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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Young Antonelli repays Wolff's trust with podium finish
New Delhi: The Montreal crowd applauded as Mercedes driver George Russell took the chequered flag at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, his first win of the season. The ovation got louder as Red Bull ace and four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished second. But the loudest and most emotional reaction of the day was reserved for a certain Andrea Kimi Antonelli, better known by his middle name, who achieved the maiden podium of his career. At 18 years and 294 days, the Italian became the third youngest podium finisher in the history of Formula 1, behind Verstappen and Lance Stroll. An extremely affable character, the teenager is loved by most in the Mercedes paddock due to his humility, wit and humorous personality. But on track, he is as fast as they come. Experts questioned Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's decision when he decided to bring on board the youngster with very little formula racing experience. After racing in Formula 4 for a couple of seasons, Antonelli skipped F3 to directly race in Formula 2 where he finished a respectable sixth last season. But to pick him in a multiple championship winning team, that too to fill in the giant shoes of Lewis Hamilton was a humongous task. But having watched Antonelli in the junior series, Wolff trusted his instinct and the Italian's racing skill. And Antonelli hasn't disappointed, repaying the faith in his maiden F1 season. At 18 years and 202 days, the Bolognese became the third youngest to race in F1 at the season opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March, behind Verstappen and Stroll, finishing a mighty fourth in his debut race. At the Japanese Grand Prix in April, he became the youngest driver to set a fastest lap at 18 years and 225 days when his radio communication with his engineer Peter Bonnington — famous as Hamilton's race engineer 'Bono' went viral on social media. Told he was the fastest man on the track, Antonelli had responded with, 'I'm giving it everything, mate' to which Bono has replied, 'Good lad.' Antonelli showed his pace in the first six races of the season, coming close to the podium despite his lack of experience. But at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Antonelli's time had finally arrived after he made a brilliant and opportunistic move on championship leader Oscar Piastri to climb up to third from fourth and then put reigning world champion Verstappen under pressure for second place on an overtake friendly circuit. He was most impressive in the latter stages of the race defending against the rampaging McLarens of Piastri and Lando Norris, both on fresher tyres, making strategic moves over the backmarkers to create a gap behind him. His fantastic race craft finally saw Antonelli come of age, earning him a podium at the pinnacle of the sport especially after three races without points — two of which were due to mechanical issues. 'It was so stressful for me. But I am super happy! I had a good start. I managed to jump into P3 and I just stayed up there at the front. The last stint, I pushed a bit too hard behind Max and I killed a bit of the front left tyre and then I struggled a bit at the end,' said a beaming Antonelli, waving to the big crowd which was chanting 'Kimi, Kimi'. 'I'm really happy to bring the podium home for the team,' added Antonelli, who also became the first Italian driver since Jarno Trulli in 2009 to finish on the F1 podium. For a driver who passed his driving license test earlier this year, Antonelli has displayed immense maturity in the 10 Grands Prix this season yet and not just on Sunday. The result also helped Mercedes clinch their first double podium since the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November when the pair of Russell and Hamilton ended P1 and P2. 'I knew Kimi coming up through the karting ranks, people were already saying great things, so I was keeping an eye on him. What's impressive is he's naturally quick. What I like is his level-headed, calm approach,' said Verstappen, who is the youngest to win a race. 'Those are great qualities to have. I was never in doubt that the podium would come this year. I'm very happy that it happened for him. It gives you more confidence. It's a nice boost. And it will only get better.' What was once Wolff's belief is slowly translating into reality with the Mercedes rookie due for many podiums if he keeps driving like this.
The Star
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Motor racing-Ferrari F1 boss slams disrespectful and damaging rumours
FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 13, 2025, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit ahead of the Australian Grand Prix REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo MONTREAL (Reuters) -Ferrari Formula One boss Fred Vasseur slammed media reports in Italy that he said were disrespectful and distracting for employees and damaging the team. Speaking a day after seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton defended his boss as the man to lead the team back to the top, Vasseur showed he was hurting as he gave his own personal response. Ferrari are second to McLaren in the constructors' standings, but 197 points behind, and have not won a Formula One championship since 2008. Some media reports in Italy have suggested Vasseur's position is at risk, along with other senior employees, and that driver Charles Leclerc could be looking for a move elsewhere. Hamilton's future has also been questioned. "It's not about myself, I believe, because this I can manage," said Vasseur, who started out saying he would have to remain calm. "It's more about the people of the team. To throw their names like this, I think it's just disrespectful for them, for the family. "Perhaps it's to give s*** to the team, but in this case, I don't see the point," he said of the speculation, a comment that could put him in hot water with the governing FIA for using bad language. He suggested it might be the only way some reporters existed. "This is probably more the reason, but it's really hurting the team... when you are fighting for the championship, every single detail makes a difference. From the beginning of the weekend, we are just thinking about this. "If it's their target to put the team in this situation, they reached their goal, but I think it's not like this that we'll be able to win a championship -- and at least not with this kind of journalists around us." The Frenchman said he knew what he was taking on when he became principal in 2023, and could handle it, but it was hard for employees with families to read that their positions might be at risk. He pointed out that Leclerc had a long-term contract and repeatedly said that he wanted to stay. "Each single interview from the beginning of the season, he's telling that he wants to stay with Ferrari, he wants to win with Ferrari, his future is with Ferrari," said the team boss. "But every single Monday, we have articles telling that Charles will go next year. At one stage, I don't know what we have to do." (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
F1 star suffers Canadian GP nightmare as passport and computer stolen by thieves
Formula 1 star Gabriel Bortoleto is chasing his first points of the season in Montreal but was hit by significant disruption when having dinner in Switzerland days before the GP Formula 1 star Gabriel Bortoleto saw his preparations for the Canadian Grand Prix disrupted by a theft which deprived him of his passport. The thieves are understood to have struck when he was in Switzerland in the lead-up to the race, with a computer also stolen. Bortoleto, 20, is in his first season as an F1 driver. He joined Sauber ahead of the 2025 season and has yet to score a point, but a 12th place finish in Spain in May was his best result to date. The youngster is still able to take part in Canada, but it was touch-and-go-for a while. Thieves broke into his car and stole documents, some of which have been recovered, but he was forced to travel to Canada with a second passport as he aimed to minimise the disruption. 'I had gone to dinner one day in Switzerland and they ended up opening the car and taking my backpack," Bortoleto told Brazilian media. "I had my passports, everything inside, my computer, all my running gear,' Bortoleto described. "It was chaos, but we managed to find the guy. Everything worked out in the end, I have my passports. We didn't find everything, but we did find some things," While Bortoleto is still waiting for his first point of the season, team-mate Nico Hulkenberg impressed with a fifth-place finish in Spain. The German now sits 11th in the drivers' standings wit 16 points, having opened the season with seventh place at the Australian Grand Prix. Last year, Sauber were represented at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit by Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas, with both finishing outside the points in Canada. The 2024 race was won by eventual world champion Max Verstappen, with Lando Norris and George Russell completing the podium. 'It's a street circuit, so I think that always makes the weekend a little bit more competitive – I don't know if that's the right word. I think it makes mistakes a little bit less acceptable,' Bortoleto told reporters ahead of the 2025 race in Montreal. This year's Canadian Grand Prix will also see Lance Stroll return to action after missing out in Barcelona. The Aston Martin driver withdrew from the Spanish Grand Prix after qualifying, and has undergone a medical procedure on his wrist ahead of his home GP in Canada. 'I started to feel some pain in my wrist and hand a couple of months ago, but I wanted to keep racing,' Stroll said. 'However, the discomfort just became too much, and we made the decision to have medical intervention. "Naturally, I was disappointed to miss the race in Barcelona but it was the right call at the time, and I'm looking forward to getting back to racing this weekend… [The wrist's] feeling good.'
7NEWS
13-06-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Australian Olympian and national champion Heath Ryan suspended over ‘alarming' whipping video
An Olympian and Australian dressage champion has been suspended after video emerged of him whipping a horse at his property in New South Wales. In a v ideo uploaded by DressageHub, Australian Grand Prix champion Heath Ryan can be seen in a short video allegedly whipping a horse 42 times in a matter of minutes. Heath Ryan made his Olympic debut at the age of 50 at the 2008 Beijing Games. Ryan had previously been the assistant coach of the Australian Team at the Olympic Games in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. Ryan coached the eventing teams to gold medals in Atlanta and Sydney. He competed in individual and team dressage at the 2008 Beijing Games, placing 35th and eighth respectively. Ryan is also a popular commentator for various events, including Equestrian news sites such as Equestrian Life for his ' Ryan's Rave' opinion pieces. Equestrian Australia, Australia's sporting body for the equestrian Olympic sports, has been quick to suspend Ryan pending further investigations and are 'alarmed' by the actions seen in the video. 'Equestrian Australia is extremely alarmed and concerned by the treatment of the horse shown in this footage,' they said in a statement to 'Equestrian Australia's Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy includes high standards to protect all participants and their horses against any adverse physical, social, and emotional conditions during all EA endorsed equestrian activities that are conducted under the auspices of EA or by any EA affiliate. 'We also have a Code of Conduct which requires participants to adhere to the FEI code of conduct for the welfare of the horse. 'The person depicted in the video is a member of Equestrian Australia. 'Equestrian Australia has this afternoon imposed a provisional suspension of this person's membership of Equestrian Australia and their rights, privileges and benefits associated with their membership.' Ryan is now banned from taking part in any competitions affiliated with Equestrian Australia, with the suspension affective immediately barring him from the current competition season anywhere in Australia. Because of his Equestrian Australia suspension, Ryan has been automatically suspended by the world equestrian sports body, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Equestrian Australia has also denied they asked for Dressagehub to remove the footage on YouTube. An RSPCA NSW spokesperson confirmed to a report has been made to them, with an investigation into the alleged abuse starting. 'After being sent footage this morning that contains distressing content of a person whipping a horse, RSPCA NSW has commenced an investigation and will be making further enquiries,' they said. In NSW, the penalties for animal cruelty can vary depending on the severity of the offence. For general cruelty acts, individuals face a maximum penalty of $44,000 and/or 1 year imprisonment, while corporations face a $220,000 fine. RYAN'S RESPONSE Hours after the video was made public, Ryan responded to the video on his Ryan's horses facebook page, claiming the horse was dangerous and had hospitalised another rider and friend of his. Ryan posted a video of the same horse, Nico, with another rider on him. Where the horse can be seen being pushed forward without a whip by a female rider using a training aid gadgets, such as spurs and a 'stabilising' martingale, which is used prevent the horse lifting his head up. According to Ryan, Nico is now 'thriving' under a new owner and rider. Ryan claims the video comes from an 'unhappy ex-employee' 2 years ago. He doesn't apologise for the whipping of Nico, instead claiming he has never ridden like that, and said it was a 'life or death moment for Nico.' 'I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable,' he said. 'I have never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video. 'If you think I did that flippantly, you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to Nico and asking the hard questions. That was the last place I wanted to be. I have never before ridden a horse that reacted like that, and I certainly will never do it again.' Ryan said that Nico would've gone to a slaughterhouse if he had not intervened. Ryan has not responded to his suspension. WHAT IS NAPPING? In the sport of dressage, or flatwork used for other disciplines such as Showjumping or Eventing, the horse is taught to move forward off the riders leg with minimal interference from the rider. A long dressage whip is commonly used in training, to tap horses on their flanks to encourage engagement from their hind end, so they move forward into the bridle and contact from the rider. Napping behaviour by the horse Nico in the video is a known negative behaviour, which according to Horse & Country describes the behaviour as a horse who refuses to move forward, often planting itself, rearing, spinning, or even turning and heading back towards home or another familiar location. This behaviour can be a challenge for new and experienced equestrians, according to Horse & Country. Other issues than can influence a horse's risk of negative behaviour include: Physical discomfort. If a horse is in pain — whether from an ill-fitting saddle, sore muscles, or dental problems — it may resist moving forward. In these cases, identifying and addressing the source of discomfort should always be the first step. Lack of confidence: Horses that feel uncertain or anxious, especially in unfamiliar environments, may use napping as a way to cope with their lack of confidence. Reinforced behaviour: Napping can become a habit if the horse has previously been allowed to return to a place of comfort after an episode. If a horse has learned that this behaviour gets them what they want, they are more likely to keep doing it. Social instinct: Horses are social animals, and when separated from companions, especially during solo outings, they may nap as a way to seek a return to the herd. Mental stimulation or boredom: Horses that are underworked, bored, or lack proper mental stimulation may develop napping as a coping mechanism to deal with their idle state. VIDEO BACKLASH As other news outlets both in Australian and internationally started to pick up the video posted by Dressagehub, there have been thousands of comments wanting Equestrian sports bodies to take such incidents of abuse caught on video more seriously, with some equestrians wanting a lifetime ban for riders who are caught doing the wrong thing. Another NSW dressage rider commenting on the DressageHub video being shared in Facebook equestrian groups labelled Ryan a 'barbarian'. 'This makes me physically sick,' they said. 'All it shows is that Heath is not a horseman trying to find a way through an issue but a barbarian. 'Not acceptable, whatever his excuses. I bet Tristan Tucker or Michael Pearce or any other true horseman could have done a calm soft job of helping this horse understand. Sorry Heath, you should be very very ashamed.' The Animal Justice Party of NSW has also comment on the video, pushing for an independent office for animal protection. 'Olympian Heath Ryan was caught on video whipping a horse named Nico around 40 times. His defense? That it was in the horse's 'best interest',' they said on Facebook. 'No animal deserves this. 'This isn't an isolated incident, it's a symptom of a system that lacks real accountability and protection for animals, especially in competitive sports. Horses are sentient beings, not tools to be pushed until they break. 'We're calling for an independent Office of Animal Protection. An office that puts animal welfare above industry interests.' On Friday, Bates Saddles announced they have dropped Heath Ryan's sponsorship in response to the whipping footage. Bates is one of the biggest saddlemakers in the world, and are very popular for various equestrian disciplines. 'At Bates Saddles, horse welfare isn't just our priority, it's our purpose. Horses deserve nothing less than our complete respect, care and protection,' the said on Facebook 'We are shocked and heartbroken by the recent video involving Heath Ryan and do not support any treatment that causes distress or harm to horses. The video footage is completely at odds with the Heath Ryan we have partnered with for decades, and we have immediately ended our sponsorship. The saddles will remain at the property, as the comfort and safety of horses must come first. 'We respect the due process that the relevant federations will follow in their investigations, and we will not be making any further comments while this process takes place.'
Canada Standard
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Canada Standard
Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll (hand) to return for Canadian GP
Field Level Media 11 Jun 2025, 21:41 GMT+10 (Photo credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images) Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll will drive in his home-nation race, the Canadian Grand Prix, this weekend after undergoing a procedure to treat pain in his hand and wrist. Stroll, 26, missed the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1. The pain is believed to have stemmed from a 2023 medical procedure that was related to a cycling accident. 'We are pleased to confirm that Lance Stroll will be back with the team competing in Montreal this weekend,' a team statement read on Wednesday, declaring him ready to drive the 70 laps of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal. 'He had a successful medical procedure to resolve the symptoms he has been experiencing and completed some laps in an old F1 car at Paul Ricard earlier this week. 'Lance is feeling fit and healthy, and is excited to compete in front of his home crowd.' Stroll said he was looking forward to being in the driver's seat. 'I am excited to get back behind the wheel with the team for my home Grand Prix this weekend. I was always going to fight hard to be ready to race in front of the Montreal crowd. 'I'm feeling good after my procedure and put some laps in at Paul Ricard this week to prepare. Thanks for all the support, see you guys this weekend.'Stroll has 14 points on the F1 circuit this season, putting him in 12th place. His achieved his best position of 2025 in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix when he finished sixth. He has made 175 starts in Formula 1. His highest finish is third place, which he achieved three times. Stroll's billionaire father, Lawrence Stroll, owns the Aston Martin team. --Field Level Media
