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Formula 1

Carlos Sainz
Formula 1

“We didn’t want to have Carlos (Sainz) wait as he needs to take a decision” : Toto Wolff reveals why Mercedes did not offer a seat to the Ferrari driver

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“We didn’t want to have Carlos (Sainz) wait as he needs to take a decision” : Toto Wolff reveals why Mercedes did not offer a seat to the Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has found himself in search of a seat for the next season, as Lewis Hamilton is all set to replace the Spaniard at Ferrari in 2025. Carlos Sainz has been linked with several teams over the past couple of months, which includes Red Bull and Mercedes. Red Bull offered a two-year contract extension to Sergio Perez which rules out that option. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has also made his decision on Carlos Sainz’s potential move to the team. The Austrian boss has decided against the move, as he wants to focus on the long term future of the team. F2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been a leading contender for the vacant Mercedes seat. Toto Wolff has made it clear that the team’s goal is to reinvent themselves, and there is no better way to do it then to focus on the younger generation of drivers. “We just want to concentrate on Kimi, that is our future, young drivers,” Wolff told Sky Germany. “We want to commit to that, to young drivers and that is what we’ve told Carlos,” he added. Toto Wolff believes Carlos Sainz deserves a top seat Toto Wolff believes that Carlos Sainz deserves a top seat on the grid. The Spaniard claimed a stellar victory in Australia, just a couple of weeks after his appendicitis surgery. Carlos Sainz has been delivering consistent results, finishing on the podium four times this season. “I think first of all, Carlos deserves a top seat. But for us, we’ve embarked on a route now to say you know what we want to reinvent ourselves a bit going forward and Kimi Antonelli definitely plays a part in that.We haven’t taken a decision yet for next year, but we didn’t want to have Carlos wait as he needs to take a decision for himself. That’s just fair. He’s doing a super job,” said Wolff. Ferrari and Mercedes had contrasting weeks in Canada, as the latter managed to claim its first podium finish of the season. George Russell finished P3, whereas, his teammate Lewis Hamilton finished P4. This was a surely a step in the right direction for the Silver Arrows, who brought in a bunch of upgrades in Canada. On the other hand, both Ferrari drivers finished outside the points. This came as a real surprise, as Charles Leclerc claimed the race win in Monaco just a week earlier, with Carlos Sainz finishing P3. Also Read: “Thankfully, Ferrari had a shocker” : Christian Horner believes Red Bull escape serious damage as Sergio Perez’s woes continue

Charles Leclerc Imola GP
Formula 1

“Thankfully, Ferrari had a shocker” : Christian Horner believes Red Bull escape serious damage as Sergio Perez’s woes continue

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“Thankfully, Ferrari had a shocker” : Christian Horner believes Red Bull escape serious damage as Sergio Perez’s woes continue Sergio Perez endured another tough weekend in Canada, as the Red Bull driver failed to make it past the first qualifying session. The Mexican driver eventually had to retire his car for the second straight weekend, after a collision towards the Turn 6. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes that the team mitigated their loss of points over the weekend, as both Ferrari drivers also finished outside the points. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz had a shocking weekend, after they grabbed two podium places including the race win in Monaco. Max Verstappen’s victory in Canada meant that Red Bull extended their lead in the Constructors championship to 49 points. However, Christian Horner believes that Sergio Perez will need to put up a good show in Barcelona next week, as the European leg of the season begins. “It was a horrible weekend for Checo and obviously, we picked up some damage. He’ll need to come back strong in Barcelona. Thankfully, Ferrari had a shocker and didn’t get any points so that let us off the hook somewhat, but we need both cars scoring,” Horner said to Sky Sports. “We got away with it today but we need Checo back up there where he was at the beginning of the year from Barcelona onwards,” he added. “He’s a tough racer and he’s a tough character” : Christian Horner on Sergio Perez Christian Horner has backed Sergio Perez to make a comeback amidst his struggles over the past three races. The Mexican driver suffered a horrible crash in Monaco, which was followed by another DNF in Canada. However, the British boss believes that Sergio Perez has a tough character, and has no doubt that he will bounce back in style next week. “What we see with Checo time and time again is that when you think he’s on the ropes, he bounces back,” Horner added. “He’s a tough racer and he’s a tough character and it hurts him more than anybody else.He’ll be determined to come back and show everybody the form we know he’s capable of and that he showed in the first four races of this year,” he added. Sergio Perez will need to start supporting his teammate in terms of points as Ferrari and McLaren have certainly closed the gap on Red Bull this season. Mercedes have also gotten back into their mix, with George Russell finishing P3 in Canada. Currently, Max Verstappen sits on top of the Drivers’ championship, as Sergio Perez sits on the fifth spot, after securing just 4 points in the last three races. Also Read: ‘We don’t understand why we were so slow’ : Charles Leclerc left shocked after poor Canadian GP qualifying

Charles Leclerc Imola GP
Formula 1

‘We don’t understand why we were so slow’ : Charles Leclerc left shocked after poor Canadian GP qualifying

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‘We don’t understand why we were so slow’ : Charles Leclerc left shocked after poor Canadian GP qualifying In a shocking turn of events, both Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were eliminated from the Q2 session of the Canadian GP. As a result, Charles Leclerc will start from P11, whereas, Carlos Sainz will start P12 on the grid. This comes a real surprise given that Ferrari were so dominant in Monaco a couple of weeks earlier. Charles Leclerc claimed his first win of the season, and his first in his home race in Monaco. Moreover, Carlos Sainz secured a P3 finish as Ferrari were just 24 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors Championship heading into the weekend. However, Saturday’s qualifying session turned out to be horror show for both the drivers. Charles Leclerc fails to understand the reason for the underperformance, as Ferrari were way off the pace in dry conditions on Saturday. “Yes, I was (used tyres Q2). We used new tyres for the first run of Q2 and the new set for Q3. The big issue was we were so slow. Whenever there was dry conditions, we were slow. We don’t understand it yet since FP3 we were nowhere,” said Leclerc. “We will push and be back again” : Fred Vasseur after Canadian GP setback Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur stated that there were going to be several ups and downs during the season. However, they are going to keep pushing, and recover from the poor qualifying show at the Canadian GP. “We will push and be back again. Today was tough, you will have ups and downs. And we hope to have more ups and downs,” said Vasseur. On the contrary to what Charles Leclerc said, Fred Vasseur believes that Ferrari’s pace looked good on Saturday. He believes that the forecast for rain during the race could make things interesting, as he does not rule out Ferrari’s chances of securing points in Canada. “Tomorrow the weather forecast isn’t good. So, it could be a chaotic race and our race pace looked good,” he added. George Russell claimed the pole position, as the Mercedes driver and Max Verstappen both recorded the same lap time in Q3. The two McLaren drivers continued their fine form, as they start in the second row. Also Read: “We want to win the world championship” : Charles Leclerc ahead of the Canadian GP

George Russell, Max Verstappen
Formula 1

“I see no reason why we can’t win” : George Russell believes Mercedes have the quickest car after Canadian GP pole

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“I see no reason why we can’t win” : George Russell believes Mercedes have the quickest car after Canadian GP pole George Russell claimed his first pole position of the season, as he starts in the front row at the Canadian GP. The qualifying had no shortage of drama, as Max Verstappen and George Russell recorded the same lap times in Q3. However, since the Mercedes driver had set the time in his first stint, he grabbed the pole position. George Russell is optimistic about Mercedes’ chances this weekend, as he believes that the Silver Arrows have the best car on the grid. He believes that he can win the race, starting from pole position ahead of Max Verstappen. Mercedes have been impressive all weekend in Canada, as George Russell managed to grab Mercedes’ first pole position of the season. “I see no reason why we can’t win. We have the quickest car. We don’t understand the tyres because as we saw after FP3 when the tyres go, they go. So, we have to manage the pace,” said Russell. Lewis Hamilton did not have a great Q3 session, as he ended up on P7. Both Ferrari drivers were knocked out in Q2, whereas, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez went out as early as Q1. Lewis Hamilton congratulates teammate after securing pole position Before the start of the week, Lewis Hamilton stated that Mercedes have been moving in the right direction. The set of upgrades planned for Montreal have worked according to plan for Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton congratulated his teammate George Russell on securing a pole position. The Briton also heaped praise on his side for working on the upgrades which has reaped huge dividends in Canada. “The car has been feeling good all weekend. Congratulations to George, he has done a good job, and a good job from the team bringing the upgrades,” said Lewis. We have seen Mercedes falling behind the likes of Ferrari and McLaren this season, as they lie on the fourth spot in the Constructors championship. This week could be a great opportunity for the Silver Arrows to regain some ground, with their pace advantage. George Russell also credited his team’s effort to solve the issues they have been facing over the last couple of races. Mercedes have been failed to secure a podium finish this season, let alone a victory. This week could be the turning point in their season, as they look to catch up to the three front-runners. Also Read: “We want to win the world championship” : Charles Leclerc ahead of the Canadian GP

Charles Leclerc
Formula 1

“We want to win the world championship” : Charles Leclerc ahead of the Canadian GP

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“We want to win the world championship” : Charles Leclerc ahead of the Canadian GP Charles Leclerc remains optimistic about Ferrari’s chances at the Canadian GP, a track which Red Bull have dominated over the past two seasons. The Ferrari driver claimed his first win of the season, and his first ever race win at home in Monaco a couple of weeks ago. This has brought Ferrari within touching distance of Red Bull in the Constructors Championship. Carlos Sainz secured a P3 finish in Monaco, whereas, Max Verstappen could finish only P6, and his teammate Sergio Perez had a DNF to his name. Although, team principal Fred Vasseur has shied away any talks about the championship battle so early in the season, Charles Leclerc has made it clear that the Italian giants are here to win. “As much as it felt really good in Monaco, now we need to turn the page and look at what’s ahead. We want to win the world championship, that’s the target, and for that we still have to do steps forward,” said Leclerc. Lando Norris expects a close battle at the Canadian GP Lando Norris claimed his first ever race win in Miami last month. This means that Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari have all won a race each in the last three rounds. Red Bull have not quite been able to maintain their dominance this season, as their rivals seem to have become much more competitive. “It’s very close between Ferrari, Red Bull and ourselves, we are all performing well,” said Norris. “One tenth of a difference could easily be two, three, four positions. So no idea if it will suit us, Ferrari or Red Bull.” Meanwhile, even Mercedes could pack a punch this weekend with the new upgrades kicking in. Lewis Hamilton stated in the presser that the team is on the right track, and the fans can expect a better result this weekend. The track should favor Red Bull given their speed on the straights, however, it will be interesting to see as to how the race pans out. Also Read: “I don’t think they’ll dominate” : Carlos Sainz claims Red Bull starting to feel pressure

Carlos Sainz
Formula 1

“I don’t think they’ll dominate” : Carlos Sainz claims Red Bull starting to feel pressure

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“I don’t think they’ll dominate” : Carlos Sainz claims Red Bull starting to feel pressure Red Bull have not been able to maintain their dominance on the grid this season so far. The reigning Constructors champions completely decimated the rest of the field last season, however, things have started to become a lot more competitive this season. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz remains optimistic, and believes that the Red Bull will not be able to dominate this season. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc managed to claim his first win of the season in Monaco. After years of bad luck in his home race, the Monaco based driver finally managed to turn things around this time around. Carlos Sainz also secured a P3 finish, as Max Verstappen could only finish P6. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez’s race ended on the first lap itself after a heavy collision. This meant that Ferrari are now 24 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors Championship. Even McLaren have been quite consistent this season, as Lando Norris claimed the first win of his career in Miami last month. “I think my common sense tells me that on normal tracks Red Bull should still be favorites. Domination, like we were seeing, hopefully not. But favorites, yes. And then it will be a very tight fight with both McLaren and us. I think we are all three at a very similar level,” Sainz said. “Our last reference of a normal track is Imola and Miami. And those two tracks, we seem to be half a tenth behind McLaren and maybe a tenth or two behind Red Bull. It still means that that any small progress, any small upgrade, any small thing that we bring to the car might switch it to a potential race victory or a winning car,” he added. Carlos Sainz believes the rise of Ferrari and McLaren is good for the championship Carlos Sainz believes that Red Bull have already started to feel the pressure this season. He pointed out to a rare error from Max Verstappen at the Monaco GP, which he believes could be due to the rise of Ferrari and McLaren. The Spaniard also stated that the upcoming European leg of races could be very different from the start of the season. He expects Ferrari to be competitive with Red Bull, and hopes that they can win a couple of races. Carlos Sainz believes that the current scenario is good for the championship fight in general. For the last two seasons, we have witnessed Red Bull and Max Verstappen running away with both the championships. “I think as Ferrari we will have our opportunities in these sort of tracks. McLaren will have their opportunities, but when I talk about a normal track we can talk about maybe a Barcelona. Canada, I think is quite specific but a Barcelona or any European track, where I consider it to be a normal track, I still think Red Bull will be favorites, but I don’t think they’ll dominate like they used to do,” said Sainz. “I think that’s good news for the championship. It’s just worth being within a tenth or two in qualifying, that even if they’re favorites, they cannot afford to do any mistakes. That’s where both Ferrari and McLaren, we can capitalize, which is a position that in Bahrain — race one — no one was,” he added. Also Read: “I have already had to deal with Lewis Hamilton” : George Russell says he will not stop Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes

George Russell, Max Verstappen
Formula 1

“I have already had to deal with Lewis Hamilton” : George Russell says he will not stop Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes

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“I have already had to deal with Lewis Hamilton” : George Russell says he will not stop Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next season has sparked several rumors about George Russell’s partner at Mercedes for the coming year. Red Bull driver and three-time World Champion Max Verstappen is among the several drivers rumored to be candidates for the Mercedes seat next season. Toto Wolff and Mercedes have already expressed their desire to have the Dutchman on board, however, it depends on Max Verstappen’s current contract situation at Red Bull. George Russell has cleared the air regarding his stance, stating that he will not stop Max Verstappen from joining the Silver Arrows. The British driver stated that he has had to compete with one of the greatest drivers of all time, Lewis Hamilton during his tenure at Mercedes. Hence, he already has enough experience of being alongside a multi-time world champion. “I have already had to deal with the driver who has the most pole positions and the most victories in F1 I would not shy away from a comparison with Verstappen nor would I veto his arrival. The only thing I can do is compete,” said Russell. “I want to remain faithful to Mercedes” : George Russell George Russell has made it clear that he wants to be at Mercedes despite their struggles during the past couple of seasons. The young British driver joined Mercedes in 2022, as they have managed to win just one race since then, which was George Russell’s victory in Brazil in 2022. George Russell backed his stance by saying that the Silver Arrows backed him, and gave him an opportunity to race alongside Lewis Hamilton. He also stated that McLaren have turned around their fortunes this season, and have made some real progress in catching up to Red Bull and Ferrari. George Russell believes that a turnaround for Mercedes is also possible, given that the new regulations kick in from 2026. “Lately F1 has had the Verstappen era, but for six years it had to wait for. I want to remain faithful to Mercedes who gave me the opportunity to race in F1, but I want to become world champion. At the moment we are not the best team, but McLaren a year ago were at the back of the group and now they are the fastest .” Also Read: “I have been wondering whether I am suitable for the role” : Toto Wolff makes huge decision on his future at Mercedes

Toto Wolff
Formula 1

“I have been wondering whether I am suitable for the role” : Toto Wolff makes huge decision on his future at Mercedes

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“I have been wondering whether I am suitable for the role” : Toto Wolff makes huge decision on his future at Mercedes Toto Wolff has made a huge decision in regards to his future at Mercedes. The Austrian has stated that he will be staying at the Silver Arrows beyond 2026, as there were uncertainties regarding his future. Toto Wolff remains fully committed to the German giants, and bringing them at the top once again. Toto Wolff admitted that there were thoughts about calling it a day as the Team Principal of Mercedes. However, the Austrian has decided to continue in his seat as long as he loves doing his job. Mercedes have faced a couple of tough seasons after dominating for majority of the previous decade. “I have always been very self-critical and introspective. For 30 years I have been wondering whether I am suitable for the role I hold: the decision I have made is that I am co-owner of this company and that I will remain so, whether I am team principal or CEO or president. I have happened in the past to think that someone could have done better, because they have more energy, or more intelligence or more knowledge,” said Toto Wolff in an interview. Toto Wolff to continue at Mercedes beyond 2026 2026 will be a huge year for all F1 teams, as the new regulations kick in once again. Red Bull have mastered the current regulations, as teams like Ferrari and McLaren have just been catching up. Mercedes have not claimed a win since George Russell won in Brazil in 2022, as they continue to lag behind the top three title rivals. “That day will come, but we have not yet identified who the next person will be. A stone could fall on my head and I would no longer be the team principal. But this is the destiny that I have chosen together with my shareholders. I still like this job. Maybe one day I’ll wake up and I won’t love him anymore,” said Wolff on his Mercedes future. Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season, having won six titles with the Silver Arrows during his 11-year stint. The Brit driver will join Ferrari in 2025, as he will team up with Charles Leclerc. As things stand, Red Bull and Mercedes have yet to finalize on their second seat for the next season. Also Read : “This year is different. I see a more opportunistic Ferrari” : Fred Vasseur optimistic about Ferrari’s title chances this season

Charles Leclerc
Formula 1

“This year is different. I see a more opportunistic Ferrari” : Fred Vasseur optimistic about Ferrari’s title chances this season

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“This year is different. I see a more opportunistic Ferrari” : Fred Vasseur optimistic about Ferrari’s title chances this season Ferrari claimed their second win of the season on Sunday, as Charles Leclerc won the Monaco GP. The Ferrari driver won the first home race of his career, after starting from pole position. This brings the Italian giants within striking distance of Red Bull in the championship battle, after they claimed two podium places in Monaco. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has stated that this year looks different, as they are well-positioned to battle with Red Bull. Red Bull have run away with the championship in the last two seasons, as both Ferrari and McLaren have been giving the reigning champions a run for their money this season. Carlos Sainz rounded off a near perfect day for Ferrari at the Monaco GP on Sunday, as he finished P3. The Spaniard kept Lando Norris at bay, as none of the Red Bull drivers even managed to make it to the top five. “Last year we lost a lot of points, but this year is different. I see a more opportunistic Ferrari that takes advantage of opportunities,” Vasseur said. Fred Vasseur says performance gap at the top has reduced over the past couple of races Fred Vasseur stated that performance gap among the top three teams- Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari has reduced in the last couple of weeks. All three teams have claimed one win each in the last three races, with Lando Norris winning the first race of his career in Miami. Fred Vasseur believes that different circuits will favor different teams, however, the performance gap will be minimal. For instance in Monaco, Ferrari were the superior team, however, both McLarens remained within touching distance of the Italian team. “There will be circuits that favor one team over another, but the difference will be a tenth, a tenth and a half,” he added. The next race of the season will take place in Canada a couple of weeks from now. Red Bull and Max Verstappen are expected to come out all gains blazing in the first of the three races in June. The circuit is expected to favor the reigning champions, who could make use of their superior speed on the straights. Also Read: “I am not interested” : Fred Vasseur still not thinking about championship as deficit to Red Bull reduces after strong Monaco GP show

Charles Leclerc
Formula 1

“I am not interested” : Fred Vasseur still not thinking about championship as deficit to Red Bull reduces after strong Monaco GP show

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“I am not interested” : Fred Vasseur still not thinking about championship as deficit to Red Bull reduces after strong Monaco GP show Ferrari had a stellar outing at the Monaco GP on Sunday, as they secured two podium finishes on Sunday. Charles Leclerc ended his Monaco curse, as he claimed a victory in his home race for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz held off Lando Norris to secure a P3 finish, on a day when none of the Red Bull drivers could even manage a P5 finish. Red Bull’s lead in the constructor’s championship was reduced to just 24 points, as Max Verstappen finished P6, whereas, Sergio Perez’s race ended early due to an early collision. However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has stated that he is not thinking about the championship yet, given that there are still 16 races remaining in the season. It seems that Ferrari and McLaren will give a tough fight to Red Bull this season, as is evident by their recent performances. “I am not interested. There are still 16 races to go, I don’t want to know. The most important thing is to keep pushing without thinking too much about the Championship,” said Vasseur. Charles Leclerc claims maiden win in Monaco as Ferrari grab two podium finishes Charles Leclerc had a fairly stable race after starting on pole position. The Monaco based driver was backed by his teammate Carlos Sainz who brought home his car for another podium finish. Carlos Sainz suffered a puncture early on in the race, after his collision with Oscar Piastri. However, a red flag saved the day for the Spaniard, as he could start again from his P3 spot in the restart. This would surely be a positive sign for Ferrari, given that they have reduced the deficit in the Constructors championship. Max Verstappen struggled throughout the weekend in Monaco, as he ended the race from where he started, which is P6. The next race of the season will take place in Canada, before we have five back to back races in Europe before the summer break. Also Read: WATCH: Sergio Perez’s completely wrecked after suffering massive crash; Carlos Sainz suffers early puncture at Monaco GP

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