Latest: Drain covers cause problems (again) and Hamilton’s optimism

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Day 2 of Formula 1 pre-season testing faced an unexpected disruption as a red flag was triggered due to a broken drain cover at Turn 11. Approximately two hours into the session, officials halted proceedings after discovering a gap in the drain cover situated on the outside of the entry to Turn 11.

Hamilton: Mercedes has ‘clearly’ improved with W15 car

Lewis Hamilton has remarked that Mercedes has made progress after his initial encounter with the W15 car. The seven-time World Champion took to the track on Thursday, assuming testing responsibilities from teammate George Russell, who had been in charge of proceedings the day before.

Horner in vehement Red Bull defence following external criticism

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has strongly defended the relationship between the parent team and RB in response to criticism from McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

Brown has repeatedly expressed concerns about the proximity between the two entities, both under the ownership of Red Bull GmbH, especially given the new Visa Cash App RB team’s utilization of components from the highly successful RB19 within the constraints of F1’s regulations.

Russell reveals ‘phone calls’ over Hamilton Mercedes replacement

George Russell has disclosed that he has been contacted by other drivers regarding Lewis Hamilton’s vacant seat at Mercedes.

Hamilton’s decision to depart Mercedes at the conclusion of the current season, opting to join Ferrari for 2025, came as a surprise to the Formula 1 community.

Brown: Horner investigation ‘not the headlines F1 need’

Zak Brown is of the opinion that the ongoing investigation involving Christian Horner is generating headlines that Formula 1 could do without. Currently, Horner is subject to an internal investigation by Red Bull GmbH following allegations of improper conduct made against him by an employee.

Alonso pokes fun at Russell over Mercedes F1 $200m budget

Two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso made a light-hearted remark, suggesting that Lewis Hamilton’s contract might provide Mercedes with a budget advantage. This jest occurred after Hamilton’s teammate George Russell playfully interrupted Alonso during a press conference, with Russell correcting Alonso regarding details in his response to a question about pre-season testing in Bahrain.