F1 LIVE: Monaco Grand Prix practice results and times as Leclerc completes one-two after Ricciardo crash

Catch up with the action and the latest Formula One news from the Monaco Grand Prix after the opening day of practice at the iconic circuit in Monte Carlo. The sight of Formula One cars sweeping their way through the Monte Carlo streets is one of the finest in motorsport and it is set to be an important weekend in the title race as defending champion Max Verstappen looks to increase the pressure on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who will be aiming to deliver glory at his home circuit.

And it was the home favourite who completed an impressive practice double with the the Ferrari man is now favourite to take the all-important pole position at Formula One’s showpiece event. Leclerc edged out team-mate Carlos Sainz by just 0.044 seconds, with the Red Bulls of Sergio Perez and championship leader Max Verstappen third and fourth respectively. Lewis Hamilton could manage only 12th in his Mercedes after the seven-time world champion struggled in the first running of the weekend.

Hamilton complained on multiple occasions about the porpoising in his Mercedes. “It is so bouncy out here, mate. I am f****** losing my mind,” he said. He later added: “I need elbow pads in this cockpit because it is bouncing so much.” Hamilton’s Mercedes team felt they had resolved the majority of the porpoising issues which have so far plagued their season, so his frustrations will be a cause for concern as Mercedes bid to get their campaign back on track.

Follow live updates from Monaco Grand Prix practice and all the latest F1 news, below:

Monaco Grand Prix: Latest practice updates

• Leclerc tops leaderboard after FP1

• Hamilton struggling with ‘crazy’ bouncing

• Leclerc completes practice one-two

How to get the perfect Monaco Grand Prix photo: ‘To get on the Ritz-Carlton roof you need a supreme plan’

Friday 27 May 2022 20:00 , Michael Jones

Through the lens of a photographer, some F1 tracks are inescapably ugly. Silverstone, for instance, is an old RAF airfield that’s flat and featureless like a grey desert, broken up by patches of grass as if someone once tried to spruce it up a bit. Others are irresistibly beautiful, like Austria’s Red Bull Ring, a track swaddled by forest, with sweeping bends which seem to rise into the Alps behind them.

Singapore twinkles, Texas shouts, Baku seems to time-travel from one corner to the next. But nothing is quite like Monte Carlo and its unique street circuit, which carries itself with a certain regality, the grand palace of Formula One. It is a venue that knows full well it is special: the race itself can be dull but that is part of its arrogance, like an artist who deliberately ignored the brief. Oh, you’ve come for the racing, to see one car overtake another, that sort of thing? Well you’ve misunderstood the purpose of this place entirely.

Each part of the circuit forms its own little world. The Opera House which sits at the top of the hill ushers cars down to the famous Casino Square hairpin. The tunnel cloaks the race in darkness before emerging into the marina, which glistens in the sunshine. For photographers hustling in the heat amid a jungle of buildings, the challenge in Monaco is not so much identifying an eye-catching shot as finding a place to take it.

Blags, bribes and bit of luck: How to get the perfect Monaco GP photo

Charles Leclerc tipped by Christian Horner for fightback at ‘unique’ home race

Friday 27 May 2022 19:45 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc has been tipped for a strong performance at his “unique” home Monaco Grand Prix by Christian Horner, team principal at Red Bull.

The Ferrari driver lost top spot in the Drivers’ Championship standings after retiring from the Spanish Grand Prix, ceding the championship lead to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

The Monegasque will have an immediate chance to hit back on his home Monte Carlo streets this weekend. However, Leclerc has a curious record on what should be familiar terrain, failing to finish any of his three Monaco Grand Prix entries as a Formula 1 driver and recently crashing Niki Lauda’s classic Ferrari while on an exhibition drive.

Leclerc tipped by Horner for fightback at ‘unique’ home race

Formula One without Monaco is not Formula One, says Charles Leclerc

Friday 27 May 2022 19:30 , Michael Jones

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has told Formula One bosses that the Monaco Grand Prix must stay on the calendar.

Organisers of the sport’s grandest race are locked in discussions with F1’s American owners Liberty Media over a contract extension – Sunday’s 78-lap race around the principality is set to be the last unless a new deal is rubber-stamped.

Despite being considered the most glamorous event in F1, the two-mile course has remain largely unchanged from the first grand prix staged in 1929, and some have claimed it is no longer fit for purpose in its current guise.

But Leclerc, 24, born and raised in Monaco, said: “Losing the race would be a bad move for both parties.”

Formula One without Monaco is not Formula One, says Charles Leclerc

McLaren solve ‘back to front’ braking problem which wrecked early season races

Friday 27 May 2022 19:15 , Michael Jones

McLaren executive technical director James Key says the team have overcome their “back-to-front” brake issue which caused them problems at the start of the season.

The team have struggled this year, particularly in Bahrain where drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris finished 14th and 15th respectively. Key has dished on what the problem was after revealing he believes McLaren now have it under control.

“A really strange phenomenon,” he said per GP Fans. “I don’t think any of us have seen it before but you had to run a certain set of circumstances to see that and we did it in CFD in the end.”

McLaren solve ‘back to front’ braking problem which wrecked early season races

Sergio Perez a ‘team player’ but wants to fight Max Verstappen with ‘competitive’ Red Bull car

Friday 27 May 2022 19:00 , Michael Jones

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner insists Sergio Perez is a “team player” but the driver wants to fight for results in a “competitive car”.

There was push back from Perez at Spanish Grand Prix with the team orders as he asked for teammate Max Verstappen to move out of the way. Perez eventually got to the front but was asked to move for Verstappen. The Mexican driver believed he had the pace to take the win but it was Verstappen who took top spot as Red Bull claimed a one-two.

Horner says Perez is mature enough to deal with having a defending champion as a teammate.

“Being Max Verstappen’s teammate is a bit of a head-screw for any driver, but I think Checo has got the maturity to deal with that at the stage he’s at in his career and with the experience that he’s got,” said Horner per RacingNews365.com.

Perez is a ‘team player’ but wants to fight Verstappen with ‘competitive’ car

Lewis Hamilton radio message in Spanish Grand Prix ‘alarming’, Martin Brundle claims

Friday 27 May 2022 18:45 , Michael Jones

Martin Brundle believes that an “alarming” radio message from Lewis Hamilton during the Spanish Grand Prix revealed how little the Mercedes driver has been enjoying this season.

Hamilton produced his finest drive of 2022 in Barcelona, battling back from an early collision with Kevin Magnussen to fight up through the field for an eventual fifth-placed finish.

The seven-time world champion and Magnussen had taken contact on the opening lap of the race, with Hamilton forced to pit and re-emerging behind the rest of the race.

Lewis Hamilton radio message in Spain ‘alarming’, Martin Brundle claims

Bernie Ecclestone denies he was arrested in Brazil after gun found in luggage

Friday 27 May 2022 18:30 , Michael Jones

Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone denied on Friday he had been arrested in Brazil and said an illegal gun found in his luggage before boarding a flight was never used and had no ammunition.

The 91-year-old Briton, now in Portugal, told Reuters a “silly, tiny little incident” had caused a lot of aggravation as he and his family tried to leave Sao Paulo by private plane on Wednesday night.

“I haven’t had any publicity lately and I thought I ought to do something to get some,” he joked in a telephone conversation.

Bernie Ecclestone denies he was arrested in Brazil after gun found in luggage

‘I am f****** losing my mind’: Lewis Hamilton driven ‘crazy’ by Mercedes struggles at Monaco Grand Prix

Friday 27 May 2022 18:15 , Michael Jones

Mercedes’ struggles with ‘porpoising’ have returned at the Monaco Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton complained that he was “f****** losing my mind” due to the “bouncing” he was experiencing in his car.

Hamilton had arrived in Monte Carlo on the back of his best performance of the year at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend and with Mercedes confident they had resolved the majority of the performance issues which have so far plagued their season.

But the team’s problems continued during the opening practice session on Friday as a frustrated Hamilton complained on his team radio: “It is so bouncy out here, mate. I am f****** losing my mind.”

‘I am f****** losing my mind’: Lewis Hamilton driven ‘crazy’ by Mercedes struggles

Lewis Hamilton able to wear jewellery in Monaco as exemption extended

Friday 27 May 2022 18:01 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton will be able to race in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix wearing jewellery after his exemption was extended.

The seven-time world champion, 37, was told in Miami earlier this month that his nose stud – which he says cannot be easily removed – must be taken out for the seventh round of the campaign in Monte Carlo.

But Formula One’s ruling body, the FIA, who are enforcing the jewellery clampdown on safety grounds, have granted Hamilton a new deadline of June 30 – three days before the British Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton able to wear jewellery in Monaco as exemption extended

George Russell has ‘a lot to improve’ compared to Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton

Friday 27 May 2022 17:45 , Michael Jones

George Russell has admitted he still has “a lot to improve” despite his impressive start to life at Mercedes, which has seen the 24-year-old take an early lead over team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings.

Despite Mercedes’ early struggles, Russell has performed well during his first season with the team and secured a podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend. It continued his streak of consecutive top-five finishes to open the season but despite his consistency the British driver said he is not yet the complete “package”, at least compared to seven-time world champion Hamilton.

When reflecting upon his start to the season, Russell told reporters ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix: “I just focus on myself and try and do the best job possible – and wherever that leaves me, I’ll sort of review from there.”

George Russell has ‘a lot to improve’ compared to Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton

Daniel Ricciardo admits he is performing below expectations with McLaren

Friday 27 May 2022 17:30 , Michael Jones

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that his early performances in the 2022 Formula 1 season have been short of his own expectations.

The McLaren driver has recorded just a single finish in top ten in the opening six races, finishing sixth at his home Australian Grand Prix but otherwise failing to score.

Zak Brown, team principal at McLaren, this week suggested to Sky Sports that Ricciardo’s early-season form had been below where both team and driver had expected the Australian to be.

Daniel Ricciardo admits he is performing below expectations with McLaren

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 17:27 , Michael Jones

The main talking points from the second practice session at Monace. Charles Leclerc tops the leaderboard for the second time today and McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo crashes out with lots of work to do to get his car ready for qualifying tomorrow.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 17:20 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc tops the leaderboard in both practice sessions on Friday in a good showing from Ferrari. Max Verstappen was a little off the pace and will look to make up the difference tomorrow morning.

Results for FP2

Friday 27 May 2022 17:11 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc leads the way again in free practice 2. Here’s a look at the full leaderboard:

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 17:05 , Michael Jones

Ferrari take the one-two with Charles Leclerc the fastest in both practice sessions today. A good sign ahead his home race at the weekend.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 17:02 , Michael Jones

There goes the chequered flag.

Charles Leclerc takes the quickest lap with his 1:12.656.

Carlos Sainz +0.044 follows him into second with both Red Bulls up next.

Sergio Perez +0.379 and Max Verstappen +0.447 claim third and fourth with Lando Norris +0.638 breaking into the top five for McLaren.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:55 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc boxed for Ferrari but has come back out on his old soft tyres. They’re 12 laps old at least and he’s well behind his own time through the first sector.

Lando Norris goes off the track after a lock up and a yellow flag is sent up for sector 1. He’s fine and spins the car around to get back out there.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:51 , Michael Jones

Kevin Magnussen locks up and goes off the track on the tight turn ending his fast run.

Christian Horner is on the pit wall for Sky Sports and is speaking about the pace of Ferrari.

“We’re focused into our long runs now, this is the only chance we have to get that data. In this session [Ferrari] have shown a lot of speed, they are looking pretty racy.” he said.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:48 , Michael Jones

Pierre Gasly has been annoyed by the traffic on the track but manages to jump up to seventh when he completes his soft tyre run, while his AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in P10. It’s a good showing from them this afternoon.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:43 , Michael Jones

The top four are very familiar. Two Ferrari’s in one-two with the Red Bull’s chasing them. Lando Norris holds fifth with Mercedes’ George Russell in sixth.

Lewis Hamilton has dropped out of the top 10. He’s now in 12th.

18 minutes to go in FP2.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:40 , Michael Jones

McLaren’s Lando Norris hits the wall, on Turn 1 but still records the fifth quickest time. Charles Leclerc is back at the top of the leaderboard with a lap time of 1:12.656.

He’s closely followed by teammate Carlos Sainz (+0.221) and Red Bulls Sergio Perez (+0.379).

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:32 , Michael Jones

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc leaps ahead of Perez after a fast lap on the soft tyres. He sets a time of 1:13.125 that Max Verstappen just pips by a couple hundreths of a second with a 1:13.103.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:29 , Michael Jones

Perez continues to dominate the top of the leaderboard but Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton is quicker through the first sector. He slows down over the rest of the course and can only record the sixth quickest lap.

His Mercedes teammate George Russell goes better and lands third in the tabel +0.560 seconds behind Red Bull’s Perez.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:26 , Michael Jones

The cars have all headed back out onto the track. Here’s a look at that crash from Daniel Ricciardo. Nicolas Latifi reports that there’s still some damage on the braking line but not enough to stop the session again.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:23 , Michael Jones

Just under 40 minutes of the second practice session to go. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez has the quickest time thus far with his teammate Max Verstappen +0.254 behind him.

The rest of the session should get back underway in a couple of minutes time.

Free Practice 2

Friday 27 May 2022 16:21 , Michael Jones

The red flags are out as McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo crashes into the barriers! He has been chatting to the team on the radio.

“I’m glad you’re okay, we’ll fix the car, don’t panic,” Ricciardo is told by one of the race engineers and he replies: “Yeah, understood I’ll... I’ll explain when I get back.”

The car has taken a big hit, the front wing seems to have completely been dislodged and the front left wheel is worse for wear.

Free Practice 2 underway!

Friday 27 May 2022 16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The cars are back out on the street circuit of Monte Carlo. What does this session have in store?

Free Practice 2 not far away

Friday 27 May 2022 15:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We mentioned some of those glourious images that have been coming in from Monaco on a resplendent day in Monte Carlo, with sea and sky offering vivid blue canvas.

Ayrton Senna to be remembered on McLaren car

Friday 27 May 2022 15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

News from McLaren today, who have confirmed that the Senna Foundation logo will be on their cars permanently from this weekend onwards. Ayrton Senna won all three of his Formula 1 world titles and took a record six wins at the Monaco Grand Prix while with the team - a tribute to one of the greats.

Charles Leclerc tops first practice for Ferrari at home grand prix in Monaco

Friday 27 May 2022 15:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We aren’t too far away from second practice, with the teams fiddling with their cars in the hope of progress between practice sessions. Here’s the report on the first run around the Monaco streets, with Charles Leclerc atop the standings, and Pierre Gasly producing a particularly impressive drive in his AlphaTauri.

Charles Leclerc tops first practice for Ferrari at home grand prix in Monaco

Charles Leclerc tops first practice for Ferrari at home grand prix in Monaco

Friday 27 May 2022 15:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We aren’t too far away from second practice, with the teams fiddling with their cars in the hope of progress between practice sessions. Here’s the report on the first run around the Monaco streets, with Charles Leclerc atop the standings, and Pierre Gasly producing a particularly impressive drive in his AlphaTauri.

Charles Leclerc tops first practice for Ferrari at home grand prix in Monaco

Lewis Hamilton driven ‘crazy’ by Mercedes struggles at Monaco Grand Prix

Friday 27 May 2022 15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rough start for Mercedes in the opening practice session in Monte Carlo, and some angry words from Lewis Hamilton, who was not best pleased by a bumpy ride in the W13.

‘I am f****** losing my mind’: Lewis Hamilton driven ‘crazy’ by Mercedes struggles

Problems for Schumacher in FP1

Friday 27 May 2022 14:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A relatively incident free first practice session, with no major crashes or bashes to report from the first laps of the Monaco track. There was, however, a problem for Mick Schumacher, encountering gearbox trouble and drawing a red flag after inadvertendly blocking the pit lane when his Haas came to a standstill. He’ll be hoping for a smoother run in FP2.

Bernie Ecclestone denies he was arrested in Brazil

Friday 27 May 2022 14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

News from elsewhere now, and it concerns Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 chief executive who ran into some legal issues in Brazil this week. A gun, reported to be unregistered, was found in the nonagenarian’s possession as he boarded a private flight out of the country, but he’s denied that he was arrested and claimed the weapon had never been loaded.

Bernie Ecclestone denies he was arrested in Brazil after gun found in luggage

Picture perfect

Friday 27 May 2022 14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty of gorgeous images rolling in from FP1 in Monaco. But how do the top photographers go about getting the images that so perfectly display the Monaco Grand Prix in all its glory? Lawrence Ostlere, The Independent’s resident aesthete, reveals the art of the perfect Monte Carlo picture:

Blags, bribes and bit of luck: How to get the perfect Monaco GP photo

Toto Wolff speaks to Sky about Mercedes’ FP1 performance

Friday 27 May 2022 14:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I think we have a ride issue,” the Mercedes team principal explains. “It is something we’ve had through the season, the bouncing. Today it is the stiffness [of the car causing the problems].

“It looks like that our car performs. We were quick, maybe not at the end, but overall. But it is just undriveable like this. We can work on the set up to try and make it more enjoyable for [the drivers].

“You want to have a fast car. If it is fast, we will make them all the pads they need [to protect them].

“We are coming closer, learning more and more, so that is positive.”

When is Free Practice 2?

Friday 27 May 2022 14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Which, if you need a reminder, begins later this afternoon. Here’s the full weekend schedule in Monaco:

F1 practice today: What time is Monaco Grand Prix and how can I watch?

Trouble for Mercedes

Friday 27 May 2022 14:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It sounds like Mercedes’ problems in that opening session were not porpoising, but bouncing, with both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton battling a rough ride on an uneven track. They’ll be hoping for better in FP2.

Former world champion Nico Rosberg on the opening practice session

Friday 27 May 2022 14:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It seems the car weight being heavier last year it makes it harder for drivers to get their braking right,” Sky Sports’ Nico Rosberg reflects on the first practice session. “I saw [Max] Verstappen was really strong, Leclerc very strong - they are the two favourites from this morning. “

Monaco Grand Prix FP1 leaderboard - Charles Leclerc tops the standings

Friday 27 May 2022 14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As promised, here is the fancy graphic with the full results from the opening practice session. Good for Gasly, bad for Bottas, and a familiar quartet at the top:

Practice 1 ends

Friday 27 May 2022 14:03 , Jamie Braidwood

That’s that for the first practice session of the weekend. No major changes in the final five minutes, so the top ten looks like this:

1. Leclerc

2. Perez

3. Sainz

4. Verstappen

5. Norris

6. Gasly

7. Ricciardo

8. Russell

9. Vettel.

10. Hamilton

We’ll confirm that in a fancy graphic as soon as one becomes available.

Tough start for Schumacher and Bottas

Friday 27 May 2022 14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We’ll cover the early winners when the final lap times are confirmed in the next couple of minutes, but not the best start for either Mick Schumacher or, particularly, Valtteri Bottas. The Finn won’t set a time in his Alpha Romeo during this practice period as his team battle to find a solution to an issue, while Schumacher has not re-emerged after blocking the pit lane having encountered an issue with his gearbox.

Final five minutes

Friday 27 May 2022 13:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not long at all left in the first practice session. The two Ferraris and two Red Bulls occupy positions one through four with Lando Norris and, surprisingly, Pierre Gasly next on the leaderboard. Really promising for AlphaTauri.

Leclerc goes fastest

Friday 27 May 2022 13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Even quicker from Charles Leclerc on the medium tyres - he lowers his fastest lap time and leapfrogs his title rival. Carlos Sainz has also produced his best lap of the afternoon, and is up in P2.

Final 15 minutes

Friday 27 May 2022 13:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Three quarters of the way there in first practice, and Charles Leclerc breaks up the Red Bull pair with a time in the 1:14s. Max Verstappen has been forced to come in for a new set of tyres after making an error soon after that flying lap.

Max Verstappen goes top

Friday 27 May 2022 13:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The fastest lap of the day so far for Max Verstappen, pushing hard to re-take top spot in the FP1 timings. He nearly came a-cropper in the final couple of corners, but managed to hold it.

Sergio Perez joins his teammate in populating the upper regions of the leaderboard - he goes second, two tenths of a second down on the reigning world champion.

A surprising top three

Friday 27 May 2022 13:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An unfamiliar look to the top of the standings after two-thirds of this practice session: Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo. That’s a pretty nippy lap time from the AlphaTauri, who could be in for a good weekend after trouble in Barcelona.

Christian Horner chats to Sky Sports

Friday 27 May 2022 13:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“So far, reasonably good,” team principal Christian Horner says of Red Bull’s practice so far. “Ride is definitely a challenge, but perhaps we don’t seem as badly affected [as other teams].

“I think from what we saw last weekend, if you had to bet on it, Ferrari probably should have the edge here. But the temperatures are sky-high again, these cars are so new and also so big around here, so anything is possible.

“Even before last weekend we were building and trying to find our way back into the championship. Certainly playing the longer game. I think that comes with experience and now [Max Verstappen] has that championship under his belt.”

Valtteri Bottas in the pits

Friday 27 May 2022 13:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just the two laps for Valtteri Bottas so far in this session, with no recorded time, and he may not get too many more. The Alfa Romeo driver is in the pits requiring some serious attention for a problem with his vehicle.

Lando Norris tops the leaderboard

Friday 27 May 2022 13:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And soon after Hamilton sets his strong time, Lando Norris pushes ahead of Max Verstappen at the top of the practice standings with a 1:15.3. Both he and Daniel Ricciardo lapping well.

Better from Lewis Hamilton

Friday 27 May 2022 13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Whatever that fix was, it appears to have worked - Hamilton goes second fastest.

More problems for Mercedes

Friday 27 May 2022 13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Yeah, the bouncing’s crazy, mate,” Lewis Hamilton says to Mercedes on team radio about the problems he is dealing with. The team have offered to try a quick fix to the rear of the car, but time, of course, is key.

Red flags in Monaco

Friday 27 May 2022 13:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With everything at something of a standstill with the red flags still waving, a chance to pause for breath. Max Verstappen is the fastest so far, folllowed by the two Ferraris and Daniel Ricciardo, who is going well early on. Still everyone on hards except the Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

Trouble for Mick Schumacher

Friday 27 May 2022 13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mick Schumacher radios in with an apparent gearbox problem, and his Haas is stopped, blocking the entry to the pit lane. That isn’t at all ideal, and draws the wave of the yellow flags.

In fact, those yellow flags will be swapped for red as the marshals gather to try to move Schumacher out of harm’s way.

Leclerc goes off track

Friday 27 May 2022 13:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And there’s the first major error of the day - Charles Leclerc failing to make a corner and forced to use the large run off area having misjudged his entry. No contact with the barriers, and he’s soon back amongst things.

Max Verstappen is down in the 1:15s, and fastest so far.

Charles Leclerc’s recent Monaco trouble

Friday 27 May 2022 13:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Leclerc will be rather pleased to put his last visit to Monte Carlo behind him. The Monegasque was granted the chance to drive Niki Lauda’s classic 1974 Ferrari at the Historic Grand Prix in his hometown earlier in May - which didn’t go particularly well...

Charles Leclerc crashes Niki Lauda’s Ferrari on streets of Monaco

Ferrari setting the pace

Friday 27 May 2022 13:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Home roads, home comforts - a good start from Charles Leclerc as he seeks to end his home hoodoo. Carlos Sainz also performing well in these opening forays.

Porpoising?

Friday 27 May 2022 13:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ooh, now that isn’t ideal. It appears Mercedes are suffering some porpoising early in practice, with both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton struggling. You wouldn’t have thought that would be an issue on a slower track, but the issue remains something of an enigma.

Problems for Ferrari

Friday 27 May 2022 13:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A worrying message on the radio from Carlos Sainz, who is complaining to Ferrari about the quality of his ride. The Spaniard is the third fastest so far, and on the medium tyres, but is dealing with a few bumps. We’ll see how things progress.

Teammate Charles Leclerc has just gone fastest. The Ferrari pair are the only drivers running the medium compound. All other drivers on hards.

Can Mercedes continue to build?

Friday 27 May 2022 13:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty of positives to take away from the Spanish Grand Prix for Mercedes, not least Lewis Hamilton’s fight back from a disaster start after his opening lap crash with Kevin Magnussen. So, too, George Russell’s continued steady form. They were still a little way off Ferrari and Red Bull in qualifying, but Hamilton has won thrice previously in these opulent environs before. Can Mercedes further close the gap?

The cars are out on track!

Friday 27 May 2022 13:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The first practice session of the weekend in Monaco is underway, with the drivers settling into their work and re-familiarising themselves with those tight corners.

Charles Leclerc’s homecoming

Friday 27 May 2022 12:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty of red caps with horses adorning the domes of the fans assembled in the grand stand. Charles Leclerc will be desperate to bounce back from a blow in Barcelona, and you’d make the Monegasque a mild favourite this weekend for a victory that would mean so much. If his Ferrari functions, look out.

The sun is shining

Friday 27 May 2022 12:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As mentioned, the weather is set fair this afternoon, with only the glare of the bright early summer sun for the drivers to contend with. Nico Rosberg has eschewed shoes on Sky Sports’ coverage to stand barefoot in his pale chinos on one of the many yachts nestled in the Monaco marinas - and with temperatures up above 30 degrees, you can understand why.

Monaco Grand Prix Practice 1

Friday 27 May 2022 12:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yes, a first chance for the class of 2022 to get to grips with those familiar twists and turns round the principality’s narrow streets. How will the new cars fare on a circuit that has been criticised in recent years? Of course, for some of the grid, Monaco is home during the weeks they are not on the road, and for Charles Leclerc this is a true homecoming. Not that the title contender’s record in Monte Carlo is anything to shout about - the Ferrari driver is yet to finish a Monaco Grand Prix in his Formula 1 career.

Monaco Grand Prix Practice 1

Friday 27 May 2022 12:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A glamorous location, an historic circuit - it’s always a fun Formula 1 weekend when the travelling mass assemble in Monaco. It may not be the most popular destination for fans of out-and-out racing, but a wet Sunday forecast could add an air of unpredictability to things come race day in Monte Carlo.

For now, though, the sun is very much shining, the harbour is shimmering, and the drivers will be out in their cars for the first practice session very shortly...

George Russell has ‘a lot to improve’ compared to Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton

Friday 27 May 2022 12:45 , Michael Jones

George Russell has admitted he still has “a lot to improve” despite his impressive start to life at Mercedes, which has seen the 24-year-old take an early lead over team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings.

Despite Mercedes’ early struggles, Russell has performed well during his first season with the team and secured a podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend. It continued his streak of consecutive top-five finishes to open the season but despite his consistency the British driver said he is not yet the complete “package”, at least compared to seven-time world champion Hamilton.

When reflecting upon his start to the season, Russell told reporters ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix: “I just focus on myself and try and do the best job possible – and wherever that leaves me, I’ll sort of review from there.”

George Russell has ‘a lot to improve’ compared to Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton

Daniel Ricciardo admits he is performing below expectations with McLaren

Friday 27 May 2022 12:38 , Michael Jones

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that his early performances in the 2022 Formula 1 season have been short of his own expectations.

The McLaren driver has recorded just a single finish in top ten in the opening six races, finishing sixth at his home Australian Grand Prix but otherwise failing to score.

Zak Brown, team principal at McLaren, this week suggested to Sky Sports that Ricciardo’s early-season form had been below where both team and driver had expected the Australian to be.

Ricciardo, who has been out-performed by teammate Lando Norris, has conceded that he and McLaren must improve, but he still has confidence that he can compete for race victories.

Daniel Ricciardo admits he is performing below expectations with McLaren

Seven F1 teams could pull out of races because of budget cap, Christian Horner claims

Friday 27 May 2022 12:30 , Michael Jones

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has warned as many as seven teams may have to pull out of races this season to meet Formula ‘s budget cap.

The cap has fallen to £111 million in the 2022 season compared to the £115m in 2021. Horner says the governing body the FIA should increase the budget to reflect inflation rises and that they have a “duty of care” to ensure the teams can finish the campaign.

“Seven of the teams would probably need to miss the last four races to come within the cap this year,’ he said, as perBBC Sport. “It’s not just about the big teams. It’s teams in the middle of the field who are really struggling with inflationary issues. The FIA has a duty of care. I know they are taking it seriously.”

Seven F1 teams could pull out of races because of budget cap, Christian Horner claims

Mercedes respond to claims Lewis Hamilton touched Red Bull rear wing after Spanish Grand Prix

Friday 27 May 2022 12:19 , Michael Jones

Mercedes have denied that Lewis Hamilton touched the rear wing of Sergio Perez’s Red Bull at the Spanish Grand Prix.

A picture emerged of Hamilton walking behind the car which made it appear as though he had touched it. Max Verstappen was fined last season for doing the same with Hamilton’s wing at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which some fans were quick to highlight.

However, Mercedes insisted Hamilton didn’t in fact come into contact with the car.

Mercedes respond to claims Lewis Hamilton touched Red Bull rear wing

FIA push back imposing of jewellery ban on Lewis Hamilton and other F1 drivers

Friday 27 May 2022 12:10 , Michael Jones

The FIA have pushed back the strict enforcement of jewellery regulations on drivers, allowing Lewis Hamilton to race at the Monaco Grand Prix without threat of sanction.

Formula 1’s controlling body has clamped down on the wearing of jewellery by drivers while in their cars this season, more strenously enforcing a rule that has been in place since 2005.

The decision has been criticised by Mercedes’ Hamilton, who has a nose stud that would have required surgery to remove. The seven-time world champion was granted a two-race exemption to allow its removal that was due to expire ahead of the race in Monte Carlo, but reports now suggest that stricter rules will not be enforced until June 30.

FIA push back imposing of jewellery ban on Lewis Hamilton and other F1 drivers

Charles Leclerc tipped by Christian Horner for fightback at ‘unique’ home race

Friday 27 May 2022 12:00 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc has been tipped for a strong performance at his “unique” home Monaco Grand Prix by Christian Horner, team principal at Red Bull.

The Ferrari driver lost top spot in the Drivers’ Championship standings after retiring from the Spanish Grand Prix, ceding the championship lead to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

The Monegasque will have an immediate chance to hit back on his home Monte Carlo streets this weekend. However, Leclerc has a curious record on what should be familiar terrain, failing to finish any of his three Monaco Grand Prix entries as a Formula 1 driver and recently crashing Niki Lauda’s classic Ferrari while on an exhibition drive.

Leclerc tipped by Horner for fightback at ‘unique’ home race

Daniel Ricciardo hasn’t met McLaren’s expectations, Zak Brown says

Friday 27 May 2022 11:53 , Michael Jones

McLaren team boss Zak Brown says Daniel Ricciardo isn’t hitting the expectations set for him when he joined in 2021.

Apart from winning the Italian Grand Prix at Monza last season, Ricciardo has struggled at McLaren and sits 12th in the driver standings this season with just one top-ten finish out of the opening six races.

By contrast, Ricciardo’s teammate, Lando Norris, has achieved a podium finish and is seventh overall, only behind the Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes drivers, and Brown has said there is a “gap” between the drivers.

Daniel Ricciardo hasn’t met McLaren’s expectations, Zak Brown says

McLaren boss disappointed with gap between Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo

Friday 27 May 2022 11:44 , Michael Jones

McLaren boss Zak Brown has expressed disappointment at the clear “gap” between drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, with the Australian yet to meet the “expectations” of his move to the team.

Ricciardo finished 12th at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday and has only scored one top-ten result out of six races in Formula One this season.

The experienced Ricciardo has been outperformed by his younger team-mate Norris, who battled to finish eighth in Barcelona despite struggling with tonsillitis.

Norris is seventh in the drivers standings and is the leading points-scorer outside of Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes, while Ricciardo is only 12th in the overall leaderboard.

McLaren boss disappointed with gap between Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo

McLaren solve ‘back to front’ braking problem which wrecked early season races

Friday 27 May 2022 11:33 , Michael Jones

McLaren executive technical director James Key says the team have overcome their “back-to-front” brake issue which caused them problems at the start of the season.

The team have struggled this year, particularly in Bahrain where drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris finished 14th and 15th respectively. Key has dished on what the problem was after revealing he believes McLaren now have it under control.

“A really strange phenomenon,” he said per GP Fans. “I don’t think any of us have seen it before but you had to run a certain set of circumstances to see that and we did it in CFD in the end.”

McLaren solve ‘back to front’ braking problem which wrecked early season races

Mercedes explain changes in return to form at Spanish Grand Prix

Friday 27 May 2022 11:23 , Michael Jones

Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles has explained the changes made to the team’s car which saw an improvement in form at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The team have been struggling with pace and porpoising this season but they bagged two good results last Sunday. George Russell finished third, maintaining his streak as the only driver to finish every race in the top five, and Lewis Hamilton claimed fifth.

“I’ll try and break down the different elements of those [changes],” Vowles said in Mercedes’ post-race debrief video. “The first is temperatures. We were seeing 36-37 degrees ambient during the race weekend. The track was somewhere in the mid-40s.

“During the test it is more typical to see 16 degrees ambient, maybe 17, and the track more typically around about low 20s, 22, 25 and that creates quite a substantial difference on how the tyres are performing. Generally, you go quicker in the cooler conditions.”

Mercedes explain changes in return to form at Spanish Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton insists there ‘isn’t a leader’ in Mercedes partnership with George Russell

Friday 27 May 2022 11:15 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton insisted that he does not feel like the leader at Mercedes and that he and George Russell “work equally hard together”.

Hamilton’s hopes of winning a record-breaking eighth world championship have all but disintegrated during a miserable start to the season for Mercedes and he trails teammate Russell by 28 points in the drivers’ standings.

His place at the pinnacle of the sport today remains undisputed, though, even as the new generation of drivers led by Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc begin to establish what appears to be a new era.

But when Russell was asked at a press conference what qualities he saw in Hamilton as a leader, the 37-year-old interjected and said: “Well, firstly, I wouldn’t say I’m the leader. George and I work equally hard together, I would say, to help drive the team and row just as hard as everyone else in the team.”

Lewis Hamilton insists there ‘isn’t a leader’ in partnership with George Russell

‘He’s a very determined racing driver’: Lewis Hamilton expected to shun retirement to chase record F1 title

Friday 27 May 2022 11:05 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton has been backed to continue F1 for another season despite his early struggles in the current campaign.

Hamilton has dropped several hints about retirement over recent years, and many observers thought the devastation of losing the 2021 title fight to Max Verstappen might bring about the end of the seven-time world champion’s glittering career.

However, Hamilton has continued this season, in which Mercedes have fallen behind rivals Red Bull and Ferrari.

And former team owner Ross Brawn believes the 37-year-old is going nowhere.

‘He’s very determined’: Lewis Hamilton tipped to stay and chase F1 history

Sergio Perez a ‘team player’ but wants to fight Max Verstappen with ‘competitive’ Red Bull car

Friday 27 May 2022 10:55 , Michael Jones

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner insists Sergio Perez is a “team player” but the driver wants to fight for results in a “competitive car”.

There was push back from Perez at Spanish Grand Prix with the team orders as he asked for teammate Max Verstappen to move out of the way. Perez eventually got to the front but was asked to move for Verstappen. The Mexican driver believed he had the pace to take the win but it was Verstappen who took top spot as Red Bull claimed a one-two.

Horner says Perez is mature enough to deal with having a defending champion as a teammate.

“Being Max Verstappen’s teammate is a bit of a head-screw for any driver, but I think Checo has got the maturity to deal with that at the stage he’s at in his career and with the experience that he’s got,” said Horner per RacingNews365.com.

Perez is a ‘team player’ but wants to fight Verstappen with ‘competitive’ car

Red Bull guru Adrian Newey fears F1 car design is going in ‘wrong direction’

Friday 27 May 2022 10:46 , Michael Jones

Red Bull’s chief technology officer Adrian Newey believes the regulation changes in regards to the weight of this season’s Formula One cars are taking the sport in the “wrong direction”.

F1 chiefs brought in the regulation changes to increase the chance for cars to overtake each other during races but Newey believes the move is part of a wider trend in which road cars are getting heavier.

“I think the principle of helping cars to overtake by reducing the sensitivity of the following car to the one in front is fine. I think it helps to be able to overtake a little better. I don’t think it’s a significant change but it will help a little,” Newey told Motorsport Magazin.

Red Bull guru Adrian Newey fears F1 car design is going in ‘wrong direction’

George Russell reveals disagreement with new F1 rule

Friday 27 May 2022 10:37 , Michael Jones

George Russell has revealed he disagrees with F1’s new rule that each team has to give their junior drivers at least two FP1 sessions this season.

Williams gave Nyck de Vries the opportunity to practice at the Spanish Grand Prix, while Red Bull handed a session to Juri Vips.

However, Russell feels the opportunities given to the young racers will hinder them because of the pressure it puts on their shoulders.

He said: “I think, slightly counter-intuitively, I personally don’t think it’s correct to be getting drivers in for FP1 to showcase what they can do in front of the world in 60 minutes, in 10 laps in a car they have barely driven, and be judged off this.”

George Russell reveals disagreement with new F1 rule

Lewis Hamilton radio call gives ‘alarming true picture’ of Mercedes star’s feelings

Friday 27 May 2022 10:28 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton’s radio call to retire from the Spanish Grand Prix gives an “alarming true picture” of how much he is not enjoying the season, according to Martin Brundle.

Hamilton suffered a puncture after a collision with Haas driver Kavin Magnussen and he told his team he wanted to bow out of the race. But Mercedes asked him to carry on and the British driver managed to finish the race in fifth.

“Lewis’ contact with Kevin Magnussen on the opening lap surely cost him a chance of a spectacular result,” pundit Brundle wrote for Sky Sports. “He was 50 seconds behind the leader on lap two and 54 seconds at the end despite backing off by four seconds on the final tour.”

Lewis Hamilton radio call gives ‘alarming true picture’ of Mercedes star’s feelings

Bernie Ecclestone arrested in Brazil for illegally carrying gun on private plane to Switzerland

Friday 27 May 2022 10:20 , Michael Jones

Former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone was arrested in Brazil late on Wednesday for illegally carrying a gun while boarding a private plane to Switzerland, local police said.

The Brazilian police found an undocumented LW Seecamp .32 gun in Ecclestone’s luggage during an X-ray screening, police said in a statement, adding that he was then arrested and taken to a facility at Viracopos airport in Campinas.

Ecclestone acknowledged owning the gun, but said he was unaware it was in his luggage at the time, police said. The Briton paid bail and was freed to travel to Switzerland.

Bernie Ecclestone arrested in Brazil for carrying gun on private plane

Haas disappointed by ‘lost opportunities’ at Spanish Grand Prix

Friday 27 May 2022 10:12 , Michael Jones

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has admitted he is disappointed they failed to secure any points at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The American F1 team, whose drivers are Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher, have already accumulated 15 points this season, a significant improvement from their tally of zero in 2021.

But they could only muster 14th and 17th positions in Barcelona despite qualifying eighth and 10th in Saturday’s qualifying. And the race result was something Haas boss Steinier was thoroughly disappointed by.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, he said: “It gets to you a little bit because they are lost opportunities.

Haas disappointed by ‘lost opportunities’ at Spanish Grand Prix

F1 race calendar 2022: Full list of dates for every grand prix in biggest season ever

Friday 27 May 2022 10:01 , Michael Jones

Formula 1 is in the midst of the biggest season in its 72-year history over 2022 with 23 races planned at top class racing venues around the world.

The series has been on an expansion drive ever since owners Liberty Media purchased it from Bernie Ecclestone back in 2017, with focus placed on key financial territories including the Middle East and North America.

All but one of the tracks scheduled to host a grand prix in 2022 have done so far before. This season brings a brand new race in the United States onto the calendar in May, as the Miami International Autodrome makes its debut as the second US event alongside the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. The Florida venue will see drivers navigate 19 corners around the Hard Rock Stadium, home of NFL team Miami Dolphins.

F1 race calendar 2022: Full list of dates for every grand prix in biggest season ever

How to get the perfect Monaco Grand Prix photo: ‘To get on the Ritz-Carlton roof you need a supreme plan’

Friday 27 May 2022 09:49 , Michael Jones

Through the lens of a photographer, some F1 tracks are inescapably ugly. Silverstone, for instance, is an old RAF airfield that’s flat and featureless like a grey desert, broken up by patches of grass as if someone once tried to spruce it up a bit. Others are irresistibly beautiful, like Austria’s Red Bull Ring, a track swaddled by forest, with sweeping bends which seem to rise into the Alps behind them.

Singapore twinkles, Texas shouts, Baku seems to time-travel from one corner to the next. But nothing is quite like Monte Carlo and its unique street circuit, which carries itself with a certain regality, the grand palace of Formula One. It is a venue that knows full well it is special: the race itself can be dull but that is part of its arrogance, like an artist who deliberately ignored the brief. Oh, you’ve come for the racing, to see one car overtake another, that sort of thing? Well you’ve misunderstood the purpose of this place entirely.

Each part of the circuit forms its own little world. The Opera House which sits at the top of the hill ushers cars down to the famous Casino Square hairpin. The tunnel cloaks the race in darkness before emerging into the marina, which glistens in the sunshine. For photographers hustling in the heat amid a jungle of buildings, the challenge in Monaco is not so much identifying an eye-catching shot as finding a place to take it.

Blags, bribes and bit of luck: How to get the perfect Monaco GP photo

Max Verstappen excited for ‘old school’ and ‘insane’ Monaco Grand Prix

Friday 27 May 2022 09:42 , Michael Jones

Reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen is looking forward to the “old school” Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.

The 24-year-old Dutchman has already claimed three wins this season and moved six points clear of Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ championship with victory at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.

Next up is the famous Monaco race where Verstappen won last season. And he is excited about the prospect of back-to-back wins at the iconic Monte Carlo track.

Speaking in Red Bull’s racing preview, he said: “Monaco is always a hectic but special weekend. Qualifying is critical”

Max Verstappen excited for ‘old school’ and ‘insane’ Monaco Grand Prix

Toto Wolff plays down Mercedes’ Monaco Grand Prix hopes

Friday 27 May 2022 09:31 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff has set expectations low for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix as he admits the track isn’t Mercedes’ “happy place”.

The team have not been up to their usual standard this season but are still in the mix. Their latest outing at the Spanish Grand Prix was a boost for Mercedes with George Russell finishing third and Lewis Hamilton claiming fifth.

But the team prinicpal isn’t predicting a similar points haul in the upcoming race.

“We’ve seen another big step, probably we’ve halved the advantage to the front-runners,” Wolff told Sky. “But still there’s lots of way to go in order to be in the fight.”

Toto Wolff plays down Mercedes’ Monaco Grand Prix hopes

Mercedes tease F1 upgrades for Monaco Grand Prix after Barcelona improvement

Friday 27 May 2022 09:20 , Michael Jones

Mercedes‘ trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has said there are “new parts in the pipeline” after an impressive showing at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Mercedes have grown into the new F1 season after a slow start, and although they remain off the pace of Ferrari and Red Bull, there were signs in Barcelona that George Russell and Lewis Hamilton could be getting back into contention.

Russell battled to a third-place finish while Hamilton fought from the back of the pack after a disatrous start to finish fifth, and Mercedes now plan to improve the car further before the next race in Monaco.

Mercedes tease upgrades for Monaco Grand Prix after Barcelona improvement

Formula One without Monaco is not Formula One, says Charles Leclerc

Friday 27 May 2022 09:12 , Michael Jones

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has told Formula One bosses that the Monaco Grand Prix must stay on the calendar.

Organisers of the sport’s grandest race are locked in discussions with F1’s American owners Liberty Media over a contract extension – Sunday’s 78-lap race around the principality is set to be the last unless a new deal is rubber-stamped.

Despite being considered the most glamorous event in F1, the two-mile course has remain largely unchanged from the first grand prix staged in 1929, and some have claimed it is no longer fit for purpose in its current guise.

But Leclerc, 24, born and raised in Monaco, said: “Losing the race would be a bad move for both parties.”

Formula One without Monaco is not Formula One, says Charles Leclerc

Christian Horner defends Red Bull team orders at Spanish Grand Prix

Friday 27 May 2022 09:03 , Jack Rathborn

Christian Horner has defended the team orders given by Red Bull during the Spanish Grand Prix as “the right thing to do”.

After the retirement of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc from the lead, Sergio Perez was asked to relinquish first place by his team, helping to clear the way for Max Verstappen to take his third consecutive race win ahead of his teammate.

Perez suggested on the radio after the race that he may not have been particularly pleased with Red Bull’s decision, saying: “I’m happy for the team, but we need to speak later.”

However Horner has insisted that it was the sensible option, with the team principal not willing to risk potentially missing out on a significant amount of points by letting the drivers fight it out, particularly with DRS working only intermittently.

Christian Horner defends Red Bull team orders at Spanish Grand Prix

Kevin Magnussen clarifies ‘heat of the moment’ radio message about Lewis Hamilton

Friday 27 May 2022 08:52 , Jack Rathborn

Kevin Magnussen has said he will have to watch back his opening-lap collision with Lewis Hamilton at the Spanish Grand Prix, moving to clarify a comment made in the “heat of the moment” soon after the incident.

Magnussen’s Haas took contact from the seven-time world champion’s Mercedes as the Danish driver looked to pass Hamilton at Turn Four in Barcelona having made a strong start.

While Hamilton was able to battle up to fifth having dropped to 19th after the incident, a run into the gravel ended Magnussen’s hopes of scoring points, eventually crossing the line 17th.

In the immediacy of the incident, the Haas driver accused Hamilton of deliberately causing contact on the radio to his team, suggesting “Lewis knew what he was doing there, he rammed me”.

The stewards were content that the clash did not require further intervention or punishment, and Magnussen admitted afterwards that he may not have been correct to be angry at Hamilton, saying the comment meant “nothing” and that he will have to review the incident.

Kevin Magnussen clarifies ‘heat of the moment’ radio message about Lewis Hamilton

Red Bull relaxed about Max Verstappen’s ‘road rage’ at Spanish Grand Prix

Friday 27 May 2022 08:40 , Jack Rathborn

Christian Horner has said that Max Verstappen’s “road rage” during the Spanish Grand Prix was “understandable” after the Dutchman expressed his frustration over the radio in Barcelona.

Verstappen eventually took his third consecutive win in Spain, capitalising on Charles Leclerc’s retirement after engine trouble to lead home a Red Bull one-two.

The 24-year-old was not happy, however, with a faulty DRS that worked only intermittently during the race, having also lost out on a chance at pole in qualifying due to a loss of power on his final lap.

“We can’t even make the f****** DRS work, unbelievable!” Verstappen fumed over team radio after one moment of DRS disruption.

Red Bull relaxed about Max Verstappen’s ‘road rage’ at Spanish Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso open to joining top team, even as No 2 driver

Friday 27 May 2022 08:23 , Jack Rathborn

Fernando Alonso is open to taking a seat at a top team next season, even if he has to compete against a consensus No 1 driver, such as Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

The Spaniard’s contract with Alpine expires at the end of this season, with talks due to begin over an extension in July.

“I think so,” Alonso told Sky Sports F1 when asked if he could land a third World Championship. “That’s why I keep racing, you know?

“There is still always the hope that one year you will have the package and you will have the, you know, all things together to fight for the championship. I still feel competitive and I’m fast.

“Yeah, sure,” he added when pushed on the possibility of joining a top team where he may have to be the No 2 behind a top driver, such as Red Bull, with Sergio Perez’s contract up for renewal at the end of the season.

“I think at the end of the day there are not many number one, two drivers in any team right now.

“All the teams need both drivers to work together and to improve the car, especially with the new regulations.

“You still learn every lap you do and you have to work towards a better car, a better package. So let’s see what are the possibilities into the next few years.”

Good morning

Friday 27 May 2022 08:11 , Jack Rathborn

Follow for live updates and the latest Formula One news from the Monaco Grand Prix as practice gets underway today at the iconic circuit in Monte Carlo. The sight of Formula One cars sweeping their way through the Monte Carlo streets is one of the finest in motorsport and it is set to be an important weekend in the title race as defending champion Max Verstappen looks to increase the pressure on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who will be aiming to deliver glory at his home circuit.

Verstappen has won three races in a row to seize the championship lead from Leclerc and was the race winner at the Monaco Grand Prix last time out, after the Monegasque driver was unable to start the race on pole position following a crash in qualifying. The title rivals are set to go head to head once again this weekend, with this afternoon’s practice sessions offering the first clues as to where the pace lies. “Monaco is always a hectic but special weekend,” Verstappen said this week. “Qualifying is critical.”

Mercedes, meanwhile, will be looking to build upon their encouraging form in last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. George Russell claimed a podium while Lewis Hamilton’s hopes were lifted, but team boss Toto Wolff has warned that Mercedes have traditionally struggled in Monaco on what is a “tricky” circuit for the Silver Arrows. Follow live build-up to Monaco Grand Prix practice and all the latest F1 news in today’s live blog.

Toto Wolff reveals ‘morale boost’ after Mercedes upgrades

Friday 27 May 2022 08:03 , Jack Rathborn

Toto Wolff admits Mercedes secured a “morale boost” after the Spanish Grand Prix.

“The relationship, the dynamic between the driver and the team is something that is so important,” Wolff said.

“It’s clear, in having an accident in the early stage of the race, you are saying to yourself ‘Not again!’ and you are not featuring.

“He was 38 seconds or so behind the last cars after his stop and that’s basically game over but him then showing his very good pace was important for not only his morale but also our morale.

“Who would have thought he would climb all the way to fourth before the problem came up. It looked like a world championship-winning race car he was driving. That was not possible in the previous races.

“It reminded me of last year and the years before when the car and driver are on top of their game.”

Monaco Grand Prix Schedule

Friday 27 May 2022 07:57 , Jack Rathborn

Friday 27 May

• FP1: 1pm

• FP2: 4pm

Saturday 28 May

• FP3: 12pm

• Qualifying: 3pm

Sunday 29 May

• Race: 2pm