Red Bull ‘expect Mercedes to be quick in French Grand Prix’

In brief

Red Bull expects Mercedes “to be quick” in France, says Horner

Mercedes could have a strong weekend on the Paul Ricard, Christian Horner believes.

After gradually upgrading their car over the course of the season, Mercedes have closed the performance deficit to their rivals ahead in recent rounds. Due to the fast and smooth nature of the French circuit, Horner says Mercedes could be in contention this weekend.

“We’d expect them to be quick in [Paul] Ricard,” said Horner. “They’re showing flashes of being there or thereabouts.

“The last two races have been pretty decent for them. There’s been no sign, I think, of any porpoising at all. So they seem to be slowly bringing themselves back into the game.”

Horner says Mercedes could become “contenders” at the front of the field if they continue on their development trajectory.

“They keep consistently scoring points,” he said. “Sometimes having more cars in play is a good thing, sometimes it might be a bad thing. But I think for the fans, it’s great to have six cars competing for victories.”

Hughes to miss four F2 races after positive Covid test

Formula 2 driver Jake Hughes will miss both the Paul Ricard and Hungaroring rounds of the championship after his Van Amersfoort team announced he had tested positive for Covid.

Hughes, who currently sits 15th in the drivers’ championship after 16 races, will be replaced by David Beckmann for the two rounds. Beckmann had previously stepped in for Charouz at the Imola round of the championship after Cem Bolukbasi had to miss the event following injuries sustained in a heavy crash in Saudi Arabia.

I never thought equalling Andretti was possible – Dixon

Mario Andretti sent his congratulations to Scott Dixon after the Ganassi IndyCar tied his career wins total on Sunday. “Utmost respect for my friend Scott Dixon and truly happy to congratulate him on 52 wins,” Andretti wrote on social media. “Also congratulate his team because nobody does it alone. I hope this is just a step on your continuing journey. Well done.”

Asked what Andretti’s words meant to him, Dixon said: “It means a lot. I love Mario. I love Mario for so many reasons, what he’s done in the sport, and achieved, and what he gives back to the sport. I feel extremely lucky to have the likes of himself and AJ [Foyt] here most…