Latest news with #F1GrandPrixofItaly
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Nico Rosberg Shares Awkward Moment With Jos 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. Sky Sports F1 commentator Nico Rosberg had an awkward moment with Jos Verstappen after he brought up former Red Bull boss Christian Horner. After more than 20 years at Red Bull, Horner was removed from his leadership position amid the team's struggles over the past year and a half. The British team principal has faced numerous controversies during his time with the team, although the last 18 months have seen Horner accused of inappropriate behaviour with a Red Bull colleague. Nico Rosberg looks on in pitlane ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 1, 2024 in Monza, Italy. Nico Rosberg looks on in pitlane ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 1, 2024 in Monza, Italy. Photo byWhen the report was released, Verstappen spoke out against Horner's leadership and demanded his removal. As the father of four-time champion Max Verstappen, Jos is a key figure in the Red Bull paddock, and his influence within the team is significant. Before the Belgium GP, Rosberg interviewed with Verstappen, asking him about Horner's firing. "Last year, you said Horner need to go!" Rosberg told Verstappen. "That was one and a half years ago. It's different. I have nothing to say. It's fine," Verstappen replied. "Now you're quiet?" Rosberg retorted. "I'm always quiet," Jos finished by saying. Nico Rosberg is an absolute menace 😭😭 asking Jos about Horner Jos: "I have nothing to say" Nico: "NOW you're quiet??!" — 🎭 z (@rbrzoe) July 27, 2025 Word around the paddock claims that the Verstappen camp played a role in the firing of Horner as they lost faith in his ability to lead. Max was reportedly considering an exit from the team, and many believe the exit of the team's centerpiece scared the higher-ups into axing Horner. Both Max and Jos, however, deny culpability in the matter. As for Rosberg, he was left shocked that Red Bull removed someone who delivered so much glory. "Christian Horner is not here anymore, which is unthinkable. That's completely unreal," he said earlier in the weekend. "It was a big, big shock and surprise to everybody – including a surprise to him. He didn't see it coming at all, nor did anybody in the team. "But of course, it was a long time in the making. It was coming from last year, from all the issues that he'd been having there, so I think this was just a result of that. "But nobody really still knows 100 percent what exactly happened." Horner delivered Max a race-winning car over the past four seasons, along with assembling a staff full of some of the best people in F1. Red Bull has become a powerhouse in the sport, and while the team has recently hit a rough patch, Horner's leadership ability is unquestionable. For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Toto Wolff Makes Strong Ferrari Statement Amid Fred Vasseur Rumors
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. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff addressed the never-ending rumors claiming Ferrari will fire team principal Fred Vasseur. After a preseason filled with hype and anticipation, Ferrari fell flat at the start of the season. They struggled to secure wins or podium finishes, although the Italian team has taken steps to improve throughout the season. Still, the team isn't in the race for either championship and remains on the hunt for their first win. Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff, attend the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on August 30,... Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff, attend the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on August 30, 2024 in Monza, Italy. More Photo byFerrari faces high expectations every season as it looks to stop the lingering title drought. The leadership of the team is known for being impatient with its team principal, and the team's poor form in Vasseur's third season at the helm isn't helping his case with the board. "It seems to be a bit of a revolving door with teams generally," Wolff told "I think in F1, you can't buy time, and you need to give senior leadership the time to get on top of things. "Look at us. I'm not enjoying being in a phase that it's the third year in a row that we are not fighting for a championship. We're not useless. We have really good weekends. We're winning races. It's respectable at times. "And when it's not good, nobody's questioning in a way whether the top guy is doing a good job or not. Leave him the space. Let him do [things]. They need to just let them do [things]." The Scuderia added Lewis Hamilton to its driver lineup, creating one of the best duos on the grid. Additionally, they introduced a fresh concept to their car, with the hopes of capitalizing on the current regulations' final year. Wolff believes in Vasseur's leadership amid Ferrari's issues this season and thinks it is only a matter of time before he turns things around. "Fred is one of the best racing managers that I know," Wolff said. "If I wasn't here, I would take Fred. So, I respect him a lot. He's a great personality. He's a straightforward guy. He doesn't do politics and lies. He knows what he's talking about. "He just needs to be given the trust to run this. He's perfectly aware that in Italy, it's like managing the football national team. You're going to have the scrutiny from the media. "Maybe that's something you need to grow a little bit of a thick skin, because if he wins, he is Jesus Christ, and if you lose, you're a loser. That's how Italy is. That's fantastic. "That's the passion that is in there. You've got to embrace that. Maybe that's something he needs to learn. But the rest, he should be given the confidence in running this team. They won't get anybody better."
