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Ladybbird · 14-09-14, 02:07

Formula 1 Officially Announces 2015 Schedule of Races

The FIA has officially unveiled next season's Formula One schedule, which is set to begin on March 15, 2015, with the Australian Grand Prix. An additional race is included next year, taking the total to 20, per the governing body's website.

The Mexican Grand Prix's return will be the 18th race of the season, taking place on Nov. 1. Other notable dates include the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 7, a trip to Germany's Nurburgring on July 19 and the Belgian Grand Prix just over a month later on Aug. 23.

Mexico's addition ensures next year will host the longest season to date. A modified version of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City will be used in F1 for the first time since 1992, per BBC Sport.

Nigel Mansell (centre), was the last man to win this particular race, with legendary names such as Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Gerhard Berger having also taken the plaudits.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg currently leads the 2014 Drivers' Standings ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton. The pair continue to be embroiled in a less-than-friendly rivalry after Hamilton disobeyed team orders to let Rosberg pass at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Rosberg returned the favour after allegedly admitting to hit Hamilton's car on purpose at Spa, reported by Nick Stamford of the Express. Mercedes took action against the German driver for his actions, per Benson, after the championship leader called his move an "error of judgement."

It will take a major change in fortune for anyone other than Rosberg to enter the 2015 season as champion. Although this is the most competitive F1 season in years, the 29-year-old has finished in the top two throughout 11 of the 13 races so far.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

An unfortunate gearbox failure saw him retire at Silverstone, while Rosberg's sole finish outside the podium came with a fourth at the Hungaroring. He will be extremely confident of completing the final six races in similar form, capturing his first title in the process.

The 2015 season will usher in plenty of further changes, including alterations to both technical regulations and testing, meaning the field is likely to receive another shakeup next year.
Just like Sebastian Vettel's drop to outside competitor, this season's champion is sure to face many yet-to-be-determined troubles en route to reclaiming their crown when next March's proceedings begin.

Here's a Full Look at the 2015 F1 Schedule:

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Ladybbird · 05-10-14, 17:13

Jules Bianchi Suffers Severe Head Injury After Crashing Into Recovery Vehicle During Japanese Grand Prix

Marussia driver Jules Bianchi unconscious following crash on lap 43 of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka
The Frenchman spun off in wet conditions and hit a recovery vehicle preparing to tow away Adrian Sutil's Sauber
CT scan shows he suffered severe head injury and Bianchi had surgery at Mie University Hospital
Bianchi failed to respond when his team made contact over the radio following the crash in latter stages of the race
The race was red-flagged, meaning Lewis Hamilton claimed his third straight win to go 10 points clear in championship

Daily Mail UK, 5 October 2014

Jules Bianchi is is fighting for his life in hospital and is having surgery on a severe head injury sustained after he crashed into a vehicle recovering Adrian Sutil's car during Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. The race was ended after the incident involving the Marussia driver, who failed to respond when his team radioed to ask if he was OK. He was unconscious as he was driven to the Mie University hospital, 10 miles away, with a police escort. The 25-year-old is now in surgery for the injuries and will be taken to intensive care afterwards, an FIA statement confirmed.

The race was cut short by nine laps after the incident involving the Marussia driver, who failed to respond when his team radioed to ask if he was OK.
Treated at the scene of the accident, he was unconscious as he was driven to the Mie University Hospital, 10 miles south of the Suzuka circuit, with a police escort. The medical helicopter could not fly because conditions were too bad.
The 25-year-old is undergoing surgery for his injuries and will be taken to intensive care afterwards, an FIA statement confirmed. His father has since told French media that his son's condition is critical.

Medics rush to the aid of French driver Jules Bianchi after an accident during the Japanese Grand Prix - his Marussia car spun off the track and hit a recovery vehicle

Officials red-flagged the Japanese Grand Prix on lap 46, meaning championship leader Lewis Hamilton claimed his third win in succession and eighth of the season.
But celebrations on the podium were muted after news of Bianchi's condition broke.
Bianchi is a graduate of the Ferrari academy and former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa and team principal Marco Mattiacci were among those from the Formula One community who went to Mie University hospital after the race.
The tractor was preparing to tow away Sutil's Sauber, which had spun off in heavy rain on lap 42 of a dramatic and weather-interrupted race.
As the recovery was taking place, Bianchi also spun off at the same corner, a lap later, and crashed into the back of the tractor.

FIA media delegate Matteo Bonciani confirmed Bianchi was taken to hospital after the crash, which happened at the notoriously challenging Dunlop Curve.
'On lap 42, Adrian Sutil lost control of his car, spun and hit the tyre barrier on the outside of Turn 7,' an FIA statement read.
'The marshals displayed double waved yellow flags before the corner to warn drivers of the incident. A recovery vehicle was despatched in order to lift the car and take it to a place of safety behind the guardrail.
'While this was being done the driver of car 17, Jules Bianchi, lost control of his car, travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor.'

Track marshals and medics administer urgent attention to Jules Bianchi after his crash at Suzuka in Japan

Bianchi spun off in wet conditions and hit the recovery vehicle, which was about to tow Adrian Sutil's stricken Sauber from the circuit

Sutil (centre) looks distressed as he talks to medical staff while Bianchi receives attention. The Japanese Grand Prix was immediately red-flagged by officials

Sutil looks worried as doctors rush to the aid of Bianchi at the trackside. The French driver was unconscious when driven to hospital by ambulance

Bianchi is taken away to hospital in an ambulance after the crash

Quote:

Jules Bianchi is widely considered to be one of the sport’s rising stars. A graduate from the Ferrari academy he made his grand prix debut with Marussia in 2013 after being partnered alongside Briton Max Chilton.
Bianchi has been consistently impressive ever since and earned Marussia’s first points in Formula One when he finished ninth at the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year.
The Frenchman, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Ferrari and is widely expected to drive for the famous Italian constructor in the future.
Bianchi has out-qualified Chilton in 12 of the 15 races this season, finishing ahead of his team-mate on eight occasions.

The running of the race had been under threat all week as Typhoon Phanfone approached Japan from the Pacific Ocean and the event had already been red-flagged after just two laps after the race began under safety car conditions.
The race continued when the weather cleared up but the rain began to fall in the closing stages ahead of both Sutil and Bianchi's accidents.

Sutil said after the race: 'I aquaplaned. The rain got more and more. One lap later with waved yellow flags Jules came around and had the same spin there, and that was it. It was the same crash but the outcome was different.
'The car came out to rescue my car and it all happened.
'This particular corner was a very tricky one the whole race through but especially in the end when it was dark. You just couldn’t see where the patches were and that’s why I lost the car.’
'It got a little bit dark in the end and maybe we should have stopped the race earlier.'
On whether the race should have been held earlier in the day, Sutil added: ‘We weren’t asked about our opinion so there is nothing I can say. It was clear it got more wet and it would have been quite easy to make the race earlier but it is not in my hands.’

Nico Rosberg, who finished second, said the situation was 'very, very serious'.

Bianchi, 25, from Nice in France, is competing in his second season of Formula One, and right, him in action during Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix

Bianchi spun and hit the yellow tractor, which was preparing to tow Sutil's car (foreground) from the side of the Suzuka track during the Grand Prix

'I'm not thinking about the race, I'm thinking about my colleague,' said Rosberg. 'I've been given some information and it seems very, very serious. I'm hoping for the best.'
Sauber tweeted to confirm Sutil was OK following his accident.
Hamilton's win put him 10 points clear of Rosberg in the drivers' championship. The Brit pulled off a stunning overtake on his Mercedes team-mate on lap 29 and never looked back, pulling clear to win his eighth grand prix of the season.

'They weren't that bad, said Hamilton of the conditions. 'It was wet obviously but I have had much worse in terms of aquaplaning.
'When we went back out it was good, we were behind the safety car for too long. Towards the end it rained a bit more but it wasn’t causing me any problems but perhaps for others, it is so hard to keep temperatures in the tyres.'

Lewis Hamilton lifts the trophy after claiming victory in the Japanese Grand Prix, his third win in succession and enough to take him 10 points clear in the championship

Asked whether the safety car should have been dispatched because the recovery vehicle was towing away Sutil's Sauber, Hamilton added: 'That's the normal protocol to get the cars off the track for safety. There were yellow flags, you are supposed to have a big lift, particularly when there are double yellows.'

Jenson Button, who finished fifth, said: 'When the race started it was fine. There is a fine line between having too much spray and not being able to see.
'I think it was safe conditions. It is an accident and thoughts are with Jules right now.

Sebastian Vettel, who claimed his second straight podium after finishing behind the Mercedes duo, added: 'It was unlucky timing and unlucky to lose the car which led to the accident - our thoughts are with him.
'We knew how tricky it was today so we are hopeful for some very good news. It is one of the trickiest places and with more water the car is very nervous and easy to do a mistake.'

Bianchi holds off the Caterham of Kamui Kobayashi during Sunday's rain-hit Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka

Ladybbird · 07-10-14, 10:36

Full & Immediate Investigation has been Ordered by FIA

Jules Bianchi now in 'Critical Condition'

Updates from Tuesday, Oct. 7

A full and immediate investigation has been ordered by FIA president Jean Todt into the circumstances that led to Jules Bianchi's crash at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

Bianchi remains in a critical, but stable condition after his car collided with a recovery crane—leaving him with severe brain injuries. Todt is determined to find out if the accident could have been avoided in what were hazardous conditions at Suzuka, per the Telegraph's Daniel Johnson:

Quote:

Charlie Whiting, the race director, was asked directly by Jean Todt, the FIA president, to compile a report into the exact circumstances of the collision during the rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

Todt’s son, Nicolas, is Bianchi’s manager and was at his bedside along with the Marussia driver’s family in Yokkaichi last night. Bianchi remains in a “critical but stable” condition after sustaining severe head injuries when he hit a recovery tractor.

The report is likely to be completed in the coming days, and certainly before the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in Sochi next weekend, an FIA source said, amid growing criticism of some of the safety measures surrounding the 25-year-old’s accident.

Byron Young of the Daily Mirror reports that the specific type of recovery crane used by Formula One, with which Bianchi collided on Sunday, will likely still be in use at the Russian Grand Prix despite safety fears.

Young writes:

Quote:

MirrorSport has been told there is unlikely to be sufficient time to make fundamental changes for Formula 1’s debut in Sochi this coming Sunday.

Bianchi hit a crane deployed in a sand trap to remove a car from an earlier accident. Such recovery vehicles are widely used around the world for international sporting events.

Despite criticisms from the likes of Martin Brundle and Jacques Villeneuve they remain a vital part of event management. And the layout and structure of Sochi in particular means they are unlikely to be such a factor.

Daily Mail UK Reports:

FIA INVESTIGATION

Widespread reports in Britain concurred that the FIA had opened an urgent investigation into the incident.
Britain's Daily Telegraph said on Monday that race director Charlie Whiting had been asked directly by FIA president Jean Todt to compile the report before Sunday's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi on Sunday.

Former Formula One driver Martin Brundle, now a commentator in Britain, was one of many people involved in the sport who questioned the safety procedures used.
He recalled his own near miss with a crane when driving in the sport 20 years ago and questioned the need for them to be so close to the track.

"I nearly lost my life against one of them, I just missed it and hit a marshal. I closed my eyes and I thought that was the end," he was quoted as saying by British media.
"The tractors are just too high and you are sitting down low. I've been saying this for a long time.
"You are going into the barrier if you go off there. There's no way of recovering, you are going too fast."

Bianchi's accident was the most serious involving a driver at a grand prix weekend since Brazilian Felipe Massa suffered near-fatal head injuries in Hungary in 2009 after being hit on the helmet by a bouncing spring shed from a car in front.
Massa made a full recovery from that incident and was racing for Williams on Sunday.

Despite that, Formula One remains proud of its improved safety record and constantly strives to make cars safer, but acknowledges the sport will always be dangerous.

"We have done so much for safety," Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone was quoted as saying by British newspaper The Times.
"These days, you see an accident on the track and the driver undoes his safety belt, flips off his steering wheel and jumps out unharmed.
"It's difficult for me to say what happened and it will be for an inquiry to find out exactly what did go on."

Brain Injury Specialist who Helped Treat Schumacher Flies to Japan to Advise on Treatment of Jules Bianchi after Horror Crash

Professor Gerard Saillant advised after Michael Schumacher's ski crash
A top neurologist in France, he is president of the FIA medical commission
He arrived in Yokkaichi early this morning and went straight to the hospital
Bianchi, 25, in 'critical but stable' condition after Japanese Grand Prix crash
Marussia driver was injured when his car ploughed into the back of a tractor
His girlfriend Camille Marchetti, 24, sends up a prayer for her 'champion'

Daily Mail UK, 7 October 2014

Specialist: Professor Gerard Saillant, president of the FIA medical commission, arrived in Yokkaichi early this morning to see Jules Bianchi.

The brain injury specialist who treated Michael Schumacher after his skiing accident has flown to Japan to advise on the treatment of Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi.Professor Gerard Saillant, president of the FIA medical commission, arrived in Yokkaichi early this morning and went straight to the hospital where Bianchi is said to be in a 'critical' condition.

On Sunday, the Marussia driver suffered a severe head injury when his car smashed into a tractor rescuing the crashed Sauber of Adrian Sutil, who had spun off on the previous lap of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Prof Saillant arrived at Mie General Hospital with Nicolas Todt, Bianchi's agent, and went straight in via the emergency entrance to avoid crowds of waiting reporters, Le Parisien reports.

Bianchi, who is just 25, remains in intensive care today after emergency surgery on a severe head injury following his high speed crash on the rain-soaked Suzuka circuit.

Sources at the hospital said Bianchi was breathing but only with the help of a ventilator, not on his own as was originally reported in the French media on Sunday night.

His mother and father arrived at the hospital last night. 'When we have an update with Saillant, we will speak to you,' Philippe Bianchi told waiting reporters.

Famous in the world of sport and one of France's leading neurologists, Prof Saillant is a brain and spinal injury expert with a particular specialism in motorsports.
It was he who helped to treat Michael Schumacher after the retired F1 ace's devastating head injury while skiiing in December last year. He also oversaw Schumacher's medical care when he broke his leg in the 1999 British Grand Prix.

A spokesman for the FIA, Formula One's governing body, said last night Bianchi's condition was ‘critical but stable’ and it is understood his family will finally see him on Tuesday. They had been delayed in getting to him due to Typhoon Phanfone.

The first video of the horrific moment Bianchi crashed into the digger has now been distributed online. The clip was released as Jules Bianchi was revealed to be in a ‘critical but stable’ condition following the crash.

An ambulance was sent to the scene straight after Bianchi's crash - which knocked him unconscious - and the 25-year-old Frenchman was taken to the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi.

Ladybbird · 21-10-14, 22:31

F1 Plans Trip to Las Vegas for Grand Prix on The Strip

Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone is in discussions about hosting a grand prix on the streets of Las Vegas, including The Strip.

EXCLUSIVE: Ecclestone in talks about return after 32 years of race around famous streets

Independant UK, October 2014

“Vegas say they are ready to go and it would be on The Strip for sure,” said Ecclestone, referring to the famous road which runs through the centre of Las Vegas and is lined with casino resorts including the Bellagio and Caesars Palace.

F1 last raced in Las Vegas in 1982 on a track in the Caesars Palace car park but it failed to get support from within the industry due to the makeshift, temporary nature of the course. A race on the streets would have more permanence and do a better job of showing off the local landmarks.

“Vegas would be a fantastic addition to the F1 calendar and would be successful for so many people involved,” said leading F1 sponsorship agent Zak Brown. “It’s a great fit for the F1 brand and would draw a lot of interest from sponsors in one of the most important strategic markets for F1 – America. Vegas as a city would benefit greatly from F1’s fan base who no doubt would spend a lot of money that weekend.”

Bernie Ecclestone is looking to make a return to Vegas after 32 years

A senior source in the US racing scene added that F1’s track designer Hermann Tilke had visited Las Vegas several times to work on the layout of the course, showing that the project is at an advanced stage. “Tilke has made a couple of site visits. I knew that if he had gone along there must be something to it,” said the source.

Ecclestone has been trying to bring F1 back to Las Vegas for more than 20 years and it would give the sport the shot in the arm it needs to compete in the American racing scene which is dominated by Nascar. Although F1’s television audience in the US grew by 1.7 million viewers to 11.4m last year, it still trails the home-grown single-seater IndyCar series by five per cent.

A Las Vegas Grand Prix would also double the number of F1 races in the US. In 2012, after a five-year absence, F1 returned to America with the US Grand Prix in Austin, the capital of Texas, which is next up on this year’s calendar and takes place on 2 November.

“They like their entertainment in the States so you could probably double it to two races and it would be great – maybe not right next to each other in the calendar though,” said former F1 champion Damon Hill. “I would just hope they make Las Vegas a great track. They have got to be challenging circuits. It’s great to have them in city centres but not if they are too easy.”

Tavo Hellmund, the entrepreneur who founded the US Grand Prix in Austin and the Circuit of the Americas track where it is held, said that “Vegas would be a great place for a Grand Prix and it is one of only two cities in the States that does not have to worry about cannibalising a market, since every weekend is a big weekend with a different crowd. The other being New York.” Hellmund is now bringing F1 back to Mexico City where it will race next year after a 23-year absence. Las Vegas may join it but a Grand Prix in the New York area seems less likely.

IndyCar is still more popular than F1 in the US

A race on 3.2 miles of public roads in New Jersey was announced in October 2011 but has since been dropped from the F1 calendar twice as the organisers failed to raise the £63m required to finish work on the track.

“In the end there’s a million countries that would like to have an F1 race but they can’t afford it,” said Ecclestone. He added the sport is on track to have more races than ever regardless, as the return of the Mexican Grand Prix next year will push the calendar to its current record of 20.

In 2016 the Grand Prix of Europe in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will be added to the schedule and Ecclestone said: “It is more likely that it will go over 20 with Baku than we lose a race.”

Ladybbird · 13-11-14, 00:51

Geri Halliwell to Marry Formula One Team Boss

Former Spice Girl’s engagement to Red Bull’s Christian Horner revealed in a notice in the UK Times

12 Nov 2014

F1's Red Bull Racing Team boss Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell after the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.. Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

It looks like David Beckham will no longer be the only sporting figure married to a Spice Girl.

That is because F1 Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner is now engaged to Geri Halliwell, aged 41yrs.

"Ginger Spice" announced the engagement in a notice in the Times newspaper.

The pair started dating earlier this year after Horner spilt with his partner of 14 years, Beverley Allen, six months after Allen had given birth to their first child.

Halliwell has an eight-year-old daughter after a brief fling with screenwriter Sacha Gervasi.

VROOM, VROOM...

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Ladybbird · 26-11-14, 21:23

Grand Prix. NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Alonso Mocks Ferrari's Marlboro Man Shakeup

Fernando Alonso has wasted no time in strongly distancing himself from Ferrari, where he spent the past five seasons as the fabled team's 'number 1' driver.

On Tuesday, the Spaniard appeared to be openly laughing at the Maranello team's latest managerial shakeup, after Ferrari split with team boss Marco Mattiacci.

Alonso 'retweeted' a photo showing him grinning broadly as his friend Flavio Briatore posed with an unlit cigarette in his mouth and an open Marlboro packet as they dined in a restaurant.
It was obviously a reference to the 'Marlboro Man', as Mattiacci's successor is Mauruzio Arrivabene, until now a branding executive for Philip Morris.
Not only that, it seems that at some point after the chequered flag waved in Abu Dhabi last Sunday, Alonso symbolically 'unfollowed' the Ferrari team on Twitter.

Meanwhile, although he was photographed in plain clothes in the Ferrari garage on Tuesday, Alonso's successor Sebastian Vettel was reportedly unhappy with the Italian team on his first day of work at the Abu Dhabi test.
That is because when asked by Germany's Sport Bild what he thought of Mattiacci's departure, Vettel appeared to have not been told the news first-hand.

"Is it true?" he asked the correspondent.

The report said Vettel reacted by telling Ferrari he was disappointed to have not been informed about the major shakeup.

Finally, when asked by Brazil's Globo if he will be accompanying Alonso from Ferrari to McLaren next year, the Spanish driver's race engineer Andrea Stella answered clearly: "Yes."

Former F1 driver David Coulthard admits he has some concerns about Ferrari's 2015 driver lineup, despite Vettel and Raikkonen's combined five career titles.

"Kimi Raikkonen's return to Ferrari was the worst season for one of their drivers since 1982," he told the Telegraph, adding that Vettel also "looked a shadow of himself" in 2014.
"The German did not like the new formula, he did not like the engines," Coulthard explained. "That is fair enough, but his mantra seemed to affect his ability to perform."

Ladybbird · 08-12-14, 18:39

FIA Face Backlash from Jules Bianchi's Family after Suggesting He's at Fault for Crash

THE FIA are facing a huge backlash from the family of stricken Formula One driver Jules Bianchi after saying he failed to slow down sufficiently to avoid the crash which almost killed him.

8 December, 2014

GETTY

Bianchi suffered the most serious F1 race injury since Ayrton Senna in 1994

Bianchi suffered the most serious F1 race injury since the death of Ayrton Senna in 1994 when he crashed into a recovery tractor at a rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix on October 5.
The Marussia driver remains unconscious and in a critical condition in hospital in southern France after being flown home last month.

In a report into the incident, the FIA said: "Bianchi did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control at the same point on the track as Adrian Sutil."

Quote:

If drivers adhere to the requirements of double yellow flags, then neither competitors nor officials should be put in immediate or physical danger
FIA report

The report added that, "the car hit the crane at 126 kph", and that medical services were not at fault.
"All rescue and medical procedures were followed, and their expediency are considered to have contributed significantly to the saving of Bianchi's life," said the FIA.

In October, Marussia said they were 'shocked and angered' by media reports suggesting that Bianchi had not slowed down enough under caution flags.

"If drivers adhere to the requirements of double yellow flags, then neither competitors nor officials should be put in immediate or physical danger," the report added.
"Bianchi over-controlled the oversteering car, such that he left the track earlier than Sutil and headed towards a point 'up-stream' along the barrier.
"Unfortunately, the mobile crane was in front of this part of the barrier and he struck and under-ran the rear of it at high speed along the barrier."

The suggestion a closed-****pit or skirts on the underside of the crane would have helped spare Bianchi his injuries have been dismissed.
Jenson Button's boss, meanwhile, has been slammed for dithering over the former world champion's future.
The 2009 title winner could see time called on his 15-season grand prix career at a crunch McLaren board meeting today.

Button has been left in limbo while team chief Ron Dennis decides between the 34-year-old or Danish prospect Kevin Magnussen, 22, for the second seat, with Fernando Alonso likely to be confirmed in the first seat, rejoining from Ferrari.
If Button is told his services are not required, then he will have been denied the grand send off at the season finale in Abu Dhabi 11 days ago befitting a driver with 266 races under his belt.

A team insider said:

"Ron has lost a lot of respect over his dithering on the driver line-up.
"If Jenson is not to be offered a new deal, it means he was not allowed to bow out of F1 in Abu Dhabi in the way a world champion should have.
"That looks disrespectful to a driver who has given so much to the sport over 15 years."

The controversial double-points system introduced into F1 for the past season, meanwhile, has been abandoned after just one year.
The scheme was introduced at the behest of supremo Bernie Ecclestone in an effort to prolong the life of a championship and attract high television audiences through to the final race.

And South Korea's grand prix has been reinstated provisionally on a record 21-race calendar for 2015.

Ladybbird · 15-03-15, 17:30

Hamilton Lays Down Marker & Wins-Only 15 Cars Finish

Daily Mail UK, 15 March 2015 Australia

Britain's Lewis Hamilton appears poised to 'terminate' the opposition again this Formula One season if his dominant performance in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix is anything to go by.

The reigning world champion conjured a crushing victory around Melbourne's Albert Park, spearheading a Mercedes one-two, with team-mate Nico Rosberg just 1.3secs adrift

Rosberg, however, never realistically had a chance of success, with the duo's rivals trailing in their wake as their nearest challenger was Sebastian Vettel on his debut for Ferrari, but 34.5secs down.

Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed a perfect start to the new F1 season (AP)

Come the podium ceremony there was a surprise for the leading trio as Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger took centre stage by conducting the interviews.

Hamilton, for one, was starstruck as wide-eyed he said:

"How are you doing? What an honour to meet you. Arnold Schwarzenegger, man! Wow!"

It could certainly be a case of 'hasta la vista baby' for anyone with a hope of challenging Hamilton's bid for a third world title and a place amongst the all-time greats.
As launchpads go, Hamilton could not have asked for a better start by claiming F1's equivalent of the hat-trick - pole position, race win and fastest lap.

"It's an incredible feeling to continue on from last year," said Hamilton, before turning to Schwarzenegger and adding "but also to be up here with you man.
"I thought you were taller! You were taller in The Terminator!"

Turning back to his win and the fact he was able to keep Rosberg at arm's length, Hamilton said: "When Nico turned up the heat I was able to react, which was good.
"Otherwise it was a phenomenal race for both of us. Nico drove really well and obviously Sebastian must have done a great job to be where he is."

The concern for those chasing Hamilton and Mercedes is there is room for improvement as the 30-year-old remarked: "We definitely cannot back off because I'm sure people are going to be pushing.

"Hopefully we'll keep finding ways to improve. Just because we had that gap it doesn't mean we'll be cruising. There's still a long way to go."

It was Hamilton's 34th career victory and his second in Australia, with Rosberg giving credit where it was due after being on the receiving end of a hiding over the weekend.

"Lewis did a fantastic job," said Rosberg.
"He drove like a world champion all weekend so I couldn't quite beat him, but for sure I was trying every single lap, all the way to the maximum, and I will do all year."
A defiant Rosberg added: "I will give him a big run for his money and hopefully beat him."

As for Vettel, he appears to have made the right decision in quitting Red Bull - the team that made him a four-time champion - for Ferrari.

"It feels great to be at Ferrari," smiled Vettel.
"It's a very, very big honour. I'm very happy. Obviously it's a great start to the season for us.
"We had a very good winter, the team has worked phenomenally hard and we can be very proud.
"I said to the guys 'thank you very much'. We have a great car, not only in qualifying but for the race as well.
"It's great to join them (the Mercedes duo on the podium) and I'm really proud. There's a lot of work ahead of us to try to beat them, but I'm sure we will."

It was a race that began with just 15 cars on the grid, sparked by Manor's absence after they failed to even turn a wheel all weekend due to their uphill battle against infrastructure problems.

Forty minutes prior to the start the field was reduced to 17 with the absence of Williams' Valtteri Bottas, who failed to recover from a back injury sustained in qualifying.

Come the formation lap first McLaren's Kevin Magnussen - standing in for the absent Fernando Alonso - pulled over with smoke pouring from his car before Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat ground to a halt via a gearbox issue.

Once the race started Lotus' day was done inside a lap as Pastor Maldonado crashed out after being clipped by Sauber's Felipe Nasr whilst Romain Grosjean retired with a power-unit problem.

By the chequered flag there were just 11 finishers as F1's youngest driver in 17-year-old Max Verstappen also retired, whilst Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was forced to pull over after his second pit stop as his pit crew failed to fit the left-rear tyre correctly.

At least McLaren's Jenson Button saw the chequered flag, albeit 11th and last, and two laps down on Hamilton, but claiming to be "happy" as progress had been made from a woeful pre-season.

Ladybbird · 28-03-15, 20:28

Renault Issues F1 Quit Threat, Christian Horner Admits Red Bull May Follow

By Bleacherreport Mar 27, 2015

Renault's Cyril Abiteboul has confirmed the French manufacturer is considering withdrawing from Formula One after a difficult start to the 2015 season.

Renault currently supplies engines to Red Bull and its sister team Toro Rosso after Caterham dropped out of the sport and Lotus switched to the now dominant Mercedes motor.
Daniel Ricciardo was the highest finishing Renault-powered driver during the opening race of the campaign in Australia, with Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz coming ninth. His team-mate, Max Verstappen, failed to finish during his long-awaited debut, while Daniil Kyvat didn't get off the starting grid.

Ross Land/Associated Press

Abiteboul suggests Renault will remove its product from the competition if such troubles risk impacting the brand's name, reported prior to the Malaysian Grand Prix

We are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula 1 if it's bad for Renault's reputation.
We think we are a credible player in the sport but you need to think about what else we need to do on top of what we already are. But right now, the focus remains on the engine.

However, Renault may be interested in purchasing a team and fighting for the constructors' championship again. Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost said this would be a "fantastic opportunity" for his Italian group. "To be owned by a manufacturer would be exactly the step forward which the team needs," he said, per BBC.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Both Lotus chief executive officer Matthew Carter and Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley denied they have spoken to Renault about the possibility of a takeover

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently admitted owner Dietrich Mateschitz may withdraw from the sport if he "loses his passion," . Team boss Christian Horner believes Renault exiting would go a long way to making this happen, reported by Sky:

We could ultimately find ourselves without an engine supplier, should Renault choose to withdraw from Formula 1. Mercedes wouldn’t supply Red Bull with an engine and it’s unlikely we’d be in a position to take a Ferrari engine.
You could actually find yourself forced out of the sport and I think as with any company, Red Bull reviews its return on investment. Is Formula 1 delivering for Red Bull as a brand?
There are some worrying signs when we see races like we saw in Melbourne.

Andrew Benson of BBC Sport provided further comment from Horner, who isn't looking for Red Bull to turn provider:

Ross Land/Associated Press

Mercedes' dominance appears to have backed Renault, Red Bull and the like into a corner. So many recent F1 seasons haven't remained competitive throughout the entire schedule, an occurrence which is potentially damaging for the discipline and teams who struggle to make an impression.

Red Bull and Renault know what it's like to be at the top of the game, so it's perhaps even more difficult now Mercedes' engine is streaks ahead. Abiteboul, Horner and even Mateschitz sound as if they're on the verge of being defeated, something which could further shake the sport up before too long.

Ladybbird · 19-04-15, 18:29

Lewis Hamilton Wins the Bahrain GP Ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Nico Rosberg to Extend His Lead in Battle for F1 Championship

Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the Formula One championship with yet another flawless victory this season
The British driver secured first place ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Nico Rosberg who finished second and third
Hamilton has now set a personal best record of finishing in the points for 11 consecutive grands prix
He has 36 career wins, with 21 of those from pole position to open up a 27-point gap over team-mate Rosberg

Daily Mail UK, 19 April 2015

Quote:

DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP

1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 93
2. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 66
3. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 65
4. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 42

Fireworks lit up the desert night to celebrate Lewis Hamilton’s dominant win at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Victory continued the world champion’s dominant streak – it was his third win from four starts this season – and extended his lead over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to 27 points.
Kimi Raikkonen came charging through at the end in his Ferrari, but he could not challenge Hamilton. However, he did reel in Rosberg going into the penultimate lap to finish second, a place ahead of the German.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Bahrain Grand Prix ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg (right)

Kimi Raikkonen, who finished second, applauds Hamilton after the Briton claimed his third victory in four races so far this season

Hamilton extended his lead the Formula One world championship with yet another flawless victory in Bahrain

Quote:

PROVISIONAL CLASSIFICATION: BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX

1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 1:35:05.809
2. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari +00:03.380
3. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 00:06.033
4. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams-Mercedes 00:42.957
5. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 00:43.989
6. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull - Renault 01:01.751
7. Romain Grosjean (France) Lotus - Mercedes 01:24.763
8. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes 1 lap
9. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) RedBull - Renault 1 lap
10. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes 1 lap
11. Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren 1 lap
12. Felipe Nasr (Brazil) Sauber - Ferrari 1 lap
13. Nico Hulkenberg (Germany) Force India - Mercedes 1 lap
14. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber - Ferrari 1 lap
15. Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela) Lotus - Mercedes 1 lap
16. Will Stevens (Britain) Marussia - Ferrari 2 laps
17. Roberto Merhi (Spain) Marussia - Ferrari 3 laps
r. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Toro Rosso - Renault 22 laps
r. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso - Renault 27 laps
r. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren 57 laps
(rank: r = retired, nc = not classified)
Fastest Lap: Kimi Raikkonen,1:36.311, lap 42.

'The team did an amazing job, Ferrari gave us a run for our money, but we kept the car together and the tyres as healthy as possible to win through,' said Hamilton.

Raikkonen, as deadpan as ever, said: 'You're never happy when you finish second, but after a difficult start to the year I'm a bit pleased to get a result. In the end we ran out of laps, but we have to be happy given where we started (fourth).
'Overall, I'm very happy with the way the team is working, and the atmosphere is good. I'm sure as a team we'll get there all the time fighting for wins.'

It was always going to be hard to match the front-to-back excitement of last year’s race. This edition did not reach those towering standards, but there were still plenty of thrills during the 57 laps under the lights in the tiny Gulf Kingdom.

The race started with a close dance between the leading cars. Rosberg, third on the grid and in desperate need of a spark to light his championship challenge, dived down the right of the straight, was blocked by Vettel, and then overtaken by Raikkonen as the second corner swept round to the left.
But Rosberg harried Raikkonen’s red machine until he made his brave – arguably reckless – move going into the first corner at the start of the fourth lap. It worked, just.

Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene was unimpressed, the Italian mouthing a few words of pure Anglo Saxon.
Hamilton, meanwhile, was running serenely at the front. Rosberg was on charge. He got close to Vettel when the German ran wide. Then Rosberg made his charge. It was a fine move, with both cars sparking in the dark. Rosberg held Vettel off and powered through.

He was now running second behind Hamilton, who was in clear command.

Hamilton turned in a strong display at the Sakhir International Circuit to win in Bahrain for the second consecutive year

Hamilton leads the early phase of the grand prix from the Ferrari pair of Sebastian Vettel, who finished fifth, and Kimi Raikkonen

Next came the opening round of pit stops. Vettel was first in of the front-runners. Rosberg was in next but emerged from the pits behind the man he had just sweated blood passing.

Hamilton was soon in but a slow wheel change delayed him – a mistake for which the team apologised over the radio – as Vettel and Rosberg were flying around. Suddenly, Hamilton’s gap had narrowed to under a second from more than five seconds.
Rosberg then passed Vettel again with another close-your-eyes, hold-on-to-your-hats moves.

Could Rosberg conjure something special and catch Hamilton? No, if the opportunity was ever there, it did not last long. Hamilton was away, Rosberg’s hopes evaporating in an instant.

The next round of stops came along. Vettel was again first in; Rosberg was next in, only to come out behind Vettel again; Rosberg then passed Vettel once more when the Ferrari ran wide.

Hamilton leads the pack on the run down to Turn 1 ahead of Vettel and Rosberg as sparks fly in Bahrain

Hamilton leads the field round on the pardare lap in Bahrain, the fourth round of the championship

Hamilton is now 27 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Rosberg as he bids to win his third championship

But up front now, having stopped only once, was Raikkonen on a different strategy. He would stay out and put in a final burst on the faster soft tyres.
Hamilton, however, passed Raikkonen on the track before the Finn peeled off to the pits. He was left with about 20 seconds to catch up in 17 laps. His deficit was 16.2sec with 15 laps remaining. He was now three seconds quicker than the Mercedes and well on course.
He continued to eat into those in front of him – Hamilton and Rosberg (who finally got his place from a somewhat Vettel when the Ferrari car needed a new nose).
Raikkoken could not catch Hamilton, but Rosberg, suffering brake problems, ran wide and Raikkonen went through for second.

Watching it all from the McLaren hospitality area was Jenson Button. His car, which broke down in qualifying, did not recover in time. A problem with the Engine Recovery System was blamed. It was only the third race of the last 272 staged that the Briton has missed.
He tweeted his thoughts from his chair in the paddock.

Hamilton crosses the start-finish line to win his third race of the season under the lights in Bahrain

The Briton, who now has 36 career wins, celebrates his victory with an air golf swing after leaping out of his Mercedes

Pastor Maldonado and Max Verstappen battle for position with sparks flying off their cars

Ladybbird · 11-05-15, 20:52

Nico Rosberg Answers Questions After Spanish F1 Grand Prix Win

German F1 driver Nico Rosberg answers questions after his Spanish Grand Prix
victory, which saw him claw back a few points from Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton.

Ladybbird · 17-05-15, 20:58

Red Bull F1 Team Boss Christian Horner Ties the Knot with Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell

Horner and Halliwell wed in St Mary's Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire
David Coultard, Daniel Ricciardo, Eddie Jordan, Niki Lauda and Jackie Stewart all attended the ceremony
The couple have been in a relationship for just over a year and became engaged in November 2014

AP 17 May 2015

Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner has married former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell in a ceremony attended by a host of high-profile stars from the world of motor racing.

Horner and Halliwell wed in St Mary's Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire on Friday afternoon.
A host of F1 personalties, past and present, attended the wedding including former racing star David Coulthard and current Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo.

Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell have married in Woburn

Former racing star David Coulthard and current Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo (top) both attended

Former F1 driver and TV commentator Eddie Jordan arrives for the ceremony at St Mary's Church in Woburn

Sir Jackie Stewart and his wife Helen were also in attendance for Horner's big day

Horner (second right) arrives for the ceremony along with this his groomsmen

The couple have been in a relationship for just over a year and became engaged in November 2014

Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton and her partner Jade Jones arrive for the wedding

British singer and TV presenter Myleene Klass arrives with her guest

Other attendees included former F1 driver and TV commentator Eddie Jordan, Three-time F1 World Champion and Mercedes chief Niki Lauda as well as ex-racing legend Jackie Stewart.

The couple have been in a relationship for just over a year and became engaged in November 2014
Horner's big day follows an eventful week for his team after Red Bull dropped yet another hint they will quit Formula One if they aren't competing at the sharp end of the grid.
The British-based team have a contractual agreement to stay in the sport until 2020, while their deal with engine supplier Renault runs until at least the end of 2016.

Red Bull, who won four successive titles with Renault from 2010 to 2013, have been vocal in their criticism of the French manufacturer's V6 turbo hybrid engine, which has proved uncompetitive.
Indeed team principal Horner labelled the season a write-off after Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, only the fifth of 19 races scheduled. Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat finished a lowly seventh and 10th respectively.

Three-time F1 World Champion and Mercedes chief Niki Lauda was also in attendance

And talk of walking away from the grand prix circus was given further impetus on Monday when their motorsport consultant Dr Helmut Marko, who is close to company owner Dietrich Mateschitz, sent what sounded like an open invitation to Audi.

'If we don't have a competitive engine in the near future, then either Audi is coming or we are out,' Marko said.
'The VW Group first has to sort out, who will run the brand of VW, and when they have sorted all these things maybe then they can think about what they are doing in motorsport.'

Lauda (left) and Jordan share a joke following the ceremony in southern England

Ladybbird · 31-05-15, 18:20

GRAND PRIX 2015 - Latest Results/Schedule/NEWs:

Click Here:

Grand Prix 2015

.

Ladybbird · 07-06-15, 20:05

Lewis Hamilton Bounces Back from Monaco Disappointment to win Canadian Grand Prix
- and Extend Formula One Championship Lead

Lewis Hamilton won his fourth Canadian Grand Prix to stretch his lead over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg
The current Formula One world champion led from the start as he begun the race in Montreal on pole
Hamilton's fellow Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg finished in second while Valtteri Bottas took third spot
Jenson Button had a day to forget as the McLaren driver was forced to retire during the 58th lap

Daily Mail UK, 7 June 2015

Lewis Hamilton won his fourth Canadian Grand Prix to stretch his lead over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

The British driver, who started on pole, led from the start to finish ahead of team-mate and cap off another outstanding weekend for Mercedes.

Jenson Button, on the other hand, had a day to forget as he was forced to retire during the 58th lap.

Race winner Lewis Hamilton acknowledges the Canadian Grand Prix after his impressive victory in Montreal

Hamilton finished ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to win the Canadian Grand Prix for the fourth time

British Formula One racer Hamilton takes a curve during the Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal

A groundhog has a lucky escape as he crosses the Canadian Grand Prix during the Formula One race in Montreal

Nico Rosberg (back left, pictured as go around a curve) was unable to overtake his team-mate during the race in North America

The 30-year-old makes his way around the course while supporters cheer on the Formula One driver from the stands

Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, who started the race in fourth, pipped his fellow countryman Kimi Raikkonen to claim a place on the podium

Formula One champion Hamilton waves to the fans as he takes to the track ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal

Ladybbird · 14-06-15, 18:49

Nico Hulkenberg Wins on Le Mans Debut as Porsche End Audi's Winning Streak

Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg finished first in his maiden Le Mans race
Hulkenberg helped Porche to their first win at the Sarthe circuit since 1998
Former F1 driver Mark Webber gave Porche a one-two finish in Le Mans

Daily Mail UK, 14 June 2015

Porsche ended Audi's winning run at the Le Mans 24 Hours race on Sunday with a one-two finish and Formula One driver Nico Hulkenberg triumphant at his first attempt.

The German, driving the number 19 works Porsche he shared with New Zealand's Earl Bamber and Briton Nick Tandy, took the chequered flag for the marque's first win at the Sarthe circuit since 1998.
It was Porsche's 17th Le Mans triumph, extending their own record.

Formula One's Force India driver Niko Hulkenberg finished ahead of the pack in his first Le Mans attempt

Porsche have extended their own Le Mans record after sealing their 17th triumph

(l-r) Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy and Hulkenberg of Germany hold their trophy during the podium ceremony

The number 17 Porsche of Australian Mark Webber, New Zealand's Brendon Hartley and Germany's Timo Bernhard finished second.
Audi's defending champions Andre Lotterer, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Faessler completed the podium places in the 83rd edition of the endurance race.

'I'm speechless right now, to be honest,' said Hulkenberg before lifting the heavy trophy with the help of his team mates.
'It's amazing to come here, first attempt. Super happy...we wrote history today,' added the 27-year-old, the first active F1 driver to win since Britain's Johnny Herbert in 1991.

'We couldn't expect such a thing,' said the German, who arrived in Le Mans straight from the Canadian Grand Prix and will be heading to Austria for next weekend's race after a few days off.

Hulkenberg is still steadily impressing in Formula One with Force India and was in action in Canada last week

The winning trio were the least experienced of the three Porsche works crews, with Hulkenberg completely unfamiliar with Le Mans until testing two weeks ago.
Tandy, the only one of the three with prior Le Mans experience, became the 30th British winner of the event.

'I couldn't think of two guys I'd rather share the car with,' said the Englishman. 'I could retire from racing tomorrow and look back on today and I am sure I would be happy for the rest of my life.'

Bamber was only the third New Zealander, following in the footsteps of Formula One drivers Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon in 1966, to win Le Mans.

Audi had won 13 of the last 15 editions but Porsche, who returned with a full factory effort last year, had looked dangerous from the moment they swept the top three grid places in qualifying.

The German took the chequered flag to hand his team their first win at the Sarthe circuit in 17 years

There had been little to separate the two Volkswagen stable mates going into the night but things started to unwind for Audi after daybreak.

Fassler had to pit when a large part of bodywork flew off without warning, costing seven minutes for repairs. The number nine and eight Audis also suffered mechanical problems.

Webber led at the quarter distance but fell back when Hartley collected a one minute 'stop and go' penalty for overtaking through a slow zone imposed around the Mulsanne corner during the third safety car interlude.

The safety cars came out for a fourth time around the 17 hour mark when an Aston Martin crashed heavily.

The safety cars, three of them to cope with the long Le Mans lap, made their first appearance after the first hour when a three car collision dumped oil on the track at the first chicane.

There was a much longer safety car period at the end of the third hour, when Frenchman Loic Duval spun and hit the barriers in the number eight Audi at the Indianapolis corner.

Denmark's retired nine times winner Tom Kristensen had waved the 83rd edition of the race away in bright sunshine on Saturday, watched by a crowd of around 250,000 spectators enjoying a festival atmosphere.

The crowds were out in full force to witness Porche take the win from defending champions Audi

Ladybbird · 21-06-15, 18:26

Fernando Alonso Thankful Kimi Raikkonen Walked Away Unscathed after Their Horror Crash at the Austrian Grand Prix

The pair came together at turn two, with Alonso's McLaren ending up on top of Raikkonen's Ferrari
Alonso delighted that the first-lap shunt was not as serious as it looked
He spoke of his relief at seeing Raikkonen removing his steering wheel
The 33-year-old Spaniard retired for a fourth grand prix in succession
Nico Rosberg took the race win for Mercedes, with McLaren still floundering

Daily Mail UK, 21 June 2015

Fernando Alonso admitted he was relieved to see Kimi Raikkonen walk away from their massive first-lap shunt at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The pair came together at turn two, with the McLaren of Alonso ending up on top of Raikkonen's Ferrari as they hit the barriers and brought out an early safety car.
Both walked away unscathed and only visited the medical centre as a precaution with replays of the incident proving inconclusive as to who was at fault.

Alonso (left) quickly checked to see if his former Ferrari team-mate Raikkonen (second left) was OK

Alonso and Raikkonen discuss what happened on the side of the track

Alonso offered his version of events after retiring for a fourth grand prix in succession, with McLaren still floundering at the back of the field as Nico Rosberg took the race win for Mercedes.

The Spaniard said: 'It was a very strange incident because he lost the car in fifth gear or something like that.
'Obviously it was quite scary.
'The car was moving left, right, left, right, with a lot of wheel-spin.

We were overtaking him left and right - all the cars - and then he lost the car on the left and I was on the left at that point and we crashed.

Alonso's car was towed away by a crane following the horrible shunt at the Red Bull Ring

'I could not see anything because with the seat position I was looking only at the sky and then I looked in the mirror and when I stopped I saw the car under my car.
'I jumped quickly and checked that he was OK.
'I tried to get out as quickly as possible to see if he was okay.
I saw him removing the steering wheel so I was relieved.'

Raikkonen confirmed former Ferrari team-mate Alonso's suspicions that it was wheel-spin which saw him squirm into the corner.

'I don't know what happened,' he said.

The cars of Alonso and Raikkonen wait to be returned to the garages after the massive crash

'I got some wheel-spin and it was a bit unusual.
'It's hard to say; it is what it is - a pretty poor weekend, but that's how it goes.'

The sister McLaren of Jenson Button was following close behind after both cars started on the back row following 25-place grid penalties.
'It was a horrible accident,' said Button, whose race finished on lap nine due to further technical problems.

'You never want cars to be in the air or on top of each other so I'm glad they're both OK and can walk away from it.'

Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda gets a lift back to the paddock after the Spielberg crash

Fernando Alonso And Kimi Raikkonen Crash Austria F1 2015

Ladybbird · 26-07-15, 18:28

Sebastian Vettel Wins Hungarian Grand Prix as Nico Rosberg Suffers Late Puncture with Lewis Hamilton Back in Sixth

Stunning start saw Sebastian Vettel take the lead through the first corner
Lewis Hamilton dropped to fourth before locking up and into the gravel
Hamilton blamed team-mate Nico Rosberg for pushing him too wide
Rosberg then suffered late puncture problem to end hopes of second
Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo secured an unlikely podium finish
Hamilton ended up finishing in sixth with Fernando Alonso in fifth

Daily Mail UK, 26 July 2015

Formula One, boring?
Try arguing that after the most extraordinarily see-sawing race in recent memory.

First, a few facts: Sebastian Vettel won the Hungarian Grand Prix for Ferrari, Red Bull's 21-year-old Daniil Kvyat was second and his team-mate Daniel Ricciardo third.

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel celebrates with his trophy following his winning drive in Hungary

Vettel (centre) is joined by Red Bull duo Kvyat (left) and Ricciardo (right) on the podium in Budapest

Lewis Hamilton drove like an amateur at times, but finished in sixth place despite a drive-through penalty and sundry incidents. He extended his championship lead to 21 points.

Nico Rosberg, his Mercedes team-mate, finished eighth, after lying second for much of the afternoon. A late puncture ruined his day.

All this, and more, on a day of poignancy, when Formula One remembered its fallen driver Jules Bianchi. A minute's silence was held before the race.

But it took only for the lights to go out at the Hungaroring for minds to turn firmly to the h ere and now, while still staging a fitting tribute to the 25-year-old who died from the injuries he suffered in Japan last October.

Back to the start, and suddenly four cars were side by side at 160mph down the long run into the first corner.
And, lo and behold, the Ferraris were in front.

There were people here who would have bet their life savings, their children's school fees and even their flat-screen TVs on Hamilton taking victory from pole, a triumph that would have put him in total command of the world championship.

Vettel takes the lead from the first corner in Hungary as Lewis Hamilton slips to fourth place

Ferrari driver Vettel edges in front to grab the perfect start at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday

Red Bull youngster Daniil Kvyat went on to secure a shock podium finish as he came home second

This is his favourite track and he had been fastest in every session of practice and qualifying. He had won here four times in eight years. But, no, he was down to fourth in a trice.

The astonishing start to a dramatic race unfolded with Vettel, from third on the grid, charging down Hamilton's left on what little of the road remained. They got so close that they fitted together like jigsaw pieces.
On the other side of the tarmac, Rosberg was duelling with Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton braked earliest with little room for manoeuvre. Vettel was through into the lead. And at the next corner Raikkonen found a sweet line to sweep inside Rosberg for second place.

It was Ferrari, Ferrari, Mercedes, Mercedes.
Hamilton, always willing to race hard even to the point of impetuosity, tried to pass Rosberg but ran into the gravel and mowed across the chicane. He dropped to 10th.

'Nico crossed over my line,' said Hamilton on the radio. 'He pushed me wide.' That seemed a bit unfair on the German, who appeared only to hold his line.

Vettel took full advantage of his perfect start on Sunday as he led from start to finish in Budapest

The Formula One drivers embrace for a minute of silence to pay tribute to Jules Bianchi prior to the race

A message reading 'Jules Bianchi, Ferrari World Champion 2017' is seen behind Vettel's car in Budapest

Security staff stand on the track with a banner reading 'JB 17', in tribute to the late French Formula One driver

Quote:

F1 CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes - 202 points
Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 181 points
Sebastian Vettel - Ferrari - 160 points
Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 77 points
Kimi Raikkonen - Ferrari - 76 points
Felipe Massa - Williams - 74 points
Daniel Ricciardo - Red Bull - 51 points
Daniil Kvyat - Red Bull - 45 points
Nico Hulkenberg - Force India - 24 points
Romain Grosjean - Lotus - 23 points
Max Verstappen - Toro Rosso - 22 points

The Ferraris were comfortable at the front. In fact, more comfortable than they should have been. Where was Rosberg's challenge?
He had been handed an unexpected chance to make a serious bite into Hamilton's 17-point lead at the top of the standings, yet he could make no incursion into the cars ahead of him.

As for Hamilton, he was on charge. After eight frustrating laps behind Felipe Massa's Williams, he finally passed him at the first corner. Their back wheels brushed but it was clean racing.

Hamilton then had Sergio Perez's Force India in his sights. No problem. And once cars in front of him started peeling into the pits, Hamilton had some clean air that allowed him to make a mark on the timing screen.
He got up to fifth, a position he held before and after his first pit stop. He next tore past Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull like a bullet. He was now fourth and a place behind Rosberg, who was clearly struggling for comfort.

The next chapter unfolded when the front wing of Nico Hulkenberg's Force India went under his car and smashed into a million pieces. He went on to hit the tyre wall. The safety car was deployed and it even took the entire field down the pit lane a couple of times so the debris could be cleared from the track.

The result of the safety car was to bunch the field. Vettel's lead was gone. Raikkonen, running second, had an energy problem that left him down on power. Rosberg, third, now had Hamilton right on his tail.

Nico Rosberg looked set to grab second place as he chased down long-time leader Vettel

But Rosberg was clipped by Daniel Ricciardo and ended up with a puncture as his dreams of podium ended

Rosberg felt the full effect of the collision as he had to limp round the track with a punctured back left tyre

The Mercedes mechanics change Rosberg's tyres as he prepares for one final onslaught in Budapest

'We are racing for the win mate,' Hamilton was told.
Game on. But Hamilton made a mistake

immediately after the restart, locking up at the first corner and drifting into Ricciardo. He went down to sixth place before returning to the pits for repairs.
He was then hit by a drive-through penalty for causing the collision. Quite right. 'I'm so so sorry guys. So sorry,' said Hamilton, who came up the field to sixth place.

Rosberg, meanwhile, passed Raikkonen without a problem to take second place. The fight for the win was now down to Vettel v Rosberg. Or so it seemed.

Williams driver Felipe Massa steers his car ahead of Hamilton as the latter looks to bridge the gap

British driver Hamilton hits the breaks into the curve during Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix

The front wing of Nico Hulkenberg's front wing collapsed under his car as the safety car was enforced

The German driver was powerless to avoid his Force India colliding with the tyres but was fine after the crash

But Rosberg was passed by Ricciardo. He went to fight back. They collided. Rosberg's tyre shredded. What a disappointment for him on a day of opportunity. Raikkonen retired from the race. Kvyat became the second youngest podium finisher in history, a few days older than the victorious, wide-smiling, Vettel.

A word for McLaren after their hopeless early season. It was great to see them restored to the top 10, with Fernando Alonso fifth and Jenson Button ninth.
That was almost as strange any phenomenon that unfolded in 69 spellbinding laps here.

Sahara Force India driver Sergio Perez leaves the track leaving skidmarks and ends up in the gravel

One spectator makes his move in Hungary to get a glimpse of Sebastian Vettel celebrating his victory

Ladybbird · 26-10-15, 18:36

Lewis Hamilton Deserves our Respect After Sealing Third World Title...
He is Well On The Way to Becoming Greatest British Driver of All-Time and is Crucial for Formula One

Lewis Hamilton won third world title on Sunday with US Grand Prix victory
Hamilton splits opinion but it is time to start appreciating what we have
2014 Sports Personality of the Year must be frontrunner for this 2015 gong
Only Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost have won more grands prix
Sir Jackie Stewart has tipped Hamilton to win five or six championships

Daily Mail UK, 26 October 2015

Hamilton crosses the line to finish in Austin - it's time to start appreciating what we have

The 30-year-old claimed victory at the US Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday night to seal his third championship

Just look at the stats. As well as making history by sealing successive titles, the Stevenage-born star has equalled Sir Jackie Stewart with three Formula One crowns, surpassing Jim Clark and Graham Hill in the process.

Only Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost have won more grands prix than Hamilton (43), who still has plenty of years left in him at the age of 30.
With Jenson Button floundering, Hamilton is flying the flag and is relishing the responsibility. After emulating his hero Ayrton Senna, he is carrying the baton for the Brazilian and is the star of this generation.

He had his back against the wall last season with Nico Rosberg using every tactic at his disposal - even shunting him to an early retirement in Belgium - to open up a wide championship lead but still recovered. What has followed this year has been complete and utter domination.

Rosberg's petulant attitude after Sunday's US Grand Prix stunk of a man who knew he could just not beat his team-mate. Again, Hamilton had it all to do and again, he kept his cool when it mattered most to claim the defining victory in Austin.

Sure, many will point to the fact that he has the best car, that anyone could win in this Mercedes. But Hamilton has earned this opportunity and is taking it with both hands. When he left established winners McLaren three years ago he was told he had made the wrong decision, but instead, it was a masterstroke.
It was a wise choice, and that maturity has been reflected in his driving style. Lewis maintains a brave, aggressive streak while taking a bigger interest in tyre management and has even been advising his engineers this season.

Stewart has even predicted that Hamilton can get close to the great Michael Schumacher if he sticks around with the German outfit.
'He is now looking forward to winning more,' the 73-year-old said. 'He's got a lot of years ahead of him, he's got every opportunity of winning four or five. It could be five or six in this Mercedes.'

At a time when England are exiting World Cups with a whimper, we should be embracing Hamilton while he's still around.
Last year's Sports Personality of the Year must surely be a frontrunner for the 2015 gong, and is well on the way to becoming the best British driver of all-time.
If he ever catches Schumacher, he could even be the greatest sportsman ever to have graced from these shores. Hamilton deserves respect.

Lewis Hamiilton claimed his third world title after winning the US Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on Sunday in Austin

Hamilton jumps for joy in front of second-placed Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel who finished third

The 30-year-old from Stevenage throws his arms in the air in celebration as beaten Rosberg and Vettel look on from the podium

An emotional Hamilton rubs his face and drinks from the trophy but Rosberg (left) looked less than impressed for his Mercedes team-mate

Hamilton told the Mercedes team after winning his third world title: 'It's the greatest moment of my life. Thank you guys so much, for everything you do. I'm so grateful. To my family, I love you all, thank you.'

A beaming Hamilton clenches his fist in celebration before launching his trophy high into the air in front of the Union Jack flag

Hamilton is sprayed with champagne as the Brit celebrated equaling Sir Jackie Stewart's record of three championship victories

Hamilton, pictured trailed by Rosberg, struggled with his tyres for much of Sunday's race but came through to claim victory

Right behind Rosberg on the 29th lap, Hamilton asked his engineer: 'Is there a massive difference between our tyres?'

Championship leader Hamilton was down in fourth on lap 18 behind rival Nico Rosberg, Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo

Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate Rosberg, who started the race in pole position, exits the pits ahead of Kvyat

The race leaders take a bend at Circuit of The Americas during the early stages of Sunday's Grand Prix in the United States

The cars race into the first corner at the US Grand Prix - the drivers had no chance to test out the tyres after the weekend's postponement

There was little hope in the conditions. After the rain of the last few days, the chance of a skies opening again during the race was rated at only 20 per cent. The fantails of water that had spewed off the cars in the early stages of the race had now evaporated.

But, as if manna from heaven, Marcus Ericsson’s Sauber pulled up lame, and the safety car came out. It bunched Hamilton right up behind Rosberg. Could the pursuing Hamilton jump Rosberg when the race was restarted?

The answer on this unpredictable day was no. Hamilton had, however, got right on Rosberg’s back wing when another virtual safety car was deployed. At this point Rosberg pitted to be re-shod. Hamilton did not, and it seemed damaging to our hero’s chances.

But yet another safety car period, after Daniil Kvyat’s Red Bull spiralled off the road, allowed Hamilton in to change tyres without suffering lost time. He came out in second, on Rosberg’s tail. Game on. The warning came over the radio to keep it clean. The rest was historic.

In British terms the third title put him on a par with Sir Jackie Stewart; in world terms level with only nine others – a roll call of the immortals comprising, as well as Stewart, Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel, Sir Jack Brabham, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Senna.

It is the last name on the list that stirs Hamilton’s blood. ‘He is the coolest, smoothest, most determined-to-win driver I’ve ever seen,’ Hamilton told Sportsmail before he had even raced an F1 car. ‘He was the man. That’s what I want to be.’

Here in the Lone Star State, Hamilton won his 43rd race to Senna’s 41. Hamilton has exceeded his life’s ambitions. He is only 30 and in the middle of his career.

McLaren's Fernando Alonso (second right) collided with Valtteri Bottas (top right) during the second lap of Sunday's Grand Prix

Track workers quickly pick up parts as they clean the track after the collision at the Circuit of The Americas

McLaren's Jenson Button races through a rain soaked-circuit and managed to get up to fifth with 10 laps remaining

The night before Lewis Hamilton set a British record by clinching back-to-back world championships, he shared a video of his pet bulldog wearing a party hat with his 1.9million Instagram followers. It was Roscoe's birthday, you see.

On the eve of his title win, Hamilton was celebrating his pet bulldog Roscoe's birthday on Instagram

This followed social media images of himself with the likes of Kylie Jenner, Ellie Goulding and Will Smith at fashion shows and the rest. He is full of confidence off the track, as well as on it and makes the most of his breaks between races.

Hamilton poses with Kylie Jenner at a Balmain H&M collection launch in New York last week

The Stevenage-born racer poses alongside actor Will Smith - he is a crucial personality for Formula One

Quote:

LEWIS HAMILTON'S MESSAGE ON FACEBOOK ON MONDAY

Moments like these are rare yet powerful beyond measure. The journey is not over yet but the happiness I feel today could light up a city. What a dream it is to wake up as a 3x F1 World Champion. I am but a small link in a big chain of great people who have helped me along the way. I want to take this moment to thank them. #TeamLH, there is nothing we cannot do, reach, or conquer. We do it together. Dream big, people. It's time to go out and get it.

Nico Rosberg petulantly threw his cap at his Mercedes team-mate in the green room after the race on Sunday

Hamilton just about got the better of Rosberg last year but has dominated this year's championship

When the German threw his cap at his Mercedes team-mate in the green room following the race before ignoring a handshake and the champagne celebrations, Hamilton actually came across as the bigger man in the public eye. It has not always been like this.

The 1996 world champion Damon Hill suggested earlier in the season that Lewis was taking his eye off the ball after Rosberg edged him at the Spanish Grand Prix. Hill said his countryman must have been suffering with jet lag after travelling to watch a Floyd Mayweather flight in Las Vegas, while his competitors were getting their heads down. 'His first task is to win races,' he said.

Hamilton, who was pictured getting close to Rihanna at a festival in the Caribbean in August, has frequently referred to his 'mega balance' when posed this question, and says he is enjoying life more than ever on a sporting and personal level.

After an almost faultless season, the best of his career, it is hard to argue. Keep doing what you're doing, as a role model on both fronts.
He lives a jet-set, party lifestyle but this is what Formula One used to be all about. Take Hill and James Hunt. Hamilton possesses something no other current driver on the grid has, the personality to sell the sport. It looks as though we are entering another sustained period of success following Sebastian Vettel's, but whatever happens, Hamilton excites.

Hamilton has been accused of not taking the sport seriously while his immense self-assurance can be perceived as arrogance; it's not to everybody's taste. But after his latest triumph, it is time to appreciate what we have.

The Brit has been criticised for his party lifestyle in between races (pictured with Rihanna in August)

Only Michael Schumacher (above, left) and Alain Prost have won more grands prix than Hamilton

Sir Jackie Stewart congratulates Lewis after he equalled his British record of three world titles

Quote:

LEWIS HAMILTON BECOMES THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION

MOST CHAMPIONSHIP WINS

Hamilton becomes the 10th driver to win a hat-trick of championships:

7 Michael Schumacher (Ger)
5 Juan Manuel Fangio (Arg)
4 Alain Prost (Fra), Sebastian Vettel (Ger)
3 Jack Brabham (Aus), Jackie Stewart (GB), Niki Lauda (Aut), Nelson Piquet (Bra), Ayrton Senna (Bra), LEWIS HAMILTON (GB)

CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hamilton becomes the first British drive to win back-to-back championships:
5 Michael Schumacher (Ger, 2000-04)
4 Juan Manuel Fangio (Arg, 1954-57), Sebastian Vettel (Ger, 2010-13)
2 Alberto Ascari (Ita, 1952-53), Jack Brabham (Aus, 1959-60), Alain Prost (Fra, 1985-86), Ayrton Senna (Bra, 1990-91), Schumacher (1994-95), Mika Hakkinen (Fin, 1998-99), Fernando Alonso (Spa, 2005-06), LEWIS HAMILTON (GB, 2014-15)

MOST RACE WINS

91 — Michael Schumacher
51 — Alain Prost
43 — LEWIS HAMILTON
42 — Sebastian Vettel
41 — Ayrton Senna

MOST CHAMPIONSHIPS BY COUNTRY

16 GREAT BRITAIN (3 — Hamilton, Stewart; 2 — G Hill, Jim Clark; 1 — Hawthorn, Surtees, Hunt, Mansell, D Hill, Button)
(Hamilton equals Sir Jackie Stewart's record of three championships (won last title in 1973).
11 Germany (7 — Schumacher; 4 — Vettel)
8 Brazil (3 — Piquet, Senna; 2 — Fittipaldi)

Hamilton won the 2014 Sports Personality of the Year award and he must be a frontrunner for this year's gong

RELATED;

Red Bull Trophies Theft:
About 20 of F1 Team's Prizes Stolen in Ram Raid from Milton Keynes Base Found in Lake near Sandhurst UK.

Some of the trophies stolen from Formula One team Red Bull's factory have been found dumped in a lake, it has been revealed. More than 60 trophies were stolen after a gang of six men used a vehicle to ram the front entrance of the team's building in Milton Keynes at around 1.30am on December 6. Thames Valley Police said that around 20 of the prizes were recovered from Horseshoe Lake near Sandhurst Monday after being spotted by a member of the public.

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Ladybbird · 28-11-15, 16:56

Rosberg on Pole for Season-Ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

AP 28 NOV 2015

Abu Dhabi (AFP) - Nico Rosberg produced one of the best laps of his career when he snatched his sixth straight pole position with a dramatic late effort in Saturday's qualifying for Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 30-year-old German, who was trailing, outpaced his Mercedes team-mate and newly-crowned three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton by 0.377 seconds with his final effort in a closely-fought twilight session under floodlights at the Yas Marina circuit.

Hamilton had been fastest in the two earlier sessions and led Rosberg before he reacted to take pole again, as he did before last year's showdown race, with a stunning show of speed.
"Primarily, I would just like to win this race because it's a great feeling," said Rosberg, who lost last year's championship in Abu Dhabi when he suffered a mechanical failure after starting from pole.

"I am not thinking about momentum for next year...Before, it was close in the other direction and now it's close in this direction.
"I am quicker at the moment and I am pleased about that and happy to be on pole again."

Nico Rosberg drives during the third practice session at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi on Nove …

Hamilton, still stuck on 49 pole positions as he has been since the Italian Grand Prix in early September, said:

"I've been struggling with the car a little all weekend.
"We've been working hard to make some changes, but Nico was just quick today and did a really good job in Q3."

Finn Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari qualified third on the grid for Sunday's race behind the two Mercedes, as they achieved another front-row lockout, after his team-mate, the German four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, had failed to progress from Q1.

"The car has been handling pretty well all weekend," said Raikkonen, who chose to wear sunglasses on the podium despite it being after nightfall.

"The laps have not been ideal. The first run was okay, but I knew there was room to improve. It was still a bit off what the other guys can do."

Mexican Sergio Perez was fourth-fastest for Force India ahead of Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams, German Nico Hulkenberg of Force India and Brazilian Felipe Massa in the second Williams.

Russian Daniil Kvyat was ninth for Red Bull and Spaniard Carlos Sainz 10th for Toro Rosso.

Rosberg's joy was clear as he punched the air with delight on his slow-down lap while Hamilton appeared bewildered and slightly crestfallen, his loss of form since winning his third title at last month's United States Grand Prix continuing.

Rosberg's sixth successive pole moves him within sight of Brazilian three-time champion Ayrton Senna's record of eight, if he can continue his form at the start of next season.

Only four drivers have done better than six consecutive poles.

Senna delivered eight while French four-time champion Alain Prost, German seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and Hamilton have all managed seven.

Ladybbird · 29-11-15, 18:09

Nico Rosberg Beats Team-Mate Lewis Hamilton to Win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
> as Mercedes Dominate at Yas Marina

Nico Rosberg won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, beating team-mate and world champion Lewis Hamilton
The German made it three wins on the bounce for the first time in his career as Mercedes dominated
Ferrari's Kimi Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel finished third and fourth at the Yas Marina Circuit

Daily Mail UK, 29 November 2015

Mercedes used their strategic imaginations but couldn't help Lewis Hamilton end his world championship-winning season with victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Quote:

Final World Championship Standings

DRIVERS - TOP 10

1 Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 381pts
2 Nico Rosberg (Ger) Mercedes GP 322
3 Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Ferrari 278
4 Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari 150
5 Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Williams 136
6 Felipe Massa (Bra) Williams 121
7 Daniil Kvyat (Rus) Red Bull 95
8 Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) Red Bull 92
9 Sergio Perez (Mex) Force India 78
10 Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) Force India 58

Accused of conservatism in the last two races in restricting their two drivers to the same strategies, they rolled the dice, at least partly.
Yet it was Nico Rosberg who won his third consecutive race, bringing a satisfying conclusion to his fundamentally chastening season.

Nico Rosberg gestures after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and his third consecutive Formula One race

The 30-year-old looked delighted as he collected his trophy for winning the race at the Yas Marina

The cars are all bunched as the race got underway, with Rosberg (left) out in front ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton

The Brit pitted late on but wanted to stay out and attempted to catch Rosberg but couldn't quite do it

The crucial strategy calls unfolded in the middle of the race. Rosberg, who started on pole and was being harried by Hamilton, pitted for the second and final time.

Hamilton, however, stayed out 10 laps longer. He was leading throughout this period but had he established enough of a lead to pit later and then put in a final burst to overhaul Rosberg, who had spent longer on the fresher third set of tyres.
Thinking not, Hamilton wanted to stay out to the end rather than go in for a second late change. He appealed to the pit wall.

Hamilton: ‘If I was to back off and look after these tyres to end, how slow could we go?’
Peter Bonnington (race engineer): ‘Lewis, it wouldn’t work.’
Hamilton: ‘Give me the calculation, guys.’

He followed the orders and came in on lap 41. He was put on to the soft rather than the super soft (super fast, but less durable) tyres.
Why not the super-softs in a crazy dash to race down and pass Rosberg? Mercedes said they feared graining. It is difficult to gainsay.

Hamilton went for it, going from 10.6seconds down to as close as 6.8sec behind the German, but it never looked likely to be enough. The world champion ended up 8.2sec back. Kimi Raikkonen was third, a place ahead of his team-mate Sebastian Vettel, who drove brilliantly from 15th on the grid.

The debate about Mercedes’ strategic judgements will be debated long into the night, but in the immediate aftermath it seems the race got the deserved winner. Hamilton, leaving aside the softs/super softs debate, was given a chance to outmanoeuvre his team-mate, but it did not come off.

The German was in excellent form and drove aggressively as Mercedes dominated the race

Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado runs wide at the Yas Marina circuit and is forced to drive on the colourful tarmac outside of the track

(From right) Rosberg, Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen played cat and mouse throughout, with the German taking the honours

Fernando Alonso is the controversial character from central casting. He drives beautifully but has been wilful at every team he has been at. So it was again this weekend, on and off the track.
Off the track, he refused to confirm that he would not take next year off if the car the team produces is not up to snuff.
On it, he threatened to park up in the garage. For £25million a year, it surely isn’t enough to do a Paula Radcliffe and pull out before the end.

Admittedly, he was a long way back – one lap and 43sec – from the car in front of him, the Sauber of Felipe Nasr, but still why say: ‘If we don’t get a safety car, I’m going to retire the car.’

This shows that Alonso’s friend Mark Webber was about right when he said on Saturday that Alonso is a ‘ticking bomb’ who will determine whether he stays in the sport on the first few days of testing, next February.

He had a terrible day all round. Starting 16th, he out-braked himself and hurtled into Pastor Maldonado’s Lotus on the very first corner. He was given a drive-through penalty. Then, he overshot the pit box on his second tyre stop. Then he made his radio call, which he did not carry out.

Elsewhere, Williams botched Valtteri Bottas’s release, meaning he was caught by Jenson Button’s McLaren on the way in to the pit box. Bottas received a five-second penalty for his team’s oversight.

The two Mercedes drivers looked relaxed before the race in Abu Dhabi got underway on Sunday

All the drivers pose for an end of season photo before they began preparations for the final race of the calendar

Fernando Alonso, who refused to confirm he was taking a year off, was forced wide early on at the Yas Marina

21-10-14, 22:31	#4
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	F1 May Hold Grand Prix on US Las Vegas Strip... F1 Plans Trip to Las Vegas for Grand Prix on The Strip Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone is in discussions about hosting a grand prix on the streets of Las Vegas, including The Strip. EXCLUSIVE: Ecclestone in talks about return after 32 years of race around famous streets Independant UK, October 2014 “Vegas say they are ready to go and it would be on The Strip for sure,” said Ecclestone, referring to the famous road which runs through the centre of Las Vegas and is lined with casino resorts including the Bellagio and Caesars Palace. F1 last raced in Las Vegas in 1982 on a track in the Caesars Palace car park but it failed to get support from within the industry due to the makeshift, temporary nature of the course. A race on the streets would have more permanence and do a better job of showing off the local landmarks. “Vegas would be a fantastic addition to the F1 calendar and would be successful for so many people involved,” said leading F1 sponsorship agent Zak Brown. “It’s a great fit for the F1 brand and would draw a lot of interest from sponsors in one of the most important strategic markets for F1 – America. Vegas as a city would benefit greatly from F1’s fan base who no doubt would spend a lot of money that weekend.” Bernie Ecclestone is looking to make a return to Vegas after 32 years A senior source in the US racing scene added that F1’s track designer Hermann Tilke had visited Las Vegas several times to work on the layout of the course, showing that the project is at an advanced stage. “Tilke has made a couple of site visits. I knew that if he had gone along there must be something to it,” said the source. Ecclestone has been trying to bring F1 back to Las Vegas for more than 20 years and it would give the sport the shot in the arm it needs to compete in the American racing scene which is dominated by Nascar. Although F1’s television audience in the US grew by 1.7 million viewers to 11.4m last year, it still trails the home-grown single-seater IndyCar series by five per cent. A Las Vegas Grand Prix would also double the number of F1 races in the US. In 2012, after a five-year absence, F1 returned to America with the US Grand Prix in Austin, the capital of Texas, which is next up on this year’s calendar and takes place on 2 November. “They like their entertainment in the States so you could probably double it to two races and it would be great – maybe not right next to each other in the calendar though,” said former F1 champion Damon Hill. “I would just hope they make Las Vegas a great track. They have got to be challenging circuits. It’s great to have them in city centres but not if they are too easy.” Tavo Hellmund, the entrepreneur who founded the US Grand Prix in Austin and the Circuit of the Americas track where it is held, said that “Vegas would be a great place for a Grand Prix and it is one of only two cities in the States that does not have to worry about cannibalising a market, since every weekend is a big weekend with a different crowd. The other being New York.” Hellmund is now bringing F1 back to Mexico City where it will race next year after a 23-year absence. Las Vegas may join it but a Grand Prix in the New York area seems less likely. IndyCar is still more popular than F1 in the US A race on 3.2 miles of public roads in New Jersey was announced in October 2011 but has since been dropped from the F1 calendar twice as the organisers failed to raise the £63m required to finish work on the track. “In the end there’s a million countries that would like to have an F1 race but they can’t afford it,” said Ecclestone. He added the sport is on track to have more races than ever regardless, as the return of the Mexican Grand Prix next year will push the calendar to its current record of 20. In 2016 the Grand Prix of Europe in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will be added to the schedule and Ecclestone said: “It is more likely that it will go over 20 with Baku than we lose a race.” __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

13-11-14, 00:51	#5
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	PhOtO- F1 Boss to Marry Spice Girl.... Geri Halliwell to Marry Formula One Team Boss Former Spice Girl’s engagement to Red Bull’s Christian Horner revealed in a notice in the UK Times 12 Nov 2014 F1's Red Bull Racing Team boss Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell after the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.. Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images *It looks like David Beckham will no longer be the only sporting figure married to a Spice Girl.* That is because F1 Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner is now engaged to Geri Halliwell, aged 41yrs. "Ginger Spice" announced the engagement in a notice in the Times newspaper. The pair started dating earlier this year after Horner spilt with his partner of 14 years, Beverley Allen, six months after Allen had given birth to their first child. Halliwell has an eight-year-old daughter after a brief fling with screenwriter Sacha Gervasi. *VROOM, VROOM...* . __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

26-11-14, 21:23	#6
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	Alonso Mocks Ferrari's Shakeup Grand Prix. NOVEMBER 26, 2014 Alonso Mocks Ferrari's Marlboro Man Shakeup Fernando Alonso has wasted no time in strongly distancing himself from Ferrari, where he spent the past five seasons as the fabled team's 'number 1' driver. On Tuesday, the Spaniard appeared to be openly laughing at the Maranello team's latest managerial shakeup, after Ferrari split with team boss Marco Mattiacci. Alonso 'retweeted' a photo showing him grinning broadly as his friend Flavio Briatore posed with an unlit cigarette in his mouth and an open Marlboro packet as they dined in a restaurant. It was obviously a reference to the 'Marlboro Man', as Mattiacci's successor is Mauruzio Arrivabene, until now a branding executive for Philip Morris. Not only that, it seems that at some point after the chequered flag waved in Abu Dhabi last Sunday, Alonso symbolically 'unfollowed' the Ferrari team on Twitter. Meanwhile, although he was photographed in plain clothes in the Ferrari garage on Tuesday, Alonso's successor Sebastian Vettel was reportedly unhappy with the Italian team on his first day of work at the Abu Dhabi test. That is because when asked by Germany's Sport Bild what he thought of Mattiacci's departure, Vettel appeared to have not been told the news first-hand. "Is it true?" he asked the correspondent. The report said Vettel reacted by telling Ferrari he was disappointed to have not been informed about the major shakeup. Finally, when asked by Brazil's Globo if he will be accompanying Alonso from Ferrari to McLaren next year, the Spanish driver's race engineer Andrea Stella answered clearly: "Yes." Former F1 driver David Coulthard admits he has some concerns about Ferrari's 2015 driver lineup, despite Vettel and Raikkonen's combined five career titles. "Kimi Raikkonen's return to Ferrari was the worst season for one of their drivers since 1982," he told the Telegraph, adding that Vettel also "looked a shadow of himself" in 2014. "The German did not like the new formula, he did not like the engines," Coulthard explained. "That is fair enough, but his mantra seemed to affect his ability to perform." __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

15-03-15, 17:30	#8
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	VIDEO-Hamilton Wins Australia Grand Prix-Only 11 Cars Finish Hamilton Lays Down Marker & Wins-Only 15 Cars Finish Daily Mail UK, 15 March 2015 Australia Britain's Lewis Hamilton appears poised to 'terminate' the opposition again this Formula One season if his dominant performance in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix is anything to go by. The reigning world champion conjured a crushing victory around Melbourne's Albert Park, spearheading a Mercedes one-two, with team-mate Nico Rosberg just 1.3secs adrift Rosberg, however, never realistically had a chance of success, with the duo's rivals trailing in their wake as their nearest challenger was Sebastian Vettel on his debut for Ferrari, but 34.5secs down. Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed a perfect start to the new F1 season (AP) Come the podium ceremony there was a surprise for the leading trio as Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger took centre stage by conducting the interviews. Hamilton, for one, was starstruck as wide-eyed he said: "How are you doing? What an honour to meet you. Arnold Schwarzenegger, man! Wow!" It could certainly be a case of 'hasta la vista baby' for anyone with a hope of challenging Hamilton's bid for a third world title and a place amongst the all-time greats. As launchpads go, Hamilton could not have asked for a better start by claiming F1's equivalent of the hat-trick - pole position, race win and fastest lap. "It's an incredible feeling to continue on from last year," said Hamilton, before turning to Schwarzenegger and adding "but also to be up here with you man. "I thought you were taller! You were taller in The Terminator!" Turning back to his win and the fact he was able to keep Rosberg at arm's length, Hamilton said: "When Nico turned up the heat I was able to react, which was good. "Otherwise it was a phenomenal race for both of us. Nico drove really well and obviously Sebastian must have done a great job to be where he is." The concern for those chasing Hamilton and Mercedes is there is room for improvement as the 30-year-old remarked: "We definitely cannot back off because I'm sure people are going to be pushing. "Hopefully we'll keep finding ways to improve. Just because we had that gap it doesn't mean we'll be cruising. There's still a long way to go." It was Hamilton's 34th career victory and his second in Australia, with Rosberg giving credit where it was due after being on the receiving end of a hiding over the weekend. "Lewis did a fantastic job," said Rosberg. "He drove like a world champion all weekend so I couldn't quite beat him, but for sure I was trying every single lap, all the way to the maximum, and I will do all year." A defiant Rosberg added: "I will give him a big run for his money and hopefully beat him." As for Vettel, he appears to have made the right decision in quitting Red Bull - the team that made him a four-time champion - for Ferrari. "It feels great to be at Ferrari," smiled Vettel. "It's a very, very big honour. I'm very happy. Obviously it's a great start to the season for us. "We had a very good winter, the team has worked phenomenally hard and we can be very proud. "I said to the guys 'thank you very much'. We have a great car, not only in qualifying but for the race as well. "It's great to join them (the Mercedes duo on the podium) and I'm really proud. There's a lot of work ahead of us to try to beat them, but I'm sure we will." It was a race that began with just 15 cars on the grid, sparked by Manor's absence after they failed to even turn a wheel all weekend due to their uphill battle against infrastructure problems. Forty minutes prior to the start the field was reduced to 17 with the absence of Williams' Valtteri Bottas, who failed to recover from a back injury sustained in qualifying. Come the formation lap first McLaren's Kevin Magnussen - standing in for the absent Fernando Alonso - pulled over with smoke pouring from his car before Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat ground to a halt via a gearbox issue. Once the race started Lotus' day was done inside a lap as Pastor Maldonado crashed out after being clipped by Sauber's Felipe Nasr whilst Romain Grosjean retired with a power-unit problem. By the chequered flag there were just 11 finishers as F1's youngest driver in 17-year-old Max Verstappen also retired, whilst Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was forced to pull over after his second pit stop as his pit crew failed to fit the left-rear tyre correctly. At least McLaren's Jenson Button saw the chequered flag, albeit 11th and last, and two laps down on Hamilton, but claiming to be "happy" as progress had been made from a woeful pre-season. __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

28-03-15, 20:28	#9
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	Renault Quitting F1? >Red Bull May Follow Renault Issues F1 Quit Threat, Christian Horner Admits Red Bull May Follow By Bleacherreport Mar 27, 2015 Renault's Cyril Abiteboul has confirmed the French manufacturer is considering withdrawing from Formula One after a difficult start to the 2015 season. Renault currently supplies engines to Red Bull and its sister team Toro Rosso after Caterham dropped out of the sport and Lotus switched to the now dominant Mercedes motor. Daniel Ricciardo was the highest finishing Renault-powered driver during the opening race of the campaign in Australia, with Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz coming ninth. His team-mate, Max Verstappen, failed to finish during his long-awaited debut, while Daniil Kyvat didn't get off the starting grid. Ross Land/Associated Press Abiteboul suggests Renault will remove its product from the competition if such troubles risk impacting the brand's name, reported prior to the Malaysian Grand Prix We are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula 1 if it's bad for Renault's reputation. We think we are a credible player in the sport but you need to think about what else we need to do on top of what we already are. But right now, the focus remains on the engine. However, Renault may be interested in purchasing a team and fighting for the constructors' championship again. Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost said this would be a "fantastic opportunity" for his Italian group. "To be owned by a manufacturer would be exactly the step forward which the team needs," he said, per BBC. Mark Thompson/Getty Images Both Lotus chief executive officer Matthew Carter and Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley denied they have spoken to Renault about the possibility of a takeover Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently admitted owner Dietrich Mateschitz may withdraw from the sport if he "loses his passion," . Team boss Christian Horner believes Renault exiting would go a long way to making this happen, reported by Sky: We could ultimately find ourselves without an engine supplier, should Renault choose to withdraw from Formula 1. Mercedes wouldn’t supply Red Bull with an engine and it’s unlikely we’d be in a position to take a Ferrari engine. You could actually find yourself forced out of the sport and I think as with any company, Red Bull reviews its return on investment. Is Formula 1 delivering for Red Bull as a brand? There are some worrying signs when we see races like we saw in Melbourne. Andrew Benson of BBC Sport provided further comment from Horner, who isn't looking for Red Bull to turn provider: Ross Land/Associated Press Mercedes' dominance appears to have backed Renault, Red Bull and the like into a corner. So many recent F1 seasons haven't remained competitive throughout the entire schedule, an occurrence which is potentially damaging for the discipline and teams who struggle to make an impression. Red Bull and Renault know what it's like to be at the top of the game, so it's perhaps even more difficult now Mercedes' engine is streaks ahead. Abiteboul, Horner and even Mateschitz sound as if they're on the verge of being defeated, something which could further shake the sport up before too long. __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

11-05-15, 20:52	#11
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	VIDEO-Nico Rosberg Wins Spanish Grand Prix Nico Rosberg Answers Questions After Spanish F1 Grand Prix Win German F1 driver Nico Rosberg answers questions after his Spanish Grand Prix victory, which saw him claw back a few points from Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton. __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

17-05-15, 20:58	#12
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	PhOtOs-F1 Team Boss Marries Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell Red Bull F1 Team Boss Christian Horner Ties the Knot with Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell Horner and Halliwell wed in St Mary's Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire David Coultard, Daniel Ricciardo, Eddie Jordan, Niki Lauda and Jackie Stewart all attended the ceremony The couple have been in a relationship for just over a year and became engaged in November 2014 AP 17 May 2015 Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner has married former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell in a ceremony attended by a host of high-profile stars from the world of motor racing. Horner and Halliwell wed in St Mary's Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire on Friday afternoon. A host of F1 personalties, past and present, attended the wedding including former racing star David Coulthard and current Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo. Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell have married in Woburn Former racing star David Coulthard and current Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo (top) both attended Former F1 driver and TV commentator Eddie Jordan arrives for the ceremony at St Mary's Church in Woburn Sir Jackie Stewart and his wife Helen were also in attendance for Horner's big day Horner (second right) arrives for the ceremony along with this his groomsmen The couple have been in a relationship for just over a year and became engaged in November 2014 Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton and her partner Jade Jones arrive for the wedding British singer and TV presenter Myleene Klass arrives with her guest Other attendees included former F1 driver and TV commentator Eddie Jordan, Three-time F1 World Champion and Mercedes chief Niki Lauda as well as ex-racing legend Jackie Stewart. The couple have been in a relationship for just over a year and became engaged in November 2014 Horner's big day follows an eventful week for his team after Red Bull dropped yet another hint they will quit Formula One if they aren't competing at the sharp end of the grid. The British-based team have a contractual agreement to stay in the sport until 2020, while their deal with engine supplier Renault runs until at least the end of 2016. Red Bull, who won four successive titles with Renault from 2010 to 2013, have been vocal in their criticism of the French manufacturer's V6 turbo hybrid engine, which has proved uncompetitive. Indeed team principal Horner labelled the season a write-off after Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, only the fifth of 19 races scheduled. Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat finished a lowly seventh and 10th respectively. Three-time F1 World Champion and Mercedes chief Niki Lauda was also in attendance And talk of walking away from the grand prix circus was given further impetus on Monday when their motorsport consultant Dr Helmut Marko, who is close to company owner Dietrich Mateschitz, sent what sounded like an open invitation to Audi. 'If we don't have a competitive engine in the near future, then either Audi is coming or we are out,' Marko said. 'The VW Group first has to sort out, who will run the brand of VW, and when they have sorted all these things maybe then they can think about what they are doing in motorsport.' Lauda (left) and Jordan share a joke following the ceremony in southern England __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

07-06-15, 20:05	#14
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: PhOtOs/VIDEOs-F1 GRAND PRIX 2015> Lewis HamiltonUK WINS +Results/News Lewis Hamilton Bounces Back from Monaco Disappointment to win Canadian Grand Prix - and Extend Formula One Championship Lead Lewis Hamilton won his fourth Canadian Grand Prix to stretch his lead over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg The current Formula One world champion led from the start as he begun the race in Montreal on pole Hamilton's fellow Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg finished in second while Valtteri Bottas took third spot Jenson Button had a day to forget as the McLaren driver was forced to retire during the 58th lap Daily Mail UK, 7 June 2015 Lewis Hamilton won his fourth Canadian Grand Prix to stretch his lead over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg. The British driver, who started on pole, led from the start to finish ahead of team-mate and cap off another outstanding weekend for Mercedes. Jenson Button, on the other hand, had a day to forget as he was forced to retire during the 58th lap. Race winner Lewis Hamilton acknowledges the Canadian Grand Prix after his impressive victory in Montreal Hamilton finished ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to win the Canadian Grand Prix for the fourth time British Formula One racer Hamilton takes a curve during the Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal A groundhog has a lucky escape as he crosses the Canadian Grand Prix during the Formula One race in Montreal Nico Rosberg (back left, pictured as go around a curve) was unable to overtake his team-mate during the race in North America The 30-year-old makes his way around the course while supporters cheer on the Formula One driver from the stands Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, who started the race in fourth, pipped his fellow countryman Kimi Raikkonen to claim a place on the podium Formula One champion Hamilton waves to the fans as he takes to the track ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

14-06-15, 18:49	#15
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: PhOtOs/VIDEOs-F1 GRAND PRIX 2015> Lewis HamiltonUK WINS +Results/News Nico Hulkenberg Wins on Le Mans Debut as Porsche End Audi's Winning Streak Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg finished first in his maiden Le Mans race Hulkenberg helped Porche to their first win at the Sarthe circuit since 1998 Former F1 driver Mark Webber gave Porche a one-two finish in Le Mans Daily Mail UK, 14 June 2015 Porsche ended Audi's winning run at the Le Mans 24 Hours race on Sunday with a one-two finish and Formula One driver Nico Hulkenberg triumphant at his first attempt. The German, driving the number 19 works Porsche he shared with New Zealand's Earl Bamber and Briton Nick Tandy, took the chequered flag for the marque's first win at the Sarthe circuit since 1998. It was Porsche's 17th Le Mans triumph, extending their own record. Formula One's Force India driver Niko Hulkenberg finished ahead of the pack in his first Le Mans attempt Porsche have extended their own Le Mans record after sealing their 17th triumph (l-r) Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy and Hulkenberg of Germany hold their trophy during the podium ceremony The number 17 Porsche of Australian Mark Webber, New Zealand's Brendon Hartley and Germany's Timo Bernhard finished second. Audi's defending champions Andre Lotterer, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Faessler completed the podium places in the 83rd edition of the endurance race. 'I'm speechless right now, to be honest,' said Hulkenberg before lifting the heavy trophy with the help of his team mates. 'It's amazing to come here, first attempt. Super happy...we wrote history today,' added the 27-year-old, the first active F1 driver to win since Britain's Johnny Herbert in 1991. 'We couldn't expect such a thing,' said the German, who arrived in Le Mans straight from the Canadian Grand Prix and will be heading to Austria for next weekend's race after a few days off. Hulkenberg is still steadily impressing in Formula One with Force India and was in action in Canada last week The winning trio were the least experienced of the three Porsche works crews, with Hulkenberg completely unfamiliar with Le Mans until testing two weeks ago. Tandy, the only one of the three with prior Le Mans experience, became the 30th British winner of the event. 'I couldn't think of two guys I'd rather share the car with,' said the Englishman. 'I could retire from racing tomorrow and look back on today and I am sure I would be happy for the rest of my life.' Bamber was only the third New Zealander, following in the footsteps of Formula One drivers Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon in 1966, to win Le Mans. Audi had won 13 of the last 15 editions but Porsche, who returned with a full factory effort last year, had looked dangerous from the moment they swept the top three grid places in qualifying. The German took the chequered flag to hand his team their first win at the Sarthe circuit in 17 years There had been little to separate the two Volkswagen stable mates going into the night but things started to unwind for Audi after daybreak. Fassler had to pit when a large part of bodywork flew off without warning, costing seven minutes for repairs. The number nine and eight Audis also suffered mechanical problems. Webber led at the quarter distance but fell back when Hartley collected a one minute 'stop and go' penalty for overtaking through a slow zone imposed around the Mulsanne corner during the third safety car interlude. The safety cars came out for a fourth time around the 17 hour mark when an Aston Martin crashed heavily. The safety cars, three of them to cope with the long Le Mans lap, made their first appearance after the first hour when a three car collision dumped oil on the track at the first chicane. There was a much longer safety car period at the end of the third hour, when Frenchman Loic Duval spun and hit the barriers in the number eight Audi at the Indianapolis corner. Denmark's retired nine times winner Tom Kristensen had waved the 83rd edition of the race away in bright sunshine on Saturday, watched by a crowd of around 250,000 spectators enjoying a festival atmosphere. The crowds were out in full force to witness Porche take the win from defending champions Audi __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

21-06-15, 18:26	#16
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: PhOtOs/VIDEOs-F1 GRAND PRIX 2015> Lewis HamiltonUK WINS +Results/News Fernando Alonso Thankful Kimi Raikkonen Walked Away Unscathed after Their Horror Crash at the Austrian Grand Prix The pair came together at turn two, with Alonso's McLaren ending up on top of Raikkonen's Ferrari Alonso delighted that the first-lap shunt was not as serious as it looked He spoke of his relief at seeing Raikkonen removing his steering wheel The 33-year-old Spaniard retired for a fourth grand prix in succession Nico Rosberg took the race win for Mercedes, with McLaren still floundering Daily Mail UK, 21 June 2015 Fernando Alonso admitted he was relieved to see Kimi Raikkonen walk away from their massive first-lap shunt at the Austrian Grand Prix. The pair came together at turn two, with the McLaren of Alonso ending up on top of Raikkonen's Ferrari as they hit the barriers and brought out an early safety car. Both walked away unscathed and only visited the medical centre as a precaution with replays of the incident proving inconclusive as to who was at fault. Alonso (left) quickly checked to see if his former Ferrari team-mate Raikkonen (second left) was OK Alonso and Raikkonen discuss what happened on the side of the track Alonso offered his version of events after retiring for a fourth grand prix in succession, with McLaren still floundering at the back of the field as Nico Rosberg took the race win for Mercedes. The Spaniard said: 'It was a very strange incident because he lost the car in fifth gear or something like that. 'Obviously it was quite scary. 'The car was moving left, right, left, right, with a lot of wheel-spin. We were overtaking him left and right - all the cars - and then he lost the car on the left and I was on the left at that point and we crashed. Alonso's car was towed away by a crane following the horrible shunt at the Red Bull Ring 'I could not see anything because with the seat position I was looking only at the sky and then I looked in the mirror and when I stopped I saw the car under my car. 'I jumped quickly and checked that he was OK. 'I tried to get out as quickly as possible to see if he was okay. I saw him removing the steering wheel so I was relieved.' Raikkonen confirmed former Ferrari team-mate Alonso's suspicions that it was wheel-spin which saw him squirm into the corner. 'I don't know what happened,' he said. The cars of Alonso and Raikkonen wait to be returned to the garages after the massive crash 'I got some wheel-spin and it was a bit unusual. 'It's hard to say; it is what it is - a pretty poor weekend, but that's how it goes.' The sister McLaren of Jenson Button was following close behind after both cars started on the back row following 25-place grid penalties. 'It was a horrible accident,' said Button, whose race finished on lap nine due to further technical problems. 'You never want cars to be in the air or on top of each other so I'm glad they're both OK and can walk away from it.' Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda gets a lift back to the paddock after the Spielberg crash Fernando Alonso And Kimi Raikkonen Crash Austria F1 2015 __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

28-11-15, 16:56	#19
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,604 Thanks: 27,633 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: PhOtOs/VIDEOs-F1 GRAND PRIX 2015> Nico Rosberg WINS Final Race +Results Rosberg on Pole for Season-Ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix AP 28 NOV 2015 Abu Dhabi (AFP) - Nico Rosberg produced one of the best laps of his career when he snatched his sixth straight pole position with a dramatic late effort in Saturday's qualifying for Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 30-year-old German, who was trailing, outpaced his Mercedes team-mate and newly-crowned three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton by 0.377 seconds with his final effort in a closely-fought twilight session under floodlights at the Yas Marina circuit. Hamilton had been fastest in the two earlier sessions and led Rosberg before he reacted to take pole again, as he did before last year's showdown race, with a stunning show of speed. "Primarily, I would just like to win this race because it's a great feeling," said Rosberg, who lost last year's championship in Abu Dhabi when he suffered a mechanical failure after starting from pole. "I am not thinking about momentum for next year...Before, it was close in the other direction and now it's close in this direction. "I am quicker at the moment and I am pleased about that and happy to be on pole again." Nico Rosberg drives during the third practice session at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi on Nove … Hamilton, still stuck on 49 pole positions as he has been since the Italian Grand Prix in early September, said: "I've been struggling with the car a little all weekend. "We've been working hard to make some changes, but Nico was just quick today and did a really good job in Q3." Finn Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari qualified third on the grid for Sunday's race behind the two Mercedes, as they achieved another front-row lockout, after his team-mate, the German four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, had failed to progress from Q1. "The car has been handling pretty well all weekend," said Raikkonen, who chose to wear sunglasses on the podium despite it being after nightfall. "The laps have not been ideal. The first run was okay, but I knew there was room to improve. It was still a bit off what the other guys can do." Mexican Sergio Perez was fourth-fastest for Force India ahead of Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams, German Nico Hulkenberg of Force India and Brazilian Felipe Massa in the second Williams. Russian Daniil Kvyat was ninth for Red Bull and Spaniard Carlos Sainz 10th for Toro Rosso. Rosberg's joy was clear as he punched the air with delight on his slow-down lap while Hamilton appeared bewildered and slightly crestfallen, his loss of form since winning his third title at last month's United States Grand Prix continuing. Rosberg's sixth successive pole moves him within sight of Brazilian three-time champion Ayrton Senna's record of eight, if he can continue his form at the start of next season. Only four drivers have done better than six consecutive poles. Senna delivered eight while French four-time champion Alain Prost, German seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and Hamilton have all managed seven. __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

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