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The Aston Martin driver finished third on track, negating an initial five-second penalty for lining up incorrectly in his grid position at the start.
But, after the podium ceremony, he was given another 10-second penalty for work starting on his car when the first penalty was served in his pitstop, dropping behind George Russell and to fourth in the final results.
It duly denied Alonso his ...Keep reading

Charles Leclerc says Ferrari's race pace was "just not good enough" after recovering from 12th on the grid to finish behind team mate Carlos Sainz Jnr in seventh.

Sergio Perez said the appearance of the Safety Car while he was leading the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix reminded him of how he lost a potential victory in last year's race.

During their first season working together, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton shared what they both described to be a respectful relationship.

The main focus in 2022 was gathering data and fixing the issues with the W13, meaning that the duo were rarely battling against each other for podium finishes.

It was suggested that should the pair end up competing for results this season, their relationship could turn somewhat toxic, similar to how the relationship between Hamilton and his former teammate Nico Rosberg ended up.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix may have now shown the first glimpses of this breakdown in relationship, as George Russell appeared to refuse to follow team orders during the latter stages of the race.

READ: Furious Max Verstappen lashes out at Red Bull in Saudi Arabia

During the final stint, Hamilton was closing in on Russell, who was driving in P4, but the 38-year-old was on the quicker medium tyres whilst Russell was on the hards.

Mercedes asked Russell to allow his teammate through but the 24-year-old hit back at his team, telling them that they should let him catch up to Fernando Alonso, who had been given a five-second penalty for a race start infringement.

“Alonso has a five-second penalty here let’s fight later. I want to manage the tyres a little bit now,” he said.

Russell was then told that Alonso had served his penalty during his pit stop earlier in the race, which was information Russell believed he should have been told before.

“Ah, again, info I need,” he shouted over the team radio.

Russell then went on to push on his longer-lasting tyres and held on to P4, ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Aston Martin boss opens up on Fernando #Alonso ‘infecting’ the team https://t.co/1nbuGZ6i5A

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) March 18, 2023

READ: Max Verstappen set for hefty penalty

The Brit’s decision was vindicated after the race as Alonso was given a ten-second penalty for not serving his penalty correctly during his pit stop.

This penalty moved Russell up into P3 to score his first podium of the season but the gap to Hamilton was too big to see the seven-time world champion also move up a position.

With Russell outperforming his teammate in both qualifying and the race in Jeddah, cracks are beginning to show in the relationship between the two Mercedes drivers.

The post Saudi GP: Cracks beginning to show in Lewis Hamilton and George Russell relationship appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff jokingly accused Red Bull of making Max Verstappen suffer a driveshaft failure during qualifying “on purpose”, in a bid to show that the RB19 has the pace to win “from the back”.

Verstappen has once again been completely dominant at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with the Dutchman having topped all three practice sessions at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

As a result, he was the clear favourite for pole position on Saturday, until a sudden driveshaft failure saw the Dutchman eliminated in Q2.

The reigning world champion was unable to complete a lap in Q2, meaning he’ll start Sunday’s race from P15.

READ: Lewis Hamilton opens up on shock Angela Cullen split

Despite his poor starting position, Verstappen is still very much a contender for victory, given how strong he was throughout free practice.

“Maybe they’ve done it on purpose to get a win all the way from the back,” Wolff joked after qualifying.

Verstappen revealed after his shock elimination how he came to realise that something wasn’t right, with the Dutchman having been on a hot lap when the issue struck.

“Drive shaft is broken, so that’s it,” Verstappen told Viaplay.

“I can’t make anything else out of it. Just accept it and try to make the best of it on Sunday. I went full throttle and suddenly you lose the rear right driveshaft. It would normally have nothing to do with the fact that my gearbox was replaced earlier this weekend.”

To highlight how quick Verstappen has been this weekend in Jeddah, the Dutchman’s Q1 lap would’ve been good enough for fourth on the grid.

The failure is certainly not ideal, especially with Red Bull having already fitted Verstappen with a new gearbox for this weekend.

Team principal Christian Horner revealed that Verstappen’s issue “wasn’t a concern” ahead of the weekend, with the Austrians needing to understand what caused the failure.

Charles #Leclerc praises Oscar Piastri in Saudi Arabia https://t.co/Qn9hOp9tOk

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) March 19, 2023

READ: McLaren explain ‘cautious’ approach to upgrades as Lando Norris running low on patience

“(A drive shaft issue) is what it looks like at the moment,” Horner said after qualifying.

“We have obviously got to get into the car and see exactly what has happened. A great shame because that one lap he did in Q1 would have put him fourth on the grid.

“There wasn’t a concern coming into the race. Something obviously has happened there and we need to get to the bottom of it and understand it and make sure that it doesn’t happen tomorrow.”

The post Toto Wolff makes surprising claim about Max Verstappen issue appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Fernando Alonso has dropped down from third to P4, as he has been slapped with a 10-second penalty for serving a penalty incorrectly in Jeddah.

The Spaniard had qualified second for the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but he was quickly hit with a 5-second penalty for being out of position in his grid box at the start.

Alonso served the penalty during the race without losing a position, however towards the end of the grand prix it emerged that he was facing another penalty.

This is because his Aston Martin engineers seemingly worked on the car before he served the penalty while stationary in the pits, with the rear jack clearly touching the AMR-23.

READ: Furious Max Verstappen lashes out at Red Bull in Saudi Arabia

Esteban Ocon received a 10-second penalty for a similar reason two weeks ago during the season opener in Bahrain, and Alonso has received the same penalty.

This has dropped him behind George Russell, giving the Mercedes driver a podium while putting the Spaniard in P4.

He is still marginally ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who stays in fifth position.

Alonso’s team-mate, Lance Stroll, retired from the grand prix due to a mechanical issue – and it was his DNF which triggered the race’s only safety car.

It’s yet to be confirmed why exactly Stroll had to retire, but it appears he suffered some sort of engine issue.

The post Lewis Hamilton heartbreak as he narrowly misses out on P4 after Fernando Alonso penalty appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

...Keep reading

The 2023 season opener in Bahrain proved that once again, Red Bull have the potential to dominate a Formula 1 season, with a front row lockout in qualifying and one-two finish in the race allowing them to flex their muscles.

Ferrari would have been hoping to be able to challenge Red Bull for both championships this season but have not even been able to lay a glove on the energy drink giants this year.

Charles Leclerc fell afoul of Ferrari’s continuing reliability issues in Bahrain and was forced to retire from the race whilst tyre degradation issues prevented Carlos Sainz from finishing on the podium.

Leclerc went second fastest in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix and will be annoyed to have to serve a ten-place grid penalty, due to his team already using both of their allowed energy stores on his SF-23.

READ: George Russell reveals silver lining of early season Mercedes struggles

The Monegasque driver managed to go within 0.3s of pole sitter Sergio Perez in Q3 but believes that the gap to Red Bull is much bigger than this time difference suggests.

“I put everything into my lap but I feel like the gap we are seeing from Checo to myself is not the real one, I think the gap is much bigger than that,” he said.

“And eventually my goal is to beat the Red Bull, it’s not to finish second or third or fourth or whatever. So there is still a lot of work to do to before getting to their level.

“For tomorrow we have a ten-place grid penalty so it will be starting the race a bit on the back foot but I will do absolutely everything to come back to the front.”

Lewis Hamilton in shock at 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix https://t.co/zikxPhhOdI

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) March 18, 2023

READ: ‘With wrinkles and dry skin’: Ralf Schumacher fires shot at Guenther Steiner

Leclerc will not be the only driver starting further back than they would have liked, with Max Verstappen starting from P15 after a disastrous qualifying session.

The Dutchman experienced a driveshaft failure before he was able to set a lap time in Q2, leaving his teammate Sergio Perez to snatch pole position.

With both of these star drivers starting towards the back of the grid, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix once again promises to be one of the most exciting races of the season.

The post Charles Leclerc makes massively worrying Red Bull claim appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

After Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin outdragged him off the startline, Perez hit the front by Lap 4 and pulled clear, as team-mate Verstappen battled back from starting 15th after a driveshaft failure in qualifying.
Verstappen charged up to fourth before benefitting from a safety car when Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin ground to a halt. He quickly picked off those in front to sit behind Perez ...Keep reading

Like his former Alpine team-mate Esteban Ocon in Bahrain, Alonso picked up a five-second penalty for being out of position at the start, lining up to the left of his second grid slot.
And not unlike Ocon, Alonso was investigated again for not serving his time penalty correctly during his only pitstop. 
After a lengthy delay, the FIA stewards concluded one of Alonso's mechanics was ...Keep reading

Lewis Hamilton’s trainer Angela Cullen announced ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that she was “off on my next adventure”, with the New Zealander having announced that she’ll be leaving her role as the seven-time world champion’s trainer.

Since 2016, Cullen has always been seen by the Mercedes driver’s side on-track and fairly often off the circuit as well, with the duo having been inseparable.

Cullen has worked alongside Hamilton for four of his seven titles, with Auto Motor und Sport having reported that it was Hamilton who decided that it was time for himself and Cullen to go their separate ways.

She is alongside Hamilton at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit this weekend, with it yet to be confirmed whether the duo will work together in Australia.

READ: Senior Ferrari employee’s exit gets blocked by Frederic Vasseur

Cullen took to Instagram to share the news, where she shared how “proud” she is of the 103-time race winner.

“Exactly seven years ago on this day, I was standing in the F1 paddock for the first time at the Australian GP. Today I’m excited to share I’m off on my next adventure,” Cullen revealed on Instagram.

“I am so grateful and blessed to have had this incredible journey in F1, and I know my story will continue.

“Thanks to the MB team, who have been my family for the past seven years. And @lewishamilton you GOAT!!

“It’s been such an honour and pleasure to stand alongside you. I’m so proud of you and everything you have achieved.

“Thank you for supporting me, believing in me and showing me the limitless potential we all have within us. I am so excited to watch the next chapter for you. There’s nothing you can’t do.

“Don’t stop believing… Lives journey is one big wave. Keep riding. Dream big. As Dreams do come true. Forever by your side. STILL WE RISE.”

Hamilton also took to Instagram to thank Cullen for everything she’s done for him, with the Mercedes driver having labelled himself as a “better person because of her”.

Aston Martin boss opens up on Fernando #Alonso ‘infecting’ the team https://t.co/1nbuGZ6i5A

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) March 18, 2023

READ: Lewis Hamilton in shock at 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

“For the last seven years, @cullen_angela has been by my side, pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am a stronger athlete and a better person because of her,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.

“So today, I hope you’ll join me in wishing her the very best as she takes her next steps to pursue her dreams.

“Thank you for everything, Ang. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.”

The post Angela Cullen breaks silence on ending Lewis Hamilton relationship appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Fernando Alonso has lost his podium finish in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after the stewards ruled he failed to serve a penalty correctly during the race.

Sergio Perez led another Red Bull one-two in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after team mate Max Verstappen recovered from 15th on the grid to take second.

Perez crossed the line 5.3s clear of Verstappen, who spent the final laps charging his battery for a final-tour tilt at the fastest lap which was ultimately successful as he crossed the line with a 1m31.906s lap.
Perez had to overcome a setback at the start, in which Alonso trickled through into the first corner to take the lead and settled into first place.
But immediately, Alonso was ...Keep reading

After dominating the opening day at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, reigning world champion Max Verstappen endured a Saturday to forget at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, following two huge moments throughout the day.

Verstappen’s pace has been sensational in Saudi Arabia this weekend, with the Dutchman having topped all three practice sessions.

Free Practice 3 Saturday morning, though, did see the 25-year-old involved in what was nearly a “massive crash”, after the Red Bull driver wasn’t informed that Lando Norris was on a hot lap behind him.

Verstappen was cruising almost on the racing-line and seemingly wasn’t told by race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase that Norris was closing rapidly, with the McLaren driver having been very unhappy after having to suddenly bail out of his lap.

READ: Helmut Marko drops huge Mercedes claim in blow to Lewis Hamilton

“It’s dangerous what these guys do… that could have been a massive crash,” Norris told his race engineer.

Verstappen instantly knew he was in the wrong and immediately pulled alongside Norris to apologise; however, he complained to Lambiase before doing so.

“Mate, f***,” Verstappen said to Lambiase, before his race engineer replied by saying: “Apologies.”

Verstappen’s day became significantly worse Saturday evening after suffering an unfortunate driveshaft failure during Q2, with the Dutchman having limped his car back to the garage, before jumping out.

The Dutch driver will likely start from P15 on the grid for Sunday’s race, meaning his chances of victory are incredibly slim.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner isn’t ruling Verstappen out just yet, though, with the team boss expecting “plenty of carnage” during the second race of the 2023 season.

Aston Martin boss opens up on Fernando #Alonso ‘infecting’ the team https://t.co/1nbuGZ6i5A

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) March 18, 2023

READ: Charles Leclerc warns Ferrari ‘won’t win’ world title if ‘I am making the decisions’

“It’s a tough race here. It’s a matter of staying out of trouble,” Horner told Sky Sports F1.

“There’s going to be plenty of action, plenty of carnage, and it should provide an exciting race hopefully. It’s great for Checo [Perez] and important to convert that so we’re gonna have two different races going on in the Grand Prix tomorrow.

“It’s only the second race so it’s a great shame [for Max]. It’s really frustrating, the car has been on fire all weekend. Max, as well, every session has been very quick so let’s see how he races tomorrow. It’s gonna be a busy race for him, but we’ve got good straight-line speed. We’ve got a good race car so let’s see what we can do.”

The post Furious Max Verstappen lashes out at Red Bull in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Who was the best driver during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend? Compare how they did and vote for the best.

After dominating every practice session at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, reigning world champion Max Verstappen endured a disastrous qualifying at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, after suffering from a driveshaft failure.

Verstappen was the odds-on favourites to claim pole position with ease; however, the Dutchman complained over the radio just a few minutes into Q2.

“I have a problem – engine problem,” reported Verstappen. “It’s almost not accelerating.”

Red Bull gave the Dutchman permission to limp the car back to the pits, where he then jumped out of his cockpit.

READ: Helmut Marko makes big Ferrari engine claim in warning to Max Verstappen

It was almost immediately confirmed by Red Bull on social media that Verstappen had suffered from a “driveshaft mechanical failure”, meaning he was unable to continue in qualifying.

“Q2 Final Update: Driveshaft mechanical failure confirmed for Car 1,” wrote Red Bull on Twitter.

Q2 Final Update: Driveshaft mechanical failure confirmed for Car 1.

— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 18, 2023

The likelihood is that Verstappen won’t face a grid penalty given that he has several allotted parts remaining; however, it should be noted that Red Bull fitted the 25-year-old with his second of four legal gearboxes for the weekend.

The full extent of Verstappen’s damage likely won’t be unveiled until Sunday, where it will be confirmed whether he is starting from P15 or not for the race.

Verstappen spoke to the media immediately after being weighed, where he revealed where the issue began and what he believes is possible now in the race, given how far back he’ll be starting.

“No, it is the first time I have heard about it,” Verstappen told reporters, when asked if he was aware of any potential faults with his car.

Lewis Hamilton backtracks after demanding Mercedes apology https://t.co/e90mXI2NjS

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) March 18, 2023

READ: Saudi Arabia ramps up security after missile scare

“Coming out of Turn 10 it happened which is very annoying.

“I think so far we had a really good weekend, every session was going well, the car was working really well. Now it will be a bit more tricky to get to the front but it will be all about scoring points.

“Of course, I would have liked to have started further up the road but there is nothing I can do now. Let’s stay realistic – it is going to be tough but we have good pace so let’s move forward.”

The post Max Verstappen set for hefty penalty appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Max Verstappen leads the drivers championship by one point from Sergio Perez after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

It was expected that the W14 would bring a new lease of life for Mercedes this season, following the team’s disappointing start to F1’s new era last year.

Unfortunately for the team, their decision to stick with their zero sidepod concept has not paid off, with the W14 proving to be significantly slower than Red Bull, Ferrari and even Aston Martin.

Heading into the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, George Russell appears to have worked out how to extract the maximum performance from the problematic car, qualifying in P4 and moving up to P3 following Charles Leclerc’s grid penalty.

Lewis Hamilton on the other hand is struggling, with the seven-time world champion only managing to go eighth fasted in Q3 on Saturday evening.

READ: ‘Leaked photo’ of Max Verstappen after suffering a stomach bug

Following this disappointing qualifying performance, Hamilton has admitted that he does not feel able to extract the best out of the W14, which Russell has clearly proved has potential to be competitive.

“George did a great job and is right up there on the second row. The car obviously has performance,” he said after qualifying in Jeddah.

“I just don’t feel connected to this car. No matter what I do, no matter what I change, I can’t get confidence in it. I’m at a bit of a loss.

Charles #Leclerc praises Oscar Piastri in Saudi Arabia https://t.co/Qn9hOp9tOk

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) March 19, 2023

READ: Charles Leclerc warns Ferrari ‘won’t win’ world title if ‘I am making the decisions’

“In the high-speed, the car is a little unstable on my setup. It is a little different [to Russell’s]. There is one thing I did differently. Maybe it will be okay for tomorrow but less so for today.”

The Brit has also said that the only thing that he can do ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is arrive with a positive mindset and see where it takes him.

Charles Leclerc’s grid penalty and Max Verstappen’s engine issue will see the pair start the race in Jeddah from the bottom half of the grid, meaning that if Mercedes want to kickstart their season, they may not have a better chance to do so than this weekend.

The post Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t ‘feel connected’ as he addresses George Russell performance appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Sergio Perez has won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for Red Bull ahead of Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso.