottRedbull started trending on Twitter in English as well as Thai language.

After the online and offline outrage over the decision, the&nbsp;attorney-general's office has decided to set up a committee to investigate why the charges were dropped.

Meanwhile the TCP Group, the parent company of Red Bull, issued a statement claiming that Yoovidhya&nbsp;"has never assumed any role in the management and daily operations of TCP Group, was never a shareholder, nor has he held any executive position within TCP Group."

The maker of Red Bull has decided to distance the brand from its Thai heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya after a big controversy spurred in the last week. Thailand locals are not happy about the way allegations of hit-and-run case were handled by the local police.

The maker of Red Bull has decided to distance the brand from its Thai heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya after a big controversy spurred in the last week. Thailand locals are not happy about the way allegations of hit-and-run case were handled by the local police. In 2012, Yoovidhya was alleged of a hit-and-run case. It was alleged that the heir crashed his Ferrari in Bangkok's most exclusive neighbourhood and killed a policeman. No action was taken all this time and by the time an arrest warrant was issued five years later, Yoovidhya had already flown to Singapore in a private jet. Also read: Red Bull heir 'Boss' free of hit-and-run charges What caused havoc was that on Friday, police confirmed the remaining charges against him had been dropped, including reckless driving causing death. The dropping of charges for the 'rich boy' caused protests and disapproval by Thai citizens. Thailand has had a reputation of letting the rich families slip through the hands of justice system. When the announcement was made, hashtags such as #BossRedBull and #BoycottRedbull started trending on Twitter in English as well as Thai language. After the online and offline outrage over the decision, the attorney-general's office has decided to set up a committee to investigate why the charges were dropped. Meanwhile the TCP Group, the parent company of Red Bull, issued a statement claiming that Yoovidhya "has never assumed any role in the management and daily operations of TCP Group, was never a shareholder, nor has he held any executive position within TCP Group."

Red Bull TCP Group says Thai heir not a part of company after controversies

The charges against Red bull heir, who was accused of killing a Thai cop in a hit-and-run case, have been dropped, officials said on Friday, without giving any explanation.&nbsp;

Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya in 2017 fled to Singapore, days before an arrest warrant against him over the 2012 incident was issued, leading to anger amongs the Thai people over the impunity wealthy individuals enjoy in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-plans-november-human-testing-for-potential-coronavirus-vaccine-312704">Thailand plans November human testing for potential coronavirus vaccine</a>

Yoovidhya allegedly knocked over and killed the police officer near his compound.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-red-bull-heir-walks-free-in-hit-and-run-case-315820/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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Many charges issued against the energy drink giant heir expired in the interval between the accident and arrest warrant, during which he was seen to continue living a lavish lifestyle.&nbsp;

Thai police on Friday said the rest of the charges, including that for reckless driving, which can lead upto 10 years imprisonment, had been dropped.&nbsp;

"In June this year we received a letter from the attorney-general's office saying it had decided to drop charges of reckless driving causing death," Krissana Pattanacharoen, police spokesman told reporters, reports news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"At this moment, we don't know where he (Boss) is."

However, chief police spokesman Lieutenant-General Piya Uthayo said the case could be re-opened if they find new evidence.

The current location of "Boss" is known, but his photographs have been circulated, which saw him living a luxurious life in London and partying in Bangkok.&nbsp;

The charges against Red bull heir, who was accused of killing a Thai cop in a hit-and-run case, have been dropped, officials said on Friday, without giving any explanation.

The charges against Red bull heir, who was accused of killing a Thai cop in a hit-and-run case, have been dropped, officials said on Friday, without giving any explanation. Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya in 2017 fled to Singapore, days before an arrest warrant against him over the 2012 incident was issued, leading to anger amongs the Thai people over the impunity wealthy individuals enjoy in the country. Also read | Thailand plans November human testing for potential coronavirus vaccine Yoovidhya allegedly knocked over and killed the police officer near his compound. Also read | Thailand set to become first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex unions Many charges issued against the energy drink giant heir expired in the interval between the accident and arrest warrant, during which he was seen to continue living a lavish lifestyle. Thai police on Friday said the rest of the charges, including that for reckless driving, which can lead upto 10 years imprisonment, had been dropped. "In June this year we received a letter from the attorney-general's office saying it had decided to drop charges of reckless driving causing death," Krissana Pattanacharoen, police spokesman told reporters, reports news agency AFP. "At this moment, we don't know where he (Boss) is." However, chief police spokesman Lieutenant-General Piya Uthayo said the case could be re-opened if they find new evidence. The current location of "Boss" is known, but his photographs have been circulated, which saw him living a luxurious life in London and partying in Bangkok.

Red Bull heir 'Boss' free of hit-and-run charges

New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year

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

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

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

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

Media reports have linked 19-year-old Norwegian - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-erratic-napoli-held-by-salzburg-as-haaland-strikes-again-260255">Erling Haaland</a>, who has scored 28 goals in 22 matches this season, with a switch to several top European clubs including United but Berbatov said there was no need for them to bring another forward in.

"Haaland is good and he is still young. He's developing and maybe he can get better," Berbatov, who scored 48 league goals in four seasons at Old Trafford, told Sky Sports.

"But I've said many times before that Martial and Rashford are, for me, the two main strikers that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-thrash-az-basaksehir-dump-moenchengladbach-out-of-europa-league-268032">United</a> need to keep.

"I played with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anthony-martial-wants-to-leave-manchester-united-as-contract-talks-stall---agent-144333">Martial</a> in Monaco, I know how good he can be. Now he's in the place he can develop and become a world star.

"Everyone knows how good <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/league-cup-marcus-rashford-stunner-stops-chelsea-in-their-tracks-258938">Rashford</a> can be ... they need to stick with these two players."

Rashford has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season while Martial, who is back in the starting side following a hamstring injury, has seven.

"They need to stick with these young players because they have so much talent," added Berbatov. "Nurture them, show them the right way and they'll be fantastic."

Media reports have linked 19-year-old Norwegian - Erling Haaland, who has scored 28 goals in 22 matches this season, with a switch to several top European clubs including United but Berbatov said there was no need for them to bring another forward in.

Media reports have linked 19-year-old Norwegian - Erling Haaland, who has scored 28 goals in 22 matches this season, with a switch to several top European clubs including United but Berbatov said there was no need for them to bring another forward in. "Haaland is good and he is still young. He's developing and maybe he can get better," Berbatov, who scored 48 league goals in four seasons at Old Trafford, told Sky Sports. "But I've said many times before that Martial and Rashford are, for me, the two main strikers that United need to keep. "I played with Martial in Monaco, I know how good he can be. Now he's in the place he can develop and become a world star. "Everyone knows how good Rashford can be ... they need to stick with these two players." Rashford has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season while Martial, who is back in the starting side following a hamstring injury, has seven. "They need to stick with these young players because they have so much talent," added Berbatov. "Nurture them, show them the right way and they'll be fantastic."

Manchester United must focus on Rashford, Martial, don't need Haaland: Berbatov

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/motor-racing-team-by-team-analysis-of-the-singapore-grand-prix-166217">Esteban&nbsp;Ocon</a>&nbsp;started work as a&nbsp;Renault&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-aims-for-zero-carbon-footprint-by-2030-261543">Formula One</a> driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday,&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;year&nbsp;as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel.

The 23-year-old Frenchman lost his drive with Racing Point at the end of 2018 but has returned to replace departed German Nico Hulkenberg for 2020.

He told France's Le Figaro newspaper he might have returned last weekend as a stand-in when Williams' British rookie George Russell reported sick at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but that did not happen.

"I couldn't get in the car. It was obviously impossible," the 1.86m driver said, reporting for duty at Yas Marina.

If the title-winning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-blames-mercedes-strategy-for-singapore-result-251434">Mercedes</a> was a squeeze, with six times world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas both shorter than&nbsp;Ocon, the Frenchman was closer to Hulkenberg's 1.84m measurement.

"My main focus was to get back up to speed," said&nbsp;Ocon.

"Trying to get a sensible position in the car too, and then once we’ve more or less done that it was also to get a first feel for the car and the new tyres. My position is a bit better in that car (the&nbsp;Renault), the seating position because there’s more space."

Teams were testing a mixture of 2019 and 2020 specification Pirelli tyres.

Bottas was fastest for Mercedes and completed 138 laps more than two full race distances on his last day at the wheel this&nbsp;year, with Russell taking over for the final day on Wednesday.

Sebastian Vettel was driving for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/2019-was-race-between-ferrari-and-cycle-akhilesh-yadav-223895">Ferrari</a>, and was second on the timesheets, with Max Verstappen testing for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-could-be-key-for-red-bulls-engine-decision-140662"> Red Bull</a>.

Williams gave former F2 driver Roy Nissany an&nbsp;outing and the 25-year-old Israeli, whose father Chanoch was a test driver for now-defunct Minardi in 2005, was slowest by more than three seconds.

Esteban Ocon started work as a Renault Formula One driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday, after a year as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel.

Esteban Ocon started work as a Renault Formula One driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday, after a year as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel. The 23-year-old Frenchman lost his drive with Racing Point at the end of 2018 but has returned to replace departed German Nico Hulkenberg for 2020. He told France's Le Figaro newspaper he might have returned last weekend as a stand-in when Williams' British rookie George Russell reported sick at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but that did not happen. "I couldn't get in the car. It was obviously impossible," the 1.86m driver said, reporting for duty at Yas Marina. If the title-winning Mercedes was a squeeze, with six times world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas both shorter than Ocon, the Frenchman was closer to Hulkenberg's 1.84m measurement. "My main focus was to get back up to speed," said Ocon. "Trying to get a sensible position in the car too, and then once we’ve more or less done that it was also to get a first feel for the car and the new tyres. My position is a bit better in that car (the Renault), the seating position because there’s more space." Teams were testing a mixture of 2019 and 2020 specification Pirelli tyres. Bottas was fastest for Mercedes and completed 138 laps more than two full race distances on his last day at the wheel this year, with Russell taking over for the final day on Wednesday. Sebastian Vettel was driving for Ferrari, and was second on the timesheets, with Max Verstappen testing for Red Bull. Williams gave former F2 driver Roy Nissany an outing and the 25-year-old Israeli, whose father Chanoch was a test driver for now-defunct Minardi in 2005, was slowest by more than three seconds.

Formula One: Ocon fits in at Renault after a year out

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-hit-by-pioneering-spirit-as-f1-charts-new-course-259219">Lewis Hamilton </a>delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Starting from a record 88th pole position, the 34-year-old Briton was unchallenged from lights to flag as he cruised to an untroubled triumph 16 seconds ahead of Red Bull's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Max Verstappen</a> and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced a post-race investigation for fuel irregularities.

The six-times world champion’s success extended his points-scoring run to a record-equalling 33 races, levelling with his own record, and brought him his 50th victory from pole position.&nbsp;

"That was an absolute master-class," Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington told him on team radio. "You didn’t even break into a sweat!"

The winner, who secured title number six with two races to go in Texas last month replied: "I can assure you, I am definitely sweating."&nbsp;

His fifth win at the Yas Marina circuit drew him level with Ayrton Senna in claiming a 19th start-to-finish triumph.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had started from the back of the grid after taking a new engine, came home fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Alex Albon in the second Red Bull.

It was a welcome morale boost for the competitive Finn, three days after announcing the end of his three-year marriage to Emilia.

Sergio Perez took seventh for Racing Point on the final lap, Lando Norris was eighth for McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the second McLaren, took 10th.

The race was preceded by drama for Ferrari when Leclerc’s car was discovered, during a pit-lane inspection, to have a fuel irregularity that revealed "significant discrepancies" and required a planned post-race stewards investigation.

Ferrari embarrassment&nbsp;

It was embarrassing for the team, in one of Ferrari's key markets and close to the Ferrari World theme park, but this seemed to have no effect on the Monegasque who made a strong start and passed Verstappen for second at Turn Eight on the opening lap.

Hamilton made a perfect start to his 250th F1 race and was 1.6 seconds clear after one lap and 3.3 by lap six as Leclerc launched his pursuit, moving two seconds clear of the Dutchman in a bid to overhaul him and take third in the drivers’ championship.

After a typically hot day, the sun went down and the floodlights came on around the track.

Verstappen pitted on lap 26, re-joining third behind Leclerc before, a lap later, Hamilton came in to take ‘hards’ in 3.2 seconds and retained his lead.&nbsp;

He was six seconds clear of Leclerc with Verstappen adrift by 4.6 and complaining of power problems.

Bottas came in on lap 30 for an impeccable stop, returning in sixth as Hamilton, in supreme form, clocked a fastest lap in 1:41.070 to go 12 seconds clear of Leclerc.

Despite his complaints, Verstappen had great speed and he passed Leclerc with a dazzling move at Turn Eight, which he defended stoutly, to take second and delight his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands.

Bottas then broke the track lap record, set by Vettel for Red Bull in 2009, with a 1:39.715. He was sixth and chasing down Albon with 19 laps to go.

On lap 39, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-silly-crash-at-brazilian-grand-prix-leaves-team-with-big-consequences-263334">Leclerc and Vettel</a> pitted again, without problem this time, as Bottas took fourth from Albon. Verstappen, in radio conversation with his team, chuckled as he said: “Are both Ferraris on a two-stop? I can hear it behind you!”

The closing stages were punctuated by drama as Bottas closed down Leclerc to fight for third and Hamilton, on cue, clocked a new lap record in 1:39.283, setting himself up to claim another clean sweep of pole position, fastest lap and race victory.

It was the third time Hamilton had scored 11 wins in a season, equalling his records set in 2014 and last year.

Lewis Hamilton delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starting from a record 88th pole position, the 34-year-old Briton was unchallenged from lights to flag as he cruised to an untroubled triumph 16 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced a post-race investigation for fuel irregularities. The six-times world champion’s success extended his points-scoring run to a record-equalling 33 races, levelling with his own record, and brought him his 50th victory from pole position. "That was an absolute master-class," Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington told him on team radio. "You didn’t even break into a sweat!" The winner, who secured title number six with two races to go in Texas last month replied: "I can assure you, I am definitely sweating." His fifth win at the Yas Marina circuit drew him level with Ayrton Senna in claiming a 19th start-to-finish triumph. Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had started from the back of the grid after taking a new engine, came home fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Alex Albon in the second Red Bull. It was a welcome morale boost for the competitive Finn, three days after announcing the end of his three-year marriage to Emilia. Sergio Perez took seventh for Racing Point on the final lap, Lando Norris was eighth for McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the second McLaren, took 10th. The race was preceded by drama for Ferrari when Leclerc’s car was discovered, during a pit-lane inspection, to have a fuel irregularity that revealed "significant discrepancies" and required a planned post-race stewards investigation. Ferrari embarrassment It was embarrassing for the team, in one of Ferrari's key markets and close to the Ferrari World theme park, but this seemed to have no effect on the Monegasque who made a strong start and passed Verstappen for second at Turn Eight on the opening lap. Hamilton made a perfect start to his 250th F1 race and was 1.6 seconds clear after one lap and 3.3 by lap six as Leclerc launched his pursuit, moving two seconds clear of the Dutchman in a bid to overhaul him and take third in the drivers’ championship. After a typically hot day, the sun went down and the floodlights came on around the track. Verstappen pitted on lap 26, re-joining third behind Leclerc before, a lap later, Hamilton came in to take ‘hards’ in 3.2 seconds and retained his lead. He was six seconds clear of Leclerc with Verstappen adrift by 4.6 and complaining of power problems. Bottas came in on lap 30 for an impeccable stop, returning in sixth as Hamilton, in supreme form, clocked a fastest lap in 1:41.070 to go 12 seconds clear of Leclerc. Despite his complaints, Verstappen had great speed and he passed Leclerc with a dazzling move at Turn Eight, which he defended stoutly, to take second and delight his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands. Bottas then broke the track lap record, set by Vettel for Red Bull in 2009, with a 1:39.715. He was sixth and chasing down Albon with 19 laps to go. On lap 39, Leclerc and Vettel pitted again, without problem this time, as Bottas took fourth from Albon. Verstappen, in radio conversation with his team, chuckled as he said: “Are both Ferraris on a two-stop? I can hear it behind you!” The closing stages were punctuated by drama as Bottas closed down Leclerc to fight for third and Hamilton, on cue, clocked a new lap record in 1:39.283, setting himself up to claim another clean sweep of pole position, fastest lap and race victory. It was the third time Hamilton had scored 11 wins in a season, equalling his records set in 2014 and last year.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton wraps up season with 'master-class' in Abu Dhabi

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

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

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

Verstappen's comments not professional or mature, says Vettel

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever.

The Briton, who collected $500,000 for winning the inaugural all-female single-seater title, celebrated her 21st birthday in May with a new role as a development driver for the Williams F1 team.

She is also one of four finalists for the BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which is co-sponsored by Red Bull's title partners Aston Martin and whose main prize is a Formula One test.

The experience of being on the inside of the Grand Prix paddock has made her realise just how much more she has to do, however.

Asked whether she felt closer to becoming the first female Formula One driver since 1976, she replied: "To be completely honest, further away.

"Not in a bad way, in a really refreshing way, I feel I know what I need to now learn in the next few years. I’m not going to rush that. I’m not going to try and cheat it," Chadwick added.

Those who enquire on social media whether she might replace departing Williams driver Robert Kubica were living in a fantasy world, not only because Chadwick lacks a super licence but also because she is nowhere near ready.

Her world is very different to that of Mercedes' six times world champion Lewis Hamilton, an admired compatriot she has yet to meet.

"I need the time to develop and if I get to Formula One I want to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make," said Chadwick.

While the Williams role has been mostly simulator-based, her work has a direct correlation to what happens at the track.

Williams previously had Susie Wolff, now retired and a team principal in the all-electric Formula E series, in a similar role and gave the Scot track time in some Friday practice sessions.

Chadwick indicated she would be pushing for such an opportunity.

"In terms of getting in the car, that’s an ongoing discussion. We’re sort of pushing as hard as we can but we’ll see," she said.

"If we can continue the relationship into next year, and if I can continue to do the best possible job in the sim, then that hopefully gives me a justifiable reason to potentially test the car at a future date."

Chadwick will be back to defend her W Series title next year, hoping to then join the men climbing the motorsport ladder.

"At the moment although the first year and the exposure has been absolutely incredible, I haven’t quite managed to secure the (financial) support to go to, say, FIA F3," she said.

"Hopefully off the back of a strong second year’s campaign... that’s going to give me that opportunity."

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever.

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever. The Briton, who collected $500,000 for winning the inaugural all-female single-seater title, celebrated her 21st birthday in May with a new role as a development driver for the Williams F1 team. She is also one of four finalists for the BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which is co-sponsored by Red Bull's title partners Aston Martin and whose main prize is a Formula One test. The experience of being on the inside of the Grand Prix paddock has made her realise just how much more she has to do, however. Asked whether she felt closer to becoming the first female Formula One driver since 1976, she replied: "To be completely honest, further away. "Not in a bad way, in a really refreshing way, I feel I know what I need to now learn in the next few years. I’m not going to rush that. I’m not going to try and cheat it," Chadwick added. Those who enquire on social media whether she might replace departing Williams driver Robert Kubica were living in a fantasy world, not only because Chadwick lacks a super licence but also because she is nowhere near ready. Her world is very different to that of Mercedes' six times world champion Lewis Hamilton, an admired compatriot she has yet to meet. "I need the time to develop and if I get to Formula One I want to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make," said Chadwick. While the Williams role has been mostly simulator-based, her work has a direct correlation to what happens at the track. Williams previously had Susie Wolff, now retired and a team principal in the all-electric Formula E series, in a similar role and gave the Scot track time in some Friday practice sessions. Chadwick indicated she would be pushing for such an opportunity. "In terms of getting in the car, that’s an ongoing discussion. We’re sort of pushing as hard as we can but we’ll see," she said. "If we can continue the relationship into next year, and if I can continue to do the best possible job in the sim, then that hopefully gives me a justifiable reason to potentially test the car at a future date." Chadwick will be back to defend her W Series title next year, hoping to then join the men climbing the motorsport ladder. "At the moment although the first year and the exposure has been absolutely incredible, I haven’t quite managed to secure the (financial) support to go to, say, FIA F3," she said. "Hopefully off the back of a strong second year’s campaign... that’s going to give me that opportunity."

Chadwick feels Formula One is further away the closer she gets

Thai Formula One driver Alexander Albon was promoted Monday to race alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team and has the rest of the season to make the move permanent. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 23-year-old -- born in England of a Thai mother -- is promoted from Red Bull's sister team Toro Rosso whilst Frenchman Pierre&nbsp;Gasly&nbsp;will go in the opposite direction.

Albon's first drive for Red Bull will be the Belgian Grand Prix on September 1.

"Alexander Albon is being promoted to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing to drive alongside Max Verstappen, while Pierre&nbsp;Gasly&nbsp;will return to the Red Bull sister team, Scuderia Toro Rosso," read the team statement.

"The Team will use the next nine races to evaluate Alex’s performance in order to make an informed decision as to who will drive alongside Max in 2020."

Albon -- who was signed up to the Red Bull Junior Team in 2012 -- has accrued 16 points in his maiden season in the championship with a best-placed sixth in the German Grand Prix.

Gasly, also 23, is in his second full season in Formula One -- he competed in five Grand Prix in the 2017 campaign -- and has garnered 63 points thus far this term with fourth in the British Grand Prix his best performance.

Thai Formula One driver Alexander Albon was promoted Monday to race alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team and has the rest of the season to make the move permanent.

Thai Formula One driver Alexander Albon was promoted Monday to race alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team and has the rest of the season to make the move permanent. The 23-year-old -- born in England of a Thai mother -- is promoted from Red Bull's sister team Toro Rosso whilst Frenchman Pierre Gasly will go in the opposite direction. Albon's first drive for Red Bull will be the Belgian Grand Prix on September 1. "Alexander Albon is being promoted to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing to drive alongside Max Verstappen, while Pierre Gasly will return to the Red Bull sister team, Scuderia Toro Rosso," read the team statement. "The Team will use the next nine races to evaluate Alex’s performance in order to make an informed decision as to who will drive alongside Max in 2020." Albon -- who was signed up to the Red Bull Junior Team in 2012 -- has accrued 16 points in his maiden season in the championship with a best-placed sixth in the German Grand Prix. Gasly, also 23, is in his second full season in Formula One -- he competed in five Grand Prix in the 2017 campaign -- and has garnered 63 points thus far this term with fourth in the British Grand Prix his best performance.

Alexander Albon given chance to secure Red Bull drive permanently

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly was surprise fastest in first <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-aims-to-bounce-back-with-record-sixth-win-at-british-grand-prix-234864&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_qNrSsq_jAhURQd4KHbnBCoAQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3pGSr1SfxCkPF_GvEdVI4V">British Grand Prix</a> practice on Friday with home favourite and championship leader Lewis Hamilton only fourth on the timesheets.

On an overcast and changeable morning at Silverstone, with a light sprinkling of rain during the latter part of the session, the French driver set a fastest lap of one minute 27.173 seconds, 0.456 quicker than Mercedes's Valtteri Bottas.

Bottas was fastest for much of the session, however, until Gasly's late effort when the conditions improved and the drizzle ended.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, winner in Austria at the end of June in a race that ended Mercedes' run of 10 successive wins, was third with five times Formula One world champion Hamilton nearly a second off Gasly's pace.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-french-grand-prix-in-mercedes-one-two-229814&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_qNrSsq_jAhURQd4KHbnBCoAQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2r6a95rGTrdTEvXuh2Ixcv">Hamilton </a>has won four of the last five British Grands Prix and is chasing a fifth successive pole position in his home race.

He leads Bottas by 31 points in the standings after nine races this season.

Gasly finished seventh and lapped by his teammate in Austria and is under pressure to perform.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner suggested earlier in the week that the pressure of trying to match Verstappen was getting to Gasly and he should just focus on his driving and ignore social media.

Ferrari's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/max-verstappen-wins-in-austria-after-thrilling-duel-with-charles-leclerc-231808&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSkqD0sq_jAhVWbysKHcofDyUQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1bPyVm20kylFqVGvnHDe29">Charles Leclerc</a> was fifth fastest, with teammate and 2018 race winner Sebastian Vettel a fraction slower in sixth.

Renault raised their hopes with Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo seventh and eighth while the McLaren pairing of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris were 10th and 11th with Toro Rosso's Alexander Albon ninth.

Romain Grosjean provided an immediate talking point by crashing his Haas in the pit lane exit, smashing the car's front wing.

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen stopped on track, bringing out a red flag.

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly was surprise fastest in first British Grand Prix practice on Friday with home favourite and championship leader Lewis Hamilton only fourth on the timesheets.

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly was surprise fastest in first British Grand Prix practice on Friday with home favourite and championship leader Lewis Hamilton only fourth on the timesheets. On an overcast and changeable morning at Silverstone, with a light sprinkling of rain during the latter part of the session, the French driver set a fastest lap of one minute 27.173 seconds, 0.456 quicker than Mercedes's Valtteri Bottas. Bottas was fastest for much of the session, however, until Gasly's late effort when the conditions improved and the drizzle ended. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, winner in Austria at the end of June in a race that ended Mercedes' run of 10 successive wins, was third with five times Formula One world champion Hamilton nearly a second off Gasly's pace. Hamilton has won four of the last five British Grands Prix and is chasing a fifth successive pole position in his home race. He leads Bottas by 31 points in the standings after nine races this season. Gasly finished seventh and lapped by his teammate in Austria and is under pressure to perform. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner suggested earlier in the week that the pressure of trying to match Verstappen was getting to Gasly and he should just focus on his driving and ignore social media. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fifth fastest, with teammate and 2018 race winner Sebastian Vettel a fraction slower in sixth. Renault raised their hopes with Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo seventh and eighth while the McLaren pairing of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris were 10th and 11th with Toro Rosso's Alexander Albon ninth. Romain Grosjean provided an immediate talking point by crashing his Haas in the pit lane exit, smashing the car's front wing. Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen stopped on track, bringing out a red flag.

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly fastest, Lewis Hamilton fourth in first British Grand Prix practice

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has poured cold water on the prospect of challenging Mercedes and Ferrari early in the Formula One season despite a "positive" start with new engine partner Honda.

Powered by Renault last year, Red Bull finished a distant third behind winners Mercedes and runner-up Ferrari in the constructors' championship.

But with the Honda-powered RB15 car having a positive winter testing, Red Bull are tipped to improve.

Four days before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Horner said his team still had plenty of ground to make up, however.

"We've got an exciting new partnership with Honda starting this weekend so it's off to a positive start but we have to keep expectations realistic," he said at the F1 season launch at Melbourne's Federation Square on Wednesday.

"There's a big gap to close from Mercedes and Ferrari.

"But we're confident that we can do that during the course of the year."

With Daniel Ricciardo having switched to Renault, Red Bull's 21-year-old driver Max Verstappen is now the effective team leader on track and is rated a title contender in his fifth season.

"It was very nice to experience the car, with the new partnership with Honda," Dutchman Verstappen said of pre-season testing. "It's very exciting times for us."

Pierre Gasly, who graduated from feeder team Toro Rosso, has replaced Australian Ricciardo.

The Frenchman had two crashes during testing as he got up to speed with the RB15 and said he still had plenty to learn as he embarks on his second season in Formula One.

"It's an amazing opportunity," he said at the launch. "It's probably the best place to be in Red Bull, with (these) guys next to me."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has poured cold water on the prospect of challenging Mercedes and Ferrari early in the Formula One season despite a "positive" start with new engine partner Honda.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has poured cold water on the prospect of challenging Mercedes and Ferrari early in the Formula One season despite a "positive" start with new engine partner Honda. Powered by Renault last year, Red Bull finished a distant third behind winners Mercedes and runner-up Ferrari in the constructors' championship. But with the Honda-powered RB15 car having a positive winter testing, Red Bull are tipped to improve. Four days before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Horner said his team still had plenty of ground to make up, however. "We've got an exciting new partnership with Honda starting this weekend so it's off to a positive start but we have to keep expectations realistic," he said at the F1 season launch at Melbourne's Federation Square on Wednesday. "There's a big gap to close from Mercedes and Ferrari. "But we're confident that we can do that during the course of the year." With Daniel Ricciardo having switched to Renault, Red Bull's 21-year-old driver Max Verstappen is now the effective team leader on track and is rated a title contender in his fifth season. "It was very nice to experience the car, with the new partnership with Honda," Dutchman Verstappen said of pre-season testing. "It's very exciting times for us." Pierre Gasly, who graduated from feeder team Toro Rosso, has replaced Australian Ricciardo. The Frenchman had two crashes during testing as he got up to speed with the RB15 and said he still had plenty to learn as he embarks on his second season in Formula One. "It's an amazing opportunity," he said at the launch. "It's probably the best place to be in Red Bull, with (these) guys next to me."

Motor racing: Red Bull has big gap to close from Mercedes, Ferrari, says boss Christian Horner

Daniel Ricciardo will raise plenty of cheers if he beats his former Red Bull teammates in Melbourne next week but the new Renault driver will not be throwing any toys out of the pram if the opposite happens.

The Australian's move to the French manufacturer team at the end of last year was a long term play for the Perth native, a home hero now in yellow overalls ahead of the season-opening race.

"I was aware when I signed the deal here that it was very realistic that, at least come Melbourne, they (Red Bull) are going to be in front," said Ricciardo when asked about the immediate prospects.

"Because I in a way expect it, it's not going to be a shock or anything like that.

"I'm not going to be bitter if they beat us in Melbourne. I feel now we're still on a bit of a different journey," added the 29-year-old.

Former champions Renault, who won titles with Fernando Alonso in 2005-06 and powered Red Bull and their German driver Sebastian Vettel to four double titles in a row between 2010-2013, were fourth overall last season.

Red Bull were third behind champions Mercedes and Ferrari, with Ricciardo and Max Verstappen each winning two races and have since switched to Honda engines.

The evidence from testing suggested Honda had got on top of the performance and reliability problems that have plagued them in the past.

"I know probably a lot of people think 'Ah, if he were to beat Red Bull how good would that be? Sticking it to them'. But it's honestly not like that. If we could overcome any of those top three I'd be stoked," said Ricciardo.

"Seeing what I've seen so far (at Renault) I think there's enough resources to get into that world. So I don't think that's unattainable for us.

"It might not be this year, but it's not a permanent handicap, so to speak."

RUNNING FROM A FIGHT

Had Ricciardo stayed at Red Bull, and they were clear about wanting him to, he would have continued to fight for star billing with Verstappen, the 21-year-old Dutch driver considered a future champion.

The likeable Australian sees himself in a similar light but risked being considered increasingly as a number two alongside the favoured son.

Ricciardo told reporters before the start of testing that his decision to leave was due to a 'kaleidoscope' of different pieces, however.

There was a desire to repeat Lewis Hamilton's success in recognising the potential of a major manufacturer when he moved from McLaren to Mercedes and also annoyance at how Red Bull treated him after an incident in Baku last season.

The team held both Ricciardo and Verstappen equally to blame for a collision that the Australian still holds was mainly Verstappen's fault.

"We both got a talking to, putting it politely. But in my eyes I guess the incident itself I felt I was not really in the wrong," he said. "I guess the way it was handled at the time didn't sit too well with me."

Team boss Christian Horner suggested Ricciardo was "running from a fight" in leaving but the Perth driver, whose new German team mate Nico Hulkenberg has yet to stand on the podium in 156 starts, denied that.

"I love a good fight," he said. "It wasn't about Max. I can understand why they'd say that, but it's wrong."

Ricciardo said the main aim for the season ahead was simply to make progress, for the team to continue on an upward trajectory.

"As long as we make inroads, that's got to be a pretty successful year," he said.

Daniel Ricciardo will raise plenty of cheers if he beats his former Red Bull teammates in Melbourne next week but the new Renault driver will not be throwing any toys out of the pram if the opposite happens.

Daniel Ricciardo will raise plenty of cheers if he beats his former Red Bull teammates in Melbourne next week but the new Renault driver will not be throwing any toys out of the pram if the opposite happens. The Australian's move to the French manufacturer team at the end of last year was a long term play for the Perth native, a home hero now in yellow overalls ahead of the season-opening race. "I was aware when I signed the deal here that it was very realistic that, at least come Melbourne, they (Red Bull) are going to be in front," said Ricciardo when asked about the immediate prospects. "Because I in a way expect it, it's not going to be a shock or anything like that. "I'm not going to be bitter if they beat us in Melbourne. I feel now we're still on a bit of a different journey," added the 29-year-old. Former champions Renault, who won titles with Fernando Alonso in 2005-06 and powered Red Bull and their German driver Sebastian Vettel to four double titles in a row between 2010-2013, were fourth overall last season. Red Bull were third behind champions Mercedes and Ferrari, with Ricciardo and Max Verstappen each winning two races and have since switched to Honda engines. The evidence from testing suggested Honda had got on top of the performance and reliability problems that have plagued them in the past. "I know probably a lot of people think 'Ah, if he were to beat Red Bull how good would that be? Sticking it to them'. But it's honestly not like that. If we could overcome any of those top three I'd be stoked," said Ricciardo. "Seeing what I've seen so far (at Renault) I think there's enough resources to get into that world. So I don't think that's unattainable for us. "It might not be this year, but it's not a permanent handicap, so to speak." RUNNING FROM A FIGHT Had Ricciardo stayed at Red Bull, and they were clear about wanting him to, he would have continued to fight for star billing with Verstappen, the 21-year-old Dutch driver considered a future champion. The likeable Australian sees himself in a similar light but risked being considered increasingly as a number two alongside the favoured son. Ricciardo told reporters before the start of testing that his decision to leave was due to a 'kaleidoscope' of different pieces, however. There was a desire to repeat Lewis Hamilton's success in recognising the potential of a major manufacturer when he moved from McLaren to Mercedes and also annoyance at how Red Bull treated him after an incident in Baku last season. The team held both Ricciardo and Verstappen equally to blame for a collision that the Australian still holds was mainly Verstappen's fault. "We both got a talking to, putting it politely. But in my eyes I guess the incident itself I felt I was not really in the wrong," he said. "I guess the way it was handled at the time didn't sit too well with me." Team boss Christian Horner suggested Ricciardo was "running from a fight" in leaving but the Perth driver, whose new German team mate Nico Hulkenberg has yet to stand on the podium in 156 starts, denied that. "I love a good fight," he said. "It wasn't about Max. I can understand why they'd say that, but it's wrong." Ricciardo said the main aim for the season ahead was simply to make progress, for the team to continue on an upward trajectory. "As long as we make inroads, that's got to be a pretty successful year," he said.

Motor racing: No regrets if Renault are chasing Red Bull, says Daniel Ricciardo

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula One world championship</a> on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place.

The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth.

"I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home.

"It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support.

"Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over.

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Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... <a href="https://t.co/U02N19GX8J">https://t.co/U02N19GX8J</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LHFive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LHFive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MercedesAMGF1</a> 📷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Motors_images?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Motors_images</a> <a href="https://t.co/ROLGAnD3nR">pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR</a>
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1056681307634388992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil.

"This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'.

"I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner.

"I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment.

"Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit." Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place. The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth. "I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home. "It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support. "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over. Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... https://t.co/U02N19GX8J#LHFive @MercedesAMGF1 📷 @Motors_images pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 28, 2018 × "In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil. "This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'. "I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner. "I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment. "Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Lewis Hamilton thanks 'amazing' team, family after winning F1 championship

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit.

"We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session.

Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare.

Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace.

Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon.

Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch.

Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions.

The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual.

"The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others."

Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop.

Fangio's Five

Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear.

"We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton.

"Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race."

Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon.

"I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German.

"I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape.

"It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards."

Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem. Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit. "We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session. Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare. Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace. Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon. Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch. Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions. The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual. "The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others." Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop. Fangio's Five Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear. "We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton. "Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race." Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon. "I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German. "I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls." Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape. "It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards." Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen fastest in Mexican Grand Prix practice

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-will-wait-for-world-title-172693">waiting for his fifth world title</a>.

Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.1 seconds at the chequered flag.

Raikkonen and Verstappen made Hamilton's loss even more bitter by asking him if he had won the championship after the race!

The Mercedes driver took the situation sportingly, in fact he confirmed that he had not won the title, yet.

Also, the official Twitter handle of Ferrari tweeted a shushing emoji after Kimi's victory.

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🤫
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1054103384800796675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kimi7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kimi7</a>'s message for you! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaFerrari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaFerrari</a> <a href="https://t.co/SEzheOLMdp">pic.twitter.com/SEzheOLMdp</a>
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1054152525761470466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kimi's victory was very special for him as he&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kimi-raikkonen-to-leave-ferrari-will-return-to-sauber-165092">will leave Ferrari&nbsp;</a>at the end of 2018 and will return to Sauber.

This was his first win since the Australian Grand Prix of March 2013, a gap of 113 races dating back to when he was racing for Lotus, and 21st of his career.

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, waiting for his fifth world title. Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, waiting for his fifth world title. Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.1 seconds at the chequered flag. Raikkonen and Verstappen made Hamilton's loss even more bitter by asking him if he had won the championship after the race! The Mercedes driver took the situation sportingly, in fact he confirmed that he had not won the title, yet. Also, the official Twitter handle of Ferrari tweeted a shushing emoji after Kimi's victory. 🤫 — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 21, 2018 × #Kimi7's message for you! #USGP #ForzaFerrari pic.twitter.com/SEzheOLMdp — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 21, 2018 × Kimi's victory was very special for him as he will leave Ferrari at the end of 2018 and will return to Sauber. This was his first win since the Australian Grand Prix of March 2013, a gap of 113 races dating back to when he was racing for Lotus, and 21st of his career.

'Did you win the title,' Raikkonen, Verstappen tease Hamilton

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot.

To secure his fifth Grand Prix victory, Hamilton needed to beat runner-up Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by eight points, but ended up defeating the German by only three.

The Englishman is 70 points above Vettel, which means that he needs to finish seventh at next week's race in Mexico to win the tournament for the fifth time and take his place alongside legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio.

Raikkonen claimed his 21st Formula 1 victory, the first one since 2013, when he won the Australian Grand Prix.

Spain's Carlos Sainz (Renault) finished seventh after starting 11th, despite a five-minute time-out.

HIs countryman, Fernando Alonso (Mercedes), had to leave the competition following a collision with Canada's Lance Stroll (Williams) during the first of the 56 laps.

Mexico's Sergio Perez (Force India) finished 10th.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot. To secure his fifth Grand Prix victory, Hamilton needed to beat runner-up Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by eight points, but ended up defeating the German by only three. The Englishman is 70 points above Vettel, which means that he needs to finish seventh at next week's race in Mexico to win the tournament for the fifth time and take his place alongside legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio. Raikkonen claimed his 21st Formula 1 victory, the first one since 2013, when he won the Australian Grand Prix. Spain's Carlos Sainz (Renault) finished seventh after starting 11th, despite a five-minute time-out. HIs countryman, Fernando Alonso (Mercedes), had to leave the competition following a collision with Canada's Lance Stroll (Williams) during the first of the 56 laps. Mexico's Sergio Perez (Force India) finished 10th.

Kimi Raikkonen wins F1 United States Grand Prix

The Canadian Grand Prix could determine whether Red Bull decide to stick with Renault, who powered them to all their Formula One championships, or switch to Honda engines from next season.

Team boss Christian Horner said after Sunday`s Monaco Grand Prix, won by his Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo, that a decision would have to be made by "end of June, beginning of July".

"We`re waiting with great interest to see the relative performance of engines in Montreal in two weeks` time," he added.

Canada, on June 10, is the seventh round of the 21-race season and both manufacturers are planning to bring major upgrades to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Red Bull, whose Renault engines are branded Tag Heuer, have won twice this season but have had a rocky relationship with the French company since the start of the V6 turbo hybrid era in 2014.

Honda are working with Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso and have improved the performance of their engine notably since the termination of a three year partnership with McLaren.

While Ricciardo is third overall in the championship, he has suffered reliability problems -- as well as a costly crash with team mate Max Verstappen -- and is 38 points off Mercedes` leader Lewis Hamilton.

The Australian is out of contract at the end of the season and is also waiting to see what engine Red Bull go for.

"First thing is get the engine sorted and then very much follow on from there with driver," said Horner.

"I think we`ve had a great chassis from the first race, to be honest," he added. "Our problem has always been on Saturdays... if we can improve our Saturdays, then our races will be competitive.&nbsp

"If we could just get a little bit more at the end of Q3 (the final phase of qualifying) on peak power, there`s no reason why we shouldn`t be able to give Ferrari and Mercedes regularly a hard time."

Ricciardo started on pole position in Monaco on Sunday, the team`s first in two years, and won despite having a power unit problem from lap 28.

Verstappen set the fastest race lap, the fourth time in six grands prix that Red Bull have done that.&nbsp

"The FIA understand the situation we`re in and there`s no hard and fast deadline," said Horner of the engine decision.&nbsp

Renault have previously said they would need to know by the end of May because of the long lead times involved in manufacturing.

Red Bull, whose Renault engines are branded Tag Heuer, have won twice this season

The Canadian Grand Prix could determine whether Red Bull decide to stick with Renault, who powered them to all their Formula One championships, or switch to Honda engines from next season. Team boss Christian Horner said after Sunday`s Monaco Grand Prix, won by his Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo, that a decision would have to be made by "end of June, beginning of July". "We`re waiting with great interest to see the relative performance of engines in Montreal in two weeks` time," he added. Canada, on June 10, is the seventh round of the 21-race season and both manufacturers are planning to bring major upgrades to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Red Bull, whose Renault engines are branded Tag Heuer, have won twice this season but have had a rocky relationship with the French company since the start of the V6 turbo hybrid era in 2014. Honda are working with Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso and have improved the performance of their engine notably since the termination of a three year partnership with McLaren. While Ricciardo is third overall in the championship, he has suffered reliability problems -- as well as a costly crash with team mate Max Verstappen -- and is 38 points off Mercedes` leader Lewis Hamilton. The Australian is out of contract at the end of the season and is also waiting to see what engine Red Bull go for. "First thing is get the engine sorted and then very much follow on from there with driver," said Horner. "I think we`ve had a great chassis from the first race, to be honest," he added. "Our problem has always been on Saturdays... if we can improve our Saturdays, then our races will be competitive. "If we could just get a little bit more at the end of Q3 (the final phase of qualifying) on peak power, there`s no reason why we shouldn`t be able to give Ferrari and Mercedes regularly a hard time." Ricciardo started on pole position in Monaco on Sunday, the team`s first in two years, and won despite having a power unit problem from lap 28. Verstappen set the fastest race lap, the fourth time in six grands prix that Red Bull have done that. "The FIA understand the situation we`re in and there`s no hard and fast deadline," said Horner of the engine decision. Renault have previously said they would need to know by the end of May because of the long lead times involved in manufacturing.

Canada could be key for Red Bull's engine decision

Daniel Ricciardo`s Australian Grand Prix jinx struck again on Friday with the Red Bull driver handed a three-place grid penalty for his home race for going too fast during red flag conditions.

Stewards, who also gave the Australian two penalty points, said the breach occurred during the day`s second practice session at Albert Park.

Ricciardo had admitted an error in reading his dashboard display, they added.

&quot;The Stewards thoroughly reviewed the breach and found that the driver slowed significantly, such that no danger was created, and that the driver proceeded with due care,&quot; stewards said in a statement.

&quot;The Stewards therefore are imposing a lesser penalty than usual, and impose a three grid place penalty and two penalty points.&quot;

No Australian has ever won his home Grand Prix but Ricciardo was seen as a contender this season, with Red Bull looking fast in testing.

In 2014, he finished second in his debut race for Red Bull but was disqualified soon after for a mechanical infringement that was no fault of his own.

He just missed out on a maiden podium for a home driver in 2016 when he finished fourth, while last year he crashed in qualifying, started from the pitlane and then retired midway through the race.

&quot;It has to be more fun (this year),&quot; he had said on Thursday.

Ricciardo had admitted an error in reading his dashboard display

Daniel Ricciardo`s Australian Grand Prix jinx struck again on Friday with the Red Bull driver handed a three-place grid penalty for his home race for going too fast during red flag conditions. Stewards, who also gave the Australian two penalty points, said the breach occurred during the day`s second practice session at Albert Park. Ricciardo had admitted an error in reading his dashboard display, they added. "The Stewards thoroughly reviewed the breach and found that the driver slowed significantly, such that no danger was created, and that the driver proceeded with due care," stewards said in a statement. "The Stewards therefore are imposing a lesser penalty than usual, and impose a three grid place penalty and two penalty points." No Australian has ever won his home Grand Prix but Ricciardo was seen as a contender this season, with Red Bull looking fast in testing. In 2014, he finished second in his debut race for Red Bull but was disqualified soon after for a mechanical infringement that was no fault of his own. He just missed out on a maiden podium for a home driver in 2016 when he finished fourth, while last year he crashed in qualifying, started from the pitlane and then retired midway through the race. "It has to be more fun (this year)," he had said on Thursday.

Daniel Ricciardo handed three-place penalty for home race

Thailand&#39;s prosecutor&#39;s office on Thursday again postponed a hit-and-run indictment against an heir to a founder of the Red Bull energy drink over a 2012 incident in which a policeman died.

For the eighth time in the past year, Vorayuth Yoovidhya missed a scheduled appointment to be formally charged and taken to court by Thai prosecutors. This time because he was &quot;away for business in England,&quot; a spokesman for the office told a news conference.

Vorayuth&#39;s lawyer declined to comment.

The case is being closely followed in Thailand, where there is a widespread belief that the rich and famous are treated more leniently by the legal system.

Prayut Bejraguna, deputy spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General, said Vorayuth&#39;s appointment had been postponed to April 27.

&quot;We are aware of the urgency to deliver justice,&quot; Prayut said. &quot;In principle, we will certainly carry the case through before charges expire.&quot;

Police accuse Vorayuth of running his Ferrari over a motorcycle policeman and leaving him in the road. Vorayuth initially faced four charges for the incident, but two have been dropped.

Vorayuth faces possible indictments for hit-and-run and for reckless driving causing death. He could be jailed for more than 10 years if found guilty of both.

No arrest warrant has been issued.

The hit-and-run charge would expire in September if there is no prosecution by then. The reckless driving charge will not expire until 2027.

(Reuters)

In 2012, Vorayuth Yoovidhya was accused of running his Ferrari over a motorcycle cop and fleeing the body. He has missed trial 8 times

Thailand's prosecutor's office on Thursday again postponed a hit-and-run indictment against an heir to a founder of the Red Bull energy drink over a 2012 incident in which a policeman died. For the eighth time in the past year, Vorayuth Yoovidhya missed a scheduled appointment to be formally charged and taken to court by Thai prosecutors. This time because he was "away for business in England," a spokesman for the office told a news conference. Vorayuth's lawyer declined to comment. The case is being closely followed in Thailand, where there is a widespread belief that the rich and famous are treated more leniently by the legal system. Prayut Bejraguna, deputy spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General, said Vorayuth's appointment had been postponed to April 27. "We are aware of the urgency to deliver justice," Prayut said. "In principle, we will certainly carry the case through before charges expire." Police accuse Vorayuth of running his Ferrari over a motorcycle policeman and leaving him in the road. Vorayuth initially faced four charges for the incident, but two have been dropped. Vorayuth faces possible indictments for hit-and-run and for reckless driving causing death. He could be jailed for more than 10 years if found guilty of both. No arrest warrant has been issued. The hit-and-run charge would expire in September if there is no prosecution by then. The reckless driving charge will not expire until 2027. (Reuters)

Thai prosecutor postpones indictment of Red Bull heir, again

Red Bull&#39;s Daniel Ricciardo claimed his maiden Formula One win of the season in&nbsp;Malaysian Grand Prix today&nbsp;as long-time leader Lewis Hamilton retired following a Mercedes engine failure.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Australian&#39;s mate Max Verstappen finished second to score the former champions&#39; first one-two finish since the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, denying Mercedes the chance to wrap up the constructors&#39; title at the Sepang circuit, Reuters reported.

&nbsp;

In the second Mercedes Nico Rosberg came through the pack after early drama to finish third and extend his championship lead over Hamilton to 23 points, according to an official statement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The F1 race report stated that despite Rosberg picked&nbsp;up a 10-second time penalty for a mid-race clash with Ferrari&rsquo;s Kimi Raikkonen, who finished fourth. Split by McLaren&rsquo;s Fernando Alonso, who came from the back row to take seventh, Williams&rsquo; Valtteri Bottas took fifth ahead of the Force Indias of Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg,

&nbsp;

While on the othet hand, team mate Jenson Button was ninth in his 300th Grand Prix, as fellow Briton Jolyon Palmer took his first F1 point with 10th for Renault.

&nbsp;

Ricciardo finally got his payback for his Monaco loss earlier in the year, as he came through a brutal battle with Verstappen which became one for victory after Hamilton&rsquo;s Mercedes had blown up when well ahead on the 41st lap. It was the fourth win of his F1 career.

&nbsp;

(WION)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nico Rosberg finished third, despite collecting a 10-second time penalty after colliding with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo claimed his maiden Formula One win of the season in Malaysian Grand Prix today as long-time leader Lewis Hamilton retired following a Mercedes engine failure. The Australian's mate Max Verstappen finished second to score the former champions' first one-two finish since the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, denying Mercedes the chance to wrap up the constructors' title at the Sepang circuit, Reuters reported. In the second Mercedes Nico Rosberg came through the pack after early drama to finish third and extend his championship lead over Hamilton to 23 points, according to an official statement. The F1 race report stated that despite Rosberg picked up a 10-second time penalty for a mid-race clash with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, who finished fourth. Split by McLaren’s Fernando Alonso, who came from the back row to take seventh, Williams’ Valtteri Bottas took fifth ahead of the Force Indias of Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg, While on the othet hand, team mate Jenson Button was ninth in his 300th Grand Prix, as fellow Briton Jolyon Palmer took his first F1 point with 10th for Renault. Ricciardo finally got his payback for his Monaco loss earlier in the year, as he came through a brutal battle with Verstappen which became one for victory after Hamilton’s Mercedes had blown up when well ahead on the 41st lap. It was the fourth win of his F1 career. (WION)

Malaysian Grand Prix 2016: Ricciardo leads Red Bull one-two as Hamilton retires

Cliff diving off the coast of France. An adrenaline rush of a sport.

Cliff ?diving? off the coast of ?France?. An adrenaline rush of a sport.

A 27-meter high adrenaline rush

Red Bull team chief Christian Horner today defended Formula One&#39;s decision to postpone the introduction of cockpit &#39;halos&#39; and said not enough research and development had been carried out. 
 
Horner spoke out after drivers union boss Alex Wurz warned that the move, taken on Thursday by the Formula One Strategy Group, had put business interests before driver safety. 
 
&quot;I disagree with that,&quot; said Horner. &quot;We&#39;ve agreed for a system to come in in 2018, but it needs to be fully researched, fully developed and fully tested.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;At the moment, other than a couple of installation laps from a couple of drivers, there&#39;s been no (testing) mileage put on this.&quot; 
 
He added that new tyre compounds are always tested intensively and extensively before they are introduced and said the same rigour must be applied to safety components. 
 
News of the rejection of the proposed cockpit protection device came just hours after four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel warned &quot;nothing justifies death.&quot; 
 
The Ferrari driver said: &quot;It would be the first time in human history that we&#39;ve learned a lesson and we did not change.&quot; 
 
The F1 Strategy Group made the decision at a meeting in Geneva where it also decided to make changes in other areas including a near-complete relaxation of restrictions on teams radio communications and the introduction of wet race standing starts. 
 
In a statement sent out &nbsp;today morning, F1 Race Director Charlie Whiting said the lifting of radio restrictions was done to improve content for the fans and spectators. 
 
His technical directive made clear that there would be no limits on the messages sent by teams except during the pre-race formation lap. 
 
He listed the subjects permitted in formation lap messages - including car problems, damage, driver software failures, official race control information and oil or debris on track. 
 
In exchange, he said, teams would no longer be able to use a &#39;privacy&#39; button and keep their radio communications message secret. 
 
This means that in future broadcasters will have access to all the radio traffic, a move taken to boost the entertainment factor at a time when F1 ticket sales are slumping. 
 
Thousands of seats at Hockenheim have been covered by green sheeting because the promoters have not sold them. 
In another move, a proposal for a standing race start after a Safety Car period was agreed. 
 
Horner welcomed the changes, but added that with major technical regulation changes next year requiring new designs for cars, it was likely to be difficult to do all the required work in the limited time available. 
 
Asked about the implications if there was a serious accident, in which the &#39;halo&#39; might have helped protect a driver`s head, next year, he said: &quot;It&#39;s very difficult... 
 
&quot;There are always &#39;what ifs?&#39; 
 
&quot;What if it was introduced and it created an accident or a driver couldn`t get out of the car... There are so many what ifs... We need to do the work and make sure it is what the drivers need.&quot; 
 
(AFP) 
 
 
&nbsp;

Christian Horner insisted system needs to be 'fully researched, fully developed and fully tested'

Red Bull team chief Christian Horner today defended Formula One's decision to postpone the introduction of cockpit 'halos' and said not enough research and development had been carried out. Horner spoke out after drivers union boss Alex Wurz warned that the move, taken on Thursday by the Formula One Strategy Group, had put business interests before driver safety. "I disagree with that," said Horner. "We've agreed for a system to come in in 2018, but it needs to be fully researched, fully developed and fully tested." "At the moment, other than a couple of installation laps from a couple of drivers, there's been no (testing) mileage put on this." He added that new tyre compounds are always tested intensively and extensively before they are introduced and said the same rigour must be applied to safety components. News of the rejection of the proposed cockpit protection device came just hours after four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel warned "nothing justifies death." The Ferrari driver said: "It would be the first time in human history that we've learned a lesson and we did not change." The F1 Strategy Group made the decision at a meeting in Geneva where it also decided to make changes in other areas including a near-complete relaxation of restrictions on teams radio communications and the introduction of wet race standing starts. In a statement sent out today morning, F1 Race Director Charlie Whiting said the lifting of radio restrictions was done to improve content for the fans and spectators. His technical directive made clear that there would be no limits on the messages sent by teams except during the pre-race formation lap. He listed the subjects permitted in formation lap messages - including car problems, damage, driver software failures, official race control information and oil or debris on track. In exchange, he said, teams would no longer be able to use a 'privacy' button and keep their radio communications message secret. This means that in future broadcasters will have access to all the radio traffic, a move taken to boost the entertainment factor at a time when F1 ticket sales are slumping. Thousands of seats at Hockenheim have been covered by green sheeting because the promoters have not sold them. In another move, a proposal for a standing race start after a Safety Car period was agreed. Horner welcomed the changes, but added that with major technical regulation changes next year requiring new designs for cars, it was likely to be difficult to do all the required work in the limited time available. Asked about the implications if there was a serious accident, in which the 'halo' might have helped protect a driver`s head, next year, he said: "It's very difficult... "There are always 'what ifs?' "What if it was introduced and it created an accident or a driver couldn`t get out of the car... There are so many what ifs... We need to do the work and make sure it is what the drivers need." (AFP)

Formula One: Red Bull boss defends 'halo' delay

Lewis Hamilton won his home British Grand Prix for the third year in a row today with Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg finishing second but under a stewards investigation. 
 
The triple Formula One world champion&#39;s fourth home win, from pole position, was the 47th victory of Hamilton&#39;s career and cut Rosberg&#39;s overall lead to four points after 10 of 21 races. 
 
Rosberg was slowed by a gearbox problem with five laps remaining and crossed the line 6.9 seconds behind and with a question mark over his result after Mercedes seemingly broke the rules on radio advice by telling him to avoid seventh gear. 
 
Red Bull&#39;s Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was third, 1.3 seconds behind Rosberg, in a race that started behind the safety car after heavy rain. 
 
(Reuters)

It was the 47th victory of Hamilton's career and cut Rosberg's overall lead to four points after 10 of 21 races

Lewis Hamilton won his home British Grand Prix for the third year in a row today with Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg finishing second but under a stewards investigation. The triple Formula One world champion's fourth home win, from pole position, was the 47th victory of Hamilton's career and cut Rosberg's overall lead to four points after 10 of 21 races. Rosberg was slowed by a gearbox problem with five laps remaining and crossed the line 6.9 seconds behind and with a question mark over his result after Mercedes seemingly broke the rules on radio advice by telling him to avoid seventh gear. Red Bull's Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was third, 1.3 seconds behind Rosberg, in a race that started behind the safety car after heavy rain. (Reuters)

Lewis Hamilton wins fourth British Grand Prix

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest in final British Grand Prix practice today, completing a sweep of the three sessions with Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg second. 
 
While Mercedes were again dominant, Ferrari&#39;s Sebastian Vettel had a bad start to a damp day when he told the team over the radio after his final lap: &quot;I think we failed another gearbox&quot;. 
 
Vettel picked up a five-place grid penalty in Austria last weekend for an unscheduled gearbox change. 
 
Hamilton lapped with a best time of one minute 30.904 seconds, 0.063 quicker than Rosberg who missed all of Friday&#39;s second practice, on the soft tyres. 
 
Australian Daniel Ricciardo was third fastest for Red Bull but more than half a second off Hamilton&#39;s pace. 
 
Dutch team mate Max Verstappen, winner in Spain and second in Austria, was fourth with Vettel fifth and 1.145 slower than the leading Mercedes. 
 
The session was halted to retrieve debris and fix barriers after Marcus Ericsson crashed his Sauber heavily at the exit to Stowe with 20 minutes remaining. 
 
The Swede got out of the badly damaged car without assistance, and did not appear hurt in the accident, but Sauber said he was going to a hospital for routine check-ups. 
 
Rosberg leads Hamilton by 11 points going into Sunday&#39;s race, the 10th of 21 on the calendar. 
 
Hamilton is chasing his third successive win at Silverstone and fourth of his career. 
 
The two Mercedes drivers are under strict instructions to race cleanly after colliding on the last lap in Austria, their third coming together in five races. 
 
(Reuters)

'I think we failed another gearbox', said Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel to his team over the radio after his final lap

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest in final British Grand Prix practice today, completing a sweep of the three sessions with Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg second. While Mercedes were again dominant, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel had a bad start to a damp day when he told the team over the radio after his final lap: "I think we failed another gearbox". Vettel picked up a five-place grid penalty in Austria last weekend for an unscheduled gearbox change. Hamilton lapped with a best time of one minute 30.904 seconds, 0.063 quicker than Rosberg who missed all of Friday's second practice, on the soft tyres. Australian Daniel Ricciardo was third fastest for Red Bull but more than half a second off Hamilton's pace. Dutch team mate Max Verstappen, winner in Spain and second in Austria, was fourth with Vettel fifth and 1.145 slower than the leading Mercedes. The session was halted to retrieve debris and fix barriers after Marcus Ericsson crashed his Sauber heavily at the exit to Stowe with 20 minutes remaining. The Swede got out of the badly damaged car without assistance, and did not appear hurt in the accident, but Sauber said he was going to a hospital for routine check-ups. Rosberg leads Hamilton by 11 points going into Sunday's race, the 10th of 21 on the calendar. Hamilton is chasing his third successive win at Silverstone and fourth of his career. The two Mercedes drivers are under strict instructions to race cleanly after colliding on the last lap in Austria, their third coming together in five races. (Reuters)

Hamilton on top, Vettel raises gearbox fear

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