Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton wants a FIVE-TEAM tussle for the 2023 F1 title as Mercedes driver gears up for tilt at eighth crown

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON wants a five-team tussle for the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.The 2022 season was dominated by Red Bull, who triumphed in 17 of the 22 races.
      Lewis Hamilton is set to be back in title mix this yearCredit: Getty
      This led to Max Verstappen romping to the title, with Red Bull easily winning the constructors championship too.
      Hamilton’s Mercedes showed signs of life towards the end of the campaign, with team-mate George Russell winning the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
      Ferrari demonstrated potential earlier in the campaign, and Hamilton also wants McLaren and Alpine to join the fight at the front of the grid.
      The Brit, who recently celebrated his 38th birthday, said: “I’d like to think that we’re going to be the ones that are competing with them and being able to beat them [Red Bull] again, I do believe that for sure.
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      “But I really hope that Ferrari are strong in the following years. They’ve definitely had a difficult year but there’s been some strong signs, obviously, that you’ve seen this year, which has been nice to see.
      “And it’s been nice to see Ferrari doing well again.
      “So, I hope that it’s more than a two-way battle next year. I hope there’s at least three of us.
      “If not, surprisingly, maybe more. Like, why can’t McLaren be there? We’ll see.
      Most read in Motorsport
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
      “Or even Alpine has been doing amazing. So, we’ll see.”
      McLaren ditched Aussie Daniel Ricciardo, who will now back-up Verstappen and Carlos Sainz at Red Bull, for his compatriot from Down Under Oscar Piastri.
      While Alpine replaced Aston Martin-bound veteran Fernando Alonso with Pierre Gasly – who will partner his fellow Frenchman Esteban Ocon.
      Hamilton has 12 months remaining on his Mercedes contract, and is not close to agreeing to an extension.
      The 2023 campaign will get underway in Bahrain on March 5.
      Everyone will be looking to catch Red BullCredit: Reuters More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton still no closer to Mercedes contract extension with just 12 months left as F1 star hints at retirement

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON turns 38 on Saturday but there will be no birthday cards sent from Red Bull.The Mercedes man still has 12 months to run on his existing contract and there has been no progress on a contract extension over the winter.
      The seven time World Drivers Championship winner hasn’t decided on his future of the sport just yetCredit: Getty
      Hamilton has spent time in the US and London with his family as he unplugs from his F1 commitments.
      But as the sport countdown to the season opener on March 5th in Bahrain, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko still sees Hamilton and teammate George Russell as their biggest threat – not Ferrari.
      He said: “I would say that we should fear Mercedes more.
      “Mainly because they have an advantage over Ferrari in terms of strategy and reliability.
      READ MORE ON F1
      “Our situation is certainly not like that of Mercedes at the beginning of the hybrid era.
      “We don’t have an immense lead with the engine right now. So that is very different.
      “Mercedes had at least 50 bhp margin over all the others back then.
      “And we shouldn’t forget, 2022 has been the first year under this new set of regulations.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Other teams have obviously seen what we have done with this year’s car.
      “So I think it will definitely be much closer next season.”
      Meanwhile, McLaren will launch their challenger for 2023 on February 13th – the same day as Aston Martin unveil their car.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      McLaren’s launch will be the first official event for 2021 Formula 2 champion, Oscar Piastri, who joins Lando Norris at the team. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sebastian Vettel reveals he almost became rival Lewis Hamilton’s F1 team-mate after holding shock talks with Mercedes

      by

      SEBASTIAN VETTEL has revealed that could have become rival Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes in 2016.The German Formula One driver admitted that he held talks with former Mercedes boss Niki Lauda following the retirement of Hamilton’s team-mate Nico Rosberg.
      Sebastian Vettel has revealed that he could have joined Mercedes in 2016Credit: Getty
      Mercedes driver, Rosberg was the reigning holder of the World Drivers’ Championship title in 2016 when he decided to retire.
      However, that meant that the Formula One team needed to find a replacement, and Ferrari driver Vettel was approached.
      He said: “Maybe there was [a chance], I spoke with Niki.
      “But to be honest, it was halfway through the Ferrari period.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “Obviously, it would have been a big deal because Lewis was their No1, and I’m not sure whether they would have liked to have us both in the team. 
      “But I also didn’t have a great interest at that time, because I was so committed to Ferrari.
      “That was my dream to make that thing work, so you talk to each other, but it wasn’t really serious.
      “I think it would have been a great challenge and I think I would have enjoyed that, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “My focus was to win with Ferrari. I didn’t want to change team and win with Mercedes, but it just didn’t happen. I am cool with that.
      “I think I would have enjoyed racing with Lewis, we get along really well, and our moment was the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where we had maybe what you would call nowadays a ‘misunderstanding!’”
      Vettel and Hamilton both made their debuts in 2007.
      The Brit was at a leading team in McLaren, whereas Vettel made his debut for backmarkers Sauber.
      They clashed during a coming together came at the Azerbaijan GP in 2017 in a clear act of road rage that should have seen Vettel banned.
      The German deliberately rammed his Ferrari into Hamilton’s Mercedes as they prepared for a restart behind a safety car.
      Vettel was given a ten-second penalty and later apologised but finished ahead of Hamilton in the race. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Fernando Alonso given huge Aston Martin Christmas gift as F1 legend is handed luxury £250,000 SUV after joining team

      by

      FERNANDO ALONSO has been gifted a huge Aston Martin SUV for Christmas ahead of the 2023 Formula One season. Alonso joined the British team after leaving Alpine and is already reaping the rewards without even taking to the track.
      Fernando Alonso has been gifted a huge Aston Martin SUV for ChristmasCredit: Instagram @fernandoalo_oficial
      It comes after he was gifted a DBX 707, the luxury SUV worth £250,000 and has a top speed of 196mph.
      Alonso tweeted: “Expectations were exceeded. Dream car.”
      The Spaniard spent two years with Alpine after initially joining the team for the 2021 season.
      But the ex-Renault, McLaren and Ferrari driver left the French outfit at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign to join the Brit team.
      READ MORE IN sport
      Upon signing, he said: “No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.”
      Alonso added: “I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop and succeed.
      “We all appreciate that there is much to be done to get to the front, and that we must apply all our energies in working together to find performance.
      “The passion and desire to perform that I have witnessed convinced me to maintain my enjoyment and commitment to the sport.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “I intend to win again in this sport and therefore I have to take the opportunities that feel right to me.”
      Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll – father of driver Lance – said he and Alonso shared the same “ambitions”.
      Stroll revealed: “I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me.
      “I have set out to bring together the best people and develop the right resources and organisation to succeed in this highly competitive sport, and those plans are now taking shape at Silverstone.
      “It seemed natural therefore to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team, and we very quickly established in our recent conversations that we have the same ambitions and values, and it was logical and easy to confirm our desire to work together.”
      Fernando Alonso pictured at the Hungarian GPCredit: Splash More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 could have brand new team as American giants Andretti and General Motors combine to form Andretti Cadillac

      by

      US car giant General Motors have announced ambitious plans to join Formula One in 2026.The move will see GM use their Cadillac brand to form a partnership with US race team Andretti Autosport, owned by Michael Andretti the son of former F1 racer, Mario Andretti.
      Michael Andretti has insisted that the Andretti Cadillac F1 team would be based in the USCredit: Alamy
      Andretti and GM say the Andretti Cadillac team would be based in the US with a support facility in the UK as they start a lengthy application process between F1 and the governing body, the FIA.
      Michael Andretti said: “We are well suited to be a new team for Formula One and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans.
      “I’m proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal. GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing.
      “We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid.”
      READ MORE ON MOTORSPORT
      The Andretti Cadillac bid is not the only interested party in joining the sport, which has seen rapid growth across the world since the pandemic, particularly in the US.
      F1’s owners, Liberty Media have been instrumental in adding extra races and this season will see the addition of a third race in the States with the Las Vegas GP joining Austin and Miami on the calendar.
      However, it is not a foregone conclusion that the Andretti Cadillac bid will be automatically accepted by F1, the FIA or the current teams.
      An F1 statement said: “There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “We all want to ensure the championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders.
      “Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton hints at F1 retirement AGAIN and says there are ‘other things’ he wants to do in his life

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has hinted at retirement from Formula 1 as he says there are “other things” he wants to do with his life. The seven-times world champion is currently enjoying time away from the track before returning next month for pre-season testing.
      Hamilton has many interests outside of drivingCredit: Getty
      He has seen it all and done it all during his 15 years at the top level of motorsport.
      And despite previously signalling a desire to march on with Mercedes, Hamilton has made clear he does not always feel that way.
      He told German newspaper Bild: “Sometimes you wake up and have this feeling: I don’t want to do this anymore.
      “And sometimes you wake up and think: I can still do other things my whole life, there is definitely more I want to achieve.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      He added: “It won’t be a terribly long time now, but I’ll definitely be staying.”
      Despite admitting considering retirement, Hamilton has also previously signalled a willingness to consider staying at Mercedes over the long-term.
      Team boss Toto Wolff said in October: “We speak a lot together.
      “Last week we sat down and he says, ‘Look, I have another five years in me how do you see that?’ Over time we have just grown together.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “We are totally transparent with each other.”
      Mercedes were tipped to offer Hamilton, who turns 38 on Saturday, an extension on his current contract which runs to the end of this year during the off-season.
      The experienced driver has many interests outside of F1.
      He has previously shown a passion for fashion, music, travelling and tackling inequalities both in and out of sport.
      Hamilton is preparing to enter his 17th season in F1 after a couple of tough years on the track.
      After the gut-wrenching end to the 2021 season, the star endured his first winless season ever last year while his teammate George Russell managed to claim victory in Brazil. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michel Ferte dead aged 64: Le Mans runner-up and Formula 3 driver passes away after illustrious motorsport career

      by

      FORMER Formula 3 driver and Le Mans runner-up Michel Ferte has died. Ferte’s passing at the age of 64 was announced by Le Mans organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
      Michel Ferte driving for Cosworth Équipe OrecaCredit: Alamy
      Ferte passed away at the age of 64Credit: Sutton Motorsport Images
      The Frenchman famously won the F3’s Monaco Grand Prix in 1983 following his brother, Alain’s, back-to-back victories in 1981 and 1982.
      He then followed this up by claiming victory in the 1983 French F3 Championship after coming second the year prior.
      But perhaps his most famous race in Motorsport came at the 24-hour Le Mans race.
      He finished second in the 1991 event alongside Davy Jones and Raul Boesel in a Jaguar XJR-12 Group C car.
      READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT
      Following his F3 exploits Ferte made the jump to F2, the series directly below F1.
      But things did not go as well for him there, as he failed to earn a race win but did come third in the championship in 1984.
      He did however have a chance to drive an F1 car as a test driver for Ligier in 1984 and ’85.
      Ferte enjoyed more success in Endurance racing.
      Most read in Motorsport
      His career in this field included a pair of victories in the BPR-run International GT Endurance Series in 1994 alongside Olivier Thevenin.
      Ferte started racing in karting in aged 12 and carried on racing until as recently as 2018. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 world champion Max Verstappen takes swipe at Lewis Hamilton over collisions and says ‘it’s a generation thing’

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has claimed that his on-track spats with Lewis Hamilton must be down to “a generation thing”.The Red Bull driver and Hamilton have come together on a number of occasions in the past two season’s.
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have crashed several times in the last two yearsCredit: Splash
      But Verstappen believes his clashes with Hamilton are “a generation thing”Credit: Getty
      However, the Dutchman – one of five drivers facing a controversial ban in 2023 – has revealed he is not sure what the reason is for this.
      In an interview with Motorsport.com, Verstappen was asked whether incidents were down to his “uncompromising” racing style.
      In response, he said: “Well, I have to be careful what I’m saying here, but with everyone I’ve been fighting this year, it’s been really hard, aggressive battles and we never really came together.
      “Somehow, with Lewis it’s a different story. And I honestly don’t understand.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “Like, this year, ok we haven’t really had a lot of battles. But Brazil we got together – it was not my intention (that we crashed). I got the blame for it, which I didn’t find fair.
      “If it would’ve been more of a racing incident that I could live with.
      “But… I don’t understand. Maybe it’s just a generation thing – that we understand each other better, we are racing nicer to each other. I don’t get it.
      “But I don’t feel like I’m doing anything different to Lewis or to the other drivers in terms of how we’re racing.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      Hamilton endured his worst-ever season of F1 racing last year after failing to land a single race victory as Verstappen went on to win the drivers championship for the second year in a row.
      The first of these titles are arguably when the rivalry was most intense, with Hamilton being overtaken on the final lap of the 2021 season under controversial circumstances.
      But Verstappen doubled-down on his generational theory by using Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell for reference.
      He added: “The day before with George (in the Interlagos sprint race where Russell attacked and passed Verstappen), we were having an incredible (fight) – closing the door, defending, out-braking each other.
      “That was a lot of fun and I was trying to do the same in the main race – having that kind of battle. But, unfortunately we couldn’t get it to work.”
      Russell, 24, went on to win the main race in Brazil when Hamilton and Verstappen collided.
      But Verstappen insists he does not have the same issues with George RussellCredit: AFP
      Verstappen and Russell battled during F1 sprint in BrazilCredit: AFP
      Formula One 2022Everything you need to know about F1 this season

      The Brit was pictured partying into the New Year alongside one of Hamilton’s previous nemesis – Fernando Alonso – and girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Two-time champ Alonso was beaten by Verstappen and Hamilton in the F1 driver’s earning’s list.
      Regarding his feeling to speak “carefully” about Hamilton, Verstappen said: “In England this can very quickly be received as criticism.
      “And then I’m being called out on it.
      “I always respect Lewis a lot for what he has achieved in the sport, but that’s why I don’t really understand why we cannot really race like I’ve been doing with the others.
      “Of course, everyone is different in their approach. I know that Charles (Leclerc) is a bit different to George, or to Carlos (Sainz) or to Checo (Perez), or whoever.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I do have to be a little bit more careful with that because immediately it’s really taken as criticism. And then people start to hate on you. Well, that’s not my intention.”
      Verstappen and Red Bull previously “boycotted Sky Sports” after reporter Ted Kravitz implied Hamilton was “robbed” of an eighth world title by Verstappen. More