Latest news with #HungarianGrandPrix
Newsweek
21 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Albon Exposes Harsh Truth About Wet F1 Tires That Makes Drivers Look 'Weak'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Williams Racing Formula One driver Alex Albon has opened up about why the sport does not use wet tires when the conditions demand them. He also highlighted how drivers are put in an "awkward" situation that makes them look "weak" whenever they refuse to race in the wet. The last two Grand Prix weekends at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps witnessed wet races, which added to the excitement. However, for the drivers, the experience could be scary at times due to visibility problems. The race at Spa highlighted the gravity of the situation after it was red-flagged following the formation lap. Drivers complained of reduced visibility due to the spray being emitted by the cars in front, highlighting the danger of racing in the rain. The Belgian GP began after an 80-minute delay once the rain cloud had passed, which led many to suggest the FIA was too cautious in its approach to racing in the rain. Alexander Albon of Thailand driving the (23) Williams FW47 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, England. Alexander Albon of Thailand driving the (23) Williams FW47 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, decision also led many to question why the race wasn't allowed to continue on wet tires. With this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix forecasted to have a 60 percent chance of rain, Albon was asked why the wet tire wasn't used in the last two race weekends. He said: "I mean, I would say I agree, but I think the people who are most vocal about not driving are the drivers. We are vocal when we think it's ready to go and when we think it was time. But at the moment, the full wet tyre and the conditions of the tracks, they don't align. "The tracks are too wet. It's not the tyres that are not good enough, it's just that we can't see. Unfortunately, we're the only ones that can truly tell you what this is. I think the drivers are actually put in a bit of an awkward position in that sense because we look weak." Albon referenced an incident from the British GP, where Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar was blinded by the spray, causing him to crash into Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He said: "We look like the ones that are complaining and that we should just get on with it, whereas I think a good example would have been Isack and Kimi in Silverstone. It's the worst feeling driving at 250kph and not being able to see 20 metres in front of you. "I think the FIA listens to us very closely and they do monitor and they're always looking for solutions and potential areas they can improve to help us. But yeah, it's a really awkward conversation because I agree with you, the wets are fine to go racing. On the wets, on a clear track, we would be totally fine. But at the moment, these cars are producing a huge amount of spray."
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
F1 champion Max Verstappen says he's staying with Red Bull team for 2026
Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen says he is staying with the Red Bull team next year, ending months of speculation over his future. 'Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama. But, for me, it's always been quite clear, and also for next year," the four-time champion said Thursday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. "I'm discussing with the team already the plans — the things that we want to change for next year, so that means that I'm also staying with the team for next year.' Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull through 2028. At recent races he had deflected questions about whether he'd stay with the team next year, and there had been indications that a performance-related clause could allow him to exit the contract early. The details of any clause are not public. Stability for Red Bull His announcement brings some much-needed stability for Red Bull, less than a month after Christian Horner was removed from his role as Red Bull team principal after 20 years and replaced by Laurent Mekies. Verstappen last week dismissed the suggestion that Horner's firing would affect his decision on his future. Red Bull is more dependent on Verstappen than any of F1's other leading teams are on any one driver. Of the 192 points Red Bull has scored this season, Verstappen contributed 185, while his teammate Yuki Tsunoda hasn't scored a point in the last six races.
Qatar Tribune
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
Verstappen to stay on with Red Bull
PAMedia/DPA Budapest Max Verstappen has confirmed for the first time that he will stay with Red Bull - after George Russell admitted he is on the brink of a new Mercedes contract. Verstappen's break clause from his Red Bull deal can no longer be activated, after his fourth-placed finish in Belgium last Sunday ensured he will not be lower than third in the world championship at the summer break which follows this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. Asked at the Hungaroring if he can say for certain that he will be at Red Bull in 2026, Verstappen replied: 'Yes. I never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about improving our performance, future ideas and next year and that is why I had nothing really to add. 'But I think it is time to stop all the rumours. For me, it was always quite clear that I was staying anyway and that was the general feeling in the team because we were always in discussion about what we could do with the car and when you're not interested in staying, you stop talking about these kind of things, and I never did.' Mercedes have made little secret of their desire to sign the four-time world champion. As it stands, Russell - who despite a series of impressive performances this year - is without a deal for 2026. Speaking prior to Verstappen, Russell, who it is understood has received a contract offer from Mercedes in the past week, said: 'Conversations have started. We are now heading into the summer break. 'I have spoken a lot with (Mercedes CEO and team principal) Toto (Wolff) this week, but we have not spoken once about the contract because we are both trying to solve the performance and getting the team in the right place. And that is genuine.' 'I want to go into the summer break and enjoy the only two weeks off I have in the year. I don't want to be thinking about contracts. 'And there isn't really a major time pressure now from my side, nor from Mercedes' side, because of the Verstappen situation and I presume he is staying at Red Bull. 'Not that I was ever concerned about that but from the team's perspective I guess that has an impact. 'From my side, I was never concerned I was going to lose my seat. I want to go into this weekend and try and get the team back on track and perform better than we have shown at the past six races. Then I am going to go straight on holiday for two weeks and do a week's training and I want to enjoy that to be honest.' It was then put to Russell, 27, that he will be driving for Mercedes next season, but it is now just a question of how his contract looks. He replied: 'Yes, I guess so.' Despite the continued speculation surrounding suggestions Verstappen could trade Red Bull for Mercedes, those close to the Russell camp have indicated for a number of weeks the 27-year-old is extremely confident of striking a contract extension. Russell has scored 157 points to rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli's 63 after 13 of the 24 rounds. Mercedes are third in the constructors' standings, 296 points adrift of McLaren.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Charles Leclerc hails Ferrari F1 boss Fred Vasseur's 'vision' after contract extended
BUDAPEST: Charles Leclerc hailed Fred Vasseur's 'vision' and cold-blooded approach after the Ferrari team principal was handed a new contract following speculation about his future. Ferrari said the deal for Vasseur announced on Thursday was a sign of 'trust in Fred's leadership,' with the Italian team yet to win a Formula 1 race in 2025. 'In Formula 1, it takes time to build something, especially a successful team,' Leclerc said, arguing that the situation had been complicated by the 'hype around the team' after Lewis Hamilton's arrival, and narrowly missing out on the constructors' championship last year. The driver from Monaco added that Vasseur stood out for his sense of humor and his 'cold blood' when Ferrari comes under pressure. 'I think what's very difficult within Ferrari is the emotion is very much part of the daily job," Leclerc said. "Fred really knows how to leave his emotions aside and have a clear vision of where we are at, no matter how much noise there is around the team.' Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ferrari said the new deal was a 'multiple-year contract,' without giving further details. Leclerc's teammate Hamilton gave Vasseur his backing last month after reports in the Italian media suggested his job could be in question. Ferrari last won a race in October and, while it's second in the constructors' championship, neither Hamilton nor Leclerc has consistently been able to challenge the leading McLaren drivers this year. 'Today we want to recognize what has been built and commit to what still needs to be achieved,' Ferrari chief executive Benedetto Vigna said in a statement.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lime Green Sex Toy Halts Play at WNBA Game
The WNBA today is well-known for a deep pool of superstars such as A'Ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Angel Reese, and Breanna Stewart, to name a few. Unfortunately, now the WNBA is trending for different reasons, unrelated to the on-court talent. This time, it's because play had to stop in Tuesday night's game between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream had to be stopped briefly, due to the arrival of a lime green sex toy landing on the court. Video shows the sex toy being thrown onto the Gateway Center Arena at College Park, and the aftermath that ensued. As expected, no one wanted to touch or come into contact with the strange tool that clearly didn't fit the vibe. From announcers to players, coaches, and referees, no one really knew how to respond. After all, this situation wasn't in any training videos. Nevertheless, officials were able to carefully remove the obstruction from the field of play We can't help but wonder how this uniquely-shaped item snuck its way into a WNBA arena. After all, most stadiums do pat-downs or have you remove items from your pockets. Where was this one concealed? After the game, players couldn't help but admit they had trouble holding back laughter while maintaining their composure during the odd interruption. 'I mean, first of all, it was super dangerous,' Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini said. 'And then when we found out what it was, I guess we just started laughing. I've never seen anything like that. I'm just glad we worked through that situation. We stayed locked in, we stayed concentrated.' 'One of our players almost got hit with it, so that's very dangerous,' Tiffany Hayes said. 'We persevered.' Related: Related Headlines Report: Blue Jays Linked to Another Huge Upgrade Trade After Shane Bieber Acquistion MLB Trade Rumors: Updates on Mets-Robert, Alcantara, Padres-Miller Before 5 PM Deadline 2025 F1 Power Rankings: Hungarian Grand Prix Update Caitlin Clark's Enforcer Reveals WNBA Teams' Plan Against Her
