Lewis Hamilton will be looking to take back-to-back wins when he returns to action at the Hungary Grand Prix this weekend. However, Max Verstappen, George Russell and Lando Norris will be desperate to offer the 39-year-old a tough test.
Mercedes has risen in ratings in recent weeks and its hard work on the scene, despite everything, is starting to pay off. It seems his rivals are nervously looming over his shoulders, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggesting his team is now third.
“There is an update in Budapest and we hope it will take us one step forward,” Marko said. “One thing is for sure: the update has to work, because lately we are McLaren. And if you look at the race in England, we’re also Mercedes. “
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Sergio Perez has promised that he will be at Red Bull until the end of the 2025 season, the duration of his new contract.
The pressure has been on Max Verstappen’s teammate after a disappointing season, with the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz staring at his seat.
But Pérez was not bothered by the complaint and insisted that he would continue in his current position for a season and a half.
“Nothing new,” Perez said in reaction to the growing speculation. “It’s been two more races for us where we need to get back to our form. That’s the main priority for me, for the team. “
“I returned to the factory this week and for us it is the main priority to get back to the form we had a few races ago. That’s all. “
“Obviously I can’t communicate about my contract. What I said is that the next two races are for me. I need to spend the holidays in a good mood and I think it’s smart for my part of the garage to go through in a good mood. I wasn’t communicating about anything else.
“I’m completely focused on fully complying. I’ll be here and I’ll be back next year and it’s no different. I’m just completely committed to myself.
Kevin Magnussen has taken to social media to focus on wasting his seat at Haas for 2025.
The team made the decision to drop Magnussen in favor of an unnamed driver, to team up with Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon was heavily involved with driving.
But Magnussen wanted to reflect on the good times rather than the disappointing news of his loss.
“Thank you for all the kind messages posted in today’s announcement,” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “It’s been an incredible adventure with @HaasF1Team, seven seasons full of ups and downs, wonderful moments and memories.
“I am lucky to have raced for such a wonderful team and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been a part of my Formula 1 career so far. They mean a lot to me and I can’t wait to be involved in this next phase of my career. adventure with all of you. “
Carlos Sainz may be “more selfish” since his decision these days delays the driver market for 2025.
The outgoing Ferrari driver is attracting interest from many teams ahead of next season, with Alpine, Sauber and Williams set to move on to other roles until Sainz makes his final decision.
Such a blockade has a knock-on effect on rival drivers deciding their own future, something Sainz is well aware of.
“Yes, I am aware of it, but at the same time I don’t think it will replace it because it is just the moment that I am changing,” Sainz said. “I probably won’t replace anyone’s result because probably now all the groups have their priorities and their decision making based on the scenario.
“At the same time, this game and this game have taught me to be a little more selfish, to take care of myself and to make the decisions I have to make when I want and when I have each and every option. ” on the table and I am in a position to make the decision and not rush things if it is not necessary.
Lewis Hamilton has described former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher as a “positive message” which he hopes will “free up others to do the same”.
Schumacher has announced that he is in a same-sex relationship, becoming the third driver in F1 history to be a member of the LGBTQ community, of which Hamilton is a strong ally.
“I think he obviously didn’t feel comfortable enough to say it in the past,” Hamilton said when briefed on Schumacher’s complaint about the Briton wearing the rainbow helmet. sky in the past.
“But I think this shows that we are in time and that, despite everything, we can take this step without being afraid. I hope other people say the same. I think so far I’ve only heard positive feedback from other people.
“And I think it’s because of the times we live in and the adjustments we are experiencing. Everything with Seb (Vettel) and I, with status on the grid here, fighting against what the government is doing here.
“When I wore a (rainbow) helmet in Saudi Arabia, in Qatar, and I know Ralf said it wasn’t a concept to do this kind of thing. But after that, it replaced his mind. And even he took that. This step sends a very positive message and lets others do the same.
Max Verstappen believes Red Bull’s innovations in Hungary can have a big impact on the season.
A major update package will be unveiled at the Budapest circuit this weekend, with Verstappen hoping to create a gap between him and McLaren.
“If that doesn’t give us a smart lap time, then I don’t know how the rest of the season will play out,” Verstappen admitted.
“But at the same time, I don’t know what’s coming from the other teams. We only about ourselves.
“We bring a lot of things to the car and that will give us a lot of time back. “
Lando Norris has ratcheted up the pressure on McLaren’s strategic decisions at the Hungary GP, calling the team’s complaint “not unfair”.
The Briton has been disappointed with the team’s decision-makers at various events since McLaren began to maintain speed with Red Bull. He will be disappointed to have won just one race this season and has made his frustrations clear.
Asked if his team’s complaint was unfair, he responded: “No, not at all. It just depends on how you take it. I don’t think it’s unfair because you will have it. It’s life. “
“People will criticize you, others will criticize you. People will make mistakes. We are not the only team. . . There have been times when Red Bull deserved to have won and didn’t, and Mercedes deserves to have won. ” “I won and I didn’t do it. “
Lewis Hamilton has warned Max Verstappen and Lando Norris that “game over” at the Hungarian Grand Prix, due to Mercedes’ form.
The Briton took his first win in more than 900 days at Silverstone time-out and is aiming for back-to-back wins this weekend.
“We’re fighting for wins and chasing them, and we’re going to try to win as many races as George (Russell) mentioned, or compete for as many wins as we can. “
Pierre Gasly claims that he is now a “Swiftie” after a possible encounter with Charles Leclerc at a Taylor Swift concert.
The duo took part in the Eras Tour in Milan, before heading to Hungary, and were very happy with the experience with their Ferrari counterpart.
“I guess I’m (a Swiftie) now, and so is Charles,” Gasly said. “I have to admit it was an experience, I had never noticed or heard such power in a stadium.
“In fact, we didn’t even talk to Charles before the concert, and it turned out that we were in the same place, in the same neighborhood, without telling each other. So it was a pretty cool and smart night. “
A new Swiftie is born u2728Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc crossed paths in the Eras Tour of all positions ud83dude02ud83eudd1d#F1 pic. twitter. com/dNQb5c4gKj
Oscar Piastri joked that McLaren could have a good weekend in Hungary due to the damage to his motorhome.
Work was completed at the team base after a fire broke out at the Spanish Grand Prix, but rain and strong winds tore the roof off the motorhome.
A giant video screen in front of the pit lane was also dismantled.
But Piastri joked that it might simply be a positive omen this week: “The last time our motorhome caught fire, Lando put it on a pole. “
Lando Norris was seen in the VIP section of the Olympiastadion when Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final last week.
Although the McLaren star may have chased that painful memory from his head, Carlos Sainz and his team were not going to let it be forgotten.
In the car park, Norris’ parking sign bore the message “2-1 Viva Spain”. Reports reportedly recommend that Sainz’s cousin and manager, Carlos Onoro, is guilty of the prank.
Sainz’s wrote this on a Norris and McLaren poster. u201c2-1u201du201cu00a1u00a1VIVA ESPAu00d1A!!u201d[@F1ingenerale_] pic. twitter. com/coOjnW8UF7
Yuki Tsunoda has told Red Bull that he is fit to take the next step as doubts continue to circulate over Sergio Perez’s future.
The 23-year-old has been driving with sister team RB (previously AlphaTauri) since 2021 and has a chance to be at the front of the grid.
When asked if he was fit to fight Verstappen, the Japanese driver simply replied to the Hungarian media: “Yes”.
He then explained: “If I was ready, I couldn’t have fully announced next season, at least for VCARB.
“For three years I have felt in a position to fight against the most productive teams, in superior positions, even with Max [Verstappen] or whatever.
Charles Leclerc has allayed concerns that the signing of Lewis Hamilton was an indication that Ferrari was not the right person to advise them in the World Championship race.
Despite the arrival of a big-name signing, Leclerc doesn’t feel like he’s lost confidence in himself.
“Not at all,” he told BBC Sport. Because Ferrari is Ferrari. And they want the most productive drivers in their cars. So, to Ferrari’s benefit, it is absolutely understandable.
“For me I don’t see any negative points, because it’s Lewis Hamilton. “
Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Alex Albon (Williams) will be present at the F1 drivers’ press conference.
The 30-minute convention will start at around 12:30 (BST), so stay tuned for updates from the Hungaroring.
Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has revealed that Kevin Magnussen texted him “two or three weeks” before his departure asking for the phone number of the team principal in the F1 paddock.
Although it is unclear which team the Dane spoke with, the 31-year-old knew his days were numbered with the American team.
Speaking about his recent conversations with his former host on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner explained: “He texted me, I think two or three weeks ago. He looked up the phone number of one of the team leaders.
“I don’t know what he has to do with this! But that’s the last message he sent me. “When asked if the former McLaren and Renault driver did not use an agent,
Steiner responded, “I think it’s his own agent. He did his own work. “
Daniel Ricciardo keeps RB manager Laurent Mekies in the position of waiting to find out if he will get any other contract.
Despite some of his struggles of late, it appears the 35-year-old still has a chance to retain his seat for 2025 if he can prove he deserves it.
According to Formula1. com, the Australian will have time to prove his value to the team.
“I perceive that he [Ricciardo] has leadership of several high-ranking teams within Red Bull,” Barretto wrote on Formula1. com.
“While his direct boss, Laurent Mekies, would like to give him as much time as possible to show that he deserves to stay in the team. “
As a proud Australian, Oscar Piastri would be happy to take the initiative when it comes to organising an F1-themed barbecue.
McLaren held its annual Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of media day and, along with teammate and chef Lando Norris, Piastri and Norris made their meal.
Oscar and Lando hosted the team’s annual fish fry last night to show their appreciation at the track. #HungarianGP ud83cuddedud83cuddfa pic. twitter. com/qOJh9ERrvd
Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey has when he will leave the team.
The 65-year-old’s departure has been proven after 19 years with the aim of stepping away from F1 for a short period.
Speaking at Goodwood, Newey spoke more about his remaining role at Red Bull and showed that he will leave in March 2025.
“I basically talked to the drivers a little bit and then I got a little bit worried about the racing strategy, but it was also about meeting with the consumers – the RB17 consumers and the consumers,” Newey said.
“Because I think the overall aim of the RB17 allocation is that it’s very much an extension of the Formula 1 team and that’s why everyone is concerned not only about the RB17 itself, but also about the way Red Bull manages Formula 1 weekends.
“And that will continue regardless of my physical presence, because of the way we do it, and my son Harry [former racing driver and RB17 guest manager] will continue to work on the RB17 until its final touch and even beyond when I stop racing here in March next year.
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown has reopened his war of words with Red Bull by claiming the team is afraid of its driver Max Verstappen.
The American, who has not hidden his dislike for Christian Horner, reignited their feud by criticizing his movements after Verstappen’s collision with Lando Norris.
“It turns out that Red Bull is afraid of Max,” Brown told The Independent ahead of the Hungary Grand Prix.
“We are very fair with our drivers. If no one tells you that what you did was not in accordance with the regulations, why do you think otherwise?
“But for Christian to appear on the radio and point out the challenge to Lando, who are you kidding?
“Everyone has noticed it. The regulations are very clear: you have to respect the width of a car. Why did he have to say anything?It seemed completely irrelevant to me.
Haas has announced that Kevin Magnussen will be replaced on the grid for 2025 after wasting his race seat with the team for the time being.
The 31-year-old Dane first left Haas in 2020 before returning in 2022, but is now set to give up his F1 seat after being overshadowed by Nico Hulkenberg.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu says he hopes to remain Magnussen in some capacity, suggesting he could remain as a reserve driver. Esteban Ocon will be announced to update him.
“I hope we can find a way to continue to work together to some extent. We hope to be able to achieve this in the near future,” Komatsu said.
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team can confirm that Kevin Magnussen will leave his racing seat at the end of his existing contract at the end of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The team hopes to race with Kevin for the remainder of the 2024 season in their racing. u2026 pic. twitter. com/Yr9jboT1Pb
Alex Albon has said he will be an “experienced driver” who will be his new teammate at Williams.
James Vowles wants to recruit Carlos Sainz to marry Albon, while Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas are linked. Albon, 26, doesn’t care too much which driver arrives as long as he helps the team.
“I mean, actually, for my part, I’m not that stubborn about who my teammate is,” Albon said in Barcelona last month.
“In terms of the enjoyment and overall progression of the team, of course it would be beneficial. We are on this long journey, on this long project.
“We want feedback and, of course, my years at Red Bull. When I joined Williams, there were a lot of things I could bring to the table that I thought helped my feedback, but also the functionality of the car.
“To be fair to you, there are a lot of names on the list. Anyway, I think it would be an experienced driver who would enter. “
Charles Leclerc says it will be an “incredible opportunity” to drive alongside Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next season and believes the seven-time world champion has no weaknesses.
The Monegasque will join the 39-year-old Briton from 2025 to upgrade Carlos Sainz and Leclerc is relishing the opportunity.
“For me it is an opportunity. First of all, to be informed from the greatest engine of success of all time. And also to oppose Lewis, who is a reference point for everyone,” Leclerc told BBC Sport.
Asked if he was faster than Hamilton, Leclerc replied: “Well, I have to be convinced that I am the fastest driver when I put on the helmet, but I am looking for that and it will be very attractive. ” for me. “.
“I said that you learn from one or two teammates that you have throughout your career. When I look at the way they drive, because we are chasing each other and knowledge, you don’t really see weaknesses. And that’s where Lewis is amazing.
Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes are finally closing the gap on Red Bull at best and believes their next improvement could allow them to overtake the Austrian team in terms of pace.
The Silver Arrows have won the last two races, and Hamilton ended his 56-race wait to win the British Grand Prix. And the 39-year-old is confident that Mercedes is back in the race for the most sensible positions.
“There’s still a long way to go, but the car is far from the fastest on the grid at the moment,” said Hamilton, who has gone 56 races without a win.
“I think we’re very close, and with some [improvements], maybe with the next update, we’ll be in an even more potent position to fight on the front row more consistently. “
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Adrian Newey has reportedly resigned from Red Bull following proposals for the RB20 car.
According to Formu1a. uno, Newey was “strongly opposed” to the elaborate projects, which were carried out without his approval.
After photographs of the flooded track and the pits in the afternoon, the rain stopped at the Hungaroring.
Milder weather is forecast for the rest of the week, but officials will remain cautious about new storms.
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has ignored rumors that he is under pressure to claim his first F1 victory.
“It’s been a few times,” Piastri told Speedcafe. “I mean, that would be amazing.
“A lot of people say ‘take off your monkey’ or things like that. For me, that’s how I would feel right now. I think about Austria in particular and even at Silverstone I was disappointed that I missed something, but not from the point of view of “damn, I may have gotten rid of that”, more if we had the chance to win an F1 race and No. I did it.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur insisted he had no involvement in Charles Leclerc’s failure to score a point at Silverstone.
Citing a recent car upgrade that proved problematic, he told Auto Motor und Sport: “The result at Silverstone is misleading. Now our recent maximum factor is higher than before this race weekend. “
“We had to sacrifice the relaxed Friday practice sessions for that. But the lessons learned will help us more. “
This weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix appears to be in danger after torrential rain fell on the track on Wednesday.
Footage on social media showed officials and team members having to wade through water at the Hungaroring after the rains, with the pit lane also flooded.
READ MORE HERE.
Mikey Brown [Aston Martin] shared a clip on his Insta stories about heavy rain and flooding in boxes. pic. twitter. com/XHhuHpub4y
Mick Schumacher believes he can return to racing on the F1 grid after being eliminated by Haas at the end of 2022.
“It’s up to me to come back to Formula 1 to show what I can do,” he told AFP. “My chances in Formula 1 look pretty good so far. At the moment, Formula 1 is within my reach. “
“I have to make sure I don’t get too confident, move on and have a plan B in case it doesn’t work out. My plan has been Formula 1, now we have to wait and see what opportunities arise. I’m going to wait. ” as long as necessary.
READ MORE NOW.
McLaren boss Zak Brown accused Red Bull of being afraid of Max Verstappen after refusing to condemn him in the Austria crash.
“It turns out Red Bull is afraid of Max,” he told The Independent. “We are very fair with our drivers. If no one tells him that what he did was against the rules, why does he think otherwise?
“But if Christian comes on the radio and challenges Lando directly, who are you kidding? Everyone has noticed. The rules are clear, you have to respect the width of a car. He didn’t do it. Why did he have to say Something seemed completely out of place to me.
Former F1 champion Damon Hill believes Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will overtake Max Verstappen at the Hungary Grand Prix on Sunday.
“I think Red Bull seems to be fading a bit,” he told Sky Sports. “And I think McLaren is passing to be very there, so I am passing to pass for a McLaren one-two and then for Max third.
“I think Lando will win, but I think Oscar could play his role. Maybe he’s just the guy Max can’t get over. »
It has been claimed that George Russell could leave Mercedes and sign up for Audi before entering F1 in 2026.
German media outlet Motorsport Magazin reported that Russell could be a target when his contract with Mercedes expires at the end of next season.
In a video he stated: “If Carlos Sainz does not come, then this could only be a temporary solution, because in 2026 the carousel of the labour market will turn again”.
“George Russell and his company would possibly be on the market. There’s no need to mess that up with Bottas or anyone. There will just be a short interim solution. “
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has launched a cryptic investigation into “stalled” drivers who he says are preventing youngsters from moving forward.
He told Speedweek: “I can’t make any calls, but there are drivers in the box who are stagnant and are a bit better or worse depending on their mood.
“They block the way for young drivers. They are also afraid of young people.
“Of course they make mistakes, but if someone makes mistakes and is a hope for the long term, there will be no further improvements. “
Jacques Villeneuve is convinced that Lewis Hamilton’s recent victory at Silverstone will be his last in F1.
Speaking to TG Casino, the Canadian said: “This may not be Lewis Hamilton’s last Grand Prix victory. He still has the fire in his abdomen to perform. “
“Also, Mercedes is very fast, so we’ll probably see some other win from Hamilton this year. “
“In some ways Mercedes has followed the same trajectory as McLaren. Hamilton knows how to drive this edition of the car and he showed it in the last race. “
Ralf Schumacher has been “overwhelmed” by his winner’s messages after confirming that he was in a same-sex relationship.
The six-time Grand Prix winner and Michael’s brother made the news on Instagram over the weekend.
A spokesman for the Schumacher family said: “Ralf and Etienne are shocked by the wonderful reaction from everyone, perhaps no one expected it. “
Max Verstappen has warned his Red Bull colleagues that they have “a lot of work to do” in their efforts to keep McLaren and Mercedes at bay.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s race in Budapest, he said: “Hungary is an attractive track and we are looking forward to racing there this week. “
“The circuit is very narrow and twisty and has a very technical sector at the moment; it will also be a little bit this week.
“Silverstone was a tricky race for us. Although we made all the right decisions, we still have a lot to work on before the second part of the season. “
Aston Martin boss Mike Krack has revealed he evaluated other names in the driver market before tying Lance Stroll to a new long-term deal.
The Canadian driver has long been accused of being in F1 just because his father Lawrence owns the team.
Asked if Aston Martin contemplated making a change, Krack said: “I think you shouldn’t be pressured by the driving force market.
“I think we have to formulate what we want, about which we have been very transparent and have pursued those objectives.
“So, of course, you take a look at what’s out there and what’s available.
“I think plans B and C are obviously not unusual for everyone, but if you can achieve your plan A, then do it. “
Red Bull has complained to the FIA about McLaren’s brakes ahead of this weekend’s race in Hungary.
Reigning champion McLaren is using additional holes in the front and rear brake drums.
They all use sensors to collect data on rim and tire temperatures.
Red Bull is convinced, however, that McLaren has created an additional cooling hole, which would constitute a breach of the regulations.
His suspicions were fuelled by the fact that Lando Norris was very strong in Miami, Imola and Spain, where he controlled his tyres better than Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton has taken on a new role as logo ambassador for French luxury fashion space Dior.
The Mercedes driver will also be a guest designer for an upcoming lifestyle capsule collection to be unveiled in October.
The collection will include a variety of pattern-focused sweaters and snow jackets, as well as specially evolved snow shoes.
In a statement, Dior said: “The space is pleased to welcome seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton as Dior’s new ambassador for the men’s collection.
“On the heels of his victory at the British Grand Prix, this momentous announcement begins with the launch of a lifestyle capsule designed in collaboration with Dior’s menswear artistic director, Kim Jones, reaffirming a lasting legacy of icons redefining what’s possible. “
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