Latest news with #Formula 1
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Guardian
F1 2025: end-of-term report card as drivers head for their summer break
Oscar Piastri Piastri is rightly leading the world championship and has earned his place at the top of the field. He has not only been quick in the best car on the grid but consistent and calm. This has not been the stuff of fireworks but relentless precision. His execution and attitude have no little of the Alain Prost about them and Piastri is shaping up to be a similarly formidable opponent as The Professor. He has gone toe to toe with teammate Lando Norris across these opening 14 meetings and, overall, come out on top. There have been six wins and only twice has he failed to reach the podium. The three consummate victories in a row across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Miami made his title ambitions clear, while errors have been few and far between. A spin in the wet in Australia and a safety car infringement at Silverstone are the only blots on an otherwise immaculate copybook. Lando Norris Entered the season as favourite and when the McLaren duly proved to be the class of the field was expected to exploit it. However, after a strong start in Australia it became clear that the MCL39 was not quite giving him the feel for the front grip of the car that he likes. It proved costly, particularly in qualifying, and Norris was typically forthright and honest that it was up to him to adapt better to it. Errors compounded his problems, not least crashing in qualifying in Saudi Arabia and hitting his teammate in Canada. In Budapest he revealed an intriguingly nihilist approach, noting in regards to the title race: 'In 200 years no one is going to care. We'll all be dead'. Yet rather than settling down to contemplate the meaninglessness of existence in a darkened room, the British driver has doggedly stuck at his task and returned some impressive wins with fine drives in Monaco and Austria and an inspired strategy coup last weekend in Budapest. If he can eliminate the faults Norris will be going blow to blow with his teammate to the end. Max Verstappen Before the weekend began in Hungary, Verstappen ended speculation over his future by stating he would be with Red Bull next year, but didn't say whether he would see out his contract to 2028. The world champion has already acknowledged the title is beyond him this year but he still craves performance and stability within the team. However, over these 14 races, the form of the car has been sorely lacking, while bringing an end to the turbulence of the last two years and soothing the ruffled brows of the Verstappen camp was at least part of the purpose of the removal of Red Bull's team principal of 20 years, Christian Horner. Verstappen has still succeeded in wrestling repeated results, including two impressive wins, from a car that is all but unmanageable, but he and the team's focus is now on the future. There are major exams coming up in the form of the new regulations for next season and, for the second half of this one, the question that will dominate is how do Red Bull under new boss Laurent Mekies now adapt? If the Frenchman fails to deliver, the internal politicking at the team could be fascinating. And brutal. Gabriel Bortoleto When Sauber brought in a new floor in Spain the 20-year-old Brazilian rookie came alive, showing promise given his team's relatively uncompetitive car. He is in good company in the new intake. At Racing Bulls, Isack Hadjar has been a standout too, adapting quickly to F1 with consistent, confident performances and largely outdriving his teammate Liam Lawson whom Red Bull had rated enough to, briefly, promote to the senior squad at the start of the season. Kimi Antonelli, too, has demonstrated his potential at Mercedes but has been inconsistent in a car that George Russell muscled to a win in Canada. But Bortoleto has given the impression that he may have so much more to come. After Sauber applied upgrades in Barcelona, Bortoleto took his first points in Austria including challenging Fernando Alonso for seventh place. A crash at Silverstone followed while on slicks in the wet but he took points in Belgium, and in Hungary he was flying. He qualified a remarkable seventh, 12 places in front of his experienced teammate Nico Hülkenberg and claimed sixth in the race after a battling drive. If he can repeat it in the second half of the season, Audi, as Sauber will be next season, have a genuine asset. Lewis Hamilton Left dejected after two races of, by his own admission, below-par performances – with 16th on the grid in Spa and a 12th in qualifying in Hungary he described as 'absolutely useless' before finishing the race in 12th – Lewis Hamilton even appeared to cast doubt on his future in F1. It was a response, likely a blip, from a driver worn down by having to deal with adapting to his new team under such scrutiny as well as dissatisfaction at how they, and he, are performing. It is unusual for Hamilton to be so publicly hard on himself and perhaps represents real frustration with Ferrari, but he has proved repeatedly he is nothing if not a fighter. A step back after what has been a gruelling opening with a new team is clearly required even if, as is believed, he feels there is still enormous work to be done at the Scuderia. Hamilton accepted the process to adapt would take time but that frustration in Hungary suggests he might be disillusioned despite his belief that Ferrari have everything needed to return to the top. He said rather dejectedly in Budapest he would 'hopefully' return after the summer break. The touch is still there as he proved in Silverstone and Spa but he, perhaps like no other driver, could benefit from a reset over the summer break.
CNA
20-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Pre-trial conference for Ong Beng Seng case rescheduled
SINGAPORE: A pre-trial conference set for the case of property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has been rescheduled to next week, after a request was made to push it back. The 79-year-old Malaysian, known for bringing Formula 1 to Singapore in 2008, was first charged with two offences in October 2024. These correspond to two charges admitted to by former transport minister S Iswaran. Ong was set to have the hearing on Wednesday morning (Jul 23) but that has been shifted to Jul 28. According to court records, a request was made to reschedule the court event and it was approved. It was not indicated who made the request. CNA has contacted Ong's PR firm and the Attorney-General's Chambers for more information. The latest development comes after a pre-trial conference on Jul 8 resulted in another adjournment for "parties to file revised papers", following a statement from the judiciary that both sides wished to file further submissions on sentencing. A pre-trial conference is a hearing before a judge away from the public and media, where both sides discuss administrative matters. This can be any issue that needs to be ironed out before going to open court, and does not always mean a trial is going to take place despite the name. It is not uncommon for a case to go through many rounds of pre-trial conferences before going to open court for a guilty plea or trial. Ong faces two charges, first for abetting Iswaran in obstructing the course of justice by helping the latter pay S$5,700 (US$4,480) to Singapore GP for a business class flight ticket from Doha to Singapore. This was a delayed payment allegedly made months after the flight itself and only after the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) discovered Iswaran's name on the flight manifest when investigating a separate case. The second charge is for instigating Iswaran to obtain flights and a hotel stay from Ong. This was when Iswaran knew Ong had business dealings linked with his official functions. Ong was previously set to plead guilty on Jul 3. Ong was the managing director of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), which previously stated in a Singapore Exchange (SGX) announcement that Ong would plead guilty to the charge of obstructing justice, while admitting to have the other charge taken into consideration for sentencing. He stepped down on Apr 29 for medical reasons, the company said. If convicted of the charge under Section 165 of the Penal Code for abetting Iswaran in obtaining valuables, Ong could face a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both. If convicted of obstructing justice, the charge under Section 204A, Ong could face a jail term of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Associated Press
18-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
EXPLORA JOURNEYS RETURNS TO MONACO FOR FORMULA 1® GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2026
After a landmark debut in 2025, Explora Journeys elevates the experience of ocean travel and motorsport luxury once again in the heart of Monte Carlo GENEVA, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following an extraordinary debut in 2025, Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, today announced that it will return to Port Hercule for the FORMULA 1® GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2026. From Wednesday, June 3 to Monday, June 8, 2026, EXPLORA I will serve as an ultra-elegant sanctuary, elevating the experience of this iconic event with unmatched refinement and style. In May 2025, the ultra-elegant brand redefined race hospitality in Monaco. Against the glittering backdrop of the Riviera, EXPLORA II transformed into a private-yacht-inspired sanctuary, hosting guests mere steps from the circuit. From the deck, panoramic views of Port Hercule framed the spectacle of Formula 1®, while inside, a curated blend of art and culture set a new standard for immersive luxury at sea. 'The Monaco race weekend has become a meaningful and unforgettable chapter in the ever-evolving story of Explora Journeys,' said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. 'To see EXPLORA I poised against such an iconic backdrop is to witness our vision come alive — where the art of travel intertwines with emotional connection and refined living. Our return to the FORMULA 1® GRAND PRIX DE MONACO in 2026 is not just a celebration — it's a reaffirmation of our belief that true luxury is found in the richness of experience and the magic of shared moments.' EXPLORA I to Redefine Race Week in 2026 Docked just 150 metres from the track, EXPLORA I will serve as an exclusive, all-access retreat, offering guests front-row proximity to the race, along with world-class amenities including: From the ship's privileged position at the end of the harbour, guests will be immersed in the electric atmosphere of Monte Carlo's most glamorous weekend, while enjoying Explora Journeys' hallmark blend of sophistication, personalised service, and immersive luxury. Building on the glamour of 2025 - where the ship played host to events such as the iconic Vanity Fair Club, the 2026 edition will raise the bar even higher. From exclusive events to curated luxury showcases, Explora Journeys will once again be the epicentre of Monaco's most anticipated weekend. In 2025, the onboard experience featured everything from a VR race simulator to racing trivia and miniature tracks, appearances from Formula 1® legends like Sir Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard, and high-end jewellery showcases from Buccellati, Panerai, and Piaget. By night, the ship came alive with starlit soirées, themed cocktails, and champagne celebrations. As the brand returns to Monaco in 2026, guests can expect a continuation of this thoughtfully crafted programming, blending adrenaline with serenity, glamour with intimacy - a true expression of the Explora Journeys ethos. This announcement continues the momentum of the MSC Group's multi-year partnership with Formula 1®, which was established in 2022 and renewed at the race in Monaco this year until 2030, to align two global leaders in innovation and entertainment. As the relationship expands to include Explora Journeys, guests will benefit from exclusive access to one of the most sought-after weekends on the sporting calendar. Guests can now register their interest for the exclusive Formula 1® 2026 experience aboard EXPLORA I via the Explora Experience Centre, at or through their preferred travel advisor. Media Contact The Brandman Agency Stephanie Krajewski [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Explora Journeys
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Christian Horner gives emotional speech to Red Bull staff after shock sacking
Christian Horner delivered an emotional speech to Red Bull staff following his shock sacking. He appeared to break down in tears during his address to the team. The speech, captured by Sky Sports on Wednesday, saw Horner admit the news came as a surprise. He thanked the staff for their significant contributions over his 20-and-a-half years at Red Bull. Watch the video above.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Watch: Christian Horner gives emotional speech after Red Bull F1 sacking
Christian Horner appeared to break down in tears as he delivered an emotional speech to Red Bull staff following his shock sacking. Horner addressed his staff at a speech captured by Sky Sports on Wednesday (9 July). Admitting the news came as a shock to him, Horner said: 'What I have had time to do is reflect over the last 12 hours or so. And I wanted to stand in front of all of you and express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years that I've been here.'
