Latest news with #Formula2
Daily Tribune
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Retains Its Place on Motorsport's Global Grid
TDT | Manama The kingdom secures key dates across multiple FIA championships in 2026 Bahrain's role as a key hub in global motorsport has been reaffirmed following confirmation of the 2026 calendars across several top-tier FIA series, including Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and the World Rally-Raid Championship. The announcement, made at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau and chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, solidifies the kingdom's ongoing commitment to motorsport at the highest level. F1 and F3 Share the Stage The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held from April 10 to 12, 2026, featuring the debut of F1 cars powered by 100% sustainable fuels—a major milestone in the sport's green transition. Over the same weekend, Bahrain will also host a round of the FIA Formula 3 Championship, making it the Middle East's sole representative in the ten-round junior series. This joint showcase of senior and feeder series underlines Bahrain's status as a cradle of racing development. Full Middle East Slate in Formula Championships Bahrain is one of four Middle Eastern venues confirmed for the 2026 Formula 1 and Formula 2 calendars, alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. The region will also feature in the Formula E calendar, with Saudi Arabia staging back-to-back races in Jeddah on February 13 and 14, 2026. The F2 series will run in tandem with F1, placing Bahrain in a pivotal position as both a sporting and logistical anchor for the season's early stages. Rally-Raid Continues Across the Region Bahrain may not be a host for the World Rally-Raid Championship, but the wider Gulf remains heavily involved. Saudi Arabia will again open the 2026 W2RC season with the Dakar Rally from January 3 to 17, followed by Morocco in late September and Abu Dhabi in November. These events bolster the Middle East's footprint in off-road rallying, complementing its high-profile circuit racing presence. FIA Pushes Ahead with 2027 WRC Vision In addition to confirming 2026 dates, the FIA has advanced its long-term rally strategy. The WRC27 rulebook, set to define the World Rally Championship's future from 2027 to 2037, has been finalised. A new bodywork volume framework offers manufacturers broad freedom in design, allowing anything from hatchbacks and saloons to crossovers and custom-built entries—without compromising on performance. The flexibility aims to attract innovation and investment while maintaining regulatory clarity. A Clear Message from the FIA FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem underlined the importance of this transitional period: '2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships, new agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential.' That potential includes sustainability targets, fresh talent development, and a broadening global reach—goals Bahrain continues to align with through its sustained presence on the calendar. A Measured but Meaningful Step Bahrain's confirmed inclusion in the 2026 motorsport calendar—spanning from Formula 1 to F3—reaffirms its status not just as a venue, but as a foundational part of motorsport's evolving ecosystem. As the FIA balances innovation with heritage, Bahrain is proving itself ready for both.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
5 drivers who could replace Max Verstappen if Red Bull star gets suspended
Max Verstappen is teetering on the brink of a one-race suspension following his reckless run-in with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago. The FIA hit the Red Bull star and four-time world champion with a 10-second penalty in the race, followed by three penalty points on his super license. That means Verstappen enters the Canadian Grand Prix with 11 points total on his super license in total. F1's rules dictate 12 penalty points in a 12-month period trigger a one-race suspension. Advertisement Fortunately for Max, two of his points will expire at the end of June. Unfortunately, he doesn't plan on changing his driving style at all before then. Which means Red Bull must be prepared for the possibility Verstappen is sidelined if he gets assessed another point. So who drives one of the best cars in the world if Max is out? Here's a look at team principal Christian Horner's best option. Liam Lawson May 1, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; RB driver Liam Lawson (30) looks on during an interview at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The driver of the No. 30 VCARB car would be a natural selection to slot into Max's seat — especially after he impressed Horner in practice last season while driving a Red Bull, leading the team to cut Daniel Ricciardo to make space for Lawson. Isack Hadjar MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 13: Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant of Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 13, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by) Lawson's VCARB teammate might be the better driver this season, but would Red Bull really consider messing with something that's working so well? Hadjar is ninth in the driver standings with 21 points — compared to Lawson's four — and even the Paris native is worried about what a call-up might look like. Advertisement 'It's a bit scary," Hadjar said Thursday. "I wouldn't feel ready. I'm just nine races in. It looks to be complicated when I look at Yuki [Tsunoda] and Liam, who are very quality drivers. So no, I'm not very ready, but I would always be here for the call, that's for sure.' Arvid Lindblad ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 11: Arvid Lindblad of Great Britain and Campos Racing (20) looks on in the garage during day one of Formula 2 Testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 11, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by) Just 17 years old (until August), Red Bull successfully petitioned the FIA to grant the Formula 2 driver a super license prior to his 18th birthday. That might be all the evidence necessary to anoint the rising British star Verstappen's back-up. Per ESPN's Laurence Edmondson: [Lindblad] is being lined up to take part in free practice sessions ahead of the August break, but will now also qualify as a reserve driver for Red Bull and its junior team Racing Bulls. ...Although the application for Lindblad's superlicence was submitted before Verstappen received three penalty points at the last round in Spain, he would present an alternative to current reserve Ayuma Iwasa, who is currently racing in Japan's Super Formula. Ayuma Iwasa Jun 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during FP1 practice at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Well, this one should be obvious, but if Lindblad is getting approval to race it sure seems like Red Bull is content to leave Iwasa in the Super Formula car. That said, he's still on Horner's roster and remains a solid option. Daniel Ricciardo SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Visa Cash App RB prepares in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22, 2024 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by) Could Red Bull's prodigal son return once again and finally get his storybook ending!? Advertisement No, don't count on it. Ricciardo hasn't been around the paddock at all lately and it would take a lot from both sides to get the veteran race ready. Still, Horner knows him well and knows what he's getting. If he'd rather put an experienced F1 driver in the car rather than an up-and-comer, there are way worse options. This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 drivers who may replace Max Verstappen if F1 star gets suspended
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Red Bull requests FIA superlicence exemption for F1 junior
While Red Bull Racing's reserve drivers and junior talents are currently in the spotlights due to Max Verstappen's eleven penalty points, it has emerged that Red Bull submitted a request for a superlicence exemption for Formula 2 racer Arvid Lindblad. According to information obtained by Red Bull's request will be discussed next week during the upcoming FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau. Advertisement It's important to note, however, that this request is not directly related to Verstappen's penalty situation and was submitted well before the Dutchman's tally of penalty points hit 11, as Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko clarified. Lindblad is currently competing in Formula 2 and meets all other requirements for a superlicence – the document required to take part in official F1 sessions. He has accumulated enough superlicence points in junior formulas, although drivers can formally receive it only once they turn 18. This rule was introduced following Max Verstappen's remarkably early F1 debut at the age of 17, when he didn't yet have a driving licence. To prevent similar situations, the FIA implemented a minimum age as part of the superlicence system, which aspiring F1 drivers must now meet. Following in Antonelli's footsteps? Last year, however, the door was slightly reopened for talents under 18, when Mercedes requested an exemption for Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The process of permitting the Italian to test its F1 machinery was similar to the steps Red Bull is taking now. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes F1 W15 Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes F1 W15 Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images Advertisement It led to a revision of the FIA International Sporting Code, specifically article 13.1.2. Appendix L, which now states: "At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a superlicence at the age of 17 years old." Since Lindblad has already earned enough points before his 18th birthday and currently sits third in the Formula 2 standings as a rookie – with two race wins, including the feature race in Barcelona – he appears to qualify under this clause. The FIA will discuss Red Bull's request next week, when it is on the agenda for the meeting in Macau. If approved, Lindblad would be allowed to participate in F1 practice sessions and could even serve as a stand-in for one of the regular drivers. This could offer Red Bull an extra option given its current situation as Verstappen is teetering on the edge of a one-race ban from the series. If the Dutchman receives a suspension and Red Bull decides to promote one of the Racing Bulls drivers, Lindblad could theoretically replace either Isack Hadjar or Liam Lawson at the sister team. Advertisement In addition to Lindblad (if the FIA grants the exemption), Red Bull still has Ayumu Iwasa available as a reserve driver. Read Also: Who could replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull if he lands F1 race ban? How Max Verstappen earned 11 penalty points in 11 months Lindblad turns 18 on August 8, a few days after the Hungarian Grand Prix, meaning the British-Swedish driver would be eligible for his superlicence during the F1 summer break regardless. To read more articles visit our website.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
FIA releases statement after driving star shuts down his social media accounts following abuse after pile-up
The FIA has strongly condemned online abuse after rising Formula 2 star Alex Dunne was forced to delete his social media accounts in the wake of a chaotic 11-car crash at the Monaco Grand Prix. Dunne, who drives for McLaren's junior team and currently leads the F2 standings, received a torrent of vile messages following his role in the dramatic pile-up at Sainte Devote, which brought a red flag just moments into the race on May 25. The 19-year-old Irishman collided with ART Grand Prix driver Victor Martins at the first corner, triggering a chain reaction that saw more than half the field wiped out before completing a single lap. 'I got a lot of stuff after Monaco,' Dunne later revealed. 'Normally I'm not someone who reads things and gets annoyed by them. But I think an hour after the race, I deleted social media off my phone because I've never received such bad messages in my life. 'A lot of the stuff I got was really, really bad and quite upsetting to be honest.' The FIA has since responded with a statement under its United Against Online Abuse campaign, urging greater respect towards athletes and their teams. 'On behalf of our teams and drivers, F1, F2, F3 and the FIA firmly condemn abuse and harassment of any form,' the statement read. 'We'll continue to act upon and report abuse to social media platforms. Whether you are a fan or a part of the motorsport world, we are all driven by passion. At the heart of it all, there are humans.' Dunne is not the only driver to suffer from online hate this season. Former Alpine hopeful Jack Doohan recently issued a plea for fans to stop targeting his family after a viral hoax falsely attributed a controversial post to his father. 'They edited the original content to make it appear as though my father posted it, which is entirely untrue,' Doohan explained. 'Please stop harassing my family. I didn't think it would get to this point.' FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added his voice to the growing concern, stating: 'No one should be subjected to threats, hatred, or discrimination. There is no place for abuse or toxicity in our community. 'We are taking decisive action — raising awareness, providing support, and driving change. We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone in our sport.' The first-corner pile-up stood out as the defining moment of the Formula 2 weekend in Monaco. After a slow launch from pole, Dunne lost the inside line to Martins and appeared to understeer into the Frenchman's sidepod. Both cars smashed into the barriers, and the narrow layout meant those behind had nowhere to go. Eleven drivers retired as marshals cleared the wreckage. Dutch driver Richard Verschoor was among those forced out, with significant damage to his front wheel. Anger flared in the immediate aftermath, with a furious Martins asking his team over radio: 'Who does he think he is, Max Verstappen?' After a lengthy delay, the race resumed with a reduced field — and it was Jak Crawford who ultimately took the win, capitalising on a well-timed pit stop under the safety car before a late red flag brought proceedings to an early end. Leonardo Fornaroli, who had led for much of the race, had to settle for second. While Dunne remains in contention for the Formula 2 title, his experience in Monaco has cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a fine breakout season. Nevertheless, he is still top of this season's drivers' leaderboard after six rounds.
Daily Mirror
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
FIA respond as driver deletes social media after abuse for Monaco GP crash
Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne has deleted social media after the 19-year-old received some "really bad and quite upsetting" abuse after he crashed during the Monaco Grand Prix The FIA have spoken out after a driver was forced to delete social media as a result of the abuse he received following a crash at the Monaco Grand Prix. Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne was sent some "really bad and quite upsetting" messages after he crashed in Monaco, causing an 11 car pile-up. The 19-year-old, who is top of the driver standings, has since revealed that the abuse he received after the incident has prompted him to remove social media from his phone. "I got a lot of stuff after Monaco, normally I'm not someone who reads things and gets annoyed by them," Dunne said. "But, I think an hour after the race, I deleted social media off my phone because I've never received such bad messages in my life. A lot of the stuff I got was really, really bad and quite upsetting to be honest." And the FIA have now released a statement condemning the abuse, which reads: "On behalf of our Teams and Drivers, F1, F1, F3 and the FIA, through their United Against Online Abuse campaign, firmly condemn abuse and harassment of any form. "We'll continue to collectively act upon and report abuse to social media platforms. Whether you are a fan or a part of the motorsport world, we are all driven by passion. At the heart of it all, there are humans. We urge everyone to remain respectful towards the athletes and their teams." Dunne is not the only driver who has been targeted on social media this year, with former Alpine driver Jack Doohan forced to ask online trolls to "stop harassing my family" after a fabricated social media post from his father went viral. "As you can see, the story circulating above is completely false," Doohan said in response to the fake post. "It was fabricated... to portray me and my family in a negative light. "They edited the original content to make it appear as though my father posted it, which is entirely untrue. Please stop harassing my family. I didn't think it would get to this point." FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem also condemned the abuse of Doohan and his family, stating: "Motorsport is built on competition, passion, and commitment, and ever race drivers take to the track representing these values. "The passion and excitement that we feel for our sport should unite us and never be twisted into abuse or hatred. I stand in full support of Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto, and I thank them for speaking out against the growing issue of online abuse in motorsport. "No-one should be subjected to threats, hatred, or discrimination. There is no place for abuse or toxicity in our community. Through the united against online abuse campaign, we are taking decisive action - raising awareness, providing support, and driving change. "We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone in our sport, and together we can build a safer, more respectful environment for all."
