Latest news with #AustrianGrandPrix
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Liam Lawson Responds to 'False' Red Bull F1 Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson addressed speculation about his time at Red Bull and made his stance clear. Lawson replaced Sergio Perez heading into the 2025 season after an impressive stint with Racing Bulls. After just two race weekends, Lawson ended up getting axed and replaced by former teammate Yuki Tsunoda. The New Zealander didn't make it out of Q1 during his time at Red Bull and finished at the bottom of the pack during the races. Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to drive in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 05, 2025... Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to drive in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 05, 2025 in Northampton, England. More Photo byMeanwhile, champion Max Verstappen fought for podium finishes in the same car, and the gap between the two drivers was untenable for the team. After his demotion to Racing Bulls, several reports suggested that Lawson had lost confidence, but, in a recent interview, he denied this notion. "I think I would say one thing to be clear about is that between the first couple of races, to the team switch, then going to Japan, mentally for me nothing changed," he told "It's been very heavily speculated that my confidence took a hit and stuff like this, which is completely false. From the start of the year, I felt the same as I always have. "I think in two races, on tracks I'd never been to, it's not really enough for my confidence... maybe six months into a season, if I'm still at that level, if the results are still like that, then I'd be feeling something – maybe my confidence would be taking a hit. "I was well aware that those results weren't good enough, but I was just focused on improving, fixing and learning, basically. I was in the same mindset as I have been since I came into F1." Lawson felt he wasn't given enough time during his stint at Red Bull, especially for a relatively inexperienced driver who never raced at a top-flight team. Since he swapped teams, Lawson is getting beaten by his teammate Isack Hadjar. There are indicators that he may be settling in with the team. He finished in P6 at the Austrian Grand Prix after starting at the same position. For the first time this season, he showed why he was trusted with a seat at Red Bull in the first place. Meanwhile, Tsunoda isn't fairing much better than Lawson at Red Bull. The Japanese driver manages to get the car out of Q1 more often, but he has experienced several low points similar to Lawson's. Even Verstappen is facing issues with the RB-21. As Red Bull's struggles continue, Lawson's poor form at the start of the season becomes understandable. Now, he faces a 12-race run to prove he still merits a spot on the F1 grid. For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Norris says Austria pole lap 'close to perfection'
Austrian Grand Prix Venue: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg Date: 29 June Race start: 14:00 BST Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live; live text updates on BBC Sport website and app Lando Norris said he felt like he was back to the form he had missing for much of this season after taking a stunning pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver's season has been hampered by repeated mistakes in qualifying, but he headed the field by more than half a second on one of the shortest laps of the year at the Red Bull Ring. Briton Norris said his pole lap was "as close to perfection as I would probably ask for". Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start alongside Norris with McLaren team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri in third. "It's nice to see the old me back every now and then," Norris said. "It's more just the feeling I had today was a feeling I've missed for quite a long time, the feeling I have behind the wheel with the car, the understanding where the grip is and how to exploit it. "That showed in performance and then lap time is a very good combination to have. That when you feel like you can go quicker here and you go out and do it, that's the best feeling a driver can ask for, really." Norris takes Austria pole with sensational lap Ferrari qualifying 'fantastic result' - Hamilton How to follow Austrian Grand Prix on the BBC Norris has felt this year that a lack of feeling from the front axle of the car has been provoking mistakes when he has tried to push to the absolute limit in qualifying. At the last race in Canada, McLaren introduced a revision to the front suspension to reduce what the team have described as a "numbness". Norris has continued with that part in Austria but Piastri feels he does not need it. That added to aerodynamics upgrades to the car to the front wing and suspension introduced in Austria led to the largest margin any pole winner has had in percentage terms all season. Norris said: "To come into this weekend and at least move in the right direction was very positive and very reassuring for myself most of all but probably for us as a team as well, so a big thanks to them. "The feelings I've been requiring, the feelings that I've not been getting as easily, when they are more my way and more where I want them to be, I can put in better performances and have days like today." Norris is 22 points behind Piastri in the championship, a margin partially created by him crashing out of the race in Canada after running into the back of the Australian. As a result, he needs a strong result in Austria on Sunday to reduce Piastri's lead. Norris said that his session on Saturday was "easily my best qualifying of the year from a delivery point of view". But he added: "It's very satisfying, but, again, it's about consistency. Everyone can be a hero in one weekend. It's progress. It's steps forward. I'm very happy with today, but it's still a long journey. It's a long season. The job I needed to do today, I did. And it doesn't make up for the last few weekends or anything, but I did it today, and that's what mattered." 'Basically everything felt bad' - Verstappen Red Bull's Max Verstappen is the McLaren drivers' closest challenger in the championship, in third place, 21 points behind Norris. But the Dutchman had a difficult day, qualifying only seventh. Verstappen was unable to complete his final lap as Pierre Gasly spun his Alpine through 720 degrees at the final corner in front of him, but had managed only sixth fastest time on his first lap. The Dutchman said Red Bull had been caught by surprise by the lack of grip in their car "In qualifying basically everything felt bad," Verstappen said. "Every corner was a struggle, I just didn't have the balance. It was either understeer or oversteer. Even every single lap that I did I had a little bit different behaviour with the car. So yeah, that's not ideal. "I didn't expect it to be this bad in qualifying, but I think no one did in the team. So, that's something that we have to analyse." But Norris and Piastri both said they would not rule out Verstappen coming into contention in the race. "Until he's out of the race, I don't think we're ever going to take Max out of the equation," Norris said. Verstappen, Russell and Mercedes - what factors are at play? Austrian Grand Prix Qualifying Review Andrew Benson Q&A: Send us your questions
India.com
4 days ago
- Automotive
- India.com
Is Max Verstappen Moving To Mercedes? Meeting with Toto Wolff Fuels Exit Speculation
The Formula 1 world is buzzing with speculation about a potential shock move as Max Verstappen is rumored to be considering a departure from Red Bull to join Mercedes. The rumors intensified after reports emerged of a private meeting between Verstappen and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff. Whispers of this high-profile meeting began when fans noticed that two yachts one belonging to Wolff and the other reportedly linked to Verstappen were sailing off the coast of Sardinia at the same time. Further curiosity was sparked when flight-tracking data revealed Verstappen's private jet landing on the island during Wolff's presence in the area. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher added weight to the theory during an interview with stating, 'It's no coincidence either that this week, two yachts are cruising off Sardinia one belongs to Toto Wolff, the other to Max Verstappen. From what I hear, there's a good chance they might have had a coffee together.' Verstappen's future with Red Bull has come under scrutiny following the team's recent struggles. The Dutch driver has visibly shown frustration after several poor performances, including dropping from pole position to fifth at Silverstone and experiencing qualifying issues in Austria. While he remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, a key clause in the deal allows him to leave if he is no longer competing for the championship something that has become a factor following the British Grand Prix. George Russell's contract at Mercedes remains unsigned for next season, adding to the speculation. Neither Russell nor Wolff denied possible talks with Verstappen during the Austrian Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher emphasized the emotional weight of any decision Verstappen might make. 'What defines Max is that he won't take this decision lightly. He knows exactly who he owes his career to besides himself and his father, of course and that's ultimately Red Bull, the team that brought him to where he is today.' He further added, 'I think on Sunday, it hit him that even he can't save this anymore and that really affected him. Once you feel like something is beyond saving, it's hard to come back from that.' As Mercedes prepares for the future and Red Bull tries to hold on to their star driver, the next few weeks could reshape the F1 landscape. Will Verstappen stay loyal to Red Bull, or is a new chapter with Mercedes about to begin is yet to be seen.
India Today
4 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Max Verstappen to Mercedes? Meeting with Toto Wolff fuels Red Bull exit rumours
The F1 world is buzzing with speculation — will four-time world champion Max Verstappen stay at Red Bull following the controversial exit of long-time Team Principal Christian Horner, or will he make a shock move to Toto Wolff's Mercedes in hopes of his fifth title?Last week, Formula 1 fans were sent into a frenzy when social media heated up with theories about a secret meeting between Verstappen and Mercedes Team Principal Toto rumour went wild after reports emerged that two yachts — one owned by Wolff and the other by Verstappen — were spotted sailing off the coast of Sardinia at the same time. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher added fuel to the rumours while talking to no coincidence either that this week, two yachts are cruising off Sardinia — one belongs to Toto Wolff, the other to Max Verstappen. From what I hear, there's a good chance they might have had a coffee together.'More fire was added to the situation when flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 showed Verstappen's private jet landing on the Italian island around the same time Wolff was also seen in the over Verstappen's future had already been growing due to Red Bull's declining car performance, which has cost the Dutchman several podiums this season — from going P1 to P5 at the British Grand Prix, to having issues with the car during qualifiers at the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen's frustration has been visible throughout the rumours gained more weight after it was revealed that George Russell's contract with Mercedes has not yet been renewed. During the Austrian Grand Prix, neither Russell nor Wolff denied that talks with Verstappen may be Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, there is a critical clause allowing him to exit if he's no longer in contention for the championship — a clause that has come into play after the British Grand believes Verstappen won't take the decision lightly. As Mercedes can create his future and Red Bull has made him what he is today, he also highlighted the fact that Max's father will have a huge role in this decision.'What defines Max is that he won't take this decision lightly. He knows exactly who he owes his career to — besides himself and his father, of course — and that's ultimately Red Bull, the team that brought him to where he is today.'Schumacher further added that he thinks the turning point came during the British Grand Prix.'I think on Sunday, it hit him that even he can't save this anymore and that really affected him. Once you feel like something is beyond saving, it's hard to come back from that.'With a long future ahead in Formula 1, Verstappen will have to make one of the most crucial decisions of his career. Will Red Bull convince their hero driver to stay, or will Toto Wolff's magic bring Verstappen into the Silver Arrows and turn him into the face of Mercedes' next chapter?- Ends
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
‘It's no coincidence' – Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff set to meet up on holiday amid talks of Mercedes F1 switch
Verstappen and Wolff could meet for a coffee this week WOLFF HUNT 'It's no coincidence' – Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff set to meet up on holiday amid talks of Mercedes F1 switch Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAX VERSTAPPEN and Toto Wolff have both been spotted on holiday in Sardinia with the pair set to meet up. On Friday, Verstappen's private jet was tracked touching down on the Italian island in the wake of Christian Horner's Red Bull sacking on Wednesday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Red Bull star Max Verstappen has been spotted on holiday in Sardinia days after Christian Horner was sacked 5 Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was also spotted on the same Italian island, with the pair set to meet up Further tracking showed yachts owned by the four-time world champion and Wolff both off the coast of Sardinia with F1 not back in action until the Belgian Grand Prix on July 27. This comes after former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher predicted the Dutchman will meet with the Mercedes boss for a 'coffee' this week. The Sky Sports Germany pundit, 50, said: "I think it's pretty clear what Max wants. 'GT3 is something he's passionate about. Mercedes is also launching a new car in that category soon, so right now, it doesn't feel like the odds are great for him staying. READ MORE ON F1 HORNER HEARTACHE Tearful Horner sacked just days after death of mum of his daughter, 11 "I think on Sunday, it hit him that even he can't save this anymore – and that really affected him. After the race, it was obvious to me. "And once you feel like something is beyond saving, it's hard to come back from that. "It's no coincidence either that this week, two yachts are cruising off Sardinia – one belongs to Toto Wolff, the other to Max Verstappen. 5 Ralf Schumacher predicted the Dutchman will meet with the Mercedes boss this week for a 'coffee' CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "And from what I hear, there's a good chance they might have had a coffee together. "But what defines Max is that he won't take this decision lightly. He knows exactly who he owes his career to – besides himself and his father, of course – and that's ultimately Red Bull, the team that brought him to where he is today." Red Bull was ready to 'explode' under Christian Horner as Max Verstappen's future is uncertain Wolff confirmed at the Austrian Grand Prix two-weeks ago that he had held talks with Verstappen over his future. Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 but there is a break clause in his deal if he does not finish in the top three by the summer break. The chaos at Red Bull hit new heights when Horner was sensationally axed three days after Silverstone, after a run of woeful results and a year on from his 'sexting scandal'. After Horner was dismissed following 20 years in charge, Verstappen wrote on Instagram: "From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. "Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!" However, it's thought that Verstappen will sit tight until 2027 to weigh up which team has come out on top following next year's new technical regulations. 5 Verstappen's team principal Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull this week
