List of All Articles with Tag 'f1'

Lando Norris believes it is “unlikely” he will secure his first win in Formula 1 this year. The McLaren driver led large periods of Sunday’s United States Grand Prix in Austin but the pace of his car dropped off in the latter stages as he was caught by eventual race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. It is Norris’ 12th podium in F1 – and sixth this year – but a first victory still agonisingly eludes him. Asked whether he could win one of the remaining four races, Norris replied: “Unlikely. Qatar [two weeks ago] was our best opportunity. “That’s why I was tough on myself, because I knew it was our only opportunity. “Vegas is still a big question mark but there’s no high-speed circuits [left] which is where we’re very strong. We’re on par with Red Bull almost in the high-speed corners. “Just the slow-speed [corners] are letting us down at the minute. We understand it, we know it’s our area to improve on. “When it comes together, which probably won’t be this year but next year, then we can do some good things.” F1 moves on to Mexico next, before Brazil, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi close out the season. Read More Lewis Hamilton rues Mercedes error which cost him victory at US Grand Prix Max Verstappen booed by American fans on podium after victory Max Verstappen defies Lewis Hamilton to edge United States Grand Prix victory

Lewis Hamilton insists Mercedes should have pitted him earlier after Max Verstappen’s victory at the United States Grand Prix. Hamilton, who started third on the grid, was closing in on Verstappen in the final laps but in the end crossed the finish line two seconds behind the Dutchman, who claimed his 15th win of the season. Mercedes executed a slightly different two-stop strategy and, as Hamilton acknowledged afterwards, in hindsight should have pitted the seven-time world champion earlier in the first half of the race. “We should’ve stopped before Lando [Norris],” said Hamilton. “I don’t know why we didn’t… the deficit was so hard. We’ve got some work to do.” Mercedes came to Austin with an upgraded floor and it seemed to improve performance, with Hamilton satisfied with the team’s latest step despite the near-miss. However, the seven-time world champion added that the pit stops weren’t quite top-notch in Texas. “Other than that, it’s a step forwards,” he continued. “We need to pick up on some areas, the pit stops and strategy maybe, but it’s right there. “Verstappen started sixth and he was out in front. They [Red Bull] are still ahead and they’re not developing now – they’re just chilling. “We’ve got a huge amount of work to do.” It is the closest Hamilton has come to winning a race this season. The 38-year-old still hasn’t won a race since December 2021 in Saudi Arabia, but is now closing in on Sergio Perez for second place in the world championship. Read More Lando Norris reflects on 2023 win prospects after another near-miss in Austin Max Verstappen booed by American fans on podium after victory Max Verstappen defies Lewis Hamilton to edge United States Grand Prix victory

Max Verstappen was loudly booed on the podium after his victory at the US Grand Prix on Sunday. The 2023 world champion started sixth on the grid but after eventually passing leader Lando Norris halfway through the race, Verstappen held off a late challenge from 2021 nemesis Lewis Hamilton to claim his 50th Formula 1 win. Yet as he walked out onto the top step of the podium, the Dutchman was booed by sections of the fanbase in Austin. There were also chants from spectators – who by this point had made their way onto the main straight as is custom post-race – during the Dutch national anthem which followed. Verstappen has faced booing before, most notably at Silverstone last year, and was clearly not a fan favourite at the Circuit of the Americas, especially compared to the likes of Hamilton and Norris. Verstappen claimed his 15th win of the season but unlike many Sunday cruises this year, he was made to work. The Red Bull driver was also complaining of brake issues throughout the 56-lap race and not for the first time this year, he was involved in numerous frosty exchanges with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. Verstappen admitted after the race that Hamilton’s Mercedes team “could have won today if they’d done a better strategy” but was nonetheless satisfied with the victory. Read More Max Verstappen defies Lewis Hamilton to edge United States Grand Prix victory F1 United States Grand Prix LIVE: Race updates and results in Austin Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton challenge to win US sprint race

Max Verstappen defied Lewis Hamilton to win a cat-and-mouse United States Grand Prix at a sizzling Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Verstappen has been on easy street this season, but the triple world champion was made to fight for the 50th win of his career – becoming only the fifth driver to reach a half-century. Indeed, at one stage, Hamilton dared to dream of ending a losing streak which stands at 686 days and counting. Yet, as so often been the case this year, Verstappen’s speed in his all-conquering Red Bull machine came to the fore. He moved ahead of Lando Norris on lap 28 of 56 to all but seal the win. Hamilton might bemoan a questionable strategy decision which saw him lose 10 seconds to Verstappen in the opening round of pit stops. But in reality, he probably did not have the pace to stop the Dutchman from claiming his 15th wins from the 18 rounds so far. He crossed the line an agonising 2.2 sec behind Verstappen with Norris hanging on to the final spot on the podium. Hamilton could count himself unfortunate to drop from third to fourth at the start. The seven-time world champion enjoyed a decent getaway, but he was blocked by Norris under braking allowing Sainz to sneak through. Norris had seen off pole-sitter Leclerc with a lunge at the first bend to assume top spot. As Norris set about building a lead – already two seconds clear of Leclerc at the end of the second lap – Hamilton set about passing both scarlet cars. First up was Sainz. Hamilton used the tow to latch on to the back of Ferrari on the 210mph drag to Turn 12, and, assisted by DRS, drew alongside Sainz before sliding underneath the Spaniard. On the following lap, Verstappen, who started in sixth after his pole lap in qualifying was chalked off for exceeding track limits, relegated Sainz another place when he made his move at the same corner. Hamilton has won six times across the Pond – with five of those victories here in Austin – and the 38-year-old required only two laps to swat Leclerc aside for second. Deeper on the brakes at Turn 12, Hamilton sailed round the outside of the Monegasque at the left-hander, with Norris now three seconds up the road. Behind, and Verstappen was not finding it as easy to make progress. He was stuck behind Leclerc for an additional five laps before finally making his move on the Monegasque. He trailed Norris by seven seconds, and Hamilton by four. In the Mercedes garage, Prince Harry cut a pensive figure as he gnawed at his fingernails. The Duke of Sussex has been something of lucky charm for Hamilton. He was a guest of Mercedes when Hamilton secured his second title in the 2014 season decider in Abu Dhabi, leading the congratulations to his fellow Briton on the radio. Verstappen was the first in for new rubber at the end of lap 16 with Norris stopping the next time round. But Hamilton stayed out. Were Mercedes attempting a one-stopper? Hamilton did not seem convinced. Asked if he could complete another five laps on his current set of tyres, Hamilton replied: “I am not sure, man. It is pretty tough.” You have given me a hell of a gap to close Lewis Hamilton on the team radio Hamilton then locked up before his race engineer Peter Bonnington was back on the intercom to inform Hamilton that Verstappen – who on new tyres had just lapped three seconds faster than the Briton – was now likely to gazump him when he eventually stopped. “No s***, man,” yelled Hamilton. “I am struggling out here.” On lap 20, in came Hamilton, and a slow front-right tyre change added to his woes by costing him a needless second. When Hamilton emerged from the pits, he had dropped to third, five seconds adrift of Verstappen. “I came out so far behind,” he said with a hint of dejection. When the opening stops were completed, Norris led Verstappen by 2.4 sec with Hamilton 7.5 off the lead. By virtue of taking on another set of mediums, Verstappen had to stop again, but Norris and Hamilton – now both on the hards – could, if their rubber allowed, go all the way to the end. Hamilton, failing to make any inroads and sensing his best chance of ending a 22-month winning streak had faded, expressed his frustrations. “You have given me a hell of a gap to close,” he said. On lap 28, Verstappen dived underneath Norris for the lead at Turn 12. Norris had a nibble back at the Red Bull heading into the ensuing right hander, but he failed to make it stick. The question now was whether Norris, and indeed Hamilton – now less than five seconds off the lead – could make their tyres last. The answer arrived on lap 34 when Norris dived in for a fresh set of boots. Verstappen followed in on lap 35, and despite, a slow left-rear tyre change, retained his position ahead of Norris. Three laps later and Hamilton was in, changing to the faster medium compound. Hamilton had the bit between his teeth and within 10 laps he was crawling all over the back of Norris’ McLaren. Norris slung his McLaren to the inside on the entry to the first corner in a move to stop Hamilton, but the older Brit gained better traction out of the corner to slingshot by in his Mercedes. Verstappen was five seconds ahead and Hamilton started to reel his old nemesis in only to run out of laps. Sainz took fourth ahead of Sergio Perez with Leclerc sixth and George Russell seventh for Mercedes. Read More I can do something wiser with my time – George Russell stops using social media Charles Leclerc snatches pole position after Max Verstappen’s lap was deleted Daniel Ricciardo ready for AlphaTauri return at United States Grand Prix On this day in 2009: Jenson Button crowned Formula One world champion in Brazil FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints F1 United States Grand Prix LIVE: Race updates and results in Austin

F1 returns to the Circuit of the Americas this weekend for the US Grand Prix – and the fifth sprint weekend of the season. Max Verstappen sealed the 2023 world title last time out in Qatar and also claimed his 14th grand prix victory of the season. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was driver of the weekend, however, winning the sprint race and coming second in the grand prix on Sunday. PREVIEW: Daniel Ricciardo must prove he still belongs on the F1 grid Lewis Hamilton had a weekend to forget, crashing into Mercedes team-mate George Russell, while the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were among the chasing pack. Lando Norris finished third to secure a double podium for McLaren. Verstappen won a thrilling race at COTA last year, edging out Lewis Hamilton who has still not won a race since the 2021 season. Hamilton is, however, a five-time winner at the circuit. Charles Leclerc grabbed pole for Sunday’s grand prix after qualifying on Friday. Follow live updates from the United States Grand Prix with The Independent Read More Daniel Ricciardo must prove he still belongs on the F1 grid Charles Leclerc grabs pole position as Max Verstappen rages in Austin Max Verstappen fumes with Red Bull team towards end of US qualifying

Max Verstappen saw off Lewis Hamilton’s early challenge to claim victory in Saturday’s sprint race at the United States Grand Prix. For the first time since their 2021 championship duel for the ages, Verstappen and Hamilton ran line astern in the 19-lap dash at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. But Hamilton was unable to prevent Verstappen from taking the spoils, and accumulating yet another win of this most one-sided of Formula One campaigns. Hamilton took the chequered flag a distant 9.4 seconds adrift of Verstappen with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third. Verstappen, crowned champion of the world for a third time in Qatar a fortnight ago, took pole position earlier on Saturday and then put his elbows out at the start to ensure Leclerc did not sneak up his inside on the uphill drag to the opening bend. Verstappen moved over to his left to squeeze the Ferrari man allowing Hamilton a clean shot at Leclerc on the exit of the first corner. Hamilton ran over the kerbs and past the Monegasque, and then set his sights on Verstappen. Hamilton has not won a race for nearly two years, the longest losing streak of his career. Indeed, 685 days have passed since he claimed victory at the penultimate round of the 2021 campaign in Saudi Arabia. But for half-a-dozen laps here, Hamilton will have dared to dream that a victory could be on the cards. Hamilton has triumphed six times in America – with five of those victories in the Lone Star State – and his early pace certainly provided Verstappen with food for thought. The seven-time world champion stayed within one second of Verstappen to provide him with a possible DRS slingshot past his Red Bull rival. “Driveability is not there,” moaned Verstappen on the radio. “I lost the rear completely.” Hamilton then hinted his nemesis was gaining an advantage by using more of the track than is allowed. “Max has gone off quite a few times,” said the Mercedes driver. Hamilton has lauded the improvements from his updated machine, but the superiority of Verstappen’s Red Bull came to the fore. Six laps had passed and Verstappen was suddenly out of DRS range. A slim hope of victory for Hamilton was dashed. Yet the 38-year-old, who starts third for tomorrow’s 56-lap main event, will expect to be a contender again. And his chances of a possible win will be aided by Verstappen starting only in sixth after his pole lap in Friday’s qualifying was deleted for exceeding track limits. “Once I cleared the DRS I was settled in my own rhythm and the pace of the car was good,” said Verstappen. “Starting sixth tomorrow will be different to today, but it makes it interesting and hopefully we can have fun. But of course I want to win.” Hamilton said: “That was a fun race. A good start down to Turn 1 and a good battle with Charles. “I was trying early on to get close to Max but their pace is undeniable at the moment. I am happy we are closer, but we still have a long way to go to compete with the pace they had in the race.” Lando Norris took fourth spot ahead of Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, with Carlos Sainz sixth. George Russell finished seventh but was demoted to eighth after he served a five-second penalty for an illegal move on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Read More I can do something wiser with my time – George Russell stops using social media Charles Leclerc snatches pole position after Max Verstappen’s lap was deleted Daniel Ricciardo ready for AlphaTauri return at United States Grand Prix On this day in 2009: Jenson Button crowned Formula One world champion in Brazil FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar

Max Verstappen bounced back from his mistake in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix to put his Red Bull on pole position for today’s sprint race. Verstappen will line up from only sixth place for Sunday’s main event at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas after his quickest lap was chalked off for exceeding track limits here on Friday night. But less than 24 hours later, the triple world champion atoned for his error to seal top spot ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.055 seconds for the 19-lap dash to the chequered flag later today. “The last lap was not great but we are still on pole so it shows the car is working well,” said Verstappen, with less than a tenth separating the top-three drivers. “It will be an exciting afternoon with cars close to each other so we don’t know what will happen in the sprint race. Normally in the race we are okay, but this track is demanding.” Lewis Hamilton finished third, seven hundredths behind Verstappen, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fourth and fifth respectively for McLaren. George Russell qualified eighth. It was not all plain-sailing for Verstappen after he spun on the exit of Turn 9 in Q2. Verstappen took too much kerb on the entry to the left hander which sent him onto the grass and into a pirouette. But after he completed a 360-degree spin, Verstappen was able to make it back to his garage and into Q3. Hamilton also survived a hairy moment in the opening phase of qualifying when he nudged the back of Yuki Tsunoda’s AlphaTauri. “Check my front wing,” said Hamilton on the radio. “One of the drivers blocked me and we touched.” Hamilton was able to continue and although the stewards noted the incident, no further action was taken. Daniel Ricciardo, absent from the last five races with a broken hand, out-qualified Tsunoda to progress to Q2 and finish 11th. Tsunoda starts 19th, one place ahead of Logan Sargeant who propped up the order for the second day in a row at his home event. The sprint gets under way at 5pm local time (11pm BST). Read More I can do something wiser with my time – George Russell stops using social media Charles Leclerc snatches pole position after Max Verstappen’s lap was deleted Daniel Ricciardo ready for AlphaTauri return at United States Grand Prix On this day in 2009: Jenson Button crowned Formula One world champion in Brazil FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar

F1 returns to the Circuit of the Americas this weekend for the US Grand Prix – and the fifth sprint weekend of the season. Max Verstappen sealed the 2023 world title last time out in Qatar and also claimed his 14th grand prix victory of the season. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was driver of the weekend, however, winning the sprint race and coming second in the grand prix on Sunday. PREVIEW: Daniel Ricciardo must prove he still belongs on the F1 grid Lewis Hamilton had a weekend to forget, crashing into Mercedes team-mate George Russell, while the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were among the chasing pack. Lando Norris finished third to secure a double podium for McLaren. Verstappen won a thrilling race at COTA last year, edging out Lewis Hamilton who has still not won a race since the 2021 season. Hamilton is, however, a five-time winner at the circuit. Charles Leclerc grabbed pole for Sunday’s grand prix after qualifying on Friday. Follow live updates from the United States Grand Prix with The Independent Read More Lewis Hamilton insists F1 must remain extreme: ‘Let’s not get too soft’ Daniel Ricciardo must prove he still belongs on the F1 grid F1 drivers react as sport governing body increases size of fines

George Russell said he has has banned himself from using social media and reading the news because it does not bring him any positivity. The Mercedes driver has a combined following of nearly seven million on X and Instagram. But Russell, 25, who was involved in a first-corner collision with team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the last round in Qatar, says he has stepped back from using the platforms. Speaking to the PA news agency, Russell said: “I stopped using Twitter (‘X’) about six months ago. “I work with a social team and everything that is posted is in my own words and is signed off through me. I want to stay connected with the fans. But I don’t use the app and I have started to do the same with Instagram. “I respect that everyone has an opinion. But I don’t need to read the praise because that doesn’t bring me anything, and I don’t need to see the negative comments because that doesn’t bring me anything either. “But when I stopped using Twitter (‘X’), whenever I was on my phone I was on Instagram, and when I stopped using Instagram, I thought I needed to look at something so I started to read the news. But every headline was negative. “Other than being informed about what is going on in the world, reading negative headlines one after another didn’t bring anything to me, so now I am totally off social media.” Russell heads into the final five rounds of the campaign eighth in the standings, 62 points and five places adrift of Hamilton. “It all stemmed after the the summer break when I didn’t use my phone at all,” added Russell, who will line up from fifth on the grid for his 100th race in Sunday’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. “During that period when I had my family and friends around me I had an average screen time of 15 minutes. In a normal week I have an average screen time of three hours. “I saw a post that said ‘if you use your phone on average for four hours a day, by the time you die you will have spent 15 years looking at your phone’. “And when I read that, I was like, ‘Jesus I could spend 15 years of my life on my phone.’ I can do something wiser than scrolling through Instagram memes.”

George Russell admits he was “off the pace” during Friday’s action at the United States Grand Prix. Russell was fifth-fastest during qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix, while his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton was third-quickest at the Circuit of the Americas. Yet after a difficult first practice session too, Russell seemed somewhat confused as to why he struggled but stated given his shortcomings, he was satisfied with his fifth-place starting spot for Sunday. “For me, it’s been a challenging day,” Russell said after qualifying. “Been off the pace, don’t know why. Strange day for me so I’m actually pleased with P5. “There were times that it didn’t look like we’d make Q3. I’ll take it on my shoulders, I’ve been off the pace today and don’t know why. “P5 is a great place to start on Sunday and we could have been much further down the order, so I’m satisfied with that position.” Charles Leclerc claimed pole position after an impressive Q3 in Austin, with Lando Norris alongside him in second. Max Verstappen was on pole but his final lap time was deleted for exceeding track limits at the penultimate turn, moments after he slammed his team on radio too. The 2023 world champion will start sixth on the grid with his team-mate Sergio Perez in ninth on what was a tricky day for Red Bull. Read More Max Verstappen fumes with Red Bull team towards end of US Grand Prix qualifying Daniel Ricciardo’s back from injury. Now he must show F1 he still belongs ‘Let’s not get too soft’: Lewis Hamilton insists F1 must remain extreme

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took pole position for the United States Grand Prix after Max Verstappen’s lap was deleted for exceeding track limits. Verstappen looked to have qualified first in his Red Bull at a sizzling Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, only to see his lap – five thousandths of a second quicker than Leclerc – chalked off by the stewards. Verstappen dropped from first to sixth with Lando Norris taking second for McLaren ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz finished fourth with George Russell fifth for Mercedes. Verstappen, who wrapped up his third world title in Qatar a fortnight ago, is bidding to join Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel by reaching 50 victories. But the Dutchman’s quest will start from back down the grid after he put all four wheels off the track at Turn 18 following a rare mistake. Verstappen headed into the final runs a quarter of a second down after he took aim at his team for putting him on track too close to Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull. “Well f****** done there,” he yelled over the radio. “What the f*** was that in the last corner?!” His subsequent error then allowed Leclerc to take the 21st pole of his career, 0.130 sec ahead of Norris, who finished nine thousandths clear of Hamilton. “It wasn’t easy for everybody so I am really happy to start on pole for Sunday,” said Leclerc. “It is a surprise for us because we didn’t expect to be fighting for pole. “Going into Turn 1 it is tricky here, but it is always better to start at the front than the back.” Hamilton, who has only finished off the podium once in Austin, said: “I love being in the States. The circuit is incredible and is one of my favourites, right up there with Silverstone. it is a legendary layout and incredibly challenging.” Hamilton, in his upgraded Mercedes, was fastest in the opening sector, but was unable to better Leclerc’s time. He added: “We have taken a step closer to the front which I know everyone is working so hard for. They are still a little bit ahead but we will give it another shot tomorrow. With this crowd, anything is possible.” Daniel Ricciardo is back in the saddle after missing five races with a broken hand sustained in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25. The 34-year-old Australian progressed to Q2 before lining up in 15th, one second off the pace and four places behind Yuki Tsunoda in the other AlphaTauri. Aston Martin have brought a number of upgrades across the pond, but both their drivers were sent for an early bath. Fernando Alonso managed only 17th with team-mate Lance Stroll – on a torrid run of form – two places further back. Meanwhile, American rookie Logan Sargeant, whose seat with Williams has not been confirmed for next season, will line up from last position at his home race. A sprint race will follow on Saturday before Sunday’s 56-lap grand prix. Read More Daniel Ricciardo ready for AlphaTauri return at United States Grand Prix On this day in 2009: Jenson Button crowned Formula One world champion in Brazil FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen was livid with his Red Bull pit wall on Friday - after the end of one of his final qualifying laps was impacted by team-mate Sergio Perez. The 2023 world champion was entering the final turn at the Circuit of the Americas in his first flying run in Q3, but lost control of his Red Bull slightly with Perez ahead of him. The dirty air of Perez’s car seemingly had an impact, meaning he was only third-fastest at the time behind Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. “Well done, well f****** done there!” shouted Verstappen over his team radio. “What the f*** was that in the last corner!” Verstappen, ultimately, qualified only sixth on the grid after exceeding track limits in his final run, demoting him down the order. Leclerc took pole for Sunday’s grand prix, with Lando Norris in second and Lewis Hamilton in third. More to follow.. Read More Daniel Ricciardo’s back from injury. Now he must show F1 he still belongs ‘Let’s not get too soft’: Lewis Hamilton insists F1 must remain extreme F1 United States GP LIVE: Qualifying updates and results from Austin