https://www.scmp.com/rss/517676/feed The latest stories and features on racing driver Max Verstappen, including Formula One news and updates. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa After beating out Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to claim the Formula One championship title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7, Lando Norris ran straight to his girlfriend Margarida Corceiro who was watching from the McLaren garage. The couple shared a sweet victory kiss as Norris embraced his 23-year-old model girlfriend before taking to the podium to celebrate his win. To fans of F1, Corceiro is a familiar face. The model has been in an on-again, off-again relationship with... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3335994/meet-formula-one-champion-lando-norris-girlfriend-portuguese-model-margarida-corceiro?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3335994/meet-formula-one-champion-lando-norris-girlfriend-portuguese-model-margarida-corceiro?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:12 +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 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 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 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 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 Championship leader Lando Norris topped the times for McLaren in first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday as Yuki Tsunoda impressed on his Red Bull debut with the sixth-fastest lap at the Suzuka circuit. Norris twice had to abandon his flying lap and went off the track into the gravel at the final chicane on his 12th, but came out of the pits after a switch from medium to soft tyres to set a time of one minute, 28.549 seconds. Mercedes driver George Russell had been the front runner... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3305194/japanese-gp-lando-norris-tops-times-practice-yuki-tsunoda-6th-red-bull-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3305194/japanese-gp-lando-norris-tops-times-practice-yuki-tsunoda-6th-red-bull-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:48:35 +0000 Yuki Tsunoda said he had not been offered any guarantees about how long he would stay at Red Bull but was confident he could rise to the challenge, even if he was not promising to match teammate Max Verstappen from day one. The 24-year-old was catapulted into the Red Bull seat for his home Japanese Grand Prix after the team decided to drop Liam Lawson back to Racing Bulls after only two races of the season. “I got the first call after China from [team principal] Christian [Horner], just to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3305106/japanese-grand-prix-yuki-tsunoda-vows-something-bigger-he-prepares-red-bull-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3305106/japanese-grand-prix-yuki-tsunoda-vows-something-bigger-he-prepares-red-bull-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:00:10 +0000 Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed Max Verstappen is no longer on his radar and said he is ready to open talks with George Russell over a contract extension. Wolff attempted to lure Verstappen to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton last year before the four-time world champion elected to stay at Red Bull. Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli was instead promoted from the team’s junior ranks alongside Russell for the new season, which starts in Australia on Sunday. Russell, 27, is entering... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3302273/mercedes-formula-1-team-boss-toto-wolff-says-max-verstappen-move-no-longer-radar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3302273/mercedes-formula-1-team-boss-toto-wolff-says-max-verstappen-move-no-longer-radar?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:00:09 +0000 New Zealander Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez in the daunting role of teammate to four-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team said on Thursday. Mexican Perez’s departure, after months of poor results, was announced on Wednesday and Lawson’s promotion from Red Bull’s sister team RB had been expected. Perez’s contract was terminated two years early, the Mexican ditched after being rarely competitive this season. He had not won a race since April 2023... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3291583/liam-lawson-replaces-sergio-perez-max-verstappens-teammate-red-bull-formula-1-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3291583/liam-lawson-replaces-sergio-perez-max-verstappens-teammate-red-bull-formula-1-team?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:00:15 +0000 Rwandan President Paul Kagame joined Max Verstappen on stage when the Red Bull driver collected the Formula One champion’s trophy for the fourth year in a row at an awards ceremony held in Africa for the first time on Friday. The 27-year-old was handed the trophy by International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem alongside Kagame, who had earlier spoken of Rwanda bidding to host a race, at the gala in Kigali. Verstappen, who is one of only six drivers to have won four or... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3290795/its-amazing-max-verstappen-collects-formula-1-trophy-rwanda-after-some-punishment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3290795/its-amazing-max-verstappen-collects-formula-1-trophy-rwanda-after-some-punishment?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Dec 2024 05:53:17 +0000 Max Verstappen has assured Formula E he will be watching their races after the electric series donated US$250,000 to charity following a bet on the Red Bull driver’s fourth successive Formula One title. Formula E chief executive Jeff Dodds promised in February to pay the sum should Verstappen fail to win the title, a wager made to highlight how predictable he felt Formula One was compared with his series. However, Dodds decided to donate the money anyway after Verstappen won, but in a far more... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3290550/despite-winning-bet-formula-e-boss-gives-charity-us250k-after-max-verstappen-wins-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3290550/despite-winning-bet-formula-e-boss-gives-charity-us250k-after-max-verstappen-wins-title?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:00:11 +0000 The dramatic 2024 Formula One season came to an emotional end this weekend in Abu Dhabi as Lando Norris’ stunning win brought McLaren its first constructors’ title in 26 years, and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton drove his last race for Mercedes-AMG before moving to Ferrari in 2025. But it’s Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, who was making headlines ahead of the season finale with a furious war of words with reigning champion Max Verstappen. At the previous race weekend, the Qatar Grand... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3290525/meet-f1-driver-george-russell-tommy-hilfiger-ambassador-became-mercedes-teammates-his-childhood-idol?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3290525/meet-f1-driver-george-russell-tommy-hilfiger-ambassador-became-mercedes-teammates-his-childhood-idol?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:00:23 +0000 A furious Max Verstappen says he has “lost all respect” for George Russell and accused him of being two-faced after the drivers were involved in a public spat at Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen was stripped of pole position in the early hours of Sunday morning after the stewards said he impeded Russell as both men geared up for their hot laps in the final phase of Saturday’s qualifying. Russell complained over the radio that it was “super dangerous” that he had had to avoid Verstappen... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3289004/formula-1-max-verstappen-has-lost-all-respect-george-russell-over-grid-penalty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3289004/formula-1-max-verstappen-has-lost-all-respect-george-russell-over-grid-penalty?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:00:10 +0000 Max Verstappen won big in Las Vegas with his fourth title, but the fight for Formula One’s biggest cash prize is hotting up this week in Qatar. The lucrative constructors’ championship is still wide open with McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull battling for the title. The contest for teams is worth around US$140 million to the winner, though the precise payout depends on variables. This weekend in Qatar, a sprint race on Saturday means extra points are on offer – a maximum of 59 for a team over the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3288750/qatar-gp-formula-1-focus-shifts-mclaren-ferrari-red-bull-fight-constructors-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3288750/qatar-gp-formula-1-focus-shifts-mclaren-ferrari-red-bull-fight-constructors-title?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:00:13 +0000 Max Verstappen’s hopes of clinching a fourth consecutive drivers’ world championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend took a dent on Friday when Red Bull revealed they brought the wrong rear wing. In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, the team’s senior adviser Helmut Marko said Red Bull were losing up to six-tenths of a second on the main straight, the Las Vegas Boulevard leading to Caesars Palace, after a packing blunder. “We don’t have another rear wing, a smaller rear wing, as we... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3287786/las-vegas-grand-prix-nightmare-max-verstappens-hopes-red-bull-bring-wrong-wing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3287786/las-vegas-grand-prix-nightmare-max-verstappens-hopes-red-bull-bring-wrong-wing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:21:55 +0000 McLaren’s Lando Norris said he was probably not ready to challenge Max Verstappen for the Formula One title this season and accepted that his hopes were effectively over after a demoralising defeat in Brazil earlier this month. The Briton told reporters on Wednesday ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix that the race at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit had been a bitter blow. Norris started on pole but finished sixth while Red Bull’s Verstappen went from 17th to first. Verstappen will be crowned world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3287514/las-vegas-grand-prix-lando-norris-says-he-was-probably-not-ready-formula-1-title-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3287514/las-vegas-grand-prix-lando-norris-says-he-was-probably-not-ready-formula-1-title-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:00:10 +0000 Max Verstappen will be Formula One world champion for the fourth year in a row if he beats Lando Norris in Las Vegas this weekend. McLaren’s Norris must score three points more than his Red Bull rival – requiring at least a top eight finish even if Verstappen draws a blank – to delay the inevitable for one more week and continue the title ‘battle’ to Qatar. Verstappen has a 62-point lead with 60 to be won after Las Vegas, meaning the Dutch driver can lose two points to Norris and still secure... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3287414/las-vegas-grand-prix-max-verstappen-set-fourth-straight-formula-1-title-sin-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3287414/las-vegas-grand-prix-max-verstappen-set-fourth-straight-formula-1-title-sin-city?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:30:08 +0000 The Macau Grand Prix, back for its 71st edition this weekend, is renowned as the proving ground for young motorsport talent and exactly 10 years ago the eyes of the world were on a teenage Max Verstappen as he arrived in the southern Chinese city. The young flying Dutchman was already being tipped as a Formula One world champion of the future when he strapped himself into an F3 car to take on the treacherous Guia Circuit in November 2014. He had one aim in mind, to emulate the F3 victories of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3286850/macau-grand-prix-10-years-teenage-max-verstappen-wowed-crowds-casino-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3286850/macau-grand-prix-10-years-teenage-max-verstappen-wowed-crowds-casino-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Nov 2024 05:33:20 +0000 Lando Norris claimed Max Verstappen’s stunning comeback from 17th to first in Sunday’s rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix was “lucky” following a chaotic afternoon in Sao Paulo that all but ended the British driver’s championship hopes. Norris started from pole position but ran off the road twice in Interlagos and finished sixth to leave him 62 points behind Verstappen with only 86 points available across the remaining three rounds. It means Verstappen will wrap up his fourth consecutive title in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3285095/brazil-gp-lando-norris-rues-max-verstappens-lucky-break-formula-1-title-hopes-fade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3285095/brazil-gp-lando-norris-rues-max-verstappens-lucky-break-formula-1-title-hopes-fade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:00:16 +0000 Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto would have a seat in Formula One next season if triple world champion Max Verstappen was making the decision. There is only one clear vacancy remaining for 2025, at Swiss-based Sauber, and Red Bull driver Verstappen said Formula Two leader Bortoleto would be the man he would sign if the decision was his. “If I was Sauber, I would have signed him already,” the Dutch driver told reporters ahead of Bortoleto’s home Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos. “Especially if... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3284870/brazil-grand-prix-max-verstappen-backs-f2-leader-gabriel-bortoleto-vacant-sauber-seat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3284870/brazil-grand-prix-max-verstappen-backs-f2-leader-gabriel-bortoleto-vacant-sauber-seat?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:00:18 +0000 McLaren have asked for a “right of review” over Lando Norris’ controversial penalty at the United States Grand Prix as George Russell and Lewis Hamilton urged Formula One to introduce full-time stewards. Norris was handed a five-second penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen during the closing stages in Austin last weekend, despite both drivers leaving the track and McLaren arguing that the Dutchman had forced his title rival wide. It meant Verstappen finished ahead of Norris and extended his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3283868/formula-1-mclaren-instigate-right-review-after-lando-norris-penalty-us-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3283868/formula-1-mclaren-instigate-right-review-after-lando-norris-penalty-us-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:30:12 +0000 Formula One champions Red Bull have made changes to their car after discussions with FIA, the sport’s governing body, the team said at the US Grand Prix on Thursday following concern from rivals. The news came after the FIA issued a statement in response to speculation about a possible exploitation of rules restricting work on a car between the start of qualifying and the race. So-called “parc ferme” conditions prevent any such set-up changes but there have been whispers that a team might still... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3282887/us-grand-prix-red-bull-make-changes-car-after-discussions-governing-body-fia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3282887/us-grand-prix-red-bull-make-changes-car-after-discussions-governing-body-fia?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:00:08 +0000 Formula One champions Red Bull hope to pick up the pace over the last six rounds of the season after Max Verstappen emerged stronger than expected from back-to-back street races in Azerbaijan and Singapore, team boss Christian Horner said. The triple world champion, who will be 27 next week, had his advantage over McLaren’s Lando Norris cut from 62 points after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 1 to a current 52. The season now has a four-week lull before a US-Mexico-Brazil sequence... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3279787/formula-1-red-bull-building-back-monza-low-point-says-team-boss-christian-horner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3279787/formula-1-red-bull-building-back-monza-low-point-says-team-boss-christian-horner?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:00:08 +0000 McLaren is ahead of Red Bull in the Formula One constructors’ race. Now for Lando Norris to put pressure on Max Verstappen for the drivers’ title. Oscar Piastri’s win last week at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix put McLaren top in the teams’ standings – the key to F1’s lavish prize money – but teammate Norris took only a small bite out of Verstappen’s lead. After starting 15th, Norris passed Verstappen late in the race to finish fourth, but the Dutch driver still leads by 59 points heading into the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3279352/formula-1-mclaren-lando-norris-seek-pressure-red-bull-max-verstappen-singapore-gp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3279352/formula-1-mclaren-lando-norris-seek-pressure-red-bull-max-verstappen-singapore-gp?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:00:14 +0000 Max Verstappen said Formula One should not air team radio if the sport was concerned about bad language after the head of the governing FIA compared drivers to foul-mouthed rappers. Mohammed Ben Sulayem told motorsport.com the FIA had asked Formula One Management to minimise the amount of swearing on television. The Emirati said drivers also had a responsibility. Ben Sulayem questioned the number of times drivers “say the F word”, adding the organisation was “not rappers” and raising concerns... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3279215/formula-one-max-verstappen-riled-call-drivers-swear-less-are-we-5-year-olds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3279215/formula-one-max-verstappen-riled-call-drivers-swear-less-are-we-5-year-olds?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Sep 2024 01:30:15 +0000 Max Verstappen declared “the fight is not over” as Red Bull head to Singapore this week having been knocked off the top of the constructors’ world championship for the first time in two-and-a-half years. McLaren leapt into a 20-point lead after Oscar Piastri’s masterful victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was compounded by Sergio Perez’s late tangle with Carlos Sainz that ended with both in the wall. McLaren’s Lando Norris, who carved his way to fourth place after starting 15th on the grid, is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3278966/f1-max-verstappen-vows-red-bull-fightback-mclaren-head-singapore-grand-prix-top?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3278966/f1-max-verstappen-vows-red-bull-fightback-mclaren-head-singapore-grand-prix-top?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Sep 2024 07:00:10 +0000 Lewis Hamilton on Thursday dismissed suggestions that he felt disappointed, or snubbed, by star designer Adrian Newey’s decision to join Aston Martin next year instead of leaving Red Bull for Ferrari. The seven-time champion insisted he felt “privileged” to have worked with two title-winning teams at McLaren and Mercedes, without Newey, adding that it would have been “an honour” to work with him in Italy next season. “Any team probably would have been happy to have had him,” said Hamilton of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3278471/lewis-hamilton-not-disappointed-formula-1-designer-adrian-neweys-move-aston-martin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3278471/lewis-hamilton-not-disappointed-formula-1-designer-adrian-neweys-move-aston-martin?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:30:15 +0000 Lando Norris said he is not expecting teammate Oscar Piastri to gift him race wins despite McLaren’s decision to put the Briton first in the Formula One title battle with Max Verstappen. Team principal Andrea Stella said ahead of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix that McLaren wanted to support Norris “without too much compromise on our principles”. Norris told reporters in Baku that the reset was more likely for lower positions rather than if they were running first and second. “He’s still fighting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3278360/azerbaijan-grand-prix-lando-norris-does-not-expect-mclaren-teammate-gift-him-race-wins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3278360/azerbaijan-grand-prix-lando-norris-does-not-expect-mclaren-teammate-gift-him-race-wins?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 05:01:44 +0000