Latest news with #BelgianGrandPrix


Time of India
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Why Red Bull's upgrades are crucial for Max Verstappen at Belgian Grand Prix
Max Verstappen (Image credit: Instagram) Max Verstappen is currently standing on the boundary line of the Formula 1 Championship with only two wins in 12 races this season. He is currently in the number 3 spot in the Formula 1 Driver Standings, but if he slips out of the top three, he could activate the release clause in his contract with Red Bull. Now, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has said the updates that will be introduced at Red Bull at the Belgian Grand Prix have little ground to fall into place, and if they don't work out as expected, Verstappen could lose all his chances of claiming the championship. Helmut Marko on Red Bull upgrades at Belgian Grand Prix Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko looks hopeful about the Red Bull updates to be introduced at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix and the following Hungarian Grand Prix. Marko told OE24, 'There are still 332 points up for grabs, which is a decent package. We hope the updates we're bringing to Spa and Budapest will have an impact.' The Belgian Grand Prix is scheduled from July 25–26. But since there is a Sprint race as well, only one practice session has been included in the schedule. The other two free practice sessions have been omitted to make space for the Sprint qualifying and then the Sprint. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo When asked if having an additional Sprint could be beneficial for the team to grab points, Marko said, 'Yes and no. On the one hand, there are more points up for grabs. But on the other hand, two practice sessions are cancelled. We can't afford a disastrous Friday practice and then get the car into the right tyre window. Everything has to be right, right from the start.' If Red Bull upgrades fail to work at Belgian Grand Prix Helmut Marko, however, also indicated that if the updates fail to help Verstappen improve his race performance, they may stop thinking about remaining in the championship at all. Max Verstappen is currently third in the Driver Standings with 165 points. Mercedes driver George Russell is a close fourth with 147 points. If he slips out of the top three, he may be free to leave Red Bull before his contract comes to an end. On the other hand, McLaren's Oscar Piastri is leading with 234 points and has his teammate Lando Norris in a close second with 226 points. Also Read: Inside Max Verstappen's yacht outing with Kelly Piquet, daughter Lily: Drinks, surfing — but no Toto Wolff But the Belgian Grand Prix is Verstappen's home race, and he has won it three times consecutively — in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Unlikely to Rebound After Horner Exit, According to Schumacher
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. Red Bull's competitiveness will be under the scanner when Formula One returns next weekend for the Belgian Grand Prix, given the sudden ousting of former team principal Christian Horner. Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher believes Red Bull will be unable to add significant performance to its car, especially in 2026, which could push Max Verstappen to Mercedes. Red Bull hasn't had a great start to the 2025 season. The campaign began with Verstappen struggling with his RB21 F1 car, which followed speculation about his potential switch to Mercedes. Following the British Grand Prix, Red Bull decided to part ways with Horner, adding to the team's uncertain future, especially considering that F1 enters a new era of regulations next year. Horner has been replaced by former Racing Bulls team principal, Laurent Mekies. Related: Red Bull to Part Ways With Yuki Tsunoda After 2025 Season: Report Red Bull has been developing the power units for the 2026 car for the first time, collaborating with automotive giant Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. But with the team struggling to solve issues on the current car, Schumacher doubts Red Bull's 2026 car, designed by technical director Pierre Waché, will match the performance of the cars designed by former Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey, who moved to Aston Martin this year. Revealing that Horner's exit won't change the technical side of things at Red Bull for the short-term future, Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing 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"The change of team principal will not change anything in the technical team for the time being. Designer Pierre Waché will continue to build the car next year. "It almost looks as if he will not be able to close this gap, replace Adrian Newey in any way and build a car capable of winning. Red Bull will therefore face a difficult time." Mercedes driver George Russell admitted recently that his contract extension discussions were on hold due to the team's ongoing talks with Verstappen. Team principal Toto Wolff also acknowledged the discussions, but stressed that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will likely form the 2026 driver lineup. Despite the assurance, rumors surrounding Verstappen and Mercedes continue to do the rounds after Horner's exit. Schumacher added that the four-time world champion will have to consider a Mercedes switch if he intends to find performance next year. He said: "Verstappen is in a dilemma. The signs are not good for Red Bull at the moment. If Max Verstappen wants to have short-term success next year, he will have to look elsewhere. "I therefore believe that the journey is heading towards Mercedes. I could imagine that he himself is still struggling because he is naturally attached to Red Bull."


Newsweek
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Franco Colapinto Gets Alpine F1 Future Clarity After Shaky Start
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. There is another twist in the Franco Colapinto saga - Alpine is reportedly keeping him on the team for the remainder of the season. Colapinto's shaky start in the Alpine seat has raised questions about his future, particularly since senior advisor Flavio Briatore appears non-committal to the Argentine's future. Those doubts are quelled for the time being as Renault Argentina CEO Pablo Sibilla answered a question about Colapinto's future. An Argentine broadcaster asked if Colapinto's seat is secure for more than a couple of races. Franco Colapinto of Argentina and Alpine F1 looks on in the Pitlane during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, England. Franco Colapinto of Argentina and Alpine F1 looks on in the Pitlane during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, England. Photo by"Yes, end of year," Sibilla responded. Sibilla's statement comes during an uncertain period for Colapinto. Rumors suggest he could be replaced for the Belgian Grand Prix, but he appears calm when speaking to the media at Silverstone. "I'm not very concerned," he said. "Of course, there is always talks. I just need to keep working and trying to help the team to improve the car." Colapinto replaced Australian Jack Doohan for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, but he is yet to score points and has made it out of Q2 just once in his first six races. Also, an alarming trend from his time at Williams is carrying over to Alpine - Colapinto is having incidents on track, which are setting him back further. At the Spanish Grand Prix, Briatore began doubting Colapinto in public. "If Colapinto is performing, he's driving the car. If not, we'll see - 2025 is a year we need to prepare ourselves for 2026," Briatore said. "So whatever experiment I need doing, we're doing. I don't know if Franco will stay for the season, but let's see. Depends on the performance. "We're only looking at the performance - nothing else." In fairness to Colapinto, he has battled technical issues in the car and rough luck, which hampered him in races. He didn't even start the British Grand Prix due to one of these issues - fully capturing the rough luck and poor performances this season. If Sibilla is correct and the Argentine stays in the Alpine, Colapinto must perform and impress the demanding Briatore. Some of his luck should eventually start to turn, but he must get to grips with the car or risk getting replaced by Valtteri Bottas or Paul Aron. More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.


Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Christian Horner could make shock return to F1 with Red Bull's rivals after brutal sacking and have very frosty reunion
CHRISTIAN HORNER is jobless for the first time since 2004 after his brutal Red Bull sacking last week. The 51-year-old is now twidling his thumbs on gardening leave for the rest of the year. 6 Christian Horner could be back in F1 next year after his Red Bull gardening leave Credit: AFP 6 Horner has had huge success with Red Bull but was brutally sacked last week Credit: Getty And Horner and will be weighing up his options from January 2026 onwards. Rumours have been swirling around over the Brit's potential destinations - including a shock move to Ferrari. Reports in Italian and German media begun claiming in May that Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur's position is under threat. Vasseur hit out at the reports and said they were "disrespectful" and "very harsh". But German outlet BILD has added fuel to the fire, claiming that Ferrari had made "informal" contact with Horner. Horner dismissed the report - but speculation will continue to grow as the weeks go by with him sitting on the sidelines. Come the Belgian Grand Prix later this month, Horner will be missing from the F1 paddock for the first time in nearly 21 years. And Horner, who won six constructors' championships and eight drivers' titles with Red Bull, will no doubt be getting itchy feet soon. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS If Horner did pen an unlikely move at Ferrari it would see him form a wild pairing with his old rival, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton has a Ferrari contract until at least the end of 2026 and is already a huge voice within the Italian team. Christian Horner SACKED by Red Bull F1! Shock Departure After 20 Years It is likely he would not be impressed if Horner replaced Vasseur, given he is a big fan of the Frenchman and has thrown his support behind him in public. When Vasseur's future was under speculation, Hamilton said: "I love working with Fred – Fred's the main reason I'm in this team and got the opportunity to be here, for which I'm forever grateful for, and we're in this together. 'We're working hard in the background, things aren't perfect but, for me, I'm here to work with the team but also with Fred. "I want Fred here. I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top, so that's that. So it's all nonsense." Bad blood Hamilton took a strong take on Horner's alleged 'inappropriate behaviour' with a female colleague last year. The ex-Red Bull boss was twice cleared from it by an independent investigation but Hamilton said it was "hanging over the sport" and said the outcome was "important for the future of F1". He also hit out at Horner in 2023 for "stirring" when he claimed Hamilton tried to join his team after leaving Mercedes. At the time Horner said that a member of Hamilton's team had been in touch over a possible switch to Red Bull earlier in the year. Hamilton rebuffed it and said Horner had actually been the one to text him and try set up a meeting. Obviously there was bad blood going back between the two during Hamilton and Max Verstappen's fierce and controversial title fight in 2021 which reached its crescendo in the contentious season finale in Abu Dhabi. 6 There is speculation Horner could replace under-fire Fred Vasseur at Ferrari Credit: Getty 6 Horner could find himself in a frosty partnership with Lewis Hamilton Credit: Getty 6 There is still some bad blood after Max Verstappen's controversial world title win over Hamilton in 2021 Credit: AP Hamilton changed his tune Recently, with Horner still at Red bull, Hamilton admitted he regretted referring to Red Bull as a "drinks company" in 2011. His comments suggested that he is previous beef with Horner was water under the bridge. At Silverstone he said: "Many, many years ago, I remember saying something about Red Bull being only a drinks company. 'I always regretted it because I was just saying that Mercedes at the time were great. "I was really just trying to gee up my team. But the truth is, Red Bull have been an incredible team. There are so many people there that are exceptional and they've dominated for years.' Horner makes his feelings on Hamilton known It feels like Horner would have no qualms working with the British 40-year-old, who he has praised in public this season. Speaking earlier in the year, Horner said of Hamilton's Ferrari move: "I've seen some pictures, I think it [Ferrari red] suits him. "It's great for Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari – that really is box office. "I think it's just another dynamic for this year that could be super exciting." Back in 2023, Horner was asked whether he would sign Hamilton for Red Bull. He replied: "What Lewis has achieved in F1 is second to none, but we're very happy with the drivers that we have – they're committed as a pair for not only this season but the next season as well. "I can't see where we would be able to accommodate Lewis, but I'm sure they're [Mercedes] going to sort their issues out and we're certainly not writing him off yet."


The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Christian Horner could make shock return to F1 with Red Bull's rivals after brutal sacking and have very frosty reunion
CHRISTIAN HORNER is jobless for the first time since 2004 after his brutal Red Bull sacking last week. The 51-year-old is now twidling his thumbs on gardening leave for the rest of the year. 6 Christian Horner could be back in F1 next year after his Red Bull gardening leave Credit: AFP 6 Horner has had huge success with Red Bull but was brutally sacked last week Credit: Getty And Horner and will be weighing up his options from January 2026 onwards. Rumours have been swirling around over the Brit's potential destinations - including a shock move to Ferrari. Reports in Italian and German media begun claiming in May that Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur's position is under threat. Vasseur hit out at the reports and said they were "disrespectful" and "very harsh". But German outlet BILD has added fuel to the fire, claiming that Ferrari had made "informal" contact with Horner. Horner dismissed the report - but speculation will continue to grow as the weeks go by with him sitting on the sidelines. Come the Belgian Grand Prix later this month, Horner will be missing from the F1 paddock for the first time in nearly 21 years. And Horner, who won six constructors' championships and eight drivers' titles with Red Bull, will no doubt be getting itchy feet soon. Most read in Motorsport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS If Horner did pen an unlikely move at Ferrari it would see him form a wild pairing with his old rival, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton has a Ferrari contract until at least the end of 2026 and is already a huge voice within the Italian team. Christian Horner SACKED by Red Bull F1! Shock Departure After 20 Years It is likely he would not be impressed if Horner replaced Vasseur, given he is a big fan of the Frenchman and has thrown his support behind him in public. When Vasseur's future was under speculation, Hamilton said: "I love working with Fred – Fred's the main reason I'm in this team and got the opportunity to be here, for which I'm forever grateful for, and we're in this together. 'We're working hard in the background, things aren't perfect but, for me, I'm here to work with the team but also with Fred. "I want Fred here. I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top, so that's that. So it's all nonsense." Bad blood Hamilton took a strong take on Horner's alleged 'inappropriate behaviour' with a female colleague last year. The ex-Red Bull boss was twice cleared from it by an independent investigation but Hamilton said it was "hanging over the sport" and said the outcome was "important for the future of F1". He also hit out at Horner in 2023 for "stirring" when he claimed Hamilton tried to join his team after leaving Mercedes. At the time Horner said that a member of Hamilton's team had been in touch over a possible switch to Red Bull earlier in the year. Hamilton rebuffed it and said Horner had actually been the one to text him and try set up a meeting. Obviously there was bad blood going back between the two during 6 There is speculation Horner could replace under-fire Fred Vasseur at Ferrari Credit: Getty 6 Horner could find himself in a frosty partnership with Lewis Hamilton Credit: Getty 6 There is still some bad blood after Max Verstappen's controversial world title win over Hamilton in 2021 Credit: AP Hamilton changed his tune Recently, with Horner still at Red bull, Hamilton admitted he regretted referring to Red Bull as a "drinks company" in 2011. His comments suggested that he is previous beef with Horner was water under the bridge. At Silverstone he said: "Many, many years ago, I remember saying something about Red Bull being only a drinks company. 'I always regretted it because I was just saying that Mercedes at the time were great. "I was really just trying to gee up my team. But the truth is, Red Bull have been an incredible team. There are so many people there that are exceptional and they've dominated for years.' Horner makes his feelings on Hamilton known It feels like Horner would have no qualms working with the British 40-year-old, who he has praised in public this season. Speaking earlier in the year, Horner said of Hamilton's Ferrari move: "I've seen some pictures, I think it [Ferrari red] suits him. "It's great for Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari – that really is box office. "I think it's just another dynamic for this year that could be super exciting." Back in 2023, Horner was asked whether he would sign Hamilton for Red Bull. Read more on the Irish Sun He replied: "What Lewis has achieved in F1 is second to none, but we're very happy with the drivers that we have – they're committed as a pair for not only this season but the next season as well. "I can't see where we would be able to accommodate Lewis, but I'm sure they're [Mercedes] going to sort their issues out and we're certainly not writing him off yet." 6