Latest news with #Drivers'Championship
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Max Verstappen Reinforces Drive To Survive Villain Image in Controversial Spanish GP
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 driver Max Verstappen was at the center of yet another controversy on track, this time after colliding with George Russell during the final laps of the Spanish Grand Prix. Red Bull ordered Verstappen to give up a position to Russell after the two cars collided during the closing stages of the race. Verstappen vehemently disagreed with the switch, arguing that he was not in the wrong and should be allowed to keep his place on the radio. On track, Verstappen looked like he was going to let Russell through, but Verstappen rammed into the Mercedes car in a fit of rage. A 10-second time penalty was given to Verstappen, which dropped him from P5 to P10. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands walks past the podium after driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona,... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands walks past the podium after driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain More Photo byThe collision led to several reactions on social media condemning Verstappen's move on Russell. "OH MY WORD MAX VERSTAPPEN HAS JUST INTENTIONALLY CRASHED INTO GEORGE RUSSELL WHATTTT 🤯🤯," @formula1god posted on X. "Max Verstappen is a sore loser, and i will never have an ounce of respect for him," someone else posted on X. "Max Verstappen is an absolute disgrace. Disgusting personality, awful attitude, constant cheat and moaner. Driver and team alike are a massive let down to the sport. An embarrassment for F1 truly," a third posted on X. This kind of scathing criticism has regularly been issued to Verstappen for his tendency to drive extremely aggressively. During his fight with Lewis Hamilton for the 2021 Drivers' Championship, Verstappen had several moments where he clashed with Hamilton, many of which were captured in Netflix's Drive To Survive. This angle of the Hamilton-Verstappen crash is absolutely nuts. That halo has saved Hamilton 😦 — Sioned Dafydd (@SionedDafydd) September 12, 2021 Verstappen has garnered a reputation, whether fairly or unfairly, as a driver willing to crash or have contact if it means that his competitor is also knocked out of the race. This reputation leads drivers, most notably Lando Norris, to race carefully to avoid collisions, knowing that Verstappen will likely not provide the necessary space through certain areas. Last season, George Russell got into a war of words with Verstappen regarding the Dutch driver's on-track behavior and hot-headed nature. "People have been bullied by Max for years now, and you can't question his driving abilities. But he cannot deal with adversity," Russell said in December about Verstappen. "Whenever anything has gone against him, he lashes out. Budapest this year, the very first race the car wasn't dominant, crashing into Lewis [Hamilton], slamming his team.." Verstappen has said on numerous occasions that he does not mind what other people think about his driving style, claiming all he wants to do is win. While the four-time champion is known to drive beyond his car's limits and extract pace out of nowhere, that same ability translates over to his on-track fights, leaving Formula 1 as a whole left to take the brilliance with the erratic behavior. Drama in the closing stages of the race! 😱 Max Verstappen drops to P10 following a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with George Russell #F1 #SpanishGP — Formula 1 (@F1) June 1, 2025 More F1: Max Verstappen Awarded FIA Platinum License for Endurance Racing For more F1, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Lewis Hamilton slams 'waste of money' after unexpected outcome at Spanish GP
Formula 1 chiefs forced teams to develop new front wings ahead of Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix but Lewis Hamilton believes that the money would've been better off going to charity A bemused Lewis Hamilton claims that it was a 'waste of money' to force the teams to develop new front wings ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. It was hoped that the eagerly-anticipated changes might help the likes of Hamilton's Ferrari move closer to reigning Constructors' champions and runaway leaders McLaren. But it became evident after the first practice session on Friday that the changes hadn't made much of an impact. Then in qualifying, McLaren completed a front-row lockout, as Oscar Piastri grabbed pole with team-mate British star Lando Norris right behind him. Towards the end of last season, McLaren's so-called flexi front wing prompted rivals Red Bull and Ferrari to seek clarification from Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, over its design. In response, a 5mm reduction of permissible flex in the wings when tested by FIA chiefs has now been introduced ahead of Sunday's Grand Prix in Barcelona. But Hamilton, who went fifth fastest in qualifying, hasn't seen the benefit. It has not made a difference," the Ferrari star bemoaned. "It's been a waste of money. It's just wasted everyone's money. "Everyone's wings still bend, it's just half the bending, and everyone's had to make new wings and spend more money to make these. It doesn't make sense... I would have given that money to charity." McLaren team principal Andrea Stella explained that his team never feared that the stricter tests flex tests would a 'game-changer', with Piastri and Norris also leading the Drivers' Championship race. "The technical directive was a big talking point," Stella told Sky Sports at the Circuit de Catalunya. "It was quite immaterial. It was always going to be minor when you look at the numbers. It entertained to have this kind of debate but our simulations said everything was very small. We weren't concerned from this point of view." Who'll win the Spanish Grand Prix? Give us your prediction in the comments section. Hamilton was still happy with his own performance on Saturday, out-qualifying team-mate Charles Leclerc for only the second time this year. The seven-time world champion is now eyeing his first Grand Prix podium in the red of Ferrari after a frustrating first few months with his new team. "Friday started off fun, but we had some problem with the floor in FP2 and I was losing a lot of downforce. But we fixed it for today and the car was much more drive-able, much more enjoyable," Hamilton said. "We clearly have made an improvement going into qualifying to get into Q3 when it's so close and to be in the top five, I'm really happy with that." Sign up to our free weekly F1 newsletter, Pit Lane Chronicle, by entering your email address below so that every new edition lands straight in your inbox! The 40-year-old added: "I did get a bit of a long run yesterday [in practice] and it's definitely going to be close between everybody. It's amazing how close everybody is in qualifying and how half a tenth can put you from sixth down to 11th. That's pretty mad. "The long run is going to be challenging tomorrow for everybody. I think most people have mostly softs and one medium, Charles and a couple of other people have two mediums. "Which tyres are the best? Which strategy is the best? We'll see. They key is going to be getting a good start. My goal is to get a podium - I haven't had a podium in God knows how long, so that's my target for tomorrow."
Hans India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
Fernando Alonso to be only Aston Martin car in Spanish GP
Barcelona: Aston Martin have confirmed that Lance Stroll will miss the Spanish Grand Prix as the Canadian is scheduled to undergo a medical procedure following pain in his hand and wrist. Stroll took part in Qualifying at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Saturday and finished 14th but the team announced a few hours later that he will sit out the rest of the weekend. A statement released by Aston Martin read, 'Over the course of the past six weeks Lance has been experiencing pain in his hand and wrist, which his medical consultant believes is in relation to the procedure he underwent in 2023. As a result his medical team have confirmed that he will not race tomorrow and he will undergo a procedure to rectify these issues before focusing on his recovery.' Stroll suffered fractures and a broken toe in a cycling accident during the 2023 pre-season, which required surgery and a period of rehabilitation. Despite initial doubts from his medical team about whether he could compete in the early races, he made a successful return for the season opener in Bahrain, finishing an impressive sixth. Ahead of the 2024 season, Stroll revealed that he had adopted a more cautious approach to his training routine. Now in his seventh season with Aston Martin - having joined the team in 2019 when it was still operating as Racing Point - the 26-year-old currently holds 11th place in the Drivers' Championship with 14 points. His results have helped place the British team eighth in the Constructors' standings, while teammate Fernando Alonso, yet to score points this season, is set to start Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix from 10th on the grid. Due to the sporting regulations, Fernando will be their only car competing in the race.
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Charles Leclerc's royal link, TikTok star partner, salary half of Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc is one of the biggest stars in Formula 1, and he will be aiming to make an impact this weekend when the biggest show in town rolls into his home of Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix The world-famous Monaco Grand Prix is next on the F1 calendar, taking place on Sunday. The lavish setting is also home to one of the sport's best-loved stars, Charles Leclerc. The 27-year-old, known for his boyish good looks and down-to-earth charm, may be yet to win the Drivers' Championship, but he has certainly captured hearts since taking up with Ferrari in 2019. Leclerc was runner-up in the Formula 1 Championship in 2022 and has won eight Grands Prix across eight seasons. Yet he has found it challenging this campaign as the Scuderia grapples with the inclusion of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. With Leclerc now entering a crucial stage of his career, with a contract extension with the Prancing Horse signed in early 2024, we take a closer look at the Monegasque star. Royal family links Such is Leclerc's standing in his place of birth, he was chosen by HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco to join the ranks of the Ambassadors of Her Foundation. Charlene is the wife of Prince Albert II, who has reigned since 2005. Since that accolade, he has crossed paths with Monaco's first family on several occasions. Leclerc later realised the dream of a lifetime as he clinched victory in the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2024. Prince Albert joined Leclerc on the podium as his nation's national anthem echoed around the Circuit de Monaco. Afterwards, the 27-year-old driver's ties to the Principality's Royal Family were strengthened as he accompanied them to the balcony, where he and Prince Albert sprayed bottles of champagne. The driver also dined at the Grimaldi Palace after his win. Leclerc is viewed as something of a hero in Monaco. Six famous figures from the region, including the Royal couple, joined Leclerc in having the honour of carrying the eternal Olympic flame as it passed through the Principality ahead of the Paris Games. In another Royal link, Leclerc is signed to the same talent agency as Prince Harry and Megan Markle, with Harry spotted watching races on occasion, although it's unknown if the two have a friendship. For all his glamorous friends, and Monaco being known as the home of the millionaire, Leclerc has explained how he had it a little different growing up. "My grandfather had quite a big plastic industry," he said. "My parents aren't particularly rich, my grandparents were a little bit, so they were helping us pay for the hotels." Tiktok star girlfriend Leclerc has been dating Alexandra Saint Mleux for two years. The couple was first linked in March 2023, and the Ferrari star confirmed the relationship just two months later during an interview. Alexandra is an art history student and social media influencer with two million followers on Instagram. The star has also recently been flaunting her modelling credentials, appearing in a major campaign for Hailey Bieber's company, Rhode. Since going public, the pair have been seen at numerous sporting events, and Alexandra has been spotted cheering on her boyfriend from the stands. The pair also share a young puppy, Leo. His salary As of March 2025, Leclerc is currently the third highest-paid driver in Formula 1, raking in £25.2million ($34m) last year. However, since storming into Ferrari, Hamilton has edged ahead of him, commanding a huge salary of £44.5m ($60m), a figure that almost doubles the Monegasque's annual fee. Prior to the season, Leclerc stated he was "ready [to win] the championship", yet 2025 has seen both Ferrari drivers struggle with just one podium between them in seven races as Leclerc clinched third in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, for all his latest struggles, Leclerc is thought to have a net worth of almost £93m, as per Racing News 365. While that figure is not confirmed, sponsorships and endorsements with the likes of watchmaker Richard Mille, PUMA, Ray-Ban, Giorgio Armani and EA Sports are thought to have swelled Leclerc's bank balance to a handsome sum.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Damon Hill's tragic admission about dad's death, net worth, private Michael Schumacher chat
Damon Hill's tragic admission about dad's death, net worth, private Michael Schumacher chat Damon Hill's crash with Michael Schumacher at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix will go down as one of the biggest controversies in Formula One history Damon Hill could have won the F1 title in 1994 (Image: Getty Images ) Damon Hill will always be remembered as a Formula 1's legend thanks to his 1996 championship Win. The 64-year-old was driving for Williams almost three decades ago when he successfully dethroned Benetton's Michael Schumacher, thanks to a remarkable season which saw him claim victory at eight races as well as two second-place finishes. However, Hill may have actually claimed his first title two years earlier, had it not have been for one of the sport's most scandalous happenings which Schumacher was a part of. Hill trailed the German by just a single point heading into the Australian Grand. While Hill's team-mate and fellow Brit Nigel Mansell qualified in pole position for the race, he lost his lead to Schumacher on the very first corner. Hill quickly closed in on second place, and the positions remained the same up until lap 36. It was then that Schumacher lost control on the East Terrace corner, briefly skimming the wall before returning to the track. Hill seized the slip up as a chance to attempt to overtake Schumacher from the inside on the very next corner, but Schumacher refused to yield. As a result, Hill's left tyre rammed into Schumacher's car, sending the German spiralling towards the barriers on two wheels. However, when Hill returned to the pit, mechanics spotted that the suspension on his Williams FW14B was too badly damaged to continue. With both men out of the race, Schumacher remained ahead of Hill on points in the Drivers' Championship, and lifted his first world title. Hill got his revenge a couple of years later, running away with the title ahead of Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve. More recently he has been a familiar face to F1 fans as part of Sky Sports' coverage, although he stepped back from the channel last year. Article continues below Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, we take a look at some of the most important and notable incidents in Hill's life. Damon Hill's response to Michael Schumacher When asked if he ever confronted Schumacher about the incident in 1994, Hill recently told the High Performance podcast: "I did the next day. He was having breakfast and I went up to him. I said, 'Well done, world champion.' "And he sort of looked at me rather sheepishly and said thanks, but I never spoke to him after that. We had our moments the following year, '95, it was an absolute disaster. I basically got over excited a few times and we had more contretemps, but yeah, I didn't come out too well looking in '95." Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher collided in 1994 (Image: FORMULA 1 / YOUTUBE ) And while Hill has always insisted that he had no bad blood with Schumacher away from racing, it was a completely different story when the two were lined up on the grid. He previously told German outlet BILD: "Michael and I actually got on well, but on the track we hated each other. "It was and is not possible to be any other way if you want to become Formula 1 world champion. There was no room for niceties. You have to exploit every weakness of your opponent and wear him down with it." He added: "Michael was a master of psychological games. He made me feel like I was useless and untalented. And he told the press that too. Because he won a lot of races back then, there was no reason not to believe him." Damon Hill inspired by his father to race Elsewhere in his conversation with High Performance, Hill spoke about the passing of his father, Graham Hill, when he was just 15 years old. A legendary driver who earned the nickname 'Mr. Monaco', Graham achieved World Championships in 1962 and 1968 before tragically passing away at the age of 46 in November 1975, when his Piper PA-23 Aztec light aircraft crashed near Arkley while approaching Elstree Airfield in thick fog. Soon after his father's passing, Hill began single-seater racing and the rest is history. As per Herald Scotland, Hill said: "What was the purpose of me racing? There was an element of me trying to reinstate something that was destroyed or lost. Damon Hill was just 15 when his dad died (Image: Sutton Images ) "Maybe I was trying to right some of the wrongs of the past - that was an aspect of what was going on, but I don't think it was the whole thing. You can't entirely concoct motivation - it's either in you or it isn't." Speaking with High Performance, Hill added: "I was very proud of my dad, and I never got to find out whether he would have been approving of me becoming a racing driver. He did say when I was younger that he was asked by an interviewer, 'Would you like your son to become a racing driver?' "And he said, 'Well, I think he's too intelligent to become a racing driver,' but he was clearly wrong. In those days it was very dangerous so I can understand if he didn't want me to be a racing driver. But yeah, definitely very proud - a little moment of reflection on that. The meaning of that. "Sad that he wasn't there to see it happen, my mum was around. But I think that we all felt very much that he was present in some way." Damon Hill's net worth Thanks to an incredible F1 career, Hill has managed to rack up an estimated fortune of around £22million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. During his racing career, Hill earned a significant amount of prize money supplemented by lucrative sponsorship deals - however, these most like pale when compared to the sums awarded to modern F1 stars. Article continues below After retiring from racing following the 1999 season, Hill took up tenure as the President of the British Racing Drivers' Club, and has since worked in punditry for Sky Sports.
