Browsing: Formula 1

The Austrian Grand Prix saw a dramatic crash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, reigniting the debate about the limits of defensive driving in Formula 1. As the sport discusses whether the FIA needs to implement stricter regulations or empower the stewards to make the right calls, our writers share their views on this contentious topic.

Former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin has taken a significant step forward in his racing career, completing a successful GT3 test in Hungary after the EU lifted sanctions imposed against him earlier this year. The 25-year-old Russian driver is exploring new opportunities in the motorsports world following his Formula 1 stint with Haas.

Alpine’s Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has made a bold claim, stating that the team will win races when the new technical regulations take effect in 2026. This comes as the Enstone-based squad has announced a series of key hires from rival teams, including Ferrari and Red Bull. Briatore, who previously led the team to titles under the Benetton and Renault guises, is confident that the revised 2026 regulations will provide opportunities for Alpine to excel.

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has expressed his confidence in the team’s competitiveness despite a recent dip in performance, which saw them fall behind their rivals in the Austrian Grand Prix. Vasseur remains optimistic about Ferrari’s chances, citing the natural ebb and flow of the Formula 1 season and the team’s focus on continuous improvement.

Despite securing a podium finish at the Austrian Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has admitted that the team’s SF-24 car is currently lagging behind its Formula 1 rivals, such as Mercedes and McLaren. With the British Grand Prix on the horizon, the Scuderia is under pressure to find a performance boost to stay in the hunt.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has rejected the notion that Max Verstappen’s collision with Lando Norris in the Austrian Grand Prix was a result of unpunished incidents in the past. Wolff emphasized that he didn’t see a correlation between the 2021 incidents and the recent clash, and defended Verstappen’s approach.

Max Verstappen secured pole position in the Austria Sprint Qualifying, marking a strong start to the weekend for Red Bull. The Dutch driver overcame a sensor issue in free practice to top every segment in qualifying, finishing with a time of 1:04.686. Teammates Sergio Perez, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri round out the top positions, setting the stage for an exciting Sprint race tomorrow.