MAX VERSTAPPEN

Amid a boom in popularity worldwide, F1 and its American owners Liberty Media have been trying to up the calendar of races for some time.

Verstappen now has a 116-point lead over Charles Leclerc, who finished second after another questionable strategy decision from Ferrari on its home track. With just six races remaining, the Dutch driver could mathematically clinch the title in Singapore next month. It was the first time Verstappen has set foot on the iconic Monza podium, with his highest previous finish being fifth in 2018. Verstappen started seventh after he was among a number of drivers hit by grid penalties in Monza but made his way up to third by the first corner of the second lap. Ferrari decided to bring Leclerc in to change to medium tires, allowing Verstappen to take the lead.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen again made light work of starting down the grid as he won the Italian Grand Prix to leave him within touching distance of a second successive title.

The FIA is reportedly considering offering American driver Colton Herta an exemption to receive the Super License he needs to compete in Formula One.

Max Verstappen stood on his car to milk the applause as the 100,000-strong Orange Army engulfed their national hero in a sea of their favorite color after he won the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday. “Very lovely result guys,” Verstappen said to his team, before telling his legions of supporters he was “proud to be Dutch." My apologies to the team,” Hamilton said. Verstappen started well and shut the door on Leclerc while Sainz held off Hamilton on the outside. Verstappen came in on the next lap as Red Bull matched Ferrari’s strategy, while Mercedes stayed out with Hamilton leading from Russell.

Verstappen’s 10th win matched his tally from last year and the Red Bull driver extended his championship lead to 109 points. George Russell finished second for Mercedes ahead of Leclerc, with Lewis Hamilton dropping from first to fourth. Hamilton misjudged his restart and Verstappen overtook him straight away to bring a huge roar from the Orange Army. Hamilton appeared to brake late when Russell overtook him and they nearly collided. It got worse as Leclerc overtook Hamilton to move into third on an otherwise poor day for a Ferrari team unable to cut out the most basic errors.

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen made quick work of a safety car restart to win the Dutch Grand Prix in front of 100,000 adoring fans, and make it four straight wins for the first time in his F1 career.

Max Verstappen stood on his car to milk the applause as the 100,000-strong Orange Army engulfed their national hero in a sea of their favorite color after he won the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday. “It’s nice to see all the crowd and the craziness, I appreciate it a lot,” Verstappen said. It seems a question now of when, rather than if, the Red Bull driver seals the title and if he can beat Sebastian Vettel’s F1 record of 13 wins in a season from 2013 — also achieved with Red Bull.

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — (AP) — Max Verstappen produced a brilliant final lap to take pole position for Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix just ahead of Charles Leclerc. Leclerc had the leading time and went even faster on his final run to pressure Verstappen. Moments after Verstappen crossed the line, Perez spun off the track to bring a yellow flag for the closing seconds. Vettel looked good for Q2 but went wide into gravel near the end of his final run. Leclerc led Saturday's third and final practice by just .066 seconds from Russell and .161 ahead of Verstappen.

Max Verstappen produced a brilliant final lap to take the pole position for Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix just ahead of Charles Leclerc.

Max Verstappen produced a brilliant final lap to take pole position for Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix just ahead of Charles Leclerc. The Red Bull driver edged Leclerc's Ferrari by just .021 seconds on Saturday to huge roars from Verstappen's Orange Army of fans. The widespread use of flares from Verstappen’s fans has been a concern at some races, particularly at the Red Bull Ring in Austria in July and at last weekend's Belgian GP — both packed with Verstappen supporters.

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — (AP) — Formula One points champion Max Verstappen quickly carved his way through the field from 14th to win the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday and widen his lead in in the title race. Verstappen was leading the race by lap 12, and he earned a bonus point for fastest lap. His third straight win was his ninth this season and 29th overall. Leclerc started 15th and finished fifth behind the Mercedes of George Russell, but Leclerc dropped to sixth after he was handed a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. As for his title race with Verstappen?

Formula One champion Max Verstappen quickly carved his way through the field from 14th to win the Belgian Grand Prix and widen his lead in the standings.

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — (AP) — Carlos Sainz Jr. will start from the pole Sunday at the Belgian Grand Prix because runaway Formula One points leader Max Verstappen was among the many drivers to be hit with grid penalties. Sainz was actually second fastest to Verstappen in Saturday qualifying but the reigning world champion will drop to 15th ahead of the start. Sainz was pleased with his starting position but his Ferrari was an unsettling .632-seconds slower than Verstappen in qualifying. With all the penalties, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez (third-fastest in qualifying) will start second ahead of Fernando Alonso of Alpine. It means every driver on the F1 grid has now made it to the final round at least once this year.

Carlos Sainz Jr. will start from the pole Sunday at the Belgian Grand Prix because runaway Formula One points leader Max Verstappen was among the many drivers to be hit with grid penalties.

Charles Leclerc really needed the Formula One break to clear his mind. Leclerc won two of the first three races for Ferrari as Verstappen's Red Bull had reliability woes. The mental strain built up before the summer break for Leclerc as he was confronted with confusing team calls, while also getting furious at some of his own driving errors.

(AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (Darko Bandic)BUDAPEST, Hungary — (AP) — Formula One champion Max Verstappen overcame a spin and his worst starting spot of the season to win the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. His eighth win of the season pushed Verstappen's lead to 80 points over Charles Leclerc as F1 heads into its mid-season break. Verstappen's eighth win of the season was the 28th of the Dutchman's career. He qualified a season-worst 10th because of a loss of power on Saturday, then in Sunday's race Verstappen did a 360-degree spin. Leclerc passed Verstappen, only to lose position soon after because Verstappen had faster tires.

Formula One champion Max Verstappen overcame a spin and his worst starting spot of the season to win the Hungarian Grand Prix and stretch his lead to to 80 points in the standings over Charles Leclerc.

Formula One’s former race director Michael Masi has described the abuse he received on social media following last season’s controversial call at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The F1 circus is back after just one week for its final race before the traditional summer shutdown for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Here's everything you need to know about the Hungarian Grand Prix:Hungarian Grand Prix TV scheduleFans in the United States can watch practices, qualifying and the race on TV via the ABC/ESPN family of networks or stream it via ESPN or F1TV Pro. Despite the comparative lack of overtakes, the Hungaroring has a knack for producing the odd race winner. Leclerc is also the favorite for the race win at at +110 again ahead of Verstappen (+160) and Sainz (+600). Seven-time series champion Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time winner at the Hungaroring but clocks in at the fourth-best odds for pole (+800) and the race win (+1000).

(AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (Darko Bandic)BUDAPEST, Hungary — (AP) — Max Verstappen supports banning abusive fans from races, but the reigning Formula One champion believes drivers have limited influence in curbing the boorish behavior seen at recent events. Verstappen called on F1 and race promoters to implement stronger deterrents to the unruliness in the grandstands. But when asked if Verstappen could directly calm fans himself, he pushed responsibility onto F1 and called for heightened security. But it didn't change how he approaches his craft, which he learned from his father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen. They don’t put any extra pressure on me to perform.”___More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Formula One champion Max Verstappen supports banning abusive fans from races but believes drivers have limited influence in curbing the boorish behavior seen at recent events.

France F1 GP Auto Racing Track marshals remove car of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco after he crashed into the track wall during the French Formula One Grand Prix at Paul Ricard racetrack in Le Castellet, southern France, Sunday, July 24, 2022. (Eric Gaillard/Pool via AP) (Eric Gaillard)LE CASTELLET, France — (AP) — Defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix on Sunday after Charles Leclerc crashed out as Ferrari's woes resurfaced, falling 63 points behind the Red Bull driver in the championship. “We’ll add things up at the end of the season, but if we’re 25 or 30 points short at the season I can only blame myself," Leclerc said. You just can’t put a car into the wall.”Perez finished fourth ahead of Sainz, who took a bonus point for fastest lap. Sainz had passed Russell and Perez when his team told him to pit for new tires with 10 laps left.

Defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen has won the French Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc crashed out as Ferrari’s woes resurfaced, falling 63 points behind the Red Bull driver in the championship.

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Max Verstappen now has a 63-point lead over Charles Leclerc after winning the French Grand Prix. Verstappen took the checkered flag 10 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton after Leclerc crashed out of the race from the lead before his first pit stop. Leclerc had held off Verstappen over the race’s opening laps and Verstappen pitted first. But Sainz was on worn medium tires and Ferrari called him in for a second pit stop. He also had to serve a five-second penalty on the pit stop for an unsafe release from his first pit stop under the caution.

The French Grand Prix will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (Manu Fernandez)LE CASTELLET, France — (AP) — Charles Leclerc used help from Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. to beat Formula One leader Max Verstappen and take pole position for the French Grand Prix on Saturday. Leclerc thanked Sainz on the team radio after his seventh pole of the season. Sainz's engine caught fire near the end of the last grand prix in Austria two weeks ago. Earlier Saturday, Verstappen comfortably led the third practice by .35 seconds from Sainz and .64 from Leclerc, with Hamilton fourth.

Charles Leclerc used help from Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. to beat Formula One leader Max Verstappen and take pole position for the French Grand Prix.

(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)After the standard fortnight break, F1 begins the second half of its season at Circuit Paul Ricard for the French Grand Prix. (ESPN2)Saturday, July 23Free Practice 3: 6:55 - 8 a.m. (ESPN2)Qualifying: 9:55 - 11 a.m. (ESPN2)Sunday, July 24Pre-show: 7:30 - 8:55 a.m. (ESPN)French Grand Prix: 8:55 - 11 a.m. (ESPN)Top drivers and best bets for the French Grand PrixIt's Max Verstappen on repeat. The next best moneyline belongs to 2018 and 2019 French Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton — making his 300th career start — at +650. Circuit Paul Ricard layout, what to expectThe first thing you notice about Paul Ricard are the blue and red striped run-off areas and myriad different configurations as it serves primarily as a test track. Forecast for the French Grand PrixHot with a chance of thunderstorms on Saturday.

United Formula One drivers are determined to help stamp out abusive behavior from some fans with Lewis Hamilton saying F1 must fight harder together to combat this and Sergio Perez urging life bans for abusers.

After winning the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, Leclerc's beaming smile was back. Sainz won last weekend at the British GP, where Leclerc dropped from first to fourth. After missing out there, Leclerc bounced back to hold off Verstappen in Austria by 1.5 seconds for a third win this season. After second place at the United States GP in May, Leclerc's five races included two DNFs, two fourth places and one fifth. But with around 20 laps to go Verstappen led again after Ferrari pitted Leclerc and Sainz in quick succession.

Austria F1 GP Auto Racing Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Sprint Race qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring racetrack in Spielberg, Austria, Saturday, July 9, 2022. The Austrian F1 Grand Prix will be held on Sunday July 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) (Matthias Schrader)SPIELBERG, Austria — (AP) — Formula One drivers were quick to condemn the behavior of some abusive fans at the Austrian Grand Prix. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was upset when he heard about what had taken place at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. “These things shouldn't happen.

Charles Leclerc has revived his Formula One title challenge by holding on to win the Austrian Grand Prix for a third victory of the season.

Charles Leclerc had kept putting on a brave face as success escaped him and tensions mounted at Ferrari in a run of five F1 races without a podium spot for the driver. After winning the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, Leclerc's beaming smile was back. Leclerc faced a big challenge in the closing laps as his throttle was not working properly, making it more difficult to control his speed into turns.

Austria F1 GP Auto Racing Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Sprint Race qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring racetrack in Spielberg, Austria, Saturday, July 9, 2022. The Austrian F1 Grand Prix will be held on Sunday July 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) (Matthias Schrader)SPIELBERG, Austria — (AP) — Formula One says it will discuss the “unacceptable” behavior of some abusive fans at the Austrian Grand Prix with the race promoter. “We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the Austrian Grand Prix,” F1 said in a statement. F1 said the abusive behavior of some fans “is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”___More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Formula One drivers have condemned the behavior of some fans at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Verstappen's second sprint win of the season gave him an additional eight points. Leclerc picked up seven points for second place and Sainz got six for finishing third with the top eight scoring points. Verstappen improved to 189 points in the overall standings and leads his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez by 38 points and Leclerc by 44. Verstappen will start at the front as he aims for a fifth win at his team's home track in Spielberg. Earlier, British GP winner Sainz led the second practice ahead of Leclerc with Verstappen finishing third.

Austria F1 GP Auto Racing Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Sprint Race qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring racetrack in Spielberg, Austria, Saturday, July 9, 2022. Verstappen's second sprint win of the season gave him an additional eight points. Verstappen will start at the front as he aims for a fifth win at his team's home track in Spielberg. In the first sprint race of the season, Verstappen overtook Leclerc to win the Emilia-Romagna GP sprint in April, then won the GP race with a fastest lap bonus for a maximum of 34 points overall. Earlier, the British GP winner Sainz led second practice ahead of Leclerc with Verstappen finishing third.

Max Verstappen comfortably won the sprint race from pole at the Austrian Grand Prix while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. almost collided as they scrapped behind him.

Max Verstappen was untroubled as he won the sprint race from pole at the Austrian Grand Prix, his effort made easier by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. scrapping each other behind him for one meager point. The positions from the sprint set the grid for Sunday’s grand prix, so Verstappen starts at the front as he aims for a fifth win at his Formula One team’s home track in Spielberg.

(AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) (Matthias Schrader)Lewis Hamilton believes he is close to winning again while Carlos Sainz Jr. is hungry for another Formula One victory heading into this weekend's Austrian Prix. It took Sainz 150 races to finally win at a crash-marred Silverstone last Sunday, when Hamilton collected a second straight podium to underline how the Mercedes upgrades are paying off. I truly believe we can get a race win this year,” Hamilton said. Well, of sorts, since it was the first time the 23-year-old German scored points in F1 after starting 31 races. Leclerc won two of the first three races of the season to pull clear of Verstappen but he's now third overall.

Lewis Hamilton believes he is close to winning again while Carlos Sainz Jr. is hungry for another Formula One victory heading into this weekend’s Austrian Prix.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both walked back to the paddock after separate crashes, while Formula One leader Max Verstappen narrowly won the pole for the sprint race ahead of both Ferraris. The sprint race sets the starting lineup for Sunday’s grand prix. Verstappen earned his third pole of the year, while Hamilton was chasing his first since the penultimate race of last season.

Britain F1 GP Auto Racing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain celebrates after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (Matt Dunham)SILVERSTONE, England — (AP) — Carlos Sainz Jr. won his first career Formula One race on Sunday with a victory at the British Grand Prix — the most dramatic race so far this season. But a safety car came out and Ferrari brought Sainz into the pits for fresher, grippier soft tires. Sergio Pérez passed Hamilton and Leclerc after the restart and finished second behind Sainz. Speaking after the race, Hamilton signaled his support for the protesters.

Britain F1 GP Auto Racing Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco steers his car during the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (Frank Augstein)SILVERSTONE, England — (AP) — Carlos Sainz Jr. won his his first career Formula One race on Sunday with a victory at the British Grand Prix — the most dramatic race so far this season. But a safety car came out and Ferrari brought Sainz into the pits for fresher, grippier soft tires. Leclerc was left on older, hard tires and Sainz soon passed his teammate to regain the lead and pull away for his first victory in his 150th F1 start. Vamos!” Sainz radioed Ferrari.

Carlos Sainz Jr. has won his first career Formula One race with a victory in the British Grand Prix.

(AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (Frank Augstein)SILVERSTONE, England — (AP) — It took 151 attempts for Carlos Sainz to earn his first Formula One pole. Verstappen was booed by some in the crowd after Saturday's action-packed qualifying session in the rain, and said he could barely hear his on-track interview questions over the jeers. I don’t care.”Sainz set the fastest time late in the third qualifying session to edge Verstappen by just .072 seconds. “First pole position, it's always special, and especially to do it in Silverstone in the wet,” Sainz said. The incident further heightened their often-bitter rivalry in a title race ultimately won by Verstappen, and turned some British fans against Verstappen.

The British F1 Grand Prix is held on Sunday July 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (Frank Augstein)SILVERSTONE, England — (AP) — Carlos Sainz was fastest in the rain in Saturday qualifying for the British Grand Prix to earn his first career pole position in his 150th start. "I don’t care.”Sainz set the fastest time late in the third qualifying session to edge Verstappen by just .072 seconds. “First pole position, it's always special, and especially to do it in Silverstone in the wet,” Sainz said. Verstappen and Hamilton collided in last year's race, with Verstappen hitting the wall while Hamilton overcame a penalty to win.

Britain F1 GP Auto Racing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain steers his car during the qualifying session for the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Saturday, July 2, 2022. The British F1 Grand Prix is held on Sunday July 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (Frank Augstein)SILVERSTONE, England — (AP) — Carlos Sainz was fastest in the rain at the British Grand Prix to earn his first career pole position in his 150th start in Saturday qualifying. It was the seventh pole in 10 races for Ferrari this season, though it was Sainz teammate Charles Leclerc on pole prior to Sainz's surprise run. “I didn’t expect that one,” Sainz told his team over the radio.

Carlos Sainz was fastest in the rain to take his first career pole position in his 150th start ahead of the British Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton said Thursday that Formula One should ignore “old voices” and reject racism as it focuses on becoming more inclusive.

Formula One great Lewis Hamilton says “archaic mindsets” have to change after retired champion Nelson Piquet champion reportedly used a racial slur against him.

F1 Canadian Grand Prix Auto Racing Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands, celebrates after winning the Canadian Grand Prix auto race Sunday, June 19, 2022, in Montreal. He noted he trailed Charles Leclerc by 46 points following the third race of the season. But there was no challenge and by the time Sainz cleared Alonso for second on Lap 2, Verstappen had already built a lead of 2.4 seconds. George Russell was fourth as Hamilton beat his new teammate for just the second time in nine races this season. Perez exited the race after just nine laps with a gearbox issue, the fourth Red Bull mechanical failure this season between Perez and Verstappen.

F1 Montreal GP Auto Racing Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, drives during the third practice session during the third practice session at the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Saturday, June 18, 2022. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press via AP) (Jacques Boissinot)MONTREAL — (AP) — Max Verstappen overcame slick conditions to win his second pole of the season, and Fernando Alonso used the wet track to earn his first front row start in a decade in rainy qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix. The Saturday run for Verstappen, the reigning Formula One champion and current points leader, was no surprise even though its the Dutchman's first career pole at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Instead, it was 40-year-old Alonso who brought the crowd to its feet with a thrilling run to qualify second. Sergio Perez crashed his Red Bull in the second session and wound up 13th — the first time he'll start lower than fifth this year.

Charles Leclerc received a 10-place grid penalty because Ferrari changed his engine ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. An engine failure knocked Leclerc out of last week's Azerbaijan Grand Prix while leading and Ferrari has since deemed the engine “beyond repair.” The FIA announced after Friday's second practice that Leclerc had taken his third fresh power plant of the year and would be penalized at the start of Sunday's race.

Domenicali traveled to South Africa after Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the person said. South Africa last hosted an F1 race in 1993. If South Africa is added, it would be the second new race for 2023, with Las Vegas already set to join next year. The South African Grand Prix was held for 25 years from 1960-85 — mostly at Kyalami — before F1 left South Africa because of the apartheid regime. A return to South Africa has been on F1's radar for some time, and a South African consortium tried to bring a street race to Cape Town 10 years ago.

Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali has arrived in South Africa for talks about holding a race in the country as early as next year.

Azerbaijan F1 GP Auto Racing Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands leads Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain during the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix at the Baku circuit, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sunday, June 12, 2022. Verstappen extended his Formula One championship lead by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday after Leclerc retired from the lead with an engine failure. Leclerc started from pole but immediately lost the lead to Sergio Pérez, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate, in the first corner. The slump in Ferrari reliability comes as Red Bull seems to have solved its own issues. Verstappen leads the standings by 21 points over Pérez, while Leclerc dropped to third and is 34 points behind Verstappen.

Max Verstappen has extended his Formula One championship lead with victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc retired from the lead with an engine failure.

Azerbaijan F1 GP Auto Racing Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco celebrates after setting the pole position in the qualifying session at the Baku circuit, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saturday, June 11, 2022. (Hamad Mohammed, Pool Via AP) (Hamad Mohammed)BAKU, Azerbaijan — (AP) — Charles Leclerc is back on pole. Leclerc has been first or second in every qualifying session this year, but has failed to convert any into victories since the Australian Grand Prix in April. He was also on pole in Azerbaijan last year, when he finished fourth. Pérez was the winner in Azerbaijan last year and is coming off his victory in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc won the pole for the fourth consecutive Formula One race.

Azerbaijan F1 GP Auto Racing Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the first free practice at the Baku circuit, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Friday, June 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits) (Sergei Grits)BAKU, Azerbaijan — (AP) — Lewis Hamilton is optimistic Mercedes has made progress toward challenging the Formula One leaders and said the “adversity” of struggling to keep up has brought the team closer together. No, but it is an experience and it's bringing the team closer," Hamilton said Friday, speaking before practice. “Obviously in Monaco there was plenty to analyze because we’ve done some mistakes," said Leclerc, who trails Verstappen by nine points. Now a title contender in his own right, 15 points off Verstappen, Pérez said the contract talks didn't define him as Verstappen's wingman.

Lewis Hamilton says he’s optimistic Mercedes has made progress toward challenging the Formula One leaders and the “adversity” of struggling to keep up has brought the team closer together.

All F1 teams have a cost cap of $140 million for 2022, but a dramatic rise in inflation and freight costs has added unexpected strains, Sky Sports reports.

Monaco F1 GP Auto Racing Red Bull driver Sergio Perez of Mexico celebrates on the podium after winning the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Sunday, May 29, 2022. Verstappen now leads Leclerc by nine points in the standings; Leclerc has two wins this season, Verstappen and Perez have combined for five victories as Red Bull and Ferrari have claimed all seven races. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner patted Perez on the back as he walked alongside the driver following the race. Perez is in a contract year and both Red Bull and Perez have said discussions on an extension would ramp up over the summer months. When the rain subsided enough to start the race, Leclerc led the field on a rolling start and started clocking fastest laps.

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez held on to win Sunday’s rain-marred and chaotic Monaco Grand Prix.

Monaco F1 GP Auto Racing Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco steers his car during qualifying session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Saturday, May 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole) (Daniel Cole)MONACO — (AP) — Charles Leclerc positioned himself to reclaim the Formula One points lead from reigning champion Max Verstappen by winning the pole for the Monaco Grand Prix. Leclerc was already atop the leaderboard Saturday when a crash by Sergio Perez stopped the session with about 30 seconds remaining. Despite the contact with Perez, Sainz qualified second as Ferrari locked out the front row for Sunday's race. He won the pole a year ago but was unable to start the race because of damage to his Ferrari suffered in warmup.

Charles Leclerc positioned himself to reclaim the Formula One championship lead from reigning champion Max Verstappen by winning the pole for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton drove at the Monaco Grand Prix with his nose stud in after Formula One’s jewelry ban was put on hold.

Lewis Hamilton can still race with his jewelry intact. “It feels like my eyeballs are coming out of their sockets,” Hamilton said after a pair of practice sessions around Monaco's downtown streets. Hamilton has been at odds with Formula One's governing body since the FIA ruled drivers cannot compete while wearing jewelry.

Charles Leclerc was about to culminate the perfect weekend

Spain F1 GP Auto Racing Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands, celebrates on the podium after winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Sunday, May 22, 2022. Then Verstappen's own Red Bull team intervened by ordering Sergio Pérez to get out of Verstappen's way. Then the Dutchman thanked Pérez, who might have won himself but settled for second when Red Bull issued team orders. But with 17 laps remaining, Red Bull told him to get out of Verstappen's way. “I am happy for the team, but we need to speak later,” Pérez told his team by radio after the 1-2 Red Bull finish.

Max Verstappen reclaimed the Formula One points lead as the reigning world champion won the Spanish Grand Prix for his third consecutive victory after Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari broke down while he was comfortably in front.

Spain F1 GP Auto Racing Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco waits in the pit during the third practice session at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Saturday, May 21, 2022. The Ferrari driver was just 0.072 seconds faster than Verstappen of Red Bull. Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, the best shot to win on home soil, was fifth-fastest Saturday morning in his Ferrari. He was 12th in Saturday morning practice for Alpine, accused the FIA of incompetence in race control, and was penalized during one of Friday's practices. Hamilton has won the Spanish GP six times, and for each of the past five years.

Formula One championship leader Charles Leclerc has swept all three practices ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Miami Grand Prix was hot, from the party scene to the weather, but it faced nearly impossible expectations. The celebrity watching was top level, certainly for a motorsports event. There was Paris Hilton, using a portable fan to cool herself as she danced in front of the McLaren garage on race day.

APTOPIX F1 Miami Grand Prix Auto Racing Red Bull mechanics and crew cheer as Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands crosses the finish line to win the Formula One Miami Grand Prix auto race at the Miami International Autodrome, Sunday, May 8, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — (AP) — Max Verstappen used an aggressive early pass on Formula One championship leader Charles Leclerc then controlled the inaugural Miami Grand Prix for his third victory of the season. The reigning world champion started third Sunday, but Red Bull quickly got the best of Ferrari for a second consecutive race. In Miami, Ferrari settled for second and third for Leclerc and Sainz. Perez was fourth for Red Bull and Mercedes showed much improvement with a fifth and sixth place finish for George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Serena Williams ducked into Mercedes' hospitality and Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny arrived at the venue with Perez and spent most of pre-race at Red Bull with the Mexican driver.

Max Verstappen used an aggressive early pass on Formula One championship leader Charles Leclerc then controlled the inaugural Miami Grand Prix to pick up his third win of the season.

It's the first front row this season for Sainz, who has been outqualified by Leclerc in all five sessions. The race marks the first of two this year in the U.S. — which has not hosted two F1 races in the same year since 1984. He'll start third on Sunday; Leclerc and Verstappen have split the first four races, two wins apiece. “I just don't think I have the confidence in the car today,” Russell radioed his Mercedes team. Michael Andretti failed last year to buy an existing F1 team and has since applied for expansion to start a new two-car team.

Ferrari stormed to the front of the grid for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix as Formula One championship leader Charles Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. locked up the front row in Saturday qualifying.

Formula One pictured a race in Miami and envisioned sun, sand, beaches and boats.

The Formula One team Red Bull has landed another billion-dollar American company as a sponsor.

Sergio Pérez looks around the top motor racing series in the world and sees a golden age for Mexican drivers.

Miami's top hotels, restaurants and night clubs are offering high-priced packages for race-goers.

Italy Emilia Romagna F1 GP Auto Racing Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix, at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy, Sunday, April 24, 2022. (Guglielmo Mangiapane, Pool via AP) (Guglielmo Mangiapane)IMOLA, Italy — (AP) — Formula One champion Max Verstappen dominated Sunday in a Red Bull rout of Ferrari at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Verstappen won from the pole, logged the fastest lap and picked up his second win of the season while leading teammate Sergio Pérez to the first one-two Red Bull finish since Malaysia in 2016. “Lovely Sunday,” Verstappen radioed his Red Bull team. It was a disastrous race for Ferrari, racing on its home soil and hoping to celebrate a return to F1 dominance.

Formula One champion Max Verstappen dominated at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix and Red Bull embarrassed Ferrari on its home soil.

Charles Leclerc has completed a dominant weekend in his Ferrari after converting pole position into a comprehensive triumph at the Australian Grand Prix.

Formula One defending champion Max Verstappen overtook Charles Leclerc three laps from the end of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for his first win of the season and 21st of his career.

Formula One champion Max Verstappen says he has a good relationship with Charles Leclerc and expects a clean title fight against the Ferrari driver this season.

Formula One champion Max Verstappen’s title defense turned into a nightmare when the Red Bull star retired near the end of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Ferrari clinched a 1-2 with Charles Leclerc winning ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton took an unexpected third place after Sergio Perez’s Red Bull also retired with the finish line in sight as the race finished under a yellow flag.

Lewis Hamilton believes fans will be in for an unusual surprise when the Formula One season starts next weekend and he begins his quest to wrestle back the title he agonizingly lost to Max Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton took nearly two months to emotionally recover from the controversial Formula One finale that cost him a record an eighth championship.

Lewis Hamilton returned to social media Saturday following a lengthy silence that dates to last season’s controversial Formula 1 finale.

Mercedes has withdrawn its appeal of the Formula One season finale in which Lewis Hamilton lost the championship to Max Verstappen.

NASCAR champion Kyle Larson is among those conflicted over the ending of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen requested race stewards not interfere with the Formula One title-deciding finale with any questionable or inconsistent calls.

Max Verstappen has won his first Formula One championship by passing Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen overcame a mistake in qualifying to grab the pole for the Formula One title-deciding Abu Dhabi GP.

The heads of Mercedes and Red Bull have shaken hands and wished one another good luck as drivers Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen head into the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen head into Sunday's season finale tied in the championship standings — the first time since 1974 the Formula One title contenders have been level ahead of the deciding race.

The most dramatic championship fight in decades will be settled in Formula One's season finale this week at Abu Dhabi with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen tied for the points lead.