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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc takes pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix!
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Formula 1 - 2022 Season
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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his sixth pole position in eight races this season with a scintillating lap at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Leclerc saved the best for last with his final lap, beating Red Bull's Sergio Perez by 0.282 seconds.
Perez beat team-mate Max Verstappen with his final lap, by just 0.065secs.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was quickest after the first runs in final qualifying but a series of mistakes on his final lap left him fourth.
Leclerc continued his status as Formula 1's qualifying king this year, despite errors on his key laps in the first and second sessions which had held back his ultimate potential.
But he strung it all together when it mattered for his second consecutive pole position in Baku.
"All pole positions feel good but this one I did not expect it because I thought Red Bull were stronger," Leclerc said. "Especially Q1 and Q2 I struggled to see we were faster but then in Q3 I managed to do a good lap."
BBC
Leclerc saved the best for last with his final lap, beating Red Bull's Sergio Perez by 0.282 seconds.
Perez beat team-mate Max Verstappen with his final lap, by just 0.065secs.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was quickest after the first runs in final qualifying but a series of mistakes on his final lap left him fourth.
Leclerc continued his status as Formula 1's qualifying king this year, despite errors on his key laps in the first and second sessions which had held back his ultimate potential.
But he strung it all together when it mattered for his second consecutive pole position in Baku.
"All pole positions feel good but this one I did not expect it because I thought Red Bull were stronger," Leclerc said. "Especially Q1 and Q2 I struggled to see we were faster but then in Q3 I managed to do a good lap."
BBC
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Lewis Hamilton cleared by stewards
He was under investigation for driving too slowly during F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix but there was no wrongdoing.
Lewis Hamilton on being investigated by stewards
“We are one of the slowest cars on the straight so I needed a tow. The rule is you have to be within your delta time from the safety car lines.
“I was within my delta, I slowed down and pulled completely off-line to let other cars go by, but they didn’t want to go by.
“Interesting scenario because when we were in Barcelona there were cars that just completely ignored the delta and drove ridiculously slow and one or two go penalised a reprimand, but they were going way way way slower they would have gained at least five degrees cooler tyres and that’s why they were so quick.
“I remember when they were going slow, I went around them, but today I was within my delta, I was offline and it was safe.
“I don’t think it is a problem. They had a choice to get by but they didn’t and I was in my delta.”
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/1002845/live-updates-f1-azerbaijan-grand-prix-saturday
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Lewis Hamilton defended by Toto Wolff after Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has defended Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time champion was out-qualified by team-mate George Russell for the third consecutive race.
Hamilton qualified seventh for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, two places and 0.212 seconds behind Russell, who was 1.353secs adrift of the pole time set by Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.
Wolff said Hamilton had been trying out different set-ups on his car as the team try to get to the bottom of their performance problems.
"Lewis has been trying some quite experimental parts of the car and there was a different floor solution on his car that didn't work," Wolff said.
Wolff said that although Hamilton has now lost out to Russell in Spain, Monaco and Baku, it was "too early to identify a pattern".
Wolff said: "I am very close to it and I see one session one is faster and then next the other is. And because the car is on a knife edge, if you put a foot wrong, in terms of experiments on the car - which need to be done in order for us to learn how to perform and where to put the car - there is 0.2-0.3secs immediately between them.
"And the last three races these experiments have gone wrong with Lewis and not with George."
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61773039
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has defended Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time champion was out-qualified by team-mate George Russell for the third consecutive race.
Hamilton qualified seventh for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, two places and 0.212 seconds behind Russell, who was 1.353secs adrift of the pole time set by Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.
Wolff said Hamilton had been trying out different set-ups on his car as the team try to get to the bottom of their performance problems.
"Lewis has been trying some quite experimental parts of the car and there was a different floor solution on his car that didn't work," Wolff said.
Wolff said that although Hamilton has now lost out to Russell in Spain, Monaco and Baku, it was "too early to identify a pattern".
Wolff said: "I am very close to it and I see one session one is faster and then next the other is. And because the car is on a knife edge, if you put a foot wrong, in terms of experiments on the car - which need to be done in order for us to learn how to perform and where to put the car - there is 0.2-0.3secs immediately between them.
"And the last three races these experiments have gone wrong with Lewis and not with George."
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61773039
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Max Verstappen won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and took control of the World Championship after an engine failure on Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.
Leclerc's second engine-related retirement from the lead in three grands prix leaves him trailing Verstappen by 34 points, despite six pole positions in eight races.
And it continues the impression that Ferrari's season is falling apart after such a promising start, as Leclerc's team-mate Carlos Sainz also failed to finish following a hydraulic failure.
Verstappen led team-mate Sergio Perez to a Red Bull one-two, as George Russell took third for Mercedes, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton fighting back to finish fourth.
'It is more than significant. I don't really have the words'
Leclerc immediately lost the advantage he had earned with a dazzling pole position lap as Perez dived for the inside into Turn One after a good start.
The Ferrari then came under pressure from Verstappen, but was able to hold the Dutchman off until a virtual safety car period on lap nine caused by Sainz parking up in a run-off area.
Ferrari leapt on the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres, which Red Bull did not, hoping that it would vault Leclerc into the lead - which a few laps later it did.
As Leclerc dropped briefly down to third following his stop, Verstappen soon closed in on Perez and passed for the lead on lap 15, after the Mexican was told "no fighting". Perez stopped the next time around, and Verstappen two laps later.
After the Red Bull drivers' stops, the race looked set to boil down to whether Leclerc, in the lead, could hold off the challenge of the Red Bulls, who would have a significant grip advantage.
And that question would have been made all the more intriguing by a second virtual safety car when Kevin Magnussen's Haas suffered a failure in his Ferrari engine.
But by the time the Dane pulled off, Leclerc was long out of the race, a cloud of smoke erupting behind his car towards the end of lap 21.
"I am more than frustrated," Leclerc said. "The first stint we weren't particularly strong at the beginning but then I was catching back Checo. I think pitting was the right choice. We were leading and then I was managing the tyres well. We just had to manage the tyres to the end and we were in the best position to do that. Another DNF. It hurts.
"It is more than significant. I don't really have the words. It is just a huge disappointment and I hope we can jump back from it and be on top of those things."
From that moment on, Red Bull were in total control. Verstappen comfortably had the measure of Perez and the two cars cruised to the flag.
Hamilton's fightback
Russell had a lonely race, inhering fourth place when Sainz retired and then third after Leclerc went out, to keep up his record of being the only driver to finish in the top five in every race this season in his first year with Mercedes..
The two Mercedes drivers stopped together under the first virtual safety car, and the slight delay to Hamilton, who was forced to wait behind his team-mate, meant he dropped back to 11th place.
He inherited a place when Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel ran wide trying to pass Esteban Ocon's Alpine, who Hamilton then passed a few laps after.
Hamilton then had to pass both Alpha Tauris of Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly to take a well-earned result, despite complaining that the car's bouncing on the straights was "killing my back".
Gasly took fifth, followed by Vettel, Alpine's Fernando Alonso, the McLarens of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris - who were together for much of the race on different strategies and had a bit of radio needle as to who should be allowed to pass who - and Ocon.
What happens next?
F1 flies a third of the way around the world to Montreal, for the sport's first Canadian Grand Prix since 2019, after the popular race dropped off the calendar as a result of the pandemic.
BBC
Leclerc's second engine-related retirement from the lead in three grands prix leaves him trailing Verstappen by 34 points, despite six pole positions in eight races.
And it continues the impression that Ferrari's season is falling apart after such a promising start, as Leclerc's team-mate Carlos Sainz also failed to finish following a hydraulic failure.
Verstappen led team-mate Sergio Perez to a Red Bull one-two, as George Russell took third for Mercedes, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton fighting back to finish fourth.
'It is more than significant. I don't really have the words'
Leclerc immediately lost the advantage he had earned with a dazzling pole position lap as Perez dived for the inside into Turn One after a good start.
The Ferrari then came under pressure from Verstappen, but was able to hold the Dutchman off until a virtual safety car period on lap nine caused by Sainz parking up in a run-off area.
Ferrari leapt on the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres, which Red Bull did not, hoping that it would vault Leclerc into the lead - which a few laps later it did.
As Leclerc dropped briefly down to third following his stop, Verstappen soon closed in on Perez and passed for the lead on lap 15, after the Mexican was told "no fighting". Perez stopped the next time around, and Verstappen two laps later.
After the Red Bull drivers' stops, the race looked set to boil down to whether Leclerc, in the lead, could hold off the challenge of the Red Bulls, who would have a significant grip advantage.
And that question would have been made all the more intriguing by a second virtual safety car when Kevin Magnussen's Haas suffered a failure in his Ferrari engine.
But by the time the Dane pulled off, Leclerc was long out of the race, a cloud of smoke erupting behind his car towards the end of lap 21.
"I am more than frustrated," Leclerc said. "The first stint we weren't particularly strong at the beginning but then I was catching back Checo. I think pitting was the right choice. We were leading and then I was managing the tyres well. We just had to manage the tyres to the end and we were in the best position to do that. Another DNF. It hurts.
"It is more than significant. I don't really have the words. It is just a huge disappointment and I hope we can jump back from it and be on top of those things."
From that moment on, Red Bull were in total control. Verstappen comfortably had the measure of Perez and the two cars cruised to the flag.
Hamilton's fightback
Russell had a lonely race, inhering fourth place when Sainz retired and then third after Leclerc went out, to keep up his record of being the only driver to finish in the top five in every race this season in his first year with Mercedes..
The two Mercedes drivers stopped together under the first virtual safety car, and the slight delay to Hamilton, who was forced to wait behind his team-mate, meant he dropped back to 11th place.
He inherited a place when Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel ran wide trying to pass Esteban Ocon's Alpine, who Hamilton then passed a few laps after.
Hamilton then had to pass both Alpha Tauris of Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly to take a well-earned result, despite complaining that the car's bouncing on the straights was "killing my back".
Gasly took fifth, followed by Vettel, Alpine's Fernando Alonso, the McLarens of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris - who were together for much of the race on different strategies and had a bit of radio needle as to who should be allowed to pass who - and Ocon.
What happens next?
F1 flies a third of the way around the world to Montreal, for the sport's first Canadian Grand Prix since 2019, after the popular race dropped off the calendar as a result of the pandemic.
BBC
Technics 1210
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I do not care who wins, as long as it is not Hamilton.
Once again, Russell proving he is the better driver than Hamilton, in the same car.
Russell gets on with the job, while Hamilton is too busy moaning, protesting and taking the knee.
Hamilton is privileged nonsense. Retire, you ain’t winning the 8th.
Once again, Russell proving he is the better driver than Hamilton, in the same car.
Russell gets on with the job, while Hamilton is too busy moaning, protesting and taking the knee.
Hamilton is privileged nonsense. Retire, you ain’t winning the 8th.
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Azerbaijan GP: Lewis Hamilton reveals back pain caused by bouncing Mercedes left him 'praying for race to end'
Lewis Hamilton has revealed the pain caused by the bouncing of his Mercedes left him "praying for the end" of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.
After Hamilton had experienced severe discomfort during practice and qualifying on Friday and Saturday, the Mercedes driver had warned he was concerned about making it through the race.
The seven-time world champion battled through Sunday's 51 laps of the Baku City Circuit to finish in fourth, making several overtakes to take advantage of the extra points made available by a Ferrari double DNF, which left Max Verstappen to lead a Red Bull one-two.
Hamilton's performance, along with team-mate George Russell finishing third, provided a boost in what has so far been a hugely disappointing season for Mercedes, but the discomfort suffered by the drivers has led to a debate on whether F1's new design regulations for 2022 need to be altered.
Hamilton, who struggled to get out of his car at the end of the race, said he was only able to see the chequered flag thanks to adrenaline.
"That's the only thing," Hamilton said. "Biting down on my teeth through pain and just adrenaline.
"I can't express the pain that you experience, particularly on the straight here. At the end, you're just praying for it to end."
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...ing-mercedes-left-him-praying-for-race-to-end
Lewis Hamilton has revealed the pain caused by the bouncing of his Mercedes left him "praying for the end" of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.
After Hamilton had experienced severe discomfort during practice and qualifying on Friday and Saturday, the Mercedes driver had warned he was concerned about making it through the race.
The seven-time world champion battled through Sunday's 51 laps of the Baku City Circuit to finish in fourth, making several overtakes to take advantage of the extra points made available by a Ferrari double DNF, which left Max Verstappen to lead a Red Bull one-two.
Hamilton's performance, along with team-mate George Russell finishing third, provided a boost in what has so far been a hugely disappointing season for Mercedes, but the discomfort suffered by the drivers has led to a debate on whether F1's new design regulations for 2022 need to be altered.
Hamilton, who struggled to get out of his car at the end of the race, said he was only able to see the chequered flag thanks to adrenaline.
"That's the only thing," Hamilton said. "Biting down on my teeth through pain and just adrenaline.
"I can't express the pain that you experience, particularly on the straight here. At the end, you're just praying for it to end."
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...ing-mercedes-left-him-praying-for-race-to-end
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Lewis Hamilton to race at Canadian Grand Prix and 'wouldn't miss it for the world' despite pain
Lewis Hamilton says he will be at the Canadian Grand Prix and "wouldn't miss it for the world" despite experiencing pain in Sunday's race in Baku.
The Briton had said he was "worried" about the upcoming race in Montreal following what he described as "the toughest race" of his career.
"Yesterday was tough and I had some trouble sleeping, but I've woken up feeling positive today," Hamilton said.
"My back is a little sore and bruised but nothing serious thankfully."
The seven-time world champion added in an Instagram post: "I've had acupuncture and physiotherapy and I'm on my way to my team to work with them on improving.
"We have to keep fighting. I'll be there this weekend - I wouldn't miss it for the world."
The high-speed bouncing of his car meant the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, in which Hamilton finished fourth, was "the most painful" race he has experienced.
He added that the car was bouncing so badly at the start of Baku's pit straight that he thought he might crash.
Mercedes have been afflicted by bouncing, which has a number of causes, since the beginning of the year.
Team boss Toto Wolff said the driver was "definitely" a doubt for the Canadian Grand Prix following Sunday's race, but Hamilton tweeted later on Sunday to tell his fans he would see them all next week.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61784844
Lewis Hamilton says he will be at the Canadian Grand Prix and "wouldn't miss it for the world" despite experiencing pain in Sunday's race in Baku.
The Briton had said he was "worried" about the upcoming race in Montreal following what he described as "the toughest race" of his career.
"Yesterday was tough and I had some trouble sleeping, but I've woken up feeling positive today," Hamilton said.
"My back is a little sore and bruised but nothing serious thankfully."
The seven-time world champion added in an Instagram post: "I've had acupuncture and physiotherapy and I'm on my way to my team to work with them on improving.
"We have to keep fighting. I'll be there this weekend - I wouldn't miss it for the world."
The high-speed bouncing of his car meant the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, in which Hamilton finished fourth, was "the most painful" race he has experienced.
He added that the car was bouncing so badly at the start of Baku's pit straight that he thought he might crash.
Mercedes have been afflicted by bouncing, which has a number of causes, since the beginning of the year.
Team boss Toto Wolff said the driver was "definitely" a doubt for the Canadian Grand Prix following Sunday's race, but Hamilton tweeted later on Sunday to tell his fans he would see them all next week.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61784844
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Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas has warned 'porpoising' in Formula 1 is "getting quite serious" and believes it could cause injuries to drivers.
Formula 1 has struck a new contract to race at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne until 2035.
Formula 1 has struck a new contract to race at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne until 2035.
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Canadian Grand Prix: FIA outlines plans to tackle 'porpoising' after drivers express concerns
Formula 1's governing body the FIA says it is taking steps on safety grounds to reduce the high-speed bouncing that has affected drivers this season.
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton described the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as the "most painful" he had experienced and many of his rivals have also raised concerns.
The FIA has now issued a technical directive to teams setting out how it plans to tackle 'porpoising'.
The ninth round of the 2022 season takes place in Canada this weekend.
In a statement, the governing body said it decided to intervene following "consultation with its doctors in the interests of safety of the drivers".
It added: "In a sport where the competitors are routinely driving at speeds in excess of 300km/h, it is considered that all of a driver's concentration needs to be focused on that task and that excessive fatigue or pain experienced by a driver could have significant consequences should it result in a loss of concentration.
"In addition, the FIA has concerns in relation to the immediate physical impact on the health of the drivers, a number of whom have reported back pain following recent events."
'Porpoising' is caused by the floor of the car being sucked so close to the ground at speed that downforce is temporarily lost until the car's ride height increases, before pulling it back down again.
It is a phenomenon that has returned to F1 for the first time in 40 years this season as a result of the new car designs introduced to make the racing closer.
Initially, the FIA's measures will focus on scrutiny of the planks and skids underneath the car "both in terms of their design and the observed wear" and efforts to calculate an "acceptable level of vertical oscillations" - in other words, how much the car is allowed to bounce.
It will then hold a technical meeting with teams in order to review the data and form a plan to reduce the problem in the long term.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61833829
Formula 1's governing body the FIA says it is taking steps on safety grounds to reduce the high-speed bouncing that has affected drivers this season.
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton described the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as the "most painful" he had experienced and many of his rivals have also raised concerns.
The FIA has now issued a technical directive to teams setting out how it plans to tackle 'porpoising'.
The ninth round of the 2022 season takes place in Canada this weekend.
In a statement, the governing body said it decided to intervene following "consultation with its doctors in the interests of safety of the drivers".
It added: "In a sport where the competitors are routinely driving at speeds in excess of 300km/h, it is considered that all of a driver's concentration needs to be focused on that task and that excessive fatigue or pain experienced by a driver could have significant consequences should it result in a loss of concentration.
"In addition, the FIA has concerns in relation to the immediate physical impact on the health of the drivers, a number of whom have reported back pain following recent events."
'Porpoising' is caused by the floor of the car being sucked so close to the ground at speed that downforce is temporarily lost until the car's ride height increases, before pulling it back down again.
It is a phenomenon that has returned to F1 for the first time in 40 years this season as a result of the new car designs introduced to make the racing closer.
Initially, the FIA's measures will focus on scrutiny of the planks and skids underneath the car "both in terms of their design and the observed wear" and efforts to calculate an "acceptable level of vertical oscillations" - in other words, how much the car is allowed to bounce.
It will then hold a technical meeting with teams in order to review the data and form a plan to reduce the problem in the long term.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61833829
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Max Verstappen sealed a Canadian GP practice double as he topped Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in Friday's second session.
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Lewis Hamilton describes Mercedes as 'undriveable' and a 'disaster' after Canadian Grand Prix practice sessions
Lewis Hamilton described his car as "a disaster" as he conceded Mercedes were unlikely to make any improvements to their early-season performance for the rest of the year.
The seven-time world champion, who is 88 points behind drivers' championship leader Max Verstappen after eight races in 2022, was only 13th on the timesheet in second practice at the Canadian Grand Prix as his Mercedes continued to suffer the porpoising that has plagued their campaign.
Hamilton, who described his car as "undriveable" over team radio and "so bad" ahead of his post-race interview with Sky Sports F1, struggled with an experimental floor set-up on Friday as he posted a best lap time more than a second slower than the frontrunners.
And he was despondent about the team's hopes of making any progress this year.
"Nothing we do to this car generally seems to work," he told Sky Sports. "We are trying different set-ups. Me and George went with much different set-ups in this P2 just to see if one way works and one way doesn't.
"I'll wait to hear how it felt for him, but for me it was a disaster. It's like the car is getting worse, it's getting more and more unhappy the more we do to it.
"We will keep working on it. It is what it is. I think this is the car for the year. We will have to tough it out and work hard on building a better car for next year."
The Mercedes' bouncing left Hamilton in considerable discomfort in Azerbaijan last week, but he insisted he had taken precautions to ensure he was feeling healthy ahead of Friday's sessions.
However, he does not think the car will be able to compete with Red Bull and Ferrari at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the rest of the weekend.
"One touch of the kerb and the thing goes flying, it's so stiff," he added.
"Here you need to be able to use the kerbs, so it's very tricky. It's not the Montreal that I know, am used to and have experienced through my career. It's the worst I've ever felt in a car here.
"I'm hoping overnight we can try and make some changes, but it's the fundamentals of the car. It is what it is and it's going to be a struggle.
"It's a monumental fight the whole time to keep it out of the wall. When it bounces, the car leaves the ground a lot, and when it lands it grips up and goes in different directions.
"You are just trying to catch a car that jumps, hops and grips. It's tough. It just keeps you on edge and there were some big hits today. We've raised the car and it doesn't make a difference.
"We have tried loads and loads of things and ticked them all off. Those ones don't work, so we have to go and find something else.
"We are way off, but it's to be expected with this car."
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...r-after-canadian-grand-prix-practice-sessions
Lewis Hamilton described his car as "a disaster" as he conceded Mercedes were unlikely to make any improvements to their early-season performance for the rest of the year.
The seven-time world champion, who is 88 points behind drivers' championship leader Max Verstappen after eight races in 2022, was only 13th on the timesheet in second practice at the Canadian Grand Prix as his Mercedes continued to suffer the porpoising that has plagued their campaign.
Hamilton, who described his car as "undriveable" over team radio and "so bad" ahead of his post-race interview with Sky Sports F1, struggled with an experimental floor set-up on Friday as he posted a best lap time more than a second slower than the frontrunners.
And he was despondent about the team's hopes of making any progress this year.
"Nothing we do to this car generally seems to work," he told Sky Sports. "We are trying different set-ups. Me and George went with much different set-ups in this P2 just to see if one way works and one way doesn't.
"I'll wait to hear how it felt for him, but for me it was a disaster. It's like the car is getting worse, it's getting more and more unhappy the more we do to it.
"We will keep working on it. It is what it is. I think this is the car for the year. We will have to tough it out and work hard on building a better car for next year."
The Mercedes' bouncing left Hamilton in considerable discomfort in Azerbaijan last week, but he insisted he had taken precautions to ensure he was feeling healthy ahead of Friday's sessions.
However, he does not think the car will be able to compete with Red Bull and Ferrari at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the rest of the weekend.
"One touch of the kerb and the thing goes flying, it's so stiff," he added.
"Here you need to be able to use the kerbs, so it's very tricky. It's not the Montreal that I know, am used to and have experienced through my career. It's the worst I've ever felt in a car here.
"I'm hoping overnight we can try and make some changes, but it's the fundamentals of the car. It is what it is and it's going to be a struggle.
"It's a monumental fight the whole time to keep it out of the wall. When it bounces, the car leaves the ground a lot, and when it lands it grips up and goes in different directions.
"You are just trying to catch a car that jumps, hops and grips. It's tough. It just keeps you on edge and there were some big hits today. We've raised the car and it doesn't make a difference.
"We have tried loads and loads of things and ticked them all off. Those ones don't work, so we have to go and find something else.
"We are way off, but it's to be expected with this car."
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...r-after-canadian-grand-prix-practice-sessions
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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has suffered the latest of a series of blows to his title hopes with a grid penalty for excessive engine usage.
Ferrari have fitted a third electronics control unit at the Canadian Grand Prix, triggering an automatic 10-place grid penalty for Sunday's race.
Teams may use only two electronics units per driver per season.
Leclerc has suffered an 80-point swing in favour of title rival Max Verstappen after a series of recent problems.
And he is now likely to lose further ground to the Red Bull driver in Montreal.
Leclerc led Verstappen by 46 points after two victories and a second place from the first three races, from two of which the Dutchman retired.
But Leclerc has suffered two engine failures in the last three races, both times when he was in the lead.
He also lost victory in the Monaco Grand Prix after a Ferrari strategy bungle dropped him from the lead to fourth, while a spin in the closing stages of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix turned a third place into sixth.
BBC
Ferrari have fitted a third electronics control unit at the Canadian Grand Prix, triggering an automatic 10-place grid penalty for Sunday's race.
Teams may use only two electronics units per driver per season.
Leclerc has suffered an 80-point swing in favour of title rival Max Verstappen after a series of recent problems.
And he is now likely to lose further ground to the Red Bull driver in Montreal.
Leclerc led Verstappen by 46 points after two victories and a second place from the first three races, from two of which the Dutchman retired.
But Leclerc has suffered two engine failures in the last three races, both times when he was in the lead.
He also lost victory in the Monaco Grand Prix after a Ferrari strategy bungle dropped him from the lead to fourth, while a spin in the closing stages of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix turned a third place into sixth.
BBC
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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start the Canadian Grand Prix from the back of the grid as a result of a penalty for excessive engine usage.
The move follows two engine failures in the last three races that have dealt a big blow to Leclerc's title chances.
Leclerc had already incurred a 10-place penalty on Friday in Montreal and on Saturday Ferrari took further new engine parts that increased it.
His race will now be one of damage limitation to his championship hopes.
Ferrari have given Leclerc a whole brand-new power-unit on Saturday at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve - a new internal combustion engine, turbo, MGU-H and MGU-K.
Drivers are allowed to use only three of each of these elements this season, and the new parts take him to four already.
This is to add to the new electronics control unit that had already given him a 10-place grid penalty on Friday. That was his third - when only two are allowed.
BBC
The move follows two engine failures in the last three races that have dealt a big blow to Leclerc's title chances.
Leclerc had already incurred a 10-place penalty on Friday in Montreal and on Saturday Ferrari took further new engine parts that increased it.
His race will now be one of damage limitation to his championship hopes.
Ferrari have given Leclerc a whole brand-new power-unit on Saturday at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve - a new internal combustion engine, turbo, MGU-H and MGU-K.
Drivers are allowed to use only three of each of these elements this season, and the new parts take him to four already.
This is to add to the new electronics control unit that had already given him a 10-place grid penalty on Friday. That was his third - when only two are allowed.
BBC
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Canadian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen beats Fernando Alonso to pole in Montreal
Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole position in a wet qualifying at the Canadian Grand Prix with Alpine's Fernando Alonso a surprise second.
Verstappen was in control throughout the session as the track started wet and progressively dried and ended up 0.645 seconds clear of the field.
Alonso took his first front-row grid slot since he was on pole for the 2012 German Grand Prix in a Ferrari.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was third, ahead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen's title rival Charles Leclerc qualified 15th having not run in the second session because he has a penalty for using too many power-unit components that means he will start from the back of the grid.
The second Mercedes driver George Russell was ahead of Hamilton throughout qualifying until taking a gamble on running dry-weather slick tyres for the final run and dropping down to eighth.
Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher impressed to take fifth and sixth and with it Haas' best ever team qualifying result.
Alpine's Esteban Ocon, McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo and Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu completed the top 10.
There was a notable performance from British-born Thai Alex Albon in the Williams in 12th place. McLaren's Lando Norris ended up 14th after an engine problem prevented him completing a lap in the second part of qualifying.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61854553
Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole position in a wet qualifying at the Canadian Grand Prix with Alpine's Fernando Alonso a surprise second.
Verstappen was in control throughout the session as the track started wet and progressively dried and ended up 0.645 seconds clear of the field.
Alonso took his first front-row grid slot since he was on pole for the 2012 German Grand Prix in a Ferrari.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was third, ahead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen's title rival Charles Leclerc qualified 15th having not run in the second session because he has a penalty for using too many power-unit components that means he will start from the back of the grid.
The second Mercedes driver George Russell was ahead of Hamilton throughout qualifying until taking a gamble on running dry-weather slick tyres for the final run and dropping down to eighth.
Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher impressed to take fifth and sixth and with it Haas' best ever team qualifying result.
Alpine's Esteban Ocon, McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo and Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu completed the top 10.
There was a notable performance from British-born Thai Alex Albon in the Williams in 12th place. McLaren's Lando Norris ended up 14th after an engine problem prevented him completing a lap in the second part of qualifying.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61854553
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Fernando Alonso vowed to attack pole-sitter Max Verstappen from the start of Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix after sensationally putting his Alpine on the front row in qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton said qualifying fourth "never felt so good" but warned Mercedes still have work to do ahead of Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton said qualifying fourth "never felt so good" but warned Mercedes still have work to do ahead of Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix.
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has accused rivals of "pitiful" and "disingenuous" behaviour in the row over cars bouncing in Formula 1.
Wolff had a bust-up with Red Bull's Christian Horner and Ferrari's Mattia Binotto in a team principals' meeting on Saturday at the Canadian Grand Prix.
And afterwards he said they were guilty of "manipulations in the background".
Binotto said the cars' behaviour "needs to be improved... [But] it has to be done through the right process".
Red Bull declined to comment.
The row comes against the backdrop of a controversial intervention from governing body the FIA on the matter, which followed drivers' requests for it to to take at the previous race in Azerbaijan.
BBC
Wolff had a bust-up with Red Bull's Christian Horner and Ferrari's Mattia Binotto in a team principals' meeting on Saturday at the Canadian Grand Prix.
And afterwards he said they were guilty of "manipulations in the background".
Binotto said the cars' behaviour "needs to be improved... [But] it has to be done through the right process".
Red Bull declined to comment.
The row comes against the backdrop of a controversial intervention from governing body the FIA on the matter, which followed drivers' requests for it to to take at the previous race in Azerbaijan.
BBC
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Canadian GP in progress
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz leads from Max Verstappen after Red Bull driver's second pit stop
Sergio Perez (Red Bull) and Mick Schumacher (Haas) out
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz leads from Max Verstappen after Red Bull driver's second pit stop
Sergio Perez (Red Bull) and Mick Schumacher (Haas) out
James
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Chequered flag!
Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins the Canadian Grand Prix!
What a battle between the Red Bull and Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz takes second place and the bonus point for fastest lap.
Welcome back to the podium, Lewis Hamilton.
Didn't think the Mercedes would be popping champagne after his interview following Friday's first practice sessions — but Hamilton has finished third.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins the Canadian Grand Prix!
What a battle between the Red Bull and Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz takes second place and the bonus point for fastest lap.
Welcome back to the podium, Lewis Hamilton.
Didn't think the Mercedes would be popping champagne after his interview following Friday's first practice sessions — but Hamilton has finished third.
James
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Canadian GP race result:
James
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<b>Canadian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen holds off Carlos Sainz to extend championship lead</b>
Red Bull's Max Verstappen held off a late challenge from Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to win the Canadian Grand Prix.
The two started the final 15 laps nose to tail after a late safety car but, despite heavy pressure from Sainz, Verstappen held on with older tyres.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell took third and fourth for Mercedes as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc recovered to fifth from the back of the grid.
Verstappen extended his championship lead over Leclerc to 49 points.
Red Bull's Sergio Perez remains in second place despite retiring from the race with an engine problem but is only three points ahead of Leclerc.
Fernando Alonso, who starred in wet qualifying to start on the front row for the first time in 10 years, suffered from a questionable strategy from Alpine and some technical issues to finish seventh, behind team-mate Esteban Ocon.
Verstappen and Sainz played a cat-and-mouse game throughout a race punctuated by two virtual safety cars in addition to the final full safety car.
Red Bull pitted Verstappen under the first VSC on lap nine, caused when Perez pulled off, while Sainz stayed out, before the Spaniard stopped under the second 11 laps later, caused by Mick Schumacher's Haas stopping out on track.
That set up a race defined by tyre offsets, with Sainz closing slowly on Verstappen through their second stints before the Dutchman stopped for a second time on lap 43.
Sainz then benefited from the final safety car, caused by Yuki Tsunoda crashing his Alpha Tauri on his way out of the pits.
The Ferrari driver had a six-lap tyre advantage over Verstappen for the final shootout but he was unable to get close enough to the Red Bull to mount an attack, despite following within a second for the entire final 15 laps.
Verstappen held on for his fifth win in six races, Red Bull's sixth in a row, and his own sixth victory in nine races this season to further consolidate an ever-more convincing championship advantage.
Alonso had talked after qualifying about challenging Verstappen for the lead on the first lap, but the Red Bull made too strong a start and the veteran Spaniard had to settle into second place.
Sainz soon passed the Alpine, who then seemed to fall foul of mistaken thinking during the two virtual safety cars.
Alonso did not stop under either, while both Mercedes drivers did - Hamilton under the first and Russell under the second.
This leapfrogged both ahead of Alonso, and the 40-year-old also lost out to team-mate Ocon as the Frenchman stopped with Russell under the second VSC.
The decisions left Alonso in no-man's land and he had to stop a few laps later under racing conditions, dropping behind Leclerc as well.
That meant Alonso was running sixth behind Ocon and ahead of Leclerc for the final run to the flag. Leclerc passed both to take fifth and do a decent job of damage limitation in the championship, while although Alonso had stronger pace than Ocon he was unable to pass.
Alonso was battling with an engine problem and asked the team whether they would swap positions, claiming he had been "100 times faster" than Ocon during the weekend.
He did indeed maintain his significant pace advantage throughout but the team chose not to accede to his request and Ocon finished ahead of Alonso, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu taking eighth and ninth for Alfa Romeo, and Lance Stroll taking the final point in 10th.
<b>What's next?</b>
A two-week break before the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Ferrari really need to halt Red Bull's momentum and the track should suit Mercedes better.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/61860298
Red Bull's Max Verstappen held off a late challenge from Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to win the Canadian Grand Prix.
The two started the final 15 laps nose to tail after a late safety car but, despite heavy pressure from Sainz, Verstappen held on with older tyres.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell took third and fourth for Mercedes as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc recovered to fifth from the back of the grid.
Verstappen extended his championship lead over Leclerc to 49 points.
Red Bull's Sergio Perez remains in second place despite retiring from the race with an engine problem but is only three points ahead of Leclerc.
Fernando Alonso, who starred in wet qualifying to start on the front row for the first time in 10 years, suffered from a questionable strategy from Alpine and some technical issues to finish seventh, behind team-mate Esteban Ocon.
Verstappen and Sainz played a cat-and-mouse game throughout a race punctuated by two virtual safety cars in addition to the final full safety car.
Red Bull pitted Verstappen under the first VSC on lap nine, caused when Perez pulled off, while Sainz stayed out, before the Spaniard stopped under the second 11 laps later, caused by Mick Schumacher's Haas stopping out on track.
That set up a race defined by tyre offsets, with Sainz closing slowly on Verstappen through their second stints before the Dutchman stopped for a second time on lap 43.
Sainz then benefited from the final safety car, caused by Yuki Tsunoda crashing his Alpha Tauri on his way out of the pits.
The Ferrari driver had a six-lap tyre advantage over Verstappen for the final shootout but he was unable to get close enough to the Red Bull to mount an attack, despite following within a second for the entire final 15 laps.
Verstappen held on for his fifth win in six races, Red Bull's sixth in a row, and his own sixth victory in nine races this season to further consolidate an ever-more convincing championship advantage.
Alonso had talked after qualifying about challenging Verstappen for the lead on the first lap, but the Red Bull made too strong a start and the veteran Spaniard had to settle into second place.
Sainz soon passed the Alpine, who then seemed to fall foul of mistaken thinking during the two virtual safety cars.
Alonso did not stop under either, while both Mercedes drivers did - Hamilton under the first and Russell under the second.
This leapfrogged both ahead of Alonso, and the 40-year-old also lost out to team-mate Ocon as the Frenchman stopped with Russell under the second VSC.
The decisions left Alonso in no-man's land and he had to stop a few laps later under racing conditions, dropping behind Leclerc as well.
That meant Alonso was running sixth behind Ocon and ahead of Leclerc for the final run to the flag. Leclerc passed both to take fifth and do a decent job of damage limitation in the championship, while although Alonso had stronger pace than Ocon he was unable to pass.
Alonso was battling with an engine problem and asked the team whether they would swap positions, claiming he had been "100 times faster" than Ocon during the weekend.
He did indeed maintain his significant pace advantage throughout but the team chose not to accede to his request and Ocon finished ahead of Alonso, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu taking eighth and ninth for Alfa Romeo, and Lance Stroll taking the final point in 10th.
<b>What's next?</b>
A two-week break before the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Ferrari really need to halt Red Bull's momentum and the track should suit Mercedes better.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/61860298
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Lewis Hamilton says Canadian Grand Prix podium finish has given him so much hope and confidence
Lewis Hamilton has been given a huge confidence boost after overcoming a tough start to the weekend to finish third in Canada.
The seven-time world champion was left venting his frustration after Friday's second practice session as Mercedes' struggles reared their head again but turned that around to qualify fourth the following day.
Hamilton then managed to bring his car home in third in Sunday's race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for only his second podium finish of 2022 so far and his first since the opening round of the year in Bahrain and cut a much happier figure afterwards than he had two days earlier.
"The women and men back at the factory are working hard weekend in, weekend out and it's so difficult for us all working and working and not always seeing progress," Hamilton said.
"It's been such a difficult year for me personally in terms of the car. Qualifying was emotional for me and back in the garage we were like 'wow, this is beautiful for us'.
"Then to have a strong race just gives me so much hope and confidence going forwards."
Hamilton's third place followed him finishing fourth in the previous round in Azerbaijan and the 37-year-old is noticing incremental increases in the team's understanding of how to get the best out of the troublesome W13.
Read more: https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...ish-has-given-him-so-much-hope-and-confidence
Lewis Hamilton has been given a huge confidence boost after overcoming a tough start to the weekend to finish third in Canada.
The seven-time world champion was left venting his frustration after Friday's second practice session as Mercedes' struggles reared their head again but turned that around to qualify fourth the following day.
Hamilton then managed to bring his car home in third in Sunday's race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for only his second podium finish of 2022 so far and his first since the opening round of the year in Bahrain and cut a much happier figure afterwards than he had two days earlier.
"The women and men back at the factory are working hard weekend in, weekend out and it's so difficult for us all working and working and not always seeing progress," Hamilton said.
"It's been such a difficult year for me personally in terms of the car. Qualifying was emotional for me and back in the garage we were like 'wow, this is beautiful for us'.
"Then to have a strong race just gives me so much hope and confidence going forwards."
Hamilton's third place followed him finishing fourth in the previous round in Azerbaijan and the 37-year-old is noticing incremental increases in the team's understanding of how to get the best out of the troublesome W13.
Read more: https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...ish-has-given-him-so-much-hope-and-confidence
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Lewis Hamilton hopes Mercedes will do less experimenting on F1 race weekends
Lewis Hamilton hopes Mercedes will be "a little bit more cautious on doing too many experiments" on race weekends after he claimed a second podium of the season in Canada.
The seven-time world champion labelled his car "undriveable" and a "disaster" following a difficult Friday practice at the Canadian GP in which he and team-mate George Russell ran vastly different set-ups as Mercedes sought more answers for their troublesome W13 car, which has been plagued by porpoising and bouncing all season following F1's rules revolution.
Hamilton qualified fourth in the Montreal rain on Saturday and then went one better in the race, claiming the 184th podium of his career but just his second of a difficult 2022 - the first coming at the opening race in Bahrain.
Canada was the first weekend Hamilton had finished ahead of Russell since Bahrain, and the 37-year-old hopes Mercedes will be less extreme in their set-up experiments on his car as he feels being the team's 'guinea pig' has been hindering his weekends.
"We're just trying to work… we're just trying to progress as a team. Moving forward, I think we'll be a little bit more cautious on doing too many experiments as it really does hinder you through the weekend, especially if you only have practice one and two in the dry and don't get a FP3, for example," he said.
"I think there are lots of learnings from this weekend and improvements that we can make moving forwards.
"I really hope, moving to Silverstone… it's such an important race for us and for me and so I just want to be in a battle with these guys."
Hamilton says his result in Canada afforded him belief that the Silver Arrows could claw the gap back to Red Bull and Ferrari on the fast-flowing Silverstone circuit at next weekend's British Grand Prix.
He said: "I think we're better in medium and high-speed corners probably, than we are in the low-speed corners but we have bouncing, so I don't know how it's going to be through Copse and all those places."
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/2...ill-do-less-experimenting-on-f1-race-weekends
Lewis Hamilton hopes Mercedes will be "a little bit more cautious on doing too many experiments" on race weekends after he claimed a second podium of the season in Canada.
The seven-time world champion labelled his car "undriveable" and a "disaster" following a difficult Friday practice at the Canadian GP in which he and team-mate George Russell ran vastly different set-ups as Mercedes sought more answers for their troublesome W13 car, which has been plagued by porpoising and bouncing all season following F1's rules revolution.
Hamilton qualified fourth in the Montreal rain on Saturday and then went one better in the race, claiming the 184th podium of his career but just his second of a difficult 2022 - the first coming at the opening race in Bahrain.
Canada was the first weekend Hamilton had finished ahead of Russell since Bahrain, and the 37-year-old hopes Mercedes will be less extreme in their set-up experiments on his car as he feels being the team's 'guinea pig' has been hindering his weekends.
"We're just trying to work… we're just trying to progress as a team. Moving forward, I think we'll be a little bit more cautious on doing too many experiments as it really does hinder you through the weekend, especially if you only have practice one and two in the dry and don't get a FP3, for example," he said.
"I think there are lots of learnings from this weekend and improvements that we can make moving forwards.
"I really hope, moving to Silverstone… it's such an important race for us and for me and so I just want to be in a battle with these guys."
Hamilton says his result in Canada afforded him belief that the Silver Arrows could claw the gap back to Red Bull and Ferrari on the fast-flowing Silverstone circuit at next weekend's British Grand Prix.
He said: "I think we're better in medium and high-speed corners probably, than we are in the low-speed corners but we have bouncing, so I don't know how it's going to be through Copse and all those places."
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/2...ill-do-less-experimenting-on-f1-race-weekends
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Mercedes plan British GP upgrades but Nico Rosberg predicts team 'still miles away' from Red Bull, Ferrari
Mercedes will be bringing car upgrades to the British GP as F1's misfiring world champions bid to build on an encouraging Canada weekend.
The Mercedes cars, while appearing to have a grip on their porpoising issues, have still been bouncing and struggling for pace compared to Red Bull and Ferrari - and Lewis Hamilton even called the W13 "undriveable" amid experiments in Canadian GP practice.
Those comments, however, preceded a podium finish for Hamilton and fourth place for George Russell, raising expectations for more pace at a bumper British GP at Silverstone, where the Silver Arrows typically flourish.
And speaking in Mercedes' post-Canada debrief, technical director Mike Elliott confirmed the eight-time constructors' champions were bringing updates next weekend, although he was still cautious about their speed.
"We will be bringing new bits to Silverstone," he said. "We will be trying to push the car forward, trying to get some pace from the package we've got as well as the new bits we are going to add to it.
"I think at the same time, though, we have to be honest with ourselves and say at the moment we are just a bit behind those frontrunners in Ferrari and Red Bull. And in a normal race I think it is going to be tough."
Mercedes' last major upgrade package came at the Spanish GP, their best race of the season so far in terms of challenging their faster rivals. The next three races have been more difficult in terms of bouncing - caused by Mercedes lowering their ride height in a bid to stop the porpoising - but the team hope Silverstone will be easier.
"I think Silverstone will be a circuit that suits us a little bit better, like Barcelona did, but maybe it will be just a little bit difficult," added Elliott.
"Whatever happens we will push as hard as we can. Our drivers will push as hard as we can because we want to get back to winning."
Echoing Elliott's comments, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff stated: "Silverstone was good to us in the past and the circuit is smoother than the last three ones. But it's not Barcelona.
"Now we should manage our own expectations, and just really grind away, look at the data and come up with some sensible solutions. Not only for Silverstone, but going forward as well."
Former Mercedes driver and world champion Nico Rosberg, meanwhile, has predicted there is "no way" Mercedes can compete with Red Bull and Ferrari at the British GP, where Max Verstappen is looking to extend his 46-point title lead.
"No they can't win, no way!" said Rosberg on Any Driven Monday. "They're still too far away from performance of Ferrari and Red Bull. They're still miles away."
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...s-team-still-miles-away-from-red-bull-ferrari
Mercedes will be bringing car upgrades to the British GP as F1's misfiring world champions bid to build on an encouraging Canada weekend.
The Mercedes cars, while appearing to have a grip on their porpoising issues, have still been bouncing and struggling for pace compared to Red Bull and Ferrari - and Lewis Hamilton even called the W13 "undriveable" amid experiments in Canadian GP practice.
Those comments, however, preceded a podium finish for Hamilton and fourth place for George Russell, raising expectations for more pace at a bumper British GP at Silverstone, where the Silver Arrows typically flourish.
And speaking in Mercedes' post-Canada debrief, technical director Mike Elliott confirmed the eight-time constructors' champions were bringing updates next weekend, although he was still cautious about their speed.
"We will be bringing new bits to Silverstone," he said. "We will be trying to push the car forward, trying to get some pace from the package we've got as well as the new bits we are going to add to it.
"I think at the same time, though, we have to be honest with ourselves and say at the moment we are just a bit behind those frontrunners in Ferrari and Red Bull. And in a normal race I think it is going to be tough."
Mercedes' last major upgrade package came at the Spanish GP, their best race of the season so far in terms of challenging their faster rivals. The next three races have been more difficult in terms of bouncing - caused by Mercedes lowering their ride height in a bid to stop the porpoising - but the team hope Silverstone will be easier.
"I think Silverstone will be a circuit that suits us a little bit better, like Barcelona did, but maybe it will be just a little bit difficult," added Elliott.
"Whatever happens we will push as hard as we can. Our drivers will push as hard as we can because we want to get back to winning."
Echoing Elliott's comments, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff stated: "Silverstone was good to us in the past and the circuit is smoother than the last three ones. But it's not Barcelona.
"Now we should manage our own expectations, and just really grind away, look at the data and come up with some sensible solutions. Not only for Silverstone, but going forward as well."
Former Mercedes driver and world champion Nico Rosberg, meanwhile, has predicted there is "no way" Mercedes can compete with Red Bull and Ferrari at the British GP, where Max Verstappen is looking to extend his 46-point title lead.
"No they can't win, no way!" said Rosberg on Any Driven Monday. "They're still too far away from performance of Ferrari and Red Bull. They're still miles away."
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/1...s-team-still-miles-away-from-red-bull-ferrari
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Red Bull boss Christian Horner fears F1's title fight could end up in court if the FIA does not increase the sport's yearly cost cap, which he says has also put hundreds of jobs at risk amid rising global inflation.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeRussell63?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgeRussell63</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/kpzFdn79Jd">pic.twitter.com/kpzFdn79Jd</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1540621821564911616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
P4<br> P5<br> P3<br> P4<br> P5<br> P3<br> P5<br> P3<br> P4 <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeRussell63?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgeRussell63</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/kpzFdn79Jd">pic.twitter.com/kpzFdn79Jd</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1540621821564911616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Formula 1 has condemned three-time world champion Nelson Piquet for using racially abusive language about Lewis Hamilton.
The 69-year-old Brazilian, who won the world title in 1981, 1983 and 1987, used a racially offensive term in referring to Hamilton on a podcast.
An F1 statement said: "Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.
"Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect."
It added: "His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1."
Piquet was discussing the accident between Hamilton and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen on the first lap of last year's British Grand Prix.
He described the incident as "a joke", said Hamilton had been "lucky" only Verstappen crashed, and used a swear word in expressing his opinion that Hamilton had made a mistake.
This weekend's British Grand Prix is the first anniversary of the incident, which was one of a series between the two drivers as they disputed last year's world title - a championship decided in controversial circumstances at the 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton's team Mercedes said: "We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has spearheaded our sport's efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off track.
"Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future."
Piquet, who is the father of Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet, has a history of making unsavoury and unpleasant statements. During his driving career, he publicly questioned Ayrton Senna's sexuality and called his rival "the Sao Paulo taxi driver".
He also made offensive comments about Nigel Mansell and the Briton's wife when they were team-mates at Williams.
BBC
The 69-year-old Brazilian, who won the world title in 1981, 1983 and 1987, used a racially offensive term in referring to Hamilton on a podcast.
An F1 statement said: "Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.
"Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect."
It added: "His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1."
Piquet was discussing the accident between Hamilton and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen on the first lap of last year's British Grand Prix.
He described the incident as "a joke", said Hamilton had been "lucky" only Verstappen crashed, and used a swear word in expressing his opinion that Hamilton had made a mistake.
This weekend's British Grand Prix is the first anniversary of the incident, which was one of a series between the two drivers as they disputed last year's world title - a championship decided in controversial circumstances at the 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton's team Mercedes said: "We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has spearheaded our sport's efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off track.
"Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future."
Piquet, who is the father of Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet, has a history of making unsavoury and unpleasant statements. During his driving career, he publicly questioned Ayrton Senna's sexuality and called his rival "the Sao Paulo taxi driver".
He also made offensive comments about Nigel Mansell and the Briton's wife when they were team-mates at Williams.
BBC
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Lewis Hamilton has spoken out after former world champion Nelson Piquet used a racial slur when referring to him.
Piquet, who is the father of Max Verstappen's partner, Kelly Piquet, was on a Brazilian podcast last November discussing the collision between Hamilton and Verstappen during the 2021 British GP when he used a racially offensive expression in Portuguese.
The word the 69-year-old used is reported to be an equivalent or similar to the N-word.
The comments have only just come to light and Formula One issued a statement immediately supporting seven-time champion Hamilton before he responded.
Hamilton posted on Twitter: "It's more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I've been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action."
The choice of words by Piquet was criticised by Formula 1, who said: "Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.
"Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1."
Hamilton's team Mercedes also condemned the language, saying: "We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind.
"Lewis has spearheaded our sport's efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off track. Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future."
The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, also released a statement on social media in support of Hamilton, saying: "The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behaviour, which have no place in sport or wider society.
"We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.</p>— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1541750081296244736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
SKY
Piquet, who is the father of Max Verstappen's partner, Kelly Piquet, was on a Brazilian podcast last November discussing the collision between Hamilton and Verstappen during the 2021 British GP when he used a racially offensive expression in Portuguese.
The word the 69-year-old used is reported to be an equivalent or similar to the N-word.
The comments have only just come to light and Formula One issued a statement immediately supporting seven-time champion Hamilton before he responded.
Hamilton posted on Twitter: "It's more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I've been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action."
The choice of words by Piquet was criticised by Formula 1, who said: "Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.
"Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1."
Hamilton's team Mercedes also condemned the language, saying: "We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind.
"Lewis has spearheaded our sport's efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off track. Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future."
The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, also released a statement on social media in support of Hamilton, saying: "The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behaviour, which have no place in sport or wider society.
"We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.</p>— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1541750081296244736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
SKY
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Nelson Piquet says his racially abusive remark about Lewis Hamilton was "ill thought out".
Piquet used a racially offensive term in referring to Hamilton on a Brazilian podcast that came to light this week.
The 69-year-old said he "strongly condemned any suggestion the word was used by me with the aim of belittling a driver because of his skin colour".
"I apologise wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis," three-time world champion Piquet said.
Hamilton had said on Tuesday that "archaic mindsets need to change", adding: "It's more than language.
"I've been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action."
Piquet said he "made no defence" of the remarks, but added the term he used "is one that has widely and historically been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for 'guy' or 'person' and was never intended to offend".
"I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations."
He added: "The translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is not correct. Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I am happy to clarify my thoughts in that respect."
Sources in F1 have said that Piquet, who won the 1981, 1983 and 1987 world titles, will not be allowed back into an F1 paddock following his comments.
He has long been a controversial character renowned for making provocative and insulting remarks about rivals.
Last year, he courted further controversy when he chauffeured Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on the country's Independence Day.
On Tuesday, Brazilian novelist and lyricist Paulo Coelho condemned Piquet on social media.
"Dear Lewis Hamilton," Coelho wrote. "Piquet is currently the driver of the worst president in our history. His racist remarks shows the desperate need to return to the spotlight.
"I apologise in the name of the Brazilian people, who respect and love you."
The sport has rallied for Hamilton since Piquet's remarks, which were condemned by F1, governing body the FIA and Hamilton's Mercedes team, while rivals Ferrari and McLaren also offered their support.
Red Bull, whose driver Max Verstappen is the partner of Piquet's daughter Kelly, have not commented.
On Tuesday a number of drivers also came to Hamilton's support.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc wrote: "Knowing Lewis since I arrived in F1, he has always been extremely respectful to me and everyone that he meets.
"Those values should be the standard towards anybody around the world.
"The comments made towards Lewis should not be tolerated. We should continue to push for a more diverse and inclusive sport.
"We need to remove discriminatory behaviour and racist language in any form, from not just our sport, but our society as well."
Hamilton's team-mate George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, said: "Huge respect to LH. He has done more for the sport than any driver in history, not just on track but off it.
"The fact that he and so many others are still having to deal with this behaviour is unacceptable. We all need to stand together against discrimination of any kind."
BBC
Piquet used a racially offensive term in referring to Hamilton on a Brazilian podcast that came to light this week.
The 69-year-old said he "strongly condemned any suggestion the word was used by me with the aim of belittling a driver because of his skin colour".
"I apologise wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis," three-time world champion Piquet said.
Hamilton had said on Tuesday that "archaic mindsets need to change", adding: "It's more than language.
"I've been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action."
Piquet said he "made no defence" of the remarks, but added the term he used "is one that has widely and historically been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for 'guy' or 'person' and was never intended to offend".
"I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations."
He added: "The translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is not correct. Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I am happy to clarify my thoughts in that respect."
Sources in F1 have said that Piquet, who won the 1981, 1983 and 1987 world titles, will not be allowed back into an F1 paddock following his comments.
He has long been a controversial character renowned for making provocative and insulting remarks about rivals.
Last year, he courted further controversy when he chauffeured Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on the country's Independence Day.
On Tuesday, Brazilian novelist and lyricist Paulo Coelho condemned Piquet on social media.
"Dear Lewis Hamilton," Coelho wrote. "Piquet is currently the driver of the worst president in our history. His racist remarks shows the desperate need to return to the spotlight.
"I apologise in the name of the Brazilian people, who respect and love you."
The sport has rallied for Hamilton since Piquet's remarks, which were condemned by F1, governing body the FIA and Hamilton's Mercedes team, while rivals Ferrari and McLaren also offered their support.
Red Bull, whose driver Max Verstappen is the partner of Piquet's daughter Kelly, have not commented.
On Tuesday a number of drivers also came to Hamilton's support.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc wrote: "Knowing Lewis since I arrived in F1, he has always been extremely respectful to me and everyone that he meets.
"Those values should be the standard towards anybody around the world.
"The comments made towards Lewis should not be tolerated. We should continue to push for a more diverse and inclusive sport.
"We need to remove discriminatory behaviour and racist language in any form, from not just our sport, but our society as well."
Hamilton's team-mate George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, said: "Huge respect to LH. He has done more for the sport than any driver in history, not just on track but off it.
"The fact that he and so many others are still having to deal with this behaviour is unacceptable. We all need to stand together against discrimination of any kind."
BBC
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Lewis Hamilton has called for "older voices" with offensive views to be refused a platform on which to make comments.
His plea came after Nelson Piquet made a racist remark about him, and following provocative remarks from Bernie Ecclestone about Vladimir Putin.
Mercedes driver Hamilton said: "Discrimination is not something we should be giving a platform.
"We need people to be bringing people together."
He added: "We are all the same and the comments we are seeing are not helpful."
Hamilton's remarks come in the context of triple world champion Piquet using a racially offensive term to refer to the seven-time champion in a podcast that emerged this week.
And on Thursday morning ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, in an interview on ITV's Good Morning Britain, voiced his support for the Russian President and his actions in Ukraine.
"There needs to be some accountability," said Hamilton. "You know what you're going to get [with Ecclestone].
"I don't know what their [the broadcaster's] goal is. To hear from someone that ultimately believes in the war, displacement of millions of people and the killing of thousands of people; the person who's doing that, they support him. And I can't believe that's what I heard today.
"This is going to put us back decades, but we have yet to see the real brunt of the pain, We don't need to be supporting that any more. There are plenty of people out there who want to be positive. If they don't want to be positive, don't give them the space.
"No more can we be amplifying these voices that are creating that divide."
Hamilton was also referring to an interview given by another three-time champion, Jackie Stewart, who said last week that he thought Hamilton should retire.
Hamilton, who has long been frustrated by what he sees as Stewart's negative attitude towards him, said: "These past two weeks I don't think a day has gone by without one of these people saying negative things or trying to bring me down.
"But I'm still here. Lip service is not good enough, we need to push for action.
"I've always tried to take the high road and be respectful. Why do we give these guys a platform?
"They are clearly not willing to change and these undertones of discrimination and micro-aggressions in today's world are not helpful, it is creating more division. I love when Michelle Obama says: 'When they go low, I go high,' and that's what I try to do."
In a dispiriting week for motorsport with regard to racism, Red Bull have also sacked their reserve driver Juri Vips after he made an offensive remark on an online gaming stream.
Asked if he believed F1 had a racism problem, Hamilton said: "We are living in the world and there is still discrimination all around the world, you see it all around you,. These micro-aggressions come out., enough is enough, no-one should have to brush off racism and it shouldn't be for me to have to brush it off. We need big organisations to take a stand."
Piquet is the father of Max Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet. Until Thursday, neither Hamilton's 2021 title rival or his team had commented on the matter.
On the first day of the British Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen said at Silverstone: "The words used are definitely not correct. I am firmly against racism, and that has nothing to do only with Lewis and F1 but in general.
"For me, everyone is equal and that's how I grew up. A lot is already heading in the right direction in general with the younger generation. And you just have to understand some words cannot be used any more. That's what we have to work on."
BBC
His plea came after Nelson Piquet made a racist remark about him, and following provocative remarks from Bernie Ecclestone about Vladimir Putin.
Mercedes driver Hamilton said: "Discrimination is not something we should be giving a platform.
"We need people to be bringing people together."
He added: "We are all the same and the comments we are seeing are not helpful."
Hamilton's remarks come in the context of triple world champion Piquet using a racially offensive term to refer to the seven-time champion in a podcast that emerged this week.
And on Thursday morning ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, in an interview on ITV's Good Morning Britain, voiced his support for the Russian President and his actions in Ukraine.
"There needs to be some accountability," said Hamilton. "You know what you're going to get [with Ecclestone].
"I don't know what their [the broadcaster's] goal is. To hear from someone that ultimately believes in the war, displacement of millions of people and the killing of thousands of people; the person who's doing that, they support him. And I can't believe that's what I heard today.
"This is going to put us back decades, but we have yet to see the real brunt of the pain, We don't need to be supporting that any more. There are plenty of people out there who want to be positive. If they don't want to be positive, don't give them the space.
"No more can we be amplifying these voices that are creating that divide."
Hamilton was also referring to an interview given by another three-time champion, Jackie Stewart, who said last week that he thought Hamilton should retire.
Hamilton, who has long been frustrated by what he sees as Stewart's negative attitude towards him, said: "These past two weeks I don't think a day has gone by without one of these people saying negative things or trying to bring me down.
"But I'm still here. Lip service is not good enough, we need to push for action.
"I've always tried to take the high road and be respectful. Why do we give these guys a platform?
"They are clearly not willing to change and these undertones of discrimination and micro-aggressions in today's world are not helpful, it is creating more division. I love when Michelle Obama says: 'When they go low, I go high,' and that's what I try to do."
In a dispiriting week for motorsport with regard to racism, Red Bull have also sacked their reserve driver Juri Vips after he made an offensive remark on an online gaming stream.
Asked if he believed F1 had a racism problem, Hamilton said: "We are living in the world and there is still discrimination all around the world, you see it all around you,. These micro-aggressions come out., enough is enough, no-one should have to brush off racism and it shouldn't be for me to have to brush it off. We need big organisations to take a stand."
Piquet is the father of Max Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet. Until Thursday, neither Hamilton's 2021 title rival or his team had commented on the matter.
On the first day of the British Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen said at Silverstone: "The words used are definitely not correct. I am firmly against racism, and that has nothing to do only with Lewis and F1 but in general.
"For me, everyone is equal and that's how I grew up. A lot is already heading in the right direction in general with the younger generation. And you just have to understand some words cannot be used any more. That's what we have to work on."
BBC
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Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas headed Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in an inconclusive wet first practice session at the British Grand Prix.
They were the only two drivers to set a lap time on dry-weather tyres at the before it was curtailed by a red flag caused by Aston Martin's Lance Stroll.
The Canadian lost control on slick tyres on the damp track at Copse and beached the car in the gravel without major damage.
Only 10 drivers set a lap time.
On wet tyres, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz set the fastest time, from Bottas and the Spaniard's team-mate Charles Leclerc, all lapping at different times so their laps could not be compared.
The wet conditions meant teams were unable to judge their new upgrades.
BBC
They were the only two drivers to set a lap time on dry-weather tyres at the before it was curtailed by a red flag caused by Aston Martin's Lance Stroll.
The Canadian lost control on slick tyres on the damp track at Copse and beached the car in the gravel without major damage.
Only 10 drivers set a lap time.
On wet tyres, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz set the fastest time, from Bottas and the Spaniard's team-mate Charles Leclerc, all lapping at different times so their laps could not be compared.
The wet conditions meant teams were unable to judge their new upgrades.
BBC
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Nelson Piquet used homophobic language against Lewis Hamilton in a podcast interview, it has emerged.
The three-time former F1 world champion used the phrase on a podcast when describing how Hamilton missed out on the 2016 championship to Nico Rosberg.
The three-time former F1 world champion used the phrase on a podcast when describing how Hamilton missed out on the 2016 championship to Nico Rosberg.
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Lewis Hamilton said he had a "good day" after setting the second fastest time in Friday practice at the British Grand Prix.
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World championship leader Max Verstappen produced a dominant performance in final practice at the British GP to establish himself as the clear favourite for pole at Silverstone qualifying.
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Lewis Hamilton says he disagrees with fans at the British Grand Prix booing his rival Max Verstappen, saying: "We're better than that."
The Dutchman received jeers from a section of the crowd while he did his interview after qualifying second to Ferrari's Carlos Sainz at Silverstone.
Hamilton, who was booed by Verstappen fans during their title fight last year, said: "I would say we don't need to do that.
"No booing. We've got such great fans. Our sporting fans feel emotions up and down, but I definitely don't agree with booing."
However, Hamilton said he understood the emotions that may have led to the booing following the controversial conclusion to last year's championship, when Hamilton lost an eighth world title after the race director failed to apply the rules correctly in the final race of the season.
"It doesn't make any difference when you boo someone," he said. "They've already made the mistake or whatever it is, but I really do appreciate the support I have here. Maybe some of them are feeling the pain here from last year."
Verstappen said the behaviour of the fans "was a bit disappointing" because he could not hear the questions he was being asked by interviewer Billy Monger.
"It was a bit of a problem," he said. "But the rest… if they want to boo, they can do that. For me it's not going to change anything. I'm always happy to be here. It's a great track, it's a great atmosphere in general. Maybe some of them, they don't like me, but that's fine. They all have their own opinions, you know? I don't care."
And Hamilton's Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff said: "We shouldn't be seeing booing in any sports. That is unsportsmanlike.
"We love the support the drivers have here but if you are not into the other guys, remain silent, that would be a good way. No drivers deserve it, whatever happened last year, whatever the competition is.
"Being booed is abusive and that's why the emotional sport that is controversial because you're a fan and not a fan of one or the other driver, that's good - but there is a certain limit we shouldn't overstep."
BBC
The Dutchman received jeers from a section of the crowd while he did his interview after qualifying second to Ferrari's Carlos Sainz at Silverstone.
Hamilton, who was booed by Verstappen fans during their title fight last year, said: "I would say we don't need to do that.
"No booing. We've got such great fans. Our sporting fans feel emotions up and down, but I definitely don't agree with booing."
However, Hamilton said he understood the emotions that may have led to the booing following the controversial conclusion to last year's championship, when Hamilton lost an eighth world title after the race director failed to apply the rules correctly in the final race of the season.
"It doesn't make any difference when you boo someone," he said. "They've already made the mistake or whatever it is, but I really do appreciate the support I have here. Maybe some of them are feeling the pain here from last year."
Verstappen said the behaviour of the fans "was a bit disappointing" because he could not hear the questions he was being asked by interviewer Billy Monger.
"It was a bit of a problem," he said. "But the rest… if they want to boo, they can do that. For me it's not going to change anything. I'm always happy to be here. It's a great track, it's a great atmosphere in general. Maybe some of them, they don't like me, but that's fine. They all have their own opinions, you know? I don't care."
And Hamilton's Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff said: "We shouldn't be seeing booing in any sports. That is unsportsmanlike.
"We love the support the drivers have here but if you are not into the other guys, remain silent, that would be a good way. No drivers deserve it, whatever happened last year, whatever the competition is.
"Being booed is abusive and that's why the emotional sport that is controversial because you're a fan and not a fan of one or the other driver, that's good - but there is a certain limit we shouldn't overstep."
BBC
James
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<b>British GP</b>
03/07/22
15:25 GMT update
• Race stopped following huge crash in which Zhou's Alfa Romeo turned over
• Russell, Albon also out
• Verstappen had taken lead from Sainz off the line before crash
• Race restart pending
• Record crowd of 142,000 for Sunday's race
03/07/22
15:25 GMT update
• Race stopped following huge crash in which Zhou's Alfa Romeo turned over
• Russell, Albon also out
• Verstappen had taken lead from Sainz off the line before crash
• Race restart pending
• Record crowd of 142,000 for Sunday's race
James
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FIA statement: Zhou and Albon have been taken to the medical centre. Both were conscious and will be evaluated at the medical centre.
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That by far was one of the best races in a while. Phew!
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz took his first Formula 1 victory at the end of an extraordinary British Grand Prix packed full of incident and drama.
The Spaniard benefited from questionable strategy calls from Ferrari, which cost his team-mate Charles Leclerc the win and a chance to revive his title hopes.
Lewis Hamilton was in the battle for victory but finished third behind Red Bull's Sergio Perez after a frantic final final nine laps following a late safety car.
Leclerc could finish only fourth and Ferrari missed the opportunity to make up significant ground in the title race on a bad day for championship leader Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull driver finished only seventh, his car slowed by rear bodywork damage, but lost only six points to Leclerc as a result of Ferrari's race management.
Verstappen leads Perez in the championship by 34 points, with Leclerc a further nine adrift.
The race was delayed for an hour after a huge pile-up at the first corner caused a red flag, which took attention away from environmental protesters who had invaded the track after the start.
Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu vaulted the barriers at the first corner after sliding upside down across the gravel trap, but was freed from the car by paramedics and declared uninjured after a check-up at the medical centre.
Williams driver Alex Albon was flown to Coventry Hospital for precautionary checks after he was involved in a separate accident, Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel punting him into the pit wall.
BBC
The Spaniard benefited from questionable strategy calls from Ferrari, which cost his team-mate Charles Leclerc the win and a chance to revive his title hopes.
Lewis Hamilton was in the battle for victory but finished third behind Red Bull's Sergio Perez after a frantic final final nine laps following a late safety car.
Leclerc could finish only fourth and Ferrari missed the opportunity to make up significant ground in the title race on a bad day for championship leader Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull driver finished only seventh, his car slowed by rear bodywork damage, but lost only six points to Leclerc as a result of Ferrari's race management.
Verstappen leads Perez in the championship by 34 points, with Leclerc a further nine adrift.
The race was delayed for an hour after a huge pile-up at the first corner caused a red flag, which took attention away from environmental protesters who had invaded the track after the start.
Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu vaulted the barriers at the first corner after sliding upside down across the gravel trap, but was freed from the car by paramedics and declared uninjured after a check-up at the medical centre.
Williams driver Alex Albon was flown to Coventry Hospital for precautionary checks after he was involved in a separate accident, Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel punting him into the pit wall.
BBC
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British Grand Prix: Zhou Guanyu and Alex Albon escape major injuries after alarming Silverstone crash
The British Grand Prix was red-flagged on the first lap after Zhou Guanyu was launched upside down at the first bend at Silverstone.
Mercedes' George Russell and Williams' Alex Albon were also caught up in the alarming accident at the start of the race but the drivers escaped without suffering major injuries.
Zhou's Alfa Romeo rolled over after the crash into the high-speed first Abbey corner and travelled upside down into the barriers at pace before being launched into the catch fencing. The car ended up lodged on its side, between the tyre wall and the fencing, with nearby fans and photographers ducking for cover following the impact.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 110.417%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/vsasbn" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
The British Grand Prix was red-flagged on the first lap after Zhou Guanyu was launched upside down at the first bend at Silverstone.
Mercedes' George Russell and Williams' Alex Albon were also caught up in the alarming accident at the start of the race but the drivers escaped without suffering major injuries.
Zhou's Alfa Romeo rolled over after the crash into the high-speed first Abbey corner and travelled upside down into the barriers at pace before being launched into the catch fencing. The car ended up lodged on its side, between the tyre wall and the fencing, with nearby fans and photographers ducking for cover following the impact.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 110.417%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/vsasbn" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
daytrader
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lucky to be alive after that
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Lewis Hamilton has backtracked on his earlier praise of the protestors who took to the Silverstone circuit as the British Grand Prix was red-flagged following a multi-car crash at the start.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/mot...newsntp&cvid=fea1c6345df84fe19871610ca0340036
Please retire LH, you are an embarrassment to Liberalism (your hypocrisy is well documented), F1 (calling for older F1 voices to be banned), and fashion (given the clown suit you were wearing a week ago).
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/mot...newsntp&cvid=fea1c6345df84fe19871610ca0340036
Please retire LH, you are an embarrassment to Liberalism (your hypocrisy is well documented), F1 (calling for older F1 voices to be banned), and fashion (given the clown suit you were wearing a week ago).
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Lewis Hamilton says recent progress by Mercedes has reassured him that he will be able to win a race this year.
The seven-time champion is the only driver in history to have won a grand prix every year of his F1 career.
Hamilton said consecutive podium finishes have "encouraged us that we are moving in the right direction".
He added: "With a bit more hard work, hopefully we can get closer to having a chance of winning. I truly believe we can get a race win this year."
Hamilton said that at the beginning of the season the car was performing so poorly he was concerned Mercedes would never return to competitiveness in 2022.
"There was a long way back," he said. "Earlier this year I definitely wasn't sure we would ever get a win in this car, but that was not the way we like to think.
"It felt there's a long way to catch everyone up knowing the progress everyone makes."
But two separate upgrades - one at the Spanish Grand Prix in May and another at the British Grand Prix last weekend - have helped Mercedes understand their car, and the team now believe they can make further progress towards the front over forthcoming races.
Hamilton's remarks are a major turnaround from just two races ago, when after Friday practice in Canada he described the Mercedes as "a disaster" and "the worst I have felt any car here".
"[It's] definitely hugely encouraging," Hamilton said. "For a long time, we would make changes and not see it do what it says it was going to do, or improve the car.
"It was a good step in Barcelona, but then we had several difficult races following it. Then we had the last two races."
He now believes "there really is potential in the car".
But after challenging the Ferraris for victory at Silverstone on Sunday, Hamilton does not expect to be as competitive at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.
"At Silverstone there was definitely potential to win the race," he said.
"With our current performance, we are not at the same level as the teams ahead of us - we needed everything to align.
"We have always struggled in Austria so it is going to be hard to win here knowing the combination of corners. But not impossible.
"The weather is up and down. I am hopeful we will be pleasantly surprised tomorrow, but I might be wrong. But I am staying hopeful."
BBC
The seven-time champion is the only driver in history to have won a grand prix every year of his F1 career.
Hamilton said consecutive podium finishes have "encouraged us that we are moving in the right direction".
He added: "With a bit more hard work, hopefully we can get closer to having a chance of winning. I truly believe we can get a race win this year."
Hamilton said that at the beginning of the season the car was performing so poorly he was concerned Mercedes would never return to competitiveness in 2022.
"There was a long way back," he said. "Earlier this year I definitely wasn't sure we would ever get a win in this car, but that was not the way we like to think.
"It felt there's a long way to catch everyone up knowing the progress everyone makes."
But two separate upgrades - one at the Spanish Grand Prix in May and another at the British Grand Prix last weekend - have helped Mercedes understand their car, and the team now believe they can make further progress towards the front over forthcoming races.
Hamilton's remarks are a major turnaround from just two races ago, when after Friday practice in Canada he described the Mercedes as "a disaster" and "the worst I have felt any car here".
"[It's] definitely hugely encouraging," Hamilton said. "For a long time, we would make changes and not see it do what it says it was going to do, or improve the car.
"It was a good step in Barcelona, but then we had several difficult races following it. Then we had the last two races."
He now believes "there really is potential in the car".
But after challenging the Ferraris for victory at Silverstone on Sunday, Hamilton does not expect to be as competitive at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.
"At Silverstone there was definitely potential to win the race," he said.
"With our current performance, we are not at the same level as the teams ahead of us - we needed everything to align.
"We have always struggled in Austria so it is going to be hard to win here knowing the combination of corners. But not impossible.
"The weather is up and down. I am hopeful we will be pleasantly surprised tomorrow, but I might be wrong. But I am staying hopeful."
BBC
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Red Bull's Max Verstappen set an impressive pace in first practice at the Austrian Grand Prix before qualifying at this 'sprint' event.
The world championship leader was 0.255 seconds quicker than Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Mercedes' George Russell was third, a further 0.145secs adrift.
Red Bull's Sergio Perez was fourth and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton fifth.
Qualifying sets the grid for a short race on Saturday that defines starting positions for the main grand prix.
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was sixth fastest, followed by the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso's Alpine - using the medium tyres while everyone else at the front set their times on the softs.
Haas' Mick Schumacher and the Alpha Tauri of Yuki Tsunoda completed the top 10.
BBC
The world championship leader was 0.255 seconds quicker than Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Mercedes' George Russell was third, a further 0.145secs adrift.
Red Bull's Sergio Perez was fourth and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton fifth.
Qualifying sets the grid for a short race on Saturday that defines starting positions for the main grand prix.
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was sixth fastest, followed by the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso's Alpine - using the medium tyres while everyone else at the front set their times on the softs.
Haas' Mick Schumacher and the Alpha Tauri of Yuki Tsunoda completed the top 10.
BBC
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING NEWS ��: Red Bull fans cheered as Lewis Hamilton crashed out of final Qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix <a href="https://t.co/oTHLdcf2cc">pic.twitter.com/oTHLdcf2cc</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1545439579674648579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Austrian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen on pole as both Mercedes crash
Red Bull's Max Verstappen pipped the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc to pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix with his final lap of qualifying.
The world champion's earlier fastest time had been beaten by Leclerc and his team-mate Carlos Sainz with their final laps but Verstappen snatched pole back.
The Dutchman was just 0.029 seconds quicker than Leclerc, with Sainz only 0.082secs off pole in a close session.
Both Mercedes crashed so George Russell starts fourth and Lewis Hamilton ninth.
The session set the grid for Saturday's sprint race, the result of which establishes the grid for the main grand prix on Sunday.
Verstappen, who was serenaded by thousands of fans from his home country at his team's home race, looked as if he had missed out as he headed into the final sector of his final lap.
At that point, he was not improving his time, and ahead of him on track Leclerc and Sainz were both doing so, and both slipped ahead of him.
But Verstappen was still pushing, and although he was slower than Leclerc through the final sector, he was quick enough along with his greater straight-line speed in the first sector, to grab pole back.
"In the end it was a really tight qualifying and it's a really challenging track to get qualifying right," said Verstappen.
On his hopes for the sprint, he added: "We have a great car. Hope it's clean into Turn One and I get a good getaway. I feel confident with the car we have."
Red Bull's Sergio Perez originally qualified fourth but was later excluded from the third part of qualifying in its entirety for exceeding track limits at the end of Q2 - an offence not noticed by race stewards at the time. The Mexican also lost his best time in Q2 and will start the race in 13th place.
There are points available for the sprint - eight for the winner down to one for eighth place - and Leclerc really needs a good haul this weekend to revive his title hopes.
The Monegasque is 43 points behind Verstappen after a brutal run for him and Ferrari, in which he has lost potentially winning positions four times in five races through two engine failures and two strategy errors.
But Leclerc said only that he wanted a "clean race" after his difficult period.
"I struggled little bit with putting the tyres in the window after the red flag and this was enough give me some understeer and I struggle to drive around this whenever I have it," said Leclerc.
"It is a shame but it is only Friday and looking at the last five races it is the Sunday that counts and I hope we can finally have a normal race.
"We just need a clean race and a good strategy on Sunday and everything is possible."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/62099810
Red Bull's Max Verstappen pipped the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc to pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix with his final lap of qualifying.
The world champion's earlier fastest time had been beaten by Leclerc and his team-mate Carlos Sainz with their final laps but Verstappen snatched pole back.
The Dutchman was just 0.029 seconds quicker than Leclerc, with Sainz only 0.082secs off pole in a close session.
Both Mercedes crashed so George Russell starts fourth and Lewis Hamilton ninth.
The session set the grid for Saturday's sprint race, the result of which establishes the grid for the main grand prix on Sunday.
Verstappen, who was serenaded by thousands of fans from his home country at his team's home race, looked as if he had missed out as he headed into the final sector of his final lap.
At that point, he was not improving his time, and ahead of him on track Leclerc and Sainz were both doing so, and both slipped ahead of him.
But Verstappen was still pushing, and although he was slower than Leclerc through the final sector, he was quick enough along with his greater straight-line speed in the first sector, to grab pole back.
"In the end it was a really tight qualifying and it's a really challenging track to get qualifying right," said Verstappen.
On his hopes for the sprint, he added: "We have a great car. Hope it's clean into Turn One and I get a good getaway. I feel confident with the car we have."
Red Bull's Sergio Perez originally qualified fourth but was later excluded from the third part of qualifying in its entirety for exceeding track limits at the end of Q2 - an offence not noticed by race stewards at the time. The Mexican also lost his best time in Q2 and will start the race in 13th place.
There are points available for the sprint - eight for the winner down to one for eighth place - and Leclerc really needs a good haul this weekend to revive his title hopes.
The Monegasque is 43 points behind Verstappen after a brutal run for him and Ferrari, in which he has lost potentially winning positions four times in five races through two engine failures and two strategy errors.
But Leclerc said only that he wanted a "clean race" after his difficult period.
"I struggled little bit with putting the tyres in the window after the red flag and this was enough give me some understeer and I struggle to drive around this whenever I have it," said Leclerc.
"It is a shame but it is only Friday and looking at the last five races it is the Sunday that counts and I hope we can finally have a normal race.
"We just need a clean race and a good strategy on Sunday and everything is possible."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/62099810
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Sebastian Vettel has been handed a suspended 25,000 euros (£21,000) fine for walking out of the drivers' briefing at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The four-time champion was one of a number of drivers at Friday's meeting who asked for explanations for inconsistent decision-making by officials.
Race stewards said Vettel "left without permission and expressed frustration".
Insiders have told BBC Sport Vettel made a reference to the fact that he had been having such discussions for "15 years" and said he was "sick" of it, before walking out.
Vettel later apologised to and "had a very constructive conversation covering the topics in the meeting and more" with the race director Niels Wittich, race stewards said in their verdict following an investigation into the incident.
The stewards' statement said: "Drivers are not free to leave [the briefing] when they want, this being a breach of the requirement to attend.
"Drivers at this level are role models for every driver around the world and in the opinion of the Stewards Vettel failed to live up to that standard in this case."
The Aston Martin driver's fine was suspended for the remainder of the 2022 season, subject to a similar breach of the rules.
Alpine's Fernando Alonso was also outspoken in the meeting in his criticism of decisions being made by officials in judging racing incidents this year, sources have said.
The meeting was said by a source to have been "uncomfortable" for Wittich, who chairs it.
In F1, race stewards make decisions on whether drivers should be penalised for on-track incidents, although the race director can choose to refer incidents to them, which it is said Wittich tends to do as a matter of course.
Vettel's comments come in the context of ongoing frustration among the drivers at officiating this year.
They believe stewards are not making consistent judgements on racing matters. They have also had concerns about decisions being made in other matters, including safety and a row earlier this season about underwear and jewellery.
BBC
The four-time champion was one of a number of drivers at Friday's meeting who asked for explanations for inconsistent decision-making by officials.
Race stewards said Vettel "left without permission and expressed frustration".
Insiders have told BBC Sport Vettel made a reference to the fact that he had been having such discussions for "15 years" and said he was "sick" of it, before walking out.
Vettel later apologised to and "had a very constructive conversation covering the topics in the meeting and more" with the race director Niels Wittich, race stewards said in their verdict following an investigation into the incident.
The stewards' statement said: "Drivers are not free to leave [the briefing] when they want, this being a breach of the requirement to attend.
"Drivers at this level are role models for every driver around the world and in the opinion of the Stewards Vettel failed to live up to that standard in this case."
The Aston Martin driver's fine was suspended for the remainder of the 2022 season, subject to a similar breach of the rules.
Alpine's Fernando Alonso was also outspoken in the meeting in his criticism of decisions being made by officials in judging racing incidents this year, sources have said.
The meeting was said by a source to have been "uncomfortable" for Wittich, who chairs it.
In F1, race stewards make decisions on whether drivers should be penalised for on-track incidents, although the race director can choose to refer incidents to them, which it is said Wittich tends to do as a matter of course.
Vettel's comments come in the context of ongoing frustration among the drivers at officiating this year.
They believe stewards are not making consistent judgements on racing matters. They have also had concerns about decisions being made in other matters, including safety and a row earlier this season about underwear and jewellery.
BBC
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Red Bull's Max Verstappen took a controlled victory in the sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix to edge further ahead in the championship.
The Dutchman beat Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, extending his lead over Leclerc to 44 points.
Leclerc fought off an early challenge from Sainz but was safe in second once far enough ahead of his team-mate to lose the DRS overtaking aid.
Mercedes' George Russell took fourth and Lewis Hamilton eighth.
Hamilton's race was hampered by a tangle at the start that saw Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly pitched into a spin, and then getting stuck behind the two Haas cars, before eventually overhauling Mick Schumacher for the final point.
The sprint result made little difference to the starting order for Sunday's main event, other than to enable Red Bull's Sergio Perez to recover ground from his 13th place to finish fifth, where the Mexican will now start the grand prix.
Perez benefited from the Red Bull's strong straight-line speed to make impressive progress, whereas Hamilton was hampered by the Mercedes' struggles in that area.
The big loser was Fernando Alonso, whose Alpine would not start on the grid and had to retire before turning a wheel.
BBC
The Dutchman beat Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, extending his lead over Leclerc to 44 points.
Leclerc fought off an early challenge from Sainz but was safe in second once far enough ahead of his team-mate to lose the DRS overtaking aid.
Mercedes' George Russell took fourth and Lewis Hamilton eighth.
Hamilton's race was hampered by a tangle at the start that saw Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly pitched into a spin, and then getting stuck behind the two Haas cars, before eventually overhauling Mick Schumacher for the final point.
The sprint result made little difference to the starting order for Sunday's main event, other than to enable Red Bull's Sergio Perez to recover ground from his 13th place to finish fifth, where the Mexican will now start the grand prix.
Perez benefited from the Red Bull's strong straight-line speed to make impressive progress, whereas Hamilton was hampered by the Mercedes' struggles in that area.
The big loser was Fernando Alonso, whose Alpine would not start on the grid and had to retire before turning a wheel.
BBC
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Lewis Hamilton has criticised spectators at the Austrian Grand Prix for cheering when he crashed in qualifying at the Red Bull Ring.
Hamilton went off at Turn Seven, close to grandstands packed with Dutch fans of his 2021 title rival Max Verstappen.
"I was going through a bunch of stuff in the crash, but to hear it afterwards you know... I don't agree with any of that, no matter what," he said.
"A driver could have been in hospital, and you are going to cheer that?"
The incident left Hamilton 10th in qualifying, although he was promoted to ninth on the grid for Saturday's sprint event after a penalty for Red Bull's Sergio Perez.
Speaking after the sprint, Hamilton added: "It's just mind-blowing that people would do that, knowing how dangerous our sport is. I'm grateful that I wasn't in hospital and I wasn't heavily injured.
"You should never cheer someone's downfall or someone's injury."
Investigation launched into 'unacceptable abuse' at race weekend
Formula 1 said it has launched an investigation into reports of fans being subjected to "completely unacceptable" abuse at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Hamilton later wrote on Instagram: "Disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour at the circuit this weekend.
"Attending the Austrian Grand Prix or any GP should never be a source of anxiety and pain for fans and something must be done to ensure that races are safe spaces for all.
"Please, if you see this happening, report it to circuit security and to F1. We cannot sit back and allow this to continue."
Ferrari power 'too much at the moment'
Hamilton will start Sunday's grand prix in eighth place, his finishing position in Saturday's sprint event.
He made a poor start and dropped to 11th on the first lap after being hit by Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly at the first corner.
He spent much of the sprint stuck behind Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher but unable to pass because the Mercedes had inferior straight-line speed than their Ferrari-engined cars.
He finally managed to overtake Schumacher with two laps to go.
Hamilton said: "The Ferrari power is just too much for us at the moment.
"I don't know if it's drag, or if it's power, it's difficult to quantify which one it is.
"It wasn't particularly the most fun of races. It didn't feel that quick. But as I said, I think there was something not right with the car after that [incident with Gasly].
"But a big, big thank you to my team for putting the car together. They worked crazy hard overnight and this morning to keep us in the race, so I hope tomorrow is a bit better."
BBC
Hamilton went off at Turn Seven, close to grandstands packed with Dutch fans of his 2021 title rival Max Verstappen.
"I was going through a bunch of stuff in the crash, but to hear it afterwards you know... I don't agree with any of that, no matter what," he said.
"A driver could have been in hospital, and you are going to cheer that?"
The incident left Hamilton 10th in qualifying, although he was promoted to ninth on the grid for Saturday's sprint event after a penalty for Red Bull's Sergio Perez.
Speaking after the sprint, Hamilton added: "It's just mind-blowing that people would do that, knowing how dangerous our sport is. I'm grateful that I wasn't in hospital and I wasn't heavily injured.
"You should never cheer someone's downfall or someone's injury."
Investigation launched into 'unacceptable abuse' at race weekend
Formula 1 said it has launched an investigation into reports of fans being subjected to "completely unacceptable" abuse at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Hamilton later wrote on Instagram: "Disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour at the circuit this weekend.
"Attending the Austrian Grand Prix or any GP should never be a source of anxiety and pain for fans and something must be done to ensure that races are safe spaces for all.
"Please, if you see this happening, report it to circuit security and to F1. We cannot sit back and allow this to continue."
Ferrari power 'too much at the moment'
Hamilton will start Sunday's grand prix in eighth place, his finishing position in Saturday's sprint event.
He made a poor start and dropped to 11th on the first lap after being hit by Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly at the first corner.
He spent much of the sprint stuck behind Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher but unable to pass because the Mercedes had inferior straight-line speed than their Ferrari-engined cars.
He finally managed to overtake Schumacher with two laps to go.
Hamilton said: "The Ferrari power is just too much for us at the moment.
"I don't know if it's drag, or if it's power, it's difficult to quantify which one it is.
"It wasn't particularly the most fun of races. It didn't feel that quick. But as I said, I think there was something not right with the car after that [incident with Gasly].
"But a big, big thank you to my team for putting the car together. They worked crazy hard overnight and this morning to keep us in the race, so I hope tomorrow is a bit better."
BBC
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25 laps into the #AustrianGP and Lewis Hamilton is up to fourth spot, with the podium places as follows:
1 Lecler
2 Sainz
3 Verstappen
1 Lecler
2 Sainz
3 Verstappen
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Sainz retires from P2 with apparent engine failure
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Charles Leclerc wins the Austrian Grand Prix for Ferrari!
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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc passed title rival Max Verstappen three times on his way to a commanding victory in the Austrian Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz was on course to make it a Ferrari one-two before he suffered an engine failure with 14 laps to go - the latest in a series for Ferrari.
Leclerc faced a tense final 10 laps with a sticking throttle, as Verstappen came back at him, but he held on.
Leclerc cut Verstappen's championship lead to 38 points, to revive his hopes.
And it moves him back ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez to second in the standings.
Lewis Hamilton took third for Mercedes after starting eighth for his third podium finish in a row as his season finally begins to come together. Team-mate George Russell followed him home in fourth place.
The end of the race was far tougher for Leclerc than it had looked like being for much of the afternoon as for the first time since the Australian Grand Prix back in April the Ferraris had definitely stronger race pace than Verstappen's Red Bull.
The Ferrari's sticking throttle - the accelerator was not returning to zero when Leclerc lifted off - was also affecting the gearbox, as it refused to make some shifts because of the initial problem.
But Leclerc managed the problem well, despite expressing nerves and concern over the radio, to take his first win since Melbourne.
BBC
Carlos Sainz was on course to make it a Ferrari one-two before he suffered an engine failure with 14 laps to go - the latest in a series for Ferrari.
Leclerc faced a tense final 10 laps with a sticking throttle, as Verstappen came back at him, but he held on.
Leclerc cut Verstappen's championship lead to 38 points, to revive his hopes.
And it moves him back ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez to second in the standings.
Lewis Hamilton took third for Mercedes after starting eighth for his third podium finish in a row as his season finally begins to come together. Team-mate George Russell followed him home in fourth place.
The end of the race was far tougher for Leclerc than it had looked like being for much of the afternoon as for the first time since the Australian Grand Prix back in April the Ferraris had definitely stronger race pace than Verstappen's Red Bull.
The Ferrari's sticking throttle - the accelerator was not returning to zero when Leclerc lifted off - was also affecting the gearbox, as it refused to make some shifts because of the initial problem.
But Leclerc managed the problem well, despite expressing nerves and concern over the radio, to take his first win since Melbourne.
BBC
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Formula One drivers including Lewis Hamilton have condemned racist abuse apparently suffered by fans at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Before Sunday's race, F1 said it had received reports from supporters who had been verbally abused.
It takes the accusations "very seriously" and will be speaking to those who reported the behaviour, it added.
It has also raised the matter with the promoter and event security.
Hamilton, who finished third, said "ignorance" was partly to blame.
"It just highlights that it's still an issue all over," he said.
"It comes down to education and, of course, ignorance. People should come, should feel safe, should feel included and should be able to follow whoever it is you want to follow.
"[It] shouldn't matter [about] your gender, your sexuality, the colour of your skin. It should just be everyone here to have a good time."
The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg was sold out with more than 300,000 fans attending over three days.
Defending world champion Max Verstappen said the reported abuse "shouldn't happen", adding: "I read a few things, a few shocking things, so that's clearly not OK."
Race winner Charles Leclerc said anyone witnessing abuse should "do something", continuing: "If we manage to find these people we need to take hard action. They shouldn't be allowed to be anywhere close to our sport."
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: "This is completely unacceptable and we hope that security and the authorities deal with this swiftly as there is no place for it in racing or society."
SKY
Before Sunday's race, F1 said it had received reports from supporters who had been verbally abused.
It takes the accusations "very seriously" and will be speaking to those who reported the behaviour, it added.
It has also raised the matter with the promoter and event security.
Hamilton, who finished third, said "ignorance" was partly to blame.
"It just highlights that it's still an issue all over," he said.
"It comes down to education and, of course, ignorance. People should come, should feel safe, should feel included and should be able to follow whoever it is you want to follow.
"[It] shouldn't matter [about] your gender, your sexuality, the colour of your skin. It should just be everyone here to have a good time."
The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg was sold out with more than 300,000 fans attending over three days.
Defending world champion Max Verstappen said the reported abuse "shouldn't happen", adding: "I read a few things, a few shocking things, so that's clearly not OK."
Race winner Charles Leclerc said anyone witnessing abuse should "do something", continuing: "If we manage to find these people we need to take hard action. They shouldn't be allowed to be anywhere close to our sport."
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: "This is completely unacceptable and we hope that security and the authorities deal with this swiftly as there is no place for it in racing or society."
SKY
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The black cloud of misfortune that has been hanging over Charles Leclerc since early May finally lifted, and he took advantage to make a powerful statement as he took a dominant victory in the Austrian Grand Prix.
For five races, it was looking like this was just not going to be Leclerc's year, despite the blistering pace he has been showing in his Ferrari.
Four times in those five races, Leclerc lost a winning position through no fault of his own - two engine problems and two strategy mistakes, all while leading. The fifth of those races he started from the back of the grid as a result of those engine problems.
But in Austria it all came together, and Leclerc produced one of the most convincing victories of the season. Look at what I can do with a clean run, he seemed to be saying.
Even this one was not without its anguish, though, A sticking throttle on the Ferrari allowed title rival Max Verstappen, who looked well beaten until then, to put Leclerc under pressure in the closing laps. But Leclerc held on to take his first win since Australia back in early April.
Afterwards the relief in him was palpable.
"I definitely needed it," he said. "Of course, when I got to a new race, since five races I have a smile on my face and I kept being optimistic.
"But hard race after hard race, it just felt like everything was against me. Finally we had a breakthrough good race today and it really feels good to win."
BBC
For five races, it was looking like this was just not going to be Leclerc's year, despite the blistering pace he has been showing in his Ferrari.
Four times in those five races, Leclerc lost a winning position through no fault of his own - two engine problems and two strategy mistakes, all while leading. The fifth of those races he started from the back of the grid as a result of those engine problems.
But in Austria it all came together, and Leclerc produced one of the most convincing victories of the season. Look at what I can do with a clean run, he seemed to be saying.
Even this one was not without its anguish, though, A sticking throttle on the Ferrari allowed title rival Max Verstappen, who looked well beaten until then, to put Leclerc under pressure in the closing laps. But Leclerc held on to take his first win since Australia back in early April.
Afterwards the relief in him was palpable.
"I definitely needed it," he said. "Of course, when I got to a new race, since five races I have a smile on my face and I kept being optimistic.
"But hard race after hard race, it just felt like everything was against me. Finally we had a breakthrough good race today and it really feels good to win."
BBC
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Formula 1 will investigate claims that some spectators at the Austrian Grand Prix suffered discriminatory abuse.
Lewis Hamilton was one of those to call for action, saying he was "disgusted and disappointed" by the reports.
Lewis Hamilton was one of those to call for action, saying he was "disgusted and disappointed" by the reports.
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Ex-Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has been charged with fraud by false representation, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.
The 91-year-old billionaire businessman failed to declare overseas assets believed to be worth in excess of £400m, according to investigators.
The charge was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on Monday, following an investigation by Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Andrew Penhale, chief Crown prosecutor, said: "The CPS has reviewed a file of evidence from HMRC and has authorised a charge against Bernard Ecclestone of fraud by false representation in respect of his failure to declare to HMRC the existence of assets held overseas believed to be worth in excess of £400m."
Simon York from HMRC said that the investigation had been "complex and worldwide" and relates to "projected tax liabilities arising from more than £400m of offshore assets which were concealed from HMRC".
"HMRC is on the side of honest taxpayers and we will take tough action wherever we suspect tax fraud," he said.
"Our message is clear - no one is beyond our reach."
The case will first be heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 22 August.
Mr Ecclestone's long-running control of Formula One ended in 2017, when he stepped down as chief executive.
He is believed to be worth over £2.5bn, according to Forbes.
SKY
The 91-year-old billionaire businessman failed to declare overseas assets believed to be worth in excess of £400m, according to investigators.
The charge was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on Monday, following an investigation by Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Andrew Penhale, chief Crown prosecutor, said: "The CPS has reviewed a file of evidence from HMRC and has authorised a charge against Bernard Ecclestone of fraud by false representation in respect of his failure to declare to HMRC the existence of assets held overseas believed to be worth in excess of £400m."
Simon York from HMRC said that the investigation had been "complex and worldwide" and relates to "projected tax liabilities arising from more than £400m of offshore assets which were concealed from HMRC".
"HMRC is on the side of honest taxpayers and we will take tough action wherever we suspect tax fraud," he said.
"Our message is clear - no one is beyond our reach."
The case will first be heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 22 August.
Mr Ecclestone's long-running control of Formula One ended in 2017, when he stepped down as chief executive.
He is believed to be worth over £2.5bn, according to Forbes.
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Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have branded the onslaught of track limits penalties at the Austrian GP as "stupid" and a "bit of a joke", while George Russell has reopened F1's race director debate by calling for more consistency.
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Former Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has formally left motorsport's governing body, the FIA.
The move comes four months after an FIA inquiry found "human error" was responsible for the incorrect application of the rules in the 2021 title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The move comes four months after an FIA inquiry found "human error" was responsible for the incorrect application of the rules in the 2021 title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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Daniel Ricciardo says he is committed to Formula 1 and determined to stay with McLaren to the end of his contract next year.
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A Formula 1 worker who was repeatedly called the n-word by colleagues at the Aston Martin F1 team has told Sky News the sport has to do more to confront racism in motorsport.
Aidan Louw, 25, who is mixed race and was born in South Africa, worked as a laminator building parts of the cars driven by Sebastian Vettel at the prestigious F1 team's base next to Silverstone.
The abuse started after he joined the team as a supplier's agency contractor this February.
"Before I even walked into my working environment that's when I was told 'look if you've got a problem with how we speak here, it's just how we speak'."
Mr Louw claims the abuse then started almost immediately with racist nicknames.
"It went from brownie to darkie - I wasn't referred to as Aidy…or anything like that. I was called n** n** and brownie - that is what I was referred to.
"It was towards the end of the duration that I had finally processed what was happening.
Protesters at British Grand Prix urged not to invade Silverstone track on race day
Formula One commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone (R) talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin
Bernie Ecclestone says he would 'take a bullet' for 'first class' Vladimir Putin as he defends war in Ukraine
"It had taken me shift cycle after shift cycle of abuse after abuse, words going from n** n** and brownie to outright n***** when I am being called a n***** that's where I draw the line, that's where I go no."
As a dual citizen of both South Africa and the UK, Aidan holds two passports. He says the abuse included an apartheid era insult that is also extremely offensive.
On top of the racism Aidan also suffered homophobic abuse: "I disclosed to someone that I had a boyfriend in my teen years and that was it - in that split second everything switched…
"As soon as they found out about that sliver of information that was it, they were trying to claw me down to break me down as a man, as an individual and a human."
While F1 has very publicly demanded an end to racism within the sport, this season Sir Lewis Hamilton has been forced to continue calling out incidents of discrimination.
The seven-time world champion was angered by a racial slur that former F1 driver Nelson Piquet was accused of using during a podcast.
Last month Red Bull's reserve driver Juri Vips was fired after it was found he had sent racist messages online.
And at last Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix some fans reported being racially abused in the stands. There were also reports of sexist and homophobic behaviour from a small number of F1 supporters.
Aston Martin F1 say that Aidan's contract was terminated due to "poor performance" and "poor timekeeping" and was unconnected to the discrimination he'd experienced.
Mr Louw accepts that his performance and punctuality suffered but he believes this was due to the abuse he had faced.
In a statement to Sky News, Aston Martin Racing said: "AMR and its supplier operate a zero-tolerance policy with regard to racism, homophobia and all types of discrimination.
"We deal with any allegations of this unacceptable behaviour seriously including thoroughly investigating such claims and sanctioning any individual who falls short of our standards.
"In this case, the complainant was rightly believed, his complaints were immediately acted upon and appropriate sanctions were imposed in line with our zero-tolerance policy.
"We are in ongoing discussions with him."
Sky News understands that the individuals involved in the racist and homophobic abuse no longer work there.
'I don't want to be viewed as a victim'
Aidan was 16 years old when he started out in motorsport as a cleaner picking up beer cups and cleaning the toilets at the Silverstone track.
He then went on to work his way up in the F1 supply chain before joining the Williams team, Alpine and then McLaren - he says he loved working at each one of those three teams.
"Up until this point, I felt like this was honestly all I was meant to do," he said, "I felt like this was all I really had - a purpose.
"I don't want to be viewed as a victim, that's not who I am but the fact is this (abuse) is not right, it's not just me that's the victim it's my community, my community is the victim.
"We're not asking to be given those opportunities, things to just be dropped on our plate just because of ethnic origin or sexual orientation.
"I am not asking for that, nobody is asking for that - we are asking for an equal opportunity.
"The fact is I know there are kids out there who have got dreams to do this the same as me…and if it's a lie, then what's the point? What is the point?
"There is no sport. It doesn't matter how many sponsors chuck money into it.
"No matter what the repercussions are, publicly for me, I'm willing to accept because this message is bigger than me."
SKY
Aidan Louw, 25, who is mixed race and was born in South Africa, worked as a laminator building parts of the cars driven by Sebastian Vettel at the prestigious F1 team's base next to Silverstone.
The abuse started after he joined the team as a supplier's agency contractor this February.
"Before I even walked into my working environment that's when I was told 'look if you've got a problem with how we speak here, it's just how we speak'."
Mr Louw claims the abuse then started almost immediately with racist nicknames.
"It went from brownie to darkie - I wasn't referred to as Aidy…or anything like that. I was called n** n** and brownie - that is what I was referred to.
"It was towards the end of the duration that I had finally processed what was happening.
Protesters at British Grand Prix urged not to invade Silverstone track on race day
Formula One commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone (R) talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin
Bernie Ecclestone says he would 'take a bullet' for 'first class' Vladimir Putin as he defends war in Ukraine
"It had taken me shift cycle after shift cycle of abuse after abuse, words going from n** n** and brownie to outright n***** when I am being called a n***** that's where I draw the line, that's where I go no."
As a dual citizen of both South Africa and the UK, Aidan holds two passports. He says the abuse included an apartheid era insult that is also extremely offensive.
On top of the racism Aidan also suffered homophobic abuse: "I disclosed to someone that I had a boyfriend in my teen years and that was it - in that split second everything switched…
"As soon as they found out about that sliver of information that was it, they were trying to claw me down to break me down as a man, as an individual and a human."
While F1 has very publicly demanded an end to racism within the sport, this season Sir Lewis Hamilton has been forced to continue calling out incidents of discrimination.
The seven-time world champion was angered by a racial slur that former F1 driver Nelson Piquet was accused of using during a podcast.
Last month Red Bull's reserve driver Juri Vips was fired after it was found he had sent racist messages online.
And at last Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix some fans reported being racially abused in the stands. There were also reports of sexist and homophobic behaviour from a small number of F1 supporters.
Aston Martin F1 say that Aidan's contract was terminated due to "poor performance" and "poor timekeeping" and was unconnected to the discrimination he'd experienced.
Mr Louw accepts that his performance and punctuality suffered but he believes this was due to the abuse he had faced.
In a statement to Sky News, Aston Martin Racing said: "AMR and its supplier operate a zero-tolerance policy with regard to racism, homophobia and all types of discrimination.
"We deal with any allegations of this unacceptable behaviour seriously including thoroughly investigating such claims and sanctioning any individual who falls short of our standards.
"In this case, the complainant was rightly believed, his complaints were immediately acted upon and appropriate sanctions were imposed in line with our zero-tolerance policy.
"We are in ongoing discussions with him."
Sky News understands that the individuals involved in the racist and homophobic abuse no longer work there.
'I don't want to be viewed as a victim'
Aidan was 16 years old when he started out in motorsport as a cleaner picking up beer cups and cleaning the toilets at the Silverstone track.
He then went on to work his way up in the F1 supply chain before joining the Williams team, Alpine and then McLaren - he says he loved working at each one of those three teams.
"Up until this point, I felt like this was honestly all I was meant to do," he said, "I felt like this was all I really had - a purpose.
"I don't want to be viewed as a victim, that's not who I am but the fact is this (abuse) is not right, it's not just me that's the victim it's my community, my community is the victim.
"We're not asking to be given those opportunities, things to just be dropped on our plate just because of ethnic origin or sexual orientation.
"I am not asking for that, nobody is asking for that - we are asking for an equal opportunity.
"The fact is I know there are kids out there who have got dreams to do this the same as me…and if it's a lie, then what's the point? What is the point?
"There is no sport. It doesn't matter how many sponsors chuck money into it.
"No matter what the repercussions are, publicly for me, I'm willing to accept because this message is bigger than me."
SKY
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Ferrari are confident they have wrestled back momentum against Red Bull as the F1 2022 season speeds onto the French Grand Prix, where Mercedes could also find themselves back in contention at the front.
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Sebastian Vettel says he wants to continue in Formula 1 next season.
The four-time world champion, 35, is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of the year and there has been speculation about his future.
Speaking before this weekend's French Grand Prix, Vettel said: "I am talking to the team. There is a clear intention to keep going. We'll soon see where we stand."
Aston Martin want Vettel to stay for a third season, BBC Sport has learned.
Vettel has demonstrated a new focus on environmental and political matters in recent years, and said he considered his future in F1 during last year, before signing up for a second season with Aston Martin in 2022.
The German has also been mentioned in connection with McLaren, where there have been questions about Daniel Ricciardo's position despite the Australian being under contract for 2023.
Asked about McLaren, Vettel said: "I know some people there but I think it's just rumours."
BBC
The four-time world champion, 35, is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of the year and there has been speculation about his future.
Speaking before this weekend's French Grand Prix, Vettel said: "I am talking to the team. There is a clear intention to keep going. We'll soon see where we stand."
Aston Martin want Vettel to stay for a third season, BBC Sport has learned.
Vettel has demonstrated a new focus on environmental and political matters in recent years, and said he considered his future in F1 during last year, before signing up for a second season with Aston Martin in 2022.
The German has also been mentioned in connection with McLaren, where there have been questions about Daniel Ricciardo's position despite the Australian being under contract for 2023.
Asked about McLaren, Vettel said: "I know some people there but I think it's just rumours."
BBC
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Lewis Hamilton has reaffirmed his hopes of fighting for a first victory of the season at this weekend's French Grand Prix, with Mercedes teasing an extensive car upgrade as they bid to close the gap to the front.
While Hamilton and Mercedes have endured a poor first half of the season by their title-winning standards, much-improved pace in recent races has re-energised the team, and Le Castellet's Paul Ricard Circuit - smooth, fast and flowing like Silverstone - is expected to play to their strengths.
Such is Mercedes' upturn in form, Hamilton has reversed his opinion on not being able to fight for a win this season - and he believes he has a chance this weekend, when all sessions will be live on Sky Sports F1.
Asked if he will be in the hunt, Hamilton said: "I hope so, that's what we're all working towards."
"I'm working towards getting that win and I do believe at some stage we will be able to compete with these guys, whether that's this weekend or in five races time," he added. "The journey is the important part.
"We started off not where we wanted to be, we've made progress and we've started to hit a patch of consistency. When we do get back to where we deserve to be, I think we'll appreciate it that much more."
A win would be a milestone one for Hamilton, not just for ending his longest wait into an F1 season to claim a victory - but also because it would come in his 300th race as he becomes the sixth driver to reach that tally.
His team-mate George Russell, however, played down Mercedes' chances against Red Bull and Ferrari this weekend.
"The honest answer is we don't really know," Russell told Sky Sports F1. "We think we'll be closer than we probably were in Austria, relatively speaking. It could be reasonable.
"I think we're not going to be quicker than Ferrari or Red Bull. I think if we have an exceptional weekend, we could be within two tenths if we get absolutely everything right, but I'll be shocked if we get any closer than that."
SKY
While Hamilton and Mercedes have endured a poor first half of the season by their title-winning standards, much-improved pace in recent races has re-energised the team, and Le Castellet's Paul Ricard Circuit - smooth, fast and flowing like Silverstone - is expected to play to their strengths.
Such is Mercedes' upturn in form, Hamilton has reversed his opinion on not being able to fight for a win this season - and he believes he has a chance this weekend, when all sessions will be live on Sky Sports F1.
Asked if he will be in the hunt, Hamilton said: "I hope so, that's what we're all working towards."
"I'm working towards getting that win and I do believe at some stage we will be able to compete with these guys, whether that's this weekend or in five races time," he added. "The journey is the important part.
"We started off not where we wanted to be, we've made progress and we've started to hit a patch of consistency. When we do get back to where we deserve to be, I think we'll appreciate it that much more."
A win would be a milestone one for Hamilton, not just for ending his longest wait into an F1 season to claim a victory - but also because it would come in his 300th race as he becomes the sixth driver to reach that tally.
His team-mate George Russell, however, played down Mercedes' chances against Red Bull and Ferrari this weekend.
"The honest answer is we don't really know," Russell told Sky Sports F1. "We think we'll be closer than we probably were in Austria, relatively speaking. It could be reasonable.
"I think we're not going to be quicker than Ferrari or Red Bull. I think if we have an exceptional weekend, we could be within two tenths if we get absolutely everything right, but I'll be shocked if we get any closer than that."
SKY
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Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas has said that getting on top of reliability issues is his team’s “number one priority” currently – with the Finn also revealing his hopes that a new clutch system will help improve his getaways, starting at this weekend’s French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard.
Reliability problems have been a recurring frustration for Alfa Romeo throughout 2022, most recently cropping up in the Sprint in Austria, where Bottas was forced to drive around a “slight engine issue” – while team mate Zhou Guanyu’s car cut out on the way to the grid.
But while he didn’t yet have “100% confidence” in the fixes his team had made, Bottas seemed optimistic about the work going on in Alfa Romeo’s Hinwil factory in Switzerland.
“We’re making progress for sure,” he replied, when asked about reliability on Thursday at Paul Ricard. “I think we're on top of many things much better than we were in the beginning of the season.
“We still don't have 100% confidence because we've had so many issues, but for a long time, it's been the number one priority in the post-race meetings: the reliability and attacking and identifying issues before they happen.
“So we're doing everything we can with the resources. And then also we've been working as a team with Ferrari really closely, because also there's been issues that are not related to Sauber as such; there have been issues that sometimes have been from [power unit supplier] Ferrari, so it's been both sides really.”
Bottas went on to explain that one of those issues had been clutch-related – with Ferrari having brought a fix to France for this weekend.
“[The race starts have] been quite a big compromise,” said Bottas. “We tend to lose positions on average in the start and that's not great because the midfield is so tight that once you drop behind somebody and you're stuck for, like, 20 laps, it doesn't make your life any easier.
“We have a new clutch here,” Bottas added. “We will try it in practice for the first time, but it's something that Ferrari has been working on for quite some time and now finally we have some new bits for the clutch that should prevent oscillations we're having.
“The main weakness has been on the oscillation, especially tracks with low grip when you can't go quite as deep with the clutch, when you have to slip the clutch more and there's more oscillations. And then it [has] inconsistency in how it bites and how you get the getaway
“On tracks with more grip, it's been less of an issue, because you can go a bit deeper with the clutch and then there's less oscillation for some reason.
“And also in the beginning of the year, we were definitely lacking a little bit on the hardware side of things, because the clutch paddle's shape, everything was quite different to what I was used to at Mercedes, so we had to work quite a bit on that. But now the consistency in terms of the hardware is getting there.”
Meanwhile, Bottas also revealed that Alfa Romeo are targeting bringing their first big upgrade since Barcelona to the Hungaroring next weekend, as the team look to climb higher than their current P6 in the constructors’ standings.
F1
Reliability problems have been a recurring frustration for Alfa Romeo throughout 2022, most recently cropping up in the Sprint in Austria, where Bottas was forced to drive around a “slight engine issue” – while team mate Zhou Guanyu’s car cut out on the way to the grid.
But while he didn’t yet have “100% confidence” in the fixes his team had made, Bottas seemed optimistic about the work going on in Alfa Romeo’s Hinwil factory in Switzerland.
“We’re making progress for sure,” he replied, when asked about reliability on Thursday at Paul Ricard. “I think we're on top of many things much better than we were in the beginning of the season.
“We still don't have 100% confidence because we've had so many issues, but for a long time, it's been the number one priority in the post-race meetings: the reliability and attacking and identifying issues before they happen.
“So we're doing everything we can with the resources. And then also we've been working as a team with Ferrari really closely, because also there's been issues that are not related to Sauber as such; there have been issues that sometimes have been from [power unit supplier] Ferrari, so it's been both sides really.”
Bottas went on to explain that one of those issues had been clutch-related – with Ferrari having brought a fix to France for this weekend.
“[The race starts have] been quite a big compromise,” said Bottas. “We tend to lose positions on average in the start and that's not great because the midfield is so tight that once you drop behind somebody and you're stuck for, like, 20 laps, it doesn't make your life any easier.
“We have a new clutch here,” Bottas added. “We will try it in practice for the first time, but it's something that Ferrari has been working on for quite some time and now finally we have some new bits for the clutch that should prevent oscillations we're having.
“The main weakness has been on the oscillation, especially tracks with low grip when you can't go quite as deep with the clutch, when you have to slip the clutch more and there's more oscillations. And then it [has] inconsistency in how it bites and how you get the getaway
“On tracks with more grip, it's been less of an issue, because you can go a bit deeper with the clutch and then there's less oscillation for some reason.
“And also in the beginning of the year, we were definitely lacking a little bit on the hardware side of things, because the clutch paddle's shape, everything was quite different to what I was used to at Mercedes, so we had to work quite a bit on that. But now the consistency in terms of the hardware is getting there.”
Meanwhile, Bottas also revealed that Alfa Romeo are targeting bringing their first big upgrade since Barcelona to the Hungaroring next weekend, as the team look to climb higher than their current P6 in the constructors’ standings.
F1
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The French GP 2022 is upon us
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Ferrari's Carlos Sainz will have a grid penalty at the French Grand Prix for using too many engine parts.
For now, he has only a 10-place penalty after using a third electronics control unit, one more than permitted.
But following his engine fire in the Austrian Grand Prix, Ferrari are expected to take further parts later this weekend, sending the Spaniard to the back of the grid.
Sainz's team-mate Charles Leclerc set the pace in first practice.
Leclerc and title rival Max Verstappen were separated by just 0.091 seconds as both tried out new parts, focused on developments to the floors of their cars.
Sainz, running the old floor at Circuit Paul Ricard so Ferrari could compare the data from both designs before deciding which to run for the weekend, was third fastest, 0.338secs off Leclerc.
Verstappen made a mistake on his fastest lap, running wide and bouncing over the kerb on the exit of the Beausset double left-hander, whereas Leclerc had a clean lap.
George Russell was fourth fastest in the Mercedes, which also features new parts, but he was 0.951secs off the pace.
Reserve driver Nyck de Vries was running in Lewis Hamilton's car as one of the two mandatory 'young driver' outings required of each team. The Dutchman was eighth fastest, 0.5secs slower than Russell.
Pierre Gasly was fifth fastest in the heavily updated Alpha Tauri, ahead of the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez, who had a spin at Turn Six early in the session.
McLaren's Lando Norris was seventh fastest, ahead of Williams driver Alex Albon, De Vries and the second McLaren of Daniel Ricciardo.
BBC
For now, he has only a 10-place penalty after using a third electronics control unit, one more than permitted.
But following his engine fire in the Austrian Grand Prix, Ferrari are expected to take further parts later this weekend, sending the Spaniard to the back of the grid.
Sainz's team-mate Charles Leclerc set the pace in first practice.
Leclerc and title rival Max Verstappen were separated by just 0.091 seconds as both tried out new parts, focused on developments to the floors of their cars.
Sainz, running the old floor at Circuit Paul Ricard so Ferrari could compare the data from both designs before deciding which to run for the weekend, was third fastest, 0.338secs off Leclerc.
Verstappen made a mistake on his fastest lap, running wide and bouncing over the kerb on the exit of the Beausset double left-hander, whereas Leclerc had a clean lap.
George Russell was fourth fastest in the Mercedes, which also features new parts, but he was 0.951secs off the pace.
Reserve driver Nyck de Vries was running in Lewis Hamilton's car as one of the two mandatory 'young driver' outings required of each team. The Dutchman was eighth fastest, 0.5secs slower than Russell.
Pierre Gasly was fifth fastest in the heavily updated Alpha Tauri, ahead of the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez, who had a spin at Turn Six early in the session.
McLaren's Lando Norris was seventh fastest, ahead of Williams driver Alex Albon, De Vries and the second McLaren of Daniel Ricciardo.
BBC
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Carlos Sainz led Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari one-two in Friday practice at the French Grand Prix.
The Ferrari drivers, separated by just 0.101 seconds, had a surprisingly large advantage over Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who was 0.550secs back in third at Circuit Paul Ricard.
But on race pace, the tables turned, with championship leader Verstappen faster than the Ferraris.
Mercedes' George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were next in fourth and fifth.
The Ferrari drivers, separated by just 0.101 seconds, had a surprisingly large advantage over Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who was 0.550secs back in third at Circuit Paul Ricard.
But on race pace, the tables turned, with championship leader Verstappen faster than the Ferraris.
Mercedes' George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were next in fourth and fifth.
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Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc are wary of the pace of Red Bull despite finishing Friday practice on top at the French Grand Prix.
The Ferraris had a large advantage over Max Verstappen, who was third, 0.550 seconds off Sainz's pace-setting time.
But on race pace, the tables turned, and Verstappen was comfortably faster.
Leclerc said: "Max seems particularly quick on the high fuel. So I don't know how much fuel they were running. That is a bit of a question mark."
Leclerc starts the weekend 38 points adrift of Verstappen in the drivers' championship after his victory in the Austrian Grand Prix last time out ended a poor run of results for him.
Sainz to have grid penalty at French Grand Prix
He was 0.101secs slower than Sainz on the one-off qualifying simulation laps, where Ferrari's decision to run a higher engine mode than Red Bull will have accounted for at least some of Verstappen's deficit.
Leclerc said: "It was a good Friday. We still have to work on the car a little bit.
"It is very difficult to understand because it feels like Red Bull is doing something different to us on Fridays. But focusing on ourselves, the feeling is good. We just need to put everything together and the pace is in the car.
"If we do the perfect weekend, we will be fighting for the win."
Verstappen was struggling with a lack of front grip in second practice, which could explain some of his struggles over a single lap.
Despite its lower engine mode, the Red Bull was especially quick on the straights, while Ferrari had an advantage in the corners of the first and last sectors of the lap.
Leclerc seemed to struggle with high tyre degradation on his race-simulation run as his times dropped off quite severely as the laps progressed, but he ran longer than Verstappen so it was difficult to get a clear comparative picture.
Verstappen said: "FP2 was a little bit more difficult for us. We didn't really get the balance we hoped for but also we were trying a few things with the car.
"We will have a look at it all tomorrow and try to be closer. In the long run, it was a little better but the tyres are running really hot and it's very difficult to judge where you are.
"We know we still have a little bit of work to do. This track is very hard on tyres and in general we all needed a few more laps to have a good look at the long run."
Sainz will not feature in the lead battle in the race because he has a grid penalty for using excessive engine parts.
The Spaniard already has a 10-place drop for exceeding his allowance of electronics control units, and is expected to start from the back as a result of Ferrari taking more parts on Saturday morning - the same pattern of events as with Leclerc when he was in the same situation in Canada.
Sainz more or less admitted this after practice on Friday.
"I took 10," he said. "So you can expect what is coming next."
He added: "I didn't do many laps on the short run on the low field but every lap I did was super-competitive so it shows the steps we are taking is going in the right direction.
"I was focusing more on the long run because I am not going to be in the fight for pole position given the amount of penalties.
"In the long run there is a bit of work to do but at the same time some encouragement from the short run."
Both top teams have upgrades on their cars, focused on changes to the floors.
BBC
The Ferraris had a large advantage over Max Verstappen, who was third, 0.550 seconds off Sainz's pace-setting time.
But on race pace, the tables turned, and Verstappen was comfortably faster.
Leclerc said: "Max seems particularly quick on the high fuel. So I don't know how much fuel they were running. That is a bit of a question mark."
Leclerc starts the weekend 38 points adrift of Verstappen in the drivers' championship after his victory in the Austrian Grand Prix last time out ended a poor run of results for him.
Sainz to have grid penalty at French Grand Prix
He was 0.101secs slower than Sainz on the one-off qualifying simulation laps, where Ferrari's decision to run a higher engine mode than Red Bull will have accounted for at least some of Verstappen's deficit.
Leclerc said: "It was a good Friday. We still have to work on the car a little bit.
"It is very difficult to understand because it feels like Red Bull is doing something different to us on Fridays. But focusing on ourselves, the feeling is good. We just need to put everything together and the pace is in the car.
"If we do the perfect weekend, we will be fighting for the win."
Verstappen was struggling with a lack of front grip in second practice, which could explain some of his struggles over a single lap.
Despite its lower engine mode, the Red Bull was especially quick on the straights, while Ferrari had an advantage in the corners of the first and last sectors of the lap.
Leclerc seemed to struggle with high tyre degradation on his race-simulation run as his times dropped off quite severely as the laps progressed, but he ran longer than Verstappen so it was difficult to get a clear comparative picture.
Verstappen said: "FP2 was a little bit more difficult for us. We didn't really get the balance we hoped for but also we were trying a few things with the car.
"We will have a look at it all tomorrow and try to be closer. In the long run, it was a little better but the tyres are running really hot and it's very difficult to judge where you are.
"We know we still have a little bit of work to do. This track is very hard on tyres and in general we all needed a few more laps to have a good look at the long run."
Sainz will not feature in the lead battle in the race because he has a grid penalty for using excessive engine parts.
The Spaniard already has a 10-place drop for exceeding his allowance of electronics control units, and is expected to start from the back as a result of Ferrari taking more parts on Saturday morning - the same pattern of events as with Leclerc when he was in the same situation in Canada.
Sainz more or less admitted this after practice on Friday.
"I took 10," he said. "So you can expect what is coming next."
He added: "I didn't do many laps on the short run on the low field but every lap I did was super-competitive so it shows the steps we are taking is going in the right direction.
"I was focusing more on the long run because I am not going to be in the fight for pole position given the amount of penalties.
"In the long run there is a bit of work to do but at the same time some encouragement from the short run."
Both top teams have upgrades on their cars, focused on changes to the floors.
BBC
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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have admitted that Mercedes' start to the French GP weekend has not lived up to expectations, with Ferrari and Red Bull's pace putting a dampener on their victory hopes.
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Ferrari's Carlos Sainz will start the French Grand Prix from the back of the grid as a result of penalties for excessive engine usage.
The Spaniard's demotion was confirmed on Saturday when Ferrari officially took a complete new engine, his fourth of the season, one more than allowed.
That was added to the new electronics control unit taken on Friday, which had already given him a 10-place penalty.
Sainz ended final practice second, behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
The world champion looked in impressive form, setting a lap 0.354 seconds quicker than Sainz.
Verstappen's title rival Charles Leclerc, who won the last race in Austria, was third fastest, nearly 0.3secs behind his Ferrari team-mate.
Leclerc also seemed to be struggling still with high tyre degradation, as he had on the race-simulation runs in Friday practice - while Sainz improved his time on a second lap on the 'soft' tyre, Leclerc complained his were "dead" when he tried.
Lewis Hamilton was fourth quickest for Mercedes - but 0.9secs off the pace on a track the team had expected to bring them a little closer to the front.
The second Red Bull of Sergio Perez was fifth fastest, a second off team-mate Verstappen, and George Russell sixth in the second Mercedes, ahead of Fernando Alonso's Alpine, the Williams of Alex Albon and McLaren's Lando Norris.
Haas' Kevin Magnussen will join Sainz at the back of the grid after also changing a number of power unit components.
BBC
The Spaniard's demotion was confirmed on Saturday when Ferrari officially took a complete new engine, his fourth of the season, one more than allowed.
That was added to the new electronics control unit taken on Friday, which had already given him a 10-place penalty.
Sainz ended final practice second, behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
The world champion looked in impressive form, setting a lap 0.354 seconds quicker than Sainz.
Verstappen's title rival Charles Leclerc, who won the last race in Austria, was third fastest, nearly 0.3secs behind his Ferrari team-mate.
Leclerc also seemed to be struggling still with high tyre degradation, as he had on the race-simulation runs in Friday practice - while Sainz improved his time on a second lap on the 'soft' tyre, Leclerc complained his were "dead" when he tried.
Lewis Hamilton was fourth quickest for Mercedes - but 0.9secs off the pace on a track the team had expected to bring them a little closer to the front.
The second Red Bull of Sergio Perez was fifth fastest, a second off team-mate Verstappen, and George Russell sixth in the second Mercedes, ahead of Fernando Alonso's Alpine, the Williams of Alex Albon and McLaren's Lando Norris.
Haas' Kevin Magnussen will join Sainz at the back of the grid after also changing a number of power unit components.
BBC
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Charles Leclerc takes pole ahead of Max Verstappen for tomorrow's French Grand Prix.
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Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes acknowledged they were surprised to be so far off the pace at the French Grand Prix and are at a loss to explain why.
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Charles Leclerc gifted Max Verstappen victory and a huge advantage in the World Championship by crashing out of the lead of the French Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver, in need of a good result to keep his title hopes alive, lost control at the Beausset right-hander two laps after the Red Bull had made its first pit stop.
Verstappen's seventh win in 12 races gives him a 63-point lead with 10 races to go.
Lewis Hamilton took a strong second, and his Mercedes team-mate George Russell third and the final podium place after a frantic and bad-tempered fight with Red Bull's Sergio Perez in the closing laps.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was fifth, questioning his team's decision to make a second pit stop just after he had taken third place from Perez with 11 laps to go.
BBC
The Ferrari driver, in need of a good result to keep his title hopes alive, lost control at the Beausset right-hander two laps after the Red Bull had made its first pit stop.
Verstappen's seventh win in 12 races gives him a 63-point lead with 10 races to go.
Lewis Hamilton took a strong second, and his Mercedes team-mate George Russell third and the final podium place after a frantic and bad-tempered fight with Red Bull's Sergio Perez in the closing laps.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was fifth, questioning his team's decision to make a second pit stop just after he had taken third place from Perez with 11 laps to go.
BBC
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Charles Leclerc accepted responsibility for making the "unacceptable mistake" that saw him crash out from the lead of the French GP and says his speed is "pointless" if he keeps making errors.
Lewis Hamilton hailed an "incredible result" at the French GP as he achieved his best finish of the season in his milestone 300th Formula 1 race.
Lewis Hamilton hailed an "incredible result" at the French GP as he achieved his best finish of the season in his milestone 300th Formula 1 race.
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Sky Sports F1's Nico Rosberg says Ferrari need to make "serious changes" after what he perceived as another strategy blunder at the French GP, while he also insists Charles Leclerc is still in the title fight against Max Verstappen despite losing big points after his crash from the lead.
Carlos Sainz has defended Ferrari's strategic decisions after a controversial call over a late pit stop saw him lose out on a potential podium finish at the French Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz has defended Ferrari's strategic decisions after a controversial call over a late pit stop saw him lose out on a potential podium finish at the French Grand Prix.
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Ferrari say it is "unfair" to say Charles Leclerc makes too many mistakes to beat Max Verstappen, despite the Monegasque's crash at the French GP and his own damning verdict on his latest costly F1 error.
Lewis Hamilton said after his 300th F1 race that he feels he's got "plenty of fuel in the tank", and welcomed talks with Mercedes about his future.
Lewis Hamilton said after his 300th F1 race that he feels he's got "plenty of fuel in the tank", and welcomed talks with Mercedes about his future.
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BREAKING: Sebastian Vettel has announced he is retiring from Formula One at the end of the 2022 season.
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Fellow multiple world champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have paid tribute to Sebastian Vettel after he announced his retirement.
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