Martin Brundle has cautioned Max Verstappen about potentially damaging his reputation following incidents in Mexico.

Renowned Formula 1 commentator Martin Brundle has cautioned Max Verstappen that his reputation may be at stake following his well-publicized clashes with Lando Norris during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

On Sunday in Mexico, Verstappen received two separate penalties of 10 seconds each due to incidents involving Norris.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

The driver from the Netherlands pushed the McLaren racer off the track at Turn 4, and shortly thereafter, he made a bold move into Turn 7.

Due to the penalties, Verstappen ended up in sixth place. Meanwhile, with Norris securing second position, Verstappen's advantage in the F1 drivers' championship has been reduced to 47 points, with four races remaining.

During Sky's post-race analysis over the weekend, Brundle expressed his disapproval of Verstappen's driving, confessing, "I really dislike it when he behaves like that."

In his column discussing the Mexico City Grand Prix, Brundle once again shared his perspective on Verstappen's driving style.

He expressed his disappointment, saying that although Max is indifferent to others' opinions, it upsets him when Max drives in that manner.

"He has won numerous championships and possesses extraordinary driving skills, far exceeding what most people could ever hope to achieve. However, it is unfortunate that his reputation may be overshadowed by his approach to sportsmanship."

Brundle expressed approval for the stewards' recent decisiveness in handing Verstappen significant penalties, following a situation where his aggressive driving at the United States Grand Prix earlier this month went unpunished.

Brundle mentioned that Max Verstappen received two 10-second penalties in the span of four corners. He noted that the decisions from the stewards showed a new level of strictness, which he appreciated.

In the initial incident at Turn Four, Lando Norris, who is competing for the championship, attempted to overtake on the outside. Norris was considered to have the advantage at the beginning, middle, and end of the turn, meaning he deserved space to race and should not have been forced off the track.

"The penalty could have been either five or 10 seconds, but since there were no factors to lessen the severity, he received the usual 10-second penalty."

Norris made his way over the grass, unexpectedly moving ahead of Sainz, although he quickly returned the position by Turn Six. Soon after, at Turn Eight—a spot not typically known for passing—Verstappen, likely believing that Norris had overtaken him by going off the track, boldly maneuvered his car inside of the McLaren.

"He was likely aware that this action could have immediately eliminated them both from the competition, yet Norris was prepared. A 10-second penalty was issued for leaving the track and gaining a lasting benefit, though honestly, it could have justified a pit lane drive-through penalty for reckless driving."

In a surprising turn of events, both drivers were pushed off course, which enabled Charles Leclerc to secure a Ferrari one-two at that moment. The setback for Norris, compounded by trailing Verstappen until the Dutch driver made his pit stop on lap 26, might have deprived him of a win considering his speed towards the end of the race.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the racing paddock right in your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any way.

Damon Hill has expressed criticism towards Red Bull's handling of Max Verstappen: "The team never seems to criticize him."

"Christian always has a defensive stance when it comes to Max, making it seem like Max can do anything he wants."

Damon Hill, who won the Formula 1 world championship in 1996, has urged Red Bull to discuss Max Verstappen's aggressive driving style during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen received penalties totaling 20 seconds during the Mexico race due to two separate incidents involving his Formula 1 championship competitor, Lando Norris.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter to receive the freshest F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Verstappen forced Norris wide at Turn 4 and then made an audacious attempt to overtake at Turn 7 shortly afterward.

The Dutch racer has faced significant criticism, with Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle cautioning Verstappen that his actions could damage his Formula 1 "legacy."

During a discussion on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Hill expressed doubts about how Red Bull has managed their top driver, suggesting that "it seems as if Max has the liberty to act as he pleases."

Hill mentioned that there is never an effort to explain his driver in a manner that others would understand.

Christian often makes comments that seem to defend Max. It seems as if Max has the freedom to act however he wishes.

According to reports, his team refrains from publicly criticizing his driving style. In the context of a competition, this approach seems acceptable.

"Ultimately, a discussion needs to happen. The team has a duty to influence the driver's mindset as well."

Max Verstappen's driving style has been compared to that of Ayrton Senna, with Hill characterizing the Brazilian driver's approach as "extremely aggressive."

Hill mentioned that Ayrton Senna was quite aggressive in his driving style, using some harsh tactics, which were also subject to scrutiny during that period.

"I'm getting ready to travel to Brazil, and I certainly don't want to offend any supporters of Senna. They are well aware that he was an incredibly skilled racer, although there were times when his emotions would occasionally take control."

This is the point where the FIA or the relevant sports authorities need to take action. They should be able to declare, 'We desire competition and enjoy the intensity, but it needs to be managed.'

"It's not acceptable to engage in reckless driving simply to maintain your position, nor is it fair to block others from advancing because you don't want to be passed. Therefore, there should be a system in place to hold drivers accountable for such actions."

"If Max continues in this manner, there will be lasting doubts about the wisdom of his driving style. He possesses immense talent and capability, which he can leverage to overcome his competitors. It shouldn't simply resemble a bumper car race."

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock right in your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce text, images, or drawings in any format.

Jos Verstappen criticizes F1 stewards post-Mexico, hinting at potential "conflict of interest"

"The FIA needs to carefully examine who they appoint as stewards and ensure that there is no potential for a conflict of interest to arise."

Jos Verstappen has criticized the F1 stewards following two separate 10-second penalties given to Max Verstappen during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen received penalties totaling 20 seconds due to two separate incidents involving his Formula 1 championship competitor, Lando Norris, at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

The Dutch driver ended up in sixth place, and with Norris taking second, his advantage in the championship has been reduced to 47 points.

The sanctions imposed on Verstappen in Mexico were harsher than those he faced at any other time this year. This is especially noteworthy because, in Austin, he avoided any penalties after pushing Norris off the track during the first lap.

In an interview with the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Jos stood up for his son's driving skills, explaining that "he must drive this way" because the RB20 is currently lacking in competitiveness.

Jos expressed that while discussions could go on indefinitely, ultimately it doesn't matter because Max should drive according to his own preferences.

"He must take these actions since the car's performance falls short, and he's putting in every effort to secure the championship."

A man aged 52 implied that the officials working in Mexico have a dislike for Max, which may explain the severe punishments.

In Mexico, Johnny Herbert, who used to work as an analyst for Sky, served as the FIA's driver steward.

"However, Max won't alter his approach to driving just because there are a few stewards around who already have a negative opinion of him," Jos commented.

The FIA needs to carefully evaluate the selection of stewards, ensuring that their appointments do not suggest any potential conflicts of interest.

"From past drivers who may feel more empathetic towards specific racers or teams."

According to Max, the crucial issue is that the fundamental design of the car is flawed.

"Observing his teammate's performance, it was clear that even Haas outpaced Red Bull during the race."

Discover More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 directly in your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Headlines

Additional Updates

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to copy any text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, in any manner.

Sergio Perez's wealthy supporter might pull out of sponsoring Red Bull: "It's not set in stone."

"Our plan is to stay with Checo, no matter where he goes, we will support him."

Sergio Perez's financial supporter, Escuderia Telmex, has issued a caution that they might cease their sponsorship deal with Red Bull. However, they are committed to maintaining their support for the Mexican driver, regardless of whether he remains with the team or not.

Escuderia Telmex has been a sponsor of Perez for many years. The company was established by billionaire entrepreneur Carlos Slim.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

In 2013, Forbes magazine listed Slim as the wealthiest individual globally, boasting an impressive fortune of $78 billion.

Carlos Slim Domit, the president of the company and son of Slim, spoke about their position on continuing to sponsor Perez and Red Bull moving forward.

The future of Perez in Formula 1 has been widely discussed due to his recent lackluster performance.

Since the race in China last April, the Mexican driver has not secured a podium finish in any competition.

Christian Horner has suggested that Perez might be substituted after the Brazil race for the last three events of the season.

In an interview with ESPN in Mexico, Slim Domit assured that their support for Perez will persist, and their sponsorship with Red Bull is not connected to it.

"We are currently in discussions with the team, and although nothing is finalized yet, our ongoing intention is to continue our partnership with Checo," stated Slim. "We aim to support Perez for as long as possible, without any hesitation."

The matter of Checo's contract is separate from any sponsorship discussions for us, and this has been the case since he joined the team. However, if the chance to stay with the team were to end, we would definitely still support Checo.

"The plan is to stick with Checo, no matter where he goes, we will support him."

Perez aims to recover at the Sao Paulo GP this weekend.

The Red Bull racer ended up in 17th place, finishing last in the race held in their home country

He was eliminated in the first qualifying session and later received a penalty for starting prematurely.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the F1 world delivered straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce any text, photographs, or illustrations in any manner.

Red Bull acknowledges an investigation into Franco Colapinto as claims surface regarding Carlos Sainz's potential departure clause. Reports suggest that the career trajectories of Franco Colapinto and Carlos Sainz may be linked.

Christian Horner has acknowledged asking about whether Franco Colapinto is available.

Since stepping in for Logan Sargeant five races back, Colapinto, driving for Williams, has garnered significant attention from various teams throughout the Formula 1 paddock.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the Formula 1 scene straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

The 2025 F1 driver roster is theoretically finalized, leaving Colapinto without a seat for the upcoming season—unless Red Bull decides to make a significant alteration.

Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, reportedly described Colapinto as a fascinating driver, according to AMUS.

"Contrary to what his performance in Formula 2 indicated, he has exceeded expectations significantly for everyone."

"I wouldn't be doing my job properly as a team leader if I didn't look into his availability."

Red Bull is contemplating the possibility of replacing Sergio Perez, whose performance at his home race in Mexico last weekend was disappointing.

Liam Lawson might be moving up from the Red Bull sister team, potentially creating an opportunity that Colapinto could step into.

According to AMUS, Alpine has shown interest in Colapinto, after Flavio Briatore recognized his potential.

Carlos Sainz's Departure Option?

Williams has secured the services of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari for the 2025 season. Sainz recently emerged victorious at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon form an intriguing pair of drivers for the team competing in the middle tier.

According to Auto Motor Und Sport, Sainz's contract with Williams includes a provision that allows him to switch to Red Bull in 2026 should a position become available.

There are doubts surrounding Max Verstappen's future in the sport, especially with the upcoming changes to the engine regulations in Formula 1 set for 2026.

The rumored exit clause in Sainz's agreement impacts Colapinto as well.

Even though there isn't a spot for him at Williams in 2025, the team might require his services in 2026 if Sainz departs.

Could Colapinto possibly be 'loaned' to Red Bull for a year? Helmut Marko firmly rejects this idea.

Marko informed AMUS that they are only interested in having Colapinto fully committed to them, eliminating any chance for him to drive their car if he stays under a Williams contract.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Headline Updates

Additional Stories

Website Directory

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Fernando Alonso will not participate in the media events scheduled for Thursday in Brazil due to being treated for an infection.

Aston Martin has announced that Fernando Alonso will be absent from the media day at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix once more.

Due to being unwell, Alonso was absent from the media events on Thursday in Mexico City.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

The Spanish driver got back into the AMR24 car for Friday's practice session ahead of his 400th grand prix race.

Alonso's race came to an early end due to a mechanical problem.

Alonso apparently was not in peak physical condition during the race in Mexico, as Aston Martin revealed that he went back to Europe for additional medical care.

Aston Martin announced that he experienced an "intestinal infection" leading up to the weekend event in Mexico.

The team from Silverstone firmly asserts that Alonso will be driving at Interlagos.

The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team announced that Fernando Alonso will not participate in his scheduled media engagements in Brazil.

Before the Mexico City Grand Prix, Fernando had been dealing with an intestinal infection.

He went back to Europe to get additional medical care from an expert.

The additional day of therapy has postponed his trip to Brazil, but it guarantees that he will be prepared for the races this weekend.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to copy any portion of the text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, by any means.

EXCLUSIVE: Ayrton Senna "had moments of losing his temper, even getting into physical altercations" with reporters

Stewart Bell speaks with Ayrton Senna's press officer, who shares insights into the racing legend's intense interactions with the press.

In the world of sports, some of the most remarkable tales stem from individuals who remain away from the public eye. These are the people who have been part of the journey but aren't usually the first to be consulted for their perspective. They are the true insiders…

Betise Assumpção-Head is known for her role as the former personal press officer for the legendary Ayrton Senna, who was a three-time World Champion in Formula 1 racing.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers directly in your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Remarkably, Assumpção-Head's path to reaching the top of the motor racing world began with her passion for volleyball, which she started playing at the age of 14. However, when it came to her professional life, the Brazilian chose to pursue a career in journalism covering the sport. At 21, she landed her first reporting position as a maternity leave replacement at Folha de S.Paulo, a daily newspaper in São Paulo, just a year after earning her degree in journalism.

"Assumpção-Head mentions that volleyball experienced a significant surge in popularity by the time she completed her education."

"During that era, we had an exceptional team, ranking as the second-best globally. However, since volleyball wasn't well-known, I found myself in the perfect position to document it. I was familiar with all the players, having traveled with several and even played in the same club as them."

Before long, she encountered Senna, who was destined to become a Formula 1 legend, as he ascended in the sport.

Honda has released an incredible advertisement showcasing three-time Formula 1 world champions Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen. 👏 📹 @hondapic.twitter.com/oj3KP5YcF8— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) October 9, 2024

Question: Can you describe your initial encounter with Ayrton Senna?

Betise Head (BH): "When I started working for Folha de S.Paulo, Ayrton would contact the media each time he came back to Brazil. At the time, he was competing in Formula 3 and Formula 3000. Even though he already had a small agency, he would still reach out to journalists, and they would often send me, the newcomer. No one else was interested, thinking, 'Oh, it's just a guy wanting to announce he's won a race.'"

"I ended up tracking his professional journey, almost by accident. I'm not even a fan of motor racing. Nonetheless, he kept appearing in my life every few months. In 1985, I transitioned from working at Folha to joining Placar, a football magazine. However, they decided to expand their focus to cover a variety of sports due to low sales."

In 1986, Ayrton received the title of sportsperson of the year, which was well-deserved. It was a significant event, especially since he was set to join Lotus the next year. I was assigned to create a feature on him, so I visited his office, conducted interviews with him and his family, met with [helmet designer] Sid [Mosca], and even got hold of his helmet. This experience allowed me to become quite familiar with his circle, you might say.

"I wasn't exactly a friend, but we maintained a good professional rapport, and they appreciated all my work and contributions."

What took place after that point?

BH recalled that in 1987, she made the decision to travel to England. As a woman in sports media, she often found herself assigned to less desirable tasks, being given assignments that others were not interested in taking on.

"I relocated to London and started living with my sister, who lived around 300 meters from Wimbledon. By chance, Ayrton's closest friend was acquainted with my sister through advertising projects in Brazil. They ran into each other, and he mentioned that he was heading to Wimbledon, asking if he could park his car at her place. She agreed without hesitation! Little did we know that Ayrton was accompanying him."

While at Wimbledon, I unexpectedly met him, and he inquired about my presence there. I explained that I planned to remain and work on my English skills. However, at the conclusion of the event, when he arrived to pick up the car, I encountered Ayrton once more. Ayrton mentioned that he was heading to dinner with the Japanese representatives from Honda, as he aimed to persuade them to join McLaren. He invited me to accompany him to the dinner.

Question: What led to you taking on the role of his press officer?

BH shared that after about a year, he received a phone call from the person who needed a companion for the races. This individual had previously worked with a Brazilian journalist who would write for him. However, the journalist also contributed to other outlets and had family responsibilities, which required him to focus on providing for them.

"They initially attempted that approach but soon discovered conflicting interests. As a result, someone suggested my name to him. It was some individuals I had previously worked with at a car magazine. They had since started their own agency and were handling his public relations in Brazil. Surprisingly, he reached out to me personally, which many people find hard to believe!"

He mentioned, "I'm curious if you'd be interested in joining this endeavor. I'm currently in a huge dispute with [former FIA President Jean-Marie] Balestre. I'm unsure if I'll even be able to compete, but if I do, I'd like you to be part of it." I agreed and began covering just the Grand Prix events. Each day, I crafted a press release. Back then, before the internet was widely available, most journalists didn't have access to reliable information. In Brazil, only the largest newspapers and TV networks could afford to send reporters around the globe; otherwise, they had to depend on international news agencies.

Each day, I would share an article that was a legitimate news piece, complete with details and unique quotes, but focused primarily on Senna. After all, he would naturally be the focal point of any Brazilian article, right?

"I would send the material to Brazil, where it would be shared with approximately 350 newspapers. This gave him significant visibility, and when we included photos, the reach expanded further."

Q: How was the experience of working with Ayrton?

BH explained that a significant part of his role was focused on helping Ayrton manage his time efficiently. On several occasions, he mentioned to Ayrton that he noticed how stressed he seemed after leaving engineering meetings.

"I managed his media interactions by organizing group interviews with different publications, ensuring there was no overlap. I recorded all the sessions. After conducting several of these interviews, I compiled a comprehensive file containing details about him and the questions he had previously addressed."

"I would approach the journalist and inform them that they would have a 20-minute interview with Ayrton. However, I would provide them with a detailed file about him and insist that they read it thoroughly. I would advise them against asking basic questions like his sister’s name, as he would find that disrespectful and might end the interview abruptly."

"Imagine having just 20 minutes to speak with Ayrton Senna, and then choosing to ask him what his favorite color is. Surprisingly, some people actually did that!"

Ayrton wasn't fond of giving interviews. However, if you managed to engage him in a meaningful conversation, he was hard to pull away. Despite the engineers' attempts to whisk him off, he truly enjoyed an engaging and stimulating discussion.

He enjoyed clarifying his thoughts and had a desire for others to comprehend him. He appreciated engaging with fascinating and smart individuals.

Back in the day, when Formula 1 was more accessible and fans or others would approach him during his walks, he had a simple strategy. He would direct them to speak with me, explaining that I kept a record of everything and would relay all necessary information to him. I assured him to pass all concerns my way, emphasizing that handling such matters was my responsibility. He didn’t need to fret; we would manage the situation together.

Question: Did any problems arise regarding the media?

BH mentioned that he would become upset if people took advantage of the system, as this would lead to physical interactions.

In the current era, there are structured interview zones and organized procedures. However, back then, reporters would approach him directly at the rear of the garage before he even had a chance to speak with his engineer, which left him quite frustrated.

"I halted the situation by informing the journalists that while everyone is working against the clock, it's really the Europeans who are in a rush. The South Americans have more flexibility. I arranged the interview schedule, placing the Brazilians at the end."

"The Europeans were prioritized since they made up the largest group. After arranging everything, you might spot some individuals lingering at the rear of the garage. You'd advise them, 'If you hang around at the back of the motorhome, he'll avoid coming out because he can see you waiting.'"

"He might be upset because you're blocking access to the engineers' office. When you treated everyone equally, they got it, since before I arrived, most of them didn't have any way to reach Ayrton. So, everyone valued it."

"He would remain present until the very last question was asked, even in three different languages. I would handle the situation, making sure to dismiss people once they had their turn. The questions were always the same each week, with nothing fresh, and I had everything documented."

"I would often visit the pressroom, and everyone there understood that they could rely on me for details, since I was aware of his statements. We didn't manipulate the information; I simply conveyed it to them."

He explained that, given the circumstances, that was what he intended—it reflects his beliefs and so on. It's straightforward, and it's astonishing that more people don't adopt this approach regularly.

Question: Thirty years have passed since he died during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Can you describe what that challenging day was like for you?

BH described the day as if operating on instinct, simply going through the motions. He mentioned that Leonardo, his brother, was present, and he was determined to secure a private room in the hospital for him, ensuring that the media couldn't contact him.

"I wasn't the one responsible for delivering formal announcements. The hospital handled that task. I interacted with a few individuals who emerged."

Following the declaration of his death, there was just one request made of me that I refused to fulfill – they needed someone to confirm the identity of the body. I declined to do it.

Gerhard Berger, a friend, had informed me that he had visited the hospital and expressed a desire to see him. I inquired if he was certain about this decision, as we had received advice against visiting due to the severity of his head injuries. Nevertheless, Berger insisted on seeing him.

He returned pale and said, "I shouldn’t have gone in there. Please make sure no one else enters."

After everything was finished, I returned to the Imola track around 10:30 p.m. and sat in the motorhome, where all my belongings had been left behind.

A segment aired on Sky TV featuring Ayrton, who appeared sun-kissed and wore a vibrant yellow shirt. His hair was damp, likely from jet skiing, and he expressed his joy by saying, "I love my life here; it's beautiful."

"At that moment, I broke down and cried without restraint. I found myself unable to halt the tears or catch my breath. The situation was unchanged the next day."

"Leonardo, his brother, was present, and we were making efforts to keep him away from the media. We relocated him to a different hotel, but the press discovered his new location. In any case, it was challenging, but I managed to handle it."

"I spent several days working at the office in Brazil before heading to Monaco. There, Karl Wendlinger had a crash at the Nouvelle chicane, hitting the barrier. The situation was serious enough that he was placed in an induced coma. At that point, I felt overwhelmed and decided it was time to step back. I apologized and said that I needed to distance myself from everything."

"I took a 15-day break from work to visit my pregnant sister. We spent time relaxing on the beach without much conversation with others. Upon returning, there was interest in creating a book, but they preferred not to include specific information."

"I transitioned from barely managing each day to, three months later in late August, returning to Europe without any clear plans. I was uncertain about my next steps, so I simply proceeded without overthinking."

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Website Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Lando Norris has received a potential advantage in the F1 championship as Max Verstappen may face an engine penalty during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil this weekend.

Max Verstappen might face a grid penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend if Red Bull decides to replace his engine.

Due to a problem with his power unit during Friday's sessions, Verstappen had to switch back to using an older engine.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 world delivered straight to your email.

To learn additional details, please review our Privacy Policy

The driver from the Netherlands bounced back and secured a front-row starting position for his Red Bull car, placing him ahead of his F1 championship competitor, Lando Norris.

Nonetheless, Red Bull's competitiveness diminished during the race when Verstappen found himself lacking in straight-line speed, allowing Carlos Sainz to overtake him after the Safety Car restart.

Verstappen found himself entangled in two distinct situations with Norris, leading to a total of 20 seconds in time penalties.

The three-time world champion ended up in sixth place, while Norris secured the second position, resulting in a 10-point decrease in his championship lead.

Red Bull is contemplating providing him with a new engine for the last four races in order to remain competitive in the championship battle.

Given the numerous overtaking chances in Brazil, Red Bull would logically opt for a new engine there if they choose to make such a decision.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Marko expressed concern, stating, "What's more concerning is our inability to get the medium and hard tires to perform effectively."

"We were far behind the leading two teams, and one reason might be that on Friday, engine issues prevented us from driving."

"It's evident that action is needed. Additionally, we'll need to replace the engine since our speed on the straightaways has been lacking."

This engine, which was installed in the vehicle, was not meant to be there, making it likely that the situation in Brazil might occur.

Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF that the engine Verstappen used in Mexico was meant just for practice sessions, indicating that its performance wasn't at its best.

Marko stated that the engine used was not meant for the race, and that as an engine ages, its efficiency decreases.

"The penalty would result in a drop of five positions. In a place like Brazil, this wouldn't be too harsh since overtaking is fairly straightforward there. However, we noticed we were lacking speed, specifically three to eight km/h, on the straight sections."

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Headlines

Additional Updates

Website Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce the text, images, or drawings, either in whole or in part, in any manner.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell discuss their internal team competition at the Mexico Grand Prix

The Mercedes pair competed against each other for track position in Mexico.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell engaged in close racing at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, but the encounter concluded without any issues.

Executives at Mercedes may have felt relieved to witness their two drivers engage in a fair competition for position.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

However, this is partly because of the mindset that Mercedes expects from its drivers during races, as Hamilton explained.

Toto Wolff stated, "We have such confidence in their skill and experience that we permit them to race freely."

Initially, I was certain there wasn't a moment when I felt things were becoming tense.

"We decided to contact George towards the end when it was evident that Lewis had the quicker vehicle. It seemed that one defensive maneuver on the straight was possibly made a little too late."

"I'm completely certain about both of them."

While in Mexico, Hamilton stated: "It's quite simple."

"I believe neither of us is foolish."

"George is incredibly intelligent and equitable. He also excels at positioning his car, which is beneficial for me as well."

When the team communicates over the radio and instructs to "maintain cleanliness," the natural response is "absolutely."

"When you're competing against someone, it's similar to any other match, but there's a twist because it's your teammate. This situation requires extra caution since both of you aim to complete the challenge."

Russell expressed that he enjoyed the challenge and mentioned that competing against Lewis is always enjoyable due to the tough yet fair nature of their rivalry.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix, Hamilton initially took the lead over Russell, but was subsequently passed by his teammate.

In the final part of the race, Hamilton managed to surpass Russell, securing a fourth-place finish, while Russell ended up in fifth.

Hamilton attributed his poor performance in the opening stint to understeer issues. On the other hand, Russell was dealing with a compromised front wing and was already using an older version of the W15 car due to a practice session crash.

However, the duel between teammates served as a model for other racing teams on how to compete, especially as Hamilton's time with Mercedes nears its end.

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates Additional Updates Website Map Crash.Net ©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Mercedes has reportedly "lost their direction" amid worries about the progress of the W15. Concerns were raised when the performance of the car in Mexico did not surpass that of the car at Silverstone, contrary to expectations.

According to Martin Brundle, Mercedes' fourth and fifth-place finishes in Mexico were "not encouraging."

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell overcame minor challenges to achieve strong finishes at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, both placing ahead of Max Verstappen from Red Bull.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

In a significant victory for Ferrari, they surpassed Red Bull to secure second place in the constructors' championship, thanks to a stellar performance by Carlos Sainz who clinched the race win. Charles Leclerc also made it to the podium, finishing in third place.

Sky Sports' Brundle commented on Mercedes, stating, "To be truthful, today hasn't been especially favorable for them."

Lewis has a fondness for the number 44, which coincidentally matched the number of seconds he finished behind the race winner. George, on the other hand, trailed by 48 seconds.

"Covering a significant distance is possible in 48 seconds when driving a Formula 1 car."

"This vehicle has triumphed in both the British Grand Prix and the Belgian Grand Prix."

"They have hit a standstill and seem to have veered off track with their updates."

"Was George really falling behind by two-tenths? Ideally, the car designed for Mexico should outperform the one used at Silverstone. However, this was not the case."

Lewis expressed confidence by saying, "we will get this together," yet it seems unlikely that today will be favorable for Mercedes.

Hamilton attributed his poor performance in the initial phase to understeer, which he had to work hard to overcome.

Following an accident during practice, Russell was using an older version of the W15. He had also been involved in a crash the previous week in Texas.

Although Mercedes needs to address certain issues ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, it was Ferrari, the team Hamilton is set to join, that captured all the attention.

Danica Patrick commented on Hamilton, questioning whether anyone has asked him if he's noticed Ferrari's impressive performance and if he's enthusiastic about it.

"Being in fourth and fifth place is positive, although there's a significant distance from the top position."

"Right from the start of the race, I could tell that Mercedes was going to perform well."

"Their final standing was impressive, largely due to the significantly cooler temperatures."

"When the temperature rises, their performance tends to decrease."

The drop in temperature provided them with a chance to take advantage and a moment to execute their plan.

"However, they haven't advanced in the same way that other teams, particularly Ferrari, have."

Discover More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special reports, interviews, and offers from the world of Formula 1 directly in your email.

If you need further details, please refer to our

Breaking News

Additional Stories

Site Directory

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to copy any part or the entirety of this text, including images or drawings, in any manner.

New insider details surface from an animated drivers' meeting

A new angle is offered following F1 drivers' discussions on rules

Carlos Sainz has provided more information about the events that took place during the F1 drivers' meeting in Mexico, which was characterized as "spirited."

During the usual Friday gathering held on a grand prix weekend, it was said that the main topic of conversation was the incident in Texas involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, focusing on the interpretation of the regulations.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight in your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Sky Sports' Craig Slater mentioned that Lando Norris and Max Verstappen had direct discussions regarding defense and passing maneuvers.

According to reports, certain drivers perceived the FIA's decision to alter the wording of the regulations as acknowledging their own fault.

Nevertheless, Ferrari's Sainz, who eventually emerged victorious at the Mexico City Grand Prix, has provided an additional viewpoint on the events that unfolded.

Sainz expressed that he found the meeting to be both constructive and beneficial.

Many drivers expressed their feelings regarding each scenario and shared their thoughts on the most suitable path moving forward.

The way you understand the regulations and the guiding principles that the stewards use to impose penalties hasn't changed for this weekend, and I believe these rules will be enforced in a similar way.

"Looking ahead, the meeting was fruitful, and I believe we will find solutions in Qatar that will enhance the drivers' comprehension and improve the overall racing experience."

"With any luck, it will improve."

Verstappen remarked, "Carlos described it flawlessly."

Charles Leclerc shared his thoughts, stating, "I won't delve deeply into the specifics of our internal discussions, but we are all eager to enhance certain situations we encountered in Austin, as I believe we weren't all aligned on those matters."

The FIA has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue, and they acknowledge that some adjustments are necessary.

"In the future, we intend to assist them in making more informed decisions and selecting tracks that potentially generate less controversy than Austin."

"If there's a gravel trap or a curb in certain corners, it would simplify things for everyone, but that's just the situation we have."

Discover More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Articles

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or reproducing any section of text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, is strictly prohibited in any

Lando Norris confesses: "There have been times when I've missed opportunities because I wasn't assertive enough."

"I have always engaged in fair competition. That's just my nature."

Lando Norris admitted that his occasional lack of aggression has sometimes put him at a disadvantage.

The Mexico City Grand Prix in Formula 1, along with the previous week's competition in Texas, featured intense duels between McLaren's Lando Norris and his rival for the championship, Max Verstappen.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the F1 community directly in your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

A meeting for drivers in Mexico, which included participation from the FIA, was said to be largely focused on debating the guidelines for conduct.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix, Verstappen received two penalties for distinct incidents involving Norris, while Carlos Sainz emerged as the winner of the race.

"I was aware of what was coming," stated Norris.

"I didn't anticipate something like this happening, given my deep respect for Max as a driver, but I was prepared for the possibility."

"In my view, the driving wasn't very tidy, but I managed to steer clear of any issues, and overall, it was a good race."

In Mexico, Norris secured a second-place finish, trailing Sainz, which cut Verstappen's advantage in the drivers' championship by 10 points.

As the Sao Paulo Grand Prix approaches this weekend, Verstappen holds a 47-point lead over Norris. There are four races left in the season.

As Norris challenges his hold on the championship, Verstappen's approach to driving is facing increased examination.

Norris emphasized that he has consistently engaged in competition with integrity, stating that it reflects his true nature.

"This is how I approach racing. It's how I drive each day."

"Perhaps there have been instances where I missed opportunities due to my fairness and lack of aggression. I need to work on achieving a more balanced approach."

These are the adjustments I've mentioned needing to make since last weekend and throughout this year. Competing against top competitors teaches you valuable lessons about striking the right balance between attacking and defending, managing risks, and knowing when to be aggressive.

"Personally, I don't have to be concerned about them. It doesn't really involve me."

"I'll do my best and compete honestly. If he chooses not to, then events will unfold as they did today."

"However, I believe he prefers to compete honestly. I am optimistic that he will."

"He seems to appreciate the times when the competition is even-handed, but… Well, I just have to continue with my current approach. I believe I'm performing well, and we'll just have to wait and see how things unfold."

Norris explained his involvement in the Turn 7 incident with Verstappen during the Mexico event.

"The McLaren driver pointed out the extent to which he veered off course."

"I didn't have to allow Max to pass because I was in front at the fourth corner's apex."

"I needed to steer clear to prevent him from colliding with me, and then the situation repeated itself with number 7."

The issue was that I initially failed to grasp that he passed while being off the track.

"The maneuver was excessively aggressive, and he passed while off the track."

"I'm not familiar with the specific language of the penalties or details, but he claims that he follows the rules while driving."

"He emphasized that point after last weekend, and today he advanced by moving off the track. We will find out what happens."

"Max is returning next weekend, and I anticipate more challenging confrontations."

Discover More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates Additional Headlines Site Index Crash.Net ©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying any part or the whole of the text, images, or drawings is prohibited in any manner.