F1

The Baku City Circuit represents a unique challenge for the teams, given the opposing requirements on downforce levels for the different parts of the track.

Also note how it is using the rearward cooling louvre panel, which arches down around the engine cover. Red Bull had already modified its front brake and caliper arrangement for Monaco and has made further changes in Baku to improve cooling. Photo by: Giorgio Piola

Lewis Hamilton says comments from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem will not deter his activism on non-sporting issues, and has encouraged all Formula One ...

"There's a lot of energy with music and colours, over the years I've had amazing times there. "Brazil has always been a place that I've loved and admired as a kid, obviously following Ayrton [Senna] you naturally are drawn to the country. "I encourage all of the drivers to be more outspoken in future and speak about things they care about. On Thursday, Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil as the lower house of parliament passed a bill. So, that's part of my role." "It's a really cool project.

Lewis Hamilton has urged all his fellow Formula 1 drivers “to be more outspoken” in response to the FIA president initially seeming to question his and ...

“I'm proud to see what Seb does and to be an ally of his.” “I encourage all the drivers to be more outspoken in the future about things they care about. The seven-time champion added that regardless of the FIA president’s views, he would not ease off in his activism and that all F1 drivers should be similarly “outspoken” on issues close to their hearts. The Mercedes driver, who has previously said he wants to be “an ally” to the president in response to the clash over jewellery, suggested Ben Sulayem might have been taken out of context. “In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future.” “To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our believes in something over the sport all the time.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fastest during an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice on Friday, the eighth round of the 2022 Formula 1 World ...

Perez went off again, this time botching the laps of Verstappen and Sainz, who were running behind him. Leclerc then locked up and overshot Turn 8. Verstappen finally got a lap in on well-used softs but stayed third from a soft-shod Alonso in fourth. AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly also suffered a huge lock-up but didn’t hit anything. Azerbaijan Grand Prix FP2 results: Leclerc fastest from Perez Azerbaijan Grand Prix FP1 results: Perez fastest from Leclerc

While his Mercedes is uncompetitive, Hamilton has not let that slow him down in using F1 as a platform to speak out from.

Elsewhere, he is now a Brazilian citizen after after a bill passed by the country’s lower house of parliament. He clarified his recent comments on Twitter this week and said that sport should be “a catalyst of progress in society.” I had an epic win in São Paulo last year and my biggest following is in Brazil.” In Azerbaijan on Friday, Hamilton underlined he had no intention of stepping back and urged more drivers to become involved. After seven years of unprecedented Mercedes domination helped him to 103 GP wins, Hamilton’s 2022 car is not at the level of Red Bull or Ferrari. Once again, it looks like a supporting role for the seven-time world champion on the track in Baku this weekend. “For every single one of us here to do more, to speak out more, to spark more conversations.

Ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem questioned whether Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Lando Norris should express ...

In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future.” Four-time world champion Vettel has demanded environmental change, and wore a T-shirt ahead of last month’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix which read: “Miami 2060. As a driver, I have always believed in sport as a catalyst of progress in society. I am international and Muslim. I do not impose my beliefs on other people. “Everybody has the right to think. That is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate.

The F2 champion was overlooked for a seat in the top category this season, but might get to race after all with another driver facing the axe unless he ...

If they were to do so, Piastri is reportedly seen as a ready-made replacement to come in at short notice and grab his F1 opportunity with both hands. Haas found themselves with a late vacancy after sacking Nikita Mazepin in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but they preferred to bring the experienced Kevin Magnussen back into the fold. Despite that, he was overlooked for a spot in the premier series due to a lack of seats available.

Max Verstappen has voiced his opposition to a salary cap for Formula 1 drivers, and pointed out that it could make it harder for youngsters to attract ...

So I think that's one of the main points.” “So why would the drivers with their IP rights and everything be capped, [the people] who actually bring the show and put their lives at risk? “I think no one really knows where it's going to go.

Piastri has been made to bide his time as Alpine's reserve driver this year, despite winning three consecutive title in a stellar junior racing career. Stream ...

He’s crashing at most race weekends and he’s in a tricky place. “If you want to mature someone in Formula 1, like Piastri, then Alpine has set aside a decent budget for this: a budget to park him and get him used to Formula 1,” he said. With Alpine set to retain Ocon and Alonso as its driver line-up for 2023, Coronel said the team would be foolish not to give Piastri the chance to gain any experience he can in F1. And the opportunity to drive in F1 could happen sooner than anticipated, largely because of the underwhelming form of Nicholas Latifi at Williams. But the French-based team announced earlier this year it would allow Piastri to be loaned to another team with the goal of developing his craft before eventually returning to Alpine. Piastri has been made to bide his time as Alpine’s reserve driver this year, despite winning three consecutive title in a stellar junior racing career.

Ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem questioned whether Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Lando Norris should express ...

In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future." "Everybody has the right to think. "I am from an Arabian culture. "They are bigger than us, bigger than the sport can ever be, and it is important to express and raise awareness that lots of things can be improved on." Never." I am international and Muslim. I do not impose my beliefs on other people.

The Baku City Circuit represents a unique challenge for the teams, given the opposing requirements on downforce levels for the different parts of the track.

As a consequence, the front wing has new rearward elements to reduce their chord length and incidence level to help balance the car. Red Bull had already modified its front brake and caliper arrangement for Monaco and has made further changes in Baku to improve cooling. Photo by: Giorgio Piola

Ferrari filed two protests against Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez for alleged pit exit infractions, which the FIA later rejected. Drivers ...

So I don’t think that, ‘okay, Max and Checo were crossing the line last time in Monaco so we can do it.’ I think every time it is different.” “I’m not trusting the FIA. Every time it’s super inconsistent. He was asked about the change in stance.

Daniel Ricciardo insists he is not complacent about his Formula 1 future at McLaren, despite being told he has the full support of the team.

At the end of the day, I guess I know the facts between us and what I have with the team. And I do truly believe that I have the full support of the team and we want to do it together. "I know that some things are taken out of context. "We've spoke," he said, when asked by Autosport if he had discussed things with Brown since the media reports emerged. And I want to enjoy that success with the team. My results, I want them to be better.

False dawn for F1 giants as Mercedes star fumes; Ferrari gun's ominous warning: Practice Wrap.

We seem fast on the straights and it’s sometimes a set-up compromise with this type of circuit, but let’s see how we go tomorrow.” AlphaTauri seems like it’s striking that compromise better despite lacking the headline times. The Baku track is punishing for engines given around three-quarters of the lap is spent at full throttle, and it’s little surprise Red Bull Racing has wheeled out fresh power units for both drivers this weekend. Russell’s clearly had enough of the infernal bouncing. “It’s crazy out there through those high-speed corners, the car’s fully bottoming out. “There was a difference between the cars. “Obviously we’ve seen it,” Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner told Sky Sports, “We’ve got the data from it. For one, both RBR drivers believe they made set-up errors on Friday afternoon, the rectification of which might swing momentum back in their favour. Some of that was down to the bouncing, of which George Russell has clearly had enough. Red Bull Racing battled rear wing problems on Verstappen’s car in first practice. He even beat the Bulls in the speed trap. “Weight is always a critical factor, you’re obviously chasing that all over the car,” Horner said.

Valtteri Bottas says his 15th place in Friday practice for Formula 1's Azerbaijan GP is not representative and that new parts will boost Alfa Romeo's ...

"There's a clear picture of where we need to improve and that just will gain so much more speed. "And I think today the main focus is that as a team, we need to just find some more speed. "It was a struggle, but we sort of like figured out what happened after the weekend. It's quite a sensitive track, but once you get the set-up right, then you can find quite a lot of laptime." "But I think we learned quite a bit with the set-up. We did quite a lot of set-up changes today, and towards the end, it was getting much better."

Mercedes are facing "big decisions" and must find their direction after a disappointing display in Azerbaijan GP practice, according to former world ...

"You've got lots of races coming up and still a lot of time, but they need to find a direction." "Luckily, I've not really had to deal with it, but clearly all the comments are saying that the drivers are suffering, and you saw it from Lewis, his back is hurting. "If we're totally on top of our tyres we're not going to fully close that gap, they're just too far ahead. "We're hitting some serious speeds at the end here and it's bouncing a lot. "For visibility as well, it's not great. "This is where you start to go, fundamentally have we gone wrong somewhere with our concept?

Baku plays host to the eighth round of the 2022 Formula 1 season. Here's how you can watch the 2022 Azerbaijan GP qualifying.

Viewers from selected countries can subscribe to F1 TV to stream qualifying on a device of their choice. - Denmark - TV3 / TV3 Sport / Viaplay Can’t find your country or region in the list?

McLaren boss Andreas Seidl admits his team is expecting to breach the Formula 1 cost cap by the end of the season.

Everyone has an interest that we have a defined solution for this year." "I'm absolutely happy we have the cost cap in place. And so I don't have any concerns on that."

Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff says the team's lack of top speed in Baku is the result of a draggy 'parachute' of a car coupled with a return ...

So between the draggy car and the bottoming this is the main deficit that we are seeing here on the straight," Wolff explained. And as a consequence, the ride is not very good. "In Barcelona we had a big rear wing, and the car was pretty stable on the straight and we were among the quickest, but there is never one thing and certainly the engine is not the area I want to point at."

Ferrari believes the FIA may change back its pitlane line rules in the wake of the precedent set by its protest against Red Bull at Formula 1's Monaco Grand ...

"We are happy to move on with the fair fight. But I think it was right for us to protest, just to show at least that we are not in agreement with the decision at the time. And still we believe it was not the right decision.

Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff says the team's lack of top speed in Baku is the result of a draggy 'parachute' of a car coupled with a return ...

So between the draggy car and the bottoming this is the main deficit that we are seeing here on the straight," Wolff explained. And as a consequence, the ride is not very good. "In Barcelona we had a big rear wing, and the car was pretty stable on the straight and we were among the quickest, but there is never one thing and certainly the engine is not the area I want to point at."

Daniel Ricciardo has headed back into the pits after being told by McLaren can still find five meters braking for Turn One. "You made a good step," says his ...

The Ferrari boys are trading blows for fastest lap time. The rules say qualifying cannot start less than two hours after P3. Have checked with the FIA that qualifying will now start 15 mins later than scheduled (so 1515 UK). They say yes. Daniel Ricciardo has headed back into the pits after being told by McLaren can still find five meters braking for Turn One. "You made a good step," says his engineer. George Russell is still in the top five on the timing sheets but the Mercedes man is not happy with his latest effort. Alpine were also running a low-drag set-up and Alonso was fastest of all down the main straight. Alpine have big upgrade this weekend, with new wings, different sidepods and a new beam wing.

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has admitted to some concerns over the appointment of a former Mercedes Formula 1 team executive to a senior FIA role.

But the FIA is changing its structure and its organisation, and then the president has to make his decisions. He's certainly got a lot of competencies and experience. I think it's down to them [the FIA] to make sure that there will be no conflicts of interest at all, to behave properly, and it's down to the president to ensure it. “And we certainly shouldn't interfere into any of those decisions. She's got a lot of experience, she will certainly be capable of doing the job. “Yes, certainly it's a concern,” said Binotto when asked by Motorsport.com. “I think she's a great person.

'Never totally objective': Red Bull boss hits back at Max's dad — F1 Qualifying LIVE.

That’s why Checo got the call on the pit stop, Max wouldn’t even have had track position for example on that lap.” He’s got opinions and that’s absolutely fine, that’s his opinion. “Jos is his own person and personality.

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has admitted to some concerns over the appointment of a former Mercedes Formula 1 team executive to a senior FIA role.

But the FIA is changing its structure and its organisation, and then the president has to make his decisions. He's certainly got a lot of competencies and experience. I think it's down to them [the FIA] to make sure that there will be no conflicts of interest at all, to behave properly, and it's down to the president to ensure it. “And we certainly shouldn't interfere into any of those decisions. She's got a lot of experience, she will certainly be capable of doing the job. “Yes, certainly it's a concern,” said Binotto when asked by Autosport. “I think she's a great person.

Formula 1's qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will start 15 minutes later than originally scheduled as a consequence of earlier barrier ...

The slight delay to F1 qualifying will be of good news to some motorsport fans as it means there is no longer a direct clash with the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours race that begins in France. It said: "Following the delay to the start of FP3 which was due to barrier repairs after the F2 sprint race - the start of qualifying will be 15 minutes later than scheduled in accordance with Article 39 of the sporting regulations." But with the FIA electing to run the session for it full hour, rather than starting the clock at the original start time so it ended as scheduled at 4pm, it meant a finish time of 4.15pm local time.

Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff believes it is untenable for a cost-capped F1 not to have a driver salary limit.

“Those teams that will be affected already have long-term agreements with their drivers. “Formula 1 is looking at it without an immediate solution to it,” Wolff continued. Major League Baseball has no salary cap but rather a luxury tax, in which teams are forced to contribute extra money if their payroll exceeds a certain threshold. “Now clearly drivers will have an opinion on that, and maybe as a driver, I’d say the same thing. And I think the talk about [even a] $30-40million salary allowance is inadequate when you take that perspective. They already are.

The time has come: qualifying for the Baku Grand Prix is about to begin. From 15:00 UK time, 20 drivers will compete to start from pole position on Sunday.

Ferrari will need to make gains in qualifying in the slower corners, while Red Bull will excel in the final sector. The Ferrari's seem to be favourites in qualifying compared to Red Bull Racing so far this weekend. The time has come: qualifying for the Baku Grand Prix is about to begin.

Pirelli has defended its wet weather Formula 1 tyres in the wake of strong criticism from Sebastian Vettel and Jos Verstappen after the Monaco Grand Prix.

"We need to test, otherwise we cannot develop a new tyre for the future. "We don't have a lot of opportunities to test the wet and intermediate tyres," he explained. "I believe that Monaco is not the right track to make a proper assessment of the wet tyres.

Pirelli has defended its wet weather Formula 1 tyres in the wake of strong criticism from Sebastian Vettel and Jos Verstappen after the Monaco Grand Prix.

"We need to test, otherwise we cannot develop a new tyre for the future. "We don't have a lot of opportunities to test the wet and intermediate tyres," he explained. "I believe that Monaco is not the right track to make a proper assessment of the wet tyres.