Formula 1

Mercedes had a difficult start to three days of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain. Lewis Hamilton and team-mate Valtteri Bottas ended the day 10th and 17th fastest and managed the lowest number of laps in the field. Mercedes had problems with reliability and the handling of the car. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was fastest, ahead

Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur is to miss this weekend’s Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain after a positive test for coronavirus. A statement by the Swiss-based team said Vasseur, 52, had isolated at home following the result. A second test two days later came back negative. The former Sauber boss will work from

Ferrari have unveiled the car they hope will revive their fortunes after their worst season in 40 years in 2020. Team boss Mattia Binotto said the revised car was more efficient and the new engine more powerful after straight-line speed proved their biggest weakness last year. Ferrari have concentrated on the rear of the car

Romain Grosjean suffered an impact of 67G in his fiery crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the official report into the incident concludes. Analysis by governing body the FIA has identified more than 20 areas in which safety can be improved. These include changes to the cars, barriers, circuits, driver safety equipment and medical response.

Williams were forced to abandon an augmented reality launch of their new Formula 1 car when the app they had designed was hacked. The app was intended to allow users to view and manipulate the car in its new livery in 3D. The car has a blue, white and yellow colour scheme intended to evoke

Formula 1 has confirmed the Portuguese Grand Prix will go ahead on 2 May as the third race of the 2021 World Championship. The sport said Portuguese authorities would decide whether spectators could attend in the coming weeks. F1 is planning to hold its longest-ever season at 23 races this year. President Stefano Domenicali said:

Formula 1 teams have gone back to the drawing board over the winter and are now unveiling their new designs for the 2021 season, due to start in Bahrain on 26 March. Hot or not – which cars win the F1 looks race? F1 teams still to launch their cars for 2021 include Williams, on

Russian driver Nikita Mazepin admits he made a “huge mistake” in an incident in which he was filmed inappropriately touching a woman. The 22-year-old Haas driver said he was “not proud” of his behaviour and understood why it was wrong. “We as human beings have to show a certain behaviour towards each other and I

Porsche and parent company the Volkswagen Group are considering entering Formula 1. Any move depends on the direction of the sport’s next engine regulations, which are due to be introduced in 2025. Porsche Motorsport vice-president Fritz Enzinger told BBC Sport: “It would be of great interest if aspects of sustainability – for instance, the implementation

By Andrew BensonChief F1 writer Last updated on 42 minutes ago42 minutes ago.From the section Formula 1 Sebastian Vettel says he is “at peace” with his poor season at Ferrari last year and “excited” about starting work with his new Aston Martin team. The four-time champion said he had “high expectations” as the Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso will be as strong as ever when he returns to Formula 1 this season, according to the two-time champion’s team-mate Esteban Ocon. Alonso, back after two years racing in other categories, was excused from Tuesday’s launch of his Alpine team’s 2021 car due to travel restrictions. Ocon said he had been impressed by

The Mercedes in which Lewis Hamilton will bid for an eighth drivers’ title has retained the team’s black anti-racism livery for a second season. The new Mercedes W12 is an upgrade of last year’s car, which dominated the season with 13 wins in 17 races. Team boss Toto Wolff said the team were as determined

Briton Jamie Chadwick will continue as Williams’ development driver for a third season in 2021. The team said the 22-year-old would increase her programme in the simulator and be “fully immersed” both trackside and at the factory at grands prix. Chadwick, whose target is to race in F1 one day, said: “I have absolutely loved

Formula 1 has declined an offer from Bahrain to vaccinate all personnel attending pre-season testing and the year’s opening grand prix. The Gulf state said the move was part of its vaccination programme, which it was extending to events in the country. A spokesman for F1 said the sport had no plans to be vaccinated

Charles Leclerc says Ferrari have made “quite a good step” with their 2021 car but admits it is too early to say how well they can perform. Ferrari had their worst season for 40 years in 2020, but the team have worked hard on fixing their main weakness, which was speed on the straights. Leclerc

World champion Lewis Hamilton has pledged to “keep pushing” in the fight against racism this year. Hamilton, who led Formula 1’s pre-race demonstrations promoting equality last year, said it was important “to hold ourselves and others accountable.” Hamilton said he was “proud” of the fact the majority of drivers had taken the knee before races

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen says he is “realistic” about his chances of battling for the title against Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes this year. The Dutchman, 23, said he “did not want to hype things up” after driving Red Bull’s new car for the first time at Silverstone on Wednesday. “Mercedes must be the favourites still,”

Red Bull have revealed the car they hope will enable them to mount their first title challenge for eight years. The RB16B develops the 2020 car, with which Max Verstappen finished third in the championship behind Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Red Bull have worked on eradicating the instability issues that plagued last