Despite Formula 1 being a cultural touchstone for millions across Europe, the sport has historically struggled to gain significant traction in the United States. That has been flipped upside down in recent years. The open-wheel racing organization is gaining steam in the U.S., where NASCAR has long dominated the auto racing market.

Thanks to some key marketing and business decisions, Formula 1 has finally cracked the code on getting eyeballs and market share in the U.S. Crucially, the Netflix show "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" introduced millions of Americans to the sport. But while Formula 1 has undoubtedly experienced an increase in its U.S. viewership, some industry experts say there may be nowhere left for it to go.

How popular is Formula 1 in the US?

Formula 1 fandom in the U.S. has been growing rapidly over the past few years. The 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, performed by the organization itself, polled Formula 1 fans in 186 countries. Of all of these nations, the U.S. "accounts for the largest share of respondents of any individual country," said the survey.

Younger audiences have largely been pushing this wave of Formula 1 popularity, and in the U.S., at least 70% of Gen Z fans "engage with F1 content daily," said the survey. Many fans seem to enjoy the races not only on television, but also in person. Among all U.S. respondents to the survey, at least "73% plan to attend a US race in the future" and "37% have purchased F1 merchandise."

In all, there are about "52 million F1 fans in America, an increase of more than 10% from 2024," said Motorsport.com. On ESPN, which broadcasts races in the U.S., the network's "live race audience has doubled since 2018 and so far this year there has been a noticeable increase in viewers for the opening five rounds of the championship."

Why has Formula 1 become more popular in the US?

The Netflix series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" certainly played a role, and has been "credited with everything from helping F1 crack the U.S. to rejuvenating the sport itself," said CNBC. But the "Netflix effect" is only part of the reason why Formula 1 has taken off stateside.

Formula 1 has made inroads in the U.S. due to a "blend of pivotal elements — strategic maneuvers that recalibrated its course, collaborative efforts that enhanced captivating broadcasts and the burgeoning emergence of American talents" in a sport still dominated by Europeans, said USA Today. One notable decision that precipitated Formula 1's rise was the "expansion of Formula 1 races going beyond the United States Grand Prix, growing from two events in 2017 to three by 2023." These circuits "played a pivotal role in enhancing the sport's appeal" and "didn't just host races; they became epicenters of electrifying events."

American companies have also been getting in on the action by partnering with Formula 1 races and teams, creating sponsorships to draw in more fans. Since "2018, the number of American-based partners has more than doubled," said Bjorn Stenbacka of Spomotion Analytics to Motorsport.com. To "see the reach of American brands, Ferrari is a great example." Ferrari's racing division, Scuderia Ferrari, is widely considered the most iconic and popular Formula 1 team in history, and Italy has been the "number one country on its partnership list" from the beginning. But in 2024, the "U.S. passed Italy — a historical switch — and this year, so far Italy and the U.S. are equal."

Today, the team is officially known as Scuderia Ferrari HP after a branding deal with American technology company HP. All of these factors combined have resulted in a major boom in U.S. viewership. The 2024 Miami Grand Prix "attracted the largest live U.S. television audience on record for F1 as an average of 3.1 million viewers watched," said ESPN. As with other races, younger people made up a majority of the viewership; the "audience in the persons ages 18-49 demographic averaged 1.3 million."

Has this popularity plateaued?

Despite Formula 1's obvious U.S. growth, there are concerns that its popularity may have reached its peak. This was especially evident after the 2023 racing season, because while "attendance at live events stayed relatively strong in 2023, American TV ratings tumbled a bit," said The Athletic. The numbers increased in 2024, but there are still viewership oddities, particularly when it comes to the Miami Grand Prix.

That race "averaged 3.1 million viewers (a record for an F1 event)" in 2024, but "this year the number was about 30% lower, though that still makes it the year's most viewed race," said Bloomberg. However, there may be a simple explanation for why Formula 1 saw a tapering off: a lack of competition on the course.

This is largely because of the on-track supremacy of Max Verstappen. The 27-year-old Dutch-Belgian phenom has become a dominant force driving for Red Bull Racing and has become the face of Formula 1. Throughout 2023 and 2024, there was "consternation within the sport that Verstappen's stranglehold on the competition could jeopardize F1's hard-fought expansion of its U.S. fan base," said Front Office Sports. Verstappen drove to victory so regularly (particularly in 2023 when he won 19 out of 22 races) that any race he is a part of is "never going to be the best to watch, and the only exciting races have been the ones that Max is not in," said McLaren driver Lando Norris.

But while Verstappen dominated in 2023 and 2024, his 2025 has been far less successful, and he has only won two Formula 1 races in the first half of the year. This means that the races are getting more competitive and as a result, viewership could rise again. Verstappen's "lack of dominance has been a positive development toward making the sport feel less formulaic," said Bloomberg. And a tapered fandom could be burst wide open if an American were to see the kind of on-track successes that Europeans do.

If "you do get a U.S. driver and they are flamboyant, loud and successful, which is the most important piece, it could unlock a new level of viewership," John Suchenski, ESPN's senior director for programming and acquisitions, told Bloomberg. "I don't think it's necessary for the sport to thrive, because it does well with these international stars and the teams' brands are so strong, but it's an opportunity for growth if it were to happen."

The odds that an American driver dominates Formula 1 are probably low. A U.S. driver has not won a Formula 1 race in nearly five decades — Mario Andretti was the last to do so in 1978. While 58 American-born drivers have participated in Formula 1 races, the sport does not currently have any drivers born in the United States.

Following a bumper year for sport that saw the Paris Olympics, Euros and Copa America, and T20 cricket World Cup, 2025 may appear somewhat anticlimactic.

But there are still a host of showcase events from rugby and football to cycling and racing, to appeal to every sports fan. Here are some of the most popular taking place in the UK and around the world in 2025.

Darts: 2024-2025 PDC World Darts Championship final

The sporting year starts with a bang as the PDC World Darts Championship final takes place on 3 January at Alexandra Palace in London. Teenage sensation Luke Littler, who made his breakthrough at the event in January, is odds-on favourite to go one better this time and clinch the title at Ally Pally.

3 January, Alexandra Palace, London

Rugby union: Six Nations

England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales go for glory in the Six Nations Championship. Ireland will be looking to retain their crown, with England aiming to do the same in the Women's Six Nations, having won the Grand Slam in 2024.

Men's, 31 January to 15 March; women's, 22 March to 26 April

NFL: Super Bowl LIX

The NFL's showpiece event, the Super Bowl, takes place for the 59th time in 2025. Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the halftime show, which often draws more viewers than the game itself.

9 February, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Horse racing: Cheltenham Festival

Four days of National Hunt jump racing will attract thousands of fans to Cheltenham Racecourse. There will be 14 Grade One races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase.

11 to 14 March, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Horse racing: Grand National Festival

A few weeks after Cheltenham, the world of horse racing will then focus on Aintree for the three-day Grand National Festival. The 2025 National, often described as the greatest Jump race in the world, will start at 4pm on Saturday 5 April.

3 to 5 April, Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

Snooker: World Championship

Snooker's biggest event, the World Snooker Championship, will be held at the legendary Crucible Theatre in Sheffield for the 49th consecutive time.

19 April to 5 May, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

London Marathon

The London Marathon returns for its traditional April slot on the sporting calendar. Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee has said he will take part. It will be his first professional marathon in his hometown, fresh from winning gold in Paris.

27 April, London

Men's football: Uefa Champions League final

FC Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena hosts European club football's biggest match. It marks the culmination of an expanded and reformatted Champions League, with Real Madrid hoping to continue their extraordinary success in the tournament by clinging on to an unprecedented 16th title.

31 May, Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Tennis: The Championships, Wimbledon

Wimbledon, one of the UK's summer marquee events, will see the world's top tennis players head to SW19 for the grass court grand slam event. At the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in 2024, Barbora Krejčíková won the women's singles title and Carlos Alcaraz won the men's.

30 June to 13 July, All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, London

Formula 1: British Grand Prix

The British Grand Prix takes place in July at the spiritual home of motor racing, Silverstone Circuit, in Northamptonshire.

3 to 6 July, Silverstone, Northamptonshire

Cycling: Tour de France

The 112th edition of the Men's Tour de France starts in Lille on 5 July, with the final stage ending on the Champs-Élysées in Paris just under three weeks later.

Men's, 5 to 27 July; women's, 26 July to 3 August, France

Rugby: Women’s World Cup

This autumn will see the Women's Rugby World Cup come to England. Games will be spread across the country, from Brighton and Bristol to London and Manchester.

22 August to 27 September, various locations, England

Men's football: African Cup of Nations  

The 35th edition of Africa's biennial football tournament will be hosted by Morocco for only the second time, and the first since 1988.

21 December to 18 January 2026, various locations, Morocco

It's easy to see why the British Grand Prix at Silverstone is one of the hottest tickets in the sporting world.

This event guarantees an electrifying spectacle. While watching from the comfort of your sofa may afford a view of the entire track, there's nothing like seeing F1 cars zoom past you at top speed.

Silverstone, in Northamptonshire, is an iconic racing track with an illustrious past filled with the very best drivers pushing their limits and vying for pole position. This year's race proved no different, with heart-stopping overtaking and razor-thin margins as Lewis Hamilton secured a record ninth win. 

Undoubtedly, the nail-biting event has left multitudes of fans planning for the next British Grand Prix in 2025. If you missed out this year, you won't want to feel the same way again.

What to do 

If you've made the journey to Silverstone, all eyes will be on the circuit to watch the Grand Prix unfold. Whether you arrive early on qualifying day, or join the crowds for Sunday's main event, there's plenty to enjoy. 

Perhaps the best way to experience the British Grand Prix is through hospitality at Red Bull Pole Position. The closest you can get to any F1 track in the world, here you'll be close enough to smell the petrol and feel the wind in your hair as the cars zip past on the Hamilton Straight towards the finish line. Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and others all felt almost within touching distance. 

And if the great British weather is out in full force and it is raining, you'll also benefit from being under cover – a truly underrated luxury in the midst of a downpour. 

Silverstone offers a wide range of tickets to cater to various budgets and viewing experiences. General admission is perhaps the easiest on the wallet and best for families, while grandstand tickets have a broad price range with a reserved seat but also the freedom to move around the circuit. If you want to attend in 2025, 3 to 6 July, you can express your interest on the Silverstone website.

But wherever you choose to watch the race, by the end of the weekend, being an F1 fan isn't a choice – it's an inevitability.

What to eat and drink 

Other than being right at the heart of the action, Red Bull Pole Position is partnered with Patrón tequila, so you'll have a first-class ticket to enjoying the race in style – cocktail in hand.

What Patrón does best is a paloma – a cocktail sure to rival your classic British gin and tonic – with citrussy and light grapefruit soda, and full-bodied and warm reposado tequila as the perfect complement. It's served in a glass container designed to look like Patrón's classic bottles, a novelty that never gets old. 

There's also a cornucopia of food options available at every turn to fuel a fast-paced day. There's always a server nearby who'll introduce you to a host of dishes, from hoisin duck tater tots to pulled pork sandwiches, curated by celebrity chef James Martin. You might even catch a glimpse of him working away in the kitchen. 

Outside hospitality, you'll pass plenty of food and drink trucks designed to cater to every taste and give everyone ample opportunity to refuel. 

Where to stay 

After all that thrill-seeking, it's very likely you'll want to take a back seat for a while. Be warned that hotels and accommodation near the circuit can often get booked up months in advance by dedicated F1 fans. 

I stayed at Tew Farmhouse and Barns in the Cotswolds village of Great Tew. Just under an hour away from the Silverstone circuit, this property offers a blend of rustic charm as well as the modern amenities you'll want after a day on your feet.

The farmhouse is tastefully decorated in a modern style, while being sympathetic to some of the more rustic features you would expect from such a property. Original features such as stone walls and wooden beams have been retained, but the decor has been updated with marble countertops, hardwood tables and Chesterfield sofas – ideal for evening relaxation.

A huge open-plan kitchen in the farmhouse is perhaps the best feature, as family and friends can come together to share meals, and recount the activities of the day. The original well has been preserved here – it has a sturdy glass cover, but failing to spot it could mean your heart drops into your stomach for just a split second. 

When it's time for bed, the equally charming converted barns, each of which has its own kitchen and living space, are perfect for private, and perhaps more quiet, time. My stay in The Dairy was in a bedroom with hardwood floors, a sizable double bed, and an immaculately clean en-suite bathroom. The cosy decor familiar from the farmhouse is continued throughout, making this the perfect cocoon after a high-paced (and rainy) day. 

In fine weather, groups can enjoy the gorgeous outdoor spaces that offer a slice of the countryside. Gardens are beautifully landscaped, with patio areas perfect for al fresco dining or relaxing, while kids can have a run-around in the lush grass.

Throughout a stay, extra amenities can be added, including dog occupancy, or high chairs for children. But perhaps the best decision you could ever make during your stay is to order food from The Cotswold Guy. Every meal over the long weekend was second to none. Whether it was the huge, sprawling Full English every morning – with crispy bacon, perfectly poached eggs and crunchy toast – or the barbecue – with huge burgers, garlicky truffle fries and juicy ribs – this is undoubtedly some of the best food I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. 

The verdict 

F1 might not seem like everyone's cup of tea, but even the most sceptical person is likely to become a fan when watching the excitement and tension of the race unfold. 

Silverstone is undoubtedly one of the best places to watch a race, for both the devoted follower and the intrigued spectator. The British Grand Prix is one event not to be missed. 

Rebekah Evans was a guest of Patrón Tequila

Even though he retained his Formula 1 drivers’ championship with victory at the rain-affected Japanese Grand Prix on 9 October, Max Verstappen has not shown any signs of slowing down in the remaining races of the 2022 season. In fact, the Red Bull star has kept his foot to the pedal, roaring to victory at last week’s grand prix in the US and yesterday’s race in Mexico City.

Verstappen’s win at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was “another dominant display”, said Giles Richards in The Guardian. Finishing 15 seconds ahead of Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman looked “untroubled” and “unruffled” as he climbed out of his car. He might have just enjoyed “a Sunday afternoon jaunt to the seaside”.

‘Never really interested in stats’

In taking the chequered flag in Mexico, the two-time world champion has now won 14 of the 20 races so far in 2022 – and in the process surpassed the record for most wins by one driver in a single F1 season.

In 2004 Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher won 13 from 18 races and in 2013 Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel won 13 from 19. Following his win in Mexico, Verstappen now has a better win percentage (70%) than Vettel had in 2013 (68%), said Guinness World Records. And if he wins the remaining two races of the season, in Brazil on 13 November and Abu Dhabi a week later, he will also beat Schumacher’s 72% win percentage.

Speaking after the race, Verstappen revealed that he was not interested in statistics. But he knows “enough about them to understand the magnitude of what he achieved” yesterday in Mexico, said Andrew Benson on BBC Sport.

“It is just an incredible season for the team,” Verstappen told reporters. “I never thought I’d be able to win 14 races in a year. I was never really interested in stats. I just live in the moment.”

As well as beating Schumacher and Vettel’s race win total, he also now has the record for the most points in a season. Hamilton scored 413 points in 2019, but Verstappen now has 416. And with two grands prix still to come the 25-year-old could further extend his record totals.

‘Unstoppable missile’

Amid Verstappen’s “superiority” this year, it’s “easy to forget” the “disastrous” start to his title defence, said Lewis Larkam on Crash.net. Having retired twice in the opening three rounds of the season, due to Red Bull’s “early reliability issues”, Verstappen was 46 points behind in the championship standings. However, his response after the DNF in Australia was “phenomenal”, as he went on to win the following three races.

Described as the “unstoppable missile of the year” by Jonathan McEvoy in the Daily Mail, Verstappen’s victory in Austin on 23 October also handed Red Bull the 2022 constructors’ championship. It was “a tonic” after a week in which the team suffered consid­erable controversy for breaching the sport’s cost-cap. Victory in the US also paid the perfect tribute to Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz, who died aged 78 on the eve of the race.

Having won his first title on the final lap of last season, Verstappen is in “new territory” as 2022 comes to a close, said Oliver Harden on Planet F1. He has faced that “age-old challenge” of maintaining his standards “even though his work for the year is already done”. Right now, “Max has his foot on the rest of Formula 1’s throat” – and he has “no intention of lifting off”.

What a week it’s been in the wild world of Formula 1. With the sport now on its summer break “silly season” has roared into view and social media has been flooded with speculation about what the driver grid could look like in 2023.

Just some of the confirmed news from the past seven days included Sebastian Vettel announcing his retirement and freeing up a space next season at Aston Martin. They replaced a four-time world champion with a two-time title winner, bringing in Fernando Alonso.

With an empty seat now up for grabs at Alpine, alongside Esteban Ocon, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive. Here’s what’s been going on behind the scenes in F1.

Piastri and Alpine nearly break Twitter

The F1 Twitterverse “literally exploded” on Tuesday, said Cambridge Kisby on WTF1. It all started when Alpine announced that their reserve driver, Australian Oscar Piastri, had been promoted to a race seat next year to replace Aston Martin-bound Alonso.

However, in a bombshell reply 21-year-old Piastri denied Alpine’s claim that he would be driving for them in 2023 and said, quite emphatically, that this was “wrong”. F1 Twitter “lives for moments like this”, said Kisby. After the Alonso news and then Piastri, you’ve “got to feel a bit sorry for the Alpine PR team”.

With fans, teams and drivers sent into a frenzy on social media, Tuesday 2 August 2022 will “go down as one of the more extraordinary news days in Formula 1’s recent history”, said F1 correspondent and presenter Lawrence Barretto.

Piastri to replace Ricciardo at McLaren?

With back-to-back Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles, Piastri has been regarded as “motorsport’s most talented youngster for some time”, said Matt Morlidge on Sky Sports. So it’s no surprise that teams are keen on his signature.

After “much drama” in the past week over Piastri’s future, RacingNews365.com has “learnt” that the Australian will drive for McLaren in 2023. Sources down under have said that Piastri has signed a contract at McLaren that would see him partner Lando Norris and replace compatriot Daniel Ricciardo.

Autosport “understands” that McLaren bosses have “officially told” Ricciardo that they intend to replace him with Piastri next year. Ricciardo has a “firm contract for next season”, and the team will now have to agree a settlement involving “a substantial pay-off in order for him to walk away”.

Ricciardo’s future is not the only one up in the air. He is linked to Alpine along with AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly. Meanwhile, Haas driver Mick Schumacher is facing an “uncertain summer” as doubts emerge over his long-term future in F1, said the Daily Express.

Albon signs multi-year deal at Williams

One driver whose seat is definitely secured for 2023 is Alex Albon. Williams confirmed on Wednesday that the 26-year-old had signed a new multi-year agreement for 2023 and beyond.

In a cheeky nod to the Alpine-Piastri fiasco, Albon confirmed that the deal was real – and he had been consulted on it. “I understand that, with my agreement, Williams Racing have put out a press release this afternoon that I am driving for them next year,” he said. “This is right and I have signed a contract with Williams for 2023. I will be driving for Williams next year.”

F1 2023 grid: confirmed drivers so far

The top three teams – Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes – have their drivers confirmed for next season. Further down the grid there could be more changes this summer. Former F1 driver Marcus Ericsson has predicted how the rest of the silly season will play out. After Alonso’s “middle finger to Alpine switch”, he’s backed AlphaTauri’s Gasly to join Esteban Ocon at the French team and for Ricciardo to move to Haas. Ericsson tweeted: “It’s called silly season for a reason.”

After driving in his 300th Formula 1 grand prix, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has hinted that he could extend his career when his Mercedes contract expires at the end of the 2023 season.

Mercedes have been “off the pace” this year, said Giles Richards in The Guardian, with Red Bull and Ferrari leading the way in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. However, 37-year-old Hamilton finished second behind race winner Max Verstappen at yesterday’s French Grand Prix and the British driver was “elated” with his “best finish of the season” so far, the paper added.

Speaking after the French GP at Circuit Paul Ricard, Hamilton said he still feels “fresh” and “there is plenty of fuel in the tank”. He added that he’s enjoying his time in the sport “more than ever”.

Hamilton, who is level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles, was “impressive” as he took a “strong second” in France, said the BBC’s Andrew Benson. After passing Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez at the start, the Mercedes driver “comfortably held off” the Mexican and it was his teammate George Russell who finished third to complete the podium.

That’s a lot of races…

The prospect of Hamilton extending his contract “was a talking point over the weekend”, said Matt Morlidge on Sky Sports. On Saturday Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff “egged on that narrative” as he spoke to reporters about Hamilton’s future in F1.

“We talked a few weeks ago about how long our partnership can go,” Wolff said. “The number that was discussed was five to ten years, so I think we can get to 400 [races]! Someone once said you have not just got to win the eighth [title], so why not ten?”

When asked about the possibility of 400 grands prix, Hamilton replied: “That’s a lot of races!”

Joining the ‘300 club’

At the French GP yesterday Hamilton became just the sixth driver in F1 history to start 300 races. It’s another impressive record added to his “long list of accomplishments in the sport”, said Nadim Bart-Williams on Formula1.com. He joins Kimi Räikkönen (350 starts), Fernando Alonso (345), Rubens Barrichello (322), Michael Schumacher (306) and Jenson Button (306) on the landmark tally.

Two of Hamilton’s former teammates – Alonso and Button – are also in the “300 club”, said Will Gray on GPFans.com. And having raced against many greats in his career, “it was inevitable he would be asked to name the toughest of them all”.

In terms of “pure pace and ability”, Hamilton picked out two-time world champion Alonso, who returned to F1 in 2021 with Alpine Renault. “We had some good battles,” he said. “I wish we could have more and, hopefully, he is going to continue to race so we will have more in the future.”

In numbers: Lewis Hamilton’s F1 career

• Age: 37
• Debut: at the 2007 Australian GP for McLaren (aged 22)
• Race starts: 300
• Race wins: 106
• Podiums: 187
• Pole positions: 103
• World championships: seven (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

The Paddock Club experience is surely the best way to get a taste of Formula 1. At the recent British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the action on the track was electric, with Carlos Sainz winning a dramatic race for Ferrari, while off the track the club was alive with excitement and entertainment.

As a guest of Ferrari Trento – the official sparkling wine of F1 – it took a newbie like me a few moments to adjust to the roaring sound of motors, but the Paddock Club offered a perfect place to enjoy the celebration of racing.

One must-visit spot was the Ferrari Trento podium, which provides an excellent photo opp with the F1 championship trophies. There was also a band playing, plus drinks flowing aplenty in various tents with views over the iconic circuit. A red carpet leads you to the entrance of the Silverstone pit lane and paddock complex – an eye-catching futuristic construction.

Inside the trophy-adorned walls of the Paddock Club there’s a hive of hospitality. Chefs prepare delicious dishes from the world’s favourite cuisines, and the produce used is carefully purchased from markets local to the circuit in Northamptonshire. All around you there’s plates of lobster, delightful sweet treats, and of course there’s open bars located across all levels of the club.

Track tour and celeb spotting

The exuberant displays of food and drinks are just the start of your special day. One of the main highlights was the truck tour around the track. Friendly experts took us through Silverstone’s extreme bends like Maggots Corner and explained how drivers reach top speeds around particular sections of the course. Although the truck we travelled on wasn’t going quite as fast as the race cars, seeing all of the crowds gathered around the circuit was an incredibly moving experience.

The feeling of excitement was topped off with a tour around the pit lanes where we were able to catch a glimpse of the cars being prepped ahead of the grand prix. Celebrities including Tom Cruise, Stormzy, Gordon Ramsay, influencer Lydia Millen and Made in Chelsea star Emma Walsh were also spotted.

On the terrace overlooking the race start line, we met Matteo Lunelli, CEO and president of Ferrari Trento. A celebratory bottle of Ferrari F1 Silverstone Trentodoc sparkling wine was popped open and we all enjoyed a glass of the lively and revitalising tipple. Lunelli told us about the brand’s founder, Giulio Ferrari, and his ambitious plan to create an Italian Trentodoc capable of competing with the best French Champagnes. We learnt about the grapes which are hand-picked at the Ferrari Trento winery in Trentino, then aged in the bottle giving each Trentodoc its own unique flavour.

9,000 corks are popped

Today, Ferrari Trento’s bubbles are popped by race winners on the podium after every F1 grand prix. If this wasn’t a fantastic enough achievement, Formula 1’s partner also prides itself on being a force for good – after every grand prix, a bottle is signed by the top three drivers and auctioned off for charity.

Over the course of the grand prix weekend, organisers expected more than 9,000 bottles of Ferrari Trento to be opened. The phenomenal success of the brand in F1 explains why Ferrari Trento’s partnership was recently extended by two years, therefore remaining the “official toast” of F1 until 2025. Brandon Snow, F1’s commercial managing director, supported this and said “we are very excited to continue to have Ferrari Trento present at every podium until 2025”.

Attending the British Grand Prix in person and getting behind-the-scenes Paddock Club access with Ferrari Trento was a truly riveting experience – something to put on your bucket list, and a day of dreams for any F1 fan.

See more at ferraritrento.com

Since 2014, Mercedes has dominated Formula 1, said Luke Slater in The Daily Telegraph: they’ve won an unprecedented eight constructors’ titles in a row and seven drivers’ championships. True, having Lewis Hamilton, the outstanding driver of this period, has been a big help. But they’ve also had something else: the fastest car.

How different things have turned out this season, said Giles Richards in The Guardian. Only four races in, and already Mercedes looks well off the pace – third in the constructors’ race, with just two podium finishes. And Hamilton is seventh in the drivers’ standings. At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, he endured one of the most torrid afternoons of his career, finishing 13th and suffering the indignity of being lapped by the winner, Max Verstappen. After the race, the seven-time champion said there was “no question” but that his title hopes were over.

At the root of Mercedes’s problems, said Laurence Edmondson on ESPN, is a regulation introduced this year by F1. In order to make races more exciting and overtaking easier, it has given teams more freedom to “generate downforce” from the underside of cars. This gives rise to a phenomenon known as “porpoising”, which occurs when, on reaching top speed, a car bounces up and down from the sudden increase, then decrease, of downforce.

It’s long been known that when cars generate their own downforce, porpoising becomes an issue, said Rebecca Clancy in The Times, but it was thought teams would get the problem under control. Surprisingly, Mercedes has been less efficient than others in doing so. Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, has even admitted that his car was so bumpy he’d suffered back pains and breathing difficulties. “The bouncing really takes your breath away,” he said. It has taken away Mercedes’s dominance as well.

Formula 1 is back and so are Ferrari. At the season-opening grand prix in Bahrain on Sunday the Scuderia scored a superb result with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz leading the team to a one-two finish.

Getting the campaign off to the best possible start, it was an unforgettable night in Sakhir for the Maranello squad. This was Ferrari’s 85th one-two finish in F1, their 239th grand prix win and the third victory of Leclerc’s career. “He drove a perfect race, securing the first hat trick of his career, namely pole position, fastest race lap and the win,” Ferrari said in their post-race report.

With 31 titles and more than 1,000 race starts, Ferrari are the “most successful and historic F1 team”, Sky Sports said. However, they haven’t won the drivers’ championship since Kimi Raikkonen’s win in 2008.

In Bahrain their victory was “comfortable yet emphatic” and it points to a welcome return to contention for the titles.

Not only did they out-pace Mercedes but they also out-lasted Red Bull. Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished third and fourth respectively while the Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez both retired.

Duo are ready to fight for the title

Last competitive in 2017 and 2018, it’s been a long road back to this point for F1’s most famous team, said the BBC’s Andrew Benson. With Ferrari “finally back” at the front of the grid, can Leclerc mount a title challenge? The 24-year-old’s “consummate” victory put him in a strong position but “it means little at the start of F1’s longest ever season other than one very important point: Ferrari are back with a bang”.

Speaking after the victory in Bahrain, Monégasque driver Leclerc said it was “amazing” to see the team “in the mix” at the top of the standings. “Coming into the season we surely knew that we were going to be in a better position compared to the past two years but we didn’t really know where,” he added. “And now we see that we are actually in the mix to fight for the title so it’s amazing! We’ll fight for it, for sure.”

Spanish driver Sainz believes it’s “where Ferrari should be” and “it’s where Charles and I want to be in our lives, fighting for world championships”.

‘Unforgettable double’

The Bahrain GP was a “stunning opening” to the 2022 season, said GPBlog. Ferrari’s return to the “top step” got plenty of praise, “especially in the Italian media”, while Red Bull’s “complete collapse” received a lot of attention from the international press.

In Italy, Gazzetta dello Sport hailed the return of “the red” and the “unforgettable double” for the Scuderia drivers. Referring to the team’s winless run the paper said: “Finally Ferrari, finally the red is back! And as in fairy tales it was a prince who broke a spell that lasted from 2019.”

Corriere della Sera backs this Ferrari team to compete for the world title. They are “strong, fast, reliable” and if you give a competitive car to Leclerc, he wins. “You make him happy. Like giving a toy to a child, he has fun.”

Spanish newspaper Marca also praised Leclerc after he “tamed the beast”, reigning world champion Verstappen. Leclerc was “wonderful from start to finish” and it was an “epic” battle between the two, which anticipates a “new great duel” throughout the course of the season.

The next race on the 2022 F1 calendar is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah from 25-27 March.

1. F1 championship standings: after 20 rounds

Drivers’ championship

• 1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 416 points
• 2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing) 280
• 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 275
• 4. George Russell (Mercedes) 231
• 5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 216
• 6. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) 212
• 7. Lando Norris (McLaren) 111
• 8. Esteban Ocon (Alpine Renault) 82
• 9. Fernando Alonso (Alpine Renault) 71
• 10. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) 47
• 11. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) 36
• 12. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 35
• 13.. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) 24
• 14. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) 23
• 15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 13
• 16. Mick Schumacher (Haas) 12
• 17. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) 12
• 18. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) 6
• 19. Alexander Albon (Williams) 4
• 20. Nicholas Latifi (Williams) 2
• 21. Nyck De Vries (Williams) 2
• 22. Nico Hulkenberg (Aston Martin) 0

Constructors’ championship

• 1. Red Bull Racing 696 points
• 2. Ferrari 487
• 3. Mercedes 447
• 4. Alpine Renault 153
• 5. McLaren Mercedes 146
• 6. Alfa Romeo Ferrari 53
• 7. Aston Martin 49
• 8. Haas 36
• 9. AlphaTauri 35
• 10. Williams 8

2. 2022 F1 race calendar: GP dates, circuits and podiums

The 22-race season started with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 20 March and finishes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 20 November.

Round 1: Bahrain Grand Prix

• When: 18-20 March 2022
• Where: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
• Podium: 1st Charles Leclerc (Ferrari); 2nd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari); 3rd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Round 2: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

• When: 25-27 March 2022
• Where: Jeddah Street Circuit, Jeddah
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Charles Leclerc (Ferrari); 3nd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

Round 3: Australian Grand Prix

• When: 8-10 April 2022
• Where: Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne
• Podium: 1st Charles Leclerc (Ferrari); 2nd Sergio Perez (Red Bull); 3rd George Russell (Mercedes)

Round 4: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

• When: 22-24 April 2022
• Where: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Sergio Perez (Red Bull); 3rd Lando Norris (McLaren)

Round 5: Miami Grand Prix

• When: 6-8 May 2022
• Where: Miami International Autodrome, Miami
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Charles Leclerc (Ferrari); 3nd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

Round 6: Spanish Grand Prix

• When: 20-22 May 2022
• Where: Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Sergio Pérez (Red Bull); 3rd George Russell (Mercedes)

Round 7: Monaco Grand Prix

• When: 27-29 May 2022
• Where: Monte Carlo, Monaco
• Podium: 1st Sergio Pérez (Red Bull); 2nd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari); 3rd Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

Round 8: Azerbaijan Grand Prix

• When: 10-12 June 2022
• Where: Baku City Circuit, Baku
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Sergio Pérez (Red Bull); 3rd George Russell (Mercedes)

Round 9: Canadian Grand Prix

• When: 17-19 June 2022
• Where: Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari); 3rd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Round 10: British Grand Prix

• When: 1-3 July 2022
• Where: Silverstone, England
• Podium: 1st Carlos Sainz (Ferrari); 2nd Sergio Pérez (Red Bull); 3rd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Round 11: Austrian Grand Prix

• When: 8-10 July 2022
• Where: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
• Podium: 1st Charles Leclerc (Ferrari); 2nd Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 3rd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Round 12: French Grand Prix

• When: 22-24 July 2022
• Where: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes); 3rd George Russell (Mercedes)

Round 13: Hungarian Grand Prix

• When: 29-31 July 2022
• Where: Hungaroring, Mogyorod
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes); 3rd George Russell (Mercedes)

Round 14: Belgian Grand Prix

• When: 26-28 August 2022
• Where: Spa-Francorchamps, Francorchamps
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2nd Sergio Pérez (Red Bull), 3rd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

Round 15: Dutch Grand Prix

• When: 2-4 September 2022
• Where: Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd George Russell (Mercedes); 3rd Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

Round 16: Italian Grand Prix

• When: 9-11 September 2022
• Where: Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Charles Leclerc (Ferrari); 3rd George Russell (Mercedes)

Round 17: Singapore Grand Prix

• When: 30 September-2 October 2022
• Where: Marina Bay, Singapore
• Podium: 1st Sergio Pérez (Red Bull); 2nd Charles Leclerc (Ferrari); 3rd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

Round 18: Japanese Grand Prix

• When: 7-9 October 2022
• Where: Suzuka Circuit, Ino, Suzuka City
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Sergio Pérez (Red Bull); 3rd Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

Round 19: United States Grand Prix

• When: 21-23 October 2022
• Where: Circuit of the Americas, Austin
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes); 3rd Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

Round 20: Mexican Grand Prix

• When: 28-30 October 2022
• Where: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
• Podium: 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull); 2nd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes); 3rd Sergio Pérez (Red Bull)

Round 21: Brazilian Grand Prix

• When: 11-13 November 2022
• Where: Interlagos, São Paulo

Round 22: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

• When: 18-20 November 2022
• Where: Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi

3. 2022 teams and drivers and the 2023 grid so far

2022 drivers and numbers

2023 grid: which drivers are confirmed?

There will be major changes for Formula 1 in 2022 as a new generation of cars hit the track and a record 23 races feature on the schedule. However, with just six weeks to go until the first pre-season test in Barcelona, the sport could yet have to deal with the biggest change of all: the possibility of Lewis Hamilton not being on the grid.

Following the 2021 season’s highly-contentious last race – and lap – in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton’s future in F1 remains “unclear”, Sky Sports reported. The British driver missed out on winning a record-breaking eighth world title as Max Verstappen won his first in “hugely controversial circumstances”.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team withdrew their appeal against the result as governing body the FIA “pledged an investigation into the events surrounding the Safety Car procedures”, the broadcaster said. And the FIA’s Abu Dhabi investigation is understood to be “key” to the resolution of Hamilton’s future.

Mercedes want to see something “tangible”, said Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater. “It’s been put to me like this: the longer this drags on then the worse the Lewis Hamilton situation is, and that is from a senior source.”

‘He is a man with clear values’

After the 2021 season finale, Hamilton made a “cryptic reference” when speaking with Jenson Button in the post-race interview. “We gave it everything and never gave up and that’s the most important thing,” he said. “We’ll see about next year.”

However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff last month said the driver would “never overcome the pain and the distress” that was caused at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and he indicated that it was not a certainty the 37-year-old would be back in 2022, Wheels24 reported.

Wolff “very much” hopes that Hamilton continues racing, because he is the “greatest driver of all time”. But when asked if the Brit could retire, Wolff added: “As a racer his heart will say I need to continue because he’s at the peak of his game. But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him. He is a man with clear values.”

FIA boss ‘confident’ Hamilton will return

Hamilton has not posted anything on his social media channels since before the race in Abu Dhabi and this has prompted suggestions of retirement in some circles.

But racing fans across the globe may “breathe a sigh of relief”, after Mercedes “dropped a huge hint” that their driver will be on the grid in 2022, the Daily Mirror reported. On 2 January Mercedes tweeted an image of Hamilton along with the caption: “Adversity causes some to break; others to break records.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the new FIA president, disagreed with suggestions Hamilton would retire. “No, I don’t think he will [quit],” he said. “I’ll ask your question, did Lewis declare that he’s not going to race? No. Exactly. Being a driver, you declare yourself, you don’t let the rumours [talk].”

Ben Sulayem is “confident” that Hamilton will return as he is a “big part of motorsport” and of F1. “The new era [can add to] Lewis’s wins and achievements, and also Verstappen is there,” he added. “I am very confident that you will see a very challenging Formula 1 season next year.”

The 2021 Formula 1 championship has been the most tumultuous in the sport’s history, said Oliver Brown in The Daily Telegraph, and it reached its climax with another absurdly dramatic race. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen headed to Abu Dhabi locked on 369.5 points apiece – meaning whoever finished the race first would be crowned world champion. The Englishman seized the early advantage, flying out from second on the grid to take the lead before the first corner. Verstappen nearly recovered it seconds later when he dived on the inside and briefly forced Hamilton off the track, but Hamilton clung on to his advantage. He was still ahead with five laps to go, now leading by 12 seconds. Verstappen’s plight appeared hopeless. “We are going to need a miracle,” declared Red Bull principal Christian Horner.

A miracle is what they got, said Sean Ingle in The Guardian. On lap 53, Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams, and in so doing caused the safety car to be called out: all cars now had to reduce speed and drive round the track in a line behind the safety car with no overtaking permitted. The slowing down of the cars gave Verstappen the golden opportunity to make a rapid pit stop for new tyres and still keep his second place – though there were now five lapped cars between himself and the leader: Hamilton. With just four laps to go, any further normal racing seemed unlikely: it looked as if the cars would end the race in safety car order, leaving Hamilton the winner. But when Latifi’s car was eventually cleared, there was time for just one more lap of racing. At this point, race director Michael Masi made the fateful decision to allow the five lapped cars in front of Verstappen to “delap” themselves (i.e. to move ahead and overtake the safety car), clearing them from the Dutchman’s path. This pushed him right behind Hamilton, making the final lap a “shootout”.

With his fresh tyres, Verstappen was always likely to win it, said Martin Samuel in the Daily Mail. So it proved: he overtook his rival with a typically opportunistic manoeuvre to clinch his maiden title. It was an enthralling finish, but not the right one. By letting those five drivers delap themselves, Masi prioritised his desire for a moment of “high octane theatre” over strict adherence to the F1 rules. It’s hard not to feel that Hamilton had his title “stolen”. Nonsense, said Oliver Brown. The rules surrounding safety cars are complicated, but Masi interpreted them reasonably. Although Mercedes have lodged various appeals, they’d be wise to accept the result. Overall, Verstappen has been the better driver this season, winning the most races and appearing “on the podium more than any driver in F1 history”. He may have been helped by a massive stroke of luck at the end – but the F1 crown is no less than he deserves.

It all comes down to the final grand prix of the 2021 Formula 1 season. After a thrilling race in Saudi Arabia, Max Verstappen and rival Lewis Hamilton are now level on 369.5 points and the title will be decided at the season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Hamilton’s victory in Jeddah saw the Mercedes driver pick up the 25 points for the win, plus an extra point for the fastest lap. Verstappen’s second-place finish in the Red Bull gave him 18 points and this means he’s also on 369.5 points with one race remaining.

The final act

Now is the time to tune into Formula 1, “just in case you’ve been sleeping on the most spectacular season in decades”, said Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press. The producers of Netflix’s hit show Drive to Survive must be “salivating over the final script” – few would have predicted such a “salacious final act” to what has been a sensational year.

This season is only the second time in F1 history that the drivers’ championship has been tied going into the final race, said Formula1.com’s virtual statman Sean Kelly. The previous occasion was in 1974 when Emerson Fittipaldi beat Clay Regazzoni and Jody Scheckter.

Since F1’s inception in 1950, there have been 28 title deciders on the last race – with the previous one in 2016 when Nico Rosberg beat Hamilton. Number 29 promises to be “one of the most explosive in history”, said Marca.

If Verstappen or Hamilton are the first driver across the finish line at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit – or one driver outscores the other – they will be crowned champion…

Here we look at the permutations to how Verstappen can win his first world championship or how Hamilton can secure a record eighth.

1. How Verstappen can win the title

Even though the title rivals are level on points, Verstappen is technically top of the drivers’ standings as he has won nine races in 2021, compared to Hamilton’s eight. Victory in Abu Dhabi will see the 24-year-old secure his maiden title. That extra win this season could prove vital for the Red Bull man…

Top ten finishes and fastest laps...

Whoever finishes ahead of each other in the top ten will become world champion – unless they finish in P9 and P10, said GPBlog.com. In the case of finishing ninth and tenth the point for the fastest lap is “still important”.

If the fastest lap point goes to Verstappen in tenth – with Hamilton ninth – they would score the same number of points and Verstappen would be crowned champion because of his higher number of wins in 2021.

If Verstappen finishes ninth and Hamilton tenth with the fastest lap, both drivers would score two points. The rivals would be on equal points and the title would go to Verstappen based on his number of wins. “This scenario also applies the other way around”, GPBlog.com added, if Verstappen finishes tenth with the fastest lap and Hamilton in P9.

What about DNFs?

Should both drivers fail to finish the final race in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen would win the title by virtue of his nine GP victories to Hamilton’s eight, the London Evening Standard reported.

“It’s a straight-out fight as it has been for the entire year,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. “We have one shot and it’s time to take it.”

2. How Hamilton can win the title

Hamilton is currently on seven world championship wins – level with German icon Michael Schumacher. If the British driver is to secure a record eighth F1 championship he either has to win in Abu Dhabi or score more points than Verstappen. If Hamilton finishes ahead of Verstappen and achieves at least P8, “he will be okay”, said GPBlog.com.

The 36-year-old said Verstappen was “f***ing crazy” after some questionable tactics by the Dutchman in Jeddah, the London Evening Standard reported. Hamilton warned that he expected more of the same in Abu Dhabi this weekend. “For him, it doesn’t matter if we don’t both finish,” he said. “For me, we both need to finish but it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “At the end it’s all going down to the wire, that’s how the sport should be and we love it!”

3. Abu Dhabi GP: schedule and TV

Friday 10 December

• 9.30am-10.30am: free practice one (Sky Sports F1 from 9am)
• 1pm-2pm: free practice two (Sky Sports F1 from 12.45pm)

Saturday 11 December

• 10am-11am: free practice three (Sky Sports F1 from 9.45am)
• 1pm-2pm: qualifying (Sky Sports F1 from 12pm)

Sunday 12 December

• 12pm: Pit Lane Live (Sky Sports F1 from 11.30am)
• 1pm-3pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Sky Sports F1)

Formula 1 and the world of motorsport is in mourning following Sir Frank Williams’s death at the age of 79. The founder and former team principal of Williams Racing passed away yesterday after being admitted to hospital on Friday.

Williams was the “longest-serving team principal the sport has ever seen”, Formula1.com reported. Stefano Domenicali, F1 president and CEO, said he was a “true giant” of F1 and his “incredible achievements and personality will be etched on our sport forever”.

After sustaining a spinal cord injury in a car crash in 1986, Williams was left unable to walk and used a wheelchair. He reduced his workload in 2012, but retained his position as team principal.

In 2019 he marked 50 years as a team boss, having run two teams in that time. Then in September last year the family sold Williams Racing to investment firm Dorilton Capital. The sale ensured the long-term future of the team in F1 and Claire Williams, daughter of Frank and former deputy team principal, said the change of ownership was a timely point for the family to exit the sport.

Williams “overcame the most difficult of challenges in life and battled every day to win on and off the track”, Domenicali added. “We have lost a much loved and respected member of the F1 family and he will be hugely missed.”

‘A true pioneer’

The Williams family were at the helm of the team since their first race on 8 May 1977 at the Circuito de Jarama in Spain. Under their ownership the team went on to win 114 grands prix, take 128 pole positions and lifted nine F1 constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ world championships.

Williams Racing CEO and team principal Jost Capito described Williams as “a legend and icon of our sport”, who was “one of a kind” and a “true pioneer”. “Despite considerable adversity in his life, he led our team to 16 world championships making us one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport,” Capito added. “His values including integrity, teamwork and a fierce independence and determination, remain the core ethos of our team and are his legacy, as is the Williams family name under which we proudly race. His passing marks the end of an era for our team and for the sport of Formula 1.”

‘Thank you for everything’

Briton George Russell and Canadian Nicholas Latifi currently line up for the Grove-based team and drive the FW43B in the 2021 F1 world championship. In a tribute posted on social media, Russell said Williams was “more than a boss”, he was “a mentor and a friend to everybody who joined the Williams Racing family and so many others”.

Russell added: “It has been a genuine honour racing for him and being a small part of the incredible legacy he leaves behind, a legacy that will forever live on in the heart and soul of this team. Rest in peace, Sir Frank. Thank you for everything.”

Lewis Hamilton has done many extraordinary things in his long career, said Rebecca Clancy in The Times. But his thrilling victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday is surely up there with the finest. For this was a race the seven-time F1 champion really had no right to win. As if beating Max Verstappen weren’t challenging enough, he faced the additional disadvantage of being handed two separate penalties over the weekend, said Nate Saunders on ESPN. On Friday, a fault with his car’s drag reduction system caused him to be “disqualified from qualifying” – which meant he started Saturday’s sprint qualifying race at the back of the field, in 20th position. And though he drove heroically in that 24-lap contest, passing 15 drivers, it still only earned Hamilton tenth place on Sunday’s starting grid thanks to the second sanction imposed on him: a five-place grid penalty Mercedes had incurred for changing Hamilton’s engine.

Such circumstances “might have left a lesser man bowed”, said Giles Richards in The Guardian. Not Hamilton. Drawing on every ounce of his fighting spirit, he again “launched himself through the field”, overtaking seven drivers in the first five laps. When he passed Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Pérez, on the 19th lap, the race became a riveting two-car spectacle, as “Hamilton hunted Verstappen”. Passing the Dutchman was never going to be straightforward, and one attempt briefly led to “both drivers going off the track”. Finally, on lap 59, Hamilton made his “decisive move” – after which he “stretched his legs” and finished a remarkable ten seconds in front.

For a man hoping to regain his title, this victory could hardly have been more opportune, said Tom Cary in The Daily Telegraph. Hamilton arrived in São Paulo trailing Verstappen by 19 points – and with only another three races to go, he couldn’t have afforded to let that lead stretch any further. As it is, he is still 14 points behind the Dutchman, but should he win the remaining three races, he is guaranteed to take the title. His fans will also take heart from the “quantum leap” that Mercedes have apparently made, said Oliver Brown in The Daily Telegraph. Throughout the season, Verstappen’s car has clearly been faster. But in Brazil, it was Hamilton’s Mercedes that held the advantage in straight-line speed: “on the lap where he passed the Dutchman, he was moving almost 19mph quicker”. The cause of this improvement is something of a mystery – and Red Bull’s technicians wasted no time in questioning whether it was strictly legal. But assuming nothing untoward comes to light, it sets the season up for a riveting finale – one where Verstappen holds the points advantage, but where the momentum lies with Hamilton.

The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, held on the speedy track at Austin, Texas, has always been to Lewis Hamilton’s liking, said Rebecca Clancy in The Times: he’s won there five times since 2014. But on Sunday, the seven-time F1 world champion missed a valuable chance to make up ground on Max Verstappen.

A thrilling race ended in a 1.333-second victory for the 24-year-old, who extended his lead in the drivers’ standings from six to 12 points. With five races to go, he looks increasingly likely to end the season as F1 champion.

Yet Hamilton couldn’t have got off to a better start, said Tom Dart in The Guardian. From second on the grid, he overtook Verstappen by diving for the inside on the approach to the first corner, forcing his rival’s Red Bull wide. But after the early drama, “the contest segued into more of a chess match than a slugfest”.

Twice, the Dutchman went in for earlier-than-expected tyre changes, an “undercutting” strategy that enabled him to drive significantly faster than Hamilton in the middle of the 56-lap race: when Hamilton took his second change on lap 37, he was nearly eight seconds off the lead. Once on fresher tyres, he valiantly hunted down Verstappen in the closing stages, aiming to pass him on the final laps. But hard as he pressed, he couldn’t quite get close enough to “try another bold overtaking manoeuvre”.

Ominously for Hamilton, the next two races – in Mexico and Brazil – are at high-altitude venues, said Laurence Edmondson on ESPN. That should favour Verstappen: in recent years, the Honda engine used by Red Bull has performed better at altitude than the one in Hamilton’s Mercedes. The three races after that are in the Middle East, where conditions should be more to Hamilton’s liking. But there’s a very real chance that by the time F1 gets there, Verstappen’s lead will be virtually unsurpassable.

F1 2021 season: five races to go

Mexican Grand Prix

• When: 5-7 November 2021
• Where: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico

Brazilian Grand Prix

• When: 12-14 November 2021
• Where: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, São Paulo, Brazil

Qatar Grand Prix

• When: 19-21 November 2021
• Where: Losail International Circuit, Qatar

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

• When: 3-5 December 2021
• Where: Jeddah Street Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

• When: 10-12 December 2021
• Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The 2021 Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone had everything: a historic first sprint race, a full house of 140,000 fans, and an opening lap collision between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the two main championship rivals.

It was a “dramatic” afternoon in the F1 title battle, said Sky Sports’s Matt Morlidge, as Red Bull ace Verstappen crashed out and Mercedes star Hamilton went on to win an “extraordinary” eighth career British GP despite being given a ten-second penalty by stewards.

Verstappen, who went to hospital after his high-speed crash, accused Hamilton of being “disrespectful” and “unsportsmanlike” as the British driver celebrated the win in front of the capacity crowd.

The “seismic moment” will become “a defining part of the sport’s history” and “the fallout from all this will be felt for a long time”, said the BBC’s Andrew Benson.

But while the headlines today should have been all about the racing, the focus has shifted away from the track after it emerged that Hamilton was racially abused online following his victory.

There were racist messages including “monkey emojis” and other slurs in the replies to a Mercedes post on Instagram celebrating Hamilton’s win at Silverstone, Sky Sports reports.

F1 rallies in support of Hamilton

Formula 1, the sport’s governing body the FIA and the Mercedes team issued a joint statement condemning the online racist abuse. “These people have no place in our sport and we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions,” the statement said. “Formula 1, the FIA, the drivers and the teams are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport, and such unacceptable instances of online abuse must be highlighted and eliminated.”

Verstappen’s team Red Bull Racing also came out in support of Hamilton. “While we may be fierce rivals on-track, we are all united against racism,” Red Bull said. “We condemn racist abuse of any kind towards our team, our competitors and our fans. As a team we are disgusted and saddened to witness the racist abuse Lewis endured yesterday on social media after the collision with Max. There is never any excuse for it, there is certainly no place for it in our sport and those responsible should be held accountable.”

‘A conversation around acceptance’

The racist abuse of Hamilton comes just a week after three black England footballers - Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka - were targeted on social media following the Three Lions’s defeat on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton has “consistently been outspoken against racial inequality throughout his career” and is a “high-profile voice in the fight against racism”, Sky Sports reports.

He came out in support of the England players after they were subjected to a torrent of abuse and said “it shows how much work needs to be done” in society to end racism.

“I so badly wanted that win like all of you but for me it was for much more than winning the [Euros], it was a much bigger picture,” he wrote on Instagram. “However, the disgusting behaviour by the few, shows how much work that still needs to be done. I hope that this opens a conversation around acceptance. We must work towards a society that doesn’t require black players to prove their value or place in society only through victory.”

‘Not a new battle for me’

In June 2020 the British driver set up The Hamilton Commission to increase representation of black people in UK motorsport. Last week it published its first report into the issue and included ten recommendations for change.

“This is not a new battle for me,” Hamilton wrote in an op-ed for The Sunday Times last year. “I’ve been fighting the stigma of racism throughout my racing career - from kids throwing things at me while karting, to being taunted by fans in black face at a 2007 grand prix, one of my first Formula 1 races.

“I’m used to being one of very few people of colour on my teams and, more than that, I’m used to the idea that no one will speak up for me when I face racism, because no one personally feels or understands my experience. Winning championships is great, but I want to be remembered for my work creating a more equal society through education. That’s what drives me.”

The countdown to the 2021 Formula 1 season has officially started after McLaren became the first team to unveil their new challenger.

Lando Norris and new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo were present on Monday evening as the Woking-based team virtually launched the McLaren MCL35M. The duo are at Silverstone on Tuesday taking the MCL35M for its first test on the track.

Speaking at the launch Ricciardo predicted a bright future for McLaren as he began a new chapter in his career after leaving Renault, Sky Sports reports. “We don’t have a crystal ball. Leaving Red Bull or leaving Renault, it’s obviously what I feel is right,” said the 31-year-old Australian. “Do I know 100% how it’s going to turn out? I don’t, but I certainly feel like McLaren have done the right things particularly the last few years to set themselves up for these rule changes coming in ’22.

“That kind of next era of F1 has the ability to turn the field around a little bit and everything I’ve seen and known up until now really excites me about where McLaren is heading.”

Now in his second season, British driver Norris said Ricciardo’s arrival as Carlos Sainz’s replacement is a “positive” for the team, the BBC reports. “He can win and score podiums, do pretty much everything,” said the 21-year-old. “I can learn more from a different driver. It is good to experience something different.”

Powered by a Mercedes-AMG M12 E Performance unit, the McLaren MCL35M will sport the “much-loved and iconic papaya orange livery”, says Planet F1.

Mick Schumacher admits he was “simply speechless” after getting the chance to fulfil his dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver.

German Schumacher is currently top of the drivers’ standings in Formula 2 with a 14-point lead after 11 rounds. Russian racer Mazepin sits third in the F2 table.

The 22-year-old Schumacher, who was appointed to the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2019, said: “The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless.

“I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for placing their trust in me. I also want to acknowledge and extend my love to my parents - I know that I owe them everything. I have always believed that I would realise my dream of Formula 1.

“A huge thank you must also go to all the great motorsport fans out there who have supported me throughout my career. I will give it my all, as I always do, and I look forward to going on this journey together with Haas F1 and them.”

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner added: “I firmly believe he’s earned the opportunity to graduate into Formula 1 based on his performances. We have an opportunity ahead of us, as a team, to evaluate and nurture a new driver given our familiarity with our race package heading into 2021.

Russell to drive for Mercedes at Sakhir GP

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will miss this weekend’s F1 Sakhir Grand Prix after the Mercedes driver tested positive for Covid-19.

With Hamilton absent, Mercedes have announced that George Russell will drive for the team in Bahrain after being released from Williams. Russell becomes just the fifth driver to race for Mercedes since 2010, and the third Briton to represent Mercedes-Benz in F1 after Sir Stirling Moss and Hamilton.

Russell, a member of the Mercedes-Benz Junior Programme since 2017, said: “I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I’m a Williams driver and I’ll be cheering my team on every step of the way.

“I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver, with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid.

“A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me. Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I’ll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car. Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Williams Racing have confirmed that Jack Aitken will replace Russell and race alongside Nicholas Latifi at the Sakhir GP.

Romain Grosjean said he’s “sort of OK” after walking away from a frightening crash at the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday.

Haas driver Grosjean smashed into barriers on the first lap of the race at the Bahrain International Circuit and the impact split his car in two and it then burst into flames.

Making contact with Daniil Kvyat’s Scuderia AlphaTauri just after turn three, Grosjean’s Haas “speared into the barriers” at an impact speed of 221kph (137.3mph), F1.com says.

Incredibly, Grosjean emerged from his cockpit before being rescued by nearby marshals and medical officials - while flames engulfed the front half of his car, Sky Sports reports.

The Frenchman spent the night in hospital after being treated for burns to his hands. X-rays revealed that he did not suffer any fractures.

In a medical update posted on Monday, the Haas F1 team said Grosjean is “continuing his convalescence at the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) hospital having remained there overnight following Sunday’s incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix”.

The statement said: “Treatment on the burns Grosjean sustained on the back of both his hands is going well. Grosjean was visited by Guenther Steiner, team principal of Haas F1 Team, on Monday and it is anticipated he will be discharged from the care of the hospital on Tuesday 1 December.”

‘Greatest thing we brought to F1’

The “halo” head protection device on F1 cars drew criticism from fans and team members when it was introduced in 2018. However, Grosjean said had it not been for the halo he “wouldn’t be able to speak to you today”.

Designed to deflect tyres and debris away from the driver’s head, the halo is a piece of carbon fibre-wrapped titanium that curves around the cockpit. It’s held in place by a single strut in front of the driver and two mounts bolted onto the chassis behind.

Speaking in a video message Grosjean said: “Hello everyone, just wanted to say I’m okay, well, sort of okay. Thank you very much for all the messages.

“I wasn’t for the halo some years ago but I think it’s the greatest thing we brought to Formula 1 and without it I wouldn’t be able to speak to you today.”

The FIA, F1’s governing body, is launching an investigation into the accident in Bahrain. “We will look at it all and undertake a full investigation of the whole incident, and what we can learn,” race director Michael Masi told Sky Sports F1.

‘Halo saved the day - and Romain’

Ross Brawn, Formula 1’s managing director of motorsport, said there’s “no doubt” that the halo saved Grosjean’s life.

“The barrier splitting was a classic problem many years ago and normally it resulted in a fatality,” Brawn told Sky Sports F1. “There is absolutely no doubt the halo was the factor that saved the day - and saved Romain. All the team behind it just need crediting for forcing it through.”

Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton won the grand prix in Bahrain and in his post-race interview he said the incident was a “stark reminder” of the dangers of F1.

“Naturally it was terrifying to see,” said the seven-time world champion. “I haven’t seen something like that for a long, long time and it really hits home for a driver because I think whilst we all are competing for each other and want to beat each other we definitely, I would think, want safety for everyone and worry about one another when there is an issue, when there is a crash.

“So I’m really grateful that he’s safe and was able to get out. But I think it’s a real stark reminder of just how dangerous this sport can be.”

Lewis Hamilton has warned his rivals that he’s “only just getting started” after winning a seventh Formula 1 world championship.

The 35-year-old Mercedes star equalled Michael Schumacher’s title record after a stunning drive at a wet Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday. Starting on the grid in sixth place, Hamilton produced a “masterful” performance for the 94th victory of his career, says the BBC.

After winning his first championship with McLaren in 2008 he has added to his tally with titles in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and now 2020 as part of the dominating Mercedes team.

Speaking in Turkey Hamilton said: “To all the kids out there, dream the impossible. Seven is just unimaginable but when you work with such a great group of people and you really trust each other, there is just no end to what you can do together.

“I feel like I’m only just getting started, it’s really weird.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who was also presented with the team’s seventh successive constructors’ championship, added: “We simply need to say congratulations to Lewis and to recognise the amazing job he is doing, setting new benchmarks in this sport. We will be flying home together, so we will have to see how we celebrate - I’m sure we will find a way!”

The greatest ever

Hamilton’s achievements in equalling Schumacher’s F1 title record has seen pundits, fans and fellow sports stars hail him as the best driver ever in racing history. However, others have gone further by praising the F1 star as Britain’s greatest ever sportsman.

The Daily Mail says Hamilton’s seventh world crown confirms him as Britain’s greatest of his era. “He has no serious rival, not even Sir Andy Murray, Sir Mo Farah or Chris Froome can match him,” the paper says.

The Mail’s Jonathan McEvoy adds: “He, after all, has done more in his crowded field than anyone else in history. Of how many British contemporaries can that be said? Precisely, none.”

On Twitter, former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand said Hamilton is the “greatest sportsman this country has ever produced - no doubts”, while The Times’s Rebecca Clancy agreed that he can be hailed as “Britain’s greatest sportsman” after equalling Schumacher’s record.

Hamilton has not only proved his class on the track, but has also found his voice off it. The Sun’s Ben Hunt writes: “He’d previously spoken about Donald Trump, environmental causes and racism. And he continues to do so. Whether you agree with his stances on racism, the environment, veganism or politics, it doesn’t matter.

“This season, it is his off-track work that has made me appreciate Hamilton as the UK’s best sportsman of all-time.”

Arise, Sir Lewis?

There are calls for Hamilton to be knighted following his success in F1. Clamour for national recognition comes after contemporaries such as Murray, Farah and Alastair Cook have all been knighted, says the Daily Mail.

The Press Association revealed last month that former Labour cabinet minister Lord Hain, who serves as chair for the All-Party Parliamentary F1 Group, will now write to Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging that Hamilton becomes Britain’s next sporting Sir.

When asked about the possibility of a knighthood Hamilton said: “When I think about that honour of being knighted, I think about people like my grandad who served in the war.

“Captain Tom [Moore] waited 100 years for that great honour, and then you have these doctors and nurses, who are saving lives during this hardest time ever.

“I think about those unsung heroes and I don’t look at myself as an unsung hero. I haven’t saved anybody. It is an incredible honour that a small number of people have bestowed on them.

“I hear the national anthem and I am a very proud Brit. It is a special moment to be up there representing a nation and having the flag over your head.”

In a major change of business direction the Honda Motor Company has announced it will depart Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season to shift its focus towards “environmental initiatives” and accelerate its goal of achieving “carbon neutrality by 2050”.

The Japanese auto giant’s withdrawal from the motorsport means that F1 teams Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri will be looking for a new power unit supplier.

After returning to the F1 championship with McLaren in 2015, Honda switched to Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso (who were renamed AlphaTauri) in 2018 before adding Red Bull as a works team the following year.

Described as a “shock announcement” by Formula1.com, Honda’s two-and-a-half-year partnership with the Red Bull family has achieved five race victories and 15 podiums so far.

What happened?

In explaining its reasons for leaving F1, Honda has cited environmental initiatives as one of the “top priorities” for the company and has made the decision to strive for the “realisation of carbon neutrality by 2050”.

In a statement Takahiro Hachigo, CEO of Honda Motor Company, said: “We see the automobile industry is undergoing a once-in-one-hundred-years period of great transformation. It has been a while since we started communicating Honda’s intention to focus on the creation of new mobility products and new value for the future.

“To this end, our current goal of electrifying two-thirds of our global automobile unit sales in 2030 will become a checkpoint we must pass before we get to the 2050 goal, and therefore we must further accelerate the introduction of our carbon-free technologies.

“To realise our goals, we will focus on strengthening our research and development in the areas of future power unit and energy technologies.”

What happens next?

Red Bull and AlphaTauri’s search for a new power unit supplier comes just a few years after splitting from Renault. Despite Honda’s decision the teams “remain committed” to F1, Autosport reports.

While admitting he was “disappointed”, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner understands how “difficult it has been for Honda to reach the decision”.

Horner added: “The shifting focus within the automotive industry has led to Honda’s decision to re-deploy their resources and we understand and respect the reasoning behind this.

“Their decision presents obvious challenges for us as a team but we have been here before and with our strength in depth we are well prepared and equipped to respond effectively, as we have proven in the past.

“Whilst we are disappointed not to continue our partnership with Honda, we are enormously proud of our joint success, delivering five wins and 15 podiums for both Red Bull owned teams and we thank everyone at Honda for their extraordinary efforts and commitment.

“Our joint focus for the remainder of the 2020 and 2021 seasons are unchanged, to fight for victories and challenge for the championship.

“As a signatory to Formula One’s latest Concorde Agreement, Red Bull Racing remains committed to the sport in the long term and we look forward to embarking on a new era of innovation, development and success. As a group, we will now take the time afforded to us to further evaluate and find the most competitive power unit solution for 2022 and beyond.”

Max Verstappen has won four races in the Red Bull-Honda era, including their first at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix (pictured above). He’s also secured 13 podiums in just 31 race starts.

Pierre Gasly’s victory at this year’s Italian GP for AlphaTauri saw Honda become the only power unit manufacturer to win with two different teams since the start of F1’s hybrid era in 2014.

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton admits it “doesn’t seem real” that he’s one victory away from equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time race win record.

After winning the Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello on 13 September Hamilton heads into this weekend’s Russian GP knowing that victory in Sochi would see him go level with Schumacher’s tally of 91.

Speaking at Mugello, Hamilton told Sky Sports: “It just doesn’t seem real. Obviously it’s ultimately a privilege to be in a position and have such a great team and a car to be able to deliver weekend in, weekend out.

“But I just feel forever grateful to the people that continue to work hard, I’m just a link in the chain but getting the wins is not easy when you have a great driver in Valtteri [Bottas] pushing you the limit, weekend in, weekend out.

“I never thought that I would be here, that’s for sure.”

Racing towards title No.7

The win in Tuscany saw the British ace cement his position at the top of the 2020 drivers’ standings. He now has 190 points from nine races and is 55 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Bottas who is in second.

Schumacher also holds the record for the most F1 world championships - seven - but Hamilton is just one behind that tally with six.

In the nine races so far in 2020 Hamilton has taken the chequered flag six times and he’s looking unstoppable in his march towards world championship No.7. For now though the focus is on Russia.

Schumacher’s race win record has stood for 19 years and it’s often been described as “unmatchable”, says Sky Sports, but Hamilton has it in his sights.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has revealed that the Netflix film crew will follow the team in Russia to capture footage for the next series of Formula 1: Drive to Survive.

Although Netflix could be on hand to witness a big celebration for Hamilton and Mercedes, Wolff says the team are staying humble ahead of this weekend, Driving.co.uk reports.

Wolff said: “We believe very much in karma and you need to be able to let things happen and, certainly, who would have ever imagined that somebody is going to break that record of 91 wins.

“If that were the case, I’m sure we are going to come up with some creative ideas [to celebrate].”

Most grand prix victories in F1

Michael Schumacher 91 Lewis Hamilton 90 Sebastian Vettel 53 Alain Prost 51 Ayrton Senna 41 Fernando Alonso 32 Nigel Mansell 31 Sir Jackie Stewart 27 Jim Clark 25 Niki Lauda 25

Just 12 hours after Sergio Perez announced he is to leave Racing Point it was confirmed that Sebastian Vettel will next year drive for the Formula 1 team that will be rebranded as Aston Martin.

Vettel, a four-time world champion, is departing Ferrari after five years and signs a deal with the Aston Martin F1 Team for “2021 and beyond”.

The German will be joined on the grid next season by current Racing Point driver Lance Stroll, the son of Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll.

Confirming the team’s “new era”, Racing Point CEO and principal Otmar Szafnauer said: “Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news. Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team.

“On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.”

Vettel, 33, added: “I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future. I’m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021. It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company.

“I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter. The energy and commitment of Lawrence [Stroll] to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together.

“I still have so much love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid. To do so with Aston Martin will be a huge privilege.”

How F1 media reacted to Vettel’s move

Formula1.com

“Initially, there didn’t appear to be a place for Vettel, given Sergio Perez had a multi-year deal which ran until the end of 2022 while [Lawrence] Stroll’s son Lance is in the other seat. But on the eve of the inaugural Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello – Ferrari’s 1000th race – Perez shocked the F1 world by revealing he will leave the team at the end of the year and has no ‘Plan B’ in terms of a drive. That paved the way for Racing Point to announce Vettel – who won four consecutive championships with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013 - would be joining them, alongside Stroll, for their first season under the Aston Martin brand.”

Luke Smith, Motorsport.com

“It marks a big change of pace for Vettel after a decade racing with F1 powerhouses, in the form of Red Bull and Ferrari. But this is not simply a case of finding any landing spot to prolong his F1 career. Aston Martin could offer Vettel the perfect next step to write the next chapter of his F1 story.”

James Galloway, Sky Sports

“The arrival of Charles Leclerc at Ferrari last year rocked Vettel somewhat, and ultimately the Ferrari relationship, but he was still a race-winner in 2019 and was only just beaten in the points, and qualifying battles by his team-mate. He now gets a chance to prove himself as one of F1’s elite again, and for the first time in his career driving a Merc-powered car.”

Andrew Benson, BBC Sport

“While Vettel joining Aston Martin is a huge coup for a team that was originally established as Jordan in 1991, it is also a chance for Vettel to rebuild his reputation in a new environment.”

Lewis Larkam, Crash.net

“The decision to go after Vettel was a no-brainer for Aston Martin. Although Vettel has suffered something of a reputation hit following three mistake-ridden campaigns at Ferrari, he remains a four-time world champion and winner of 53 grands prix, making him statistically at least, the fourth most successful F1 driver of all time. In a competitive car, and with the right team support network around him under effective leadership, there is no doubting Vettel’s abilities behind the wheel of F1 machinery.”

F1 2021 driver grid: who is confirmed so far?

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Valtteri Bottas (contract until end of 2021)

Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow

Charles Leclerc (contract until end of 2024) Carlos Sainz (contract until end of 2022)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen (contracted until end of 2023)

McLaren F1 Team

Daniel Ricciardo (multi-year contract) Lando Norris (multi-year contract)

Alpine F1 Team (Renault)

Esteban Ocon (contracted until end of 2021) Fernando Alonso (contracted at least until the end of 2021)

Scuderia AlphaTauri

Drivers to be confirmed

Aston Martin F1 Team

Sebastian Vettel (multi year contract) Lance Stroll

Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen

Drivers to be confirmed

Haas F1 Team

Drivers to be confirmed

Williams Racing

George Russell (contracted until the end of 2021) Nicholas Latifi (contracted until the end of 2021)

A new chapter will begin for the Williams Racing Formula 1 team after this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

It has been confirmed that following the sale of the British team to Dorilton Capital, the Williams family will depart F1 after 43 years and 79 races. Sunday’s grand prix at Monza will be the final one for Sir Frank Williams and Claire Williams.

The family have been at the helm since their first race on 8 May 1977 at the Circuito de Jarama in Spain. Under their ownership the team have gone on to win 114 grand prix, taken 128 pole positions and lifted nine F1 constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ world championships.

George Russell and Nicholas Latifi currently line up for the Grove-based team and drive the FW43 in the 2020 championship.

British driver Russell tweeted: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Frank and Claire. They gave me my shot in F1, like they have done for so many drivers, engineers, mechanics and countless others over the years. Thank you for everything. We’ll keep driving like hell to honour the Williams name.”

Right time to leave F1

The recent sale of Williams Grand Prix Engineering to US-based investment firm Dorilton Capital ensures the long-term future of the team in F1.

Claire Williams, the deputy team principal, said the change of ownership was a timely point for the family to exit the sport. She said: “With the future of the team now secured, this feels like the appropriate time for us to step away from the sport.

“As a family, we have always prioritised Williams. We have demonstrated that by our recent actions with the strategic review process and we believe now is the right time to hand over the reins and give the new owners the opportunity to take the team into the future.

“We have been in this sport for more than four decades. We are incredibly proud of our track record and the legacy we leave behind. We have always been in it for the love of it, for the pure pleasure of going motor racing, so this is not a decision that we have taken lightly but after much reflection and as a family.”

She added: “On behalf of Frank and the Williams family, I would like to say how incredibly grateful and humbled we are for the support we have enjoyed over the years, from our friends in the paddock to the many fans around the world.

“But mostly, we would like to thank our team. People who have worked at Williams in the past and present. They are the true warriors of this team and have made it what it is and we wish them well. Formula 1 has been our life for so long and now it’s time for a new chapter in our lives to begin.”

New board of directors

Williams Grand Prix Engineering has confirmed that Matthew Savage, Darren Fultz and James Matthews will make up the company’s new board of directors following Dorilton Capital’s acquisition of the team that was announced on 21 August.

Savage is chairman of Dorilton Capital while fellow co-founder Fultz became CEO in 2018.

Matthews is the CEO of Eden Rock Group, an investment advisory firm headquartered in London. The Brit is a former racing driver and the co-founders of Eden Rock have a background in motorsports spanning more than 30 years.

A statement said: “The new board recognises and appreciates the importance of retaining Williams’ heritage and culture and will continue to work with the senior management to leverage its capabilities to return it to racing competitively.”

Savage added: “We are proud to carry the Williams name into the next exciting phase for the sport and we thank Sir Frank, Claire and the Williams family for the opportunity to be part of this great British brand.”

Mattia Binotto insists there’s no “crisis” at Ferrari despite another terrible weekend on the track for the Italian Formula 1 team.

While rivals Mercedes celebrated a one-two at the Belgium Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton winning ahead of Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari were miles off the pace. Sebastian Vettel finished 13th and team-mate Charles Leclerc was 14th as Ferrari failed to win a point for the second time this season.

The poor performance at Spa-Francorchamps means Ferrari are only fifth in the constructors’ championship with 61 points from the opening seven races of the 2020 season. They are a massive 200 points behind leaders Mercedes and Formula1.com reports that the Scuderia are on course for their “worst season in 40 years”.

Binotto: we must stand firm

The Guardian says the slump in performance has been “directly attributed to a reduction in engine power after questions over its legality last season led to an investigation and subsequent rule clarification from the FIA”.

Despite having been angered by the result in Belgium, Ferrari team principal Binotto played down any crisis at Maranello.

“We are disappointed and angry, as indeed are our fans and with good reason,” he said. “It’s a difficult moment in a season that we knew from the start would be a tough one, but it’s at times like this that we need to stand firm and look ahead in order to get over this difficult period. It’s the only way we will get out of this situation.

“It is wrong to use the word ‘crisis’ for the moment we are going through. We all take responsibility for this situation. I take that as team principal as well as all those who work in Maranello.

“We are all in the same boat but although the team is in the middle of a storm we are very united. There is no crisis, no tension.”

Italian papers slam Spa shocker

GP Blog reports that the Italian media was critical of Ferrari’s display in Belgium. La Repubblica described the weekend as “slow, poor and unreliable” while La Gazzetta dello Sport said there was a “lack of ideas and guts”.

Pressure is now on Ferrari ahead of the home F1 double-header. The Italian GP takes place next Sunday at Monza followed by the Tuscan GP at Mugello on 13 September. The Mugello circuit is owned by Ferrari and the race will be their 1,000th grand prix.

Vettel says the team are focussed on putting things right in the two races in Italy - but warned fans not to expect “miracles”.

The German driver said: “We have two important races coming up for the team in the next two weeks so that is where we focus, but we also have to be realistic as we cannot expect miracles.

“The package is what it is, we are not as strong as we would like to be, so we need to stay optimistic and see the good things, even if at the minute there are not many.”

Formula 1’s 2020 season is only four races old but Lewis Hamilton is already breaking records in his quest to become a seven-time world champion.

The Mercedes star has built a 30-point lead ahead of team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the top of the drivers’ standings following his dramatic victory at yesterday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone - a record career seventh chequered flag for the 35-year-old in his home race.

Bidding to equal Michael Schumacher’s record seven world championships, Hamilton is also now just four race wins from the German’s all-time tally of 91.

However, it was not all plain sailing for Hamilton at Silverstone. In the final laps he and Bottas looked to be cruising towards a Mercedes one-two before tyre issues affected both cars.

Bottas dropped out of the points after suffering a puncture with two laps to go and on the final lap Hamilton’s front left tyre also shredded. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was in hot pursuit of the leader but British ace Hamilton managed to cross the finish line on three wheels.

‘My heart nearly stopped’

Speaking after the race Hamilton explained how it was “the most dramatic ending I can remember”.

He told Formula1.com: “Oh my god I’ve definitely never experienced anything like that on the last lap and my heart nearly stopped. That’s how cool it was because my heart nearly stopped.

“Until that last lap everything was relatively smooth sailing, the tyres felt great, Valtteri was really pushing incredibly hard, and I was doing some management of the tyre and he looked like he wasn’t. When I heard that his tyre went, I was just looking at mine and everything seemed fine, the car was still turning no problem so I thinking, ‘Maybe it’s okay’ and those last few laps I started to back off and down the straight it deflated and I just noticed the shape just shift a bit.

“That was definitely heart in the mouth feeling because I wasn’t quite sure it had gone down until I hit the brakes. And then you could see the tyre was falling off the rim. Just driving it trying to keep the speed up, sometimes it will take off and break the wing I was just praying it would get round and it would not be too slow, I nearly didn’t get round the last two corners. But thank God it did. I really owe it to the team, ultimately we should have stopped towards the end once we saw the delamination.”

Is Lewis on track for another title?

In his post-race report Andrew Benson of the BBC said “there has never really felt much doubt about Lewis Hamilton winning this year’s Formula 1 world championship”. Despite the drama at Silverstone rival drivers also believe that the reigning champion will defend his title.

Second-placed Verstappen was asked if anyone can stop Hamilton, to which he replied “no”. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished third, added: “No. The guy that has some chances is Valtteri but that’s it.”

GrandPX reports that even Hamilton admits he would prefer more competition. He said: “Honestly, look - I’m a through and through racer at heart. This is not the championship I would have hoped for. I’d much, much prefer to be having a super-close battle because that’s what gets me going.

“Ultimately, every team is given rules and at the end of the day we’ve just done an exceptional job and you can’t fault my team for that. That’s not our fault.”

F1 stays at Silverstone this weekend for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix on 9 August. Hamilton will aim to extend his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings while Mercedes, who have 146 points from four races, have built a 68-point advantage over Red Bull in the constructors’ championship.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Silverstone to get green light

The Guardian and Independent report that the Formula 1 British Grand Prix is expected to go ahead on the weekend of 18-19 July but without fans.

The Indy reproduces the letter written by Silverstone’s managing director Stuart Pringle to race fans who have already purchased tickets.

Pringle said: “I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year’s British Grand Prix in front of fans at Silverstone… our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and race makers, and of course you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make.”

The Guardian says the Formula One Group is expected to provide the financial backing to ensure that the British Grand Prix goes ahead now that there won’t be any revenue from fans.

While there has been no official confirmation as yet, the Guardian has it on good authority that “the hosting fee is to be waived and that F1 will meet the costs incurred by the circuit, in effect renting it from its owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club”.

F1 chief Chase Carey yesterday announced that the sport is targeting the Austrian Grand Prix on 5 July to start the delayed 2020 season.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

West Ham to offload Rice

The Sun’s back page is devoted to West Ham United ace Declan Rice with the paper claiming that Hammers boss David Moyes is preparing to overhaul his floundering squad.

“All hands on Dec” screams the Sun, claiming that West Ham are ready to offload Rice for upwards of £70m with Manchester United and Arsenal among the clubs eyeing the 21-year-old England midfielder.

But he’s not the only Hammer who could soon be emptying his locker. According to the Sun, a West Ham source has told them that “nobody is safe” from the cull which will be triggered partly by cash flow issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic but also because boss Moyes wants to reshape the squad for the long term.

Toon takeover: US tycoon ready to buy Newcastle if Saudi bid fails

Froome’s ambition

The Times carries the confident claim from Chris Froome that he believes he can win a fifth Tour de France if the race goes ahead later this year.

Cycling’s most prestigious event was due to start at the end of June but that date has tentatively been pushed back to the end of August, although it is still unclear whether the French government will agree to the new schedule.

But if it does Froome, who turns 35 next month, believes he can come out on top and erase the painful memories of the crash that caused him to miss last year’s Tour.

“I’d like to think that chances are I can do it,” he said of the ambition of becoming only the fifth rider to win five Tours. “Nothing is written in stone, or given in sport but I’ve got the experience, loads of motivation and I want to make it happen obviously.”

Today’s sport headlines

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. F1 eyes 2020 season start in Austria

It’s been a busy news day in Formula 1 with the French Grand Prix becoming the tenth race in 2020 to be called off and the British Grand Prix announcing that if the 19 July event does go ahead it will be behind closed doors.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom with F1 CEO Chase Carey revealing plans to start the 2020 season at the Austrian GP on 5 July.

Carey said: “We’re targeting a start to racing in Europe through July, August and beginning of September, with the first race taking place in Austria on 3-5 July weekend.

“September, October and November, would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the Gulf in December with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15-18 races. We will publish our finalised calendar as soon as we possibly can.”

2. Prem launches ‘Project Restart’

The English Premier League is putting plans in place to restart the 2019-20 season with “Project Restart” citing 8 June as the date to relaunch the campaign. The Times reports that matches could be played only at “approved stadiums”, while squads would stay at hotels that had also been carefully selected and screened by health officials.

3. Jota confident EPL season will finish

Wolves forward Diogo Jota believes the Premier League season will be completed. The Portugal international told BBC Sport: “I know almost every country in the world has the Premier League as one of the leagues to watch so it is major that we can finish the season. Obviously health is first and when everything is ready to go we can finish the season.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

4. Supplementary subs

The Sun says Fifa is drawing up plans to allow clubs to field two more substitutes in order to protect stars from burn-out and injuries as football prepares to restart after what in most cases will be a three month lay-off. With that in mind five subs will be allowed instead of the customary three.

5. Nadal and Murray play virtual tennis in Madrid

Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are among the players taking part in the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro starting today. Thirty-two of the world’s top ATP and WTA stars will compete in the charity esports tennis tournament and all matches will be streamed on the Mutua Madrid Open’s Facebook page.

6. Where will Coutinho go next?

The future of Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho continues to make headlines. According to the Daily Mirror Liverpool turned down the chance to re-sign the Brazilian while the Daily Express says that Newcastle are set to enter the race for the 27-year-old. Other Premier League clubs reportedly interested in Coutinho include Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham.

7. Gunners linked with Willian

Another Brazilian who is set for a summer move is Willian. His Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season and according to reports Liverpool were in talks about taking the winger to Anfield on a free transfer. However, the Daily Mail says that Arsenal are now front-runners to sign the 31-year-old.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

8. Kean fined for lockdown party

The Daily Mail doesn’t beat around the bush in its “Covidiot Kean” back page headline. The paper says there is “fury” within the Everton ranks at the antics of striker Moise Kean, who has been caught flouting lockdown rules by throwing a party in his flat. As a result he faces a “fine of £100,000-plus and the wrath of manager Carlo Ancelotti”.

9. Women’s Six Nations to move in calendar

Rugby union’s Six Nations is set for a radical overhaul, says The Guardian, with organisers considering creating a new window for the women’s competition. In a bid to avoid a clash with the men’s tournament, the Women’s Six Nations may “move away from the traditional February-March slot in an effort to increase exposure”.

10. Pichot: rugby faces its ‘biggest day’

Argentine rugby union legend Agustin Pichot has told The Daily Telegraph that now is the time for the sport to change.

Pichot, who is running to become chairman of World Rugby, said: “Rugby was facing a crisis before Covid-19 struck and the pandemic has only served to exacerbate so many of the issues in the game.

“We have an opportunity before us, no matter how it has come about. It is time for change. These are grave times for everyone but a crisis should not be allowed to bring us to our knees. Rather it is an opportunity.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says rumours of a falling out with driver Lewis Hamilton are “total nonsense”.

According to reports, six-time Formula 1 world champion Hamilton and Silver Arrows chief Wolff had clashed at the Australian Grand Prix over whether the season-opening race should have taken place amid the coronavirus crisis.

On a dramatic day in Melbourne last month the cancellation of the Australian GP was only confirmed hours before the start of the first practice session.

Planet F1 says rumours have surfaced claiming that Hamilton has fallen out with Wolff over his handling of the Australian GP. The website added: “The Brit didn’t want to race and is said to have been angry with the Mercedes motorsport boss for wanting to.”

However, in an interview with the Osterreich newspaper, Wolff dismissed the speculation.

“Total nonsense!” he said. “Lewis and I were in conversation every second in Australia, also on that night in which the cancellation occurred. We also speak to each other every other day. Our relationship is closer than ever.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Drivers take pay cuts

Williams Racing yesterday announced that some staff members have been placed on furlough while drivers George Russell and Nicholas Latifi have taken a 20% pay cut.

A statement said: “Due to the ongoing situation involving Covid-19, ROKiT Williams Racing is temporarily furloughing a number of employees as part of a wider range of cost-cutting measures.

“The furlough period will last until the end of May whilst senior management, and our drivers, have taken a pay cut of 20% effective from 1 April.

“These decisions have not been taken lightly, however our aim is to protect the jobs of our staff at Grove and ensuring they can return to full-time work when the situation allows.”

Meanwhile, Racing Point have confirmed similar measures with drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll taking a pay cut.

A Racing Point spokesperson said: “Some staff have now been placed on temporary furlough. Our drivers will also take a voluntary pay cut.”

‘Four teams could disappear’, warns McLaren CEO Brown

F1 place staff on furlough

Sky Sports reports that Formula 1 has placed around half of its 500 staff members on furlough.

Chief executive Chase Carey is to take a “significant but undisclosed pay cut”, while senior management and executives will take a 20% pay cut for two months.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has issued a warning over Formula 1’s future amid the coronavirus crisis.

As things stand the opening eight races of the 2020 season have been cancelled or postponed and the next event on the schedule is the Canadian Grand Prix on 14 June. However, Montreal is also a major doubt because of the pandemic.

BBC Sport reports that F1 bosses will today discuss cost-saving plans. With teams and drivers under lockdown Brown believes that F1 is in a “very fragile state” and he has urged for major measures to be taken to help the sport survive the crisis.

He told the BBC: “This is potentially devastating to teams, and if [it is devastating] to enough teams - which doesn’t have to mean more than two - then very threatening to F1 as a whole.

“Could I see - through what is going on right now in the world if we don’t tackle this situation head on very aggressively - two teams disappearing? Yeah.

“In fact, I could see four teams disappearing if this isn’t handled the right way. And then, given how long it takes to ramp up an F1 team, and given the economic and health crisis we are in right now, to think there would be people lined up to take over those teams like there has historically been... I don’t think the timing could be worse from that standpoint.

“So I think F1 is in a very fragile state at the moment.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Dennis launches NHS meal initiative

Independent reports that former McLaren boss Ron Dennis has helped to launch an initiative to provide one million free meals to NHS workers.

The Dennis family is donating £1m through their charity foundation Dreamchasing, alongside £500,000 in match-funding.

Speaking about the SalutetheNHS.org scheme, Dennis said: “This is a time when all of us, individuals and businesses alike, need to stand up and be counted in the effort to combat Covid-19.

“We’re all in this together. I am delighted to be leading this initiative to help ensure that vital NHS workers have nutritious meals while they work every hour in this fight. It means they have one less thing to worry about.

“We have called this SalutetheNHS.org because I think we are all in awe of the work they are doing to save lives.”

Sochi preparing for September GP

Organisers of the Russian Grand Prix will continue their preparations for the September event despite the F1 2020 season not yet starting.

Sochi Autodrom will host the Russian GP on Sunday 27 September and Alexey Titov, the CEO of race promoters Rosgonki, told the Tass news agency: “We carefully monitor the development of events, listening to the recommendations and instructions of government bodies and experts and remaining in constant contact with representatives of Formula 1.

“The circuit is now closed, with only maintenance crews at the facility. But for now we continue to prepare for the grand prix.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

McLaren Formula 1 driver and avid gamer Lando Norris has a new hair do after making good on a promise to shave his head for charity.

The 20-year-old last week took part in Twitch’s “Stream Aid” event where he played F1 2019, Rocket League and iRacing to raise money for the Covid-19 Solidarity Respond Fund.

Briton Norris promised to cut his locks if he could raise more than $10,000 (£8,147) - and thanks to generous donations from fans he beat the total by $2,000 (£1,629).

Last night Norris live streamed the hair cut on his Twitch channel and F1.com welcomed the look by introducing the sport’s newest star - “#BaldoNorris”.

Norris said the new do “feels so weird” and Williams rival George Russell also had his say on his fellow Brit’s charity promise.

“Firstly - incredible,” Russell told Sky Sports F1. “But to be honest if I had hair as bad as that I’d probably shave it off as well. Fair play to him.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Nico: short season may help Max

Ex-Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes that a shorter season could help Max Verstappen’s chances of winning the title.

The 2020 calendar has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with the opening eight races either cancelled or postponed.

F1 CEO Chase Carey said last week that the revised calendar could see “between 15 and 18 races” take place once the sport gets the go-ahead.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, former Mercedes driver Rosberg said this could hand Red Bull and Verstappen a boost.

“It increases the chances of there being a surprise champion if there’s fewer races because then of course luck plays a bigger role,” said Rosberg.

“I always thought that Red Bull and Max Verstappen were really going to be in the hunt this year and really be able to annoy Mercedes in a big way and give them a run for their money.

“If there was a shorter season maybe his chances would be even bigger.”

As things stand the first race of the 2020 season will be the Canadian Grand Prix on 14 June in Montreal.

Which races have been called off?

• 15 March: Australian Grand Prix - cancelled
• 22 March: Bahrain Grand Prix - postponed
• 5 April: Vietnam Grand Prix - postponed
• 19 April: Chinese Grand Prix - postponed
• 3 May: Dutch Grand Prix - postponed
• 10 May: Spanish Grand Prix - postponed
• 14 May: Monaco Grand Prix - cancelled
• 7 June: Azerbaijan Grand Prix - postponed

Hamilton and Verstappen are the sport’s ‘only two stars’

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Wolff to discuss future with Daimler

Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has denied reports that he could leave to join Aston Martin’s works team in 2021.

Aston Martin will make its return to F1 next year and with Wolff out of contract at the end of the 2020 season it’s speculated that he could be brought in to lead the new outfit.

Crash.net reports that Wolff has dismissed the speculation and plans to discuss his Mercedes future with Daimler.

In an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, Wolff said: “There is no truth to the rumours that I’m going to be CEO of Aston Martin. I’m in a partnership with Daimler in the F1 team and that’s my priority.

“An investment consortium led by Lawrence Stroll has taken over a share [of Aston Martin]. This is a financial investment. But an operational role on my part at Aston Martin is definitely out of the question.”

Wolff has led the Silver Arrows to six successive F1 constructors’ championships and he added: “I am with Mercedes in our eighth year now and I really enjoy working with the people there.

“At the same time, I discuss our future with Ola Källenius, our joint venture and how we want to continue together.

“The platform is working very well for Mercedes as a brand and therefore everything points to us working together for the next few years.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Stroll excited by Aston project

Aston Martin’s return as an F1 works team in 2021 was confirmed yesterday in a news release.

Racing Point will be rebranded as part of a major investment led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who will become executive chairman of Aston Martin.

Stroll, who is the father of current Racing Point F1 driver Lance, said: “A brand with the pedigree and history of Aston Martin needs to be competing at the highest level of motorsport.

“I think it’s the most exciting thing that’s happened in recent memory in Formula 1 and it’s incredibly exciting for all stakeholders in the sport, especially the fans. I can’t think of a better name for a Formula 1 team.”

Money not the key factor for Vettel

Sebastian Vettel’s contract at Ferrari expires at the end of the 2020 season and the German says that money is not the key factor for any decision on his future.

Speaking to Autosport the four-time world champion said: “It depends what’s important to you, what drives you. And that’s fair. If money is your motivator then it can drive you very far, and make you very successful.

“There’s a lot of sportsmen, businessmen that thrive for money. I think the question really is whether people have a sense of enough.

“That’s not just valid for Formula 1. We are putting our life in a way also on the line, then you need to show some appreciation for that.

“Our careers also are shorter than some other careers. I think the really important thing is that you are happy, that’s the key.”

Vettel will be 33 this summer and in the interview with Autosport he said he was also pondering his future after F1. However, he is “quite relaxed” about the situation.

He added: “If I’m realistic, I’m not going to be here in ten years. So I think this is something you naturally start to think about.

“I think I’m in a very fortunate position that I can probably try and do a lot of things, once I have decided to stop racing in F1.

“Maybe race something else, maybe do something different in motorsport or do something completely different outside.

“I have some ideas, but I haven’t decided. I’m quite relaxed.”

British GP decision at end of April

A decision on whether the F1 British Grand Prix can go ahead will be made by the end of April.

The Silverstone event is scheduled for 17-19 July but the coronavirus pandemic has already seen the opening eight races of 2020 cancelled or postponed.

British GP organisers said: “We fully appreciate that other UK sporting events in July have taken decisions regarding their events, but it is important to highlight that their logistics and sporting arrangements differ from Silverstone’s.

“Therefore, our timeline gives us until the end of April to make a final decision. The safety of our fans, colleagues and the F1 community will be our priority and we will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Former Benetton and Renault team boss Flavio Briatore believes there are only two star drivers in Formula 1 right now - Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Mercedes driver Hamilton has dominated the sport with six world titles while Red Bull’s Verstappen has emerged as a major contender at the front of the grid.

While Briatore picks out Hamilton and Verstappen for praise, he also tips Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to have the potential to rival the star duo.

Speaking on F1’s Beyond The Grid podcast, Briatore said: “There’s only two stars in Formula 1 - Hamilton and Verstappen.

“Leclerc is young, big balls, which he’s demonstrating. I believe, if I was Ferrari, I’d have put Leclerc two years ago into the place of [Kimi] Raikkonen, because you know, with Raikkonen you’re going nowhere, you’ll never win anything with him.

“I’d [have taken] the risk to put Leclerc. Leclerc is a really, really strong guy. But Leclerc is not recognisable now. Verstappen for me is the more incredible driver. He’s fantastic in the way of overtaking.”

Max Verstappen’s father Jos drove for Briatore’s Benetton team in 1994. When asked if Max was a better driver than Jos, Briatore added: “No question. The name is the same, but the driver is completely different… I tell the father, ‘Jesus Christ, I wish I had your son in the car and not you!’”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

‘Ecclestone may just be right’

Is it time for Formula 1 to finally start considering the unthinkable? That’s the question posed by GP Fans writer Ian Parkes.

The 2020 F1 season is in disarray with the opening eight races called off because of the coronavirus pandemic. As things stand the first scheduled grand prix of the campaign will be Canada on 14 June, but the Montreal race is also under threat.

Last week F1 CEO Chase Carey said there’s hope that the 2020 championship would have “15 to 18 races”, but former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was not so optimistic.

When asked what he would do with the schedule, the 89-year-old said: “I think I’d have to say we’re going to close down talk of having any races this year.

“That’s the only thing you could do safely for everybody so nobody starts making silly arrangements which may not be able to happen.”

Parkes hopes that it’s Carey’s prediction that is correct in 2020, but says Ecclestone could be proved right.

“I sincerely hope Carey is correct, that somehow 15-18 races are crammed in over the second half of the year, even stretching into January/February of 2021 if necessary,” Parkes writes.

“But no matter your individual point of view of Ecclestone, you have to appreciate he may just be right, and that there is the distinct danger of there being no F1 at all in 2020. Naturally, we hope that is not the case.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Engineers from the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team usually produce fast championship-winning cars but now they have helped to rapidly create life-saving breathing devices to aid Covid-19 patients.

The breathing aid has been adapted by mechanical engineers at University College London (UCL) and clinicians at University College Hospital (UCLH) working with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP).

Known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the breathing aid can help keep Covid-19 patients out of intensive care.

It has been approved for use in the NHS and recommended by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The devices are already used in NHS hospitals but are in short supply.

The BBC reports that if trials are successful up to 1,000 of the CPAP machines can be produced per day by Mercedes AMG HPP beginning in one week’s time.

As part of “Project Pitlane”, it was reported last week that a collective of seven UK-based F1 teams were helping the Government’s call for assistance with the manufacture of medical devices.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

100 hours to produce the first device

Since the initial meeting on 18 March, engineers have been “working round the clock” to reverse engineer a device that can be produced rapidly by the thousands.

UCL said in a statement: “This breathing aid was produced within a rapid timeframe - it took fewer than 100 hours from the initial meeting to production of the first device.

“One hundred devices are to be delivered to UCLH for clinical trials, with rapid roll-out to hospitals around the country ahead of the predicted surge in Covid-19 hospital admissions.”

UCLH critical care consultant Professor Mervyn Singer added: “These devices will help to save lives by ensuring that ventilators, a limited resource, are used only for the most severely ill.

“While they will be tested at UCLH first, we hope they will make a real difference to hospitals across the UK by reducing demand on intensive care staff and beds, as well as helping patients recover without the need for more invasive ventilation.”

Andy Cowell, managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, said the F1 teams had shown an “impressive response” with Project Pitlane.

He said: “The Formula 1 community has shown an impressive response to the call for support, coming together in the ‘Project Pitlane’ collective to support the national need at this time across a number of different projects.

“We have been proud to put our resources at the service of UCL to deliver the CPAP project to the highest standards and in the fastest possible timeframe.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Going into the 2020 season Formula 1 fans were looking forward to a grand prix calendar featuring a record 22 races.

However, the rapid spread of the coronavirus has not just wiped the opening eight races off the schedule but has also thrown the 2020 campaign into disarray with no clear indication on when, or if, racing will resume.

The postponement of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix means the next scheduled event on the 2020 calendar is the Canadian GP on 14 June. But according to reports the race at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal is also a major doubt.

Team Canada will not be sending any athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics if the games are held this summer and GP Fans says this has “prompted fresh doubts” over the Canadian GP.

Officials in Canada have issued a statement to confirm preparations are going ahead for the Montreal race, but the situation is “evolving rapidly”.

The Canadian GP said: “The preparations for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix 2020 slated in the Formula 1 World Championship for June 12, 13 and 14 are going well and are following their course. This is a situation that we are constantly monitoring and that is evolving rapidly.

“Please note that we are in constant communication with members of Formula 1, the FIA and public authorities.

“Our priority remains to host a safe event for both spectators and personnel. Should the situation continue to evolve we will lean on the expertise of public health professionals and will keep you updated.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Carey: we will be ready to go racing again

Following Monday’s postponement of the Azerbaijan GP, Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey provided another update on the 2020 season. He hopes that the revised calendar can feature 15 to 18 races and that the season will start in the summer.

Carey said: “Over the past week, Formula 1, the ten F1 teams and the FIA have come together and taken rapid, decisive action as part of our initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While at present no-one can be certain of exactly when the situation will improve, it will improve and when it does, we will be ready to go racing again. We are all committed to bringing our fans a 2020 championship season.

“We recognise there is significant potential for additional postponements in currently scheduled events, nonetheless we and our partners fully expect the season to start at some point this summer, with a revised calendar of between 15-18 races.

“As previously announced we will utilise the summer break being brought forward to March/April to race during the normal summer break period, and anticipate the season end date will extend beyond our original end date of 27-29 November, with the actual sequence and schedule dates for races differing significantly from our original 2020 calendar.

“It is not possible to provide a more specific calendar now due to the fluidity of the current situation but we expect to gain clearer insights to the situation in each of our host countries, as well as the issues related to travel to these countries, in the coming month.

“We’re confident we’ll all get through this and see better days, ahead, and, when we do, we will ensure that everyone invested in this sport at every level feels rewarded.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Lewis: it’s irresponsible and selfish

Six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has criticised people for ignoring the UK government’s advice over social distancing.

At the weekend there were many reports of the public crowding in parks and beaches despite warnings they should be least two metres apart.

British driver Hamilton, who is self-isolating after coming into contact with people who have tested positive for the coronavirus, said: “I’m so sad to hear of the amount of deaths happening around the world.

“I know most of us are limited with the knowledge of why and how this has happened.

“There is nothing we can do about it either way except to try to isolate ourselves, stop ourselves from catching it and spreading it.

“There are people out there still going to clubs and bars and large gatherings which I personally feel is totally irresponsible and selfish.

“I’m praying for those working at the local store, deliverers, doctors and nurses who put their own health at risk to help others and keep the countries running. Those are the heroes. Please stay safe, people.”

2. Azerbaijan GP is postponed

Organisers of the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix have today confirmed that the 2020 race has been postponed. The Azerbaijan GP, which was due to be held at the Baku City Circuit from 5-7 June, is the eighth F1 race to be called off.

With Azerbaijan making its announcement, the 2020 F1 season will now not start until the Canadian GP on 14 June. However, the race at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal is also a major doubt.

3. Cole: restart the Prem in September

The Premier League last week vowed to finish the season in the summer, despite the current shutdown of international sport, but former England star Joe Cole believes it would be in the best interests of everyone if football shut down until September.

“If we can’t finish the season, and it’s getting close to the following season, the only situation which I think is fair is to just restart it,” said Cole, who is now employed as an academy coach with Chelsea.

His words will alarm Liverpool fans, whose club are 25 points clear at the top of the table, but Cole - a former Red himself - believes that they may have to sacrifice their ambition in the greater interest.

He added: “We’re in a situation where people have to be selfless in their lives and in football we need to lead the way. It’s going to benefit some clubs and others are going to be very upset but bigger things than football are at stake.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

4. Manny on the frontline in the Philippines

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says he is “not afraid to die” and will risk his health by leading from the front in the Philippines’s battle with coronavirus.

The 41-year-old WBA super welterweight champion - who is also a senator in his home country - has paid for 50,000 testing kits, 700,000 face masks, and donated five buses to transport health workers in the capital city Manila. He is also touring the streets to boost people’s morale.

‘Not afraid to die’: Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao leads from the front in coronavirus battle

5. Sport England campaigns to #StayInWorkOut

Sport England is launching a national campaign - #StayInWorkOut - to encourage people to remain active even if they are at home.

Chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said: “Even if social isolation means being inside - if you feel well, it is easier than ever to get active.

“We all know that right now what matters most is listening to what the official advice is telling us to do, so we can save lives and protect the NHS. What that doesn’t mean is that we stop being active, which we believe is now more important than ever.”

6. Naismith agrees 50% pay cut

BBC Sport reports that Hearts captain Steven Naismith has agreed to a 50% cut in his wages in a bid to help the Scottish Premiership club during the shutdown.

“My family and I feel that, through a long career, football has been very good to us,” said Naismith. “Therefore, I personally feel that I can and should accept the 50% reduction in wages.

“I hope this can contribute in some way to the long-term survival of the club at a challenging time and save jobs, especially those that are the lowest earners and hence those who will be struggling the most at this time.

“I know every one of my team-mates have unique circumstances with their finances, homes and families. I can assure everyone they are all doing what they can.”

7. Aubameyang’s in demand

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at Arsenal remains a major talking point with the striker’s contract expiring in the summer of 2021.

Barcelona have regularly been linked with the frontman and the Daily Mail reports that the Spanish giants, French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester United are all interested.

Merson: Aubameyang is just what United are missing

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

8. Arsenal cancel training return but will pay staff

Sky Sports reports that Arsenal have cancelled plans to resume training tomorrow and urged players, staff and fans to “stay at home and save lives”.

The north London club has also pledged to continue paying matchday and non-matchday casual workers until 30 April - when the Premier League is scheduled to return.

Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham said: “These are challenging times for everyone, but in particular our casual workers. This gesture is intended to ease their financial uncertainty while football is currently suspended to 30 April 2020. We look forward to welcoming football back to Emirates Stadium as soon as possible.”

9. Farah back in the spotlight over report row

Mo Farah is back in the headlines, The Times reports, after UK Anti-Doping accused the body in charge of British athletics of withholding important parts of a report into the Olympic champion’s American coach, which include the athlete’s sensitive medical data.

The independent review examined the handling by UK Athletics of the row surrounding the Nike Oregon Project, where Farah trained with the now disgraced coach Alberto Salazar.

10. Back pages: Olympics under threat

“The flame flickers” is the headline in the Independent, one of several papers to devote its back page to the fate of this summer’s Olympic Games.

The paper says that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will make a decision on whether to scrub the Tokyo 2020 games within the next four weeks.

Overnight Canada became the first nation to withdraw from the games and this will only increase the pressure on the IOC to make a decisive announcement as soon as possible with some wanting the event to be staged in 2021.

IOC urged to make decision as Team Canada withdraws from Tokyo 2020

Today’s back pages

Flame flickers on the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. F1 races go virtual

What a week it’s been for Formula 1. Seven days ago the Australian Grand Prix was cancelled because of the coronavirus and races have also been called off in Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain and Monaco.

The huge disruption to the 2020 season forced a change in the dates of the summer shutdown and yesterday F1, the FIA and all ten teams unanimously agreed to delay the introduction of the 2021 technical regulations by a year to 2022.

Fans will have to wait until June at the earliest to see their favourite drivers return to the track but in the meantime they will be able to watch a digital version of the grands prix.

F1 has today announced the launch of a new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, featuring a number of current F1 drivers.

A statement said: “The series has been created to enable fans to continue watching Formula 1 races virtually, despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation that has affected this season’s opening race calendar.

“The virtual races will run in place of every postponed grand prix, starting this weekend with the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday 22 March.”

Starting at 8pm (GMT), Sunday’s Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix will be available to watch on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels.

The race is expected to run for 1 hour 30 minutes, with a qualifying period where grid positions will be determined based on the drivers’ fastest lap time.

2. No Monaco GP in 2020

Yesterday it was first announced that the Formula 1 Dutch, Spanish and Monaco grands prix had been postponed, but it was later confirmed that the Monaco race was in fact cancelled.

This means that for the first time since 1954 the streets of Monte-Carlo will not host F1’s grandest event. The Historic Monaco Grand Prix, which is held ahead of the F1 race, has also been cancelled.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

3. Southgate pens open letter to fans

Gareth Southgate has urged football fans to “look out for each other” during what the England head coach calls the “most extreme test that we’ve faced collectively in decades”.

In an open letter the Three Lions boss said: “In the way you’ve all come together to support our team, we must now work together to combat a virus that is causing physical and emotional issues to so many.

“We were due to play next week and to represent you all this summer, but now is clearly not the moment for us to take centre-stage. The heroes will be the men and women who continue working tirelessly in our hospitals and medical centres to look after our friends and families.”

Classy and exemplary: Gareth Southgate is praised for his leadership

4. Scottish football remains suspended

Scottish football bosses followed their English counterparts in suspending all matches until 30 April at the very earliest.

A statement said: “The Scottish FA reiterates that all football in Scotland, both domestic and professional, remains suspended indefinitely. For the benefit of planning, the Scottish FA confirms that football in Scotland will not resume before 30 April.

“It remains Scottish football’s firm intention to begin the 2020-21 season as soon as is practicably possible later this year.”

Coronavirus: sport industry faces wage cuts, bailouts and financial ruin

5. Rugby season over except for Premiership

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has confirmed that the 2019/20 season is over in England except for the Premiership as talks are still ongoing.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “The Rugby Football Union is announcing the end of the 2019/20 rugby season for all league, cup and county rugby in England. The only exception to this is the Gallagher Premiership, who we are in active discussions with to review possible best next steps.”

6. RIP Whitts

Cardiff City have paid tribute to former midfielder Peter Whittingham who has died at the age of 35.

The playmaker, who also had spells with Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers, had been in hospital for more than a week after suffering a head injury following a fall in a pub in Barry.

Whittingham, who was capped by England Under-21s, joined Cardiff in 2007 and made 459 appearances and scored 98 goals before leaving in 2017.

“We are heartbroken,” Cardiff said in a statement. “He excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.”

7. World Snooker Championship postponed

Another major sporting event postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic is the World Snooker Championship.

It was scheduled to take place at the Crucible in Sheffield from 18 April to 4 May but organisers hope to rearrange in July or August, BBC reports.

World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn said: “These are tough times for everyone but we are determined to get through it. Fans around the world - as well as the 144 players involved - are anxious to know if and when the World Championship will go ahead.

“I can assure everyone that we are doing all we can alongside our broadcasters, the venues and other partners to confirm new dates as soon as possible.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

8. Return of king Eric?

The Daily Mirror has a story on its back page that will be a shot in the arm for Manchester United fans in these worrying times; namely, the claim that Eric Cantona could be set for a return to Old Trafford.

The French maestro, known as “the king” during his days at the club in the 1990s, could be hired in what the Mirror describes as an “ambassadorial role”.

The 53-year-old remains a legend in Manchester and the United board believe that having Cantona around Old Trafford would be a “major vote winner for the current club hierarchy as they stay in touch with the glorious past”.

9. United ‘enquire’ about Coutinho

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho and now Manchester United have reportedly made an enquiry over the Brazilian’s availability.

Sky Sports reports that United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “mulling over bringing the former Liverpool playmaker back to the Premier League”.

Coutinho is currently on loan at German giants Bayern Munich.

Pogba’s Man Utd career is ‘over’ and Chelsea are keen on Coutinho

10. Back pages: Premier League will finish season

The dominant story on today’s back pages is the bullish message from the football authorities that the Premier League season will be finished no matter what.

“We’ll win it in extra time”, is the headline in the Daily Mirror, above a photo of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and the German also adorns the back of the Daily Express and the Daily Star.

The Star’s headline is “we’ll get the job done”, and the paper adds that the Premier League “vows to finish the season when the outbreak is over”.

Today’s back pages

Premier League goes into extra time

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

It did not come as a surprise that the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, but the timing of last night’s announcement left fans and media angry at race organisers.

Yesterday morning at around 11.30am (GMT) McLaren confirmed they had withdrawn from the 2020 season-opening race after one of their team tested positive for coronavirus.

However, confusion then reigned for the next 12 hours as to whether the Australian GP would go ahead, be cancelled or take place behind closed doors at Albert Park.

Conflicting reports and speculation dominated the Twitter trends as fans searched for information about the race down under.

But finally, at 11pm last night, it was confirmed that the first race of the season would be called off. The announcement came just two hours before the scheduled start of first practice.

A statement issued by F1, governing body the FIA and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) said: “We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the thousands of fans due to attend the race and all ticket holders will receive a full refund and a further announcement will be communicated in due course.

“All parties took into consideration the huge efforts of the AGPC, Motorsport Australia, staff and volunteers to stage the opening round of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, however concluded that the safety of all members of the Formula 1 family and the wider community, as well as the fairness of the competition take priority.”

F1 managing director Ross Brawn defended the handling of the cancellation and said: “We had so many issues to work through. We had to get the teams together again and hold a meeting. It all takes time.

“It’s not a total autocracy, as in we just can’t make a decision. We have so many factors to take into account. I think we did a pretty good job of reaching the right conclusion with so many stakeholders involved.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

‘Greed of F1’

The decision to cancel was obviously the correct one in terms of public health and safety, but the hours of limbo between the two announcements added chaos to an already busy start to the season.

Describing it as “one of the most chaotic days in a very long time”, Planet F1 reports on a dramatic chain of events that led to the race being cancelled.

GPFans called it a “farcical situation” and the website’s Sam Hall slammed F1 owners Liberty Media by saying the Australian GP nightmare “highlights the greed of F1”.

Hall wrote: “Formula One has always been a sport for the rich and the elite, but the money involved now is too vast, too gargantuan and it needs to be reigned in. Not only the money being spent by teams, but also the fees charged by Liberty Media.

“This embarrassment will haunt both F1 and Liberty Media for years to come and has shown that those running the show value money over anything, including the health and well being of both those within and outside of the paddock. A disgrace that will take time to recover from.”

Coronavirus impact on sport: which events are cancelled, postponed or being played behind closed doors?

End of May start for 2020 season?

Last month it was announced that the Chinese Grand Prix in April would be postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Today, F1 has also confirmed that next week’s race in Bahrain and the inaugural grand prix in Vietnam have been postponed.

A statement said: “As a result, Formula 1 and the FIA expect to begin the [2020] championship in Europe at the end of May but given the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Europe in recent days, this will be regularly reviewed.”

Chase Carey, Formula 1 chairman and CEO, added: “The global situation regarding COVID-19 is fluid and very difficult to predict and its right we take time to assess the situation and make the right decisions.

“We are taking this decision with the FIA and our promoters to ensure the safety of everyone involved in Formula 1 and our fans.

“The Bahrain Grand Prix is an exciting race in our schedule, and we look forward to being back there as soon as we can.

“We are also looking forward to Vietnam’s inaugural race and bringing the spectacle of F1 to one of the most exciting cities in the world.”

Twitter reactions to the Aus GP cancellation

How fans and pundits reacted on Twitter to a crazy day in F1 history…

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

“Cash is king”. That was Lewis Hamilton’s blunt reply when the Formula 1 world champion was asked why the Australian Grand Prix was still going ahead despite global concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.

Ahead of Sunday’s season-opening race in Melbourne it’s reported by the BBC that team members from Haas and McLaren are in self-isolation after being tested for coronavirus.

It was then confirmed on Thursday that the McLaren official had tested positive for the virus and the team had withdrawn from the race.

Speaking before the McLaren announcement, Mercedes driver Hamilton did not hold back when asked for his thoughts on the race taking place.

At a packed media conference, the Briton said: “I am really very, very surprised that we’re here. I don’t think it’s great that we have races but it really is shocking that we’re all sitting in this room.

“It seems that the rest of the world is already reacting a little bit late, but you have seen this morning with [President Donald] Trump shutting down the border to Europe to the [United] States, the NBA suspended, yet Formula 1 continues to go on.

“It’s a concern I think for the people here. It’s quite a big circus that’s come here, it’s definitely concerning for me.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

McLaren withdraw - will the GP be off?

McLaren announced on Thursday that they had withdrawn from the Australian GP after a member of their team tested positive for coronavirus.

In a statement the Woking team said: “McLaren Racing has confirmed this evening in Melbourne that it has withdrawn from the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following the positive test of a team member for the coronavirus.

“The team member was tested and self-isolated as soon as they started to show symptoms and will now be treated by local healthcare authorities. The team has prepared for this eventuality and has ongoing support in place for its employee who will now enter a period of quarantine. The team is cooperating with the relevant local authorities to assist their investigations and analysis.

“Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, and Andreas Seidl, team principal of McLaren F1, informed Formula 1 and the FIA of the decision this evening.

“The decision has been taken based on a duty of care not only to McLaren F1 employees and partners, but also to the team’s competitors, Formula 1 fans and wider F1 stakeholders.”

F1 said in a tweet: “Following the outcome of the test on a member the McLaren team, F1 and FIA have been in close contact with them on their decision and have been coordinating with all relevant authorities on next steps. Our priority is the safety of the fans, teams and all personnel at the race.”

According to the BBC and Sky Sports the season-opening grand prix will be called off.

Coronavirus impact on sport events: what’s postponed, cancelled or being played behind closed doors?

Vettel: drivers would ‘pull handbrake’

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was also in the press conference this morning and the German said that if the situation gets worse F1’s drivers would stand up and make a “big decision” if needed.

“I hope others would agree, and we hope it doesn’t get that far, but if it were to get that far then for sure you pull the handbrake,” said Vettel.

“I think we are a group of 20 guys and I think we’ve got together over the last years for various circumstances on various topics, and I think we share common opinion on big decisions.

“I would qualify it is a very, very big decision and ultimately, as I said before, you look at yourself. And we would, I think, be mature enough to look after ourselves and pull the handbrake in that case.”

13,000 sign petition

More than 13,000 people have signed a petition to get the Australian GP cancelled.

Titled “Ban the Melbourne Grand Prix - don’t bring Coronavirus to Melbourne!” the petition says: “The Victorian Government are not taking their duty of care seriously in regards to the Coronavirus and the Grand Prix.

“They are allowing the Grand Prix to go ahead despite two of the major race teams coming over from their home base in Modena, Italy.

“Both Ferrari and AlphaTauri teams, as well as the tyre supplier Pirelli are based within a few short kms from the epicentre of the coronavirus in Italy. They will be travelling with over 100 team staff and crew each as well as any supporters.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

It was finally confirmed late on Thursday night by Formula 1 and the FIA that the opening race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, had been cancelled.

McLaren withdrew from the Melbourne event after one of their team members tested positive for coronavirus.

In a statement the Woking-based team said: “McLaren Racing has confirmed this evening in Melbourne that it has withdrawn from the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following the positive test of a team member for the coronavirus.

“The team member was tested and self-isolated as soon as they started to show symptoms and will now be treated by local healthcare authorities.

“The team has prepared for this eventuality and has ongoing support in place for its employee who will now enter a period of quarantine. The team is cooperating with the relevant local authorities to assist their investigations and analysis.

“Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, and Andreas Seidl, team principal of McLaren F1, informed Formula 1 and the FIA of the decision this evening.

“The decision has been taken based on a duty of care not only to McLaren F1 employees and partners, but also to the team’s competitors, Formula 1 fans and wider F1 stakeholders.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Confirming the cancellation of the Australian GP, a statement by F1, FIA and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation said: “Following the confirmation that a member of the McLaren Racing Team has tested positive for COVID-19 and the team’s decision to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 and the FIA convened a meeting of the other nine team principals on Thursday evening.

“Those discussions concluded with a majority view of the teams that the race should not go ahead.

“Formula 1 and the FIA, with the full support of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation [AGPC] have therefore taken the decision that all Formula 1 activity for the Australian Grand Prix are cancelled.

“We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the thousands of fans due to attend the race and all ticket holders will receive a full refund and a further announcement will be communicated in due course.

“All parties took into consideration the huge efforts of the AGPC, Motorsport Australia, staff and volunteers to stage the opening round of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, however concluded that the safety of all members of the Formula 1 family and the wider community, as well as the fairness of the competition take priority.”

It had already been announced that next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix would be staged behind closed doors while the Chinese Grand Prix in April is postponed.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Daniel Ricciardo says Formula 1’s season-opening grand prix in Australia should not take place if Italian teams are not allowed to race because of the coronavirus outbreak.

All travellers from Italy will be subject to stringent health screenings on arrival to Australia and this has put Ferrari, Alpha Tauri and Pirelli’s participation in jeopardy for the race in Melbourne on 15 March.

F1 motorsport managing director Ross Brawn this week warned that if any team is unable to compete in a grand prix because of coronavirus restrictions then the event will not go ahead.

Renault’s Australian driver Ricciardo agreed and he told the Sydney Morning Herald: “The race can’t go ahead without a full grid. I don’t think it would be right to race without all ten teams and all 20 drivers.

“If, say, Ferrari and Alpha Tauri couldn’t compete and we went ahead, it wouldn’t be fair on them. It’s not like they’d been disqualified from racing for, say, a technical infringement. It just wouldn’t be right.

“Winning a race like that... it’s not the way any of us would want to win. Say there was a reason why Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull weren’t coming and then I won in Melbourne… it would be a shallow victory and it wouldn’t mean anything.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Marko: FIA settlement is ‘political suicide’

GrandPX reports that the fallout from the FIA’s confidential settlement with Ferrari continues with Red Bull Racing advisor Dr Helmut Marko calling it “political suicide”.

Last week the FIA confirmed that it had settled with Ferrari over their 2019-spec power unit, but in response seven F1 teams issued a joint statement expressing their “shock and surprise”.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reports that F1 has been “thrown into war” by the “planned attack” of the seven teams on Wednesday morning, while La Gazzetta dello Sport called it a “war over political influence and money”.

Comparing the situation to the corruption scandals of football’s governing body Fifa, Red Bull official Marko said: “The whole thing has now taken on Fifa proportions. Only one letter is missing between the FIA and Fifa.

“In any other association, this would be political suicide by [FIA president] Jean Todt. The FIA has discredited a sport in which we invest three-digit million sums of euros each year.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Excitement is building for the return of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix after Max Verstappen took a Red Bull Racing RB8 for the first laps around the newly-renovated Zandvoort Circuit yesterday.

On 3 May the circuit will host the first Dutch GP in 35 years and Verstappen will be the star attraction.

His home grand prix is expected to attract thousands of his “Orange Army” as they pack the stands to see the 22-year-old race on home soil.

While the seaside circuit’s layout is largely the same, Red Bull says a number of key modifications have been made: “Most notably in Turns 3 [Hugenholtz] and the final corner [Arie Luyendyk], both of which now feature steep and challenging banking of up to 18 degrees.”

After driving the double world title-winning RB8 on his home circuit Verstappen had a message for his loyal fans.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back here for the grand prix,” he said. “To have a home grand prix will be even more crazy than usual in terms of support.

“I hope it’s going to be a highlight of the season, but it will all depend on the Sunday result. But we’ll do everything we can to make sure it’s a good one.”

F1: Red Bull have high hopes for Max Verstappen’s title bid

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Reaction: what Verstappen said about the circuit

“It was a great opportunity to be the first person to drive an F1 car at the new Zandvoort Circuit and the track is really cool - especially Turn 3 where the banking is amazing. I didn’t expect the banking to be that big but it’s really cool to drive an F1 car on.

“The last corner is the same. It’s also pretty banked and with the new cars and DRS open through there it will be a good challenge and a lot of fun.

“The whole track is very demanding. There are a lot of fast corners and still not that much run-off. That makes it really challenging to go on the limit, but that’s good. That’s what we like.

“Does it give me a head start coming here today? Maybe a little. It’s always good to drive a track for the first time and see how it feels and what it’s like. I definitely enjoyed it.”

In pictures: Verstappen drives at Zandvoort

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Vettel admits he could leave Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel maintains that he wants to continue driving in Formula 1 but the German admits it could be away from Ferrari.

The 32-year-old, a four-time world champion from his days at Red Bull, is out of contract at the end of the 2020 season and there have been question marks about his future in the sport.

In an interview with German publication Sport Bild, Vettel said: “There are no signs and no reason why I couldn’t or shouldn’t continue.

“I had a little bit of time in the winter and I used it to make up my mind that I definitely want it [to continue] and that I still enjoy it.”

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has revealed that preliminary talks have started with the driver.

Speaking to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Binotto said: “We have started to discuss it with Seb. They are preliminary talks, but soon we will get to the point where we evaluate what is best for both of us. I believe and hope that an agreement can be reached very quickly.”

Despite Binotto’s recent comments Vettel says he could follow in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher and drive for another team.

When asked if that was possible, he said: “It is. I think there is even an example of a German who went somewhere else after Ferrari, if I remember correctly.”

F1 teams object to FIA Ferrari settlement

Seven F1 teams have issued a joint statement expressing their “shock and surprise” to the FIA’s confidential “settlement” with Ferrari over their 2019-spec power unit.

Signed by McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Point, Red Bull, Renault, Alpha Tauri and Williams, the joint statement said: “We, the undersigned teams, were surprised and shocked by the FIA’s statement of Friday 28 February regarding the conclusion of its investigation into the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Power Unit.

“An international sporting regulator has the responsibility to act with the highest standards of governance, integrity and transparency.

“After months of investigations that were undertaken by the FIA only following queries raised by other teams, we strongly object to the FIA reaching a confidential settlement agreement with Ferrari to conclude this matter.

“Therefore, we hereby state publicly our shared commitment to pursue full and proper disclosure in this matter, to ensure that our sport treats all competitors fairly and equally.

“We do so on behalf of the fans, the participants and the stakeholders of Formula One. In addition, we reserve our rights to seek legal redress, within the FIA’s due process and before the competent courts.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Hamilton not listening to rivals’s claims

Following the conclusion of pre-season testing, Ferrari and Red Bull have suggested that Mercedes will be favourites ahead of the first race in Australia on 15 March.

However, reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton says the Silver Arrows are not listening to what their rivals are saying.

Hamilton, who is aiming to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of seven championships, told Sky Sports: “I don’t pay attention to anyone else through testing. We literally just focus on our job and I have no idea what other people have been saying.

“I’ve been here a long, long time so I’m aware of people bigging us up and talking themselves down so that they can potentially overachieve unexpectedly or whatever.

“It doesn’t make a difference. Some people think that it’s a psychological battle but it’s really not. Only for the weak-minded maybe. But it doesn’t affect us whatsoever.”

Brawn warns over coronavirus restrictions

F1 motorsport managing director Ross Brawn has warned that if any team is unable to compete in a grand prix because of coronavirus restrictions then the race will not go ahead.

With Italy one of the countries most affected by the outbreak, Reuters reports that some countries have imposed “quarantine periods on anyone who has come from or been in Italy during a two-week period prior to entry”.

This has raised concerns over Ferrari’s participation in some races, but Brawn said: “If a team is prevented from entering a country we can’t have a race. Not a Formula 1 world championship race, anyway, because that would be unfair.

“Obviously if a team makes its own choice not to go to a race, that’s their decision. But where a team is prevented from going to a race because of a decision of the country then it’s difficult to have a fair competition.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Marko: Red Bull ready to fight Mercedes

Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko believes the team can rival reigning champions Mercedes for the victory in the season-opening Formula 1 grand prix in Australia on 15 March.

With pre-season testing now complete, all ten teams are now preparing for the first race of the 2020 campaign.

Red Bull have ambitions of ending Mercedes’s domination and for Max Verstappen, 22, to become the youngest-ever F1 world champion.

Speaking after testing in Barcelona, Marko said: “The car does what we expected and what we hoped for. We start the season with a very positive feeling. We have come a step closer to our goal of making Max Verstappen the youngest world champion.

“Testing is deceiving and the teams hide what they really are doing. But we are certainly much better prepared than in recent years. I think we can fight with Mercedes for victory in Australia.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Australian GP ‘going ahead’ for now

The coronavirus outbreak is putting many major sporting events at risk of cancellation but F1 Australian Grand Prix officials insist that the Melbourne race is going ahead.

F1’s 2020 season starts down under on Sunday 15 March and with two weeks to go it’s reported that ticket sales for the Albert Park event are up this year.

Martin Pakula, Australia’s minister for tourism, sport and major events, told the Sydney Morning Herald that although the situation may change because of the coronavirus spread, the Australian GP is still on.

Pakula said: “I’ve got the latest information from both the Commonwealth and Formula 1 management and the grand prix is going ahead as planned.”

‘All systems go’

Australian GP boss Andrew Westacott said it was “all systems go” in Melbourne, which is gearing up to host its 25th Formula 1 GP.

Westacott added: “The finishing touches are being put on the circuit, Formula 1 freight and personnel are arriving in the coming days and we’re looking forward to opening the gates to the public.

“The health and safety of everyone at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2020 is paramount. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has robust health, safety and emergency management arrangements in place at each event and we are working collaboratively with health agencies and related government and emergency services organisations in addressing this matter.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the lead-up to the grand prix and are taking guidance from subject matter experts, including Victorian and National Chief Health Officers and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.”

Concerns for Italian contingent

Despite officials declaring that the Australian GP is going ahead as planned, there are major concerns within the paddock, especially for the contingent based in Italy - Ferrari, Alpha Tauri and Pirelli.

GrandPX reports that there’s a “very dark cloud” hanging over F1’s 2020 season, with a number of races in doubt following the postponement of the Chinese GP.

Italy has the most confirmed cases of coronavirus in Europe, Crash.net reports, but Australian GP boss Westacott said: “At this stage there is no indication of further travel bans, nor is there any indication that Formula 1 and the teams will not be arriving as usual.

“Formula 1 has again confirmed overnight that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead and we’re looking forward to welcoming them and the teams to Melbourne.”

However, Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is seeking clarity before the team jets off to Melbourne, GrandPX adds.

“We need to protect our employees,” said Binotto. “I don’t think we can discover on a plane what can be or what will be the situation.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Formula 1 second pre-season test

• When: 26-28 February
• Where: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
• Daily timings: 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm (GMT)
• TV coverage: live on Sky Sports F1

Formula 1’s second pre-season test will take place this week at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.

Starting on Wednesday and finishing on Friday, the three-day test will see the ten teams fine-tune their cars in preparation for the 2020 season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March.

All 20 drivers will be on track during the three days in Barcelona, but on Wednesday Alfa Romeo Racing reserve and test driver Robert Kubica will share duties with Kimi Raikkonen.

Here we take a look at the driver schedules and TV coverage for this week’s second test.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Timings and TV coverage

In the UK pre-season testing will be shown live on Sky Sports F1. The broadcaster reports that the daily testing sessions take place in the morning from 8am-12pm (GMT) and in the afternoon from 1pm-5pm (GMT).

F1: five things we learned from the first pre-season test in Barcelona

Drivers and cars: who will take the wheel this week?

Mercedes W11

• Wednesday 26 February - day one: Lewis Hamilton (morning); Valtteri Bottas (afternoon)
• Thursday 27 February - day two: Valtteri Bottas (morning); Lewis Hamilton (afternoon)
• Friday 28 February - day three: Lewis Hamilton (morning); Valtteri Bottas (afternoon)

Ferrari SF1000

• Wednesday: Sebastian Vettel (morning); Charles Leclerc (afternoon)
• Thursday: Sebastian Vettel
• Friday: Charles Leclerc

Red Bull Racing RB16

• Wednesday: Alexander Albon (morning); Max Verstappen (afternoon)
• Thursday: Max Verstappen (morning); Alexander Albon (afternoon)
• Friday: Alexander Albon (morning); Max Verstappen (afternoon)

McLaren MCL35

• Wednesday: Carlos Sainz (morning); Lando Norris (afternoon)
• Thursday: Lando Norris
• Friday: Carlos Sainz

Renault R.S.20

• Wednesday: Daniel Ricciardo (morning); Esteban Ocon (afternoon)
• Thursday: Esteban Ocon (morning); Daniel Ricciardo (afternoon)
• Friday: Daniel Ricciardo (morning); Esteban Ocon (afternoon)

Alpha Tauri AT01

• Wednesday: Pierre Gasly (morning); Daniil Kvyat (afternoon)
• Thursday: Pierre Gasly
• Friday: Daniil Kvyat

Racing Point RP20

• Wednesday: Lance Stroll (morning); Sergio Perez (afternoon)
• Thursday: Lance Stroll
• Friday: Sergio Perez

Alfa Romeo C39

• Wednesday: Robert Kubica (morning); Kimi Raikkonen (afternoon)
• Thursday: Antonio Giovinazzi
• Friday: Kimi Raikkonen

Haas VF-20

• Wednesday: Romain Grosjean
• Thursday: Kevin Magnussen
• Friday: Kevin Magnussen (morning); Romain Grosjean (afternoon)

Williams FW43

• Wednesday: Nicholas Latifi (morning); George Russell (afternoon)
• Thursday: Nicholas Latifi
• Friday: George Russell

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

After a busy few weeks of car launches the ten Formula 1 teams finally got the chance to take their 2020 challengers on the track at the first pre-season testing session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.

This week there will be three more days of testing in Barcelona, starting on Wednesday, as the teams and drivers fine-tune their preparations ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 15 March.

Here we take a look at five things we have learned so far from pre-season testing…

1. DAS system causes a stir

Reigning constructors’ champions Mercedes grabbed the headlines last week after unveiling their new Dual Axis Steering (DAS) system.

The BBC reports that Mercedes have been cleared to use DAS in the 2020 campaign but the FIA has confirmed it would not be legal under the new regulations being introduced in 2021.

A clause in the 2021 rules state: “The re-alignment of the steered wheels, as defined by the position of the inboard attachment of the relevant suspensions members that remain a fixed distance from each other, must be uniquely defined by a monotonic function of the rotational position of a single steering wheel.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2. Bottas is the flying Finn

Formula1.com’s Lawrence Barretto said Mercedes have looked “very, very, very good” in Barcelona.

The Silver Arrows, who have won six successive constructors’ titles, enjoyed three fruitful days of testing in the new W11.

Valtteri Bottas proved he was the “flying Finn” as he recorded the fastest lap of the week - a sensational 1min 15.732secs. Bottas’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton, the reigning world champion, was second on the timesheets.

3. Are Ferrari holding back?

Described as a downbeat assessment, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto admitted that he is “not as optimistic as last year”. He added: “Some of the others are faster than us at the moment. Looking at the picture at the front comparing it to ourselves, I think we are not as fast.”

The Prancing Horse’s new SF1000 seemed “off the pace”, says F1i.com, but could Ferrari be holding back their true potential?

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel said: “I think right now the target is not to prove the maximum power of the engine, the target is to do as many laps as possible.

“Ramping up the engine and so on, it’s probably not something you want to do in testing and certainly not to show everyone.”

Giving his verdict of the first week, F1Technical.net’s Balazs Szabo believes Ferrari are “in trouble” after Vettel’s car “suffered an engine problem on the final morning of the first week of testing, forcing the team to make an engine change for the afternoon session”.

4. Russell: no way Williams will be off the pace

After their torrid 2019 season Williams Racing are looking for massive improvements.

Speaking at the conclusion of the first pre-season test British driver George Russell is confident that the team will have a better year in 2020.

Russell said: “There’s no way we’ll be as far off the pace as we were last year. Last year on average we were one second behind [and] you can say that all the other teams at least have found three tenths – so for us to be fighting we need to have found at least that amount.

“If we can achieve what we’re aiming for then I think it’ll be a great job, which is to be fighting with other teams. But we just need to see - [this week] will be a better understanding but realistically, Melbourne is the time everybody will know where they stand.”

5. Ocon expects lap records to be broken

Renault’s Esteban Ocon secured the fourth-fastest lap on the timesheets behind Mercedes duo Bottas and Hamilton and Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen.

Commenting on the pace of the new cars, the Frenchman predicts that lap records will be broken in 2020.

Ocon said: “I have never gone that fast in some corners before. It feels good.

“It is definitely exciting because we are going to go faster and faster. We’re probably going to break all the records this year of lap times.”

F1 2020 season guide: grand prix calendar, race start times, TV coverage, championship betting odds

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Formula 1’s “Pink Panthers”, the Racing Point F1 team, are excited for the new season after revealing their RP20 car and announcing BWT as title sponsor.

Earlier this week CEO and team principal Otmar Szafnauer was joined by drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll at the unveiling of the RP20, which will make its on-track debut at pre-season testing in Barcelona on Wednesday.

Racing Point finished seventh in the 2019 constructors’ championship with 73 points while Perez (52 points) and Stroll (21 points) were tenth and 15th in the drivers’ standings respectively.

Looking ahead to the 2020 season, Szafnauer says the team have a target of winning the battle of the midfield.

“It’s always difficult to make predictions this early in the year - but firstly, we need to start this season at a much higher level than we did in 2019 and that means right from the first test in Barcelona this week,” he said.

“I’m confident we can do this and our ultimate target is to be at the front of the midfield - but we also intend to end the year closer to third place than fifth.

“We know that the car we will race in Melbourne is a significant step forward in every area, but where this puts us is dependent upon what our competitors have done over the winter.

“Stable regulations typically reduce the probability of shocks - but it’s important that we don’t underestimate anybody at this stage of the season.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Testing schedule

Pre-season testing gets underway on Wednesday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain and on day one Perez and Stroll will share driving duties in the RP20.

Thursday will see Perez behind the wheel of the RP20 then Stroll will take over for Friday’s testing.

Following the opening three-day test in Barcelona there will be a second testing session from 26-28 February.

What the drivers say about 2020

Sergio Perez

“It will be a long season but I’m looking forward to it. The support I have from my family is inspiring and I hope to have a wonderful year for them. I’m really looking forward to racing in Vietnam for the first time - which should be a great venue - and returning to Zandvoort after racing there in my junior career.

“Last season we saw a very close fight in the midfield and we were in the middle of it. I will be happy if we can finish fourth in the constructors’ championship this season and get a few podiums - that would be a good season.”

Lance Stroll

“For this year, the philosophy of our car has completely changed and there’s a lot of excitement that comes from that. This excitement is what Formula 1 is all about and if I no longer had that excitement, if I no longer had the butterflies, I wouldn’t be competing.

“There are races like Spa and Monza that we all love driving - but it’s also fun when they throw some new tracks into the mix. Vietnam will offer a new challenge and so will Zandvoort with the new modifications.

“2020 will be a long season. It’s important to kick off with some good results - but it’s a marathon. You’ve got to be consistent and score as many points as you can. That’s going to be our goal and we’ll see what that brings us after Abu Dhabi.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Imola circuit director Roberto Marazzi has revealed that the former Formula 1 venue has submitted an application to the FIA to replace the Chinese Grand Prix in the 2020 race calendar.

The Chinese GP on 19 April has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak and while alternative plans are being discussed there are doubts if Shanghai can be worked into the schedule later in the season.

Imola last held the F1 San Marino Grand Prix in 2006 and Marazzi confirmed to Dutch publication Racingnews365 that it has put itself forward as a stand-in.

He said: “We have indeed submitted an application to the FIA and the F1 organisation to replace the Chinese GP. We have not yet received a response. I expect it is difficult to get everything arranged.”

Autosport also reports that Imola has offered to host a round this year and while the circuit is licensed for F1 cars, and could be ready on time, president Uberto Selvatico Estense admits his “dream” may be “mission impossible”.

Estense told Autosport: “It would be very difficult to arrange it, but the track is ready. We can move very fast to host a grand prix as we did in the past. We would not be at our best, of course. But if it’s necessary, we will move on with it.

“We’ve got the homologation for F1. The pit building is OK. I think we miss some parts of the hospitality, but we can organise it very quickly if necessary.

“It’s kind of a mission impossible. But why not? Anything is possible if Liberty wants. I’m a dreamer! I always hoped that this opportunity would come. But it’s very difficult, it’s true.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Lewis: F1 is facing a diversity issue

Six-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has called on the sport to become more diverse.

The British driver was last night named joint winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award and during his acceptance speech he said: “I grew up in a sport that has really given my life meaning.

“I’m so, so grateful for what it has provided me, but I’ve grown up in a sport that has very little to no diversity and I think it’s an issue we’re continually facing.

“It’s all of our responsibility to use our platform for that, to push for gender equality, inclusivity, for making sure we are engaging and trying to represent where the world is today.

“It’s a real honour to be here and congratulations to all of the nominees. A big thank you to Mercedes-Benz, who have always been a supporter, they signed me when I was 13, and I want to also say a huge congratulations to Laureus for changing people’s lives and giving people hope.”

Hamilton shared the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award with Barcelona football star Lionel Messi.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

After a disastrous campaign in 2019 ROKiT Williams Racing are hoping to make a fresh start this year with the launch of their new car, the FW43.

Last season the Grove-based team finished rock-bottom of the Formula 1 constructors’ championship, winning just one point from 21 races.

Going into the 2020 season Williams have a new driver with Nicholas Latifi replacing Robert Kubica. Canadian Latifi, 24, steps up from his test and reserve role to partner Britain’s George Russell, who has been retained for another year.

With a new car and a new driver, Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams says the team are committed to rebuilding the famous F1 brand and are ready to fight in 2020.

She said: “This year marks a fresh start for the team. We have spent time addressing our areas of weakness and have ensured that we have the right people, structures, procedures and resource in place to deliver competitive race cars.

“We are all committed to re-building Williams and returning the team to competitiveness. As such, our 2020 campaign is about making progress. The fighting spirit is still very much alive, and this year, everyone will continue that fight until we get back to where we want to be.”

Following the official launch of the FW43, Williams will now head to pre-season testing starting on Wednesday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.

The first test takes place from 19-21 February and the second test is from 26-28 February.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

What Williams bosses say about the FW43

Doug McKiernan, design director

“The team at the factory have been working incredibly hard on the development of the car for the 2020 season. We have paid significant attention to understanding the problem areas of the FW42 and we have carefully chosen parts of the car to develop, those that would give us the most performance for the resources we have.

“The main concept behind the FW43 is that it is a continuous development of the FW42, with no fundamental concept changes to the layout. The most important indicator that we are on the right path will be the level of correlation we have between the tool kit we use to design the car and what the track data is telling us.

“There has been a healthy development rate in the wind tunnel, and we have found reasonable improvements in the cooling efficiency. The team has addressed the mechanical issues that affected it in 2019, these include the brakes and the overall weight of the car. We have made some good progress across these areas and will continue to focus on them during the season.”

Adam Carter, chief engineer

“The initiatives that we put in place to drive performance across all disciplines within the engineering department are evident in the design and development of the FW43. It’s been great to see the hard work starting to pay off.

“The decision to retain some of the core architecture of the FW42 means there has been less resource invested in developing new concepts, which in turn has rewarded the design team with greater bandwidth to optimise their work, evident in both packaging and component detail.

“By preserving some key parameters, it has allowed for an uninterrupted development programme within Aerodynamics in order to maximise the efficiency of the resources.

“As we head towards the pre-season tests and then onto the race season, the most important measure will be the progress relative to our peers, along with our intention of continuing our recent record of reliability.

“Later this week, we will be looking at our single timed lap pace, our long run pace and the feedback from the drivers to understand where we are and what we do next. We have teams, both at the track and back at Grove, that will be delving into all aspects that define that lap time during the pre-season tests to ensure we are in the best possible place ahead of the first race in Australia.”

Williams FW43: how Twitter reacted

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––