Latest news with #FormulaOneGrandPrix
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Former F1 CEO Shares Candid Advice with Max Verstappen Amid Mercedes Links
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. Former Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone has handed important advice to Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen amid speculation about his potential move to the Mercedes F1 team. Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, but several factors hint at a move to Mercedes, especially given Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's inclination to have him on the team. The four-time world champion has been facing challenges with Red Bull's RB21 F1 car, managing just two race wins in the first ten races this year, a stark contrast to his seven Grand Prix wins in the same span in 2024. Notably, issues with Red Bull's title challenger began last year, leading the team to finish third in the 2024 Constructors' Championship. Verstappen won his fourth title, but given McLaren's superior performance, the chances of the Dutch driver securing his fifth title this year are lower. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone talks with Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Red Bull Racing before the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The... F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone talks with Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Red Bull Racing before the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 23, 2016 in Austin, United States. MoreAdditionally, the sudden exit of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has added a layer of uncertainty to the team's future prospects, as F1 enters a new era of regulations in 2026. Red Bull will roll out its own power unit for the first time next year, which is being developed in collaboration with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. With Mercedes being a proven power unit supplier in the premier class of motorsport, the Brackley-based outfit could seem like a more reliable option for Verstappen. However, the 27-year-old driver stated a few weeks ago, before Horner's exit, that he was loyal to Red Bull and would stay with the team. But after Horner's departure, who was replaced by former Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies, it remains to be seen whether Verstappen's preference to stay at Red Bull continues. Given the reports of Verstappen's ongoing talks with Mercedes, as claimed by George Russell a few weeks ago, Ecclestone has asked Verstappen to do what makes him happy. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, as quoted by Planet F1, he said: "I think he should be where he's happy. "And wherever it's going to be, as long as he's happy, he'll still be able to perform the way he's performing now, because he's not a guy that messes around, is he? I mean, very straightforward on what he says and what he does." The 94-year-old F1 supremo then revealed that Verstappen should stay at Red Bull. He said: "I'd like to see him stay where he is."
Toronto Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Must-see TV: ‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes' doc and MLB All-Star Game top this week's watch list
Get the latest from Mark Daniell straight to your inbox Billy Joel performs during a concert at the Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on Oct. 23, 2021. Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP via Getty Images Billy Joel: And So It Goes Part One With unprecedented access to never-before-seen performances, home movies, and personal photographs, along with intimate one-on-one interviews, the two-part documentary explores the life and work of music icon Billy Joel. When: Friday on Crave 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 2025 MLB Home Run Derby Sports Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr., the Mariners' Cal Raleigh and the Nationals' James Wood are among the eight MLB sluggers participating in this year's Derby from Truist Park in Atlanta. When: Monday on Sportsnet 2025 MLB All-Star Game Sports The 95th Midsummer Classic features well-known baseball stars, like five-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and 'Legend Pick' Clayton Kershaw, playing alongside a new crop of superstars, including Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. When: Tuesday on Fox, Sportsnet Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays takes batting practice at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on July 1, 2025. Photo by Mark Blinch / Getty Images The Amazing Race Canada New Episode Racers travel to Lake Louise, Alta. in the heart of Banff National Park, before heading to Golden, B.C.. When: Tuesday on CTV American Ninja Warrior New Episode The semifinals begin in Las Vegas, where the ninjas take on a longer course featuring 10 iconic obstacles from the past. When: Monday on NBC, CTV 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. Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story Documentary Steven Spielberg shares exclusive stories behind the making of his landmark underwater thriller Jaws . When: Now streaming on Disney+ Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss in 'Jaws.' SunMediaArchive Lego Masters New Episode The five remaining teams are tasked with re-creating any item from Will Arnett's high school bedroom. When: Monday on Fox, CTV Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service New Episode After a much-needed reality check, sisters unite to rebuild their family's legacy with chef Gordon Ramsay's help. When: Wednesday on Fox, CTV MasterChef New Episode In a culinary relay, each of the nine remaining duos are split up, with one teammate starting to cook while the other waits in a separate room. Halfway through the challenge, the pair swap places, and the second teammate must complete the dish. When: Wednesday on Fox, CTV This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. WWE Evolution: 2025 Special Female wrestling stars take centre stage in the WWE's first all-women Premium Live Event. When: Sunday on Netflix Trainwreck: Balloon Boy Documentary Revisits the national panic that ensued when a homemade flying saucer lifted off in 2009 with a six-year-old boy supposedly inside. When: Tuesday on Netflix Amy Bradley Is Missing Documentary Investigates the disappearance of 23-year-old Amy Lynn Bradley, who vanished from aboard the cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas in 1998. When: Wednesday on Netflix Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Premiere A new villain tests the grit and resolve of Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and the crew of the USS Enterprise. When: Thursday on Paramount+ This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Untamed Debut A special agent for the National Parks Service (Eric Bana) hunts for a killer in Yosemite National Park. When: Thursday on Netflix Eric Bana stars in Netflix's 'Untamed.' Photo by Netflix Love Island: Beyond the Villa Reality Follows Season 6 Islanders around Los Angeles as they navigate new careers, evolving friendships, newfound fame, and complex relationships outside of the Love Island villa. When: Sunday on Crave Can't Sell Must Sell New Episode Brother and sister property developer-duo Scarlette and Stuart Douglas help homeowners desperate to sell their homes. When: Thursday on Home Network Red Right Hand Film A reformed criminal (Orlando Bloom) trying to raise his niece is drawn back into a life of violence when he is forced to once again work for his town's sadistic kingpin (Andie MacDowell). When: Friday on Paramount+ This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Now on the brink of adulthood, Belly (Lola Tung) finds herself at a crossroads and must decide which of the Fisher brothers has her heart. When: Wednesday on Prime Video The Chosen Season 5 This drama about the life of Jesus Christ (played by Jonathan Roumie) finds the leader returning to Jerusalem acclaimed as a king where he confronts corrupt temple merchants. When: Sunday on Prime Video Surf Girls: International Docuseries Follows five up-and-coming female surfers representing their home countries as they travel the world competing in the Challenger Series. When: Thursday on Prime Video Unwrapping Christmas: Lily's Destiny Film With holiday responsibilities piling up, a gift-wrapping shop owner (Ashley Newbrough) eagerly accepts a date with a handsome local realtor (Torrance Coombs). Part of Hallmark Channel's Christmas in July. When: Saturday on W Network mdaniell@ Read More World Toronto & GTA NHL Toronto & GTA World
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Formula E and FIA set for long-term contract extension
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monaco - May 22, 2025 General view of the FIA logo ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq LONDON - Formula E is set to extend an exclusive deal with motorsport's world governing body that will ensure it remains the only all-electric racing series sanctioned by the FIA for decades to come. Formula E, majority owned since last year by telecoms company Liberty Global, started out in 2014 with a 25-year licence. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem let slip to reporters during last weekend's British Formula One Grand Prix that an extension to the Formula E contract was done and "would come up soon". Formula E chief executive Jeff Dodds told Reuters on Friday ahead of the season's penultimate round in Berlin that there was nothing official. He said, however, to expect various announcements at the London season-ender this month. Formula One is starting a new engine era next year with a 50/50 split between combustion and electric but Ben Sulayem has said the Liberty Media-owned sport could go back to noisy V8 engines by 2029. "If they (F1) choose to keep using it (the 2026 engine), we'll choose to keep talking about the fact that they like the (electric) technology so much they integrate it into their race cars," said Dodds. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore ST will have Govt's 'full confidence and support' in its mission: PM Wong Singapore ST will aim to become an indispensable partner to S'pore's communities: Editor Jaime Ho Singapore Wishes for ST beyond 180: Odes to its enduring role in the Singapore story Singapore Heartbeats & Headlines: ST's 180-year legacy comes to life in immersive exhibition Singapore Trusted news, smarter experience with new Straits Times website and app Singapore Community space Stranger Conversations blossoms as 'library of human stories' and life experiences Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore Judge declines to void alleged sham marriage in S'pore, says it is for Parliament to decide "If they choose to go back to V8s, then we would absolutely leverage the fact that we would then be the only electric championship and everything that that means." MCLAREN EXIT Formula E is likely to be reduced to 10 teams, from 11 at present, next season after the withdrawal of Formula One champions McLaren to focus on endurance racing. McLaren had sought a new owner for the team but Dodds said the time frame was too tight for interested parties and it would revert to Formula E, barring a late twist. "As it stands unless something changes, and I never say never in Formula E or motorsport, their last race would be London," he added. "The team slot would vacate, which means the licence would revert to us, and then we have a lot of other interest in joining the championship. "The chance of somebody joining for one year of Gen3 is unlikely but the chance of somebody coming in and starting to develop with a future coming in for Gen4 is much more likely." Formula E will be in the last year of its Gen3 era next season, with the more powerful and faster Gen4 car then coming in for 2026/27. Nissan's British driver Oliver Rowland can clinch the 2024-25 championship in the Berlin double-header this weekend, and would be the series' 10th different champion in 11 seasons. REUTERS
1News
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
Red Bull vows to keep up fight after Horner sacking
Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko has pledged not give up on the Formula 1 title fight until it's mathematically impossible for Max Verstappen to win, even after Christian Horner was fired as team principal. In the first sign of the team's ambitions after ending Horner's 20-year tenure and appointing Laurent Mekies, Marko dismissed suggestions today that the move might mark a shift of focus to 2026. 'As for the current sporting situation: there are still twelve races to go, and we will continue to fight for the drivers' championship as long as it's mathematically possible," Marko said in comments released by the team. It comes after Max Verstappen — third in the standings, 69 points off the lead — had seemed pessimistic about his title defence. Marko himself last month told Austrian TV the team might need to 'write off' the title if things didn't improve. There was no mention today of the constructors' standings, where Red Bull is far adrift of McLaren. ADVERTISEMENT Turning around a disappointing season is just one of many urgent demands facing Mekies on his first full day as Red Bull's new team principal. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner before the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria on June 29, 2025. (Source: Associated Press) Verstappen's future The defending champion last week refused to commit to staying with Red Bull for 2026, even while Horner claimed Verstappen's 'intention is that he will be there'. It's likely to become clearer in the coming weeks whether Horner's departure has done anything to make Verstappen more willing to stay. If Verstappen does leave, it would likely be for rival Mercedes. Losing its star driver relatively late in 2025 could hamper Red Bull's development work for next year, and there are few experienced options available. ole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on arrival in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 05, 2025 in Northampton, England. (Source: Getty) ADVERTISEMENT The second seat The two sides of the Red Bull garage seem like different teams. Verstappen has scored 165 of Red Bull's 172 points this year despite his frequent complaints about the car. For anyone else, it seems undriveable. The last Red Bull podium for a driver other than Verstappen was in April 2024. The last win came in April 2023. Last week, Horner said Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda would be given the rest of the season to show what he can do. Whatever happens, Mekies has to choose who will fill that seat for 2026. One option is Isack Hadjar, the impressive rookie at Racing Bulls. However, Mekies was at Racing Bulls when Liam Lawson was first promoted, then sent back down with shattered confidence. Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson of New Zealand walks through the paddock at the Red Bull Ring racetrack, in Spielberg, Austria, Thursday, June 26, 2025 (Source: Associated Press) Office politics ADVERTISEMENT Getting the best out of Red Bull means dealing with its internal politics. In his previous role with Racing Bulls, Mekies worked with the 82-year-old Marko, who is employed by Red Bull's parent company and oversees both of its F1 teams. The Austrian is influential but his authority and position are vaguely defined. Another influential figure who isn't a team employee is Jos Verstappen. The star driver's father is a regular presence in the paddock and wasn't afraid of criticising Horner in public. Since Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz's death in 2022, the parent company's shareholders in Thailand have shaped the direction of the team. They're rarely seen at races and avoid commenting in public. Big changes in 2026 The most sweeping changes to F1 cars in a generation could reshape the sport. Red Bull aced the last big regulation change in 2022 with a car designed by Adrian Newey. He left last year for Aston Martin, an ambitious team which has been planning for this moment for years. It's just one of several rivals with their eyes on Red Bull's place as a title challenger. ADVERTISEMENT Mekies will need to get a quick grasp of Red Bull's plans for 2026 and a major expansion of its in-house engine production program, which includes Ford returning to F1 for next year as Red Bull's partner.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mekies brings vast experience as he takes over F1 team Red Bull after Horner's sacking
FILE - Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies attends a press conference ahead of the French Formula One Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard racetrack in Le Castellet, southern France, Friday, June 18, 2021. (Nicolas Tucat/Pool via AP, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE - Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies attends a press conference ahead of the French Formula One Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard racetrack in Le Castellet, southern France, Friday, June 18, 2021. (Nicolas Tucat/Pool via AP, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Red Bull's Formula 1 team is changing team directors for the first time since it was founded 20 years ago, after Christian Horner's sacking sent shockwaves through the sport on Wednesday. But his replacement Laurent Mekies could be the calm presence the team needs amid what promises to be an intense period of scrutiny. Mekies, who had been head of sister team Racing Bulls, brings vast experience to the role after he was hired to replace Horner as chief executive of Red Bull's F1 team. Advertisement The timing of Horner's firing at least gives him a little bit of time to prepare, as he takes charge of his first race at the Belgian GP on July 27. Here are some things to know about Mekies: What are his credentials? The 48-year-old Frenchman has been in F1 since the early 2000s. He worked as a race engineer with the Minardi team — which featured future Red Bull driver Mark Webber — and was among the Minardi staff who stayed when Red Bull took over and created the Toro Rosso team in 2005. He brings vast experience, and F1 knowledge from both working inside teams and inside the institution of motor sport's governing body, FIA. Advertisement After leaving Toro Rosso in 2014, Mekies had a stint as the FIA's safety director during a crucial time as F1 made the 'halo' protective device mandatory on cars, following the death of French F1 driver Jules Bianchi and British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson in 2015. Ferrari role Mekies returned to a team role in 2018, joining Italian F1 giant Ferrari as its sporting director, working alongside then-team principal Mattia Binotto. He was promoted to race director, and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc once doused him with Champagne after winning the 2022 Austrian GP. But erratic decision-making and botched pit stops by the team during races undermined Ferrari's bid to challenge at the top. Advertisement Mekies left Ferrari halfway during the 2023 season, following Binotto's departure at the end of 2022. Racing Bulls Mekies became team principal of the Racing Bulls team at the start of 2024. When Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to the Red Bull team after just two rounds this season, Mekies said he was 'incredibly proud' of Tsunoda's progress. This season he also worked with rookie French driver Isack Hadjar, who has impressed in spells, and Liam Lawson after he was demoted from Red Bull to make way for Tsunoda. Mekies will be replaced by Alan Permane at Racing Bulls, formerly the racing director. Advertisement 'The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team,' Mekies said. "The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path.' Challenges ahead Looking further ahead, Mekies has much work to do at Red Bull with new technical regulations on cars coming up in 2026. 'The challenge is huge, probably the biggest for the teams,' he said recently. 'I'm sure the teams will need the drivers to help them develop in the right direction (and) help them grasp these regulations.' ___ AP auto racing:
