List of All Articles with Tag '1'

Daniel Ricciardo will return from injury for this weekend’s United States Grand Prix. The 34-year-old Australian has missed the past five races after he broke his left hand in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25. However, the PA news agency has been told that Ricciardo, who took part in a Red Bull demonstration run in Nashville last weekend, will be back in his AlphaTauri cockpit for practice at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas on Friday. New Zealander Liam Lawson, who has impressed as Ricciardo’s stand-in, will make way. Ricciardo was due to take part in only his third comeback race when he crashed in Zandvoort. He was immediately taken to the medical centre before he was transported to a nearby hospital with his left arm in a sling. A subsequent X-ray confirmed Ricciardo had sustained a break to the metacarpal on his left hand. Ricciardo was ruled out of the race in Holland and the following rounds in Italy, Singapore, Japan and Qatar. Ricciardo was handed a second chance by Red Bull’s junior team AlphaTauri following his dismissal by McLaren at the end of last season. Despite his injury, AlphaTauri announced last month that they have retained the eight-time grand prix winner winner for 2024 alongside Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda. Read More On this day in 2009: Jenson Button crowned Formula One world champion in Brazil FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar

Daniel Ricciardo is set to make his return to racing at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas this weekend. The Australian broke a metacarpal bone in his left hand in a crash during practice at the Dutch Grand Prix two days before the race. The 34-year-old had lost control trying to avoid the crashed Oscar Piastri in the McLaren, and was replaced for the races in between for Alpha Tauri by Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson. A spokesperson for Alpha Tauri confirmed to BBC Sport that Ricciardo would return for Austin, although neither team has officially announced it. The driver himself said in an Instagram video on Sunday: “Little update: simulator’s been going well, hand is feeling good to drive. “Austin – everyone knows I love Austin. I wouldn’t miss that one for the world. See y’all in Austin.” Ricciardo was dropped by McLaren at the end of 2022, but he returned to the grid in July at the Hungarian Grand Prix, having been signed up as a Red Bull reserve driver. He was called up to Alpha Tauri when the team lost faith in Nyck de Vries after the first 10 races of the season and raced three races before the injury, and will continue to compete for the team in 2024. It may be a cause for concern for Sergio Perez, whose place as second Red Bull driver to Max Verstappen looks far from certain in the future. Perez does stand second in the drivers championship currently, but with just eight podiums and two wins, it is far from a strong position. Especially considering the two victories came within the first four races of the season. Perez came 10th in Qatar, did not finish in Japan, and came eighth in Singapore, far from the high standards set by Red Bull and Christian Horner. Read More F1 2023 season race schedule: When is the US Grand Prix? Daniel Ricciardo ruled out of Qatar Grand Prix Nico Rosberg identifies ‘dream candidate’ for Red Bull seat

Jenson Button won the Formula One world title on this day in 2009 after a fifth-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix. A combination of brilliant driving and dramatic incidents saw the Brawn GP driver elevated into fifth spot at Interlagos, while rivals Sebastian Vettel and Rubens Barrichello finished fourth and eighth, respectively. That left Button with a 15-point cushion over Vettel, with Barrichello two points further back with just one race remaining. He became the 10th British driver to win the top prize in motor racing, inheriting the crown from compatriot Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 champion. The 29-year-old Button may not have wrapped it up in the way he would have liked, having won six of the first seven races of the season, but his Brawn team also claimed the constructors’ title just over 10 months after they appeared to be on the scrapheap when Honda pulled out of the sport. The tears and the champagne flowed at the end of 71 laps, with Button’s father John admitting he and his son “cried like babies” when theyembraced each other after the race. “You don’t win the world championship and feel relief, you feel ecstatic,” Jenson Button said. “All the memories, good and bad, go through your mind, not just from this year, but previous years in the sport, especially this year. “I had such a great start to the season and then the last few races were pretty stressful for me because the pace was there, but we struggled a few times. “This team has done staggeringly well and what we’ve achieved this season after the winter we’ve had is exceptional, and I don’t think there has been a season like it in Formula One. “It’s great to be sat here as world champion and I personally think I thoroughly deserve it. I’ve been the best over 16 races and that’s what world titles are all about.” Button completed the 2009 season with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix two weeks later, finishing 11 points clear of Vettel. He moved to McLaren the following season and was runner-up to Vettel in the 2011 title race. He retired from F1 in 2017. Read More FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen Angry Lance Stroll shoves personal trainer and storms out of interview Max Verstappen fastest in Qatar practice as he closes in on world championship

Canadian inflation is decelerating again, leaving room for the central bank to hold interest rates steady next week.

Formula One team Alpine Racing have announced more investors from a range of sports including golfer Rory McIlroy, heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua as well as footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata. Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are also part of the 200 million euro (£173m) strategic investment led by consortium Otro Capital in the French team, which is backed by the parent company Renault. The latest move follows on from Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney expanding their sporting portfolio by also investing in Alpine for a 24 per cent stake of the team, which is currently sixth in the 2023 F1 constructors’ championship. McIlroy, who helped Europe win the Ryder Cup in Rome last month, said: “Passion for excellence on the golf course has led me to admire the same pursuit in Formula 1. “Partnering with Otro Capital in Alpine F1 is an exhilarating venture that unites my love for sports, competition, and the relentless drive to be the best.” Former heavyweight world champion Joshua felt the opportunity was one he could not ignore. “The heritage of the team, mixed with the global growth of Formula 1 as a sport and brand made this a very serious proposition,” Joshua said. “I am excited to start this journey with Otro and a great group of fellow investors and hope to help the team achieve its full potential.” Liverpool and England defender Alexander-Arnold joins the investor group alongside his brother Tyler. “Our shared goal as an investment group is to help contribute to its continued success on the grid, at a time when F1 is facing incredible growth as a sport,” he said. Alec Scheiner of Otro Capital added: “We are honoured to be joined by this particular group of investors. “These are best in class investors, athletes, entertainers and entrepreneurs and they are all committed to elevating the Alpine F1 team.” Read More FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen Angry Lance Stroll shoves personal trainer and storms out of interview Max Verstappen fastest in Qatar practice as he closes in on world championship

Alex Albon would be the “dream candidate” to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, says Nico Rosberg. Perez, who has a contract at the constructors’ champions until the end of next season, has struggled in recent months and has not claimed a win since May despite being in the best car on the grid. While Red Bull have publicly insisted the Mexican will retain his drive for 2024, other drivers are being linked with the seat to partner Max Verstappen, including the likes of Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. Yet 2016 F1 world champion Rosberg believes Williams driver Albon – who drove for Red Bull for 18 months before being dropped for Perez ahead of the 2021 season – would be ideal for Christian Horner’s team moving forward. “Albon would also be a dream candidate actually for the Red Bull mother team for next year to replace Sergio Perez,” Roseberg told Sky Sports F1. “But unfortunately, as Helmut Marko was saying, Albon is locked in with a long-term contract there at Williams.” Albon has been a standout performer for Williams this year, scoring all of the team’s 23 points, and has a long-term deal in place at the team believed to run until the end of the 2024 season at a minimum. Meanwhile Albon’s team-mate, Logan Sargeant, has not scored a point all year and has five races left this season to prove to team boss James Vowles that he deserves his seat for next year. “Logan Sargeant is another one of those drivers who’s on shaky ground and really needs to prove himself,” Rosberg added. “He’s been making too many mistakes so honestly I think it’s going to be difficult for him to retain that seat for next year, especially because Albon is doing such a phenomenal job.” Sargeant will be keen to put on a good show for the home American fans this weekend at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, which is also the fifth sprint weekend of the season. Read More Lewis Hamilton penalty in Qatar ‘revisited’ in light of ‘role model status’ Nicolas Hamilton: ‘Lewis has never put a penny into my racing... it’s not easy being related to him’ Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar Lewis Hamilton penalty in Qatar ‘revisited’ in light of ‘role model status’ F1 gives Belgian Grand Prix update for 2025 calendar Nicolas Hamilton: ‘Lewis has never put a penny into my racing’

Lewis Hamilton’s penalty for crossing the track at the Qatar Grand Prix is being “revisited” by the FIA in light of his “role model status.” The 38-year-old crashed out of the race on lap one after colliding with Mercedes team-mate George Russell, with his car stuck in the gravel. Hamilton then crossed the live racetrack, moments before Russell himself drove past after leaving the pit lane. The Brit was fined £34,700 (€50,000), with half of it suspended, and given a formal reprimand. However, F1’s governing body is “revisiting” the incident due to concerns it may act as a precedent for younger drivers. An FIA spokesperson said: “The FIA is revisiting the incident in which Lewis Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix. “In view of his role-model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers.” The statement added that Hamilton had been “apologetic” in the initial hearing and “acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach”. The FIA are expected to speak to Hamilton at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Hamilton apologised to Russell for the crash after the race, taking responsibility after a rare mistake at the start of the grand prix. Read More Nicolas Hamilton: ‘Lewis has never put a penny into my racing... it’s not easy being related to him’ What Lewis Hamilton’s clash with George Russell tells us about state of play at Mercedes F1 drivers unhappy after ‘dangerous’ Qatar Grand Prix causes fainting and vomiting

Lewis Hamilton is facing a second investigation by Formula One’s governing body for walking across the track at last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix. Hamilton, 38, was fined £43,350 – half of which is suspended for the remainder of the season – in the hours after the race in which he crossed the circuit following a first-corner crash with Mercedes team-mate George Russell. But seven days on from the incident in Lusail, and in a largely unprecedented move, the FIA has said Hamilton’s actions are again under review. A spokesperson for the governing body said on Sunday: “The FIA is revisiting the incident in which Lewis Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix. “The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent stewards’ hearing into the incident and acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach. “However, in view of his role model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers.” Following the original investigation, in which Hamilton was also reprimanded, the stewards noted that “crossing a live track can cause extremely dangerous situations and the drivers have to be very cautious about it.” It is thought that under the FIA’s rules, it is unlikely Hamilton will face additional penalties. But it is possible harsher punishments could be handed out in the future for a similar infringement. Hamilton will be back in action at next weekend’s US Grand Prix in Austin. Read More FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell

Formula 1 will race at Spa-Francorchamps in 2025 after the Belgian Grand Prix’s contract was extended by a further year. The sport has raced every year at the famous circuit in the Ardennes Forest since 2007, while it was an original track having held a grand prix back in 1950. Max Verstappen won this year’s race. The circuit’s future on the F1 calendar has been in some doubt in recent years due to the unique track layout and an increase in races and interest worldwide, making a spot on the calendar even more prized. But with Spa having undergone refurbishments to maintain its highly-valued status among drivers and fans - including a 10,000-capacity increase at the circuit through the addition of two new grandstands - F1 confirmed on Friday it will stage a race in ‘25. This also likely means that a mooted return to South Africa, at the Kyalami Circuit outside Johannesburg, has been put on the back foot once again. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “Spa is synonymous with Formula 1 having been one of the circuits in our first ever season and is much-loved by fans and drivers alike, so I am delighted to extend our relationship with them until 2025. “The promoter has taken big strides in the last few years to improve the fan experience and infrastructure, and work is ongoing between all the stakeholders with a clear focus on delivering safe and exciting racing.” In July, Dilano van ‘t Hoff was tragically killed during a Formula Regional European Championship at the circuit in wet conditions. This raised questions surrounding the famous Eau Rouge and Kemmel Straight, with F2 driver Anthoine Hubert killed in 2019 in a similar position on the circuit. More to follow... Read More Nicolas Hamilton interview: ‘Lewis has never put a penny into my racing’ The highs and lows of Bernie Ecclestone ‘More teams, less races’: FIA boss outlines aspirations for future of F1

“I was 16 in my wheelchair and went to a check-in desk at an airport to go and watch Lewis at an F1 race.” Nicolas Hamilton – half-brother to seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis – takes a deep breath as he reflects on the turning point in his life. After a childhood impacted by the debilitating movement condition cerebral palsy, the moment he stood up and never sat back down. “This lady did not ask me any questions,” he recalls. “She just asked my Mum whether I needed assistance or help. I had all the hormones of a teenager wanting to be a man. I was growing a beard. I wanted to talk to girls and go to the pub. “But I’d become lazy and I was in a wheelchair because it was easier for me. It was hard work to walk around. Able-bodied people weren’t looking at me in the way I wanted to be perceived. That was when I got out of my wheelchair. And I haven’t been back in for 15 years.” We speak on world cerebral palsy day. Twenty-four hours earlier, the 31-year-old had given a motivational speech at Microsoft; a full circle moment, amid a year of heightened success. In April, Lewis was watching on incognito as Nicolas – shortened to Nic – recorded a best-ever finish of sixth in a British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race at Donnington Park. His debut in 2015, using a fully adapted car with customised pedal positions and a hand-clutch, made him the first disabled athlete to compete in a series widely regarded as the pinnacle of British motorsport. Yet contrary to what many did and continue to believe, family support did not equate to financial support. “Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsport,” Nic tells The Independent. Three times, in fact. “There’s people who still don’t believe me when I say that, but that is literally the situation. “I’ve had a lot of online trolling and bullying where everyone says I’m only in BTCC because of Lewis. A lot of the criticism is unjust – I don’t deserve it. But to finally shut the critics up on April 23rd was the best thing I could ever wish for. It was a load of relief and a lot of weight off my shoulders. “When you’re slogging at it for so long, you feel like it’s not going to come. Every time you do something negative, you feel like you’re proving people right. So it was a telling day.” But what emerges throughout a 40-minute conversation is not so much a chip on the shoulder, so much as an intransient determination to shape his own way to success. Just months after that points-finish, Hamilton decided to leave his outfit, Team HARD, after the summer break. He insists he “wasn’t being valued to the level I’d have liked” but no matter. No hard feelings. Onto the next challenge. Such a mindset has been the cornerstone of Hamilton’s life since that day at the airport in 2008. Previous to that – and prior to his brother becoming a household name – it was a life full of difficulty. Years in school were spent isolated, the odd one out. Ever since I’ve started racing, it’s been hard because people compare me to Lewis and say I’m only there because he’s a multi-millionaire “I didn’t have a voice or a purpose in school,” he says. “A disabled boy and only person of colour in my year… kids did not want to be my friend. I was getting pulled back in my wheelchair and wasn’t able to fend for myself. “I would just internalise everything. Now, I’ve overcome my condition. Coming to terms with my relationship with my disability, now as a 31-year-old, is something I’m very proud of.” Once the obvious issue of depleted leg strength – “they were like mush” – and the pain of walking to the toilet slowly departed, racing became a deep-rooted desire. Alongside his first “proper job” working on the development team of a simulation racing game called Project Cars, he found potential in the cockpit in the real-world. After driving a BMW M3 for the first time, he entered his first race – the Clio Cup – at 19. But, he insists, it was not because he was Lewis Hamilton’s brother. “Ever since I’ve started racing, it’s been hard because people compare me to Lewis and say I’m only there because he’s a multi-millionaire. “He’s still a massive reason why I’m as strong as I am and why I’m out of my wheelchair. I’m still his No 1 fan. Lewis and my dad [Anthony], he has been the anchor for the whole family. “But it’s been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsport.” Hamilton insists he has forged his own road. Like all racers at national level, without sponsorship and backing there is no racing. Sure, the surname helps. But he was eager to add as many strings to his bow as possible and in 2013, he did an interview on stage. Impressed by what he saw as a spectator, a CEO of a speakers bureau got in touch to sign him up to their talent roster. Now, he works for nine different UK speaker agencies. “I’ve always had to find something that makes me different, my USP,” he tells. “Every day I learn something new about my condition and then I talk to people – I’ve always been very open on mental health. “Now I stand in front of thousands to tell them my story and to inspire all sorts of people – disabled, people of colour, parents of disabled children. It’s snowballed since 2020. Regardless of whether I’m a Hamilton or not, I’ve ended up creating a story and a brand which is very strong for people worldwide to relate to.” The world doesn’t stop and nor do the opportunities. Earlier this year, he appeared in a photoshoot for Vogue and next month will represent MGM as an ambassador at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. He is desperate to find another opening to be on the BTCC grid in 2024. And in April, he releases a book: Now I Have Your Attention. The wheelchair has not left the cupboard since his teenage years but the basis of everything remains his disability – and a way of living only disabled people themselves can twist. “I want to continue spreading my voice – not around being Lewis Hamilton’s brother but around creating a legacy to help disabled people and people in a dark place,” he says. “I’ve been in dark places and I want to showcase that that is absolutely OK. Society will accept you if you accept yourself. “But I do get nervous because I always feel nothing is ever enough. I have this driven personality. You can never get the perfect lap, for example.” A line to finish that feels all too familiar. Read More What Lewis Hamilton’s clash with George Russell tells us about state of play at Mercedes Mercedes chief details ‘very ambitious targets’ for 2024 car Adrian Newey reveals ‘emotional’ Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton regret The highs and lows of Bernie Ecclestone ‘More teams, less races’: FIA boss outlines aspirations for future of F1 F1 reveal unique Las Vegas GP schedule and ‘opening ceremony’ plans

Mainland Chinese visitors to Hong Kong used to flaunt Hermes handbags in shopping malls for social media photos.

Bernie Ecclestone – the former supremo of Formula 1 – has pleaded guilty to fraud at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday but has been spared jail. The 92-year-old failed to declare more than £400 million of overseas assets to the government, namely a trust in Singapore with a bank account of around $650 million. He was sentenced to 17 months in jail, suspended for two years. He has agreed a civil settlement of £652,634,836 in respect of sums due to HMRC over the course of 18 years. The billionaire, who has courted controversy throughout his life, was in charge of F1 for over 40 years before relinquishing his role in 2017 when current owners Liberty Media took over the running of the sport. The Independent takes a look at Ecclestone’s life and times through his tenure in motorsport and beyond: 1930 – Ecclestone born on 28 October, son of Sidney and Bertha Sophia, in St Peter, Suffolk. 1952– Marries first wife, Ivy Bamford, at 21-years-old. They have a daughter, Deborah, born in 1955. The pair divorce in the 1960s. 1958 – Entered two F1 races as a driver, at Monaco and Silverstone, after purchasing two chassis from the disbanded Connaught Formula One team. Failed to qualify for either race. 1972 – Buys Brabham F1 team for £100,000. Tastes success with Nelson Piquet’s two world titles in 1981 and 1983, though only records a best result of second in the constructors’ championship. 1974 – Forms the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA). Played crucial role in negotiating F1’s television rights. Becomes chief executive in 1978. 1984 – Slavica Radic, later his second wife, becomes pregnant and second daughter Tamara is born. Marries Radic in 1985. 1988 – Sells Brabham for more than $5 million to Swiss businessman Joachim Luhti. 1988 – Ecclestone’s third daughter, Petra, is born in London. 1997 – Embroiled in a dispute with the Labour Party over tobacco sponsorship of Formula 1, in contrary to the new government’s health position. After a meeting with prime minister Tony Blair alongside Max Mosley (a fellow Labour Party donor), the government make an exemption for F1. 2005 – Farce embroils the United States Grand Prix, with seven teams refusing to participate due to safety concerns over the Michelin tyres used. No compromise was reached, and only six cars (using Bridgestone tyres) started the race. 2008 – Radic files for divorce, which is settled in March 2009. She receives a reported settlement of $1 billion. 2009 – Crashgate. F1 descends into chaos after cheating scandal which saw Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crash a year earlier in Singapore to aid his team-mate, race winner Fernando Alonso. It later emerges, in 2023, that Ecclestone and then-FIA boss Mosley knew about the scandal at the time. Felipe Massa is now in the process of pursuing legal action for damages, having lost the 2008 world title to Lewis Hamilton. 2009 – Ecclestone widely condemned after remarks that were positive about Adolf Hitler. He said to The Times: “Terrible to say this I suppose, but apart from the fact that Hitler got taken away and persuaded to do things that I have no idea whether he wanted to do or not, he was – in the way that he could command a lot of people – able to get things done”. Ecclestone later apologised for his comments. 2012 – Marries vice-president of marketing for the Brazilian Grand Prix Fabiana Flosi, 46 years his junior. 2014 – Paid a £60 million settlement to end a bribery trial in Germany without admitting guilt. Prosecutors had accused him of bribery of banker Gerhard Gribkowsky. 2017 – Removed from position as CEO of Formula One Group after its £6.4 billion takeover by Liberty Media. Retains title of Chairman Emeritus until January 2020. 2020 – Ecclestone has first son, Ace (Alexander Charles Ecclestone), at age 89. 2020 – Criticised by F1 and Lewis Hamilton after comments made in wake of the murder of George Floyd. Ecclestone says to CNN: “In a lot of cases, black people are more racist than what white people are.” 2022 – Arrested by Brazilian authorities for illegally carrying a firearm while boarding a private plane to Switzerland. Ecclestone paid bail and was freed to travel to Switzerland. 2022 – Ecclestone says on Good Morning Britain that he would “take a bullet” for Russia president Vladimir Putin because he was a “first class person,” adding that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was just a “mistake” that businessman make. He later apologised for his comments. 2023 – Pleaded guilty to £400m fraud. Sentenced to 17 months in prison, suspended for two years. Read More Lewis Hamilton gives blunt response to Felipe Massa’s legal action over 2008 F1 title F1 given new deadline by Felipe Massa’s lawyers – who label Lewis Hamilton title a ‘sham’ ‘More teams, less races’: FIA boss outlines aspirations for future of F1 F1 reveal unique Las Vegas GP schedule and ‘opening ceremony’ plans Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar