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Formula 1

McLaren faces growing pressure to back one driver

McLaren faces growing pressure to back one driver


Formula 1 | 13m
<span class="p2_new s hp">NEW</span> Red Bull buoyed by McLaren missteps

NEW Red Bull buoyed by McLaren missteps
Formula 1 | 13m

<span class="p2_new s hp">NEW</span> Briatore dismisses concerns over de Meo resignation

NEW Briatore dismisses concerns over de Meo resignation
Formula 1 | 13m

<span class="p2_new s hp">NEW</span> We need calm, not revolution, at Ferrari - Vasseur

NEW We need calm, not revolution, at Ferrari - Vasseur
Formula 1 | 13m

<span class="p2_new s hp">NEW</span> Verstappen keen to race in Le Mans Hypercar class

NEW Verstappen keen to race in Le Mans Hypercar class
Formula 1 | 13m

"All my fault" Russell wins dramatic Canadian Grand Prix as Norris crashes into Piastri

"All my fault" Russell wins dramatic Canadian Grand Prix as Norris crashes into Piastri
Formula 1 | 11h

Under fire, Vasseur says Ferrari job ‘not for life’

Under fire, Vasseur says Ferrari job ‘not for life’
Formula 1 | 1d

Marko bullish on Red Bull’s race pace in Canada

Marko bullish on Red Bull’s race pace in Canada
Formula 1 | 1d

Russell relaxed about contract: 'I know I’ll be in F1'

Russell relaxed about contract: 'I know I’ll be in F1'
Formula 1 | 1d

Aston Martin dismisses Alonso’s Alpine paddock visits

Aston Martin dismisses Alonso’s Alpine paddock visits
Formula 1 | 1d

Team denies Trump set for F1 drive in Austin

Team denies Trump set for F1 drive in Austin
Formula 1 | 1d

Red Bull building depth in case Verstappen walks

Red Bull building depth in case Verstappen walks
Formula 1 | 1d

Coronel says Verstappen staying at Red Bull in 2026

Coronel says Verstappen staying at Red Bull in 2026
Formula 1 | 1d

Glock urges Aston Martin to drop Stroll for 2026

Glock urges Aston Martin to drop Stroll for 2026
Formula 1 | 1d

Horner denies interest in Alpine or team equity deal

Horner denies interest in Alpine or team equity deal
Formula 1 | 1d

Red Bull regains form in Montreal, says Marko

Red Bull regains form in Montreal, says Marko
Formula 1 | 1d

Another F1 steward suspended over media comments

Another F1 steward suspended over media comments
Formula 1 | 1d

Max Verstappen poses for a photo on January 2, 2017
Red Bull buoyed by McLaren missteps
Jun.16 (GMM)  Dr Helmut Marko is leaving Montreal “very satisfied” after a Canadian Grand Prix that offered Red Bull renewed belief in the 2025 title fight. Heading into the weekend, Marko had been downbeat about the team’s chances. But with McLaren stumbling and Mercedes’ George Russell taking a surprise win from pole, the championship picture appears less one-sided. "We're very satisfied," Marko told Servus TV. "We were on par with Mercedes and McLaren. That gives us a boost for the next races." Russell, who shared the podium with Max Verstappen, admitted that while he was thrilled with the win, a title push remains unlikely unless McLaren keep slipping. "I think the two of us have been very consistent and getting the maximum result from our packages week in, week out," Russell said, referring to himself and Verstappen. "But I can't imagine them (McLaren) continuing to throw away points in the manner they're doing." McLaren’s Lando Norris made costly mistakes in both qualifying and the race — including a crash into teammate Oscar Piastri. Piastri managed to salvage fourth place, keeping his own title hopes intact. Verstappen agreed that relying on rivals' errors won’t be enough. "We need to start winning races more often," said the four-time world champion. "And how do we do that? By being more competitive." Christian Horner, meanwhile, acknowledged that McLaren remain a serious threat. "McLaren should be at the front" next time out in Austria, the Red Bull boss said. Still, Marko believes the door is open if Red Bull can deliver clean weekends. "We saw that McLaren was fast, but they couldn't overtake and therefore couldn't dominate. This is encouraging for the next races," said the Austrian. "It gives us hope. The Red Bull Ring is another circuit with a different configuration, but we have seen that McLaren can be beaten — if you do everything right."]]>
 Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes GP prepares to drive during practise for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix on March 15, 2014
We need calm, not revolution, at Ferrari - Vasseur
Jun.16 (GMM)  Frederic Vasseur insists he still has full backing from Ferrari’s senior leadership, despite swirling rumours about his position amid a rocky 2025 campaign. Throughout the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, speculation mounted that Ferrari may not extend Vasseur’s contract. German outlet Auto Motor und Sport even reported that Ferrari chairman John Elkann has held direct talks with Red Bull’s Christian Horner, while also considering Ferrari WEC boss Antonello Coletta as a potential successor. Meanwhile, tension has been rising within the team, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton showing signs of visible frustration during the weekend. "The team knows where I stand," Leclerc told Sky Italia on Sunday, after heated radio exchanges during both qualifying and the race. "The rumours are a distraction, but I don't think they will have a big impact." Hamilton also expressed dissatisfaction — particularly regarding Ferrari’s development pace. "Clearly we need updates now," the seven-time world champion said. "And I don't know why other teams are bringing them but we are not." He went further, hinting at deeper issues within the organisation. "There are quite a few things happening in the background at the moment. A lot of things need to change. "Personally, I know we have no chance of winning the championship, but I'm trying to steer the team in a direction to make the necessary changes and make our car competitive for next year." Vasseur, however, pushed back on the suggestion that Ferrari’s lack of recent updates is the core issue. "They will arrive soon but I don't think the updates are the main problem," he said. "When you set the purple sector in qualifying, it's not because the car doesn't work or that the car doesn't have updates. The most important thing is to focus on ourselves and that's not what we did this weekend." The 57-year-old Frenchman also lashed out at sections of the Italian media, accusing them of fuelling instability within the team by suggesting his job is in jeopardy and that Leclerc could jump to Mercedes. "Is the company still with me?" Vasseur told Sky Italia. "Yes – this is a problem that does not exist. We are aligned and we all push in the same direction. "What we need is calm. I do not want to have to fight with everyone externally or internally – we must be able to be united and work as a team. "Look at Mercedes – they suffered three very difficult weekends, but they did not make revolutions, and today they achieved a success. We are second in the championship, so I do not see any drama or the end of the world." Vasseur acknowledged that the recent pressure has impacted both team and driver performance. "Do we feel under attack because of the rumours? Were there strange mistakes by Leclerc and aggressive team radio? I don't think the climate around us has helped performance. "We are not under pressure, but there is tension. And in these conditions, when you are in a close battle, we are unable to do our best. Both us and the drivers are not at peace."]]>
 Flavio Briatore pictured on September 1, 2024
Briatore dismisses concerns over de Meo resignation
Jun.16 (GMM)  The surprise resignation of Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo will have no effect on the Alpine Formula 1 team, according to Flavio Briatore. Briatore, who was appointed by de Meo almost exactly a year ago as his personal executive advisor for the F1 division, has since taken on informal overall leadership duties within the Enstone-based outfit following the departure of former team principal Oliver Oakes. When asked in Montreal what de Meo’s upcoming exit means for Alpine, Briatore was clear. "Nothing," he said. The F1 paddock was taken aback on Sunday when Le Figaro reported that 58-year-old de Meo had resigned and was preparing to take up a new CEO role at Kering, the luxury conglomerate that owns Gucci. Renault soon confirmed the news in an official statement: "After five years at the head of Renault Group, Luca de Meo has announced his decision to step down and pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector."]]>
 Timo Glock
McLaren faces growing pressure to back one driver
Jun.16 (GMM)  A shift in driver strategy may soon be necessary at McLaren, according to former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock, after Lando Norris crashed into his own teammate during a costly Canadian Grand Prix. Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko admitted to Servus TV that the incident gave his team “hope” in the title fight. "He (Norris) messed up again," Marko said, referencing both Norris’ qualifying error and the collision with championship leader Oscar Piastri during the race. It capped a rare off-weekend for the otherwise formidable McLaren squad. Norris, who is now 22 points behind Piastri in the drivers’ standings, was hard on himself over team radio and again after the race. "When I make such a complete fool of myself and let the team down like that, I can only feel remorse," Norris told DAZN. "I'm going to make my rounds now and apologise to everyone, then I'm going to go to bed and try to forget the whole thing." Despite mounting pressure to pick a number one driver, McLaren has stuck to its policy of equal treatment. Still, team boss Andrea Stella admitted that Norris’ race-day error was “not acceptable.” "But it wasn't malicious, and Lando immediately took responsibility," Stella said. "We still need to discuss it, but our principles are already in place." Stella had also raised concerns after qualifying, suggesting Norris had pushed too hard in the braking zones. "He overdrove the car," said Stella. "He concentrated too hard on braking as late as possible." Reflecting on the collision, the McLaren boss was matter-of-fact. "It was never a question of if, but when it would happen," he said. "It's clear that we at McLaren don't want that, but if Lando had a different reaction, there would certainly be serious conversations to have.But I think he immediately realised that he simply miscalculated, causing a problem for himself, for the team, and it was very close to causing a problem for Oscar." 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg believes the situation now clearly favours Piastri. "It's the first time I can say that Piastri is the clear favorite for the world championship," Rosberg said. "He's incredibly solid, while Norris keeps making mistakes. After the past two years, it's surprising, but Piastri is now the favourite. In the new situation, where there's so much pressure, he's simply strong." Timo Glock also thinks it’s time for McLaren to reconsider its approach. "The danger-zone will come at some point, because (Max) Verstappen is always there, scoring points. (George) Russell also scores points very consistently," Glock told Sky Deutschland. "That's why McLaren must learn from last year. At some point, this team order must come. Norris made a big step towards that today." Stella, however, insisted that the team’s stance on driver equality remains unchanged. "Of course we can issue team orders from the pitwall," he said. "But that would be artificial racing. We don't want that. We want to give both drivers the chance to fight for positions – among themselves, too. Lando will learn from today." Piastri, calm and composed despite the contact, said he saw no reason to change anything. "I think it was a fair, tough battle over a couple of corners, and it's a shame to end the way we did," he told DAZN. "I don't think we should change anything. We're fighting for a championship – and it was fair." On the team’s broader struggles in Montreal, the 24-year-old added: "It hasn't been a good weekend overall. There are a lot of things to analyze, but I'm definitely taking the points. "You don't always have a great weekend. We did a decent job, but there are things to analyse."]]>
 Max Verstappen on June 13, 2025
Verstappen keen to race in Le Mans Hypercar class
Jun.16 (GMM)  Max Verstappen has made it clear that he plans to test his racing skills outside Formula 1 — with the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans firmly on his radar. While the quadruple world champion was busy racing in Canada over the weekend, he was also keeping a close eye on the famous endurance race across the Atlantic. The Ferrari-affiliated team with former F1 driver Robert Kubica in the lineup ultimately triumphed at Le Mans, and Verstappen admitted he followed the action closely. The Dutch driver, who recently impressed with record-setting pace in a GT3 test at the Nordschleife, has already laid the groundwork for a future sports car career. Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes Verstappen’s first steps may come sooner than expected. "If you want to make Max smile, you have to talk about GT," Marko said. "There are calendar gaps in the autumn, and I assume Max has already taken a close look at that." Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen confirmed his interest in both GT3 and Hypercar machinery — but made it clear which category he’s targeting for Le Mans. "On the Nordschleife you can only drive GT3," he said. "If you do Le Mans, you normally want to drive the Hypercar. "If you win, you want to win the highest class. On the Nordschleife that is with the GT3. So it is different (to Le Mans), but they are also completely different circuits. It is all very special." Verstappen already runs a GT3 operation under the Verstappen.com Racing banner, with Thierry Vermeulen — son of his manager Raymond — at the wheel. "I am working on it step by step to participate," said the 27-year-old, who recently received Platinum status in the FIA’s sportscar classification. "At the moment I prefer to race myself, of course. When I get a bit older and slower, I'll watch from the pitlane. Then, as team boss, I can really criticise everyone who is in the car," he laughed. The Red Bull driver admitted he often thinks about who he’d want alongside him at Le Mans. "I already have a lot of friends who are already competing," Verstappen said. "We talk about it more and more often. "I know that I am one of the heavier drivers, so I need at least two lighter drivers next to me." One name floated is Fernando Alonso, but Verstappen also pointed to Nyck de Vries. "Nyck is quite light, of course. Nyck always goes fast, whether it's Le Mans or anywhere else. That's nice to have as a teammate. "There are a lot of possibilities and I can only put three in the car, so that will be difficult. It's very difficult to decide now, but fantasising is allowed," he smiled again. "Once the plans are a bit clearer, it will be easier to work things out."]]>
 Lando Norris arrives at Monza on August 28, 2024
Lando Norris crashes into McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri as George Russell wins Canadian Grand Prix.
Mercedes driver George Russell wins Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix after Lando Norris crashes into McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri during the closing stages.
 Frederic Vasseur pictured on July 2024
Under fire, Vasseur says Ferrari job ‘not for life’
Frederic Vasseur has once again taken aim at Formula 1 media outlets, accusing them of harming Ferrari with baseless rumours and sensationalism.
Jun 15,
 Donald Trump dancing to YMCA on October 17, 2020
Team denies Trump set for F1 drive in Austin
McLaren has flatly denied sensational claims that US president Donald Trump is set to drive one of the team’s Formula 1 cars next week.
Jun 15,
 Fernando Alonso on April 4, 2025
Aston Martin dismisses Alonso’s Alpine paddock visits
Fernando Alonso may have been seen around the Alpine garage more than once in Montreal, but Aston Martin insists there's no concern over his future.
Jun 15,
 Mercedes driver George Russell on April 10, 2025
Russell relaxed about contract: 'I know I’ll be in F1'
George Russell may be one of the form men of the 2025 Formula 1 season and on pole in Montreal, but the Briton remains unsigned for 2026.
Jun 15,
 Helmut Marko pictured on August 31, 2024
Marko bullish on Red Bull’s race pace in Canada
A three-way fight is shaping up at the front of the grid for Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix, with Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren all in the mix.
Jun 15,
 Max Verstappen pictured on September 1, 2024
Red Bull building depth in case Verstappen walks
For Red Bull Racing, their driver situation is both a strength and a looming challenge.
Jun 15,
 Mick Schumacher pictured in September 2024
Schumacher in talks with F1 teams over 2026 comeback
Mick Schumacher says he remains in discussions with Formula 1 teams as he continues to pursue his goal of returning to the grid.
Jun 14,
 Christian Horner pictured in August 2024
Horner denies interest in Alpine or team equity deal
Christian Horner has dismissed fresh speculation about his future in Formula 1, including reports linking him to Alpine and rumours of team ownership ambitions.
Jun 14,
 Max Verstappen on June 13, 2025
Coronel says Verstappen staying at Red Bull in 2026
Max Verstappen is not leaving Red Bull, according to a Dutch racing expert who knows the world champion personally.
Jun 14,
 Formula 1 logo
Another F1 steward suspended over media comments
A second former Formula 1 driver has landed in hot water with the FIA over public remarks deemed inappropriate for a race steward.
Jun 14,
 Lance Stroll on September 1, 2024
Glock urges Aston Martin to drop Stroll for 2026
Lance Stroll is running out of time in Formula 1, according to former grand prix driver Timo Glock.
Jun 14,
 Isack Hadjar pictured on December 10, 2024
Red Bull rookie Hadjar ‘ready for faster car’ - boss
Isack Hadjar is capable of stepping up to Red Bull Racing if called upon - that is the view of Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies, even after the 20-year-old rookie admitted in Montreal that he’s “not ready” to be Max Verstappen’s teammate.
Jun 14,
 Frederic Vasseur pictured on July 2024
Ferrari boss Vasseur admits no contact extension yet
Frederic Vasseur has confirmed that his current Ferrari contract has not yet been renewed beyond the end of 2025.
Jun 14,
 Helmut Marko on May 30, 2025
Red Bull regains form in Montreal, says Marko
Red Bull may be set for a much stronger Canadian Grand Prix than initially expected, with Helmut Marko declaring the team is back "in the game".
Jun 14,
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