With five rounds of the season remaining, the gap between Perez and Hamilton currently stands at 30 points with Red Bull hoping that the Mexican can do what he failed to last season and confirm the team’s first-ever one-two finish in the Drivers’ Championship.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately for Red Bull, Checo’s recent performances have been extremely concerning. While Verstappen continues to dominate from the front, Perez scored just a single point between the two races in Qatar last weekend.<\/p>\n
Hamilton did suffer his first DNF of the season during the Qatar Grand Prix meaning that the gap between the pair didn’t come down much, but that was a clear warning shot to Perez who is hanging on to his Red Bull career.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> Lance Stroll may face FIA punishment because of Qatar Grand Prix controversy[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n That’s all we have for today.<\/p>\n Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for all of the latest F1 news and rumours from Express Sport. Until then, bye for now!<\/p>\n Lewis Hamilton has insisted he has no intention to race in any other motorsports categories when he decides to leave Formula 1.<\/p>\n The 38-year-old recently penned a deal with Mercedes that will take him beyond his 40th birthday to 2025. After he brings the curtain down on his career, Hamilton has said he will race other vehicles – but not competitively.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t feel the urge to enter other competitions after F1,\u201d he told French TV broadcaster Canal+.<\/p>\n \u201cI love watching races like Le Mans, it looks incredible. I love Moto, I\u2019ve always loved MotoGP. I still do, I\u2019ve got two superbikes. I think I\u2019ll ride motorbikes, but not competitively.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve got lots of other things to do, I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be doing any more competitions, at least not as a professional. It takes too much time.”<\/p>\n Helmut Marko has issued a hands-off warning to any F1 team looking to snap up Yuki Tsunoda in the future.<\/p>\n The Japanese driver has been linked with a move away from Red Bull if he does not succeed Sergio Perez at the team for the 2025 season.<\/p>\n Aston Martin are said to be one of the teams interested due to their forthcoming partnership with Honda, but Marko says the team would only allow Tsunoda to leave if they are paid a huge fee.<\/p>\n “Tsunoda is under contract with us,” the Austrian told F1 Insider. <\/p>\n “If Aston Martin were interested in him as early as next year, they would first have to come to an agreement with us.”<\/p>\n An insider from Sergio Perez’s camp has spoken out against claims the Red Bull star may retire, describing the reports as ‘a load of nonsense’.<\/p>\n The Mexican has come under increasing scrutiny after some below-par performances in the RB19 this season compared to Max Verstappen.<\/p>\n It was initially thought he would race until 2026 before considering hanging up his racing gloves, but speculation persists he may bow out before then.<\/p>\n However, GPFans claim to have questioned a source close to Perez’s camp, who said reports of an imminent announcement on his retirement were “a load of nonsense”.<\/p>\n Organisers for the Belgian Grand Prix have reportedly agreed a one-year extension to host the race at Spa-Francorchamps in 2025.<\/p>\n According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the race will definitely take place in both 2024 and 2025. Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws claim that Spa may need to alternate with Zandvoort, which could upset Max Verstappen as it is the Dutchman’s home race.<\/p>\n Belgian politician Willy Borsus, the Walloon economy minister, said the government also backs the deal as it brings in “seven euros for every one invested”.<\/p>\n AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer says the team will move ‘closer’ to Red Bull with their rebrand but was tight-lipped on what the name will actually be for 2024.<\/p>\n The Italian-based team are the sister outfit for Red Bull and it seems Bayer is keen for them to edge closer to the team after their previous name was Toro Rosso – wjhich translates to ‘Red Bull’ in Italian.<\/p>\n \u201cDiscussions are going very well, unfortunately I cannot disclose yet what the name will be,\u201d said Bayer. \u201cThe shareholders have decided on the identity of the team, we will move a bit closer to the Red Bull family.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an exciting period to see the birth of a Formula 1 team, it\u2019s a unique experience, I\u2019m very happy to live through that.\u201d<\/p>\n Haas have revealed special driver overalls for the United States Grand Prix next weekend as they prepare for their home race.\u00a0<\/p>\n F1\u2019s only American team will head into next weekend\u2019s race knowing that the pressure is on to deliver points after rivals Alfa Romeo recorded their first double-points finish of the season in Qatar last time out.<\/p>\n However, there should be something for the home fans to cheer. Haas are expected to bring their B-spec car to the United States Grand Prix.<\/p>\n The design will align Haas more towards a Red Bull design and development trajectory, hopefully giving them the edge in the battle for P8 in the Constructor Championship.<\/p>\n McLaren will become the first team on the grid to use recycled carbon fire on their car when they trial this at the United States Grand Prix next weekend.<\/p>\n The scheme is aimed at contributing to McLaren\u2019s target of making their F1 operation net zero by the year 2030.\u00a0<\/p>\n Speaking about the initiative, McLaren F1 CEO Piers Thynne said: \u201cWe’re proud to team up with V Carbon to lead the charge in sustainable materials, running with recycled carbon fibre at the Austin GP. The potential future applications of rCF are hugely exciting.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cV Carbon offers up to 85% of carbon fibre’s original strength, making it strong enough for a variety of applications in F1, and beyond. We will continue to work closely with the FIA, F1 and fellow teams to help accelerate change.\u201d<\/p>\n Lawrence Stroll has confirmed that Aston Martin will have a new title sponsorship for 2024 with Cognizant staying on board, but not as a title sponsor.<\/p>\n He explained in the aftermath of the announcement: \u201cThrough the first phase of their partnership with us, they\u2019ve achieved that \u2013 now, lots more people know who Cognizant are and what they do.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was always planned as phase two of that relationship \u2013 after achieving global brand awareness, they are deepening their partnership with us, they are applying their digital transformation to our business \u2013 both on and off the racetrack \u2013 and we are now building a deeper, broader relationship with them.<\/p>\n While Stroll didn\u2019t confirm who the new title sponsor of \u201cThe new team name will be confirmed in early 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n Fred Vasseur has called on the FIA to take control of track limits issues after a weekend filled with penalties at the Qatar Grand Prix.<\/p>\n Discussing the need for change, Vasseur said: “I would say that the biggest issue for me of the weekend is track limits.<\/p>\n “Because you know when you are going to Spielberg that you will have issues with track limits, and we had issues with track limits here, and you get the results two hours after the race.<\/p>\n “And when we came before the weekend, we told them exactly the same, that it will be a festival. And it was a festival.\u201d<\/p>\n Max Verstappen has answered the question of whether or not he prefers to dominate a championship like 2023 or enjoy a tough battle like 2021.<\/p>\n “Yes and no. I mean, yes, to fight different teams,\u201d he told Sky Sports F1<\/em>. “But on the other hand, I also really challenge myself. I really try to get the best out of myself every single weekend.<\/p>\n “I try to look at things that I can do better and I try to improve as a driver, which I think is also great because you have all this success, right?<\/p>\n “But every single year you learn and you become better as a driver, not necessarily faster, but probably you can handle situations a bit better because of your experience and you learn from your difficult moments, your good moments.”<\/p>\n Daniel Ricciardo has given an insight into the fitness required to compete in F1 at the highest level.<\/p>\n \u201cWe probably don\u2019t have the biggest muscles in the world because we have to be very lightweight,\u201d Ricciardo said in an interview with OKX<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cI can speak from experience that I\u2019ve jumped out of the car on several occasions, saying, \u2018That was the hardest thing I\u2019ve ever done.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n The Australian is currently recovering from a broken metacarpal bone in his hand and is expected to return to the cockpit at the United States Grand Prix next weekend in Texas.<\/p>\n If Andretti are to step onto the F1 grid in 2026 then it will not be with Alpine as their engine supplier with that option now expired.<\/p>\n Speaking to Motorsport.com, Bruno Famin explained: \u201cWe had a pre-contract with Andretti, which has expired because they were supposed to be granted an F1 entry before a given date.<\/p>\n \u201cIt means right now, if we want to do something with Andretti, we need to negotiate a full contract, a formal contract. So right now, we have absolutely no contract with Andretti.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEverybody knows what the situation is. We need something, and we need a decision from F1 before resuming with Andretti.\u201d<\/p>\n Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes that they have the perfect long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton in Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli.<\/p>\n Discussing the future of his line-up with Gazzetta dello Sport, Wolff Said: \u201cThere are fast and interesting drivers, there is no doubt. But we focus on ourselves. And on our future men. Antonelli, for example, is a very talented Italian driver in whom we have invested.<\/p>\n “He won everything in F4, is leading the Formula Regional championship and has shown that he is really strong, fantastic to see. But we don’t want to put too much pressure on him.<\/p>\n “Let’s finish the work for 2023, then we’ll see what to do next year in agreement with his family who is very balanced. Andrea is only 17 years old, we don’t want to burn him, we have to let him become an adult. We need to do everything calmly.”<\/p>\n Helmut Marko has claimed that Sergio Perez needs to leave Red Bull if he is to reclaim the best form of his career.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mustn\u2019t forget, I brought him to the team back then. But this is simply Verstappen\u2019s fate, he is suffering now,\u201d Marko said in a conversation with OE24.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was already the case with Gasly, after a weak performance at the Red Bull Ring, he was already lapped at the next race in Hungary. Seen this way, Berger\u2019s statement [about Perez] is the right one: He needs a change in climate and team.<\/p>\n \u201cNow let\u2019s see how the next two races go. But the team and he are aware that he is in a crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n Good morning and welcome to Express Sport’s live F1 news coverage. There may not be a Grand Prix this weekend but we will still be keeping you up to date with all of the latest news, rumours and reactions ahead of the United States Grand Prix next Sunday.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/Sergio-Perez-Lewis-Hamilton-5007521.jpg?r=1697148138063\")
<\/p>\nGoodnight!<\/h3>\n
Hamilton has clear retirement plans after F1<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/5009478.jpg?1697147353298\")
<\/p>\nRed Bull chief Marko responds over Tsunoda link<\/h3>\n
Perez insider breaks silence on retirement claim<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/5009159.jpg?1697134657978\")
<\/p>\nBelgian GP ‘extends’ contract<\/h3>\n
AlphaTauri decide on rebrand for 2024<\/h3>\n
Haas reveal home race shake-up<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/5008587.jpg?1697118225506\")
<\/p>\nMcLaren pioneering new environmental change<\/h3>\n
Name change coming for Aston Martin<\/h3>\n
Vasseur hits out at track limits<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/5008131.jpg?1697107243822\")
<\/p>\nVerstappen still looking at his performances<\/h3>\n
Ricciardo gives fitness insight<\/h3>\n
No Alpine engines for Andretti<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/5007758.jpg?1697098460186\")
<\/p>\nWolff reveals long-term Hamilton replacement<\/h3>\n
Marko gives concerning Checo future update<\/h3>\n
Good morning!<\/h3>\n