Latest news with #JapaneseGP
Kyodo News
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Kyodo News
Motor racing: Tsunoda frustrated but unscathed after qualifying crash
KYODO NEWS - 17 hours ago - 13:49 | Sports, All Japanese Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda walked away safely and got the all-clear from medical staff after crashing and badly damaging his car in the first qualifying session for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Saturday. Tsunoda spun out of control on a curve and slammed into the barriers during Q1, the first of three qualifying periods that count toward drivers' placement for Sunday's race. He will start last in 20th place in his fifth race for Red Bull. "I'm OK, thankfully. But at the same time, it's very frustrating how I ended up [there] in such an early stage, and especially a very unnecessary situation," Tsunoda said on the official F1 website. "It was a big mystery how I ended didn't know exactly why, but we made a lot of changes and it felt pretty good in the first turn, Turn 2 and Turn 3, and I crashed immediately after." Tsunoda was 12th in his first race with Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6, placed ninth in Bahrain, retired in Saudi Arabia and came 10th in Miami. Related coverage: Motor racing: Yuki Tsunoda scores 1st points as Red Bull driver in Bahrain Motor racing: Max Verstappen wins 4th straight Japanese GP for Red Bull Motor racing: Tsunoda just 14th in 1st qualifying for Red Bull
Kyodo News
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Kyodo News
Motor racing: Tsunoda frustrated but unscathed after qualifying crash
KYODO NEWS - 39 minutes ago - 13:49 | Sports, All Japanese Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda walked away safely and got the all-clear from medical staff after crashing and badly damaging his car in the first qualifying session for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Saturday. Tsunoda spun out of control on a curve and slammed into the barriers during Q1, the first of three qualifying periods that count toward drivers' placement for Sunday's race. He will start last in 20th place in his fifth race for Red Bull. "I'm OK, thankfully. But at the same time, it's very frustrating how I ended up [there] in such an early stage, and especially a very unnecessary situation," Tsunoda said on the official F1 website. "It was a big mystery how I ended didn't know exactly why, but we made a lot of changes and it felt pretty good in the first turn, Turn 2 and Turn 3, and I crashed immediately after." Tsunoda was 12th in his first race with Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6, placed ninth in Bahrain, retired in Saudi Arabia and came 10th in Miami. Related coverage: Motor racing: Yuki Tsunoda scores 1st points as Red Bull driver in Bahrain Motor racing: Max Verstappen wins 4th straight Japanese GP for Red Bull Motor racing: Tsunoda just 14th in 1st qualifying for Red Bull
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Much like Quidditch, Lawson's Red Bull drive made no sense
Liam Lawson Liam Lawson had a torrid time in the RB21. Red Bull subsequently demoted him after two GPs this season. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Break Point Column I would like to take a moment to address something that has been on my mind for, oh, perhaps the last 20 years, if not longer. It developed around my first contact with the Harry Potter universe, when I became aware of Quidditch. Now, I don't mind fantasy inventing sports. In fact, as a world-building tool, it adds much-needed depth and colour – a sense of unity and familiarity to the world of the other, perhaps even a bit of comedy and drama. For instance, if JRR Tolkien is to be believed, golf was invented at the Battle of the Greenfields, when the hobbit Bandobras Took swung his club so hard as to decapitate the Orc king, Golfimbul, the severed head landing in a rabbit hole some 100 yards away. That I can see happening and explore with a degree of delight – more so because I find the concept of golf a tad ridiculous. But Quidditch? No way… it just makes no sense. Why chase goals when everyone should just chase the Snitch? What is the purpose of the Quaffle and the rigmarole of scoring 10 points when there is a way to score 150 points and end the match at the same time – no doubt with victory quite literally in hand? Who needs Chasers, Beaters, and Keepers? Why is the team not all Seekers? It is quite understandable that people rage against this particular inconsistency of the wizarding world, despite there being much more pressing concerns – like what the denizens of that world actually do for a living. Which eventually brings me to Liam Lawson. I would like to take a moment to address something that has been on my mind for, oh, perhaps the last few months and no longer: Why was Lawson handed the Red Bull seat when Yuki Tsunoda should have been given the responsibility after the departure of Sergio Pérez? "I had no idea in China" Here's Liam Lawson on when he found out about his demotion from Red Bull Racing 👇#F1 #JapaneseGP — Formula 1 (@F1) April 3, 2025 Much like Quidditch, it made no sense then, and now, on the verge of the Japanese Grand Prix, it still seems nonsensical. I was not surprised when, earlier this week, Tsunoda was confirmed as Red Bull's new driver, with Lawson demoted back to the less prestigious Racing Bulls. It was an own goal for sure by Red Bull to give Lawson such a huge responsibility when there was very little evidence on track to support it. And I am not referring to the first two races this season, which have been disastrous. In his 17 Grand Prix, Lawson has only finished in the top 10 on three occasions – all of them ninth-place finishes. The far more experienced Tsunoda, in a lesser machine, has achieved results relative to the opportunities granted to him. "Best situation ever" Yuki Tsunoda is excited to debut for Red Bull Racing at his home race this weekend 🤩 #F1 #JapaneseGP — Formula 1 (@F1) April 3, 2025 He has been chasing that Snitch longer, to stick to the analogy, with a broom held together with duct tape. When Checo's services were terminated last season, Tsunoda should have been the first and only option to wiggle his way into that seat. It would have given him that extra bit of time to prepare for the rigours of being a Red Bull driver – arguably the most high-pressure position in F1. The RB21 looks like an absolute mare to drive, with defending world champion Max Verstappen thus far the only driver from their stable able to break it. Since Verstappen took his seat in 2016, he has had seven teammates, with Tsunoda the latest. Rumblings suggest that the Dutchman is quite peeved at the team swap. Perhaps he understands from the cockpit that Red Bull's best chance to compete this season required a more patient approach. One suspects Tsunoda will battle at his home GP this weekend – that seems to be the nature of the car he will now drive. But he should have been in it from the start, not Lawson. Tsunoda will have to be a wizard with the magic touch to achieve anything special in the next few races. Liam Lawson Liam Lawson. Photo: AFP Image: AFP
Gulf Insider
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
Max Verstappen And McLaren Set For Explosive Saudi Arabian GP
Jeddah Awaits Formula 1's first triple-header of the 2025 season wraps up this weekend at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where the battle for supremacy intensifies. From April 18-20, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will showcase McLaren's dominance, but Max Verstappen is eyeing a comeback after a frustrating Bahrain Grand Prix. McLaren on Fire McLaren has dominated the early stages of the season, with Lando Norris holding a commanding 77-point lead in the drivers' standings. Despite a messy weekend in Bahrain, Norris is feeling confident ahead of the Jeddah race. 'It's a really fast track and we have a quick car,' he said, looking forward to rounding off the triple-header on a high. Oscar Piastri, who grabbed his second victory of the season in Bahrain, is also brimming with confidence. 'I'm determined to hit the ground running in Saudi,' the Australian said, knowing his momentum will be crucial for the upcoming races. Red Bull's Redemption While McLaren is the team to beat, Red Bull's Max Verstappen has vowed to bounce back in Jeddah after a disappointing showing in Bahrain. The four-time world champion finished a rare sixth place in Bahrain and is determined to turn things around. 'Jeddah is a good track for us,' Verstappen noted, recalling past victories at the Saudi circuit. Despite his struggles in Bahrain-where pit-stop issues and tyre degradation hampered his pace-Verstappen remains optimistic. 'I'm hoping we can find more pace and bring out a performance similar to Japan,' he added, referencing his incredible comeback at the Japanese GP last season. Battle for the Top Step The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is one of F1's most thrilling tracks, with high-speed straights and minimal tyre degradation, making it a perfect hunting ground for McLaren. Mercedes,however, is in the mix, with George Russell netting three podium finishes in the opening races. With Verstappen's Red Bull looking to regain form, the stage is set for an exciting contest at the front. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed optimism for another successful race, noting that 'the softer tyre allocation could make for an exciting race.' If McLaren's form holds, Norris and Piastri could secure yet another 1-2 finish-but Verstappen is determined to change the script. Saudi Arabia Eyes Formula 1 Team Ownership As the engines roar into Jeddah for the fifth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, a powerful statement from Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal has set the paddock abuzz – Saudi Arabia could soon become the next nation to own a Formula 1 team. The chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation believes the Kingdom is closer than ever to making a move from race host and sponsor to full team ownership. 'It could happen,' Prince Khalid said. 'It could happen soon.' Saudi Arabia has rapidly deepened its footprint in the sport since debuting on the F1 calendar in 2021. With state-owned oil giant Aramco, a global F1 partner and title sponsor of Aston Martin, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) previously buying into McLaren, the next logical step seems clear. 'People will buy a Formula 1 team to make money – especially if it's through a PIF company,' he said, adding that the surging global popularity of F1 makes such a move increasingly the current grid will grow to 11 teams in 2026 with the arrival of Cadillac, there is technically space for one more, and Prince Khalid insists Saudi Arabia is ready – either by founding a new outfit or taking over an existing one. But it's not a decision to be taken lightly. 'It's not easy to say which team to buy and how to manage it,' he cautioned. 'But if Saudi Arabia or a Saudi company enters F1, I'd like to see it done the right way – and be successful.' Prince Khalid also floated the idea of hosting two Saudi Grands Prix – one in Jeddah and another at the upcoming Qiddiya circuit in Riyadh – and expressed hopes that Saudi Arabia might even open future F1 seasons as the first race on the calendar. With its ambitions on the rise and money no object, Saudi Arabia's push into Formula 1 could soon shift from speculation to full throttle reality. Also read: MP Questions Disability Support After Wheelchair User Offered Driving Job
Daily Tribune
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Tribune
Max Verstappen and McLaren Set for Explosive Saudi Arabian GP
TDT | Manama Jeddah Awaits Formula 1's first triple-header of the 2025 season wraps up this weekend at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where the battle for supremacy intensifies. From April 18-20, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will showcase McLaren's dominance, but Max Verstappen is eyeing a comeback after a frustrating Bahrain Grand Prix. McLaren on Fire McLaren has dominated the early stages of the season, with Lando Norris holding a commanding 77-point lead in the drivers' standings. Despite a messy weekend in Bahrain, Norris is feeling confident ahead of the Jeddah race. 'It's a really fast track and we have a quick car,' he said, looking forward to rounding off the triple-header on a high. Oscar Piastri, who grabbed his second victory of the season in Bahrain, is also brimming with confidence. 'I'm determined to hit the ground running in Saudi,' the Australian said, knowing his momentum will be crucial for the upcoming races. Red Bull's Redemption While McLaren is the team to beat, Red Bull's Max Verstappen has vowed to bounce back in Jeddah after a disappointing showing in Bahrain. The four-time world champion finished a rare sixth place in Bahrain and is determined to turn things around. "Jeddah is a good track for us," Verstappen noted, recalling past victories at the Saudi circuit. Despite his struggles in Bahrain—where pit-stop issues and tyre degradation hampered his pace—Verstappen remains optimistic. "I'm hoping we can find more pace and bring out a performance similar to Japan," he added, referencing his incredible comeback at the Japanese GP last season. Battle for the Top Step The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is one of F1's most thrilling tracks, with high-speed straights and minimal tyre degradation, making it a perfect hunting ground for McLaren. Mercedes, however, is in the mix, with George Russell netting three podium finishes in the opening races. With Verstappen's Red Bull looking to regain form, the stage is set for an exciting contest at the front. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed optimism for another successful race, noting that 'the softer tyre allocation could make for an exciting race.' If McLaren's form holds, Norris and Piastri could secure yet another 1-2 finish—but Verstappen is determined to change the script.
