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☆ Chinese Grand Prix could deliver drama to F1 and slow Verstappen’s victory march
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing reacts during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 18, 2024 in Shanghai, China. Edmund So | Getty ImagesThe Chinese Grand Prix could deliver some much-needed drama to Formula 1, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen can't be penciled in as the almost-certain winner on Sunday. It's also the season's first GP with a sprint race, which means Friday's practice session was the only one of the weekend. This is the first F1 race in China in five years, scratched from the calendar by the COVID-19 pandemic. Horner accepted the concern but noted the Shanghai circuit is a known quantity, hosting races since 2004.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Edmund So, It's, Lando Norris, McLaren, Verstappen, Christian Horner, Clive Mason, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Friday's, Lance, Aston Martin, Oscar Piastri, McClaren, Sergio Perez, Haas, — Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, China's, Zhou Guanyu, Charles Leclerc, Bull, Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Andrea Stella said, Horner, Lando Norris of Great, Qian Jun, Norris, Fernando Alonso, Sainz, Perez, Mark Thompson Organizations: Oracle Red Bull, of China, Shanghai, Circuit, Bull, Getty, Pirelli, Sauber, Ferrari, McLaren, McLaren F1 Team, Sprint, Bahrain, Hamilton, Oracle Red Bull Racing Locations: Netherlands, Shanghai, China, Australia, Lando Norris of Great Britain, parc feme, Bahrain

☆ Formula One set to change sprint format for 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The governing FIA said on Friday its Sporting Advisory Committee would present a final proposal to the F1 Commission in January. "The Commission gave overall support for an update to the sprint format for 2024 to further rationalise the weekend by separating Sprint activities from those for the Grand Prix," the FIA said in a statement. Six of this year's 22 rounds were sprint weekends, including the Qatar Grand Prix in which Red Bull's Max Verstappen clinched his third world title on a Saturday. The current format has qualifying for the grand prix on Friday with sprint qualifying and standalone race filling Saturday's schedule. Points could be awarded more widely for the sprint race, with a possible reverse grid element also under consideration.

Persons: Stefano Rellandini, ABU, Max Verstappen, Red, Christian Horner, Alan Baldwin, Ed Osmond Organizations: Prix, FiA, REUTERS, FIA, Sporting, F1, Sprint, Qatar, Red Bull, F1 Commission, Thomson Locations: Monza, Italy, ABU DHABI, Qatar, London

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S - November 18, 2023 Red Bull's Max Verstappen leads Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the start of the race REUTERS/Mike Blake/ File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLAS VEGAS, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The much-maligned Las Vegas Grand Prix crossed the finish line in style on Saturday night, delivering a dramatic race on the famed Las Vegas Strip to help offset earlier missteps. "And I think for all those who were so negative about the weekend, saying it was all about show blah blah blah, I think Vegas proved them wrong." "There was no better race to be the first race in Vegas," he said. "The energy around the city is incredible and I'm just really, really happy. Reporting by Rory Carroll in Las Vegas; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Mike Blake, Verstappen, Christian Horner, Carlos Sainz's Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Rory Carroll, William Mallard Organizations: Las Vegas, Las Vegas Strip, LAS VEGAS, Prix, Bull, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, U.S, Vegas, Bellagio, Las Vegas

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. - November 15, 2023 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc talks to the media ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix REUTERS/Finn Blake Acquire Licensing RightsLAS VEGAS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The first practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was cancelled on Thursday just eight minutes in to repair the track after a faulty water valve cover badly damaged Carlos Sainz's Ferrari. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur said two-thirds of the car would need to be changed out and called the situation "unacceptable." "These cars are generating huge amounts of suction underneath now," said Williams Racing team principal James Vowles. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff lashed out at a reporter who asked how the cancelled practice was not a "black eye" for F1. The brief first test of the course along the transformed Strip marks F1's return to Las Vegas for the first time in nearly 40 years.

Persons: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Finn Blake, Carlos Sainz's Ferrari, Frederic Vasseur, Carlos, Vasseur, Esteban Ocon's, Williams, James Vowles, McLaren, Zak Brown, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Wolff, Haas, Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, Max Verstappen, Logan Sargeant, Rory Carroll, Miral Organizations: Las Vegas, Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas Grand Prix REUTERS, LAS VEGAS, Prix, Ferrari, FIA, Williams Racing, Thomson Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, U.S, Baku, Montreal, Las Vegas, Los Angeles

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. - November 15, 2023 AlphaTauri's Daniel Ricciardo talks to the media ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix REUTERS/Finn Blake Acquire Licensing RightsLAS VEGAS, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Las Vegas is a 24-hour city but the Formula One drivers facing a schedule that will see them racing into the early morning hours said on Wednesday that they will need to find another gear at the Grand Prix. Friday's qualifying will not begin until midnight local time, meaning it will take place on the same day as Saturday's 10 p.m. race down the Las Vegas Strip, with media obligations following both events. "If I'm tired I'm just going to sleep and if I'm in the car, I'm just going to drink Red Bull. Asked if Verstappen could be more vulnerable in Las Vegas, Alonso did not hesitate. Drivers said the late night starts in Las Vegas could have a knock on effect when they head to Abu Dhabi the following weekend.

Persons: AlphaTauri's Daniel Ricciardo, Finn Blake, I'm, Red, It's, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, Alonso, Haas, Nico Hulkenberg, Rory Carroll, Miral Organizations: Las Vegas, Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas Grand Prix REUTERS, LAS VEGAS, Las, U.S, Drivers, Thomson Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, U.S, Vegas, LA, Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles

☆ Unimpressed Verstappen not buying into Las Vegas hype
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. - November 15, 2023 Red Bull's Max Verstappen talks to the media ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix REUTERS/Mike Blake Acquire Licensing RightsLAS VEGAS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Red Bull's Max Verstappen isn't buying into the turbo-charged hype around Formula One's return to Las Vegas, describing the race as 99% show, 1% sport. Asked if he was looking forward to this weekend, the three-time world champion was unequivocal, "No." "I just always want to focus on the performance side of things," shrugged Verstappen. "I am looking forward to trying to do the best I can, but not looking forward to this." Reporting by Steve Keating in Las Vegas.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Mike Blake, Max Verstappen isn't, Verstappen, I'm, It's, Sergio Perez, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Steve Keating, Christina Fincher Organizations: Las Vegas, Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas Grand Prix REUTERS, LAS VEGAS, Thomson Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, U.S, Las Vegas, Nevada, Abu Dhabi

☆ Viva Las Vegas, Formula One betting big on Sin City race
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Wynn resort is offering the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix Million Dollar All-Access Experience that includes a $100,000 philanthropic gift. "However, the brand synergies with the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix are unmatched." Formula One has long been a magnet for the celebrity class and Las Vegas is sure to be an irresistible pull. Las Vegas may be the gambling capital of the world but there will be little bet on F1. "I would say this is due to lack of parity," Derek Stevens, owner of Circa and several other Las Vegas casinos told Reuters.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Greg Maffei, Red Bull, Aston Martin, Hilton, Red, it’s, Rebecca McAdam Willetts, Mark Wang, David Beckham, Shaquille O’Neal, Mark Wahlberg, Gordon Ramsay, Toto Wolff, Derek Stevens, Steve Keating, Toby Davis Organizations: LAS VEGAS, Las Vegas, Liberty Media, Formula One, Vegas, Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, PokerStars, Public Relations, Reuters, Poker, New York Stock Exchange, American Express, Heineken, Hilton, MGM Resorts International, Fountain Club, Hilton Grand, Club SI, Drai's Beach Club, Thomson Locations: Vegas, United States, Sin City, VVIPs, Las Vegas, Monaco, Drai's, Toronto

☆ A year on, Mercedes return to scene of last success
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Nov 1 (Reuters) - Once-dominant Mercedes return to Brazil this weekend for a last chance to avoid going a whole year without a Formula One victory. Hamilton has been second on track in the last two races, even if disqualified in Texas, with a car that looks increasingly competitive in race trim. The circuit hosted the first Brazilian Grand Prix 50 years ago and Mercedes have won there for the past two years and six times in the last eight. We need to have a great weekend in Brazil and I feel confident in our ability to get results right now." "It's a sprint race.

Persons: Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Max Verstappen, Russell, Hamilton, Toto Wolff, Mercedes, Verstappen's, Alain Prost's, Sebastien Vettel's, Sergio Perez, Perez, Red Bull, Verstappen, McLaren, Ferrari, We've, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Alan Baldwin, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton, Interlagos, Prix, Thomson Locations: Brazil, Sao Paulo Grand, Interlagos, Texas, Mexico, Dutch, Mexican, Hamilton, London

☆ Hamilton and Leclerc disqualified from U.S. Grand Prix
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Oct 22, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport driver Lewis Hamilton (44) of Team Great Britain drives during the 2023 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Acquire Licensing RightsAUSTIN, Texas, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Mercedes accepted their punishment after Formula One stewards disqualified Lewis Hamilton from second place in Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix along with sixth-placed Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Mercedes had brought an upgraded car to Texas and Hamilton, whose team mate George Russell moved up to fifth, had looked more competitive. "We can take a lot of positives from the car performance today," said Wolff. Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Christian Schmollinger and Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lewis Hamilton, Jerome Miron, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, COTA, Toto Wolff, Red Bull's Max Verstappen, George Russell, Wolff, Carlos Sainz, Alan Baldwin, Christian Schmollinger, Michael Perry Organizations: Mercedes, Petronas Motorsport, Great, Prix, Circuit, Ferrari, FIA, Austin's Circuit, Thomson Locations: Austin , Texas, USA, Americas, , Texas, Sunday's U.S, Texas, Hamilton, London

☆ Verstappen holds off charging Hamilton for 50th F1 win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Dominant Red Bull and Verstappen, who started in sixth place and whose win was the first in Austin by a driver not on the front row, have already secured the constructors' and drivers' titles. "The whole race, I was struggling a lot with the brakes," said Verstappen, who was booed by some of the crowd as he stood on the podium. "I normally never really struggle with braking so far in my F1 career, but it was definitely a bit of a problem." "Forecast P2, maybe the win," the 38-year-old was informed over the radio as he chased down the McLaren. Alpine's Esteban Ocon was the first retirement, his race ending on lap seven after a first lap collision with McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Brian Snyder, Hamilton, Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Lando Norris, Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, McLaren, leapfrog Aston Martin, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Red Bull's Sergio Perez, Leclerc, George Russell, Alpine's Pierre Gasly, Aston, Lance, AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda, Perez, Alain Prost, Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel's, Alpine's Esteban Ocon, McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Piastri, Aston Martins, Fernando Alonso, Haas, Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg, Alan Baldwin, Ken Ferris Organizations: United, Prix, Mercedes, McLaren, AUSTIN, U.S, Bull, Circuit, DRS, Hamilton, Thomson Locations: United States, Americas, Austin , Texas, U.S, Austin, AUSTIN , Texas, Saudi Arabia, Alpine's, Mexico, London

☆ Verstappen wins Austin sprint race
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Formula One F1 - United States Grand Prix - Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. - October 21, 2023 Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the sprint race REUTERS/Brian Snyder Acquire Licensing RightsSummary Verstappen wins sprint from poleHamilton second, Leclerc thirdAUSTIN, Texas, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen won a U.S. Grand Prix sprint race from pole position on Saturday with old foe Lewis Hamilton second for Mercedes. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took third after being passed by Hamilton at the start of a race that paid points to the top eight finishers. The main event at the Texas track is on Sunday with Leclerc starting on pole position and Verstappen chasing his 50th grand prix win from sixth on the grid. Dominant Red Bull and Verstappen have already secured both the constructors' and drivers' world championships with a fistful of races to spare. In the early laps, Verstappen and Hamilton ran close enough for the Briton to have DRS (drag reduction) but then the Red Bull pulled away.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Brian Snyder, Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Bull, Red Bull, McLaren's Lando Norris, Red Bull's Sergio Perez, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, George Russell, Alan Baldwin, Ed Osmond Organizations: United, Prix, Hamilton, U.S, Mercedes, Austin's Circuit, Ferrari, Alpine, Thomson Locations: United States, Americas, Austin , Texas, U.S, AUSTIN , Texas, Hamilton, Texas, Verstappen, London

☆ FIA to take action after Qatar GP 'extreme weather'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO:Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - October 8, 2023 Williams' Logan Sargeant in action during the race REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 9 (Reuters) - Formula One's governing body will take action to protect drivers from the sort of extreme heat and humidity they suffered during Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix, it said on Monday. The International Automobile Federation said in a statement it had "begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions. "Research from other series, such as cross-country events in extreme climates, will be examined for potential applications to circuit events." The FIA noted that next year's race in Qatar will be held in December, when temperatures should be lower, but said it preferred "to take material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario." The inaugural Qatar Grand Prix in 2021 was held in late November.

Persons: Williams, Logan Sargeant, Al Omari, Max Verstappen, Verstappen, Angelica Medina, Alan Baldwin Organizations: Qatar, REUTERS, Sunday's Qatar, Prix, International Automobile Federation, FIA, Qatar Grand Prix, Thomson Locations: Lusail, Qatar, Paris, Singapore, Miami, Mexico City, London

☆ Verstappen on course for third title in Qatar sprint
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - October 7, 2023 Red Bull's Max Verstappen after finishing the sprint shootout in third place Pool via REUTERS/Darko Bandic Acquire Licensing RightsSummary Piastri on sprint pole with Norris alongsideVerstappen to start third with third title in sightPerez starts eighthHamilton qualifies 12thDOHA, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Red Bull's Max Verstappen was on course to secure his third Formula One championship on Saturday after qualifying third for a Qatar Grand Prix sprint race with sole title rival and team mate Sergio Perez five places behind. Verstappen need finish only sixth in the sprint -- and take three points -- to secure his third successive world championship. "He (Verstappen) is not interested in the three points. He's interested in the maximum points," Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports television. Only the top eight score points in the sprint.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Darko Bandic, Norris, Verstappen, Perez, Hamilton, Sergio Perez, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, He's, Christian Horner, Mercedes, George Russell, Ferraris, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Nico Hulkenberg, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Alpine's Esteban Ocon, Max, he's, Lewis Hamilton, Alan Baldwin, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Qatar, REUTERS, Formula, Prix, Bull, Sky Sports, Haas, FIA, Pirelli, kerbs, Thomson Locations: Lusail, Qatar, DOHA

☆ Red Bull take constructors' title as Verstappen wins in Japan
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

McLaren's Lando Norris and Australian rookie Oscar Piastri, on a grand prix podium for the first time, finished second and third. The constructors' title was Red Bull's sixth since they entered the sport in 2005 and they did it at a circuit owned by engine partner Honda. "Max, that was absolutely fantastic," said team boss Christian Horner over the radio in congratulating Verstappen on a 48th career win and Red Bull's 15th of the season. Verstappen defended against the McLarens at the start, with Norris seizing the opportunity to pass Piastri and slot into second place. His final retirement ended Red Bull's 100% finishing record for the season.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Issei Kato, Bull, Perez McLaren's Norris, Piastri, Sergio Perez, McLaren's Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Verstappen, Perez, Red Bull's, Honda, Max, Christian Horner, Norris, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, George Russell, Mercedes, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Hamilton, Kevin Magnussen, Alan Baldwin, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Suzuka, Prix REUTERS, Red Bull, Prix, Mercedes, Ferrari, Thomson Locations: Suzuka, Japan, SUZUKA, Dutch, Mexican, Qatar, Singapore, London

☆ Verstappen completes Japanese GP practice sweep
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Formula One F1 - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan - September 23, 2023 Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the pits during practice REUTERS/Issei Kato Acquire Licensing RightsSUZUKA, Japan, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen completed a sweep of Japanese Grand Prix practice on Saturday with McLaren closest on the timesheets and emerging as the main challengers. McLaren's Lando Norris was second-fastest, 0.240 off the pace, in the final session before qualifying with Australian team mate Oscar Piastri third. Red Bull's Sergio Perez was fourth-fastest and a further half a second behind. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who looked Red Bull's closest challengers on Friday, were fifth and sixth, with the Mercedes pairing of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell seventh and eighth. Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Issei Kato, McLaren's Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Red Bull's Sergio Perez, Verstappen, Perez, Red Bull, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Alfa Romeo's, Zhou, Alan Baldwin, William Mallard Organizations: Suzuka, McLaren, Singapore, Alfa, Thomson Locations: Suzuka, Japan, Singapore, Qatar, London

☆ Verstappen beats Piastri to Japanese GP pole
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Formula One F1 - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan - September 23, 2023 Red Bull's Max Verstappen in action during qualifying REUTERS/Androniki Christodoulou Acquire Licensing RightsSUZUKA, Japan, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen put Red Bull on pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday with McLaren's Oscar Piastri joining the Dutch driver on the front row. McLaren's Lando Norris qualified third with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc fourth. Mexican Sergio Perez, Verstappen's closest title rival and team mate but a massive 151 points adrift after 15 of 22 rounds, qualified fifth. Red Bull, whose run of 15 wins in a row ended in Singapore last weekend, are set to retain their constructors' title on Sunday but Verstappen will have to wait until at last the next race in Qatar to seal his third championship. Writing by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Androniki, Red Bull, McLaren's Oscar Piastri, McLaren's Lando Norris, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Mexican Sergio Perez, Verstappen's, Verstappen, Alan Baldwin, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Suzuka, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Suzuka, Japan, Mexican, Singapore, Qatar, London

☆ F1 stewards accept they erred in not penalising Verstappen
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Formula One F1 - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan - September 21, 2023. Red Bull's Max Verstappen ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. Championship leader Verstappen collected two reprimands for three incidents reviewed but escaped any penalty for Sunday's race at Marina Bay. Mercedes' George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, also said the wrong decision had been taken. Alpine's Pierre Gasly, who collected two grid drops at the Spanish Grand Prix, was also confused.

Persons: Red, Max Verstappen, Issei Kato, Verstappen, Matteo Perini, AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda, Williams, Logan Sargeant, Red Bull, McLaren's Lando Norris, Mercedes, George Russell, Alpine's Pierre Gasly, Alan Baldwin, Toby Davis Organizations: Suzuka, Prix, REUTERS, Formula, Media, FIA, Prix Drivers, Association, Spanish, Singapore, Red, Thomson Locations: Suzuka, Japan, Singapore, Marina Bay, London

☆ Wolff says F1 risks disarray if Massa succeeds in title bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 19 (Reuters) - Formula One risks disarray in the unlikely event of Felipe Massa winning a threatened legal claim for the 2008 world championship, according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. The Brazilian lost that title by a point to Britain's Lewis Hamilton, then at McLaren and now at Mercedes and a seven-time world champion. "I don't think he has a case, to be honest," Wolff told reporters at the latest edition of the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend. "For me this is like watching a telenovela or soap opera playing out in front of me," added the Austrian. Wolff had said earlier that Massa's case was sure to set a precedent and Mercedes were watching "with curiosity".

Persons: Felipe Massa, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Britain's Lewis Hamilton, Wolff, Massa, Wolff's, I'm, Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Michael Masi, Alan Baldwin, Ken Ferris Organizations: Ferrari, Massa, McLaren, Mercedes, Singapore, Prix, Austrian, Thomson Locations: Singapore, Abu Dhabi, London

☆ Mercedes watching Massa case with interest, says Wolff
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Former Ferrari driver Massa lost that title by a point to Lewis Hamilton, now at Mercedes and a seven-time world champion. The Brazilian, 42, says an alleged "conspiracy" denied him the title because the sport's leaders knew the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was manipulated but took no action until a year later. Wolff suggested that outcome could also be challenged if Massa were to succeed with his case. "The FIA commented on the 2021 race with a clear statement so that's why we are looking at it with interest," he said. The governing FIA said in March 2022 after an enquiry that "the results of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the FIA Formula One World Championship are valid, final and cannot now be changed."

Persons: Felipe Massa, Edgar Su, Felipe Massa's, Toto Wolff, Massa, Lewis Hamilton, Nelson Piquet, Fernando Alonso, Wolff, Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Michael Masi . Wolff, Alan Baldwin, Ken Ferris Organizations: Singapore, Circuit, Rights, Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault, FIA, Abu, Prix, Thomson Locations: Singapore, Rights SINGAPORE, Abu Dhabi, London

☆ Verstappen hits back at Wolff over 'Wikipedia' comment
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Wolff made his comments after this month's Italian Grand Prix, where Mercedes were beaten by both Ferraris as well as the two Red Bulls. Asked at the Singapore Grand Prix for his reaction, Verstappen said he was not disappointed. Verstappen, who is 145 points clear of team mate Sergio Perez in the championship and set for a third title well before the end of the season, suggested Wolff should focus on his own team. "We knew that we just had to work harder, try to be better and try to get to that level. Hamilton is currently fourth in the standings, 200 points behind Verstappen.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Jennifer Lorenzini, Toto Wolff, Wolff, Mercedes, Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Lewis Hamilton, Hamilton, George Russell, Bull, Alan Baldwin, Toby Davis Organizations: Prix, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Prix REUTERS, Rights, Mercedes Formula, Ferraris, Red Bulls, Singapore, Thomson Locations: Monza, Italy, Rights SINGAPORE, Austrian, London

☆ Perfect 10 for Verstappen with record win in Italy
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Dutch driver's victory on a sunny afternoon at Monza's "Temple of Speed" outside Milan was also Red Bull's 15th in succession -- another Formula One record that looks set to continue. Verstappen stretched his lead in the standings over Perez to 145 points with eight rounds remaining. Red Bull lead Mercedes in the constructors' championship by 310 points with Ferrari moving up to third. "Well done mate, you are on your own, that is history," team boss Christian Horner told Verstappen over the radio after he took the chequered flag. "Honestly, I spent the whole race pushing trying to keep the Red Bulls behind.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Claudia Greco, Red Bull, Perez, Red, Sainz, Sergio Perez, Spaniard Carlos Sainz, Verstappen, Bull, Mercedes, Christian Horner, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Alex Albon, Williams, McLaren's Lando Norris, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Valtteri, Liam Lawson, Oscar Piastri, German Sebastian Vettel's, Ferrari, Yuki Tsunoda's AlphaTauri, Leclerc, Ferraris, Alan Baldwin, Hugh Lawson, Ed Osmond Organizations: Prix, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Prix REUTERS, Ferrari, Red, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, New Zealand, McLaren, Red Bulls, Thomson Locations: Monza, Italy, MONZA, Milan, German, Abu Dhabi, Mexican

☆ No win but Ferrari thrill home crowd with podium battle
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Spaniard Sainz, who had started on pole, prevailed for a third place finish with Leclerc fourth and only 0.184 of a second behind. Fred Vasseur, experiencing his first Monza as Ferrari principal, had told his drivers in the closing stages that they could race without taking risks but they may have had a different interpretation to the Frenchman. For Ferrari fans the battle was a highlight of a race that ended in a Red Bull one-two and Max Verstappen taking a record 10th win in a row. Leclerc pushed hard to get past, both cars locking up into turn one with smoking tyres, leaving Ferrari fans with hearts in mouth. It's always been a pleasure to race Charles whenever we've had the chance," Sainz told reporters after a wave of red-shirted fans spilled out of the grandstands to celebrate in front of the podium.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Claudia Greco, Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Spaniard Sainz, Leclerc, Fred Vasseur, Frenchman, It's, Charles, we've, Sainz, Vasseur, Alan Baldwin, Toby Davis Organizations: Prix, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Prix REUTERS, Monza, Ferrari, Spaniard, Thomson Locations: Monza, Italy

☆ Alfa Romeo will stay in motorsport, yet to decide on F1
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"I feel that I must stay in motorsport and I will stay in motorsport. We don’t want to be full (in) for Alfa Romeo. I will not go to Rally Raid and I will not go on WRC (world rally) for obvious reasons for the story of Alfa Romeo. Alfa are effectively title sponsors of Sauber, who run the team, under a deal driven by the late FIAT Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne. "It was reasonable, it was sized at the height of Alfa Romeo and Sauber, it was not the dreaming contract.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Jennifer Lorenzini, Romeo, Jean, Philippe Imparato, Imparato, Alfa Romeo, Haas, Ferrari, Sergio Marchionne, Alan Baldwin, Toby Davis Organizations: Prix, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Prix REUTERS, One, Sauber, Frenchman, Reuters, Audi, Volkswagen, Alfa, WRC, Maserati, FIAT Chrysler, FIA, Formula One Management, Netflix, Vegas, Motorsport, Thomson Locations: Monza, Italy, United States

☆ Verstappen goes for a record 10th win in a row
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Verstappen won the Italian Grand Prix from seventh on the starting grid last year with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc on pole but finishing second. Red Bull have won every race so far this season, 14 in a row including the 2022 finale in Abu Dhabi, and are again favourites at Monza's fast layout. Since Lewis Hamilton's fifth Italian GP win with Mercedes in 2018 no driver has managed a repeat victory in the former royal park outside Milan. Talk of a 'Monza jinx' may be premature but this is a season where straws are being clutched more desperately. For Gasly, who lives in Milan, it is effectively a home race and one with a special place in his heart.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Stephanie Lecocq, Max, Sergio Perez, Sebastian Vettel's, Red Bull, Verstappen, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Austrian Gerhard Berger, Michele Alboreto, Enzo Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton's, Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo, Ricciardo, Fred Vasseur, Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin, McLaren, McLaren's Lando Norris, Frenchman, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Alan Baldwin, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Prix, Dutch Grand Prix REUTERS, Monza, McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, Zandvoort, Imola, Aston Martin's, Thomson Locations: Zandvoort, Netherlands, Abu Dhabi, Milan, Hamilton, Italian, Asia, Americas, Middle East, Monza, Italy, London

☆ Verstappen 'simply untouchable' as he heads for record win
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"I think you need to enter in a mood, in a state that you are connected with a car. "I think Max is achieving that 100% more often than us at the moment, than any of the drivers, so that's why he's dominating." RECORD 10THHe can take his record 10th win in a row at Italy's Monza next weekend. Perez is a six-times grand prix winner, twice this season, and was challenging Verstappen until May when it all fell apart. "I think Max is in a period of his career where he's just simply untouchable and I don't think there's any driver on the grid that would be able to achieve what he's been doing in that car.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Eva Plevier, Bull, Christian Horner, Fernando Alonso, Max, Alonso, Verstappen, Abu, ender, Red Bull, Mexican Sergio Perez, Perez, Horner, he's, Bart H, Meijer, Ed Osmond Organizations: Zandvoort, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Italy's Monza, Thomson Locations: Zandvoort, Netherlands, Spa, Austria, Abu Dhabi, Mexican

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