https://www.scmp.com/rss/512482/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Formula One chiefs unanimously agreed on Monday to make rule changes following severe criticism of new regulations introduced this season which led to doubts over Max Verstappen continuing in the sport. The new rules made cars a combination of combustion and electrical power, meaning drivers had to carefully manage their battery, effectively slowing down on a qualifying lap, while the cars had boost buttons to allow them to overtake. Four-time world champion Verstappen called the new style of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3350827/formula-one-chiefs-unanimously-agree-make-rule-changes-after-drivers-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3350827/formula-one-chiefs-unanimously-agree-make-rule-changes-after-drivers-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:14 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse South Korea has announced that it wants to host a Formula 1 race for the first time since 2013 after unveiling a new circuit design that officials say is financially viable. The plan would see races held on a five-kilometre street circuit in the city of Incheon, just outside the capital Seoul. The Korean Grand Prix was part of the Formula 1 calendar at a different circuit in the south of the country from 2010 but was axed after three years because of costs and tepid interest locally. Incheon... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3350473/south-korea-unveils-plan-bring-back-formula-1-tying-k-culture-bring-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3350473/south-korea-unveils-plan-bring-back-formula-1-tying-k-culture-bring-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:59:02 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Hainan’s local government has signalled its intention to bring a Formula 1 race to the southern island, after it unveiled development plans aimed at securing motorsport’s premier event for the province. Announcing a partnership with Dingji Automotive Culture Co, the Hainan Provincial International Cultural Exchange Centre said the cooperation would focus on “bringing Formula 1 racing events to Hainan, planning and building professional circuits, developing commercial race operations, creating an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3349543/hainan-hopes-make-formula-1-race-its-core-engine-it-develops-automotive-culture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3349543/hainan-hopes-make-formula-1-race-its-core-engine-it-develops-automotive-culture?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:13 +0000 Reuters Reuters Formula One enters an enforced five-week break with plenty to ponder following Sunday’s Japanese ⁠Grand Prix. The third race of the ⁠sport’s new engine era exposed the shortcomings of the ⁠rules overhaul, billed as Formula One’s most sweeping ever, in a way the first two in Australia and China had not. The hybrid power units, now split nearly 50-50 between electric and combustion power, have introduced an element of energy management to the racing with fresh challenges for drivers. They are... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348470/formula-ones-governing-body-has-plenty-ponder-about-new-rules-during-5-week-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348470/formula-ones-governing-body-has-plenty-ponder-about-new-rules-during-5-week-break?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:30:09 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse ⁠Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday for his second straight victory as the 19-year-old Italian became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to lead the world championship standings. Antonelli took advantage of a mid-race safety car to leapfrog into the lead after a dreadful start from pole position at Suzuka and eventually led home McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. He whooped with delight as he crossed the line, telling his team “the pace was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348286/formula-1-mercedes-kimi-antonelli-overcomes-bad-start-win-japanese-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348286/formula-1-mercedes-kimi-antonelli-overcomes-bad-start-win-japanese-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 07:10:44 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Kimi Antonelli took pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of teammate George Russell on Saturday as Mercedes tightened their stranglehold on the new Formula One season. The Silver Arrows have claimed one-two finishes at both grands prix so far this year and they were again ahead of the field in dry conditions in Suzuka. The 19-year-old Italian Antonelli became the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history two weeks ago in China and he made it two in a row with a fastest lap of one minute,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348250/kimi-antonelli-claims-pole-position-japanese-grand-prix-ahead-teammate-george-russell?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348250/kimi-antonelli-claims-pole-position-japanese-grand-prix-ahead-teammate-george-russell?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 10:30:07 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse McLaren’s Oscar Piastri powered to the fastest time in Friday’s second practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, usurping the dominant Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Piastri is yet to even start a grand prix this season but the Australian gave a reminder of his talent with a lap of one minute, 30.133 seconds in dry, sunny conditions at Suzuka. The 19-year-old Italian Antonelli, who won the first grand prix of his career in China two weeks ago, was second, 0.092 seconds behind... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348169/mclarens-oscar-piastri-outshines-mercedes-duo-go-fastest-japanese-grand-prix-practice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348169/mclarens-oscar-piastri-outshines-mercedes-duo-go-fastest-japanese-grand-prix-practice?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:30:20 +0000 Reuters,dpa Reuters,dpa Max Verstappen asked a journalist to leave ⁠his Thursday media briefing ⁠at the Japanese Grand Prix, with ⁠the Dutchman still upset over a question asked by the same reporter in December about an incident that potentially cost him a fifth-straight drivers’ title. “I’m not speaking before he’s leaving,” Verstappen said as he sat down to take ‌questions in Red Bull’s hospitality area at the Suzuka circuit ahead of the third race of the season on Sunday. Verstappen had already clashed with the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348029/f1-japanese-grand-prix-smarting-verstappen-asks-journalist-get-out-media-briefing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3348029/f1-japanese-grand-prix-smarting-verstappen-asks-journalist-get-out-media-briefing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:00:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Max Verstappen said that the Japanese Grand Prix is one of his favourite races, but his chances of a fifth straight victory at the weekend look vanishingly slim as his Red Bull struggles with Formula One’s sweeping new regulations. Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will carry their early dominance into Suzuka, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton their nearest challengers. Red Bull and Verstappen are scrambling to recover from a disastrous start to the Formula One... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3347815/max-verstappens-japanese-grand-prix-win-streak-under-threat-mercedes-dominate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3347815/max-verstappens-japanese-grand-prix-win-streak-under-threat-mercedes-dominate?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:05:45 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Around 80,000 fans were hoping to see Lionel Messi take on Lamine Yamal in Doha, while thousands more were gearing up for the F1 grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but the war in the Middle East had other plans. The Gulf countries have invested vast sums of money in bringing global sporting events to their shores as they try to diversify their hydrocarbon-dependent economies and improve their images abroad. But weeks of repeated drone and missile attacks from Iran, in retaliation against... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347430/gulfs-decades-long-strategy-sporting-investment-rocked-us-israel-war-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347430/gulfs-decades-long-strategy-sporting-investment-rocked-us-israel-war-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:16 +0000 Mia Nurmamat Mia Nurmamat The Formula One (F1) Chinese Grand Prix drew record crowds over the weekend, another indication the wide-ranging efforts from host city Shanghai to raise its profile as a global sports and event destination are paying off. The three-day event, which concluded on Sunday, attracted more than 230,000 cumulative spectators, the highest attendance headcount reported by the Chinese financial centre in nearly two decades. On the opening day, the number of foreign arrivals through Shanghai’s ports... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346721/shanghai-sees-massive-f1-turnout-boosting-citys-pitch-sporting-destination?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346721/shanghai-sees-massive-f1-turnout-boosting-citys-pitch-sporting-destination?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:10 +0000 Reuters,Agence France-Presse Reuters,Agence France-Presse Four-time world champion Max Verstappen blasted Formula 1’s ⁠new era as a “joke” ⁠on Sunday after retiring from the ⁠Chinese Grand Prix with a power unit problem. The Red Bull driver, no fan of the new engine with its increased electrical element and need to manage energy deployment, slowed and limped back to the pits on lap 46. He was not ‌classified in a race of 15 finishers. The Dutchman was called by his engineer on team radio and told to retire his car because of a cooling issue, but he was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346677/max-verstappen-slams-joke-formula-1-after-being-forced-retire-chinese-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346677/max-verstappen-slams-joke-formula-1-after-being-forced-retire-chinese-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:16 +0000 Associated Press,Agence France-Presse Associated Press,Agence France-Presse An emotional Kimi Antonelli won a grand prix for the first time on Sunday, when he won the Chinese Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who made his maiden podium for Ferrari. The 19-year-old Antonelli converted being the youngest pole-sitter in Formula 1 history into the second-youngest winner in a race that saw both McLarens dramatically fail to start in Shanghai. The only driver younger than Antonelli to win a grand prix was Max Verstappen, who was 18 when... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346653/mercedes-kimi-antonelli-wins-chinese-grand-prix-after-starting-pole-position?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346653/mercedes-kimi-antonelli-wins-chinese-grand-prix-after-starting-pole-position?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:56:58 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled as the Middle East war engulfs the region, motorsport’s governing body the FIA announced on Saturday. “It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April,” the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement. “While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346638/formula-1-cancels-races-bahrain-saudi-arabia-due-conflict-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346638/formula-1-cancels-races-bahrain-saudi-arabia-due-conflict-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 04:12:26 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse The 19-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli took pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday, becoming the youngest driver to achieve the feat in Formula 1 history. Antonelli led a Mercedes front-row lockout along with George Russell and erased the record of Sebastian Vettel, who was 21 when he took pole for the Italian Grand Prix in 2008. “I’m happy with the lap I did,” Antonelli told reporters. “And really happy to be starting on pole for my first time.” The Mercedes duo, as in Australia... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346618/chinese-grand-prix-mercedes-kimi-antonelli-youngest-take-formula-1-pole-position?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346618/chinese-grand-prix-mercedes-kimi-antonelli-youngest-take-formula-1-pole-position?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:30:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse George Russell won “a pretty fun” sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday, as the Mercedes driver continued his early-season dominance by leading home both Ferraris to extend his world championship lead. Russell enjoyed a ding-dong battle in the opening laps with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, as the pair traded places at the front several times. Later he had to fend off the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc after a late safety car, with the Monegasque driver coming home... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346578/formula-1-george-russell-wins-exciting-sprint-race-mercedes-chinese-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346578/formula-1-george-russell-wins-exciting-sprint-race-mercedes-chinese-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:42:31 +0000 Reuters Reuters Next month’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 races are set to be cancelled over the weekend because of the conflict in the Middle East. Multiple sources told media an announcement, seen within the sport as just a matter of time, was expected ‌by Monday at the latest, with a March 20 deadline looming for freight that has to be transported to Bahrain for logistical reasons. Sky Sports television, which has the broadcasting rights in Britain where most of the 11 teams are based, said it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346572/formula-1-races-bahrain-saudi-cancelled-or-postponed-sources-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346572/formula-1-races-bahrain-saudi-cancelled-or-postponed-sources-say?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 01:19:04 +0000 Reuters Reuters Formula 1 championship leader George Russell put Mercedes on pole position for the first sprint race of the season in China on Friday in a front-row lockout with teammate Kimi Antonelli. Russell led every ‌phase of the session at the Shanghai circuit to take his first career sprint pole in a time of one minute, 31.520 seconds. Antonelli was 0.289 slower. McLaren’s Lando Norris will start third after the reigning champion told stewards he had not been on a proper “push” ‌lap when Antonelli, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346497/formula-1-george-russell-puts-mercedes-pole-chinese-grand-prix-sprint-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346497/formula-1-george-russell-puts-mercedes-pole-chinese-grand-prix-sprint-race?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:09:46 +0000 Reuters Reuters Ferrari have won nothing in Formula 1 since ⁠Lewis Hamilton’s Saturday sprint victory in Shanghai a year ago and this weekend’s return to China is a chance for both to close a circle. Ferrari, who last won a grand prix in 2024, were Mercedes’ closest rivals in the Australian season-opener last weekend, with Charles Leclerc third and Hamilton fourth behind the one-two of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. “For me, the prevailing feeling is now we have a ‌fight on our hands with Ferrari,” Toto... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346344/formula-1-chinese-grand-prix-hamilton-returns-scene-his-first-and-only-ferrari-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346344/formula-1-chinese-grand-prix-hamilton-returns-scene-his-first-and-only-ferrari-win?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Formula One’s new era heads into its first sprint in Shanghai this weekend, with the Chinese Grand Prix promising a very different test from Melbourne, where George Russell led home a Mercedes one-two. The Silver Arrows dominated the season-opener, Russell winning from Kimi Antonelli and followed home by the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the first race under sweeping new regulations. Lando Norris and McLaren struggled, the British world champion trailing home fifth and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346195/chinese-grand-prix-shanghais-sprint-race-presents-huge-challenge-formula-1s-new-era?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346195/chinese-grand-prix-shanghais-sprint-race-presents-huge-challenge-formula-1s-new-era?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:10 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg BYD Company is examining options to enter competitive motorsport including Formula 1 and endurance racing, in an effort to boost the Chinese brand’s appeal globally, according to people familiar with the matter. The carmaker is looking at several options following its rapid growth outside its home market and competitive racing’s continuing shift towards hybrid engines, the people said, asking not to be named when discussing private information. These range from the World Endurance Championship,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346180/chinas-byd-explores-entering-formula-1-companys-first-push-motor-racing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3346180/chinas-byd-explores-entering-formula-1-companys-first-push-motor-racing?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:13:58 +0000 Reuters Reuters George Russell ⁠struck the first ⁠blow in the Formula ⁠One championship for Mercedes as he claimed an emphatic victory in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli and crushed an early challenge from Ferrari. Having ‌dominated qualifying, pole-sitter Russell’s first win at Albert Park underlined Mercedes’ promising pre-season form while giving the team their first Melbourne victory since Valtteri Bottas claimed the 2019 race. “Great job ‌everybody, it’s been a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345857/formula-1-russell-and-mercedes-dominate-australian-grand-prix-crush-ferrari-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345857/formula-1-russell-and-mercedes-dominate-australian-grand-prix-crush-ferrari-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 05:53:41 +0000 Reuters Reuters George Russell took pole ⁠position and teammate Kimi Antonelli locked up the front row as Mercedes confirmed their off-season promise by dominating qualifying at Formula One’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday. Briton Russell lapped Albert Park’s street circuit in one minute, 18.518 seconds, a mark that was 0.293 seconds ahead of Italian Antonelli, who came back from a huge crash in the ‌final free practice earlier in the day. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was third quickest but nearly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345804/australian-grand-prix-mercedes-russell-antonelli-top-qualifying-verstappen-crashes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345804/australian-grand-prix-mercedes-russell-antonelli-top-qualifying-verstappen-crashes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 08:24:51 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Aston Martin has predicted it is unlikely to finish Formula 1’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday without its drivers risking suffering permanent nerve damage. Adrian Newey, the F1 car design great who’s heading into his first race as Aston Martin’s team principal, said the team’s Honda power unit causes vibrations which could damage the hands of drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Neither is likely to be able to tolerate even half of the 58-lap race distance, he added. Aston... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345568/aston-martin-says-car-risks-giving-drivers-nerve-damage-and-cant-finish-f1-season-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345568/aston-martin-says-car-risks-giving-drivers-nerve-damage-and-cant-finish-f1-season-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:30:09 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse The 2026 Formula One season has been flagged up as revolutionary because of the sweeping changes to chassis and power unit regulations, designed to create more overtaking opportunities and improve the sport’s eco-sustainability. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has already said the new cars are “not fun to drive” while Lando Norris, the man who took his crown last season, stirred the pot by saying they were fun before reversing at speed by remarking they were “certainly not the purest... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345465/wings-power-units-sons-drs-rough-guide-formula-1-rule-changes-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345465/wings-power-units-sons-drs-rough-guide-formula-1-rule-changes-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:00:17 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse The start of any Formula One season is a game of smoke and mirrors: this one, which gets under way in Melbourne on March 8, has the added intrigue of sweeping changes that could shake up the established order. For all the pre-season testing, the finger-pointing, the accusations of “sandbagging” and loopholes in the new regulations, the guessing games have left us nowhere closer to predicting how the 24-race 2026 season will pan out. Beyond the obvious, of course: the champion will come from one... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345423/new-rules-same-old-suspects-formula-1-season-set-be-among-most-intriguing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3345423/new-rules-same-old-suspects-formula-1-season-set-be-among-most-intriguing?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:00:12 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball When Cadillac’s cars line up for the start of the Australian Grand Prix, Graeme Lowdon will finally allow himself a moment to reflect on how far the Formula One team have come. Melbourne in March will mark the end of a three-year journey just to get on the grid, and the start of the American outfit’s bid to impose themselves on the sport as the 11th team in the paddock. With the first private testing taking place in Barcelona at the end of January, and everything “absolutely flat out” in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3339027/f1-newbies-cadillac-have-no-illusions-task-ahead-everyones-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3339027/f1-newbies-cadillac-have-no-illusions-task-ahead-everyones-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:00:09 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Cadillac F1 boss Graeme Lowdon would have no issue putting the “very, very fast” Zhou Guanyu into the team’s car this year and letting him race if the need arose. Hours after naming Zhou as Cadillac’s reserve driver, Lowdown said the 26-year-old was the best option for a team preparing for its debut season in a “competitive, unforgiving and absolutely relentless” sport. Zhou, who has 68 grand prix under his belt, joined the American outfit on Monday, completing an experienced line-up that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3338870/no-better-candidate-very-very-fast-zhou-guanyu-boost-team-cadillac-boss-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3338870/no-better-candidate-very-very-fast-zhou-guanyu-boost-team-cadillac-boss-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:15 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball China’s Zhou Guanyu said signing for newcomers Cadillac as a reserve driver ahead of the team’s debut Formula 1 season was like “rejoining family”. The move reunites him with ex-Alfa Romeo and Sauber teammate Valtteri Bottas and former manager Graeme Lowdon, who is now the American outfit’s team principal. Cadillac confirmed Zhou’s arrival on Monday, having teased the announcement on social media two days earlier. The Chinese star was released from his role with Ferrari on Friday. Lowdon said... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3338684/chinas-zhou-guanyu-delighted-be-joining-f1-newcomers-cadillac-reserve-driver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3338684/chinas-zhou-guanyu-delighted-be-joining-f1-newcomers-cadillac-reserve-driver?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:00:31 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Ferrari have parted ways with Zhou Guanyu ‌ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, with rumours circulating that the 21-year-old is about to join Cadillac as a reserve and test driver. The Shanghai native served as a backup for Ferrari last season after a three-year spell at ⁠the wheel of the No 24 car for Sauber, where he made 68 career starts from 2022 to 2024. Zhou, the only Chinese driver to race full-time in F1, and Antonio Giovinazzi split the role of supporting Lewis Hamilton and Charles... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3338593/formula-one-chinas-zhou-guanyu-loses-place-ferraris-reserve-driver-2026-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3338593/formula-one-chinas-zhou-guanyu-loses-place-ferraris-reserve-driver-2026-season?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Jan 2026 03:05:55 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse A dozen girls whizzed around a karting track during a special test day in Nottingham, England, part of a pioneering drive to draw women into motorsports and maybe even race to the top in male-dominated Formula One. Italian Lella Lombardi was the last woman to compete in a F1 Grand Prix in 1976, and the absence of women on the circuit is linked to young girls’ limited exposure to motorsports, according to gender parity organisations. More Than Equal, a non-profit that supports women drivers, said... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3338163/driver-development-programme-aims-provide-girls-support-enter-motorsports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3338163/driver-development-programme-aims-provide-girls-support-enter-motorsports?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:00:09 +0000 Reuters Reuters Oscar Piastri was robbed of victory in Qatar but the Australian can take hope from history in his bid to become Formula One champion next weekend, according to McLaren boss Andrea Stella. The 24-year-old did everything right at the Lusail circuit, winning the Saturday sprint from pole position and leading Sunday’s race from pole until a team strategy blunder left him having to settle for second to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The Australian said he was speechless with what had happened and McLaren... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3334808/formula-1-mclaren-boss-assures-oscar-piastri-he-can-still-be-champion-despite-qatar-debacle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3334808/formula-1-mclaren-boss-assures-oscar-piastri-he-can-still-be-champion-despite-qatar-debacle?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:00:28 +0000 dpa dpa Max Verstappen has told Lando Norris that if he were driving his McLaren, the world championship would “easily” be over. In an interview with the Press Association published on Friday ahead of this weekend’s pivotal Qatar Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Verstappen said Norris would be feeling the pressure of trying to close out his maiden Formula One title. The four-time world champion also revealed he remained in close contact with Christian Horner – admitting he speaks to the former Red Bull principal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3334545/max-verstappen-says-f1-championship-would-easily-be-over-if-he-had-lando-norris-car?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3334545/max-verstappen-says-f1-championship-would-easily-be-over-if-he-had-lando-norris-car?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:00:33 +0000 Reuters Reuters Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday and roared back into the Formula One title battle after the shock disqualification of McLaren’s championship leader Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri. Norris, who started on pole and finished second, and fourth-placed Piastri were ruled out for technical reasons linked to the under-car skid planks hours after the race had ended and the podium champagne sprayed. The development left Britain’s Norris 24 points clear of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3333832/formula-1-max-verstappen-wins-las-vegas-norris-second-title-fight-heading-qatar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3333832/formula-1-max-verstappen-wins-las-vegas-norris-second-title-fight-heading-qatar?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 06:02:12 +0000 Reuters Reuters Max Verstappen is making history with every race and could stage one of the most remarkable fightbacks Formula 1 has ever seen, according to two team bosses who have worked closely with the four-time world champion. The Dutch driver was 104 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at the end of August and would have ridiculed anyone who seriously suggested he still had a chance of a fifth successive title. “I would have told him he was an idiot,” the driver told reporters on Sunday. After three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3329636/formula-1-max-verstappens-perfect-weekend-could-spark-unprecedented-title-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3329636/formula-1-max-verstappens-perfect-weekend-could-spark-unprecedented-title-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:52:49 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Max Verstappen maintained the pressure on McLaren and cut another chunk out of Oscar Piastri’s lead in this year’s world championship on Sunday when he cruised to a commanding triumph at the United States Grand Prix. In sizzling conditions, Red Bull’s four-time world champion led from pole position to chequered flag to come home 7.959 seconds clear of title-chasing Lando Norris, of McLaren, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finishing third, 4.041 adrift. Australian championship leader Oscar Piastri... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3329600/us-grand-prix-verstappen-cruises-victory-cuts-chunk-out-f1-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3329600/us-grand-prix-verstappen-cruises-victory-cuts-chunk-out-f1-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:16:36 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Mercedes’ George Russell won the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, as McLaren clinched the Formula One constructors’ championship. Oscar Piastri was fourth, which meant his lead over his McLaren teammate Norris in the drivers’ standings was cut to 22 points. The 27 points scored by Piastri and Norris were more than enough for McLaren to equal the record set by Red Bull in 2023, by winning the team title with six races to spare. It was McLaren’s second title... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3327930/f1-singapore-grand-prix-george-russell-wins-street-race-mclaren-seal-constructors-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3327930/f1-singapore-grand-prix-george-russell-wins-street-race-mclaren-seal-constructors-title?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:10:55 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix has been declared an official Formula One “heat hazard” – the first time a new rule to help drivers stay cool has been invoked. Race director Rui Marques told the teams of the regulation, which means drivers will be able to wear cooling vests, because ambient temperatures are expected to be 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher at “some point during the race”. Singapore’s bumpy Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most physically demanding F1... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3327703/f1-declares-first-official-heat-hazard-singapore-grand-prix-temperatures-hit-31degc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3327703/f1-declares-first-official-heat-hazard-singapore-grand-prix-temperatures-hit-31degc?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:30:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Max Verstappen’s recent resurgence will be put to the test at the Singapore Grand Prix this week as the Red Bull driver tries to turn the Formula One world championship into a three-horse race. Back-to-back wins in Monza and Baku have left third-placed Verstappen 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri with seven grands prix and three sprints remaining. Lando Norris sits between the two, 25 points, or one race win, behind his McLaren teammate Piastri and 44 ahead of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3327496/singapore-grand-prix-max-verstappens-late-season-surge-faces-bloody-hot-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3327496/singapore-grand-prix-max-verstappens-late-season-surge-faces-bloody-hot-test?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:09 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press After driving to a surprise podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz Jnr was back behind the wheel hours later. This time, in a rented van with fellow F1 driver Charles Leclerc. Leclerc just wanted to get home to Monaco after a frustrating weekend that included a crash in qualifying and a ninth-place finish. The weather got in the way, forcing the two drivers’ flight to divert from Nice, France, to Italy. “So, after a very difficult weekend in Baku, I thought it couldn’t get any... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3326402/storm-diverts-flight-f1-drivers-sainz-and-leclerc-forcing-them-drive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3326402/storm-diverts-flight-f1-drivers-sainz-and-leclerc-forcing-them-drive?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:00:12 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press The Formula 1 title race is heating up, and McLaren’s golden rule – “Let ’em race” – risks expanding into a whole rule book. Asking Oscar Piastri to give up second place to Lando Norris at the Italian Grand Prix because of a slow pit stop showed how McLaren’s seemingly simple approach risked being bogged down in debates about what is fair on track. The battle between Norris and Piastri will become McLaren’s sole focus if the team can wrap up the constructors’ title on Sunday at the Azerbaijan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3326188/formula-1-mclaren-heads-azerbaijan-grand-prix-verge-constructors-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3326188/formula-1-mclaren-heads-azerbaijan-grand-prix-verge-constructors-title?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:00:15 +0000 dpa dpa The British Grand Prix will stage a sprint race next year after Formula One bosses revealed the six-round schedule for 2026 on Tuesday. Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Zandvoort and Singapore will also host the shortened-format race. Silverstone staged F1’s first ever sprint race in 2021 but has not been on the schedule since. Next year’s British Grand Prix, one of 24 rounds on the calendar, will take place across the first weekend of July. F1 chiefs are in discussions with the FIA, motorsport’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3325765/singapore-host-f1-sprint-race-first-time-officials-release-2026-schedule?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3325765/singapore-host-f1-sprint-race-first-time-officials-release-2026-schedule?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:00:10 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball If Zhou Guanyu is to return to Formula 1 next season, it will not be as a member of the new Cadillac team. On Tuesday, the American outfit named Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as its drivers for its debut in 2026. Zhou had been considered a strong candidate for the newest group in the pit lane, given his relationship with team principal Graeme Lowdon, who managed the Chinese star and was leading the recruitment drive. There was also the Ferrari connection. The 26-year-old is a reserve driver... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3323238/f1-cadillac-opt-perez-bottas-leave-chinas-zhou-guanyu-still-seeking-seat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3323238/f1-cadillac-opt-perez-bottas-leave-chinas-zhou-guanyu-still-seeking-seat?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:07:05 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse A crestfallen Lewis Hamilton declared himself “useless” after qualifying in 12th position for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday as Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc surged to pole position. Seven-time world champion Hamilton exited the session in Q2 with his head down and his helmet on as the 40-year-old retreated to the team’s motor home. “I’m useless,” the British driver said. “Absolutely useless. “The team has no problem. You’ve seen the car on pole so they probably need to change... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3320569/f1-ferraris-hamilton-says-im-useless-after-hungarian-gp-qualifying-flop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3320569/f1-ferraris-hamilton-says-im-useless-after-hungarian-gp-qualifying-flop?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:00:13 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Motor racing boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem has floated the possibility of a Chinese entry into Formula 1, and said he would rather see more teams than new races added to an already stacked calendar. With his controversial first term as FIA president ending in December, and a second term almost certain, Ben Sulayem’s opinion carries significant weight. That might not be good news for Hong Kong, with officials pushing for the city to bid to host a grand prix, but could mean an extension of mainland... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3317336/fia-boss-ben-sulayem-hints-chinese-f1-team-deals-potential-blow-hong-kong-gp-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3317336/fia-boss-ben-sulayem-hints-chinese-f1-team-deals-potential-blow-hong-kong-gp-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:30:07 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse George Russell heads into his home British Grand Prix this weekend haunted by rumours and unconfirmed reports that fierce rival and four-time world champion Max Verstappen has accepted an offer to replace him next year. As Formula 1 returns to the circuit that hosted its first world championship race 75 years ago, the 27-year-old Briton may be caught on the horns of an extraordinary dilemma as he seeks a fifth career victory to secure his seat, and his future, with Mercedes. If he wins, and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3316833/f1-russell-plagued-rumours-rival-verstappen-replacing-him-ahead-home-gp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3316833/f1-russell-plagued-rumours-rival-verstappen-replacing-him-ahead-home-gp?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:00:07 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong should focus on developing a greater motorsports culture before bidding to host a Formula 1 race, a top official from the sport’s governing body has told the Post. Speaking on the sidelines of the annual conference of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in Macau, Valerio Iachizzi suggested that focusing on karting and esports would be a better use of time and resources. For Iachizzi, who as the governing body’s secretary general for sport has responsibility for its 149... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3315108/hong-kong-advised-develop-formula-1-roots-bidding-host-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3315108/hong-kong-advised-develop-formula-1-roots-bidding-host-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:11 +0000 Reuters Reuters Thailand’s cabinet has approved a US$1.2 billion bid to host a Formula One street race in the country’s capital, Bangkok, in 2028, government officials said on Tuesday. If successful, the Thai capital would win a contract to host a race each year from 2028 to 2032, government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub told a news conference. “In the next two to three years, Thailand will have a world-class competition, which we never thought would actually happen in Thailand,” Jirayu said. Tourism Minister... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3314755/thai-cabinet-approves-us12-billion-bid-host-formula-1-street-race-bangkok?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3314755/thai-cabinet-approves-us12-billion-bid-host-formula-1-street-race-bangkok?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:30:27 +0000 Reuters Reuters Thailand plans a bid to host a Formula 1 street race in its capital Bangkok in 2028 and will seek cabinet approval for its proposal next week, a government official said on Monday. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who attended the Monaco Grand Prix at the weekend, would propose a “sustainable F1”, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said, adding race officials had responded positively. The bid proposal and results of a feasibility study would be submitted to cabinet on June 4 before... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3311824/thailand-pm-paetongtarn-propose-sustainable-f1-cabinet-vote-2028-race-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3311824/thailand-pm-paetongtarn-propose-sustainable-f1-cabinet-vote-2028-race-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2025 09:07:07 +0000 Reuters Reuters Lando Norris lucked in to win a rain-hit and crash-strewn Miami Grand Prix sprint race in a McLaren one-two on Saturday that trimmed teammate Oscar Piastri’s Formula One lead to nine points. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, winner of the season’s first sprint in China, had a smile on his face again after finishing third with the safety car leading the closing laps before peeling off at the end. “My luck in Miami seems pretty good at the minute, really happy,” said Norris, who won last year’s main grand... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3309002/miami-grand-prix-norris-wins-sprint-cuts-piastris-overall-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3309002/miami-grand-prix-norris-wins-sprint-cuts-piastris-overall-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 May 2025 04:29:08 +0000