Latest news with #F1GrandPrixofQatar
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Insider Hints Sergio Perez F1 Return in 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. Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has suggested that Sergio Perez will return to Formula One in 2026, revealing that there was "something going on." Perez parted ways with Red Bull after the 2024 season and is reported to be in talks with the Cadillac F1 team. Red Bull parted ways with the Mexican driver after losing out on Constructors' Championship victory last year. Perez faced significant challenges with the RB20, given the balance problems on the car, which also affected Max Verstappen. Perez has been away from F1 since his departure, but his links to Cadillac are pretty strong. The 35-year-old driver revealed in a recent interview that he would return to F1 only if a project suited his preferences, and most importantly, he would only return as a full-time driver. Cadillac F1 received the Formula One Management's (FOM) approval to join the sport early this year, and the American outfit has since been gearing up for its 2026 debut on the premier class grid. Team principal Graeme Lowdon has confirmed that ongoing discussions are taking place with Perez. Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 1, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 1, 2024 in Lusail City, Hadjar, who races for the Red Bull junior F1 team, has admitted that many "positives" lie ahead for Perez in 2026. Speaking to the media, he said: "He's definitely F1 calibre, that's for sure, and I hear a lot of positives for him next year. "So it's looking like there's something going on. He's done pretty well next to Max [Verstappen]." Former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who moved to Sauber this year as team principal, has praised Perez while highlighting his support during their time at Red Bull. Wheatley stated that Perez was fully focused on his performance, a trait that mattered most to a team. Newsweek Sports reported: "Firstly, I really enjoyed working with Checo. He's a great personality, great attitude to life, full stop. I have no doubt about his pace and his speed. It's been natural since the beginning. "He put in some tremendous drives at my former team and I don't think it's much of a barrier that he's had a bit of time off between driving a Formula 1 car because when you know how to do that, you know how to do it. "I spent a lot of time with him early on because I wanted to get to know him and I wanted him to adjust to the team. What I really liked was he pushed me in my sporting role – pushed me very, very hard. "He made me question whether I was putting every bit of effort in, not that he was criticising but he would challenge you in a positive way and I enjoyed it. "I think it helped motivate me to become better at my job and I'd like to think maybe it was reciprocal and the work that we did together made him better at his." He added: "He's fully focused on performance and what do you want from a driver?"
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- 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
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Former Red Bull Director Backs Sergio Perez for F1 Return
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's former sporting director, Jonathan Wheatley, has praised former driver Sergio Perez, backing him for a Formula One return in the future. Wheatley worked closely with Perez at Red Bull and revealed how they motivated each other to push themselves further. The Milton Keynes-based outfit ousted Perez after the 2024 season due to performance concerns. The Mexican driver struggled with the RB20 car due to balance problems, which even affected his teammate Max Verstappen following the summer break. Despite the car's issues, Verstappen's talent behind the wheel enabled him to win his fourth championship, but Perez found the car too difficult to drive. Now, Perez has chosen to remain away from premier class of racing but is reportedly in talks with the Cadillac F1 team for 2026. The 35-year-old driver revealed that he was interested in returning to the sport only if he believed in the project. Wheatley opened up to F1 about Perez's performance, revealing that he had no doubts about his capabilities as a racing driver. He said: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 30, 2024... Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 30, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. More"Firstly, I really enjoyed working with Checo. He's a great personality, great attitude to life, full stop. "I have no doubt about his pace and his speed. It's been natural since the beginning. "He put in some tremendous drives at my former team and I don't think it's much of a barrier that he's had a bit of time off between driving a Formula 1 car because when you know how to do that, you know how to do it." Wheatley then detailed how Perez pushed him during his time at Red Bull, which made him better at his job. The former sporting director's expertise led him to secure the role of team principal at Sauber, an outfit that will be taken over by Audi in 2026. Wheatley said: "I spent a lot of time with him early on because I wanted to get to know him and I wanted him to adjust to the team. What I really liked was he pushed me in my sporting role – pushed me very, very hard. "He made me question whether I was putting every bit of effort in, not that he was criticising but he would challenge you in a positive way and I enjoyed it. "I think it helped motivate me to become better at my job and I'd like to think maybe it was reciprocal and the work that we did together made him better at his." He added: "He's fully focused on performance and what do you want from a driver?" With Cadillac seeking an experienced driver to fill one of its seats next year, Perez could likely seal a deal in the coming months if he is shortlisted.
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet announce birth of baby ahead of Miami GP: Name revealed
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. Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have announced the birth of their baby girl ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Taking to social media, the couple shared the first photos and revealed her name. They wrote: "Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever - you are our greatest gift. We love you so much." Verstappen and Piquet announced that they were expected their first child together in December. Kelly Piquet and Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands pose for a photo after the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 01, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. Kelly Piquet and Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands pose for a photo after the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 01, 2024 in Lusail City, announcement was highly anticipated as Verstappen missed the media day ahead of the race weekend at the Hard Rock Stadium. Red Bull stated yesterday: "Max [Verstappen] will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby," a statement from the team read. "All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend. We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family."
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
F1 Miami Grand Prix 2025: Race, Sprint, Qualifying Start Times And How To Watch Live
FILE - The Miami International Autodrome hosts the Formula One Miami Grand Prix where driver Charles ... More Leclerc leads Kevin Magnussen and Esteban Ocon, in Miami, Fla, May 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) Formula 1 is heading to South Florida for the first of three races in the United States this year, with the Miami Grand Prix set to take place this weekend from May 2-4. Last time out in Jeddah, Oscar Piastri of McLaren managed to snag the championship lead from his teammate, Lando Norris, after netting his third win of the 2025 season. The Australian now has 99 points under his belt so far - 10 ahead of Norris and 13 in front of Max Verstappen of Red Bull. McLaren's strong performance has them leading the constructors' championship, too, sitting pretty at the top with 188 points. While it's still early to tell if they could maintain this dominance and translate it into a second straight constructors' title and the first drivers' title since Lewis Hamilton claimed it back in 2008, you can bet the Woking squad is all-in on bringing home both championships by the end of the season. LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - OCTOBER 08: Second placed Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren and Third ... More placed Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren celebrate in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on October 08, 2023 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by) Now entering the sixth round of the year in Miami, the papaya team will be looking to secure wins in both the sprint and the main race and further stretch their lead in the championships. This venue holds some good memories for the team, as last year's race was a turning point for them when they brought in significant upgrades that helped them close the gap on Red Bull in the standings - eventually ending their 26-year constructors' title drought. It's also where Norris clinched a sensational first career victory when he crossed the finish line 7.612 seconds ahead of Verstappen, and he will definitely be looking to replicate that success this weekend and pull off a second win of the season to catch up to Piastri. It won't be a walk in the park for them however, as Red Bull, Mercedes and even Ferrari will be pushing hard to improve their performance and close in on the leaders. F1 Miami International Autodrome Circuit Stats Miami International Autodrome, which is located within the Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens - home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins - plays host to the second sprint of the season this weekend. This means teams will only have one free practice session to test car setups and gather crucial data. Free Practice 1 (FP1) kicks off at 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday, May 2, followed by the sprint qualifying later in the day at 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, May 3, drivers will battle it out in the 62-mile sprint at 12 p.m. before they fight for grid positions in the grand prix qualifying at 4 p.m. The main race will kick off at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. All below start times are on Friday unless stated otherwise. All below start times are on Friday unless stated otherwise. All below start times are on Saturday unless stated otherwise. All below start times are on Saturday unless stated otherwise. All below start times are on Sunday unless stated otherwise. Fans in the United States can catch the live action of their home race on ESPN and ESPN+, while viewers in the United Kingdom can tune in for extensive coverage on Sky Sports. In select regions, F1 TV Pro subscribers can tune in for live coverage on any device, along with the opportunity to catch up on full session replays and highlights afterward. Below is the broadcast information for some key territories: Highlights from each day of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix weekend will be available on F1's YouTube channel.
