Latest news with #F1GrandPrix
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Kimi Antonelli Addresses Idea of Max Verstappen as Mercedes Teammate
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Mercedes Formula One driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli opened up on having Max Verstappen as a potential teammate. Given Mercedes' interest in signing the four-time world champion, George Russell's contract extension talks have been put on hold. Russell broke the news about Mercedes' ongoing talks with Verstappen a few weeks ago. Despite the Briton's contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season, he emphasized that he was loyal to Mercedes and was not considering a switch for the 2026 season. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged Russell's contribution, saying that he was driving the car to its full potential, leaving no stone unturned. While Wolff admitted that Russell and Kimi Antonelli will likely form the 2026 driver lineup, he also said that he was keeping an eye on Verstappen for the long-term future. Verstappen's Red Bull contract lasts until the end of 2028, but his challenges with the team's car in the last year could push him to explore other options, especially considering the big reset in F1 next year, when the sport enters a new era of regulations. 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. MoreIn addition, the recent ousting of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has reportedly added to the uncertainty within the team. With the rumor mill doing its job, Kimi Antonelli has opened up on the prospect of Verstappen becoming his teammate, saying that he doesn't mind either driver, but highlighted that he was happy having Russell as his teammate. He told Sky Sports F1: "I don't mind. To be honest, they are two very good drivers. I'm very happy with George. I'm finding that there is a really good dynamic in the team at the moment." However, Kimi Antonelli is also contracted to Mercedes until the end of this year, meaning Mercedes could drop him for Verstappen instead of Russell. The Italian rookie driver is aware of this possibility playing out in the future. When asked if he had received assurances from Mercedes about racing in 2026, he said: "I mean, obviously, there is a lot going on. But I am sure the team is doing their best to provide for the future as well, because they're obviously not just looking at next year, but also looking for the future as well. "There are a lot of talks going on, but my goal is just to try and do my best, no matter what." Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes Mercedes should drop Kimi Antonelli for Verstappen instead of Russell. Explaining his reasoning, he 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." 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."
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Vampire Diaries' actor Paul Wesley engaged to model Natalie Kuckenburg: ‘Always and forever'
Here's some happy news to sink your teeth into. Paul Wesley proposed to his girlfriend, Natalie Kuckenburg, after three years of dating. The model, 25, made the announcement on Instagram on Saturday. 8 Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg are engaged. Natalie Kuckenburg/Instagram 'Yes 🤍,' Kuckenburg wrote beneath a black-and-white shot of her and Wesley, 42, holding hands. 'Always and forever.' On her ring finger was a dazzling, oval-cut diamond. Wesley and Kuckenburg's engagement comes on the heels of their Italian vacation earlier this month. 8 Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg attend the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas on November 23, 2024. Formula 1 via Getty Images 'A beautiful time in Tuscany,' the 'Vampire Diaries' alum shared to social media alongside photos from their getaway. 'The best time!!' Kuckenburg chimed in beneath the post. The influencer documented their trip in her own Instagram carousel, including a shot of the lovebirds kissing. 8 Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg on vacation. Natalie Kuckenburg/Instagram 'Had the best time at @belmondcastellodicasole with my love @paulwesley 🤎,' Kuckenburg gushed. 'Thank you so much for hosting us!' The pair were first linked together in 2022 while vacationing in Europe. At the time, Wesley and Kuckenburg were photographed during a romantic dinner in Nerano. In February, the runway star gave a sweet shout-out to her other half. 'My best friend ❤️ My soulmate ❤️ My everything ❤️ every day is Valentine's Day with you ❤️,' Kuckenburg penned on Instagram. 8 Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg share a kiss on vacation. Natalie Kuckenburg/Instagram Just last year, Wesley opened up about what makes their relationship work. 'There's two people that are the funniest people in my life — Number one, my dog, and number two, frankly, my girlfriend,' he revealed to People in March 2024. Wesley continued, 'I think the reason we get along so well is because all we do is laugh and I think it's probably one of the most important things in a relationship.' 8 Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg in a selfie. Paul Wesley/Instagram The 'Beneath the Blue' actor was previously married to Torrey DeVitto from 2011 to 2013. Wesley then wed Ines de Ramon in 2019, but by 2022, his rep confirmed that the two had split. Their divorce was finalized in 2024. The jewelry executive, 32, is currently dating Brad Pitt. 8 Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg leaving their hotel in Paris. Spread Pictures / MEGA Wesley starred as Stefan Salvatore in the 'Vampire Diaries' for eight seasons from 2009 to 2017. The CW series also featured Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, Candice King, Kat Graham, Zach Roerig and Michael Trevino. The first spinoff of 'The Vampire Diaries,' titled 'The Originals,' premiered in 2013 and ran for five seasons before the town of Mystic Falls gained a new generation of protectors in the second spinoff, 'Legacies.' 8 Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg share a sweet engagement snap. Paul Wesley/Instagram In March, Roerig, 40, revealed who he keeps in touch with eight years after the drama went off the air. 'Most of them actually,' the actor, who played Matt Donovan, told The Post. 'Matt Davis is one of my dear friends. Michael Trevino, he's 'Uncle Michael.' Ian [Somerhalder]. Everybody.' Roerig did reveal that there is no specific group chat for the bloodsuckers, though. 'There's not a group chat, per se,' admitted the 'Dare Me' star, 'but we stay in touch.' 8 Paul Wesley and his girlfriend Natalie Kuckenburg were spotted in the Amalfi Coast. COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID In 2024, Wesley admitted that, as of now, he has no plans to reunite with his on-screen brother, Somerhalder, 46, in another project. 'We haven't [talked about it]. Nina Dobrev and I talked about working on-screen again. Maybe in a comedy or something,' he told The Post.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Max Verstappen Backs Sergio Perez For F1 Return With Cadillac
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 Racing driver Max Verstappen has backed his former teammate Sergio Perez for a Formula One return with the Cadillac F1 team. The sport's eleventh team is looking for drivers to fill both seats, and Perez is one of the names being linked to the American outfit. Cadillac received its final approval to join the F1 grid early this year, and since then, the team has been gearing up for its grand premier class racing debut in 2026. As the car takes shape along with technical and managerial advancements in the organization, the team is in talks with experienced F1 drivers. Perez is among many drivers being linked to Cadillac, and the probability of his F1 return next year is quite high. The Mexican driver has raced for teams like Sauber, Racing Point, McLaren, and Red Bull since his F1 debut in 2011, holding a significant experience of 281 race starts. When Verstappen was asked if Perez was a good option for Cadillac, he said: "I think so. I think Checo has always been very strong. He's had a few difficult moments with us, but on the other hand, it's clear that's often the case with us." Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing walk in the Paddock prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing walk in the Paddock prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 30, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. MoreLooking back at Perez's experience with Red Bull and Racing Point, Verstappen added: "I always got along very well with Checo. As long as he is motivated to drive, then I think that is absolutely, even with such a new team, a good choice. "Because if you look at how Checo drove at Force India, Racing Point or whatever you called it, he always picked up the points anyway." Perez has revealed his interest in returning to the world of F1, but he has set a condition that needs to be fulfilled. He said: "The answer is yes, I do want to return, but only if the right project comes along, one where I feel I truly belong or should be. "I don't want to come back at any cost. I'm not interested in traveling around the world as a third driver or just waiting around for an opportunity. "I feel fortunate for the career I've had, and I do want to come back - because I don't want my career to end like this. "But I'm also fully aware that I'll only return if it's truly worth the price you have to pay to be in Formula 1 - 24 races, and an entire life dedicated to the sport." He added: "Yes, I believe it 100 per cent. If you look at my years with Force India, and then later with Red Bull - pushing the team forward race by race, and eventually becoming a winning team - that's exactly the kind of environment I'm looking for. "A team with that mentality, that unity. For me, that's more important than any trophy or achievement: finding a project where the driver feels truly motivated."
Newsweek
7 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."
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
'Don't laugh', F1 is coming to South Africa, McKenzie reiterates
South Africa has taken one step closer to hosting an F1 Grand Prix. David Coulthard performs during the filming of Racing Around Kyalami in Johannesburg, South Africa on October 4, 2024. Picture: Red Bull Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has reiterated that there's progress in bringing Formula One (F1) back to South Africa This will delight many fans, including the writer, who has to contend with tuning into paid TV on weekends to satisfy the pangs of an F1 adrenaline rush. McKenzie shared an update about the progress on the high-octane sport after presenting the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture's budget vote in parliament on Tuesday. South Africa took one step closer to hosting an F1 Grand Prix. But Kyalami Grand Prix circuit owner Toby Venter painted a grim picture and put a damper on celebrations, citing a lack of commitment from government. F1 is coming However, McKenzie expressed a different sentiment after presenting his budget vote. He said South Africa will have a Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) approved track sooner than expected. 'They [FIA] have given us three years to finish the track. But I can tell you, it's breaking news. It will take us four months to finish the track to that standard. People say it's three years, three years is what they've given us to go and get the money and to do the plans that they have approved. 'But I can tell you that a company, which is called Apex; they've also done the Miami track, they've already been paid the money. So the Toby Venter group, the Kyalami group, is paid, and the track will be between four and six months. I think the track will be done, and we will have a FIA-approved F1 track,' McKenzie said. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has reiterated that there's progress in bringing Formula One (F1) back to South Africa @TheCitizen_News — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) July 16, 2025 ALSO READ: Kyalami or Cape Town? Race to host SA F1 Grand Prix revs up Kyalami British-based company Apex Circuit Design was last year tasked with drawing up the plans for upgrades Kyalami need to achieve the required Grade 1 status to host F1 racing. The grading is determined by the kilogramme-to-horsepower ratio. The ratio of F1 cars is the lowest of any motorsport class and therefore requires the highest FIA certification. In June, Venter announced that the FIA had approved the proposed upgrades Kyalami required to host a F1 race for the first time since 1993 and had been granted a three-year window to comply. He was confident that the upgrades, for which the circuit would foot the bill – estimated to be between R90 million and R180 million and set to take three months – could be completed before the end of the year. While Kyalami is the favourite to host an F1 race, other local bids are expected to come from Cape Town and Wakanda Smart City. Rwanda has also expressed its intention of being the first to bring F1 back to Africa. ALSO READ: REVIEW: Lego's Speed Champions F1, an adrenaline build No jokes McKenzie said people thought he was joking when he said F1 would return to the country. 'Many laughed when I uttered the words, 'Formula One must come back to South Africa'. One man in particular who didn't laugh was Toby Venter, the owner of the Kyalami racetrack, McKenzie said. 'When I told him that government doesn't have the money to host Formula One because of other more urgent priorities, and we would not be in a position to help him pay for the track to reach F1 standards, he looked me in the eye and said he would see it would be his patriotic duty to do just that. 'That was a year ago. I stand here to tell you that the FIA, the FIFA of motorsport, has given the green light for the upgrading of the track,' McKenzie said. Affordability McKenzie added that his department has had multiple meetings with F1 management, with a crucial one scheduled for the next two weeks. 'To those who say the country can't afford to host the F1, I'm saying the country can't afford not to. When you set the bar high for a country, as we have in the past, you can't afford to take the bar back down. 'We hosted the best FIFA World Cup. We put our country on the map for big events and should not turn back now. What will be different this time, though, is that government will not be expected to pay. Companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Heineken and many more have raised their hands and said, 'here we are, Thuma Rona'. They will be present with us in the meeting with Formula One at the end of the month,' McKenzie said. F1 is important McKenzie added that they have also met with other businessmen. 'We've even had patriots like Johann Rupert who've told us, 'Scream for help if all else fails'. So we know we will succeed. 'Those who are saying Formula One is not important should consider all the countries that are holding on to their F1 spots on the calendar. They see the value in it, and it can't be called a world championship if it misses an entire continent, sub-Saharan Africa in particular,' McKenzie said. Spinning McKenzie also thanked people who joined the department in its mission to grow the sport of spinning. 'I want to thank Red Bull and Cell C in particular. People were laughing when we said we're going to make spinning big, but already this sport has left the townships and now Sam Sam is wowing the likes of Max Verstappen with his skills in Austria'. 'The Kyalami Grand Prix circuit in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, hosted 21 Grands Prix from 1967 to 1993. 'Its list of winners includes Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Jim Clark and our very own Jody Scheckter.' ALSO READ: F1 in SA will be 'catalyst' for uplifting motorsport, McKenzie says
