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F1 news LIVE: Sebastian Vettel considers quitting over climate change and tells UK to deal with Brexit ‘mess’

F1 news LIVE: Sebastian Vettel considers quitting over climate change and tells UK to deal with Brexit ‘mess’

Follow live news and reaction as the world of F1 continues to react to the results at the Miami Grand Prix, while also beginning to look ahead at how teams can improve for the Spanish Grand Prix next time out.

Max Verstappen closed the gap between himself and Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ championship with a win in the US, joined on the podium by both Ferrari cars - but questions have been asked over whether they made it too easy for the reigning champion to take the flag for Red Bull for the second consecutive race.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is coming under pressure after showing post-race disappointment and suggesting Mercedes are not any faster than they were at the start of the season, although the seven-time world champion has vowed to fight on, saying that Mercedes “won’t be stopped in their tracks.”

Another multiple world champion - four-time winner Sebastian Vettel - is considering quitting the sport over climate change, having worn a t-shirt drawing attention to the issue at the Miami GP.

With ten days to go until the next Grand Prix, it’s all about analysing the data, recovery time and making improvements ahead of the next installment in the 2022 season.

Follow all the build-up to the F1 Spanish Grand Prix below:

F1 latest news

  • Sebastian Vettel considers quitting F1 over climate change

  • Vettel also tells the UK to sort out the Brexit ‘mess'

  • Mario Andretti could have F1 team by 2024

  • Toto Wolff says there is “an easy route out” of Mercedes’ current woe

  • Lewis Hamilton vows Mercedes won’t be “stopped in our tracks” over poor form

  • George Russell tipped to displace Hamilton in ‘changing of the guard’

Sebastian Vettel tells UK to ‘deal with’ Brexit ‘mess’

Friday 13 May 2022 20:12 , Michael Jones

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has criticised the “mess” of Brexit and claims the United Kingdom must now deal with the “consequences” of the decision.

Vettel made a surprise appearance on the BBC’s Question Time on Thursday, in which he spoke out on issues such as climate change, human rights and ‘partygate’ in front of a live studio audience in Hackney.

The German driver admitted he has questioned his future in Formula One due to his concerns over climate change and said discussing Brexit risks politicians missing the “bigger picture”.

Sebastian Vettel tells UK to ‘deal with’ Brexit ‘mess’

Vettel defends Formula 1 when questioned over climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 20:00 , Michael Jones

Sebastian Vettel’s biggest obstacle in addressing climate change is his role as a Formula 1 driver and the seemingly hypocritical viewpoint he speaks from.

Formula 1 is one of the biggest gas-guzzling sports in the world as 20 cars are fuelled for each race, each qualifying session, each practice session. The sport jet sets all around the world and relys heavily on fossil fuels for its entertainment but Vettel defended F1 by saying that it also played a positive role in society.

“On the other hand, you know, we were entertaining people during Covid,” he said. “We were one of the first ones to start again, when everybody’s heads were about to explode.

“I’m not saying Formula 1 has this huge position in the world to deliver entertainment. There’s plenty of people - if you talk about entertainment, sports, culture, comedy - a lot of people who couldn’t perform, and a lot of people missed that. And I think if we didn’t have that, in general, we’d probably go mad.”

The sport is also taking big steps to become more sustainable. The hybrid engines used in the F1 cars are already the most efficient in the world, they have made a revolutionary step forward in thermal efficiency which is the measure of converting fuel energy to power and the sport has plans to go net-zero carbon by 2030.

To ensure this Formula 1 is constantly working on the efficiency of the engine - the thermal efficiency on F1 cars is more than 50% which is up from the 30% or so of a standard road-going petrol engine - and it plans to introduce fully sustainable, carbon-neutral fuels with the new engines in 2026.

The sport’s bosses argue that there will still be millions of petrol- and diesel-engined cars on the roads after 2030 and that using sustainable fuels would have a dramatic effect on reducing global carbon emissions.

‘Countries need to move away from fossil fuels’ says Vettel

Friday 13 May 2022 19:45 , Michael Jones

Speaking on his desire to tackle the climate crisis Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel called on individual countries around the world to shift away from relying on fossil fuels for their energy needs and make a bigger step towards renewable sources of energy.

“Action should have been taken a long time ago,” he said. “We shouldn’t depend on prices we don’t dictate.

“How do we source our energy? In the UK, you have a mixture of gas, coal and oil; Germany is very dependent on Russia and potentially in trouble. What do we do if Russia turns the tap off? We shouldn’t be as dependent.

“We have to shift into the next gear, not just for the reason of becoming independent but also to look after the bigger picture - that we live on a planet that’s as enjoyable as it is today.

“We should think of ‘peace energy’ or ‘freedom energy’, which is renewable energy. That is the future, not just as a way of protecting people who can’t afford bills but also to protect against the future.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

‘Is this something we should do?’: Sebastian Vettel questions F1 career over climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 19:30 , Michael Jones

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel admitted he has questioned whether he should retire from Formula One amid concerns over climate change.

Speaking on BBC’s Question Time, the Aston Martin driver, 34, said he is a “hypocrite” for dovetailing his environmental campaign while continuing to race in F1.

Vettel wore a T-shirt ahead of last weekend’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix which read: “Miami 2060. First Grand Prix under water. Act now or swim later.”

‘Hypocrite’ Sebastian Vettel questions whether he should quit F1 over climate change

Vettel questions Formula 1 career in face of climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 19:15 , Michael Jones

Ex-Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has become a campaigner on environmental issues in recent times and made an appearance on BBC Quesion Time where he questioned whether racing in F1 is the right thing to do in the light of the global climate crisis.

Vettel wore a T-shirt at last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix which highlighted the threat of rising sea levels around the Florida city and is also passionate about on human rights and LGBTQ+ issues.

On Question Time he said: “It’s my passion to drive a car. Every time I step in the car, I love it. When I get out of the car, of course I’m thinking as well: ‘Is this something we should do, travel the world, wasting resources?’”

The 34-year-old acknowledged that he was a ‘hypocrite’ to speak about environmental concerns in his position as an F1 driver but said he asked himself questions about protecting the planet “every day”.

“We need to stop being dependent [on fossil fuels], and we can, because there are solutions in place,” Vettel said.

“You know, in Britain, you have this sort of goldmine you’re sitting on, which is wind, and you have the ability to increase your energy supply with wind power, solar. Every country has its strengths and weaknesses.

“If you go to Austria, they have the Alps and they have water, they can pump it up, store it, take it back down. It’s something that I’m asking myself. There’s certain things that are in my control, and certain things are not.

“There’s things that I do because I feel I can do them better. Do I take the plane every time? No, not when I can take the car. But there’s certain things in my control, and certain things outside.”

Toto Wolff believes there’s an ‘easy route out’ of Mercedes’ current problems

Friday 13 May 2022 19:00 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff believes there is an “easy route out” for Mercedes to solve some of their issues, but the team principal is keen to avoid “simpler solutions”.

The German manufacturer continues to struggle to challenge in the 2022 season, with Mercedes a distant third in the constructors’ championship standings after five races.

There were reasons for optimism in practice at the Miami Grand Prix as George Russell topped the timings in Free Practice 2, but both Russell, particularly, and Hamilton were down the field in qualifying after overnight tweaks to the W13 car inadvertently worsened performance.

Toto Wolff believes there’s an ‘easy route out’ of Mercedes’ current problems

Lewis Hamilton vows Mercedes’ poor form ‘won’t stop us in our tracks’

Friday 13 May 2022 18:50 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton has said he has “no doubts” that Mercedes will soon again be successful, vowing that a tough start to the season “will not stop us in our tracks”.

The German team have been off-the-pace at the first five races of the 2022 Formula 1 season, struggling with ‘porpoising’ and wider performance issues and yet to truly contend for race victory.

While George Russell, who joined Mercedes to partner Hamilton ahead of 2022, has finished in the top five at every grand prix so far, Ferrari and Red Bull have established clear superiority over the rest of the grid.

Lewis Hamilton vows Mercedes’ poor form ‘won’t stop us in our tracks’

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

Friday 13 May 2022 18:39 , Michael Jones

Mercedes-Benz Group chairman Ola Kallenius has pledged “we will remain” in Formula One as they look forward to the carbon-neutral future of the sport.

In four years, new engine regulations will make the cars power units more reliant on electric power and reduce the sport’s carbon dioxide emissions.

And Kallenius insists Mercedes are looking to the future of F1 as something they want to stay heavily involved in.

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

Max Verstappen ‘irritable’ with Red Bull at Miami Grand Prix

Friday 13 May 2022 18:27 , Michael Jones

Reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was ‘irritable’ during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, according to his father Jos.

The 24-year-old Dutchman picked up his third victory of the season in the United States on Sunday as he won the first ever Miami GP.

But it was not all smooth sailing for the Red Bull driver as just 48 hours before, he was reduced to very little practice time on track due to problems with his car.

Max Verstappen ‘irritable’ with Red Bull at Miami Grand Prix

Red Bull deny Ferrari claims about spending on upgrades to 2022 car

Friday 13 May 2022 18:14 , Michael Jones

Red Bull have denied Ferrari’s suggestion that they have spent heavily early in the 2022 season to make improvements to their car.

Max Verstappen has secured victory at the last two races at Imola and in Miami after Red Bull made tweaks to their car after problems with reliability.

That has helped Christian Horner’s team close the gap to Ferrari at the top of the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship standings, with just six points separating the two manufacturers in the teams’ prize.

Red Bull deny Ferrari claims about spending on upgrades to 2022 car

When and where are the next Formula One races?

Friday 13 May 2022 18:00 , Michael Jones

After the one-race trip to the United States, Formula 1 returns to Europe and Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix on the weekend of 20-22 May.

Upcoming schedule

ROUND 6 —SPAIN

Barcelona — 20-22 May

ROUND 7 —MONACO

Monte Carlo — 27-29 May

ROUND 8 — AZERBAIJAN

Baku — 10-12 June

ROUND 9 — CANADA

Montréal — 17-19 June

ROUND 10 — GREAT BRITAIN

Silverstone — 1-3 July

F1 Drivers’ Championship standings after the Miami Grand Prix

Friday 13 May 2022 17:51 , Michael Jones

Here’s the latest F1 drivers’ standings as Charles Leclerc still leads the way despite Max Verstappen’s victory in Miami.

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 104

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 85

3. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) - 66

4. George Russell (Mercedes) - 59

5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) - 53

6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - 36

7. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 35

8. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) - 30

9. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) - 24

10. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) - 15

11. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) - 11

12. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) - 10

13. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) - 6

14. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) - 4

15. Alexander Albon (Williams) - 3

16. Fernando Alonso (Alpine) - 2

17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 2

18. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) - 1

19. Mick Schumacher (Haas) - 0

20. Nico Hulkenberg (Aston Martin) - 0

21. Nicholas Latifi (Williams) - 0

Ferrari determined to respond to Red Bull resurgence in form: ‘We now need to respond’

Friday 13 May 2022 17:43 , Michael Jones

Ferrari “now need to respond” according to team boss Mattia Binotto after Max Verstappen’s victory at the Miami Grand Prix narrowed the gap to Driver’s Championship leader Charles Leclerc.

The Scuderia have enjoyed a fine start to the season, but the world champion’s win last weekend pushes Red Bull to within six points of Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship, while narrowing the gap to Leclerc to just 19 points.

Binotto is philosophical about his team’s performance, with both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz on the podium again, though he concedes the team “can’t be completely happy”.

Ferrari determined to respond to Red Bull resurgence in form

Sebastian Vettel told to give Mick Schumacher overtaking lessons after Miami collision

Friday 13 May 2022 17:31 , Michael Jones

Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard says Sebastian Vettel should give Mick Schumacher overtaking advice.

Vettel and Schumacher are close off the track, with Vettel’s motoring hero being Schumacher’s father Michael, but they came to blows at the Miami Grand Prix.

Schumacher was gunning for his first points in F1 and went to overtake the German which caused them to collide.

Sebastian Vettel told to give Mick Schumacher overtaking lessons after collision

Lando Norris believes McLaren are ‘behind’ Alfa Romeo’s pace this season

Friday 13 May 2022 17:20 , Michael Jones

McLaren driver Lando Norris has said his team are “behind” rivals Alfa Romeo in a “tight” midfield also involving Alpine, AlphaTauri and Haas.

McLaren had an awful start to the season but they have gradually built into the campaign. They still aren’t at the heights they will be aiming for and the British driver has been realistic about where he believes his team are.

“I think we are behind Mercedes [in terms of pace],” said the 22-year-old as per Motorsport-total.com. “We are also behind Alfa Romeo but are well in the running with Alpine and AlphaTauri. Haas are somewhere in that region as well. So I think it’s quite simple – it’s tight.”

Lando Norris believes McLaren are ‘behind’ Alfa Romeo’s pace this season

Esteban Ocon says eighth place ‘like a victory’ after back of grid start

Friday 13 May 2022 17:11 , Michael Jones

Esteban Ocon says his eighth place finish at the Miami Grand Prix felt like a “victory” after starting at the back of the grid.

The Alpine driver performed well to bag four points for his team and he said it meant more as there was a “mountain to climb” in the fifth race of the season.

“I am delighted, I think it is a victory for us,” he told Motorsport.com. “There was clearly a mountain to climb for all of us, but I think from the strategy to the radio calls, the tyre management, everything was perfect today. And to end up in the points being 50% physically as well, for me it’s like a win.”

Esteban Ocon says eighth place ‘like a victory’ after back of grid start

Magnussen disappointed to leave Miami without points

Friday 13 May 2022 16:59 , Michael Jones

Haas’ Kevin Magnussen is disappointed that he failed to pick up any points in the Miami Grand Prix in what he described as ‘the hardest race I’ve ever done’.

A late collision with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll meant Magnussen wasn’t able to finish the race and his teammate Mick Schmacher only managed a P15 after his own crash with Sebastian Vettel.

That meant Amercian team Haas came away empty handed from their first home GP of the season.

“It was the hardest race I’ve ever done, it was unbelievably hot,” said Magnussen. “I had to do that last stint with damage to the front wing but even with that damage we got ourselves into a position to fight for P10.

“We were catching Alonso and he had a time penalty, but it is what it is – we tried everything we could and didn’t get points, onto the next one.”

The point-less result leaves Haas eighth in the championship and Team Principal Guenther Steiner was unable to conceal his frustration after the race.

“Clearly not the day we wanted,” said Steiner, “especially this being one of our home events. The pace in the car was there and it was demonstrated by both drivers, but once again we got unlucky with some events on track.

“We then had to retire Kevin’s car on the second-to-last lap with damage he’d sustained earlier while he was fighting to get back into the top 10. We learn lessons in races like this and we have to apply those lessons moving forward to better ourselves.”

‘Lack of pace’ cost Tsunoda points in Miami

Friday 13 May 2022 16:46 , Michael Jones

AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda was disappointed that he couldn’t keep up the pace in the Miami Grand Prix and add a second consecutive points finish to his tally.

He started the race in ninth but dropped out of the points and claimed 12th by the end of Sunday’s GP. The Japanese driver had hoped to add to his P7 result from Imola but he fell from P9 to P12 within the first 10 laps, before he pitting and dropping to 19th.

A second stop for to swap to soft tyres during the late caution saw Tsunoda recover to 13th before being promoted one place thanks to Daniel Ricciardo’s five-second penalty for leaving the track.

“From Lap 1, just no grip at all,” said Tsunoda after the race. “I just really struggled to just keep up the pace and I got overtaken quite a lot. After that, even in free air, struggled to increase my own pace, just no pace at all today.

“It’s the complete opposite to last time [at Imola], so frustrating – so it is what it is, we have to keep moving forward.”

The team’s Technical Director Jody Egginton added that Tsunoda’s soft-tyred stint was his strongest, and the team need to analyse why the 22-year-old couldn’t emulate that on mediums or hards.

“Yuki struggled in the first stint, so we gambled on an early stop but the pace and car balance in his second stint was also inconsistent, meaning it was difficult to make sufficient progress,” said Egginton.

“We need to go through all the data to understand the reasons behind these issues. Yuki managed to show some better pace in his final stint on the soft tyre, but by this point we were running out of laps to move forward further, and he finished out of the points.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us before we arrive in Barcelona. We need to understand the various factors behind today’s performance, so we can move forward with our package and get back to scoring points.”

Room for improvement with Miami track

Friday 13 May 2022 16:37 , Michael Jones

The Miami International Autodrome is a temporary circuit looping around the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and played host to the inaugural Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix last weekend. It featured a mix of medium to high speed corners, a long straight and a very tight section underneath a turnpike.

But, the 5.41km layout did not produce a great race and questions arose about the surface’s lack of grip off the racing line making it dangerous and risky to overtake. Nevertheless, it generally drew modest praise from the drivers, who just singled out the bumpy Turn 14-15 chicane as area for improvement.

“I think track-wise, we can improve a few areas,” said race winner Max Verstappen, “The 14-15 chicane is a bit of a tricky combination. I think if I would have been in a go-kart, it would be a nice chicane to take, but not in an F1 car like we have at the moment.

“I remember in the four laps I did on Friday, I almost knocked myself out because I hit the first kerb and your head just bounced from left to right at least five, six times, but really bad.

“If you just take it a tiny bit too much, just because it’s so long, so wide, so stiff and super heavy that little kerb what it is, it’s just not made for it to be honest.

“So, maybe we have to change the kerb layout already, that it’s a bit more of a progressive ramp and it looks a bit nicer to go over. Maybe that helps already. But yeah, it’s so slow and I think our cars look way better if it’s a bit more of a flowing combination.”

Lando Norris claims Miami track was ‘turning into crap’ during Grand Prix

Friday 13 May 2022 16:27 , Michael Jones

Lando Norris has claimed the Miami Grand Prix track surface was “turning into crap” during the race.

The Miami International Autodrome held the inaugural Miami Grand Prix as F1 expands its reach, with Max Verstappen edging out Charles Leclerc for his third victory of the year, while also trimming the Monegasque’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 19 points.

Norris picked up his first DNF of the season, with his McLaren coming into contact with the AlphaTauri of Pierre Gasly.

Lando Norris claims Miami track was ‘turning into crap’ during Grand Prix

‘I trashed the whole floor’: Daniel Ricciardo reveals wild party in hotel

Friday 13 May 2022 16:15 , Michael Jones

Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo revealed he once “trashed the whole floor” of a hotel he was staying in as the McLaren star recounted stories of his party lifestyle.

The Australian was on stage with team-mate Lando Norris at a McLaren and Hilton hotels corporate event ahead of the Miami Grand Prix when they were asked of their wildest hotel stays.

Ricciardo, who has raced in Formula One since 2011, said of his most memorable experience: “I mean, I didn’t merely trash the room, I trashed the whole floor.

‘I trashed the whole floor’: Daniel Ricciardo reveals wild party in hotel

‘Weight saving’ made Miami Grand Prix more difficult for Ricciardo

Friday 13 May 2022 16:05 , Michael Jones

McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo admits that the Miami Grand Prix was made even tougher by the team’s decision to cut back on the amount of drink his car could hold in order to save weight.

The 32-year-old clearly showed the effects of a hectic afternoon in the Florida humidity and he compared racing in the Miami heat to similar races in Singapore and Malaysia.

“Yeah, it’s got that heat factor to it,” Ricciardo told to Autosport, “It’s tough as well, because I mean, everyone’s obviously fighting for that last bit of weight.

“We don’t have the luxury of putting three litres in the drink system. So we have a little bit, and it’s never enough fluid. Naturally, you’re gonna get dehydrated. And yeah, this heat was was pretty real.

“They’re [Singapore and Malaysia] the tough ones, obviously. I mean, everyone obviously worked hard today, it is hot, drivers, mechanics, everyone’s feeling the heat.”

At the end of the race, Ricciardo thought that he had made the points but was told he finished 11th prior to getting a time penalty for going off the track in a battle with Kevin Magnussen which sent him down to 13th.

“Actually when I crossed the line, I honestly thought I was 10th,” he said.

“It’s hard to know, obviously [there are] battles and cars going off here and there. But I was kind of doing a calculation in my head thinking that enough cars had kind of gone off, or I passed, to be somewhere inside the points.

“But yeah, we came up short. So I don’t think there were any ‘what could have beens’ today. We were just not quick enough.

“We were just hanging on. And I think when everyone’s in a tow, we’re still lacking a bit on the straights. I think obviously a little bit of a drag and stuff.”

Christian Horner dismisses Red Bull ‘fragility’ fears after Max Verstappen win in Miami

Friday 13 May 2022 15:53 , Michael Jones

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has dismissed the “fragility” of his team’s car following Max Verstappen’s win at the Miami Grand Prix.

The team have face reliability issues this season with Verstappen not finishing two races and his teammate Sergio Perez having to retire in one too.

But after Verstappen managed to overtake Charles Leclerc in Miami and hold him off to take the win, Horner says the issues are being ironed out.

Horner dismisses Red Bull ‘fragility’ fears after Verstappen win in Miami

Lewis Hamilton frustrated after Mercedes stuck on ‘same speed’ for five races

Friday 13 May 2022 15:41 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton is “hopeful” Mercedes can improve their car despite it having the “same speed” for the opening five races.

Mercedes haven’t had the same start to the season that they would be used to with both seven-time champion Hamilton and George Russell out of the top three of the driver standings. They have had two podiums but no race wins with several issues with their car - ‘porpoising’ being the main struggle.

Hamilton, who is gunning for a record eighth title, concedes the team aren’t where they thought they would be.

Lewis Hamilton frustrated after Mercedes stuck on ‘same speed’ for five races

Toto Wolff believes there’s an ‘easy route out’ of Mercedes’ current problems

Friday 13 May 2022 15:31 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff believes there is an “easy route out” for Mercedes to solve some of their issues, but the team principal is keen to avoid “simpler solutions”.

The German manufacturer continues to struggle to challenge in the 2022 season, with Mercedes a distant third in the constructors’ championship standings after five races.

There were reasons for optimism in practice at the Miami Grand Prix as George Russell topped the timings in Free Practice 2, but both Russell, particularly, and Hamilton were down the field in qualifying after overnight tweaks to the W13 car inadvertently worsened performance.

Toto Wolff believes there’s an ‘easy route out’ of Mercedes’ current problems

Toto Wolff admits Mercedes ‘flying in the fog’ despite improvements in Miami

Friday 13 May 2022 15:23 , Michael Jones

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says his team have been “flying in the fog” since the start of the season due to their difficulties with Formula One’s new car regulations.

The team haven’t performed as most would have expected, only grabbing two podiums this campaign so far with no race wins. Mercedes did see some improvements at the last grand prix in Miami but Wolff admitted they still are a long way off from where they expected to be.

“We have been [struggling] straight from the beginning, flying in the fog a little bit,” explained Wolff, per GP Fans. “And it is clear that there is potential in the car and she is fast but we just don’t understand how to unlock the potential.”

Toto Wolff admits Mercedes ‘flying in the fog’ despite improvements in Miami

‘We’re on it’: Mario Andretti determined to secure F1 team by 2024

Friday 13 May 2022 15:14 , Michael Jones

Former world champion Mario Andretti has confirmed he is working on plans to bring a new team to the Formula One grid from 2024, but there is a “process they must respect” amid warnings from current teams.

Andretti, the 1978 world champion, and his son Michael, also a former F1 driver and a champion in IndyCar, have been linked with bringing an American team to the grid after were reported to be in interested in purchasing Sauber last year.

Reports of Andretti submitting paperwork to the FIA surfaced earlier this year, in what would be the first new team to join to the grid since Haas’ entry in 2017, but was met with scepticism from Red Bull principal Christian Horner and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

‘We’re on it’: Mario Andretti determined to secure F1 team by 2024

Alonso backs Andretti bid to enter Formula 1

Friday 13 May 2022 15:03 , Michael Jones

Fernando Alonso says he hopes Michael Andretti’s bid to enter a new team in Formula 1 is successful.

In 2017 Alonso raced in the Indy 500 with a McLaren team heavily supported by Andretti and led for 27 laps of the race before an engine failure forced him into retirement.

Andretti is now currently lobbying for his family to create a new team and become a future entry into Formula 1, which Alonso says he supports fully.

“It could be a big thing,” says Alonso. “I know Michael very well, I know the Andretti family and they are obviously a big part of motor sport in general and they are legends. So if we can have them in Formula 1 that will be the best news, I think for both.

“Formula 1 would benefit from that and obviously Michael and his team will benefit from the sport and from being in Formula 1. And I think they have the capabilities, the resources, they have the talent to be in Formula 1 and be competitive as well. So I hope this thing comes true in the next few years, and I will follow very closely.”

Fernando Alonso is still racing in F1 at 40 (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP) (AP)
Fernando Alonso is still racing in F1 at 40 (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP) (AP)

Charles Leclerc ‘cracked’ under pressure from Max Verstappen in Miami Grand Prix

Friday 13 May 2022 14:54 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen put the two Ferrari drivers under pressure at the Miami Grand Prix and neither were able to cope, claims ex-Formula One racer Jolyon Palmer.

The Red Bull man started from third but quickly displaced Carlos Sainz, before engaging in battle with pole position holder Charles Leclerc.

Ultimately it was the Belgian-Dutch driver who produced a winning display after passing and then holding off Leclerc, and closing the gap on him in the championship race to 19 points in the process.

It’s not so much the Red Bull victory which should cause concern for Ferrari, though, so much as how Leclerc wilted in the face of a big opportunity, Palmer claims.

“Leclerc looked to have similar outright pace to Verstappen in the race, but he was a little more erratic, complaining over the radio that his Ferrari was tricky to drive,” Palmer wrote for FormulaOne.com.

Leclerc ‘cracked’ under pressure from Verstappen in Miami Grand Prix

George Russell beating Lewis Hamilton is ‘changing of the guard’ at Mercedes

Friday 13 May 2022 14:43 , Michael Jones

George Russell outperforming Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 in 2022 represents a “changing of the guard” at Mercedes according to former world champion Jacques Villeneuve.

The seven-time world champion has endured a tough start to the year, trailing championship leader Charles Leclerc by 68 points and languishing back in sixth place.

Russell has also experienced a testing start to life at Mercedes, but the 24-year-old is 23 points clear of his teammate in the standings.

George Russell beating Lewis Hamilton is ‘changing of the guard’ at Mercedes

Sebastian Vettel tells UK to ‘deal with’ Brexit ‘mess’

Friday 13 May 2022 14:31 , Michael Jones

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has criticised the “mess” of Brexit and claims the United Kingdom must now deal with the “consequences” of the decision.

Vettel made a surprise appearance on the BBC’s Question Time on Thursday, in which he spoke out on issues such as climate change, human rights and ‘partygate’ in front of a live studio audience in Hackney.

The German driver admitted he has questioned his future in Formula One due to his concerns over climate change and said discussing Brexit risks politicians missing the “bigger picture”.

Sebastian Vettel tells UK to ‘deal with’ Brexit ‘mess’

Toto Wolff believes there’s an ‘easy route out’ of Mercedes’ current problems

Friday 13 May 2022 14:20 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff believes there is an “easy route out” for Mercedes to solve some of their issues, but the team principal is keen to avoid “simpler solutions”.

The German manufacturer continues to struggle to challenge in the 2022 season, with Mercedes a distant third in the constructors’ championship standings after five races.

There were reasons for optimism in practice at the Miami Grand Prix as George Russell topped the timings in Free Practice 2, but both Russell, particularly, and Hamilton were down the field in qualifying after overnight tweaks to the W13 car inadvertently worsened performance.

Toto Wolff believes there’s an ‘easy route out’ of Mercedes’ current problems

F1 faces ‘mission’ to find next US racer as popularity grows, claims Lewis Hamilton

Friday 13 May 2022 14:11 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton believes it will be a ‘good mission’ for Formula One to find the sport’s next American star.

Last weekend saw the first ever Miami Grand Prix take place - one of two US races this season with the United States GP set for Texas in October.

But there is not a single American driver on the grid in 2022, something which Hamilton feels may be a result of athletes choosing other sports.

Speaking at the Miami GP, he said: “It doesn’t really surprise me. I think it’s perhaps more a cultural thing. You know, here in the States it’s the NFL, NBA. It’s NASCAR, IndyCar.

“In my 16 years of coming over here it’s been such a slow build, trying to bring awareness of the sport. Unfortunately, the Americans have to wake up at odd times in order to watch a Grand Prix.”

The USA has not had a F1 world champion since Mario Andretti claimed the title way back in 1978.

F1 faces ‘mission’ to find next US racer as popularity grows, claims Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen labels Red Bull ‘hit and miss’ over reliability record

Friday 13 May 2022 14:00 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen has labelled Red Bull “hit and miss” over its reliability record despite winning the Miami Grand Prix.

“I mean, of course, now my side, I had a lot of issues on Friday, which compromises your weekend, and especially [qualifying],” Verstappen said. “Of course, [in the race] everything went well with the start but it also could have been the other way around and then you of course can say like, well, fair enough, because if you missed almost whole Friday, what can you do about it?

“So we just have to nail down a really positive weekend without issues. I think of course, Imola, we had that, but it’s still a bit of a hit and miss too much. So we just have to make sure that we are more reliable and more on top of things.

“But as you can see the car is quick. I’m very happy about that, I mean, if you would be slow and reliable, that’s probably also not a good thing.”

Max Verstappen won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix (Darron Cummings/AP) (AP)
Max Verstappen won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix (Darron Cummings/AP) (AP)

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

Friday 13 May 2022 13:53 , Michael Jones

Mercedes-Benz Group chairman Ola Kallenius has pledged “we will remain” in Formula One as they look forward to the carbon-neutral future of the sport.

In four years, new engine regulations will make the cars power units more reliant on electric power and reduce the sport’s carbon dioxide emissions.

And Kallenius insists Mercedes are looking to the future of F1 as something they want to stay heavily involved in.

Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit, he said: “We have decided to go down this path of decarbonisation. It is the only decision we can make, and the same goes for Formula 1.

“The next engine regulations will give much more importance to the electric part, and there is a clear commitment to make Formula 1 CO2 neutral.”

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

Lewis Hamilton claims poor form won’t stop Mercedes in their tracks

Friday 13 May 2022 13:41 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton has vowed to fight on after a difficult start to the 2022 F1 season, saying that poor form won’t stop Mercedes in their tracks.

Mercedes have lacked pace so far this term - badly trailing front-runners Red Bull and Ferrari, while struggling with ‘porpoising’ as the car continues to bounce on the track.

Hamilton currently lies sixth in the drivers’ standings, a mammoth 68 points behind champions leader Charles Leclerc, and also trails his team-mate George Russell, who sits fourth.

But the seven-time world champion isn’t quitting on the season and is adamant that eventual success will be all the sweeter given the problems

“I love working with this team,” said Hamilton of Mercedes. “Being in a team is such a privilege and working with so many people towards a common goal.

“And everyone lifted each other up. Incredible how supportive everyone has been through the difficult times, and then we’ve had the most incredible times together.

“So, you know, a couple of bad races is not going to stop us in our tracks. This is where we unite: this is where we learn more about ourselves as individuals; this is where we grow the most. And it makes that eventual success – which I have no doubts we will eventually get to – taste even better.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Vettel defends Formula 1 when questioned over climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 13:32 , Michael Jones

Sebastian Vettel’s biggest obstacle in addressing climate change is his role as a Formula 1 driver and the seemingly hypocritical viewpoint he speaks from.

Formula 1 is one of the biggest gas-guzzling sports in the world as 20 cars are fuelled for each race, each qualifying session, each practice session. The sport jet sets all around the world and relys heavily on fossil fuels for its entertainment but Vettel defended F1 by saying that it also played a positive role in society.

“On the other hand, you know, we were entertaining people during Covid,” he said. “We were one of the first ones to start again, when everybody’s heads were about to explode.

“I’m not saying Formula 1 has this huge position in the world to deliver entertainment. There’s plenty of people - if you talk about entertainment, sports, culture, comedy - a lot of people who couldn’t perform, and a lot of people missed that. And I think if we didn’t have that, in general, we’d probably go mad.”

The sport is also taking big steps to become more sustainable. The hybrid engines used in the F1 cars are already the most efficient in the world, they have made a revolutionary step forward in thermal efficiency which is the measure of converting fuel energy to power and the sport has plans to go net-zero carbon by 2030.

To ensure this Formula 1 is constantly working on the efficiency of the engine - the thermal efficiency on F1 cars is more than 50% which is up from the 30% or so of a standard road-going petrol engine - and it plans to introduce fully sustainable, carbon-neutral fuels with the new engines in 2026.

The sport’s bosses argue that there will still be millions of petrol- and diesel-engined cars on the roads after 2030 and that using sustainable fuels would have a dramatic effect on reducing global carbon emissions.

‘Countries need to move away from fossil fuels’ says Vettel

Friday 13 May 2022 13:22 , Michael Jones

Speaking on his desire to tackle the climate crisis Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel called on individual countries around the world to shift away from relying on fossil fuels for their energy needs and make a bigger step towards renewable sources of energy.

“Action should have been taken a long time ago,” he said. “We shouldn’t depend on prices we don’t dictate.

“How do we source our energy? In the UK, you have a mixture of gas, coal and oil; Germany is very dependent on Russia and potentially in trouble. What do we do if Russia turns the tap off? We shouldn’t be as dependent.

“We have to shift into the next gear, not just for the reason of becoming independent but also to look after the bigger picture - that we live on a planet that’s as enjoyable as it is today.

“We should think of ‘peace energy’ or ‘freedom energy’, which is renewable energy. That is the future, not just as a way of protecting people who can’t afford bills but also to protect against the future.”

 (PA)
(PA)

Vettel questions Formula 1 career in face of climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 13:11 , Michael Jones

Ex-Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has become a campaigner on environmental issues in recent times and made an appearance on BBC Quesion Time where he questioned whether racing in F1 is the right thing to do in the light of the global climate crisis.

Vettel wore a T-shirt at last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix which highlighted the threat of rising sea levels around the Florida city and is also passionate about on human rights and LGBTQ+ issues.

On Question Time he said: “It’s my passion to drive a car. Every time I step in the car, I love it. When I get out of the car, of course I’m thinking as well: ‘Is this something we should do, travel the world, wasting resources?’”

The 34-year-old acknowledged that he was a ‘hypocrite’ to speak about environmental concerns in his position as an F1 driver but said he asked himself questions about protecting the planet “every day”.

“We need to stop being dependent [on fossil fuels], and we can, because there are solutions in place,” Vettel said.

“You know, in Britain, you have this sort of goldmine you’re sitting on, which is wind, and you have the ability to increase your energy supply with wind power, solar. Every country has its strengths and weaknesses.

“If you go to Austria, they have the Alps and they have water, they can pump it up, store it, take it back down. It’s something that I’m asking myself. There’s certain things that are in my control, and certain things are not.

“There’s things that I do because I feel I can do them better. Do I take the plane every time? No, not when I can take the car. But there’s certain things in my control, and certain things outside.”

‘Is this something we should do?’: Sebastian Vettel questions F1 career over climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 13:00 , Michael Jones

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel admitted he has questioned whether he should retire from Formula One amid concerns over climate change.

Speaking on BBC’s Question Time, the Aston Martin driver, 34, said he is a “hypocrite” for dovetailing his environmental campaign while continuing to race in F1.

Vettel wore a T-shirt ahead of last weekend’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix which read: “Miami 2060. First Grand Prix under water. Act now or swim later.”

‘Hypocrite’ Sebastian Vettel questions whether he should quit F1 over climate change

‘Lack of pace’ cost Tsunoda points in Miami

Friday 13 May 2022 12:53 , Michael Jones

AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda was disappointed that he couldn’t keep up the pace in the Miami Grand Prix and add a second consecutive points finish to his tally.

He started the race in ninth but dropped out of the points and claimed 12th by the end of Sunday’s GP. The Japanese driver had hoped to add to his P7 result from Imola but he fell from P9 to P12 within the first 10 laps, before he pitting and dropping to 19th.

A second stop for to swap to soft tyres during the late caution saw Tsunoda recover to 13th before being promoted one place thanks to Daniel Ricciardo’s five-second penalty for leaving the track.

“From Lap 1, just no grip at all,” said Tsunoda after the race. “I just really struggled to just keep up the pace and I got overtaken quite a lot. After that, even in free air, struggled to increase my own pace, just no pace at all today.

“It’s the complete opposite to last time [at Imola], so frustrating – so it is what it is, we have to keep moving forward.”

The team’s Technical Director Jody Egginton added that Tsunoda’s soft-tyred stint was his strongest, and the team need to analyse why the 22-year-old couldn’t emulate that on mediums or hards.

“Yuki struggled in the first stint, so we gambled on an early stop but the pace and car balance in his second stint was also inconsistent, meaning it was difficult to make sufficient progress,” said Egginton.

“We need to go through all the data to understand the reasons behind these issues. Yuki managed to show some better pace in his final stint on the soft tyre, but by this point we were running out of laps to move forward further, and he finished out of the points.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us before we arrive in Barcelona. We need to understand the various factors behind today’s performance, so we can move forward with our package and get back to scoring points.”

Magnussen disappointed to leave Miami without points

Friday 13 May 2022 12:43 , Michael Jones

Haas’ Kevin Magnussen is disappointed that he failed to pick up any points in the Miami Grand Prix in what he described as ‘the hardest race I’ve ever done’.

A late collision with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll meant Magnussen wasn’t able to finish the race and his teammate Mick Schmacher only managed a P15 after his own crash with Sebastian Vettel.

That meant Amercian team Haas came away empty handed from their first home GP of the season.

“It was the hardest race I’ve ever done, it was unbelievably hot,” said Magnussen. “I had to do that last stint with damage to the front wing but even with that damage we got ourselves into a position to fight for P10.

“We were catching Alonso and he had a time penalty, but it is what it is – we tried everything we could and didn’t get points, onto the next one.”

The point-less result leaves Haas eighth in the championship and Team Principal Guenther Steiner was unable to conceal his frustration after the race.

“Clearly not the day we wanted,” said Steiner, “especially this being one of our home events. The pace in the car was there and it was demonstrated by both drivers, but once again we got unlucky with some events on track.

“We then had to retire Kevin’s car on the second-to-last lap with damage he’d sustained earlier while he was fighting to get back into the top 10. We learn lessons in races like this and we have to apply those lessons moving forward to better ourselves.”

Lando Norris believes McLaren are ‘behind’ Alfa Romeo’s pace this season

Friday 13 May 2022 12:31 , Michael Jones

McLaren driver Lando Norris has said his team are “behind” rivals Alfa Romeo in a “tight” midfield also involving Alpine, AlphaTauri and Haas.

McLaren had an awful start to the season but they have gradually built into the campaign. They still aren’t at the heights they will be aiming for and the British driver has been realistic about where he believes his team are.

“I think we are behind Mercedes [in terms of pace],” said the 22-year-old as per Motorsport-total.com. “We are also behind Alfa Romeo but are well in the running with Alpine and AlphaTauri. Haas are somewhere in that region as well. So I think it’s quite simple – it’s tight.”

Lando Norris believes McLaren are ‘behind’ Alfa Romeo’s pace this season

Lewis Hamilton frustrated after Mercedes stuck on ‘same speed’ for five races

Friday 13 May 2022 12:22 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton is “hopeful” Mercedes can improve their car despite it having the “same speed” for the opening five races.

Mercedes haven’t had the same start to the season that they would be used to with both seven-time champion Hamilton and George Russell out of the top three of the driver standings. They have had two podiums but no race wins with several issues with their car - ‘porpoising’ being the main struggle.

Hamilton, who is gunning for a record eighth title, concedes the team aren’t where they thought they would be.

Lewis Hamilton frustrated after Mercedes stuck on ‘same speed’ for five races

Christian Horner dismisses Red Bull ‘fragility’ fears after Max Verstappen win in Miami

Friday 13 May 2022 12:11 , Michael Jones

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has dismissed the “fragility” of his team’s car following Max Verstappen’s win at the Miami Grand Prix.

The team have face reliability issues this season with Verstappen not finishing two races and his teammate Sergio Perez having to retire in one too.

But after Verstappen managed to overtake Charles Leclerc in Miami and hold him off to take the win, Horner says the issues are being ironed out.

Horner dismisses Red Bull ‘fragility’ fears after Verstappen win in Miami

Toto Wolff admits Mercedes ‘flying in the fog’ despite improvements in Miami

Friday 13 May 2022 12:00 , Michael Jones

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says his team have been “flying in the fog” since the start of the season due to their difficulties with Formula One’s new car regulations.

The team haven’t performed as most would have expected, only grabbing two podiums this campaign so far with no race wins. Mercedes did see some improvements at the last grand prix in Miami but Wolff admitted they still are a long way off from where they expected to be.

“We have been [struggling] straight from the beginning, flying in the fog a little bit,” explained Wolff, per GP Fans. “And it is clear that there is potential in the car and she is fast but we just don’t understand how to unlock the potential.”

Toto Wolff admits Mercedes ‘flying in the fog’ despite improvements in Miami

‘We’re on it’: Mario Andretti determined to secure F1 team by 2024

Friday 13 May 2022 11:49 , Michael Jones

Former world champion Mario Andretti has confirmed he is working on plans to bring a new team to the Formula One grid from 2024, but there is a “process they must respect” amid warnings from current teams.

Andretti, the 1978 world champion, and his son Michael, also a former F1 driver and a champion in IndyCar, have been linked with bringing an American team to the grid after were reported to be in interested in purchasing Sauber last year.

Reports of Andretti submitting paperwork to the FIA surfaced earlier this year, in what would be the first new team to join to the grid since Haas’ entry in 2017, but was met with scepticism from Red Bull principal Christian Horner and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

‘We’re on it’: Mario Andretti determined to secure F1 team by 2024

Lando Norris claims Miami track was ‘turning into crap’ during Grand Prix

Friday 13 May 2022 11:39 , Michael Jones

Lando Norris has claimed the Miami Grand Prix track surface was “turning into crap” during the race.

The Miami International Autodrome held the inaugural Miami Grand Prix as F1 expands its reach, with Max Verstappen edging out Charles Leclerc for his third victory of the year, while also trimming the Monegasque’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 19 points.

Norris picked up his first DNF of the season, with his McLaren coming into contact with the AlphaTauri of Pierre Gasly.

Lando Norris claims Miami track was ‘turning into crap’ during Grand Prix

‘I trashed the whole floor’: Daniel Ricciardo reveals wild party in hotel

Friday 13 May 2022 11:29 , Michael Jones

Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo revealed he once “trashed the whole floor” of a hotel he was staying in as the McLaren star recounted stories of his party lifestyle.

The Australian was on stage with team-mate Lando Norris at a McLaren and Hilton hotels corporate event ahead of the Miami Grand Prix when they were asked of their wildest hotel stays.

Ricciardo, who has raced in Formula One since 2011, said of his most memorable experience: “I mean, I didn’t merely trash the room, I trashed the whole floor.

‘I trashed the whole floor’: Daniel Ricciardo reveals wild party in hotel

Sebastian Vettel tells UK to ‘deal with’ Brexit ‘mess’

Friday 13 May 2022 11:18 , Michael Jones

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has criticised the “mess” of Brexit and claims the United Kingdom must now deal with the “consequences” of the decision.

Vettel made a surprise appearance on the BBC’s Question Time on Thursday, in which he spoke out on issues such as climate change, human rights and ‘partygate’ in front of a live studio audience in Hackney.

The German driver admitted he has questioned his future in Formula One due to his concerns over climate change and said discussing Brexit risks politicians missing the “bigger picture”.

But while Vettel said he was not “familiar” with the exact details on Brexit during a debate on trade agreements, the 34-year-old said he believed the UK now has to “deal” with the situation.

Sebastian Vettel tells UK to ‘deal with’ Brexit ‘mess’

Alonso backs Andretti bid to enter Formula 1

Friday 13 May 2022 11:08 , Michael Jones

Fernando Alonso says he hopes Michael Andretti’s bid to enter a new team in Formula 1 is successful.

In 2017 Alonso raced in the Indy 500 with a McLaren team heavily supported by Andretti and led for 27 laps of the race before an engine failure forced him into retirement.

Andretti is now currently lobbying for his family to create a new team and become a future entry into Formula 1, which Alonso says he supports fully.

“It could be a big thing,” says Alonso. “I know Michael very well, I know the Andretti family and they are obviously a big part of motor sport in general and they are legends. So if we can have them in Formula 1 that will be the best news, I think for both.

“Formula 1 would benefit from that and obviously Michael and his team will benefit from the sport and from being in Formula 1. And I think they have the capabilities, the resources, they have the talent to be in Formula 1 and be competitive as well. So I hope this thing comes true in the next few years, and I will follow very closely.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Max Verstappen ‘irritable’ with Red Bull at Miami Grand Prix

Friday 13 May 2022 10:59 , Michael Jones

Reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was ‘irritable’ during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, according to his father Jos.

The 24-year-old Dutchman picked up his third victory of the season in the United States on Sunday as he won the first ever Miami GP.

But it was not all smooth sailing for the Red Bull driver as just 48 hours before, he was reduced to very little practice time on track due to problems with his car.

And Jos has revealed that led to Verstappen becoming increasingly agitated as yet more reliability issues threatened to derail his title defence.

Speaking in his column, Jos said: “Problems with the car on Friday meant he got very little practice and you need that time to adjust the car, especially on a new street circuit. I could understand why he was a bit irritable.”

Max Verstappen ‘irritable’ with Red Bull at Miami Grand Prix

George Russell beating Lewis Hamilton is ‘changing of the guard’ at Mercedes

Friday 13 May 2022 10:49 , Michael Jones

George Russell outperforming Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 in 2022 represents a “changing of the guard” at Mercedes according to former world champion Jacques Villeneuve.

The seven-time world champion has endured a tough start to the year, trailing championship leader Charles Leclerc by 68 points and languishing back in sixth place.

Russell has also experienced a testing start to life at Mercedes, but the 24-year-old is 23 points clear of his teammate in the standings.

But despite both struggling due to the heavily porpoising W13 car produced by the Silver Arrows, Villeneuve, who won the 1997 championship with Williams, has been impressed by Russell and his ability to “ride the wave”.

Villeneuve added that in comparison Hamilton is merely “trying not to drown”.

George Russell beating Lewis Hamilton is ‘changing of the guard’ at Mercedes

Room for improvement with Miami track

Friday 13 May 2022 10:39 , Michael Jones

The Miami International Autodrome is a temporary circuit looping around the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and played host to the inaugural Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix last weekend. It featured a mix of medium to high speed corners, a long straight and a very tight section underneath a turnpike.

But, the 5.41km layout did not produce a great race and questions arose about the surface’s lack of grip off the racing line making it dangerous and risky to overtake. Nevertheless, it generally drew modest praise from the drivers, who just singled out the bumpy Turn 14-15 chicane as area for improvement.

“I think track-wise, we can improve a few areas,” said race winner Max Verstappen, “The 14-15 chicane is a bit of a tricky combination. I think if I would have been in a go-kart, it would be a nice chicane to take, but not in an F1 car like we have at the moment.

“I remember in the four laps I did on Friday, I almost knocked myself out because I hit the first kerb and your head just bounced from left to right at least five, six times, but really bad.

“If you just take it a tiny bit too much, just because it’s so long, so wide, so stiff and super heavy that little kerb what it is, it’s just not made for it to be honest.

“So, maybe we have to change the kerb layout already, that it’s a bit more of a progressive ramp and it looks a bit nicer to go over. Maybe that helps already. But yeah, it’s so slow and I think our cars look way better if it’s a bit more of a flowing combination.”

‘Weight saving' made Miami Grand Prix more difficult for Ricciardo

Friday 13 May 2022 10:28 , Michael Jones

McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo admits that the Miami Grand Prix was made even tougher by the team’s decision to cut back on the amount of drink his car could hold in order to save weight.

The 32-year-old clearly showed the effects of a hectic afternoon in the Florida humidity and he compared racing in the Miami heat to similar races in Singapore and Malaysia.

“Yeah, it’s got that heat factor to it,” Ricciardo told to Autosport, “It’s tough as well, because I mean, everyone’s obviously fighting for that last bit of weight.

“We don’t have the luxury of putting three litres in the drink system. So we have a little bit, and it’s never enough fluid. Naturally, you’re gonna get dehydrated. And yeah, this heat was was pretty real.

“They’re [Singapore and Malaysia] the tough ones, obviously. I mean, everyone obviously worked hard today, it is hot, drivers, mechanics, everyone’s feeling the heat.”

At the end of the race, Ricciardo thought that he had made the points but was told he finished 11th prior to getting a time penalty for going off the track in a battle with Kevin Magnussen which sent him down to 13th.

“Actually when I crossed the line, I honestly thought I was 10th,” he said.

“It’s hard to know, obviously [there are] battles and cars going off here and there. But I was kind of doing a calculation in my head thinking that enough cars had kind of gone off, or I passed, to be somewhere inside the points.

“But yeah, we came up short. So I don’t think there were any ‘what could have beens’ today. We were just not quick enough.

“We were just hanging on. And I think when everyone’s in a tow, we’re still lacking a bit on the straights. I think obviously a little bit of a drag and stuff.”

Charles Leclerc ‘cracked’ under pressure from Max Verstappen in Miami Grand Prix

Friday 13 May 2022 10:17 , Luke Baker

Max Verstappen put the two Ferrari drivers under pressure at the Miami Grand Prix and neither were able to cope, claims ex-Formula One racer Jolyon Palmer.

The Red Bull man started from third but quickly displaced Carlos Sainz, before engaging in battle with pole position holder Charles Leclerc.

Ultimately it was the Belgian-Dutch driver who produced a winning display after passing and then holding off Leclerc, and closing the gap on him in the championship race to 19 points in the process.

It’s not so much the Red Bull victory which should cause concern for Ferrari, though, so much as how Leclerc wilted in the face of a big opportunity, Palmer claims.

“Leclerc looked to have similar outright pace to Verstappen in the race, but he was a little more erratic, complaining over the radio that his Ferrari was tricky to drive,” Palmer wrote for FormulaOne.com.

Leclerc ‘cracked’ under pressure from Verstappen in Miami Grand Prix

F1 faces ‘mission’ to find next US racer as popularity grows, claims Lewis Hamilton

Friday 13 May 2022 10:06 , Luke Baker

Lewis Hamilton believes it will be a ‘good mission’ for Formula One to find the sport’s next American star.

Last weekend saw the first ever Miami Grand Prix take place - one of two US races this season with the United States GP set for Texas in October.

But there is not a single American driver on the grid in 2022, something which Hamilton feels may be a result of athletes choosing other sports.

Speaking at the Miami GP, he said: “It doesn’t really surprise me. I think it’s perhaps more a cultural thing. You know, here in the States it’s the NFL, NBA. It’s NASCAR, IndyCar.

“In my 16 years of coming over here it’s been such a slow build, trying to bring awareness of the sport. Unfortunately, the Americans have to wake up at odd times in order to watch a Grand Prix.”

The USA has not had a F1 world champion since Mario Andretti claimed the title way back in 1978.

F1 faces ‘mission’ to find next US racer as popularity grows, claims Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

Friday 13 May 2022 09:59 , Michael Jones

Mercedes-Benz Group chairman Ola Kallenius has pledged “we will remain” in Formula One as they look forward to the carbon-neutral future of the sport.

In four years, new engine regulations will make the cars power units more reliant on electric power and reduce the sport’s carbon dioxide emissions.

And Kallenius insists Mercedes are looking to the future of F1 as something they want to stay heavily involved in.

Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit, he said: “We have decided to go down this path of decarbonisation. It is the only decision we can make, and the same goes for Formula 1.

“The next engine regulations will give much more importance to the electric part, and there is a clear commitment to make Formula 1 CO2 neutral.”

Full report:

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

‘Does that make you a hypocrite?'

Friday 13 May 2022 09:50 , Michael Jones

Take a look at Sebastian Vettel’s appearance on BBC Question Time where he called into question Formula 1’s role in tackling climate change and whether discussing these issues made him a ‘hypocrite’ after his 16-year career in the sport.

Vettel defends Formula 1 when questioned over climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 09:43 , Michael Jones

Sebastian Vettel’s biggest obstacle in addressing climate change is his role as a Formula 1 driver and the seemingly hypocritical viewpoint he speaks from.

Formula 1 is one of the biggest gas-guzzling sports in the world as 20 cars are fuelled for each race, each qualifying session, each practice session. The sport jet sets all around the world and relys heavily on fossil fuels for its entertainment but Vettel defended F1 by saying that it also played a positive role in society.

“On the other hand, you know, we were entertaining people during Covid,” he said. “We were one of the first ones to start again, when everybody’s heads were about to explode.

“I’m not saying Formula 1 has this huge position in the world to deliver entertainment. There’s plenty of people - if you talk about entertainment, sports, culture, comedy - a lot of people who couldn’t perform, and a lot of people missed that. And I think if we didn’t have that, in general, we’d probably go mad.”

The sport is also taking big steps to become more sustainable. The hybrid engines used in the F1 cars are already the most efficient in the world, they have made a revolutionary step forward in thermal efficiency which is the measure of converting fuel energy to power and the sport has plans to go net-zero carbon by 2030.

To ensure this Formula 1 is constantly working on the efficiency of the engine - the thermal efficiency on F1 cars is more than 50% which is up from the 30% or so of a standard road-going petrol engine - and it plans to introduce fully sustainable, carbon-neutral fuels with the new engines in 2026.

The sport’s bosses argue that there will still be millions of petrol- and diesel-engined cars on the roads after 2030 and that using sustainable fuels would have a dramatic effect on reducing global carbon emissions.

‘Countries need to move away from fossil fuels’ says Vettel

Friday 13 May 2022 09:36 , Michael Jones

Speaking on his desire to tackle the climate crisis Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel called on individual countries around the world to shift away from relying on fossil fuels for their energy needs and make a bigger step towards renewable sources of energy.

“Action should have been taken a long time ago,” he said. “We shouldn’t depend on prices we don’t dictate.

“How do we source our energy? In the UK, you have a mixture of gas, coal and oil; Germany is very dependent on Russia and potentially in trouble. What do we do if Russia turns the tap off? We shouldn’t be as dependent.

“We have to shift into the next gear, not just for the reason of becoming independent but also to look after the bigger picture - that we live on a planet that’s as enjoyable as it is today.

“We should think of ‘peace energy’ or ‘freedom energy’, which is renewable energy. That is the future, not just as a way of protecting people who can’t afford bills but also to protect against the future.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Vettel questions Formula 1 career in face of climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 09:28 , Michael Jones

Ex-Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has become a campaigner on environmental issues in recent times and made an appearance on BBC Quesion Time where he questioned whether racing in F1 is the right thing to do in the light of the global climate crisis.

Vettel wore a T-shirt at last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix which highlighted the threat of rising sea levels around the Florida city and is also passionate about on human rights and LGBTQ+ issues.

On Question Time he said: “It’s my passion to drive a car. Every time I step in the car, I love it. When I get out of the car, of course I’m thinking as well: ‘Is this something we should do, travel the world, wasting resources?’”

The 34-year-old acknowledged that he was a ‘hypocrite’ to speak about environmental concerns in his position as an F1 driver but said he asked himself questions about protecting the planet “every day”.

“We need to stop being dependent [on fossil fuels], and we can, because there are solutions in place,” Vettel said.

“You know, in Britain, you have this sort of goldmine you’re sitting on, which is wind, and you have the ability to increase your energy supply with wind power, solar. Every country has its strengths and weaknesses.

“If you go to Austria, they have the Alps and they have water, they can pump it up, store it, take it back down. It’s something that I’m asking myself. There’s certain things that are in my control, and certain things are not.

“There’s things that I do because I feel I can do them better. Do I take the plane every time? No, not when I can take the car. But there’s certain things in my control, and certain things outside.”

Friday 13 May 2022 09:22 , Luke Baker

Ferrari determined to respond to Red Bull resurgence in form

Ferrari “now need to respond” according to team boss Mattia Binotto after Max Verstappen’s victory at the Miami Grand Prix narrowed the gap to Driver’s Championship leader Charles Leclerc.

The Scuderia have enjoyed a fine start to the season, but the world champion’s win last weekend pushes the Red Bull to within six points of Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship, while narrowing the gap to Leclerc to just 19 points.

Binotto is philosophical about his team’s performance, with both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz on the podium, though he concedes the team “can’t be completely happy”.

“We can’t be completely happy with today’s race because, although the F1-75 was competitive, our rivals were a few tenths per lap quicker than us,” Binotto said. “If you consider how many points we are taking home from here, we can’t be too disappointed, given that we are leading both championships, but it’s clear we now need to respond. We are keen to get the job done and there are still a lot of races to go.

Ferrari determined to respond to Red Bull resurgence in form

Lando Norris claims Miami track was ‘turning into crap’ during Grand Prix

Friday 13 May 2022 09:10 , Luke Baker

Lando Norris has claimed the Miami Grand Prix track surface was “turning into crap” during the race.

The Miami International Autodrome held the inaugural Miami Grand Prix as F1 expands its reach, with Max Verstappen edging out Charles Leclerc for his third victory of the year, while also trimming the Monegasque’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 19 points.

Norris picked up his first DNF of the season, with his McLaren coming into contact with the AlphaTauri of Pierre Gasly.

The track required special attention at turns seven and 17 ahead of the weekend with a resurfacing between Friday and Saturday.

Lando Norris claims Miami track was ‘turning into crap’ during Grand Prix

Max Verstappen labels Red Bull ‘hit and miss’ over reliability record

Friday 13 May 2022 08:58 , Luke Baker

Max Verstappen has labelled Red Bull “hit and miss” over its reliability record despite winning the Miami Grand Prix.

“I mean, of course, now my side, I had a lot of issues on Friday, which compromises your weekend, and especially [qualifying],” Verstappen said. “Of course, [in the race] everything went well with the start but it also could have been the other way around and then you of course can say like, well, fair enough, because if you missed almost whole Friday, what can you do about it?

“So we just have to nail down a really positive weekend without issues. I think of course, Imola, we had that, but it’s still a bit of a hit and miss too much. So we just have to make sure that we are more reliable and more on top of things.

“But as you can see the car is quick. I’m very happy about that, I mean, if you would be slow and reliable, that’s probably also not a good thing.”

Verstappen ended up winning in Miami despite problems earlier on in the weekend (Getty Images)
Verstappen ended up winning in Miami despite problems earlier on in the weekend (Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton’s piercings row with FIA could get ‘very nasty’

Friday 13 May 2022 08:46 , Luke Baker

Lewis Hamilton’s piercings row with FIA could get “very nasty”, according to Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz.

He said: “He [Hamilton] has taken his earrings out but he can’t take out his nose [stud] and we thought he was going to have minor surgery to take out the nose [stud]. Hamilton’s now saying, having been given two races’ grace, here (Miami) and in Barcelona, that he will not take out his nose [stud]. He doesn’t want to, doesn’t think it’s something the FIA should be doing, so it looks like the war between Hamilton and the FIA continues.

“Is he going to rack up fines when we get to Monaco and he hasn’t taken it out because the hole has closed up? It’s not as easy as him being able to just take it out like he can his earrings. So there is a little storm brewing. Hamilton has said they can fine me whatever they want, but it’s not as simple as that.

“If the FIA decide to not scrutineer the driver, which it looks like they can do, they can stop Lewis from going out of the pit lane at the beginning of Friday practice because he has not been scrutineered – the driver is now effectively scrutineered in the same way as a car is. So this could get very nasty quite quickly in a race-and-a-half’s time.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

‘Is this something we should do?’: Sebastian Vettel questions F1 career over climate change

Friday 13 May 2022 08:33 , Luke Baker

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel admitted he has questioned whether he should retire from Formula One amid concerns over climate change.

Speaking on BBC’s Question Time, the Aston Martin driver, 34, said he is a “hypocrite” for dovetailing his environmental campaign while continuing to race in F1.

Vettel wore a T-shirt ahead of last weekend’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix which read: “Miami 2060. First Grand Prix under water. Act now or swim later.”

But when it was put to the German, who won four consecutive titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, that he competes in one of the most gas-guzzling sports in the world and if that makes him a hypocrite, he replied: “It does, it does and you [the audience] are right when you laugh because there are questions I ask myself every day.

“I am not a saint but I am very concerned about the future.”

‘Hypocrite’ Sebastian Vettel questions whether he should quit F1 over climate change

Lewis Hamilton claims poor form won’t stop Mercedes in their tracks

Friday 13 May 2022 08:27 , Luke Baker

Lewis Hamilton has vowed to fight on after a difficult start to the 2022 F1 season, saying that poor form won’t stop Mercedes in their tracks.

Mercedes have lacked pace so far this term - badly trailing front-runners Red Bull and Ferrari, while struggling with ‘porpoising’ as the car continues to bounce on the track.

Hamilton currently lies sixth in the drivers’ standings, a mammoth 68 points behind champions leader Charles Leclerc, and also trails his team-mate George Russell, who sits fourth.

But the seven-time world champion isn’t quitting on the season and is adamant that eventual success will be all the sweeter given the problems

“I love working with this team,” said Hamilton of Mercedes. “Being in a team is such a privilege and working with so many people towards a common goal.

“And everyone lifted each other up. Incredible how supportive everyone has been through the difficult times, and then we’ve had the most incredible times together.

“So, you know, a couple of bad races is not going to stop us in our tracks. This is where we unite: this is where we learn more about ourselves as individuals; this is where we grow the most. And it makes that eventual success – which I have no doubts we will eventually get to – taste even better.”

Lewis Hamilton is working hard with his Mercedes team to turn things round (EPA)
Lewis Hamilton is working hard with his Mercedes team to turn things round (EPA)

Charles Leclerc ‘cracked’ under pressure from Max Verstappen in Miami Grand Prix

Thursday 12 May 2022 20:15 , Luke Baker

Max Verstappen put the two Ferrari drivers under pressure at the Miami Grand Prix and neither were able to cope, claims ex-Formula One racer Jolyon Palmer.

The Red Bull man started from third but quickly displaced Carlos Sainz, before engaging in battle with pole position holder Charles Leclerc.

Ultimately it was the Belgian-Dutch driver who produced a winning display after passing and then holding off Leclerc, and closing the gap on him in the championship race to 19 points in the process.

It’s not so much the Red Bull victory which should cause concern for Ferrari, though, so much as how Leclerc wilted in the face of a big opportunity, Palmer claims.

“Leclerc looked to have similar outright pace to Verstappen in the race, but he was a little more erratic, complaining over the radio that his Ferrari was tricky to drive,” Palmer wrote for FormulaOne.com.

Leclerc ‘cracked’ under pressure from Verstappen in Miami Grand Prix

F1 faces ‘mission’ to find next US racer as popularity grows, claims Lewis Hamilton

Thursday 12 May 2022 20:03 , Luke Baker

Lewis Hamilton believes it will be a ‘good mission’ for Formula One to find the sport’s next American star.

Last weekend saw the first ever Miami Grand Prix take place - one of two US races this season with the United States GP set for Texas in October.

But there is not a single American driver on the grid in 2022, something which Hamilton feels may be a result of athletes choosing other sports.

Speaking at the Miami GP, he said: “It doesn’t really surprise me. I think it’s perhaps more a cultural thing. You know, here in the States it’s the NFL, NBA. It’s NASCAR, IndyCar.

“In my 16 years of coming over here it’s been such a slow build, trying to bring awareness of the sport. Unfortunately, the Americans have to wake up at odd times in order to watch a Grand Prix.”

The USA has not had a F1 world champion since Mario Andretti claimed the title way back in 1978.

F1 faces ‘mission’ to find next US racer as popularity grows, claims Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

Thursday 12 May 2022 19:51 , Luke Baker

Mercedes-Benz Group chairman Ola Kallenius has pledged “we will remain” in Formula One as they look forward to the carbon-neutral future of the sport.

In four years, new engine regulations will make the cars power units more reliant on electric power and reduce the sport’s carbon dioxide emissions.

And Kallenius insists Mercedes are looking to the future of F1 as something they want to stay heavily involved in.

Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit, he said: “We have decided to go down this path of decarbonisation. It is the only decision we can make, and the same goes for Formula 1.

“The next engine regulations will give much more importance to the electric part, and there is a clear commitment to make Formula 1 CO2 neutral.”

Full report:

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

Max Verstappen ‘irritable’ with Red Bull at Miami Grand Prix

Thursday 12 May 2022 19:40 , Luke Baker

Reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was ‘irritable’ during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, according to his father Jos.

The 24-year-old Dutchman picked up his third victory of the season in the United States on Sunday as he won the first ever Miami GP.

But it was not all smooth sailing for the Red Bull driver as just 48 hours before, he was reduced to very little practice time on track due to problems with his car.

And Jos has revealed that led to Verstappen becoming increasingly agitated as yet more reliability issues threatened to derail his title defence.

Speaking in his column, Jos said: “Problems with the car on Friday meant he got very little practice and you need that time to adjust the car, especially on a new street circuit. I could understand why he was a bit irritable.”

Max Verstappen ‘irritable’ with Red Bull at Miami Grand Prix

George Russell beating Lewis Hamilton is ‘changing of the guard’ at Mercedes

Thursday 12 May 2022 19:27 , Luke Baker

George Russell outperforming Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 in 2022 represents a “changing of the guard” at Mercedes according to former world champion Jacques Villeneuve.

The seven-time world champion has endured a tough start to the year, trailing championship leader Charles Leclerc by 68 points and languishing back in sixth place.

Russell has also experienced a testing start to life at Mercedes, but the 24-year-old is 23 points clear of his teammate in the standings.

But despite both struggling due to the heavily porpoising W13 car produced by the Silver Arrows, Villeneuve, who won the 1997 championship with Williams, has been impressed by Russell and his ability to “ride the wave”.

Villeneuve added that in comparison Hamilton is merely “trying not to drown”.

George Russell beating Lewis Hamilton is ‘changing of the guard’ at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton makes Mercedes admission after more disappointment at Miami Grand Prix

Thursday 12 May 2022 19:13 , Luke Baker

Lewis Hamilton fell silent on the radio following the Miami Grand Prix before admitting Mercedes are no closer to propelling him back to the front.

Hamilton started sixth and finished in the same position after he fell behind team-mate George Russell in the closing stages of Formula One’s first visit to Florida.

Russell was able to take advantage of a late safety car period to stop for fresh rubber and pass his teammate.

Hamilton is already 68 points behind championship leader Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and 23 points adrift of Russell, who has beaten him at the last four grands prix.

Lewis Hamilton makes Mercedes admission after more disappointment in Miami

Charles Leclerc pinpoints where Ferrari must improve to close gap on Max Verstappen

Thursday 12 May 2022 19:02 , Luke Baker

Charles Leclerc believes that Ferrari must improve their race pace if they are to match Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

The defending world champion secured his third win of the season with an excellent performance at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, surviving significant pressure from Leclerc in the final ten laps.

Verstappen’s second successive victory cuts the Ferrari driver’s lead at the top of the drivers’ championship standings to 19 points.

Predicting a “long championship” battle between the pair, Leclerc thinks that his team are currently unable to match the pure speed of their title rivals.

The Monegasque believes it is “pretty clear” that work must be done to make improvements and ensure that Ferrari can remain in the title mix.

Charles Leclerc pinpoints where Ferrari must improve to close gap on Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen moves into top-ten all-time F1 podium finishes

Thursday 12 May 2022 18:50 , Luke Baker

Max Verstappen moved into the top ten of all-time F1 podium finishes by winning the Miami Grand Prix last weekend for his 63rd top-three placing, displacing David Coulthard.

At the age of just 24, the Dutchman will likely move much higher on the list and Valtteri Bottas and Rubens Barrichello will be in his sights in the coming weeks.

Kevin Magnussen: ‘I used to think a world championship would be my key to happiness’

Thursday 12 May 2022 18:39 , Luke Baker

When Kevin Magnussen first entered Formula 1 back in 2014, realising a dream he’d held practically since birth, his overriding emotion wasn’t always elation but often fear, writes Tom Kershaw in an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with the Dane.

It wasn’t the inherent physical danger of driving at breakneck speeds but the sense of dread that seemed to shadow him at the wheel, that a single mistake might cost him everything he’d worked towards.

It is one of life’s great contradictions that sometimes the only way to liberate yourself of those fears is for them to come to fruition. At the end of 2020, after four consecutive seasons with Haas, the team’s principal, Guenther Steiner, told Magnussen that his contract wasn’t being renewed.

“I would put too much pressure on myself when I was young, I think,” Magnussen says. “F1 meant too much to me. Succeeding meant too much to me and it stopped me from being able to perform to the best of my ability. I’d say it held me back quite a few years. I was scared of losing my drive all the time and I would think about it a lot, like what would happen to me, it’s not like I had much to fall back on. The fear distracted me. I don’t carry that now.”

Kevin Magnussen: ‘I used to think a world championship would be my key to happiness’

Miami Grand Prix boss open to changing track after Lewis Hamilton ‘B&Q car park’ jibe

Thursday 12 May 2022 18:26 , Luke Baker

Miami Grand Prix chief Tom Garfinkel anticipates changes will be made to Formula One’s newest circuit after Lewis Hamilton compared it to a B&Q car park.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton criticised the tight left-right chicane at Turns 14 and 15 of the purpose-built temporary layout which runs round the Hard Rock Stadium – home of NFL’s Miami Dolphins – and called for it to be removed.

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez also described the track surface – which incorporates private access roads – as a “joke”.

Miami Grand Prix boss open to changing track after Lewis Hamilton ‘B&Q car park’ jibe

F1 2022: The best pre-order deals on Playstation, Xbox and PC

Thursday 12 May 2022 18:12 , Luke Baker

The next installment in the official Formula 1 racing game series is on its way with a release date of 1 July on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox series X/S and PC.

Developed by Codemasters and now published by EA, F1 22 is the latest entry and will be based on the current season of the Formula 1 World Championship.

F1 21 made some changes to the franchise when it released last year. Notably, it introduced a new story mode titled “Braking Point” so there is a chance we might also see a similar campaign being introduced in this follow-up.

Now that a release date has been confirmed for F1 22, it’s a good time to check out some pre-order deals so you can get the copy that’s right for you at a reasonable price. If you have been struggling to get your hands on a PS5 or an Xbox series X but want to upgrade your last-gen copy once you make the switch, then the “Champions Edition” of the game will give you dual entitlement as well as additional content.

To find out where to buy F1 22 and what the Champions Edition will include, read the article below.

The best pre-order deals for the new F1 2022 game on PlayStation, Xbox and more

How much do F1 drivers earn? 2022 salaries revealed

Thursday 12 May 2022 17:55 , Luke Baker

The 2022 F1 season is back underway after an off-season that brought the biggest overhaul in sporting rules and regulations in recent memory.

After a thrilling 2021 season, the teams were given a blank slate to prepare their cars for this year’s campaign in an attempt to level the playing field and increase overtaking opportunities.

It comes after Max Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton in a wild and unpredictable title race that went down to the final lap of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In a highly controversial season-decider, which ultimately saw race director Michael Masi removed from his post, Verstappen made the crucial pass on the final-lap shootout to win the title after Hamilton had clawed back his lead by winning the previous three races.

How much do F1 drivers earn? The 2022 salaries revealed

Abbie Eaton believes it could be seven years before F1 has a woman driver

Thursday 12 May 2022 17:41 , Luke Baker

W Series racing driver Abbie Eaton believes it could be five to seven years before there is a woman F1 driver.

The 2022 W Series season opener formed part of a doubleheader alongside Formula One’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix over the weekend, with reigning two-time champion Jamie Chadwick taking a dramatic victory after overtaking Emma Kimilainen on the final lap.

The W Series will race at eight Grand Prix weekends during the 2022 season, including five new venues, but Eaton - who was the official driver for Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May’s Grand Tour - believes there could be a protracted wait for a woman F1 driver.

She said: “Five to seven years. I think probably there are obviously a lot of young talented people coming through in our championship and we’ve got a few young drivers as well but I think probably the ones that will actually make it are probably still in karts at the moment.

“I think given their development time, and if they’re picked up at the right moment then I think probably seven years or so.

“It’s got to be the first person that gets into F1 for a full drive, before that I think there will be opportunities for girls to do FP1 or whatever but I think for a full-time female F1 driver it will be that length of time.”

 (EPA)
(EPA)

When and where are the next Formula One races?

Thursday 12 May 2022 17:28 , Luke Baker

After the one-race trip to the United States, Formula 1 returns to Europe and Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix on the weekend of 20-22 May.

Upcoming schedule

ROUND 6 —SPAIN

Barcelona — 20-22 May

ROUND 7 —MONACO

Monte Carlo — 27-29 May

ROUND 8 — AZERBAIJAN

Baku — 10-12 June

ROUND 9 — CANADA

Montréal — 17-19 June

ROUND 10 — GREAT BRITAIN

Silverstone — 1-3 July

F1 Drivers’ Championship standings after the Miami Grand Prix

Thursday 12 May 2022 17:16 , Luke Baker

Here’s the latest F1 drivers’ standings as Charles Leclerc still leads the way despite Max Verstappen’s victory in Miami.

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 104

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 85

3. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) - 66

4. George Russell (Mercedes) - 59

5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) - 53

6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - 36

7. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 35

8. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) - 30

9. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) - 24

10. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) - 15

11. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) - 11

12. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) - 10

13. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) - 6

14. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) - 4

15. Alexander Albon (Williams) - 3

16. Fernando Alonso (Alpine) - 2

17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 2

18. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) - 1

19. Mick Schumacher (Haas) - 0

20. Nico Hulkenberg (Aston Martin) - 0

21. Nicholas Latifi (Williams) - 0

Lando Norris crashes out of Miami GP

Thursday 12 May 2022 17:03 , Luke Baker

Watch as Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly collided in Maimi on Sunday, with the McLaren driver crashing out of the grand prix.

Sebastian Vettel had the perfect view of the whole incident

Lando Norris believes McLaren are ‘behind’ Alfa Romeo’s pace this season

Thursday 12 May 2022 16:50 , Luke Baker

McLaren driver Lando Norris has said his team are “behind” rivals Alfa Romeo in a “tight” midfield also involving Alpine, AlphaTauri and Haas.

McLaren had an awful start to the season but they have gradually built into the campaign. They still aren’t at the heights they will be aiming for and the British driver has been realistic about where he believes his team are.

“I think we are behind Mercedes [in terms of pace],” said the 22-year-old as per Motorsport-total.com. “We are also behind Alfa Romeo but are well in the running with Alpine and AlphaTauri. Haas are somewhere in that region as well. So I think it’s quite simple – it’s tight.

“In the race, we have decent pace. It’s just going to take a bit more for us to take on Mercedes and the guys in front. If we can do that, we can be happy.”

Lando Norris believes McLaren are ‘behind’ Alfa Romeo’s pace this season

Martin Brundle responds after Miami Grand Prix grid walk goes viral

Thursday 12 May 2022 16:37 , Luke Baker

Martin Brundle has revealed that he is not a fan of having to do the grid walks that the popular broadcaster has become famous for.

Brundle, who started 158 races in Formula 1 in the 1980s and 1990s, again drew the delight of fans for several strange interactions during Sunday’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

The Sky Sports pundit and presenter misidentified Paolo Banchero, likely to be a top pick in the upcoming 2022 NBA Draft, as Patrick Mahomes – quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL and seven years Banchero’s senior.

Brundle also appeared to be ignored by David Beckham and sidelined by a monologue from DJ Khaled during his pre-race wander amid the massed personalities keen to get close to the pre-race action.

While the 62-year-old has been asked to perform grid walk duties for a succession of broadcasters since his exit from F1 in 1997, Brundle has now admitted that he refuses to watch his interviews back, revealing his “dislike” for the role.

Martin Brundle responds after Miami GP grid walk goes viral

‘That’s news to me!’ Christian Horner reacts to Fernando Alonso rumours

Thursday 12 May 2022 16:24 , Luke Baker

Christian Horner has insisted that Red Bull are “happy with the drivers we’ve got” after rumours that Fernando Alonso was pushing for a move to the team.

Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok suggested during Sky Sports’ coverage of the Miami Grand Prix that Alonso would be keen to join Max Verstappen and would be prepared to play second fiddle to the reigning world champion.

The Spaniard, who won back-to-back world titles in 2005 and 2006, is out of contract at Alpine at the conclusion of the 2022 season, and has also been linked with a potential vacant seat at Aston Martin.

It appears that the 40-year-old will not be calling Red Bull his new home, though, with team principal Horner emphatically dismissing the rumours when asked in Florida.

“That’s news to me!” Horner said of the links with Alonso. “We are very happy with the drivers we’ve got here. Fernando’s a great driver, it’s fantastic he’s still in Formula 1 and given the plus 40 [age], he’s something to aspire to. But he doesn’t fit part of our plans.”

‘That’s news to me!’ Christian Horner reacts to Fernando Alonso rumours

Sebastian Vettel told to give Mick Schumacher overtaking lessons after Miami collision

Thursday 12 May 2022 16:11 , Luke Baker

Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard says Sebastian Vettel should give Mick Schumacher overtaking advice.

Vettel and Schumacher are close off the track, with Vettel’s motoring hero being Schumacher’s father Michael, but they came to blows at the Miami Grand Prix.

Schumacher was gunning for his first points in F1 and went to overtake the German which caused them to collide.

“Those guys are good friends and I think that Seb’s trying to guide Mick a little bit into his Formula 1 career,” Coulthard told Channel 4. “He definitely needs to give him some overtaking advice.

“And I loved how Mick was on the radio going ‘I had the…corner’. He doubted himself as he said it. And I think when he reflects on it, he made a mistake, that door was always going to close.”

Sebastian Vettel told to give Mick Schumacher overtaking lessons after collision

Pierre Gasly accuses Fernando Alonso of ‘ruining’ his race after ‘divebomb’ sparked Miami chaos

Thursday 12 May 2022 15:58 , Luke Baker

Pierre Gasly has criticised Fernando Alonso for the crash the pair had at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.

The AlphaTauri driver couldn’t finish the race due to the collision and he was in point-winning contention when it happened. It also sparked another collision as Gasly was limping back to the pits when he clipped Lando Norris, causing him to spin out and triggering a late safety car.

Alonso went on to finish the race but in 11th following a post-race time penalty, so he did not pick up any points. Gasly shared his frustration of being taken out of the race and for Alonso damaging his car.

“Fernando just divebombed into me, crashed into me and broke the rear-right corner,” Gasly said per GP Fans. “After that, we tried to do one more lap to see if we could continue and the car was too damaged. I could not even stay on track or turn left anymore.”

Pierre Gasly claims Fernando Alonso ruined his race after ‘divebomb’ sparks chaos

Christian Horner dismisses Red Bull ‘fragility’ fears after Max Verstappen win in Miami

Thursday 12 May 2022 15:46 , Luke Baker

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has dismissed the “fragility” of his team’s car following Max Verstappen’s win at the Miami Grand Prix.

The team have faced reliability issues this season with Verstappen not finishing two races and his teammate Sergio Perez having to retire in one too.

But after Verstappen managed to overtake Charles Leclerc in Miami and hold him off to take the win, Horner says the issues are being ironed out.

“I don’t think the car is particularly fragile,” he insisted. “I think there have been niggly things that you would normally have seen in pre-season testing that have only reared their head as we have got into the season so that has been frustrating.

“We are working closely with HRC and they are giving us great support so I think we will get those ironed out.”

Horner dismisses Red Bull ‘fragility’ fears after Verstappen win in Miami

George Russell disagrees with Toto Wolff’s assessment of Mercedes’ ‘diva’ car

Thursday 12 May 2022 15:34 , Luke Baker

George Russell has called the Mercedes car a “killer” to drive and says Toto Wolff’s assessment of the car being a “diva” is an understatement.

Wolff has described the Mercedes car as being on an “edge” as Russell and Lewis Hamilton has struggled to come to grips with it this season.

Mercedes are yet to crack Formula One’s new car regulations and have been left behind by Red Bull and Ferrari due to their problems with ‘porpoising’.

“Toto is throwing the word ‘diva’ around a lot about the car - but that is an understatement because it is so unpredictable,” Russell said after finishing fifth in Miami. “There is a fast car in there but when the thing starts bouncing, going into corners, it is a killer to drive.”

George Russell disagrees with Toto Wolff’s assessment of Mercedes’ ‘diva’ car

Christian Horner admits Ferrari tensions will ‘inevitably’ boil over

Thursday 12 May 2022 15:20 , Luke Baker

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says his team’s tension with rivals Ferrari will “inevitably” boil over this season.

Horner’s team are the defending champions after Max Verstappen won the world title in 2021. But he is not yet top of the driver standing’s with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc leading the way after five races this season.

The pair have had thrilling battles on track but it has not transformed into the fractious relationship Verstappen had with his rival in the last campaign, Lewis Hamilton.

The Dutchman and Hamilton crashed on multiple occasions, including at Silverstone and Monza, and Horner says the rivalry could get to that place again this season.

Christian Horner admits Ferrari tensions will ‘inevitably’ boil over

Lewis Hamilton frustrated after Mercedes stuck on ‘same speed’ for five races

Thursday 12 May 2022 15:05 , Luke Baker

Lewis Hamilton is “hopeful” Mercedes can improve their car despite it having the “same speed” for the opening five races.

Mercedes haven’t had the same start to the season that they would be used to with both seven-time champion Hamilton and George Russell out of the top three of the driver standings. They have had two podiums but no race wins with several issues with their car - ‘porpoising’ being the main struggle.

Hamilton, who is gunning for a record eighth title, concedes the team aren’t where they thought they would be.

“We’re the same speed as we were in the first race and we just haven’t improved in these five races,” he told Sky Sports. “But I’m hopeful at some stage we will. We just have to keep trying and keep working hard.”

Lewis Hamilton frustrated after Mercedes stuck on ‘same speed’ for five races

Charles Leclerc ‘cracked’ under pressure from Max Verstappen in Miami Grand Prix

Thursday 12 May 2022 14:52 , Luke Baker

Max Verstappen put the two Ferrari drivers under pressure at the Miami Grand Prix and neither were able to cope, claims ex-Formula One racer Jolyon Palmer.

The Red Bull man started from third but quickly displaced Carlos Sainz, before engaging in battle with pole position holder Charles Leclerc.

Ultimately it was the Belgian-Dutch driver who produced a winning display after passing and then holding off Leclerc, and closing the gap on him in the championship race to 19 points in the process.

It’s not so much the Red Bull victory which should cause concern for Ferrari, though, so much as how Leclerc wilted in the face of a big opportunity, Palmer claims.

“Leclerc looked to have similar outright pace to Verstappen in the race, but he was a little more erratic, complaining over the radio that his Ferrari was tricky to drive,” Palmer wrote for FormulaOne.com.

Leclerc ‘cracked’ under pressure from Verstappen in Miami Grand Prix

Toto Wolff admits Mercedes ‘flying in the fog’ despite improvements in Miami

Thursday 12 May 2022 14:40 , Luke Baker

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says his team have been “flying in the fog” since the start of the season due to their difficulties with Formula One’s new car regulations.

The team haven’t performed as most would have expected, only grabbing two podiums this campaign so far with no race wins.

Mercedes did see some improvements at the last grand prix in Miami but Wolff admitted they still are a long way off from where they expected to be.

“We have been [struggling] straight from the beginning, flying in the fog a little bit,” explained Wolff, per GP Fans. “And it is clear that there is potential in the car and she is fast but we just don’t understand how to unlock the potential.”

Toto Wolff admits Mercedes ‘flying in the fog’ despite improvements in Miami

Lewis Hamilton’s piercings row with FIA could get ‘very nasty’

Thursday 12 May 2022 14:29 , Luke Baker

Lewis Hamilton’s piercings row with FIA could get “very nasty”, according to Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz.

He said: “He [Hamilton] has taken his earrings out but he can’t take out his nose [stud] and we thought he was going to have minor surgery to take out the nose [stud]. Hamilton’s now saying, having been given two races’ grace, here (Miami) and in Barcelona, that he will not take out his nose [stud]. He doesn’t want to, doesn’t think it’s something the FIA should be doing, so it looks like the war between Hamilton and the FIA continues.

“Is he going to rack up fines when we get to Monaco and he hasn’t taken it out because the hole has closed up? It’s not as easy as him being able to just take it out like he can his earrings. So there is a little storm brewing. Hamilton has said they can fine me whatever they want, but it’s not as simple as that.

“If the FIA decide to not scrutineer the driver, which it looks like they can do, they can stop Lewis from going out of the pit lane at the beginning of Friday practice because he has not been scrutineered – the driver is now effectively scrutineered in the same way as a car is. So this could get very nasty quite quickly in a race-and-a-half’s time.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Max Verstappen labels Red Bull ‘hit and miss’ over reliability record

Thursday 12 May 2022 14:17 , Luke Baker

Max Verstappen has labelled Red Bull “hit and miss” over its reliability record despite winning the Miami Grand Prix.

“I mean, of course, now my side, I had a lot of issues on Friday, which compromises your weekend, and especially [qualifying],” Verstappen said. “Of course, [in the race] everything went well with the start but it also could have been the other way around and then you of course can say like, well, fair enough, because if you missed almost whole Friday, what can you do about it?

“So we just have to nail down a really positive weekend without issues. I think of course, Imola, we had that, but it’s still a bit of a hit and miss too much. So we just have to make sure that we are more reliable and more on top of things.

“But as you can see the car is quick. I’m very happy about that, I mean, if you would be slow and reliable, that’s probably also not a good thing.”

Verstappen ended up winning in Miami despite problems earlier on in the weekend (Getty Images)
Verstappen ended up winning in Miami despite problems earlier on in the weekend (Getty Images)

F1 latest news

Thursday 12 May 2022 14:00 , Karl Matchett

Fernando Alonso isn’t dismayed by his low points tally so far - in fact, he feels he’s in good shape and positive results are not too far away.

“It obviously feels a little bit strange to have two points in the championship, after having probably my best start of the season in terms of competitiveness of the last 10 years, maybe from 2012,” Alonso told the media.

“I was not as competitive as I felt in these first four races. We’ve been, I think, extremely unlucky with some of the events that happened.

“It’s a matter of time that the result will come.

“I feel strong, I feel fast now. The car also feels good, so I’m really looking forward to each weekend.”

F1 latest news

Thursday 12 May 2022 13:40 , Karl Matchett

Christian Horner feels the F1 season will go the distance again in 2022, in terms of the championship.

Max Verstappen is looking to retain his crown but Ferrari have started the season well, with Charles Leclerc picking up a couple of wins - and there’s “great respect” between the two drivers, the Red Bull boss says.

“There’s a long, long way to go and I think it’s so tight with Ferrari, there’s been some great racing,” said Horner.

“There’s a great respect between Charles and Max. They are enjoying racing each other, you can see that.

“I think I was rather hoping we weren’t set for another competitive year like last year, but it looks like this one could go all the way as well.”

Max Verstappen won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix (Darron Cummings/AP) (AP)
Max Verstappen won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix (Darron Cummings/AP) (AP)

Mercedes in no-man’s land, says Toto Wolff after Miami

Thursday 12 May 2022 13:20 , Karl Matchett

Toto Wolff says Mercedes are in a rut where they cannot challenge at the top and are not threatened by the midfield, after another Grand Prix which showed no real signs of improvement.

The big issue they are facing to unlock the car’s “potential” is that the data is not corresponding with what George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are telling the team, he says.

“At the end of the day there is no happy or not happy moment; at the moment it’s a bit dull. We are third-quickest on the road – in a way in no man’s land. We had a good Friday, we need to dissect why that was, and then come back,” Wolff explained.

“We will be looking at all the data that we have generated, and try to find out why… we had really good sessions on Friday, we had a quick lap – and dissect why that is, because we are not on top of it at the moment.

“We’ve been straight from the beginning, flying in the fog a little bit. It’s clear there is potential in the car and she’s fast. But we just don’t understand how to unlock the potential. It’s probably a car that is super difficult to drive, on the edge, dipping in and out of the performance window; more out than in.

“We haven’t had this situation before in any of the years, where it just didn’t correlate at all with what we see on our screens, with what the driver feels and that’s making it even more difficult.”

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website