32 mins ago13: 09 Joe Krishnan
Leclerc not worried by Hamilton arrivalCharles Leclerc has batted off concerns that the signing of Lewis Hamilton is an indication that Ferrari do not believe he is the man to guide them back to World Championship contention.
Despite the arrival of another marquee signing, Leclerc does not feel like they have lost faith in him.
“Not at all,” he told BBC Sport. “Because Ferrari is Ferrari. And they need the best drivers in their cars. So, for the benefit of Ferrari, it is completely understandable.
“For me, I don’t see any negative in that, because it’s Lewis Hamilton.”
1 hour ago12: 30 Joe Krishnan
Drivers’ press conference underwayPierre Gasly (Alpine), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Alex Albon (Williams) will be present at the F1 drivers’ press conference.
The 30-minute conference gets underway at around 12.30pm (BST), so stay tuned for updates from the Hungaroring
2 hours ago12: 03 Joe Krishnan
Magnussen ‘texted’ rival team princiapl about job offersFormer Haas boss Guenther Steiner revealed that Kevin Magnussen texted him ‘two or three weeks’ before his departure asking for the phone number of another team principal in the F1 paddock.
While it is unclear which team the Dane spoke to, the 31-year-old knew his days were numbered with the American team.
Speaking about his recent conversations with his former driver on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner explained: “He texted me, I think it was two or three weeks ago. He wanted a telephone number of one of the team principals.
“I don’t know what he wants to do with that! But that was the last text he sent to me.” Asked if the former McLaren and Renault driver doesn’t use an agent,
Steiner replied: “He’s his own agent, I think. He always did his own gig.”
(Image: )
2 hours ago11: 30 Joe Krishnan
Ricciardo handed boost by Red BullDaniel Ricciardo maintains the backing of RB boss Laurent Mekies as he waits to find out if he will earn another contract.
Despite some of his struggles of late, it looks as though the 35-year-old still has a good chance of retaining his seat for 2025 if he can show he deserves it.
According to Formula1.com, the Australian will get time to prove his worth to the team.
“I understand he [Ricciardo] retains support from several top-ranking staff inside Red Bull,” Barretto wrote on Formula1.com.
“While his direct boss Laurent Mekies is believed to want to give him as much time as possible to prove he deserves to stay at the team.”
3 hours ago10: 57 Joe Krishnan
McLaren pair host team BBQAs a proud Australian, Oscar Piastri would always be glad to take the lead when it comes to organising an F1-themed BBQ.
McLaren held their annual bash at the Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of media day and – along team-mate and chef Lando Norris – Piastri and Norris made a success of their cookout.
3 hours ago10: 29 Joe Krishnan
Newey confirms final Red Bul exitRed Bull’s chief technical officer Adrian Newey has revealed when he is set to leave the team.
The 65-year-old’s departure was confirmed after 19 years with the team as he looks to step away from F1 for a short period.
Speaking at Goodwood, Newey revealed more about his remaining role at Red Bull and confirmed he would departing in March 2025.
“I have been primarily talking to the drivers a little bit, and then a bit involved in strategy through the races, but it’s also been [about] meeting customers – RB17 clients and customers,” Newey said.
“Because I think the point of [the RB17 project] is it’s very much an extension of the Formula 1 team and everybody, therefore, is involved not only in the RB17 itself, but in how Red Bull goes about Formula 1 weekends.
“And that will continue regardless of my physically being present, because of the way we’re doing [it], and also my son Harry [former racing driver and RB17 customer manager] will continue to work on RB17 through to its completion and indeed beyond when I stop working here in March next year.”
4 hours ago09: 46 Joe Krishnan
Brown claims Red Bull are ‘scared’ of VerstappenMcLaren CEO Zak Brown has reopened his war of words with Red Bull by claiming the team are scared of their driver Max Verstappen.
The American, who has made no secret of his dlslike for Christian Horner, reignited their feud by criticising their actions following Verstappen’s collision with Lando Norris.
“It seems to be that Red Bull are scared of Max,” Brown told The Independent ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
“We’re very honest with our drivers. If nobody tells him that what he did wasn’t within the regulations, why should he think otherwise?
“But to have Christian come on the radio and actually squarely point the problem at Lando – who are you kidding?
“Everyone has seen it. The regulations are very clear – you’ve got to leave a car’s width. He didn’t. Why did he have to say anything? It just felt wholly inappropriate.”
(Image: )
5 hours ago09: 10 Joe Krishnan
BREAKING: Magnussen loses Haas seatHaas have announced Kevin Magnussen will be replaced on the grid for 2025 after losing his race seat with the team for the second time.
The Dane, 31, initially left Haas in 2020 before returning in 2022, but he is now set to relinquish his F1 seat after being outshone by Nico Hulkenberg.
Team prinicipal Ayao Komatsu says he hopes to keep Magnussen on in some capacity, suggesting he could stay as a reserve driver. Esteban Ocon is expected to be announced as his replacement.
“I’m hoping we can find a way to keep working together in some capacity. We can hopefully define that in the near future,” Komatsu said.
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team can confirm Kevin Magnussen will depart his race seat upon the conclusion of his current contract at the end of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
The team looks forward to working with Kevin for the remainder of the 2024 season in his racingu2026 pic.twitter.com/Yr9jboT1Pb
u2014 MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) July 18, 2024 5 hours ago09: 01 Joe Krishnan
Albon drops hint over new Williams team-mateAlex Albon has dropped a hint over the identity of his new Williams team-mate, suggesting they will be an “experienced driver”.
James Vowles is keen to recruit Carlos Sainz to partner Albon while Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas have both been linked. Albon, 26, isn’t too fussed about which driver arrives as long as they help improve the team.
“I mean, truthfully, on my side, I’m not so opinionated or fazed about who my team-mate is,” Albon said in Barcelona last month.
“In terms of experience and general developing of the team, of course it would be beneficial. We’re on this long journey, on this long project.
“We need feedback and, of course, I look at myself back from my Red Bull days. When I joined Williams, there were a lot of things I could bring to the table, which I felt was helping my feedback, but also the performance of the car.
“To be honest with you, there are so many names on the list. Whoever it may be, I think it would be a driver with experience that would come in.”
5 hours ago08: 39 Joe Krishnan
Leclerc excited for ‘incredible opportunity’ with HamiltonCharles Leclerc says he it will be an “incredible opportunity” to drive alongside Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next season and believes the seven-time world champion doesn’t have any weaknesses.
The Monegasque will pair up with the Briton, 39, from 2025 onwards as he replaces Carlos Sainz and Leclerc is relishing the opportunity.
“For me it’s an incredible opportunity. First, to learn from the most successful driver ever. And to prove myself as well against Lewis, who is a benchmark for everybody,” Leclerc told BBC Sport.
Asked if he is faster than Hamilton, Leclerc said: “Well, I need to be convinced that I am the fastest driver when I put the helmet on, but I am really looking forward to it, and it will be super-interesting for me.
“I have always said you learn from every single team-mate you have over your career. When I look at the way he drives – because we always look at each other and data – you don’t really see any weaknesses. And that’s where Lewis is incredible. He’s only got strengths.”
(Image: )
6 hours ago07: 44 Joe Krishnan
Hamilton: Mercedes ‘super close’ to Red BullLewis Hamilton believes Mercedes are finally closing the gap on Red Bull at the front and thinks their next upgrade could take them past the Austrian team in terms of pace.
The Silver Arrows have won the last two races, with Hamilton ending his 56-race wait for a win at the British Grand Prix. And the 39-year-old is optimistic Mercedes are back in the hunt at the front.
“There’s still a long, long way to go, but the car, by no means, is the car the quickest car on the grid right now,” said Hamilton, who had gone 56 races without a victory.
“I think we are super close, and I think hopefully with a couple of [upgrades], with the next upgrade perhaps, we will be in an even stronger position to really, really be fighting at the front row more consistently.”
6 hours ago07: 35 Mikael McKenzie
Good morningGood morning and welcome to our live coverage of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
We’ll have all the build-up ahead of the drivers’ press conference 1.30pm.
15 hours ago23: 01 Fraser Watson
Good night!Thank you for following.
We’ll be back from 7am tomorrow with all the build-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix!
15 hours ago22: 27 Fraser Watson
Newey’s Red Bull resignationAdrian Newey reportedly resigned from Red Bull over proposals for the RB20 car.
According to Formu1a.uno, Newey was ‘strongly against’ plans drawn up, which seemingly went ahead without his approval.
Adrian Newey is leaving Red Bull. (Image: Getty)
16 hours ago21: 26 Fraser Watson
Hungary Grand Prix updateAfter the footage of the track and pitlanes being flooded earlier this evening, the rain has stopped at the Hungaroring.
Better weather is scheduled for the rest of the week. But officials will still be wary of further storms.
17 hours ago20: 20 Fraser Watson
Piastri denies talk of pressureMcLaren man Oscar Piastri has dismissed suggestions he is under pressure to deliver his first F1 win.
“It has been close a couple of times now,” Piastri told Speedcafe.“I mean, it would be incredible.
“A lot of people say ‘get the monkey off their back’ or stuff, like that. For me, that’s now how it would feel. I think Austria in particular and even Silverstone, I was disappointed to have missed out, but not from a point of view like ‘damn, I could have got that off me back’, more like we had a chance to win an F1 race and didn’t manage it.”
18 hours ago19: 30 Fraser Watson
Ferrari’s Silverstone struggle ‘misleading’Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has insisted he was unconcerned by Charles Leclerc failing to score a point at Silverstone.
Citing a recent upgrade to the cars that had proved problematic, he told Auto Motor und Sport: “The result in Silverstone is misleading. We now understand our most recent problem better than we did before this race weekend.
“We had to sacrifice the free practice sessions on Friday for this. But the lessons learnt will help us further.”
19 hours ago18: 30 Fraser Watson
Hungary Grand Prix in potential jeopardyThis weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix appears in jeopardy after torrential rain fell on the track throughout Wednesday.
Footage on social media showed officials and team members having to wade through water at the Hungaroring following the downpours, with the pitlane also flooded.
READ MORE HERE.
20 hours ago17: 30 Fraser Watson
Schumacher confident of F1 returnMick Schumacher believes he can get a drive on the F1 grid again after being axed by Haas at the end of 2022.
“It is important for me to return to Formula One to show what I can do,” he told AFP. “My chances in Formula One seem to be pretty good so far. At the moment, Formula One is within reach.
“I have to make sure that I don’t become too confident, keep going and have a plan B in case it doesn’t work out. My plan was always Formula One, now we have to wait and see what opportunities present themselves. I will wait as long as necessary.”
READ MORE NOW.
21 hours ago16: 28 Fraser Watson
McLaren chief slams Red BullMcLaren boss Zak Brown has accused Red Bull of being afraid of Max Verstappen after refusing to condemn his role in the collision in Austria.
“It seems to be that Red Bull are scared of Max,” he told The Independent. “We’re very honest with our drivers. If nobody tells him that what he did wasn’t within the regulations, why should he think otherwise?
“But to have Christian come on the radio and squarely point the problem at Lando, who are you kidding? Everyone has seen it. The regulations are clear, you’ve got to leave a car’s width. He didn’t. Why did he have to say anything? It just felt wholly inappropriate.”
Zak Brown has taken aim at Red Bull. (Image: Getty)
22 hours ago15: 25 Fraser Watson
Hill backs McLaren in HungaryFormer F1 champion Damon Hill believes both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will finish in front of Max Verstappen in Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
“I think Red Bull, they seem to be on the slide a little bit,” he told Sky Sports. “And I think the McLaren is going to be very good there and therefore I’m going to go for a McLaren one-two and then Max third.
“I think Lando’s going to win, but I think Oscar could play his part. Maybe he could be the guy that Max can’t quite get past.”
23 hours ago14: 34 Archie Griggs
George Russell tipped to leave MercedesGeorge Russell could leave Mercedes and join Audi ahead of their F1 entry in 2026, it has been claimed.
German outlet Motorsport Magazin have reported that Russell could be a target when his Mercedes deal expires at the end of next season.
In a video, it was claimed: “If Carlos Sainz doesn’t come, then it could be really only a temporary solution, because in 2026 the driver market carousel turns again.
“George Russell and co. may be on the market. You don’t want to spoil that with a Bottas or whoever. There will most likely be only a short interim solution.”
yesterday13: 31 Archie Griggs
Helmut Marko hits out at ‘stagnant’ driversRed Bull advisor Helmut Marko has aimed a cryptic dig at ‘stagnant’ drivers who he feels are preventing younger talents from breaking through.
He told Speedweek: “I can’t name any names, but there are drivers in the field who stagnate and are a bit better or worse depending on their mood.
“They block the way for the young drivers. The teams are also afraid of juniors.
“Of course, they make mistakes, but I’d rather someone makes mistakes and is a hope for the future than there is no more improvement.”
Helmut Marko has aimed a cryptic dig at ‘stagnant’ drivers (Image: GETTY)
yesterday12: 44 Archie Griggs
Lewis Hamilton will win again says Jacques VilleneuveJacques Villeneuve is convinced that Lewis Hamilton’s recent victory at Silverstone will not be his last in F1.
Speaking to TG Casino, the Canadian said: “It won’t be Lewis Hamilton’s last Grand Prix win. He still has the fire in his belly to perform.
“Also, the Mercedes has become very quick so we will probably see another win for Hamilton this year.
“Somehow, Mercedes have followed the same trajectory as the McLaren. Hamilton knows how to drive this version of the car and he showed that in the last race.”
yesterday11: 42 Archie Griggs
Ralf Schumacher ‘overwhelmed’ by supportRalf Schumacher has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the messages of support he has received after confirming he is in a same-sex relationship.
The six-time Grand Prix winner and brother of Michael revealed the news on Instagram over the weekend.
A spokesperson for the Schumacher family said: “Ralf and Etienne are overwhelmed by the great response from around the world, nobody could have expected that.”
yesterday10: 36 Archie Griggs
Max Verstappen makes demand of Red Bull colleaguesMax Verstappen has warned his Red Bull colleagues they have ‘lots to work on’ in their efforts to keep McLaren and Mercedes at bay.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s race in Budapest, he said: “Hungary is an interesting track and we are looking forward to racing there this week.
“The circuit is very narrow and twisty and has a very technical second sector; it will also be quite a bit warmer this week too.
“Silverstone was a tricky race for us. Although we made all the right calls, we still have lots to work and improve on going into the second half of the season.”
Max Verstappen has admitted Red Bull have ‘lots to work on’ (Image: )
yesterday09: 52 Archie Griggs
Aston Martin considered axing Lance StrollAston Martin boss Mike Krack has revealed they assessed other names on the driver market before tying Lance Stroll down to a new long-term contract.
The Canadian driver has long faced accusations that he is only in F1 because his father Lawrence owns the team.
Quizzed on whether Aston Martin considered making a change, Krack said: “I think you should not get pressurised yourself by the driver market.
“I think you need to formulate what you want, which we were quite clear about and we pursued these targets.
“So, of course, you always look at what is there and what is available.
“I think plans B and plan C, obviously, everybody’s having, but if you can manage to make your plan A happen then you should do that.”
yesterday08: 57 Archie Griggs
Red Bull complain to FIA about McLarenRed Bull have complained to the FIA about McLaren’s brakes ahead of this weekend’s race in Hungary.
The reigning champions are said to believe that McLaren are using extra holes in the brake drums at the front and rear.
All teams use sensors to collect information about the temperature of the rims and tyres.
Red Bull, however, are convinced that McLaren have created an extra cooling hole which would represent a breach of the regulations.
Their suspicions have been fuelled by the fact that Lando Norris came out very strong in Miami, Imola and Spain, where he managed his tyres better than Max Verstappen.
yesterday08: 18 Archie Griggs
Lewis Hamilton gets surprise new roleLewis Hamilton has taken up a new role as a brand ambassador for French luxury fashion house Dior.
The Mercedes driver will also serve as a guest designer for an upcoming lifestyle capsule collection set to launch in October.
The collection will feature a variety of pattern-centric sweaters and snow jackets in addition to specially developed snow trainers.
In a statement, Dior said: “The house is pleased to welcome seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton as the newest Dior ambassador for the men’s collection.
“Fresh from his victory at the British Grand Prix, this momentous announcement kicks off with the release of a lifestyle capsule designed as part of a guest collaboration with Dior’s creative director of menswear, Kim Jones, reaffirming a lasting legacy of embracing icons who redefine what is possible.”
Lewis Hamilton has taken up a new role as a brand ambassador for Dior (Image: GETTY)
yesterday08: 17 Archie Griggs
Good morningHello and welcome to Express Sport’s rolling coverage of the latest F1 news as we look ahead to this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
We’ll be on hand to bring you the biggest stories throughout the day, so grab a coffee and stay tuned…
Be First to Comment