- Formula 1 - Season 2017 -

[genius83]

Guenther Steiner: No 'hugging session' needed for Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg have moved on from their "fun" spat at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher's son Mick to drive 1994 title-winning car ahead of Belgian GP
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Mick Schumacher will drive his father's title-winning 1994 Benetton ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Honda brings update to Spa, Vandoorne receives grid penalty
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Honda is running updated power units on both McLaren cars at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

Under-pressure Jolyon Palmer refreshed by Kilimanjaro climb
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- After scaling one of the world's tallest mountains, Jolyon Palmer is ready to fight to save his Formula One career in the remaining races of 2017.

Lewis Hamilton: Sebastian Vettel doesn't want to be my teammate
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton doubts Sebastian Vettel would accept the challenge of racing alongside him at Mercedes in 2018.

Vettel: Nice to see Ferrari appreciates Kimi
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Sebastian Vettel was happy to see Ferrari retain Kimi Raikkonen next year, even though he is not expecting any news on his own future for at least two weeks.

[genius83]

Kimi Raikkonen: New Ferrari deal doesn't guarantee better results
Kimi Raikkonen is confident he can still compete for victories and world championships in Formula One.

Alonso: Difficult to predict whether Honda will come good
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Fernando Alonso has no doubt Honda is working flatout to resolve its issues, but says it is still too early to predict whether the Japanese manufacturer will produce a winning engine in time for the the start of next year.

Kimi Raikkonen on top in FP1 as Mercedes sticks to hardest tyre
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen edged Lewis Hamilton by 0.053s to top the opening practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Belgian GP
Practice Session 1
Pos Driver               Car                   Time       Gap     Laps
 1  Kimi Raikkonen       Ferrari               1:45.502s   -       13
 2  Lewis Hamilton       Mercedes              1:45.555s  0.053s   19
 3  Sebastian Vettel     Ferrari               1:45.647s  0.145s   13
 4  Max Verstappen       Red Bull/Renault      1:46.302s  0.800s   18
 5  Daniel Ricciardo     Red Bull/Renault      1:46.352s  0.850s   22
 6  Valtteri Bottas      Mercedes              1:46.424s  0.922s   20
 7  Carlos Sainz         Toro Rosso/Renault    1:47.446s  1.944s   22
 8  Esteban Ocon         Force India/Mercedes  1:47.670s  2.168s   27
 9  Daniil Kvyat         Toro Rosso/Renault    1:47.851s  2.349s   20
10  Stoffel Vandoorne    McLaren/Honda         1:47.865s  2.363s   18
11  Jolyon Palmer        Renault               1:47.930s  2.428s   14
12  Nico Hulkenberg      Renault               1:48.037s  2.535s   15
13  Fernando Alonso      McLaren/Honda         1:48.252s  2.750s   18
14  Sergio Perez         Force India/Mercedes  1:48.452s  2.950s   19
15  Lance Stroll         Williams/Mercedes     1:48.541s  3.039s   24
16  Kevin Magnussen      Haas/Ferrari          1:48.615s  3.113s   20
17  Romain Grosjean      Haas/Ferrari          1:48.626s  3.124s   20
18  Marcus Ericsson      Sauber/Ferrari        1:50.160s  4.658s   21
19  Pascal Wehrlein      Sauber/Ferrari        1:51.263s  5.761s   13
20  Felipe Massa         Williams/Mercedes      -          -        3

Ferrari: 2017 power unit improvements should not be overlooked
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Ferrari is confident it still has plenty of potential to develop its current power unit concept as it looks to gain an edge in outright power over main rivals Mercedes.

Daniel Ricciardo says Max Verstappen will calm driving style with age
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- With the dust settled from their clash at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo is certain Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen will "iron out" his first-lap collisions as he matures.

Lewis Hamilton fastest in FP2 before Spa wash-out
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton edged Kimi Raikkonen by 0.262s to top Friday's afternoon practice session, which saw the top five drivers covered by 0.5s.

Belgian GP
Practice Session 2
Pos Driver              Car                    Time       Gap     Laps
 1  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes               1:44.753s   -       17
 2  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari                1:45.015s  0.262s   21
 3  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes               1:45.180s  0.427s   17
 4  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault       1:45.225s  0.472s   16
 5  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari                1:45.235s  0.482s   20
 6  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault       1:46.072s  1.319s   15
 7  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault                1:46.441s  1.688s   24
 8  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes   1:46.473s  1.720s   19
 9  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault     1:46.561s  1.808s   19
10  Jolyon Palmer       Renault                1:46.670s  1.917s   23
11  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda          1:46.743s  1.990s   20
12  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes   1:46.984s  2.231s   18
13  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari           1:47.285s  2.532s   15
14  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda          1:47.303s  2.550s   17
15  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault     1:47.450s  2.697s   12
16  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari           1:47.556s  2.803s   15
17  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes      1:47.861s  3.108s   13
18  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari         1:49.214s  4.461s   12
19  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari         1:49.725s  4.972s   18
20  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes       -          -        -

Vettel 'not happy' with Friday performance
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Sebastian Vettel was disappointed with his performance during Friday practice at the Belgian Grand Prix after finishing the second session 0.482s off title rival Lewis Hamilton.

Felipe Massa insists crash not related to dizziness
Felipe Massa insists his crash during opening practice for the Belgian Grand Prix had nothing to do with the illness that ruled him out of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Renault: Questions remain following Kubica test
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Robert Kubica's test with Renault following the Hungarian Grand Prix did not provide the team with all the answers it wanted over his readiness for next year.

Hamilton: 'Really important' to win in Spa and Monza
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton says wins at the next two races will be important if he is to beat Sebastian Vettel to this year's title.

Sergio Perez questioned 'dirty' Kevin Magnussen block in drivers' briefing
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Sergio Perez raised Kevin Magnussen's driving to FIA race director Charlie Whiting in Friday evening's drivers' briefing after what he perceived to be a block in FP2.

Fernando Alonso expected more from new cars at Spa
Fernando Alonso says the challenge of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is little different in 2017 despite Formula One's more aggressive and demanding cars.

Renault still open to 2018 McLaren engine supply
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Renault has confirmed talks have taken place with McLaren about an engine deal for next year and managing director Cyril Abiteboul says he remains open to the idea.

Kimi Raikkonen leads Ferrari one-two in FP3
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Kimi Raikkonen set a new lap record at Spa-Francorchamps to secure the fastest time in final practice for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, while title rivals Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton were split by just 0.001s.

Belgian GP
Practice Session 3
Pos Driver              Car                    Time       Gap     Laps
 1  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari                1:43.916s   -       17
 2  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari                1:44.113s  0.197s   15
 3  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes               1:44.114s  0.198s   11
 4  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault       1:45.034s  1.118s   13
 5  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes               1:45.230s  1.314s   18
 6  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault       1:45.286s  1.370s   18
 7  Jolyon Palmer       Renault                1:45.491s  1.575s   11
 8  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes   1:45.857s  1.941s   14
 9  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault     1:45.942s  2.026s   18
10  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda          1:46.060s  2.144s   12
11  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault                1:46.064s  2.148s   11
12  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes   1:46.179s  2.263s   14
13  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari           1:46.196s  2.280s   14
14  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda          1:46.300s  2.384s   14
15  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes      1:46.620s  2.704s   18
16  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes      1:46.667s  2.751s   22
17  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari           1:46.690s  2.774s   13
18  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault     1:47.903s  3.987s    7
19  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari         1:48.296s  4.380s   17
20  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari         1:48.300s  4.384s    6

Sebastian Vettel signs three-year Ferrari extension
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Ferrari has confirmed Sebastian Vettel will remain at the team until the end of 2020.

Felipe Massa handed five-place grid penalty
Felipe Massa has been hit with a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow for double-waved yellow flags during final practice for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton ties all-time Michael Schumacher record with decisive Belgian Grand Prix pole
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton moved level with Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 68 career pole positions after setting a new track record of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and edging Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel to the top spot by 0.242s.

Belgian GP
Qualifying Session
Pos Driver              Car                    Time       Gap
 1  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes               1:42.553s   -
 2  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari                1:42.795s  0.242s
 3  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes               1:43.094s  0.541s
 4  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari                1:43.270s  0.717s
 5  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault       1:43.380s  0.827s
 6  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault       1:43.863s  1.310s
 7  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault                1:44.982s  2.429s
 8  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes   1:45.244s  2.691s
 9  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes   1:45.369s  2.816s
10  Jolyon Palmer       Renault                 -          -
11  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda          1:45.090s   -
12  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari           1:45.133s   -
13  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari           1:45.400s   -
14  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault     1:45.439s   -
15  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes      1:46.915s   -
16  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes      1:45.823s   -
17  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari         1:47.214s   -
18  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari         1:47.679s   -
19  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault     1:46.028s   -
20  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda           -          -

Fernando Alonso: McLaren would have a one-two at Spa without Honda deficit
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- After another qualifying session ended by a loss of power, Fernando Alonso took a swipe at McLaren's engine partner Honda.

Lewis Hamilton humbled to match Michael Schumacher F1 pole record
Lewis Hamilton said he was left feeling honoured and humbled after matching Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 68 Formula One pole positions in qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel thanks 'generous' Kimi Raikkonen for Q3 tow
Sebastian Vettel thanked Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen for giving him a tow on his final Q3 attempt, one which aided him to second on the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Kimi Raikkonen: My decision to help Sebastian Vettel's final lap in Q3
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS -- Kimi Raikkonen decided to give Sebastian Vettel a crucial tow on the final part of his teammate's Q3 attempt after making a mistake which compromised his own lap.

Vettel: It was a no brainer to remain at Ferrari
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- After signing a new contract with Ferrari this weekend, Sebastian Vettel said it had been a straightforward decision to commit to the Italian team for the next three years.

Valtteri Bottas unable to explain why he's missing pace at Spa-Francorchamps
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- After settling for third on the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas said he has been unable to explain his lack of pace compared to Mercedes teammate and polesitter Lewis Hamilon so far this weekend.

[genius83]

Fernando Alonso says he's had multiple offers for 2018
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Fernando Alonso claims to have had multiple offers for next season and says he has already rejected 60 per cent of them.

Toto Wolff: Mercedes did not approach Sebastian Vettel
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Toto Wolff insists Mercedes held "zero" discussions with Sebastian Vettel about the possibility of a switch from Ferrari.

Felipe Massa: Williams being out-developed by midfield rivals
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Williams' "painful" weekend leading up to the Belgian Grand Prix is proof the team is failing to match its midfield rivals' rate of development, according to Felipe Massa.

F1's drivers recall favourite Michael Schumacher memories
This weekend's Belgian Grand Prix marks 25 years since Michael Schumacher claimed his first victory in Formula One with Benetton at the same venue, Spa-Francorchamps.

Lewis Hamilton prevails at Belgian Grand Prix after Sebastian Vettel duel
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton secured an important victory in this year's title race after holding off Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel for 44 laps at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Belgian GP
Race Results
Pos Driver              Car                  Laps Time          Gap
 1  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes              44  1:24:42.820s   -
 2  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari               44                2.358s
 3  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault      44               10.791s
 4  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari               44               14.471s
 5  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes              44               16.456s
 6  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault               44               28.087s
 7  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari          44               31.553s
 8  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes     44               36.649s
 9  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes  44               38.154s
10  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault    44               39.447s
11  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes     44               48.999s
12  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault    44               49.940s
13  Jolyon Palmer       Renault               44               53.239s
14  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda         44               57.078s
15  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari          44             1:07.262s
16  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari        44             1:09.711s
17  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes  42  Not running
 -  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda         25  Retirement
 -  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault       7  Retirement
 -  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari         2  Retirement

Here is the World Standings after the Belgian GP:

World Championships Standings
Driver's Standings
Pos Driver             Points
 1  Sebastian Vettel    220
 2  Lewis Hamilton      213
 3  Valtteri Bottas     179
 4  Daniel Ricciardo    132
 5  Kimi Raikkonen      128
 6  Max Verstappen       67
 7  Sergio Perez         56
 8  Esteban Ocon         47
 9  Carlos Sainz         36
10  Nico Hulkenberg      34
11  Felipe Massa         27
12  Romain Grosjean      24
13  Lance Stroll         18
14  Kevin Magnussen      11
15  Fernando Alonso      10
16  Pascal Wehrlein       5
17  Daniil Kvyat          4
18  Stoffel Vandoorne     1
19  Jolyon Palmer         0
20  Marcus Ericsson       0
21  Antonio Giovinazzi    0

Constructor's Standings
Pos Constructor          Points
 1  Mercedes              392
 2  Ferrari               348
 3  Red Bull/Renault      199
 4  Force India/Mercedes  103
 5  Williams/Mercedes      45
 6  Toro Rosso/Renault     40
 7  Haas/Ferrari           35
 8  Renault                34
 9  McLaren/Honda          11
10  Sauber/Ferrari          5

Force India drivers no longer free to race after Belgian GP clash
After seeing the team's drivers collide twice at the Belgian Grand Prix, Force India Chief Operating Officer Otmar Szafnauer says Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon will no longer be allowed to fight each other freely.

Esteban Ocon: Sergio Perez put my life at risk
Esteban Ocon says Force India teammate Sergio Perez put both their lives at risk in their clash during the Belgian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton: NASCAR-style Safety Car was unnecessary
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton has questioned the FIA's decision to deploy a Safety Car in the closing stages of the Belgian Grand Prix, one he felt was made to ensure a close finish.

[genius83]

Sebastian Vettel: Belgian GP restart too quick for my own good
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Sebastian Vettel got close to snatching the lead from Lewis Hamilton at the Safety Car restart at the Belgian Grand Prix -- though the Ferrari driver thinks it may have been "too close" for his own good.

Kimi Raikkonen frustrated by 'completely pointless' stop-go penalty
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Kimi Raikkonen does not think he deserved a penalty for failing to obey double-waved yellows at the Belgian Grand Prix because the incident in question was not on the circuit itself.

Lewis Hamilton explains how he kept Sebastian Vettel behind at Belgian GP restart
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton says a little bit of luck and some high-speed judgement were crucial in keeping Sebastian Vettel behind him in the closing stages of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen: I'm rivalling Fernando Alonso for retirements
Max Verstappen says he is rivalling McLaren's Fernando Alonso for having the most bad luck in the 2017 Formula One season after retiring from the Belgian Grand Prix.

Valtteri Bottas: I'm not out of title race yet
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Valtteri Bottas is refusing to rule himself out of the 2017 Formula One title fight despite slipping 41 points behind Sebastian Vettel in Belgium.

Christian Horner: Red Bull not getting money's worth from Renault
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- After witnessing Max Verstappen suffer another engine failure at the Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull boss Christian Horner issued a message to Renault: "Get your act together".

Sergio Perez 'very disappointed' by Esteban Ocon's reaction to Spa clash
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Sergio Perez has hit back at Esteban Ocon after his Force India teammate claimed Perez had put his life at risk in an incident at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Ferrari's pace at Spa makes Lewis Hamilton cautious
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari's pace at the Belgian Grand Prix could be an ominous sign for the remainder of the season as he targets his fourth world title.

No sign of Alonso engine issue on Honda data
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Honda's data was showing no signs of a problem when Fernando Alonso reported an engine issue and retired his McLaren from Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

Esteban Ocon moving on from Sergio Perez clash
Esteban Ocon is ready to put the two incidents with Sergio Perez behind him after releasing a statement on Twitter saying he accepts his teammate's apology.

Toro Rosso hands Sean Gelael four FP1 outings
Toro Rosso has confirmed Formula 2 driver Sean Gelael will drive for the team in four of the next six FP1 sessions.

Sebastian Vettel: Ferrari no longer fears any circuit
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Despite finishing second to title rival Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel says Sunday's race gave his team a timely confidence boost ahead of the rest of the season.

Alonso: My stock value has never been higher
Fernando Alonso says the events of the next few weeks will determine where he is driving in 2018.

FIA clarifies oil burn restrictions after latest Mercedes update
The FIA has confirmed Mercedes' Spa engine update will not be subject to stricter oil burn regulations set to come into force from the Italian Grand Prix onwards.

Sauber explains why Honda deal fell through
Uncertainty over the future of McLaren's relationship with Honda ultimately led to Sauber pulling out of its own engine deal with the Japanese manufacturer as it couldn't guarantee a gearbox supply for 2018.

Red Bull drivers react to Vettel's new Ferrari contract
Max Verstappen says no doors have been closed by Ferrari announcing a new three-year deal with Sebastian Vettel over the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

Here is the Timing Schedule for this weekend's Italian GP:

Italian GP
Friday
Practice Session 1   13:00 To 14:30
Practice Session 2   17:00 To 18:30

Saturday
Practice Session 3   14:00 To 15:00
Qualifying Session   17:00 To 18:00

Sunday
Race                 17:00 To 19:00

[zia1288]

@genius83 what is the engine situation now? Which of the top teams are in stronger position engine wise?

[genius83]

Lewis Hamilton: Title battle with Sebastian Vettel will go down to the wire
Lewis Hamilton thinks his tense battle with Sebastian Vettel at the Belgian Grand Prix is proof the outcome of title fight could be determined by the smallest mistake.

Fernando Alonso: Lewis Hamilton pole positions a benefit of dominant car
Fernando Alonso has hailed Lewis Hamilton's "amazing number" of pole positions after his record-equalling outing at Spa, but suggested it is a by-product of years in a dominant car.

@zia1288
Ferrari have use 3 engines and Mercedes have already used the alloted 4 engines but the problem for Ferrari is in the Turbo Chargers with Vettel most likely need to have 1 or 2 new TC needed in the next races as the title fight starting to heat up and that means grid penalties. Although there are some suggestions that Ferrari was allowed by FIA to repair their damage Turbo Chargers and they have repaired them but it is uncofirmed. Here is the detailed chart of showing the engine usage by each teams:

[genius83]

Esteban Ocon: We both need to regain Force India's trust
Esteban Ocon says both he and Sergio Perez have to earn the trust of Force India again after their clash at the Belgian Grand Prix forced the team to ban them from fighting for position in future.

Sebastian Vettel: Still no team orders at Ferrari
Sebastian Vettel has refuted claims of Ferrari deploying teams orders to aid his 2017 Formula One title bid.

Hamilton planning to extend Mercedes contract
MONZA, Italy -- Lewis Hamilton is planning to sign a new contract with Mercedes before the end of the year, saying Sebastian Vettel's commitment to Ferrari for the next three seasons has made a decision about his long-term future a lot easier.

Red Bull: Performance benefits of oil burning are obvious
MONZA, Italy -- Red Bull is certain any team running a higher oil burn level than allowed in the regulations will have a clear performance advantage over its rivals.

Fernando Alonso refutes claim he retired for no reason at Belgian GP
MONZA, Italy -- Fernando Alonso says anyone who believes the idea he retired his McLaren-Honda for no reason at the Belgian Grand Prix has forgotten how hard he has worked to drag the team up the pecking order.

Alonso denies making Honda ultimatum to McLaren
MONZA, Italy -- Just one week after he was linked to a move away from McLaren, Fernando Alonso has mellowed about the prospect of remaining at the team next year -- even if it remains with struggling engine supplier Honda.

Alonso set for 35-place grid penalty at Monza
MONZA, Italy -- Fernando Alonso faces a 35-place grid penalty at the Italian Grand Prix after McLaren fitted the latest specification of Honda power unit to his car ahead of Friday practice.

Hamilton quickest as Mercedes makes ominous start at Monza
MONZA, Italy -- Lewis Hamilton topped the opening practice session of the Italian Grand Prix as Mercedes finished over one second up on title rivals and home favourites Ferrari.

Italian GP
Practice Session 1
Pos Driver              Car                   Time       Gap     Laps
 1  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes              1:21.537s   -       28
 2  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes              1:21.972s  0.435s   31
 3  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari               1:22.652s  1.115s   24
 4  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari               1:22.689s  1.152s   28
 5  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault      1:22.742s  1.205s   28
 6  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault      1:22.749s  1.212s   23
 7  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes  1:23.317s  1.780s   36
 8  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes  1:23.400s  1.863s   34
 9  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda         1:23.465s  1.928s   24
10  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes     1:23.561s  2.024s   37
11  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:23.680s  2.143s   22
12  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari          1:23.973s  2.436s   22
13  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes     1:23.991s  2.454s   30
14  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:24.012s  2.475s   27
15  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda         1:24.015s  2.478s   17
16  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari          1:24.079s  2.542s   22
17  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault               1:24.542s  3.005s   17
18  Jolyon Palmer       Renault               1:25.166s  3.629s   21
19  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari        1:25.223s  3.686s   26
20  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari        1:25.687s  4.150s   17

Red Bull drivers face grid penalties in Monza
MONZA, Italy -- Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen will both start towards the back of the grid at the Italian Grand Prix after new Renault power unit elements were fitted to their cars this weekend.

Felipe Massa wants Formula E drive after F1
Felipe Massa is keen on moving to Formula E after his Formula One career comes to an end.

Valtteri Bottas tops FP2 as Ferrari closes in on Mercedes
MONZA, Italy -- Valtteri Bottas kept Mercedes top of the pile in second practice for the Italian Grand Prix, a session which saw Ferrari and championship leader Sebastian Vettel close to within 0.140s.

Italian GP
Practice Session 2
Pos Driver              Car                   Time       Gap     Laps
 1  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes              1:21.406s   -       25
 2  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes              1:21.462s  0.056s   24
 3  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari               1:21.546s  0.140s   33
 4  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari               1:21.804s  0.398s   34
 5  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault      1:22.409s  1.003s   34
 6  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault      1:22.752s  1.346s   22
 7  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda         1:22.947s  1.541s   31
 8  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda         1:22.968s  1.562s   31
 9  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes  1:22.977s  1.571s   43
10  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes     1:22.985s  1.579s   42
11  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:23.150s  1.744s   21
12  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault               1:23.272s  1.866s   14
13  Jolyon Palmer       Renault               1:23.317s  1.911s   34
14  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes  1:23.352s  1.946s   43
15  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes     1:23.403s  1.997s   36
16  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari          1:23.567s  2.161s   31
17  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari          1:23.650s  2.244s   20
18  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:24.253s  2.847s   28
19  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari        1:24.894s  3.488s   39
20  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari        1:25.295s  3.889s   25

Sebastian Vettel: Ferrari can challenge Mercedes with improvements
Sebastian Vettel believes Ferrari can make the necessary improvements needed to challenge Formula One rivals Mercedes for victory at the Italian Grand Prix, despite being bested on Friday.

[genius83]

Mercedes: Oil burning controversy blown out of proportion
MONZA, Italy -- Toto Wolff says too much has been made of his team's engine upgrade at the Belgian Grand Prix and the fact it helped the team avoid a clampdown on oil burning.

Lewis Hamilton hoping to spoil Ferrari anniversary at Monza
MONZA, Italy -- Lewis Hamilton says he is carrying his must-win mindset from Belgium to the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

McLaren faces 'complicated' decision on 2018 engine supply
MONZA, Italy -- McLaren executive director Zak Brown says his team faces a "complicated" decision as it chooses between Renault and Honda as its 2018 engine supplier.

Felipe Massa quickest as deluge limits FP3 running
MONZA, Italy -- A heavy rainstorm on Saturday morning limited the third and final practice session for the Italian Grand Prix to a handful of laps.

Italian GP
Practice Session 3
Pos Driver              Car                   Time       Gap    Laps
 1  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes     1:40.660s   -      4
 2  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes     1:40.888s  0.228s  4
 3  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault               1:41.491s  0.831s  4
 4  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:41.515s  0.855s  5
 5  Jolyon Palmer       Renault               1:44.369s  3.709s  4
 6  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari        1:44.701s  4.041s  3
 7  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:45.033s  4.373s  4
 8  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault       -          -      1
 9  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault       -          -      1
10  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari                -          -      3
11  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari                -          -      4
12  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda          -          -      2
13  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda          -          -      4
14  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari           -          -      1
15  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari           -          -      1
16  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes   -          -      2
17  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari         -          -      2
18  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes               -          -      1
19  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes   -          -      1
20  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes               -          -      1

FIA appoints Gilles Simon as technical chief
Effective September 1, the FIA has made changes to the structure of its technical division, redistributing responsibilities for sporting and technical matters across the Federation's single-seater championships.

Sergio Marchionne: Sebastian Vettel never asked for shorter deal
Sergio Marchionne has denied claims Sebastian Vettel was pushing for a one-year deal before his longer extension was announced last week, saying the German is a "Ferrari man" through and through.

Romain Grosjean: Qualifying never should have started
Romain Grosjean believes the FIA's decision to start qualifying under heavy rain conditions was wrong after crashing in qualifying at Monza.

Lewis Hamilton claims record pole position in rain-delayed thriller
MONZA, Italy -- Lewis Hamilton set a new record for Formula One pole positions after taking the 69th of his career during a soaking wet final qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix.

Italian GP
Qualifying Session
Pos Driver              Car                  Time       Gap
 1  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes             1:35.554s   -
 2  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes    1:37.032s  1.478s
 3  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes 1:37.719s  2.165s
 4  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes             1:37.833s  2.279s
 5  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari              1:37.987s  2.433s
 6  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari              1:38.064s  2.510s
 7  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes    1:38.251s  2.697s
 8  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda        1:39.157s  3.603s
 9  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes 1:37.582s  2.028s
10  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault   1:38.245s  2.691s
11  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari         1:40.489s  4.935s
12  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari       1:41.732s  6.178s
13  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari       1:41.875s  6.321s
14  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault     1:36.702s  1.148s
15  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault              1:38.059s  2.505s
16  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault   1:38.526s  2.972s
17  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault     1:36.841s  1.287s
18  Jolyon Palmer       Renault              1:40.646s  5.092s
19  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda        1:38.202s  2.648s
20  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari         1:43.355s  7.801s

Sebastian Vettel surprised by Ferrari's Q3 struggles
Sebastian Vettel was at a loss to explain Ferrari's lack of pace during a rain-hit final qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix.

Kimi Raikkonen blames 'stupid' delay on Pirelli's wet tyre
MONZA, Italy -- Kimi Raikkonen called on Pirelli to provide Formula One with better wet-weather tyres after a long and "stupid" qualifying delay.

[genius83]

Fernando Alonso: New Monza surface not cut out for F1
MONZA, Italy -- Fernando Alonso has blamed the new tarmac at the Monza circuit for the long delay in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton glad Red Bull made him work for 69th pole
MONZA, Italy -- Following his historic lap at Monza, Lewis Hamilton thanked Red Bull pair Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo for making him work for his record-breaking 69th pole position.

Esteban Ocon: Third on the grid a gift for Force India after Spa controversy
MONZA, Italy -- Just six days after his controversial collision with Force India teammate Sergio Perez in Belgium, Esteban Ocon found the perfect way to make amends -- with a career-best qualifying display.

Lance Stroll: Wet conditions allowed me to drive naturally
MONZA, Italy -- Lance Stroll believes the wet weather conditions during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix allowed him to show more of his natural talent than at previous rounds.

Esteban Ocon: Podium the aim at Monza
MONZA, Italy -- Esteban Ocon is eyeing a first career podium at the Italian Grand Prix after his heroics in qualifying.

Massa's advice to Stroll in P2: 'Just go for it'
MONZA, Italy -- Felipe Massa has told Lance Stroll to "go for it" as his Williams teammate prepares to start alongside Lewis Hamilton on the front row of the Italian Grand Prix grid.

Stoffel Vandoorne's Q3 heroics undone by grid penalty
MONZA, Italy -- The grid penalty list for the Italian Grand Prix gained a seventh name on Sunday after McLaren confirmed an engine change for Stoffel Vandoorne.

Lewis Hamilton takes title lead with easy Monza win
MONZA, Italy -- Lewis Hamilton led home an easy Mercedes one-two at the Italian Grand Prix to take the lead of the championship for the first time in 2017.

Italian GP
Race Results
Pos Driver              Car                 Laps Time          Gap
 1  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes             53  1:15:32.312s   -
 2  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes             53                4.471s
 3  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari              53               36.317s
 4  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault     53               40.335s
 5  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari              53             1:00.082s
 6  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes 53             1:11.528s
 7  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes    53             1:14.156s
 8  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes    53             1:14.834s
 9  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes 53             1:15.276s
10  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault     52  1 Lap
11  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari         52  1 Lap
12  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault   52  1 Lap
13  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault              52  1 Lap
14  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault   52  1 Lap
15  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari         52  1 Lap
16  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari       51  2 Laps
17  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda        50  3 Laps
18  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari       49  4 Laps
 -  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda        33  Retirement
 -  Jolyon Palmer       Renault              29  Retirement

Here is the World Standings after Italian GP:

World Championships Standings
Driver's Standings
Pos Driver             Points
 1  Lewis Hamilton      238
 2  Sebastian Vettel    235
 3  Valtteri Bottas     197
 4  Daniel Ricciardo    144
 5  Kimi Raikkonen      138
 6  Max Verstappen       68
 7  Sergio Perez         58
 8  Esteban Ocon         55
 9  Carlos Sainz         36
10  Nico Hulkenberg      34
11  Felipe Massa         31
12  Lance Stroll         24
13  Romain Grosjean      24
14  Kevin Magnussen      11
15  Fernando Alonso      10
16  Pascal Wehrlein       5
17  Daniil Kvyat          4
18  Stoffel Vandoorne     1
19  Jolyon Palmer         0
20  Marcus Ericsson       0
21  Antonio Giovinazzi    0
Constructor's Standings
Pos Constructor          Points
 1  Mercedes              435
 2  Ferrari               373
 3  Red Bull/Renault      212
 4  Force India/Mercedes  113
 5  Williams/Mercedes      55
 6  Toro Rosso/Renault     40
 7  Haas/Ferrari           35
 8  Renault                34
 9  McLaren/Honda          11
10  Sauber/Ferrari          5

Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes car was a dream to drive
Lewis Hamilton says his Mercedes W08 was "a dream to drive" during the Italian Grand Prix after storming to his sixth win of the 2017 Formula One season at Monza.

Fernando Alonso accuses Monza stewards of 'having a Heineken' during Jolyon Palmer battle
MONZA, Italy -- Having spent much of the Italian Grand Prix sounding off about an incident with Renault's Jolyon Palmer, Fernando Alonso took aim at the race stewards after the race.

[genius83]

Toto Wolff thinks Ferrari took 'a step back' at Monza
MONZA, Italy -- Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was surprised to see how much title rivals Ferrari struggled to match his team's pace at the Italian Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel: Car damage masked true pace
Sebastian Vettel believes he could have been much faster in the Italian Grand Prix had he not encountered damage on his Ferrari during the closing stages of the race.

'Devastating' error ruined Lance Stroll's top-six hopes
MONZA, Italy -- Lance Stroll was forced into a defensive drive in the closing stages of the Italian Grand Prix after a mistake the teenager called "devastating".

Hamilton happy to be cast as villain at Monza after receiving boos on the podium
MONZA, Italy -- After receiving boos on the podium at the Italian Grand Prix, race winner Lewis Hamilton said he enjoyed playing the villain at Ferrari's home race.

Valtteri Bottas: Mercedes cannot afford to dwell on Monza dominance
MONZA, Italy -- Valtteri Bottas says the Mercedes he took to second place at the Italian Grand Prix felt better than it has done all year, but believes the world champions would be foolish to think its performance signals a monumental shift in the title race.

Ferrari admits it 'screwed up' at Monza
MONZA, Italy -- Ferrari's lack of pace at the Italian Grand Prix came from underestimating its home circuit, according to company chairman Sergio Marchionne.

[genius83]

Ferrari renews Philip Morris partnership
Ferrari has renewed its lucrative partnership with tobacco company Philip Morris after signing another multi-year sponsorship deal.

Vettel 'not stressed' about Mercedes' dominance at Monza
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel remains optimistic about his title chances despite Mercedes' dominance at Monza on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton feeling empowered by Formula One title lead
Lewis Hamilton has described the feeling of leading the Formula One world championship for the first time this season as "empowering", following his dominant victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

Esteban Ocon: Force India maximised Monza result
Despite being left disappointed he was unable to record his first Formula One podium, Esteban Ocon reckons Force India can be pleased it maximised its result at the Italian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen pleased with recovery after playing 'catch-up'
Max Verstappen says he can leave Monza feeling satisfied with his performance, even though he had to play "catch-up" in the Italian Grand Prix.

Jolyon Palmer: I don't care about Fernando Alonso criticism
Jolyon Palmer says he does not care about Fernando Alonso's complaints in the aftermath of their Italian Grand Prix collision, insisting he was pushed off the circuit by the Spaniard.

Fernando Alonso joins Real Madrid - sort of
Fernando Alonso has been named as an official honorary member of his boyhood football club, Real Madrid.

Haas boss Guenther Steiner: Scrapping F1 grid penalties only helps the big teams
Haas boss Guenther Steiner says Formula One should not make a knee-jerk reaction about grid penalties despite the farcical situation that played out ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

[zia1288]

@genius83 was Ferrari having really an issue or was it a damage limitation tactic to delay the 4th engine as much as possible? How many of the remaining 7 circuits will suit Ferrari, Mercedes and RB?

[genius83]

Lewis Hamilton makes 'rare' offer to test 2018 Pirellis for Mercedes
After showing reluctance to do the same last year, Lewis Hamilton has put himself forward to sample Pirelli's 2018 compounds at Paul Ricard this week.

McLaren has 'Plan B and Plan C' if Alonso leaves
McLaren says it has back-up plans if Fernando Alonso opts not to continue at the team next year.

Horner: Red Bull was second best amid 'Mercedes whitewash' at Monza
Christian Horner is convinced Red Bull had the second strongest car at Sunday's Italian Grand Prix but admits the Mercedes was on another level at Monza.

@zia1288
Ferrari have struggled in the wet qualifying and that affect their race strategy as they started way below from where they were expected from 1st or 2nd row. As starting from 3rd row which was without RedBull's penalties 4th row means they have to plan more overtakes and also chances of first corner or first lap mishaps. With more overtakes the engine need more grunt and so they can't run in the open when they have fresh sets and show the required speed to close the gap to Mercedes duo. Engines were turn down for safety purpose after half way through the race and the remaining race was just damage limitation tactic.

Ferrari have already announced that they will bring the 4th spec engine in Malaysia so there was no tactic involved in not bringing the 4th engine in Italy.

The remaining 7 circuits are suited to either Ferrari or Mercedes but RedBull is not in contention and so it is not right to discuss them with the other 2. Ferrari is the most favourite for Singapore with RedBull the close second and Mercedes is supposed to struggle here but if we see Ferrari and Mercedes battling at the front then its all over for RedBull and only unusual circumstances could allow them to reach podiums or win. Malaysia could be suited to Mercedes with fast and long sweeping turns but the weather could play some part and if its hot and humid Ferrari could have the advantage while wet could means a lottery. Japan again could play in Mercedes's hands but Ferrari could be close. Austin is another track suited to Mercedes but it also have some section that could works in Ferrari's favour. But the bigger question mark is after the devastation Harvey have caused in that area is the GP going to happen or called off. Mexico could be Ferrari's track but Mercedes also have some favourable parts and the high altitude and thin air is still going to affect the cars. Brazil is Mercedes's playground but Ferrari could have some things to say too, and if we have a wet race who knows what happens. AbuDhabi is again going to suit Mercedes but if the title fight is still on the pressure on both teams could result in some 2010 type situation for either of them.

Overall the season is looking like moving towards a close finish and if the fight lasted till the last race AbuDhabi could be a real nail biter. What I think could happen is the season will most likely be decided by reliability and grid penalties and that for me would be a really sad way to end a real thriller of a season.

[genius83]

2021 regulations could tempt McLaren to build its own engines
McLaren may consider building its own Formula One engine in 2021 if new power unit regulations make it an affordable alternative to being a customer or works team.

Arrivabene: Reason for keeping Kimi alongside Vettel is clear
Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene says retaining Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel for 2018 was the right decision for team spirit at Maranello.

Horner: F1 needs grid penalty rethink
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has called for a rethink of F1's engine penalty rules after nine of the 20 drivers taking part in the Italian Grand Prix were hit with grid drops on Sunday.

Halo might be used as F1's version of yellow jersey for championship leader
As well as protecting drivers from flying objects, the Halo could also be used to differentiate different drivers and the leader of the championship when it is introduced to Formula One next year.

Haas: We cannot waste energy on brakes in 2018
Haas boss Guenther Steiner wishes the team had been more aggressive in its hunt for a solution to its lingering brake problems at the start of 2017, a situation he says cannot be allowed to continue into next season.

Valtteri Bottas will be team player for Mercedes when necessary
Valtteri Bottas says he will always do what's best for Mercedes if asked to move over for Lewis Hamilton in the remaining races of 2017.

[genius83]

Teaser images of Mercedes' F1-powered hypercar emerge
Teaser images of Mercedes new F1-engined hypercar have emerged online ahead of its official launch at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt next week.

Renault aiming to jump from eighth to fifth over remaining races
Renault is targeting a three-place jump up the constructors' championship by the end of the season after setting its sights on beating Williams at the remaining seven rounds.

Force India: $150m the right level for a cost cap
Force India COO Otmar Szafnauer believes a $150 million cost cap is entirely possible in Formula One and could be successfully policed by the FIA.

Mercedes prepares for difficult weekend in Singapore
Mercedes is expecting a "big challenge" at this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix as it returns the scene of some of its weakest performances in recent years.

Mercedes launches a road-legal hypercar with an F1 engine
Mercedes has launched its Project One hypercar at the Frankfurt motorshow, billing the 1,000bhp road car as a "Formula One car with MOT approval".

Sebastian Vettel on Ferrari's championship run-in: 'Easy is boring'
Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari has no reason to fear any of the races coming after this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, where it is expected to be the team to beat.

Gene Haas concerned by F1 team's self-inflicted setbacks
Gene Haas believes his team would be putting Williams under pressure in the constructors' championship had it cut out mistakes in its second Formula One season.

Here is the Timing Schedule for this weekend's Singapore GP:

Singapore GP
Friday
Practice Session 1   13:30 To 15:00
Practice Session 2   17:30 To 19:00

Saturday
Practice Session 3   15:00 To 16:00
Qualifying Session   18:00 To 19:00

Sunday
Race                 17:00 To 19:00

[genius83]

Why Gene Haas is uneasy fielding Ferrari juniors
Gene Haas says it would make little business sense for his team to hand a full-time race seat to a Ferrari junior in future, despite an extensive engine and technical partnership with the Italian company.

F1 boss Chase Carey eyes new Singapore GP deal
The Singapore Grand Prix looks set to stay on the calendar beyond 2017, with Formula One boss Chase Carey keen to build a "long-term" partnership with the city-state.

Bernie Ecclestone blames McLaren for failed Honda partnership
Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has blamed McLaren for its failed partnership with Honda and said the team is unlikely to be any happier with Renault, ahead of an engine switch expected to be confirmed this week.

Valtteri Bottas to stay with Mercedes in 2018
Valtteri Bottas has been handed a contract extension at Mercedes which will keep him with the German manufacturer in 2018.

[genius83]

Perez set to sign contract extension at Force India
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Sergio Perez says it is "just a matter of time" before he signs a new contract with Force India, admitting it is a difficult time to secure a top drive in Formula One.

Fernando Alonso insists he still has good 2018 options 'everywhere'
Even though conventional paddock wisdom is that he is all but certain to remain at McLaren next season, Fernando Alonso says he is still yet to make a decision about where he will be driving in 2018.

Daniel Ricciardo: Singapore our best chance of victory
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Daniel Ricciardo believes this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix will offer him the best chance of securing a second win of the 2017 season.

Jolyon Palmer certain he will see out 2017 with Renault
As he has for most of 2017, Jolyon Palmer is ignoring press speculation that he is about to be dropped by Renault.

Kimi Raikkonen doesn't subscribe to Ferrari's favourites tag
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Kimi Raikkonen is not getting carried away with the favourites tag which has been slapped on Ferrari ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

Vettel plays down Ferrari advantage at Singapore
Sebastian Vettel does not buy into theories that the Singapore street circuit will suit Ferrari over Mercedes this weekend.

Felipe Massa: Williams needs to show it wants me to stay
Felipe Massa is still undecided on whether he wants to extend his Formula One career into a 16th season.

[mehrozniazi1]

alonso will be struggling again .....mercedes and ferrari and redbull r locked for the coming season

[genius83]

Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas confident Mercedes can fight rivals in Singapore
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas hope Mercedes' strong one-lap pace can help negate some of the advantage expected to be held by Ferrari and Red Bull in Singapore.

Singapore GP agrees new four year deal, on calendar until 2021
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- The future of the Singapore Grand Prix has been confirmed with Liberty Media and race officials agreeing to a four year contract extension which will see Formula One returning to Marina Bay until at least 2021.

Daniel Ricciardo edges Sebastian Vettel in opening practice
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Ferrari may have come to Singapore as pre-race favourites but it was Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo who claimed top honours in the opening practice session at Marina Bay.

Singapore GP
Practice Session 1
Pos Driver              Car                   Time       Gap    Laps
 1  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault      1:42.489s   -      21
 2  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari               1:42.598s  0.109s  21
 3  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault      1:42.610s  0.121s  23
 4  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes              1:42.904s  0.415s  27
 5  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes  1:43.423s  0.934s  25
 6  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes              1:43.434s  0.945s  27
 7  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari               1:43.734s  1.245s  25
 8  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda         1:43.759s  1.270s  19
 9  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault               1:44.101s  1.612s  24
10  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:44.220s  1.731s  25
11  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda         1:44.340s  1.851s  25
12  Jolyon Palmer       Renault               1:44.961s  2.472s  25
13  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes  1:45.053s  2.564s  25
14  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes     1:45.084s  2.595s  27
15  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari          1:46.456s  3.967s  20
16  Antonio Giovinazzi  Haas/Ferrari          1:46.782s  4.293s  27
17  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes     1:47.190s  4.701s  11
18  Sean Gelael         Toro Rosso/Renault    1:47.570s  5.081s  26
19  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari        1:47.699s  5.210s  23
20  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari        1:47.886s  5.397s   2

McLaren confirms Honda split as 2018 deals fall into place
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- McLaren has confirmed it will switch to Renault power next season after bringing an early end to its engine partnership with Honda.

Carlos Sainz to join Renault in 2018 on loan deal
Carlos Sainz will replace Jolyon Palmer at Renault in 2018 as part of a loan deal with Red Bull.

Toro Rosso confirms multi-year deal with Honda
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Toro Rosso has confirmed it will be powered by Honda in 2018 after entering into a multi-year partnership with the Japanese engine manufacturer.

Daniel Ricciardo still on top as Sebastian Vettel fails to execute flying lap
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- If Red Bull was mildly confident before practice in Singapore then it should leave the Marina Bay on Friday evening fancying its chances of victory.

Singapore GP
Practice Session 2
Pos Driver              Car                   Time       Gap    Laps
 1  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault      1:40.852s   -      33
 2  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault      1:41.408s  0.556s  28
 3  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes              1:41.555s  0.703s  36
 4  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes              1:42.104s  1.252s  35
 5  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault               1:42.448s  1.596s  33
 6  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda         1:42.501s  1.649s  34
 7  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda         1:42.788s  1.936s  32
 8  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes  1:42.826s  1.974s  35
 9  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari               1:42.835s  1.983s  30
10  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes  1:43.054s  2.202s  34
11  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari               1:43.104s  2.252s  33
12  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:43.236s  2.384s  38
13  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:43.608s  2.756s  32
14  Jolyon Palmer       Renault               1:43.795s  2.943s  32
15  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes     1:43.836s  2.984s  32
16  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes     1:44.301s  3.449s  32
17  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari          1:44.417s  3.565s  32
18  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari          1:44.928s  4.076s  29
19  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari        1:45.673s  4.821s  34
20  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari        1:45.721s  4.869s  35

Christian Horner: Engine swaps show flaw in F1 regulations
Christian Horner used Friday's series of announcements about engine swaps and deals to take a swipe at Formula One's current regulations.

'Not a lot made sense' for Ferrari on Friday
Kimi Raikkonen says Ferrari was taken by surprise by its lack of pace in the opening three hours of Singapore Grand Prix practice.

Daniel Ricciardo eyes a dominant weekend in Singapore
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- After three hours of practice in Singapore, Daniel Ricciardo ended the day as arguably the new man to beat this weekend, having comfortably topped both Friday sessions.

[genius83]

Sebastian Vettel convinced Ferrari will be in the fight in Singapore
Sebastian Vettel is sure Ferrari will be stronger in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix after failing to match the pace of Red Bull on Friday.

Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes can fight Ferrari, but not Red Bull
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Lewis Hamilton doesn't believe Mercedes has the pace to challenge Red Bull in Singapore but is convinced the world champions can go toe-to-toe with championship rivals Ferrari.

Honda hopes to make Toro Rosso a top-three team
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Honda is aiming to make Toro Rosso a top-three team next season after signing a multi-year deal to supply engines to the junior Red Bull outfit from the start of 2018.

Lewis Hamilton surprised McLaren-Honda partnership lasted so long
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Lewis Hamilton hopes his former team McLaren can make a fresh start when it switches from Honda power to Renault in 2018.

Max Verstappen keeps Red Bull on top in Singapore
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Max Verstappen consolidated Red Bull's blistering Friday form by topping a tight final practice in Singapore, despite hitting trouble late on.

Singapore GP
Practice Session 3
Pos Driver              Car                   Gap       Laps
 1  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault      1:41.829s  12
 2  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari                  0.072s  13
 3  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes                 0.142s  16
 4  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda            0.554s  11
 5  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda            0.610s  13
 6  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault         0.688s  11
 7  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault                  0.720s  10
 8  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes                 0.763s  16
 9  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari                  0.879s  16
10  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes     1.181s  14
11  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes     1.280s  15
12  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault       1.527s  17
13  Jolyon Palmer       Renault                  1.539s  11
14  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault       1.745s  17
15  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes        1.895s  17
16  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari             2.212s  16
17  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes        2.394s  18
18  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari             2.466s  16
19  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari           3.931s  15
20  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari           4.510s   7

Sebastian Vettel storms to brilliant Singapore pole
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Sebastian Vettel unleashed two sensational qualifying laps to snatch pole position from Red Bull at the Singapore Grand Prix, while championship rival Lewis Hamilton had to settle for fifth on the grid.

Singapore GP
Qualifying Session
Pos Driver              Car                   Time       Gap
 1  Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari               1:39.491s   -
 2  Max Verstappen      Red Bull/Renault      1:39.814s  0.323s
 3  Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull/Renault      1:39.840s  0.349s
 4  Kimi Raikkonen      Ferrari               1:40.069s  0.578s
 5  Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes              1:40.126s  0.635s
 6  Valtteri Bottas     Mercedes              1:40.810s  1.319s
 7  Nico Hulkenberg     Renault               1:41.013s  1.522s
 8  Fernando Alonso     McLaren/Honda         1:41.179s  1.688s
 9  Stoffel Vandoorne   McLaren/Honda         1:41.398s  1.907s
10  Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:42.056s  2.565s
11  Jolyon Palmer       Renault               1:42.107s   -
12  Sergio Perez        Force India/Mercedes  1:42.246s   -
13  Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso/Renault    1:42.338s   -
14  Esteban Ocon        Force India/Mercedes  1:42.760s   -
15  Romain Grosjean     Haas/Ferrari          1:43.883s   -
16  Kevin Magnussen     Haas/Ferrari          1:43.756s   -
17  Felipe Massa        Williams/Mercedes     1:44.014s   -
18  Lance Stroll        Williams/Mercedes     1:44.728s   -
19  Pascal Wehrlein     Sauber/Ferrari        1:45.059s   -
20  Marcus Ericsson     Sauber/Ferrari        1:45.570s   -

McLaren willing to spend 'big money' to retain Alonso
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- McLaren claims to be "very close" to securing a new contract with Fernando Alonso that will see him remain as one of Formula One's best paid drivers.

Sebastian Vettel: My car came alive in Q3
Singapore Grand Prix polesitter Sebastian Vettel was left surprised by his qualifying pace, saying his car "came alive" in the final session.

Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes doubted Ferrari had pace for pole
Lewis Hamilton was left surprised by the pace title rival Sebastian Vettel found to claim pole position in Singapore, saying fifth was all he could manage to extract from his Mercedes.

Daniel Ricciardo still targeting win in Singapore
MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Daniel Ricciardo still believes he can win the Singapore Grand Prix despite qualifying third on the grid on Saturday.

Verstappen: Red Bull in a promising position to fight Ferrari
Max Verstappen believes Red Bull is in a promising position to challenge polesitter Sebastian Vettel for victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, after securing second and third on the grid.