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F1

F1 legend Mika Hakkinen opens karting track in Chennai

Double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen on Thursday inaugurated the state-of-the-art Madras International Karting Arena (M.I.K.A.) here on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by India's two former F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. At an emotionally charged function, Hakkinen, the F1 champion in 1998 and 1999, and popularly known as the Flying Finn, provided an insight into the mind and making of a World Champion. You must learn to lose and enjoy the win, and to control your emotions. As you move up the racing ladder, it is a whole different World out there. There is a lot of pressure from family, friends and teams. So, you must be able to deal with the pressure. But everything is up here, he said, pointing to his temple. Hakkinen, on a whistle stop visit to India enroute to the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, was all praise for the MIKA track which he said can spawn a generation of talented drivers in India. Karting is a good way to start your racing car

F1 legend Mika Hakkinen opens karting track in Chennai
Updated On : 20 Sep 2024 | 12:11 PM IST

Max Verstappen and Red Bull's era of F1 dominance comes under threat

Lando Norris is only one of Max Verstappen's problems at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The other is his own car. Verstappen needs to tame a car he's called a monster to hold off Norris and defend his Formula 1 title, all while the Red Bull team's years of dominance in Formula 1 seem to be nearing their end. Verstappen and Red Bull haven't won any of the last six races going into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday. Norris will now be favored by McLaren over teammate Oscar Piastri but will likely need some big slip-ups from Verstappen or Red Bull to overhaul the Dutch driver's 62-point lead in the last eight races of 2024, The target is much closer in the constructor's standings, with the McLaren team just eight points behind Red Bull, so that lead could change hands in Azerbaijan on Sunday. New rivals to Red Bull are emerging, powered by Red Bull expertise. The departure of Red Bull's car design guru Adrian Newey to Aston Martin is a sign of the long-term ambition of a team backed by

Max Verstappen and Red Bull's era of F1 dominance comes under threat
Updated On : 13 Sep 2024 | 5:49 PM IST

Max Verstappen wins 3rd straight Canadian Grand Prix, completes 60 F1 wins

Max Verstappen won the Canadian Grand Prix for the third straight year for the Red Bull star's 60th Formula 1 victory and sixth in nine races this season. Verstappen started second in the rain alongside pole-sitter George Russell and dominated late again at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Ile Notre-Dame on Sunday. The 26-year-old Dutchman has a staggering 50 victories in the last 75 F1 races. Verstappen finished 3.879 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris in the 70-lap race on the 2.71-mile (4.36-kilometer) road course. Last year, Verstappen started from the pole and led every lap. The race Sunday started with a soaking wet track before the sun emerged 10 minutes in, but rain showers returned periodically throughout the afternoon. "It's a lot of fun to drive these kinds of races now and then," Verstappen said. "You don't want it all the time because that's too stressful. But I had a lot of fun out there today." Norris lost a 10-second lead when Logan Sargeant brought put the safet

Max Verstappen wins 3rd straight Canadian Grand Prix, completes 60 F1 wins
Updated On : 10 Jun 2024 | 7:51 PM IST

F1: Verstappen hopes to use Japan's Suzuka circuit to reassert dominance

Max Verstappen said he found Japan's Suzuka circuit "intimidating the first time he navigated a Formula 1 car around the figure-eight layout with its high-speed corners and narrow confines. No longer daunted by Suzuka, the track looks like is an ideal bounce-back destination for Verstappen. In the last F1 race two weeks ago in Australia, a fire on his right-rear brakes forced him out on the fourth lap ending a nine-race victory string. I think if you look at Melbourne performance-wise, I think we were quick, but we didn't finish the race," Verstappen said. "So that's not ideal, but our car normally likes the higher-speed corners, so hopefully we can show that again this weekend. That's what's expected Sunday from the three-time defending F1 champion. He was the quickest in Friday's first practice session. The second session was dampened by a light rain with most teams deciding not to run in the damp to save tire wear. Verstappen was among those sitting out. Verstappen clocked 1 .

F1: Verstappen hopes to use Japan's Suzuka circuit to reassert dominance
Updated On : 05 Apr 2024 | 4:14 PM IST

Why is Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes, and where will he be heading now?

Lewis Hamilton shocked the motorsports world when the seven-time Formula One champion said he will leave Mercedes at the end of the season to join Ferrari, which had tried to land Hamilton before he signed his latest contract extension with the Silver Arrows. Hamilton only finalized a two-year extension with Mercedes at the end of August. Mercedes said Thursday the 39-year-old British driver has activated a release clause in that new deal that will allow him to join Ferrari in 2025. I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old, Hamilton said in a team statement. It's a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge. Hamilton moved from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013 and won six of his seven titles with the Silv

Why is Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes, and where will he be heading now?
Updated On : 02 Feb 2024 | 11:47 AM IST

Right time to move to Formula E, no regrets about chasing F1 dreams: Jehan

Indian racer Jehan Daruvala says it's the right time for him to move to Formula E, adding that he has no regrets about spending a few extra years in the junior series for a shot at the elusive Formula 1. Jehan moved to Formula E after spending four years in the F1 feeder series Formula 2, where he was a part of the Red Bull junior team. However, he failed to land a seat in F1. Post Formula 2 stint, the 25-year-old served as a reserve driver for Mahindra Racing in Formula E for a year. "In hindsight yes, everything is different. I was pushing to get into Formula 1 for those few years so I don't have any regrets," Jehan told PTI ahead of his debut Formula E race here. "I feel like I have come here (Formula E) at the right time, I have matured and I'm still only 25, still young," he added. Jehan will drive for the Maserati MSG Racing, becoming only the second Indian to take part in the all-electric series after Karun Chandhok. Jehan's learning process with the Gen 3 Formula E car wi

Right time to move to Formula E, no regrets about chasing F1 dreams: Jehan
Updated On : 13 Jan 2024 | 1:39 PM IST

Max wins Dutch GP to equal Vettel's F1 record with 9th straight victory

Runaway Formula One leader Max Verstappen won a rain-marred Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday to equal Sebastian Vettel's F1 record of nine straight victories. The Red Bull star clinched his third straight victory from pole position at the Zandvoort track, with veteran Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso finishing second and picking up a bonus point for the fastest lap. Alpine driver Pierre Gasly crossed the line in fourth place behind Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, but the Frenchman moved up to third because Perez was given a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. The chaotic race was held up for 40-minutes by a late red flag after Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu crashed. It restarted with a rolling start on Lap 65 of 72, in a race that featured multiple tire swaps as changing weather conditions played havoc with strategy calls. The race restarted with Verstappen ahead of Alonso, Perez and Gasly. After two laps behind the safety car, Verstappen comfortably pulled away for his 11th win

Max wins Dutch GP to equal Vettel's F1 record with 9th straight victory
Updated On : 27 Aug 2023 | 9:54 PM IST

Ryan Reynolds among new investors backing F1 team Alpine in $218 mn deal

After soccer, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are setting their sights on Formula One. F1 team Alpine has secured a 200 million euro ($218 million) investment from a group of investors that includes the actors. French automotive company Renault Group Alpine's parent company said Monday that the group has acquired a 24% stake in the team. It includes Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners and Maximum Effort Investments, which is led by Reynolds. The transaction values Alpine Racing Ltd. around $900 million following this investment, the team said in a statement. "It will accelerate Alpine's growth plans and sporting ambitions in F1." Other investors include actor Michael B. Jordan. Reynolds and McElhenney completed a $2.5 million takeover of Welsh soccer team Wrexham in November 2020. The club was thrust into the global spotlight because of its A-list owners and secured promotion to the fourth tier of English soccer this season. With drivers Pierre Gasly and Est

Ryan Reynolds among new investors backing F1 team Alpine in $218 mn deal
Updated On : 26 Jun 2023 | 4:44 PM IST

Honda, Aston Martin to reignite partnership in 2026, Alonso onboard

Aston Martin is building a team to win, reconciling Honda and Fernando Alonso for F1 2026

Honda, Aston Martin to reignite partnership in 2026, Alonso onboard
Updated On : 24 May 2023 | 5:10 PM IST

Formula One to launch new racing series 'F1 Academy' for female drivers

Formula One is launching a new racing series for female drivers that will start next year. The series, to be known as the F1 Academy, will be subsidized by F1 and is likely to be a support series for one weekend of the F1 season. F1 said it would contribute funding of 150,000 euros ($156,000) per car and will require the drivers to cover the same amount, which represents a fraction of the usual costs in a comparable series. There will be 15 cars on the grid for a 21-race season split across seven rounds. The series will aim to recruit young talent currently in go-karting or other junior categories in the hope they can later graduate to Formula Three as a next step, and eventually compete in F1. The announcement comes less than two months after another all-female event, the W Series, cut its season short due to financial problems. The W Series has been free to enter for drivers, unlike most developmental series which require young drivers to bring their own financial backing from .

Formula One to launch new racing series 'F1 Academy' for female drivers
Updated On : 18 Nov 2022 | 6:49 PM IST

TVS to acquire 48% stake in two-wheeler startup DriveX for Rs 85 cr

TVS Motor Company on Wednesday said it will acquire 48 per cent stake in Narain Karthikeyan's pre-owned two-wheeler startup 'DriveX' for a consideration of Rs 85 crore. The company said it will acquire 48.27 per cent stake in NKars Mobility Millennial Solutions Pvt Ltd (NMMSPL), which operates under the brand DriveX', through primary and secondary investments. Founded by Formula 1 driver Karthikeyan, DriveX is into leasing of two-wheeler motorcycles and scooters and selling, trading, and distributing pre-owned two-wheeler motorcycles and scooters. "DriveX has a vision to bring a change in this segment by building trust, assurance, and transparency through end-to-end, high-quality products and customer experience through innovative solutions. We are confident of DriveX ability to deliver on this vision," TVS Motor Company Managing Director Sudarshan Venu said in a statement. DriveX Founder and CEO Karthikeyan said DriveX is a digital first business, serving all brands with ...

TVS to acquire 48% stake in two-wheeler startup DriveX for Rs 85 cr
Updated On : 24 Aug 2022 | 4:27 PM IST

Verstappen wins the F1 Hungarian GP after Ferrari strategy blunder

Dutch driver Max Verstappen climbed from 10th on the grid to win the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, as Ferrari and Charles Leclerc lost yet more points to some questionable strategy.

Verstappen wins the F1 Hungarian GP after Ferrari strategy blunder
Updated On : 01 Aug 2022 | 1:49 PM IST

A rallyist and an auto major ride tandem to innovate

In January 2021, 135 km into Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally, Santosh suffered an accident on a gravel track that left him unconscious and in need of resuscitation.

A rallyist and an auto major ride tandem to innovate
Updated On : 21 Apr 2022 | 6:05 AM IST

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc wins Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

The 24-year-old Leclerc extended his lead in the drivers' championship while claiming his second win of the season following victory in the season-opening race in Bahrain.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc wins Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Updated On : 10 Apr 2022 | 1:21 PM IST

Audi and Porsche to enter F1, get green light from Volkswagen

There has long been talk of Audi and Porsche forming partnerships with existing Formula One teams, their most likely method of entry into the highest class of international racing

Audi and Porsche to enter F1, get green light from Volkswagen
Updated On : 01 Apr 2022 | 12:03 AM IST

Formula 1 shifts from racing to human rights in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia also came under scrutiny in October after buying Premier League soccer club Newcastle

Formula 1 shifts from racing to human rights in Saudi Arabia
Updated On : 25 Mar 2022 | 10:47 PM IST

Formula One cancels Russian Grand Prix in the wake of Ukraine crisis

Formula One says it is "impossible" to hold a race in Russia later this year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Formula One cancels Russian Grand Prix in the wake of Ukraine crisis
Updated On : 25 Feb 2022 | 6:15 PM IST

Formula 1 approves new points system for shortened races after Spa fiasco

Talks on the subject have been taking place since the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps was shortened due to bad weather

Formula 1 approves new points system for shortened races after Spa fiasco
Updated On : 15 Feb 2022 | 8:39 AM IST

Max Verstappen wins first F1 title with last lap pass of Lewis Hamilton

You are the world champion! The world champion! screamed back Red Bull boss Christian Horner

Max Verstappen wins first F1 title with last lap pass of Lewis Hamilton
Updated On : 12 Dec 2021 | 9:11 PM IST

After 21 races, Formula One down to the wire in thrilling title finish

First driver across the finish line will be crowned champion

After 21 races, Formula One down to the wire in thrilling title finish
Updated On : 07 Dec 2021 | 1:12 AM IST