Latest news with #RedBullRacing
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
The next Vettel or Verstappen? Meet Fionn McLaughlin
Max Verstappen. Sebastian Vettel. Carlos Sainz. Daniel Ricciardo. The list of drivers to come through Red Bull Racing's Junior programme is extensive, with race winners and world champions making up eight of the 21 drivers on this year's Formula 1 grid. Now, a teenager from Northern Ireland is hoping to join the ranks of some of Formula 1's biggest names. In his first season of car racing, Red Bull Junior driver Fionn McLaughlin is in title contention in British F4 in his first season of car racing."If I'm in the Red Bull academy and I'm doing a good job, then I think it's realistic. I'm going to work as hard as I can to make it to F1," he told BBC Sport NI about his Formula 1 dreams."Red Bull are giving me the opportunity and I think I have the ability to make it. "If you don't believe in yourself, you won't be able to get anywhere. "When I was six years of age driving around, the thought of being in F4 or F3 was something I never would have thought of. I'm proud to be here and I'll always be grateful for the steps I'm making." 'Helmut Marko said I had potential' Racing is in McLaughlin's DNA. His father, Martin, used to race go karts and he was always at circuits with his dad. While Verstappen is one of the sport's biggest names, it was another four-time F1 world champion who McLaughlin grew up idolising. "My whole life I looked up to Sebastian Vettel, from when I was six. "I thought he was amazing. So, I always had that dream of making it to Formula 1, and with Red Bull. "It's great to be in the academy, and looking forward F1 is my goal. It would be amazing to get there and I'm happy I have this opportunity."McLaughlin had a solid karting career, which had taken him across the UK, Europe and the world. But he had the chance to take his career to the next level when he was invited to a shootout by Red Bull at Jerez last summer, and he beat a number of drivers to be enrolled into the team's junior driving discovered he had been selected when Helmut Marko, Red Bull's often-feared team adviser and head of the company's driver academy, approached him at the end of the test."I was doing well at go karting and had an opportunity from Red Bull. I just tried to do a good job to see where it took me," continued McLaughlin."I was up against six other drivers, it was good competition and there was a bit of pressure. I was able to deliver, and they obviously thought I was decent enough to take me on board for the Junior team. "Helmut Marko came over to me and said, 'I think you're a good driver and I want you on our team'. He said I had potential and would take me on as far as he could in the future. "He's a nice man and he's given me the opportunity to race in F4. It's quite expensive, and he's given me the opportunity." 'I'm a winning driver' With the support of Red Bull, McLaughlin has taken his first steps into car racing. He started with the Formula Winter Series, where he secured three wins and seven Magherafelt teenager then moved into British F4, which has seen the likes of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, IndyCar star Colton Herta and Formula 2 championship contender Alex has adapted well to the championship, leads the rookie standings and is second in the overall standings after four rounds. "I've found it's not too bad stepping up from go karting. It's different in how you brake, and it's different as it's a tighter space inside the car," McLaughlin added. "It's been a change, but I think I've got used to it quite well and I'm delivering as best as I can. "I'm taking it step by step and it's about the main goal at the end of the year, which is the championship trophy."You have to deliver as quickly as possible in this sport. Being classed as a rookie is good, but I always try to focus on the main championship." McLaughlin is delivering in British F4 and will have the chance to race on the British Grand Prix weekend as the series supports Formula 1 at Silverstone in July. It's a huge opportunity with some of the sport's biggest names watching on and looking for the next stars. "Being a support race on the F1 Silverstone package was unexpected — opportunities like this usually don't come until F3," McLaughlin said."I'm still in F4, so I'm not putting any extra pressure on the event. But the goal remains the same: to win every time I get in the car and winning on the world stage would be something special."After being given the chance to progress his career by Red Bull, McLaughlin admits there is pressure to deliver if he is to achieve his dream to making it to F1. "I always have high expectations of winning, but I just try and believe in my ability, McLaughlin added. "I try not to look too much into the future, I take it step by step. For me, it's important to do a good job at where I'm at now, and believe in what I can do. "You have to keep getting results, because if you're not doing a good job you're not going to be able to take the next step."McLaughlin says "pressure has always been a thing" but that is something he thrives under. "Obviously it can be tough as you need the results but that's my job and that's what I want. "I want to be a winner. Red Bull are a winning team, I'm a winning driver so we work well with each other."
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
NASCAR driver Shane van Gisbergen jokes he's ‘glad' he never raced for Red Bull F1
Image Source: Getty Shane van Gisbergen, a Red Bull-sponsored NASCAR driver, had a funny comment about Red Bull Racing's F1 team. 'I'm glad I didn't drive for Red Bull Racing in F1 after the first few races,' he said, joking about Max Verstappen's teammates. He was having a tough start in NASCAR himself, and it's got fans talking about pressure in racing. Shane Van Gisbergen's cheeky remark on Red Bull Racing Shane van Gisbergen, a Kiwi driver, had everyone talking with a cheeky shot at Red Bull Racing's F1 team. He was laughing at the teammates of Max Verstappen Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda who did not get along with the RB21 this year. In 2025, Verstappen won two races, but his team-mates could not. Van Gisbergen had a poor showing in his first 7 NASCAR races too, not placing above 30th twice. He also thanked his team, Trackhouse Racing, because they had given him some space to gain pace. His boss, Justin Marks didn't put the pressure on him like he would in F1. "Justin has been awesome. He's supported me, given me all the time I needed, and not put any pressure on me. It was really cool," said the 36-year-old. That support helped him win in Mexico City and get into the NASCAR playoffs. Also Read: "Wear your lucky underwear": Alex Bowman Jr's weird ritual shocks NASCAR fans after crash NASCAR's success after a rocky start Van Gisbergen's NASCAR journey started rough but ended with a big win so his Red Bull joke is even funnier. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urologists Urge Men To Try This Breakthrough for ED Bring Back Fast Read More Undo He found ovals tough as they were new to him compared to the road courses he was used to in Supercars. His win at the Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City changed everything and got him into the NASCAR playoffs. He's grateful to his team boss Justin Marks for being patient and not rushing him unlike Red Bull Racing's quick driver switches in F1. Van Gisbergen's Mexico City win, where he led 60 laps, proved he's good on road courses and a key player for Track Horse Racing. His story shows that with time and support, you can overcome early struggles. Fans are now looking forward to seeing what he does in the playoffs and hoping for more wins from this guy. Van Gisbergen's Red Bull joke has fans buzzing and linking NASCAR and F1 together. His thanks to Trackhouse Racing shows how important support is in racing. As he heads into the NASCAR playoffs, fans can't wait to see his road course skills. His joke about Verstappen's teammates also highlights the tough world of F1 at Red Bull. With Verstappen leading in F1 and van Gisbergen rising in NASCAR, both are shining for Red Bull. Van Gisbergen's story of hard work, humor, and success has inspired fans and proves a slow start can lead to big things. Motorsport fans are looking forward to more racing and fun comments as the 2025 season goes on. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
Wolff dismisses Red Bull protest as petty and embarrassing
Mercedes Formula One boss Toto Wolff has dismissed Red Bull's failed protest of George Russell's Canadian Grand Prix win as petty and embarrassing. Stewards threw out the protest some five and a half hours after the chequered flag came down on the race in Montreal on Sunday. The team had accused Russell of unsportsmanlike behaviour, suggesting he had tried deliberately to get second placed Max Verstappen into trouble while the safety car was deployed, knowing the champion was at risk of a ban. 'It took team Red Bull Racing two hours before they launched the protest, so that was in their doing. Honestly, it's so petty and so small,' Wolff told Sky Sports television at the New York premiere of the Brad Pitt movie 'F1' on Monday night. CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Toto Wolff and his daughter Rosa Wolff attend the world premiere of "F1" at Times Square in New York on Monday. AFP 'They've done it in Miami. Now they launched two protests. They took one back because it was ridiculous. 'They (Red Bull) come up with some weird clauses, what they call clauses. I guess the FIA needs to look at that because it's so far-fetched it was rejected,' added the Austrian. 'You know, you race, you win and you lose on track. That was a fair victory for us, like so many they had in the past. And it's just embarrassing.' Russell and four times world champion Verstappen have a long-standing rivalry and Red Bull have protested twice in the space of five races against the Mercedes driver. In Miami in May they protested the Briton's third place, arguing the driver had failed to slow when yellow flags were waved during a virtual safety car period. Verstappen was fourth that time. That protest was also rejected. Red Bull's Max Verstappen during a press conference ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. File/Reuters The win in Canada was Mercedes' first in 10 races so far this season. Wolff, who has also had plenty of past run-ins with Horner, wondered who was behind the Red Bull protests but cleared Verstappen of any guilt. 'I don't even know what you refer to as 'unsportsmanlike behaviour' or something. What is it all about? Who decides it? Because I'm 100% sure it's not Max, he's a racer. He would never go for a protest on such a trivial thing,' he said. Horner said Red Bull had no regrets about the protest and were simply exercising their rights because they saw something they did not think was correct. The next race is in Austria at Red Bull's home circuit on June 29. Agencies
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Four-time world champion Verstappen skips Brad Pitt F1 movie to stay with family
Max Verstappen caused a stir in F1's most glamorous paddock on Thursday after choosing to attend to his duties as a new father instead of going to an exclusive screening of the new Brad Pitt film 'F1: The Movie'. Red Bull's four-time world champion and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll were the only absentee drivers for the preview showing of the Hollywood movie in Monaco on Wednesday evening — all part of the build-up to this weekend's Grand Prix. Verstappen, who is no fan of promotion and marketing work beyond the needs of his own team, said he had declined the invitation well in advance. As to changing nappies, he made no comment. "I told Formula One Management (FOM) that I would not be there," he said. "They knew about it. I just wanted to spend more time at home. It wasn't a mandatory event and it was my private time. "And I prefer to spend that private time at home especially as in F1 you're away from home so much already. It's pretty normal, I think. Now my family is growing, I definitely prefer more time at home." Stroll said he was doing "just stuff", adding that: "At some point, I'll watch it." Both drivers, and the 18 who attended, are in the principality for the Monaco Grand Prix, the second of three races in a 'triple header' of three consecutive events in Italy, Monaco and Spain, following six season-opening flyaway races in Australia, Asia, the Gulf and Florida. The long-awaited film is due to go on general release next month and stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. It was directed by Joseph Kosinski, who made 'Top Gun: Maverick' among others, and the producers include Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari. Hamilton attended the screening after which most drivers were enthusiastic about the production, many praising the authenticity of the racing sequences. Carlos Sainz of Williams said: "I truly enjoyed it... For us F1 experts, we're going to see things that we sometimes see with Netflix that you can tell are a bit Hollywood-esque. "But I truly believe that for a new fan, it will attract an audience and will do very well with people who don't know anything about F1. For the hardcore fan, for the journalists and us (drivers), we see things that maybe are too American or a bit too Hollywood." He added that the filming of racing sequences were "insane, honestly insane" and "for me the best part." Drivers, team bosses and other guests attended the showing which Hamilton's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc described as "really cool". "Honestly, I didn't know what to expect," he added. "No idea. But the story-telling is really cool and the images are just incredible. I really enjoyed it." Pierre Gasly of Alpine said: "Beautiful! It was really cool to see it for the first time. I think it is a real dive into our world of Formula One so I'm sure people will like it." Williams' team chief James Vowles said: "I thought it was absolutely fantastic. They did a really good job of being authentic to who we are and how we go racing. "I rate films by goosebump moments and I had three or four of them that were just really brilliant build-ups that then ended in a fantastic way. It is a fantastic package."
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Wolff dismisses Red Bull protest as petty and embarrassing
Mercedes Formula One boss Toto Wolff has dismissed Red Bull's failed protest of George Russell's Canadian Grand Prix win as petty and embarrassing. Stewards threw out the protest some five and a half hours after the chequered flag came down on the race in Montreal on Sunday. The team had accused Russell of unsportsmanlike behaviour, suggesting he had tried deliberately to get second placed Max Verstappen into trouble while the safety car was deployed, knowing the champion was at risk of a ban. 'It took team Red Bull Racing two hours before they launched the protest, so that was in their doing. Honestly, it's so petty and so small,' Wolff told Sky Sports television at the New York premiere of the Brad Pitt movie F1 on Monday night. 'They've done it in Miami. Now they launched two protests. They took one back because it was ridiculous. 'They (Red Bull) come up with some weird clauses, what they call clauses. I guess the FIA needs to look at that because it's so far-fetched it was rejected,' added the Austrian. 'You know, you race, you win and you lose on track. That was a fair victory for us, like so many they had in the past. And it's just embarrassing.' Russell and four-time world champion Verstappen have a long-standing rivalry and Red Bull have protested twice in the space of five races against the Mercedes driver. In Miami in May they protested against the Briton's third place, arguing the driver had failed to slow when yellow flags were waved during a virtual safety car period. Verstappen was fourth that time. That protest was also rejected. The win in Canada was Mercedes' first in 10 races so far this season. Wolff, who has also had plenty of past run-ins with Horner, wondered who was behind the Red Bull protests but cleared Verstappen of any guilt. 'I don't even know what you refer to as 'unsportsmanlike behaviour' or something. What is it all about? Who decides it? Because I'm 100% sure it's not Max, he's a racer. He would never go for a protest on such a trivial thing,' he said. Horner said Red Bull had no regrets about the protest and were simply exercising their rights because they saw something they did not think was correct. The next race is in Austria at Red Bull's home circuit on June 29.
