https://www.scmp.com/rss/322149/feed The 2016 Formula One season is the 67th season of the highest class of open-wheel racing, starting in Australia on 20 March and finishing in Abu Dhabi on 27 November. Eleven teams and 22 drivers compete in 19 Grands Prix. Lewis Hamilton will start the season as the defending Drivers' Champion for the second year running. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Bernie Ecclestone has denied he plans to create a rival competition to Formula One after losing his position as the sport’s chief executive. Ecclestone’s 40-year reign as Formula One’s supremo came to an end earlier this week after American company Liberty Media completed a US$8 billion takeover. Chase Carey, who has already the Formula One chairman, was given the title of chief executive officer following the takeover as the curtain came down on Ecclestone’s long-standing reign. Reports emerged... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2066214/bernie-ecclestone-quashes-talk-rival-formula-one-series?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2066214/bernie-ecclestone-quashes-talk-rival-formula-one-series?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Jan 2017 05:45:00 +0000 Bernie Ecclestone’s four-decade reign as a “dictator” of Formula One had to end to give the sport the fresh start it needed, new chairman and chief executive Chase Carey said. Ecclestone’s time as the colourful ringmaster of the Grand Prix circuit was effectively finished on Monday when US-based Liberty Media completed its takeover of motorsport’s most prestigious brand in a deal valued at about US$8 billion. While the 86-year-old Ecclestone, a former car salesman, was widely credited with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2065245/toppling-dictator-ecclestone-had-go-allow-formula-one-grow-says-new-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2065245/toppling-dictator-ecclestone-had-go-allow-formula-one-grow-says-new-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Jan 2017 01:45:15 +0000 Liberty Media stockholders on Tuesday approved measures relating to the company’s pending acquisition of Formula One, moving a step closer to sealing a deal that must still be agreed by the International Automobile Federation. At the meeting in Englewood, Colorado, stockholders approved a proposal on issuing of shares related to the deal, which was announced in September, and approved the creation of the “Liberty Formula One Group”. Liberty said the acquisition, which values Formula One at US$8... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2063081/liberty-media-shareholders-approve-acquisition-us8-billion-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2063081/liberty-media-shareholders-approve-acquisition-us8-billion-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Jan 2017 01:30:45 +0000 Mercedes, Formula One’s dominant team who have yet to announce a replacement for retired world champion Nico Rosberg, will present their 2017 car at Silverstone on February 23. The Mercedes said on Wednesday that the reigning champions would “unveil the beast to the world” at the British Grand Prix circuit down the road from their Brackley factory. Fans who register for a prize draw on Facebook will have the chance to win VIP access to witness the first laps of the W08 challenger. Mercedes won... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2059310/formula-one-champions-mercedes-unveil-beast-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2059310/formula-one-champions-mercedes-unveil-beast-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jan 2017 11:15:45 +0000 Formula One’s post-season shake-up has taken another spin with Williams announcing the departure of technical head Pat Symonds while Valtteri Bottas moved closer to Mercedes and Felipe Massa’s retirement looked to be coming to an end. Williams said Symonds, 63, would be leaving them on December 31, the news coming amid speculation that Paddy Lowe is set to join them from dominant world champions Mercedes to take up a similar role. Symonds, who worked with the late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2056380/bottas-closer-mercedes-move-amid-williams-shake?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2056380/bottas-closer-mercedes-move-amid-williams-shake?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Dec 2016 10:21:30 +0000 Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has vowed to make a brave decision as he looks to replace world champion Nico Rosberg. Rosberg stunned the world of Formula One when he retired just five days after winning this year’s drivers’ championship. Wolff has been working overtime to line up a new driver to race alongside Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton next season and, with pre-season testing due to start in February, he wants the situation sorted out as soon as possible. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2053517/mercedes-will-be-brave-over-finding-nico-rosberg-replacement-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2053517/mercedes-will-be-brave-over-finding-nico-rosberg-replacement-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Dec 2016 03:12:30 +0000 Mercedes posted a tongue-in-cheek job advertisement on Thursday as they seek a replacement for newly-retired Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg. The notice, similar in format to the usual automotive vacancies, was published in Britain’s Autosport magazine under ‘drive available’ for the amusement of readers rather than any serious intent. “As part of the travelling team, you will be responsible for the operation of an F1 car at track events including demos, tests and grands prix,” it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2053187/wanted-formula-one-driver-proven-track-record-champions-mercedes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2053187/wanted-formula-one-driver-proven-track-record-champions-mercedes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Dec 2016 02:56:15 +0000 Daniel Ricciardo is ready to “unlock the hidden Honey Badger” when he starts training for next season’s new-look Formula One. The Australian, nicknamed after the cuddly but ferocious animal, finished third overall this year, the best of the rest behind the Mercedes pair. The 2017 regulations, with wider tyres and revised aerodynamics, should make the cars faster through the corners and harder to handle, which puts more of a premium on driver strength. “We’ll have to change some things up in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2052143/daniel-ricciardo-promises-unlock-hidden-honey-badger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2052143/daniel-ricciardo-promises-unlock-hidden-honey-badger?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Dec 2016 05:02:33 +0000 Sebastian Vettel has made clear his future is with Ferrari as Mercedes look to replace newly-retired Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg for next season. Ferrari – the oldest, most glamorous and successful team in the sport – failed to win a race this year and Vettel’s name has been one of those mentioned in media speculation following Rosberg’s surprise decision to walk away. Rosberg, 31 and only the third German driver after Michael Schumacher and Vettel to win the championship, announced... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2051774/ferraris-sebastian-vettel-rules-out-move-mercedes-replace-nico?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2051774/ferraris-sebastian-vettel-rules-out-move-mercedes-replace-nico?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Dec 2016 04:48:23 +0000 Nico Rosberg quit Formula One on Friday, just five days after winning the world title for Mercedes in a move that stunned motor racing. The 31-year-old German, who beat off teammate Lewis Hamilton in the finale, is the first reigning champion to quit since Alain Prost in 1993. Rosberg made the bombshell revelation in Vienna ahead of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) annual awards ceremony. “I have decided to end my Formula One career here,” said Rosberg, who claimed the title at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2051277/world-champion-nico-rosberg-announces-shock-retirement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2051277/world-champion-nico-rosberg-announces-shock-retirement?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Dec 2016 14:36:05 +0000 Germany will have no Formula One Grand Prix next year, despite the dominance of Mercedes and the country’s new world champion Nico Rosberg, after the race was axed for financial reasons on Wednesday. While that move will dismay German fans, there was a more welcome change in the renamed Azerbaijan Grand Prix being pushed back to June 25 to avoid a clash with the Le Mans 24 Hours sports car classic. Races in Brazil and Canada, whose fate had also been left open on the draft calendar, were... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2050720/german-grand-prix-becomes-latest-race-be-axed-beleaguered-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2050720/german-grand-prix-becomes-latest-race-be-axed-beleaguered-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Dec 2016 03:28:30 +0000 Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg hailed Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton as one of the greatest drivers of all time on Wednesday but ruled out forging any friendly ties with the Briton as long as they race each other. Rosberg, who lost out to Hamilton in the previous two years, made it third time lucky when he clinched his maiden title with a second-place finish behind the triple world champion at the season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Nico Rosberg overcomes Lewis Hamilton’s negative... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2050529/lewis-hamilton-great-driver-no-friend-mine-says-nico-rosberg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2050529/lewis-hamilton-great-driver-no-friend-mine-says-nico-rosberg?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Nov 2016 15:22:55 +0000 Germany has a new Formula One world champion in Nico Rosberg, after Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, but fans may not see him race on home soil next season. The German Grand Prix, absent in 2015, is set to be struck off again in 2017 for financial reasons and Rosberg’s dominant Mercedes team say there is little they can do about it. “We are hearing various rumours,” motor sport head Toto Wolff said at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Rosberg clinched the title. “Having a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2049842/nico-rosberg-germanys-new-formula-one-world-champion-wont-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2049842/nico-rosberg-germanys-new-formula-one-world-champion-wont-race?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Nov 2016 13:30:33 +0000 Nico Rosberg won his maiden Formula One world title on Sunday by securing second place behind Mercedes arch-rival Lewis Hamilton in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Reigning champion Hamilton ignored team orders in a last bid to block his German teammate. But Rosberg, who started the 21st and final race of 2016 some 12 points clear of Hamilton, would not be denied. Rosberg’s second place meant he clinched his first championship by five points. He emulates his father Keke who won the title in 1982. With... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2049629/nico-rosberg-overcomes-lewis-hamiltons-negative-tactics-win-f1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2049629/nico-rosberg-overcomes-lewis-hamiltons-negative-tactics-win-f1?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Nov 2016 15:30:17 +0000 Lewis Hamilton claimed pole for today’s Sunday’s title-showdown Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by outpacing his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in Saturday’s tense and dramatic qualifying at the Yas Marina circuit. The defending three-time champion dominated the session and clocked a fastest time of one minute and 38.755 seconds to beat his championship-leading German rival by three-tenths of a second. Hamilton’s performance gives him the ideal opportunity to claim a fourth consecutive victory in the race... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2049491/lewis-hamilton-takes-pole-ahead-mercedes-teammate-nico-rosberg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2049491/lewis-hamilton-takes-pole-ahead-mercedes-teammate-nico-rosberg?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Nov 2016 15:35:47 +0000 Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the rivalry between team mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg is “like a volcano” ready to erupt ahead of Formula One’s season-ending title showdown this weekend. The Austrian is, however, confident the drivers can avoid taking each other out of Sunday’s race at Yas Marina. “It is also clear, and we have to acknowledge it, that now everything is on the line,” Wolff said. “Now it’s about losing or winning the drivers’ world championship. They can’t be in love with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2049456/mercedes-boss-toto-wolff-warns-volcano-waiting-erupt-between?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2049456/mercedes-boss-toto-wolff-warns-volcano-waiting-erupt-between?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Nov 2016 10:17:42 +0000 Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton agreed on Friday to differ on the reasons for Mercedes’ decision to swap their car crews this year. The pair faced the media at a tense press conference at the Yas Marina circuit ahead of this weekend’s title showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. When the topic was raised it was clear there was an underlying story. Hamilton hinted as much, but refused to reveal his version of the events – or the explanations – that led to both drivers’ individual mechanics’ teams... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2049163/tensions-builds-nico-rosberg-and-lewis-hamilton-agree-disagree-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2049163/tensions-builds-nico-rosberg-and-lewis-hamilton-agree-disagree-over?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Nov 2016 03:28:28 +0000 Former world champion Jenson Button announced on Thursday that Sunday’s season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be his last race in the sport. The 36-year-old Briton, who has raced in more than 300 grands prix and won the 2009 World Championship with Brawn, had already announced he will take up an ambassadorial role with his current team McLaren next year. “I go into this weekend thinking it’s my last race,” Button said at the press conference ahead of the race. “At this moment in time I don’t... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2049068/mclarens-jenson-button-retire-formula-one-racing-after-abu-dhabi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2049068/mclarens-jenson-button-retire-formula-one-racing-after-abu-dhabi?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Nov 2016 15:34:20 +0000 It seems simple for Nico Rosberg: Finishing in the top three at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix guarantees his first Formula One championship. The German driver has pole position for the title thanks to a 12-point lead over Lewis Hamilton heading into Sunday’s showdown. Even if Hamilton wins the race, Rosberg will clinch the bigger prize if he crosses the line third. “Hopefully, the fans will get a great show to end the year,” said Rosberg, who is bidding to stop his Mercedes teammate from winning a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2048928/formula-one-title-nico-rosbergs-hands-tense-season-ending-abu-dhabi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2048928/formula-one-title-nico-rosbergs-hands-tense-season-ending-abu-dhabi?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Nov 2016 05:01:21 +0000 Bernie Ecclestone’s frustration at the pace of negotiations with Singapore Grand Prix organisers may have prompted his outburst to a German magazine, which reported the Formula One chief as accusing the city state of being ungrateful and on the verge of leaving the circuit. James Walton, partner and Southeast Asia sports business group leader for Deloitte in Singapore, said he believed Singapore wants to stay in the Formula One schedule after its contract expires in 2018 but on its own terms – a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2048342/singapore-grand-prix-may-stay-beyond-2018-not-frustrated-bernie?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2048342/singapore-grand-prix-may-stay-beyond-2018-not-frustrated-bernie?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Nov 2016 12:01:55 +0000 The globetrotting sport of Formula One could find itself void of a Southeast Asian race for the first time in two decades as Singapore – one of two regional hosts – considers pulling out as it weighs up the fleeting international limelight that comes with hosting the event with the exorbitant cost of doing so. Neighbouring Malaysia, an F1 host since 1998, on Monday left the sport’s future in the region on tenterhooks after a government minister confirmed it would stop hosting a grand prix after... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/business/article/2048328/will-singapore-follow-malaysia-axing-its-formula-one-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/business/article/2048328/will-singapore-follow-malaysia-axing-its-formula-one-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Nov 2016 10:51:00 +0000 Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said he wants to strike a “long-term” deal with Singapore this year, playing down earlier comments that the city-state is looking to drop its iconic night race. Ecclestone’s latest statement provide some positive news for Formula One in Southeast Asia, after neighbouring Malaysia confirmed it was dropping its grand prix after 2018. He claimed his initial comments had been taken “in a funny way” by a German auto magazine which quoted him as saying that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2048244/formula-one-supremo-bernie-ecclestone-seeks-long-term-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2048244/formula-one-supremo-bernie-ecclestone-seeks-long-term-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Nov 2016 06:59:19 +0000 First Singapore, now Malaysia, with the Formula One tremors expected to hit other Asian cities as well. The Malaysian Tourism and Culture Minister, Nazri Abdul Aziz, announced on Monday that the country will no longer stage its F1 Grand Prix after its contract expires in 2018, according to reports, citing falling attendances and rising costs. “The current agreement is from 2016 to 2018. So once that ends, there will be no more [F1 in Malaysia],” Mr Nazri reportedly said at Parliament. “F1... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2047972/first-singapore-now-malaysia-tourism-chief-confirms-sepang-will?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2047972/first-singapore-now-malaysia-tourism-chief-confirms-sepang-will?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Nov 2016 12:42:25 +0000 Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone suggested Singapore was ungrateful to the sport as he revealed the Lion City is set to quit hosting its Grand Prix. Long-time chief executive Ecclestone said the city’s night race – hosted since 2008 – had basically put the city on the map and elevated it from being “just an airport”. Ecclestone was quoted in the latest edition of Germany’s Auto Motor Und Sport magazine as saying that Singapore would not extend the deal. “There is no gratitude,” said the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2047820/singapore-grand-prix-set-quit-formula-one-after-contract-expires?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2047820/singapore-grand-prix-set-quit-formula-one-after-contract-expires?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Nov 2016 01:26:42 +0000 Ron Dennis confirmed he has quit as boss of Formula One outfit McLaren after 35 years following pressure from shareholders. The 69-year-old – who helped guide the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna to the world title – quit after shareholders demanded at a meeting on Tuesday he step down as chairman and chief executive. Dennis has a 25 per cent stake in McLaren, Bahrain’s Mumtalakat investment fund owns 50 per cent and the remaining 25 per cent is held by his long-time business partner... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2046458/end-era-formula-one-ron-dennis-forced-out-mclaren-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2046458/end-era-formula-one-ron-dennis-forced-out-mclaren-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Nov 2016 01:58:43 +0000 Lewis Hamilton warned Nico Rosberg he was “hunting” a fourth world title after describing his stunning triumph in Sunday’s wet and chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix as one of the easiest of his 52 career victories. The 31-year-old Briton won in Brazil for the first time at the 10th attempt to complete a hat-trick of consecutive wins and keep alive his championship defence, taking the title battle down to the wire at the final race, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 27. “I’m hunting and all I can... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2045694/im-hunting-you-down-victorious-lewis-hamilton-warns-f1-title-rival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2045694/im-hunting-you-down-victorious-lewis-hamilton-warns-f1-title-rival?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Nov 2016 01:33:10 +0000 Lewis Hamilton enhanced his hopes of taking the title fight down to the wire on Saturday when he outpaced Mercedes teammate and championship leader Nico Rosberg to grab pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The defending world champion Hamilton, who was suffering with a cold, must stop the German from winning on Sunday to take the title race to the final grand prix of the season, at Abu Dhabi in two weeks. It was the perfect moment for the Briton to become only the third driver ever to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2045528/lewis-hamilton-edges-nico-rosberg-brazilian-gp-pole-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2045528/lewis-hamilton-edges-nico-rosberg-brazilian-gp-pole-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Nov 2016 03:40:55 +0000 French driver Esteban Ocon will race for Force India next season after agreeing a multi-year deal, the Silverstone-based Formula One team said in a statement at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Thursday. Ocon replaces experienced German Nico Hulkenberg, who is moving to Renault, alongside Mexican Sergio Perez at a team co-owned by Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya and currently fourth in the championship. The 20-year-old is contracted long-term to Mercedes, Force India’s engine provider, and made his debut... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2044882/esteban-ocon-joins-force-india-f1-team-multi-year-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2044882/esteban-ocon-joins-force-india-f1-team-multi-year-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Nov 2016 14:08:43 +0000 Nico Rosberg may not want to talk about it, but he is poised to join an illustrious club if he can complete a hat-trick at the Brazilian Grand Prix and secure his maiden world championship. The 31-year-old German has a 19-point lead ahead of his Mercedes teammate and defending champion Lewis Hamilton in the title race with two races remaining. Victory in what is sure to be one of the most dramatic and tense races of the year will lift him beyond the reach of the three-time champion and end his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2044723/nico-rosberg-set-deliver-knockout-blow-lewis-hamilton-interlagos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2044723/nico-rosberg-set-deliver-knockout-blow-lewis-hamilton-interlagos?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Nov 2016 03:48:49 +0000 Canadian teenager Lance Stroll stepped into the Formula One limelight as a 2017 Williams driver on Thursday and faced the immediate question of how much he owed to his billionaire father’s money – and when he would pass his driving test. “Everyone has their own opinion, I can’t change that. I come from money, I’m not going to deny that, but I believe I earned my shot in F1 because I’ve won every championship that I’ve competed in,” the 18-year-old said. “I won Formula Four, I went to New Zealand... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2042785/my-father-billionaire-ive-earned-my-shot-formula-one-says-williams?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2042785/my-father-billionaire-ive-earned-my-shot-formula-one-says-williams?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Nov 2016 15:23:46 +0000 Defending champion Lewis Hamilton kept alive his title defence with a controlled and controversial victory ahead of championship leader and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in a stormy and dramatic Mexican Grand Prix. The 31-year-old Briton came home comfortably ahead of the German to trim his advantage to 19 points with two races remaining after a fiery finish to the 71-lap race. This saw four-time champion Sebastian Vettel lose his temper during a tempestuous exchange following a clash with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2041490/battling-lewis-hamilton-beats-nico-rosberg-mexico-keep-his-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2041490/battling-lewis-hamilton-beats-nico-rosberg-mexico-keep-his-title?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Oct 2016 01:14:10 +0000 Nico Rosberg plans to block out all thoughts of a possible maiden title triumph and focus on sticking to his singular and simple approach when he bids to claim his 10th win of the year in this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix. The 31-year-old, who will become champion if he wins and Mercedes teammate and title rival Lewis Hamilton fails to score a point, has said he is aware of all the equations and possible outcomes. But, he stressed, he will aim only to keep things simple and concentrate on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2040556/nico-rosberg-blocks-out-title-talk-mexico-formula-one-enters-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2040556/nico-rosberg-blocks-out-title-talk-mexico-formula-one-enters-final?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Oct 2016 04:37:47 +0000 Malaysia may scrap the Formula One Grand Prix race after its contract ends in 2018 given the event’s failure to spur economic benefits for the country, sports officials said on Tuesday. High costs combined with falling ticket sales and television viewership have dented returns, according to officials, who are due to meet later this week to discuss the future of the race. “The locals are not buying the tickets to watch F1,” Razlan Razali, the chief executive of Sepang International Circuit (SIC)... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2039845/could-malaysias-move-take-break-hosting-formula-one-be-hong-kongs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2039845/could-malaysias-move-take-break-hosting-formula-one-be-hong-kongs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Oct 2016 04:41:45 +0000 Lewis Hamilton joined an elite club when he claimed his 50th Formula One victory at the United States Grand Prix but admitted he fears that another reliability issue will wreck his bid for a fourth world title. The defending three-time world champion delivered a flawless triumphant drive at the Circuit of the Americas to join seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and four-time champion Alain Prost as a winner of 50 or more races. Schumacher won a total of 91 Grands Prix and Prost 51. “That’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2039458/lewis-hamilton-joins-elite-club-50th-formula-one-win-he-fears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2039458/lewis-hamilton-joins-elite-club-50th-formula-one-win-he-fears?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Oct 2016 00:50:13 +0000 Gene Haas heard the snickers, shook off the doubters and ignored the suggestion that he didn’t know what he was doing. Looking up at his name in bold letters above the Haas F1 team tent in the paddock this week at the US Grand Prix, it’s easy to allow him a few moments of self-congratulation heading into his team’s “home” race this weekend. “Everybody made it sound like we were clueless getting into Formula One, that we’d be bumbling idiots. The Europeans were going to teach us a lesson,” Haas... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2039232/how-american-rookie-formula-one-team-haas-has-proved-doubters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2039232/how-american-rookie-formula-one-team-haas-has-proved-doubters?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Oct 2016 04:48:48 +0000 Lewis Hamilton’s behaviour on and off the circuit will go under a sharp media microscope as he bids to keep his title challenge alive at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix. Back at the scene of his crushing title-winning triumph in 2015, when he scored a belligerent victory to end Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg’s challenge, the 31-year-old Briton this time faces a very different scenario. It will begin on Thursday when, two weeks after his controversial Snapchat antics in Japan, he returns... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2038539/lewis-hamilton-media-spotlight-title-chase-enters-home-straight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2038539/lewis-hamilton-media-spotlight-title-chase-enters-home-straight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Oct 2016 02:29:45 +0000 Nico Rosberg romped to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday to extend his lead over world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Formula One title race. The German claimed his first Suzuka win from pole as Hamilton took third after a dreadful start, Rosberg stretching his lead over his Mercedes rival to 33 points with just four races left this season. “Woooooooh!” cried Rosberg over team radio after a fourth triumph in five races since the summer break and his ninth of 2016. “Thanks a lot, guys.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2026481/nico-rosberg-wins-japanese-formula-one-grand-prix-mercedes-teammate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2026481/nico-rosberg-wins-japanese-formula-one-grand-prix-mercedes-teammate?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Oct 2016 07:01:37 +0000 Nico Rosberg gave his wounded teammate Lewis Hamilton plenty to think about by topping the timesheets in both practice sessions on Friday for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. The German, who has a 23-point championship lead over Hamilton with five races left this year, pipped the triple world champion by two tenths in the morning sunshine and just 0.072 seconds under cloudy skies in the afternoon. Rosberg struck a psychological blow in the Formula One title run-in as he chases his fourth win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2026093/first-blood-rampant-nico-rosberg-japanese-formula-one-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2026093/first-blood-rampant-nico-rosberg-japanese-formula-one-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Oct 2016 10:10:49 +0000 Nico Rosberg is bracing himself for a backlash from wounded Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton after seizing the initiative in the Formula One title race. Reigning world champion Hamilton looked to be cruising to victory in Malaysia last weekend before his engine blew up as Rosberg’s battling third-place finish allowed the German to open a 23-point lead with five races left. Rosberg, whose feud with Hamilton has threatened to boil over in previous years, predicted that Hamilton would come back... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2025753/nico-rosberg-wary-lewis-hamilton-backlash-formula-one-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2025753/nico-rosberg-wary-lewis-hamilton-backlash-formula-one-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Oct 2016 10:48:50 +0000 Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo claimed his maiden Formula One win of the season in Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix after reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton retired from the lead with a blown engine. The Australian’s teammate Max Verstappen finished second to score the former champions’ first one-two finish since the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, denying Mercedes the chance to wrap up the constructors’ title at the Sepang circuit. Nico Rosberg finished third, despite collecting a 10-second time... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2024435/daniel-ricciardo-leads-red-bull-malaysian-grand-prix-one-two-lewis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2024435/daniel-ricciardo-leads-red-bull-malaysian-grand-prix-one-two-lewis?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Oct 2016 08:52:56 +0000 World Champion Lewis Hamilton will start the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix from pole position after setting the fastest time in qualifying on Saturday. The Briton’s championship leading teammate Nico Rosberg will start alongside Hamilton in second with Max Verstappen third for Red Bull. Mercedes are on course to wrap up their third straight constructors’ title on Sunday. Rosberg, winner of the last three races in succession, leads Hamilton by eight points in the overall standings with six of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2024308/leading-front-lewis-hamilton-storms-pole-malaysian-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2024308/leading-front-lewis-hamilton-storms-pole-malaysian-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Oct 2016 10:12:35 +0000 Lewis Hamilton fired the latest shot in the close Formula One title fight against Nico Rosberg by edging his Mercedes teammate and setting the fastest time in Friday’s practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Rosberg had bettered Hamilton in every on-track session in the previous race in Singapore en route to a third successive win that saw him reclaim the lead in the drivers’ championship, but Hamilton responded in the steamy conditions at the Sepang International Circuit. His best lap time of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2024055/your-move-nico-lewis-hamilton-tops-hot-and-fiery-practice-malaysian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2024055/your-move-nico-lewis-hamilton-tops-hot-and-fiery-practice-malaysian?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Sep 2016 10:09:19 +0000 New chairman Chase Carey said Formula One cannot continue as a “dictatorship”, as speculation grows over the role of long-term supremo Bernie Ecclestone under the sport’s incoming American owners. Ecclestone has built Formula One into a global powerhouse over the past four decades, but Carey said US mogul John Malone’s Liberty Media now wanted to take it to new heights. “You cannot make everybody happy all the time, but you’ve got to understand what everybody wants and then find a path,” he told... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2020601/move-over-bernie-formula-one-cant-be-dictatorship-says-new-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2020601/move-over-bernie-formula-one-cant-be-dictatorship-says-new-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Sep 2016 06:04:47 +0000 Nico Rosberg won the Singapore Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday night to seize the drivers’ world championship lead from Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished third. The German held off Red Bull’s late-charging Daniel ­Ricciardo by just 0.4 of a second to win his third straight race and establish an eight-point lead over Formula One title-holder Hamilton in the standings. It proved a tense finish as ­traffic prevented Rosberg pitting for new tyres near the end and ­Ricciardo,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2020480/back-driving-seat-nico-rosberg-reclaims-championship-lead-after-winning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2020480/back-driving-seat-nico-rosberg-reclaims-championship-lead-after-winning?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Sep 2016 16:00:45 +0000 Nico Rosberg is going for a hat-trick of wins in Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix that would catapult him back to the top of the world championship standings. Rosberg led the title race by 43 points earlier in the season and is looking to follow his victories in Belgium and Italy in the last two races with a maiden triumph around the Marina Bay street circuit. There had been fears the Mercedes would be off the pace after struggling and failing to make the podium in Singapore in 2015. But Rosberg... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2020386/nico-rosberg-singapore-gp-chance-overhaul-championship-leader?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2020386/nico-rosberg-singapore-gp-chance-overhaul-championship-leader?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Sep 2016 06:30:45 +0000 US communications billionaire John Malone’s Liberty Media announced on Wednesday it would buy the legendary jewel of world road racing, Formula One, in a deal that values the sport at $8 billion. Liberty said it would keep Bernie Ecclestone, who built Formula One into a global operation over nearly four decades, on as chief executive, but also named Chase Carey, the vice chairman of 21st Century Fox, as the company’s new chairman. The deal brings Liberty control of the organisation’s Grand Prix... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2017571/its-deal-john-malones-liberty-media-buys-formula-one-and-keeps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2017571/its-deal-john-malones-liberty-media-buys-formula-one-and-keeps?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Sep 2016 03:12:45 +0000 Speculation is mounting that Formula One is about to be revamped by a US takeover that could bring new life and a higher profile for a sport struggling to attract new fans. Media reports suggest F1’s largest and controlling shareholder, the hedge fund CVC Capital Partners, is preparing to sell the business to US media conglomerate Liberty Media for around US$8.5 billion; more than four times CVC’s original outlay in 2006. At last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Formula One’s commercial boss Bernie... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2017031/hot-gossip-motor-racing-paddock-americans-poised-seize-control?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2017031/hot-gossip-motor-racing-paddock-americans-poised-seize-control?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Sep 2016 03:33:39 +0000 Nico Rosberg won the Italian Grand Prix virtually unchallenged on Sunday after Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton wasted pole position with a poor start. Hamilton got off the line at the same time as the other cars but immediately fell behind, dropping to sixth before the first ­corner. Rosberg, who started second, took the early lead and cruised to his seventh win of the season, ­second straight this year and first of his career at the storied Monza circuit, which has hosted more Formula One... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2014673/stop-start-hamilton-stutters-and-gifts-italian-grand-prix-rosberg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2014673/stop-start-hamilton-stutters-and-gifts-italian-grand-prix-rosberg?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Sep 2016 15:45:30 +0000 Fernando Alonso’s imminent retirement from Formula One is a real possibility, world champion Lewis Hamilton said, adding that he hoped the Spaniard would decide to carry on. Former double champion Alonso produced one of the surprises in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix by jumping from 22nd on the grid to finish seventh, but on the whole has endured another miserable campaign since returning to McLaren. In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, Hamilton called Alonso “one of the best drivers of all... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2011155/hes-done-enough-lewis-hamilton-says-fernando-alonso-retirement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2011155/hes-done-enough-lewis-hamilton-says-fernando-alonso-retirement?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Aug 2016 05:24:22 +0000 Nico Rosberg rekindled his bid for the drivers’ world championship by steering his Mercedes to a convincing victory in Sunday’s chaotic crash-hit Belgian Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton fought back to finish third. Rosberg’s delight was reduced by his Mercedes team-mate Hamilton’s damage-limiting and thrilling drive to finish on the podium after starting from the back row of the grid. Australian Daniel Ricciardo finished second in his Red Bull. The 31-year-old Rosberg, who started from his third... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2010357/nico-rosberg-cruises-comfortable-victory-spa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2010357/nico-rosberg-cruises-comfortable-victory-spa?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Aug 2016 14:31:18 +0000