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Formula 1 Latest News: Max Verstappen ‘not true champion’, Red Bull suspend driver, Hamilton protest

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3 years ago

June 22, 2022

Formula 1 Latest News: Max Verstappen 'not true champion', Red Bull suspend driver, Hamilton protest

Max Verstappen leads the world championship by 46 points after a dramatic Canadian Grand Prix. The Dutchman held onto victory from a fast-charging Carlos Sainz in the closing stages to secure maximum points on a day his nearest title rivals dropped points.

Charles Leclerc was out of position for the race after taking a grid penalty for replacing engine parts. The Ferrari star was able to battle back into the top-five but dropped a handful of points to nearest rival Verstappen.

Sergio Perez also failed to capitalise on Ferrari’s struggles after a mechanical failure put him out of the race. The issues promoted Mercedes to their joint-best result of the season with Lewis Hamilton picking up his second podium of the campaign from George Russell in fourth.

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Max Verstappen leads the world championship heading to the British Grand Prix (Image: Getty)

Ferrari questions Toto Wolff

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has called out Toto Wolff after Mercedes added a second floor stay to their car at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes boss said he had fitted the additional part overnight but Binotto was sceptical, claiming Ferrari would not be able to do it.

He said: “Toto says they did it overnight. What I can say is that Ferrari would not be capable of doing it.

“No doubt I’m surprised that a team is so strong in doing that overnight. I can maybe only trust what he’s saying.”

Toto Wolff unimpressed with Mick Schumacher

Toto Wolff appeared unimpressed after Mick Schumacher wandered into the Mercedes garage over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

Photographer Paul Ripke captured the shot of Wolff looking at then Haas star before turning away.

Toto Wolff unimpressed with Mick Schumacher

Toto Wolff appeared unimpressed after Mick Schumacher wandered into the Mercedes garage over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

Photographer Paul Ripke captured the shot of Wolff looking at then Haas star before turning away.

Nikita Mazepin threatens Haas

Nikita Mazepin has threatened to sue Haas over not paying him part of his salary.

The Russian was sacked from Haas just ahead of the 2022 season after the team parted ways with UralKali.

He said: “I’m just talking about the fact that contractual obligations were not fulfilled. You also need to understand that we had two independent contracts.

“And breaking the agreement with the title sponsor did not have a direct impact on my future in the team.

“So they made two separate decisions. I didn’t see my money, so we’re going to court.”

Helmut Marko claims rule changes have ‘backfired’ on Mercedes

Helmut Marko has taken a swipe at Mercedes as he claims their push for rules changes has “backfired”.

Mercedes pushed for changes to solve porpoising ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, forcing the FIA to issue a technical directive to look into the issue.

However, this will set a minuimum metric to record oscillations which will stop Mercedes unning their car low to the ground.

Marko said: “So it basically backfired for Mercedes.”

George Russell‘s ‘bad decision’ cost him podium

F1 champion Jacuqes Villeneueve has claimed George Russell’s qualifying gamble cost him a podium on Sunday.

He claimed it was “not a good call” as he had the pace on Saturday to beat Lewis Hamilton.

Villeneuve explained: “There was nothing brave about it, nothing brave about it – because on paper there was no way it was going to work.

“It was freezing cold, it was still humid, it was hard for the drivers to get their fronts working even on intermediates, how could you get the temperature into your slick tyres?”

george russell mercedes

Bernie Ecclestone writes off Leclerc chances

Bernie Ecclestone has written off Charles Leclerc and Ferrari’s chances of winning the F1 title.

The 91-year-old former boss has claimed Ferrari “will get nothing” from the season as Leclerc dropped almost 50 points behind Max Verstappen.

He said: “Errors are creeping in again. The reliability we are seeing is often reminiscent of the old days and the drivers themselves are not always confident on the track.

“It means Max is having an easy time in the Red Bull with six wins already.”

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Max Verstappen not a ‘true champion’

Max Verstappen is not a “true champion” as he has never collided with Canada’s famous Wall of Champions, warns Jacques Viillneuve.

The wall has caught out many F1 greats such as Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Sebastian Vettel.

The 1997 champion said: “You are only a true champion if you hit that wall. I mean, I started it – hit it twice – Michael did it, Damon hit it,

“Jenson hit it as well. I don’t think Max hit it – he needs to hit the wall first.”

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Red Bull driver suspended

Red Bull have suspended test driver Juri Vips after he made a racist comment during an online gaming live stream.

F2 star Vips also apparently used some homophobic language during the video.

The Estonian later posted on Instagram: “This language is entirely unacceptable and does not portray the values and principles I hold.

“I deeply regret my actions and this is not the example I wish to set. I will co-operate with the investigation fully.”.

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Formula 1 Latest News: Max Verstappen ‘not true champion’, Red Bull suspend driver, Hamilton protest

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