Motorsport News — Smoko News Sport

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…

Formula 145d ago

Liam Lawson rejects 'false' Red Bull exit narrative, argues China performance was "used against" him

Liam Lawson has strongly shot down suggestions that his sudden demotion from Red Bull was a protective measure due to mental strength struggles, branding the public narrative around his exit as entirely false.The New Zealander endured a difficult and very short-lived stint at Red Bull alongside…

Formula 145d ago

Damon Hill: Ferrari would be "silly" not to listen to Lewis Hamilton

1996 Formula 1 champion Damon Hill has claimed that Ferrari would have been "silly" to ignore Lewis Hamilton's feedback after making such a significant financial investment in the seven-time champion. Speaking on the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast following Hamilton's emotional victory for the…

Formula 145d ago

Oliver Bearman explains why Haas targets have boosted his F1 motivation

Oliver Bearman has revealed that the infectious dedication and high targets set by the Haas Formula 1 team are boosting his own motivation to bring the American outfit towards the front of the grid.The British driver is in his second full-time season in the championship. Now with seven rounds of…

Formula 145d ago

What’s behind Honda and Aston Martin’s F1 “team gathering” in Barcelona?

The first two race weekends of Formula 1’s European season have served as another reality check for Aston Martin and its engine partner Honda. Although Fernando Alonso scored the team’s first point of the season in Monaco, he immediately added that it was no reason for celebration.During qualifying…

Formula 145d ago

James Vowles explains how Alex Albon's Barcelona GP became a test session

Williams Formula 1 team principal James Vowles has revealed the reasoning behind Alex Albon's extended pit visit during the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, explaining how a loose onboard camera prompted the team to turn a compromised race into a testing session.It was a difficult weekend for the…

Formula 145d ago

Lewis Hamilton urges more action to tackle "ridiculous" cost of motorsport

Ferrari Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton called on the FIA and F1 to implement further changes to make motorsport more accessible, citing the "ridiculous" costs of karting.Hamilton feels motorsport is going in the "wrong direction" with its cost of entry, which is making it much harder for children…

Formula 145d ago

Isack Hadjar reveals what his team-mate relationship with Max Verstappen is like

Isack Hadjar has reflected on his relationship with Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen after he joined the team alongside the four-time Formula 1 world champion.Hadjar’s convincing maiden F1 campaign earned him a graduation to the Milton Keynes-based outfit, after previous drivers repeatedly…

Formula 145d ago

The Adrian Newey quality that keeps Aston Martin believing

There's no competition for the "worst surprise" award of the 2026 Formula 1 season start, as Aston Martin - despite all the hype around Adrian Newey joining the team and leading it into the new era - sits second from last in the constructors' championship after seven rounds.With one point on the…

Formula 145d ago

James Vowles predicts "fast and frantic" Austrian GP as he sets realistic Williams expectations

Williams Formula 1 team principal James Vowles has warned that the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix could see a repeat of the team's recent struggles, anticipating a "fast and frantic" weekend.Following a difficult weekend at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, where the underlying flaws of the…

Formula 146d ago

George Russell recalls Zhou Guanyu's terrifying first-lap crash at 2022 British GP

George Russell has opened up about the harrowing first-lap crash at the 2022 British Grand Prix, explaining that human instinct rapidly kicked in when he rushed to the aid of Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu.Reflecting on his first 100 races with Mercedes, the 28-year-old pinpointed the Silverstone…

Formula 146d ago

Mercedes shoots down favouritism speculation between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes technical director James Allison blasted speculation about the team favouring one of its drivers in the Formula 1 world title fight, calling the idea “alien”.In the team’s Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, it took the unusual step to address online speculation about Mercedes prioritising its…

Formula 146d ago

Lewis Hamilton spotted in rare Ferrari at Fiorano

Lewis Hamilton has been seen driving a rather unusual piece of machinery at Ferrari's private Fiorano test track.The seven-time champion was spotted at the wheel of what looks to be the Maranello outfit's legendary Formula 1 three-seater with two passengers.The three-seater F1 car was designed by…

Formula 146d ago

Missing out on Ferrari F1 drive felt like "bleeding" to Robert Kubica

Robert Kubica revealed that racing – and winning – for AF Corse Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship helped close the deep emotional wound of his rallying accident, which interrupted his Formula 1 career.On 6 February 2011, Kubica was taking part in the Ronde di Andora rally as part of his…

Formula 146d ago

Fernando Alonso opens door to Le Mans return with Max Verstappen

Fernando Alonso has left the door open for a sensational return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, revealing that a future entry would be particularly appealing if he could share a car with four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. The two-time F1 champion is no stranger to endurance racing. During his…

Formula 146d ago

How Monaco and Barcelona exposed Aston Martin's harsh reality

Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack admitted that the weekends in Monaco and Barcelona - at two completely different circuits - left the team with no illusions about the AMR26.While the main reason for the team's weak performance is still clearly linked to Honda's power unit deficit…

Formula 146d ago

George Russell opens up on close Toto Wolff bond amid Mercedes F1 title fight

George Russell has opened up about his relationship with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, reflecting on a 12-year journey that recently culminated in his 100th grand prix start for the Brackley outfit.Russell became a member of the Mercedes Junior Team in 2017 and signed for the Williams Formula…

Supercars46d ago

Supercars Darwin: Anton De Pasquale takes commanding Hidden Valley victory

Anton De Pasquale has given Chevrolet and Team 18 their second win of the 2026 Supercars season with a convincing victory in the third and final race at Hidden Valley.After starting from third on the grid, De Pasquale made his first of two pit stops earlier than the other race contenders…

Formula 147d ago

Daniel Ricciardo shares heartfelt message after first Indy 500 visit brought back "childhood feelings"

Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about his first visit to the Indianapolis 500, describing the experience of being a fan as bringing back "childhood feelings" in a heartfelt open letter to his fans. Since stepping away from F1, the eight-time grand prix winner has embraced a…

Formula 147d ago

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari impact compared to Michael Schumacher by Claire Williams

Former Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams believes that only a select few drivers in Formula 1 history have the personality type to transform a team.Speaking on the High Performance Racing podcast, Williams reflected on Lewis Hamilton's second season at Ferrari. With the seven-time…

Formula 147d ago

As Lewis Hamilton finally scores his first Ferrari F1 win, who took even longer?

Lewis Hamilton has finally done it. At the 31st time of asking, the seven-time world champion has taken his maiden victory for Ferrari.A look at the history books shows only three drivers have required even more time before they first triumphed with the Scuderia.Carlos Sainz won at his 32nd…

Formula 147d ago

Lewis Hamilton makes Milan Fashion Week appearance after Ferrari F1 win

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has made an appearance at Milan Fashion Week, attending Ralph Lauren's Spring/Summer 2027 menswear show just days after securing his breakthrough first grand prix victory for Ferrari in Barcelona. Taking his seat on the front row, Hamilton joined an…

Formula 147d ago

Oliver Bearman admits "wrong mindset" was behind difficult start to F1 rookie season

Oliver Bearman has conceded that he entered his Formula 1 rookie season with the "wrong mindset," leading to a bruising season-opening Australian Grand Prix that was compromised by costly on-track errors.The British driver, who signed with Haas after impressing on debut with Ferrari at the 2024…

Formula 147d ago

Pierre Gasly Monaco GP podium decision draws fierce Guenther Steiner criticism

Guenther Steiner has labelled the FIA's decision to reinstate Pierre Gasly's Monaco Grand Prix podium a "debacle", warning that the ruling has opened a massive can of worms for Formula 1's regulatory consistency.Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, the former Haas team principal gave a…

Formula 147d ago

James Vowles: Drivers would tell me if they were considering other F1 options

Williams team principal James Vowles is adamant that the British Formula 1 team will be able to keep hold of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz for next season, and would be transparent if they wanted to leave.The Grove squad made significant progress with its car last season and moved up to fifth in the…

Supercars47d ago

Supercars Darwin: 20-year-old Kai Allen wins again

Kai Allen has taken Grove Racing and Ford to the top step of the podium at the second Supercars race at Hidden Valley in Darwin.The rising star of Supercars celebrated his 21st birthday a week early when he rose from sixth on the opening lap to pick off the cars in front, including team-mate Matt…

Formula 147d ago

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari win draws Michael Schumacher comparison after Barcelona F1 victory

Lewis Hamilton's first Formula 1 grand prix victory with Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix has drawn comparisons with fellow seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.F1 journalist and host of the press conferences Tom Clarkson noted a "lovely symmetry" between the Briton's triumph and…

Formula 147d ago

Claire Williams: George Russell deserves F1 title but bad luck may stick

Former Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams has shared concerns that George Russell could fall victim to a persistent streak of "bad luck" in Formula 1, potentially jeopardising his chances of ever securing a championship title.Speaking on the High Performance Racing podcast alongside…

Formula 148d ago

Oliver Bearman credits Ferrari relocation for rapid F1 maturity

Oliver Bearman believes his teenage relocation to Italy to join the Ferrari Driver Academy and the operational structure the team provided were what shaped him into the person he is today.Bearman made headlines with his sudden Formula 1 debut for Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix…

Formula 148d ago

Guenther Steiner delivers brutal Aston Martin verdict: "Not F1 standards anymore"

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has delivered a scathing assessment of Aston Martin's performance at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, branding its current campaign "not acceptable".Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner did not mince his words when asked to name his…

Formula 148d ago

Jack Doohan no longer cares what other people think after F1 hardship

Former Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan has delved into his “much stronger” state of mind, one year on from his mid-season demotion from the Alpine F1 outfit. Doohan was speaking on the eve of the Le Mans 24 Hours, which he took part in with Nielsen Racing in the LMP2 category. The #24 ORECA he shared…

Formula 148d ago

F1 fans left baffled by Sergio Perez energy drink advert

Formula 1 fans have been left baffled following the release of a new advertisement featuring Cadillac's Sergio Perez.The promotional clip for H2O Power Sergio Perez Edition recently surfaced on the brand's official Instagram page and quickly became the centre of fan discussion.At first glance, the…

Formula 148d ago

Ferrari set to introduce new F1 fuel and engine updates in Austria

Ferrari is currently waiting for official approval from the FIA before introducing its upgraded Formula 1 engine, provisionally as early as the Austrian Grand Prix. The updated power unit pushes the concept of its steel-alloy cylinder head even further. Using a steel alloy rather than aluminium for…

Formula 148d ago

Mercedes reveals conclusions after costly DNFs in recent F1 races

Mercedes has identified an issue with its battery that is at the heart of its recent Formula 1 race retirements which have cost both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, and is working on a permanent fix.After Russell’s Mercedes conked out while he was leading the Canadian Grand Prix last month…

Formula 148d ago

Carlos Sainz's theory on Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari breakthrough

Lewis Hamilton delivered his first Ferrari victory in Barcelona – one-and-a-half years after joining the team – and now sits second in the Formula 1 championship.With three more podiums already this season before his Barcelona win, Hamilton is once again making headlines.The 41-year-old has spoken…

Formula 148d ago

Jacques Villeneuve warns Red Bull has "lost its sparkle" and faces "tough" rebuild process

1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has delivered his verdict on Red Bull's current campaign, claiming that the Milton Keynes outfit has "lost its sparkle" after it has "gotten rid of everyone that's made this team what it is today."Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Show following the…

Formula 148d ago

Lewis Hamilton's rivals warned as Ferrari mentality compared to Fernando Alonso

Following Lewis Hamilton's maiden grand prix victory for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has likened the seven-time champion's relentless mentality to that of Fernando Alonso. Hamilton ended a victory drought stretching back to the 2024…

Formula 148d ago

Charles Leclerc tipped to withstand Lewis Hamilton pressure in Ferrari F1 battle

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard believes Charles Leclerc has the necessary maturity to handle the intense pressure of partnering seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, insisting the Monegasque driver will understand he cannot beat the Briton every single weekend. The dynamic at Ferrari has…

Formula 148d ago

Carlos Sainz swaps Ferrari supercars for custom Fiat Topolino in Monaco

Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz has been spotted around the streets of Monte Carlo in a customised Fiat Topolino beach car.The Spanish driver, whose garage includes Ferraris such as an 812 Competizione and a Daytona SP3, was seen using the electric quadricycle for his urban commute around…

Formula 148d ago

Mercedes explains why it won't challenge George Russell's Monaco penalties after all

The FIA announced on Thursday that Mercedes had withdrawn its request to review the Formula 1 Monaco GP results, with the team confirming the decision on Friday morning.In its statement, Mercedes explained that, following discussions with the FIA and Formula One Management, it had concluded that…