A look at the latest F1 headlines ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli boasts a big lead at the top of the drivers’ standings(Image: Getty Images)
The F1 circus is gearing up for its final race weekend before the summer shutdown, with Kimi Antonelli looking to extend his lead in the drivers’ standings. Having seen his advantage eroded by the poor reliability of his Mercedes, the teenage sensation was imperious in Belgium last weekend, winning the race at a canter from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Meanwhile, Mercedes team-mate George Russell had a shocker, qualifying fourth and then crashing out on the first lap after making contact with Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari. That left him 50 points behind Antonelli and five points off Hamilton.
Russell desperately needs a strong weekend at the tight and twisty Hungaroring near Budapest. At a circuit where engine performance is as critical as at Spa, Ferrari and Red Bull will hope to be in the fight for race victory.
Another weekend of Antonelli dominance would deal a hammer blow to his rivals, especially Russell. Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, here’s a round-up of the latest F1 news…
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Red Bull inundated
Red Bull have been inundated by drivers interested in joining the team amid uncertainty over Max Verstappen’s future. The four-time world champion, who has been linked with Mercedes and McLaren, holds the key to the driver market.
A clause in his contract would allow him to quit the team at the end of this season. Despite his continuing frustration with the pace of the Red Bull and the sport’s current regulations, he looks more likely to change teams for 2028, as it stands.
With Verstappen considering his options, Red Bull need to prepare for life without F1’s best driver. And according to team principal Laurent Mekies, several drivers have been in touch about the potential vacancy.
Mekies told Sky Sports F1: “Look, it is working in both directions. It is completely natural that Max gets a call from everyone, because he is the best driver in the world.
Laurent Mekies is waiting for Max Verstappen to decide on his future(Image: Getty Images)
“And equally, if you are a top team, you are going to get calls from many of these good drivers around as well. So that’s natural. Is it a distraction for us? Not really.
“Our full focus is on getting that car as fast as it can [be] and then you will keep your best driver in the world. And we also see the massive growth of Isack [Hadjar] alongside Max, and that for us is the ideal pairing and we try to make sure we can keep that pairing.”
Antonelli replaced
The championship leader is among several top drivers who will be replaced for the first practice session in Hungary. F1 teams are mandated to run rookies in at least two sessions in both cars over the course of a season.
Antonelli will hand his car over to Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti. The Dane has already had a stint in Antonelli’s car this season after getting a runout in FP1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Antonelli will sit out part of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend(Image: Getty Images)
Therefore, the Italian will not be obliged to give up his car for any further sessions this season. In contrast, Russell has not been replaced for any practice sessions yet, meaning he will have to hand his car over on two occasions once the season resumes after the summer break.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri will also sit out the first practice session in Hungary, with Leonardo Fornaroli getting a runout. Meanwhile, Paul Aron (Alpine), Ryo Hirakawa (Haas) and Colton Herta (Cadillac) will replace Franco Colapinto, Oliver Bearman and Valtteri Bottas, respectively, in FP1.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of Formula 1.
Sky broadcasts every practice, qualifier and race throughout the season, as well as exclusive coverage of the Premier League, EFL, darts and golf.
