Motorsport News — Smoko News Sport

Liam Lawson shares heartbreaking note from brother about F1 sacrifices

Liam Lawson has offered emotional insight into the family sacrifices made in order for him to pursue a career in Formula 1, shedding light on a heartbreaking childhood note written by his younger brother.During an appearance on the High Performance podcast, the New Zealander opened up about the…

Formula 142d ago

F1 Austrian GP at Red Bull Ring: Friday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch

Formula 1 heads to the Red Bull Ring this weekend with the title fight tightened after Lewis Hamilton’s breakthrough Ferrari win at the Barcelona grand prix.Hamilton’s victory, combined with kimi Antonelli’s late retirement, cut into the Mercedes driver’s championship lead and gave Ferrari fresh…

Formula 142d ago

How crucial is Red Bull's Austrian GP upgrade for Max Verstappen's F1 future?

Ahead of Red Bull's home race in Spielberg, there is once again plenty of attention on Max Verstappen's Formula 1 future, just as there is on the option in George Russell's Mercedes contract – something that has been speculated about in the Italian media.In theory, Verstappen's situation remains…

Formula 142d ago

Lewis Hamilton explains neck injury that affected 2025 F1 season

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he was carrying a neck injury at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 campaign after suffering a pre-season crash.To prepare for his maiden season with Ferrari last year, the seven-time world champion conducted a private three-day testing of previous cars programme at…

Formula 142d ago

FIA abolishes presidential term limits at Macau meetings

The FIA's Extraordinary General Assemblies in Macau has voted to remove term limits for its bodies, including the FIA presidency, in a move seen as president Mohammed Ben Sulayem continuing to consolidate his power.At this week's gathering in Macau, FIA member clubs and delegates from around the…

Formula 142d ago

Pierre Gasly finally receives Monaco GP trophy after Alpine penalty appeal

Pierre Gasly has finally got his hands on his third-place trophy from the Monaco Grand Prix.The Alpine driver originally crossed the line third at the race around the streets of Monte Carlo in early June. However, two separate five-second time penalties for speeding in the pitlane demoted him to…

Formula 142d ago

George Russell: Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton a "huge threat" to F1 2026 title bid

George Russell has labelled Ferrari as a “huge threat” to Mercedes hopes of clinching the 2026 Formula 1 title after Lewis Hamilton’s emotional victory at the Barcelona Grand Prix.The seven-time world champion finally took his maiden win for Ferrari last time out, beating runner-up Russell whose…

Formula 142d ago

"No real strengths" McLaren F1 car waiting for updates, opportunities - Oscar Piastri

McLaren is currently relying on being able to "take advantage of situations around us" as its MCL40 chassis is currently running at a deficit in all facets versus Ferrari and Mercedes, according to Oscar Piastri.The Woking squad has faced a stern test of its ability to defend both championships…

Formula 142d ago

Mercedes to introduce F1 engine fixes in Austria after Kimi Antonelli’s Barcelona GP retirement

Kimi Antonelli has detailed what caused his Barcelona Grand Prix retirement and that Mercedes is set to introduce measures to solve its Formula 1 power unit unreliability from the Austrian GP.During an Italian media interview at the Red Bull Ring, Antonelli confirmed that he will run a new power…

Formula 142d ago

Charles Leclerc told to copy Lewis Hamilton's approach after Ferrari breakthrough

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner says Charles Leclerc must learn from Lewis Hamilton's assertiveness and mental approach to extract the maximum from Ferrari.Following Hamilton's breakthrough victory for the Maranello outfit at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Steiner argued…

Formula 142d ago

Anthony Hamilton's £3million classic car collection heads to Silverstone auction

Anthony Hamilton, father and former manager of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, is set to auction his private collection of 27 classic cars, estimated to be worth over £3million. The sale, which is being managed by Iconic Auctioneers, will take place on 25 July during the British…

Formula 142d ago

Why Honda will just use one of its two upgrade opportunities in F1 2026

Aston Martin Formula 1 power unit partner Honda says it will just bring one power unit improvement for this year despite being afforded two upgrade tokens.For the brand-new 2026 power units, F1's governing body the FIA devised an upgrade scheme called ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade…

Formula 142d ago

Neymar Jr shares Lewis Hamilton-inspired message after emotional World Cup comeback

Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr referenced seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton following an emotional return to international football at the ongoing 2026 World Cup tournament.After a 981-day absence from the Brazil squad due to a torn ACL sustained against Uruguay in October 2023, Neymar…

Formula 142d ago

Why Audi and Ferrari can already upgrade their F1 engines despite ADUO delay

What exactly is causing the delay?All Formula 1 manufacturers were informed of the initial results of the first ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) period during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend and therefore know where they stand, subject to the additional check. That extra…

Formula 142d ago

FIA declares Heat Hazard for F1 Austrian Grand Prix

Formula 1's governing body the FIA has declared a Heat Hazard for this weekend's Austrian GP, encouraging drivers to either wear cooling vests or attach ballast to their F1 cars.Mainland Europe has been smothered by its first major heatwave of the summer, with Austria one of several countries…

Formula 142d ago

Lewis Hamilton's Barcelona win draws Ferrari warning from Guenther Steiner

Guenther Steiner has warned Ferrari against getting carried away following Lewis Hamilton's spectacular maiden victory for the Maranello outfit at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. Hamilton and Ferrari perfectly executed a three-stop strategy in Barcelona to secure Ferrari's first win of the…

Formula 143d ago

Sky Sports F1 broadcaster confirms exit

Longtime Sky Sports Formula 1 broadcaster Rachel Brookes has confirmed she has left her role with immediate effect.Brookes joined the media conglomerate in 2009 before becoming an integral part of its F1 team from when Sky Sports obtained the broadcast rights for the United Kingdom in 2012.She is…

Formula 143d ago

Five things to look out for at the F1 Austrian GP

Formula 1 enjoyed one of its biggest feel-good stories of the 2026 campaign last time out at the Barcelona Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton finally tasted victory for Ferrari.The seven-time world champion took the chequered flag on his 31st start for the Scuderia to give Ferrari its first race win…

Formula 143d ago

Liam Lawson opens up on toxic F1 social media after online abuse

Liam Lawson has opened up about the somewhat toxic reality of modern Formula 1 fandom, revealing he was forced to completely mute all F1-related social media accounts after being targeted with horrific online abuse.The New Zealander replaced Daniel Ricciardo at Racing Bulls following the 2024…

Formula 143d ago

How Anthoine Hubert’s death changed Sebastian Vettel

It was almost seven years ago. As Formula 1 wrapped up its Saturday running, with the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel locking out the front row of the Belgian Grand Prix grid ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, Formula 2 took centre stage for its feature…

Formula 143d ago

Carlos Sainz: Even without extra weight, Williams is “not where we promised we’d be”

After Williams finished fifth in the Formula 1 constructors’ standings last season, team principal James Vowles described that position as a “new baseline” on the journey towards being a genuine world championship contender.But now, less than halfway through the 2026 season, even maintaining that…

Formula 143d ago

Ferrari set to follow Austria engine updates with new turbo after F1's summer break

Ferrari has already plotted its second ADUO-influenced power unit update for 2026, with a new turbocharger expected to arrive after the summer break to help close the gap to Mercedes.Following the first ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) checkpoint post-Montreal, Ferrari has…

Formula 143d ago

Red Bull denied claims Racing Bulls is helping – so we analysed their on-track battles

The debate surrounding common ownership in Formula 1, often linked to the two Red Bull teams, was recently reignited by Mercedes and Toto Wolff's apparent interest in acquiring shares in the Alpine outfit.While that interest never materialised into a deal, it was exactly that which prompted McLaren…

Formula 143d ago

Lando Norris gets first look at Madame Tussauds waxwork as he donates race suit

Reigning Formula 1 champion Lando Norris has finally come face to face with his first-ever Madame Tussauds London wax figure.The waxwork will go on display in London ahead of his home race, the British Grand Prix.The McLaren driver, who secured his maiden F1 drivers' championship title at the 2025…

Formula 143d ago

McLaren F1 fans praise "lovable" Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after viral video

Formula 1 fans have praised the McLaren team dynamic after the Woking outfit shared a fun video of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri scrapbooking. The short, laid-back video, which was released on the team's official YouTube channel, showed the drivers joking together as they looked back at their…

Formula 143d ago

Guenther Steiner warns Toto Wolff will use Mercedes team orders if Ferrari threat grows

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will not shy away from imposing team orders if Ferrari and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton emerge as a genuine threat for the constructors' and drivers' championships.Following a strong comeback performance…

Formula 144d ago

McLaren to trial upside-down rear wing at F1's Austrian GP

The McLaren F1 team is the latest squad to trial an upside-down rear wing concept at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, following similar designs at Ferrari and Red Bull.Ferrari shocked the F1 paddock in winter testing with a rear wing that rotated 180 degrees as straight mode was enabled, drawing…

Formula 144d ago

Shock as Audi ran upgraded F1 engine at Barcelona GP after ADUO verdict

Audi introduced a new Formula 1 power unit as early as the Barcelona Grand Prix, after the FIA communicated the results of the first ADUO period.The Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities mechanism allows engine providers who lack power to introduce extra updates, and the first review…

Formula 144d ago

From simulator to stopwatch: the creative evidence teams have used to dispute F1 race results

Formula 1 teams have the power to appeal penalties or reprimands imposed by the stewards over a race weekend. But to do so, they must present new evidence that hasn’t yet been seen before by F1’s law enforcement.As a result, teams have investigated every avenue of the series to uncover new…

Formula 144d ago

Cadillac reveals “substantial upgrade package” for F1 Austrian GP

The Cadillac Formula 1 team has revealed it is bringing another “substantial upgrade package” to this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.The new American team unsurprisingly started life in F1 as a backmarker but has been making inroads performance-wise, courtesy of consistent updates to the MAC-26.This…

Formula 144d ago

F1 revisits wet-weather boost mode as FIA ratifies rule changes

Formula 1 will partially restore Boost Mode in wet conditions for the remainder of the 2026 season for safety reasons, as the FIA's World Motor Sport Council ratifies a raft of regulation changes.Earlier this year, the FIA had banned drivers from using Boost Mode in wet conditions following driver…

Formula 144d ago

F1-like calendar, F1-like performance? How Formula E is "growing up" in its big brother's orbit

When Formula E unleashes its brand-new generation of machinery – the 600kW, all-wheel drive Gen4 car – it will do so on its most diverse calendar yet, with a mixture of street circuits, classic permanent venues and abridged grand prix tracks.The time when relatively slow and unimpressive FE cars…

Formula 144d ago

Mercedes to bring F1 pitstop challenge to Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Mercedes Formula 1 team has officially revealed its plans for the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, including a paddock experience and on-track outings.Leading the on-track running from Friday to Sunday will be Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti. The Dane is scheduled to pilot the W13 up…

Formula 144d ago

Jacques Villeneuve calls on Ferrari to favour Lewis Hamilton – but will it happen?

It is time for Ferrari to make Lewis Hamilton its number-one driver in the 2026 Formula 1 title battle, Jacques Villeneuve believes.After struggling early on at the Scuderia, Hamilton has enjoyed his best results by far in the last three rounds, taking second in Canada and Monaco before winning on…

Formula 144d ago

Fernando Alonso turns heads in Monaco with Nissan GT-R Black Edition

Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso has been spotted driving a Nissan GT-R Black Edition in Monaco.The two-time F1 champion was seen around the streets of Monte Carlo in the Japanese supercar. The GT-R Black Edition is powered by a hand-built, twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine. It…

Formula 144d ago

Charles Leclerc explains why business ventures are helping his F1 career

Charles Leclerc believes that expanding his portfolio of business ventures is helping him become a "more open-minded" Formula 1 driver, but insists his target of becoming world champion remains his absolute priority.While many drivers wait until retirement to explore entrepreneurial interests, the…

Formula 144d ago

Lewis Hamilton's emotional Ferrari win captured in behind-the-scenes video

Ferrari has offered fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the monumental weekend on which Lewis Hamilton claimed his maiden grand prix victory for the Maranello outfit at the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.Following a challenging 2025 transition period, the seven-time champion secured his…

Formula 144d ago

Williams F1 facing delayed fix as James Vowles outlines upgrade plan

Following a difficult Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Williams Formula 1 team principal James Vowles has confirmed that the weaknesses plaguing the Grove outfit's challenger will not be fixed in the immediate future. However, he remains optimistic, insisting that there is still time to salvage…

Formula 145d ago

Monaco F1 controversy goes to court: What happens next for Pierre Gasly's podium

McLaren and Red Bull are currently awaiting a date for their International Court of Appeal hearing after they took issue with the Monaco Grand Prix stewards reinstating Pierre Gasly's Formula 1 podium. Here's what happens next.How we got hereAt this month's Monaco Grand Prix, several drivers were…

Formula 145d ago

Lewis Hamilton thanks his fans: They “rescued me last year"

Lewis Hamilton's Barcelona victory, his first with Ferrari, is one of the standout feel-good moments of the 2026 Formula 1 season so far, coming after a difficult maiden campaign with the Italian team last year. He says he managed to come back "from really quite a low place" - not least because of…