Latest news with #F1GrandPrixofEmilia-Romagna
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Insider Claims Max Verstappen's Mercedes Move Is Almost Done
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amid ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen's potential switch to Mercedes, Nelson Piquet Jr., the brother of Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet, has made a bombshell revelation about Verstappen's Mercedes links. Speculation about the Dutch driver's Mercedes move began after George Russell admitted that his Mercedes contract extension was on hold due to the team's ongoing talks with Verstappen. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the link but revealed that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will likely form the team's 2026 driver lineup. However, he didn't shy away from saying that Verstappen was definitely a priority option for the long-term future. Related: Flight Tracker Data Suggests Max Verstappen's Meeting With Mercedes Chief The likelihood of the four-time world champion's interest in Mercedes is high, given the challenges at Red Bull. The team has been struggling with the car since mid-2024, a stark contrast to 2023's dominant performance when Verstappen won 19 out of the 22 races. Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in pit lane with George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo... Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in pit lane with George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 17, 2025 in Imola, Italy. MoreApart from the challenges with the RB21 F1 car, Red Bull is developing its own power units for the 2026 car in collaboration with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. However, with no proven track record of making powerful and reliable engines, Red Bull has a heavy weight on its shoulders, and Verstappen's confidence in the team's technical prowess is yet to be known. Especially after the sudden exit of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was replaced by former Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies last week. Piquet Jr. spoke on the Pelas Pista podcast after the British Grand Prix, revealing that Verstappen will be at Mercedes next year. Addressing the disappointing weekend for Mercedes at Silverstone, he said: "Who knows next year, with Max there..." Podcast host Thiago Alves couldn't believe what he had heard. Piquet Jr. then revealed further insider details. He said: "They are talking, everyone knows right? "Just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it's an option. They are talking." Piquet Jr. then revealed that Verstappen is expected to make a decision about his Mercedes move by this August. He said: "Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not. But I think it would be pretty cool." When Alves asked him if it was cool if he switched or if he stayed, Piquet Jr. said: "To switch." We should take this with a huge pinch of salt, but interesting to hear this from a family member. Related: Kimi Antonelli Breaks Silence after Verstappen's Strong Links to Mercedes
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
FIA President Responds to 'Failure in Leadership' Allegations
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hit back at claims by his presidential opponent Tim Mayer, who remains the sole challenger to the seat. Mayer pointed out Ben Sulayem's "failure in leadership" and called his term a "reign of terror." Ben Sulayem took over as president of Formula One's governing body, the FIA, in 2021. In the last two years, Ben Sulayem has faced considerable opposition from teams and drivers, who mostly seek transparency. The 2024 season saw drivers uniting against Ben Sulayem through the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), seeking consistency in the regulations. The GPDA also requested that drivers not be policed in matters such as their appearance and swearing on camera. Ben Sulayem faces American candidate Mayer in the upcoming presidential elections, who is a former FIA steward and commission member and the son of former McLaren team principal Teddy Mayer. Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, declared he was running for FIA president ahead of last weekend's British Grand Prix. Raising serious questions about the way Ben Sulayem has been running the FIA, he said in a press conference: "Those people work very hard. They deserve leadership that provides them with tools, with a vision, with resources and more than anything else does not have a reign of terror every time they walk into the office." Now, Ben Sulayem has reacted to the allegation, suggesting that Mayer was out of touch with ground reality. He said: "I just laughed. I actually had a smile. I said whoever is saying this, they are disconnected with the FIA. Honestly. "You go to the FIA and just enter and see. Sit with them, tell them it's just between you and them, and ask them the question. I think maybe he's confusing the period." Mayer also alleged that Ben Sulayem was bypassing the existing framework to run the organization his way. He said: "Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent." The statement comes in the wake of several high-profile exits from the FIA since last year, which led many F1 drivers to voice their concerns. However, Ben Sulayem defended himself, claiming he had never spoken against anyone. He said: "Have you ever read any article where I said negatively about a single person? That's not me." Addressing the elections and comparing them to a race, Ben Sulayem added: "It's like putting your helmet and gloves back on. Really it reminds me of competitions, and competition is always good. "We have such clear guidelines that now you cannot fiddle around with anything and that will never happen, not in my reign."
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Why Valtteri Bottas would be the perfect fit for Alpine
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. According to reports, Alpine reached out to Mercedes' reserve driver, Valtteri Bottas, about his availability. Bottas played a key role in Mercedes winning several Constructors' titles. He is well-travelled around the grid, racing for Sauber in a three-season stint. As Audi is taking over, Sauber made the move to replace Bottas with the German veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg. Bottas decided to stay in the sport and join Mercedes again. With a new set of regulations coming in the upcoming season, he is eyeing a seat for the new cars. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes poses for a photo on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes poses for a photo on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Photo byIn an early June interview, Bottas revealed talks between Alpine and his team. "I think probably there has been some discussions," Bottas explained on F1's "Beyond the Grid." "I haven't really been involved, but I do have a management team who are always in the background seeing what is out there. They do have a Mercedes power unit for the future, which I think is a good call. "They're on their second driver this year and I think the next races will show how that goes. Again, I think on a struggle street, let's say, experience can always help. "But there's lots of politics in this sport. I don't have tens of millions to pay for a seat. Depends on the team but I do have some personal partners that could potentially join me, but still, not to an extent to some others. Let's wait and see a few races and see how things go. You never know if something opens up." Bottas offers a steady, experienced pair of hands behind the wheel. He is familiar with the Mercedes power unit and knows how to get familiar with a new engine formula. Mercedes is reportedly willing to help Bottas make the move to Alpine happen, especially since there is a new partnership between his current team and the French organization. Alpine's current driver situation alongside Pierre Gasly remains muddled, leaving the door open for Bottas. Do we like this seat? — Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) June 23, 2025 Gasly is, without a doubt, the team's lead driver whom they are building around for the future. He is a consistent driver who delivers results and pushes any car he drives further up the grid. Colapinto came over from Williams during the offseason as the reserve driver for a big fee. Despite the expense, Alpine featured Jack Doohan in the second seat of the team, opting to reward a driver from the French team's academy. After not impressing in the leadership, Doohan was given the axe by Alpine in the first half of the season. They promoted Colapinto to the second seat, but through five races, he still hasn't scored a point yet. Alpine's car isn't one of the best on the grid - Gasly has only finished in the points once during Colapinto's scoreless streak. They are still backing Colapinto for the rest of the season. He is continuing to drive for the team on a race-by-race basis. While not the flashiest option, Bottas can help get Alpine back into the midfield amid its run of poor results. He will give specific feedback on car development and knows what teams need in order to win. For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Valtteri Bottas Linked to Alpine F1 Team Amid Cadillac Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has been linked to a potential move to the Alpine Formula One team in 2026. The report arrives amid talks of him being considered for a seat in the Cadillac F1 team next year, marking the outfit's debut and the beginning of a new era of regulations in the sport. Bottas was dropped by Sauber at the end of 2024. Since then, he has been a reserve driver with Mercedes, a team he raced for from 2017 to 2021. The Finn is keen on a full-time seat with one of the teams on the grid, but with a competitive driver market, Cadillac looked to be ideal way to get back. However, according to a report by The Race, Bottas could be an Alpine F1 driver by the end of this year if the Enstone-based outfit decides to drop Franco Colapinto. For the same reason, Alpine's executive advisor and interim team principal, Flavio Briatore, held talks with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Bottas' availability. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes look son in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 15, 2025 in Imola,... Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes look son in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 15, 2025 in Imola, Italy. MoreWhile talks have not reached an advanced stage, the reports suggest Briatore's interest in signing Bottas for the future. The shift from Mercedes to Alpine could be a smooth one for the 35-year-old driver, since Alpine is set to become a Mercedes customer team next year. However, it remains to be seen if racing for Alpine is something that appeals to Bottas. If Bottas got really lucky, he could find himself with two offers on the table - one from Alpine and another from Cadillac. However, he has given himself the time until August of this year to finalize his future. Newsweek Sports reported Bottas' comments from a recent interview, where he revealed his interest in Cadillac. He said: "I think they have a few drivers on the list. I would imagine my experience will help because now I've raced in three different teams, with one of the teams having mega success. With Williams as well, we had some great results, so I hope I'm in a good position. "I know my timeline, when I want to know about next year and what plans I need to make, which I think is more or less August, which is a pretty good target for that, and hopefully, we'll hear something more soon. "For me, I actually see a very interesting project, something new to F1, an American team with maybe a different view to the sport. "If I were there as a driver, it would be very interesting because you can start from scratch. "The team starts from zero. You could actually make a big influence on certain things, which direction to go, and that would be very motivating and rewarding when the success comes. "I think the rule change is always a good point to jump in because you just never know, if you suddenly get it right, you might actually be doing really well from the get-go."
Newsweek
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Did Valtteri Bottas Just Sign With Cadillac F1 Team? Driver Drops Big Hint
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes Formula One reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has dropped a big hint of his potential move to the Cadillac F1 team in its debut year in 2026. Bottas rejoined Mercedes after ending his F1 journey with the Sauber team at the end of last year. The Cadillac F1 team is all set to enter the F1 grid next year and preparations have been ongoing in full swing. Cadillac's arrival syncs with the sport's entry into a new era of regulations, where cars will be powered by an equal ratio of electric power and internal combustion on sustainable fuels. While Bottas failed to secure a full-time seat for 2025, he has been eyeing several opportunities to return to the grid. However, Cadillac has remained tight-lipped about the drivers it has shortlisted for next year. Bottas and former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez were rumored to be in talks with the American outfit and now, Bottas' most recent post on X has raised eyebrows. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 16, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 16, 2025 in Imola, Finnish driver was recorded approaching a Cadillac SUV, with the cameraman pointing at the seat saying "That's a nice seat!" Impressed, Bottas affirmed as he touched the seat, prompting the cameraman to point out that there are two seats. Bottas then asked if "they're both free." When he was asked if he wanted to sit in there, Bottas replied saying "not yet." Do we like this seat? — Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) June 23, 2025 The video could also be a subtle hint from Bottas to his fans that though no deal has been signed yet, talks are underway and a potential signing announcement could be made in the future. Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon revealed in April that the new outfit is considering a veteran driver and acknowledged that the team has spoken to "seven or eight drivers." Bottas revealed why Cadillac was an ideal team for a driver like him, considering it was starting everything from scratch. Newsweek Sports reported his comments: "I think they have a few drivers on the list. I would imagine my experience will help because now I've raced in three different teams, with one of the teams having mega success. With Williams as well, we had some great results, so I hope I'm in a good position. "I know my timeline, when I want to know about next year and what plans I need to make, which I think is more or less August, which is a pretty good target for that, and hopefully, we'll hear something more soon. "For me, I actually see a very interesting project, something new to F1, an American team with maybe a different view to the sport. "If I were there as a driver, it would be very interesting because you can start from scratch. "The team starts from zero. You could actually make a big influence on certain things, which direction to go, and that would be very motivating and rewarding when the success comes. "I think the rule change is always a good point to jump in because you just never know, if you suddenly get it right, you might actually be doing really well from the get-go."
