Formula 1

Pierre Gasly, who drives for Renault-owned Alpine, was announced on the club’s website FC Versailles as the third partner owner.

IOC anticipates the go-ahead for the supply of high-octane petrol, per the regulations of the F1 controlling body FIA, in three months.

Hamilton topped the times under the lights at the Bahrain International Circuit with a best lap in one minute and 30.374, two-tenths clear of team-mate George Russell with two-time champion Fernando Alonso third for Aston Martin.

Verstappen, the overwhelming favourite to make it four titles in a row in 2024, was only fourth fastest with Japan's Yuki Tsunoda of Racing Bulls rounding out the top five.

The cover flew up when Red Bull's Sergio Perez drove over a curb, causing a red-flag stoppage to the morning session after just half an hour amid repairs and an inspection of the area.

Max Verstappen suggested Lewis Hamilton would be barred from some Mercedes team meetings during the 2024 season because he was destined to join a rival outfit.

Ecclestone and Horner are friends from the days when Horner first joined Red Bull as the pitlane's youngest team principal aged 31 in 2005.

Ferrari finished miles behind Red Bull in both the championships in 2023, with Charles Leclerc closing the season 369 points behind champion Max Verstappen in fifth and Carlos Sainz seventh.

A female staffer at Red Bull Racing has filed a complained with the parent company in Austria, alleging Horner of indulging in "inappropriate" and "controlling behaviour". 

Carlos Sainz is the collateral damage to the biggest F1 news story to break in the 21st Century, the Spaniard having arguably been the strongest Ferrari driver during his so far three-year partnership with Charles Leclerc.

The official announcement will be made next week in the Spanish capital, according to the sources familiar with the deal

Toto Wolff's team had "wholly rejected" suggestions of wrongdoing and Susie Wolff issued a strongly worded statement on social media defending herself.

Formula One teams denied complaining to the governing body about Toto Wolff and his wife Susie.

The 24-year-old will remain as the team's reserve driver next year and will continue to provide backup to drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Leclerc finished ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz but with the Spaniard having a ten-place grid penalty imposed after Thursday's practice, world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start second.

Carlos Sainz said he had paid the price for Formula One's shortcomings after a loose drain cover wrecked his Ferrari and triggered a 10-place grid penalty at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday.