Drain covers cause problems (again) and Hamilton's optimism - RacingNews365 Review

Day 2 of pre-season Formula 1 testing was hit by a red flag after a drain cover broke at Turn 11.

Just after the two-hour mark of the session, a red flag was thrown when a drain on the outside of the entry to Turn 11 had broken - with a gap visible in the drain.

READ MORE: F1 testing hit by red flag for broken drain cover

Hamilton: Mercedes has 'clearly' improved with W15 car

Lewis Hamilton has stated that Mercedes has taken a step forward following his first experience with the W15 car.

The seven-time World Champion jumped behind the wheel on Thursday, taking over testing duties from teammate George Russell who handled running the day before.

READ MORE: Hamilton: Mercedes has 'clearly' improved with W15 car

Horner in vehement Red Bull defence following external criticism

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has launched a staunch defence of the relationship between the parent team and RB following criticism from McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

American Brown has voiced his concerns over the closeness between the two operations - both owned by Red Bull GmbH - several times over the past few months given the newly named Visa Cash App RB team is taking on components from the all-conquering RB19 within the confines of F1's regulations.

READ MORE: Horner in vehement Red Bull defence following external criticism

Russell reveals 'phone calls' over Hamilton Mercedes replacement

George Russell has claimed he has received phone calls from drivers over Lewis Hamilton's vacant seat at Mercedes.

Hamilton stunned the Formula 1 world when he exercised an option in his contract to leave Mercedes at the end of this season, confirming a move to Ferrari for 2025.

READ MORE: Russell reveals 'phone calls' over Hamilton Mercedes replacement

Brown: Horner investigation 'not the headlines F1 need'

Zak Brown believes the ongoing investigation into Christian Horner is creating headlines Formula 1 could do without.

Horner is currently under internal investigation by Red Bull GmbH after allegations of improper conduct were made against him by an employee.

READ MORE: Brown: Horner investigation 'not the headlines F1 need'

Alonso pokes fun at Russell over Mercedes '$200m' F1 budget

Two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has jokingly suggested Lewis Hamilton's contract gives Mercedes a budget advantage.

The joke came after the Spaniard was interrupted by Hamilton's teammate George Russell during a press conference, with the Briton correcting Alonso over details within his response to a question about pre-season testing in Bahrain.

READ MORE: Alonso pokes fun at Russell over Mercedes '$200m' F1 budget