Credits: IMAGO / Eibner

Toto Wolff resumed his beef with Christian Horner on a different plane after the bombshell news of Adrian Newey’s exit. The Mercedes boss echoed Zak Brown’s notion of resumes flying around from Red Bull personnel. On this, Horner hit back at Wolff, claiming that they have poached about 220 people from Mercedes’ High-Performance Powertrains division at Brixworth.

Now, the Austrian boss has replied to counter Horner’s claim that the number of engineers poached by Red Bull is only 19. According to SoyMotor, Wolff stated, “You have to work on the mathematics. Whatever those numbers are, there are natural fluctuations that come and go, which is completely normal.”

Horner had also commented on how the hiring of engineers keeps happening as personnel move between teams. He cited the example of McLaren, who have been on a recruitment spree across their technical structure from top to bottom.

However, for Red Bull, this hiring of engineers for their powertrains division is crucial from the 2026 regulations standpoint. The RBPT division is working on the Austrian team’s first indigenous power unit for the brand-new engine regulations set to come in 2026.

Thus, poaching engineers from a veteran engine manufacturer like Mercedes will only help their cause. While they have Ford’s help and backing, Red Bull have a steep mountain to climb with their 2026 engine development.

So, it is understandable for Horner to make bold claims as a part of his mind games with their arch-rivals. However, there has been an easing of hostilities at the 2024 Imola GP among the team principals.

Toto Wolff and Christian Horner sit close at F1 CEO’s ‘tense’ and ‘ fun’ dinner

F1 boss Stefano Domenicali called for an unusual meeting of all the team principals at the Imola GP. Domenicali, hailing from the Emilia Romagna region itself, wanted to take all bosses to one of his preferred restaurants, as per GP Fans.

Now, at this dinner, Toto Wolff had to sit just one seat away from his Red Bull counterpart and arch nemesis, Christian Horner. Besides Wolff was his long-term friend and now rival boss Frederic Vasseur. Overall, it was a ‘fun’ night as per Williams’ boss James Vowles.

Even Wolff addressed the same but cited how it felt a bit “tense” initially. He stated, “I wasn’t planning to talk to everyone but at the end, we were talking to each other and the knives were back in the pocket.”

It is natural for Wolff or Horner or any other boss to feel awkward at such an unusual social get-together of rival bosses. Usually, all of them are passing comments against each other’s teams and playing mind games to beat each other on the racetrack.

Princess Catherine was spotted enjoying gardening with her children at Adelaide Cottage during her active recovery
With tender care and enthusiasm, the Princess and her three beloved children stood in the verdant gardens, their hands delving into the rich soil.

As they planted trees, they embarked on a journey of nurturing and growth, fostering life from the earth and witnessing the miracle of new beginnings firsthand.

The act represented the emergence of fresh hope and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Catherine, Princess of Wales has had an extremely difficult start to 2024 after a shocking cancer diagnosis, however, she and her children recently shared a touching moment at Adelaide Cottage , the mother of three has stepped back from

Royal duties to recuperate in private with her husband Prince William and their three children, the family of five lives at Adelaide Cottage on King Charles’s winter estate near lamri school that george charlot and louis attended, according to sources close to the royal family.

Kate Middleton Meets Princesses; Prince William Plants a Tree

Princess Catherine and her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were spotted planting in the garden of Adelaide Cottage in Adel Cottage’s Quiet Embrace amid rustling leaves and chirping birds gentle Katherine and her children find comfort and reassurance in each other’s company with tender caring enthusiasm the princess and her three beloved children stand in The Verdant Reaching out their hands digging deep into the land fertile when planting trees, they embarked on a journey of nurturing and growing nurturing life from the earth and witnessing firsthand the Miracle of new beginnings.

ACT represents the emergence of new hope and the promise of a brighter tomorrow for Catherine. This moment holds profound significance for her, a testament to her resilience and steadfast spirit in the face of challenges. recent challenge. The princess’s journey to positive recovery has been marked by grace and determination in the act of planting a tree with her children, finding solace and strength as a reminder of the power of love and family in overcoming adversity, this also helps Prince William feel more secure when not at home to perform the future king’s Royal duties.

Royal commentator Johnny Bond said Katherine has always drawn great strength and inspiration from nature and outdoor life and there is something very reassuring and optimistic about the fresh green shoots of spring, especially Especially if you’ve grown the

tree yourself, she adds, also being a leader in promoting early years development. Katherine has long been an advocate of the positive impact being outside has on our mental and physical health and like her father-in-law, King Charles, just being outdoors certainly helps she is motivated to continue her treatment and recovery over the years. Catherine has made no secret of her love of the great outdoors and has spoken proudly of the results she has achieved in the Garden her as she did in 2012 when she stated that she grew potatoes and Sachs and in 2019 while visiting the King Henry SW Garden in Isington.

Kate Middleton’s Lela Rose White Dress, Catherine Walker Green Coat Dress | Glamour

A project aimed at bringing green-fingered Londoners together she once again proved she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty by taking part in a winter planting workshop and bird box making session last year katherine supported the rhs gardening in schools campaign which aims to bring gardening and nature into the lives of young people proving that she practices what she preaches katherine also revealed that her Her youngest son who has inherited her love of slow culture says Lou is growing broad beans, which is great and like many English people. Katherine has admitted that she enjoys nothing more than a day out at her local Gordon center in 2020 during a solo holiday visit to the damn garden center near her home in the north.

Admiral, she said it was a wonderful space for children and families, from growing tomatoes during lockdown to enjoying a Venus fly trap Her passion for gardening and connecting with nature shines through her Chelsea statement The flower show launched in 2019 demonstrates her commitment to creating spaces that are not only truly stunning but also inviting to all ages Back To Nature garden with play Whimsical treehouse swings and interactive elements capture the hearts of children and adults alike. her garden designs from concept to execution demonstrate her dedication to cultivating a love of nature in the Next Generation with a thoughtful approach to gardening and outdoor activities. Katherine continues to inspire families to embrace the joys of nature together.

Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images

Ever since Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season, effectively sacking Carlos Sainz, there has been a persistent debate on whether they made the right call. Questions were asked about Ferrari’s decision because the Spaniard has been the only driver to win races for the Italian team in the past two seasons. Despite being fed up with being repeatedly asked such questions, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur provided an honest answer about why his side chose to replace Sainz with Hamilton.

According to The New York Times, Vasseur said, “I have huge respect for Carlos. I’m perfectly aware of the job he did last year. He was the architect of our recovery after the summer break. He brought us the win in Singapore and the podium in Monza.”

However, the Frenchman reasoned signing Hamilton was a “no-brainer for tons of reasons.” He added, “I had to take a decision, and the decision was harsh”.

Previously, the Ferrari boss has stormed out of interviews and snapped at reporters too for persisting with this narrative. While Sainz has undoubtedly done an incredible job for Ferrari, Vasseur believes that Hamilton’s onboarding is a move for the long-term future.

Sainz has been nip and tuck with his teammate Charles Leclerc on all fronts. While many consider Leclerc to have more raw pace and talent, the Spaniard has not languished behind the Monegasque too often.

In fact, since the summer break of 2023, Sainz’s two race wins in Singapore (2023) and Australia (2024) showcased how he can beat Leclerc on merit. When it comes to the signing of Hamilton, Vassuer believes that the Briton coming to Ferrari will help Leclerc up his game on the track.

Naturally, for the Monegasque, going against a seven-time champion would be a fantastic learning experience. Apparently, even Sainz agrees with this notion, as he wishes the best for Ferrari.

Carlos Sainz understands Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton

Carlos Sainz would have had all the reasons to express his anger about Ferrari sacking him. However, the #55 driver has the maturity to understand why the Prancing Horse made such a decision. He even mentioned he doesn’t have any “hard feelings” toward Lewis Hamilton.

Sainz also understood why the seven-time champion decided to jump ship to the Italian outfit. According to Si.com, Sainz commented,

“I think Ferrari’s a great team and at some point towards the second half of your career – or at the end, I don’t know where he’s (Lewis Hamilton) at right now, he only knows – but for sure it’s a team you would like to be part of, so I fully understand that.”

As things stand, the driver market situation is not in Sainz’s favor. The 29-year-old wishes to receive an offer from a top team and deservedly so, given his performance in the past 18 months. However, with Red Bull and Mercedes having a stronger interest in other drivers for 2025, Sainz may have to compromise and take a step back down the grid.

Credits: IMAGO / HochZwei

Pole-sitter Max Verstappen was the favorite to win the 2024 Emilia-Romagna GP. But, with Red Bull not being at its dominant best, Verstappen had to take a different approach. As such, the media wanted to get a piece of the Dutchman’s mind, but one particular reporter crossed the line – quite literally – according to an F1 security official.

As seen in a video clip, while heading to a track, Verstappen appeared to be giving an interview to a reporter. Seconds later, an official stops and drags him away from the 26-year-old, who looked surprised for a brief moment.

At the same time, there was another reporter on the track. “Max, can I have a quick word?”, she asked while the other reporter was dragged away.

The former let out a nervous laugh herself when that happened, but the fact that she could be on the track suggests that she has the necessary clearances.

Verstappen, unfazed, answered all the questions like he always does – on the track. He led the race from the get-go, never really showing any sign of losing control. Towards the end of the Grand Prix, McLaren’s Lando Norris put up a fight. But by then, it was too late.

Lando Norris is close to toppling Max Verstappen, again

Verstappen was in the lead for the majority of the race in Imola, but towards his final stint, he was having trouble with turning the RB20 on certain corners. Lando Norris, who had just won his maiden F1 Grand Prix (in Miami) in the previous round, smelled blood.

The McLaren driver pushed to his hardest and came within 0.7 seconds of Verstappen. Unfortunately, his tires gave out at the very end and he couldn’t close the gap any further. Verstappen emerged victorious, barely. And he will be wary of the coming races.

Both McLaren and Ferrari have made big strides off late. The upgrades brought in by both have helped them catch up to Red Bull, who are certainly not as dominant as they were in 2023.

The next round of the season sees the drivers and teams travel to Monaco to cap off the doubleheader. With qualifying being the most important session of the weekend in the Principality, teams will be looking to prioritize the same.

Adrian Newey has admitted for the first time that he expects to join another Formula One team following his departure from Red Bull.

Newey’s decision to leave the reigning world champions was officially announced earlier this month, with the 65-year-old calling time on his 19-year stint as Red Bull’s chief technical officer.

During an interview for Oyster Yachts with his manager Eddie Jordan, the legendary designer revealed that he is ‘seriously considering’ a move to another Formula One team after he leaves the Red Bull group in the first quarter of 2025.

‘If you’d asked me 15 years ago, at the age of 65,  whether I would be seriously considering changing teams, going somewhere else and doing another four, five years or whatever, I’d have said you were absolutely mad,’ he said.

‘But a few things have happened at once. My father, a huge car enthusiast who used to tinker around with his cars and play with them – which is where things rubbed off on me, semi-retired when he was 62 and fully retired at 65. And to be honest, it’s slightly emotional to say it, but he kind of lost his way.

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Adrian Newey has admitted for the first time that he expects to join another Formula One team

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The legendary designer’s decision to leave Red Bull in 2025 was confirmed earlier this month

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Newey opened up on his future during an interview with Eddie Jordan (right) on Thursday

‘I also asked two of the people I respect the most – Bernie (Ecclestone) and Roger Penske – what their secret is (for staying strong and healthy after retirement) and they both said that old thing that the brain is like a muscle and needs exercise.

‘I’ve wanted to work in motor racing as a designer since I was the age of eight or 10. I am lucky to have fulfilled that ambition, to have got that first job and been in motor racing ever since,

‘Every day is just a bonus really. I love what I do.

‘At some point I guess I will have a bit of a holiday. But as Forrest Gump said at the end of his long run, I feel a little bit tired at the moment but at some point I will probably go again.’

Newey has played a significant role in 13 drivers’ world championships and a dozen constructors’ titles with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

Following Newey’s decision to leave Red Bull, McLaren principal Zak Brown replied ‘never say never’ when asked about the prospect of recruiting the veteran.

Meanwhile, Williams chief James Vowles admitted he had a ‘light conversation’ with Newey after approaching the designer over a potential move in the future.

Newey, who negotiated an early exit from Red Bull, is permitted to begin work with another Formula One team from early 2025.

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Newey’s exit is believed to have stemmed partially from the controversy surrounding Red Bull chief Christian Horner, who was accused of coercive behaviour towards a female colleague

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‘Never say never!’: McLaren principal Zak Brown refused to rule out a future move for Newey

The 65-year-old’s exit is believed to have stemmed partially from the controversy surrounding Red Bull principal Christian Horner, who was accused of coercive behaviour towards a female employee.

Horner, who has persistently denied the allegations, was initially cleared of wrongdoing by Red Bull following an internal investigation, but a second probe is ongoing after the complainant appealed the decision.

Newey added: ‘To walk away from Red Bull was a very hard decision but it was one I needed to take for a whole host of reasons. They had been my family.

‘I never really thought it would be big news so for it to be in all the flipping papers and on the telly was almost a bit of a shock.’

SOURCE: MEGAThe Duchess of Sussex has long been rumored to have an interest in running for political office in America.

President Meghan Markle are three words that many analysts feel is a real possibility, except for one who finds the idea “utterly ridiculous.”

“Meghan Markle has zero qualifications for running for president or public office, and has zero chance of ever making it to the White House,” former policy advisor to Rudy Giuliani and Margaret Thatcher, Nile Gardiner, shared on X.

SOURCE: MEGAPrince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly attempting to ‘mix in political circles’ in America.

Gardiner’s remarks follow those of Erika Alexander, who acted alongside Meghan in Suits and recently commented that the ex-working royal seems poised for a political future, suggesting she could be on her way to the White House. Alexander praised the Duchess, calling her a “diplomat” and an “ambassador.”

Furthermore, a political insider suggested that Meghan’s recent visit to Nigeria might be reminiscent of Donald Trump’s transition from a business career to the presidency, despite lacking prior political experience.

The Duchess of Sussex is a British royal only by virtue of marriage, but Prince Harry is a prince of the royal blood and fifth in line to the throne. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Diana, are sixth and seventh in line, respectively. None of this can be altered without an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom. Since non-elected hereditary royals mixing in electoral politics is a no-go, Meghan’s running for American political office could set off a huge constitutional crisis in the U.K.

SOURCE: MEGAMeghan Markle wrote Nancy Pelosi a letter in 2021.

Not to mention, the United States was essentially founded on its separation from the British monarchy in 1776. Although Meghan is American, she is still royalty as long as she is married to Harry and his style and titles are kept intact. Many commentators have speculated that if the Duchess announces a bid for the presidency, King Charles III and Parliament will have to act to fully strip the Sussex family of all rank and titles.

In 2021, Meghan wrote a letter to then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and stated, “I’m not an elected official, and I’m not a politician. I am, like many, an engaged citizen and a parent. I’m writing to you on behalf of millions of American families who are using their voices to say that comprehensive paid leave should not be a place to compromise or negotiate.”

SOURCE: MEGA’Although just as despised, I don’t think Meghan Markle has Donald Trump’s crossover charisma,’ a Hollywood insider said of the Duchess of Sussex.

As The Royal Observer previously reported, Paul Burrell, the former butler, and confidant of Diana, Princess of Wales, once stated that the Duchess of Sussex will likely end up turning to politics after she fails to conquer Hollywood. “It’s not so far-fetched because they have to keep going on; they have to keep reinventing themselves because if they don’t, that brand is going to disappear, the Sussex brand will disappear,” Diana’s “rock” shared.

SOURCE: MEGAMeghan Markle worked as a senior British royal for 22 months.

British teenage star Oliver Bearman is set for an opportunity to audition for a vacant Haas seat ahead of the 2025 season.

He will undergo six practice sessions in order to get prepared for his potential next team, with Nico Hulkenberg set to depart at the end of the year, and the Haas Principal Ayao Komatsu has made it clear that his training performances are the most important factor in determining his future.

Bearman, 18, impressed in Saudi Arabia earlier this year by finishing seventh when he filled in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, and believes he is ready to take the next step in sealing a Formula One seat for next year.

When asked whether he felt he could nail down a spot at Haas through the practice sessions, Bearman said: ‘Yes, I see it of course as my chance,’ as quoted by The Mirror.

Bearman is believed to be in pole position to replace Nico Hulkenberg, while Kevin Magnussen is also out of contract at the end of the season.

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Oliver Bearman (pictured) is hopeful of securing a 2025 Haas seat, with Nico Hulkenberg departing at the end of the year

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Nico Hulkenberg (pictured) is set to join Audi for their first Formula One entry in 2026

Hulkenberg will drive for Sauber next season before joining the Audi project to become the team’s first driver for its entry to Formula One in 2026,

However, the Bearman is firm that the seat still needs to be earned.

‘Just because there is a seat free, doesn’t mean I’m entitled to it,’ he said.

Despite the significant interest from the American racing team, Bearman remains focused on his fight for the Formula Two title and then plans to ‘perform well’ and ‘show’ he is ready to jump into Formula One next year.

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Bearman was drafted in to take the place of Carlos Sainz at late notice before going on to finish seventh at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

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It was a dream debut for the new F1 star who was seen embracing his father, David, afterwards

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Despite an impressive debut for Ferrari, it seems that the British driver will have no place on the team in 2025, with Lewis Hamilton set to replace Carlos Sainz

Despite flourishing in the Middle East earlier this year, there is unlikely to be a place for Bearman at Ferrari next year, with Lewis Hamilton set to replace Carlos Sainz instead.

But the Essex-born driver’s performance at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix did catch the eye of Hamilton, as he hailed his fellow Brit’s drive ‘sensational’.

‘It has showed he is a really bright future star,’ Hamilton added.

Adrian Newey is almost certainly Ferrari-bound after admitting on Thursday that he expects to join another Formula One team before retiring.

Sources in Italy have indicated to Mail Sport that his contract with the Scuderia, which would partner him with Lewis Hamilton, is already signed.

Another senior figure in the sport said that if the ink wasn’t already dry that it soon would be.

Speculation over Newey’s future has swirled since the 65-year-old super-designer announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Red Bull after 19 years.

He has since been coy about what may come next, but on Thursday said: ‘I feel a little tired but at some point I’ll probably go again,’ adding that he was ‘seriously considering going somewhere else and doing another four or five years.’

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Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey is understood to have signed a deal to join Ferrari

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He’ll join alongside Lewis Hamilton, who announced this year that he’d be leaving Mercedes

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Newey’s exit is believed to have stemmed partially from the controversy surrounding Red Bull chief Christian Horner (right)

He noted that his father retired at 65 and ‘kind of lost his way a bit, just lost his mojo’.

Newey is wanted by most teams in the paddock having overseen technical successes at Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. He will become available after severing links with his employers early next year.

Currently earning an estimated £15million, he has every chance of securing a major rise.

Despite the Ferrari deal being done, or nearly done, McLaren have held out hope that he might be tempted back to them. Williams have also been in touch.

Newey has previously said that he regretted having not worked with Hamilton, so pairing up with the seven-time world champion at motor racing’s most fabled team offers the perfect coda to the most successful designing career the sport has known.

Newey left Red Bull for several reasons: he felt he was not given enough credit for Max Verstappen’s winning car, believing team principal Christian Horner was basking in the limelight. Then the scandal that engulfed Horner, who was cleared of misconduct towards a female employee, stoked those resentments.

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Newey opened up on his future during an interview with Eddie Jordan (right) on Thursday

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Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has done some excellent business ahead of next season

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Newey also feels that he was not given enough credit for helping build Max Verstappen’s winning car

Hamilton, for his part, said recently that Newey was top of his list.

Newey added: ‘To walk away from Red Bull was a very hard decision but it was one I needed to take for a whole host of reasons. They had been my family.

‘I never really thought it would be big news so for it to be in all the flipping papers and on the telly was a shock.’

 

SOURCE: MEGA

Kate Middleton is taking a step back from the spotlight as she undergoes cancer treatment, and Kensington Palace finally gave another update on her role.

“The princess is not expected to return to work until it’s cleared by her medical team,” the Princess of Wales’ spokesperson said. “Early childhood will continue to be central to her public work.”

SOURCE: MEGAKate Middleton announced that she was diagnosed with cancer.

In March, Kate returned to Instagram to update fans on her health after months of speculation.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery,” Kate began in a video. “It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family. In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London. At the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised I should undergo preventive chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”

SOURCE: MEGAKate Middleton won’t return to duties until she has her doctor’s approval.

“This of course comes as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this for our young family. It has taken my time for me to recover from my surgery,” she continued. “Most importantly, it has taken us time to explain to George, Charlotte and Louis and to reassure them I am going to be OK. As I’ve said to them, I am well. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort, and the love and support and kindness that has been shown from so many of you. As a family, we need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy. I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time, I am also thinking of those whose lives have been affected by cancer. Please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

SOURCE: MEGAKing Charles is protective of Kate Middleton.

Kate isn’t the only senior royal experiencing health challenges, as King Charles announced he has cancer earlier this year. OK! previously reported royal expert Christopher Andersen shared that His Majesty is protective of the princess.

“There are those inside and outside the palace who have criticized Kate over the years [before her diagnosis] for supposedly not shouldering her share of the royal burden, for not going to as many ribbon cuttings, hospital openings and plaque unveilings as the late Queen Elizabeth II, the king or Princess Anne, for instance,” Andersen told an outlet.

“It has always been Kate’s choice to prioritize her children’s well-being over royal duties,” he shared. “In the past, Charles has remained silent about this and allowed the sniping from the sidelines to continue. But no more. Now the king brooks no criticism of Kate, period.”

Road rage comes to Imola. And, as sure as the sun sets in the west, the spat involved Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who came within inches of colliding.

Fury rising, Verstappen believed he was being impeded by Hamilton while on a flying lap during practice for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Dutchman tugged his right hand low on the steering wheel to veer close to Hamilton’s front-left wheel as he passed him, before slowing down and shaking his left fist – and head – in frustration.

Hamilton had just waved his hand in apology to the Dutchman, who requires minimal stimulus to sharpen his elbows, and by that point the red mist had descended.

‘It’s not the first time,’ said Verstappen of the blocking. ‘You try to stay calm about it. But it happened again. I don’t want to talk about it too much because that’s not our issue today.’

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Max Verstappen was very upset by Lewis Hamilton’s obstruction during his flying lap at Imola

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Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes can be seen trailing Verstappen’s Red Bull, with his team-mate Sergio Perez to left of the duo

Yes, Verstappen’s mood was already scarlet, having just vented annoyance at the untypical limitations of his Red Bull. ‘My God,’ he exclaimed. ‘It’s so difficult, everything man. This time suddenly the front grips up a lot. I almost spun.’

A second of Hamilton’s bitterest jousters, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, was also fuming at his former team-mate. ‘Hamilton thinks he is the only one on the track,’ said the Spaniard. ‘It is the second lap he does it. Turn 12 and now Turn 7.’

Hamilton and Verstappen both endured erratic days. Hamilton, with a Mercedes upgrade, was fourth fastest; Verstappen only seventh – half-a-second off the pace set by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who will harbour hopes of victory on home tarmac if the Scuderia’s upgrade is up to speed.

Verstappen’s first practice session was even more scatty. Struggling, he ran off track twice. That is not his usual tram-line precision, so clearly something was amiss with his car.

The world champion is juggling his on-track commitments this weekend with taking part in a 24-hr sim race. A distraction?

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Hamilton was also criticised by his former McClaren team-mate Fernando Alonso, who claimed he ‘thinks he is the only one on the track’

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Hamilton waved his hand in apology to the Dutchman but it did little to temper his anger on track

‘You do have to go to bed on time to start the Sunday well rested,’ reasoned Verstappen. ‘It’s in my free time and I’m professional enough to see for myself what’s OK and what’s not.’

McLaren may also be in the mix for pole with Red Bull and Ferrari, judging by Oscar Piastri being second quickest on Friday, an encouraging echo of team-mate Lando Norris’s maiden win in Miami a fortnight ago.