OLD - F1 LIVE: Mercedes upgrades confirmed with Fernando Alonso ‘open’ to joining top team

Max Verstappen triumphed at the Spanish Grand Prix after major drama saw Formula 1 title rival Charles Leclerc retire in Barcelona. There was controversy when Red Bull initiated team orders to push the world champion above Sergio Perez to boost the drivers’ championship hopes, which seemed to rile the Mexican driver. Elsewhere, Mercedes picked up some form as they look to storm back this summer after a troubling start to the F1 season and the W13 car.

Russell took third to land a podium place, despite a late scare with the Silver Arrows issuing a warning that he was a DNF candidate with the dwindling power unit. Lewis Hamilton was fifth, with home favourite Carlos Sainz salvaging some pride for the fans with a fourth place to limit the damage in the constructors’ title race.

Reacting to his heartache, Leclerc said: “I lost power and I had to stop because there was an issue. I don’t know yet what the reason is. It hurts. But there are some positives, we have shown that we were quick.”

While Hamilton added that his fifth place felt like a win: “I was thinking it was impossible to get back into points but the team said no you’re on for eighth,” Hamilton said. “I thought they were being super-optimistic. I’m glad we didn’t [retire] and it just shows you never stop and never give up and that’s what I did. A race like that is like a win, and it actually feels better than a win most often when you have come from so far back.” Follow live reaction, news and updates from the Spanish Grand Prix below:

F1 news

• Lewis Hamilton reveals inspiration for Spanish Grand Prix comeback

• Toto Wolff reveals ‘morale boost’ after Mercedes upgrades

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

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances after Spanish Grand Prix

Tuesday 24 May 2022 20:00 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff believes that Mercedes can still fight their way into the Formula 1 world title fight after an encouraging weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The German team produced their most complete performance of the season in Barcelona, looking closer to matching early front-runners Red Bull and Ferrari.

Continuing a run of top-five finishes to start the season for his new team, George Russell finished third, two places ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton had dropped down the field after an early clash with Kevin Magnussen, but was able to move up through the field with Mercedes appearing to have solved some of the performance issues that have plagued the team in the opening races of the 2022 campaign.

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 19:45 , 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 per BBC 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

‘We’ve made another step’: Toto Wolff excited about Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ prospects

Tuesday 24 May 2022 19:30 , Michael Jones

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton’s new car could fire him into world championship contention.

Hamilton delivered his best performance of the season at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix after fighting back from an opening-lap collision with Kevin Magnussen to finish fifth.

Hamilton might be 64 points behind new championship leader Max Verstappen following the Dutchman’s third triumph in as many rounds at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

But with 416 points still on the table and Mercedes suddenly back in the groove, Wolff is hopeful Hamilton can get back into the title hunt.

Toto Wolff excited after Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes take ‘another step’

Fernando Alonso open to joining top team alongside No 1 driver amid potential Red Bull move

Tuesday 24 May 2022 19:15 , Michael Jones

Fernando Alonso says he would be open to moving to a team with a “number one driver” amid rumours he is headed to Red Bull.

The Alpine driver pointed out most teams are working together to get the most out of the car and so if he joined a team as a number two it would be a team effort.

And when asked if he could work with an “alpha” in the sport, he said: “Yeah, sure. 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.”

Alonso open to joining top team alongside No 1 driver amid potential Red Bull move

Drake loses £185k bet on Charles Leclerc at Spanish Grand Prix

Tuesday 24 May 2022 19:00 , Michael Jones

Canadian rapper Drake was left particularly disappointed by Charles Leclerc’s retirement from the Spanish Grand Prix, revealing that he had bet £185,000 on the Ferrari driver to win the race in Barcelona.

Leclerc had established a dominant lead at the sixth race of the Formula 1 season and appeared likely to cruise to victory, but his engine failed six laps after his first pit stop and the Monegasque could not continue.

It allowed Max Verstappen to take top spot in the Drivers’ Championship standings with a third consecutive race victory.

Drake loses £185k bet on Charles Leclerc at Spanish Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel has bag stolen in Barcelona after Spanish Grand Prix

Tuesday 24 May 2022 18:45 , Michael Jones

Sebastian Vettel has been subjected to a robbery after a bag belonging to the four-time Formula One world champion was taken in Barcelona on Monday morning.

Vettel, who was unharmed in the incident, set off in pursuit of the stolen property by using the Find My iPhone application connected to his AirPods.

But although the 34-year-old German managed to track down his earphones, the bag and other items inside have not been found.

Sebastian Vettel has bag stolen in Barcelona after Spanish Grand Prix

Renewed Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Tuesday 24 May 2022 18:30 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton says his brilliant comeback drive at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix has resurrected his dream of fighting for an eighth world championship.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen raced to his third victory in as many outings after Charles Leclerc was cruelly eliminated from the lead when engine gremlins struck his Ferrari on lap 27 of a sizzling race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Sergio Perez took second, one place ahead of Hamilton’s ever-impressive Mercedes team-mate George Russell, with Carlos Sainz fourth.

Hamilton’s race seemed doomed after just four corners when he collided with Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and sustained a puncture.

The seven-time world champion stopped for repairs and emerged last but one – 30 seconds behind his nearest competitor and more than one minute off the lead. So gloomy was Hamilton’s apparent fate that he wanted to retire his car.

Lewis Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 18:15 , 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

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 18:00 , Michael Jones

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.

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

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 17:45 , 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

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 17:30 , 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.

“Lando definitely has an edge. Obviously we would like to see Daniel much closer to Lando and have a good intra-team battle,” Brown told Sky Sports. “Daniel’s just not comfortable yet with the car. We are trying everything we can – again it was a disappointing weekend.”

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

Mercedes tease F1 upgrades for Monaco Grand Prix after Barcelona improvement

Tuesday 24 May 2022 17:16 , 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

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 17:04 , 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 per BBC 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

Ferrari believe cool fuel behind Max Verstappen’s last-second pit exit at Spanish Grand Prix

Tuesday 24 May 2022 16:55 , Michael Jones

Ferrari believe Max Verstappen’s late exit from the pits at the Spanish Grand Prix is down to Red Bull wanting to keep their fuel as cool as possible.

The minimum temperature for fuel last Sunday was 25 degrees and it is suspected the team cooled it below that level. This meant Verstappen and Sergio Perez had to stay in the garage to increase the temperature ahead of the grand prix.

The defending world champion left the pits with eight seconds to spare and Ferrari says they have to trust in the FIA that it was legal.

Ferrari believe cool fuel behind Verstappen’s last-second pit exit at Spanish GP

Fernando Alonso open to joining top team alongside No 1 driver amid potential Red Bull move

Tuesday 24 May 2022 16:42 , Michael Jones

Fernando Alonso says he would be open to moving to a team with a “number one driver” amid rumours he is headed to Red Bull.

The Alpine driver pointed out most teams are working together to get the most out of the car and so if he joined a team as a number two it would be a team effort.

And when asked if he could work with an “alpha” in the sport, he said: “Yeah, sure. 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.”

Alonso open to joining top team alongside No 1 driver amid potential Red Bull move

Toto Wolff reveals ‘morale boost’ after Mercedes upgrades

Tuesday 24 May 2022 16:28 , Michael Jones

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.”

‘One of the hardest races ever’ says Norris

Tuesday 24 May 2022 16:18 , Michael Jones

Lando Norris underwent medical checks after finishing the Spanish Grand Prix in eighth for McLaren with the Briton suffering from tonsillitis throughout the race.

It was no secret that Norris had been unwell across the Spanish weekend, and the signs were not good when TV pictures showed him looking rather nauseous at the side of the track ahead of the race start.

“Today was tough,” said Norris afterwards. “I was feeling really unwell before the race as I’m suffering with tonsillitis, and that, in combination with the high temperatures, made this one of the hardest races I’ve ever done.

“I’ve been a bit on the backfoot this weekend as most of my energy has been spent fighting off this illness. I’ve had to miss a lot of engineering sessions, which has compromised my weekend, and I definitely wasn’t as prepared for the Grand Prix as I could have been. With that in mind, I’m really pleased to have come out of the race with decent points for the team.”

McLaren boss disappointed with gap between Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo

Tuesday 24 May 2022 16:09 , 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

Verstappen enjoyed ‘tough battle’ with Russell

Tuesday 24 May 2022 15:57 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen earned his third win of the season as part of a one-two finish for Red Bull in the Spanish Grand Prix and broke down his race after the chequered flag touching on his DRS issues and how he was left frustrated trying to get past Mercedes’ George Russell.

“A bit of a race with two halves,” said Verstappen, “because the first 30 laps were very frustrating for me after I went off in Turn 4, first of all, which really caught me by surprise because I didn’t feel like I was actually braking later or throwing more speed into the corner. But it was very gusty out there today… that caught me out by surprise, that was not ideal of course.

“Of course I was a bit frustrated at the time because I couldn’t get [Russell] because of DRS issues, but the fight itself was really cool also. I think that lap where I did go down the outside and George went around the outside and I was around the outside of Turn 3 again, I think that was a really cool fight.

“I look back at it and I’ll smile now; at the time of course I was a little bit frustrated. But it was a really good and tough battle, I think.”

Christian Horner defends Red Bull team orders at Spanish Grand Prix

Tuesday 24 May 2022 15:43 , Michael Jones

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 15:30 , Michael Jones

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.

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

Charles Leclerc highlights ‘plenty of positive signs’ despite Ferrari retirement

Tuesday 24 May 2022 15:18 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc insists there were still plenty of positives to take from the Spanish Grand Prix despite the Ferrari driver recording his first DNF of the 2022 season.

Leclerc had dominated practice, took pole in Barcelona and looked to be on course for victory in Sunday’s race until an engine failure forced him to retire.

Max Verstappen took full advantage and a third consecutive race win for the reigning world champion saw him take a six-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings.

Despite that, Leclerc said he was encouraged by the pace of his car and its superior tyre management.

Charles Leclerc highlights ‘plenty of positive signs’ despite Ferrari retirement

When and where is the next Formula One race?

Tuesday 24 May 2022 15:06 , Michael Jones

The Formula One season is in full swing as the drivers prepare for the seventh race of the most extensive calendar in the sport’s history.

So far, Max Verstappen has secured four wins and sits atop the Driver’s Championship after a retirement issue to Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari in Spain.

Red Bull and Ferrari’s rivalry continues to bubble away nicely, with the two teams separated by a small number of points in the Constructors’ Championship.

Elsewhere on the grid, Mercedes look to be making progress after an extremely strong weekend in Catalunya.

Here is everything you need to know:

When and where is the next Formula One race?

Renewed Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Tuesday 24 May 2022 14:52 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton says his brilliant comeback drive at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix has resurrected his dream of fighting for an eighth world championship.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen raced to his third victory in as many outings after Charles Leclerc was cruelly eliminated from the lead when engine gremlins struck his Ferrari on lap 27 of a sizzling race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Sergio Perez took second, one place ahead of Hamilton’s ever-impressive Mercedes team-mate George Russell, with Carlos Sainz fourth.

Hamilton’s race seemed doomed after just four corners when he collided with Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and sustained a puncture.

The seven-time world champion stopped for repairs and emerged last but one – 30 seconds behind his nearest competitor and more than one minute off the lead. So gloomy was Hamilton’s apparent fate that he wanted to retire his car.

Lewis Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 14:39 , Michael Jones

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.

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

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 14:27 , 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

Lewis Hamilton reveals inspiration behind Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Tuesday 24 May 2022 14:16 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that a conversation with a young, terminally ill fan inspired his remarkable fightback at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Having been forced to pit after an early collision with Kevin Magnussen, the Mercedes driver dropped to 19th, more than half-a-minute behind the pack.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton stirred, however, producing a superb drive to work his way up through the field to be running fourth late on.

Lewis Hamilton reveals inspiration behind Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Mercedes have ‘new parts in the pipleline'

Tuesday 24 May 2022 14:07 , 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.

Full story:

Mercedes tease upgrades for Monaco Grand Prix after Barcelona improvement

Drake loses £185k bet on Leclerc

Tuesday 24 May 2022 13:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Canadian rapper Drake was left particularly disappointed by Charles Leclerc’s retirement from the Spanish Grand Prix, revealing that he had bet £185,000 on the Ferrari driver to win the race in Barcelona.

Leclerc had established a dominant lead at the sixth race of the Formula 1 season and appeared likely to cruise to victory, but his engine failed six laps after his first pit stop and the Monegasque could not continue.

Drake claimed ahead of the race that he had placed a bet on F1 for the first time, placing a wager of CA$300,000 (£185,000) with a potential return of CA$750,000 (£467,000) if Leclerc claimed victory.

Full story:

Drake loses £185k bet on Charles Leclerc at Spanish Grand Prix

‘We’ve made another step’: Toto Wolff excited about Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ prospects

Tuesday 24 May 2022 13:39 , Michael Jones

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton’s new car could fire him into world championship contention.

Hamilton delivered his best performance of the season at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix after fighting back from an opening-lap collision with Kevin Magnussen to finish fifth.

Hamilton might be 64 points behind new championship leader Max Verstappen following the Dutchman’s third triumph in as many rounds at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Toto Wolff excited after Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes take ‘another step’

Vettel had bag stolen in Barcelona

Tuesday 24 May 2022 13:26 , Michael Jones

Sebastian Vettel has been subjected to a robbery after a bag belonging to the four-time Formula One world champion was taken in Barcelona on Monday morning.

Vettel, who was unharmed in the incident, set off in pursuit of the stolen property by using the Find My iPhone application connected to his AirPods.

But although the 34-year-old German managed to track down his earphones, the bag and other items inside have not been found.

Full story:

Sebastian Vettel has bag stolen in Barcelona after Spanish Grand Prix

Toto Wolff reveals ‘morale boost’ after Mercedes upgrades

Tuesday 24 May 2022 13:15 , 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.”

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 13:00 , 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.”

Max Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix to move top of standings after Charles Leclerc retirement

Tuesday 24 May 2022 12:49 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen leads the F1 world championship after romping to victory at a thrilling Spanish Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver took advantage of Charles Leclerc’s mechanical failure on lap 27 of 66 before performing out of his skin to deliver his third win in as many races.

Sergio Perez completed a one-two finish for Red Bull, as George Russell secured third, following another fine performance from the young Briton, with Carlos Sainz fourth.

Lewis Hamilton dropped from sixth to last but one after an opening-lap collision with Kevin Magnussen.

But the seven-time world champion delivered an impressive comeback to charge his way through the field to fifth – robbed of fourth when he was told to “lift and coast”, presumably to save fuel in the closing stages, and Sainz made his way back past.

Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix to move top of standings after Leclerc retirement

What is DRS in Formula 1, what does it mean and how does it work?

Tuesday 24 May 2022 12:38 , Michael Jones

If you’ve become a fan of Formula 1 in recent years, you will probably be familiar with the term ‘DRS’ - the system which effectively allows for more overtaking.

Following its introduction in 2011, DRS has become a vital part of the sport. It stands for Drag Reduction System and is an adjustable part of the rear wing which, when opened, improves speed by 10-12 kmph.

That doesn’t sound like a lot when cars already travel at around 300kmph, but it can make all the difference along a long straight.

What is DRS in Formula 1, what does it mean and how does it work?

‘One of the hardest races ever’ says Norris

Tuesday 24 May 2022 12:29 , Michael Jones

Lando Norris underwent medical checks after finishing the Spanish Grand Prix in eighth for McLaren with the Briton suffering from tonsillitis throughout the race.

It was no secret that Norris had been unwell across the Spanish weekend, and the signs were not good when TV pictures showed him looking rather nauseous at the side of the track ahead of the race start.

“Today was tough,” said Norris afterwards. “I was feeling really unwell before the race as I’m suffering with tonsillitis, and that, in combination with the high temperatures, made this one of the hardest races I’ve ever done.

“I’ve been a bit on the backfoot this weekend as most of my energy has been spent fighting off this illness. I’ve had to miss a lot of engineering sessions, which has compromised my weekend, and I definitely wasn’t as prepared for the Grand Prix as I could have been. With that in mind, I’m really pleased to have come out of the race with decent points for the team.”

Verstappen enjoyed ‘tough battle’ with Russell

Tuesday 24 May 2022 12:18 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen earned his third win of the season as part of a one-two finish for Red Bull in the Spanish Grand Prix and broke down his race after the chequered flag touching on his DRS issues and how he was left frustrated trying to get past Mercedes’ George Russell.

“A bit of a race with two halves,” said Verstappen, “because the first 30 laps were very frustrating for me after I went off in Turn 4, first of all, which really caught me by surprise because I didn’t feel like I was actually braking later or throwing more speed into the corner. But it was very gusty out there today… that caught me out by surprise, that was not ideal of course.

“Of course I was a bit frustrated at the time because I couldn’t get [Russell] because of DRS issues, but the fight itself was really cool also. I think that lap where I did go down the outside and George went around the outside and I was around the outside of Turn 3 again, I think that was a really cool fight.

“I look back at it and I’ll smile now; at the time of course I was a little bit frustrated. But it was a really good and tough battle, I think.”

McLaren boss disappointed with gap between Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo

Tuesday 24 May 2022 12:07 , 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

‘The season starts now’ says Russell

Tuesday 24 May 2022 11:56 , Michael Jones

George Russell says that Mercedes’ season ‘starts now’ after finishing third in the Spanish Grand Prix. Teammate Lewis Hamilton fought back from a collision on the opening lap to claim P5 but it was an impressive performance from Mercedes who have been off the pace for most of the season.

“Yes, I mean, it feels great to be on the podium and I think this showed the hard work and effort that’s gone on at the factory both at Brackley and Brixworth.” said Russell after the race,

“We’ve always said, you have to be there at the end to pick up the pieces, to pick up the points, especially on days like today.

“It was incredibly tough out there for the cars and the drivers. But I feel like we’re making progress and I feel like we, as a team, have turned a page and I feel like this is probably the start of our season now.”

Ferrari believe cool fuel behind Max Verstappen’s last-second pit exit at Spanish Grand Prix

Tuesday 24 May 2022 11:42 , Michael Jones

Ferrari believe Max Verstappen’s late exit from the pits at the Spanish Grand Prix is down to Red Bull wanting to keep their fuel as cool as possible.

The minimum temperature for fuel last Sunday was 25 degrees and it is suspected the team cooled it below that level. This meant Verstappen and Sergio Perez had to stay in the garage to increase the temperature ahead of the grand prix.

The defending world champion left the pits with eight seconds to spare and Ferrari says they have to trust in the FIA that it was legal.

Ferrari believe cool fuel behind Verstappen’s last-second pit exit at Spanish GP

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 11:30 , 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

Fernando Alonso open to joining top team alongside No 1 driver amid potential Red Bull move

Tuesday 24 May 2022 11:18 , Michael Jones

Fernando Alonso says he would be open to moving to a team with a “number one driver” amid rumours he is headed to Red Bull.

The Alpine driver pointed out most teams are working together to get the most out of the car and so if he joined a team as a number two it would be a team effort.

And when asked if he could work with an “alpha” in the sport, he said: “Yeah, sure. 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.”

Alonso open to joining top team alongside No 1 driver amid potential Red Bull move

Christian Horner defends Red Bull team orders at Spanish Grand Prix

Tuesday 24 May 2022 11:03 , Michael Jones

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 10:50 , Michael Jones

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.

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

Charles Leclerc highlights ‘plenty of positive signs’ despite Ferrari retirement

Tuesday 24 May 2022 10:39 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc insists there were still plenty of positives to take from the Spanish Grand Prix despite the Ferrari driver recording his first DNF of the 2022 season.

Leclerc had dominated practice, took pole in Barcelona and looked to be on course for victory in Sunday’s race until an engine failure forced him to retire.

Max Verstappen took full advantage and a third consecutive race win for the reigning world champion saw him take a six-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings.

Despite that, Leclerc said he was encouraged by the pace of his car and its superior tyre management.

Charles Leclerc highlights ‘plenty of positive signs’ despite Ferrari retirement

When and where is the next Formula One race?

Tuesday 24 May 2022 10:27 , Michael Jones

The Formula One season is in full swing as the drivers prepare for the seventh race of the most extensive calendar in the sport’s history.

So far, Max Verstappen has secured four wins and sits atop the Driver’s Championship after a retirement issue to Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari in Spain.

Red Bull and Ferrari’s rivalry continues to bubble away nicely, with the two teams separated by a small number of points in the Constructors’ Championship.

Elsewhere on the grid, Mercedes look to be making progress after an extremely strong weekend in Catalunya.

Here is everything you need to know:

When and where is the next Formula One race?

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 10:15 , 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

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances after Spanish Grand Prix

Tuesday 24 May 2022 10:04 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff believes that Mercedes can still fight their way into the Formula 1 world title fight after an encouraging weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The German team produced their most complete performance of the season in Barcelona, looking closer to matching early front-runners Red Bull and Ferrari.

Continuing a run of top-five finishes to start the season for his new team, George Russell finished third, two places ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances

Hamilton reveals inspiration behind Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Tuesday 24 May 2022 09:50 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that a conversation with a young, terminally ill fan inspired his remarkable fightback at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Having been forced to pit after an early collision with Kevin Magnussen, the Mercedes driver dropped to 19th, more than half-a-minute behind the pack.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton stirred, however, producing a superb drive to work his way up through the field to be running fourth late on.

Lewis Hamilton reveals inspiration behind Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Renewed Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Tuesday 24 May 2022 09:38 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton says his brilliant comeback drive at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix has resurrected his dream of fighting for an eighth world championship.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen raced to his third victory in as many outings after Charles Leclerc was cruelly eliminated from the lead when engine gremlins struck his Ferrari on lap 27 of a sizzling race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Sergio Perez took second, one place ahead of Hamilton’s ever-impressive Mercedes team-mate George Russell, with Carlos Sainz fourth.

Hamilton’s race seemed doomed after just four corners when he collided with Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and sustained a puncture.

The seven-time world champion stopped for repairs and emerged last but one – 30 seconds behind his nearest competitor and more than one minute off the lead. So gloomy was Hamilton’s apparent fate that he wanted to retire his car.

Lewis Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Toto Wolff excited about Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes’ ‘take another step'

Tuesday 24 May 2022 09:26 , Michael Jones

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton’s new car could fire him into world championship contention.

Hamilton delivered his best performance of the season at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix after fighting back from an opening-lap collision with Kevin Magnussen to finish fifth.

Hamilton might be 64 points behind new championship leader Max Verstappen following the Dutchman’s third triumph in as many rounds at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

But with 416 points still on the table and Mercedes suddenly back in the groove, Wolff is hopeful Hamilton can get back into the title hunt.

Toto Wolff excited after Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes take ‘another step’

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

Tuesday 24 May 2022 09:14 , Michael Jones

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.

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

Mercedes have ‘new parts in the pipleline'

Tuesday 24 May 2022 09:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

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.

Full story:

Mercedes tease upgrades for Monaco Grand Prix after Barcelona improvement

Drake loses £185k bet on Leclerc

Tuesday 24 May 2022 08:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

Canadian rapper Drake was left particularly disappointed by Charles Leclerc’s retirement from the Spanish Grand Prix, revealing that he had bet £185,000 on the Ferrari driver to win the race in Barcelona.

Leclerc had established a dominant lead at the sixth race of the Formula 1 season and appeared likely to cruise to victory, but his engine failed six laps after his first pit stop and the Monegasque could not continue.

Drake claimed ahead of the race that he had placed a bet on F1 for the first time, placing a wager of CA$300,000 (£185,000) with a potential return of CA$750,000 (£467,000) if Leclerc claimed victory.

Full story:

Drake loses £185k bet on Charles Leclerc at Spanish Grand Prix

Vettel had bag stolen in Barcelona

Tuesday 24 May 2022 08:39 , Lawrence Ostlere

Sebastian Vettel has been subjected to a robbery after a bag belonging to the four-time Formula One world champion was taken in Barcelona on Monday morning.

Vettel, who was unharmed in the incident, set off in pursuit of the stolen property by using the Find My iPhone application connected to his AirPods.

But although the 34-year-old German managed to track down his earphones, the bag and other items inside have not been found.

Full story:

Sebastian Vettel has bag stolen in Barcelona after Spanish Grand Prix

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

Tuesday 24 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.”

Toto Wolff reveals ‘morale boost’ after Mercedes upgrades

Tuesday 24 May 2022 08:19 , 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.”

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

Monday 23 May 2022 19:00 , Michael Jones

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.

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

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances after Spanish Grand Prix

Monday 23 May 2022 18:45 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff believes that Mercedes can still fight their way into the Formula 1 world title fight after an encouraging weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The German team produced their most complete performance of the season in Barcelona, looking closer to matching early front-runners Red Bull and Ferrari.

Continuing a run of top-five finishes to start the season for his new team, George Russell finished third, two places ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances

‘Like the olden days!’ Lewis Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Monday 23 May 2022 18:30 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton says his brilliant comeback drive at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix has resurrected his dream of fighting for an eighth world championship.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen raced to his third victory in as many outings after Charles Leclerc was cruelly eliminated from the lead when engine gremlins struck his Ferrari on lap 27 of a sizzling race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Sergio Perez took second, one place ahead of Hamilton’s ever-impressive Mercedes team-mate George Russell, with Carlos Sainz fourth.

Lewis Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

‘We’ve made another step’: Toto Wolff excited about Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ prospects

Monday 23 May 2022 18:15 , Michael Jones

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton’s new car could fire him into world championship contention.

Hamilton delivered his best performance of the season at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix after fighting back from an opening-lap collision with Kevin Magnussen to finish fifth.

Hamilton might be 64 points behind new championship leader Max Verstappen following the Dutchman’s third triumph in as many rounds at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Toto Wolff excited after Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes take ‘another step’

Mercedes tease F1 upgrades for Monaco Grand Prix after Barcelona improvement

Monday 23 May 2022 18:00 , 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

Drake loses £185k bet on Charles Leclerc at Spanish Grand Prix

Monday 23 May 2022 17:45 , Michael Jones

Canadian rapper Drake was left particularly disappointed by Charles Leclerc’s retirement from the Spanish Grand Prix, revealing that he had bet £185,000 on the Ferrari driver to win the race in Barcelona.

Leclerc had established a dominant lead at the sixth race of the Formula 1 season and appeared likely to cruise to victory, but his engine failed six laps after his first pit stop and the Monegasque could not continue.

It allowed Max Verstappen to take top spot in the Drivers’ Championship standings with a third consecutive race victory.

Drake loses £185k bet on Charles Leclerc at Spanish Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc highlights ‘plenty of positive signs’ despite Ferrari retirement

Monday 23 May 2022 17:30 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc insists there were still plenty of positives to take from the Spanish Grand Prix despite the Ferrari driver recording his first DNF of the 2022 season.

Leclerc had dominated practice, took pole in Barcelona and looked to be on course for victory in Sunday’s race until an engine failure forced him to retire.

Max Verstappen took full advantage and a third consecutive race win for the reigning world champion saw him take a six-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings.

Charles Leclerc highlights ‘plenty of positive signs’ despite Ferrari retirement

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

Monday 23 May 2022 17:15 , Michael Jones

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

Verstappen addresses DRS problems

Monday 23 May 2022 17:05 , Michael Jones

A problem with his DRS system was a worrying thought for Max Verstappen who says it wasn’t easy to drive and diagnose the malfunction at the same time as moving up through the field to fight for first place.

“I mean, I could have shouted [something] back on the radio, but there is nothing you can do.” he said, “I’m not stupid; once you get the light and the activation beep then you press the… paddle and if it doesn’t open, there’s clearly an issue.

“I spammed it like 50 times at one point on the straight and it’s just not opening, so there was clearly an issue. I tried all different kinds of things: stay off the kerb, on the kerb, open it a tiny bit later. It was just broken or malfunctioning so yes, we clearly have an issue there on this wing.”

Verstappen enjoyed ‘tough battle’ with Russell

Monday 23 May 2022 16:57 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen earned his third win of the season as part of a one-two finish for Red Bull in the Spanish Grand Prix and broke down his race after the chequered flag touching on his DRS issues and how he was left frustrated trying to get past Mercedes’ George Russell.

“A bit of a race with two halves,” said Verstappen, “because the first 30 laps were very frustrating for me after I went off in Turn 4, first of all, which really caught me by surprise because I didn’t feel like I was actually braking later or throwing more speed into the corner. But it was very gusty out there today… that caught me out by surprise, that was not ideal of course.

“Of course I was a bit frustrated at the time because I couldn’t get [Russell] because of DRS issues, but the fight itself was really cool also. I think that lap where I did go down the outside and George went around the outside and I was around the outside of Turn 3 again, I think that was a really cool fight.

“I look back at it and I’ll smile now; at the time of course I was a little bit frustrated. But it was a really good and tough battle, I think.”

Max Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix to move top of standings after Charles Leclerc retirement

Monday 23 May 2022 16:43 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen leads the F1 world championship after romping to victory at a thrilling Spanish Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver took advantage of Charles Leclerc’s mechanical failure on lap 27 of 66 before performing out of his skin to deliver his third win in as many races.

Sergio Perez completed a one-two finish for Red Bull, as George Russell secured third, following another fine performance from the young Briton, with Carlos Sainz fourth.

Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix to move top of standings after Leclerc retirement

More from Hamilton

Monday 23 May 2022 16:30 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton says he was gutted to lose out on a fourth placed finish to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz especially after fighting from te back of the field but he is happy with his performance nonetheless.

“It was a lot hotter than predicted today, so for everyone, it was quite tough with these cars,” said Hamilton. “I don’t know exactly what went on with the car, I’ve not spoken with the team… but I had to just drive it at half throttle and try to cool the car, lots and lots of lifting down the main straight to try and get fresh air into the engine just to try and cool it down.

“I was so gutted to lose the place to Sainz, especially after coming from where I came from, you know. I mean, I was 30-plus seconds behind [the pack]. That’s like no-man’s land, and I tell you, it’s a horrible feeling being that far behind. But you just have to kind of keep your head up, just keep pushing, keep going and hoping for better.

“They said I could maybe get to eighth, and eighth doesn’t feel like a particularly impressive result! But I was like, at least I’ll get into the points. So to then be fighting for fourth, I was so happy with that.

“I hope that this continues in these next races, we will see.”

Hamilton ‘ruing’ collision with Magnussen

Monday 23 May 2022 16:17 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton’s run of Spanish Grand Prix victories came to an end on Sunday but the seven-time champion was delighted with his performance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya after he recovered to P5, having been 19th at the end of the first lap following a collision with Kevin Magnussen.

Magnussen challenged Hamilton around the outside of Turn 4 on when the pair touched, the Haas skipping into the gravel and Hamilton suffering a puncture. After making it back to the pits Hamilton then looked set for a long afternoon and at one point imploring his Mercedes team to retire him and save his engine.

But, he fought back brilliantly and flew through the field to claim a P5 finish.

“The car felt great in the race” said Hamilton afterwards, “Our pace was closer to the rest, the top guys in the race, which was amazing,

“Just really unfortunate at the start to have got the puncture that we got [in the Magnussen contact]. But I didn’t give up, because that’s what we do.

“But jeez, if I hadn’t had that issue at the beginning, who knows where we would have been in the end. But it’s great to know that we had similar pace to some of the frontrunners.”

‘The season starts now’ says Russell

Monday 23 May 2022 16:03 , Michael Jones

George Russell says that Mercedes’ season ‘starts now’ after finishing third in the Spanish Grand Prix. Teammate Lewis Hamilton fought back from a collision on the opening lap to claim P5 but it was an impressive performance from Mercedes who have been off the pace for most of the season.

“Yes, I mean, it feels great to be on the podium and I think this showed the hard work and effort that’s gone on at the factory both at Brackley and Brixworth.” said Russell after the race,

“We’ve always said, you have to be there at the end to pick up the pieces, to pick up the points, especially on days like today.

“It was incredibly tough out there for the cars and the drivers. But I feel like we’re making progress and I feel like we, as a team, have turned a page and I feel like this is probably the start of our season now.”

Mick Schumacher could be replaced by ‘queue’ of potential F1 drivers at Haas, warns Gunther Steiner

Monday 23 May 2022 15:52 , Michael Jones

Haas team principal Gunther Steiner says “a queue of drivers” could potentially replace Mick Schumacher if the German’s Formula 1 performances don’t improve.

The 23-year-old Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, is one of only two full-time drivers who have failed to score at least one point in the opening rounds of the 2022 season, alongside Williams’ Nicholas Latifi.

In his debut campaign last year Schumacher was driving by far the worst car on the F1 grid, with Haas unable to challenge for a top ten finish at any point in the season. The American-owned outfit wrote the year off in order to concentrate their development efforts on 2022, and so far their strategy appears to be paying dividends, with the squad moving up the grid order into the midfield after the biggest regulation change F1 has undergone in a generation.

Mick Schumacher could be replaced by ‘queue’ of drivers, warns Gunther Steiner

Fernando Alonso blasts F1 race control and stewards as ‘incompetent’ after Miami penalties

Monday 23 May 2022 15:40 , Michael Jones

Fernando Alonso has slammed Formula 1’s stewards and the FIA’s new race control setup, calling the officiating in the top tier of motorsport “incompetent” and “not very professional”.

Alonso, 40, is the most experienced driver on the F1 grid and is set to overtake former Ferrari and Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Raikkonen’s record of 349 grand prix starts during the course of the 2022 campaign, but has been left unimpressed with the new structure put in place by FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem, who was elected to replace the outgoing Jean Todt last December.

Former race director Michael Masi was sacked by the FIA in the wake of the controversy surrounding the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of last year, when Max Verstappen won his debut world championship after Masi’s unprecedented interpretation of the safety car rules rendered race leader Lewis Hamilton a sitting duck and effectively gifted the title to Verstappen.

Fernando Alonso blasts F1 race control as ‘incompetent’ after Miami penalties

‘It’s like heading heavy footballs’: George Russell fears ‘health consequences’ of porpoising in F1

Monday 23 May 2022 15:28 , Michael Jones

George Russell fears Formula One drivers could be exposed to long-term head trauma if the sport’s ‘porpoising’ phenomenon is not resolved.

The British driver compared the new-for-2022 sensation - when the car violently bounces on its suspension at high speed - to football’s dementia problem.

A recent study showed former professional footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from the disease than the general population.

Mercedes have visibly suffered with porpoising more than most following the introduction of new aerodynamic rules.

But Ferrari - despite their driver Charles Leclerc holding a 19-point title lead over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix - have also suffered.

George Russell fears ‘health consequences’ of F1’s porpoising problem

When and where is the next Formula One race?

Monday 23 May 2022 15:19 , Michael Jones

The Formula One season is in full swing as the drivers prepare for the seventh race of the most extensive calendar in the sport’s history.

So far, Max Verstappen has secured four wins and sits atop the Driver’s Championship after a retirement issue to Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari in Spain.

Red Bull and Ferrari’s rivalry continues to bubble away nicely, with the two teams separated bya small number of points in the Constructors’ Championship.

Elsewhere on the grid, Mercedes look to be making progress after an extremely strong weekend in Catalunya.

Here is everything you need to know:

When and where is the next Formula One race?

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances after Spanish Grand Prix

Monday 23 May 2022 15:10 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff believes that Mercedes can still fight their way into the Formula 1 world title fight after an encouraging weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The German team produced their most complete performance of the season in Barcelona, looking closer to matching early front-runners Red Bull and Ferrari.

Continuing a run of top-five finishes to start the season for his new team, George Russell finished third, two places ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances

Mercedes tease F1 upgrades for Monaco Grand Prix after Barcelona improvement

Monday 23 May 2022 14:52 , 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

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

Monday 23 May 2022 14:43 , Michael Jones

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

‘We’ve made another step’: Toto Wolff excited about Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ prospects

Monday 23 May 2022 14:28 , Michael Jones

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton’s new car could fire him into world championship contention.

Hamilton delivered his best performance of the season at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix after fighting back from an opening-lap collision with Kevin Magnussen to finish fifth.

Hamilton might be 64 points behind new championship leader Max Verstappen following the Dutchman’s third triumph in as many rounds at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Toto Wolff excited after Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes take ‘another step’

Charles Leclerc highlights ‘plenty of positive signs’ despite Ferrari retirement

Monday 23 May 2022 14:14 , Michael Jones

Charles Leclerc insists there were still plenty of positives to take from the Spanish Grand Prix despite the Ferrari driver recording his first DNF of the 2022 season.

Leclerc had dominated practice, took pole in Barcelona and looked to be on course for victory in Sunday’s race until an engine failure forced him to retire.

Max Verstappen took full advantage and a third consecutive race win for the reigning world champion saw him take a six-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings.

Despite that, Leclerc said he was encouraged by the pace of his car and its superior tyre management.

Charles Leclerc highlights ‘plenty of positive signs’ despite Ferrari retirement

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

Monday 23 May 2022 14:00 , Michael Jones

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

‘One of the hardest races ever’ says Norris

Monday 23 May 2022 13:50 , Michael Jones

Lando Norris underwent medical checks after finishing the Spanish Grand Prix in eighth for McLaren with the Briton suffering from tonsillitis throughout the race.

It was no secret that Norris had been unwell across the Spanish weekend, and the signs were not good when TV pictures showed him looking rather nauseous at the side of the track ahead of the race start.

“Today was tough,” said Norris afterwards. “I was feeling really unwell before the race as I’m suffering with tonsillitis, and that, in combination with the high temperatures, made this one of the hardest races I’ve ever done.

“I’ve been a bit on the backfoot this weekend as most of my energy has been spent fighting off this illness. I’ve had to miss a lot of engineering sessions, which has compromised my weekend, and I definitely wasn’t as prepared for the Grand Prix as I could have been. With that in mind, I’m really pleased to have come out of the race with decent points for the team.”

Lewis Hamilton reveals inspiration behind Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Monday 23 May 2022 13:42 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that a conversation with a young, terminally ill fan inspired his remarkable fightback at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Having been forced to pit after an early collision with Kevin Magnussen, the Mercedes driver dropped to 19th, more than half-a-minute behind the pack.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton stirred, however, producing a superb drive to work his way up through the field to be running fourth late on.

Lewis Hamilton reveals inspiration behind Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Lewis Hamilton reveals inspiration for Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Monday 23 May 2022 13:30 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton has revealed how a terminally ill five-year-old fan inspired him to pull off a stunning Spanish Grand Prix comeback.

Hamilton said when asked if he took more satisfaction scrapping for fourth and fifth: “One-hundred per cent!

“A race like that is like a win and feels better, most often, than a win when you have come from so far back. Ultimately, there was a lot of adversity coming from so far back.

“There was a young girl that I spoke to [on Saturday] who was my inspiration. Isla, a five-year-old that is terminally ill and she said ‘Will you win the race for me’.

“I said I don’t know if we will win but I will give it everything. So hopefully for me, that was a bit like a win and I would like to dedicate it to her.”

Christian Horner defends Red Bull team orders at Spanish Grand Prix

Monday 23 May 2022 13:18 , Michael Jones

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

Verstappen addresses DRS problems

Monday 23 May 2022 13:10 , Michael Jones

A problem with his DRS system was a worrying thought for Max Verstappen who says it wasn’t easy to drive and diagnose the malfunction at the same time as moving up through the field to fight for first place.

“I mean, I could have shouted [something] back on the radio, but there is nothing you can do.” he said, “I’m not stupid; once you get the light and the activation beep then you press the… paddle and if it doesn’t open, there’s clearly an issue.

“I spammed it like 50 times at one point on the straight and it’s just not opening, so there was clearly an issue. I tried all different kinds of things: stay off the kerb, on the kerb, open it a tiny bit later. It was just broken or malfunctioning so yes, we clearly have an issue there on this wing.”

Verstappen enjoyed ‘tough battle’ with Russell

Monday 23 May 2022 12:57 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen earned his third win of the season as part of a one-two finish for Red Bull in the Spanish Grand Prix and broke down his race after the chequered flag touching on his DRS issues and how he was left frustrated trying to get past Mercedes’ George Russell.

“A bit of a race with two halves,” said Verstappen, “because the first 30 laps were very frustrating for me after I went off in Turn 4, first of all, which really caught me by surprise because I didn’t feel like I was actually braking later or throwing more speed into the corner. But it was very gusty out there today… that caught me out by surprise, that was not ideal of course.

“Of course I was a bit frustrated at the time because I couldn’t get [Russell] because of DRS issues, but the fight itself was really cool also. I think that lap where I did go down the outside and George went around the outside and I was around the outside of Turn 3 again, I think that was a really cool fight.

“I look back at it and I’ll smile now; at the time of course I was a little bit frustrated. But it was a really good and tough battle, I think.”

‘Like the olden days!’ Lewis Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Monday 23 May 2022 12:43 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton says his brilliant comeback drive at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix has resurrected his dream of fighting for an eighth world championship.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen raced to his third victory in as many outings after Charles Leclerc was cruelly eliminated from the lead when engine gremlins struck his Ferrari on lap 27 of a sizzling race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Sergio Perez took second, one place ahead of Hamilton’s ever-impressive Mercedes team-mate George Russell, with Carlos Sainz fourth.

Lewis Hamilton full of confidence after Spanish Grand Prix comeback

Christian Horner claims Max Verstappen could have overtaken Sergio Perez despite DRS issues

Monday 23 May 2022 12:30 , Michael Jones

Christian Horner has dismissed the potential for Sergio Perez to defend his lead at the Spanish Grand Prix, rather than concede to teammate Max Verstappen after team orders.

“DRS was working intermittently. So it worked one lap not the next,” Horner told Sky Sports F1.

“And I think from a team point of view, the offset was so great between the two of them. I mean, Max was at that stage, because the tyre delts are about two seconds a lap quicker. It just didn’t make sense to let them fight it out.

“I think we discuss it you know openly, I think he see the race plot,” said Horner of Perez. You see how, I think close to 30 laps to do on that medium tyre, which in the end we needed to pit to make sure we covered Russell’s so in the heat of the moment, you’re gonna understand he’s a racing driver. If he wasn’t pushing those things, he’s not doing his job.”

Max Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix to move top of standings after Charles Leclerc retirement

Monday 23 May 2022 12:17 , Michael Jones

Max Verstappen leads the F1 world championship after romping to victory at a thrilling Spanish Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver took advantage of Charles Leclerc’s mechanical failure on lap 27 of 66 before performing out of his skin to deliver his third win in as many races.

Sergio Perez completed a one-two finish for Red Bull, as George Russell secured third, following another fine performance from the young Briton, with Carlos Sainz fourth.

Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix to move top of standings after Leclerc retirement

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

Monday 23 May 2022 12:06 , Michael Jones

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.

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

Mick Schumacher could be replaced by ‘queue’ of potential F1 drivers at Haas, warns Gunther Steiner

Monday 23 May 2022 11:56 , Michael Jones

Haas team principal Gunther Steiner says “a queue of drivers” could potentially replace Mick Schumacher if the German’s Formula 1 performances don’t improve.

The 23-year-old Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, is one of only two full-time drivers who have failed to score at least one point in the opening rounds of the 2022 season, alongside Williams’ Nicholas Latifi.

In his debut campaign last year Schumacher was driving by far the worst car on the F1 grid, with Haas unable to challenge for a top ten finish at any point in the season. The American-owned outfit wrote the year off in order to concentrate their development efforts on 2022, and so far their strategy appears to be paying dividends, with the squad moving up the grid order into the midfield after the biggest regulation change F1 has undergone in a generation.

Mick Schumacher could be replaced by ‘queue’ of drivers, warns Gunther Steiner

Fernando Alonso blasts F1 race control and stewards as ‘incompetent’ after Miami penalties

Monday 23 May 2022 11:45 , Michael Jones

Fernando Alonso has slammed Formula 1’s stewards and the FIA’s new race control setup, calling the officiating in the top tier of motorsport “incompetent” and “not very professional”.

Alonso, 40, is the most experienced driver on the F1 grid and is set to overtake former Ferrari and Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Raikkonen’s record of 349 grand prix starts during the course of the 2022 campaign, but has been left unimpressed with the new structure put in place by FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem, who was elected to replace the outgoing Jean Todt last December.

Former race director Michael Masi was sacked by the FIA in the wake of the controversy surrounding the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of last year, when Max Verstappen won his debut world championship after Masi’s unprecedented interpretation of the safety car rules rendered race leader Lewis Hamilton a sitting duck and effectively gifted the title to Verstappen.

Fernando Alonso blasts F1 race control as ‘incompetent’ after Miami penalties

‘It’s like heading heavy footballs’: George Russell fears ‘health consequences’ of porpoising in F1

Monday 23 May 2022 11:34 , Michael Jones

George Russell fears Formula One drivers could be exposed to long-term head trauma if the sport’s ‘porpoising’ phenomenon is not resolved.

The British driver compared the new-for-2022 sensation - when the car violently bounces on its suspension at high speed - to football’s dementia problem.

A recent study showed former professional footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from the disease than the general population.

Mercedes have visibly suffered with porpoising more than most following the introduction of new aerodynamic rules.

But Ferrari - despite their driver Charles Leclerc holding a 19-point title lead over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix - have also suffered.

George Russell fears ‘health consequences’ of F1’s porpoising problem

When and where is the next Formula One race?

Monday 23 May 2022 11:23 , Michael Jones

The Formula One season is in full swing as the drivers prepare for the seventh race of the most extensive calendar in the sport’s history.

So far, Max Verstappen has secured four wins and sits atop the Driver’s Championship after a retirement issue to Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari in Spain.

Red Bull and Ferrari’s rivalry continues to bubble away nicely, with the two teams separated bya small number of points in the Constructors’ Championship.

Elsewhere on the grid, Mercedes look to be making progress after an extremely strong weekend in Catalunya. Here is everything you need to know:

When and where is the next Formula One race?

Christian Horner defends Red Bull team orders at Spanish Grand Prix

Monday 23 May 2022 11:15 , Michael Jones

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

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances after Spanish Grand Prix

Monday 23 May 2022 11:05 , Michael Jones

Toto Wolff believes that Mercedes can still fight their way into the Formula 1 world title fight after an encouraging weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The German team produced their most complete performance of the season in Barcelona, looking closer to matching early front-runners Red Bull and Ferrari.

Continuing a run of top-five finishes to start the season for his new team, George Russell finished third, two places ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

‘You bet we can’: Toto Wolff talks up Mercedes’ F1 title chances

More from Hamilton

Monday 23 May 2022 10:52 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton says he was gutted to lose out on a fourth placed finish to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz especially after fighting from te back of the field but he is happy with his performance nonetheless.

“It was a lot hotter than predicted today, so for everyone, it was quite tough with these cars,” said Hamilton. “I don’t know exactly what went on with the car, I’ve not spoken with the team… but I had to just drive it at half throttle and try to cool the car, lots and lots of lifting down the main straight to try and get fresh air into the engine just to try and cool it down.

“I was so gutted to lose the place to Sainz, especially after coming from where I came from, you know. I mean, I was 30-plus seconds behind [the pack]. That’s like no-man’s land, and I tell you, it’s a horrible feeling being that far behind. But you just have to kind of keep your head up, just keep pushing, keep going and hoping for better.

“They said I could maybe get to eighth, and eighth doesn’t feel like a particularly impressive result! But I was like, at least I’ll get into the points. So to then be fighting for fourth, I was so happy with that.

“I hope that this continues in these next races, we will see.”

Hamilton ‘ruing’ collision with Magnussen

Monday 23 May 2022 10:44 , Michael Jones

Lewis Hamilton’s run of Spanish Grand Prix victories came to an end on Sunday but the seven-time champion was delighted with his performance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya after he recovered to P5, having been 19th at the end of the first lap following a collision with Kevin Magnussen.

Magnussen challenged Hamilton around the outside of Turn 4 on when the pair touched, the Haas skipping into the gravel and Hamilton suffering a puncture. After making it back to the pits Hamilton then looked set for a long afternoon and at one point imploring his Mercedes team to retire him and save his engine.

But, he fought back brilliantly and flew through the field to claim a P5 finish.

“The car felt great in the race” said Hamilton afterwards, “Our pace was closer to the rest, the top guys in the race, which was amazing,

“Just really unfortunate at the start to have got the puncture that we got [in the Magnussen contact]. But I didn’t give up, because that’s what we do.

“But jeez, if I hadn’t had that issue at the beginning, who knows where we would have been in the end. But it’s great to know that we had similar pace to some of the frontrunners.”

F1 opts against replacing cancelled Russian GP with another race

Monday 23 May 2022 10:34 , Michael Jones

Formula One has reduced the current season from 23 races to 22 after opting against replacing the cancelled Russian Grand Prix.

The Sochi race, which was originally scheduled to take place on September 25, was pulled from the calendar in late February following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

F1 bosses subsequently cancelled its contract with the Russian Grand Prix, which had been due to move to Igora Drive, 40 miles north of St Petersburg, from next year.

Reports initially suggested this year’s round-17 gap could be filled by a return to Qatar – which hosted its first grand prix last year – or a second race in Singapore. But organisers have confirmed the schedule will be shortened.

F1 opts against replacing cancelled Russian GP with another race

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