Tag: Betting

Logan Sargeant is the first American driver in Formula 1 since 2015 as he replaces Nicholas Latifi at Wiliams; there are three races in the United States in the 2023 Formula 1 calendar as the sport heads to Miami, Las Vegas and Austin

Entering the F1 paddock comes with an immense amount of pressure for any driver, none more so than Williams’ newest star Logan Sargeant.

Sargeant, 21, was revealed as the replacement for Nicholas Latifi at last year’s USA Grand Prix and as the only American in a sport that is taking off in the United States, he knows all eyes will be on him as he takes the next step in his career, his focus already switching to proving himself on motorsport’s biggest stage.

“Obviously it is super special to be the first American driver in a while,” said Sargeant.

“With three Grand Prixs [in America], that is going to be fun. Miami is just on my doorstep so I am really looking forward to that one.

“It is maybe a little bit of extra pressure, but, at the end of the day, I put a lot of pressure on myself and the expectations are high.

“We just need to get the job done.”

As he teams up with Alex Albon at Williams, Sargeant becomes the first American driver in the sport since Alexander Rossi in 2015, the last American to win a race being Mario Andretti back in 1978.

The pressure will be mounting as the season draws closer, but Sargeant has always made sure to remember he is living out his dream for a team who have supported him for so long.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sargeant finished fifth in the final F2 feature race of 2022 to secure his super licence

“It is definitely a dream come true. I feel like 16 years of hard work, the weight was lifted off my shoulders that we made it here,” he added.

“Then you immediately think, now the real work starts trying to keep my place in Formula 1 going forward.

“The stars definitely have to align and you have to be in the right place at the right time.

“Williams has supported me so much since the end of last year and they gave me so much confidence throughout the year that this seat was up for grabs if I did my job.

“Going into that last round, I needed to get my super licence and the pressure was on to maximise the weekend and we did.

“I am just looking forward to doing my best for them in the future.”

Williams team principal James Vowles denies Mercedes control rival F1 team

Newly-appointed Williams team principal James Vowles insists the team will not become a “mini-Mercedes” following his move from the Silver Arrows.

Williams announced on Friday that Vowles will take over as team principal on February 20 ahead of the new season, ending his 13-year run with Mercedes.

James Vowles (L) with Lewis Hamilton

Vowles, who departs his position as strategy director, provides a further link between the two teams, who are already tied by Mercedes having supplied Williams with engines since 2014.

Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is a former owner and director of the British team, and Silver Arrows driver George Russell spent three years at Williams before partnering Hamilton for the first time last season.

“I wouldn’t consider it a mini-Mercedes,” Vowles said on Friday. “Williams is an incredibly independent team in its own right, which has formed its own history, its own heritage.

Vowles had been at Mercedes since the team’s inception in 2010

“Williams is an entirely independent organisation, and furthermore, it’s one that my success is subject and dependent on me doing a good job there, and that has to be independent of Mercedes.

“It doesn’t mean that Mercedes and ourselves won’t have collaboration in some form or another, there was collaboration before I joined, but I have to do what is best for Williams from here onwards.”

Formula 1 opts not to replace Chinese GP, which was set for April 16 before its cancellation due to Covid measures; there will now be four-week gap between third and fourth races of season (Melbourne and Baku); all 23 races this year – an F1 record – live on Sky Sports F1

Formula 1 has formally confirmed a 23-race season for 2023 after opting not to replace the cancelled Chinese Grand Prix.

Discussions were held with numerous promoters about filling the April 16 slot – with Turkey and Portugal mooted – but the decision means there will be a four-week gap between the third and fourth rounds of the season.

The Australian GP takes place on April 2 and the Azerbaijan GP on April 30.

All 23 races – an F1 record – are live on Sky Sports F1.

An F1 statement read: “Formula 1 can confirm that the 2023 season will consist of 23 races.

“That means the season will kick off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5, and finish up in Abu Dhabi on November 26, with the brand new Las Vegas Grand Prix joining the calendar a week before the season finale.”

The Chinese GP was cancelled for the fourth year in a row at the beginning of December due to strict Covid measures.

The sport had been set to return to China for the first time since 2019 but with the country continuing to implement a zero-Covid policy, which has led to heavy restrictions and continued lockdown, F1 decided it was not feasible to hold a race at the Shanghai International Circuit.

F1 2023 starts with pre-season testing on February 23-25 before the first race of the season, the Bahrain GP, on March 5.

The 10 F1 teams will unveil their new cars in February ahead of a solitary sole pre-season test, which takes place over three days in Bahrain from February 23.

The confirmed 2023 calendar

March 5: Bahrain (Sakhir)
March 19: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
April 2: Australia (Melbourne)
April 30: Azerbaijan (Baku)*
May 7: Miami (Miami)
May 21: Emilia Romagna (Imola)
May 28: Monaco (Monaco)
June 4: Spain (Barcelona)
June 18: Canada (Montreal)
July 2: Austria (Spielberg)*
July 9: Great Britain (Silverstone)
July 23: Hungary (Budapest)
July 30: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)*
August 27: Netherlands (Zandvoort)
September 3: Italy (Monza)
September 17: Singapore (Marina Bay)
September 24: Japan (Suzuka)
October 8: Qatar (Losail)*
October 22: USA (Austin)*
October 29: Mexico (Mexico City)
November 5: Brazil (Sao Paulo)*
November 18: Las Vegas
November 26: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

*indicates Sprint weekend

Red Bull are set to be the first team to launch their car for the 2023 Formula 1 season; the reigning drivers’ and constructors’ champions will reveal the RB19 in New York City on February 3

Reigning Formula 1 constructors’ champions Red Bull have announced they will launch their 2023 car in New York City on February 3.

With only two teams – Alfa Romeo and Haas – left to announce their launch dates, Red Bull’s RB19 is set to be the first 2023 car revealed.

The RB18 delivered a dominant season for Red Bull, ending Mercedes’ eight-year streak of constructors’ titles and helping Max Verstappen to his second successive drivers’ crown.

“The 3rd February is set to be our biggest launch yet, in the city that never sleeps, New York,” Red Bull said in a statement released on Friday.

“Not only is this going to be the first Formula 1 season launch to take place in the US, we’re also planning to make it the greatest in F1 history.”

Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri had previously confirmed that they would also launch their 2023 campaign in New York, but that event comes eight days later.

Verstappen produced a brilliant season-long display of driving, winning a record 15 races as he cruised to his second title.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Relive how Verstappen won his second world title, as we look back at some key races from the 2022 season.

Red Bull were similarly dominant in the constructors’ contest, beating second-placed Ferrari by 205 points.

Verstappen’s dominance in 2022 allowed the team to start work early on their 2023 car, but they will also be coping with a loss of development time after being punished for breaching F1’s cost cap in 2021.

What changes are there on the cars and when’s testing?

While there is no rules overhaul for next year like there was for 2022, there are subtle changes to the rules and cars that teams can take advantage of.

The most notable is a higher ride height, which is primarily to help with porpoising but could also see teams find performance.

There is one pre-season test this year, in Bahrain, on February 23-25.

The 2023 season starts in earnest the week after pre-season testing at the same Sakhir circuit, on March 3-5.

The series will start in 2023 and F1 says it will be an ‘extra route’ for young women alongside W Series, the all-female championship that is aiming to return for a fourth season next year despite having its 2022 campaign shortened amid financial difficulties

ART, Campos, Carlin, MP motorsport and Prema have all been announced as teams for the F1 Academy – an all-female driver championship.

The five teams all have impressive pedigrees in multiple junior categories.

Last season, ART Grand Prix took Victor Martins to the Formula 3 crown, Prema Racing became F3 Team Champions, MP Motorsport secured both Driver and Teams Championships in Formula 2, Carlin finished second in the F2 Teams’ Championship with Logan Sargeant and and Campos Racing reigned supreme in Spanish F4 in 2022.

The series will start in 2023 and F1 say it will be an ‘extra route’ up the motorsport pyramid for young women alongside W Series, the similarly all-female championship that is aiming to return for a fourth season next year despite having its 2022 campaign shortened amid financial difficulties.

It is hoped the F1 Academy will quickly see a woman progress into Formula 3, and help Formula 2 and Formula 1 opportunities in the future.

The last female to race in F1 was Lella Lombardi back in 1976.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Stefano Domenicali talks of Formula 1’s own all-female driver category, the F1 Academy, which the sport hopes will eventually lead to a woman racer on the grid.

The driver line-up and calendar will be announced in the next few months.

The F1 Academy will feature five teams, run by current F2 and F3 teams, with three cars each to make up a 15-car grid. The inaugural season will have 21 races, with seven three-race events, and is likely to include at least F1 race weekend.

Like W Series, all drivers will compete in the same Formula 4 chassis.

F1 say they will be providing funding of €150,000 (£130,000) for each car, which will need to be matched by drivers to enter. They say that is a ‘fraction of the usual costs to enter comparable series’, and the rest of the budget will be provided by the teams.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “It is exciting to be able to announce the five teams that will be racing in the F1 Academy for next year and who will be providing this fantastic opportunity to the young and talented women to begin their journey into competitive motorsport. We believe it is important that everyone has the chance to follow their ambitions and get the support and guidance needed to progress and excel.

“The F1 Academy is an important part of our plan to increase diversity and representation in motorsport and we are looking forward to the first season in 2023 and stay tuned for more news in this area.”

Jamie Chadwick hopeful W Series and F1 Academy can ‘co-exist’

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Could former W Series and IndyCar’s Jamie Chadwick be the first female since the 1970s to compete in Formula One?

Three-time champion Jamie Chadwick says she hopes the W Series “can survive and continue” alongside Formula 1’s newly-announced category for women.

“It (W Series) has been a life-changing opportunity for me over the past few years and for the other girls as well and everyone else involved in the series,” Chadwick told Sky Sports News.

“It’s proven to be a very positive platform in providing these chances for us all to go racing. I really hope it can survive and continue on next year.”

Chadwick, who will not compete in either of the all-female categories next year after signing a deal to make her American racing series debut in Indy NXT, is hopeful W Series and F1 academy can both thrive.

“From my side, I think anything we can to do to encourage more girls into the sport is key,” she said. “I think the fact that F1 have created a new opportunity for drivers to be doing that is fantastic.

“I’d love to see that alongside W Series as well, and we can see more and more young girls get involved in the sport as a result of it.”

Mattia Binotto had been at the helm of Ferrari since 2019; the Italian team made a promising start to the 2022 season but failed to claim a win in the final 11 races of the campaign; Italian will leave role on December 31

Mattia Binotto has resigned as Ferrari team principal.

Binotto will leave his role on December 31 while the team expect to appoint his replacement early in 2023, with Frederic Vasseur, current boss of the Ferrari-linked Alfa Romeo, the favourite.

Ferrari appeared to be in contention to end its long wait for titles after a strong start to the 2022 season, but failed to win any of the final 11 races of the campaign amid a loss of performance, and finished a distant second to Red Bull in the constructors’ championship.

While the Italian team ultimately did not have the pace to compete with Red Bull, the combination of reliability issues and repeated strategy errors saw Binotto come under pressure, with rumours surfacing ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi that he would be dismissed.

At the time, Ferrari said reports that Binotto would be sacked were “totally without foundation”, but less than two weeks after that denial, the team released a statement confirming the 53-year-old’s departure.

It brings a three-year reign at the head of Formula 1’s most famous team, as well as a 28-year career in total, to an end.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

As Max Verstappen claimed another world title, take a look at Ferrari’s biggest strategic errors of the 2022 F1 season

“With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari,” said Binotto, who had previously insisted he was going to stay for 2023.

“I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set.

“I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, to which I wish all the best for the future. I think it is right to take this step at this time as hard as this decision has been for me.

“I would like to thank all the people at the Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey with me, made up of difficulties but also of great satisfaction.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Despite speculation about his job, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto remains focused on developing a good car for next season.

Ferrrai CEO Benedetto Vigna added: “I would like to thank Mattia for his many great contributions over 28 years with Ferrari and particularly for leading the team back to a position of competitiveness during this past year.

“As a result, we are in a strong position to renew our challenge, above all for our amazing fans around the world, to win the ultimate prize in motorsport. Everyone here at the Scuderia and in the wider Ferrari community wishes Mattia well for the future.”

What went wrong for Binotto and who will replace him?

Binotto rose through the ranks at Ferrari, becoming head of the engine department in 2013 and then chief technical officer in 2016, before replacing Maurizio Arrivabene as team principal in 2019.

It was hoped that Binotto, a calmer presence than Arrivabene, would help Ferrari claim their first title since 2008.

Binotto’s first year in charge was controversial, with Ferrari competitive – particularly in qualifying – but having also been involved in an engine scandal, reaching a settlement with the FIA after the season.

Ferrari changed tack in 2020 with a car design that spectacularly failed, enduring their worst season in four decades and then struggling in the midfield the following season, too, when Binotto made the decision to replace four-time champion Sebastian Vettel with Carlos Sainz.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished second in the standings, says he is very proud of his team for coping with the external pressure coming into the weekend.

2022 was the big goal for Binotto and his team with all-new rules and cars – and initially, it was a test passed.

Ferrari started the new season with the fastest car, overhauling Mercedes and battling Red Bull, and Charles Leclerc won two of the first three races to lead the championship early on.

But Ferrari started to throw away wins and points with mechanical failures and, more frustratingly, strategic mistakes. Pit-stop errors and incorrect choices became a theme of Ferrari’s season and – even after Red Bull moved ahead of them with their car upgrades – it is those failures that may have cost Binotto his job.

Binotto has long-defended his team and long insisted that they are focusing on an improved 2023, although the internal and external pressure has now led to his resignation, and an opening as Ferrari’s boss.

Sky Sports in Italy report that Alfa Romeo boss Vasseur is expected to replace Binotto.

Vasseur has a strong F1 pedigree and, perhaps crucially, a strong rapport with Ferrari’s lead driver Leclerc.

Other contenders noted include Ross Brawn, Ferrari’s former technical chief, although the Englishman re-joining is extremely unlikely given he has just left an F1 motorsports role and wanted time away from the sport.

Lando Norris finished seventh in the world championship, finishing best of the rest behind the drivers of Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes; the 23-year-old is contracted to McLaren until 2025 but says “time will tell” regarding his future with the team

Lando Norris insists he maintains “faith” in McLaren, despite warning the team “can’t be satisfied” with their 2022 Formula 1 campaign.

The 23-year-old Brit drove superbly to finish seventh in the world championship as the best of the rest behind the drivers of Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes, but McLaren were beaten to fourth in the constructors’ championship by Alpine.

Norris penned a new contract with McLaren before the start of the 2022 season that ties him to the team until the end of 2025, but the quality of his performances undoubtedly make him one of the most desirable drivers on the grid.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 during the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend about his future with the team, Norris said: “It’s just faith, it’s just honesty – that’s the main thing I need.

“I’m not a guy who likes BS or likes people trying to make me happy, I like people just being honest.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo say it is getting emotional ahead of Ricciardo’s departure from McLaren, but they still plan to see each other.

“I have faith in McLaren, I have faith in the guys I work with, the whole team.

“Time will tell. You can never be 100 per cent certain where you’re going to be, but you can have a good shot at it.”

The 2022 season saw the introduction of radical new design regulations, which in theory could have given McLaren a chance to close the gap to the front-runners, but issues relating to the overheating of the car’s brakes put the British team on the back foot almost immediately.

Norris highlighted his brilliance by becoming the only driver outside of the top three teams to claim a podium during the season. He also finished 85 points clear of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, and 30 points clear of his nearest challenger for seventh, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

After his final race, Sebastian Vettel acknowledges his role in Formula 1, while Lando Norris thanks him for inspiring the McLaren driver to keep speaking out against issues outside of the sport.

“I mean, from where we were in race one, I think we’ve done a good job – we recovered well,” Norris said.

“If I think of before this season, did we achieve in 2022 what we should have done as McLaren? Honestly, it’s no.

“If we want to do well and we want to be champions at some point and we want to win races, we can’t be satisfied with where we have been this season, but we can certainly be satisfied with the progress we’ve made.

“From the mechanics with our pit stops, our strategy, the whole team’s work ethic – so many things are working well, it’s just we need a slightly better car, that’s all.”

Max Verstappen won Sunday’s season finale in Abu Dhabi to claim a record-extending 15th victory of the campaign, having previously wrapped up his second successive title; 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg: “He’s already one of the best of all-time and I think, he’s only getting started.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Nico Rosberg believes Max Verstappen has already proved himself to be one of the best drivers of all time following his sensational second title-winning season

Max Verstappen has already established himself as one of Formula 1’s “best of all time” after delivering “one of the greatest driving seasons ever seen”, according to former world champion Nico Rosberg.

Verstappen won Sunday’s season finale in Abu Dhabi to claim a record-extending 15th victory of the campaign, having previously wrapped up his second successive title with four races to spare.

The 25-year-old Dutchman’s dominant triumph came after a concerning start to the season, which saw Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc open up a 46-point lead as Verstappen retired from two of the first three races.

“He is an incredible driver,” 2016 world champion Rosberg told Sky Sports F1’s Any Driven Monday.

“I think it’s easy to say even now that’s he’s going to be one of the best of all time, if you look at the statistics he actually even is now.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Max Verstappen ends a dominant season with a record-extending 15th victory of the campaign!

Verstappen’s 2022 victories took his career tally to 35, moving him up to sixth on the sport’s all-time list, which is topped by Lewis Hamilton with 103.

“He’s a double world champion with all of the race wins that he has, more than (Fernando) Alonso,” Rosberg continued.

“He’s already one of the best of all time and I think, he’s only getting started.

“He’s going to confirm that in the next decade, certainly. His level of driving is phenomenal and it’s great to witness that.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Check out some of Max Verstappen’s highlights from a dominant 2022 season.

Verstappen’s many victories came in all forms, with wins from seven different positions on the grid, including a memorable triumph from 14th at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Ferrari pushed Red Bull hard, particularly during the first half of the season, with Leclerc ending the year with nine pole positions to Verstappen’s seven.

However, reliability issues, strategic blunders and driver errors from the Italian team on race days were taken advantage of by the ruthless Verstappen, who hardly put a foot wrong all season.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Max Verstappen reflects on his outstanding 15 wins this season, but says the ‘goal is to be better’.

“We need to remember also, it’s not like from the get-go this year his car was miles quicker than everyone else’s,” Rosberg said.

“The Ferrari was the quickest car in the beginning of the season and still, he got this incredible 15 wins and really destroyed the opposition in that way.

“If you look at the points, he scored 146 more than anybody else, it’s unreal. It’s one of the greatest driving seasons we’ve ever seen certainly.”

Sergio Perez outpaced Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen to top final practice at the Yas Marina Circuit; Lewis Hamilton under investigation for failing to slow under red flag; watch Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying later on Saturday live at 2pm, with build-up from 1.15pm

Sergio Perez outpaced Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen to top final practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton was left facing a stewards investigation for failing to slow under a red flag.

There was little surprise that constructors’ champions Red Bull remained a step ahead of their rivals at the Yas Marina Circuit, but Perez being 0.152s clear of world champion Verstappen with a 1:24.982 was certainly unexpected.

Mercedes were hoping overnight setup changes would help them close the gap to Red Bull after Verstappen had topped second practice on Friday, but Hamilton was more than two tenths back from Perez, with team-mate George Russell further back in fourth.

Hamilton faces a nervous wait – and likely meeting with the stewards – after the session, having come under investigation for failing to slow down after a failure on Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri triggered a red flag.

Replays suggested Hamilton may not have been aware of the red flag as he overtook McLaren’s Lando Norris, but the seven-time world champion could now face a grid penalty, which would harm his faint hopes of sealing a first victory of the campaign in the season finale.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sergio Perez finds the pace in FP3 and beats teammate Max Vertsappen by 0.152s at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Norris, meanwhile, led a strong showing from McLaren to take fifth ahead of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with team-mate Daniel Ricciardo behind them in eighth.

While the session provides encouragement to Perez as he seeks to beat Leclerc to second in the drivers’ championship, the fact it was conducted in hot sunshine and daylight means it is not representative of the night-time conditions Qualifying and the race will be run in.

However, the fact that Red Bull looked equally – if not more – strong under the lights on Friday, is an ominous sign for their rivals.

Ferrari, whose team principal Mattia Binotto is facing continued speculation over his job security, appeared a step behind both Red Bull and Mercedes, with Leclerc heard complaining about his engine during the session.

More to follow…

The series will start in 2023 and F1 says it will be an ‘extra route’ for young women alongside W Series, the all-female championship that is aiming to return for a fourth season next year despite having its 2022 campaign shortened amid financial difficulties

Formula 1 has announced the launch of its own all-female driver category, the F1 Academy, which the sport hopes will eventually lead to a woman racer on the grid.

The series will start in 2023 and F1 say it will be an ‘extra route’ up the motorsport pyramid for young women alongside W Series, the similarly all-female championship that is aiming to return for a fourth season next year despite having its 2022 campaign shortened amid financial difficulties.

It is hoped the F1 Academy will quickly get a woman into Formula 3, and help Formula 2 and Formula 1 opportunities in the future.

The last female to race in F1 was Lella Lombardi back in 1976.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Click2Drive Bristol Street motors racing driver Alice Powell says her team were disappointed on missing out on the Constructors Championship after the W Series was cut short, but is optimistic the series will return next year

“Everyone should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and achieve their potential and Formula 1 wants to ensure we are doing everything we can to create greater diversity and routes into this incredible sport,” said Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“That is why I am delighted to announce the F1 Academy that will give young female drivers the best chance to fulfil their ambitions through a comprehensive programme that supports their racing careers and gives them everything they need to move into F3 and hopefully to F2 and then the pinnacle of Formula 1.

“The more opportunity there is the better and this is designed to provide another route for the drivers to succeed.”

The F1 Academy will feature five teams, run by current F2 and F3 teams, with three cars each to make up a 15-car grid. The inaugural season will have 21 races, with seven three-race events, and is likely to include at least F1 race weekend.

Like W Series, all drivers will compete in the same Formula 4 chassis.

F1 say they will be providing funding of €150,000 (£130,000) for each car, which will need to be matched by drivers to enter. They say that is a ‘fraction of the usual costs to enter comparable series’, and the rest of the budget will be provided by the teams.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Anthony Davidson believes W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has a very bright future in the sport after she claimed her third W Series title

The statement adds: ‘Formula 1 wants to ensure aspiring female drivers have the best opportunities to reach their potential with an important first step of getting into Formula 3 and progressing through the ranks.

‘The W Series continues to provide a great platform for drivers and the F1 Academy is intended to add an extra route for the next generation of young female drivers’.

The series will be headed up by Bruno Michel, who has ran F2 and F3, and he said: “I am very excited to launch this new category. Diversity is extremely important in motorsport, and with the F1 Academy we will prove that female drivers have what it takes to compete at high levels.

“I am absolutely convinced that if young women are given the same amount of experience as any other driver, they can successfully make their way through the pyramid. Our goal is to see female drivers on the F3 grid in the next two to three years, and for them to quickly challenge for points and podiums.

“The aim is to increase the field in the near future, because we hope that this category will inspire more young girls to compete in motorsport at the highest of levels.”

W Series welcome F1 Academy

CEO of W Series Catherine Bond Muir welcomed the announcement.

“W Series created the first platform for women in motorsport which has inspired young girls all around the world since our inaugural season in 2019. It is fantastic to see this grow as a result of our pioneering work.

“W Series welcomes any initiative which shares our ambition to provide more opportunities for women in motorsport,” said Bond Muir.

“Our objective from the start has always been to increase the talent pool of women racing drivers, and the addition of the F1 Academy as a feeder to W Series and other series is a further step in inspiring the next generation to progress up the motorsport ladder.

“We are looking forward to finalising W Series’ plans for 2023 and beyond, providing exciting racing and entertaining our fans around the world.

“Our mission is still clear: to offer women racing drivers a platform to race globally at the pinnacle of women’s motorsport, and in doing so continue to spread our message further and wider.”

Fernando Alonso suggested he was looking forward to his partnership with Alpine team-mate Esteban Ocon “finally” being over after the pair ruined each other’s races with a collision in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint.

Armed with a car that had shown strong pace throughout the weekend and in solid starting positions of sixth (Ocon) and seventh (Alonso), Alpine appeared well placed to strike a further blow against McLaren in the battle for fourth in the constructors’ championship.

However, the pair made contact twice on the first lap, and both cars suffered damage that would see Alonso finish 15th and Ocon 18th, with no points and poor starting positions for Sunday’s full-length race.

“(It’s) far from ideal when you touch on the first lap of the sprint race because it’s too short to come back,” Alonso said.

“On a positive side, the pace was very good today, close to the leaders actually. P15 we start tomorrow and if we have this pace. We can score points tomorrow.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Esteban Ocon says it’s unfortunate for the team that there was a clash between the Alpine drivers, while Fernando Alonso says ‘it’s one more race’ as teammates.

Ocon forced Alonso off track as the Spaniard attempted an overtake around the outside of Turn 4 on the opening lap, which caused him to lose control as he drove over the kerb and suffer a snap that caused the pair to make minor contact.

That was somewhat of a reprieve, but the pair failed to learn their lesson. In the closing stages of the first lap, Alonso once more tried to initiate a pass at the start of the home straight, but apparent confusion saw them make contact once more, with the damage this time more significant, and ultimately causing both to finish outside the points.

The Alpine duo were called to see the stewards after the race, with Alonso ultimately adjudged to have been at fault for the second collision, as he was given a five-second time penalty that dropped him to 18th, and lifted Ocon to 17th.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Check out the key moments from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint.

Speaking before that decision, Alonso, who is leaving Alpine to join Aston Martin at the end of the season, was critical of his team-mate, as he made reference to earlier incidents in the season.

Asked whether he had spoken to Ocon, Alonso said: “No, not really.”

“I don’t need to. It’s one more race and then it’s over finally.

“It was very close to the wall in Jeddah, close to the wall in Budapest, today in Turn 4, now here.

“It’s the way these things are. Sometimes it’s very competitive inside the team.”

Ocon: Alonso will be calm for the race

Ocon, also speaking before the stewards’ ruling, played down the incidents, insisting Alonso would have calmed down in time for Sunday’s race, if the Spaniard hadn’t already.

“It was unfortunate for the team really what happened,” Ocon said. “We were in such a good position and we are now at the back with a lot of work to do tomorrow.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

A dramatic first lap sees Kevin Magnussen hold onto the lead of the Sprint race at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

“So, it is going to be important to work together tomorrow to come back through the field.

“It is unfortunate what happened on lap one. I was trying to attack the McLaren, I took my line into Turn 4 and Fernando came out of nowhere on the outside and we touched.

“From there on, my race was pretty much over.

“I am quite calm. If he isn’t, he will be for tomorrow.”

Alpine condemn ‘unacceptable’ online abuse

Later on Saturday evening, Alpine released a statement condemning the online reaction to the incidents between their drivers.

“Whatever happens on track, there is absolutely no excuse for hateful comments, abuse or toxicity to be directed towards our drivers, team members, fans or indeed anybody online,” the statement said.

“Of all of the comments that we received across our social media channels during and after today’s Sprint qualifying, we received 882 toxic comments, 162 of which were severely toxic. This is wholly unacceptable.

“What we have seen today is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident. We continue to see hate and discrimination online, and as a team, will not tolerate this.

“We will take action against individuals or groups who produce or disseminate social media posts that contain or encourage online abuse of our drivers, team members, and fans.”

Vettel understanding after Stroll’s ‘naughty’ manoeuvre

Alonso and Ocon weren’t the only team-mates to clash during Saturday’s Sprint, with Aston Martin duo Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll also hampering each other.

Vettel, who appeared to be the faster of the Aston Martins, was challenging Stroll for 11th on lap nine when the Canadian forced him onto the grass in the run to Turn 4.

Vettel, who is retiring from F1 at the end of the season, was fortunate to retain control of his car and return to the track, which he did before easing past Stroll soon after.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lance Stroll forces his Aston Martin teammate Sebastian Vettel onto the grass at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint race.

“That was naughty driving there from Lance Stroll, that was too much, way too much,” Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle said on commentary at the time.

The stewards agreed, handing Stroll a 10-second time penalty, which would relegate him from 12th to 17th in the final standings, and giving him three penalty points on his licence for dangerous driving.

Despite the stewards clearly ruling in his favour, Vettel, who ultimately finished a place outside the points in ninth, offered a measured assessment of the incident.

“It’s obviously split seconds,” he said. “I went to the inside and the gap closed and it was really tight and I went off the track, which was difficult to recover from, I was sort of stuck sitting on the plank but fortunately I got back.

“After that we were able to work together, and I was able to use the pace I had in the car.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on an exciting Sprint at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

“It’s a fine line. You’re fighting for your spot. Obviously, it’s important to defend, on the other hand, it’s always trying to weigh up whether you are losing more than you’re gaining (by battling).

“Plus we are obviously trying to work together, so I think today in the end we could have done better, both of us, to try to get a better positioning for the team.”

The three penalty points given to Stroll takes his current tally to eight, which is only four short of the 12-point limit that would see him incur a one-race ban.

Speaking before the penalty point ruling, the Canadian only offered a limited response when quizzed about the incident.

“I have to look at it again I haven’t really seen the video,” he said. “So probably I didn’t leave enough space.”

Pierre Gasly has urged the FIA to change regulations that have left him on the brink of receiving a race ban for breaching Formula 1’s penalty point limit.

Gasly reached 10 penalty points for the season at the Mexico City Grand Prix, leaving the AlphaTauri driver just two short of the 12-point limit, which triggers a one-race ban if reached.

Penalty points do not drop off a driver’s licence until a year after they were given, meaning that this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix is the first of nine races – spanning across this season and next – that Gasly will have the possibility of the ban hanging over him.

The Frenchman, who will move to Alpine at the end of the season, is adamant the offences he has committed are not significant enough to merit the very rare implementation of a race ban.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s a very unpleasant situation and quite delicate, in some ways a bit embarrassing to be standing in a position where I could be banned for a race after the season that I’ve done,” Gasly said on Thursday in Brazil.

“I don’t really feel like I’ve been particularly dangerous over these last 12 months and that would definitely be a harsh penalty.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gasly reached 10 penalty points after this incident with Lance Stroll at the Mexico City GP

Otmar Szafnauer, who will be Gasly’s boss next season, has joked that his incoming driver should commit a “tactical foul” in Brazil to ensure he serves the penalty with AlphaTauri, but the Alpine team principal more seriously suggested the possibility of the Frenchman attending a class that would result in points being cleared.

Gasly is adamant that he shouldn’t have to miss a race for either his current or future team.

“(There’s) definitely a lot of discussion with the FIA trying to find a solution because personally I want to do all of the races,” he said. “I want to finish the season in the best way I can with AlphaTauri. I want to do all of the races in 2023 and get the chance to perform for Alpine.

“Obviously, there’s a lot at stake because no-one knows what’s going to happen in 2023, I could end up in an amazing car fighting for the championship for example. I can’t take the risk to then lose all my hopes for the championship. So, it’s a very tricky situation.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Stroll spun his Aston Martin after making contact with AlphaTauri’s Gasly at the Spanish GP

“I’ve been discussing it quite a lot with the FIA to try and find solutions because the way the regulation is written at the moment, it’s quite strict on the drivers and quite harsh penalties even though it’s not always related to dangerous driving.”

“We’re going to have more conversations today and I do hope we can find solutions out of the weekend to avoid ending up in a silly situation where I’ll be banned for a race. That would be terrible for myself and definitely not the way that I’ve seen the sport growing up, I don’t think that’s the correct approach.”

How did Gasly incur penalty points?

Gasly’s most notable offences in amassing his 10 penalty points have been for causing collisions, the first of which was with Lance Stroll in Spain in May.

Another collision, this time with Stroll’s Aston Martin team-mate Sebastian Vettel, followed in Austria in July, with each incident resulting in a two-point penalty. Gasly incurred a further one-point penalty for exceeding track limits in Austria.

He was then involved in a major controversy at the Japanese GP in October as he was penalised for going too fast under a red flag, with the incident occurring while a recovery vehicle had been prematurely sent on track in wet conditions.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gasly slams what he describes as the ‘unnecessary’ use of a recovery crane on track at the Japanese GP saying it was disrespectful to the memory of Jules Bianchi

Gasly would later say that he had feared for his life because of the presence of the vehicle, but was criticised by the FIA in a review of the race.

Another two-point penalty followed at the United States Grand Prix after Gasly failed to stay within 10 lengths of the car in front under Safety Car conditions.

The Frenchman then reached 10 penalty points at the Mexico City GP following another incident with Stroll, in which he was adjudged to have forced the Aston Martin off track.

What do the other drivers think?

Mercedes driver George Russell, who is president of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, was one of several drivers to speak out in Gasly’s defence on Thursday.

George Russell, Mercedes

I think the penalty doesn’t fit the crime, let’s say, especially in Pierre’s case. I think he’s got some for safety car infringements, or incidents in practice sessions. If anything were to result in a race ban, it needs to truly be for something pretty reckless and dangerous.

I personally don’t associate Pierre being a reckless or dangerous driver. It’s actually something we spoke about earlier in the year around Barcelona after some drivers picked up penalty points for a nothing of an incident.

I hope he gets away with not getting a race ban because he certainly doesn’t deserve one. And if somehow he does manage to get 12 penalty points, there needs to be some exemption because the rules aren’t in the right place at the moment in that regard.

Definitely they (the FIA) have expressed to us that they’re going to have a conversation in the off-season and review all of this.

I think in sport you need to be able to adapt. You do have these regulations in place, and it only takes one incident to recognise maybe that regulation isn’t quite right and we need to have the capability to change things or take penalty points afterwards if we all agree that it was incorrect.

Alex Albon, Williams

I’m quite high up there as well (in terms of penalty points). I completely agree with Pierre.

Just to give some context to it, I think I have three points on my licence down to track limits, which is something that’s not dangerous at all, I’m not harming any other driver or myself in that situation.

I think I’ve got another two points in relation to a collision with Lance Stroll in Jeddah which at the end of race, as drivers we deemed that it wasn’t my fault. So, there are a lot of points on my licence which I don’t think are deserved.

We are discussing about it; I think there is going to be a change.

Firstly, we’ve already got the points on our licence so what happens then? Even if we do make steps forwards into next year, do the points that we’ve got from previous years and races stay on?

We do need to do something about it, I don’t think any of us are dangerous drivers. I do understand of course you should punish drivers if they do dangerous things, but I don’t think the points everyone has right now are because of dangerous things.

Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo

I think there’s already been discussions. I think it’s better to keep it internal, but my understanding is that some changes will be made for the future.

For sure, some of the things these guys have been getting the points for are not dangerous at all. They (points) should only be given when they’re really dangerous and (in situations) that can be harmful to somebody else on track.

I think we will see progress being made but I don’t think Pierre deserves to be in that kind of situation on the edge. That’s the rule now but the main thing is how we act in the future.

Sergio Perez, Red Bull

I feel like there are things that are not even related to his driving and we get points for that. When it’s not related to bad driving or mistakes, there shouldn’t be a penalty. It will be really bad if he ends up losing a race for that.

Lewis Hamilton posted a photo on social media on Saturday in an apparent cryptic response to comments from Fernando Alonso; the Spaniard was reported to have told Dutch media that he believes Max Verstappen’s F1 titles are “worth more” than Hamilton’s

Lewis Hamilton posted a cryptic response on social media following a report that claimed Fernando Alonso had said Max Verstappen’s championships were worth more than the Brit’s.

The Spanish driver, formerly Hamilton’s team-mate at McLaren, was quoted in the Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf, as saying Verstappen’s titles were of greater value due to the more competitive nature of the seasons in which the Dutchman triumphed.

Verstappen recently sealed his second successive drivers’ championship with four races to spare, after edging out seven-time champion Hamilton last season in controversial circumstances after a titanic battle to claim his maiden title.

Following the release of the report on Saturday, two-time world champion Alonso took to social media to bemoan “the continuous search for headlines”, adding all titles were “amazing”.

However, Hamilton, appearing to respond to the report, later posted an image from his 2007 season alongside Alonso at McLaren, which showed the Brit stood on top of a podium with the Spaniard below him, accompanied by a thumbs up emoji.

Alonso was reported to have said: “Max’s titles are worth more than Hamilton’s.

“I have a lot of respect for Lewis but it’s different when you win seven world championships having only had to fight against your team-mate.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

After a confusing finish, Johnny Herbert is the person to reveal to Max Verstappen that he has become 2022 F1 drivers’ world champion

Alonso hit back at the report, writing on Twitter “Please, all the titles are amazing, well deserved and inspiring. Incomparable to each other and let’s enjoy champions and legends of our current time.

“Tired of the continuous search for headlines. Let’s enjoy them”.

The incident marks the second time in two months that tensions have flared between the former team-mates.

The pair posed with a signed Hamilton cap, gifted to Alonso, following insulting comments made by the Spaniard on team radio when the pair collided in a frantic first-lap incident in Belgium.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz holds the lead in the first lap as Lewis Hamilton suffers a collision with Fernando Alonso and is out of the race at the Belgian Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso has set the record straight regarding his opinion on Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s titles’ value

Watch the Mexico City Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 at 8pm, with build up from 6:30pm on Sunday.

George Russell leads Mercedes one-two with Max Verstappen closest rival, 0.477s back; Ferrari also struggle, with Mercedes perhaps favourites for qualifying – which is live on Sky Sports F1 at 9pm tonight

George Russell topped Practice Three ahead of Lewis Hamilton at the Mexico City GP as an unexpectedly dominant Mercedes left Red Bull and Ferrari trailing in the final session before qualifying.

Mercedes, who have no race wins and only one pole position this year with only three races left, have been talking up their Mexico chances due to the track layout and the high altitude, and delivered on that promise in P3.

Russell was fastest with a 1:18.399, with Hamilton was just over a tenth off his team-mate.

Their closest challenger, world champion Max Verstappen, was almost half a second off the pace – suggesting Mercedes may even be favourites for pole position in qualifying, which is live on Sky Sports F1 at 9pm.

“I can’t get over just how quick Mercedes are,” said Sky Sports F1’s Paul Di Resta.

Mercedes will, though, certainly be braced for a bigger challenge from their rivals in Saturday night’s shootout.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mick Schumacher had a big spin in his Haas during final practice at the Mexico City GP.

Verstappen’s fastest lap, 0.477s off Russell, was set on older soft tyres after he backed out of his first flier, while Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz – 0.7s and 0.9s off the pace for Ferrari – both hit out at the handling of their cars.

Fortunately for Leclerc, he does not have a grid penalty after his big crash in Practice Two.

Mercedes’ only other pole this season so far came in surprise circumstances in Hungary.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ferrari assistant team principal Laurent Mekies and Mercedes engineer Andrew Shovlin has criticised the penalty applied to Red Bull for breaching the cost cap, arguing it won’t affect their rivals that much.

Lando Norris was best of the rest in final practice in seventh for McLaren, ahead of Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas, the last driver within a second of Russell’s benchmark.

Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon rounded off the top-10, with both Alpines missing out along with McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo.

Sky Sports F1’s build-up for qualifying starts at 8pm.

Carlos Sainz fastest in Practice One before George Russell topped Practice Two, which was a tyre test session; Two red flags in each session, with Charles Leclerc crashing Ferrari in P2; F1 back on track after Red Bull were handed their cost cap punishment

Carlos Sainz and George Russell shared practice honours at the Mexico City GP on Friday while Charles Leclerc had a big crash in his Ferrari as F1 returned to on-track competitiveness after Red Bull’s off-track saga finally ended.

Hours after Red Bull were handed their punishment for breaching F1’s cost cap in Max Verstappen’s title-winning 2021 season – handed a $7m fine and a reduction in car development – it was Ferrari who sped to the front ahead of the newly-crowned world champions in Practice One.

Sainz led the way with a 1:20.707, 0.046s ahead of Leclerc at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was in combative mood, arguing their rivals owe them an apology for claims made against them regarding cost cap regulations.

But there was barely anything to split the top six, which included Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

Sergio Perez and Verstappen had identical times for Red Bull, 0.120s off Sainz, while Hamilton was only two hundredths further back in a Mercedes car that is tipped to compete for a first win of the season in Mexico.

Verstappen, aiming for a record-breaking 14th victory of 2022 this weekend, had a spin in the middle sector during a scruffier-than-usual session, complaining of “no grip in his Red Bull”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Max Verstappen spun his Red Bull out of control during P1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix

Alonso, meanwhile, was also within two tenths of the Ferrari benchmark in the Alpine.

Practice Two, like last weekend at the United States GP, was a lengthened session due to Pirelli tyre testing for 2023.

Russell was one of the drivers who was able to set laps on this year’s tyres – because he didn’t take part in first practice due to Nyck de Vries taking his place – and topped the timesheets with a 1:19.970.

Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon also posted times on the softs and were 0.8s and 1.2s off respectively.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Martin Brundle was trackside to cast his eye over Turn 8, which had seen Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crash into the barriers during P2 in Mexico.

The major incident from the session was a crash for Leclerc after he spun into the barriers in the twisty middle sector.

The Ferrari driver didn’t get back out on track after that.

Leclerc didn’t enforce the only red flag of the second session, with Zhou Guanyu stopping right at the end of the session to cause another and an early finish.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Opening practice in Mexico came to an early end after AlphaTauri reserve driver Liam Lawson saw his brakes catch on fire

P1 also had its stoppages.

The session – a crucial one due to the tyre testing P2 – also saw two red flags, with two of the rookies taking part seeing their track action cut short.

First, Pietro Fittipaldi, filling in for Haas, had an engine failure, before AlphaTauri’s stand-in Liam Lawson had a similar reliability issue late on.

Elsewhere, Logan Sargeant, De Vries and Jack Doohan finished 17th, 18th, and 19th for Williams, Mercedes and Alpine respectively. Sargeant and De Vries will be on the F1 grid full-time next season.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Zhou Guanyu’s car had to be dragged back into the pits before Haas team-mate Pietro Fittipaldi brought out the red flag after suffering an engine failure

Brundle: Red Bull punishment ‘about right’

Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle

“I think it’s about right, perhaps slightly light. I think there are mitigating circumstances as Christian (Horner) has pointed out.

“There are no winners in this, it’s messy. It is year one of these regulations and you’d expect if they were over the limit next year, they would have to be doubled down on really, really hard.

“Of course, anybody else who breaches it, will have to be treated equally as hard as this one has been.

“It will hurt them but they’re starting with a very good car, it’s CFD as well, the digital computerised wind tunnel as well.

“They’ll just have to make sure that when they go to the wind tunnel, they’re acing it and making the most of each run. Clearly, it will hurt them developing through next year and so it should.”

Lewis Hamilton has confirmed he plans to sign a new “multi-year” contract with Mercedes; the seven-time world champion’s current deal expires at the end of the 2023 season; watch the Mexico City GP live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend, with the race at 8pm on Sunday

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he plans to sign a new “multi-year” contract with Mercedes that will see the seven-time world champion race into his forties.

The 37-year-old said earlier in his career that he did not envisage racing to such an age, but after losing out to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on two successive drivers’ titles, insists Mercedes “have a championship that we need to get back”.

Hamilton’s interests outside of Formula 1 include working on the fight for social and racial equality, fashion, music, film, and recently becoming a part-owner of an NFL team, but he is adamant the sport remains his priority.

“I’m not putting a limit on it to be honest,” Hamilton said on Thursday ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix.

“I’m planning to do a multi-year deal with my team.

Hamilton spoke to the media on Thursday ahead of the Mexico City GP

“I really, really don’t know what the next five years (hold). I think we’re still trying to work on that. There are a lot of great things being put in place, like I just launched a production company this week, but I feel great in my mind and body.

“I want to continue, I think there’s more stuff for us to achieve together so I want to be here longer.”

Hamilton considered leaving the sport after being agonisingly – and controversially – denied an eighth world title in 2021, and has endured the most challenging campaign of his career this year as Mercedes struggled, with Red Bull dominating.

The Brit believes the challenges the team have faced over the last 12 months will make returning to the top that much more satisfying.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports’ Craig Slater and Paul Di Resta discuss whether Lewis Hamilton can ever reclaim the Formula One world title amid the dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull

He said. “If we’d have a year like last year and we were competing at the front all year, who knows where I would be?

“Each year you have to ask yourself if you’re willing to give as much if not more than you did when you first started. Are you willing to give up all your time to prepare and train and work with the team and deliver?

“If there’s ever a moment that I’m arriving and I’m just coasting along, then that’s when I don’t belong here, and don’t deserve the position here, and that’s when I should stop. I question myself as to whether I’m able to do that and whether I want to do that, and the answer is yes.

“We obviously have a championship that we need to get back, and I love the mission and that challenge with my team.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The battle for P1 continues as Max Verstappen battles through to take the lead from Lewis Hamilton at the United States Grand Prix

Hamilton, who has spoken openly about challenges he has faced with his mental health in the past, said one of the highlights of Mercedes’ testing period has been seeing his male colleagues open up.

“Every single person that’s back here has given up so much time in their lives on the road, year after year, and this one’s been a really, really challenging one for us all in so many ways,” Hamilton said,

“But it’s been beautiful to see the journey that everyone individually has gone on, but also collectively how we’ve gelled together and pulled together, pulled up closer to each other, been more open.

“With a room really full of men most often, them showing more of their vulnerability, that’s been a really interesting process, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

“I can’t wait to the time where we get back to success, when we finally get that win, when we get that championship – it’s going to make all of these tough moments worthwhile.”

Fernando Alonso dropped from seventh to 15th with a penalty following a Haas protest on Sunday, and Alpine have appealed; Alonso says this decision will dictate if we are going in the right direction for the future.”

Fernando Alonso has hit out at the FIA’s rules after he was handed a United States GP penalty and says the result of Alpine’s appeal will dictate whether Formula 1 is “going in the right direction for the future”.

Alpine’s double world champion Fernando Alonso lost seventh place at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday after stewards upheld a protest from rivals Haas about the safety of his car as he continued racing with loose bodywork.

Renault-owned Alpine, who are fighting McLaren for fourth in the constructors’ championship with prize money at stake, responded by protesting the admissibility of the Haas protest.

Both Alpine and Haas will meet stewards again on Thursday ahead of the Mexico City GP.

“It’s one of those rare times in sport, that I feel we are all on the same page and share the same opinion towards rules and regulations,” Alonso posted on Instagram on Monday night as he thanked fans for their messages.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Anthony Davidson analyses the crash that sent Fernando Alonso airborne

“Therefore, Thursday is an important day for the sport that we love so much, as this decision will dictate if we are going in the right direction for the future.”

Haas, who are eighth and only two points clear of AlphaTauri, had objected post-race to Alonso and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who finished fourth, being allowed to continue racing after damage from collisions.

Stewards rejected the protest against Red Bull but upheld the one against Alpine, dropping Alonso to 15th with a 30 second post-race penalty.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Alpine driver Fernando Alonso reflects on US GP and highlights the strength of the car after the Spaniard escaped unscathed from an airborne incident

Haas had argued that Alonso’s car was in an unsafe condition after a collision because the right-hand mirror, which eventually fell off, was moving around.

They also made the point they had been shown a black and orange flag, requiring a driver to pit due to mechanical problems or loose bodywork, on three occasions this season.

“A car must be in a safe condition throughout a race, and in this case, Car 14 (Alonso) was not,” stewards said in their ruling. “This is a responsibility of the Alpine team.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll collided at the US GP, with Alonso sent airborne as a result

Alpine said Haas had lodged their protest 24 minutes past the specified deadline, a fact acknowledged by the FIA who had said compliance was not possible, and it should not have been accepted.

“Therefore the penalty should be considered as invalid,” the team said in a statement. “As a result of this point, the team has protested the admissibility of the original Haas F1 team protest.”

Alpine would have scored six points for Alonso’s seventh place but instead ended up with just one for Esteban Ocon being bumped up to 10th.

Without Alonso’s points, Alpine are only six clear of McLaren with three races remaining.

The Spaniard’s demotion meant Haas’ Danish driver Kevin Magnussen moved up from ninth to eighth, doubling his points haul from the race and sending the team two points clear of AlphaTauri.

Formula 1 heads to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez amid continued scandal over Red Bull’s cost cap breach; Drivers’ and team principals’ press conferences live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend; Qualifying at 9pm on Saturday, the race at 8pm on Sunday

Get ready for epic racing and controversy off the track – all live on Sky Sports F1 – as Formula 1 heads to Mexico for a Grand Prix weekend that is sure to provide talking points.

Another brilliant Max Verstappen victory last time out at the United States Grand Prix helped Red Bull confirm the addition of the constructors’ championship to the drivers’ title the Dutchman had already sealed.

However, there is still plenty of intrigue as Formula 1 makes the (relatively) short journey from Texas to Mexico City, with the sport still awaiting a ruling from the FIA on Red Bull’s 2021 cost cap breach.

Discussions between Red Bull and the FIA, and therefore a decision, were pushed back following the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz during the US GP weekend, but a resumption – and perhaps a resolution – are expected in Mexico.

Whatever the FIA’s decision, there is likely to be a strong reaction in the paddock, making the weekend’s media sessions with both team principals and drivers of particular interest.

• Qualifying starts at 9pm on Saturday, with build-up from 8pm
• The race starts at 8pm on Sunday, with build-up from 6.30pm

On the track, home favourite Sergio Perez will continue his battle for second in the drivers’ championship with Charles Leclerc, while Mercedes will be looking to go one better after Lewis Hamilton came agonisingly close to a first victory of the season in Austin.

Live Mexico City GP schedule on Sky Sports F1

Thursday
8pm: Drivers’ Press Conference

Friday
6pm: The F1 Show
7pm: Mexico City GP Practice One
9.45pm: Mexico City GP Practice Two (session starts 10pm)

Saturday
5.45pm: Mexico City GP Practice Three (session starts 6pm)
8pm: Mexico City GP Qualifying Build-up
9pm: MEXICO CITY GP QUALIFYING
10.45pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Mexico City GP Build-up
8pm: THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
10pm: Chequered Flag: Mexico City GP Reaction
11pm: Ted’s Notebook
11.30pm: Mexico City GP Highlights

George Russell caused a first-lap collision with Carlos Sainz that saw the pole-sitter retire from the United States Grand Prix; Russell finished fifth despite suffering damage to his car in the incident, but was left disappointed with his performance

George Russell apologised to Carlos Sainz for causing a first-lap collision that saw the pole-sitter retire from the United States GP, and admitted he is struggling for confidence after a disappointing run of form.

Russell, who started fourth in Austin, drove into Sainz at the first corner after failing to slow down his Mercedes, with the incident forcing the Ferrari to retire with a water leak.

Despite sustaining some damage to his front wing, Russell was able to continue and finished fifth, but was left disappointed at being well off the pace of his team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who finished a close second to Max Verstappen.

“Firstly, apologies to him,” Russell said. “We’re all going into Turn 1 attacking, you never want to be involved in contributing to taking somebody else’s race out.

“I was expecting him to try to go around the outside of Max rather than cut back, and by that point I’d already committed and it was kind of inevitable that I was going to make contact.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Russell apologised after the race for his collision with Sainz.

“I just went to see him and apologised for that.

“From there on it was a really difficult afternoon for me personally. I’ve been really off the pace this weekend. I know there was some damage, but I don’t know how much damage there was exactly to the car.

“It will give me a bit of peace of mind if it’s more than we first anticipated, because I was nowhere this afternoon.”

Despite Mercedes’ 2022 struggles, Russell has enjoyed a brilliantly consistent debut season with the team, in which he had finished in the top five in all but one of the first 16 races, with the exception being a retirement caused by a crash he could have done little about.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Anthony Davidson analyses Sainz short stint at the United States Grand Prix.

As a result, he retains a 20-point lead over Hamilton going into the final three races of the season, but admits poor displays in Singapore (14th) and Japan (8th) have dented his confidence.

“These last three weekends have been pretty scrappy for various reasons,” Russell said.

“We had the weather conditions in Singapore, equally the weather in Japan, we then had the tyre testing here in Austin, with the wind being really gusty.

“These are factors but ultimately it comes down to probably driving, psychological, and having that confidence in the car and yourself.”

Sainz: Russell wasn’t in the battle and came from nowhere

Sainz, speaking to the media while the race was ongoing and before Russell had apologised, was critical of the Mercedes driver.

“I think you don’t need many words,” Sainz said. “You just need the images to see exactly what happened, and the images speak for themselves.

“I was in the middle of a fight with Max into Turn 1 and suddenly one guy that wasn’t in the battle came from nowhere and bumped into me, so that’s it.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sainz explains his frustrations after being forced to retire from the US GP.

Sainz was seeking to delay Red Bull’s coronation as constructors’ champions after beating Verstappen to a brilliant pole, but the Dutchman got the better getaway.

It was not the first time this season Sainz has paid the price for a poor start, but on this occasion he felt it was more down to Verstappen’s excellence than a failure on his behalf.

“I think it is a combination of things,” Sainz said. “Our start hasn’t been great because we have an inherent problem in this car.

“My start [today] wasn’t too bad when you compare it to the Mercs, it was Max who got a really good one.”

Carlos Sainz takes pole in Texas; Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc finished second but faces a 10-place grid penalty; world champion Max Verstappen to start on front row after finishing third watch the race live on Sky Sports F1 at 8pm on Sunday, with build up from 6:30pm

Carlos Sainz produced a brilliant lap to take pole position at the United States Grand Prix as Ferrari outpaced Red Bull in qualifying at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas.

Sainz led a one-two from team-mate Charles Leclerc, but will be joined on the front row by world champion Max Verstappen, who finished third for Red Bull, because of a 10-place grid penalty applied to the second Ferrari for taking new engine parts.

Sergio Perez was fourth, but with the second Red Bull facing a five-place grid penalty, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate George Russell are promoted to the second row after finishing fifth and sixth respectively.

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll produced an impressive performance to finish seventh, and will also be promoted two places to start on the third row alongside McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Fernando Alonso qualified ninth, but is also facing a five-place penalty, meaning Valtteri Bottas is promoted from 10th to seventh. Bottas’ Alfa Romeo team-mate Zhou Guanyu is the fourth and final driver facing a grid penalty, which drops him from 14th to 19th.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Max Verstappen paid tribute to Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away at the age of 78.

Verstappen sealed his second successive title by winning in Japan two weeks’ ago, but there remains plenty to play for as Red Bull attempt to seal the constructors’ championship and Leclerc battles Perez for second in the drivers’ contest.

Leclerc’s demotion – for taking a new internal combustion engine and turbocharger – has stiffened Ferrari’s task of beating Red Bull by 19 points to extend the constructors’ championship, but Sainz’s pole offers encouragement for the Italian team.

There was a sombre mood in the Red Bull garage – and the rest of the F1 paddock – after news broke shortly before qualifying that the team’s founder and owner Dietrich Mateschitz had died at the age of 78.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff pays tribute to Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner held back tears as he offered a tribute to Mateschitz before the session, on what was already proving to be a turbulent weekend for the team as they continue to deny accusations of “cheating” from rivals after having been found to have breached F1’s cost cap for the 2021 season.

While there has been a tense atmosphere in Austin with other teams calling for a strong punishment as the FIA continues to deliberate, Mateschitz’s passing brought unity as tributes flooded in from all corners of the paddock.

United States GP Qualifying Results
1) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
2) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari*
3) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
4) Sergio Perez, Red Bull*
5) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
6) George Russell, Mercedes
7) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
8) Lando Norris, McLaren
9) Fernando Alonso, Alpine*
10) Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo

*Grid penalties for taking new engine parts

Sainz triumphs after frantic session

A dramatic qualifying session in Texas began with two surprise Q1 exits, as Esteban Ocon finished 18th after failing to maintain the solid pace Alpine had shown throughout the weekend.

The other headline name to drop out was Daniel Ricciardo, as the outgoing McLaren driver’s miserable season continued with a third Q1 exit in the last five races.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mick Schumacher’s pirouette results in a ‘ruined’ lap for the German in Q1 at the USA Grand Prix.

Mick Schumacher failed to enhance his hopes of staying in F1 with Haas next season, as a spin ruined his final flying lap and left him 19th.

The most impressive performance in Q1 came from Alex Albon, who produced a late surge to advance for Williams, and showed more strong speed in Q2 to finish 11th.

There appeared to be more disappointment for McLaren in Q2 as Norris initially showed as 11th – and out – on the timesheet, but the Brit was reprieved as Zhou saw his lap-time deleted for exceeding track limits.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sainz says he has high hopes of winning the United States Grand Prix

There was more for frustration for AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly, who will drive for Alpine next season, as he complained about his car over the radio before finishing 13th.

Meanwhile, Sainz had topped Q1 and Leclerc Q2, with Verstappen following close behind on both occasions, setting up an intriguing finale.

Despite having no hope of pole because of his grid penalty, Leclerc maintained his advantage in the first runs of Q3 to stay ahead of Sainz, with Hamilton impressing to go clear of the Red Bulls in third.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton admitted Saturday’s qualifying session was not what he hoped it would be.

However, it would be all change on the second and final run, as Sainz turned the tables on Leclerc to seal his third pole of the season with a 1:34.356, with Leclerc just 0.065s back.

Verstappen improved on his final run to take third, while Perez also jumped Hamilton as the seven-time world champion failed to hook up the crucial lap.

Carlos Sainz tops Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to set the fastest time in Practice One at the US GP; Charles Leclerc fastest in Practice Two as majority of field focus on Pirelli tyre test; watch Qualifying live on Sky Sports F1 from 10pm on Saturday

Ferrari set the pace in Friday practice at the United States Grand Prix as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc each topped a session in Austin.

Sainz’s 1:36.857 put him more than 0.2s clear of Red Bull’s newly crowned world champion Max Verstappen in Practice One, with Lewis Hamilton a further couple of tenths back in third as Mercedes showed potential after bringing new upgrades to Texas.

Leclerc, who was one of only five drivers able to do regular running in Practice Two having sat out the opening session as teams fulfilled their young driver session obligations, then went marginally faster than his Ferrari team-mate to top the timesheet.

Practice Two at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas was used for Pirelli to test 2023 prototypes, with drivers unable to make setup changes as they tried out unmarked compounds while performing running plans set by F1’s tyre manufacturer.

However, Leclerc, along with Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, Kevin Magnussen and Nicholas Latifi, was allowed to do 30 minutes of running at the beginning of the extended 90-minute session, during which the Monegasque backed up his team-mates’ strong FP1 performance.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Charles Leclerc topped the timesheet in second practice at the US Grand Prix.

The opening session had a fresh feel with five changes to the driver line-up – including four FP1 debutants – with Leclerc the most notable absence as Robert Shwartzman deputised for him.

While the new faces enjoyed their first F1 experience, Antonio Giovinazzi spurned his opportunity to put himself in contention to drive for Haas next season as he crashed Magnussen’s car in the opening stages, triggering a red flag and causing damage that ruled him out of the remainder of the session.

Lance Stroll was fourth in another encouraging display from Aston Martin, beating the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez to fifth.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Antonio Giovinazzi caused a red flag just 7 minutes into first practice after hitting the barrier and damaging the car.

Ferrari academy driver Shwartzman was joined by fellow youngsters Alex Palou (McLaren), Theo Pourchaire (Alfa Romeo) and Logan Sargeant (Williams), but it was the relatively experienced Giovinazzi who made a rookie error.

Just a few minutes into the session, the 28-year-old Italian spun at Turn 6 before running off into the barrier. He initially appeared to be stuck there as red flags were waved, but eventually got moving and was able to get the car back to the Haas garage.

However, clutch damage prevented him from getting back out on track, and most likely ended his hopes of challenging Mick Schumacher for his seat with the team next season.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky F1’s Anthony Davidson is at the SkyPad to analyse the opening practice session at the US Grand Prix.

Verstappen, who sealed his second successive title – with four races to spare – by winning in Japan earlier this month, looked to be continuing his dominant form as he set the pace as soon as the session resumed.

Hamilton had spoken on Thursday about his hopes that Mercedes’ upgrades could bring them closer to Red Bull, but the initial signs were negative as he and team-mate George Russell remained four seconds off the pace for the first half of the session.

However, when the seven-time world champion switched to soft tyres, he immediately closed to within a couple of tenths of Verstappen, while Russell – who finished seventh – was almost half a second slower.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Martin Brundle was trackside to analyse ‘tricky’ turn 15 of the US Grand Prix.

But then came Sainz, as Ferrari showed strong Friday speed once more, jumping six tenths clear of Verstappen. The Dutchman attempted to respond but was left frustrated after being unable to threaten the Spaniard’s time.

“There must be something wrong with the car because I have no front end and low speed,” Verstappen said over team radio at the end of the session.

It was confirmed during the session that Red Bull’s Perez and Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu will receive five-place grid penalties in Sunday’s race after taking new engine parts, while Ferrari have admitted both of their drivers are likely to take new parts that will also drop them down the grid.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lando Norris drifts into the pitlane and narrowly misses hitting the wall in second practice of the US Grand Prix.

The penalties appear likely to help Red Bull seal the constructors’ championship, with Ferrari needing to best the leaders by 19 points to extend the contest to next weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.

The penalties could also have an impact on the battle for second in the drivers’ championship, with Perez currently leading Leclerc by just a point.

The US GP weekend began in the shadow of F1’s ongoing cost cap saga, with the paddock awaiting an announcement on how Red Bull will be punished for breaching the 2021 spending limit.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater provides fresh insight and analysis on F1’s cost cap saga ahead of what is sure to be a dramatic weekend in Texas.

Red Bull chief Christian Horner is set to face the media in the team principals’ press conference on Saturday at 5:25pm, live on Sky Sports, with the F1 community eagerly awaiting an update on the situation.

Given the limited running available on Friday due to the tyre test, Practice Three is likely to take on additional significance on Saturday ahead of Qualifying, with both sessions live on Sky Sports F1, at 8pm and 11pm respectively.