F1

A slew of Formula One drivers, including title contenders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the ...

Formal confirmation of the penalties by the FIA is expected later on Friday. Verstappen holds an 80-point lead over Leclerc for the driver title, and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez is just five points behind the Ferrari driver in third. A slew of Formula One drivers, including title contenders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after being dealt penalties on Friday.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that Audi's arrival alongside fellow Volkswagen Group brand Porsche will only make the sport tougher.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Alfa Romeo is to end its Formula 1 partnership with Sauber from the end of next season, the Italian manufacturer announced on Friday.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Carlos Sainz headed a Ferrari 1-2 in first free practice for Formula 1's Belgium Grand Prix, as teammate Charles Leclerc beat Max Verstappen to second.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Audi has suggested that there will be no collaboration on the power unit front with fellow Volkswagen affiliate Porsche.

"And the others have powertrains that work already. And I think we will be able to develop this power train also by 2026." And we love the challenge.

Alfa Romeo say they will end their title sponsorship of Sauber when their current arrangement expires at the close of the 2023 Formula 1 campaign.

“Since the economic and industrial turnaround of the brand will be achieved in 2022, Alfa Romeo will now evaluate among the many opportunities on the table, and decide which will be the best one to sustain the long term strategy and the positioning of the Brand,” they said in a statement. But ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, with around a season and a half to go on the current agreement, Alfa Romeo took the opportunity to put an end date on their relationship with Sauber. Last month, they opted to continue into 2023 “given the promising results of the first half of the season, both in terms of performances, marketing and positive collaboration with the team”.

Never miss a moment with F1 TV Pro. Get all the track coverage and paddock gossip, onboard camera angles and expert analysis by signing up for F1 TV Pro's ...

F1 TV Pro Is available at 20% discount for three months to new subscribers in selected countries.* Alternatively, set up multiple screens and create your very own pit wall using F1 TV’s real-time content, complete with the Data Channel – putting you in control and even closer to the sport. Go deeper on all the track coverage and paddock gossip, onboard camera angles and expert analysis by signing-up to F1 TV Pro’s new mid-season offer: a 20% discount for three months to Keep an eye on potential stars of the future, such as Felipe Drugovich, Theo Pourchaire, Logan Sargeant and Arthur Leclerc. Max Verstappen is looking good for his second drivers' title, but anything can happen as he readies for his home races at Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort. Charles Leclerc has suffered some costly weekends in 2022, but he hasn’t given up hope of being champion yet.

Join us as we delve into the new and interesting technical features on display up and down the pitlane as teams prepare for Formula 1's Belgian Grand Prix, ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

German manufacturer Audi will join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier.

A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.” Audi say there are already test benches for F1 engine testing as well as for electric motor and battery testing in their Neuburg base. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.” We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.” “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.

Live commentary and updates on Friday practice for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

Bottas also set for a big drop— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) [Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-to-try-new-mercedes-f1-floor-as-porpoising-questions-remain/10358214/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-to-try-new-mercedes-f1-floor-as-porpoising-questions-remain/10358214/) [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-to-join-f1-title-rival-leclerc-at-back-of-belgian-gp-grid/10358206/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-to-join-f1-title-rival-leclerc-at-back-of-belgian-gp-grid/10358206/) [https://autosport.com/all/news/f1-belgian-gp-sainz-leads-ferrari-1-2-in-interrupted-fp1/10358237/](https://autosport.com/all/news/f1-belgian-gp-sainz-leads-ferrari-1-2-in-interrupted-fp1/10358237/) [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren.

Audi's chairman of the board of management Markus Duesmann noted that “Motorsport is an integral part of Audi's DNA.”

We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.” In regards to Duesmann’s comments on the company’s “clear sustainability goals,” F1’s new regulations for 2026 include using fully sustainable fuels and using more electrical power. “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula One, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” Domenicali said. With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. Duesmann did not specify which partner that Audi will take on. “Formula One is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.

Audi says its decision to build a different engine to fellow VW Group manufacturer Porsche for its Formula 1 entry was made to help better integration with ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

A host of drivers, including title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following ...

Meanwhile, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will take on new gearbox cases and cassettes, while Verstappen, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will change their gearbox driveline, gearchange and auxiliary components beyond their allocations. Verstappen, Norris, Ocon and Bottas will have new internal combustion engines, turbochargers and MGU-Hs - taking them above and beyond their limit for the season – while Verstappen, Ocon and Leclerc will also be penalised for taking on new MGU-Ks and, in Leclerc’s case, a new energy store. A host of drivers, including title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following power unit element changes on their cars.

Audi are coming to Formula 1 from 2026, adding a new chapter to their illustrious motorsport history. F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto delves into the ...

Helpfully for Audi, they aren’t starting from scratch. The increased electrical power and move to develop 100% sustainable fuels were key factors in attracting them to sign on the dotted line. And according to Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Audi will be making a bigger investment in F1 than they have done in any other motorsport series – Audi have 13 overall Le Mans 24 Hours wins – because they are planning to be in F1 for the long term. And while no other manufacturers are believed to be imminently making an entry, it is hoped the new regulations – coupled with Audi’s commitment, and thus belief in the new rules – could lead to more joining in the future. [RE-WATCH: Tune into a very special press conference as Audi announce F1 entry for 2026](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.livestream-tune-in-for-a-very-special-announcement-at-the-belgian-grand-prix.3afSDmOheQ33KiwWj5kjaj.html) There are already test benches for F1 engine, electric motor and battery testing in their German base in Neuburg – where the F1 PU project will run out of – and they are hopeful their personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure will be in place by the end of the year. As it stands, Audi have informed the FIA and Formula 1 that their entry is as a power unit supplier – but they intend to confirm which team they will line up with “by the end of the year”. [READ MORE: ‘It’s perfect timing due to the new rules’ – Audi boss explains why they joined F1](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-perfect-timing-due-to-the-new-rules-audi-boss-explains-why-they-joined.HM13VnGjrfTXfa6DQnbVY.html) But they won their first World Championship with Max Verstappen last year, and while they left the sport at the end of 2021, Red Bull Powertrains are still utilising their technology, which is proving to be title-contending – so that should give Audi hope. The reason for the split announcement, say Audi, is because there is a longer lead time to get a power unit project in place and they are still working out which F1 team they are going to partner with. [READ MORE: Audi to join Formula 1 from 2026](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-audi-to-join-formula-1-from-2026.yr9pFVd5nSQBbZ7EZZDLJ.html) Audi and the wider Volkswagen Group have had their eye on an entry into Formula 1 for several years now but were keen for changes to the rules to make it viable.

Max Verstappen topped the times on Friday for Red Bull ahead of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix. Here's how and when to watch qualifying.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Audi says it will make a final decision on its Formula 1 partner team by the end of the year amid links to a tie-up with Sauber.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Title contenders among SIX drivers dealt grid penalties as Mercedes 'a long way off'

“There’s some fine-tuning to do, but we’re pretty happy with the first run and the plan. we often find this on Fridays and things can change on Saturdays. I have hope that we can turn it round.” It could be tyres, temperatures or something else,” he said. “We looked at the calendar and we were running out of options, but this is a good track to overtake and we feel we should be quick here,” he said. “I’ll have to try and work through from the back of the grid,” said Verstappen.

The German brand won't field its own Formula 1 team but it will serve as an engine supplier. The 2026 season is set to introduce an improved hybrid ...

[possibility of Audi joining Formula 1](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39876210/audi-and-porsche-approved-formula-one/) has been rumored for years. The MGU-H, which currently harvests heat energy via exhaust gases in the turbocharger and can deploy electrical energy to reduce turbo lag, will be removed from the F1 power unit in 2026. Audi’s [entry into F1](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-audi-to-join-formula-1-from-2026.yr9pFVd5nSQBbZ7EZZDLJ.html) coincides with the start of these new engine rules, with the German automaker announcing its intent to start supplying engines for the 2026 season. The announcement came with images of a Formula 1 car mocked up with Audi livery. One of the stated goals of F1's revised engine regulations is to attract new power unit suppliers. [approved new engine regulations](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-fia-world-motor-sport-council-approves-power-unit-regulations-for.495Jt6I1pAAsytVVYjz2Z5.html) that will go into effect in 2026, [Audi](https://www.caranddriver.com/audi) officially announced its plans to compete in the premier open-wheel motorsport series.

Christian Horner does not see Daniel Ricciardo “as the same driver that he was” when he raced for Red Bull in Formula 1, believing his confidence has been ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary. Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both face a battle to recover from the rear of the grid after engine penalties.

Penalty drama for F1 heavyweights; Mercedes eyes unlikely first win: Talking points.

The pressure will be on him to make the most of this week’s unusual arena for the title fight. “I was very happy with the car in FP1. “It is true that Verstappen looked pretty quick today, especially in FP2 with the new soft,” Sainz admitted. “We’re going out and giving it everything we’ve got. “It’s a totally different circuit. His 80-point advantage can sustain three DNFs in a row without being overturned, giving him confidence that this weekend’s race will have no major effect on his championship trajectory. We’re low downforce here, Hungary was max downforce. He recovered to fifth after starting from the back in Canada. Zhou Guanyu is also likely to take new engine parts on Saturday and earn himself a penalty. The crucial second practice session was run in an ambient temperature of just 17°C, with the track barely 3°C warmer. That’s good news for Leclerc and Verstappen. More to the point, intermittent rain meant track running was significantly disrupted through both sessions.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the arrivals in F1 of Audi and Porsche will only make the sport tougher for all competitors.

It has been, and it's just going to get tougher with these guys coming." "I think when you see who has joined F1 in terms of automotive companies, and the very best brands in their sector outside of automotive, it shows the strength of the sport. So I think that it's brilliant for F1.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosts the 14th round of the 2022 Formula 1 season this weekend on August 26-28. Here's how and when you can watch qualifying ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary. Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both face a battle to recover from the rear of the grid after engine penalties.

Formula 1 chiefs are confident the championship can escape the previous boom and bust manufacturer cycles in the wake of the arrival of Audi and Porsche.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

The move ties in with a potential acquisition of shares by Audi as early as next year, removing the possibility of Alfa Romeo logos being on a car that is ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Live commentary and updates on Saturday practice and qualifying for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

[Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alpine-eyes-gasly-as-marko-lines-up-herta-for-alphatauri-f1-role/10358913/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alpine-eyes-gasly-as-marko-lines-up-herta-for-alphatauri-f1-role/10358913/) [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/) [Audi to enter Formula 1 from 2026](/f1/video/audi-to-enter-formula-1-from-2026/580124/) Summary [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren.

Verstappen, Leclerc to battle for spot... at the back of the grid: F1 qualifying LIVE.

I think today was the worst of the weather.” That means they will start from the back of the field along with another four drivers who have chosen to switch to new engines for the Belgian race weekend. at the back of the grid: F1 qualifying LIVE

Lando Norris says he has no sympathy for Daniel Ricciardo's struggles to find form with the McLaren MCL36 Formula 1 car.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary. Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both face a battle to recover from the rear of the grid after engine penalties.

Sergio Perez led a Red Bull 1-2 in final practice ahead of Formula 1's 2022 Belgian Grand Prix as Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc spun into the wall.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.