Latest news with #Austrian
1News
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- 1News
F1: Liam Lawson energised to perform in Austrian GP
Liam Lawson and Racing Bulls are likely to face similar issues they had in Canada a fortnight ago when they take on the Austrian F1 Grand Prix this weekend. Racing Bulls were well out of the points in Montreal and the team will hopefully have fixed any issues in the time since. Racing Bulls admitted they lacked pace to challenge for the top 10 in Canada with team principal Laurent Mekies hoping they could change that in time for Austria after some work back at the team base in Britain. Lawson's cause wasn't helped when he was forced to start from the pit lane after the team made some changes to his power unit. Unfortunately, cooling issues forced him to retire late in the race. He can only hope the car is at its best because Red Bull Ring is a unique circuit where the margins become even finer. ADVERTISEMENT It is one of the shortest and fastest circuits on the calendar with drivers completing a lap in just over a minute. It has just 10 corners, but has three DRS zones allowing for overtaking. The downforce setting becomes critical to balance the speed of the straights and the grip needed on the fast corners. Lawson has raced there in junior categories. "I've really enjoyed the track but, obviously in F1, it will bring an entirely new pressure," Lawson said. "I'm coming into this weekend with fresh energy following Canada and am ready to fight for points with the team." Both Lawson and Isack Hadjar have spent a lot of time in the simulator since Canada, while chief technical officer Tim Goss said they'll "take forward some further setup adjustments to maximise the car's capabilities". ADVERTISEMENT Qualifying will again be the key to picking up points. Lawson has made the third part of qualifying just once this season and that was in Monaco when he went on to grab his only points. Meanwhile, Red Bull have confirmed that British youngster Arvid Lindblad will get his first grand prix weekend outing at the British GP at Silverstone next week. The 17-year-old obtained his FIA Superlicence earlier this month. Lindblad, who won the Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand last summer and currently races in F2, will be involved during Friday practice at Silverstone. Until now, Ayumu Iwasa has been the only reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Teen charged in targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna concert as boyfriend Travis Kelce boosts her security mindset
A terror plot targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna shows in August 2024 was foiled (Getty Images) As Taylor Swift continues to dazzle fans around the globe on her record-breaking Eras Tour, shocking details have emerged about a foiled terror plot targeting her sold-out Vienna shows in August 2024. The suspected mastermind, a juvenile Syrian national identified only as Mohammad A., has now been formally charged in a Berlin court—reigniting debates across Europe about terrorism, youth radicalization, and concert safety. Meanwhile, Swift's partner, NFL star Travis Kelce , has reportedly stepped up his involvement in her security planning as a precautionary measure. Foiled Vienna attack shows growing risks for global music superstars According to German prosecutors, the teenage suspect faces charges of supporting a foreign terrorist group and helping plan the thwarted attack. Authorities say Mohammad A. embraced ISIS ideology as early as April 2024, translating bomb-making instructions from Arabic into German and establishing encrypted communications between Austrian operatives and the Islamic State. The Vienna dates—August 8-10, 2024—were swiftly canceled by Swift's team after intelligence operations uncovered the threat. The plot's discovery prompted tighter security across Swift's tour, especially in major European cities. Though she resumed shows in London, local law enforcement presence was visibly increased. For millions of Swifties, the event was a jarring reminder of how even pop culture can become a target in global conflicts. Travis Kelce stands by Taylor Swift amid rising concerns over safety While Taylor Swift has not made a direct public statement about the foiled plot, her boyfriend Travis Kelce has reportedly taken a more proactive role behind the scenes. A source close to the Chiefs tight end told Marca, 'Taylor Swift steps into a new world with Travis Kelce and doesn't seem to want to leave.' The quote suggests the bond between the two is stronger than ever, even as the challenges surrounding her fame become more complex. Swift and Kelce have been seen navigating their high-profile relationship with increasing confidence, but sources say this latest incident prompted deep discussions about personal safety, tour protocols, and long-term planning. Kelce, known for his commanding presence on the football field, is said to be encouraging Swift to remain vigilant while still connecting with fans in a meaningful way. With the trial now headed to a juvenile court in Berlin, legal experts note that the case could set a precedent. While Germany places a strong emphasis on rehabilitating young offenders, terrorism charges carry serious weight—even for minors. Authorities must also decide whether Mohammad A., who is currently not in custody, poses an ongoing threat. Also Read: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's NFL flex pose sparks political controversy over Donald Trump comparison Meanwhile, Swift's global tour continues, now under a more watchful eye. The Vienna scare serves as a stark reminder that fame, even when wrapped in glitter and music, doesn't shield one from the world's darker realities. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Dunne makes sensational practice debut, emerges fourth quickest
Alex Dunne stepped into the cockpit of Lando Norris' McLaren as an up-and-coming driver without Formula 1 experience. He left it with proof he can keep up with the very best in F1. The 19-year-old driver from Ireland took over Norris' car for the first practice Friday (June 27, 2025) ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix and was soon close to matching the pace of championship leader Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren. 'I want to say a massive thank you. A little boy's dream came true,' Dunne told the McLaren team over the radio. 'This is definitely the best day of my life, so thank you everyone for letting me do this. And thanks to Lando as well for trusting me with his car.' Dunne set the fourth-fastest time of anyone in the session, 0.224 of a second off George Russell's quickest lap, and was especially quick in the Austrian track's fastest corners. Dunne was .159 off the pace of defending champion Max Verstappen, .069 off Piastri, and .333 quicker than seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton. The 19-year-old Dunne has risen fast through the junior series and is the standings leader in Formula 2. He's also done private testing in a 2023-specification McLaren and used the team's simulator. Dunne became the first Irish driver to take part in a Grand Prix weekend for 22 years, since Ralph Firman raced one season for Jordan in 2003. F1 teams are required to give young drivers an opportunity in four Friday (June 27, 2025) practice sessions per year, but they usually need more time to adapt than Dunne did. Another F2 driver was behind the wheel Friday (June 27, 2025) as Ferrari handed Charles Leclerc's car to Sweden's Dino Beganovic, who placed 18th.
Belfast Telegraph
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Dan Harper on why this could be his year at the ‘big one' after years of bad luck
The Hillsborough driver is making his fourth start at the twice-around-the-clock race with his regular German co-driver Max Hesse, and one-off team-mate, Austrian Philipp Eng. There is a real sense that this could finally be Harper's year as he has had to endure bitter disappointment on his three previous visits. Back in 2022, his silverware hunt was banished by a puncture, with the same fate befalling him last year, while in 2023, the car Harper was sharing had to be retired after it got caught up in an incident during the night. Only last Sunday, Harper and Hesse scored a first GTD Pro victory in the America IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the Six Hours of Watkins Glen International in New York State. A day earlier, Rowe Racing triumphed at the Nürburgring 24 Hours to take BMW's total victory count around the famous 'Green Hell', in Germany, to 21 from all starts. Eng, meanwhile, has an enviable Spa record and is one of the most decorated drivers in the history of the Ardennes classic having won there three times, twice with Rowe Racing. 'I'm looking forward to the big one this weekend,' said Harper, who is being reunited with Rowe Racing for the first time since the World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup title decider in Saudi Arabia last December. 'We have had some bad luck at Spa these the last few years; on every occasion, we have been in contention for a podium, including 2024 we were fighting for the victory right up until the end only for a puncture before the last pit stop to deny us. 'We are competitive there which is encouraging, the BMW has been very strong there, and Rowe Racing are a fantastic and well-organised team who do very well in the longer endurance races, as they demonstrated at the Nürburgring last weekend with their win. 'Everyone in the team is naturally in good spirits, and myself and Max arrive at Spa on the back of our first win in IMSA, so yeah, I am really looking forward to it,' continued the 24-year-old. 'Having Philipp onboard is a boost, too. He has a great record a Spa with three victories, most recently in 2023, so I'm very excited to be sharing the car with him for the first time.' A 75-car field featuring machinery from 10 manufacturers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini and Porsche will line up for the 77th instalment of the 24 Hours of Spa, which begins on Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm UK time.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
F1 Austrian Grand Prix: Fine teams for ‘long shot' protests, says Wolff
Formula One teams should be fined if they fail in 'long shot' protests against rivals, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said on Friday. The Austrian told reporters at his home grand prix that the governing FIA was already looking into the possibility of such a measure. Rival Red Bull has protested twice in the space of five races, and without success, against Mercedes driver George Russell. In Canada two weeks ago, where Russell won and Verstappen finished second, the result of the race was not confirmed until more than five hours after the chequered flag due to the enquiry. READ | Max Verstappen heads into Red Bull's home race with upgrades and growing uncertainty One of the protests in Montreal, alleging a safety car infringement, was withdrawn while the other claimed Russell had been 'unsportsmanlike' in his driving. 'I think it's absolutely legitimate to protest. We are fighting for race wins and championships. And if you have the opinion that what you've seen is not right, then you should protest,' said Wolff. 'But some of these actions are just really not real. 'There are things that, from my perspective, are legit to protest and others that are just a little bit of a too long shot.' Wolff said nobody was a fan of higher fines, and Formula One needed to be mindful of the real world and not be seen as over the top. 'But in that (Canadian GP) instance, absolutely put in a fine, and I think the president of the FIA is working on that. Put in a fine that, at least if you lose it, is a little bit of an embarrassment that you lost so much money, and you're going to think twice whether you do it,' he added. 'I think this is along the lines the FIA are thinking.' Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who was previously at Red Bull, said it was important for teams to have the right to protest and making it prohibitive would likely result in more problems.
