Belgium - players.bio

Alpine F1 Chief Says Oscar Piastri Lacks "Integrity" In Contract Row

Alpine team chief Otmar Szafnauer on Friday accused the team's reserve driver Oscar Piastri of lacking "integrity" as a row over his future continued to dominate paddock gossip at the Belgian Grand Prix. Piastri, a 21-year-old Australian who has won the Formula Three and Two titles in successive seasons en route to a F1 career, is at the centre of a contract dispute involving Alpine as he seeks to break free. Alpine claim that Piastri, managed by compatriot and former F1 driver Mark Webber, signed a contract with them for 2023, which he has rejected as he bids to move elsewhere.

Verstappen sets Belgian GP pace and won’t ‘worry’ over grid penalty

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium: Max Verstappen oozed authority and calm on Friday as he topped the times in practice at the Belgian Grand Prix and dismissed concerns about starting Sunday’s race from the back of the grid. Red Bull’s world champion and series leader clocked a best lap in one minute and 45.507 seconds to outpace title rival Charles Leclerc of Ferrari by eight-tenths of a second to delight his ‘orange army’ of fans at the majestic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. “We’re pretty happy with that,” he said.

Sam Bennett extends lead in battle for green jersey

Sam Bennett stretched his lead in the points classification on Friday after Jesus Herrada of Cofidis sprinted to victory to take stage seven of the Vuelta a Espana, a 190km ride from Camargo to Cistierna.

Max Verstappen issues rallying cry: 'We have to' attack at Belgian Grand Prix despite grid penalty

Max Verstappen is aiming to attack at the Belgian Grand Prix despite his grid penalty for Sunday's race. The world champion is one of six drivers, including championship rival Charles Leclerc, who took a grid penalty immediately after the summer break in order to overhaul parts. Ad That means he will start towards the back of the grid, with the Dutchman expected to scrap over 15th with Leclerc in qualifying, but the Red Bull driver said little changed in how Red Bull approached the two practice sessions on Friday.