F1 news LIVE as Red Bull admit Lewis Hamilton advantage over Max Verstappen at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton is chasing down Max Verstappen at the top of the Formula 1 standings, just eight points behind after winning the Qatar Grand Prix - his second straight victory following a huge performance in Brazil.

Just over a week remains until the next race, with the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix being the penultimate one of the season - then it’s off to Yas Marina in the United Arab Emirates. The long straights will unquestionably favour the Mercedes cars over those of Red Bull, especially with Toto Wolff revealing Hamilton will get his newest “spicy” engine back in the car in Jeddah.

Wolff and his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner have been involved in back-and-forth encounters too, drawing amusement from some and disdain from others, as the fight goes on for the constructor championship as well as the drivers’ title. Elsewhere outside the big two, Fernando Alonso’s podium finish, the changing team line-ups for next year and even the additions of rules such as sprint qualifying have all been big talking points in Formula One recently.

Here’s all the latest F1 news and reaction as the build-up to Saudi Arabia continues:

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Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will suit Lewis Hamilton more than Max Verstappen, Red Bull chief admits

Red Bull don’t fear Lewis Hamilton’s ‘rocket engine’ in Saudi Arabia

Jenson Button gives verdict on Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen F1 title race

Emma Raducanu reveals advice from ‘really cool’ Lewis Hamilton on how to handle spotlight

F1 news | Countdown to Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

• Two races remaining in thrilling F1 title race

• Sunday’s Saudi Arabian GP ‘will suit Hamilton more than Verstappen'

• Red Bull don’t fear Hamilton’s ‘rocket engine’ in Jeddah

• Tributes paid after Sir Frank Williams dies aged 79

Raducanu thanks ‘really cool’ Hamilton for advice

16:34 , Ben Burrows

Emma Raducanu has thanked Lewis Hamilton for his advice and support since her thrilling maiden Grand Slam win in September, describing the seven-times Formula One world champion as her role model.

Speaking after her straight-sets win https://http://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/raducanu-dazzles-crowd-royal-albert-hall-homecoming-2021-11-28 over Elena-Gabriela Ruse at an exhibition event in London on Sunday, Raducanu said Hamilton was a “really cool guy”.

Raducanu competed in karting and motocross events as a child, and is a big fan of Formula One.

“(Hamilton) said: ‘Be patient, you’ve just got to ride the wave. It’s all good. Don’t worry’. Good reassurance. He has been such a good role model for me in terms of helping me out through the next stages,” Raducanu told British media.

The 19-year-old also shrugged off talk of beating Hamilton to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award next month

“No, definitely not. I am rooting for Lewis in the race,” she said.

“I just don’t even think about it. For me, it’s something that’s so far out of the realms of possibility.”

Hamilton steps back into simulator in search for F1 title edge

15:50 , Dylan Terry

Lewis Hamilton has stepped back into the simulator in search of an edge in the F1 title race.

The Briton trails Max Verstappen by just eight points heading into the penultimate race of the season in Saudi Arabia, having taken back-to-back victories in Brazil and Qatar.

Hamilton has famously never been a fan of simulators, insisting it did not reflect a real racing environment and that he preferred to avoid it when possible.

But on Wednesday, the seven-time world champion shared a photo from the simulator as he studied the intricacies of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. It will be the first time an F1 race has been held on the street circuit.

Much has been made of the animosity between Hamilton and Verstappen, as well as their respective Mercedes and Red Bull teams.

However, Hamilton has insisted this week that he wants to win a record-breaking eighth title as the “purest driver” without any controversy or collisions.

Pushed further on his strategy heading into the final two races, Hamilton added: “I don’t feel too big or too successful to avoid a fight. I know that sometimes you have to take this path.

“You have to be the clever one. Sometimes you lose points, but it’s not just about me. I have 2,000 employees behind me. A selfish act where I stick to my point and don’t finish the race could cost my whole team the bonus payments at the end of the year. And then create more work on the damaged car.”

George Russell: “Kill Lando Norris!"

15:40 , Dylan Terry

Hamilton explains why he won’t be testing Mercedes’ 2022 F1 car any time soon

15:30 , Dylan Terry

Lewis Hamilton has not yet tested Mercedes’ Formula 1 car for the 2022 season because it is still on a “steep learning curve” in the wind tunnel.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, he said: “I haven’t driven the car in the sim because I’ve literally just been focusing on this one. It’s been a hard enough workload as it is.

“But I’m in constant contact with the team. Even after our races, I’m always talking about, ‘this is where our car is right now, and these are the things I want on next year’s car, keep an eye out for these things.

“These are the issues I have with the engine, I don’t want to see that next year, please fix it’. I’m constantly having these conversations with heads.

“But right now, with the progress it’s making in the wind tunnel, there is no point driving the car because it’s on a steep learning curve.”

What is DRS?

15:20 , Dylan Terry

The interval is not just important for telling who is close to an overtaking manoeuvre, but also indicates which drivers can deploy the help of DRS – drag reduction system.

DRS is allowed at designated parts of a track, usually long straights, so long as a car is within one second of the car in front. Once inside the one-second mark, the chasing driver can use DRS which opens the car’s back wing, literally reducing drag so that they speed up.

This makes overtaking easier and when overtaking is easy, F1 tends to be more entertaining.

What does ‘interval’ mean in F1?

15:10 , Dylan Terry

An ‘interval’ will often be noted on the side of the live leaderboard on TV during a race.

It is usually written next the driver’s name leading the race, and beneath next to the second-placed driver will be a time such as +3.450. The time indicates that the driver in second is 3.450 seconds behind the leader.

The same meaning will apply for all the times in the column next to drivers’ names under the word ‘interval’. So interval simply means the time gap between the named driver and the one ahead.

F1 title race: When and where will Hamilton vs Verstappen battle be decided?

15:00 , Dylan Terry

Lewis Hamilton closed further on Max Verstappen in a thrilling drivers’ championship with a dominant win at the Qatar Grand Prix.

But despite narrowing the gap to just eight points with two races remaining, the Belgian-Dutch driver (351.5 points) can close the deal in Saudi Arabia in what has been a fascinating F1 season.

Alternatively, the seven-time world champion (343.5 points) can usurp the Red Bull star for the first time since the 15th race of the season at the Russian Grand Prix, when the Briton had a two-point advantage. That ramps up the pressure at the first-ever race at the Jeddah street track on 5 December, with one mistake likely to prove vital.

There is the prospect of a first-ever title race with both drivers tied on points, while Hamilton could become the first winner since Nico Rosberg in 2016 to win the title with less Grand Prix victories than a rival, as he currently trails Verstappen 9-7.

Here’s how the title race can come to a premature close before the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 12 December...

When and where Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen title race will be decided

Season overtakes

14:50 , Dylan Terry

Williams statement on Sir Frank Williams’ death

14:40 , Dylan Terry

Five years ago on Saturday...

14:30 , Dylan Terry

Red Bull reveal key to Hamilton and Verstappen difference at Qatar Grand Prix

14:20 , Dylan Terry

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has detailed how just “one corner differentiated” them from title rivals Mercedes at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.

“One corner differentiated us all weekend and it was turn six,” conceded Horner.

“We lost two-tenths per lap every lap from Friday to Sunday at that corner, and that’s one of the things we need to understand, where do we need to improve.”

Horner also explained Red Bull’s two-stop plan for Verstappen in Qatar: “We went into the race with the intention of doing a one-stop, and then quickly saw Lewis was pushing on, so we started to push harder.

“In the first stint, Lewis had a pace advantage to us but in the second two stints, we were able to match him.

“The fact Max was able to claim the fastest lap, even prior to putting on the set of the softs at the end, was very encouraging.”

Grosjean discusses horror crash

14:10 , Dylan Terry

And here is Roman Grosjean discussing the entire incident with F1 world champion Nico Rosberg.

One year on from Grosjean crash

14:00 , Dylan Terry

A reminder of that horrific crash one year ago today. Roman Grosjean remarkably jumped away from the blaze with only minor injuries.

Drivers standings

13:50 , Dylan Terry

And here is the drivers’ championship standings. It’s so close!

Constructors standings heading to Saudi Arabia

13:40 , Dylan Terry

Here are the team standings with just two races remaining:

Red Bull don’t fear Lewis Hamilton’s ‘rocket engine’ in Saudi Arabia

13:30 , Dylan Terry

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko insists Max Verstappen has no need to fear Lewis Hamilton’s “rocket engine” ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Hamilton used a new engine system and showed prolific speed in Brazil, where he produced a stunning performance to take victory from tenth on the grid.

The Briton switched back to an older engine in Qatar without consequence, as Hamilton won again to narrow Verstappen’s lead in the championship to just eight points.

Mercedes will reinstall the new system ahead of next week’s inaugural race in Saudi Arabia, but Marko is adamant the FIA’s introduction of new rear-wing tests will limit Hamilton’s advantage.

Red Bull don’t fear Lewis Hamilton’s ‘rocket engine’ in Saudi Arabia

Hamilton details ‘clever’ strategy to defeat Verstappen and avoid ‘selfish act’

13:20 , Dylan Terry

Lewis Hamilton maintains he is being “clever” with his race strategy up against Max Verstappen as the Formula 1 title race approaches its finale.

The Briton now intends to pull out of risky on-track duels, which saw flash points at Silverstone and Monza earlier this season.

While both drivers left the track in Brazil after the Red Bull star forced them both wide at Turn 4 to retain his lead.

And Hamilton was asked if his strategy to back down against Verstappen on the track was a sign of weakness.

“When you’re on the outside, it’s almost always the more sensible option to pull back so you can finish the race,” Hamilton told Auto Motor und Sport.

“On the inside, there were situations where I clearly saw myself as being in the right, like at Silverstone, for example. Look at the pictures again. My front wheel was level with his front wheel. It wasn’t that my front wheel was at the corner entrance level with his rear wheel. If I had acted like Max in Brazil in this situation, that is, had stayed on the gas, left the track and held the position, how would that have turned out?

“I don’t feel too big or too successful to avoid a fight. I know that sometimes you have to take this path. You have to be the clever one. Sometimes you lose points, but it’s not just about me. I have 2,000 employees behind me. A selfish act where I stick to my point and don’t finish the race could cost my whole team the bonus payments at the end of the year. And then create more work on the damaged car.”

When is the next Grand Prix? Formula 1 title race set for thrilling climax

13:10 , Dylan Terry

The drivers’ championship appears set to go to the wire as a thrilling Formula 1 season draws to a close.

Lewis Hamilton is closing in on Max Verstappen with a gripping title race on a knife edge.

The Red Bull star leads by just eight points, with the Briton closing in on him as he aims for a historic eighth world title.

Hamilton, of course, has greater momentum after a dominant display last time out in Qatar saw him snatch victory, though his Belgian-Dutch rival proved his class by seizing the fastest lap and surging up to second to limit the damage.

Here’s everything you need to know about the next race:

When is the next Grand Prix? F1 title race set for thrilling climax

Sir Frank Williams tribute

12:59 , Dylan Terry

Latifi on Sir Frank Williams’ passing

12:25 , Dylan Terry

‘It’s in everyone’s interest’: Perez ready to help Verstappen win F1 title

12:15 , Dylan Terry

Sergio Perez has said he is willing to focus on helping Max Verstappen win this year’s Formula 1 championship, as the season approaches its final two races.

“It’s part of the game; Max is the one fighting for the championship, and I have no problem helping him,” the Mexican told Canal Plus, per Planet F1.

“It’s in everyone’s interest. It doesn’t bother me. Max is the driver of the moment, he’s very strong.

“It’s not easy to be his teammate, but I think I’m doing well. I would have liked to win more races, but I had to adapt to the team.

“That’s a real process with such a competitive car. It took a little longer to get started than expected, but you realise how difficult it is to be successful when you get into this sport.

“It’s not guaranteed; there are so many good drivers and good teams that you have no guarantee of winning even one grand prix.”

Sergio Perez ready to help Max Verstappen win F1 title

One year on from Grosjean crash

12:05 , Dylan Terry

Saudi Arabia will suit Hamilton more than Verstappen - Horner

11:55 , Dylan Terry

This weekend’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix will suit Lewis Hamilton more than Max Verstappen, according to Red Bull chief Christian Horner.

Dutchman Verstappen leads seven-time champion Hamilton by eight points heading into the final two races of the 2021 season.

But the Brit has reduced the gap in recent weeks after back-to-back victories in Brazil and Qatar.

And with the Saudi Arabian GP set to benefit cars built for faster circuits - such as Mercedes - Horner feels it is a track Hamilton will be confident of winning.

Saudi Arabia will suit Lewis Hamilton more than Max Verstappen, Red Bull chief admits

F1 dedication to Sir Frank Williams

11:45 , Dylan Terry

Red Bull reveal key to Hamilton and Verstappen difference at Qatar Grand Prix

11:35 , Dylan Terry

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has detailed how just “one corner differentiated” them from title rivals Mercedes at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.

“One corner differentiated us all weekend and it was turn six,” conceded Horner.

“We lost two-tenths per lap every lap from Friday to Sunday at that corner, and that’s one of the things we need to understand, where do we need to improve.”

Horner also explained Red Bull’s two-stop plan for Verstappen in Qatar: “We went into the race with the intention of doing a one-stop, and then quickly saw Lewis was pushing on, so we started to push harder.

“In the first stint, Lewis had a pace advantage to us but in the second two stints, we were able to match him.

“The fact Max was able to claim the fastest lap, even prior to putting on the set of the softs at the end, was very encouraging.”

Raikkonen prepares to bid farewell

11:25 , Dylan Terry

Wolff and Horner feud labelled ‘terrible, tacky and childish’

11:15 , Dylan Terry

Former Formula 1 tyre specialist Kees van de Grint has hit out at the feud between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner, calling the pair’s quarrels “terrible, tacky and childish”.

Mercedes chief Wolff and Red Bull boss Horner have been at odds all throughout the seasons – much like their respective on-track counterparts, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Defending champion Hamilton is looking to retain the drivers’ title for Mercedes, while Verstappen is seeking his first championship.

Van de Grint, who worked at Bridgestone during the height of Michael Schumacher’s F1 success, is much preferring the battle between Hamilton and Verstappen than Wolff and Horner’s feud.

“I think that’s terrible, I think it’s tacky,” the Dutchman told Motorsport.com. “And then marshals are insulted. It is childish.

“Let everyone focus on their own cars. We have a fantastic season, we have two great drivers who actually downgrade the rest of the field. Fantastic, that’s motorsport.

“We look at motorsport and not at this sort of thing, right? When I hear terms that I don’t want to repeat, that annoys me, too. I am sorry to hear that.”

Toto Wolff and Christian Horner feud labelled ‘terrible, tacky and childish’

Gasly reacts to Williams death

11:05 , Dylan Terry

Verstappen aims dig at Hamilton over Brazilian Grand Prix fine

10:55 , Dylan Terry

Max Verstappen has sarcastically mocked Lewis Hamilton over the FIA fines both drivers received following the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver was fined a hefty £42,000 (€50,000) for touching his title rival’s rear wing during a controversial qualifying session in Sao Paulo, which then saw the Mercedes star receive a five-place engine penalty.

Hamilton battled back from 10th on the grid to snatch a stunning win, with his celebration including a Brazilian flag, which landed him with a breach of the International Sporting Code rule concerning seat belts, leading to FIA action.

An FIA statement read: “The driver of car 44, Lewis Hamilton, undid his seat belts on the in-lap at the end of the race. While the Stewards are sympathetic to the desire to celebrate, it is fundamentally unsafe to undo the seat belts while the car is in motion. Slow speeds in these cars are very fast for an unrestrained occupant.

“Further, Formula 1 drivers set the example for junior categories. It is critical that junior category drivers learn the importance of using all the safety devices of the car at all times.

The Briton was fined £3,700 (€5,000) plus a £14,900 (€20,000) suspended fine through 2022. The total was noticeably lower than Verstappen’s.

And ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen joked he’ll consider driving without a safety belt in future as it comes with a cheaper fine.

He told DAZN: “I’m not allowed to touch a rear wing anymore, that’s for sure.

“If you do, you have to pay a big fine, but apparently it’s cheaper to drive without the belts. So I’ll think about it.”

Max Verstappen aims dig at Lewis Hamilton over Brazilian Grand Prix fine

When Lewis met Frank

10:45 , Dylan Terry

‘Straightforward and very talented’ Verstappen compared to Raikkonen

10:35 , Dylan Terry

Max Verstappen has been compared to former F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen by the president of the FIA, Jean Todt.

Verstappen leads the standings by eight points from Lewis Hamilton, and can win his first world title next weekend in Saudi Arabia.

With a final grand prix to follow in Abu Dhabi, however, Hamilton is the slight favourite to win the championship with Mercedes carrying the momentum into the season finale.

“Max is a bit like Kimi,” Todt told RaceFans, referring to the famously ice cool Fin who won the world title for Ferrari in 2007 and now drives for Alfa Romeo Racing. “Very straightforward, very talented and they have limited interest and they focus on it. Indifferent.”

‘Straightforward’ Max Verstappen compared to former F1 world champion

Russell gives touching tribute to Williams

10:25 , Dylan Terry

Hamilton explains why he won’t be testing Mercedes’ 2022 F1 car any time soon

10:15 , Dylan Terry

Lewis Hamilton has not yet tested Mercedes’ Formula 1 car for the 2022 season because it is still on a “steep learning curve” in the wind tunnel.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, he said: “I haven’t driven the car in the sim because I’ve literally just been focusing on this one. It’s been a hard enough workload as it is.

“But I’m in constant contact with the team. Even after our races, I’m always talking about, ‘this is where our car is right now, and these are the things I want on next year’s car, keep an eye out for these things.

“These are the issues I have with the engine, I don’t want to see that next year, please fix it’. I’m constantly having these conversations with heads.

“But right now, with the progress it’s making in the wind tunnel, there is no point driving the car because it’s on a steep learning curve.”

Lewis Hamilton explains why he won’t be testing Mercedes’ 2022 F1 car any time soon

Verstappen could seal title this weekend

10:05 , Dylan Terry

Max Verstappen could win his first Formula 1 world title this weekend if...

Hamilton pays tribute to Williams

09:55 , Dylan Terry

Button gives verdict on Hamilton vs Verstappen F1 title race

09:45 , Dylan Terry

Jenson Button has given his take on the Formula 1 world title race between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton with just two races remaining.

“I’m still not going to get off the fence, and that’s why it’s awesome. I actually have no idea, both are doing a great job, teams are doing a great job,” Button said.

“It looks like Mercedes has the upper hand at the moment, but the next circuit is very different. And then obviously Abu Dhabi. We don’t know what to expect from that new layout either.”

Jenson Button gives verdict on Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen F1 title race

Sir Frank Williams tribute

09:34 , Dylan Terry

Williams have paid tribute to Formula 1 legend Frank Williams with this superb video.

Red Bull don’t fear Lewis Hamilton’s ‘rocket engine’ in Saudi Arabia

09:24 , Dylan Terry

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko insists Max Verstappen has no need to fear Lewis Hamilton’s “rocket engine” ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Hamilton used a new engine system and showed prolific speed in Brazil, where he produced a stunning performance to take victory from tenth on the grid.

The Briton switched back to an older engine in Qatar without consequence, as Hamilton won again to narrow Verstappen’s lead in the championship to just eight points.

Mercedes will reinstall the new system ahead of next week’s inaugural race in Saudi Arabia, but Marko is adamant the FIA’s introduction of new rear-wing tests will limit Hamilton’s advantage.

Red Bull don’t fear Lewis Hamilton’s ‘rocket engine’ in Saudi Arabia

Formula 1 might not have survived without Sir Frank Williams, says Ecclestone

09:14 , Dylan Terry

Sir Frank Williams’ death marks the end of an era in Formula 1, the sport’s former supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said.

Williams, the founder and erstwhile team principal of the British team, died on Sunday, aged 79.

Williams was part of the sport’s fabric for more than half-a-century. He oversaw 114 wins, as well as seven drivers’ and nine constructors’ world championships.

F1 might not have survived without Sir Frank Williams – Bernie Ecclestone

Saudi Arabia will suit Hamilton more than Verstappen, Horner admits

09:01 , Jack Rathborn

This weekend’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix will suit Lewis Hamilton more than Max Verstappen, according to Red Bull chief Christian Horner.

Dutchman Verstappen leads seven-time champion Hamilton by eight points heading into the final two races of the 2021 season.

But the Brit has reduced the gap in recent weeks after back-to-back victories in Brazil and Qatar.

And with the Saudi Arabian GP set to benefit cars built for faster circuits - such as Mercedes - Horner feels it is a track Hamilton will be confident of winning.