Latest news with #Drivers'Championship
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Insider Says 2025 F1 Title Race Will Be a Two-Way Fight Without Verstappen
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Former driver and Sky Sports F1 presenter Martin Brundle has predicted that the final 2025 Drivers' Championship battle will take place between McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. If the claim turns out to be true later in the season, it would be the first championship fight without Max Verstappen since 2020. The 2024 season marked the resurgence of teams such as Mercedes and Ferrari in the current ground effect era. However, McLaren's impact was felt the most, as Norris came quite close to winning the title but lost out to Verstappen in Las Vegas. The Papaya outfit still managed to win the Constructors' Championship. The 2025 season seems like the year of the McLarens, given both Piastri and Norris occupy the top two positions in the Drivers' Standings in the same order. The Woking-based outfit revamped the MCL39 F1 car for the current year, and the efforts seem to have paid off. McLaren has dominated most races of the season thus far as Red Bull continues to face challenges with its RB21. The recent ousting of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner could add to the team's challenges, and it remains to be seen how his replacement, Laurent Mekies, ensures the team gets back to its winning ways. McLaren's British driver Lando Norris takes the lead at the start of the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring race track in Spielberg, Austria, on June 29, 2025. McLaren's British driver Lando Norris takes the lead at the start of the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring race track in Spielberg, Austria, on June 29, 2025. MAX SLOVENCIK/APA/AFP/Getty Images Considering the way McLaren has been gaining in both championships, and with Verstappen being third in the drivers' title with a 61-point deficit to Norris, Brundle claimed that the fight for the title will be between the two McLaren drivers. He wrote in his Sky F1 column: "With the Ferrari boys, Verstappen and Russell having a more difficult day, and with the McLaren duo a full two seconds faster per lap than the rest of the field in some phases, as Silverstone marks the halfway point of the season, albeit with four of the six Sprint races remaining, it seems the Drivers' Championship showdown will indeed be between Piastri and Norris, and we can expect some fireworks there." Brundle then highlighted Piastri's radio message during the last stage of the British Grand Prix, requesting McLaren to swap positions. Piastri led the race initially but dropped to P2 behind Norris after to a 10-second penalty for a safety car infringement. However, McLaren refused to hand out team orders. Brundle added: "That's the first time we've seen the angry side of the calm silent Aussie assassin. Oscar's radio call for the places to be swapped if the team thought he'd received an unfair penalty was more than cheeky, though."
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
F1 Insider Urges Mercedes to Drop Kimi Antonelli For Max Verstappen
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. Former Haas Formula One team principal Guenther Steiner believes Mercedes should drop rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli for Max Verstappen, instead of George Russell. Since Russell opened up about Mercedes' ongoing talks with Verstappen, suggesting this as the reason for the delay in his contract extension, rumors have been doing the rounds that Mercedes would likely drop Russell from its driver lineup if it were to sign Verstappen. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed his interest in the four-time world champion, but admitted that it was less likely that Verstappen would race for his team in 2026. Despite this acknowledgement, Wolff revealed that he would be considering Verstappen for the long-term. While Verstappen has pledged his loyalty to Red Bull several times in the past, the recent ousting of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner could have led to a change in his preferences. Thus, the rumor mill continues to churn out reports of Verstappen's potential signing with Mercedes, but Steiner believes Mercedes should loan Antonelli to another team, such as Alpine or Williams, for a year and make full use of a powerful Verstappen-Russell driver lineup. Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix... Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. MoreVerstappen has won two Grands Prix thus far, while Russell won his first race of the season in Canada. The Briton showcased his strong talent alongside Lewis Hamilton last year, outscoring the seven-time world champion in the Drivers' Championship. Steiner explained that it would make more sense to let Russell drive alongside Verstappen, given the higher chance of winning races, compared to Kimi Antonelli, who has secured one podium finish this season but is yet to win a race. Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, the former Haas team boss said: "How could they replace George with Max and leave Kimi Antonelli there if Mercedes wants to win a world championship? Kimi did one good race in Canada. "The rest, how many good races did he have? Not many. So you take George out, who is doing a good job, like him or not, he's doing a good job. He won a race [in Canada], so he's obviously a good leader there. "I think they [Mercedes] would need to take Kimi out to put Max in. I would understand that one at the moment say, 'Hey, Kimi, let's do a year at Alpine, or Williams,' wherever, build it up." Steiner acknowledged that Kimi Antonelli was a good driver, but him not winning in a capable car would do him no good. He added: "He's a good driver, but he needs to get experience. Being thrown in at that age, in a car which could win races, and you don't win, it is not good for your build-up, so that's difficult."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Nelson Piquet on Christian Horner's sacking from Red Bull: 'Some didn't like the team environment'
Nelson Piquet (left) with Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet (Image credit: Instagram) Nelson Piquet has divulged some inside details about what may have led to Christian Horner's sacking from Red Bull. He is the father of Red Bull champion Max Verstappen's girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, and a three-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion. The F1 veteran indicated that Horner's presence at Red Bull made it difficult for the team to hire new talent or bring back former colleagues. Who is Nelson Piquet? Christian Horner served as the Team Principal at Red Bull for 20 years, during which Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen won multiple Formula One World Championships. Verstappen is currently in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, the daughter of Nelson Piquet and his second ex-wife, Sylvia Tamsma. He is also the grandfather of Kelly and Max's baby girl, Lily. Nelson Piquet on what went wrong at Red Bull Dropping a truth bomb during the Pelas Pistas podcast, Nelson Piquet said, 'What's the reason they are struggling to keep Max? I heard it's that they have difficulty bringing some key people back or hiring, because some didn't like the team environment. Those little problems came up between [Horner] and Max's father. In a way, it bothered some people, and for them to bring the people they want back, some felt that with Christian there, it would be more difficult. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 痛みのない血糖測定器が何百万人もの人々の生活を変えています Wmet 今すぐ購入 Undo ' He continued, 'That's what people have been saying. It was about sharing tasks a little bit more, and Horner didn't want to do that. He wanted to maintain control over everything—both teams, over the engines; he wanted to be in control of everything. But for him, it was a win-win situation.' Piquet also stressed that Verstappen wasn't the reason behind Horner's dismissal. Horner was removed from his role at Red Bull during a season in which the team has struggled to maintain form, despite Verstappen winning the Drivers' Championship title last year. Piquet claimed, 'If he gets all the power, for him, it's a huge moral issue. And if he doesn't, he gets a huge amount of money — almost 100 million dollars. Maybe part of that is psychological, so they can get rid of him and hire this list of people back. It's not just because of Max.' Also Read: Sacked Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner's wife Geri Horner hit by £1 million debt Horner has reportedly been placed on gardening leave, during which he will receive a hefty salary. He has been replaced by Racing Bulls Team Principal, Laurent Mekies. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Christian Horner shares young fan's video calling sacked Red Bull Team Principal 'My hero'
Image credit: Christian Horner/Instagram Christian Horner is currently on an indefinite gardening leave after being relieved of his responsibilities at Red Bull. Days after his departure, the former Red Bull Team Principal shared a video of a young fan who read out a heartfelt letter, calling Horner his hero. The boy was seen standing in front of a television playing footage of Horner's career highlights, reading his letter aloud in tribute. Christian Horner receives heartwarming tribute from young fan Christian Horner shared the video on his Instagram Stories on Monday, identifying the young fan as Teddy. He captioned it, 'Thank you Teddy,' followed by a smiling emoji. In the video, Teddy holds a printed poster and reads from behind it: 'To my hero Christian Horner. You are the person who inspired me to start watching Formula 1 five years ago. You have been the fire behind the team for the past twenty years and brought so many victories. You will forever have a place in my heart.' Image credit: Instagram He continues: 'You went where no one else dared to go with smart solutions and investments. I will never forget what you have achieved and what you still can achieve in the future. Watching the race is my favorite part of the week, especially seeing Red Bull in the Constructors' Championship and Max in the Drivers' Championship. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo It will never be the same watching races knowing you're no longer on the pit wall. Hearing you cheer after the drivers' success will always stay with me, even when I need to concentrate. You will forever remain in our hearts, so please don't forget that. Greetings from your biggest 10-year-old fan, Teddy.' At the end of the video, Teddy holds up his printed poster featuring Horner's photo with the words 'To my hero' and 'legend' written on it. The video concludes with Horner saying, 'Thank you, Teddy.' Christian Horner's exit from Red Bull According to multiple reports, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was also present at the internal meeting where Horner's future was decided by company leadership. Also Read: Sacked Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner's wife Geri Horner hit by £1 million debt Horner was asked to step down after spending 20 years with the team, during which he led Red Bull to championship victories with stars like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. He reflected on his career and accomplishments in a farewell note posted on Instagram. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Newsweek
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Ferrari Sent Lewis Hamilton Exit Warning Amid Christian Horner Rumours
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. Christian Horner's potential move to Ferrari as team principal Fred Vasseur's replacement could pave the way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's departure, according to Will Buxton. Horner served as Red Bull Racing's team principal for 20 years before being ousted by the team on Wednesday. While the reason for his exit remains unknown, Ferrari's interest in Horner, which dated back to 2022, has resurfaced, especially given the rumors of Vasseur's potential exit in the recent races. Speculation is that Ferrari is unhappy with Vasseur's performance, although these rumors have been shut down by Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc. The Maranello-based outfit last won the Constructors' Championship in 2008. Kimi Räikkönen was the last Ferrari driver to have secured the 2007 Drivers' Championship. Horner's availability has led many to believe that Ferrari could approach him again. However, motorsport journalist Buxton has pointed out that Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari early this year was influenced by Vasseur. If Ferrari were to part ways with Vasseur, it could also lead to Hamilton's exit. Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Buxton explained: Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner arrive in the paddock together during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on... Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner arrive in the paddock together during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. More"One of the key reasons that Lewis moved to Ferrari wasn't just the allure of racing for the Scuderia. It was to link up once again with Fred Vasseur, who ran Lewis to his junior series championships. "Lewis adores that man and has absolute faith in Fred Vasseur. If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don't think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer." F1 journalist Joe Saward highlighted Ferrari chairman John Elkann's interest in Horner back in 2022, given rumors about Horner joining Ferrari swirled in the paddock during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. He also pointed out concerns with Vasseur but stressed that Horner would refuse the offer. He wrote in his blog: "This story was true about three years ago when Ferrari chairman John Elkann jetted over the England and dropped in to see Christian and asked him if he would like to move to Maranello. Horner said 'Thanks for the offer' and Elkann rang his pilots and told them to spool up the jets. "Horner's response is unlikely to change if Ferrari does come calling again, but he said that they had not. For many in F1 joining Ferrari is considered a career move akin to throwing oneself on a bonfire (with a flameproof wallet) because the team seems to be unfixable. It is nearly a generation since Ferrari won its last Formula 1 title. "It is probably inevitable that Vasseur's future is beginning to be questioned. He has been there for a couple of seasons and things have not gone particularly well."
