Latest news with #F1GrandPrixofAzerbaijan
Newsweek
03-08-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Ferrari Responds to Lewis Hamilton's 'I'm Useless' Remark at Hungarian 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. Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has spoken about the team's qualifying performance at the Hungaroring after Lewis Hamilton said he was "useless." Hamilton was visibly dejected and frustrated after being knocked out of Q2. The Hungarian GP qualifying round ended with a big surprise after Charles Leclerc secured the pole position. While Leclerc was shocked at the result, claiming that he did not understand F1, Hamilton chose to blame himself for securing a P12 start for the Grand Prix. He said after qualifying: "It's just me every time. "I'm useless, absolutely useless. "Team has no problem, you've seen the car's on pole. They probably need to change driver." Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur laughs in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 12, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur laughs in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 12, 2024 in Baku, later explained the gravity of the situation by highlighting the small margins between the cars, and stressed that it was not the time to "rest on our laurels." Addressing Leclerc's pole position, the team boss told Sky Sports Italia, as quoted by Planet F1: "It was the hardest pole we have achieved. We have always struggled to get the tyres into the right window this season, and we were almost out in Q2. We survived by a tenth. Charles finally got the tyres switched on. "Everything is so sensitive, between first and tenth, the margin is tiny. In the end, everyone was on the edge. There were many ups and downs but in the end, we were stronger than expected. We must remember how difficult this session was, and we need to learn from it for the future." Addressing Hamilton's qualifying performance, Vasseur emphasized the importance of managing the outlap to maintain tire temperature. He said: "We know that the out lap is crucial. If you overheat the tyres in Turn 1, you risk trouble at the end of the lap, or you just slide too much. Hamilton was out in Q2, Charles only just made it. "Lewis missed it by a few hundredths, but managing the out lap is always tough. Of course he's frustrated, but it was only a few tenths that made the difference. It's a shame. We have to learn from this: the result is good, but we cannot rest on our laurels." 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix Starting Grid 1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 3. Lando Norris (McLaren) 4. George Russell (Mercedes) 5. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 6. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 7. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) 8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) 10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) 11. Ollie Bearman (Haas) 12. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 13. Carlos Sainz (Williams) 14. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 15. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 16. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 17. Esteban Ocon (Haas) 18. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) 19. Alex Albon (Williams) 20. Pit Lane Start - Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
F1 Announces Azerbaijan GP Date Change for 2026
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. Formula One has accepted a request made by the promoters of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and government stakeholders to shift the dates of the 2026 race weekend in Baku. The Grand Prix was originally scheduled for Sunday, 27 September 2026, according to the recently released 2026 F1 calendar. However, to accommodate a national day of mourning, F1 and FIA have shifted the Azerbaijan GP to Saturday, 26 September. This means all the other events prior to race day, including qualifying, practice sessions, and media day, will take place one day earlier than usual. All F1 teams have been notified of the change. Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September... Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 15, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. More2026 marks F1's entry into a new era of regulations, where cars will not only be smaller and lighter but will also be powered by electric power and internal combustion in equal measure. In addition, the year also marks the beginning of a historic F1 journey for the sport's eleventh team, Cadillac F1, while the Sauber F1 team will be present on the grid as an Audi works team following a takeover by the German automaker. In terms of Grand Prix destinations, a big change is the introduction of Madrid as a second Grand Prix destination in Spain, which replaces Imola. Announcing the 2026 F1 calendar, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: "2026 will be a new era for Formula 1 where we will witness a brand-new set of regulations for our sport, the cars and the engines that will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel. "We are excited to welcome Madrid to the calendar, and to see huge automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac and Ford join the Formula 1 grid. "It promises to be an unforgettable season, where once again we will come together at 24 amazing global venues to watch the best drivers in the world push themselves to the limit and produce incredible wheel to wheel racing for our millions of fans watching around the globe. "I want to thank all our fans for their passionate support and the FIA, with all the volunteers, marshals and officials, as well as the promoters, partners, sponsors, host cities and the local motor racing federations for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule in what I know will be another historic year for Formula 1." The 2026 F1 Schedule 6–8 March – Australia – Melbourne 13–15 March – China – Shanghai 27–29 March – Japan – Suzuka 10–12 April – Bahrain – Sakhir 17–19 April – Saudi Arabia – Jeddah 1–3 May – USA – Miami 22–24 May – Canada – Montreal 5–7 June – Monaco – Monaco 12–14 June – Spain – Barcelona 26–28 June – Austria – Spielberg 3–5 July – United Kingdom – Silverstone 17–19 July – Belgium – Spa 24–26 July – Hungary – Budapest 21–23 August – Netherlands – Zandvoort 4–6 September – Italy – Monza 11–13 September – Spain – Madrid 24–26 September – Azerbaijan – Baku 9–11 October – Singapore – Singapore 23–25 October – USA – Austin 30 October – 1 November – Mexico – Mexico City 6–8 November – Brazil – São Paulo 19–21 November – USA – Las Vegas 27–29 November – Qatar – Lusail 4–6 December – Abu Dhabi – Yas Marina
Newsweek
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Ferrari Chief Responds to Lewis Hamilton Anger at After F1 Miami Clash
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. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has addressed the controversy surrounding the team's strategy decisions at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, particularly the handling of drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during the race. The incident, which drew attention due to Hamilton's audible frustration over team radio, saw the seven-time world champion hindered by running in the turbulent air behind teammate Leclerc despite having fresher tires. "I can understand the frustration of the guys in the car, but at the end it was well executed because that Lewis was behind Charles. He was with the softer compound. "We let him go. And then, as per a rule within the team, we swapped back at the end. I think we let the chance for Lewis to go in front of Charles but it was impossible to overtake between them if we don't let them go. And I think it was the opportunity for Lewis to catch up [Kimi] Antonelli and I think we did a good job." Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur walks in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 12, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur walks in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 12, 2024 in Baku, in the race, Hamilton, operating on an alternate tire strategy, struggled to utilize his advantage due to delays in the team swapping positions. Hamilton had expressed clear frustration, recalling the previous Chinese Grand Prix where he swiftly allowed Leclerc past under similar circumstances. When asked about Hamilton's annoyance specifically with the delay in strategy, he said the following: "Yeah, for sure. But you need to understand in this situation if you are faster than the car in front of you because you have the DRS or if you have the pace. And, uh, we took one lap to take a decision and then one lap to apply the decision." Ferrari eventually instructed Leclerc to allow Hamilton through, enabling him to attempt chasing down Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. However, with Leclerc benefiting from DRS behind Antonelli, the team reversed their decision, prompting another swap which drew a notably sarcastic response from Hamilton. Race engineer Riccardo Adami's instructions to swap positions once more were met with Hamilton's disbelief, questioning the logic of Ferrari's strategic calls. Vasseur acknowledged that communication needed to be clearer and more timely in critical race situations. Ferrari faces mounting pressure to ensure clearer communication and strategic decisiveness to support their drivers effectively as the season progresses.
