F1 news LIVE: Lewis Hamilton says F1 faces ‘mission’ to find new US driver as Mercedes confirm long-term plan

Follow live news and reaction as the world of Formula One reacts to the results at the Miami Grand Prix, while also beginning to look ahead at how teams can improve when heading to Spain 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, with teammate George Russell tipped to displace him as top driver after another solid showing.

Meanwhile, Lando Norris was critical of the track after crashing out in Miami, though McLaren remain fourth in the constructor standings ahead of Alfa Romeo and Alpine. 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 fallout, live news and reaction from the F1 Miami Grand Prix below:

Formula One latest news

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

• Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to F1

• Ferrari aiming to respond to Red Bull surge in form

• F1 faces a ‘mission’ to find next US driver

‘Does that make you a hypocrite?'

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

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

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.”

Vettel questions Formula 1 career in face of climate change

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.”

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

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

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.”

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

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.”

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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

Thursday 12 May 2022 13:00 , Karl Matchett

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.

More here:

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

Latest F1 news

Thursday 12 May 2022 12:40 , Karl Matchett

Tourism officials in Las Vegas have committed $19.5 million over the next three years to sponsor Formula One races on a course that includes the Las Vegas Strip.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $6.5 million per year to partner with Liberty Dice Inc. on the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. Last week, parent company and F1 owner Liberty Media Corp. announced plans to pay $240 million for unspecified property near the Strip for a pit and paddock complex.

Plans were announced March 30 for Las Vegas to join Miami and Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on the F1 calendar next year. Officials expect tens of thousands of racing fans around the world to travel to Las Vegas for the race.

The Strip event will run at night in November 2023 on a temporary 3.8-mile (6.1-kilometer) street course past resorts including the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the soon-to-be-completed MSG Sphere.

The 2023 race also is viewed as a dress rehearsal for the Super Bowl in February 2024 at Allegiant Stadium. The board previously approved spending $40 million for that event, the Review-Journal said.

Latest motorsport news

Thursday 12 May 2022 12:20 , Karl Matchett

Not F1, but perhaps something for F1 fans to be aware of given the wider economic climate and the possibility other companies could follow suit:

Former world champions Suzuki want to leave MotoGP at the end of this year and are in talks with promoters Dorna about the possibility of doing so, the Japanese manufacturer said on Thursday.

Suzuki said in a statement ahead of the French Grand Prix tHat the move was for financial reasons and it was also considering ending other racing activities.

“Unfortunately, the current economic situation and the need to concentrate its effort on the big changes that the automotive world is facing in these years, are forcing Suzuki to drastically decrease racing related costs,” it said.

Suzuki added that it wanted “to use all its economical and human resources in developing new technologies”.

Dorna said last week it had contacted Suzuki to remind the manufacturer that it could not take a unilateral decision under the terms of the contract with MotoGP.

Suzuki Motor Corporation only last year renewed its involvement in the MotoGP championship in a deal running until the 2026 season.

The manufacturer has quit MotoGP before, leaving the premier class after the 2011 season due to economic recession and a stronger Japanese yen. It made a full return in 2015.

The factory team won both championships in 2020 when Spaniard Joan Mir won his maiden title in a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suzuki also won multiple championships in the top category over the decades since the 1970s with Britain’s Barry Sheene, Italians Marco Lucchinelli and Franco Uncini and Americans Kevin Schwantz and Kenny Roberts Jr.

Team leader Davide Brivio left before the start of the 2021 season to join the Alpine Formula One team as their racing director.

Suzuki project leader Shinichi Sahara said at the time that Brivio’s departure was “shocking news” and a major blow to the Japanese manufacturer.

Suzuki’s proposed departure leaves the future of current riders Mir and compatriot Alex Rins uncertain.

Alan Baldwin for Reuters

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

Thursday 12 May 2022 12:00 , Karl Matchett

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.

And Norris was upset at the lack of grip over the racing line and insists improvements must be made before a return in 2023.

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

Ferrari determined to respond to Red Bull resurgence in form

Thursday 12 May 2022 11:40 , Karl Matchett

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”.

“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.

“It’s true that Red Bull improved their car, improved it since the very start of the season. If I looked at the last two races, maybe they got a couple of tenths per lap faster to us. It’s no doubt that in order to keep the pace we will need to develop ourselves with new upgrades.”

More from Ferrari on how they could haul in Red Bull:

Ferrari determined to respond to Red Bull resurgence in form

Mercedes confirm long-term commitment to Formula One

Thursday 12 May 2022 11:20 , Karl Matchett

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 11:04 , Karl Matchett

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.”

Following the difficult practice sessions, Verstappen qualified third on the Saturday after making an error during his final attempt to clinch pole position.

But in the race on the Sunday he quickly overtook Carlos Sainz on the opening lap and then won a hard-fought battle with Charles Leclerc to claim the victory.

Verstappen is now just 19 points adrift of Leclerc in the drivers standings despite having failed to finish two of the five races.

On the battle between his son and Leclerc, Jos added: “It can go either way, but it’s clear that you just can’t have any DNFs.

“If the reliability of the Red Bull proves to be good, then I think Max will have another strong season and we will have a thrilling duel between him and Leclerc.

“Then it’s really a question of which team will develop the car better and which upgrades will work best.”

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

Thursday 12 May 2022 10:52 , Karl Matchett

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”.

“I think we have seen the final changing of the guard at Mercedes,” he said in his column for Formule1.nl.

“George Russell is riding the wave, Lewis Hamilton is trying not to drown. After many years of winning without competition, it’s hard to wake up and realise it’s not that easy.

“He now has to drive like he did in his first two years in Formula 1, which is what Russell is doing now. In the race Russell took the decision: leave me out, maybe a safety car will come – and it paid off.

“Lewis’ champion’s luck seems to have left him, he doesn’t have the momentum and nothing’s going his way.

More here:

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