Latest news with #F1GrandPrixofSpain
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Insider Admits Max Verstappen Error Behind Crash with Russell
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 senior advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on the highly controversial incident involving Max Verstappen and George Russell in the final laps of the Spanish Grand Prix. Describing the error, Marko said the crash was a result of "misjudgment" by Verstappen. The four-time world champion chased the two McLarens in P3, but switching to hard tires during a late safety car proved to be a disastrous decision. Verstappen struggled for traction after the safety car restart, which caused Charles Leclerc to pass him at Turn 1. George Russell took advantage of the situation as well, but sensing a crash, Verstappen took the exit road in the run-off area at the same corner and rejoined the track behind Leclerc and in front of Russell. Anticipating a penalty, Red Bull asked him to hand over P4 to Russell, which made Verstappen furious, but he gave up the position eventually. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Verstappen made contact with Russell's Mercedes soon after, for which he received a ten-second penalty and three points on his Super License from the FIA stewards. The penalty meant the Dutchman finished the race in P10. Fortunately, there was only minor damage to both cars, and Russell was able to cross the finish line in fourth. While Verstappen admitted on Instagram that his actions were a result of frustration, Marko has revealed his thoughts on the crash. Speaking to Servus TV, as quoted by ESPN, he said: "Max then suddenly accelerated again and then all hell broke loose. That was a serious misjudgment. "He was already at odds with Russell. With incidents and bad decisions, emotions have run high. "Sleeping on it certainly helped. Everyone goes their own way. When Max is in that mood, it's better to leave him alone." He added: "The punishment is appropriate. It won't happen that he behaves badly in Canada and then doesn't start in Austria. He's a racer who knows his limits." Addressing the race weekend in Barcelona and the RB21's performance, Marko said: "The whole weekend was sobering for us. Basically, we were three tenths behind with a car that was too slow. We thought we were on a par. We saw again that McLaren is vastly superior. "We hope that our car will be competitive again in Canada. At the moment, Max Verstappen does not have a car with which he can become world champion. "But only he can cope with it at all at the moment. If everything fits, we'll be just as fast as McLaren. "But that's only every third or fourth race. McLaren is always there. We're not giving up yet, but it's going to be difficult."
Newsweek
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton Hits Rock Bottom After Spanish 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. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton appeared dejected after the Spanish Grand Prix, which he described as his "worst race" ever. Despite making key gains in the opening laps, a slow pit stop and challenges with his Ferrari SF-25 Formula One car led him to finish the race in P6. Hamilton started the race in P5, while his teammate Charles Leclerc, who started seventh on the grid, secured a podium finish in third. Mid-race, the Briton was heard complaining on the radio about the lack of rear grip on his car, and running on used tires in the final stage of the race made matters worse. The 44-year-old driver hasn't had what one would call a smooth start to his F1 journey with Ferrari, and the post-race interview in Barcelona highlighted the gravity of the situation. When asked by the media if the final stint on used tires put him in a helpless situation, Hamilton said: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari answers questions in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari answers questions in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain."Everyone was on the same tires." When asked about his car's pace, he refrained from saying anything. Regarding questions about the lack of rear grip and if that bothered him until the end of the race, Hamilton said: "For half of the race." When he was asked if the second stint was better, or if other drivers were managing it better, he said: "I have no idea why you'd say that." "That was the worst race I've experienced," he added. "Ever." Hamilton went on to admit that there were "zero" positives to take from the weekend. The former Mercedes driver preferred to remain silent when asked if he was going to work with his team on the simulator and if he was hopeful about the upcoming Grand Prix in Canada. Hamilton decided to end the questions after he was asked how he could build on the situation, considering the marginal progress at Imola and Monaco. He said: "I'm going to head off, guys." He later told Sky Sports F1, "I've just had a terrible day. I don't know what to say." Hamilton's concerns were heard over the team radio after he had crossed the chequered flag. Speaking to his race engineer Riccardo Adami, he said: "I believe we've got something wrong with this car, mate. It's the worst it's ever been."
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Red Bull Slams FIA's Lack of Response After Verstappen–Russell Controversy
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 team principal Christian Horner has targeted Formula One's governing body, the FIA, and its race director, Rui Marques, for the lack of clarity on regulations. An incident between Max Verstappen and George Russell in the final stage of the Spanish Grand Prix sparked controversy, prompting Horner to address the challenge. Verstappen held third spot in Barcelona until a safety car period pushed him to swap to hard tires due to the unavailability of other options. The rival drivers, meanwhile, were on soft tires. This put the four-time world champion in a tricky situation, and his frustration was evident over the team radio. Verstappen struggled for traction after the safety car restart, leading Charles Leclerc to overtake him at Turn 1. George Russell, who was sat behind Leclerc, also tried to gain an advantage by squeezing himself on the inside line, but that led to contact with Verstappen. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, avoid major damage, Verstappen took the exit road and found himself behind Leclerc and in front of Russell. Fearing a penalty for gaining an advantage off the race track, Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase asked him to give back P4 to Russell. After much protest, Verstappen gave in to his team's demands, but soon after Russell passed him, Verstappen took the inside line and made contact with the Mercedes. While the damage wasn't severe, the incident raised eyebrows. The FIA handed Verstappen a 10-second penalty, leading him to finish the race in P10. Three penalty points were also added to his Super License, and now he remains just one point away from a potential race ban. After the race, Horner explained the logic behind handing back the place to Russell and also addressed the need for clarity pertaining to the rules. He told the media: "He was obviously upset because, first of all, he had Leclerc take a swipe at him on the straight, and then he's got dive bombed at Turn 1 by George. "The way that these regulations are, it's all about where that front axle is. The drivers know the rules, and they're the rules that they're playing to. "Now, the argument is, was George under control at that point in time? Would he have made the corner? It was 50-50. He looked like he would have made it. "We've seen so many occasions this year where penalties have been given. We've seen it noted, it's gone to the stewards, and the next thing is, you're expecting to get a penalty. "That's why it was, 'Okay, we're going to have to give this place up'." He added: "That's where it would be nice, as the referee, as a race director, to either say, 'Play on', or 'You need to give it [the place] back'. "I think it's very hard for the team, subjectively, to try and make that call because you're going on historical precedents. You're looking at what you have in front of you, and you're trying to preempt what the stewards and the race director are thinking. "It would be beneficial to the teams, in that instance, for the race director to make that call and say, 'You either give it back or you get a penalty', rather than having to try and second-guess what the stewards are going to do." When Horner was asked about the race director's response when he was approached for clarity, he said: "You get nothing back. You ask the question, but you get nothing back." Horner didn't hold back, stating that the matter would be taken up with the Sporting Advisory Committee. He said: "It's something that should be discussed in the SAC."
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Fires Back at Schumacher Over Verstappen Exit Clause Comments
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 team principal Christian Horner has hit back at former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher for his comments on Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix. Schumacher criticized the four-time world champion for the incident with George Russell and suggested that he was looking to activate an exit clause in his Red Bull contract that would pave the way to his exit from the team. There has been much talk about Verstappen leaving Red Bull in the past few seasons, especially considering his interest in other forms of motorsports and the challenges he faced with the RB21. An incident during the race in Barcelona last weekend prompted Schumacher to suggest a theory that could see Verstappen part ways with the Milton Keynes outfit. The race saw the 27-year-old driver maintain a healthy third position in the final leg of the race, but the safety car led him to switch to the only tires he had left - hard tires. This proved to be a huge disadvantage, especially since the other cars were running on soft tires. Verstappen struggled for traction as soon as the race resumed, leading Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to capitalize on the situation and secure the last spot on the podium. Russell also tried his best to pass Verstappen at Turn 1, but made contact in the process. Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit... Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. MoreIn response, Verstappen swerved into the run-off area and got back on the track in front of Russell and behind Leclerc. Soon after, Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase advised him to hand the position back to Russell. Verstappen appeared furious on the team radio but adhered to the request. However, he made contact with Russell soon after he was allowed to overtake. This move caused a significant uproar. The FIA stewards penalized Verstappen with a ten-second penalty and added three penalty points to his Super License. The time penalty meant he finished the race in P10, scoring just a single point. The incident garnered considerable attention, and several pundits, including Schumacher, criticized Verstappen for his actions. Speaking to Sky Deutschland, he said: "His behavior is a pity, he doesn't need that as a four-time world champion. "I don't know what got into him. It is clear that frustration is on the way, but that should not be the case. I think he realised today that it's not going as hoped and that the update didn't work so well." Revealing Verstappen's Red Bull exit theory, Schumacher added: "You have to pay attention to why things like this happen and why he gets an unnecessary penalty if there is a clause. "It's a critical phase." Responding to Schumacher's comments, Horner dismissed his theory. He told BILD: "This theory is the biggest nonsense possible. I haven't heard anything so stupid for a long time. "Max is a racer through and through. He always wants to win and would never act like that."
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Toronto Sun
Max Verstappen blames frustration for a 'move that was not right' after collision with George Russell
Published Jun 02, 2025 • 2 minute read Max Verstappen gets out of the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 after the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Getty Images Max Verstappen said Monday that frustration caused 'a move that was not right and shouldn't have happened', a day after he initially seemed unrepentant over his collision with George Russell at Formula 1's Spanish Grand Prix. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Verstappen had been asked by his Red Bull team to give up a place to Russell following an earlier incident between the two drivers when he hit Russell's Mercedes. The race stewards ruled Verstappen had 'suddenly accelerated' before the collision and Russell said it 'felt very deliberate'. The stewards gave Verstappen a 10-second penalty which dropped him from fifth to 10th and left him 49 points off standings leader Oscar Piastri, who won Sunday's race. 'We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona, till the safety car came out. Our tire choice to the end and some moves after the safety car restart fueled my frustration, leading to a move that was not right and shouldn't have happened,' Verstappen wrote on Instagram. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I always give everything out there for the team and emotions can run high. You win some together, you lose some together. See you (at the next race) in Montreal.' Initially in the aftermath of Sunday's race, Verstappen had said that 'next time I will bring a tissue', responding to Russell claiming he set a poor example for young drivers. A series of setbacks The collision followed a series of setbacks for Verstappen, who had been in third and pressuring the two McLaren drivers in front before the safety car came out. Red Bull decided to bring Verstappen into the pits for fresh tires, even though the only ones he had left were slower hard-compound tires, a type that no other driver used. At the restart, Verstappen lost grip and was overtaken by Charles Leclerc, whose Ferrari made contact with Verstappen's Red Bull. Neither driver was ruled at fault for that. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Verstappen then went off the track while defending against Russell and Red Bull asked Verstappen to give up the place to Russell, apparently because the team expected Verstappen would be given a penalty. The stewards later ruled they wouldn't have taken action against the Dutch driver for that incident. Risking a suspension Verstappen needs to be careful in the next two races because the penalty for the collision with Russell also brought him penalty points on his licence, taking him to 11 in the last 12 months. Drivers get a one-race suspension if they hit 12 points in a year. Two of those points expire at the end of the month, but until then Verstappen needs to get through the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix without any further penalty points. Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Care for a wager? Head to our sports betting section for news and odds. Sunshine Girls News Columnists Columnists Columnists
