Latest news with #MERCEDES
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Mercedes ramp up sensational Max Verstappen swoop despite bad blood with F1 rival George Russell
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MERCEDES are ramping up their pursuit to sign Max Verstappen to form a dream team with George Russell. Toto Wolff confirmed today that there had been behind closed doors talks with the four-time world champion and that Mercedes were 'exploring' their future plans. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has not fuelled speculation that Max Verstappen could join his team Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Wolff did not rule out the possibility of Russell and Verstappen becoming teammates at Mercedes Credit: Getty Russell, who is out of contract next year, also said that his team have been talking to Verstappen about signing a deal for 2026. Russell also suggested on Thursday that his contract talks with Wolff had been delayed by the ongoing talks with Verstappen. Wolff said: "There is no delay in George's contract negotiations because it's pretty clear, since a long time, what our timings were and are. "We have known each other for such a long time, so there is no such thing as a delay. "As team principal of the best car brand in the world, it's clear you explore what a four-time world champion will do in the future, "That could be long into the future. That has no effect on us putting a signature on George's contract." Four-time world champion Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 which is said to have a break clause which could be triggered to prompt an exit. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS When asked who would be axed from Mercedes between Russell and Kimi Antonelli to make way for Verstappen, Wolff said: 'You make it sound like we have been asking 'when do you want to join and what are the terms?' 'That's not how it is and how it works. And I come back to my previous question. Ex-Red Bull mechanic claims Max Verstappen will quit F1 this year 'I want to just have the conversations behind closed doors not in town halls. And we have two drivers that have been in our programme since a long time. 'Drivers that I'm perfectly happy to have. Drivers that will do great in the future of the team. So it's a bit of a different situation.' Wolff suggested that Russell had been weighing up his options outside of Mercedes as well. Wolff added: 'We are going into territory that I don't want to discuss out here, but people talk, people explore. 'The most important thing is that in our organisation, we are transparent. But it doesn't change a millimetre of my opinion of George, his abilities or anything else. 'I like what George says and I'm always supportive of the driver. There is no such thing as saying things I wouldn't want him to say. 'We are very transparent in the team of what we do, what we plan. 'We've been like that since I was being put in charge of that. So that's not the issue. At the moment clearly, you need to explore what's happening in the future.' Eyebrows have been raised over whether Verstappen and Russell could fit in a team together with the duo having a history of bad blood. 6 The most recent incident involved Verstappen ramming into the British driver at the Spanish Grand Prix three-weeks ago. When asked if the pair could drive together at Mercedes, Wolff added: 'I can imagine every line-up. 'Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton fighting for a world championship, so everything else afterwards is easy. 'There's pros and cons of having two drivers fighting each other hard. We've seen examples where that functioned and other examples where it didn't. 'When it comes to the contract situation, you know, our sport is pressure, constant pressure, whether you're in the car, outside of the car, you just need to cope with that. 'George knows that, like any other driver.' 6 Max Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for "undoubtedly" causing his collision with George Russell in Barcelona Earlier this year Wolff said zero negotiations had been held with Verstappen and that they were not 'flirting' with the prospect of signing him. He said: 'There is no flirt (with Verstappen) in that sense. You can flirt or you have conversations. 'It is in the nature of the sport that you talk about people, whether they're in the car or in the factory or in the racetrack. 'Most important thing is to stay true to your values. And for me, that is being integral and humble about the situation, respectful of the people. 'That's what we are trying to do in the team. I've been in situations like this before. Some of the conversations are more difficult than others.' Russell himself made it clear he was aware of Mercedes' interest in Verstappen, hinting that it could be delaying his contract renewal due at the end of the season. 6 Russell won the Canadian Grand Prix last time out, with team-mate Kimi Antontelli grabbing his first podium aged 18 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Brit, 27, told Sky: "It's only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. "But from my side, if I'm performing as I'm doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team. Toto has made it clear to me that how I'm performing is as good as anybody. "There is only one driver that you can debate in terms of performance. These are his words and not my words, and that is why I have no concern about my future. "But there are two seats to every team and I guess he needs to think who are those two drivers."
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Mercedes ramp up sensational Max Verstappen swoop despite bad blood with F1 rival George Russell
MERCEDES are ramping up their pursuit to sign Max Verstappen to form a dream team with George Russell. Toto Wolff confirmed today that there had been behind closed doors talks with the four-time world champion and that Mercedes were 'exploring' their future plans. 6 Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has not fuelled speculation that Max Verstappen could join his team Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Wolff did not rule out the possibility of Russell and Verstappen becoming teammates at Mercedes Credit: Getty Russell, who is out of contract next year, also said that his team have been talking to Verstappen about signing a deal for 2026. Russell also suggested on Thursday that his contract talks with Wolff had been delayed by the ongoing talks with Verstappen. Wolff said: "There is no delay in George's contract negotiations because it's pretty clear, since a long time, what our timings were and are. "We have known each other for such a long time, so there is no such thing as a delay. READ MORE IN F1 "As team principal of the best car brand in the world, it's clear you explore what a four-time world champion will do in the future , "That could be long into the future . That has no effect on us putting a signature on George's contract." Four-time world champion Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 which is said to have a break clause which could be triggered to prompt an exit. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Most read in Motorsport When asked who would be axed from Mercedes between 'That's not how it is and how it works. And I come back to my previous question. Ex-Red Bull mechanic claims Max Verstappen will quit F1 this year 'I want to just have the conversations behind closed doors not in town halls. And we have two drivers that have been in our programme since a long time. 'Drivers that I'm perfectly happy to have. Drivers that will do great in the future of the team. So it's a bit of a different situation.' Wolff suggested that Russell had been weighing up his options outside of Mercedes as well. Wolff added: 'We are going into territory that I don't want to discuss out here, but people talk, people explore. 'The most important thing is that in our organisation, we are transparent. But it doesn't change a millimetre of my opinion of George, his abilities or anything else. 'I like what George says and I'm always supportive of the driver. There is no such thing as saying things I wouldn't want him to say. 'We are very transparent in the team of what we do, what we plan. 'We've been like that since I was being put in charge of that. So that's not the issue. At the moment clearly, you need to explore what's happening in the future .' Eyebrows have been raised over whether Verstappen and Russell could fit in a team together with the duo having a history of bad blood. 6 The most recent incident involved When asked if the pair could drive together at Mercedes, Wolff added: 'I can imagine every line-up. 'Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton fighting for a world championship , so everything else afterwards is easy. 'There's pros and cons of having two drivers fighting each other hard. We've seen examples where that functioned and other examples where it didn't. 'When it comes to the contract situation, you know, our sport is pressure, constant pressure, whether you're in the car, outside of the car, you just need to cope with that. 'George knows that, like any other driver.' 6 Max Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for "undoubtedly" causing his collision with George Russell in Barcelona Earlier this year Wolff said zero negotiations had been held with Verstappen and that they were not 'flirting' with the prospect of signing him. He said: 'There is no flirt (with Verstappen) in that sense. You can flirt or you have conversations. 'It is in the nature of the sport that you talk about people, whether they're in the car or in the factory or in the racetrack. 'Most important thing is to stay true to your values. And for me, that is being integral and humble about the situation, respectful of the people. 'That's what we are trying to do in the team. I've been in situations like this before. Some of the conversations are more difficult than others.' Mercedes ' interest in Verstappen, hinting that it could be delaying his contract renewal due at the end of the season. 6 Russell won the Canadian Grand Prix last time out, with team-mate Kimi Antontelli grabbing his first podium aged 18 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Brit, 27, told Sky: "It's only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. "But from my side, if I'm performing as I'm doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team. Toto has made it clear to me that how I'm performing is as good as anybody. "There is only one driver that you can debate in terms of performance. These are his words and not my words, and that is why I have no concern about my future . "But there are two seats to every team and I guess he needs to think who are those two drivers." 6
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Mercedes recalls £2.5m hypercars built just three years ago over fears they could ‘catch fire'
MERCEDES has issued an urgent recall for most of its £2.5m hypercars after they hit the roads just three years ago. The manufacturer has recalled the vehicles due to fears that they could 4 Mercedes are recalling one of their most expensive vehicles Credit: Alamy 4 The vehicles cost a staggering £2.5 million to buy Credit: Supplied 4 The car was in production for nearly five years Credit: Supplied The AMG One has a turbocharged 1.6 litre V-6 engine, which is based on Lewis Hamilton's iconic F1 car. However, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority has confirmed that the engine is not related to the recall. The issue stems from the vehicle's active rear spoiler's hydraulic line, which might be missing a pin lock. Read More on Car News This could lead to the All recalled cars must be examined, so split pins can be installed. Overall, the fix should take around 90 minutes - though it could prevent serious injury. Nearly 80 per cent of the AMG Ones produced have been affected, as 219 of the cars have been recalled. Most read in Motors Only 275 of the cars were produced and one motor costs an eyewatering £2.5 million. The impacted vehicles were produced between December 12, 2022, and May 9, 2025. Huge car brand closes and sells off ALL UK dealerships after suffering 'heavy losses' There have been two incidents of AMG Ones catching fire, though the German Transport Authority (known as the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) has said neither incident was related to the pin lock defect. The AMG One first entered development in September 2017 but took years to finish. Mercedes-AMG finally finished the model in 2022. Motorists had to wait even longer for the car to hit the roads with AMG Ones only becoming available to buy in 2023. The news comes after the UK Government It is hoped that this will save the brand's Sunderland factory, though Nissan have not yet announced the fate of the plant. 4 The AMG One has an engine which is based on Lewis Hamilton's car Credit: Supplied
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Mercedes recalls £2.5m hypercars built just three years ago over fears they could ‘catch fire'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MERCEDES has issued an urgent recall for most of its £2.5m hypercars after they hit the roads just three years ago. The manufacturer has recalled the vehicles due to fears that they could suddenly 'catch fire'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Mercedes are recalling one of their most expensive vehicles Credit: Alamy 4 The vehicles cost a staggering £2.5 million to buy Credit: Supplied 4 The car was in production for nearly five years Credit: Supplied Mercedes' CEO once said that the company's executives must have been 'drunk' when they first green-lit the luxury car. The AMG One has a turbocharged 1.6 litre V-6 engine, which is based on Lewis Hamilton's iconic F1 car. However, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority has confirmed that the engine is not related to the recall. The issue stems from the vehicle's active rear spoiler's hydraulic line, which might be missing a pin lock. This could lead to the car's hydraulic fluid leaking and igniting on other hot components. All recalled cars must be examined, so split pins can be installed. Overall, the fix should take around 90 minutes - though it could prevent serious injury. Nearly 80 per cent of the AMG Ones produced have been affected, as 219 of the cars have been recalled. Only 275 of the cars were produced and one motor costs an eyewatering £2.5 million. The impacted vehicles were produced between December 12, 2022, and May 9, 2025. Huge car brand closes and sells off ALL UK dealerships after suffering 'heavy losses' There have been two incidents of AMG Ones catching fire, though the German Transport Authority (known as the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) has said neither incident was related to the pin lock defect. The AMG One first entered development in September 2017 but took years to finish. Mercedes-AMG finally finished the model in 2022. Motorists had to wait even longer for the car to hit the roads with AMG Ones only becoming available to buy in 2023. The news comes after the UK Government threw a £1 billion lifeline to Nissan, after the iconic carmaker teetered on the brink of collapse. Nissan employs thousands of Brits from across the country, meaning the Government's decision to underwrite their loan saved a staggering 20,000 jobs. It is hoped that this will save the brand's Sunderland factory, though Nissan have not yet announced the fate of the plant.
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Russell grabs dazzling Canadian GP pole then jokes at Verstappen's expense
MERCEDES ' George Russell grabbed a dazzling pole position and then enjoyed cracking a joke at rival Max Verstappen's expense on Saturday after clocking a sensational lap in qualifying for Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix. The 27-year-old Briton was delighted with what he described as 'one of the most exhilarating laps of my life' and said, when asked about the prospect of starting alongside Red Bull's four-time champion, that he had 'a few more penalty points to play with'. His light-hearted jibe referred to his verbal rivalry with Verstappen since last season and their recent clash at the Spanish Grand Prix -- where the Dutchman rammed into Russell's car in the closing stages. Verstappen was handed a timed penalty that dropped him to 10th and also given three points on his drivers' super-licence, taking him to a total of 11 and within one point of a ban if he commits any further misdemeanors. Fans in the capacity crowd at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve roared their approval as Russell warmed to his theme after clocking the only sub 1.11 lap of the weekend to date. 'We're mates, so it's all good,' insisted Russell, despite his tense and often strained relationship with Verstappen who, in Barcelona, said 'give him some tissues' after their clash. 'But I've got a few more points on my license to play with so, yeah, let's see,' Russell said. It may have been good-natured fun, but it was also a reminder to Verstappen that he cannot risk repeating his 'red mist' aggression and a possible race ban on Sunday. Russell captured his first pole this year at the end of a thrilling session. Russell clocked a best lap in one minute and 10.899 seconds to outpace Verstappen by 0.160 seconds. 'On my steering wheel, you've got the delta and I just saw every corner that I was just going one-tenth quicker and I got into the last corner and I was six-tenths off so I knew the lap was mighty,' Russell said. 'Crossing the line and seeing we were P1 was a real surprise, but I was so chuffed with it. It was probably one of the most exhilarating laps of my life, an awesome experience in front of this amazing crowd.' Verstappen, who is third in this year's drivers' title race behind the McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, shook hands with Russell to congratulate him, but will harbour hopes of claiming an unprecedented fourth consecutive Canadian win. Last year, Russell led from pole for 20 laps before pitting to hand the lead to Norris for five laps until he also pitted. Verstappen then took control to win ahead of Norris with Russell coming home third. 'I'm very happy with what we have achieved to be on the front row,' said Verstappen, having claimed Red Bull's 200th front row start. 'Tomorrow, we can have a solid race. We did the right thing with the tyres.' 'Childish, annoying' Asked about starting alongside Russell, the champion refused to comment, showing real irritation about the speculation on penalty points and bans. 'I'm not talking about it anymore,' he said, having already confirmed he would not change his aggressive style. 'It's a waste of time to discuss this. It's so childish and it is really annoying.' Russell's sixth career pole confirmed Mercedes' potential for success at the high-speed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The late-session drama lifted the oft-warring pair clear of championship leader Piastri and Kimi Antonelli in the second Mercedes. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was fifth for Ferrari ahead of two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, Norris in the second McLaren and Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari. Impressive rookie Isack Hadjar was ninth for Racing Bulls and Alex Albon 10th for Williams. Piastri, who leads Norris by 10 points in the title race after nine of this year's 24 races, was happy to recover form after a difficult practice. 'To be honest, after how practice went, I am pretty happy,' he said. 'We chose to go with softs ... We wanted to keep it safe.'
