F1's Daniel Ricciardo Horsin' Around ... At U.S. Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo took his horse to that old town Grand Prix on Thursday ... showing up to Austin in the most Texas way possible!!

Of course, the Australian McLaren driver is OBSESSED with the Lone Star state ... and has become a fan of all things Texas since the event made its way to Austin in 2012.

In fact, DR has even tried to do his own Texas accent in interviews in the past ... and it's not half bad!!

Riccardo decided to show off just how much he loves his second home as he showed up to the Circuit of the Americas on Thursday ... by throwing on a Stars and Stripes shirt and cowboy hat and hopping on a horse to make a truly American entrance.

To make it even better, Daniel had country musicians accompany him as a crowd formed around him.

The best part?! Ricciardo's horse, apparently named "Horsey McHorse," had its very own VIP access badge -- complete with photo identification!!

Ricciardo is currently 12th in the driver standings ... but we reckon his passion for the Red, White and Blue could turn into some points this weekend, y'all.

Lewis Hamilton First Broncos Game As Co-Owner ... Gets Game Ball!!!

F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton got a firsthand look at his new team on Monday ... hitting up the Broncos vs. Chargers game -- and he left with a souvenir!!

The Mercedes driver hit up SoFi Stadium to catch his Broncos in action for the first time since joining the team's ownership group ... and while the game ended up being a dud, he clearly had a great time.

Sir Lewis -- who's in the U.S. leading up to the Grand Prix in Austin this weekend -- got the VIP treatment at the game ... and was on the field at some points throughout the night.

The team had a special present for Hamilton, too -- an honorary game ball!!

The ball says "Denver Broncos Football Club 2022" ... and "A New Chapter in Broncos History."

"First game being a part of this organization. Thanks for the warm welcome ❤️," Hamilton said on Twitter.

The Walton-Penner family -- which bought the team for a record $4.65 billion back in June -- announced Hamilton joined the ownership group back in August ... saying they're "delighted" to bring Hamilton on board.

The dude certainly seems to be fitting in with the team ... 'cause he also referenced Russell Wilson's viral battle cry.

"@Broncos country, LET'S RIDE 🐎🏈"

Michael Schumacher Nephew Breaks Spine In Crash ... Out At Least 6 Weeks

David Schumacher -- the nephew of racing icon Michael Schumacher -- suffered a broken spine during a terrifying crash in Germany, his family announced on Thursday.

The scene was tough to watch -- David's Mercedes-AMG GT3 crashed during the final round of the 2022 DTM season at Hockenheim ... after his car crashed into fellow racer Thomas Preining as the two were battling for seventh into Turn 8.

Ralf Schumacher, David's father, shared the update with German news agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) ... saying his son has to wear a corset due to the accident but won't require surgery.

"When David came home, he was still complaining of back pain," Ralf Schumacher told the outlet. "We then decided to go to a hospital in Salzburg to have an MRI done."

David will be sidelined for at least six weeks.

The crash sparked a chain reaction -- causing Ricardo Feller to hit the back of Dennis Olsen's Porsche ... and prompting officials to red-flag the session.

David was taken to the hospital after the accident, where preliminary scans revealed that he suffered a scraped knee and bruising to his lumbar spine.

The crash ended David's season and any hopes he had of competing in the title decider at the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters last Sunday.

David is the cousin of current F1 driver Mick Schumacher ... and also has experience in Formula 3.

F1's Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly Hilariously Butcher Adele Song ... In Karaoke Sesh

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STICK TO RACING

If you're a big fan of Adele's hit song, "Hello," you may wanna say "goodbye" to F1 stars Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly ... 'cause the AlphaTauri drivers sang a horrendous rendition of the ballad this week -- and it's hilarious!!

Gasly shared the footage fresh off the Singapore GP ... showing the friends/teammates absolutely butchering the 2015 tune at a karaoke studio in Tokyo.

Both guys do their best at belting the challenging chorus ... but let's be honest, they're both better behind the wheel than a mic.

It was all in good fun, though ... as Yuki and Pierre couldn't help but smile throughout the teammate bonding.

The Singapore GP was a bummer for Tsunoda, who didn't finish the race. Gasly finished 10th.

Yuki and Pierre are pretty much inseparable ... and have gotten pretty close during their time with AlphaTauri.

Nice to see they were quick to turn things around and have a bit of R&R before the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.

AT is currently second to last in the Constructor standings ... but there's still a few more races this year to get back up in the rankings.

F1's Pierre Gasly Narrowly Escapes Car Fire ... During Practice

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Frightening moment during free practice at the Singapore Grand Prix -- AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly just barely escaped as his car burst into flames ... and the video is wild.

The incident went down as the 26-year-old made his way into the pit lane ... and as his car was being tended to, the area near his air box caught fire.

Luckily, Gasly was able to hop out of the vehicle as his pit crew put out the blaze.

Pit reporter Ted Kravitz provided an update on the Sky Sports broadcast ... saying, "Everything’s been sorted out. There’s been a bit of tape that’s been out over the fire-damaged engine cover."

"The team are telling me the fire started when the fuel breather was connected to the car but it was put out quickly and then he’s going back out on the circuit."

The Singapore GP is known for giving drivers one of the biggest challenges on the calendar due to humid temperatures and the nature of the track.

Great to hear Gasly avoided any injury ... and shoutout to the mechanics for reacting so quickly.

F1's Alex Albon 'I Feel Ready' For Singapore GP ... Weeks After Health Scare

Williams driver Alex Albon says he feels as "fit as I can be" after battling a serious health scare just weeks ago ... and his plan is to race this weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old suffered respiratory failure and spent time in the Intensive Care Unit after being treated for appendicitis on September 10 ... just hours before he was slated to race in Monza.

Albon opened up on his recovery on Thursday ... and he feels confident he'll be behind the wheel once again for Williams this weekend.

"I feel ready. I feel as fit as I can be -- no pain," Albon told reporters.

"We had a good week of training or two weeks almost to get back to where we are today. We're realistic and we know that we're coming to the most difficult race of the year."

The Singapore GP is known to be one of the most challenging races on the calendar ... large in part due to the humid conditions taking a toll on drivers.

Albon says he's well aware of the task ahead ... but makes it clear he intends to be out on the street circuit.

"We do have to be mindful of that," he added. "But I feel good. I've been karting and it's felt okay."

Alex Albon Respiratory Failure After Surgery ... Spent Night In ICU

F1 driver Alex Albon had a serious health scare after being treated for appendicitis this weekend ... suffering respiratory failure and spending the night in the intensive care unit -- but luckily, he is expected to get back to 100% soon.

Williams Racing released the update minutes ago ... saying Albon had successful laparoscopic surgery on Saturday. But, things changed dramatically when the 26-year-old had post-operative anesthetic complications -- including respiratory failure.

The team says Albon had to be re-intubated and transferred to the ICU, where he spent the night.

Albon's condition improved overnight ... and he was taken off medical ventilation Sunday morning. The team adds he is slated to return home on Tuesday.

Despite the terrifying experience, Williams says Albon's focus is set on getting ready for the Singapore Grand Prix at the end of the month.

With Albon out, reserve driver Nyck de Vries -- a Formula 2 and Formula E champ -- stepped into the Williams car ... finishing 9th on the day.

Albon has scored 4 points so far this season ... and recently re-signed with Williams through 2024.

Lewis Hamilton Worried About Queen's Health ... She's A 'Real Fighter'

F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton is hoping for the best amid growing concerns about Queen Elizabeth's health ... saying he's praying for and thinking about the Royal Family during the troubling time.

The British driver -- who's currently preparing for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend -- took a moment to share kind words for Her Majesty on Thursday ... saying, "I think she's been such a strong leader for such a long, long time and so resilient."

"I know she's always been a real fighter, so my thoughts are with her. Obviously, I don't have any other more information so I don't know more about the situation."

Lewis -- who received his Member of the Order of the British Empire from the Queen in 2009 -- has met her several times over the course of his dominant career ... and has previously called her a "sweet woman" and "cool."

"My thoughts are with the family," Hamilton added. "My thoughts are with her. My prayers are with them. Hoping for better news soon."

The Royal Family is currently rushing to be by the Queen's side at Balmoral Castle ... as she continues to receive care from medical staffers.

F1 Star Lando Norris Announces Split From Model GF ... 'I Wish Her The World'

F1 star Lando Norris has a personal update heading into race weekend -- the McLaren driver just announced he is no longer dating his girlfriend, Luisinha Oliveira.

The 22-year-old posted the news to Instagram on Thursday ... saying, "After time and consideration, Luisa and myself have mutually decided to end our relationship but remain good friends."

"I wish her the world and have so much respect for her and all she does as an amazing and strong woman with nothing but kindness."

Norris and Oliveira went public with their relationship in January ... but were rumored to be together months prior. They celebrated their one-year anniversary just three weeks ago.

Norris -- who's 7th in the driver standings -- is currently prepping for the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend ... where he finished 10th in 2021.

Lando continued ... "Please respect our decision and respect our -- but more importantly and especially her privacy moving forward."

"Thank you for your endless support."

His post has since been deleted from his social media.

Luisinha has yet to comment directly on the split ... but may have hinted at it on Wednesday, saying, "enjoy every given moment" on her IG story.

F1 Las Vegas GP Donating More Than 1 Mil. Meals ... To Those In Need

It won't be "lights out" at the Las Vegas Grand Prix until next November, but the Formula 1 event is already making an impact on the area -- with more than 1 million meals being donated to those in need in Southern Nevada.

Pre-registration for the highly anticipated 2023 race opened on Tuesday ... and naturally, there were a bunch of people signing up for the chance at getting early access tickets to the event.

In order to secure their spot, fans had to make $7.77 donations to the Vegas GP Foundation ... and as it turns out, there were SO many who went through with the requirement in just 24 hours, the org. now raised enough money to pay for more than 1 million meals to those in need in the area.

The Vegas GP will almost certainly follow the success of the other American circuits added to the calendar in recent years ... and so far, it's off to a great start.

As for the drivers ... they previously showed how excited they are for the race -- and going to the casino after!!

F1 Star Daniel Ricciardo Leaving McLaren After 2022 ... Not Retiring

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THE RACE CONTINUES

F1 star Daniel Ricciardo is currently without a seat for 2023 -- the McLaren driver just announced the two sides have "mutually agreed" to part ways at the end of this season.

33-year-old Ricciardo joined McLaren on a three-year deal in 2021 ... and gave the team its first win in nearly a decade at the Italian GP in Monza.

Daniel says it's "bittersweet" to be moving on at the end of the season ... but makes it clear he's going to keep competing until the very last race.

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It's been a challenging year for the former Red Bull and Renault driver -- his best finish is 6th at his home race, the Australian GP ... and he's only accumulated 19 overall points.

Ricciardo was clearly emotional in a video posted to Twitter ... reminiscing on all his memories throughout his career, but saying he still has the fire to compete.

The move allows McLaren to pursue rising star Oscar Piastri, who is currently fighting to get out of his situation with Alpine.

While Ricciardo says he doesn't know what happens next, he assures his fans "this is not the end for me."

Future F1 Star Oscar Piastri I'm Not Joining Alpine In 2023 ... 'This Is Wrong'

Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri is calling B.S. on his own team ... saying he will NOT be taking Fernando Alonso's seat next season -- just hours after the organization initially announced the move.

The 21-year-old Australian prodigy went to social media on Tuesday to address Alpine's statement ... saying it's not true and he did not sign off on it.

"I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year," Piastri said on Instagram.

"This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year."

The denial comes after Alonso's shocking exit from Alpine for Aston Martin next season ... and amid rumblings of McLaren's interest in bringing Piastri in.

Alpine's original statement read ... "BWT Alpine F1 Team confirms 21-year-old reserve driver Oscar Piastri as Esteban Ocon’s teammate starting from 2023."

"In line with the commitments made by the team to the young Australian, Oscar will be promoted to race driver and step in Fernando Alonso’s seat from next year onwards."

A Formula 3 and 2 champ, Piastri's F1 debut is highly anticipated to say the least ... but by the sounds of it, it won't be in the blue and pink BWT car.

Lewis Hamilton Joins Broncos Ownership Group

Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton is taking his talents to the NFL -- the 7-time world champion is joining the Denver Broncos ownership group!!

The Walton-Penner family -- which bought the team for a record $4.65 billion back in June -- announced the big news on Tuesday ... saying they're "delighted" to bring Hamilton on board.

"He is a champion competitor who knows what it takes to lead a winning team and a fierce advocate for global equality, including in his own sport," Rob Walton said in a statement.

"With over 100 race wins, Lewis is considered the most successful F1 driver of all time. His resilient spirit and standard of excellence will be an asset to the ownership group and the Broncos organization."

Broncos star quarterback Russell Wilson certainly seems thrilled with the addition ... tweeting out, "Congrats @LewisHamilton. Winning is a Habit! #LetsRide."

Lewis also addressed the news ... saying, "Excited to join an incredible group of owners and become a part of the @broncos story."

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to impact the sport and work with a world class team. I'm ready to get started and serve as an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports."

Hamilton is tied with Michael Schumacher for most world championships in F1 ... and is currently 6th in the 2022 standings.

After going 7-10 last season, the Broncos will be hoping Hamilton's winning is contagious.

Sebastian Vettel Retiring After 2022 F1 Season ... To Focus On Family

Formula One superstar Sebastian Vettel just announced the 2022 season will be his last ... saying it's time for him to retire and be with his loved ones.

The 35-year-old German driver shared the news in a poetic video on Instagram ... saying, "At the end of the year, I want to take some more time to reflect on what I will focus on next. It is very clear to me that, being a father, I want to spend more time with my family."

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"But, today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it is about saying thank you -- to everyone -- not least to the fans, without whose passionate support Formula 1 could not exist."

Vettel won four-straight championships with Red Bull from 2010-13 ... and has also suited up for Toro Rosso, Ferrari, and most recently Aston Martin -- securing 53 career wins over 15 seasons.

There had been much speculation about the driver's future, as his contract is up at the end of 2022. Now, the talk can be put to rest.

"Committing to my passion the way I did and the way I think it is right, does no longer go side by side with my wish to be a great father and husband," Vettel added. "The energy it takes to become one with the car and the team, to chase perfection takes focus and commitment."

"My goals have shifted from winning races and fighting for championships to seeing my children grow, passing on my values, helping them up when they fall, listening to them when they need me."

The announcement was Vettel's first-ever social media post ... and the whole thing is powerful.

Congrats on a great career, Seb!!

F1 Commentator Suspended By TV Network ... After Calling Lance Stroll 'The Autistic'

A Formula 1 commentator has been suspended by his TV network indefinitely ... after he called driver Lance Stroll "the autistic" during a race broadcast over the weekend.

Lionel Froissart, a French journalist, made the remark during RTBF Sport's broadcast of the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.

As racecars were whizzing around the track, Froissart -- speaking in French -- called Stroll "the autistic," and when his broadcast partner condemned him for the words, he fired back, "Honestly, this is the truth."

The comments were immediately panned on social media ... and on Wednesday, RTBF Sport announced it has put Froissart on ice over it all.

"RTBF strongly condemns the words used on Sunday, July 10, on air by its consultant Lionel Froissart during the Austrian Grand Prix," network officials said in a statement to GP Fans.

"Associating autism with a driver’s way of communicating was misplaced and completely inconsistent with RTBF values. An internal investigation will be conducted, to hear all the involved persons. The goal is to understand in detail what could have led to this incident."

The network added, "Pending the results of this investigation, RTBF will no longer work with the consultant in question until further notice.”

Neither Froissart nor Stroll has appeared to comment publicly on the discipline yet.

Stroll, meanwhile, finished the Austrian GP in 13th place.

F1's Zhou Guanyu 'Good To Go' For Austrian GP ... After Terrifying Crash

Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu will be behind the wheel for the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend ... just days after surviving a horrifying crash at Silverstone.

"Finished the final medical check, all good to go!" Guanyu tweeted Thursday morning ... sharing a pic with FIA staffers.

"Thanks to all of the people who supported me during this time, means the world. ❤️ #AustrianGP LET'S GO! 💪🏼"

The news is pretty incredible ... especially considering how serious the scene was during the first lap of the British Grand Prix.

As we reported, the crash happened after Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly tried to squeeze between Zhou and Mercedes' George Russell ... but ended up making contact with Russel, who then bumped into Zhou.

Despite his car flipping and going over the tire barrier, Zhou -- F1's first Chinese driver -- shared positive news shortly after the incident ... saying he was all good and in great spirits.

Zhou has earned 5 points so far this season and is 16th in the driver standings ... so it's awesome to see him get cleared in time for practice on Friday.