Latest news with #MichaelSchumacher
CNA
4 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
Hamilton's Belgian GP nightmare gets worse
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium :Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, last year's winner with Mercedes, failed to get through the first phase of Belgian Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday after his best lap was deleted for exceeding track limits. The seven-times world champion, who has yet to stand on the podium since his move to Ferrari at the end of last season, will start 16th on Sunday. The Briton had already endured a nightmare in Saturday's sprint race, starting 18th after a spin in qualifying and finishing 15th. Hamilton is a five-times winner in Belgium, one off Michael Schumacher's record at the circuit. He won at Spa last year after then teammate George Russell was disqualified from first when his car was found to be underweight.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Since 2004: How Bahrain's International Circuit put Middle East on global F1 map with its first race
In April 2004, Bahrain became the first nation in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 race/Image: Instagram TL;DR: In April 2004, Bahrain became the first nation in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 race. The Bahrain International Circuit was designed and built in under 18 months at a cost of around USD 150 million. The inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix was won by Michael Schumacher, establishing Ferrari's dominance in the region. Bahrain's success inspired F1 Grands Prix in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia by 2021. The government secured its F1 hosting rights through 2036, one of the sport's longest contract extensions. In late 2002 Bahrain's leadership, led by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, announced plans for a world-class racing circuit in the desert. They engaged German architect Hermann Tilke to design the Bahrain International Circuit. Built on a fast 16–18 month timeline and costing approximately USD 150 million, the 5.417-km track featured six layouts, including the Grand Prix configuration used for F1 races. Concerns about readiness circulated, yet Formula 1 management approved the inaugural event in spite of incomplete infrastructure. These choices marked Bahrain's determination to host elite motorsport swiftly and effectively. April 4, 2004: A Milestone Race The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix held on April 4, 2004 became the first Formula 1 race to take place in any Arab nation. German driver Michael Schumacher claimed pole position and went on to win the race, followed by teammate Rubens Barrichello in second and Jenson Button in third for BAR‑Honda. Roughly 68,000 spectators attended during the race weekend, and the event earned international praise. FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem later described the race as a turning point that launched F1's presence in the Gulf. Bahrain Sparks Regional Expansion Bahrain's success quickly motivated other Gulf states to follow suit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix began in 2009, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia added races by 2021. By 2025, the Middle East hosted four annual Formula 1 Grands Prix. Bahrain's circuit was also named the world's first FIA Centre of Excellence, an award recognizing exceptional safety standards, medical facilities, and operational readiness at the facility. Contract Extension Until 2036: A Long-Term Strategic Commitment In February 2022, Formula 1 officially announced that Bahrain had signed a multi-year extension to host the Bahrain Grand Prix through the end of the 2036 season. This deal positioned Bahrain as one of the longest-serving hosts on the F1 calendar and marked a significant milestone in the region's motorsport legacy. According to the F1 governing body, the agreement was made possible due to Bahrain's high operational standards, fan experience, and global reach. Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, is the owner of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), while circuit operations are handled by a dedicated management team under the Bahrain Motorsport Federation in coordination with Formula One Group and Liberty Media. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the extension, stating: 'Bahrain was the first Middle Eastern country to welcome F1, and it has a special place in the history of our sport. The race at Sakhir is always a favorite for drivers and fans alike.' The extension also underscores F1's confidence in the region's long-term commitment to the sport. This move coincided with a broader push by Formula 1 to secure strategic venues across the Middle East as part of its global expansion and sustainability roadmap. Innovation, Night Racing, and Sustainability Over the years, the John Tilke-designed track evolved. In 2014, Bahrain hosted its first night race as a celebration of the Grand Prix's 10th anniversary; Turn One was officially renamed 'Schumacher Corner' in honour of Michael Schumacher's legacy and lauded contributions to the sport. Bahrain also organized two separate races in 2020 using distinct track layouts as part of F1's pandemic-era scheduling innovation. In November 2024, the circuit received the FIA's top-tier three-star environmental accreditation, highlighting initiatives in solar power, carbon reduction, waste management, and biodiversity. This followed a solar farm installation that generated over 5 million kWh during the race weekend, offsetting more than 3,100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions as per FIA. Why Bahrain's F1 Moment Was Revolutionary Bahrain was the first Gulf country to bring Formula 1 to the region. Its commitment led to a long-term hosting deal through 2036, unprecedented in Formula 1. The circuit's design, innovation, and sustainability initiatives set benchmarks for new hosts. Bahrain's Grand Prix continues to act as a launchpad for motorsport in the Arab world. Final Reflection: Bahrain's Grand Prix Legacy in 2025 and Beyond More than two decades since it hosted the region's first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix, Bahrain continues to define the trajectory of motorsport in the Middle East. As of July 2025, the Kingdom remains a pillar of Formula 1's global calendar, not just due to its longevity, but because of its evolving relevance. In March 2025, the Bahrain Grand Prix once again opened the F1 season, a tradition that has become increasingly symbolic of the sport's eastern shift and its reliance on the Gulf for climate-resilient venues, logistical stability, and long-term financial partnerships. While newer hosts like Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia grab headlines for their opulence and scale, Bahrain's event remains praised for its sporting purity, track layout, and operational precision. Teams, drivers, and broadcasters have increasingly referred to Bahrain as a 'benchmark circuit', one that combines state-of-the-art facilities with a deep-rooted motorsport culture nurtured over years of consistent delivery. The night race, now in its 11th year, draws millions of viewers worldwide, while the track's growing use for pre-season testing has cemented its technical importance to teams and engineers alike. In regional context, Bahrain's foresight in locking down hosting rights through 2036 appears even more strategic. With climate and scheduling pressures mounting globally, Formula 1 has shown a clear preference for stable, well-funded venues that can support its environmental and digital transformation goals. Bahrain International Circuit's solar energy offsetting, electric vehicle trials, and digital fan engagement platforms align seamlessly with F1's 'Net Zero 2030' ambitions, according to FIA and Formula 1's most recent sustainability progress reports. Ultimately, Bahrain's place in the sport today is not just historical, it is foundational. It is the only Gulf nation to have hosted a Grand Prix uninterrupted (except for the 2011 cancellation due to civil unrest), and its operational reliability, coupled with visionary leadership, has made it more than just the region's motorsport pioneer. It is now its institutional anchor. As the Middle East deepens its role in hosting global sporting events, from the Asian Games in Doha to the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain's success story with Formula 1 stands as a model of how long-term vision, strategic investment, and global sporting alignment can turn a desert dream into a world-class legacy.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Fears for future of iconic F1 track that's set to disappear from calendar after years of drama and tragedy
Max Verstappen called on it to have special status earlier this year Bel tolls Fears for future of iconic F1 track that's set to disappear from calendar after years of drama and tragedy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOR Formula One fans, few race tracks capture the pure essence of motorsport racing quite like Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps. Located in the Ardennes forest, the 7km circuit has a special place in the hearts and history of F1 and beyond. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The iconic Belgium Grand Prix is under threat Credit: Getty 5 Spa-Francorchamps is a traditional track with some of the best racing in motorsport Credit: Getty 5 But the glamour of new F1 tracks like Las Vegas mean Belgium's place is under threat Credit: Getty 5 It is already now on a rotation contract from 2026 Credit: Getty Whether it's the tricky La Source (Turn One), the breathtaking ride up Eau Rouge and Raidillon (Turn Three, Four and Five) or the sweeping double left-hander at Pouhon (Turn 12), there is something to get every petrol head excited. And that is not to mention the countless iconic races which have graced F1 there over the years - with Belgium being one of the original grand prix in F1's first season in 1950. From Michael Schumacher's maiden F1 win at Jordan in 1992 to Lewis Hamilton's epic battles with Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel in 2008 and 2018 respectively, raceday there is rarely dull. Indeed, reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen named it as one of the six circuits which should have protected status on the calendar, alongside Silverstone, Suzuka, Interlagos, Zandvoort and Imola. READ MORE IN F1 FLOODY HELL Fears for F1 race with track damaged by huge storms appear to rip up road However, the modern pressures of F1 - which has seen the demand for glitz and glam skyrocket as scores of influencers and celebs with only a passing interest in the sport choke out those who genuinely care - mean some of the most iconic tracks on the calendar are at risk. Imola has lost its contract from next season in place of another controversial street track in Madrid, while Zandvoort is celebrating the final Dutch Grand Prix in 2026. Spa's place in the F1 calendar has already been reduced to a rotation piece for the next six years, with its absence sure to be felt in 2028 and 2030 in the wake of potential new venues such as Thailand or Argentina. However, gone are the days when the relative danger of a circuit is tolerated by FIA and F1 chiefs. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK F2 driver Anthoine Hubert tragically lost his life following a high-speed multi-car collision at Raidillon in 2019, while four years later Dutch driver Dilano van 't Hoff was also killed in the same spot during a race in Formula Regional. Circuit chiefs responded in 2022 by investing in gravel traps, widening run-off areas and moving barriers, but some said the changes did not go far enough. Fears for F1 race with circuit damaged by raging storms as floodwater rips up part of the track Wet races there are a particular concern too, with the 2021 Belgium Grand Prix being abandoned after just two laps driven behind the safety car due to the almost non-existent visibility on the track. The spray issue of F1 tyres is far from Spa's fault, but a growing desire for races in parts of the world where weather conditions are more guaranteed, such as the Middle East or even the warmer states in the USA, mean money talks. A record 380,000 fans attended the F1 weekend in Spa last year, yet lucrative money-spinning deals with new tracks including Las Vegas and Miami in the expanding US market are choking an already congested calendar. Indeed, the move to three races in the States came before the release of the new F1 movie. The film, produced by Apple and starring Brad Pitt, broke box office records as it grossed $463million worldwide on a reported budget of $200-$300m. Spa is a traditional track, but a fair share of the latest generation of fans following the success of Netflix's Drive To Survive series and any more after the film tend to be more ensnared by the spectacle of the host tracks. Monaco has suffered the opposite issue to Spa, being a place where the race result is all but decided by Saturday's qualifying due to a lack of overtaking opportunities, but with the glamour to justify its continued existence. The real question for all parties in the coming years is whether F1 is really willing to abandon what made it the most popular motorsport in the world, the racing, in favour of money-spinning events catered for celebs and social media stars. In many ways it could be argued that it represents a battle for the soul of the sport, and some tough debate could be in line for CEO Stefano Domenicali in the future. F1 returns to Spa this weekend after a two-week break in the 2025 season, with the backdrop of Christian Horner's abrupt Red Bull exit sure to make headlines before any cars even hit the track.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Fears for future of iconic F1 track that's set to disappear from calendar after years of drama and tragedy
FOR Formula One fans, few race tracks capture the pure essence of motorsport racing quite like Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps. Located in the Ardennes forest, the 7km circuit has a special place in the hearts and history of F1 and beyond. 5 5 5 5 Whether it's the tricky La Source (Turn One), the breathtaking ride up Eau Rouge and Raidillon (Turn Three, Four and Five) or the sweeping double left-hander at Pouhon (Turn 12), there is something to get every petrol head excited. And that is not to mention the countless iconic races which have graced F1 there over the years - with Belgium being one of the original grand prix in F1's first season in 1950. From Michael Schumacher 's maiden F1 win at Jordan in 1992 to Lewis Hamilton 's epic battles with Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel in 2008 and 2018 respectively, raceday there is rarely dull. Indeed, reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen named it as one of the six circuits which should have protected status on the calendar, alongside Silverstone, Suzuka, Interlagos, Zandvoort and Imola. However, the modern pressures of F1 - which has seen the demand for glitz and glam skyrocket as scores of influencers and celebs with only a passing interest in the sport choke out those who genuinely care - mean some of the most iconic tracks on the calendar are at risk. Imola has lost its contract from next season in place of another controversial street track in Madrid, while Zandvoort is celebrating the final Dutch Grand Prix in 2026. Spa's place in the F1 calendar has already been reduced to a rotation piece for the next six years, with its absence sure to be felt in 2028 and 2030 in the wake of potential new venues such as Thailand or Argentina. However, gone are the days when the relative danger of a circuit is tolerated by FIA and F1 chiefs. F2 driver Anthoine Hubert tragically lost his life following a high-speed multi-car collision at Raidillon in 2019, while four years later Dutch driver Dilano van 't Hoff was also killed in the same spot during a race in Formula Regional. Circuit chiefs responded in 2022 by investing in gravel traps, widening run-off areas and moving barriers, but some said the changes did not go far enough. Wet races there are a particular concern too, with the 2021 Belgium Grand Prix being abandoned after just two laps driven behind the safety car due to the almost non-existent visibility on the track. The spray issue of F1 tyres is far from Spa's fault, but a growing desire for races in parts of the world where weather conditions are more guaranteed, such as the Middle East or even the warmer states in the USA, mean money talks. A record 380,000 fans attended the F1 weekend in Spa last year, yet lucrative money-spinning deals with new tracks including Las Vegas and Miami in the expanding US market are choking an already congested calendar. Indeed, the move to three races in the States came before the release of the new F1 movie. The film, produced by Apple and starring Brad Pitt, broke box office records as it grossed $463million worldwide on a reported budget of $200-$300m. Spa is a traditional track, but a fair share of the latest generation of fans following the success of Netflix 's Drive To Survive series and any more after the film tend to be more ensnared by the spectacle of the host tracks. Monaco has suffered the opposite issue to Spa, being a place where the race result is all but decided by Saturday's qualifying due to a lack of overtaking opportunities, but with the glamour to justify its continued existence. The real question for all parties in the coming years is whether F1 is really willing to abandon what made it the most popular motorsport in the world, the racing, in favour of money-spinning events catered for celebs and social media stars. In many ways it could be argued that it represents a battle for the soul of the sport, and some tough debate could be in line for CEO Stefano Domenicali in the future. F1 returns to Spa this weekend after a two-week break in the 2025 season, with the backdrop of Christian Horner 's abrupt Red Bull exit sure to make headlines before any cars even hit the track. 5
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
The truth about how the plot to sack Christian Horner unfolded as JONATHAN MCEVOY goes inside the Red Bull camp at the first Grand Prix since team principal's brutal dismissal
A strange, though not unexpected, thing is happening in Spa this weekend with Christian Horner not showing up as he has done on the last 405 occasions a grand prix has been staged. Michael Schumacher was the defending champion 20 years ago when the little-known Englishman, then 31, started on his masterpiece of 14 world titles. He never missed a race until he was sacked after the British Grand Prix earlier this month, the background to which Mail Sport can reveal more details on Friday.
