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      Lewis Hamilton admits Italian racists made him think twice about joining Ferrari after suffering sickening abuse in past

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      LEWIS HAMILTON admits Italian racists made him think twice about moving from Mercedes to Ferrari.Italian football has been plagued with racism problems, with ex-Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku suffering sick monkey taunts while playing for Inter Milan and Roma.Lewis Hamilton has admitted he thought twice about joining FerrariCredit: AlamyThe 40-year-old has expressed concerns over Ferrari’s lack of diversityCredit: AFPAnd Hamilton, F1’s only black driver, confessed: “It definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision.”It’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”Hamilton, 40, was racially abused during his days in karting and also targeted by Spanish bigots in 2008.READ MORE ON F1But now he has been fired up by F1 pundits attacking his name, like former team owner Eddie Jordan, who branded Ferrari’s decision to axe 30-year-old Carlos Sainz for the Brit as “suicidal”.Hamilton told Time Magazine: “I never reply to any of the older, ultimately white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.”How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”But Hamilton has expressed concerns over Ferrari’s lack of diversity.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn 2020, he started the Hamilton Commission to increase black representation in UK motorsport.Mercedes launched their own diversity initiative and began hiring staff from under-represented groups.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleBut Hamilton said: “Now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse.”Ferrari, along with every other F1 team,  signed a Diversity and Inclusion charter in November.Yet boss Fred Vasseur said: “It’s not politically correct but first is performance. “I’m keen to go into the  direction of diversity and so on but I want to build up the best team.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton on racing until 50, slamming ‘older white’ critics and getting ‘lit up’ by Mercedes staff at paintball

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      AT the age of 40, most F1 drivers are in the slow lane to retirement.But not Lewis Hamilton, who is ready to make his childhood “dream” come true by getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car.Lewis Hamilton makes his dream come true by driving for FerrariCredit: RexAt 40, Hamilton still lives life in the fast laneCredit: Instagram / lululemonThe seven-time world champ spoke to Time Magazine about his move to the ScuderiaThe seven-time world champion fell in love with the red of the Scuderia by driving Michael Schumacher’s car in video games.Ferris Bueller’s 1961 250 GT California Spyder has always been Hamilton’s dream vehicle.But despite this, it was far from a straightforward decision when he was offered the chance to ditch Mercedes for Ferrari.Hamilton spent a few days meditating before deciding it was “the right thing for me”.READ MORE IN F1In an interview with Time Magazine, Hamilton reveals he has “never been so excited” despite nerves ahead of the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia on March 16. It would be easy for Hamilton to put his feet up and end as one of the best drivers to ever grace the sport.But Hamilton is firing back at claims he should retire and at those who have slammed his switch to Ferrari.He said: “You can’t stand still for too long. I needed to throw myself into something uncomfortable again.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”What I can tell you is, retirement is nowhere on my radar. I could be here until I’m 50, who knows.“The old man is a state of mind. Of course your body ages. But I’m never going to be an old man.”Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia There has been fierce criticism from F1 legend Eddie Jordan, who branded the Italian team’s decision to axe Carlos Sainz from their line-up as “absolutely suicidal”.Ex-Ferrari driver Jacky Ickx claims Hamilton’s move is a marketing ploy to bring the glamour back to the brand.Even Mercedes principal Toto Wolff said he believes “everyone has a shelf life”.But Hamilton said: “I’ve always welcomed the negativity. I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.”How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”Hamilton remains on good terms with the people at MercedesCredit: GettyNothing is distracting him from his dream of an eighth world titleCredit: PAWinning his eighth title is firmly in sights and nothing is distracting him during his new life in Maranello, adding: “Don’t ever compare me to anybody else.“I’m the first and only black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey. “You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me. “I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No1 priority.”Despite Wolff’s comments among others, Hamilton remains on good terms with the people at Mercedes.Even if they got their own back during their annual team-bonding paintball session when one of Hamilton’s own team-mates hilariously fired at him.He admitted: “They lit me up, hard. It was so painful.”After dusting himself down, the Stevenage-born star was all smiles with Wolff and George Russell at the recent F1 75 launch event at London’s O2 Arena.All teams unveiled their liveries ahead of the 2025 season, with Hamilton taking to the stage in red. “I’m in red, I’m like, whoa. The suit looked so good on me. I’m like, Damn. It’s a really, really special moment,” says Hamilton.Despite his pure focus on the track, his calendar is full as he manages a production company, a clothing line and he always keeps at the height of fashion.Acting could also be on the horizon for Hamilton amid his co-producer rule for the new Brad Pitt film F1.The movie hits the big screens in June and Hamilton is playing a huge role in making the film as realistic as possible.Hamilton has rubbed shoulders with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in recent years – even taking Pitt for a spin to give him a taste of being a racing driver.Top Gun and F1 director Joseph Kosinski revealed: “He gave Brad the scare of a lifetime in a lap.”Brad was clawing at the windows, begging to get out.”On Hamilton’s role in the new movie, Kosinski added: “He opened all those doors for us into that world.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We would not have been able to do this without him.”Hamilton is ready for hit to break box office records, saying: “It’s going to blow away anything that’s ever been done in Formula One before.”Hamilton is playing a key role in the new film F1Credit: Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton, 40, addresses relationship status in rare statement as he discusses F1 future

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      LEWIS HAMILTON insists he is still fully focused on Formula One – despite experiencing a difficult few years.The seven-time world champion, who turned 40 last month, is embarking on a brand new era with Ferrari.Lewis Hamilton insists he is still hungry to win in F1Credit: GettyHaving spent 11 years with Mercedes, he left in December to join the Italian team on a multi-year deal.Before he completed the switch, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff appeared to take aim at the Brit, suggesting: “Everyone has a shelf life.”Although Wolff later claimed the quote had been taken out of context, Hamilton was keen to respond in a recent interview with TIME Magazine.The Brit insisted that his journey has made him unique in his own right.READ MORE IN F1He said: “Don’t ever compare me to anybody else. I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport.”I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey.”Hamilton also briefly touched on his life away from the track, adding: “You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me.”I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No.1 priority.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton’s most public relationship was with Nicole SherzingerCredit: GettyThe F1 icon likes to keep his personal life private for the most part.His most public relationship was with Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Sherzinger.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing After having an on/off romance that spanned seven years, they eventually called it quits in 2016.Hamilton has also been in rumoured relationships with other celebrities in the past, including Rita Ora, Barbara Palvin, Winnie Harlow and Danielle Lloyd.In 2023 he was romantically linked with Colombian singer Shakira, but their relationship never went past the friend zone.And last month he was spotted on a dinner date with actress Sofia Vergara.He was also rumoured to be in a relationship with Rita OraCredit: Getty More

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      Brad Pitt ‘clawed at window’ in terror and ‘begged to get out’ of F1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton

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      LEWIS Hamilton left Hollywood actor Brad Pitt fearing for his life while helping to produce a new F1 film. Pitt reportedly “clawed at the window” and “begged to get out of Hamilton’s vehicle” when the pair went for a drive around an LA track.Lewis Hamilton helped Hollywood actor Brad Pitt with his new F1 filmHamilton left Pitt frightened while driving around a track near LAHamilton has been working as a consultant to Pitt and his colleagues, who have been shooting a racing-themed movie – aptly called ‘F1’.The Brit has provided the directors and writers with all sorts of knowledge about what happens inside an F1 car, on the track, and in the pit lanes.The movie’s director, Joseph Kosinski, offered an insight into Hamilton’s influence in an interview with Time Magazine.He hilariously revealed that the seven-time world champion gave two-time Academy Award winner Pitt the fright of his life.READ MORE F1 NEWSKosinski said: “Lewis gave Brad the scare of a lifetime in a lap.”Brad was clawing at the windows, begging to get out.” Hamilton was also part of the casting process and offered instructive feedback for the film.Movie producer Joseph Bruckheimer said: “Hamilton’s notes were so detailed.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”‘When you’re going into that next turn, you have the car in second gear, it should be in third. I can hear it. I can hear the sound of it.'”The film, which comes out in June could deliver a jolt to the sport’s popularity, especially in the US.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue Pitt plays the role of F1 driver Sonny Hayes and was spotted in Las Vegas filming a new scene at the track last year.The legendary actor will play a character who finds himself back in action when he returns to F1 to take on the sport’s top competition.Hamilton told Sports Illustrated last year: “We [Hamilton and Pitt] went to a track in LA.”I took him out and sat in the passenger seat, and he drove. I used to be a driving coach when I was younger.”It was a way of making some money part-time whilst I was racing. So I’ve sat with God knows how many non-racing drivers. “You can tell immediately the good ones, the bad ones. Straight away, he was on it. You could tell he has it—it’s in his DNA. “He’s just not been able to hone in on it like we have, but he’s got big potential.”Hamilton, 40, will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit will be working to end Ferrari’s agony, while breaking the individual title record he shares with Michael Schumacher.The 2025 F1 season kicks off in Australia on March 16.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      ‘We had a fight in a local pub’ – Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashes

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      LANDO NORRIS and Max Verstappen joked they had a “fight in a local pub” as the duo prepare for another fierce title battle.The pair locked horns from Miami in May last season, where Norris sealed a maiden win and brought the fight to Red Bull, until Las Vegas where Verstappen was crowned champion in November.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen joked they had a ‘fight in a local pub’The pair locked horns in Miami in May last seasonNorris and Verstappen were involved in a dramatic collision in AustriaRed Bull dominated the first five races which ultimately left Norris with a mountain to climb, although McLaren won their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998.When Verstappen was asked about the pair’s relationship yesterday, he joked: “Yeah, it’s a terrible relationship,“We don’t get on any more. It’s taken it’s toll. Yeah. Big drama.”McLaren driver Norris, the early bookies’ favourite for the new season, added: “We had a fight the other day in a local pub.”READ MORE F1 NEWSVerstappen then laughed and replied: “We had to get escorted [out]. I always say, you should see the other guy… but he still looks good, so, whatever.”Think we both look forward to more of last year, more battles. I don’t think it’s just going to be us.”An inevitable first collision between Norris and Verstappen arrived in Austria in June which cost them both the lead in the Red Bull Ring, having gone wheel-to-wheel on several occasions.A battle erupted in Texas when Norris was controversially penalised for a late overtake on Verstappen when they were both off track and the Dutchman came out on top again.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNorris even called Verstappen “dangerous” when the championship battle reached boiling point at the Mexico City Grand Prix.Verstappen was given two 10-second penalties for his driving against Norris for two incidents in the same lap but still managed to finish sixth.Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Norris then delivered a more serious answer, added: “I think there’s going to be others involved, which will make it more exciting for everyone.“But yeah, I know they’re going to be tough battles and I’m sure some of them are not always going to end the way I want or hopefully Max wants, but we’re racing drivers.”We get along. We’ve always said those kind of things. I know everyone tries to make their own points and say what’s correct and what’s not correct, but we respect each other a lot and we look forward to more racing on track.”Verstappen was then asked if he had any more to add, replying with a smirk: “No, that’s beautifully said.”Pre-season testing began in Bahrain this week, with the first race opener coming up in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      ‘It does feel different’ – Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit hits hard as George Russell gives insight into new season

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has admitted Mercedes does “feel different” following Lewis Hamilton’s exit.Hamilton, 40, left the F1 team for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.Lewis Hamilton has started his career as a Ferrari driverCredit: APHe has shown off plenty of his new Ferrari clothingCredit: PAFormer Mercedes team-mate George Russell has opened up on Hamilton’s exitCredit: PAThe seven-time world champion will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.He had been with Mercedes for 12 years but was keen to impress his new bosses.He turned up in full Ferrari gear on the first day of official testing in Bahrain.Hamilton’s exit has appeared to hit Mercedes hard as one staff member had to peel his No44 off a generator at the Bahrain International Circuit.READ MORE IN F1The team is now in transition, with Russell being joined by teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli.Russell, 27, opened up on the difference in the team following Hamilton’s exit at the FIA drivers’ press conference.He said: “Naturally, it does feel different, of course.”Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think everyone within the team is very much excited for this next chapter really.”As the team may look on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have that chance to be his team-mate for three years and learning so much from him but also going head-to-head with him directly for three years.”F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari Russell also insisted that Mercedes is now looking to the future and will not be lingering on the success of the past.He added: “It kind of feels like the end of a chapter but you’re looking forward to the next journey.”It’s very much for us and Mercedes. We’re looking forward and not backwards.”Russell and Co will start the season on March 16 in the Australian GP.Hamilton will be bidding to win a record eight world championships, while Max Verstappen will be aiming to win his fifth title in a row.The Brit has already shown what he is capable in his all-new SF-25.On day two of testing, he posted back-to-back fastest laps on the track.His fastest time was recorded at 1:29.379 after 45 laps.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also eclipsed Ferrari’s Q3 time from the Bahrain GP in the 2024 season.Hamilton also beat Russell’s best time by 0.399s after 71 laps.Timesheet after Day 2 morning sessionLewis Hamilton led the way on the morning session of Day 2 of testing…Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari 1:29.379, 45 lapsGeorge Russell – Mercedes +0.399, 71 lapsCarlos Sainz – Williams +0.711, 44 lapsPierre Gasly – Alpine +1.051, 40 lapsFernando Alonso – Aston Martin +1.321, 45 lapsYuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls +1.414, 46 lapsOscar Piastri – McLaren +1.442, 44 lapsLiam Lawson – Red Bull Racing +1.854, 28 lapsNico Hulkenberg – Kick Sauber +2.078, 56 lapsEsteban Ocon Haas – F1 Team +3.692, 69 laps More

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      F1 star Nico Hulkenberg suffers freak injury in bizarre garage incident as his Bahrain testing is cut short

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      NICO HULKENBERG suffered a freak eye injury during day one of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain yesterday.The German, 37, had been on track for four hours before requiring medical treatment for his eye.Nico Hulkenberg was on track in Bahrain yesterdayCredit: GettyHulkenberg had completed 55 laps as he looked to get to grips with his new car.Towards the end of his session, however, a “speck of dust or sand” got stuck in his eye.According to the Sky Germany, the unfortunate incident occurred as mechanics performed grinding work on Hulkenberg’s Sauber in the garage.Following his session, the F1 veteran had been expected to attend a press conference.READ MORE IN F1He was a no-show, however, with it later emerging that he had been with doctors at the time.Thankfully, Hulkenberg’s issue was not deemed to be serious.And today he has been back on track for day two of testing.Earlier this morning he was able to complete more laps in his new Sauber C45.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHulkenberg joined Sauber ahead of this season following two years with Haas.He and new team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto replaced Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneVeteran Hulkenberg made his F1 debut in 2010.He has since driven for Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin and Haas.Last season he finished 11th in the driver standings, collecting 41 points.Yesterday’s testing was Lewis Hamilton’s first opportunity to get a feel for his new Ferrari.The session was interrupted by a power cut at around 5pm, which lasted for more than an hour.On the incident, Mercedes star George Russell told Sky Sports: “I came out of the pits and thought it was suddenly quite dark out here.”I came on the radio and said I needed to change my visor and I realised there was no floodlights around.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It would have been a bit hectic if this was an hour later when the sun has already set.”The new season is set to get underway in Australia on March 16. More

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      Mercedes make awkward Lewis Hamilton blunder at F1 testing as staff spotted hurriedly fixing error

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      MERCEDES made an awkward Lewis Hamilton gaffe on the first day of F1 testing.The F1 legend departed the Siver Arrows in December to join Ferrari but his ghost remains at the factory.Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari colours for the first time in testingCredit: RexIt appears some in the team are still getting used to a Mercedes without Hamilton – for the first time in 12 years.In testing at the Bahrain International Circuit a Mercedes staff member had to peel Hamilton’s iconic No44 off a generator.It is a symbolic image which shows Mercedes are very much in transition, with George Russell joined by 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli in testing.Fans reacted to the image with one saying: “This is an amazing picture. So symbolic.”READ MORE ON HAMILTONAnother added: “End of an era.”A third wrote: “Oh my gosh, they hadn’t taken it out yet…”Hamilton, 40, did not have the best start to life at Ferrari as a power cut hit the circuit.The cause of the fault is unknown as the circuit’s lighting system was also extinguished.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe race director red-flagged the session immediately afterwards and the FIA confirmed the action was taken in response to the blackout.The failure struck shortly after 5pm local time and continued for more than an hour.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing The session was scheduled to end at 7pm, with sunset due to fall at 5:40pm.The season kicks off in Australia on March 16, when Hamilton launches his bid for a record eighth world championship. More