List of All Articles with Tag 'f1'

Lewis Hamilton finished only 17th in practice for the Italian Grand Prix as Sergio Perez crashed out. Carlos Sainz provided Ferrari’s home fans with reason for cheer by posting the fastest time at the Italian team’s home track in Monza. The Spaniard, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Friday, edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris by 0.019 seconds with championship leader Max Verstappen in fifth place, two tenths back. But seven-time world champion Hamilton, who signed a new £50million-a-year contract with Mercedes earlier this week, ended up only 17th of the 19 drivers who set a time after bemoaning the lack of straight-line speed. Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell finished ninth, 0.821sec slower than Sainz. While Verstappen has romped to 11 wins from 13 this season – and could become the first driver in history to seal 10 consecutive victories on Sunday – his team-mate Perez has endured a turbulent campaign. And the Mexican faced more misery here after he lost control of his Red Bull machine through the high-speed Parabolica. Perez ran on to the gravel on the exit of the corner leading into the main straight and skidded across the sandtrap before nudging the wall. Perez was able to limp back to the pits but team principal Christian Horner was left grimacing on the Red Bull pit wall. Before his spin, Perez had displayed encouraging pace – finishing third, 0.185 behind Sainz – and unusually ahead of Verstappen. Verstappen, 138 points clear in the world standings on his unstoppable march towards a hat-trick of titles, ended the opening running at the top of the time charts. But his best effort in the day’s concluding running was scuppered by traffic. The 25-year-old wanted to go for another timed lap, only for his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to tell him “it isn’t qualifying”. The Dutch driver was also fined 500 euros (£428) for breaking the 50mph pit-lane speed limit by 3mph. However, given his crushing dominance this year, he will head into the remainder of the weekend as the favourite to land another win and better the record he shares with Sebastian Vettel. McLaren have bounced back from a poor start to the year following an upgrade at June’s Austrian Grand Prix. Behind Norris in second place, Oscar Piastri finished fourth. Elsewhere, Charles Leclerc, who won here to the delight of the Tifosi in 2019, was sixth, one place ahead of the ever-impressive Alex Albon in his Williams, with Fernando Alonso eighth for Aston Martin. Alonso’s team-mate Lance Stroll failed to set a lap after he broke down with a fuel system failure in the opening moments. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How Max Verstappen equalled Sebastien Vettel’s record for consecutive race wins Max Verstappen reveals Sebastian Vettel prediction as he closes on GP record run Max Verstappen is one of the best drivers in F1 history – Lando Norris

Max Verstappen put down an early marker in his bid to win 10 consecutive races by setting the fastest time in practice for the Italian Grand Prix. The double world champion edged out Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz by 0.046 seconds in Monza with Sergio Perez third in the other Red Bull. Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari at the Italian team’s home event, one place ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton ended the opening running of the weekend in eighth. Verstappen has dominated Formula One this season – winning 11 of the 13 rounds so far – and will make history on Sunday if he racks up another victory. The Red Bull driver – already 138 points clear in his pursuit of a third world championship – is level with Sebastian Vettel on nine wins and, on the evidence of practice, is poised to land yet another win and set a new record. Hamilton ended his long-running contract saga in the build-up to this weekend’s race by putting pen to paper on a new £50million-a-year deal. But the seven-time world champion ended first practice six tenths back from Verstappen and a tenth adrift of team-mate Russell. Ferrari have endured a poor season, but showed early promise in front of their fanatical supporters at the Temple of Speed with Sainz and Leclerc second and fourth respectively. Elsewhere, Fernando Alonso, who finished runner-up to Verstappen at last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, took sixth for Aston Martin, one place ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris. Second practice gets under way at 5pm local time (4pm BST). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Max Verstappen is eyeing a record-breaking 10th F1 win in a row as the paddock rolls around to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. Verstappen, picking up where he left off before the summer break, won his home race in the Netherlands last week to equal Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive grand prix triumphs. The Dutchman, who now has a mammoth 138-point lead in the championship over team-mate Sergio Perez, is the overwhelming favourite in Italy having also won in Monza last year. Mercedes endured a difficult weekend last time out in Zandvoort but will be buoyed by the news that both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have signed contract extensions until the end of the 2025 season. As for Ferrari, they head into their home race short of form having not won a race since Austria last year but will be hoping for a strong performance in front of the home tifosi crowd. Fernando Alonso, too, will be looking to back up his podium in Zandvoort with another top-three showing at Monza. Follow live updates from the Italian Grand Prix with The Independent Read More Lewis Hamilton signs new Mercedes contract Lewis Hamilton reveals reason for signing new Mercedes deal: ‘Unfinished business’ How does Max Verstappen’s win-streak compare to fellow record-holder Sebastian Vettel’s?

Fernando Alonso insists he would keep Lewis Hamilton “until he’s 80 years old” over picking a young F2 driver after the seven-time world champion signed a new contract with Mercedes. Hamilton, 38, penned an extension until the end of the 2025 season – alongside team-mate George Russell – which will keep him racing in F1 into his 40s. Alonso, himself 42, has shown with his seven podiums for Aston Martin this season that age is no factor when it comes to performance – a point he reiterated when speaking to the press in Monza about Hamilton’s new deal. Asked whether age should count for something in a team principal’s decision for keeping a driver, Alonso replied: “No, I think they choose time, as has always been [the case] in motorsport. “I have never seen any rally, Moto GP or F1 team choose the slowest between two drivers. If I were a team boss now and I had to choose Hamilton or the youngest on the grid or a promising F2 driver, I’d stay with Hamilton until he’s 80 years old, until someone shows me that he’s faster than Hamilton. “In the case of Hamilton, who continues to perform at 100% and his only life concern is F1, as can be the case for me too, ‘when someone faster comes, we’ll talk’ but at the moment Hamilton is faster than anyone.” Alonso endured a tumultuous one-year partnership in Hamilton’s rookie season at McLaren in 2007, with the pair falling out as both fought for the world championship, eventually won by Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. The pair have been rivals ever since but are now on cordial terms as the two elder statesman of the paddock. The duo are fighting for championship position again this season: Alonso, who joined Aston Martin from Alpine prior to this season, is in third place and is 12 points ahead of Hamilton in fourth. Hamilton emphasised after signing his new deal – reported to be worth £50m-a-year – that he has “unfinished business” in the sport as he continues to hunt for a record-breaking eighth world championship. Both Alonso and Hamilton have won at Monza before – Alonso twice and Hamilton five times – ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. Read More Lewis Hamilton reveals reason for signing new Mercedes deal: ‘Unfinished business’ Lewis Hamilton signs new Mercedes contract Charles Leclerc speaks out about Ferrari future ahead of Italian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton gives update on F1 movie starring Brad Pitt amid Hollywood strikes Charles Leclerc speaks out about Ferrari future How does Verstappen’s win-streak compare to fellow record-holder Vettel’s?

Max Verstappen has hit back at criticism of his dominance and set the target of remaining unbeaten for the final nine races of the season. The all-conquering Dutchman will become the first driver in history to win 10 consecutive races if he takes the chequered flag at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen has been in imperious form this year, winning 11 of the 13 rounds staged as he closes in on a hat-trick of World Championships. With a lead of 183 points heading into this weekend’s race in Monza there is a chance he could even close out the title with six rounds still remaining at the Japanese Grand Prix on September 24. However, Verstappen’s emphatic streak has led to suggestions that the sport has become boring. But responding to the accusations in an interview with the PA news agency, Verstappen, 25, said: “They cannot appreciate dominance or just people executing their jobs. “It is nothing really new in Formula One, and I cannot do much with those kind of comments. Does it bother me? No. It would probably be worse if they were talking about other stuff. I am enjoying what I am doing and I hope I can do it for a while. “I don’t want it to stop. We have another good opportunity this weekend. I believe I can win every single race.” Verstappen’s victory on his home track in Zandvoort – which drew him level with Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine straight wins – was among the very best of the 46 of his career so far. At one stage, he was lapping four seconds faster than Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull, and two seconds quicker than anybody else. His virtuoso display in the inclement conditions prompted double world champion Fernando Alonso to say Verstappen’s achievements are being underestimated. “It is not about getting the recognition because I know how hard it is to do,” said Verstappen. “If it was very easy, more drivers would have won nine in a row, and more teams would have done it, and that is not the case. “It hasn’t been straightforward either. In Zandvoort especially, a lot of things could have gone wrong, and in the end we still handled that really well. “I never thought I would get to nine. I remember watching Seb do it, and I was like, ‘Jesus Christ, that is extremely difficult’, and now I am here and it is amazing.” Verstappen will share the grid with long-time rival Lewis Hamilton for at least another two seasons after the British driver signed a new £50million-a-year deal to remain with Mercedes. The contract extension will take Hamilton beyond his 40th birthday, and provides the possibility of a championship rematch with Verstappen if Mercedes can somehow close the gap to Red Bull. Hamilton, who was denied an eighth world title after race director Michael Masi failed to follow the correct rules in Abu Dhabi in 2021, alluded to “unfinished business” after signing his latest deal. Twenty months on from F1’s most contentious race, does Verstappen – who, on new tyres, had to pass Hamilton on the final lap to take the title – feel his maiden championship triumph was tainted? “It was not like it was given to me,” he said. “I still had to do it. “People always have short memories and they can forget a lot of stuff very quickly. “It was a great year, and we had a lot of great battles with two teams going at it and that was amazing for Formula One. “But you will always have a winner, and you will always have a loser. That is how this sport works, and I was also ready to lose. “It was a 50-50 chance and it fell my way. But in the future I could be in a situation where it doesn’t fall my way and that is how life goes. “I don’t really care a lot about other people’s opinions. I only care about people that are very close to me so whatever people say or write, I am like ‘whatever’. “I grew up my whole life wanting to be a Formula One driver and I will do everything it takes to try and be successful at it. “I make my choices and my decisions and that is why I am very relaxed about these things. I go home, I switch off from Formula One, and I am happy with my career. And when I come back to the race weekends I do my thing, and that is it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How Max Verstappen equalled Sebastien Vettel’s record for consecutive race wins Max Verstappen reveals Sebastian Vettel prediction as he closes on GP record run Max Verstappen is one of the best drivers in F1 history – Lando Norris

Lewis Hamilton said he has “unfinished business” after signing a new £100million contract to extend his Formula One career beyond his 40th birthday. After months of negotiations, the seven-time world champion finally concluded a new two-year deal – understood to be worth £50m-a-season, a salary hike of £10m – at last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix. The announcement ends speculation surrounding the seven-time world champion’s future with his current deal up for renewal at the end of the season. Hamilton’s extension – which draws him level with Max Verstappen as the grid’s highest earner – will take him to a month shy of his 41st birthday. It will also allow him to continue his pursuit of a record eighth crown. Hamilton will still be partnered by George Russell after Mercedes also confirmed they 25-year-old’s stay for at least another two years. “I have had such an incredible journey with Mercedes, and we still have unfinished business,” said Hamilton ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. “We want to get back to the top, and back to fighting for world championships. We are in this together. “We have a lot of work to do, but there is nowhere else I would rather be. You are all stuck with me for a little bit longer.” Hamilton has won a record 103 races, and was carried to six of his seven championships by Mercedes, but he has not tasted victory since the controversial Abu Dhabi decider of 2021 – a losing run of 36 races. Hamilton is fourth in the championship, an eye-watering 183 points behind Verstappen, with Mercedes unable to challenge the Dutchman’s all-conquering team. Verstappen has won 11 of the 13 rounds so far – with Red Bull unbeaten this season. But Hamilton added: “It is not about revenge or redemption. Abu Dhabi is in the past and there’s nothing you can do about it. “In life, you have ups and downs, and last year everyone was questioning whether they wanted to continue. But that thought quickly went away, and you put your mind and energy into being the best you can be. “I truly believe we can win more world championships and more races together and that’s where all my energy is going. “I’m not thinking that it’s going to take another four years to get to where we need to be. I’m aware that it does take time. “But I’m so hopeful the decisions we are taking will put us in that target zone. In my heart I truly believe if it’s not next year it will be the year after that we can challenge.” Hamilton, who made his F1 debut in 2007 aged 22, once scoffed at the idea of racing into his forties. But after signing up for his 18th and 19th seasons, he revealed the careers of NFL star Tom Brady, who retired at the age of 45, and Fernando Alonso, who turned 42 last month, is proof he can continue to compete at the highest level. “I definitely didn’t think I would get to the age that I am and feel the way I do, physically and mentally, and still love what I’m doing as much as I do,” he added. “That’s something I’m incredibly grateful for. “I look at people like Tom Brady, who has been such an incredible athlete, and has shown what can be done today. He’s a role model in that respect. “I’ve been fortunate in being able to speak to him and to understand what he has done and what he does consistently to keep himself in shape. “It is also great seeing Fernando. He was here way before I was and is still doing an amazing job. “It just shows that your talent never really leaves you so long as you have that passion and commitment to continue.” Russell joined Hamilton at Mercedes in 2022, out-scoring his team-mate in their first season together. He also claimed his maiden victory – Mercedes’ sole triumph of last year – at the penultimate round in Brazil. “Lewis wouldn’t have stayed if he didn’t think the team was capable of winning again,” added Russell. “That reinforces the confidence that I have in the team.” Read More Lewis Hamilton signs new Mercedes contract Charles Leclerc speaks out about Ferrari future ahead of Italian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton has ‘unfinished business’ after signing new Mercedes contract Lewis Hamilton gives update on F1 movie starring Brad Pitt amid Hollywood strikes F1 2023 calendar: All 23 Grand Prix this year

Lewis Hamilton said he has “unfinished business” after signing a new £100million contract to extend his Formula One career beyond his 40th birthday. After months of negotiations, the seven-time world champion finally concluded a new two-year deal – understood to be worth £50m-a-season, a salary hike of £10m – at last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix. The announcement ends speculation surrounding the seven-time world champion’s future with his current deal up for renewal at the end of the season. Hamilton’s extension – which draws him level with Max Verstappen as the grid’s highest earner – will take him to a month shy of his 41st birthday. It will also allow him to continue his pursuit of a record eighth crown. Hamilton will still be partnered by George Russell after Mercedes also confirmed they 25-year-old’s stay for at least another two years. “I have had such an incredible journey with Mercedes, and we still have unfinished business,” said Hamilton ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. “We want to get back to the top, and back to fighting for world championships. We are in this together. “We have a lot of work to do, but there is nowhere else I would rather be. You are all stuck with me for a little bit longer.” Hamilton has won a record 103 races, and was carried to six of his seven championships by Mercedes, but he has not tasted victory since the controversial Abu Dhabi decider of 2021 – a losing run of 36 races. Hamilton is fourth in the championship, an eye-watering 183 points behind Verstappen, with Mercedes unable to challenge the Dutchman’s all-conquering team. Verstappen has won 11 of the 13 rounds so far – with Red Bull unbeaten this season. But Hamilton added: “It is not about revenge or redemption. Abu Dhabi is in the past and there’s nothing you can do about it. “In life, you have ups and downs, and last year everyone was questioning whether they wanted to continue. But that thought quickly went away, and you put your mind and energy into being the best you can be. “I truly believe we can win more world championships and more races together and that’s where all my energy is going. “I’m not thinking that it’s going to take another four years to get to where we need to be. I’m aware that it does take time. “But I’m so hopeful the decisions we are taking will put us in that target zone. In my heart I truly believe if it’s not next year it will be the year after that we can challenge.” Hamilton, who made his F1 debut in 2007 aged 22, once scoffed at the idea of racing into his forties. But after signing up for his 18th and 19th seasons, he revealed the careers of NFL star Tom Brady, who retired at the age of 45, and Fernando Alonso, who turned 42 last month, is proof he can continue to compete at the highest level. “I definitely didn’t think I would get to the age that I am and feel the way I do, physically and mentally, and still love what I’m doing as much as I do,” he added. “That’s something I’m incredibly grateful for. “I look at people like Tom Brady, who has been such an incredible athlete, and has shown what can be done today. He’s a role model in that respect. “I’ve been fortunate in being able to speak to him and to understand what he has done and what he does consistently to keep himself in shape. “It is also great seeing Fernando. He was here way before I was and is still doing an amazing job. “It just shows that your talent never really leaves you so long as you have that passion and commitment to continue.” Russell joined Hamilton at Mercedes in 2022, out-scoring his team-mate in their first season together. He also claimed his maiden victory – Mercedes’ sole triumph of last year – at the penultimate round in Brazil. “Lewis wouldn’t have stayed if he didn’t think the team was capable of winning again,” added Russell. “That reinforces the confidence that I have in the team.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How Max Verstappen equalled Sebastien Vettel’s record for consecutive race wins Max Verstappen reveals Sebastian Vettel prediction as he closes on GP record run Max Verstappen is one of the best drivers in F1 history – Lando Norris

Lewis Hamilton has signed a new contract with Mercedes, extending his stay with the Silver Arrows until the end of 2025. The 38-year-old joined Mercedes from boyhood team McLaren in 2013 and has won six of his seven world titles under the guidance of boss Toto Wolff. George Russell, who joined as Hamilton’s team-mate in 2022, has also extended his deal to the end of 2025. Hamilton has been linked with Ferrari this season but the Brit has finally put all the speculation to bed by putting pen-to-paper on a fresh deal, reported to be in the region of £50m-a-year - a rise of approximately £10m. “We have never been hungrier to win,” Hamilton said after the contract was confirmed. “We have learnt from every success but also every setback. “We dream everyday of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal. “Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work and dedication and it’s been an honour to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team. “We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again. I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. “Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do.” Hamilton has not won a race since his contentious championship defeat to Max Verstappen at the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi - and is currently fourth in this season’s Drivers’ Standings. Hamilton won his first world title with McLaren in 2008, before claiming success again in 2014 and 2015. He missed out in a tight title battle with team-mate Nico Rosberg in 2016, before sealing four straight titles from 2017-2020. Hamilton has claimed 82 of his 103 race victories at Mercedes, while 2022 was the first season in his career when he failed to register a victory. He has not won a race since Saudi Arabia in December 2021. More to follow... Read More Lewis Hamilton says ‘totally wrong’ weather forecast cost Mercedes a podium spot Max Verstappen survives dramatic rain chaos to claim record-equalling victory at Dutch GP Lewis Hamilton, an 18-month drought and an eighth world title further away than ever Lewis Hamilton gives update on F1 movie starring Brad Pitt amid Hollywood strikes F1 2023 calendar: All 23 Grand Prix this year Toto Wolff insists George Russell’s loss of form is a ‘myth’

Lewis Hamilton will extend his record-breaking career in Formula One beyond his 40th birthday after signing a new contract with Mercedes. The Silver Arrows confirmed ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix that Hamilton, 38, will continue to drive with them for 2024 and 2025. It is anticipated that the new deal will earn Hamilton in the region of £50million-a-year. The announcement ends speculation surrounding the seven-time world champion’s future on the grid with his current deal up for renewal at the end of the year. Mercedes will stick with their all-British line-up until at least the end of 2025 with George Russell, 25, continuing to partner Hamilton. “We dream every day of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal,” said Hamilton, who started his career back in 2007. “Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work and dedication and it’s been an honour to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team. “We have never been hungrier to win. We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again. “I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do.” Hamilton has won a record 103 races and stands on seven world titles but he has not tasted victory since he controversially missed out on an eighth world crown with defeat to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi in 2021. The British driver is fourth in the standings ahead of this week’s race in Monza, an eye-watering 183 points behind Verstappen, with Mercedes unable to challenge the Dutchman’s all-conquering team. Verstappen has won 11 of the 13 rounds so far with Red Bull unbeaten this season. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again Lewis Hamilton However, Hamilton still harbours hopes of winning a record eighth title while driving for Mercerdes, and his contract extension will see him remain there for a 13th year, and 19 seasons in all in the sport. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “Our partnership with Lewis is one of the most successful in the sport’s history. It was always a formality that we would continue together – and it’s energising for us all to be confirming that publicly. “His qualities as a pure racing driver are illustrated by his remarkable track record, but over our years together, he has grown to become a pillar and leader of our team. Those leadership qualities are crucial as we focus on fighting for world championships again. “As F1’s biggest global star, he has also played a key role in shaping our commitments to diversity, inclusion and sustainability, that will be foundations for our success in the years ahead.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How Max Verstappen equalled Sebastien Vettel’s record for consecutive race wins Max Verstappen reveals Sebastian Vettel prediction as he closes on GP record run Max Verstappen is one of the best drivers in F1 history – Lando Norris

Lewis Hamilton is not “massively concerned just yet” about the impact of the Hollywood strikes on the upcoming Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt. Filming has begun on the Apple Studios production, with the working title ‘Apex’, and specially-modified F2 cars have been filming at races this season including in Silverstone and Budapest. Pitt, who was involved in a scene in racing overalls following the national anthem at Silverstone alongside co-star Damson Idris, is expected in Monza this weekend during the Italian Grand Prix. Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton, who is a producer and consultant for the film, gave an update to media last week amid the Writers Guild of America strike over low pay and the rise of artificial intelligence – and the subsequent impact it could have on the movie’s production. When asked if he was concerned that the film could be written off, Hamilton replied: “No. I know that Apple is fully behind us and wants us to go ahead. Everyone in the team is fully focused on making the greatest movie we can and it’s just a matter of time. “It’s definitely not the easiest time, I think, for actors around the world, but hopefully it’s something that will be resolved in the not-too-distant future. “The positive thing for us is we’re still able to do some filming, still able to use stunt doubles we still have editing and things we can do with the stuff we’ve already caught.” Mercedes star Hamilton has been involved in the plot construction and casting of the film alongside star director Joe Kosinski, famed for his role in last year’s blockbuster, Top Gun: Maverick. Hamilton added: “I’ll be on calls with Joe next week as we continue to finish off the story and so there’s a couple of races we need to go through and talk about the wording and how it’s worded through the race with the different races. “I’m not massively concerned just yet.” Hamilton will be back in racing action for Mercedes this weekend in Monza, hoping to improve after a sixth-place finish at last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix. Read More Brad Pitt shares first details about F1 movie after ‘warm’ lap at Silverstone: ‘I had no idea what it takes’ Brad Pitt spotted filming new F1 movie at Silverstone ahead of British GP Formula One welcomes Brad Pitt but is wary of protesters at British Grand Prix Charles Leclerc speaks out about Ferrari future How does Verstappen’s win-streak compare to fellow record-holder Vettel’s? F2 champion Felipe Drugovich to feature for Aston Martin at Italian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc insists he would “love to stay” at Ferrari for the foreseeable future but insists extending his contract beyond 2024 is not a “priority” at the moment. Leclerc joined Ferrari in 2019 from Alfa Romeo and made an immediate impression on the tifosi fanbase, winning their home Italian Grand Prix at Monza as well as the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa. After a few forlorn years, 2022 saw the Scuderia challenge at the top again – with Leclerc winning two of the first three races – before Red Bull stole a march and cruised to championship glory as Ferrari saw their tilt fade away due to reliability and strategic errors. This season has seen Ferrari, if anything, take a step backwards and as a result Leclerc has been linked with a move to Mercedes – even in a potentially astonishing swap deal with Lewis Hamilton – but the Monegasque driver was keen to emphasise his heart remains with Ferrari. “I have always loved Ferrari and I would love to stay,” he told the BBC. "I’ve always made it very clear that my goal is to try to be a world champion, but firstly with Ferrari. I know how difficult it is. We are not in the easiest situation. There is a big gap to fill to get to Red Bull’s level but Ferrari has helped me before I got into F1, believed in me and put me into the Ferrari seat very early on, and it’s always a team that I’ve loved. "My priority is to win with Ferrari and it is not my worry whether I won’t achieve it or whatever. We just need to work on the team and try to improve it as much as possible, and I hope that I can achieve that one day." Leclerc has a contract with Ferrari until the end of the 2024 season but insists a long-term extension is not in his or the team’s thinking right now. "Honestly, I am not in a rush,” he said. “I don’t think Ferrari’s priority is signing me at the moment, which is understandable because we are all just focused on trying to have the best race car possible as quickly as possible.” Leclerc has not won a race since last July in Austria, with his best finish this year two third-place podiums in Azerbaijan and Belgium. The 25-year-old is sixth in the driver standings on 99 points, a mammoth of 240 points behind runaway championship leader Max Verstappen. “We expected a good step forward [this year],” he added. "But unfortunately Red Bull had done twice the step, especially in the race, and that was just not good enough from our side. I don’t think we underachieved. I think just the targets were not the right ones." Leclerc and his team-mate Carlos Sainz will be eyeing a strong showing at Ferrari’s home race, the Italian Grand Prix, at Monza this weekend. Read More How does Max Verstappen’s win-streak compare to fellow record-holder Sebastian Vettel’s? F2 champion Felipe Drugovich to feature for Aston Martin at Italian Grand Prix Toto Wolff insists George Russell’s loss of form is a ‘myth’ How does Verstappen’s win-streak compare to fellow record-holder Vettel’s? F2 champion Felipe Drugovich to feature for Aston Martin at Italian Grand Prix Toto Wolff insists George Russell’s loss of form is a ‘myth’

It’s nine on the spin for Max. Even two separate downpours of blustery rain across the sand dunes of Zandvoort – and a late red flag – could not send the flying Dutchman off route. Victory at the Dutch Grand Prix saw Verstappen leave where he left off before the summer break: the faultless displays of driving just keep on coming. It was a victory which put him level with Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine Formula 1 wins in a row. Alberto Ascari achieved the same in 1952-1953, though is technically written out of the record books after not entering the Indianapolis 500, which was part of the drivers’ championship back then. Verstappen will be eyeing a record-breaking 10th win this weekend at Monza. Vettel, now retired but as ever a man with a wise foresight, saw it coming a few months back. “I think at five wins in a row or something, Seb text me and said ‘well done, keep it up’ and something like ‘you’re going to do it’”, Verstappen revealed, after qualifying on Saturday. “It’s not something I have constantly [thought] like ‘I need to do this.’ I’m not in this sport to try and break records. I’m just here to win in the moment.” Though seemingly not focused on records himself, in the end Verstappen could not avoid the talk. While No 10 seems almost an inevitability this coming Sunday, the joint record-holders for the time being pose an interesting thought: whose streak – set at the heights of their career for the same Red Bull team – is more impressive? First, to Vettel. His 2013 win-streak saw him propel to a fourth consecutive drivers’ title – a feat Verstappen will now have half-an-eye on for 2024. The German won the last nine races of the 2013 season, from Belgium to Brazil, squashing Fernando Alonso’s hopes of an inaugural Ferrari crown in the process. Alonso, incidentally, was also runner-up on Sunday in Zandvoort; why is it that the Spaniard always emerges second-best? There is an argument Vettel’s aura of supremacy at the end of the season – just when he needed it – gives him an edge over Verstappen’s current run, with the Dutchman’s world title long wrapped up. Peaking and winning when championships are firmly on the line, against a playing field more level in performance, is the ultimate sign of superiority. That being said, he did secure the world title in race six of his nine wins, in India, with the pressure off for the final three races. As for Verstappen, his win-streak started in Miami in May when he overtook team-mate Sergio Perez in the closing laps for victory. He has not looked back. Even on occasions where he hasn’t started on pole – such as Hungary and Belgium – his ascent to the front has been rapid. No car can compete with Verstappen’s RB19 race-pace, to the extent that by and large no driver is even trying to fend off the Dutchman. The weather is not playing the part hoped, either, for the rest of the grid. Since Azerbaijan in April, every race weekend has seen rain fall. Usually a pointer for unpredictability, Verstappen has not been derailed by any in-race chaos, as shown in Zandvoort on Sunday. As well as the machinery, Red Bull’s strategy is more efficient than the rest of the pack too. But while his numbers are currently impressive, the forecast looks even more overbearing. Verstappen is on track to become the first driver to win over 80% of races in a single season, with Ascari’s 75% in 1952 (when there were only eight races) the current benchmark. His two-out-of-three wins in sprint races – as well as six out of 13 extra points for the fastest lap – means he has won nearly 94% of total points available. That’s 339 out of a possible 362 – a staggering statistic. “It’s something I never thought was possible,” said Verstappen upon matching Vettel’s record. But Verstappen is redefining what is possible, failing to put a foot wrong on his relentless march to this season’s championship. The margin of victory in most of the races points to a driver and team who are simply unstoppable. A 10th victory in a row will overtake Vettel’s tally – and he could secure the title as early as Japan at the end of September. It has left the rest of the grid concerningly looking ahead. Will Red Bull be the first team ever to win every race in a single season? Will Verstappen’s domination continue all the way until the next set of regulations, in 2026? Time will tell, but it will take some reversal from the challengers to swing the pendulum back in their favour. Read More Toto Wolff insists George Russell’s loss of form is a ‘myth’ Max Verstappen’s achievements are still underestimated, says rival Max Verstappen survives dramatic rain chaos to claim record-equalling victory at Dutch GP F2 champion Felipe Drugovich to feature for Aston Martin at Italian Grand Prix Toto Wolff insists George Russell’s loss of form is a ‘myth’ Christian Horner hails ‘untouchable’ Max Verstappen as best driver in the world